Bentham Science Publishers

Stem Cell Delivery Routes: From Preclinical Models to Clinical Applications covers current knowledge about stem cell delivery for cell-based therapeutics. Starting with an introduction to stem cell technology, the book provides information about the main mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) delivery routes and the cell carrier materials used for delivering the cells. The main delivery routes include the liver, the kidney and the ocular surface. This introductory information is followed up with general information about stem cell based therapeutics, covering relevant topics such as the secretome and optimal delivery strategies in cell-based therapeutics. The book then progresses into the topic of in vivo cell tracking methods in preclinical and clinical studies with specific emphasis on the liver, ocular surface and kidney while also covering factors that affect the residence time, viability, and homing of MSCs with respect to the targeted location. The discussions in these chapters are accompanied by key descriptions of MSC-based therapeutic applications in rodent models and human clinical studies. The advantages and bottlenecks in clinical MSC application, and ways to improve the therapeutic efficacy of transplanted cells are also presented, rounding up the contents of the book.

Key Features:

- A comprehensive summary of stem cell delivery for cell-based therapeutics, suitable for a broad range of readers

- 10 sequential chapters that enhance the reader’s understanding on the subject

- An Introduction to stem cell technology

- Coverage of 3 key stem cell transplantation routes (liver, kidney and eye)

- Coverage of in vivo stem cell tracking

- Inclusion of basic information about MSC delivery and methods of clinical applications

- Discussions about preclinical mouse models

- A perspective on stem cell bottlenecks and recent advances in biomedical engineering that enhance the clinical application of MSCs

The contents are adapted to suit readers learning about advanced stem cells therapies at all academic levels, including undergraduates, lecturers, as well as those who are curious to understand more about the importance of stem cells, and their application in cell-based therapeutics. Professionals involved in allied fields in clinical research, and biomedical engineering will also gain a substantial understanding about regenerative medicine and cell transplantation.

Steroids are an important class of biomolecules with diverse roles and functions. Besides being important as structural and signaling molecules, these molecules hold promise against numerous disorders, including cardiovascular conditions, cancer, inflammation and autoimmune disorders. Many investigations have demonstrated that steroidal frameworks may provide lipid solubility, receptor selectivity or membrane binding properties to non-steroidal pharmacophores. However, the therapeutic use of steroids can be dangerous when they're used incorrectly. Additionally, misconceptions about steroids among athletes or recreational users can lead to steroid abuse and poor health outcomes. Steroids and their Medicinal Potential discusses the classification, distribution, biosynthesis, chemical synthesis and semi-synthesis of different steroids. The medicinal potential of each class is exhaustively discussed in different chapters. The latest advances and developments in steroid-based drug discovery are also discussed thoroughly. The book aims to address general questions and concerns about steroids, providing readers a useful resource on the subject. Key Features

-Provides comprehensive coverage on all aspects of steroids including steroid chemistry, biochemistry, medicinal potential, drug discovery and advances in target-binding interactions of steroid-based drugs

-Includes chapters dedicated to anabolic steroids and their abuse

-Designed as an accessible source of information for understanding steroidal drugs with structured chapters

-Includes references for advanced readers

"Suicide and Predicament: the medical model of suicide is incomplete" takes a broad view of suicide. It argues that a large proportion of people who suicide do not have a mental disorder, and therefore it is essential to know about the predicaments of people. The book draws on sociology and takes issue with the medicalization of distress and suicide. It discusses genetics and draws attention to the importance of alcohol in suicide. It takes as examples, 127 suicide cases found in public record. Unique features include 1) predicament model, 2) pathways model, 3) typology of suicide, and 4) prevention initiatives.

Sustainability Studies: Environmental and Energy Management is a collection of reviews on topics on sustainability with the objective of informing the reader about the environmental impact of industrialization and the ways technology can be implemented to sustain it.

The book presents 11 chapters that focus on the environmental issues, waste management methods, and green chemistry for environmental-friendly production and construction. 2 chapters bring attention to important concepts that are central to sustainability, namely, environmental justice and climate change. The editors have ensured an adequate balance of theoretical concepts and practical information to give readers a broad overview of environmental sustainability. Each chapter is structured into easy-to-read sections that are suitable for readers who are learning about sustainability as part of their educational curriculum.

Sustainability Studies: Environmental and Energy Management is a primer on sustainability and environmental management for students and academics in environmental science, and engineering courses.

Synthesis and Applications of Semiconductor Nanostructures consists of 15 chapters that focus on synthesis, characterization and multifaceted potential applications of semiconductor nanostructures, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and nanostructure impregnated metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Special materials included in the volume include doped glasses, functionalized carbon nanotubes, doped graphene and graphene nanoribbons. The contributions highlight numerous bottom-up and top-down techniques for the synthesis of semiconductor nanostructures. Several industrial processes such as hydrogen production, wastewater treatment, carbon dioxide reduction, pollution control and oxidation of alcohols have been demonstrated in the context of semiconductor nanomaterial applications. The volume also has chapters dedicated to updates on the biomedical applications of these nanomaterials. This volume is a timely resource for postgraduate students, academicians, researchers and technocrats, who are involved in R&D activities with semiconductor nanomaterials and metal organic frameworks.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. SLE affects many parts of the body, with joint pain in the knees and hands being commonly reported symptoms. Arthritis is, therefore, one of the most common symptoms of the disease.

This book comprehensively summarizes information about SLE for medical professionals and students. The volume illustrates the process of making accurate diagnoses through systematic interpretation of ABCDEGFGI parameters: A (Alignment): malalignment and deformation; B (Bone): bone changes; C (Capsular lesions): cartilage and intra-articular lesions; D (Distribution): four dimensional distributions; E (Extra-bone): extra-articular soft tissue; F (Further information): further additional medical information; G (Goal): general analysis and integrated comprehensive diagnosis; H (Heal and Heath): treatment and prognosis; and I (Immunological analysis): immunological interpretations.

Key Features:

- Presents information about the clinical features of SLE and differential diagnosis through 11 chapters

- Covers both rheumatic symptoms and systemic symptoms

- Provides a comprehensive approach to SLE diagnosis and management which blends both rheumatology and radiology

- Explains the ABCDEFGI system for diagnosing and treating SLE patients

- Includes more than 750 detailed figures illustrating important information

- Includes references for further reading

The book is an informative resource for a wide range of scholarly and professional readers who may encounter SLE patients in clinical settings: rheumatologists, orthopedists, radiologists, physiatrists, immunologists, pediatricians, general physicians, medical technicians, caregivers and specialists in internal medicine.

Taurine, or 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, is one of the most abundant sulfur-containing amino acids in the human body. It is found in the heart, brain, retina, and skeletal muscles, and is synthesized in the pancreas. Studies have revealed that taurine is of high physiological importance: it protects against pathologies associated with mitochondrial diseases, and linked processes like aging, metabolic syndrome, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders. It is also used as a nutritional supplement.

Taurine and the Mitochondrion: Applications in the Pharmacotherapy of Human Diseases explores the significance of taurine in the biology of mitochondria. It also explains its role as a pharmacological agent for treating different diseases. Readers will gain an insight into the crucial role it plays in human physiology and the benefits of taurine supplements.

Topics covered in this reference include

- Synthesis of taurine and its dietary sources

- The Role of taurine in mitochondrial health

- Taurine as a neurotransmitter

- Beneficial effects of taurine in physiological systems such as the reproductive system, renal system, and the gastrointestinal tract

- Hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of taurine

- The anti-aging promise of taurine supplementation

- Role of taurine supplementation in obesity

Medicinal chemists around the world have been inspired by nature and have successfully extracted chemicals from plants. Research on enzymatic modifications of naturally occurring compounds has played a critical role in the search for biologically active molecules to treat diseases.

This book set explores compounds of interest to researchers and clinicians. It presents a comprehensive analysis about the medicinal chemistry (drug design, structure-activity relationships, permeability data, cytotoxicity, appropriate statistical procedures, molecular modelling studies) of different compounds. Each chapter brings contributions from known scientists explaining experimental results which can be translated into clinical practice.

Volume 2 gives (1) a detailed overview of the sesquiterpenes polypharmacology, (2) an interesting journey around the world of cannabinoids that reveals the development of new synthetic & derivatives, (3) the design of specific formulations to overcome the volatility of small sized terpenes-based essential oils, (4) an update on the latest generations of endoperoxides endowed with antimalarial activity and finally (5) a summary of MedChem strategies to fix the most common issues in formulating terpene derivatives (like low potency and poor solubility).

The objective of this book set is to fulfill gaps in currently acquired knowledge with information from the recent years. It serves as a guide for academic and professional researchers and clinicians.

Text Analysis with Python: A Research-Oriented Guide is a quick and comprehensive reference on text mining using python code. The main objective of the book is to equip the reader with the knowledge to apply various machine learning and deep learning techniques to text data. The book is organized into eight chapters which present the topic in a structured and progressive way.

Key Features:

Introduces the reader to Python programming and data processing

Introduces the reader to the preliminaries of natural language processing (NLP)

Covers data analysis and visualization using predefined python libraries and datasets

Teaches how to write text mining programs in Python

Includes text classification and clustering techniques

Informs the reader about different types of neural networks for text analysis

Includes advanced analytical techniques such as fuzzy logic and deep learning techniques

Explains concepts in a simplified and structured way that is ideal for learners

Includes References for further reading

Text Analysis with Python: A Research-Oriented Guide is an ideal guide for students in data science and computer science courses, and for researchers and analysts who want to work on artificial intelligence projects that require the application of text mining and NLP techniques.