Bentham Science Publishers

Recent advances in the fields of genomics and bioinformatics have made it increasingly clear that genetic sequence alone cannot explain how the genome regulates the development and function of complex multicellular organisms both in health and disease. This inference has led to the expansion of epigenetics as a discipline. Epigenetics refers to the way in which the environment in the wide sense participates in the regulation of gene expression. Several studies show that the well-known beneficial role of a healthy lifestyle over a number of pathologies or as a pre-emptive therapy is at least in part exerted through epigenetic mechanisms, thus giving rise to a new paradigm of preventive medicine based on the concept of genetic plasticity. In Epigenetics of Lifestyle, several contributors provide a comprehensive view of how various facets of lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise, stress, addiction or social interactions, affect chromatin (the combination of DNA and proteins that make up the contents of a cell nucleus) - resulting in profound and long-lasting changes in gene function. In summary, Epigenetics of Lifestyle is a fresh approach towards epigenetics and presents the reader with significant research findings in epigenetics and lifestyle studies. This volume is a simplified source of information for both undergraduate and working professionals interested in lifestyle medicine and life sciences in general.

The development of new erythropoietic stimulating agents (ESAs) has significantly increased in recent years. Researchers are focused on different and interesting concepts, namely, methods to increase half-life of erythropoietin (EPO), finding different routes of administration and new ESA or modified EPO molecules. Scientific literature presents evidence that EPO has other effects beyond erythropoietic stimulation. These pleiotropic effects of EPO appear to result from the existence of two different EPO receptors (EPOR) with different affinities for EPO. The discovery of new EPO actions beyond the hematopoietic system has opened a new field of investigation with these agents. Several molecules have been developed to present the protective action, without the activation of the hematopoietic system. These agents can be potentially used in several diseases of the brain/central and peripheral nervous system, eye, heart and kidney.

This volume of Frontiers in Drug Discovery includes a revision of articles on erythropoiesis and EPO gene regulation, microRNAs and their potential contribution to the development of new therapeutic strategies, animal models for studying kidney disease-associated anemia as well as benefits/risks of ESA therapy. The biological effects of new ESA molecules, heparin-binding erythropoietin and of pHBSP, and the potential applications of ESA, are also elicited in this volume.

This volume is, therefore, a useful reference for medicinal chemists and hematologists interested in drug development and medicine related to ESAs.

This handbook covers some primary instruments-based techniques used in modern biological science and medical research programs. Key features of the book include introductory notes for each topic, a systematic presentation of relevant methods, and troubleshooting guides for practical settings.

Topics covered in part 2 include:

· Fourier transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy

· High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

· Raman spectroscopy

· Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy

· Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

· Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)

· SEM-EDX and its applications in plant science

This book is a simple, useful handbook for students and teachers involved in graduate courses in life sciences and medicine. Readers will learn about the basics of featured techniques, the relevant applications and the established protocols.

Evaluating the impact of Laws Regulating Illicit Drugs on Health and Society serves as an informative reference for social science researchers and policymakers on the science behind drug regulation. The book presents contributions from many leading researchers in drug law and policy evaluation. The 12 chapters highlight scientific evidence from a diverse range of international projects on evaluation of different illicit drug laws. Each contribution takes policies into account while also using methodological tools and relevant data sets. For a priori evaluation, the modern leximetric approach is applied to compare different drug laws. For posterior evaluation the analysis of social and health outcomes, using standard and new indicators are presented, discussed and applied. Next, the book covers the use of drug market estimation methods in policy research. Specific new indicators allowing the evaluation of interventions such as harm reduction and prevention are presented and analysed using international research data. The book concludes with a summary of the links of illegal drug market gains with corruption, and its consequences. Evaluating the impact of Laws Regulating Illicit Drugs on Health and Society gives readers a unique, evidence-based perspective on the relationship between drugs, laws, policy and socioeconomic conditions. Key Features 1. Features 12 contributions from international experts on drug legislation and social science 2. Demonstrates evidence-based evaluation of drug laws and policies 3. Highlights Leximetric and forecast methods applied to illicit drug laws with examples 4. Highlights the use of standard and new socioeconomic indicators to evaluate drug laws and policies 5. Informs readers about different policy approaches to drug regulation and their consequences 6. Summarizes the links of illegal drug markets with corruption 7. Provides detailed references for further reading

Unbridled urbanization and development of natural land resources has led to the degradation of our surrounding environment. The air that we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat is at risk of being contaminated with a plethora of chemical pollutants, some of them being potentially carcinogenic. This presents a challenge to human health. This book attempts to address this challenge in two parts which represent two different approaches. The first part of the book summarizes the alarming effects of environmental contaminants. Various studies depicting the direct relationship of environmental contaminants with cancer incidence have been referenced. Scientific studies have established an inverse relation between cancer and ingestion of dietary phytoconstituents (phytochemicals) in the form of fruits, vegetables and botanical herbs. Plant products as dietary supplements can suppress contaminant toxicity by regulating the resulting reactive species and also by assisting their bodily excretion through Phase 1 and Phase 2 enzyme metabolism. The second part of the book, shifts focus to phytoconstituents which, if included in diet, can prevent the harmful effects of pollutants. The text references numerous studies showing the anti-mutagenic, anti-genotoxic and anti-carcinogenic potential of many plant products. The combination of information about contemporary issues of carcinogenic contaminants in the environment coupled with the references to relevant studies in this handbook will enlighten readers studying courses in environmental chemistry, toxicology, botany, and ecology about environmental toxins and help them understand specific dietary measures known to reduce the toxic impact. Researchers in the field of nutrition can also benefit from the information provided.

Current mainstream treatments for temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are mainly conservative therapies. However, these conservative treatments are symptomatic treatments, not causal treatments. Therefore, the patients with severe symptoms have not been completely relieved.

Evidence-Based Occlusal Management for Temporomandibular Disorders is a concise e-lecture which covers the following points:

1. When do the signs or symptoms of TMD emerge?

2. Should the signs or symptoms be left untreated?

3. When should the treatment start?

4. How should the occlusal discrepancy be examined?

5. How should occlusion at the BPOP (bite plate-induced occlusal position) (muscular contact position) be equilibrated?

The e-lecture also demonstrates a positive outcome using causal treatment based on occlusal equilibration in the BPOP based on the evidence of a relationship between occlusal discrepancy and TMD. Therefore, this e-book shares insightful, evidence-based clinical data with interested readers such as dental clinicians and researchers around the world.

Exercises in Organic Synthesis Based on Synthetic Drugs presents information on topics about the synthesis of biologically active compounds which are used against a range of diseases in both humans and animals. Topics are supplemented by notes and exercises for students to stimulate inquiry and learning in the academic environment. Readers will be equipped with basic knowledge of synthetic techniques used in organic chemistry and pharmaceutical research and development.

Key Features:

- Presents information about different techniques and strategies for the synthesis of organic compounds

- Covers a broad range of biologically active compounds

- Easy to read topical presentation

- Exercises, with answers, designed for improving concepts in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry

- Wide range of bibliographic references for further reading and exercises presented,

Exercises in Organic Synthesis Based on Synthetic Drugs is an essential textbook for students in beginner level courses in organic chemistry, organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry.

This book offers in-depth reviews of different techniques and novel approaches of using blockchain and artificial intelligence in smart healthcare services. The volume brings 14 reviews and research articles written by academicians, researchers and industry professionals to give readers a current perspective of smart healthcare solutions for medical and public health services.

The book starts with examples of how blockchain can be applied in healthcare services such as the care of osteoporosis patients and security. Several chapters review AI models for disease detection including breast cancer, colon cancer and anemia. The authors have included model design and parameters for the benefit of professionals who want to implement specific algorithms. Furthermore, the book also includes chapters on IoT frameworks for smart healthcare systems, giving readers a primer on how to utilize the technology in this sector. Additional use cases for machine learning for gesture learning. COVID-19 management, and sentiment analysis.

Extremophiles: Diversity, Adaptation and Applications brings up-to-date knowledge about different types of extremophiles, the fascinating group of microorganisms that love to live in extreme environmental conditions. The book consists of fourteen chapters, of which, the first provides an overview of all the major types of extremophiles and the relationship with their respective extreme environments. The chapters following this introduction explain the diversity of prokaryotes based on environmental conditions, adaptation mechanisms, and industrial applications. The book concludes with a summary of the diverse biotechnological and industrial applications of extremophiles, emphasizing the importance of these microorganisms for human welfare. The book is intended as a primary textbook reference that enriches the knowledge base of scholars in the field of microbiology and biotechnology. It can also serve as a secondary reference for anyone who is interested in research on extremophiles. Key Features: - Covers all the major types of extremophiles, including hyperthermophiles, psychrophiles, halophiles, acidophiles, alkaliphiles, xerophiles, oligotrophs, chemolithotrophs, anaerobes and others - Provides a fundamental overview of the microbiology of extreme environments - Supplements fundamentals with information about industrial and scientific applications - Presents information in a simple structured format suitable for learners - Includes references for further reading