Advanced Molecular Solutions for Cancer Therapy
"Advanced Molecular Solutions for Cancer Therapy" is a collection of 25 articles presenting clinical investigations, bioinformatics analyses, and experimental studies in support of novel molecular anti-cancer approaches.
New Research on Detection and Removal of Emerging Pollutants
This is the reprint of the Topic on "New Research on the Detection and Removal of Emerging Pollutants". The journals involved in the SI were Materials, Processes, Sustainability, Applied Sciences, and Toxics, contributing 23, 21, 13, 7, and 2 interesting and high-quality papers, respectively, to the broad field of research on emerging pollutants. The removal of emerging pollutants is a challenging topic receiving increasing attention in terms of investigations and the risk concerns perceived by society. In fact, improving the means for both the quantification and removal of toxic substances is clearly relevant in the current situation of environmental stress affecting different environmental compartments. Combining the five journals mentioned above in this one Topic has promoted a wider diffusion of the issue, covering a wide spectrum of researchers and readers. This field needs continuous higher efforts, so it is expected that additional related SIs and Topics will be developed in the future.
Hands-on Microbiology
"Hands-on Microbiology: Essential Lab Practices and Procedures - Techniques, Protocols, and Troubleshooting" is meticulously crafted to cater to the needs of first-year undergraduates studying Microbiology and Biotechnology, following the syllabus outlined by TANSCHE. This essential handbook offers a thorough exploration of laboratory procedures in Microbiology, providing students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for success in the field. Designed as a user-friendly resource, the book covers a wide range of topics, including microbial culture techniques, staining methods and biochemical tests. Each procedure is presented in a clear and concise manner, accompanied by step-by-step instructions and illustrations to facilitate understanding and implementation. With an emphasis on hands-on learning, this book serves as an indispensable companion for students embarking on their journey into the fascinating world of microbiology.
Mass Spectrometric Proteomics 2.0
The high quality of the articles published in this Special Issue reflects the leadership of MS-based proteomics in handling the complexity of biological challenges. From these reports, it can be inferred that the peculiar features of this platform in terms of flexibility, reliability, and the speed of execution have so far not been demonstrated through any other technique. Altogether, the papers presented in this Special Issue Reprint demonstrate that the MS proteomics technique is a mature method that is available not only for listing the total proteins present in a sample, but, more importantly, for providing novel insights into the role played by those involved in specific human disorders.
Diversity, Ecology and Evolution of Odonata
Members of the insect order Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) play an important ecological role as predators that consume large numbers of insects and serve as prey for larger animals such as birds, fish, and amphibians. They also serve as bioindicators for freshwater quality assessment and wetland conservation monitoring. Their beauty and diversity make them attractive to the public, which has led to an increased interest in their biology and conservation. This special issue compiles a series of articles focusing on different aspects of the diversity, ecology and evolution of odonates from different regions of the world including China, Australia, USA, Brazil, Czech Republic and Poland, among others.
New Research on Detection and Removal of Emerging Pollutants
This is the reprint of the Topic on "New Research on the Detection and Removal of Emerging Pollutants". The journals involved in the SI were Materials, Processes, Sustainability, Applied Sciences, and Toxics, contributing 23, 21, 13, 7, and 2 interesting and high-quality papers, respectively, to the broad field of research on emerging pollutants. The removal of emerging pollutants is a challenging topic receiving increasing attention in terms of investigations and the risk concerns perceived by society. In fact, improving the means for both the quantification and removal of toxic substances is clearly relevant in the current situation of environmental stress affecting different environmental compartments. Combining the five journals mentioned above in this one Topic has promoted a wider diffusion of the issue, covering a wide spectrum of researchers and readers. This field needs continuous higher efforts, so it is expected that additional related SIs and Topics will be developed in the future.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
This book is prepared for treatment and professional education students and clinical supervisors of medical universities. For students of medical institutes, clinical residents and magistracies, as well as special training doctors, it is set as a priority task to radically increase the speed, technological and efficiency of emergency medical care for bleeding in obstetrics. Uzbek medicine has a very important task in front of it - it is to learn to manage emergency medical conditions and continuously follow this path. Practical skills, algorithms, and a glossary of key terms used in emergency practice are also presented. The training manual can also be used by emergency and non-urgent medical teams, resuscitation and intensive care units.
Retinal Cell Biology in Health and Disease
This reprint is a comprehensive collection that consists of 18 original research papers and 2 review articles. This reprint delves into the intricate world of retinal cell biology, shedding light on the fundamental features of photoreceptors, ganglion cells, and the subcellular organelles within these cells, such as mitochondria. Readers will be educated on a wide array of topics, ranging from the underlying mechanisms governing retinal cell function to innovative techniques aimed at enhancing the visualization of various retinal cell types. The inclusion of original research papers allows for an in-depth exploration of these subjects, providing valuable insights into the complexities of retinal cell biology. Moreover, this reprint also features papers focusing on therapeutic strategies, offering readers a glimpse into the latest advancements in the field of retinal cell biology and the potential avenues for treating retinal diseases. With its diverse range of topics and contributions from leading experts in the field, "Retinal Cell Biology in Health and Disease" serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, clinicians, and students alike, seeking to deepen their understanding of retinal cell biology and its implications for health and disease.
Enzymes in Biomedical, Cosmetic and Food Application
Enzymes are commonly referred to as biocatalysts that can catalyze many biological and chemical reactions. Due to their high specificity and catalytic efficiency, enzymes have gained popularity and are frequently applied in various industries. This Special Issue includes eleven research articles and two review articles in the field of biocatalysis, specifically related to biomedical, cosmetic, and food applications.
What SARS-CoV-2 Variants Have Taught Us
RNA viruses have a rapid pace of evolutionary change. Mutations in RNA viral genomes occur at a pace that greatly exceeds that observed in other organisms and determine much of their evolutionary "behavior". For instance, RNA viruses have a great ability to cross species barriers and, hence, emerging new human and animal viruses. Indeed, emerging RNA viruses are currently the biggest health threat to humankind to emerge in a very long time. Thus, it is crucial at this time to shed some light on how the evolutionary behavior of RNA viruses shapes their epidemiolocal, fitness, and pathological features. This will contribute toward a better understanding of how to deal with these threats.
Smart Strategies and Technologies for Sustainability and Biodiversity in Herbaceous and Horticultural Crops
Current trends in modern farming systems are moving in the direction of technical solutions for improving the sustainability and biodiversity of agroecosystems. Innovative agronomical strategies and new technologies can help farmers reduce or eliminate chemical inputs, preserve soil and water quality, decrease exhaust and greenhouse gas emissions, prevent pollution, and lower energy demand. Sustainable management also aims to enhance biodiversity in order to lengthen the "life" of agroecosystems. Herbaceous and horticultural crops are dominant crops that can contribute to achieving this goal.This Special Issue presents contributions regarding innovative technologies, machines, and strategies for the sustainable management of herbaceous and horticultural crops, including applications in organic farming systems, conservation agriculture, integrated or non-chemical weed and pest control, cover crops and intercropping use, precision and digital farming technologies, and robotic technologies for sustainability. Moreover, this Special Issue concerns conservation agriculture, organic agriculture, cover crops, intercropping, integrated/non-chemical weed and pest control, and precision and digital agriculture for sustainability. These Special Issue is a collection of 12 papers: 5 on tree crops/orchards and 7 on herbaceous crops.
Pathogen Detection and Identification in Wastewater
Our Special Issue reprint highlights the latest advancements in water safety and public health. This curated collection of articles delves into the critical challenges and innovative solutions associated with detecting and managing pathogens in wastewater systems worldwide. Featuring contributions from leading experts in the field, this reprint provides comprehensive insights into the mechanisms of pathogen survival, novel detection methodologies and applications in wastewater-based epidemiology. Perfect for researchers, environmentalists, policymakers and practitioners, this Special Issue offers valuable knowledge to enhance the fight against waterborne diseases and promote sustainable water management practices.
Physiology and Pathophysiology of Placenta
The development and differentiation of placental villous trees are two key processes tightly regulated during pregnancy. In fact, several growth factors, their receptors and other types of molecules can regulate placental cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and invasion. Thus, an impairment of normal placental development can lead to a series of pregnancy pathologies, i.e., preeclampsia (PE), fetal growth restriction (FGR), gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Furthermore, external factors, such as microbial agents, chemicals and natural compounds, can affect placental development and function, impairing pregnancy outcomes. These pregnancy complications result in increased maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity, leading to life-long health implications in both mother and child.The aim of this Special Issue is to provide an overview of placental development and pathophysiology in order to better understand the molecular mechanisms involved in pregnancy.
Diagnosis, Characterization and Treatment of Emerging Pathogens
This reprint includes 19 publications featured in the Special Issue "Diagnosis, Characterization and Treatment of Emerging Pathogens" in the journal Microorganisms. In this reprint, new developments of novel detection methods against SARS-COV-2, HIV, dengue, and bacteria were collected. Protein and RNA markers and drug side effects are also reported.
Fungal Biotechnology and Application 2.0
This reprint published both original studies and literature reviews that describe the biotechnology and advanced applications of fungi, which are beneficial or harmful to human beings. It reported current fungal biotechnology and the industrial application of fungi in the fields of cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. The following topics have been covered in this reprint: the application of fungi in all kinds of industries (e.g., scientific research, fermentation for cosmetic ingredients and pharmaceuticals, and food); fungal secondary metabolites and metabolic flow analysis; bioprospecting of novel fungi from specific environments; mechanisms of pathogenic fungal infection and its prevention and treatment; ecology, morphological, and ultrastructural diversity of fungi; cultivation and utilization of medicinal or edible mushrooms.
10th Anniversary of Catalysts
In view of the key importance of biocatalysis and as a way of celebrating the 10th anniversary of Catalysts, the Biocatalysis section has taken the initiative to launch a Special Issue entitled "10th Anniversary of Catalysts: Biocatalysis in Analysis and Synthesis-Past, Present and Future". The Biocatalysis section in Catalysts continues to grow, with 46 Special Issues and 409 articles published to date.This milestone is a great time to both reflect on previous accomplishments and identify the next challenges and opportunities in Biocatalysis. As such, potential authors have been highly encouraged to be forward-thinking in their articles by proposing important questions and obstacles in their areas of interest and means of addressing them. We have also been interested in highlighting newly emerging areas for Biocatalysis. We believe that this Special Issue is an opportunity to identify grand themes in Biocatalysis.
Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antiviral Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products
Join us on an illuminating journey into the realm of natural products and their extraordinary potential in combating infectious diseases. Our Special Issue explores the diverse arsenal of bioactive molecules sourced from nature's pharmacy. From plant extracts to marine organisms, delve into the fascinating world of natural compounds and their remarkable antimicrobial or anticancer properties. Explore the vast array of natural compounds with antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and antiviral activities. Gain insights into the mechanisms of action, structure-activity relationships and therapeutic potentials of bioactive molecules. Discover innovative interdisciplinary approaches to drug discovery, including bioinformatics and synthetic biology. Learn about the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources in combating infectious diseases or cancers.Do not miss this opportunity to delve into the forefront of antimicrobial and anticancer research, and harness the power of nature in the fight against infections and cancers!
Modeling and Analysis of Damage and Failure of Concrete-Like, Brittle and Quasi-brittle Materials
The modeling and analysis of the damage and failure of materials and structures is an active and persistent challenge in computational mechanics, materials, and various scientific and industrial fields. This reprint provides an informative and stimulating forum to enhance academic communications on this challenging topic, focusing on the development and applications of computational theories, numerical and experimental methods, models, and algorithms for modeling and analyzing the damage and failure of concrete-like, brittle, and quasi-brittle materials and structures.
Detection of viruses of the virome affecting birches (Betula sp.) - "Case studies Europe-wide"
Over the years, birches keep declining at various locations in Europe especially in cities, parks streets as well as forest due to biotic and abiotic stress factors. The decline of birches is characterized by die-back of twigs, branches, and can lead to the loss of tree crown, and finally to death of the tree. Virus-suspected leaf symptoms were observed on declining birches, which were attributed to Birch leaf roll disease (BLRD). Investigations from this thesis give an impression that, the birches can be infected by more virus species than ever assumed. The birch has a complex virome than expected and the decline cannot be attributed not just to a particular virus. Modern techniques, such as high-throughput sequencing (HTS), gave a comprehensive identification of possible viral pathogens present in the birch genome. In 2014, sequences of a previously unknown viruses could be discovered in symptomatic leaf samples of the genus Betula. Investigations of the prevalent birch viruses (BLRaV, CLRV, BiCV and ApMV) led to discovery of new viral signatures (e.g. Birch capillovirus, Birch caulimovirus, Birch benyvirus and Birch idaeovirus) in leaf samples from different areas in Europe. This indicates a wide distribution of these viruses as discussed in this thesis. The sequences obtained from complex virome RNA-Seq were about 70 % similar to known plant viruses. With the aid of the high-throughput sequences, RT-PCRbased detection systems for newly discovered viruses have been developed. Furthermore, the genome of these new viruses was to be further characterized and first results on the dissemination of them were presented.
Dietary Patterns and Nutritional Value in Non-communicable Diseases
It is well known that the quality of human nutrition is fundamental to human health and affects the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The global food system has been dramatically changing in recent years, which results in negative consequences concerning the nutritional quality of foods, and consequently, the risk of NCDs. Therefore, the need for diagnostic tools to use in the evaluation of nutritional value and the improvement of nutrition counseling and disease prevention is more important than ever before. Approaches to dietary patterns can help us understand the role of diets in NCDs and assess the quality of the existing dietary recommendations in clinical practice. Additionally, the identification of associations between dietary patterns and health risks will help us guide nutrition and public health policies. In this Special Issue of Nutrients, we have included manuscripts that deal with the identification of dietary patterns associated with different NCDs, as well as associations between dietary patterns and the nutrient content of their constituent foods with different disease-related factors.
Stress Biology of Turfgrass
Turfgrass is widely used for landscaping, sports turf, and ecological restoration. However, abiotic stresses decrease turf quality and also increase the costs involved in turf maintenance. This reprint focuses on research related to the physiological, metabolic, and molecular mechanisms of turfgrasses in response to drought, heat, cold, or ionic stress (salt, chromium, and cadmium). This reprint comprises a review article on salinity stress and tolerance in turfgrasses, as well as research articles covering antioxidant defense systems, water homeostasis, and ionic equilibrium in turfgrasses in response to abiotic stress, the effects of plant growth regulators in turfgrasses exposed to abiotic stress, physiological and metabolic differences affected by stress in turfgrasses, and key genes and proteins associated with stress tolerance in turfgrasses.
Clinical Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers
In this Special Issue, we finally included 20 papers, focused on multiple clinical diseases, including cancers, infectious diseases (COVID-19, pancreatitis, etc.), autoimmune diseases, and metabolic diseases. In terms of the types of biomarkers, they include non-coding RNA, inflammatory factors, cytokines, etc. These papers have explored the clinical biomarkers in diagnosis, risk stratification, treatment response, and prognosis assessment in their respective fields, which is of great significance for the clinical management and future research pertaining to these diseases.
Micropropagation of Medicinal Plants
This volume presents information about protocols for micropropagation of more than 40 species of medicinal plants. The contents combine knowledge about the scientific principles of micropropagation with state of the art updates in tissue culture techniques presented by plant scientists. The readers will learn about techniques required to grow plants in challenging conditions that aim to reduce the impacts of injudicious harvesting, deforestation, climate change, pollution, urbanization and other factors that limit the ability to meet current demand. General topics such as biotization and pharmaceutical investigation are also included to guide readers about the significance of these plants in research and development for new medicines. The book provides protocols for micropropagation of important medicinal plants like Rauvolfia serpentina, Catharanthus roseus, Withania somnifera, Tylophora indica, Bacopa monnieri, Aloe vera, Phyllanthus amarus, Allium sativum, Moringa oleifera, Operculina turpethum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Pterocarpus marsupium, Vetiver grass, Ruta graveolens, Tinospora cordifolia, Kaempferia, Hedychium, Decalepis hamiltonii, Saraca asoca, Wrightia tinctoria, Wrightia arborea, Artemisia absinthium, Aegle marmelos, Atropa acuminata, Atropa belladonna, Alpinia species, Hedychium species, and Cissus species. This book is a handy reference for medicinal chemists, horticulturists and pharmacists who want to learn about the growth and conservation of important medicinal herbs and plants.
40 Years of Evolution
A new edition of Peter and Rosemary Grant's classic account of their groundbreaking forty-year study of Darwin's finches 40 Years of Evolution is a landmark study of the finches first made famous by Charles Darwin, one that documents as never before the evolution of species through natural selection. In this now-legendary study, renowned evolutionary biologists Peter and Rosemary Grant draw on a vast and unparalleled range of ecological, behavioral, and genetic data to continuously measure changes in finch populations over a period of four decades on the small island of Daphne Major in the Gal獺pagos archipelago. In the years since the book's publication, the field of genomics has developed greatly. In this newly revised edition of 40 Years of Evolution, the Grants combine the results of their historic field study with genomic analyses of their primary findings, resolve unanswered questions from the field, and provide invaluable insights into the genetic basis of beak and body size variation and the history of this iconic adaptive radiation.
Convergent Evolution in Stone-Tool Technology
Scholars from a variety of disciplines consider cases of convergence in lithic technology, when functional or developmental constraints result in similar forms in independent lineages. Hominins began using stone tools at least 2.6 million years ago, perhaps even 3.4 million years ago. Given the nearly ubiquitous use of stone tools by humans and their ancestors, the study of lithic technology offers an important line of inquiry into questions of evolution and behavior. This book examines convergence in stone tool-making, cases in which functional or developmental constraints result in similar forms in independent lineages. Identifying examples of convergence, and distinguishing convergence from divergence, refutes hypotheses that suggest physical or cultural connection between far-flung prehistoric toolmakers. Employing phylogenetic analysis and stone-tool replication, the contributors show that similarity of tools can be caused by such common constraints as the fracture properties of stone or adaptive challenges rather than such unlikely phenomena as migration of toolmakers over an Arctic ice shelf. Contributors R. Alexander Bentley, Briggs Buchanan, Marcelo Cardillo, Mathieu Charbonneau, Judith Charlin, Chris Clarkson, Loren G. Davis, Metin I. Eren, Peter Hiscock, Thomas A. Jennings, Steven L. Kuhn, Daniel E. Lieberman, George R. McGhee, Alex Mackay, Michael J. O'Brien, Charlotte D. Pevny, Ceri Shipton, Ashley M. Smallwood, Heather Smith, Jayne Wilkins, Samuel C. Willis, Nicolas Zayns
Investors and Exploiters in Ecology and Economics
Experts from the natural and social sciences examine the coexistence of productive and exploitative behavior strategies observable in many species at many levels. In the natural world, some agents (investors) employ strategies that provide resources, services, or information, while others (exploiters) gain advantages through these efforts. This behavior coexists and can be observed in many species and at many levels. For example, bacteria depend on the existence of biofilms to synthesize constituent proteins; cancerous cells employ angiogenesis to feed a tumor; and parents forgo vaccinating their children yet benefit from herd immunity. Two independent research traditions have developed to analyze this behavior--one couched in evolutionary theory championed by behavioral ecologists, the other in social science concepts advocated by economists. In this book experts from economics, evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, public health, and anthropology look for commonalities in understanding and approach. The contributors consider parasitic strategies in ecological and economic terms; the governance of natural resources, with insights from "producer-scrounger models," forest management, and game theory; human health, discussing therapeutic opportunities, public health economics, and the integration of perspectives; and behavioral, social, and institutional consequences of exploitation strategies. Contributors Michal Arbilly, Zolt獺n Barta, Jan B繹rner, Sam P. Brown, Max Burton-Chellew, Juan Camilo Cardenas, Sasha R. X. Dall, Miguel dos Santos, Fr矇d矇rique Dubois, Paul W. Ewald, Gigi Foster, Paul Frijters, Luc-Alain Giraldeau, Ben Greiner, Reem Hajjar, Philipp Heeb, Markus Herrmann, Tatsuya Kameda, Alex Kacelnik, Kiryl Khalmetski, Andrew J. King, Hanna Kokko, Michael Kosfeld, Wolfgang Leininger, Arnem Lotem, Kimberley J. Mathot, John M. McNamara, Friederike Mengel, Johan A. Oldekop, Daniel Pauly, Benjamin Roche, Devesh Rustagi, William J. Sutherland, Fr矇d矇ric Thomas, Thomas J. Valone, Jo禱l van der Weele, Bj繹rn Vollan, Claus Wedekind, Bruce Winterhalder
The Acceleration of Cultural Change
How culture evolves through algorithms rather than knowledge inherited from ancestors. From our hunter-gatherer days, we humans evolved to be excellent throwers, chewers, and long-distance runners. We are highly social, crave Paleolithic snacks, and display some gendered difference resulting from mate selection. But we now find ourselves binge-viewing, texting while driving, and playing Minecraft. Only the collective acceleration of cultural and technological evolution explains this development. The evolutionary psychology of individuals--the drive for "food and sex"--explains some of our current habits, but our evolutionary success, Alex Bentley and Mike O'Brien explain, lies in our ability to learn cultural know-how and to teach it to the next generation. Today, we are following social media bots as much as we are learning from our ancestors. We are radically changing the way culture evolves. Bentley and O'Brien describe how the transmission of culture has become vast and instantaneous across an Internet of people and devices, after millennia of local ancestral knowledge that evolved slowly. Long-evolved cultural knowledge is aggressively discounted by online algorithms, which prioritize popularity and recency. If children are learning more from Minecraft than from tradition, this is a profound shift in cultural evolution. Bentley and O'Brien examine the broad and shallow model of cultural evolution seen today in the science of networks, prediction markets, and the explosion of digital information. They suggest that in the future, artificial intelligence could be put to work to solve the problem of information overload, learning to integrate concepts over the vast idea space of digitally stored information.
Clinical Nutrition for Cancer Patients
Cancer patients have unique metabolic and nutritional requirements that require multi-disciplinary approaches for optimal management. The impact of nutrition on the health of cancer patients holds inherent challenges in assessment and measurement and factors implicated in energy metabolism, appetite regulation, body composition, inter-organ cross talk, hormone alterations, malabsorption, and complications of therapies must be considered. Cancer patients may experience deficits in essential nutrients; however. the extent to which restoration of deficits improves outcomes remains poorly characterized. This Special Issue on clinical nutrition will emphasize studies conducted in humans that have evaluated the status of micro- or macronutrients, nutrient requirements, body composition, and metabolic dysregulation in the oncology setting. The work presented will be of special interest to nurses, dietitians, physicians, and other practitioners working in the oncology setting. Effective strategies for combating disease-associated malnutrition will be realized by combined approaches and collaboration among multiple disciplines.
Molecular Mechanism in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Fibrosis
This Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (IJMS), entitled "Molecular Mechanism in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Fibrosis", collected 15 original research papers (5 reviews and 10 articles) written by a panel of experts from different countries who highlight recent advances in the EMT process.Navigating the complex field of EMT, this Special Issue introduces the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of EMT in the evolution and progression of fibrogenesis and discusses potential strategies for attenuating EMT to prevent and/or inhibit fibrosis.Overall, the 15 scientific articles in this Special Issue of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences provide valuable insights into the complex mechanisms governing the EMT process linked to fibrosis and have highlighted the potential of novel therapeutic strategies. In the last few years, the field of EMT has shown considerable promise, and there is still much to be learned. As our understanding continues to grow, we hope that this Special Issue serves as a catalyst for further research and innovation in this developing field.
Synthetic and Biological-Derived Hydroxyapatite Implant Coatings
Over the past few decades, the field of bioactive materials for bone tissue engineering has emerged as a prominent approach in addressing bone traumas. The focus lies on the production of durable implants and bone substitutes capable of bypassing complications associated with rejection. HA is a well-known bioceramic with a close chemical and structural resemblance to the mineral composition of vertebrate bones and teeth. Despite its favorable bone regeneration properties, HA is prone to brittleness, limiting its use in load-bearing applications. To overcome this drawback, HA can be applied as a coating on metallic or polymeric implants, with the aim of significantly enhancing their overall performance. Synthetic HA is typically produced by means of several chemical routes. Recent approaches have been reported for extracting HA from natural and sustainable resources. Biologically derived apatite is a carbonated HA, which differs from synthetic HA in terms of composition, stoichiometry, crystallinity degree, crystal size/morphology, and consequently, degradation rate and overall biological performance. This reprint is devoted to the synthesis and characterization techniques of HA-based coatings. The Special Issue's scope includes both synthetic and naturally derived HA materials. Notably, significant attention was directed toward the development of bioactive and biodegradable HA-based biomaterials with tunable properties. These biomaterials are specifically designed for a range of applications, including bone repair and regeneration, tissue engineering, orthopedics, biosensing, dental implants, and in vivo testing.
Chitosan and Other Edible Coatings with Antimicrobial Activity
Antimicrobial edible coatings for whole or fresh-cut fruits and vegetables based on natural biopolymers that serve as carriers of antimicrobial agents or that are inherently antimicrobial, such as chitosan, are increasingly gaining interest from researchers and industry due to their potential to maintain quality and safety. Additionally, edible coatings can also function as a barrier to water vapors and gases, regulating physiological aspects in fruit. Despite the substantial research progress in antimicrobial edible coatings for fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, the development of tailor-made solutions according to specific commercialization needs still represents a technological challenge due to important physical, physiological, and biochemical differences among the wide variety of fresh horticultural commodities. The development of edible films and coatings with antimicrobial activity requires knowledge of the chemical bases to develop optimized edible coating formulations, the effects of the coatings on different postharvest pathogens in in vitro studies and in different fruit matrices, as well as their effect on fruit quality during postharvest storage.This Special Issue aims to publish original research and critical review articles on recent aspects of novel antimicrobial edible coatings that are formulated with chitosan and other edible coating-forming materials to preserve fruits and vegetables, as well as research on the mode of action against postharvest pathogens and their properties with an aim to preserve the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the coated product.
Crop Nutrient Requirements and Advanced Fertilizer Management Strategies
This Special Issue reprint provides updates on relevant knowledge about the usefulness of improving fertilizer use efficiency in crops, thus ensuring enough food of acceptable quality for the rising world population while taking into account environmental considerations. Plant nutrient requirements and nutrition are complex issues, with 17 known nutrients necessary for plant growth and this field being an intersection of various sciences such as soil science, plant physiology, chemistry, circular economy, environmental science, and others. Plant nutrition is one of the most important elements on which the yield and quality of agricultural products depend. For about a century, a significant yield increase was seen thanks to the revolutionary method introduced by Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug on the use of chemical fertilizers for crops that can cover the nutritional needs of the world. But, what should we expect today? The current tendency around the world is to adjust to the actual nutritional needs of the consumers and plants, maximizing yields and improving quality, with special attention paid to the environment and the grower. This Special Issue provides nutrient management strategies and advanced knowledge on fertilizer use efficiency as one of the primary means of improving the quality and quantity of crops, contributing to a stable and healthy food chain.
Water Quality, Water Security and Risk Assessment
Water is very important for the existence of living things. Several studies have found that clean water laden with toxic chemical (heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, pesticide residues, and perfluorooctanoic acid), radiological (radioactive elements such as uranium, cesium, and plutonium), and microbiological (bacteria, viruses, and protozoa) contaminants through unintentional and intentional means can be detrimental to living things when consumed. These contaminants could occur via anthropogenic or natural activities. Therefore, to prevent pollution and to limit the presence of conventional and emerging contaminants in various sources of water, it is imperative to devise water adaptive strategies to remediate water pollution in varied water sources, especially for climate-related pollution triggers, and to conduct routine water quality monitoring, assessment, and security evaluation to determine its useability (suitability) and associated health risks. This Special Issue welcomed original research, review articles, perspective articles, mini-reviews, opinions, and short communications describing recent findings on water quality, security, and risk assessment on a global scale.
DNA Barcodes for Evolution and Biodiversity
The world is currently facing an unprecedented loss of biodiversity. To document, maintain, and monitor changes in biodiversity, it is necessary to identify which entities contribute to biodiversity. For many taxa, reliable species identification, the prerequisite for studying biodiversity, is only possible by taxonomic experts, whose numbers have been drastically declining over the last few decades. DNA barcoding is a method for identifying specimens (ideally at the species level) by employing an expert-based reference system (open-access database) that drastically increases the number of people able to identify organisms down to the species level and reduces the rate of misidentifications among morphologically similar taxa. Specifically, DNA barcoding is a standardized approach for identifying organisms based on specific sections of their DNA. Depending on the taxonomic group, different genes have been established as the standard DNA barcoding markers even though, for certain applications or taxa, other genes might be used as well. Consequently, DNA barcodes should allow for (in most cases) unambiguous specimen identification once reliable DNA barcode reference data are available and thus are an important tool in basic and applied biodiversity and evolutionary biology research. This reprint includes a collection of studies that use DNA barcoding (incl. metabarcoding, eDNA, etc.) to answer questions in basic and applied biodiversity and evolutionary biology research. Many of the key aspects of DNA barcoding are addressed by these studies, which provide some important new insights in their respective fields of research.
A Critical Review of the Current Approaches and Procedures of Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Facilitating Use
This Special Issue critically reviews the history of global conservation and use efforts that have been undertaken over the past 70 years to curb genetic erosion of our crop plant gene pools for the benefit of humankind. With the worldwide establishment of genebanks to conserve the threatened genetic resources for the long term, the establishment of a legal framework since the early 1990s, and the increasing reluctance of individual countries to readily share genetic resources, the need for global coordination, standard-setting, and sharing of responsibilities became obvious. As a result, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) evolved, coordinated, and facilitated a somewhat spontaneous development of a global conservation and use system. The present system has its strengths but also its significant shortcomings and problems. Against this backdrop, the Guest Editors conceived this SI and invited well-known conservation and use arena stakeholders to contribute. As a result, a very interesting and relevant assemblage of views, opinions, experiences, conclusions, and recommendations concerning the global conservation and use system is presented in this reprint of the individual contributions to the SI. The Guest Editors are convinced that these results provide essential elements for consideration in the ongoing discussions regarding revising the current global system. The revisions concern the Convention for Biological Diversity, including its Nagoya Protocol and the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources.
Mental Health Promotion and Illness Prevention in Vulnerable Populations
Given that international and national agendas determine as priorities prevention and early intervention to mitigate the impact of mental health problems, it is critical to screen and identify groups at risk of mental and behavioural disorders, as well as promote mental health and socio-emotional well-being of individuals throughout life (e.g., children, adolescents, adults, elderly people, and other vulnerable groups). This Special Issue of Healthcare, entitled "Mental Health Promotion and Illness Prevention in Vulnerable Populations", welcomed original contributions of relevance to this area of research from different settings, cultural backgrounds, and academic disciplines in order to address groups at risk for mental disorders.
Osteoporosis, the Immune System and Genetics
Osteoporosis is a degenerative, multifactorial osteometabolic disease characterized by a reduction in bone mineral density and deterioration of tissue microarchitecture. Of the various systemic and local factors involved in the etiopathogenesis of the disease, the association between components of the immune system and the genetic background has been shown to be key in maintaining bone tissue homeostasis. As a multifactorial disease, it is essential that its main causes are identified early, thus preventing the progression of the disease. Cytokines are recognized as participating in this homeostasis, acting to alter tissue resorption and controlling the proliferation of bone cells. Polymorphisms in the genes of these cytokines, such as SNPs, can interfere with their structures and expression levels, modifying the biological mechanisms in which they are involved. Therefore, the aim of this book was to verify the role of IFN-γ in this process, by analyzing the rs2069705 polymorphism, expression levels and in vitro activity of the protein. In this way, we hope to contribute to filling the gaps still present in the field of Osteoimmunology in the study of Osteoporosis.
Sandy Beaches as Endangered Ecosystems
Sandy beaches are the most abundant coastal environments worldwide, which have an undeniable and unique ecological value. Presently, they are amongst the most endangered ecosystems in the biosphere, mainly due to the influence of several human activities.
Molecular Techniques in Crop Improvement at a Glance
Present book has been designed to provide comprehensive information related to Molecular Techniques in one compact volume of 20 chapters. Hope, this book would be useful to the students, teachers and researchers engaged in the field of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology.
Biochemical Interactions of Iron Nutrition in Plants
Iron is an essential micronutrient. Plants acquire iron from the soil, and its uptake, transport, and assimilation have been intensively studied for the last few decades. The basic mechanisms of root iron uptake, the biochemical processes of iron assimilation, and the major components of the genetic background of iron homeostasis and its regulation have been revealed. Important topics have emerged, such as the correction of iron deficiency, biofortification, the interaction of iron with other elements, and the interaction of plants with fungi and bacteria affecting iron acquisition. This Special Issue, "Biochemical Interactions of Iron Nutrition in Plants", addresses existing knowledge gaps and provides insight into some current research areas through eleven peer-reviewed papers.
Molecular World Today and Tomorrow
Various molecular techniques based on omics (transcriptomics, proteomics, and genomics) and phylogenetics have been applied in biological sciences. Molecular dynamics have become quantitative tools, allowing researchers from multiple disciplines to design different studies. Molecular-based techniques can be comprehensive and systematic, as they allow identification, resolve genetic differences, facilitate molecular docking, and create prediction models of ecological niches and taxonomic ranks. Investigating genomics, proteomics, and phylogenetic techniques requires a novel class of DNA elements, such as microsatellites from mitochondria and chloroplast and retrotransposons, resulting in genetic variations using molecular data. The advantages and limitations of molecular approaches have been well studied and acknowledged. The combination of molecular phylogenetic and omics techniques, expressions, and pathways may greatly increase our capacity to understand and develop new molecular mechanisms and stress responses in biological systems. Furthermore, these techniques offer extensive opportunities for researchers to develop targeted therapy approaches and disease diagnoses using molecular data. It is necessary to evaluate and explore how data from diverse molecular techniques can be applied to different biological studies. The study and application of molecular approaches are significant in advancing genomics, proteomics, and phylogenetic techniques in biological sciences.
Feature Papers in Drug Toxicity
This Special Issue reports several findings from investigators in different areas of drug toxicity. The effects of several abused drugs (e.g. ethanol, hydrocodone, and heroin) are reported, and the attenuating effects of certain drug targets were also reported. Other research studies report the toxic effects of certain drugs and medications (e.g. pentylenetetrazol, metronidazole, paracetamol, paclitaxel, and tilmicosin) and the therapeutics effects of certain agents and plant extracts in animal models.
Microbes for Humanity and Its Applications
This book updates in details about the microbes and their intervention in different sectors. We are living in a world with gigantic pools of microorganisms. Microorganisms have been employed in various human welfare and industrial applications from several decades. Microbes has been exploited for various applications viz. crop improvement, crop protection from pests, recombinant proteins and vaccine production, production of antibiotics and pharmaceutical compounds, production of beverages and bakery products, textiles and detergent, industrial effluent treatment. Microbes have been utilized in production of bio-fuels and in green synthesis of nanomaterials. Advances in genetic engineering and gene editing tools have revolutionized their application potential. Omics studies have further assisted to understand and explore the unknown complex microbial pathways that lead to augment their application potential. The main idea of book is to bring together the work done by leading researchers in different sector of microbial application within a single book. The overall purpose of the book is to provide deep insights into the present scenario of microbial applications with future challenges.
New Insights into the Diagnosis and Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Diseases
Dear Colleagues, The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can be remodeled even after growth has stopped, allowing it to undergo structural changes and adapt to different physiological demands.Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are a group of degenerative disorders involving the components of the TMJ and can lead to displacement of the disc and joint remodeling, and eventually, osteoarthritis.Different methods of diagnosing and treating TMDs have been described in the literature.The aim of this Special Issue is to update the information on methods of TMD diagnosis, from clinical exams to immunohistology and molecular diagnosis, and on novel treatments for this disease; these include non-invasive techniques such as physical therapy, ultrasound, low-level laser therapy, and splints; minimally invasive techniques such as corticosteroid injections, arthrocentesis of the joint (with or without platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid injections), and arthroscopic surgery; and invasive procedures for advanced stages of TMDs, which include discectomy, disc replacement, and total joint replacement.
Diversity, Distribution and Phylogeny of Vector Insects
Several families of Diptera are the vectors of agents that critically concern veterinary and public health. Outbreaks of diseases, such as leishmaniosis, bluetongue, dengue, and West Nile, are becoming increasingly common worldwide. This reprint contains novel information on the occurrence of mosquitoes in different habitats of Europe, Brazil, and Mexico. It also covers the molecular approaches used to assess the distribution of mosquitoes in Belgium and Africa. Studies focused on biting midges, black flies, and sand flies are also included in this reprint. Both the identification of nocturnal activity and molecular properties of Culicoides vector species in Europe as well as DNA barcoding techniques of black fly species in North Africa were conducted. Moreover, a first record of a sand fly species in Spain is documented in this reprint.
Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Temporomandibular Joint Diseases 2.0
Dear Colleagues, The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a unique human joint. Unlike other joints, such as the knee or elbow, the left and right TMJs are connected by the mandible. Consequently, if one joint develops any problems, it is very probable that the contralateral side will show some alterations soon after. In the past, the diagnosis of and treatment for temporomandibular disorders were based on orthopedic studies; however, TMJ now has its own field of cutting-edge research. New technologies have been extremely useful for the treatment of TMJ. This Special Issue aims to provide the most recent diagnostic methods and treatments for the temporomandibular joint.
The Five-Million-Year Odyssey
The epic story of human evolution, from our primate beginnings more than five million years ago to the agricultural era Over the course of five million years, our primate ancestors evolved from a modest population of sub-Saharan apes into the globally dominant species Homo sapiens. Along the way, humans became incredibly diverse in appearance, language, and culture. How did all of this happen? In The Five-Million-Year Odyssey, Peter Bellwood synthesizes research from archaeology, biology, anthropology, and linguistics to immerse us in the saga of human evolution, from the earliest traces of our hominin forebears in Africa, through waves of human expansion across the continents, and to the rise of agriculture and explosive demographic growth around the world. Bellwood presents our modern diversity as a product of both evolution, which led to the emergence of the genus Homo approximately 2.5 million years ago, and migration, which carried humans into new environments. He introduces us to the ancient hominins--including the australopithecines, Homo erectus, the Neanderthals, and others--before turning to the appearance of Homo sapiens circa 300,000 years ago and subsequent human movement into Eurasia, Australia, and the Americas. Bellwood then explores the invention of agriculture, which enabled farmers to disperse to new territories over the last 10,000 years, facilitating the spread of language families and cultural practices. The outcome is now apparent in our vast array of contemporary ethnicities, linguistic systems, and customs. The fascinating origin story of our varied human existence, The Five-Million-Year Odyssey underscores the importance of recognizing our shared genetic heritage to appreciate what makes us so diverse.
Co-Science back to Life
"Rejecting Technological Narcissism: Unraveling the Threat to Humanity and Nature"Paolo Renati, PhD, presents a critical analysis of today's rampant technological advancements, especially in synthetic biology, genetic manipulation, and the creation of bionic entities like androids and cyborgs. Renati questions the overlooked essence of Nature, highlighting the detrimental consequences of our obsession with technological progress, driven by capitalist motives.The essay exposes how scientific pursuits, focused on calculation and application, disregard essential aspects of Nature. This negligence extends to basic research, where human perception becomes numbed by digitalization and quantification, fostering a culture fixated on fragments and disconnected from holistic understanding.Renati condemns the consequences of this technological obsession: a society detached from Nature, embracing prosthetic, bio-mechanical, and virtual realities. He critiques transhumanist ideologies and the ethical lapses in bio-technological practices in various fields, from agriculture to genomics.The text delves into contentious issues like GMOs, cloning, genetic editing, and ethical debates like abortion and euthanasia, urging a return to a humanity deeply rooted in Nature, synonymous with being and absolute substance, as proposed by Spinoza. Renati calls for a recalibration of our relationship with technology, emphasizing the necessity of aligning our desires with biological necessity rather than technological possibility.
