Bentham Science Publishers

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.

This handbook presents a detailed exploration of wild edible plants, focusing on their botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, medicinal value, and culinary applications. Centered on the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats in India, the book documents around 120 species of wild vegetables, many of which have traditionally supported local diets and healthcare practices.

Organized into chapters by plant family, each entry provides information on plant morphology, edible parts, phytochemical constituents, traditional uses, and medicinal relevance. The book aims to highlight the importance of these underutilized plant resources at a time when globalization has narrowed dietary diversity, leading to the decline in consumption and awareness of traditional species.

Key Features:

- Provides detailed documentation of the morphology, phytochemistry, and uses of approximately 120 wild vegetable species, organized alphabetically by plant family.

- Focuses on plant resources native to the Western Ghats of India, a recognized biodiversity hotspot.

- Provides ethnobotanical details, culinary notes, and medicinal applications for each species.

- Includes a detailed list of references for researchers

- This part covers 23 families, from Acanthaceae to Euphorbiaceae. This multidisciplinary resource is intended for botanists, ethnobotanists, agricultural scientists, nutritionists, and students, as well as readers interested in plant-based nutrition, indigenous knowledge systems, and sustainable food sources. It offers both academic insights and practical information, supporting efforts to conserve, study, and reintegrate wild vegetables into contemporary food and healthcare practices.

Cardiovascular mortality in women is more frequent than breast cancer mortality, a fact which is often overlooked. Women's Heart and Estrogens explores this important women’s health issue with respect to estrogen levels (before and after menopause) as the hormone has been known to mediate cardiovascular effects in women. The handbook includes a description of the structure and biological activity of estrogen and follows up with a detailed reference on the genetics behind estrogen and its effect on the cardiovascular system. Subsequent chapters cover the effects of estrogens on the stages of atherogenesis, actions of estrogens on the on the vascular wall and on cardiovascular metabolic pathways, causes leading to the development of early onset of coronary heart disease in young women (such as vasculitis and autoimmune diseases)[Obaid ur Rahman1] , hypercoagulable states, myocardial infarction in hallucinogenic drug abusers, non-atherosclerotic and atherosclerotic coronary heart disease, hormone replacement therapy and postmenopausal risk factors. Medical professionals will also find handy guidelines for cardiovascular disease prevention in women.

Women's Heart and Estrogens offers knowledge to readers in a clear and simple manner with detailed images and summaries in each chapter. Guidelines are also presented in a chronological context which demonstrates the development of cardiovascular disease prevention and risk management strategies for women over the years.

Although there have been many discussions about challenges faced by individuals going through East to West migrations, there are few literary accounts about those moving from the West to the East. Yet these migrations are becoming more frequent now due to advances in technology and the fact that a writer’s work can now involve an increasingly global audience. One way of expressing these challenges is through writing memoirs.

Xenotropism and the Awakening of Literary Expatriatism through Writing Memoirs

exemplifies the craft of memoirs written while living in a foreign country and explains how this is different from writing from home. The book is a theoretical analysis of xenotropism based on the work of three prominent writers in China’s history: Emily Hahn, Nien Cheng and Qiu Xiaolong. The author explores the relationship between xenotropism (turning towards foreign ideals and practices), its complexities and challenges, and the writing of a memoir and its impact on mental health.

This discourse will contribute to new knowledge in the field of creative writing and Asian studies by illustrating how xenotropism or ‘turning towards foreign ideals and practices’ results in both personal and artistic development and builds an understanding and acceptance of different cultures within an individual. These processes of change and understanding, in turn, facilitate the writing of a memoir, which is a cathartic process having a positive effect on one’s mental state. Readers interested in creative writing or Asian literary studies will be able to understand the creative process behind writing memoirs from a combination of personal, research-based, literary and theoretical perspectives.

It is widely agreed in art education literature that art educators need to think about the possibility of widening the concept of art education. Educators need to understand the context of learning and for that they need to understand student interests in both local and global aspects. This book values young people’s expression of their own culture and personal interests. It is unique in that the starting point is the drawings of the young people - not to illustrate a predetermined theory, but to enable young people from different countries to express their visions about the world - illustrating their opinions, fears, expectations and own cultures.

Young Voices Unheard: Children's Views from Scotland and Greece on Education is a compelling exploration of the perspectives of five to six-year-old children in Greece and Scotland regarding various aspects of their school experiences and their awareness of children's rights. This enlightening book aims to uncover which rights children prioritize and value most in their educational environment, shedding light on critical issues related to their schooling.

The book divides its content into two main parts. The theoretical section offers a comprehensive overview of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and its implications for children's education, emphasizing the importance of respecting children's rights. The author also provides an overview of schooling models for young children.

The empirical research section employs a meticulous methodology, involving focus group sessions with 56 children from both Greece and Scotland. Through these sessions, the book captures children's views on three distinct school models, each representing a different degree of adherence to children's rights. The data analysis reveals that young children prioritize rights such as the right to play, safety, consultation, and education.

In essence, Young Voices Unheard offers a unique and valuable perspective on children's rights in education. By giving voice to young children and considering their views on educational practices and provisions, this book contributes to the ongoing dialogue about creating more inclusive and rights-respecting educational environments around the world. It serves as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and researchers seeking to better understand and enhance the educational experiences of young children.