Biotechnology: From Theories to Practice
Biotechnology is an area of biology which involves the use of living organisms to create products or processes for human use. Human society has benefitted tremendously from biotechnology, as evident in the cultivation of plants, domestication of animals and manufacture of biopharmaceutics. However, the technological bases for biotechnology are the breakthroughs in genetic engineering and molecular biology in the late 20th century. The understanding of the structure of DNA and the techniques to manipulate it have led to the emergence of transgenic animals, genetically modified crops, the Human Genome Project, and cutting-edge research in bioinformatics. Cloning and stem cell technology are some of its modern tools. Biotechnology has extended beyond its domain of application in health care and agriculture, and stepped into environmental remediation and industry. There has been rapid progress in this field and its applications are finding their way across multiple industries. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies on biotechnology have been included in this book. It is a vital tool for all researching and studying this field.
Evolutionary Biology: Past, Present and Future
Evolutionary biology is a subfield of biology concerned with the study of evolutionary processes, which are at the core of the emergence of complex and diverse life on Earth. Among these processes are the mechanisms of common descent, natural selection and speciation. The genetic architecture of adaptation, molecular evolution, and the forces of sexual selection, biogeography and genetic drift are explored and studied under the domain of evolutionary biology. Research in evolutionary biology covers diverse themes from molecular genetics to computer science. One dimension of research strives to explain the phenomena of speciation and evolvability, and the evolution of aging, cooperation and sexual reproduction. This book is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex advancements in the field of evolutionary biology. It presents this complex subject in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. For someone with an interest and eye for detail, this book covers the most significant topics in this field.
Fundamental Concepts of Biology
Biology is a branch of natural science which deals with the study of life and living organisms. It focuses on their physical structure, molecular interactions, physiological mechanisms, chemical processes, development and evolution. It considers cells as the fundamental unit of life and genes as the basic unit of heredity. It also perceives evolution as the force that is responsible for the creation and extinction of species. There are a number of sub-disciplines within biology such as theoretical biology and experimental biology. Theoretical biology uses mathematical methods for the formulation of quantitative models. Experimental biology conducts empirical experiments for testing the validity of proposed theories and understanding the mechanisms underlying life. This textbook is a valuable compilation of topics, ranging from the basic to the most complex theories and principles in the field of biology. Some of the diverse topics covered herein address the varied branches that fall under this category. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.
Lipids: Biochemistry and Health
A biomolecule that is soluble in nonpolar solvents is called lipid. They are sometimes defined as amphiphilic or hydrophobic small molecules. Hydrocarbons that are used to dissolve other naturally occurring hydrocarbon lipid molecules, which do not dissolve in water such as waxes sterols, triglycerides, fatty acids, etc., are called non-polar solvents. Lipids perform various biological functions that include signaling, acting as structural components of the cell membrane and storing energy. It encompasses molecules such as fatty acids and their derivatives as well as other sterol-containing metabolites such as cholesterol. Their applications are present in nanotechnology as well as in the cosmetic and food industries. Lipids are divided into various categories such as prenol lipids, glycerolipids, sphingolipids, sterol lipids, etc. Different approaches, evaluations, methodologies and advanced studies on lipids have been included in this book. It presents this complex subject in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. This book is a resource guide for experts as well as students.
Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithms
Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithms, Second Edition provides an introduction to all major nature-inspired algorithms for optimization. The book's unified approach, balancing algorithm introduction, theoretical background and practical implementation, complements extensive literature with case studies to illustrate how these algorithms work. Topics include particle swarm optimization, ant and bee algorithms, simulated annealing, cuckoo search, firefly algorithm, bat algorithm, flower algorithm, harmony search, algorithm analysis, constraint handling, hybrid methods, parameter tuning and control, and multi-objective optimization. This book can serve as an introductory book for graduates, for lecturers in computer science, engineering and natural sciences, and as a source of inspiration for new applications.
Introduction to Biology
Biology is a branch of science which deals with the study of life and living organisms. It observes the physical structure, molecular interactions, physiological mechanisms, evolution and development of organisms. It is a natural science that includes the study of the cell as a basic unit of life, genes as the basic unit of inheritance and evolution as the force that drives the creation and extinction of species. There are various branches of biology, such as anatomy, microbiology, botany, cell biology and genetics. Anatomy is the study of the structures of organisms and microbiology studies the microorganisms as well as their interaction with other living things. Botany is involved in the study of plants and cell biology is the study of cell and the molecular and chemical interactions that occur within living cells. Genetics is a branch of biology that examines and studies genes and heredity in organisms. This book provides comprehensive insights into the field of biology. Some of the diverse topics covered herein address the varied branches that fall under this category. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.
Understanding Evolution
Why do the debates about evolution persist, despite the plentiful evidence for it? Breaking down the notion that public resistance to evolution is strictly due to its perceived conflict with religion, this concise book shows that evolution is in fact a counterintuitive idea that is difficult to understand. Kostas Kampourakis, an experienced science educator, takes an insightful, interdisciplinary approach, providing an introduction to evolutionary theory written with clarity and thoughtful reasoning. Topics discussed include evolution in the public sphere, evolution and religion, the conceptual obstacles to understanding evolution, the development of Darwin's theory, the most important evolutionary concepts, as well as evolution and the nature of science. Understanding Evolution presents evolutionary theory with a lucidity and vision that readers will quickly appreciate, and is intended for anyone wanting an accessible and concise guide to evolution.
Origin of Life
It seems likely that scientists will someday discover how life can emerge on habitable planets like the early Earth and Mars. In Origin of Life: What Everyone Needs to Know(R) , David W. Deamer has written a comprehensive guide to the origin of life that is organized in three sections. The first section addresses questions such as: Where do the atoms of life come from? How old is Earth? What was the Earth like before life began? Where does water come from? After each question is answered, there is a follow-up: How do we know? This expands the horizon of the book, explaining how scientists reach conclusions and why we can trust these answers. The second section describes how certain organic molecules can spontaneously assemble into populations of protocells that can undergo selection and evolve toward primitive living systems. Here Deamer proposes a truly novel concept that life did not begin in the ocean but instead in fresh water hot springs on volcanic land masses resembling Hawaii today. True knowledge is not just what we know, but equally important is what we don't yet know. In the third section Deamer lists the outstanding questions that must be addressed before we can finally answer a fundamental question of biology: How can life begin?
Super-Food f羹r Wissenshungrige!
Dieses Sachbuch r瓣umt mit Mythen rund um eine gesunde und ausgewogene Ern瓣hrung auf, denn was ist schon die richtige Ern瓣hrung? Veganismus, Steinzeitkost, Clean Eating - Spezial-Di瓣ten sind beliebt. Ob sie auch gesund sind, erfahren sie in diesem Buch, einer Sammlung aus 27 allgemein verst瓣ndlichen Beitr瓣gen aus Spektrum der Wissenschaft und spektrum.de . Klar ist, dass nicht zu viele stark verarbeitete Fertigprodukte auf dem Tisch stehen sollten. Doch Ern瓣hrung ist viel mehr als die Summe der Inhaltsstoffe in den verzehrten Lebensmitteln. Essen ist ein "kulturelles Totalph瓣nomen". Das hei?t, es spielen psychische sowie gesellschaftliche Faktoren eine gro?e Rolle dabei, was wir essen. Darum essen M瓣nner auch etwas anderes als Frauen, darum unterscheiden sich Speisepl瓣ne auf der ganzen Welt und darum werden Ess-Entscheidungen gro?teils nicht mit dem Verstand sondern mit dem Gef羹hl getroffen. Genie?en Sie also die hier aufgetischten Fakten undstillen Sie Ihren Wissenshunger.
Materials for Medical Application
This book gives an introduction to the highly interdisciplinary field of biomaterials. It concisely summarizes properties, synthesis and modification of materials such as metals, ceramics, polymers or composites. Characterization, in vitro and in vivo testing as well as a selection of various applications are also part of this inevitable guide.
The Contribution of Food Oral Processing
When food is ingested, it remains in the mouth for a short period of time. Although this period is brief compared to the total food nutrient digestion and absorption time, it is crucially important, as it is the first step in digestion. It is also very important that, while the food is in the mouth, it is perceived by the senses and then a decision is made on swallowing. Oral sensory perception is an integrative response, which is generated in very short time (normally a few seconds) from complex information gathered from multiple sources during mastication and swallowing. Consequently, food oral processing studies include many orientations. This Special Issue brings together a small range of studies with a diversity of approaches that provide good examples of the complexity and multidisciplinarity of the subject.
Physiological and Pathological Role of ROS
ROS were long considered one of the key players in tissue injury. Indeed, overproduction of ROS results in oxidative stress, a process leading to the development of many pathological conditions. For the treatment of these conditions, the use of antioxidants was proposed. Over time, it was shown that ROS at low concentrations act as signaling molecules, leading to the regulation of physiological functions. Moreover, several interventions that increase ROS generation activate stress-adaptive responses that extend the lifespan. It was also shown that excessive use of antioxidants can counter the beneficial effects of ROS. Currently, much progress has been made in understanding the role of ROS in human diseases and aging, as well as in the regulation of physiological functions, and in identifying the signaling pathways involved in ROS. However, much remains to be understood about the mutual interactions among signaling pathways underlying organisms' adaptive responses, their modifications (which occur during aging), and some disease states. The aim of this Special Issue is to underline the effects of ROS production and antioxidant treatment in living organisms, focusing on their impact on health, disease, and aging.
Molecular Genetics and Pathogenesis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Related Connective Tissue Disorders
Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of heritable connective tissue disorders (HCTDs) characterized by a variable degree of skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility and tissue fragility. The current EDS classification distinguishes 13 subtypes and 19 different causal genes mainly involved in collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis and maintenance. EDS need to be differentiated from other HCTDs with a variable clinical overlap, including Marfan syndrome and related disorders, some types of skeletal dysplasia and cutis laxa. The clinical recognition of EDS is not always straightforward, and, for a definite diagnosis, molecular testing can be of great assistance, especially in patients with an uncertain phenotype. Currently, the major challenging task in EDS is to unravel the molecular basis of the hypermobile EDS that is the most frequent form, and for which the diagnosis is only clinical in the absence of any definite laboratory test. This EDS subtype, as well as other EDS-reminiscent phenotypes, are currently investigated worldwide to unravel the primary genetic defect and related pathomechanisms. The research articles, case report, and reviews published in the Special Issue entitled "Molecular Genetics and Pathogenesis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Related Connective Tissue Disorders" focus on different clinical, genetic and molecular aspects of several EDS subtypes and some related disorders, offering novel findings and future research and nosological perspectives.
Chromatin, Epigenetics and Plant Physiology
This eBook focuses on current progress in understanding the role of chromatin structure, its modifications and remodeling in developmental and physiological processes. Eukaryotic genomes are packed into the supramolecular nucleoprotein structure of chromatin. Therefore, our understanding of processes such as DNA replication and repair, transcription, and cell differentiation requires an understanding of the structure and function of chromatin. While the nucleotide sequence of the DNA component of chromatin constitutes the genetic material of the cell, the other chromatin components (and also modifications of bases in the DNA itself) participate in so-called epigenetic processes. These processes are essential, e.g., in ontogenesis or adaptation to environmental changes. Therefore, epigenetics is particularly important (and elaborated) in plants that show a high developmental plasticity and, as sessile organisms, display an enormous capacity to cope with environmental stress. In these processes, epigenetic mechanisms show a crosstalk with plant signaling pathways mediated by phytohormones and redox components. You are welcome to read examples of current research and review articles in this hot research topic.
Natural Phenolic Compounds for Health, Food and Cosmetic Applications
Based on their potent antioxidant properties, the possible exploitation of natural phenolic compounds as food supplements as well as functional ingredients in the food and cosmetic industry is gaining more and more attention. This book contains original research articles and a review reporting innovative applications of natural phenolic compounds in the field of nutrition and biomedicine, as active ingredients for the prevention of oxidative-stress-related diseases, and as additives in smart food packaging, biomedical devices, and cosmetic products. The growing importance of agri-food wastes as easily accessible sources of phenolic compounds as well as of synthetic derivatives of natural compounds with improved antioxidant properties is also highlighted. Finally, novel technologies to improve extraction yields, stability, bioavailability, and delivery of antioxidant compounds for healthcare products or for skin applications are described.
Plant Organelle DNA Maintenance
This book provides reviews and primary research articles that discuss the replication, repair, maintenance, and structures of plant organelle genomes. Rearrangements of these genomes are common and provide a way to distinguish closely related plant species. Some articles in the book discuss recent advances in identifying specific proteins and potential mechanisms involved in DNA replication, recombination, and repair in plant mitochondria and chloroplasts.
Salt Taste, Nutrition, and Health
Salt (NaCl) is a key component of the human diet because it provides the sodium ion (Na+), an essential mineral for our body. Na+ regulates extracellular fluid volume and plays a key role in many physiological processes, such as the generation of nerve impulses. Na+ is lost continuously through the kidneys, intestine, and sweating. Thus, to maintain proper bodily balance, losses have to be balanced with foods containing this cation. The need for salt explains our ability to detect Na+ in foodstuffs: Na+ elicits a specific taste sensation called "salty", and gustatory sensitivity to this cation is crucial for regulating its intake. Indeed, the widespread use of salt in food products for flavoring and to improve their palatability exploits our sense of taste for Na+. When consumed in excess, however, salt might be detrimental to health because it may determine an increase in blood pressure-a major risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases. Understanding how salt taste works and how it affects food preference and consumption is therefore of paramount importance for improving human nutrition. This book comprises cutting-edge research dealing with salt taste mechanisms relevant for nutrition and health.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Horses
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global problem with extremely complex epidemiology involving the direct and indirect transmission of antibiotic resistant pathogens and mobile genetic elements between humans, animals, and the environment. AMR is, therefore, recognized as a 'One Health' issue. Data that describe AMR prevalence and trends are required to enable the judicious and prudent use of antimicrobials in animals, which has implications both from veterinary and animal welfare aspects as well as from a zoonotic and public health perspective. Horses are a potential reservoir of AMR for humans due to close human-animal contact, as was demonstrated with shared human and horse methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains causing outbreaks in equine hospitals. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae, considered as clinically and economically important to the AMR burden in human and veterinary medicine, has been reported in both community and clinic equine populations. Strains of Enterobacteriaceae pose a major worldwide threat due to the geographical expansion of ESBL-producing clones as well as the horizontal interspecies dissemination of ESBL-encoding plasmids and genes. In human medicine, ESBL-E infection is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, delay of targeted appropriate treatment, and higher costs. These issues also need to be addressed in horses. This Special Issue on AMR in horses encompasses several papers that describe the prevalence, risk factors, and molecular data on MDR bacteria in healthy horses in Canada, Japan, Spain, and Israel, in addition to papers that describe the clinical impact of MDR bacteria in diseased horses in Austria, USA, France and Israel.
Advances in Biomedicine
This book gathers multidisciplinary articles that present advances of our understanding of diseases and the effective treatment of patients. The authors share recent clinical and experimental research findings, highlighting poorly understood areas with uncertain treatment outcomes, such as giant-cell bone tumors and their propensity to metastasize to the lungs; subterranean rehabilitation in pulmonary disorders; male reproductive hormone regulation during physical exercise in hyperbaric, hyperoxic environments, like underwater diving; and amelioration of cognitive decline owing to increased cerebral blood transit time after internal carotid artery stenting. Other topics include new concepts and innovations in the treatment of diabetes in pregnancy, and leg ulcers in chronic venous insufficiency, as well as molecular research on the toxic effects of oxidative stress, impaired cell autophagy, and experimental conditions resembling air pollution. Featuring the latest interdisciplinary advances in biomedicine, this book is a valuable resource for medical professionals, both academics and practitioners, and all allied health-care workers.
Spinal Evolution
0 Yoel Rak, IntroductionHominoids1 Gabrielle E. Russo, Cranial base in Hominoids in relation to posture and locomotion2 Thierra K. Nalley, Neysa Grider-Potter, Mikel Arlegi, Vertebral morphology in hominoids, posture and locomotion: I-the cervical spine3 Liza Shapiro, Vertebral morphology in hominoids, posture and locomotion: II-the thoracic and the lumbar spine4 Masato Nakatsukasa, The spinal plasticity: changes in spinal morphology due to locomotor changes: the example of Japanese macaquesModern humans5 Jeannie Bailey, Patricia Kramer, Lumbar lordosis and motion: implications for fossil hominins6 Eric Castillo, Dan Lieberman, Biomechanical models of the spine, evolutionary perspective7 Leonid Kalichman, Ella Been, Spinal posture and spinal pathology in modern humans8 Katherine Whitcome, Sexual dimorphism of the axial skeleton9 Sandra Martelli, Spinal ontogeny and evolutionMethodology10 Ella Been, Reconstruction of the spinal curvatures based on skeletal material11 Markus Bastir, The use of geometric morphometrics in the study of the human spine12 Kate Robson Brown, Infant vertebral cancellous bone ontogeny (Neanderthals and modern humans)13 Patricia Kramer, Finite Element Analysis of the vertebral spine- implications to human evolutionExtinct hominins14 Scott Williams, The spine of Australopith15 Marc Meyer, The spine of Early Homo16 Asier G籀mez-Olivencia, Ella Been, The spine of Late Homo17 Martin Haeusler, Spinal paleopathology in homininsFinal chapter, Been et al., Future perspectives into the study of the human spine and its evolution
Legume Genetics and Biology
Legumes have played an important part as human food and animal feed in cropping systems since the dawn of agriculture. The legume family is arguably one of the most abundantly domesticated crop plant families. Their ability to symbiotically fix nitrogen and improve soil fertility has been rewarded since antiquity and makes them a key protein source. Pea was the original model organism used in Mendel織s discovery of the laws of inheritance, making it the foundation of modern plant genetics. This book based on Special Issue provides up-to-date information on legume biology, genetic advances, and the legacy of Mendel.
Olfaction
Our senses shape our reality and allow us to adapt to the everlasting changing environment. From all sensory modalities, olfaction is maybe the most intriguing one, probably because olfactory information influences our daily life without us even noticing. However, we can all relate to the powerful impact that the smell of our favorite food has on us. Likewise, olfactory cues could be determinants for partner selection (because love can be blind but not anosmic), mood regulation and cognition. Furthermore, recent studies link early olfactory dysfunctions to the occurrence of devastating pathologies, such as Alzheimer織s and Parkinson織s. Thus, the study of olfaction, at different levels from genetics to behavior, will pave the way for a better understanding of brain processes and associated disorders.
The Origin of Plant Structures
The Origin of Plant Structures - by Self-Adaptation to the Enviornment is an unchanged, high-quality reprint of the original edition of 1895. Hansebooks is editor of the literature on different topic areas such as research and science, travel and expeditions, cooking and nutrition, medicine, and other genres. As a publisher we focus on the preservation of historical literature. Many works of historical writers and scientists are available today as antiques only. Hansebooks newly publishes these books and contributes to the preservation of literature which has become rare and historical knowledge for the future.
Dental Implant Macrogeometry and Biomaterials
Dental implant treatments are widely used and can be an option for lost teeth. Most treatment alternatives are limited due to bone structure, bone density, and patient's health condition. This book is focused on simple and complicated clinical cases, different types and designs of implants, and also the way to obtain bone-to-implant contact. We have also sought to assess different biomaterials, bone stimulators, and types of dental implants that can reduce the gap, protect the peri-implant bone, and increase the aesthetics. The relationship of bone formation and biomaterials with dental implants is the key factor in bringing back the full reconstruction of soft and hard tissues. Additionally, the type of materials used for implant development are extremely important, especially in relation to strength and bending forces. The contact and protection of bundle bone with both biomaterials and implants will provide highly predictable success in aesthetics and function.
Studies on the Biological Treatment of Wastewater from Starch Industry for Pollution Control
Doctoral Thesis / Dissertation from the year 2020 in the subject Biology - Miscellaneous, grade: A, National Institute Of Technology Durgapur (National Institute of Technology Durgapur), course: PhD in Biotechnology, language: English, abstract: The present research work was undertaken for the biological treatment of starch industry wastewater for pollution control. Starch industry effluent generates a large volume of wastewater with strong acidity and enormous carbon and nitrogen pollutants. In the present study, the development of low pH methanogens and anammox microorganisms were given special attention. Low pH methanogenic reactor and anammox reactor were fabricated for the biological treatment of corn starch industry effluent. In the first part of the work, low pH tolerant methanogens were isolated from peat bog of leaf debris. It showed the presence of Gram-negative, non-spore forming, and cocci with creamish black colour colonies. The leaf debris inoculum was taken for optimum COD removal under anaerobic conditions. Identification and isolation of anammox group of bacteria were performed using enrichment and 16S rRNA amplicon analysis. The objective of the study was to remove ammonia under the anaerobic condition from starch industry effluent. The media optimization using carbon and nitrogen source was undertaken which is required for anammox enrichment. The physical growth factors like temperature and pH were optimized. The optimized temperature and pH were 39 0C and 7.2 respectively. Some restrictive growth factors like salinity and antibiotic concentration were also studied which were found insignificant in our study. Finally, the overall process was scaled up in the laboratory reactor. The reactor study revealed that in the anaerobic reactor 1.16 kg COD/kg VSS/d was removed producing 42-46% methane as output gas. The anammox reactor was able to reduce 82% nitrogen load from starch industry effluent at the rate of 1.5 kg/m3/d after 568 days of initiatio
Lichen Secondary Metabolites
This revised and extended edition provides in-depth insights into the benefits and untapped potential of lichen-derived bioactive compounds. The whole spectrum of these compounds' biological and medical functions, from antibiotic to antiviral and anti-carcinogenic properties, is presented. In addition, a new chapter discusses the anti-neurodegenerative and anti-diabetic activities of lichenic secondary metabolites. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable asset for students and researchers in this field.
Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Volume 249
Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology attempts to provide concise, critical reviews of timely advances, philosophy and significant areas of accomplished or needed endeavor in the total field of xenobiotics, in any segment of the environment, as well as toxicological implications.
Cell Biology and Translational Medicine, Volume 5Stem Cells: Translational Science to Therapy
Benjamin W. Streeter, Michael E. Davis Therapeutic Cardiac Patches for Repairing the Myocardium Nidheesh Dadheech and AM James Shapiro Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in the Curative Treatment of Diabetes and Potential Impediments Ahead Selami Demirci, PhD, Alexis Leonard, MD, Juan J. Haro-Mora, PhD, Naoya Uchida, MD, PhD and John F Tisdale, MD CRISPR/Cas9 for Sickle Cell Disease: Applications, Future possibilities, and Challenges David Richards, Joe Swift, Lu Shin Wong, Stephen M. Richardson; Photoresponsive Hydrogels with Photoswitchable Stiffness: Emerging Platforms to Study Temporal Aspects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Responses to Extracellular Stiffness Regulation Isabel Calejo, Raquel Costa-Almeida, Manuela E. Gomes; Cellular complexity at the interface: Challenges in enthesis tissue engineering BURCU TALUG AND ZEYNEP TOKCAER KESKIN; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Disease Modelling and Regeneration Ayşeg羹l Mendi, Hacer Ulut羹rk, Mustafa Sancar Ata癟, Derviş Yılmaz; Stem cells for the oromaxillofacial area: Could they be a promising source for regeneration in dentistry? Safa AYDIN, Fikrettin ŞAHİN; Stem Cells Derived from Dental Tissues H羹seyin Abdik, Ezgi Avsar Abdik, Ayşen Aslı Hızlı Deniz, Pakize Neslihan Taşlı, Fikrettin Şahin; A Novel Virtue in Stem Cell Research: Exosomes and Their Role in Differentiation Taha Bartu Hayal, Binnur Kıratlı, Hatice Burcu Şişli, Fikrettin Şahin, Ayşeg羹l Doğan; Mesenchymal Stem Cells as Regulators of Carcinogenesis
Early Life Origins of Ageing and Longevity
Preface SECTION I. OVERVIEW1. Epidemiology of Early Nutrition and Adult Health: Metabolic Adaptations and Body Composition 2. General Biology of the Developmental Origins of Health SECTION II. EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF DOHAD3. Early Life Programming of Aging in Genetically Long-Lived Mice4. Immunological Basis of In Utero Programming of Adult Disease5. Early Life Developmental Programming of the GH/IGF Axis and Long-Term Health6. Early Life Nutritional Programming of Adult Health Status7. The Interplay between Dopamine and Environment as the Biological Basis for the Early Origins of Mental Health8. The Developmental Origins of Osteoporosis 9. Nutrigenomics as a Strategy for Neuronal Health SECTION III. EPIDEMIOLOGICAL EVIDENCE10. Prenatal Undernutrition and Ageing and Longevity'11. Influence of Maternal Obesity on the Long-Term Health of Offspring12. Prenatal Exposure to Famine and Ageing13. Why is Parental Lifespan Linked to Children's Chances of Reaching a High Age? A Transgenerational Hypothesis14. Early-Life Adjustment of Epigenetic Aging Clock SECTION IV. PERSPECTIVES AND IMPLICATIONS15. Public Health and Social Policy Perspectives on DOHaD Index
Targeting Chitin-Containing Organisms
This book provides a comprehensive overview of chitin biology and chitin metabolism related enzymes. Chitin, the second most abundant biopolymer in nature after to cellulose, is a linear biopolymer composed of β-1,4-linked N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), and an essential component in the exoskeletons of insects, mites, ticks and crustaceans, the egg shells of parasitic nematodes, and fungal cell walls. Although some chitin-containing organisms are a threat to human health, food safety and agricultural production, non-chitin containing organisms like humans, mammals and plants have an innate immune response to these hazardous organisms. The book provides researchers and students with information on the recent research advances concerning the biology of chitin-containing organisms as well as cross-talks between chitin-containing and non-chitin-containing organisms. Highlighting chitin remodeling enzymes and inhibitors, it also offers drug developers essential insights into designing specific molecules for the control of hazardous chitin-containing organisms.
Plant Microbe Interface
This book shares the latest insights into the genetic basis of molecular communication between plants and their microbial consortia. Further, the book highlights the capabilities of the rhizosphere and endosphere, which help manage ecosystem responses to climate change, nutrient cycling and sequestration of carbon; and discusses their application to the development and management of renewable energy sources.In their natural environments, plants are surrounded by a tremendous number of microorganisms. Some microbes directly interact with plants in a mutually beneficial fashion, while others colonize plants solely for their own advantage. In addition, microbes can indirectly affect plants by drastically altering their environments. Understanding the complex nature of the plant-microbe interface (PMI) can pave the way for novel strategies to improve plant productivity in an eco-friendly manner.The PMI approach focuses on understanding the physical, molecular, and chemical interactions between organisms in order to determine their functional roles in biological, physical, chemical and environmental systems. Although several metabolites from plants and microbes have now been fully characterized, their roles in chemical interactions between these associates remain poorly understood, and require further investigation.
High-Density Lipoproteins as Biomarkers and Therapeutic ToolsVolume 2. Improvement and Enhancement of Hdl and Clinical Applications
Chapter 1. Improvement of HDL.- 1-1.Clinical application of HDL: Overview.- 1-2.Regression effect of V156K-apoA-I.- 1-3.Anti-diabetic effect of V156K-apoA-I.- 1-4.Vitamin C and HDL.- 1-5.Growth hormone-1 in HDL.- 1-6.Growth hormone-2 in HDL.- 1-7.Omega-3 and HDL.- Chapter 2. HDL as therapeutic tools.- 2-1.Delivery vehicle for therapeutics: Overview.- 2-2.Gene delivery: adenovirus and V156K-apoA-I.- 2-3.Solubilization of rapamycin and delivery.- 2-4.Solubilization of minoxidil and delivery.- Chapter 3. Enhancement of HDL by policosanol: anti-aging and longevity.- 3-1.Policosanol and HDL functionality.- 3-2.Policosanol and raising HDL in zebrafish.- 3-3.Policosanol and CETP inhibition: human trial 8 weeks.- 3-4.Policosanol and blood pressure lowering: human trial 8 weeks.- 3-5.Policosanol blood pressure lowering human trial for 24 weeks.- 3-6.Policosanol and improvement of aortic stiffness.- 3-7.Policosanol and blood pressure lowering in rat model.- 3-8.Twelve week consumption of policosanol and lowering blood pressure.- 3-9.Publication analysis of policosanol-related studies.- 3-10.Athero-protective effects of policosanol and sugar cane wax acid.- 3-11.Cuban sugarcane wax acids and policosanol improved serum lipid profiles.- Summary and perspectives.- Epilogue.
High-Density Lipoproteins as Biomarkers and Therapeutic ToolsVolume 1. Impacts of Lifestyle, Diseases, and Environmental Stressors on Hdl
This book is the first of two volumes that offer a comprehensive, up-to-date account of current knowledge regarding high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the changes that occur in HDL under different conditions, the clinical applications of HDL, and means of enhancing HDL functionality. HDL comprises a diverse group of lipoproteins and its composition and metabolism are dynamic. In this volume, the focus is on the changes observed in HDL under different health statuses, with particular attention to the functional and structural correlations of HDL and apolipoprotein A-1. The impacts of a wide variety of factors on HDL are examined in depth, covering, for example, diet, exercise, smoking, age, diverse diseases, and different forms of environmental pollution. It has long been known that HDL has anti-atherosclerotic and antidiabetic properties, and more recently its anti-aging activities have been recognized. These benefits of HDL are highly dependent on its lipids, proteins, apolipoproteins, and enzymes, and specifically their composition and ratios. In documenting the latest knowledge in this field, this volume will be of interest to both researchers and clinicians.
Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Volume 248
Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology attempts to provide concise, critical reviews of timely advances, philosophy and significant areas of accomplished or needed endeavor in the total field of xenobiotics, in any segment of the environment, as well as toxicological implications.
Charles Darwin's Incomplete RevolutionThe Origin of Species and the Static Worldview
This book offers a thorough reanalysis of Charles Darwin's Origin of Species, which for many people represents the work that alone gave rise to evolutionism. Of course, scholars today know better than that. Yet, few resist the temptation of turning to the Origin in order to support it or reject it in light of their own work. Apparently, Darwin fills the mythical role of a founding figure that must either be invoked or repudiated. The book is an invitation to move beyond what is currently expected of Darwin's magnum opus. Once the rhetorical varnish of Darwin's discourses is removed, one discovers a work of remarkably indecisive conclusions. The book comprises two main theses: (1) The Origin of Species never remotely achieved the theoretical unity to which it is often credited. Rather, Darwin was overwhelmed by a host of phenomena that could not fit into his narrow conceptual framework. (2) In the Origin of Species, Darwin failed at completing the full conversion to evolutionism. Carrying many ill-designed intellectual tools of the 17th and 18th centuries, Darwin merely promoted a special brand of evolutionism, one that prevented him from taking the decisive steps toward an open and modern evolutionism. It makes an interesting read for biologists, historians and philosophers alike.
Emerging Sample Treatments in Proteomics
Proteomics is a well-established area of Science; yet with a strong area in constant evolution, namely sample treatment. There few books that currently cover the field of emerging sample treatments in proteomics, this new volume will be the first to cover all emerging and existing studies. This unique book presents the latest advances in the field focusing on emerging trends linked to high-resolution mass spectrometry, technology addressed to treat samples faster and to attempts to simplify the proteome for the reader.
Fungi in Extreme Environments: Ecological Role and Biotechnological Significance
Over the last decades, scientists have been intrigued by the fascinating organisms that inhabit extreme environments. These organisms, known as extremophiles, thrive in habitats which for other terrestrial life-forms are intolerably hostile or even lethal. Based on such technological advances, the study of extremophiles has provided, over the last few years, ground-breaking discoveries that challenge the paradigms of modern biology. In the new bioeconomy, fungi in general, play a very important role in addressing major global challenges, being instrumental for improved resource efficiency, making renewable substitutes for products from fossil resources, upgrading waste streams to valuable food and feed ingredients, counteracting life-style diseases and antibiotic resistance through strengthening the gut biota, making crop plants more robust to survive climate change conditions, and functioning as host organisms for production of new biological drugs. This range ofnew uses of fungi all stand on the shoulders of the efforts of mycologists over generations. The book is organized in five parts: (I) Biodiversity, Ecology, Genetics and Physiology of Extremophilic Fungi, (II) Biosynthesis of Novel Biomolecules and Extremozymes (III) Bioenergy and Biofuel synthesis, and (IV) Wastewater and biosolids treatment, and (V) Bioremediation.
Medical Science and Research
This book shares the latest research and practice-oriented findings in medical sciences with a wide audience. It addresses a range of contemporary issues, often unresolved or contentious, across various medical fields, including advances in the management of hemorrhagic brain stroke. It also discusses metastatic renal cell carcinoma - a global scourge with an extremely poor long-term survival prognosis, the course and sequelae of renal cell carcinoma, as well as advances in targeted molecular therapy with sunitinib, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Further, it examines the molecular targeting of proliferative signaling of the epidermal growth factor receptor in the first-line treatment of patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. Other articles cover clearance of toxins in hemodialyzed patients; the search for diagnostic and therapeutic markers in the connective tissue disease scleroderma; obesity linked to inappropriate dietary habit; clinical problems related to the diagnosis of sensitization to fungi and its role in asthma; and reasons for the perilous trend of avoiding basic vaccinations in children. Lastly, the book explores the rapid developments in e-health technologies that increase access to health services, particularly for the elderly. The book is intended for clinical specialists, researchers, and all allied health professionals from various fields.
Direct Mechanisms in Cholesterol Modulation of Protein Function
In this book, renowned scientists describe how cholesterol interacts with various proteins. Recent progress made in the high-resolution visualization of cholesterol-protein interactions using crystallography and cryogenic electron microscopy has substantially advanced the knowledge of critical features. These features enable specific recognition of the cholesterol molecule by proteins, a process that was built on earlier studies using binding assays, computational modeling and site-directed mutagenesis. Direct Mechanisms in Cholesterol Modulation of Protein Function offers comprehensive insights into the current understanding of cholesterol-driven modulation of protein function via direct sensing. Its nine chapters are organized into two distinct parts. In the first part, the chapters introduce the reader to the general characteristics of cholesterol binding sites in proteins. This part starts with a tour into common cholesterol recognition motifs, followed by an overview of the major classes of steroid-binding proteins. It then continues with two chapters that present a comprehensive analysis of molecular and structural characteristics of cholesterol binding sites in transmembrane and soluble protein domains. In the second part of the book, examples of cholesterol binding sites and consequences of specific cholesterol recognition for protein function are presented for G protein-coupled receptors, ion channels and cholesterol-transporting proteins. The book is valuable for undergraduate and graduate students in biochemistry and nutrition, as well as basic science and medical researchers with a keen interest in the biophysical properties of cholesterol and physiological consequences of cholesterol presence in biological systems.
Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases
This book reviews the state-of-the-art in stem-cell-based therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, and highlights advances in both animal models and clinical trials. It comprehensively discusses most neurodegenerative diseases, including such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases, amyotrophic sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and retinal degeneration, in which stem cells could potentially be used for therapy in the future. It also addresses the challenges and problems relating to the translation of stem-cell-based therapies into treatments. As such, the book will appeal to research scientists, physicians, graduate students, and medical professionals in the field of stem cells, neuroscience, neurology, neurorestoratology and major neurological disorders.
The Molecular and Cellular Basis of Retinal Diseases
There are more than 300 genes that have been identified which carry mutations that cause various forms of retinal dysfunction and degeneration, making the study of retinal diseases a subject of high relevance. In this compendium of original and review articles, many of the diseases and pathways associated with disorders of the retina are examined using animal models, to provide the reader with a good overview of current retinal research. Within this volume, you will find research reports on many of the most prominent retinal disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and retinitis pigmentosa (RP). We hope that the work presented here will stimulate new ideas and lead to effective treatments for retinal diseases.
Design and Synthesis of Organic Molecules as Antineoplastic Agents
This book is a collection of Special Issue articles with a multidisciplinary character, linking biology, medicine, and synthetic organic chemistry. The synthesis and full characterization of about 180 novel organic species, both of natural and synthetic origin, often designed with the support of in-silico studies, are set out in the book. In several articles, molecular hybridization approaches have been used as a successful multi-target strategy for the design and development of novel antitumor agents. Rigorous and careful biochemical studies ranging from in-vitro experiments on a plethora of human-cancer derived cell lines to in-vivo and ex-vivo studies allowed the authors to identify the molecular targets and gain useful information on structure-activity relationships (SAR). For this reason, this collection should interest many readers from different scientific fields.
Bioactive Lipids and Lipidomics 2018
After the coming of age of lipidomics, the science of global lipid analysis has broadened its contribution to the understanding of biological processes. This volume represents a transversal view on the state of the art of research on lipid biology and bioactive lipid molecules. It includes research and review articles on the role of bioactive lipids in diverse domains like cell signaling, neuromuscular transmission, cancer pathophysiology, cardiovascular and rare diseases, antibacterial activity, the emergency of biomaterials, and associated technological and analytical developments. It provides an instantaneous picture of the place of lipidomics and its fields of application, as well as hints about the directions that lipid research may follow in the near future.
Neuromodulation for Intractable Pain
Over 7% of the Western population suffers from intractable pain. Despite pharmacotherapy, many patients (1.5%) suffer from refractory pain. In addition to the pain, patients continue to be highly debilitated and suffer from depression and anxiety, poor quality of life and loss of employment. An ever enlarging global problem concerns the use of opiates which have risen to dangerous levels. Neuromodulation of the nervous system-where the function of the nervous system is altered by a device-has, over time, emerged as an effective alternative to pharmacotherapy in the management of these patients. In this Special Issue, we discussed the indications, safety, efficacy, mechanisms of action and other aspects of neurmodulation therapies for pain relief. These include peripheral nerve stimulation, peripheral field stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, motor cortex stimulation and deep brain stimulation. We do not intend this Special Issue to be a comprehensive study of pain but a guide to help clinicians to refer patients appropriately and to decide which procedure would best be offered in certain situations.
Biology
An Interactive, Easy-to-Use Introductory Guide to Major Biology Concepts For students looking for a solid introduction to Biology, the new 3rd Edition of Biology: A Teaching Guide is the perfect learning tool. The latest edition has been updated to include the most up-to-date information on everything from photosynthesis to physiology. For students preparing for exams or individuals who want to review material from years past, the step-by-step format is designed to help students and teachers alike easily understand complex concepts, key terms, and frequently asked questions. The guide includes a comprehensive glossary and self-test questions in each chapter, allowing students to reinforce their knowledge and better understand the concepts. In A Teaching Guide, learn about the foundational aspects of biology, including: ● How photosynthesis occurs ● Whether viruses are living or dead ● The reproductive sexual terms behind cloning ● Comprehensive treatment of all aspects of life science Thoroughly updated with self-teaching practice exams and questions, this comprehensive guide is designed to give students the tools they need to master the fundamental concepts and critical definitions behind biology.
The Coming Plague
A New York Times bestseller The definitive account of the infectious diseases threatening humanity by Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Laurie Garrett "Prodigiously researched . . . A frightening vision of the future and a deeply unsettling one." --Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times After decades spent assuming that the conquest of infectious disease was imminent, people on all continents now find themselves besieged by AIDS, drug-resistant tuberculosis, cholera that defies chlorine water treatment, and exotic viruses that can kill in a matter of hours. Relying on extensive interviews with leading experts in virology, molecular biology, disease ecology, and medicine, as well as field research in sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe, Central America, and the United States, Laurie Garrett's The Coming Plague takes readers from the savannas of eastern Bolivia to the rain forests of the northern Democratic Republic of the Congo on a harrowing, fifty year journey through the history of our battles with microbes. This book is a work of investigative reportage like no other and a wake-up call to a world that has become complacent in the face of infectious disease--one that offers a sobering and prescient warning about the dangers of ignoring the coming plague.
It’s Been Four Billion Years
Bothered by the story of life on Earth being told as if it's the story of Humanity? This new "big history" look at life on Earth, presented in minimalistic blank verse with vivid full-color images, recounts the history of life in consistent million-year increments, each page illustrated with a full-color, full-page image appropriate to the time period. It's a quick read, with no more than a dozen lines per page. The net effect is an hour long trip through four billion years that puts us hominids in perspective with viruses, bacteria, and climate change. 202 pages, 202 full-color, full-page illustrations.
A New Approach for Understanding the Mechanism and Drug Design of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Responsive Protein
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a blood cancer. In CML cancer, stem cells of bone marrow form abnormal WBCs that hinder the function of normal RBCs and WBCs. CML occurs due to a chromosomal translocation between BCR gene on Chromosome-22 and ABL gene on Chromosome-9. The purine nucleotide biosynthesis pathway consists of three enzymes (hIMPDH, hGMPS and hGMPR) which are identified to be responsible for CML cancer and they are also involved in cellular metabolic pathways that exhibit elevated levels of activity in rapidly proliferating cells, such as neoplastic and regenerating tissues. These CML responsive proteins exist as type-I and II isoforms. Isoform-II is responsible for CML cancer, whereas isoform-I which keeps a housekeeping role, and observed in normal cells. Our in-silico methods may explore some new biochemical mechanism and novel conformation of this protein that may be effective for future drug discovery. The basic problem for discovery of drugs for CML cancer protein is that all proposed inhibitors bind to CML cancerous and normal protein, as a result both normal and cancer cells lose their function and die. To design the drugs for CML cancerous protein, isoform specific (type-II) drug design techniques were employed in this study and the new inhibitors were identified by computational method using different databases. The computationally designed proposed drugs can be effective to recognize the CML cancer protein and may act as a good drug candidate for CML cancer.
