Although digenetic trematodes have been largely neglected, they constitute a major group of helminths that parasitize human and animals causing significant morbidity and mortality. This is of special importance today, since the geographical limits and the populations at risk, traditionally limited to developing or low-income countries, are currently expanding and changing in relation to factors such as growing international markets, improved transportation systems, and demographic changes. This has led to a growing international interest in trematode infections, although factors such as the difficulties entailed in the diagnosis, the complexity of human and agricultural practices, the lack of assessments of economic costs, or the limited number of effective drugs are preventing the development of control measures of these diseases in humans and livestock. In-depth studies are needed to clarify the current epidemiology of these helminth infections and to identify new and specific targets for both effective diagnosis and treatments. The main goal of the third edition of this book is to present the major trematodes and their corresponding diseases in the framework of modern parasitology, considering matters such as the application of novel techniques and analysis of data in the context of host-parasite interactions and also with the resident microbiota, showing the application of modern techniques and concepts to the studies on digenetic trematodes. This is an ideal book for parasitologists, microbiologists, zoologists, immunologists, public health professionals, clinicians and graduate and post-graduate students.

Rabies is one of the oldest known pathogens, is incurable, and has the highest fatality rate of all infectious diseases. The Americas is the only region with bat rabies virus, including vampire bat rabies. The region is rich in cultural references and notable for many discoveries in the field, including the current vaccine potency test, diagnostic assay, conception of oral vaccines for wildlife, the first human survivor and the first successful canine rabies program executed at a broad level. Rabies remains the most important viral zoonosis, with tens of thousands of human fatalities and tens of millions of exposures annually, which can be used to model for other pathogens, such as COVID-19. There is an international effort to eliminate human rabies caused by dogs over the next decade, and the Americas represent the primary region with the greatest proof-of-concept evidence to accomplish this goal.

The book explores the intersection of nanotechnology and allergic airway diseases. With a focus on diagnosis and management, each chapter delves into specific areas of interest. Beginning with an introduction to the diseases, the book progresses to uncover the pathophysiology and immunology underlying allergic airway diseases. The epidemiology chapter provides insights into the prevalence and impact of these conditions. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to nanotechnology applications, with chapters on metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, nanomicelles, carbon nanotubes, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, nanofibers, and quantum dots. These chapters delve into the potential of these nanomaterials in managing allergic airway diseases, highlighting their unique properties, and promising therapeutic approaches. Finally, the book concludes with a chapter on future directions, exploring emerging trends and potential advancements in the field. This book will be a valuable resource for academics, caregivers, researchers, and industry professionals working in the field of airway allergic diseases. It includes translational and clinical researchers, under-graduates and postgraduates (Masters), PhDs, and post-doctoral researchers of various disciplines, including pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, immunology, and medical and health sciences.

The effects of climate change on food safety and plant health represent a relatively new area of study. However, evidence from recent studies is clear: climate change contributes to increased and new food safety & plant health risks as one of several global change factors. This volume analyzes the scientific understanding of the relationship between climate change, food safety, plant pests, plant diseases, and trade. It identifies and discusses four key areas for future policy consideration: risk assessment, SPS capacity in developing countries, climate change resilience, and basic research challenges. We must effectively communicate the impacts of climate change on plant health and build the capacity of national plant protection organizations. More importantly, we need to mobilize resources that will help build stronger national phytosanitary systems that can prevent the spread of plant pests, thereby protecting our food sources and environment, and facilitating safe trade.

COX-2 inhibitors are important drugs with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The discovery of COX-2, the evolution of drug development in this field and the implications of these developments in patient therapy are topics of this volume. This book presents both pre-clinical and clinical information and is important for clinicians interested in the latest information about this class of drugs, for researchers and for students in the field.

This book synthesizes the key concepts of immunosuppression and immunomodulation. A comprehensive understanding of these processes is necessary to develop vaccines and therapeutic interventions for diseases.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of phagocytosis and related cells in the immune response. It presents the basics of phagocytosis as well as discusses management and therapeutic strategies for infections.

Unveils how the immune system works and explores strategies for harnessing its potential for maintaining good health.

Gene therapy was conceived during the early and mid part of the 20th century. At first, it was considered a revolutionary biomedical procedure, which could potentially cure any disease for which the molecular bases were understood. Since then, gene therapy has gone through many stages and has evolved from a nearly unrealistic perspective to a real life application. Clinical efficacy in humans was demonstrated at the beginning of this century after its successful application in small-scale clinical trials to cure severe immunodeficiency in children. However, their successes were overshadowed some time later by the occurrence of vector-related leukaemia in a number of treated children.