Life & Cognition at the Intersection of Science, Philosophy, & Religion
A summary of the talks delivered at Science & Scientist 2023: Life & Cognition at the Intersection of Science, Philosophy, & Religion, an international online interdisciplinary conference held on Sunday, December 17, 2023, by the Princeton Bhakti Vedanta Institute and Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Institute.
Plant Essential Oil with Biological Activity II
Essential oils (EOs) are some of the most important natural products due to their various biological applications. In fact, many EOs explain crucial antimicrobial activities against several phyto-, food, and human diseases; hence, they are considered possible alternatives to synthetic drugs. The second volume of this Special Issue, entitled "Plant Essential Oil with Biological Activity II," includes important scientific articles that cover several aspects of the use, extraction, biochemical characterization, application, and mechanisms of action of many EOs, either crude oil or their single constituents. This Special Issue also includes crucial studies regarding the phytotoxicity and/or cytotoxicity of some plant EOs. This Special Issue's second volume addresses knowledge discrepancies in science and promotes the global development of EO applications. It includes seventeen research articles covering a broad range of subjects and uses related to the biological activity of many plant EOs.
Horrible Biology
Delve into the eerie aspects of nature with this well-illustrated and enlightening book, unveiling the ghastly facets of life that thrive amidst us. From deadly poisonous frogs to plants that can drive one mad, from minuscule spiders residing on the skin to flies feasting on human flesh, and parasitic worms inhabiting human bodies to fungi annihilating frogs - discover these and more in the realm of Horrible Biology. As you traverse through the chilling accounts, you'll come to realize that biology - the study of living organisms, encompassing an estimated 8.5 million distinct species - holds dark secrets within its vast expanse. While not all of these species incite revulsion, a significant number indeed harbour attributes many would find appalling. However, Horrible Biology isn't solely a journey through grotesque organisms; it also honours lesser-known individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced the field of biology, enriching our comprehension of the living world, despite its grim constituents.
The Role of Human Microbiome in Health and Diseases
Exploring the microbiome has revolutionized our comprehension of the significance of microbes in human health and disease. The microbiota, comprising microbes residing on and within the human body, plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and defending against harmful pathogens. Disruptions to this microbial community can result in disease by either losing beneficial functions or introducing maladaptive functions through invading microbes. Changes in the microbiome are linked to various major diseases, spanning infectious diseases, liver and gastrointestinal conditions, cancers, metabolic disorders, respiratory issues, mental health, and autoimmune diseases. Advanced research techniques, including DNA sequencing and bioinformatics, have enhanced our understanding of the microbiota. To deepen insights into its role in health and disease, researchers advocate exploring interactions between the microbiota and the host, aiming to identify therapeutic targets for improved clinical practices. In essence, microbiome research has illuminated the pivotal role of microbes in human well-being promising avenues for further investigation and treatment approaches.
Nanomaterial-Based Emerging Technologies for Detecting Food Contaminants
Trace contaminants in food both cause food-borne diseases and seriously threaten health in humans. Accurate, sensitive, and effective analytical strategies are necessary to ensure food safety. Metal-based, carbon-based, or other nanomaterials have been used in various analytical strategies to improve food safety. Significant progress has been made in the purification of complex food matrices, analysis of new signals, and performance of existing methods. These emerging technologies based on nanomaterials give full play to the advantages of nanomaterials and improve the accuracy, sensitivity, time consumption, and convenience of food safety testing to varying degrees. This reprint aims to summarize the latest research results on emerging technologies for food safety testing based on various nanomaterials, in order to promote the further development of food-safety-analysis-related technologies.
Novel Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy 2023
Viral vectors are gene transfer tools assembled from the backbones of naturally occurring viruses. These replication-incompetent vehicles transfer assigned payloads into eukaryotic cells. Numerous viral vector systems that influence cells or tissues have been used to perform basic and preclinical research. Some virus-derived vectors found their way into clinical practice.
Biotechnology and Drug Development for Targeting Human Diseases
Biotechnology and Drug Development for Targeting Human Diseases is an insightful compendium on drug development technologies for professionals and students in biotechnology and pharmacology. This book meticulously explores the intersection of biotechnology with drug development, emphasizing its crucial role in creating new therapies for human disease. Central to the book is the innovative use of biotechnology in understanding and treating diseases. It begins with an exploration of multi-omics profiles, shedding light on disease mechanisms and drug development. Subsequent chapters explain in silico methods for drug design, the role of natural products in antimicrobial applications and wound healing, and the use of viruses as carriers in biotechnology. Key features of this reference include a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical insights, detailed analyses of molecular docking in drug discovery, the repurposing of drugs for various diseases, and the emerging field of omics technologies in drug interaction studies. Each chapter is comprehensive, offering current information backed by extensive references, making the book both a foundational and advanced resource.
The state of the art on the media's view of the mangrove ecosystem
The mangrove ecosystem is a transitional environment between land and sea, established in areas under the continuous action of the tides. They are one of the richest environments on the planet and also one of the most fragile in the face of anthropogenic action, representing vitality for various species of birds, molluscs, fish, crustaceans and others. Mangroves have a high fishing yield and represent the basis of subsistence for a large part of the populations that live around the ecosystem. The term "state of the art" is a translation from the English language, with the aim of surveying what is understood about a subject based on research carried out in a given area. Therefore, a study of the media's view of mangroves contributes to our knowledge of how society conveys this information. Thus, the State of the Art is "an exposition of the level of knowledge and development of a field or issue." From this perspective, the focus of the research is essentially exploratory, based on documents in the public domain.
Hydrolysis of cashew bagasse to obtain bioethanol
Recently, the global demand for fuel ethanol has been expanding very rapidly, and almost all fuel ethanol is produced by fermenting sucrose in Brazil or corn glucose in the United States, but these raw materials will not be enough to satisfy international demand. Agro-industrial lignocellulosic residues, such as cashew bagasse, sugarcane bagasse, soybean hulls, etc., are abundant and low-cost sources for the biotechnological production of compounds with high added value, such as ethanol. In this context, the aim of this work was to evaluate the production of bioethanol from cashew stalk bagasse. To this end, the material was initially characterized in order to assess its cellulose and lignin content.
Moringa oleifera Lam.
In contemporary times, the context of healthy eating occupies a great deal of space, especially in the social media, being propagated as a lifestyle to be adopted. Eating out has grown in recent years due to a demand for practicality, although most meals are still eaten at home. From this point of view, the literature has focused on Moringa oleifera Lam. due to its nutritional and pharmacological potential. Moringa oleifera Lamarck or Moringa pterygosperma Gaertner, is a leguminous plant belonging to the Moringaceae family, popularly known in Brazil as moringa, white lily or okra. M. oleifera contains essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, as well as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Consuming moringa leaves is a strategy that can guarantee prevention and protection against various diseases, as well as boosting the body's intake of essential nutrients.
Protein and amino acid supplementation in tambaqui feed
The tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) has high potential for zootechnical exploitation because, as well as having highly prized meat, it can reach a commercial size of around 1kg in the first year of rearing in captivity. However, there is a lack of information on crude protein and its reduction with supplementation of limiting amino acids. Therefore, in this book I present the results of research carried out with the aim of determining the effects of crude protein levels and their reduction, with amino acid supplementation based on the ideal protein concept, in rations for tambaqui fry.
The Eukaryotic Ribosome
No detailed description available for "The Eukaryotic Ribosome".
Principles of Peptide Synthesis
No detailed description available for "Principles of Peptide Synthesis".
Medicinal Implications in Cytochrome P-450 Catalyzed Biotransformations
No detailed description available for "Medicinal Implications in Cytochrome P-450 Catalyzed Biotransformations".
Sustainable Control Strategies of Plant Pathogens in Horticulture
The use of pesticides has played a pivotal role in the control of destructive pathogens, particularly in horticulture. At present, recent regulations on plant protection are encouraging the adoption of alternative methods to synthetic pesticides due to concerns about environmental pollution, pesticide residues in agricultural products, and the development of pathogen resistance. As a result, the control of plant pathogens in horticulture is now facing new challenges as it strives to adapt to these new pathogen control strategies to meet consumer demand. This Special Issue contains the latest research findings and future perspectives on the utilization of natural substances such as plant extracts or molecules, microorganisms, by-products, biocompost, and resistance varieties.
Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma 2022-2023
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is a common tumor in Western countries and an appropriate test subject for new therapies. This Special Issue highlights the most up-to-date research into clear cell renal cell carcinoma from different medical perspectives, including its diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Applications
Artificial intelligence and big data applications are present in almost every corner of life. This reprint of the Special Issue entitled "Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Applications" contains a wide range of works with comprehensive information on image processing, natural language processing, computer vision, sentiment analysis, voice and gesture analysis, and other topics in the field. The latest works in multidisciplinary applications such as legal, healthcare, smart society, cyber-physical systems, and smart agriculture, among others, are also included. This compilation will spark the interest of researchers in the aforementioned fields and will serve as a knowledge base for further research in the future.
Physicochemical, Sensory and Nutritional Properties of Foods Affected by Processing and Storage Series II
The methods utilized to process and store food in order to increase its safety and shelf life involve different practices and actions that affect the physicochemical, nutritional, and sensory properties of the final products. The processing and storage of food needs to be optimized in order to promote positive effects and to prevent undesired consequences. This reprint contains various studies regarding new advances in and approaches to food processing and storage, the optimization of processes, and the incorporation of new components that allow the valorization of materials and the production of new foods, therefore adding value to the food industry
Humans and Change
Many people today deny the idea of Human Change (especially when the word 'evolution' is used). Many others, accepting that we have changed in the past, do not see change as still occurring. My ideas (challenges) are: not only that we are still changing, but that we are changing ever more rapidly, and in new ways.Is Homo sapiens (vainly named, wise human) already in the process of becoming Homo sapientior (wiser human)? Can we expect further change to Homo sapientissimus (wisest human)? Or do we have to fear regression to Homo nerdensis?The seven Ideas of my title cover: Sex, yesterday, today and tomorrow; Gender: women's struggles (and men's); Particularly Dangerous Ideas: Race and Ethnicity, Kin and Ancestors; Ideas on Aging: Life Span, Mortality and Death; Ideas about the Brain: changed, changing and unique; Failure of Ideas: Cheating, Damned Cheating and 'Chorruption'; My Mistakes: Ideas I missed.
Ecology, Evolution and Diversity of Plants
Globally distributed plants occupy a large proportion of the biodiversity on our planet, and the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that determine plant diversity are incredibly successful. We are now living in times of dramatic environmental change triggered by human activities and climate changes. Increased pressure from both humans and the environment is accelerating biodiversity loss and changing biodiversity patterns. In this context, work aiming to understand the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms that drive plant diversity is important and interesting.
Molecular Biology of RNA Viruses
Understanding the molecular biology of RNA viruses, e.g., the functions of viral RNA elements and proteins and their interplay with host factors, is essential in dissecting the mechanism of the pathogenesis of RNA viruses, as well as screening antivirals. This reprint presents the latest progress in the molecular biology of several RNA viruses and state-of-the-art technology used to study the molecular biology of RNA viruses and their interactions with host cellular proteins. Moreover, novel antiviral drugs and cell culture systems are described.
Biomedical Imaging Technologies for Cardiovascular Disease
This Special Issue aims to provide the reader with the latest Biomedical imaging innovation used to better understand the heart's physiology, performance, function, and structure. Furthermore, each imaging technique provides specific benefits for diagnosing, treating, and following cardiovascular diseases. Technological progress improves the precision, sensitivity, and accuracy of the specialized measurements needed to assess complex conditions. In this Special Issue, "Biomedical Imaging Technologies for Cardiovascular Disease-Volume II". Seventeen manuscripts were taken into consideration. All of which underwent a rigorous peer-review process. A total of eleven original articles and six reviews were published.
Sympathetic Nerves and Cardiovascular Diseases
This Special Issue aims to assemble the latest perspectives and research findings to illuminate the role of altered sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathogenesis. It comprises one editorial article, five review articles, and six original research articles, which collectively emphasize the significance of SNA in the pathogenesis of various CVDs, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, peripheral artery disease, diabetic wound healing, and chronic pain-associated CVDs.
Feature Papers in Stem Cells
Different populations of Stem Cells present significant promise for their use in future therapeutic applications, with both advantages and concerns. The development of such Stem Cell therapies requires an in-depth knowledge of their identity, immune biology and technical culture and manipulation. It is also important that we understand the mechanisms regulating their maintenance, expansion and functions for issues relating to safety and efficiency. Finally, in order to improve the therapeutic use of Stem Cells within clinical practice we must characterize the micro-environment in which they exist (e.g., hypoxia), their fate and properties. By including a number of different types of manuscripts in this Special Issue, we have facilitated a discussion about recent fundamental and applied advances that will help the scientific community to develop new therapeutic strategies based on the use of Stem Cells.
Humans and Change
Many people today deny the idea of Human Change (especially when the word 'evolution' is used). Many others, accepting that we have changed in the past, do not see change as still occurring. My ideas (challenges) are: not only that we are still changing, but that we are changing ever more rapidly, and in new ways.Is Homo sapiens (vainly named, wise human) already in the process of becoming Homo sapientior (wiser human)? Can we expect further change to Homo sapientissimus (wisest human)? Or do we have to fear regression to Homo nerdensis?The seven Ideas of my title cover: Sex, yesterday, today and tomorrow; Gender: women's struggles (and men's); Particularly Dangerous Ideas: Race and Ethnicity, Kin and Ancestors; Ideas on Aging: Life Span, Mortality and Death; Ideas about the Brain: changed, changing and unique; Failure of Ideas: Cheating, Damned Cheating and 'Chorruption'; My Mistakes: Ideas I missed.
Risk Identification, Rapid Detection, Prevention and Control of Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms
Foodborne pathogenic microorganisms, as the culprits of various food borne diseases, can be found in natural environment such as water, soil, air and in food chain and manufacturing process of food products. The pathogenic microorganisms found in food contamination include bacteria, yeasts, molds, and viruses, which can cause food spoilage or colonize the gastrointestinal tract by secreting corresponding toxins, leading to foodborne illnesses such as stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and even fatality. Foodborne illnesses have become more common over time, posing a major threat to human health around the world. Public health issues caused by pathogenic microorganisms have attracted people 's attention, which are more harmful to the healthcare system and the global economy, raising public awareness of food safety. Therefore, it is necessary to study risk identification, rapid detection, prevention and control of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms. Based on the increasing consumer demand for healthy and safe, it would be interesting to report the latest research on the risk identification, detection, prevention and control of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms. The Special Issue of the journal Foods established a collection of recent research on "Risk Identification, Rapid Detection, Prevention and Control of Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms". We cordially invited scientists, researchers, and other food professionals to submit the original reviews/research articles related to this special issue.
New Trends in Diabetes, Hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a range of disorders affecting the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and conditions such as aortic aneurysm and lower extremity peripheral artery disease. It remains the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming 17.9 million lives annually, despite the availability of numerous therapeutic drugs. Thus, further research is warranted to enhance CVD treatment and reduce its morbidity and mortality.Diabetes and hypertension are conditions commonly found in aging populations that share common pathogenic pathways and are both strong, independent risk factors for CVD. Reducing blood glucose and blood pressure levels can significantly contribute to mitigating CVD-related morbidity and mortality.This Special Issue aims to present the latest perspectives and research findings on diabetes, hypertension, and CVD, comprising one Editorial article, eight review articles, and eight original research articles. These articles provide a comprehensive overview of recent developments in research on hypertension, insulin resistance/diabetes, and CVD, including atherosclerosis, aortic aneurysm, and myocardial infarction. They offer insights into CVD pathogenesis and facilitate the development of new therapeutic approaches.
Serpents of Knowlege
An easy read for a very complex subject.This pocketbook aims to challenge the way we currently understand our prehistory. - Human brain is a product of the environmental change associated with the start of the glacial cycles. - There have existed not just one, but many other ancient civilizations, in various pockets of time, separated by major global disasters. - The construction time of the Egyptian pyramids is calculated and argued to be about sixteen-thousand years ago, using the cardinal deviations of the pyramids, Earth's movement and glacial cycles
Recent Advances on Nano-Catalysts for Biological Processes
Nanomaterials have gained significant importance in various sectors, such as biomedical science, energy conversion, and sensor technology, due to their versatile applications. Nanoparticles, particularly those with a size of 100 nm or less, have been researched extensively due to their unique properties and high surface-to-volume ratio. Different methods like physical, chemical, biological, and hybrid methods are used to synthesize these nanoparticles. However, it is crucial to use reliable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly technologies to make these nanoparticles safe and expand their biological applications. These nanoparticles are used for different biological applications such as carbohydrate hydrolysis, biofuel production, enzyme immobilization, biotransformation, gene and drug delivery, and the detection of pathogens and proteins. Nanocarriers have also been used recently to produce nanobiocatalysts (NBCs), which further enhance enzyme performance by immobilizing different enzymes. From these backgrounds, wide ranges of topics on application of nanomaterials in biological processes are covered in this Special Issue to provide up-to-date summaries of the current understanding.
Phylogenetics, Genetics, and Breeding of Medicinal Plants
Phylogeny represents the historical pattern of relationships among organisms that have arisen in numerous evolutionary events. Breeding has a proven track record of increasing agricultural productivity with a wide range of technologies. In recent years, due to their commercial importance and increasing demand, research on genetics and the breeding of medicinal plants has gradually increased and made some progress. However, much work remains to be done to explore the functions of genes, regulatory mechanisms, and signaling pathways for stimulating the development of breeding technologies in order to improve traits.
Innate Immunity to Virus Infection 2023
Updated knowledge about innate immunity and viral infections, including but not limited to interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs), IFN signaling pathways, antiviral immunity, inflammation, immunometabolism, vaccine-related innate immunity, and broadly antiviral drugs.
Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Resilience
In today's rapidly changing environment, where climate change poses significant challenges to food security, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of billions around the globe, the need for sustainable agricultural practices has never been more pressing. As we stand at the intersection of agricultural innovation and environmental stewardship, this textbook is a comprehensive guide to understanding and implementing sustainable practices that foster resilience in the face of climate variability.In recent decades, there has been a paradigm shift towards more sustainable approaches; however, sustainable agriculture is still intensely debated. This textbook explores studies that underpin sustainable agriculture and climate resilience because they are multifaceted subjects requiring transdisciplinary collaboration and a holistic understanding of agrosystems. The purpose is to offer practical insights and evidence-based strategies for farmers, policymakers, students, and researchers alike.As Guest Editors of this textbook, we are passionate about the potential of sustainable agriculture to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. We hope that this reprint will inspire readers to embrace a more sustainable approach to agriculture and contribute to building a more resilient and equitable food system for future generations.
The Enigma of Evolution and the Challenge of Chance
Evolution.It is not a question of if, but a question of how.Commonly accepted, Darwin's Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection leaves unanswered some fundamental questions.How did life originate?How did the DNA code originate?How did multi-cellular life originate?How did sex originate?These are just some of the questions left by Darwin's Theory, but his theory is not the only one.Throughout this book the author takes you on a journey of discovery into the world of evolution. A journey that evolves with the reader, taking you from one unanswered question to the next. Will you find the answers that you are seeking - a pathway to the truth?
Biosurfactants
Biosurfactants, derived from microbes and plants, exhibit diverse properties that help in emulsifying and foaming processes. With applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and agriculture, they also show antimicrobial and environmental benefits, such as oil removal in polluted areas. Biosurfactants show promise for pollution control and improving agriculture. This reference covers the basic science and major applications of biosurfactants. The book brings together contributions from experts in microbiology, cancer biology, pharmaceutical science, nanotechnology, plant biotechnology and environmental sciences into a single volume. The key features of the book are - Explains the basics of biosurfactants - Discusses novel applications of biosurfactants in the field of medicine, agriculture and environmental sustainability. - Includes special chapters that review the role of biosurfactants in environmental remediation and omics research - Includes detailed references in each chapter This book is an essential resource for learners and professional trainees who require knowledge about biosurfactants. It also provides information for anyone who is working on environmental sustainability projects.
Bioactive Compounds from Functional Foods
Functional foods are still attracting widespread consumer interest, mainly due to their beneficial effects on humans. Their action is primarily connected with their bioactive compound content. These compounds are mainly plant secondary metabolites (e.g., flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids) that are applied to recipes as extracts, or sometimes as pure compounds. However, primary plant metabolites and, sometimes, compounds from animal sources (e.g., selected peptides, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids), as well as compounds from other sources, such as single cells (e.g., yeasts, bacteria, and algae), can be considered functional ingredients. Biologically active compounds demonstrate various positive physiological and immunological functions. Some act as antioxidant agents and, thus, can diminish the risk of various diseases, including cancer. Others stimulate defense mechanisms, prevent widespread damage, or enhance cell repair. One of the limitations in the application of functional ingredients is their stability, but other main challenges include finding optimal concentrations and recipes.This compilation of scientific publications aims to bring together the latest knowledge, ideas, considerations, and overviews on bioactive compounds that can be found in functional foods.
Body Composition in Children
This Special Issue, "Body Composition in Children", of the journal Children publishes both original and review articles focusing on the prevalence and determinants of obesity across childhood, the role of body composition in children's health, new approaches to assessing body composition, and interventions aiming to improve body composition in children and adolescents.
Nutrition and Exercise Interventions on Skeletal Muscle Physiology, Injury and Recovery
This Special Issue combined efforts toward comprehending the effects of nutrition, supplements, and physical exercise on skeletal muscle physiology, injury, and recovery through the use of different experimental models (cells, animals, and humans) in both healthy and pathological conditions. Particular interest of this call included studies addressing the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in these processes, including energy metabolism, inflammatory pathways, oxidative stress regulation, mitochondrial function alteration, and gene expression control, as well as the identification of potential molecular targets and the use of nutritional interventions and physical exercise training protocols for the treatment and/or prevention of skeletal muscle injury and recovery.
Carbohydrate-Based Drugs
Dear Colleagues, In this Special Issue, "Carbohydrate-Based Drugs", we aim to collect both original articles and up-to-date reviews that focus on the design, synthesis, and biological evaluations of novel carbohydrate-based drugs, with a focus on carbohydrate-based prodrugs and nanosystems.As Guest Editors, we encourage researchers working in this area to contribute their recent studies to this Special Issue of Pharmaceuticals.
Dietary Antioxidants and Cosmetics
Dietary antioxidants represent the nutrients and secondary bioactive molecules in foods that modulate the oxidation and inflammation signaling pathways. The antioxidant molecules in the human diet constrain cardiovascular, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases and combat the signs of aging. Recently, the cosmetics industry used food antioxidants as an alternative to petroleum-derived ingredients to respond to the consumers' demand for healthy products. New environmental policies and the increased demand for natural antioxidants have enticed researchers to develop valuable methods to recover them even from organic waste (i.e., agricultural waste, food waste, and beached algae). Food antioxidants are employed in topical applications such as "cosmeceuticals" (combining "cosmetic" and "pharmaceutical", these are cosmetics formulated with bioactive ingredients) and oral formulations such as "nutricosmetics" (food supplements containing nutrients and secondary active metabolites combined with cosmetic creams to enhance people's appearance). New devices have been developed to improve the bioaccessibility of these active ingredients. This reprint collected research articles and reviews papers on food antioxidants and delivery systems capable of improving their cosmetic performance. The knowledge about the progress regarding the best methods for their isolation, determining the mechanism of action, the identifying the devices capable of improving their performance may allow the development of new, natural, high-performance cosmetics.
Morphology, Palynology and Phytochemicals of Medicinal Plants
Medicinal plants exhibit a high degree of variation based on morphological, palynological, and phytochemical characteristics, as well as their habitats, amongst other factors. These factors also influence the effects of medicinal plants on specific disorders. Human beings have used medicinal plants to treat ailments for several decades. However, the increase in disease incidence has raised the demand for novel therapeutics, which can be fulfilled using phytochemicals from plants. Current research advances reveal that herbal plants are a fundamental factor in the development of biomedicines. To ensure the safe use of medicinal plants and their products, detailed studies of medicinal plants are required. These characterizations could be based on determining structural or morphological variations among medicinal plants, environmental impacts on medicinal plants, phytochemicals isolation, bioactivities, the phylogenetic relationship among medicinal plants, interactions between phytochemicals, and in silico approaches of drug designing with phytoconstituents.
Biomarkers of Oxidative and Radical Stress
Oxidative stress and, in particular, biologically relevant free radicals play an important role in redox signaling under physiological conditions. During inflammation, their nanomolar concentrations can increase substantially, with a corresponding increase in damage to biomolecules. Chemistry can have an important role in the search for oxidative stress and related biomarkers, as well as in the search for molecular mechanisms in oxidative stress processes. Furthermore, the modification of biomolecules can be used to identify biomarkers in vitro and in vivo and for the identification of antioxidant activities. This Special Issue of Biomolecules, titled "Biomarkers of Oxidative and Radical Stress", showcases a remarkable range of research pertaining to these areas. This collection contains papers presenting research on oxidizing DNA, proteins, and lipids, as well as antioxidant protection.
Marine Bioactive Compounds against Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Acute inflammation is an innate defense mechanism against infectious or non-infectious stimuli; however, if this process is prolonged or uncontrolled, acute inflammation may become chronic, leading to many inflammatory chronic diseases. In addition, oxidative stress emerges when an imbalance occurs between the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their neutralization by the antioxidant system, which plays a main role in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases. ROS can activate many signaling pathways and induce the expression of a variety of pro-inflammatory mediators. The current need to find new bioactives and the wide diversity of chemical structures that the marine environment potentially represents have raised the interest of the scientific community in recent years. The living beings that inhabit the oceans constantly adapt their metabolism to the changing conditions of their environment. This fact potentially generates a high variability of compounds that serve to protect them from stress produced by changes in light, temperature, food source, or competition for resources, and many of them have shown therapeutic properties. This reprint contains original in vitro and in vivo studies as well as two complete reviews, reporting the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, carotenoids, lipids, and peptides, isolated from different marine organisms, including algae, microalgae, jellyfish, and bacteria. These findings support the potential use of these compounds as therapeutic agents in inflammatory pathologies induced by oxidative stress.
Naturally Selective
Researchers of human behaviour have identified an 'orgasm gap': Men usually orgasm during intercourse, whereas women often do not. The two leading explanations are either that women are "psychologically broken" - Freud's theory - or badly designed - the "by-product theory." However, there is a more compelling third explanation.
European Dietary Surveys
This Special Issue focuses on dietary and nutrition surveys in Europe. Considerable progress has been made in harmonising the collection of food consumption data in Europe over the last decade. The European Commission and various national governments have supported the use of dietary surveys as part of regular monitoring and research projects. Guidance on the dietary survey methodology has been developed, enabling the achievement of comparable and harmonised studies across the continent, and thereby generating a common European food consumption database. While this is a basis for improving exposure assessments and ensuring more targeted risk management, food consumption data, alongside other studies focusing on the relationship between diet and health, are also important for assessing nutrient intake.The aim of this Special Issue was to provide a space for high-quality research studies based on nationally representative dietary and nutrition surveys across Europe. We were particularly focused on the intake of foods, nutrients and other bioactive food constituents, as well as on understanding the parameters affecting this intake. Other priorities also included validation studies, country-to-country comparisons, and methodological improvements related to nutritional epidemiology. The Special Issue includes 13 papers from a variety of European countries that have conducted food consumption studies using methodologies constructed in line with the recommendations of the EU Menu.
Food Pesticide Residues Monitoring and Health Risk Assessment
Pesticide residue and food safety problems have become concerns that need to be addressed all over the world. This reprint presents recent developments in pesticide residue monitoring and risk assessment in food and contains studies and reviews involving the pre-treatment of pesticide residues in food and detection methods for and the risk assessment of these residues.
Genetic Regulation of Animal Reproduction
Reproduction is an instinct of animals, and it is the most important instinct. The stable conduct of animal reproduction activities is what makes populations continue. Reproductive behavior, as the most basic life activity of livestock, is the guarantee of livestock production and the basis of good breeding. Deepening the molecular regulation mechanism of animal reproduction will help to better improve the efficiency of livestock production and meet the increasing demands of peoples' lives. This reprint is a collection of some reviews and original research articles related to the molecular regulation of animal reproductive activity. Some new theories and technologies related to the reproduction of livestock or model animals are also included in the reprint.
Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops
The rapidly changing global climate has a detrimental impact on agriculture and jeopardizes global food security. Due to changes in the environment, plant breeders are forced to create new and improved cultivars that are more resilient to biotic and abiotic stressors. To adapt to increasingly demanding and changing environments, crops' genetic diversity must be preserved and conserved in genebanks worldwide. The availability of useful and properly characterized genetic variation is one of the core parameters for securing genetic gains in plant breeding programs. This may be accomplished by using sophisticated molecular, biochemical, and physiological techniques for the extensive phenotyping and genotyping of genebank collections, wild species, historical cultivars, landraces, and breeding materials. This Special Issue highlights aspects of "Germplasm Resources Exploration and Genetic Breeding of Crops" and focuses on a variety of ideas, concepts, and strategies aiming to accelerate plant breeding through the exploration of germplasm resources.
Nano/Micro Biosensors for Biomedical Applications
Recent advances in nano/microtechnologies have significantly enhanced biosensors in terms of their viability for biomedical purposes, from diagnostic to therapeutic applications, and enabled the development of effective early detection and personalized treatment modalities. Specifically, the introduction of a variety of nano/microtechnologies has offered new opportunities to improve the sensitivity, selectivity, response time, and biocompatibility of biosensors through outstanding physical, chemical, electrical and electrochemical properties. Of great interest, this Special Issue aims to highlight the most recent and promising nano/microtechnologies utilized in the development of biosensors for biomedical applications. Thus, here we cordially organize 10 original research papers and reviews aligned with these themes that present novel approaches to the development of next-generation biosensors for biomedical applications.
