This volume provides a comprehensive academic review of both positive and negative effects of minerals on human health and quality of life. The book adopts the concept of mineral latu sensu (mineral l.s.), which encompasses a broad spectrum of natural, inorganic, solid, and crystalline, of natural and inorganic chemical elements (metals and metalloids), of modified natural minerals, of biominerals, and of syntetic minerals, all products that branch across the disciplines of earth, soil, environmental, materials, nutrition, and health sciences. Using this broad framework, the authors are able to provide a multidisciplinary assessment on many types of minerals which can be essential, beneficial and hazardous to human health, covering applications in medical geology, medical hydrology or balneotherapy, pharmacology, chemistry, nutrition, and biophysics. The book performs historical analyses of the uses of minerals for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes to better understand current trends and developments in mineral research and human health. The book will be of interest to students, public health officials, environmental agencies and researchers from various disciplines, as well as scientific societies and organizations focusing on medical geology, health resort medicine (crenotherapy, hydrotherapy and climatotherapy), and on pharmaceutical, cosmetic and biomedical applications.

Medical Geology The key to understanding the relationship between the geological environment and human health Medical geology deals with of the impact of environmental factors on the health of individual human beings and communities. In particular, it studies environmental exposure to both macro- and micronutrients in the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere—respectively, soil, water, and airborne dust—which may positively or negatively impact human growth, development, and overall health. The insights contributed by this burgeoning field can aid not only in individual medical cases, but also in assessing disproportionately impacted communities and addressing global medical inequality. Medical Geology: En route to One Health is among the first books to address this vital subject by summarizing recent research in this field. It also serves as an introduction to the multidisciplinary One Health methodology, which unites medical, geological, and environmental insights in one continuous approach to public health. Medical Geology readers will also find: An explanation of the influence of the environment on nutrient availability Case studies of well-documented links between endemic diseases and environmental conditions A systematic analysis of the causes of essential element deficiencies in different world regions Medical Geology is an essential overview of the field, for advanced students as well as medical, environmental, or geological researchers who wish to understand the complex relationship between the geological environment and human health.

Global Malnutrition: Pathology and Complications addresses various types of malnutrition including deficiencies (undernutrition), excesses (overnutrition), and imbalances in a person's intake of nutrients. Malnutrition is considered a global health crisis causing various types of chronic diseases in humans. Malnutrition is very serious when affecting children as the result can be a lifetime of serious health problems. This book addresses the importance of combating undernutrition and overnutrition. It discusses the prevalence of nutritional disorders and epidemics; assesses nutritional requirements for various populations; and focuses on special populations most affected by nutritional disorders. Features: · Covers various diseases caused by poor diet and nutrition · Provides suggestions on preventing malnutrition by improving diet and nutrition · Discusses nutritional disorders and epidemics · Presents information on nutritional requirements in special populations · Contains clinical case studies with critical thinking questions and answers, clinical treatments, and costs Featuring an engaging writing style and excellent flow of material, Global Malnutrition: Pathology and Complications contains practical applications for use in clinical practice. It includes suggestions for improving diet and nutrition in order to prevent malnutrition. Figures enhance content, and questions at the end of the chapters with corresponding answers at the end of the book reinforce the subject matter.

The term nutraceuticals is applied to the products isolated from the herbal sources, nutrients or dietary supplements, processed foods, (cereals, soup and beverages) and specific diets, that may also used as medicine other than nutrition. It usually refers to the foods derived products which may sell in medicinal form, possessing physiological benefits to the host while promoting health and wellness and provide protection against chronic disorders. They may also increase the life expectancy, delay the aging and/or support the structure and function of the body organs. Demand for nutraceuticals with potential to prevent and treat chronic disorders has been interestingly increasing over the past few years. Based on food sources, nutraceuticals are classified into dietary fibers, probiotics, prebiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamins, polyphenols and spices. A dietary supplement is generally considered as product containing vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and medicinal plants that are indented to be used to supplement the diet or a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, extract, or combinations of these ingredients. Broadly, nutraceuticals are any of these ingredients or supplements using for health purposes other than nutrition. This book on the fundamentals of Nutraceuticals is organized in two parts i.e., the introductory aspects of macro- and micro-nutrients, gut microbiota regulation, nutraceuticals and drug interactions, while the second part is focusing on the biological benefits of nutraceuticals in different disease states. Besides, this book is also addressing the safety aspects of nutraceuticals and phytotherapeutic support in pregnancy. Including contributions from the experts in the field, target audience (pharmacists, nutritionists, other healthcare providers, and researchers in food and nutrition sector) will be benefited with the updated literature on nutraceuticals and dietary supplements.

This book delves into the world of natural sources from medicinal plants, microbes, and fungi, to lichen, algae, and clay minerals that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. These sources are rich in bioactive secondary metabolites that have a wide range of applications in various industries, including cosmetics and personal care products. This book provides a comprehensive guide to secondary metabolites for cosmeceutical purposes, regulatory perspectives for cosmeceuticals in different countries, and allergic responses from these secondary metabolites. Additionally, this book discusses the impact of nanotechnology on cosmetic products such as skin and hair care. Bioprospecting of Natural Sources for Cosmeceuticals is a valuable resource for researchers and graduate students in chemistry, botany, biotechnology, microbiology, cosmetic science, and the pharmaceutical sciences. It is also useful for those researching traditional medicine systems and those in the microbiology, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and nanoscience industries.

This book details recent advances in the applications of nanobiofertilizers as a substitute for synthetic fertilizers in boosting food production. With the steady rise of the world’s population, there is a need to increase the production of safe and nutritious food. The constant loss of arable land, as a result of various anthropogenic activities from human action, has become a threat to global biodiversity and ecosystems. Additionally, the issue of climate change has imposed many obstacles to increasing agricultural productivity, especially from biotic and abiotic stressors and temperature-limited environments, such as in high altitudes or seasonally hot regions. Because of these factors, there is a need to adopt sustainable and modern technologies that can boost and improve the rate of food production. One of the cheapest means of enhancing sustainable food production is to explore natural and unlimited beneficial microorganisms, particularly those that can increase the level of soil fertility, improve crop production and health, improve tolerance to stress, support nutrient uptake and availability, and boost natural biodiversity. The synergetic effect of nanotechnology and beneficial microorganisms for the effective bio-fabrication of nanobiofertilizers, is a sustainable solution for producing pesticide-free food. This book provides a deep insight into microbial diversity, recent techniques used for the isolation, screening, and characterization of beneficial microorganisms with eco-friendly attributes, used for bioengineering of nanobiofertilizers, as well as the application of proteomics, metabolomics, genomics, and bioinformatics. The book also covers commercialization, patents, and the business and socio-economic aspects of nanobiofertilizers, as well as the role of policymakers, stakeholders, and government agencies in the translation of nanobioferilizer research into policy. Audience The book is a useful resource for a diverse audience, including industrialists, food industry professionals, agriculturists, agricultural microbiologists, plant pathologists, botanists, microbiologists, biotechnologists, nanotechnologists, microbial biotechnologists, farmers, policymakers, and extension workers.

This book highlights some of the latest advances in nanotechnology and nanomaterials from leading researchers in Ukraine, Europe and beyond. It features contributions presented at the 9th International Science and Practice Conference Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials (NANO2021), which was held on August 25–28, 2021 at Lviv Polytechnic National University, and was jointly organized by the Institute of Physics, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Lviv Polytechnic National University, University of Tartu (Estonia), University of Turin (Italy), Pierre and Marie Curie University (France), European Profiles S.A. (Greece), Representation of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Kyiv, University of Angers (France), Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg (Germany). Internationally recognized experts from a wide range of universities and research institutions share their knowledge and key findings on material properties, behavior, and synthesis. This book’s companion volume also addresses topics such as nano-optics, energy storage, and biomedical applications.

Millions of patients travel abroad every year, and the number of trips around the world to benefit from health services is increasing. The high level of global demand for health services has influenced the rapid development of the tourism industry. Many destinations providing high-quality healthcare services at low prices have emerged. Due to these developments in the industry, the health tourism market, one of the fastest growing markets, has emerged. Countries operating in the industry are also striving to increase their market shares. Therefore, it is important to understand the dynamics of this global phenomenon. Global Perspectives on the Opportunities and Future Directions of Health Tourism provides new theoretical, practical, and strategic insights into the field of health tourism. It discusses in detail the health tourism industry and its importance for the global economy, countries, and destinations. Covering topics such as elderly consumers, historical development, and image and branding, this premier reference source is an essential resource for government officials, hospital administrators, policymakers, business managers and executives, students and educators of higher education, librarians, researchers, and academicians.

This book highlights some of the latest advances in nanotechnology and nanomaterials from leading researchers in Ukraine, Europe and beyond. It features contributions presented at the 10th International Science and Practice Conference Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials (NANO2022), which was held on August 25-27, 2022 at Lviv House of Scientists, and was jointly organized by the Institute of Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, University of Tartu (Estonia), University of Turin (Italy), and Pierre and Marie Curie University (France). Internationally recognized experts from a wide range of universities and research institutions share their knowledge and key findings across diverse areas ranging from quantum optics and nanoelectonics to biophysics.The book will be interesting for leading scientists, advanced undergraduate and graduate students in nanoelectronics, optics, bio-and chemical engineering. This book’s companion volume also addresses topics such as nanostructured surface, nanomaterials, and its applications.

This book introduces the innovative and emerging microbial technologies for the treatment, recycling, and management of industrial, domestic, and municipal water and other wastewater in an environment-friendly and cost-effective manner. It discusses existing methods and technologies, up-gradation of existing technologies, and new technologies. It also highlights opportunities in the existing technologies along with industrial practices and real-life case studies.