Wound Repair and Regeneration
Wound healing plays an integral part of cellular and molecular events. Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a lipid mediator that promotes angiogenesis and cell proliferation and attracts immune cells. S1P plays a role in skin wound healing by altering the expression of its biogenic enzyme, sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1). SphK1 overexpression also leads to less scarring through transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and S1P receptor-2 (S1PR2). IFN-γ might be involved in the proliferation and maturation stages of wound healing through the regulation of neutrophilic inflammatory responses in IFN--deficient (KO) mice. Topical recombinant human (rh)-growth hormone (GH) accelerated pressure ulcer (PU) healing in non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice engrafted with a full-thickness human skin graft model. Matrisome properties of scaffolds that direct fibroblasts in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and liver regeneration are enhanced by hepatocyte-derived angiogenesis via B-cell CLL/lymphoma/nuclear factor-kappa B signaling. Mechanisms of autologous adipose-derived stem cells in some patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), treated by highly active antiretroviral therapy, are elucidated. The cloning and identification of thymosin (Pa-THYs) from Periplaneta americana, the American cockroach, suggest that this molecule could be a potential drug for promoting wound repair. Maresins (MaRs) and macrophages are reviewed, focusing on the potent action of MaRs in the enhancement of M2 macrophage phenotypic profiles to possibly alleviate inflammatory pain.
Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma is an aggressive incurable primary tumor of the central nervous system. Median overall survival is in the range of 1.5 years even in selected clinical trials populations. Many features contribute to this therapeutic challenge including high intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, resistance to therapy, migration and invasion, immunosuppression. With the access of novel highthroughput technologies, significant progress has been made to understand molecular and immunological signatures underlying the pathology of glioblastoma. Clinical trial designs have shifted from investigating broad "one-for-all" treatment approaches to precision oncology designs. The collection of contributions in this book aim at providing researchers and clinicians an update on different aspects of glioblastoma, i.e. progress in basic, preclinical and clinical research.
Natural Compounds as Antimicrobial Agents
The world is full of plants and animals that have their own defenses, producing various substances in their daily fight against bacteria, fungi, or other agents. These products are alternatives to conventional antimicrobials that have a poor reputation with consumers. Many of these compounds are well known; however, the multiple types of structures together with the variable responses depending of the type of biocontrol needed in a wide range of applications, such as clinical, agricultural, general hygiene, and food, necessitates the continuous search for specific applications and the continuous study of how to use these substances. The present book provides a summary of reviews and original research works that explore the multiple alternatives for the use of these compounds.
Movement Biomechanics and Motor Control
This collection of original papers provides an overview of the state of the art of research in the area of human motor control, with an approach that has movement biomechanics as a common base. The reader can find interesting information in this book and a stimulus for new studies and investigations.
Engineering and Technology for Healthcare
Innovation in healthcare is currently a "hot" topic. Innovation allows us to think differently, to take risks and to develop ideas that are far better than existing solutions. Currently, there is no single book that covers all topics related to microelectronics, sensors, data, system integration and healthcare technology assessment in one reference. This book aims to critically evaluate current state-of-the-art technologies and provide readers with insights into developing new solutions. With contributions from a fully international team of experts across electrical engineering and biomedical fields, the book discusses how advances in sensing technology, computer science, communications systems and proteomics/genomics are influencing healthcare technology today.
Frontiers in the Actin Cytoskeleton
This Special Issue of IJMS covers a broad range of cutting-edge aspects related to the organization, function, and role in disease of the actin cytoskeleton. This cellular structure is of fundamental importance for the homeostasis of every eukaryotic cell, from the simplest unicellular organism to the most complex animal cell. The actin cytoskeleton contributes to developing and maintaining cell shape and tissue integrity and is crucial for cell migration, movement of organelles, vesicle trafficking, and the completion of cell division. Elaborate structures like the sarcomere, the inner ear cell stereocilia, and the brush border microvilli are built on actin filament scaffolds. Dozens of actin-binding proteins orchestrate the dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and integrate it with microtubules and intermediate filaments and with the cell signaling machinery. Playing such fundamental roles in a plethora of cellular processes, it comes as no surprise that defects in actin and associated proteins have been found to be implicated in pathological conditions as diverse as myopathies and neurodegenerative diseases. This Special Issue gathers 15 contributions highlighting the impressive advances made in recent years in this exciting field.
Ion Channels of Nociception
The Special Issue "Ion Channels of Nociception" contains 13 articles united by a focus on the peripheral mechanisms of pain. The content covers the mechanisms of neuropathic, inflammatory, and dental pain as well as pain in migraine and diabetes; nociceptive roles of P2X3, ASIC, Piezo and TRP channels; pain control through GPCRs and pharmacological agents; and nonpharmacological treatment with electroacupuncture.
The Role of Selenium in Health and Disease
"Role of selenium in health and disease". This book contains ten articles covering recent advances in our understanding of the relationship between the essential micronutrient selenium and human health and disease. Taken together, these articles strengthen the evidence showing that selenium, as a constituent of selenoproteins, is central to biological stress responses and mechanisms commonly altered in most complex disorders. Relevant to public health concerns, this book also emphasizes the U-shaped dose-response relationship between selenium concentration and disease risk across diverse populations from Europe [articles 2,3,6], the Middle East and North Africa [9], and Taiwan [5]. This highlights the importance of personalized nutrition strategies targeted at individuals with increased risk of disease and low selenium intake. The mechanisms by which selenium status, selenoprotein expression, and inherited genetic variations in the selenium pathway interact to affect molecular pathways involved in disease development are explored in human cohorts [2,3,5-7], and in animal [4] and in vitro models [8]. Furthermore, some reports identified novel potential biomarkers of disease risk and prognosis within the selenium pathway that could further our understanding of many chronic diseases [2,3]. Overall, this book broadens our understanding of the role of selenium in chronic diseases, and provides new directions for future preventative approaches.
Cognitive Aging
Given the global demographic shift towards an aging population, there is a pressing need to understand how aging affects cognition. This collection of articles, from across the globe, represents some of the diverse aspects of cognitive aging. These articles investigate the fundamental processes and mechanisms underlying the neural and cognitive changes associated with normal and pathological aging. They describe the many facets of cognition, memory, language and thinking that are affected by the aging process. The articles will hopefully fascinate readers, and entice them to learn more about how such research is conducted, as well as serving as avenues for exploration to compensate for deficits in cognitive function. The studies are cutting edge and offer insight into the development of the theories that best account for the changes in brain and behaviour that affect us all.
A Textbook of Plant Biology
This is a classic textbook on the subject of plant biology, first published in 1920. It offers the reader an elementary course on the scientific method while exploring the relationship between plant life and general biological knowledge. Originally intended for use in schools and universities, this comprehensive textbook is a great place to start for readers with an interest in botany and related subjects. Contents include: "The Plant as a Machine", "The Cell", "Respiration", "The Water Relations of Plants", "Absorption of Mineral Salts", "Carbon Assimilation", "The Assimilation of Nitrogen by Plants", "The Nutrition of Heterophic Plants", "Enzymes", "Reproduction", "Reproductions", "Reproductions (continued)", etc. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially-commissioned new introduction on botany.
The Dissection of the Rabbit
First published in 1933, this volume deals with the dissection of animals, focusing on that of the rabbit. Written in simple, clear language and full of helpful diagrams, this volume will appeal to students with an interest in animal dissection and related subjects. Contents include: "Laboratory Method", "Tools", "Sharpening of Tools", "Drawings", "Laboratory Notes", "The Use of a Dissecting Lens", "Preparation for Laboratory Work", "Textbooks", "Laboratory Work", "The Axial Skeleton", "The Skull of the Dog", etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with the original text and artwork.
Food Addiction and Eating Addiction
There is a growing view that certain foods, particularly those high in refined sugars and fats, may be addictive and that some forms of obesity may be treated as food addictions. This is supported by an expanding body of evidence from animal studies, human neuroscience, and brain imaging. Obese and overweight individuals also display patterns of eating behavior that resemble the ways in which addicted individuals consume drugs. Scientific and clinical questions remain: Is addiction a valid explanation of excess weight? Is food addiction a behavioural (i.e., eating) or substance (i.e., sugar) addiction, or a complex interaction of both? Should obesity be treated as a food addiction? Should we distinguish food addiction from other forms of disordered eating like Binge Eating Disorder? It is also unclear what impact food addiction explanations might have on the way in which we think about or treat people who are overweight: What impact will a food addiction diagnosis have on individuals' internalised weight-bias, stigma, and self-efficacy? Should some foods be regulated like other addictive commodities (i.e., alcohol and tobacco), whose advertising and sale is restricted, or like certain foods, which are taxed? This Special Issue addresses questions raised by the concept of food addiction.
Acute and Chronic Changes in Neural Excitability During Physical Activity in Non-Pathological States
Neural control of human motor output and how it is modified by alterations in physical activity levels is complex and multidimensional. The use of various experimental designs has vastly increased our knowledge of how the nervous system integrates descending, segmental, and ascending information to produce motor outputs, yet there is still much to learn. A more complete picture of the neurophysiology underlying the control of human motor outputs may prove useful in guiding rehabilitation programs aimed at reducing motor impairments following disease or injury. The purpose of this Special Issue is to collect original articles that explore neural excitability in various states. Studies examining neural excitability on a moment-to-moment basis (acute) or following prolonged periods of exercise or skill training and disuse (chronic) are encouraged. Original research studies using various experimental measures (e.g., transcranial magnetic stimulation, transmastoid electrical stimulation, single motor unit recordings, electroencephalography, and measures of spinal reflexes) in various states (e.g., fatigued, non-fatigued, and resting) during different types of motor outputs (tonic or dynamic) are encouraged. Experimental studies and literature reviews are welcome.
Mapping Abiotic Stress-Tolerance Genes in Plants
This book presents the latest research results on plant genes controlling tolerance to abiotic stresses including heat, cold, drought, salt, nitrogen, metals, irradiation, and exogenous phytohormones. The authors report the expression profiles, function/roles in physiological pathways, and chromosomal locations of tolerance genes. The studies involve cytogenetics, genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics. The information is critical for food security in an environment experiencing global climate changes. Therefore, this book provides a useful reference to students and professionals in plant sciences encompassing genetics, physiology, chemistry, and breeding.
Wildlife Habitat Conservation
"Habitat" is probably the most common term in ecological research. Elementary school students are introduced to the term, college students study the concept in depth, hunters make their plans based on it, nature explorers chat about the different types, and land managers spend enormous time and money modifying and restoring habitats. Although a broad swath of people now have some notion of what habitat is, the scientific community has by and large failed to define it concretely, despite repeated attempts in the literature to come to meaningful conclusions regarding what habitat is and how we should study, manipulate, and ultimately conserve it.Wildlife Habitat Conservation presents an authoritative review of the habitat concept, provides a scientifically rigorous definition, and emphasizes how we must focus on those critical factors contained within what we call habitat. The result is a habitat concept that promises long-term persistence of animal populations. Key concepts and items in the book include: - Rigorous and standard conceptual definitions of wildlife and their habitat.- A discussion of the essential integration of population demographics and population persistence with the concept of habitat.- The importance of carryover and lag effects, behavioral processes, genetics, and species interactions to our understanding of habitat. - An examination of spatiotemporal heterogeneity, realized through fragmentation, disruption to eco-evolutionary processes, and alterations to plant and animal assemblages.- An explanation of how anthropogenic effects alter population size and distribution (isolation), genetic processes, and species diversity (including exotic plants and animals).- Advocacy of proactive management and conservation through predictive modeling, restoration, and monitoring.Each chapter is accessibly written in a style that will be welcomed by private landowners and public resource managers at local, state, and federal levels. Also ideal for undergraduate and graduate natural resource and conservation courses, the book is organized perfectly for a one-semester class.
Effect of Small Molecules on Nucleic Acid Stability and Improvements to RNA Structure Prediction
Academic Paper from the year 2020 in the subject Biology - Genetics / Gene Technology, grade: 9.0, course: Cell Biology and Genetics, language: English, abstract: Nucleic acids have proven to be viable targets for small molecule drugs. While many examples of such drugs are detailed in the literature, only a select few have found practical use in a clinical setting. These currently employed nucleic acid targeting therapies suffer from either debilitating off-target side effects or succumb to a resistance mechanism of the target. The need for new small molecules that target nucleic acids is evident. However, designing a novel drug to bind to DNA or RNA requires a detailed understanding of exactly what binding environments each nucleic acid presents. In an effort to broaden this knowledge, the work presented in this thesis details the binding location and affinity of known and novel nucleic acid binding small molecules with targets ranging from simple RNA secondary structure all the way to the complex structure of ribosomal RNA. Specifically, it is shown that the anthracycline classes of antineoplastics prefer to bind at or near mismatch base pairs in both physiologically relevant iron responsive element RNA hairpin constructs as well as DNA hairpin constructs presenting mismatched base pairs. Also characterized in this thesis is a novel class of topoisomerase II / histone deacetylase inhibitor conjugates that display a unique affinity for DNA over RNA. Finally, the novel class of macrolide-peptide conjugates, known as peptolides, is shown to retain potent translation inhibition of the prokaryotic ribosome and identification of a novel binding site for the anthracycline class of drugs and the characterization of the two novel drug designs presented in this thesis will undoubtedly aid in the effort to design and discover new molecules that aim for nucleic acid targets.
Phylogeny of marine sponge associated culturable bacteria
Discovery of potential bioactive metabolites from sponge-associated bacteria have gained attraction in recent years. The phylogeny of marine sponge; Hyattella sp. associated marine bacterial community was studied by culturing the associated marine bacteria in Zobell Agar medium. Appropriate dilutions are plated in triplicates and incubated. Following incubation the associated culturable marine bacterial diversity was determined with aid of phenotypic characters like colony morphology and pigmentations of the individual colonies. These culturable community bacteria was isolated and purified for 16S rDNA studies. With aid of Phenol-Chloroform methodology, thick paste of DNA was obtained from the pure cultures. The PCR amplicons of size 1500 bps are generated by priming 16S1 and 16S2 primers during thermocycle process and the amplicons are made ready for sequencing through pre-sequencing treatment processes discuss previously. After sequencing the chromatograms are manually checked for mis-calls and base spacing. The chromatogram was truncated to extract the clear sequences for blast and phylogenetic analysis.
Evaluation of oxidative stress marker, antioxidant enzymes status
The thalassemia syndrome is a group of inherited disorders characterized by microcytic hypochromic red blood cells.The homozygous state, thalassemia major results in severe anemia. The heterozygous state, thalassemia minor is less severe and may be asymptomatic with little or no anemia.In BTM, iron overload is the joint outcome of multiple blood transfusions and an inappropriately increased iron absorption associated with ineffective erythropoiesis, the outpouring of catabolic iron that exceeds the iron-carrying capacity of transferrin results in the emergence of NTBI, which catalyzes the formation of free radicals, resulting in OS and damage to mitochondria, lysosomes, lipid membranes, proteins, and DNA, Thus, thalassemics are in a state of enhanced OS.This study was a prospective case-control study and conducted on ninety children aged from 3 years to 18 years (40 male and 50 females), they were selected from the outpatient Pediatric clinic and the inpatients of Pediatric department of Al- Zahraa University hospitals during the period from oct. 2014 to oct. 2016.
Bioprocess Technology
This book is a short introduction to the basics of bioprocess technology which main principle is to harness the vast potential of microorganisms in making biochemical products. The overall subject dealt with is process by microorganisms. But the coverage goes beyond the process of biomanufacturing in the bioreactor, and extends to the factory of cell's biosynthetic machinery. Starting with an overview of biotechnology and organism, subsequent chapters allow students to learn about kinetic principles of reactions and cell growth. This leads to the coverage of isolation and screening processes for microbes, media formulation and sterilization, designing of reactors, monitoring and control of process parameters, recovery of products, etc. Drawing on principles from life sciences, this book is used for students in biotechnology and bioengineering. The author has used the book for a course for advanced students in life sciences.
Isolation and Characterization of Actinomycetes with Special Reference
Actinomycetes are well known as secondary metabolites producers and of high pharmacological and commercial interest. In this book, the following items are described and illustrated in details: Isolation, characterization and identification of different actinomycetes from rhizospheric soil of some cultivated plants. 2- Evaluation of the potentialities of some actinomycetes for production of IAA as phytohormone, L-glutaminase and antibiotics. 3- Detection of the most active antibiotics produced by actinomycetes as immunosuppressive agents. 4- Elucidation of the chemical structure of the most active immunosuppressive antibiotic compound produced by the active isolate.
Biotechnological and biochemical investigations in Cassia tora L.
Cassia tora L. is a leguminous plant that fixes atmospheric nitrogen and plays an important role in enhancement of soil fertility. C.tora L. has an immense medicinal value being used as a traditional medicine in Indian and Chinese system of medicine.Keeping in mind the economic and medicinal importance of this plant we decided to investigate it through in vitro studies. During the present research endeavor, rapid and reproducible regeneration system for the development and multiplication of shoots was developed, which were further raised into plantlets successfully. This was achieved through axillary and apical meristem cultures. Somatic embryo-genesis is an alternative method for rapid micro-propagation.During the present studies, somatic embryos were developed from leaf explants via callus formation. Total protein content from in vivo (leaves, roots, seeds) and in vitro (callus) plant parts were studied and their protein profile were prepared by using gel electrophoresis technique.he antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of this plant were evaluated and a flavonoid (quercetin) and an anthraquinone (emodin) were isolated from the in vivo leaves and in vitro callus of C. tora
The Descent Of Man
The Descent of Man applies evolutiory theory to human evolution, and details Darwin's theory of sexual selection, a form of biological adaptation distinct from, yet interconnected with, tural selection.This book presents a full explation of Darwin's ideas about sexual selection, including his belief that many important characteristics of human beings and animals have emerged in response to competition for mates. The Descent of Man played a major role in the emergence of social Darwinism.
Quantification and Mitigation Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Livestock Production Systems
Ruminants contribute significantly to human food security. However, the production of ruminants contributes to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are responsible for climate change. GHGs such as methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide are produced from different processes of ruminant production. Ruminant enteric methane is a substantial component of methane produced by agriculture. This book presents novel and established methods in quantifying and reducing enteric methane emission from ruminants in different production systems. The book covers different types of ruminants including cattle, sheep, and goats. The chapters are contributed by scientists and authors from different parts of the world, demonstrating the importance of this problem and the universal drive for immediate and sustainable solutions. Although, biologically speaking, the production of enteric methane cannot be reduced to zero, high emissions are an indicator of inefficient digestion of feed in the rumen and low utilisation of feed energy. By presenting research that could lead to robust and yet practical quantification methods and mitigation strategies, this book not only contributes to the discourse and new knowledge on the magnitude of the problem but also brings forward potential solutions in different livestock production systems.
The Interview That Solves the Human Condition and Saves the World!
The best introduction to biologist Jeremy Griffith's world-saving explanation of the human condition!The transcript of acclaimed British actor and broadcaster Craig Conway's astonishing, world-changing, and world-saving 2020 interview with Australian biologist Jeremy Griffith about his book Freedom: The End of the Human Condition which presents the completely redeeming, uplifting, and healing understanding of the core mystery and problem about human behaviour of our so-called good and evil-stricken human condition thus ending all the conflict and suffering in human life at its source, and providing the now urgently needed road map for the complete rehabilitation and transformation of our lives and world! In fact, a former President of the Canadian Psychiatric Association, Professor Harry Prosen, has described it as the most important interview of all time!This world-saving interview was broadcast across the UK in 2020 and is being replayed on radio and TV stations around the world.This book is supported by a very informative website where you can watch the video of the interview.
Advances in Plant Sulfur Research
As an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, sulfur (S) deficiency in productive systems limits yield and quality. This Special Issue hosts a collection of original research articles, focusing on the following topics: (1) The germinative and post-germinative behavior of Brassica napus seeds when severe S limitation is applied to the parent plants; (2) the independence of S-deficiency from the mRNA degradation initiation enzyme PARN in Arabidopsis; (3) the glucosinolate distribution in the aerial parts of sel1-10, a disruption mutant of the sulfate transporter SULTR1;2, in mature Arabidopsis thaliana plants; (4) the accumulation of S-methylcysteine as its γ-glutamyl dipeptide in Phaseolus vulgaris; and (5) the role of ferric iron chelation-strategy components in the leaves and roots of maize, have provided new insights into the effect of S availability on plant functionality. Moreover, the role of S deficiency in root system functionality has been highlighted, focusing on (6) the contribution of root hair development to sulfate uptake in Arabidopsis, and (7) the modulation of lateral root development by the CLE-CLAVATA1 signaling pathway under S deficiency. The role of S in plants grown under drought conditions has been investigated in more detail focusing (8) on the relationship between S-induced stomata closure and the canonical ABA signal transduction machinery. Furthermore, (9) the assessment of S deficiency under field conditions by single measurements of sulfur, chloride, and phosphorus in mature leaves, (10) the effect of fertilizers enriched with elemental S on durum wheat yield, and (11, 12) the impact of elemental S on the rhizospheric bacteria of durum wheat contributed to enhancing the scientific knowledge of S nutrition under field conditions.
Radiation in Space: Relevance and Risk for Human Missions
This volume of the series Springer Briefs in Space Life Sciences explains the physics and biology of radiation in space, defines various forms of cosmic radiation and their dosimetry, and presents a range of exposure scenarios. It also discusses the effects of radiation on human health and describes the molecular mechanisms of heavy charged particles' deleterious effects in the body. Lastly, it discusses countermeasures and addresses the vital question: Are we ready for launch? Written for researchers in the space life sciences and space biomedicine, and for master's students in biology, physics, and medicine, the book will also benefit all non-experts endeavouring to understand and enter space.
Introduction to Molecular Biophysics
. Introduction to Molecular Biophysics provides the modern theoretical tools needed to understand life processes from a physical viewpoint.
Phytic Acid and Mineral Biofortification Strategies
Two billion people worldwide, mainly in developing countries, where diets are based on the consumption of staple crops, suffer from mineral deficiencies, particularly for iron and zinc. Mineral biofortification includes different strategies aimed to increase mineral concentration and to improve mineral availability from the diet (mineral bioavailability) in the edible parts of plants, particularly the seeds. Phytic acid is a compound that strongly reduces mineral bioavailability as, being highly negatively charged, it strongly binds cations, acting as a magnet. All the contributions in this book aim to describe new results, review the literature, and comment on some of the economic and sociological aspects concerning mineral biofortification research. A number of contributions are related to the study of mineral transport, seed accumulation, and approaches to increase seed micronutrient concentration. The remaining ones are mainly focused on the study of low phytic acid mutants.
Food WastesFeedstock for Value-Added Products
Food is a precious commodity and its production can be resource-intensive. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, nearly 1.3 billion tons of food products per year are lost along the food supply chain, and in the next 25 years, the amount of food waste has been projected to increase exponentially. The management of food waste should follow certain policies based on the 3Rs concept, i.e., reduce, reuse, and recycle. Currently, most food waste is recycled, mainly as animal feed and compost. The remaining quantities are incinerated and disposed in landfills, causing serious emissions of methane (CH4), which is 23 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2) as a greenhouse gas and significantly contributes to climate change. Valorizing food waste components could lead to numerous possibilities for the production of valuable chemicals, fuels, and products. The present Special Issue compiles a wide spectrum of aspects of research and technology in the area of food waste exploitation, highlighting prominent current research directions in the field for the production of value-added products such as polylactic acid, hydrogen, ethanol, enzymes, and edible insects.
Ricin Toxins
The plant toxin ricin is one of the most potent and lethal substances known. Due to its wide availability and the ease of production, ricin has been exploited as an agent of bioterrorism and biological warfare and is classified as a level B threat. Tons of ricin are produced annually worldwide as a by-product of castor oil, leading to exposure. Currently, there is no proven safe treatment for ricin intoxication. Ricin consists of an active A subunit (RTA) covalently linked to a cell binding B subunit (RTB). RTA depurinates a universally conserved adenine in the sarcin-ricin loop (SRL) of the large rRNA and inhibits protein synthesis. RTA-antibody complexes have been explored as immunotoxins against cancer cells. The articles published in this book address the history of ricin research, how ricin enters cells and traffics to the ribosome, how it inactivates ribosomes, how it induces inflammatory signaling pathways and programmed cell death, the design of therapies against ricin intoxication, and innovative assays for ricin detection.
Life-Cycle Assessment
Life-Cycle Assessment presents a brief overview of the development of the life-cycle assessment process and develops guidelines and principles for implementation of a product life-cycle inventory analysis. The book describes inventory analysis, impact analysis, and improvement analysis-the three components of a product life-cycle assessment.
Aquaculture Technology
This will be the first book to provide the skills to raise fish in both a static water and a flowing water aquaculture system with a pragmatic and quantitative approach.
Polyphenols in Crops, Medicinal and Wild Edible PlantsFrom Their Metabolism to Their Benefits for Human Health
This Special Issue "Polyphenols in Crops, Medicinal and Wild Edible Plants: From Their Metabolism to Their Benefits for Human Health" presents recent studies dealing with polyphenols isolated from different food sources in terms of nutraceutical, ethnobotanical, and pharmaceutical properties. The most recent techniques of analyses were used, e.g., high throughout metabolomics analyses as well as polyphenol-based fingerprinting to generate metabolic markers. The benefits of polyphenol extracts and isolated phenolic moieties related to human pathologies were also investigated.
Genetics of Halophilic Microorganisms
Halophilic microorganisms are found in all domains of life and thrive in hypersaline (high salt content) environments. These unusual microbes have been a subject of study for many years due to their interesting properties and physiology. Studies of the genetics of halophilic microorganisms (from gene expression and regulation to genomics) have provided understanding into the mechanisms of how life can exist at high salinity levels. Here, we highlight recent studies that advance the knowledge of biological function through examination of the genetics of halophilic microorganisms and their viruses.
Processing and Technology of Dairy Products
This foods Special Issue contains seven papers on a range of technical dairy topics. Three involve beneficial uses of proteolytic enzymes, two involve the use of membrane technology in cheese making, while two deal with the role of ingredients, raw milk in the UHT paper and apricot fibre in the yogurt paper, in product quality. In all, the papers demonstrate the breadth of on-going research for an industry based on just one raw material, milk.
The Conquest of Tuberculosis
The Conquest of Tuberculosis chronicles the long and arduous battle against one of humanity's most devastating diseases. Tuberculosis, often called the "great white plague," has plagued humankind for millennia, recognized in ancient civilizations and documented in Biblical texts. Known for its destructive impact on various organs and its high mortality rates, tuberculosis earned infamy as the number-one killer throughout history. This book delves into the historical understanding of the disease, its varied nomenclature, and its profound socioeconomic effects, especially as it afflicted not only humans but also their livestock and other domestic animals. The narrative transitions from the historical recognition of tuberculosis to the revolutionary scientific advancements that have shaped modern treatments. Central to this transformation was the development of antibiotics, particularly streptomycin, discovered by the author and his team in 1943. This breakthrough, followed by successful experimental applications, marked the beginning of a new era in combating tuberculosis. Combining historical context with personal anecdotes and scientific exploration, the book captures the journey from ancient misconceptions to modern medical triumphs, offering an inspiring testament to human ingenuity and resilience in the face of a relentless disease. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1964.
The First CellTheFirst CellThe Mystery Surrounding the Beginning of Life
This book introduces a fresh perspective on the conditions for the genesis of the first cell. An important possible environment of the prehistoric Earth has long been overlooked as a host to the perfect biochemical conditions for this process. The first complexes of continental crust on the early Earth must have already contained systems of interconnected cracks and cavities, which were filled with volatiles like water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. This book offers insights into how these conditions may have provided the ideal physical and chemical setting for the formation of protocells and early stages of life.The authors support their hypothesis with a number of astonishing findings from laboratory experiments focusing on a variety of organic compounds, and on the formation of key cellular ingredients and of primitive cell-like structures. Moreover, they discuss the principles of prebiotic evolution regarding the aspects of order and complexity. Guiding readersthrough various stages of hypotheses and re-created evolutionary processes, the book is enriched with personal remarks and experiences throughout, reflecting the authors' personal quest to solve the mystery surrounding the first cell.
Chemopreventive Activities of Phytochemicals
Inflammation is caused by a variety of stimuli including physical damage, UV irradiation, microbial invasion, and immune reactions. The classical key features of inflammation are redness, warmth, swelling, and pain, and their cascades can lead to the inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis. Many inflammatory diseases are becoming common among the elderly worldwide. Clinically used anti-inflammatory drugs suffer from the disadvantages of side effects and high treatment costs in the case of biologics. Therefore, research on new anti-inflammatory molecules and the elucidation of their molecular mechanisms are being actively conducted. This Special Issue on "Chemopreventive Activities of Phytochemicals" is intended to offer anti-inflammatory active natural products as candidates and/or leads for pharmaceuticals. The research fields of this Special Issue include natural products, chemistry, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, food chemistry, bioorganic synthetic chemistry, chemical biology, molecular biology, molecular pharmacology, and other related research fields.
Molecular Modeling at the Atomic Scale
This timely summary reflects the recent advances in bridging novel algorithms and high performance computing with characterization of important biological processes, such as folding dynamics of key proteins.
The Genome Incorporated
With rich case study material drawn from the UK, USA and Australia, The Genome Incorporated explores the new forms of technological control, new kinds of subjectivity and new sites of resistance and reconfiguration which accompany the opportunities that genomics promises for science and society. Examining the incorporation and resistances to genomi
Calcium Oxalate in Biological Systems
This book describes in vitro crystallization and biosynthesis of calcium oxalate in plants and fungi. It discusses molecular genetics of primary hyperoxaluria type 1, oxalate transport across cellular membranes, and oxalate measurement in body fluids.
Sensors in Bioprocess Control
This volume presents the reader with an overview of current chemical sensor technology and outlines a framework relating industrial bioprocess monitoring to modern process control technology. It deals with conventional multivariable control technology, focusing on bioprocess applications.
Understanding the Mysteries of Practical Human Biology for Non-Scientists
Understanding the Mysteries of Practical Human Biology for Non-Scientists provides students with an accessible overview of the structure and function of the human body. The text provides highly practical information students can use to make healthful choices, better understand news and media about nutrition, medications, medical devices, and procedures, and grow their knowledge about genetic or infectious diseases. The text features coverage of bones, muscles, nerves and hormones, heart and blood vessels, lungs, digestive organs, and kidneys, with emphasis on how they all work together for balance and health. Students also learn about male and female anatomy in the context of reproduction. Readers explore aspects of life, such as coordination of the musculoskeletal, nervous, and endocrine systems, and various responses of the human immune system. Providing readers with foundational knowledge that can help them make informed decisions related to their lifestyle and personal health, Understanding the Mysteries of Practical Human Biology for Non-Scientists is ideal for elective science courses for non-majors, as well as introductory anatomy and physiology courses.Jeffrey A. Kushner, Ph.D. is a human biologist and biomedical scientist. He holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences with concentration in behavioral neuropharmacology. Dr. Kushner is a lecturer at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Throughout his teaching career, he has facilitated medical education for first and second year medical students and taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses in medical biotechnology, cellular and molecular biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology. Dr. Kushner was awarded a grant to develop multimedia learning materials to support his general education biotechnology course and has developed similar offerings for a variety of additional courses.
Molecular Psychiatry
The book highlights important aspects of Molecular Psychiatry, including molecular mechanisms, animal models, biomarkers, advanced methods, drugs and antidepressant response, as well as genetics and epigenetics. Molecular mechanisms are a vital part of the search for the biological basis of psychiatric disorders, providing molecular hints that can later be tested as biomarkers or targets for drug development. Animal models represent a commonly used approach to aid in this bench-to-bed translation; the examples here are social defeat stress and the Roman High-Avoidance (RHA) and the Roman Low-Avoidance (RLA) rats. For biomarkers, psychiatric disorders pose a particular challenge due to the tissue specificity of many currently investigated biomarkers; i.e., not all blood-based measures directly represent changes in the brain. The Ebook includes five articles focused on the challenges of identifying clinically and biologically relevant biomarkers for psychiatric disorders.Scientific progress typically is fostered by the development of new methods. The application of machine learning methods for the proper analysis of Big Data and induced pluripotent stem cells are examples outlined in this Ebook. Furthermore, three articles are devoted to the understanding of the mechanisms of actions of existing drugs with the ultimate goal of identifying ways to predict treatment response in patients. Finally, three articles deepen the insight into the genetics and epigenetics of psychiatric disorders.
The Escrt Complexes
1. Analysis of the Archaeal ESCRT Apparatus Rachel Y. Samson, Iain G. Duggin, and Stephen D. Bell 2. Genetic and Cell Biology Methods to Study ESCRTs in Drosophila melanogaster Marco Gualtieri and Thomas Vaccari 3. Functional Analysis of ESCRT-Positive Extracellular Vesicles in the Drosophila Wing Imaginal Disc Tamas Matusek, Pascal Th矇rond, and Maximilian F羹rthauer 4. Subcellular Localization of ESCRT-II in the Nematode C. elegans by Correlative-Light Electron Microscopy C矇line Largeau, Emmanuel Culetto, and Renaud Legouis 5. Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA) to Determine the Endosomal Localization of ESCRT Subunit in Virus-Infected Cells Binod Kumar, Mohanan Valiya Veettil, Arunava Roy, and Bala Chandran 6. Immuno-Localization of ESCRT Proteins in Virus-Infected Cells by Fluorescence and Electron Microscopy Keisuke Tabata, Atsuki Nara, Hiroko Omori, and Eiji Morita 7. Single Cell Fluorescence Ratio Image Analysis for Studying ESCRT Function in Receptor Trafficking Jalal M. Kazan, Gergely L. Lukacs, Pirjo M. Apaja, and Arnim Pause 8. Genetic and Biochemical Analyses of Yeast ESCRT Sudeep Banjade, Shaogeng Tang, and Scott D. Emr 9. Live Imaging of ESCRT Proteins in Microfluidically-Isolated Hippocampal Axons Veronica Birdsall, Jose C. Martinez, Lisa Randolph, Ulrich Hengst, and Clarissa L. Waites 10. Studying the Spatial Organization of ESCRTs in Cytokinetic Abscission Using the High Resolution Imaging Techniques SIM and Cryo-SXT Shai Adar-Levor, Inna Goliand, Michael Elbaum, and Natalie Elia 11. Three Dimensional Surface Rendering of ESCRT Proteins Microscopy Data Using UCSF Chimera Software Romain Le Bars, Michele W. Bianchi, and Christophe Lefebvre 12. Transient Expression of ESCRT-Components in Arabidopsis Root Cell Suspension Culture-Derived Protoplasts Marie-Kristin Nagel, Karin Vogel, and Erika Isono 13. Crystallization and Biophysical Approaches for Studying the Interactions between the Vps4-MIT Domain and ESCRT-III Proteins Takayuki Obita, Rieko Kojima, and Mineyuki Mizuguchi 14. Biochemical Approaches to Studying C. elegans ESCRT Function In Vitro Samuel Block, Amber L. Schuh, and Anjon Audhya 15. Purification of Recombinant ESCRT-III Proteins and Their Use in Atomic Force Microscopy and In Vitro Binding and Phosphorylation Assays Luisa Capalbo, Ioanna Mela, Maria Alba Abad, A. Arockia Jeyaprakash, J. Michael Edwardson, and Pier Paolo D'Avino
Astrobiology and Cuatro Ci矇negas Basin as an Analog of Early Earth
Astrobiology not only investigates how early life took hold of our planet but also life on other planets - both in our Solar System and beyond - and their potential for habitability. The book take readers from the scars on planetary surfaces made by space rocks to the history of the Solar System narrated by those space rocks as well as exoplanets in other planetary systems. But the true question is how life arose here or elsewhere. Modern comparative genomics has revealed that Darwin was correct; a set of highly conserved genes and cellular functions indicate that all life is related by common ancestry. The Last Universal Common Ancestor or LUCA sits at the base of the Tree of Life. However, once that life took hold, it started to diversify and form complex microbial communities that are known as microbial mats and stromatolites. Due to their long evolutionary history and abundance on modern Earth, research on the biological, chemical and geological processes of stromatolite formation has provided important insights into the field of astrobiology. Many of these microbialite-containing ecosystems have been used as models for astrobiology, and NASA mission analogs including Shark Bay, Pavilion and Kelly Lakes. Modern microbialites represent natural laboratories to study primordial ecosystems and provide proxies for how life could evolve on other planets. However, few viral metagenomic studies (i.e., viromes) have been conducted in microbialites, which are not only an important part of the community but also mirror its biodiversity.This book focuses on particularly interesting sites such as Andean lake microbialites, a proxy of early life since they are characterized by very high UV light, while Alchichica and Bacalar lakes are characterized by high-salt and oligotrophic waters that nurture stromatolites. However, it is only the oasis of Cuatro Ci矇negas Basin in M矇xico that stored past life in its marine sediments of the Sierra de San Marcos. This particular Sierra has a magmatic pouch that moves the deep aquifer to the surface in a cycle of sun drenched life and back to the depths of the magmatic life in an ancient cycle that now is broken by the overexploitation of the surface water as well as the deep aquifer in order to irrigate alfalfa in the desert. The anthropocene, the era of human folly, is killing this unique time machine and with it the memory of the planet.
A Primer of Population Genetics and GenomicsAPrimer of Population Genetics and Genomics
A Primer of Population Genetics and Genomics has been completely revised and updated to provide a concise but comprehensive introduction to the basic concepts of population genetics and genomics. Recent textbooks have tended to focus on such specialized topics as the coalescent, molecular evolution, human population genetics, or genomics. This primer bucks that trend by encouraging a broader familiarity with, and understanding of, population genetics and genomics as a whole. The overview ranges from mating systems through the causes of evolution, molecular population genetics, and the genomics of complex traits. Interwoven are discussions of ancient DNA, gene drive, landscape genetics, identifying risk factors for complex diseases, the genomics of adaptation and speciation, and other active areas of current research. The principles are illuminated by numerous examples from a wide variety of animals, plants, microbes, and human populations. The approach also emphasizes learning by doing, which in this case means solving numerical or conceptual problems. The rationale behind this is that the use of concepts in problem-solving lead to deeper understanding and longer knowledge retention. This accessible, introductory textbook is aimed principally at students of various levels and abilities (from senior undergraduate to postgraduate) as well as practising scientists in the fields of population genetics, ecology, evolutionary biology, computational biology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, physics, and mathematics.
Basic Cardiovascular Physiology
This book focuses on established cardiovascular principles and highlights some of the progress achieved by recent research in the cardiovascular field. The authors report the basic concepts related to the functioning of the cardiovascular system necessary for medical students to understand. To foster learning, in each chapter the fundamental points are highlighted in italics and/or bold. In addition, we have added boxes that contain some more detailed information about physiological mechanisms or clinical aspects are analyzed and described in greater detail. The book describes the structure and function of the heart and vascular system for the reader to understand how the cardiovascular system responds in both health and disease. The book conveys a unified vision of the function of the heart and the vascular system, explaining the complexity of the system that goes far beyond the integrated connection between preload, afterload and cardiac contractility. The endothelium covers the internal part of the whole cardiovascular system; therefore, endothelial physiology is treated in several chapters. Given the importance of coronary circulation in cardiac pathophysiology, this special circulation is described in detail and enriched with the most up-to-date information. Several paragraphs and boxes on clinical implications are dedicated to the principles of electrophysiology and the electrocardiogram. A space is also dedicated to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and cardioprotective procedures. The book is written in a linear and simple language without compromising the scientific rigor of the various topics covered.
