Bentham Science Publishers

Although a lot is known about the influence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the marine environment, there are still many unanswered questions. Petrogenic Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Aquatic Environment is a monograph that sums up basic knowledge about this topic while highlighting current research practices useful in studying the aquatic environment. It starts with an introduction to effect of PAH in the marine environment. It then proceeds to provide information on techniques to monitor PAH levels and investigate the affected environment in order to control the subsequent negative effects. Chapters also detail the carcinogenic and endocrine effects of PAHs on fish as well as the degradation of PAHs by microorganisms. This monograph is a useful reference for environmental science students and professionals learning about the role of PAH in the marine environment.

Malaria takes a great toll on human health and well-being, particularly in tropical regions including Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, Oceania and parts of the Americas. In recent years, some Plasmodium strains have become increasingly resistant to all classes of conventional antimalarial drugs currently in use. Researchers have, therefore, stepped up efforts to revise atimalarial drug policies, develop new drugs, and implement new strategies to combat this disease. In order to prevent widespread resistance, antimalarial combination therapies (ACTs) have been deployed and a World Antimalarial Resistance Network has been established as a means of anitimalarial drug resistance surveillance. Artemisinin-based combination therapies have proven to be useful as a replacement for standard regimens. Currently, these ACTs successfully cure patients suffering from uncomplicated malaria with superior efficacy and lower toxicity, but there remains a huge challenge (high mortality rate) associated with treatment of severe malaria. Studies of drug disposition and drug efficacy (PK/PD evaluations) are essential to understanding why drugs work as antimalarials as they illustrate issues with drug resistance, drug safety and drug toxicity that are critical to finding the appropriate drug dose for patients.

This eBook illustrates how currently available combination antimalarial drugs can be optimized for effective malaria treatment. Chapters in this book explain methods to select combination drugs based on PK/PD evaluations followed by methods o reduce drug toxicity based on these evaluations. The book also summarizes efforts that are being made by the research community to improve ACT. It is, therefore, a handy reference for medical professionals and pharmacologists working on antimalarial drugs.

Ukot's Back to Basics MCQs: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Parasitology, and Internal Medicine (Volume 2) is an invaluable revision resource for medical students, healthcare trainees, and professionals preparing for examinations in the clinical sciences. This volume expands the trusted Back to Basics series by focusing on three critical domains, pharmacology and therapeutics, parasitology, and internal medicine.

The book begins with a series of MCQs in pharmacology and therapeutics, strengthening knowledge of drug mechanisms, interactions, and therapeutic applications. It then transitions to parasitology, offering essential coverage of parasite biology, transmission, and treatment. Internal medicine MCQs follow, emphasizing diagnostic reasoning and clinical decision-making across diverse medical specialties. Each section is reinforced with explanatory notes and references, ensuring not only exam preparedness but also conceptual clarity. Additional chapters on differential diagnoses and comprehensive references make this volume a complete self-study guide for learners and practitioners alike.

Key Features:

Presents MCQs across pharmacology and therapeutics, parasitology, and internal medicine with detailed answer notes.

Reinforces critical concepts and promotes retention through structured question-answer formats.

Strengthens diagnostic reasoning with a dedicated section on differential diagnoses.

Provides comprehensive references for extended learning and evidence-based study.

Supports exam readiness for medical students, healthcare trainees, and early-career clinicians.

Rhizobia are composed of specific groups of bacteria that have the ability to induce symbiotic nitrogen-fixing nodules on the roots or stems of leguminous plants. Rhizobia have attracted a great attention for more than 4 decades because of their enormous agricultural and economic value in sustainable agriculture. Up to the present time, many legumes have been found to be nodulated by several rhizobial species in diverse taxonomic groups. An assessment of rhizobial diversity provides pivotal information in understanding the horizontal gene transfer among bacterial genera and species, the bacterial evolution and the symbiotic effectiveness. The classification of rhizobia is becoming increasingly complex and is revised periodically because of new findings that propose new genera and new species. Phenotypic and Genotypic Diversity of Rhizobia presents the application of conventional and molecular analyses, including numerical analysis, enzyme patterns, serological studies, plasmid profile, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-fingerprinting, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), PCR-RFLP and sequence-based methods, to the examination of rhizobial diversity. Principles of these techniques, the resolving power, the advantage and the limitation of these techniques are evaluated. Current taxonomy of rhizobia classifies them into 17 genera and 118 species. The book explains background knowledge about rhizobia and follows this up with a broad perspective on rhizobial diversity, information on characteristics specific to each group of rhizobia, the relationship among rhizobial groups as well as genetic factors contributed to rhizobial diversity. Contemporary methods for examination of rhizobial diversity are also suggested and discussed. Readers of this e-book will find updated information on key concepts in classification and taxonomy of rhizobia, the categories and techniques used to examine the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of rhizobia (including numerical analysis, enzyme patterns, serological study, plasmid profile, polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-fingerprinting, amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), PCR-RFLP and sequence analysis).

Photographs Across Time: Studies in Urban Landscapes presents a record of urban environments in Britain, including Oxford, York, Scarborough, Dunbar, Edinburgh, and Inverness. It is a unique demonstration of how digital photography bridges urban landscape studies with archaeology and heritage studies. The book revisits several landscape and weathering studies in churchyards throughout England and Scotland in the UK. The book explains cross temporal and archival applications of digital photography and explores the archaeological use of photographs. Readers can also learn about issues related to creating and maintaining digital records as well as issues relevant to heritage sustainability. Researchers, landscape experts and professional photographers as well archivists will find Photographs Across Time as a handy reference for quantitative geomorphological studies on English heritage sites and the qualitative realm of historical archaeology.

In this book, scientists present the latest trends and research in the broad field of photonics and photonic materials applications. The 14 chapters are categorized into tracks that give a snapshot of the field including basic sciences (photonics, plasmonics, advanced optics, nanophotonics) and applications (renewable energy, fiber-optics, lasers and smart materials). The book starts with a summary of recent developments in photonic crystal (PC) applications. This introduction is followed by chapters that present design concepts and investigations of PC devices such as: - All-optical XOR gates using 2D photonic crystals - One-dimensional PCs containing germanium (Ge). - Graphene surface plasmonics - Nanophotonics and fiber-optic lasers - Chalcogenides - Bragg Fibers and more The broad range of topics make this an informative source on current and exciting photonics research, and the variety of photonic materials. It serves as a reference for graduate scholars (in physics and materials science) and allied researchers who have a keen interest in photonics.

Physical inactivity is not only an individual's personal problem but is identified as a serious public health issue. Prolonged inactivity that occurs among many elderly persons tends to lead into a gradual decrease in all components of physical fitness, thus compromising their quality of life.

Scientific research has shown that physical exercise can slow down both the psychological and physical aging clock. Engagement in health promoting behavior in the domains of physical activity, healthy dietary practice and stress management are considered useful strategies to enhance functional capacity among elderly people. These practices delay the onset of chronic diseases, minimize negative psychological effects and improve social networks and the quality of life, particularly for the elderly.

This Ebook goes a long way in promoting healthy values by providing people with information and tools to help meet the challenges of promoting physical activity for older adults in this dynamic 21st century we live in.

This volume covers the methods of using skin penetrating agents, the therapeutic applications of physical penetration enhancers and devices in the market. Chapters cover topics such as transdermal drug delivery through iontophoresis, gene therapy, physiotherapy, skin disorders, vaccination, and pharmacology. Devices covered in this volume include micro needles, nano-carrier and gene delivery systems.

This volume is a handy resource for professionals in medicine (dermatologists), biopharmacy, pharmaceutical technology, drug design and development (scientists and pharmaceutical R&D executives).

This well organized reference book covers the newest and most important practically applicable results in thin film-based semiconductor (A2B6-A4B6 and chalcogenide) sensors, heterojunction-based active elements and other devices. This book is written for researchers, material scientists and advanced students who wish to increase their familiarity with different topics of novel semiconductor material science related to production of thin film-based sensors and active elements for micro- and nanoelectronics. It is also a tool and resource for professionals engaged in novel semiconductor materials technologies. Both basic and applied aspects of semiconductor materials science and technology related to A2B6-A4B6 and chalcogenide compounds, in particular, to ZnCdHgTe semiconductor, are presented in this book. The book features the most important original results in studies and practical applications of A2B6-A4B6 and chalcogenide semiconductor compounds for sensory and micro(nano)electronics. Many important original experimental data as well as results of numerical simulations are included.

The number of new discoveries related to diagnostics and therapeutics of hematological cancer is significant. These have resulted in continuous progress in fundamental knowledge about molecular and cellular mechanisms in hematological neoplasia. Physiopathogenesis of Hematological Cancer presents a concise overview of the cellular and molecular biology of myelo- and Lymphoproliferative disorders. The expert reviews presented within this e-book are also accompanied by bibliographic references for relevant scientific literature. This book should prove to be a valuable reference tool for both medical graduate and postgraduates in the field of oncology.

Phytochemical compounds are secondary metabolites that plants usually synthesize for their own protection from pests and diseases. Phytochemical biosynthesis is also triggered under specific environmental conditions. They cannot be classified as essential nutrients since they are not required at specific amounts for life sustenance. Phytochemicals in Vegetables: A Valuable Source of Bioactive Compounds presents information about the phytochemical (common and scarce) content of several cultivated vegetables, as well as their health and therapeutic effects based on in vitro, in vivo, animal and clinical studies. Chapters also cover recent research findings about their mode of action, bioavailabity, interactions with other biological matrices and pharmacokinetics. Moreover, the book gives special attention to the factors that may alter and modulate bioactive compound content, including both cultivation practices and post-harvest treatments that aim towards the production of high quality and healthy foods. Researchers, public health workers, consumers and members of the food industry will find this book to be a useful reference on the variety of phytochemicals present in vegetables.

Gastrointestinal cancer is one of the most prevalent causes of cancer-related deaths in the world. Recent research demonstrates that phytochemicals are critical in preventing and managing gastrointestinal cancer. The increased intake of phytochemicals could reduce the risk of cancer by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and suppressing angiogenesis as well as cancer cell metastasis. These mechanisms are also known to counter Helicobacter pylori infection and modulate gut microbiota. There is preliminary data suggesting that daily supplementation with high doses of certain vitamins combined with conventional therapeutic agents may enhance their growth inhibitory effects on tumor cells and protect normal tissues against some of their toxic effects. This book attempts to fill gaps on the role of phytonutrients in the treatment of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). It discusses the action of individual vitamins on cellular and molecular parameters and describes how vitamins inhibit protein kinase C activity, increase the production of certain growth factors, and modulate the expression of a number of oncogenes. The book is divided into 2 parts. The first part summarizes the pathophysiology of GIT cancers and introduces readers to anticancer phytonutrients. A chapter on the status of FDA approved nutraceuticals rounds up this section. The second part of the book provides a systematic review on the different plant derived chemicals that can be used to treat GIT cancer. Each chapter in this section focuses on a specific type of phytochemical agent and its molecular mechanisms relevant to the disease. This book will give the reader a holistic view of gastrointestinal cancer treatment and the value of natural compounds in developing functional food and drugs for preventive medicine.

Phytotherapy in the Management of Diabetes and Hypertension is a good addition to existing volumes detailing knowledge of hyperglycemia therapy. This e-book emphasizes the basic biochemistry behind diabetes mellitus and hypertension, along with the control or remediation of these conditions through a cost effective, safe, easy-going, easy-adaptable method validated by scientific research. This e-book contains 7 chapters dealing with various aspects of these diseases and their Phytotherapy treatment and life style management. Phytotherapy can give patients long term benefits with less or no side effects. Hence, this e-book is an authentic alternative or complementary therapeutic compendium to physicians and patients. This book will also be useful to students, teachers, researchers, clinicians and general readers interested in learning about applied phytotherapy.

Medicinal plants are a source of potential therapeutic compounds. Phytotherapy can give patients long term benefits with less or no side effects. Phytotherapy in the Management of Diabetes and Hypertension is a book series which emphasizes the biochemistry behind diabetes mellitus and hypertension, along with the control or remediation of these conditions through cost effective, safe and easily-adaptable methods validated by scientific research. This is the fourth volume of the series which features reviews on selected natural products used to treat diabetes and hypertension. This volume brings 6 chapters contributed by 14 researchers that cover general updates on diabetic phytotherapy, circumin, and the medicinal use of olive leaves, passion fruit and spiral gingers in the treatment of diabetes and hypertension.

Each review covers different plant species or medicinal agents where applicable, providing readers essential information about their role in the treatment of diabetes and hypertension.

Both academic and professional pharmacologists as well as clinicians will find comprehensive information on a variety of therapeutic agents in this volume.

Plant Physiology: From Historical Roots to Future Frontiers provides an in-depth exploration of the principles and advancements in plant physiology. Spanning eleven comprehensive chapters, the book traces the field`s historical evolution and covers modern applications such as stress physiology, growth regulators, genomics-proteomics, and bioinformatics. It highlights the integration of cutting-edge technologies like CRISPR-Cas and artificial intelligence, offering insights into their transformative potential in plant science.

Written for a scholarly audience, this book bridges traditional plant physiology with future-oriented innovations, providing a molecular and cellular perspective on growth, metabolism, and physiological processes. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding current challenges and emerging solutions in plant physiology.

Key Features:

- Coverage from historical foundations to advanced research topics.

- Focus on molecular mechanisms and quantitative approaches.

- Discussion of transformative technologies, including CRISPR-Cas and AI.

- Insights into secondary metabolites, stress metabolism, and bioinformatics.

Plant-Microbe Interactions: A Comprehensive Review provides an in-depth analysis of the dynamic relationships between plants and their associated microbes, highlighting beneficial and harmful interactions. The book emphasizes the role of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) and biocontrol agents, covering nutrient acquisition, nitrogen fixation, and plant stress management. It also examines harmful microbes responsible for pathogenesis and biotic stress, offering insights into their ecological and molecular mechanisms.

The book examines microbiomes in both the rhizosphere and phyllosphere, the role of artificial neural networks in studying these interactions, and biotechnological advancements in managing plant pathogens. It brings together cutting-edge research on crop health, sustainable agriculture, and biotechnological innovations, offering comprehensive insights and practical solutions.

Key Features:

- Explores plant-microbe interactions in various environments.

- Details biotechnological applications in plant health management.

- Discusses microbial roles in nutrient bioavailability and stress tolerance.

- Highlights recent advances in pathogen management and crop improvement.

First described by Giuseppe Inzenga in 1863 as "the most delicious mushroom of the Sicilian mycological flora", Pleurotus nebrodensis remains today a prized species , especially in the Mediterranean. Pleurotus nebrodensis was sought after since ancient times as a delicious mushroom in the Madonie mountains of Sicily. Tourists and local people can appreciate the organoleptic qualities of the mushrooms in restaurants where delicious cuisine are prepared with raw or cooked mushrooms. However, its appearance and numbers are declining in nature and this species has been categorized as 'CR' (Critically Endangered) according to IUCN Red List Criteria. In situ conservation action for this fungus is being carried out thanks to rules issued by the Madonie Park administration prohibiting its collection as well as inoculation of roots of the associated plant C. ferulacea with grain mycelia of P. nebrodensis in the hope of increasing mushroom fructification in the wild. Ex situ conservation of P. nebrodensis has also started and involves cultivation of the mushroom in special farms in the hope of reducing collecting pressures on the species in the wild. Ex situ cultivation of P. nebrodensis also provides additional income for local farmers, who can offer a more economical product than that collected from the wild, and this in turn reduces pressure on the wild population.

This e-book is an excellent resource for amateur and professional mycologists for learning scientific information about the family Pleurotaceae with particular reference to the taxonomic group "Pleurotus on Apiaceae plants" and the "Pleurotus eryngii species-complex" and is also suitable for university students for useful insights in botany, microbiology, mycology, agronomy, and forestry.

Pleurotus Nebrodensis: A Very Special Mushroom also gives both general and specialized readers a glimpse into the selected history of mycology, folk traditions, preservation of biodiversity, sustainable development, information on mushroom cultivation techniques and alternative sources of income associated with this intriguing mushroom species.

A fascinating exploration of widely used medicinal and culinary plants that straddle the line between healing and harm. Poison or Remedy? Case Reports on Selected Plants presents detailed botanical and phytochemical insights, highlighting the active compounds responsible for both therapeutic and toxic effects. The book draws on real-world cases from across the globe to examine how plant parts and preparations that are often used for health, culinary, or traditional purposes can lead to adverse outcomes when misused or misunderstood.

Featured plants include celery and Heracleum species with phototoxic effects, cinnamon rich in coumarins, tropane alkaloid-containing Angel's Trumpet, colchicine-bearing Gloriosa and Colchicum, licorice, ivy, nutmeg, oleander, Syrian rue, rhododendron (mad honey), and the castor oil plant. Through these examples, the book underscores the delicate balance between medicinal potential and toxic risk. Key Features:

- Explores the dual nature of medicinal plants through global case reports.

- Presents phytochemical structures of key bioactive and toxic compounds.

- Highlights real-world implications of plant misuse in food, medicine, and cosmetics.

- Combines scientific accuracy with readability for both experts and general readers.

- Promotes awareness of plant safety, regulation, and responsible usage.

Over the last few decades, numerous nanoparticle platforms have been studied for their use in therapeutic applications. This book deals with the description of the construction of technical systems that combines different functionalities which bring liposomes, polymer-drug conjugates, polymer-protein conjugates, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, polymerosomes and other nanoparticles into the realm of nanotechnology proper, as opposed to traditional pharmacology or supramolecular chemistry. The volume additionally covers topics such as passive and active targeting, the strategies used for drug targeting, and the synthesis and characterization of polymeric nanoparticle platforms. Targeted polymeric nanomedicines have shown exciting results in preclinical studies, demonstrating their potential as therapeutic carriers. Therefore, the development of polymeric nanomedicines as therapeutic agents has generated great enthusiasm both in academia and industry.

The book is systematically divided into chapters devoted to a class of polymeric nanomedicines. Each chapter also describes relevant aspects relating to drug design and targeting of polymeric nanomedicines wherever possible.

In addition, a series of chapters concerning the contribution of polymeric nanomedicines in the treatment of several categories of diseases including cancer, inflammatory, renal, immunological diseases, and brain disorders is also presented.

Key features of this book include:

- A comprehensive and cutting-edge overview of polymeric nanomedicines available in a single dedicated volume

- Discussions on advances in drug delivery systems for a variety of diseases

- more than 2000 references, tables, equations, and drawings

Readers, whether beginners or experts, will find in this book, contemporary and relevant information regarding the synthesis, evaluation and applications of polymeric nanomedicines. Supplemented with extensive bibliographic references, tables and figures, this book is an essential and incomparable reference for medicinal chemists, biologists, and medical (oncologic) researchers, as well as for scientists, undergraduate and graduate students in the field of medical bioengineering and polymer nanoscience.

Polymers in Modern Medicine – Part 2 examines the innovative use of polymers in advanced healthcare applications, focusing on personalized medicine, regenerative therapies, and diagnostics. The book highlights groundbreaking topics such as polymer-based nanomedicine for cancer therapy, polymeric hydrogels, biopolymers, and the role of polymers in diagnostics and vaccines. Building on foundational principles, it explores polymeric approaches to sustainable and patient-specific treatments.

Readers will gain a deep understanding of emerging polymer technologies and biocompatible materials and their impact on cutting-edge medical solutions. This resource bridges the gap between scientific research and practical implementation in the pharmaceutical, biomaterial, and medical device industries.

Key Features:

- Covers polymers in regenerative medicine, nanomedicine, and diagnostics.

- Insights into polymeric hydrogels, biopolymers, and smart polymers.

- Sustainability and patient-specific applications in healthcare.

Postbiotics: Science, Technology, and Applications explains fundamental and applied knowledge about postbiotics. Chapters cover the definition and classification of postbiotics, principal methods for preparing them, information about the main postbiotic constituents and their biological activities and their clinical health benefits. The authors also familiarize the reader with potential applications of postbiotics in the food industry, pharmaceutical chemistry, medicine, and veterinary practice. The text is supported by informative illustrations, tables, and references for further reading. This comprehensive reference, with its emphasis on both basic and applied knowledge, is useful for researchers, academics, veterinarians, and students in the field of microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, biotechnology, food science, and agriculture.

This volume is a complete review of the cutting-edge scientific evidence about the isolation, identification, bioactivity and molecular analysis of the biologically active peptides (BAPs) obtained from several underutilized grains. It provides a general review of current and new technologies in isolating and bioprospecting BAPs before going into the details of 11 grains. Amaranth, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, sorghum, lupin, mung bean, chickpea, broad bean, cocoa bean and chia are extensively discussed in dedicated chapters. Additionally, these chapters provide information about the characteristics of the crop, its main varieties, traditional uses, economic importance, nutritional aspects, structure and chemical composition of the grains, as well as the classification and distribution of the grain protein fractions. Moreover, the advances in the analytical techniques used for the concentration, purification and molecular characterization of BAPs are described. The impact of BAPs in the promotion of health is highlighted, as well as their potential incorporation as promising ingredients in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Finally, the main findings related to the potential antiviral and anti-COVID-19 activities of BAPs derived from underutilized grains are described. This reference will be of interest for academics, professionals and researchers focused in food science, biotechnology, pharmacology and agriculture, and to professionals involved in the research and development of natural products, pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

Practical Digital Forensics: A Guide for Windows and Linux Users is a comprehensive resource for novice and experienced digital forensics investigators. This guide offers detailed step-by-step instructions, case studies, and real-world examples to help readers conduct investigations on both Windows and Linux operating systems. It covers essential topics such as configuring a forensic lab, live system analysis, file system and registry analysis, network forensics, and anti-forensic techniques. The book is designed to equip professionals with the skills to extract and analyze digital evidence, all while navigating the complexities of modern cybercrime and digital investigations.

Key Features:

- Forensic principles for both Linux and Windows environments.

- Detailed instructions on file system forensics, volatile data acquisition, and network traffic analysis.

- Advanced techniques for web browser and registry forensics.

- Addresses anti-forensics tactics and reporting strategies.

Maintaining ideal fish health and production, both of farmed and wild fish populations, requires continuous infrastructural and process upgrades to avoid significant losses as well as to facilitate seafood safety. Aquaculture is multidisciplinary in nature, combining knowledge from biology, veterinary medicine and food technology.

Practical Notions on Fish Health and Production brings an integrated approach concerning practical aspects of ichthyology, fish health and aquaculture systems. The textbook will give readers a better understanding of issues related to the management of fish health and production, seafood processing, security, quality and safety.

The book is organized in three sections which cover 1) general aspects of fish biology and development, 2) fish diseases and veterinary medicine, and 3) aquaculture and marine food supply chain management.

Practical Notions on Fish Health and Production is an essential text for students, food industry professionals and novice fish farmers undertaking courses or training programs in veterinary medicine, aquaculture, and marine food processing systems.