Bentham Science Publishers

Natural products continue to play a key role in drug development. A recent analysis of the drug market in the developed world revealed that 40% of total clinically approved drugs were either unmodified natural products or their semi-synthetic derivatives. This book series focuses on reviews of exciting new bioactive natural products that have huge potential as drugs. It highlights the everlasting importance of natural products in our lives. Each volume brings reviews contributed by eminent scientists in the field.

The first volume covers the following topics:

- bioactive compounds from marine invertebrates

- natural product derived drugs for immunological and inflammatory diseases

- clinical trials of curcumin, camptothecin, astaxanthin, and biochanin

- antibacterial and antifungal drugs from natural sources

- natural products as anti-HIV medicines

This volume presents different aspects related to bioactive compounds, starting with their natural state in raw sources, physicochemical characterization and employment in pharmacy and medicine. The volume is divided into three parts. The first part describes the chemicals structure of bioactive compounds from different natural sources such as olive oils, wines, and medicinal plants. Special attention has been given to identifying the bioactive composition within variations of these natural sources (for example, extra virgin, ordinary or lampante olive oils). The second part of the volume presents the principal methods used for detecting, identifying and quantifying bioactive compounds. Emphasis is given to the use of different types of sensors or biosensors, and multisensor systems in combination with analytical techniques. The final part explains the principal methods for protection of bioactive compounds and the implication of bioactive compounds in pharmacy. This volume is a useful guide for novice researchers interested in learning research methods to study bioactive compounds.

Frontiers in Bioactive Compounds brings edited reviews on the analysis and characterization of natural compounds of medicinal interest. Each volume covers useful information on a variety of natural sources as well as analytical techniques. This series is essential reading for analytical and medicinal chemists as well as professionals involved in natural and pharmaceutical product research and development.

Navigating the Fintech Frontier Transformative Innovations and Risk Factors in Financial Services explores the transformative impact of financial technology on banking and financial services. It examines key opportunities and challenges in fintech adoption, including AI-driven banking, blockchain innovations, big data analytics, and the role of IoT in financial services. The book also addresses the risks associated with fintech adoption, addressing security, regulatory concerns, and customer trust.

Key Features:

- Explores fintech adoption, risks, and regulatory challenges.

- Analyzes AI, blockchain, big data, and IoT in banking.

- Examines the impact of machine learning on financial services.

- Offers insights into customer behavior and risk management.

- Provides a theoretical and practical perspective on fintech innovation.

In this handbook, the authors provide a practical, easily accessible guide of necropsy techniques for examining wildlife. Chapters introduce the reader to the value of necropsy in studying wildlife in general, sample collection methods, cadaveric phenomena and necropsy techniques for a variety of organisms ranging from invertebrates to mammals. The book addresses some of the peculiar characteristics of veterinary autopsy specific to different types of specimens. The goal of this book is to equip the reader with the information necessary to conduct a forensic examination in order to reach a conclusive diagnosis of an animal’s death, while also understanding it in an ecological context.

Necropsy Techniques for Examining Wildlife Samples is intended as an essential handbook for students and professionals of biology, zoology and veterinary medicine as well as professionals, who work in natural parks, wildlife rehabilitation centers and biological or zoological parks as conservationists, researchers or animal handlers.

Research on young individuals and childbearing adults being treated for neoplasia has revealed a rising number of requests for treatments aimed to maintain the possibility to conceive. To answer such requests, it is important for medical professionals to consider the necessity to cure the woman, to preserve her fertility, to give information both on the effect of neoplasia and treatments on pregnancy. Patients have to be informed on the possible treatment alternatives that are less aggressive towards the reproductive function, but at the same time, give desirable results in terms of survival.

Neoplasia and Fertility describes the state-of-the-art on fertility preservation in women affected by neoplasia. The 11 book chapters inform the reader with the goal of equipping them with the required information needed to present the condition and to discuss the possibility of conceiving, and how to manage patients after oncologic treatments at different stages of pregnancy.

Key Features

- Informs the reader about the relationship between gynecological cancer and fertility in women through 11 chapters

- Describes a broad range of cancers and relevant treatment options for maintaining fertility

- Explains the role of a 'Fertility Sparing Team' in clinics

- Familiarizes the reader with the ethics behind oncology treatments with reference to female fertility

- Describes fertility issues related to hereditary cancers in women

- Includes references for further reading

The book serves as an informative reference on the subject to medical doctors in the gynecology, obstetrics and midwife specialties, and nurses training the gynecological oncology. It will also be of interest to healthcare administrators involved in fertility and oncology clinics, as well as general practitioners in family medicine.

This book covers novel approaches using networks and oscillations and it will serve as a catalyst for translating these exciting advancements into the clinical arena. This collection of articles aims to accelerate the widespread clinical translation of network approaches by providing practical information accessible to clinicians in neurology and psychiatry - fields that are uniquely poised to implement these developments in clinical treatment of brain diseases. It should be a useful resource for researchers and working professionals in neurological and psychiatric academic centers.

Remarkable advances have been made in embolization of cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and stroke treatment during the past decades. Endovascular techniques are less invasive than other forms of neurosurgery. However, endovascular neurosurgery is becoming more complicated as the technology is becoming more sophisticated. Frontiers in Neurosurgery is an ebook series which triggers principle issues that still fuel debate in neurosurgery. The series is intended as a reference for practicing endovascular neurosurgeons, vascular neurosurgeons, interventional neurologists and neuroradiologists who have a solid knowledge of neuroangiography.

The first volume of this series brings reviews on a variety of challenges that neuroendovascular surgeons can face such as:

- Devices for Neuroendovascular Treatment

- Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Neuroendovascular Procedures

- Endovascular Reperfusion Management for Acute Ischemic Stroke

- Spinal Vascular Pathology

- Anesthesia Options for Endovascular Neurosurgery … and much more.

This reference is the definitive guide to common neurodegenerative diseases that affect humans. The book covers mechanisms of some of the most well-known neurodegenerative diseases, their biomarkers, neuropharmacology, and emerging treatment strategies.

The book introduces the subject of neurodegeneration by outlining the biochemistry, pathophysiology and multifactorial neurological mechanisms (the role of genetics, environmental factors and mitochondrial damage, for example). Next, it explains some of the most studied diseases, namely, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, Huntington's Disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. Subsequent chapters delve into current knowledge about diagnostic and immunological biomarkers, followed by a summary of novel therapeutic strategies.

Special attention has been given to the role of medicinal plants in attempting to treat neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the public health burden posed by these conditions.

Key Features - give readers an overview of multifactorial disease mechanisms in neurodegeneration

- covers some major neurodegenerative diseases in detail

- covers diagnostic and immunological biomarkers

- explores current therapeutic strategies and drug targets in common neurodegenerative diseases

- offers a simple presentation with references for advanced readers

The book is a suitable reference for all readers, including students, research scholars, and physicians who are interested in the mechanisms and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Host defense to intracellular pathogens depends upon both innate and adaptive cell-mediated immune responses. Polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes which belong to the innate immune system are the first cells that are recruited massively within hours of microbial infection. The importance of neutrophils in the development of an immune response is only emerging as they have long been considered by immunologists as short lived, non-dividing cells, of poor interest. Now, neutrophils are emerging as key components of the inflammatory response, and are shown to have immunoregulatory roles in microbial infections. The impact of neutrophils on cells present at the site of infection is only beginning to be studied and deserves more attention. This e-book provides an overview of the recent advances made in the field of neutrophil biology and motions towards some of the exciting new directions in which neutrophil research is moving.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a hormonal system that is responsible for regulating plasma sodium ion concentration and arterial blood pressure in the body. The system involves several peptides such as angiotensin I and II as well as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) to enable the constriction of arterial blood vessels in the lung. Angiotensin II also stimulates the production of the hormone aldosterone in the kidneys which brings sodium ions into the bloodstream in exchange for potassium ions. Malfunctions of the RAS can lead to hypertension, heart failure, diabetes and renal complications. Thus the biochemical components of this system serve as important targets for therapeutic drugs.

This monograph is a compilation of updated reviews on the RAS. The monograph covers describes the components of the system to explaining its physiological and clinical features in the cardiovascular system and the kidneys. This is followed by sections explaining the biochemistry of the RAS system in cardiovascular and renal disease and the pharmacology of relevant therapeutic drugs. Additional information on the effect of exercise states and methods to quantify angiotensins for molecular diagnosis is also presented in the concluding sections.

Information in the monograph will be of interest to physiologists and endocrinologists involved in medical studies or clinical practice. Readers will be able to understand the RAS with a holistic frame of reference.

This volume presents a summary of recent research and debates on old and new aspects in stroke medicine. The volume covers topics such as causative factors of stroke such as hypertension, the immune system, genetic factors and the neurovegetative system, to the role of new imaging techniques in improving diagnosis and treatment, from preventive therapy and recanalization to the important and intriguing effects of neuroprotection, neuroregeneration and post stroke rehabilitation. Readers will be able to understand perspectives from stroke medicine researchers about the relationship between the nervous system and other physiological systems in the body and their role in the onset and treatment of stroke. The volume is intended as a resource for neurologists and medical professionals involved in other specialties such as cardiology, internal medicine, rehabilitation and physiology.

This e-book series is recommended for readers who are interested in or work with current theoretical and experimental research in medicinal chemistry, with an emphasis on computer aided-drug design and organic synthesis for therapeutic purposes. The e-book series encompasses the multidisciplinary field of medicinal chemistry which overlaps the knowledge of chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biology and pharmacology.

The second volume of the series contains the following topics:

-Current State-of-the-Art for Virtual Screening and Docking Methods

-Estimating Protein-Ligand Binding Affinity by NMR

-ADME/Tox Predictions in Drug Design

-Bioisosteric Replacements in Drug Design

New Findings from Natural Substances present the state-of-the-art and future prospects for the application of biomolecules in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and industrial sectors. The book presents eight reviews contributed by more than twenty experts on interesting natural substances, and plant sources, that serve as sources of natural remedies for a variety of ailments.

The reviews in the book cover the use of herbs like Heliotropium and Astragalus. Additional health benefits of extracts from essential oils, Caenorhabditis elegans, and olive oil, as well as the medicinal use of rosmarinic acid and hydrolates. The contributions highlight a range of pharmacological agents from natural sources that have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects.

The contents are presented in a simple and organized style. The book will broaden the knowledge about biological products for a variety of readers - generalists, students and researchers, alike.

The book attempts to explain the main features of celestial mechanics using a new and unique technique. Its emphasis, in terms of applications, is on the Solar System, including its most peculiar properties (such as chaos, resonances, relativistic corrections, etc.). All results are derived in a reasonably transparent manner, so that anyone with a PC and a rudimentary knowledge of mathematics can readily verify them, and even extend them to explore new situations, if desired. The more mathematically oriented reader may also appreciate seeing quaternions as the basic algebraic tool of the new approach. Practicing astronomers may also be happy to learn that the method has eliminated the problem of zero divisors, and does not require using the rather controversial averaging principle. The book is intended for astronomers and mathematicians interested in mechanical motion.

Biomarkers are any measurable biochemical characteristics of an organism that reflect a particular physiological state. Biomarkers can take many different forms including particular proteins or peptides, antibodies, cell types, metabolites, hormones, enzyme levels, compounds related to genomics, etc. A biomarker can also be a substance introduced into a patient to assess the internal organ systems role.

In medicine, biomarkers considered as compounds isolated from serum, urine, or other fluids, can be used as an indicator of the presence or severity of a particular disease state. The use of biomarkers is becoming a fundamental practice in medicine, Biomarker research involves a significantly greater scope of laboratory medicine.

This monograph presents information on several types of biomarkers for general pathologies (preeclampsia, metabolic syndrome, iron metabolism, bone disease, liver function, renal function), cardiovascular pathology (including atrial fibrillation, peripheral artery disease, thrombotic disorders) and sepsis. Additional information on endocrine and salivary biomarkers is also presented.

New Trends in Biomarkers and Diseases: An Overview is an ideal reference for medical students, pathology trainees and clinical researchers seeking information on biomarkers in medicine.

Nucleic acid sequencing techniques have enabled researchers to determine the exact order of base pairs - and by extension, the information present - in the genome of living organisms. Consequently, our understanding of this information and its link to genetic expression at molecular and cellular levels has lead to rapid advances in biology, genetics, biotechnology and medicine. Next-Generation Sequencing and Sequence Data Analysis is a brief primer on DNA sequencing techniques and methods used to analyze sequence data. Readers will learn about recent concepts and methods in genomics such as sequence library preparation, cluster generation for PCR technologies, PED sequencing, genome assembly, exome sequencing, transcriptomics and more.

This book serves as a textbook for students undertaking courses in bioinformatics and laboratory methods in applied biology. General readers interested in learning about DNA sequencing techniques may also benefit from the simple format of information presented in the book.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease prevalent among the elderly. Its most prominent feature is the progressive destruction of articular cartilage which results in impaired joint motion, severe pain and ultimately disability. Its prevalence and its impact on daily life pose a significant public health problem. Today, a cure for osteoarthritis remains elusive and the management of the disease is largely palliative, focusing on the alleviation of symptoms. Current recommendations include a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The term “non-pharmacological” includes physical therapy and rehabilitation, but also nutraceuticals. All guidelines on osteoarthritis management highlight the importance of weight loss and physical activity to improve the functional status of patients. A number of alternative therapies are also commonly suggested by physicians and physiotherapists in their daily practice. The efficacy of these therapies is not evidenced by strong clinical trials. This category includes education, information, electrotherapy, ultrasound, electromagnetic field, spa, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, etc. Non Pharmacological Therapies in the Management of Osteoarthritis reviews the clinical relevance of these therapies and the difficulties in conducting high quality trials assessing their efficacy. This e-book presents supportive scientific evidence for their efficacy and explains the mechanism of action of nutraceuticals targeting osteoarthritis. It also includes many example of exercises, mobilization and manipulation techniques directly useful for medical professionals.

With rapid progress being made in both theory and practical applications, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming every aspect of life and leading the world towards a sustainable future. AI technology is fundamentally and radically affecting agriculture with a move towards smart systems. The outcome of this transition is improved efficiency, reduced environmental pollution, and enhanced productivity of crops.

Nondestructive Evaluation of Agro-products by Intelligent Sensing Techniques is a reference which provides readers timely updates in the progress of intelligent sensing techniques used for nondestructive evaluation of agro-products. Chapters, each contributed by experts in food safety and technology, describe existing and innovative techniques that could be or have been applied to agro-products quality and safety evaluation, processing, harvest, traceability, and so on. The book includes 11 individual chapters, with each chapter focusing on a specific aspect of intelligent sensing techniques applied in agriculture. Specifically, the first chapter introduces the reader to representative techniques and methods for nondestructive evaluation. Subsequent chapters present detailed information about the processing and quality evaluation of agro-products (e.g., fruits, and vegetables), food grading, food tracing, and the use of robots for harvesting specialty crops.

Key Features:

- 11 chapters, contributed by experts that cover basic and applied research in agriculture

- introduces readers to nondestructive evaluation techniques

- covers food quality evaluation processes

- covers food grading and traceability systems

- covers frontier topics that represent future trends (robots and UAVs used in agriculture)

- familiarizes the readers with several intelligent sensing technologies used in the agricultural sector (including machine vision, near-infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral/multispectral imaging, bio-sensing, multi-technology fusion detection)

- provides bibliographic references for further reading

- gives applied examples on both common and specialty crops

This reference is intended as a source of updated information for consultants, students and academicians involved in agriculture, crops science and food biotechnology. Professionals involved in food safety and security planning and policymaking will also benefit from the information presented by the authors.

Novel Drug Delivery Systems - Part 1 provides a comprehensive exploration of controlled drug delivery systems (NDDS) and their impact on patient outcomes and therapeutic effectiveness. Covering key topics like the principles of controlled-release dosage forms, the role of polymers, and innovative techniques like microencapsulation and mucoadhesive systems, this book bridges foundational concepts with cutting-edge advancements. It also addresses specialized systems like gastroretentive, transdermal, and ocular drug delivery methods. Ideal for pharmaceutical professionals, students, and researchers, this book serves as a critical resource for understanding and developing advanced drug delivery technologies.

Key Features:

- Comprehensive introduction to controlled drug delivery concepts

- In-depth analysis of pharmacokinetics and polymers in NDDS

- Exploration of microencapsulation and mucoadhesive systems

- Insights into gastroretentive and transdermal drug delivery

- Overview of nanotechnology and implantable devices in drug delivery

- Coverage of the latest developments in injectables and ocular systems

INTRODUCTION:

Hypertension has become a major public health problem in the last few decades. High blood pressure is a serious risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease and end-organ damage including left-ventricular hypertrophy and congestive heart failure, which in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

While studies of hypertension have been performed worldwide in a variety of epidemiological settings such as diabetes, renal function, obesity and thyroid disorders, there is a need to identify appropriate treatment strategies

Novel Strategies and Approaches in Hypertension introduces the reader to different aspects of hypertension treatment (environmental and occupational factors and different clinical settings that can trigger the disease). The book also covers special topics related to the use of new diagnostic biomarkers for hypertension patients, as well as endocrine and nutrition-focused approaches to treat the condition.

This reference book will be useful for medical professionals involved in the management and care of patients affected with hypertension.

[Series Introduction]

Frontiers in Hypertension presents reference works, textbooks and monographs on both fundamental and advanced topics related to the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. The series is essential reading for medical students and professionals involved in hypertension and allied subspecialty treatment programs.

Numberama: Recreational Number Theory in the School System presents number patterns and mathematical formulas that can be taught to children in schools. The number theories and problems are reinforced by enjoyable games that children can play to enhance their learning in a fun-loving way. Key features of the book include:

• information about a number of well-known number theory problems such as Fibonaccci numbers, triangular numbers, perfect numbers, sums of squares, and Diophantine equations

• organized presentation based on skill level for easy understanding

• all basic mathematical operations for elementary school children

• a range of algebraic formulae for middle school students

• descriptions of positive feedback and testimonials where recreational number theory has been effective in schools and education programs

This book is a useful handbook for elementary and middle-school teachers, students, and parents who will be able to experience the inherent joys brought by teaching number theory to children in a recreational way.

Numerical Machine Learning is a simple textbook on machine learning that bridges the gap between mathematics theory and practice. The book uses numerical examples with small datasets and simple Python codes to provide a complete walkthrough of the underlying mathematical steps of seven commonly used machine learning algorithms and techniques, including linear regression, regularization, logistic regression, decision trees, gradient boosting, Support Vector Machine, and K-means Clustering.

Through a step-by-step exploration of concrete numerical examples, the students (primarily undergraduate and graduate students studying machine learning) can develop a well-rounded understanding of these algorithms, gain an in-depth knowledge of how the mathematics relates to the implementation and performance of the algorithms, and be better equipped to apply them to practical problems.

Key features

- Provides a concise introduction to numerical concepts in machine learning in simple terms

- Explains the 7 basic mathematical techniques used in machine learning problems, with over 60 illustrations and tables

- Focuses on numerical examples while using small datasets for easy learning

- Includes simple Python codes

- Includes bibliographic references for advanced reading The text is essential for college and university-level students who are required to understand the fundamentals of machine learning in their courses.

Numerical Methods and Implementation in Geotechnical Engineering explains several numerical methods that are used in geotechnical engineering. The second part of this reference set includes more information on the distinct element method, geotechnical optimization analysis and reliability analysis. Information about relevant additional numerical methods is also provided in each chapter with problems where applicable. The authors have also presented different computer programs associated with the materials in this book set which will be useful to students learning how to apply the models explained in the text into practical situations when designing structures in locations with specific soil and rock settings.

This reference book set is a suitable textbook primer for civil engineering students as it provides a basic introduction to different numerical methods (classical and modern) in comprehensive readable volumes.

This book summarizes key information required for planning and implementing a healthy diet for patients based on sound nutritional concepts. Readers will find information on the background of nutrition in disease management and nutritional regulations in the USA. The book also describes macro- and micronutrients (including minerals and vitamins) and the applications of relevant nutritional concepts to real-life situations, using well-designed simulated clinical scenarios. Additionally, factors contributing to disease as well as the link between socio-economic status, culture and nutrition are discussed. This book should serve as useful handbook for nutritionists and health care providers and medical or pharmacology students taking courses in nutritional sciences.