Where Biology Ends and Bias Begins
A geneticist and internationally recognized anti-racism educator provides a powerful, science-based rebuttal to common fallacies about human difference. Well-meaning physicians, parents, and even scientists today often spread misinformation about what biology can and can't tell us about our bodies, minds, and identities. In this accessible, myth-busting book, geneticist Shoumita Dasgupta draws on the latest science to correct common misconceptions about how much of our social identities are actually based in genetics. Dasgupta weaves together history, current affairs, and cutting-edge science to break down how genetic concepts are misused and how we can approach scientific evidence in a socially responsible way. With a unifying and intersectional approach disentangling biology from bigotry, the book moves beyond race and gender to incorporate categories like sexual orientation, disability, and class. Where Biology Ends and Bias Begins is an invaluable, empowering resource for biologists, geneticists, science educators, and anyone working against bias in their community.
Attraction, Love, Sex
Sex, after hunger, may be the most powerful motivating force in our lives. It drives us to seek intimate contact with others and to form relationships that may be fleeting or lifelong, blissful or troubled. Yet many mysteries surround sex and sexuality: Why don't we reproduce by virgin birth? Why does so much of our sexual behavior have nothing to do with reproduction? Why isn't everyone heterosexual? How does the brain create sexual arousal? How do sexual kinks develop? Is porn harmful? What is the relationship between sex and love? In Attraction, Love, Sex, the renowned scholar Simon LeVay introduces readers to a memorable cast of researchers trying to answer these questions and many more. A biologist dredges a New Zealand lake for asexual mud snails. Psychologists measure whether eating a good meal changes a man's idea of female beauty. Physiologists probe orifices with miniature toilet plungers and place lovers in brain scanners. Geneticists reconstruct the sex crimes of Genghis Khan. Neuroscientists create mice whose sexual behavior can be switched on and off. A zoologist traps and releases 260,000 voles and launches a new science of love. LeVay distills vast expertise on the biology and psychology of sex into an engaging and easy-to-understand survey with scientific acumen, a critical eye, and a sense of humor. This book reveals how scientists are unraveling the secrets of sex and, in the process, shattering many traditional ideas and prejudices.
Western Ghats
The Western Ghats is home to breathtaking biodiversity and an invaluable repository of traditional ecological knowledge, this mountain range spans six Indian states and influences the lives of millions. Yet, the Western Ghats face increasing threats from climate change, habitat loss and unsustainable practices. The book, Western Ghats: Biodiversity, Ethnobotany and Climate Change offers a detailed account of the rich biodiversity and ethnobotanical heritage across the region. The book reveals the profound relationship between indigenous communities and their environment, showcasing how traditional knowledge systems foster sustainable resource use. The book also addresses the critical issue of climate change, examining its impact on the region's ecosystems. The book is useful for academicians, policy makers, scholars, researchers, ecologists, social workers and people involved in Western Ghats research. Thus, the book is celebration of the region's ecological wealth and a call to action to protect it for generations to come.
At the Foot of the Himalayas
This authoritative volume brings together decades of insights from one of the longest terrestrial fossil records on the planet.The fabled Himalayas have isolated and sheltered the Indian subcontinent for millions of years. The Siwalik sequence of sediments at their feet has been a treasure trove of visions into the past for generations of paleontologists, preserving an immense 20 million years of terrestrial ecosystems' fossil record. The Siwalik sequence reveals a unique forest wonderland of diverse animal species: from huge elephant relatives, great rhinos, and sabertooth cats, to mongooses, swamp rats, crocodiles, and catfish. Regional climate change eventually caused this forest ecosystem to unravel, as grasslands replaced the forests and established the habitats and animals of the modern ecosystems of the Indus and Ganges rivers.In At the Foot of the Himalayas, celebrated paleontologists Catherine Badgley, Mich癡le Morgan, and David Pilbeam bring together a collection of world-renowned scholars to present an interdisciplinary approach to documenting and interpreting this fossil record. By investigating changes in landscape, climate, and vertebrate species diversity, their analysis reveals insights into a central question about biodiversity: which evolutionary developments were influenced by changes in climate, and which were caused by interactions among the species themselves? This groundbreaking book illuminates for the first time a mysterious and vibrant paleontological past, bringing together more than 40 years of exciting international collaborative studies that forge invaluable knowledge pathways for the ecologists, evolutionary scientists, and paleontologists of the future, and pose important questions about our fragile ecosystems in the present day.
The CRISPR Revolution in Science, Religion, and Ethics
This collection of original essays by scientists, theologians, religious studies scholars, and ethicists offers an authoritative, illuminating, and thought-provoking overview of the CRISPR controversy.Genetic science at times ignites explosions of public controversy. In the early 1990s, the Human Genome Project, along with Jurassic Park, frightened the world with genetic determinism. The cloning controversy of 1997 and the stem cell controversy of 1998 prompted bitter moral stand-offs. The fuse has just been lit for the next explosion: the CRISPR controversy. The CRISPR Revolution in Science, Religion, and Ethics channels the energy of that explosion into constructive reflection on the implications of this revolutionary science for religion, ethics, and public policy.Chapters accessibly explain the science behind gene editing and draw out its implications for social impact. This volume reviews the history of genomics from 1990 to date, with special attention to cloning and stem cell research. Contributors address the significance of gene technology for understanding human nature within specific religious traditions. Most importantly, they analyze selected ethical issues: therapy versus enhancement, germ line modification, designer children, patenting, and the long-term effects of gene drive proposals.
Arbuscular mycorrhizae and family farming in the agreste of Para穩ba
The environment we live in is rich in ecological relationships, where we seek to benefit or exchange in order to reach a balance. It's no different with plant species and soil micro-organisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMFs), which act as an extension of the host plant's roots and are able to increase nutrient absorption and thus provide better growth. The plant in turn provides the AMFs with energy from photosynthesis, which favours their growth and guarantees their life cycle. Therefore, this association is an essential component for the development of sustainable agricultural and natural ecosystems. The aim of this study was to show the occurrence of AMFs in family farm areas. The research took place in the municipality of Boa Vista, in the state of Para穩ba, in areas cultivated with maize, beans, fodder palm, a consortium of the three crops and managed Caatinga. Studying AMFs, emphasising their diversity, population and community, is a fundamental step for different approaches, both in understanding their symbiotic role in different ecosystems and in improving the production of agricultural ecosystems.
Cardiac Arrhythmia
This Special Issue, titled "Cardiac Arrhythmia: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies" is a collection of papers on cardiac arrhythmia. It covers everything from the mechanisms of atrial and ventricular arrhythmia to information on up-and-coming treatments.
Research on Pomegranate Germplasm, Breeding, Genetics and Multiomics
This Special Issue of Horticulturae presents ten studies on pomegranate, covering genetics, physiology, disease resistance, postharvest treatment, and cultivar phenotyping. These studies provide insights to advance breeding, quality enhancement, and cultivation practices, addressing the rising interest in this fruit. Genetics is a key focus, with research being conducted on the anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) gene family for pigmentation, R2R3-MYB transcription factors affecting flavonoid biosynthesis, and expansin genes influencing fruit texture. Together, these findings support breeding for improved nutritional and esthetic traits. Additionally, studies on the UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) and laccase gene families highlight their roles in bioactive compound production and structural resilience, respectively, aiding efforts to enhance pomegranate's health benefits and durability. Postharvest research includes the use of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to prolong shelf life and resistance to anthracnose rot, promoting disease-resistant cultivars. Studies on reproductive development, such as miRNA involvement in pistil growth and phenotypic diversity across cultivars, contribute to selective breeding based on morphological and chemical traits. A review summarizes progress in pomegranate genetics and breeding, discussing challenges and future directions. Collectively, these studies enhance our understanding of pomegranate, guiding breeding, cultivation, and postharvest strategies to support industry needs.
Transcriptional Regulation in Bacteria
In the current post-genomic era, in which the full extent of the genes that are encoded on microbial genomes is known, the goal of research is to elucidate the entire transcriptional mechanism by which microorganisms express genes through transcriptional regulation with transcriptional regulatory factors. The genome sequence of microorganisms reveals their gene set and the set of transcriptional regulators that regulate the expression of those genes, providing a complete overview of the transcriptional regulatory mechanisms in microorganisms. Before genome sequencing was available, the analysis of the transcriptional regulation of transcriptional regulators occurred at the gene level, whereas it is now possible to analyze this at a genome-wide scale. To understand the intrinsic transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, it is necessary to understand that transcriptional regulation forms a hierarchical network structure, as well as the distinction between direct regulation and indirect effects.This Special Issue of Microorganisms, titled "Transcriptional Regulation in Bacteria", includes ten original articles, providing new information about the transcriptional regulation of various functions in a wide variety of microorganisms. The analyses of transcriptional regulation revealed not only the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation, but also the functional network of genes, leading to the elucidation of new biological functions of these microorganisms.
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
The features of biotechnological processes of obtaining the main types of drug substances used in medicine, veterinary medicine and other areas of national economy, as well as methods of their isolation, purification and fractionation are considered. The procedure of creating regulatory and technical documentation for the products of pharmaceutical biotechnology is analyzed, their characteristics are given.Textbook for students of institutions of higher education, studying in the specialty 6V05102-Biotechnology.
Why Rats Laugh and Jellyfish Sleep
For fans of accessible and fun popular science comes an exploration of evolution's quirkiest puzzles and most enduring mysteries. Why do cats live longer than dogs? Why do bees have yellow stripes? Why can we smell a skunk from a mile away? Such questions can be seen as puzzles about creatures' evolved traits. Besides triggering our curiosity, they focus our attention on beguiling designs that have been millions of years in the making. Indeed, looking at the living world through a Darwinian lens reveals its colossal depth in a way that's all too easy to miss in the age of endless distractions. You need only summon up your inner inquisitive 7-year-old to notice such puzzles, and to find yourself looking deeper while considering possible solutions. In this lively book, science writer David Stipp ponders Darwinian puzzles about nine familiar creatures and things--bumblebees, dogs, sparrows, caffeine, earthworms, and sleep, among others--to show how rewarding it can be to look at nature in a deeper way. By revealing hidden depths of the ordinary, Why Rats Laugh and Jellyfish Sleep shows not only that fascinating intricacies lie just beneath the natural world's familiar surfaces, but that noticing them lets us make connections we didn't realize existed. This is backyard biophilia at its most entertaining and enlightening.
Innovative Nanotechnology Approaches to Modern Agricultural Challenges
The agricultural sector is significantly impacted by climate change, leading to increased occurrences of droughts, floods, and heatwaves, which affect crop yields and soil quality. This issue is compounded by a rising agricultural water demand projected to double by 2050, alongside decreasing freshwater supplies, intensifying the need for sustainable agricultural solutions. Nanotechnology offers promising approaches to improve agricultural sustainability through the use of slow-release fertilizers, targeted pesticide delivery, and disease-detecting sensors that reduce chemical usage and pollution. Additionally, nanotechnology enables sustainable pest control methods, such as green synthesis of antibacterial nanomaterials, improving environmental outcomes. Compared to traditional biotechnology, nanotechnology provides precise intervention in plant biochemical processes, enhancing crop yields, nutrient absorption, and soil quality while supporting wastewater treatment and resilience against environmental stress.
Fertilizer toxicity in rats
The present study was designed to assess the toxic effects of a nitrogen fertilizer widely used in Algeria, calcium nitrate, on hematological and biochemical parameters and on certain histological changes in the liver and kidneys of white male rats of the Wistar strain. The results indicate that treatment of rats with calcium nitrate under the experimental conditions of this study resulted in a significant increase in body mass, as well as an increase in absolute and relative liver mass in the high-dose groups. Disturbances in haematological parameters and changes in biochemical parameters were observed in high-dose rats. In the histological study, microscopic observation showed altered liver and kidney tissues in the various treated groups compared with the untreated group. In conclusion, the overall results showed that exposure to calcium nitrate caused disturbances in the organism, manifested by altered liver and kidney function parameters.
Plant Physiology
Plant Physiology: From Historical Roots to Future Frontiers provides an in-depth exploration of the principles and advancements in plant physiology. Spanning eleven comprehensive chapters, the book traces the field's historical evolution and covers modern applications such as stress physiology, growth regulators, genomics-proteomics, and bioinformatics. It highlights the integration of cutting-edge technologies like CRISPR-Cas and artificial intelligence, offering insights into their transformative potential in plant science.Written for a scholarly audience, this book bridges traditional plant physiology with future-oriented innovations, providing a molecular and cellular perspective on growth, metabolism, and physiological processes. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding current challenges and emerging solutions in plant physiology. Key Features: - Coverage from historical foundations to advanced research topics.- Focus on molecular mechanisms and quantitative approaches.- Discussion of transformative technologies, including CRISPR-Cas and AI.- Insights into secondary metabolites, stress metabolism, and bioinformatics.
Molecular Biology
Molecular biology studies the basics of organisms' vital activity at the level of macromolecules. The aim of molecular biology is to establish the role and mechanisms of functioning of these macromolecules on the basis of knowledge about their structures and properties. Historically, molecular biology was formed during the development of the branches of biochemistry studying nucleic acids and proteins. While biochemistry studies metabolism, chemical composition of living cells, organisms and chemical processes carried out in them, molecular biology focuses on the study of mechanisms of transmission, reproduction and storage of genetic information. The object of study of molecular biology is nucleic acids themselves - deoxyribonucleic (DNA), ribonucleic (RNA) - and proteins, as well as their macromolecular complexes - chromosomes, ribosomes, multienzyme systems that provide biosynthesis of proteins and nucleic acids. Molecular biology also borders on the objects of research and partially coincides with molecular genetics, virology, biochemistry and a number of other related biological sciences.
The Role of Microbes and Microbiomes in Ecosystem Restoration
The Role of Microbes and Microbiomes in Ecosystem Restoration provides an in-depth exploration of how microbes and microbiomes can drive sustainable environmental recovery. It covers key topics from microbial roles in pollution remediation, biofertilizer production, and waste management to advanced microbial techniques for ecosystem resilience. Key chapters discuss microbial-assisted bioremediation, agriculture support through biofertilizers, waste treatment systems, and the restoration of polluted soils. With a special focus on the latest advances, including microbial genomics and metagenomics, the book highlights practical applications for mitigating climate impacts and promoting a greener future. Key Features: - Explains microbial and microbiome roles in restoring ecosystems.- Covers practical applications for agriculture, waste management, and pollution control.- Introduces advanced microbial techniques in environmental management.- Provides insights into sustainable practices for reducing greenhouse gases and improving soil health.
Microbes as Agents of Change for Sustainable Development
Microbes as Agents of Change for Sustainable Development explores the pivotal role of microbes and microbiomes in restoring degraded ecosystems and advancing sustainable practices. This comprehensive resource bridges cutting-edge research and practical solutions, emphasizing microbial applications in ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, waste management, agriculture, and climate change mitigation.The book, which spans 22 chapters, provides insights into topics like nutrient cycling, bioremediation, biofertilizers, and microbial genomics. It also highlights innovative approaches, such as microbial fuel cells, pollution monitoring with biosensors, and the role of microbes in GHG emission mitigation. Key Features: - Explores the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the socio-economic benefits of microbes.- Discusses microbial roles in polluted ecosystem restoration and renewable energy production.- Highlights microbes' contribution to sustainable agriculture, waste management, and climate action.
Molecular Biology Techniques
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has as its main application the possibility of amplifying a segment of DNA, producing millions of copies of the selected segment. Gene cloning aims to introduce a selected gene into bacteria that are identical to each other, and this technique requires the presence of a cloning vector capable of amplifying a fragment of DNA cloned into them. The E gene of the dengue virus (DENV) is the most widely used for molecular studies due to the importance of the E protein. The aim of this study is to establish techniques for amplifying the E gene of DENV-2 and DENV-4. The DNA molecule was obtained from FIOCRUZ in Recife; the primers were selected in such a way as to encompass the E gene. PCR amplification was satisfactorily established for the E gene. Once determined, these techniques are essential in the stages of obtaining recombinant DNA in the process of cloning and expressing the dengue E protein.
Teaching embryology through the construction of educational materials
This book is the result of a final year course on teaching embryology to secondary school students. The initial work, with the aim of transforming scientific language into models and games for teaching embryology, took place in 2005. However, the educational material produced has been used in schools to this day. Therefore, in order to publicise the work so that other teachers have access to the construction of similar materials, the work was written up in book form, maintaining its initial integrity. The work was developed by the author Talita Sarah Mazzoni and supervised by Professors Dr Maria Dalva Cesario (Department of Morphology) and Dr Angelina Batista (Department of Education) - Botucatu Biosciences Institute - Paulista State University - UNESP - Botucatu, SP. Talita is currently Professor of Embryology at the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences - Federal University of Alfenas - UNIFAL - Alfenas, MG.
A journey through the DNA barcode
'Unlocking Nature's Secrets: A Journey Through DNA Barcoding' is a comprehensive exploration of the revolutionary field of DNA barcoding. In this book, readers embark on a captivating journey through the complex world of genetic identification, biodiversity assessment and forensic applications. Readers gain a comprehensive overview of the complex methodologies behind DNA barcoding, providing an in-depth understanding of the techniques and processes involved in this powerful molecular tool. 'Unlocking Nature's Secrets is an indispensable guide for researchers, students, policymakers and enthusiasts, offering a compelling insight into the remarkable potential of DNA barcoding to unlock the mysteries of the natural world and address pressing societal challenges.'
Introduction to Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology
Industrial microbiology uses microorganisms to produce industrially important products in a more sustainable fashion. This book offers its readers compiled and updated information in the field of industrial microbiology and biotechnology. This volume I begins with the basics of microbiology, and it has now been used in mass manufacturing on an industrial scale. In addition, it gives detailed knowledge of the basics of microbiology and biotechnology, for example, types of microbes and their applications, industrial culture media, bioreactor design, fermentation techniques, etc. This volume-I talks about most of the microbiological strains and species from Archaea, Gram-negative and positive bacteria, fungi, and viruses that have shown industrial applications. It also presents the most common media used in industrial and biotechnology research and the basics of the bioreactor and fermentation systems, giving different examples of how they can be used. This volume has been designed to help students, academicians, and researchers. In addition, the book will interest microbiologists, biotechnologists, environmentalists, and engineers interested in the application of green technology.
Impact of biointensive technologies on fertility of saline soils
The monograph is devoted to research aimed at search and creation of new water-saving and bio-intensive technologies in the Aral Sea region, the use of which will contribute to the economical use of irrigation water, improve the ameliorative state of soils and increase the yield of cultivated vegetable crops on irrigated meadow alluvial saline soils in conditions of acute shortage of irrigation water of poor quality, as well as the high cost of mineral fertilizers. The paper presents data on the current chemical state of drinking and irrigation waters and their influence on salinization under different irrigation methods. The monograph provides an analysis of the main works of domestic and foreign scientists on the study of the impact of irrigation, organic and green fertilizers on fertility and chemical properties of soils in the arid zone. The effect of different irrigation methods on ameliorative state, soil fertility and yield of vegetable crops was also determined. On the basis of obtained experimental data scientifically grounded conclusions and proposals for production are made.
The Antioxidant Potential of Fermented Foods
The major role of antioxidant compounds in preserving food shelf-life and providing health-promoting benefits, combined with the increasing concern towards synthetic antioxidants, is increasingly leading the scientific community to focus on natural antioxidants.Polyphenols, bioactive peptides, amino acids, and vitamins are among the most common antioxidant compounds naturally present in foods. Nevertheless, enabling further improvements in food antioxidant activity in vitro, which could potentially reflect that in vivo, is a topic of utmost significance. The bioconversion elicited by the use of microbial enzymes and/or fermentation with selected starters can be considered as a tool to enhance the activity of bioactive compounds by facilitating their release or changing their structural conformation. Yet, the elucidation of new bioconversion pathways, the study of antioxidant bioavailability and bioaccessibility, and their efficacy during in vivo digestion is an area that still needs exploring.In this framework, this Special Issue is aimed at covering the most recent advances in the use of fermentation as a means to enhance food antioxidant potential.
The Food Processing Industry's 200th Anniversary
The term "industrial revolution" indicates a historical era that began in Great Britain in the 18th century, characterized by an apparent acceleration of progress. Over the years, the food industry has changed and adapted to meet changing consumer demands and behaviors. The supply, consumption, and delivery of food products around the world are part of a complex system that define this industry. Food processes can bestow the potential health benefits of bioactive compounds in processed food products, alongside additional nutrients such as vitamins and antioxidants. People with allergies, diabetes, and other health issues who cannot consume certain, common food items also benefit from modern food processing. This process offers a number of advantages, such as extending foods' shelf life and improving product usability. However, highly processed meals can have disadvantages. According to the World Health Organization, a diet high in fat, added sugar, and salt, such as one including many highly processed foods, can increase the risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. The key is to strike a balance between the advantages and disadvantages of food processing. This can be achieved by consuming a mix of whole, minimally processed foods and some that have undergone processing to improve their safety, taste, and nutritional value.
Quantum Space-time Geometry
Quantum Space-time Geometry: Superspace Cavity QED: The topological aspects of quantum field theory and geometrical formalism makes the situation more broad in this monograph. In fact, the relationship with chiral anomaly links the Pontryagin term to the Berry phase, which may be thought of as a more extended Bohm-Ahranov effect. In this sense the insertion of a direction vector or vortex line associated to a space-time point effectively attaches a background magnetic field and the charge corresponding to the gauge field effectively represents magnetic charge. Therefore, the geometry of a charged particle traveling through a magnetic monopoles field may be related to that of a vortex line. The fact that in 3+1 dimension the gauge orbit space U/G has the topology of a ring indicates that there is a hole in it. So the magnetic flux through the hole in the gauge orbit space is nonzero. In view of this the vacuum may be taken to arise from the Bohm-Ahranov type of effect in ordinary space. In 2+1 dimension the topology of the gauge orbit space corresponding that of a sphere representing a magnetic monopole may thus be taken to arise from the same geometrical feature.
Unraveling the Brain-Eating Amoeba Threat
Naegleria fowleri, the "brain-eating amoeba," causes the fatal Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). In this study, CSF samples from 80 suspected PAM patients were analyzed for key indicators like leukocyte count, glucose, protein, and microscopy. While 79 tested negative, one was confirmed positive for N. fowleri through PCR and microscopy. Surprisingly, common CSF tests (high protein, low glucose, elevated TLC) failed to distinguish PAM from other types of meningitis, highlighting the need for PCR and wet prep microscopy for accurate diagnosis. The positive sample was cultured on non-nutrient agar (NNA), and mitochondrial sequencing identified N. fowleri. Genotyping revealed N. fowleri genotype 2, marking the first report in Pakistan. Environmental surveillance of Karachi's water supplies identified N. fowleri in 11 locations, including the patient's home, linking contaminated water to infection. Since 2011, all PAM cases in Karachi have been reported here. This study provides essential genotypic data and urges improved water quality monitoring, public awareness, and infrastructure upgrades to combat this deadly disease.
Andrographolide and its Analogs
This book provides an in-depth and comprehensive overview of andrographolides and their analogues, highlighting their botanical origins, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and biotechnological applications. It explores the isolation, purification, and spectroscopic characterization of andrographolides from natural sources, emphasizing their therapeutic potential in antidiabetic studies and other medicinal uses. The book also explains cultivation techniques, agronomic strategies for Andrographis species, genetic improvements, and in vivo extraction methods aimed at enhancing andrographolide yields, with a focus on commercial cultivation and export strategies. Dedicated chapters, contributed by experts, discuss the ethnobotanical significance of Andrographis species, traditional medicinal formulations, and advanced biotechnological interventions for conservation and utilization. Recent breakthroughs in understanding andrographolides' biosynthesis, metabolism, safety aspects, and promising applications in treating diabetes, cancer, inflammation, liver diseases, and neurological disorders are also covered. Readers will gain insight into how andrographolide analogues can be developed as "lead molecules" for creating next-generation phytodrugs. Key Features - Provides a comprehensive account of andrographolide-producing plant sources and their phytochemical and pharmacological properties. - Explores the role of biotechnology in enhancing andrographolide production through in vivo and in vitro methods. - Highlights the therapeutic efficacy of andrographolides and analogues in antidiabetic, anticancer, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory drug development. - Discusses cutting-edge advancements in the biosynthesis and semisynthetic derivatives of andrographolides. - Covers cultivation, agronomic techniques, and genetic improvements to optimize andrographolide production for commercial applications. This book is a valuable resource for researchers, pharmacologists, biotechnologists, and biomedical professionals focused on natural product-based drug discovery involving andrographolide.
Health Research Explainers
Health Research Explainers: Foundations explains the principles of health research, making the topic accessible to students, early career researchers, patients and the public.Dr Paul Ian Cross, a scientist with over twenty years of experience in clinical research and a PhD in the benefit-risk assessment of medicines, introduces readers to the research process, from initial planning and study design to data collection, analysis and publication of results.Readers will gain a deeper understanding of essential concepts, terminology and the various study designs used in health research, such as observational studies and randomised controlled trials.With its accessible writing style and real-world examples, the book makes complex topics easy to understand. Whether you're new to health research or looking to deepen your understanding of how scientific studies are designed and carried out, Health Research Explainers: Foundations provides the essential knowledge you need.
Biodiversity and Spatial Distribution of Fishes
This reprint is dedicated to showcasing the latest and innovative methods for identifying and monitoring fish biodiversity and spatiotemporal distribution, as well as natural change patterns, providing scientific references and basic data for researchers, scholars, and managers based on natural solutions. We look forward to everyone subscribing to, spreading, or referencing this work.
Medical Bacteriology, Volume 14
Bacteriology is the branch and speciality of biology that studies the morphology, ecology, genetics, identification, classification and biochemistry of bacteria as well as many other aspects related to them. Bacteriology is important in medicine, public health and sanitation work, agriculture, food-processing, and industry. The importance of bacteriology is undeniable; in fact, the study of the action of bacteria in health and in disease, inside and outside the animal body, has revealed so many new facts. Major advances in bacteriology over the last century resulted in the development of many effective vaccines (e.g., pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, diphtheria toxoid, and tetanus toxoid). This book is a review of the medically important aspects of bacteriology and covers both the basic and clinical aspects of bacteriology, and also discusses important infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria. This book presents current, medically important information about slowly growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).
Antimicrobial Use in Companion Animals
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a serious challenge in today's world. The use of antimicrobials (AMU) significantly contributes to the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria. Companion animals gain recognition as potential reservoirs and vectors for transmitting resistant microorganisms to both humans and other animals. The full extent of this transmission remains unclear, which is particularly concerning given the substantial and growing number of households with companion animals. This situation highlights critical knowledge gaps in our understanding of risk factors and transmission pathways for AMR transfer between companion animals and humans. Moreover, there's a significant lack of information regarding AMU in everyday veterinary practices for companion animals.The exploration and development of alternative therapeutic approaches to antimicrobial treatments of companion animals also represents a research priority. To address these pressing issues, this Reprint aims to compile and disseminate crucial additional knowledge. It serves as a platform for relevant research studies and reviews, shedding light on the complex interplay between AMU, AMR, and the role of companion animals in this global health challenge. This Reprint is especially addressed to companion animal veterinary practitioners as well as all researchers working on the field of AMR in both animals and humans, from a One Health perspective.
Inputs of Engineering Education towards Sustainability
This Special Issue does not aim to address the technical approach of each solution but rather to share educational experiences and maybe influence other teachers to invest in similar practices, from simple individual actions to departmental or school directives. Teachers, no matter the expertise, may contribute to this problem of civic awareness. Discussing these issues within the academia may harvest some day-to-day action changes, which may become the motor for new and bigger ones.
Animal Models of Human Pathology
While animal models are essential for unraveling the biological mechanisms of human pathology, the growing depth of knowledge regarding these mechanisms-along with the intricate interplay of factors contributing to human diseases-demands ongoing characterization and refinement of existing models, as well as the development of improved disease models to better meet the needs of scientific inquiry.This reprint highlights a variety of animal disease models, exploring their features, mechanisms, usefulness, challenges, and limitations. It also includes research papers on refinements of existing models and the development of new disease models. The reprint offers insight into animal models of neurodegeneration, perinatal asphyxia, developmental hypertension, cisplatin toxicity, urinary bladder pain syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, cancer models, skin healing models, and models for testing cardioplegic solutions for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.
On the Origin of Humankind
How could evolution have created the human body so perfectly? This was the question that inspired my journey of exploration-a journey I assumed would lead me to reaffirm the theory of evolution. But as I measured and compared the human body to engineered products, what I discovered was completely unexpected. Analyzing systems like the cardiovascular network and structures like teeth, I began to notice striking parallels between the human body and the designs we create in engineering. The precision of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements, the focus on safety, and the completeness of the design all mirrored the principles used to build cars, machines, and other complex systems. I anticipated finding randomness and imperfection-hallmarks of natural selection. Instead, the evidence pointed in the opposite direction. Most surprising of all, I was able to calculate the odds of such intricate design arising by chance, and the results left me stunned. The probability of the human body being a product of random gene variation was vanishingly small. This revelation led me to a groundbreaking conclusion: gene variation-the mechanism credited with driving evolution-is not random at all. It appears to be a product of intentional design. In "On the Origin of Humankind", I invite readers to join me on this intellectual journey and consider the evidence for a revolutionary perspective on our origins. If the human body bears the unmistakable hallmarks of engineering, could it be that humankind was designed? This book explores that provocative question with clarity and insight.
Fus
Rabies is a fatal viral disease transmitted by bites from infected animals, affecting the central nervous system. If not treated promptly, rabies is fatal. Post-exposure treatment, which includes vaccines and immunoglobulins, must be administered immediately after a suspected exposure to prevent progression of the infection. A major obstacle to effective treatment is the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which prevents drugs from reaching the brain. FUS (low-intensity focused ultrasound) offers a promising solution by temporarily opening this barrier to allow treatments to reach the brain. Although this technology is still under development, it could revolutionize emergency rabies treatment. However, prevention, including animal vaccination, remains essential. Further research and investment in this technology is needed to improve access to treatment in high-risk areas.
Isolation and characterization of lipase producing bacteria
The bacterial culture screened for lipase production was identified on the basis of morphological, cultural, physiological and biochemical characteristics as well as phylogenetic tree made using Neighbour Joining method, as a novel bacterium Staphylococcus argenteus. This was further confirmed and identified up to species level by IMTECH, Chandigarh and designated as Staphylococcus argenteus strain MG2 MTCC 12820. The 16S rDNA nucleotide sequence of the isolate Staphylococcus argenteus MG2 determined in this study has been deposited in the (NCBI, US) Gene Bank database under the accession number KY082046. The organism Staphylococcus argenteus MG2 showed optimal growth at pH 9.5 which shows its alkali tolerant nature. Optimum temperature for growth was 37簞C and was able to tolerate up to 7.5% salt and 5% sucrose concentration. Media optimization experiments revealed optimum carbon source was lactose and nitrogen source as yeast extract. The organism Staphylococcus argenteus MG2 was found to be a potential lipase producer and has various other industrial applications.
Water, Health and Environmental Sustainability in the Brazilian Semi-arid Region
Ch瓊 da Pia (Areia/PB) is a community located in the north-east of Brazil, in the state of Para穩ba, and stands out for its ceramics production. The research was carried out during a period of prolonged drought. The aim was to study the origin and management of the multiple waters destined for multiple uses in this community, to analyse the users' perception of the quality of these waters and their association with health risks and the impacts of the exploitative uses of water, soil and vegetation in the collection of materials for the manufacture of clay pieces. The water present in the community is distributed by water tankers, which have different origins and qualities (drinking water from the water tanker operation; treated water or water from reservoirs supplied by town halls and water of unknown origin distributed by private 'pipeiros'). The extraction of clay 'the clay of crockery' and the cutting down of plants to produce firewood to burn the clay pieces have a strong environmental impact (soil and vegetation). The multiple waters can be sourced from even more diverse sources and better utilised with alternative technologies that do not exist in this community, such as cisterns and underground dams, facilitating multiple uses during droughts.
Phytotherapy for Urolithiasis
Urolithiasis (UL) is a frequent pathology which affects between 5 and 20% of the population according to the countries and areas. The phototherapyy play a pivotal role in the management of UL by Moroccan population. The antilithiatic effect of a famous medicinal plant, Ziziphus lotus was evaluated in ethylene glycol-induced urolithiasis model of rats.The experiments show that ethylene glycol treatment decreases calcium level in urine. Extract treatment decreased the elevated levels of oxalate and calcium in urine. Qualitative analysis of crystalluria showed that untreated rats excreted large CaOx monohydrate and few dihydrate crystals while treated animals excreted mostly small CaOx dihydrate crystals. Significant similarity was observed between preventive and therapeutic anti-urolithiatic effect of AEZL and anti-urolithiatic effect of cystone (P
Molecular and biotechnological optimization of avermectin production
The main goal of the study was the identification and optimization of fermentation conditions responsible for improvement in the production of AVM from Egyptian isolate of S. avermitilis. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of AVM was carried out by Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and 6538 QTOF with Agilent 1290 UHPLC. Results showed that optimization conditions were carried out by using production medium containing 30 g/L corn starch, and 0.725 g/L CaCO3, pH 7, 8% inoculum size and incubated at 32.5簞C. The present work proofed that S. avermitilis MN368133 displayed a strongly strengthened capability to utilize carbon and nitrogen source compare to the wild-type one by proteome analysis. The major protein expression changes corresponding to AVM production were related to amino acid metabolism, carbon metabolism, energy metabolism and environmental stress response. The results will be helpful for better understanding the mechanism of AVM synthesis under different environments and yield novel insights regarding the formation action of secondary metabolites at the system level. Further work will be necessary for fully understanding the regulation mechanism on AVM biosynthesis.
Effect of flax on obesity and biological aging
Obesity is associated with metabolic disorders and intense oxidative stress, which can be aggravated with age. The aim of this study was to test the beneficial effect of linseed oil, which is rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), on disorders of lipid metabolism and redox status induced by the cafeteria diet (hyperlipidic and hypercaloric) in aged wistar rats. The aged rats were divided into six groups fed the control (standard) diet with or without linseed oil at (2.5% or 5%) and others fed the cafeteria diet with or without linseed oil at both concentrations. The rats were sacrificed after two months on the diet. Blood and organ samples (liver, adipose tissue, muscle, intestine) were taken to determine changes in lipid metabolism and redox status. The results show that the cafeteria diet induces obesity, hyperglycaemia and hyperlipidaemia with altered serum and organ fatty acid composition in aged wistar rats.
Difficulties in marine animal rehabilitation centres
The aim of marine animal rehabilitation centres is to receive, screen and rehabilitate marine species so that they can be reintroduced to their natural habitat. Aquatic species, especially migratory ones, suffer intense environmental pressures caused by anthropogenic actions in their breeding and feeding grounds. Species are often found stranded on beaches in a critical state of health or even dead, mainly due to ocean pollution. Magellanic penguins are the most common migratory seabirds in rehabilitation centres on the south-west Atlantic coast. During migration, many young birds end up lost and stranded on the Brazilian coast. Viral, bacterial and fungal diseases, as well as parasites, can complicate the penguins' recovery and even cause their death. Most of the time, these diseases are contracted on the premises of rehabilitation centres. The aim of this study was therefore to describe the main difficulties encountered in these centres and in the treatment of diseases in Magellanic penguins.
Effects of Seed Priming Methods on Morphological Traits of Rice
Seed priming is a technique used to enhance the growth and stress tolerance of plants, including rice, by pre-treating seeds before sowing. Under salt stress, different seed priming methods can significantly influence the morphological traits of rice. Common priming methods include hydropriming, osmopriming, and halopriming. Overall, these methods improve rice growth and resilience under salt stress, but their effectiveness varies depending on the priming agent used and the severity of stress.
Oxidative Stress and Its Role in Disease Development
Oxidative stress arises from a delicate imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses, which together play a complex role in cellular health and disease. Oxygen, essential for ATP production in cellular respiration, paradoxically generates ROS as byproducts that, if unregulated, can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids, undermining cellular integrity. In healthy cells, low ROS levels serve as vital signaling molecules, modulating various cellular processes. However, when ROS production surpasses the cell's antioxidant capacity-a common occurrence due to aging, environmental factors, or disease-the result is oxidative stress, which can drive pathogenesis in numerous conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune diseases.
Ecology of the Wolf ( Canis Lupus Linnaeus) in the Southern Aral Sea Region
Based on many years of research, the book considers ecological features and spatial and territorial distribution, population dynamics, sex and age structure, ecological and economic values of the wolf population in the ecosystems of the Southern Priaralie. The monograph is intended for biology and ecology students, hunting specialists, employees of specially protected natural territories and a wide range of readers interested in wildlife.
Genetic diversity of acerola trees (Malphigia emarginata D.C.)
Knowledge of genetic variability and the relationship between different acerola accessions is important in order to maximise the use of genetic resources for future breeding programmes. The aim of this study was to assess the genetic divergence between acerola accessions using molecular markers and morpho-agronomic characteristics. The comparative cluster analysis revealed that the markers used, associated with morpho-agronomic characteristics, were efficient for discriminating between accessions and that there was potential genetic variability for the breeding programme and useful information, such as the indication of promising accessions.
