Bentham Science Publishers

Tropical Diseases: An Overview of Major Diseases Occurring in the Americas offers an overview of neglected tropical diseases found in the Americas. Information in the book addresses the understanding of challenges faced in controlling these diseases and brings new insight on many important aspects of these diseases. Chapters of this volume explore many related topics, including epidemiological data, immune response and pathogenesis, and the current methods for diagnosis and treatment, thus providing a useful resource for readers (undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. students as well as biologists and medical researchers).

Tuberculosis is an infection of the lungs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and related species. It is prevalent in tropical regions and continues to occur in more than 10 million new individuals annually and despite many advances in medicine, still results in 1.3 million deaths annually.

This clinical practice handbook presents information on all topics related to the disease, including its epidemiology, microbiology, clinical features, diagnostic procedures, treatments, BCG vaccination and infection control in health facilities. Special topics such as the treatment of tuberculosis is pediatric patients, surgery, multi-drug resistance and adverse reactions to tuberculosis drugs are also covered. Information is presented in 16 simple easy-to read chapters with key figures, tables and references that help to explain relevant topics.

Tuberculosis: A Clinical Practice Guide is an ideal reference manual for medical students and healthcare personnel seeking information about tuberculosis.

Ultrasound Technology for Fuel Processing is a comprehensive reference guide that explores the application of sonochemistry and ultrasound waves in the intensified processing of fuels. The book focuses on the cavitation phenomenon, which generates extreme conditions, such as high temperatures and pressures, within the cavitation bubbles, leading to significant enhancements in chemical reactions and overall process yields. Key features of the book include comprehensive coverage of ultrasound fuel processing, with the inclusion of information about several new processing techniques, detailed references, and a focus on sustainability enhancing petrochemical technologies. Key Topics: - The basics of ultrasound technology, including its history, acoustic wave origin, and process parameters influencing cavitation thresholds. - Green hydrogen production through sonolysis of water and the influence of various parameters on hydrogen yield. - Pre-treatment methods for biofuel production, exploring both conventional and novel green methods. - Ultrasound-based techniques to enhance alternative energy production (biocrude, biogas, and bioethanol). - Biodiesel synthesis using ultrasound-microwave synergy for enhanced processing rates. - Intensified approaches in sonochemistry, including the use of cavitation, fundamentals of sonochemical reactors, and operational guidelines for maximizing biodiesel yields. - Enhanced oil recovery and crude oil upgradation using ultrasound and cavitation techniques, focusing on cracking heavy hydrocarbon molecules. - Ultrasound-assisted chemical and bio-desulfurization processes. Ultrasound Technology for Fuel Processing provides an in-depth understanding of the principles and applications of ultrasound in fuel processing, offering valuable insights for researchers, faculty, and professionals in fuel processing technology and related areas in industrial, petroleum and chemical engineering.

Stroke is one of the most debilitating diseases which poses a significant economic burden on society. Increasing exposure to behavioural risk factors for stroke (tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption) and air pollution are driving up the worldwide stroke burden. Although medical interventions to prevent and manage stroke have advanced considerably over the last two decades, they are not consistently implemented worldwide. Therefore, health outcomes of stroke treatment vary throughout the world.

The need for the development of biomaterials as scaffold for tissue regeneration is driven by the increasing demands for materials that mimic functions of extracellular matrices of body tissues. Unfolding the Biopolymer Landscape provides a unique account of "biopolymeric interventions" inherent to biotechnological applications, soft tissue engineering, ophthalmic drug delivery, biotextiles, environmentally responsive systems, neurotherapeutics, and emulsions-based formulations for food and pharmaceutical applications. Chapters in this volume also cover biomedical applications and implications of cationic polymers, collagen-based substrates, multifunctional polymers, shape memory biopolymers, hybrid semisynthetic biomaterials, microbial exopolysaccharides, biomaterials mimicking the extracellular microenvironment, derivatized polysaccharides, and metallic biomaterials.

Each chapter is distinctly written by experts in the respective fields and emphasis is given on the mechanistic profile of the performance of biopolymers and biomedical applications. This book provides both basic and advanced biopolymer information for scientific experts and early career researchers in the field of drug delivery, tissue engineering, nanomedicine, food technology, peptide science, biomaterial design, and nutrition.

This volume provides a unique account of "biopolymeric interventions" inherent to biotechnological applications, soft tissue engineering, ophthalmic drug delivery, biotextiles, environmentally responsive systems, neurotherapeutics, and emulsions-based formulations for food and pharmaceutical applications.

Many viruses are known to persist in their host’s cells in a latent state without exhibiting virulence or symptoms of infection, hence, giving rise to the term ‘latent infections’. Vaccines for Latent Viral Infections is a clear and concise monograph which features a review of some well-known viruses that are capable of establishing latent infections in humans. These include herpes simplex virus (HSV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).The book also highlights common features of each of these viruses and demonstrates how they are able to evade the host’s immune response. This brief monograph finally proposes a much needed shift in the approach to designing vaccines that will prevent establishment of virus latency.

Vaccines for Latent Viral Infections serves as a handy reference for researchers interested in the basic virology of viruses capable of latent infections, the immune responses to these infections and the development of vaccines to tackle these pathogens.

Herbal Medicine: Back to the Future compiles expert reviews on the application of herbal medicines (including Ayurveda, Chinese traditional medicines and alternative therapies) to treat different ailments. The book series demonstrates the use of sophisticated methods to understand traditional medicine, while providing readers a glimpse into the future of herbal medicine.

The second volume in the series continues on the theme of the previous volume, focusing on herbal remedies for cardiovascular health. The topics included in this volume are:

Plants used for treating cardiovascular diseases in the Iberian Peninsula and Balearic Islands

Herbal products for treating hypertension and hyperlipidemia

Medicinal plants and the Mediterranean diet for treating obesity related cardiovascular disorders

Traditional Indian cardiovascular medicine

This volume is essential reading for all researchers in the field of ethnobotany, natural product chemistry, nutrition and pharmacology. Medical professionals involved in cardiology and internal medicine who seek to improve their knowledge about herbal medicine and alternative therapies will also benefit from the contents of the volume.

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of vector-borne diseases, highlighting current trends, control strategies, and their public health implications. With contributions from experts, it informs readers about specific diseases caused by vectors such as mosquitoes and other zoonotic agents, presenting innovative approaches for prevention and management.

The book begins with a focus on mosquito control strategies, emphasizing their significance in reducing the burden of vector-borne diseases. It further unravels the impact of Rickettsial infections, providing insights into these often-underdiagnosed diseases. Scrub typhus is explored through its co-infections with other vector-borne zoonotic diseases and analyzed using an integrated omics approach to better understand its pathogenesis and treatment. The final chapter sheds light on lymphatic filariasis, a neglected tropical disease, covering its endemic nature, clinical manifestations like elephantiasis and hydrocele, mass drug administration programs, and novel vector management techniques.

This resource is ideal for public health professionals, researchers, and students, providing actionable insights into combating vector-borne diseases globally.

Key Features:

Discusses innovative mosquito control strategies and integrated vector management.

Explores lesser-known diseases like scrub typhus and Rickettsial infections with advanced omics approaches.

Provides a detailed analysis of lymphatic filariasis, including treatment strategies like antifilarial drugs and mass drug administration.

Highlights the importance of public health interventions in combating neglected tropical diseases.

This handbook is a guide to numerical and experimental processes that are used to analyze and improve the efficiency of vertical axis rotors. Chapters present information that is required to optimize the geometrical parameters of rotors or understand how to augment upstream water velocity.

The authors of this volume present a numerical model to characterize the water flow around the vertical axis rotors using commercial CFD code in Ansys Fluent®. The software has been used to select adequate parameters and perform computational simulations of spiral Darrieus turbines. The contents of the volume explain the experimental procedure carried out to evaluate the performance of the spiral Darrieus turbine, how to characterize the water flow in the vicinity of the tested turbine, and the method to assess the spiral angle influence on the turbine performance parameters. Results for different spiral angles (ranging from 10° to 40°) are presented.

This volume is a useful handbook for engineers involved in power plant design and renewable energy sectors who are studying the computational fluid dynamics of vertical axis turbines (such as Darrieus turbines) that are used in hydropower projects.

Key features:

- 4 chapters that cover the numerical and experimental analysis of vertical axis rotors and hydrokinetic turbines

- Simple structured layout for easy reading (methodology, models and results)

- Bibliographic study to introduce the reader to the subject

- A wide range of parameters included in experiments

- A comprehensive appendix of tables for mechanical parameters, statistical models, rotor parameters and geometric details.

This video atlas covers a broad range of spinal surgical procedures. The volume includes a collection of high quality 3-to-8 minute videos of some of the most critical spine operations performed by internationally renowned expert surgeons.

Key features of the book contents include:

o Downloadable high quality video content with subtitles suitable for viewing on any display (A brief preview of the book content can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxMi4UFj7HA )

o Detailed descriptions of surgical indications, preoperative planning, patient positioning, surgical technique, complications, postoperative care and outcomes for each procedure

o Full color images and illustrations highlighting different key stages of each surgical technique

The video format allows skill development of its intended audience by conveying temporal and spatial details which often go unnoticed in photograph format. This volume will be of immense interest to both the novice and the experienced spinal surgeon as they can benefit from the visual guides presented in the book. It also serves as an ideal teaching tool for spine surgery units in medical schools.

Viral Outbreaks: 2019-2023 Overview comprehensively analyzes the major viral outbreaks that shaped global health from 2019 to 2023. This book explores the epidemiology, transmission, clinical characteristics, and global responses to key viral threats, including COVID-19, H1N1, Dengue, Zika, Avian Influenza, Ebola, and Lassa fever. Each chapter examines the unique challenges these viruses pose and discusses the World Health Organization's (WHO) critical role in combatting these outbreaks through coordinated efforts, guidelines, and vaccination campaigns.

Key Features:

- Detailed coverage of viral characteristics and global health responses.

- Insights into WHO guidelines and public health interventions.

- Practical lessons for pandemic preparedness and future perspectives.

Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence and Specialized Logistics in Healthcare aims to enrich knowledge and expertise in the field of advanced technologies and specialized logistics within the healthcare industry.

A key feature of the book is the focus on mitigating the effects of epidemics such as COVID-19. The book offers a comprehensive understanding of these topics across nine chapters.

The initial chapters, 1 and 2, meticulously delve into the state-of-the-art advancements in healthcare research. This section focuses on advances in immersive technologies (such as VR and AR), and internet of Things for digital healthcare services. Chapters 3 and 4 cover specialized logistics, providing an in-depth exploration of funeral logistics and vaccine supply chains, respectively. The next chapter provides case-studies on community level anti-epidemic measures, Chapters 6, 7, and 8 concentrate on pertinent issues concerning the elderly population. Topics in this section include elderly care home surveys. the utilization of modern mobile applications tailored for the elderly, and a comprehensive narrative review of mobile technology from the perspective of the elderly. Lastly, Chapter 9 culminates the exploration by addressing the adoption of macro business simulation in healthcare products. Leveraging illustrative examples such as hand sanitizers, this chapter offers valuable insights into healthcare product adoption. In essence, this book serves as a resource for policymakers, researchers, students, and industrial practitioners. References and summaries make this an indispensable guide for those seeking to navigate and comprehend the ever-evolving healthcare and supply chain industry.

Vitamin D - A Novel Therapy for Chronic Diseases? This comprehensive book explores the vital role of vitamin D in human health, with a focus on its potential impact on various chronic diseases. Starting with the history and general information of vitamin D, the book covers various topics, including its effects on immunity, gut health, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, irritable bowel syndrome, depression, melanoma, and pregnancy. It provides clear and evidence-based insights into how vitamin D influences the body and its role in preventing or managing specific conditions.

This book is a valuable resource for dietitians, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of vitamin D and its therapeutic potential.

Key Features:

- Covers the role of vitamin D in chronic diseases

- Explores vitamin D's impact on immunity, gut health, and insulin resistance

- Provides evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals

- Accessible explanations for non-expert readers

The book starts from the observation that humans are very different from the other primates. Why are we naked? Why do we speak? Why do we walk upright? Fifty years ago, in 1960, marine biologist Sir Alister Hardy tried to answer this when he announced his so-called aquatic hypothesis: human ancestors did not live in dry savannahs as traditional anthropology assumes, but have adapted to live at the edge between land and water, gathering both terrestrial and aquatic foods.

This eBook is an up-to-date collection of the views of the most important protagonists of this long-neglected theory of human evolution at the 50th anniversary of its announcement in 1960. It brings together the views of leading scientists such as anthrolopogy professor Phillip Tobias, marine biologist Richard Ellis, waterbirth gynaecologist Michel Odent, nutritional biologist Michael Crawford and science writer Elaine Morgan.

The book helps readers to understand the fundamentals of water purification processes. Chapters in the book cover industrial purification techniques, while also exploring the future scope and current challenges in this field.

Key Features

- Seven chapters arranged and structured in a clear, coherent manner for understanding the broad topics.

- Covers basic water purification techniques for safe drinking water

- Covers defluoridation techniques

- Explains the parameters affecting photocatalytic degradation of substituted benzoic acids.

- Includes a case study for seasonal variations in pond water

- Covers the role of nanotechnology in wastewater treatment

- Covers the impact of water mismanagement on the environment with suggestions for preventive measures for sustainable water utilization

This reference informs advanced readers (sustainable development professionals, post-graduate and research scholars) interested in water treatment processes. It also serves as a resource for courses in environmental chemistry, waste management and sustainability.

Several parasites are able to spread diseases through contaminated water. While the spread of diseases through contaminated water appears to have a greater correlation with a lack of access to clean water in low income populations in developing countries, there have been outbreaks of water-borne diseases in developed countries. Therefore, addressing water-borne diseases is a major public health concern worldwide. Water-borne Protozoa in Humans is a guide to protozoan infections linked to contaminated water.

Each chapter of this monograph covers the history, morphology, life cycle, global epidemiology, risk factors, immunology, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and perspectives of control for each relevant protozoan parasite that can be found in contaminated water. These include Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium, Free-living amoebae, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar and other pathogenic intestinal amoebae, Cystoisospora belli, cyclospora, microsporidia, and Blastocystis hominis.

This monograph is suitable for a broad readership which includes medical students, parasitologists, clinical microbiologists, epidemiologists, environmental health and water safety technicians, and public health personnel.

Gastroenterology and hepatology represent dynamic fields of study and practice in internal medicine, with numerous innovations manifesting over the last 30 years. What is New in Gastroenterology and Hepatology is a reference which presents updates on the latest advances in the aforementioned subspecialties. The book offers a broad range of topics in a structured, clear and comprehensive fashion. Thirty-three chapters provide knowledge on basic medical research and practical applications in the clinic with information contributed by several members of the Romanian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (a medical society with a history of more than 60 years). The contents feature updates on common and rare disorders of the gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, intestines), pancreas and the liver, as well as new imaging techniques such as video capsule endoscopy and contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Special topics of recent interest such as the value of gut microbiota in medical interventions and the use of 'omics' technologies for precision medicine, and telemedicine are also included. What is New in Gastroenterology and Hepatology is an informative reference for all medical researchers and healthcare professionals (gastroenterologists, hepatologists, internal medicine physicians, surgeons, oncologists) who wish to keep themselves up to speed on new advances in these medical subspecialties.

Where Did They Come From? The Origins of South American Fauna offers a fascinating journey into the origins of South American flora and fauna. Exploring life on the continent before and after the breakup of Gondwana, it delves into how creatures arrived in South America, be it through drifting across oceans or traversing land bridges. From birds and reptiles to mammals and fish, this book provides a comprehensive compendium of biological diversity, discussing their origins and evolutionary paths. Readers will gain insights into the mechanisms of animal dispersal, evolution, and the impact of the Great Biotic Interchange. The book also lists references for further exploration of the subject.

The book is structured into five parts:

Building South America: Covers tectonic movements, climate changes, and breaching isolation.

Shaping South America: Explores the landforms and diverse biomes across the continent.

Vertebrates within South America: Discusses unique amphibians, reptiles, fish, mammals, and birds that evolved on the continent.

Vertebrates immigrating to South America: Examines exotic reptiles, birds, and mammals that found their way to the continent. The author also lists the families of almost all genera of South American animals, while giving knowledge of their origins.

Recent Arrivals - the Great Biotic Interchange: Explores the significant interchange of various species that occurred later.

Ideal for students, biologists, and anyone curious about the natural world, this book is a captivating read that uncovers the incredible history of South American fauna and its evolutionary tapestry.

New tests and studies continue to reveal exciting information about the power of vitamin D in maintaining good health and preventing major illnesses. ‘Why Does Vitamin D Matter?’ not only covers vitamin D basics, but also explores the science of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), the protein that binds to the active metabolite of vitamin D to fulfill biochemical functions, it explains how vitamin D analogs directly activate the VDR. Readers will find this e-book informative, not only from the scientific point of view, but also from the potential applications of the knowledge into one’s daily life.

Starting with a brief history of vitamin D and VDR research, followed by a detailed scientific report of how vitamin D and VDR work, this e-book goes on to cover epidemiological studies that investigate the outcome of vitamin D deficiency and the effects of vitamin D supplementation. Issues related to vitamin D supplementation are also addressed from different angles. This e-book continues with a comprehensive report on the numerous vitamin D analogs currently on the market or in development to treat various diseases, followed by exploring the possibility of developing this class of compounds for additional indications.

This e-book is suitable for both general readers and scientists involved in vitamin D research or students who are interested in a career in biochemical/medical/nutritional research, especially in the field of vitamin D and the vitamin D receptor.

Women's Health: A Comprehensive Guide to Common Health Issues in Women provides an in-depth look at the various health challenges faced by women and the available treatments and preventive measures. The book begins with an overview of women's health, followed by an exploration of complementary and alternative therapies that address common health concerns. It delves into the menstrual cycle, common menstrual problems, and the role of genetics and hormones in women's health, offering insights into hormonal imbalances and genetic factors that contribute to menstrual irregularities.

Readers will also find comprehensive information on cervical cancer, including its control and basic understanding, as well as detailed discussions on breast cancer screening, treatment, breastfeeding, and the benefits of breast milk. The book addresses unmet needs in contraception and family planning, highlights the importance of nutrition in women's health, and examines heart diseases and risk factors specific to women. Additional topics include autoimmune diseases, treatment options, bone health, menopause, and the processes of understanding and remodeling during these stages. This guide is an essential resource for anyone looking to understand and improve women's health.

Workplace Social Inclusion provides a comprehensive exploration of social inclusion practices within the workplace, focusing on people with disabilities. The book covers essential topics, including inclusive education, national and international legislative frameworks, strategies for workplace integration, and the role of active citizenship. It also addresses the lifelong learning process and its importance in fostering workplace inclusion and bridging skills gaps. This guide is an essential resource for professionals, researchers, and students interested in fostering inclusive work environments and understanding the legal and social frameworks that support workplace diversity.

Key Features:

- Overview of inclusive education concepts and frameworks.

- In-depth analysis of national and international legislation on social inclusion.

- Strategies for integrating socially disadvantaged individuals into the workforce.

- Insight into the role of active citizenship in promoting social inclusion.

- Exploration of lifelong learning as a tool for workplace integration and future growth.

Ideal for social science practitioners, managers, policymakers, researchers, and students, this book serves as a key resource for understanding workplace social inclusion and its impact on organizational well-being.

Since ancient times, yeasts have been used for brewing and breadmaking processes. They now represent a flagship organism for alcoholic fermentation processes. The ubiquity of some yeast species also offers microbiologists a heterologous gene-expression platform, making them a model organism for studying eukaryotes. Yeasts: from Nature to Bioprocesses brings together information about the origin and evolution of yeasts, their ecological relationships, and the main taxonomic groups into a single volume. The book initially explores six significant yeast genera in detailed chapters. The book then delves into the main biotechnological processes in which both prospected and engineered yeasts are successfully employed. Yeasts: from Nature to Bioprocesses, therefore, elucidates the leading role of these single-cell organisms for industrial microbiology in environmental, health, social, and economic terms. This book is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary resource for general readers as well as scholars of all levels who want to know all about yeast microbiology and their industrial applications.

Young Perspectives for Old Diseases is a collaborative monograph describing the current understanding of common neurodegenerative diseases. The monograph focuses on the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for neurodegeneration and the scientific advances that have paved the way for potential therapeutic options for patients. Reviews presented in this book present carefully validated research findings. The book begins with a section devoted to general mechanisms of neuronal death and explains the challenges of translating the scientific discoveries to the clinic. In section two, there are reviews on specific cellular dysfunctions that are common to more than one form of neurodegenerative disease, exploring the universal pathophysiology responsible for degenerating neurones. Findings on common neurodegenerative diseases are also reviewed in further detail followed by information on advances in therapeutic techniques that could be translated to a clinical setting. This book is intended as a primer as well as an update for molecular biologists and medical researchers on the mechanism of neurodegeneration and progress in the treatment of associated diseases.

Zebrafish Models for Experimental Pharmacology: A Handbook is an essential resource for researchers, pharmacologists, and students exploring the expanding role of Zebrafish in drug discovery and experimental pharmacology. The book presents a clear, practical guide to contemporary experimental designs, ethical considerations, animal care, and laboratory techniques specific to Zebrafish models.

Key features

Comprehensive coverage of drug administration routes, blood collection, and anesthesia techniques in Zebrafish

Detailed methodologies for a wide range of behavioral and pharmacological assays, including the Shoaling Test, Novel Diving Tank Test, T-Maze, Y-Maze, Light-Dark Chamber Test, and more

Practical guidance on experimental preparation, solution formulation, and tissue handling for in vitro studies

Examples and illustrated explanations to support practical implementation in laboratory settings

Designed to bridge the gap between foundational research and translational applications, this handbook is a valuable reference for postgraduate students, research scholars, and professionals working in academic, clinical, and industrial pharmacology settings.