Biomarkers of Stress in Companion Animals
The welfare of an individual could be severely affected by stressful events. Mainly for this reason, the scientific community is interested in finding specific and quantifiable characteristics which could indicate or predict specific signs of acute or chronic stress exposure. The aim of this reprint is to reflect this interest in the field of companion animal physiology. The authors engaged in publishing this reprint are experts in the multiple mechanisms involved in stress response, including the detection of behavioral and physical signs which can be measured through biological indicators of homeostasis displacement. The editors strongly believe this topic will be of interest not only to researchers in this field, but also to dog trainers, dog shelter workers and veterinary behaviorists.
Applications of Radio Frequency Heating in Food Processing
Radiofrequency (RF) heating has been identified as one potential thermal treatment method with which to replace chemical fumigation and other conventional thermal methods because it is relatively easy to apply and leaves no chemical residues. RF equipment is commercially available today and is commonly used by the baking industry for the final drying of crackers, as well as by other industries. It involves the direct transfer of electromagnetic energy into bulk materials, providing fast and volumetric heating.This Special Issue aims to focus on recent developments in and applications of RF heating in food processing, such as disinfestation, drying, pasteurization, sterilization, temping, and thawing. This Special Issue will provide major methods, research strategies, and protocols used in the development of environmentally friendly food processes based on RF energy.
Ernst Haeckel's Art Forms in Nature
In a beautiful celebration of the natural world, Ernst Haeckel's Art Forms in Nature is a masterful union of science and art. This volume is comprised of 100 illustrated plates, featuring stunning watercolour paintings and pencil sketches.First published in 1904, under the German title Kunstformen der Natur, this unique collection of plates holds a lasting influence in both the art and science worlds. Ernst Haeckel's detailed illustrations serve as a visual encyclopaedia for his pioneering research and anatomical discoveries. Working in both pencil and watercolour paint, he preserved the complex forms, patterns, and structures of the organisms he discovered. Featuring intricate depictions of various land and sea life, this volume serves a scientific purpose while boasting exceptional aesthetic beauty. As a proud addition to the Art Meets Science collection, Read & Co. Books has faithfully reproduced Haeckel's innovative work. Taking care to conserve the original detail, shapes, and colours as they were printed on initial publication, this beautiful volume recaptures the magic of Art Forms in Nature for a new generation to enjoy.
Preparation and Application of Polymer Nanocomposites
This book focuses on the preparation of polymer nanocomposites for various fields, such as structural, electronic, sensing, energy harvesting, and biomedical applications. A wide variety of matrices have been considered, such as polymer-modified asphalt, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polydimethylsiloxane elastomer, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl amide, poly(e-caloprolactone), and ureasyl polyether. The results corroborate that incorporating nanomaterials into polymeric matrices facilitates developing advanced materials with improved properties. Issues such as filler‒matrix interactions, molecular organization and rearrangement, size-dependent functionality, etc., are addressed in detail. Advanced nanosensing, nanofabrication, and nanocharacterization procedures are advantageously applied.
COVID-19 and Other Pleiotropic Actions of Vitamin D
It is a great pleasure to provide you this Special Issue of Nutrients related to the 5th International Conference "Vitamin D-Minimum, Maximum, Optimum", under the auspices of the European Vitamin D Association (EVIDAS).The conference and the forthcoming papers serve as an international forum for the presentation and discussion of current basic and clinical research in the field of vitamin D. Organizing this subsequent Special Issue was truly challenging, given that vitamin D has recently been shown by prestigious medical journals to be an epiphenomenon that coincides with diseases, and that the correction of vitamin D deficits has limited clinical meaning. On the other hand, it was recognized that vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem with potential negative consequences on health, welfare, and morbidity during growth and adulthood, therefore influencing healthcare services worldwide. Thus, due to mutually exclusive conclusions, it was essential to discuss and share scientific reports and evidence demonstrating both the benefits and lack thereof in relation to human health.Prof. Dr. Pawel PludowskiGuest Editor
Genetic Complexity of Hormone Sensitive Cancers
In this Special Issue, authors from nine countries on five continents provide overviews on and insights into current research topics related to the 'Genetic Complexity of Hormone-Sensitive Cancers'. The chapters cover topics on completely novel technologies and instruments revolutionizing our view of biological entities, and also, novel extensions and revisions of existing and well-established technologies such as genetic probes and bar-coding techniques, which add a new dimension to microscopy, as they allow us to visualize DNA sequences and mRNA in situ. With this Special Issue, the editors wanted to create a forum for the international biomedical research community to compile their data on the genetic complexity of cancer in a unique resource. While this collection of articles cannot certainly claim completeness in any way, it represents an attractive collection of the different aspects of hormone-dependent cancers and will hopefully encourage further targeted research.
Nutritional Support for Chronic Disease
Diet contributes to the development of many chronic conditions including obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, some cancers, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and potentially some neurological diseases. This book addresses associations between diet (and specific nutrients including vitamin D) and various chronic diseases including obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, neurological conditions, and age-related macular degeneration. More specifically, the impacts of plant-based diets, dairy products, and ketogenic diets are explored in relation to chronic disease risk as well as some benefits of the consumption of oral nutritional supplements in the prevention of malnutrition and sarcopenia and in the treatment of wounds in individuals with diabetes. Additional topics that are covered include some roles of the fatty acid arachidonic acid in the body and the impact of cellular mitochondrial dysfunction on the progression of age-related macular degeneration. The effectiveness of a variety of nutraceuticals is covered as a means for the prevention or treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Lastly, the use of olive oil in reducing gut permeability in those with pre-diabetes is addressed, as well as the complex relationships of diet/food and of disease (metabolic syndrome) with the gut microbiota.
New Research in Dietary Supplements and Healthy Foods
Dear Readers, This book describes the ability of some foods or natural substances extracted by plants to counteract some of the most common diseases at present, such as obesity, diabetes, intestinal inflammatory diseases, and neurodegeneration. It is well accepted that high-fat diets that are rich in saturated fats are involved in the onset and progression of obesity and its dangerous comorbidities. It is also well accepted that a balanced diet is useful to maintain a good health status and the choice of certain foods could help to counteract the onset of chronic diseases. Foods and natural substances rich in compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties should be paid attention. Most of these foods belong to the Mediterranean Diet, and they are famous for being rich of unsaturated fatty acids, such as the oleic acid found in extra-virgin olive oil, or the omega 3 contained in fish, vitamin D and vitamin C with their high anti-oxidant capacity, and spices and nuts that can counteract inflammatory status. These substances have also anti-obesity properties, because they are able to reduce fat mass and and restore the physiological role of fat tissue. Therefore, strict adherence to this healthy diet could be enough to prevent the onset of chronic diseases linked to fatty diets or aging.The scientific data collected in this book could provide new insights, allowing for readers to change their own dietary habits and make more informed food choices.
Processing and Properties Analysis of Grain Foods
Foods derived from grains and grain-based ingredients represent a crucial source of energy and nutrients for humans. Cereals are conventional food materials, while interest is growing in the utilization of pseudocereals, pulses, oilseeds, and other grains to develop various foods and food ingredients. Grain and food processing converts raw grains into functional ingredients and creates palatable and nutritious end-products. During processing, various physical and chemical changes and interactions take place, affecting the nutritional, textural, sensory, and other quality properties of the products. Methods, protocols, and equipment have been developed to process, monitor, and control processing parameters to achieve the desired end-product quality or functionality. This book covers diverse topics related to grain-processing innovations and the effect of both conventional and innovative grain processes on the properties of grain-derived ingredients, intermediates, and end products.
Nurse Florence(R), Tell Me About the Systems of the Human Body.
Sometimes it seems only a nurse can bring technical information down to an understanding that an ordinary person can grasp. The Nurse Florence(R) book series provides high quality medical information that even a child can grasp. By introducing young kids to correct terminology and science concepts at an early age, we can help increase our children's health literacy level as well as help to prepare them for courses and jobs in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We need more scientists so I hope that many children will enjoy this book series and consider a job involving science. Introducing Some Medical Words to Kids in Every Book
Invisible Friends
As we continue to live through a pandemic, all eyes are on microbes: an imperceptible and pervasive threat that hangs heavy on the air and clings to surfaces. But the reality of micro-organisms is far more diverse and life-sustaining than such a notion would have us believe (hence the title of this book). Not only are they omnipresent, but we are highly attuned to their workings - both in the world at large and right here within our own bodies. Meanwhile, cutting-edge microbiome research is changing our understanding of reality, challenging fundamental concepts of free will and individuality. Threaded through everything are microbes: the very glue that holds ecosystems together. This topical, engaging and original book counters the prevailing narrative of microbes as the bane of society, along the way providing much-needed clarity on the overwhelmingly beneficial role they play. We discover how the microbiome is highly relevant to environmental and social equity issues, while there's also discussion about how microbes may influence our decisions: even the way we think about how we think may need to be revisited. Invisible Friends introduces the reader to a vast, pullulating cohort of minute life - friends you never knew you had.
Smelling to Survive
Smell is arguably the least understood sense, yet it has always been a vital component of the human experience, and that of all living creatures.It has been used by plants and animals for millions of years to warn, to attract, to identify, to navigate and even to mislead. Smelling to Survive explains some of these fascinating processes, and explores how the past would have smelt quite different to our ancestors, and how future technologies will further change the world of scents.Along the way, leading scientist Bill S. Hansson recounts amazing stories from the world of olfactory research: from the tobacco plant that excretes an alarm odour, to mosquitos that cherish the smell of sweaty feet, to lilies that imitate the fragrance of a dead horse. Hansson explains why scientists are interested in the smell that surrounds teenage males, and how climate change affects the smell of our environment. He describes research trips to Christmas Island, where crabs with particularly keen noses crack coconuts on the beach, and outlines studies that reveal how penguins recognize their partner by their scent.
Biomaterials Applications
The book is concerned of the different biomaterials prepared by different methods. The biomaterials were characterized and assessed by in-vitro study in a simulated body fluids (SBF) similar to blood plasma to confirm the formation of a bone-like apatite layer on the material surface via microstructure and elemental analysis pre-and post-immersion in SBF. Also, the formation of a bone-like apatite layer was confirmed by the reduction of calcium and phosphate ions in post-immersion in the SBF. Eventually, all these promising biomaterials can be used as bone substitutes in medical application after in-vivo study. The book is composed of collective research papers of highly applicable biomaterials and benefits scientists in materials science and medical field.
Insecticides for Mosquito Control
The eradication of vector-borne diseases is threatened by the limited range of available insecticides, leading, inevitably, to the development of resistance. This is particularly concerning for malaria control, which relies heavily on insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual sprays (IRS). New chemistries are being developed, and innovative deployment of insecticides may play a role in overcoming resistance, either through new types of tools or new means of distribution. A variety of novel product types and vector control strategies are under development and evaluation, which is to be celebrated, but a strong evidence base is needed to guide effective operational deployment decisions. Novel approaches should be supported by robust data collected using appropriate and validated methods to monitor efficacy, durability, and any emerging resistance. This reprint presents original research into developing and characterizing new vector control products, as well as understanding and monitoring insecticide resistance. Review articles explore the impact of insecticide resistance and offer guidance on insecticide choice in the face of pyrethroid resistance. Consensus methodologies are presented, in the form of standard operating procedures (SOPs) designed to be adopted and used to generate reproducible data that can be compared and interpreted across and between studies. It is hoped that this collection of articles offers inspiration and guidance on how consistent data can be generated to inform more effective development, evaluation, and use of new and existing vector control tools.
Biomaterial-Assisted 3D In Vitro Tumor Models
This reprint focuses on fundamental and applied research involving the combination of biomaterials and cancer cells to develop a three-dimensional (3D) tumor microenvironment in vitro, in which carcinogenesis mechanisms can be studied and therapies can be screened. Such models are becoming quite popular within the bioengineering community; thus, many technologies are being tested to obtain the best scaffold for each tumor. In any case, only a tight interaction of bioengineers with cancer biologists and oncologists can make such 3D models progress, with them finally reaching a clinical relevance. On the other hand, the medical community is approaching simpler 3D in vitro models not provided with sufficient extracellular matrix biomimicry, such as spheroids and organoids, which may not be self-exhaustive; therefore, cancer researchers could benefit from closer contact with bioengineers. The aim of this reprint is to help generate shared knowledge and promote strong interdisciplinary collaboration with the ultimate goal of contributing to the acceleration of the discovery and validation of more precise therapies to fight cancer.
Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils
This reprint presents the published papers of a Special Issue titled Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils, of the journal Antioxidants, MDPI. Obviously, essential oils are a point of huge interest, due to them being rich in bioactive substances (with their recognised antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antiviral, etc., effects) and are also used extensively in the beauty/cosmetic industry, food products, etc. Considering the global trend of "return to nature", both in eating habits/nutrition, and in the adjuvant therapies (implying essential oils) addressed in the case of numerous diseases, and taking into account the interest of the authors who submitted their papers, the current topic can be considered to be of great interest and with increased and promising potential for future research.
A Commemorative Issue in Honor of Centennial of the Discovery of Vitamin D
This reprint is about vitamin D, a molecule that can be absorbed from certain foods, such as fatty fish, which can also be produced endogenously when we expose our skin to sufficient doses of ultraviolet B radiation. When vitamin D is metabolized into 1,25(OH)2D3 (also called calcitriol), it acts as a high-affinity ligand for the transcription factor VDR, i.e., it has direct effects on gene regulation.The key physiological functions of vitamin D are the regulation of calcium homeostasis, which is essential for bone mineralization, and the modulation of the immune system by stimulating innate immunity and preventing overreactions of adaptive immunity.This reprint presents recent developments and the latest research in the fascinating broad range of today's vitamin D biology, from evolution to systems biology.
Addressing New Therapeutic Strategies Using Models
A disease model displays pathological processes observed in human or animal diseases. The models are fundamental tools in biomedical research, and they are invaluable for providing new insights into mechanisms underlying organ function, establishing the pathophysiology of a disease, and testing potential therapeutic approaches.Models have been long used to study several diseases, including cardiovascular, oncologic, metabolic, infectious, and neurological diseases, among others. Animals or cells displaying pathological processes observed in human or animal diseases have been used as models. Moreover, mathematical models are also of great importance to disease modeling. Animal models offer the unique opportunity to investigate the function of genes and pathways and the in vivo effects of drugs, bridging the gap between basic science and the treatment of diseases. The selection of a suitable model system is a crucial step in research design. For disease modeling to be meaningful, a relevant cellular or genetic phenotype must be observed. Without the use of models, both research and clinical practice worldwide would be vastly different today.This Special Issue aimed to publish original research works or reviews with models of disease, highlighting their importance to search for new therapeutic strategies.
The Perspectives of Plant Natural Products for Mitigation of Obesity
The incidence of obesity has dramatically increased in recent decades, which has placed great pressure and a significant burden on people's lives and the economy. Drug treatment of obesity may have certain side effects, while surgical treatment also has risks and can cause negative emotions in people. Weight loss obtained through diet and exercise leads to a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality. Recently, there has been increasing interest in the possible beneficial effects of dietary supplements, which are products intended to "supplement" the diet. In addition to vitamins, minerals and amino acids, dietary supplements can contain herbs or other botanicals and many other ingredients. They are not drugs and are not intended to treat diseases; they are adjuvants in the management of obesity and metabolic diseases. As a consequence, there is a great need to determine specific dietary supplements for the management of obesity. This will be the content of this Special Issue.
Dynamic Modelling and Simulation of Food Systems
Several factors influence consumers' choices of food products. While price remains the main criterion, quality, pleasure, convenience, and health are also important driving factors in food market evolution. Food enterprises are making significant efforts to manufacture products that meet consumers' demands without compromising on safety standards. Additionally, the food industry also aims to improve the efficiency of transformation and conservation processes by minimizing energy consumption, process duration, and waste generation. However, foods are highly complex systems in which: (i) Non-linear dynamics and interactions among different temporal and spatial scales must be considered; (ii) A wide range of physical phenomena occur; (iii) Different food matrices, with different microstructures and properties are involved; and (iv) The number of quality and safety indicators (such as bacteria, total volatile basic nitrogen, color, texture, odor, and sensory characteristics) is substantial. Mathematical modeling and simulation are key elements that allow us to gain a deeper understanding of food processes and enable the use of tools such as optimization and real-time control to improve their efficiency. This Special Issue gathers research on the development of dynamic mathematical models that describe the relevant factors in food processes, and model-based tools to improve such processes. The contributions published in this Special Issue can be grouped into two categories: the evolution of safety and quality indicators in unprocessed food systems, and transformation and preservation processes.
Redox Active Molecules in Cancer Treatments
The book is a reprint of a Special Issue with the same title published online in the chemical journal Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049) within the section of Medicinal Chemistry. It was edited by academic guest editors from September 2020 to April 2022. In total, it includes eighteen research/review articles including the editorial.
Nutraceutical Approaches to Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases
A major task for health professionals and health systems is effectively preventing and treating cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. This book offers an updated set of experimental and clinical information on the usefulness of nutraceutical products for the management of cardiometabolic diseases, which range from obesity and diabetes mellitus and their complications to hypercholesterolemia. The nutraceutical option may be used according the "beyond diet, before drug" strategy and is particularly relevant in the cardiometabolic field. The chapters of this book offer a deep insight into relevant issues in this nutraceutical field, such as experimental research for the preclinical identification of interesting compounds of natural origin, quality of nutraceutical products and their efficacy and safety, regulatory aspects, and the quality of evidence-based medicine.
Sensor Technology for Sports Monitoring
In order to be able to analyze and give proper advice on sport techniques, it is important to understand the biomechanical and physiological demands of different sports. In a coaching situation, feedback to the athlete should be given without too much delay. Over the past decades, sensor technology-related to sports monitoring has developed with huge steps. Senors are lighter, data transmission is mostly wireless, and software applications are more user-friendly.This book is addressed to all kinds of sensors that are currently being used for monitoring different sports.
Amyloid-β
This book includes 16 original articles published in a Special Issue that focuses on the pathological significance of amyloid-β in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, the main cause of dementia. Collections in this book provide novel insights into the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic potentials of repositioning drugs and new agents for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. These findings are expected to contribute to the development of innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of such diseases.
Cancer Biomarkers in Body Fluids
Liquid biopsy shows promise for cancer screening and diagnostics. This reprint collects recent scientific literature on the identification and application of tumor biomarkers in biological fluids to improve the diagnosis of cancer and the identification of optimal therapeutic strategies.
The Role of Fungi in Biodeterioration of Cultural Heritage
This reprint focuses on fungi as they are considered one of the most harmful organisms, endangering the conservation of historical and artistic heritage worldwide. Fungi are a large group of organisms occupying many ecological niches, even those considered extreme, due to their ability to cope with many environmental factors and to feed on all organic materials, even those considered toxic. For these reasons, the conservation of artefacts of historical or artistic value must consider information on fungal diversity, ecology, and the methods of controlling or limiting their destructive action.Biocides have been used for decades as the method of choice to stop or mitigate fungal spreading when preventive measures fail. Recently, more attention has been paid to alternative control methods that are more respectful of the operator and the environment. Due to the wide range of materials used throughout history, and the microclimatic conditions to which they are subjected worldwide, more efforts are needed to cover this knowledge gap and set more sustainable protocols.
Medical Laboratory Techniques and Clinical Biochemistry
This book comprises types of microorganisms, various tests (viz., typhoid, tuberculin, VDRL, pregnancy, and HIV tests), sterilization, and disinfectants. Different types of stains and staining procedures are explained. Blood and its clinical significance, Rh factor and blood grouping, blood collection, determination of RBCs, WBCs, platelets, and ESR, determination of glucose in the blood and urine samples, routine examination of urine samples, and estimation of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides are discussed in a concise way. Colorimetry, microscopy, chromatography, immunochemical methods, gel electrophoresis, and the fundamentals of automation in clinical laboratories are all covered.
Understanding Species
Are species worth saving? Can they be resurrected by technology? What is the use of species in biomedicine? These questions all depend on a clear definition of the concept of 'species', yet biologists have long struggled to define this term. In this accessible book, John S. Wilkins provides an introduction to the concept of 'species' in biology, philosophy, ethics, policymaking and conservation. Using clear language and easy-to-understand examples throughout, the book provides a history of species and why we use them. It encourages readers to appreciate the philosophical depth of the concept as well as its connections to logic and science. For any interested reader, this short text highlights the complexities of a single idea in biology, the problems with the concept of 'species' and the benefits of it in helping us to answer the bigger questions and understand our living world.
Internet and Computers for Agriculture
Given the current growth in global challenges, the need for smart agriculture practices and effective strategies is emerging as an imminent issue at a planetary scale. Agriculture 4.0 involves a large variety of mobile apps, web applications, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and platforms, drones, robots, and smart machinery for precision agriculture. The expansion of cloud technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), and big data collection are setting the stage for Agriculture 5.0. Agriculture science and natural sciences are further promoting this trend with the development of leading-edge scientific models and platforms, including stochastic, process-based, and data-driven machine learning modeling.This Special Issue covers the most recent and up-to-date progress in all aspects of internet and computer software applications in agriculture, focusing on the development of web applications and mobile apps, smart IoT devices and platforms, AI, ML and DL solutions in precision agriculture for detection, recognition, classification, monitoring, cultivation, harvesting, and marketing; development of cloud technologies for smart agriculture; computer and machine vision methods and applications for drones and smart machinery, and sensors for field operations; diagnostics and data collection; big data science; scientific process-based and stochastic modeling; and machine learning modeling for agriculture, agroecosystems and natural ecosystems. The research in this Special Issue will contribute to the promotion of modern agriculture practices in the current climate and in the future.
Frontiers in Protein Structure Research
In this Special Issue, we aim to represent the vibrant state of protein structure studies at the end of 2021. Recent decades have brought significant changes to the protein structure research field. Thanks to the genome projects and advances in structure determination methods, the number of solved protein structures has increased significantly. Protein structure research is experiencing a new renaissance, and in 2020 the number of deposited structures in the PDB database reached a new record. An assortment of many new frontiers are presented in this collection. A single Special Issue cannot give a comprehensive overview of a large field such as proteins science, but we aim to give a broad overview of current research.
Potential Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Strategies
Herein we describe some molecular aspects of the recent anti-COVID-19 research, including some approaches making use of natural remedies, especially from medicinal plants, in silico methods, and different experimental procedures that led to the discovery of novel targets of SARS-CoV-2 and consequently novel potential COVID-19 therapeutics. COVID-19 vaccines also find mention in this book with also a description of some adverse effects reported in some cases. Considering that the different beta coronaviruses present certain conserved biomolecular mechanisms and, thus, some common therapeutic targets, finding effective therapies for a specific member of their family (such as SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and MERS-CoV) even in a scenario of a reduced impact at the time of the related disease on humankind is still relevant as it could offer or inspire efficacious therapeutic strategies not only in the context of novel pathogenic mutations of the already known beta coronaviruses, but also when future zoonoses caused by other beta coronaviruses will emergence, which is not unlikely to occur in the current world where the interactions between humans and wildlife are made more and more frequent due to the growing loss of intact ecosystems worldwide.
Otoliths and Their Applications in Fishery Science
This reprint focuses on fish otoliths, as one of the most useful and important biological structures for fishery scientists and managers around the world. Collected papers cover several different research areas, from the otolith macro- to the microstructure and microchemistry, analyzing different types of otoliths and investigating various freshwater and marine species in their larval, juvenile and adult stages. Special attention is given to different approaches in otolith research and to many practical applications of such studies. The obtained data served to determine the age and growth of individual fish; to study habitat interactions, migration patterns, or habitats that the fish live in; to detect water temperatures or the presence of certain pollutants in the environment; and to reveal all other vital information about the life history of the fish.
Molecular World Today and Tomorrow
Various molecular techniques based on omics (transcriptomics, proteomics, genomics) and phylogenetics have been applied in biological sciences. Molecular dynamics and approaches evolved over time into various quantitative tools that allow researchers from multiple disciplines to design different studies. The molecular-based techniques can be comprehensive and systematic, as they allow identification, resolve genetic differences, molecular docking, and prediction models of ecological niches and taxonomic ranks. Investigating genomics, proteomics, and phylogenetic techniques utilize a novel class of DNA elements, such as microsatellites from mitochondria and chloroplast and retrotransposons, resulting in genetic variations using molecular data. In addition to this, the advantages and limitations of molecular approaches have been well studied and acknowledged. The combination of molecular phylogenetic and omics techniques and expression and pathways analysis 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 applications of molecular approaches hold significant potential for advancing genomics, proteomics, and phylogenetic techniques in biological sciences.
The Wrong Ape for Early Human Origins
The Wrong Ape for Early Human Origins highlights the pervasive impact of the chimpanzee referential model on paleoanthropological theory. This work suggests the need to re-imagine the last common ancestor of chimps and humans based on a more generalized Miocene ape platform and the reliance of early hominins on epigenesis and creative niche construction.
Biotechnology Applications of Microalgae
This Special Issue, "Biotechnology Applications of Microalgae", is focused on the latest novel advances related to the production of different bioactive compounds from microalgae and their biotechnological use.
Food Bioactive Compounds
In recent years, there has been a growing need for both nutritional and healthy foods with superior functional properties. In this line, bioactive compounds are economically available in different foods systems with limitations in quality and functionality.The present Special Issue is placed in this context, and aimed to provide a collection of modern chemical strategies developed with the intent of extracting, characterizing, tracing, or authenticating food bioactive compounds. Original research articles dealing with innovative techniques for the extraction (e.g., green chemistry) of bioactive compounds were welcomed. In addition, when discussing modern analytical methods, the structural characterization and identification of these active components were required. Attention was also devoted to theoretical aspects of the determination of the bioactivity and mechanisms of action of food bioactive compounds, as well as challenging properties for application as drug agents. Review articles providing an overview of the latest trends in this area of interest were also very welcomed.
Transcriptional Regulation of Flesh Fruit Development and Ripening
Transcriptional Regulation of Flesh Fruit Development and Ripening Understand the critical factors in fruit development with this up-to-date guide Fruit is an essential part of the human diet, and fruit production has never been more central to global human nutrition and public health. Fruit ripening is a vital stage in the emergence of nutrient-rich food, and modifications to the fruit development process can impact flavor, texture, nutritional value, and more. The process of ripening is controlled by nearly sixty transcription factors (TFs), a proper understanding of which is therefore crucial to regulating fruit quality and competing in the global food marketplace. Transcriptional Regulation of Flesh Fruit Development and Ripening is a comprehensive introduction to recent developments in the study of fruit ripening, focusing especially on these transcription factors. It details the major families of transcription factors and their properties, as well as providing methods for screening and identifying transcription factors to aid in genetic modification of fruit. The result is a thorough, accessible reference to a critical set of factors in fruit development. Transcriptional Regulation of Flesh Fruit Development and Ripening readers will also find: Detailed regulation of transcription factor families including MADS-box, NAC, ethylene response factor, and more Discussion of both climacteric and non-climacteric fruits throughout Analysis of how multiple TFs interact to influence fruit ripening Transcriptional Regulation of Flesh Fruit Development and Ripening is a must-have volume for food scientists, horticultural researchers, agriculturalists, and graduate students working in these or related fields.
Progress in Community Nutrition
Dietary patterns are evolving, and we are increasingly aware of the contribution of food and food systems to community and planetary health. To be responsive to these changes and to promote dietary patterns that enhance the health and wellbeing of populations and protect against climate change, nutrition professionals and researchers need to monitor evolving dietary patterns and trial comprehensive, multiaction solutions. Countries are pushing back on corporate and climate change disruptions to food systems and are looking for ways to strengthen community involvement in food systems, so that healthy and environmentally friendly food choices are easier to make. To achieve this, policymakers need access to the latest evidence on evolving dietary patterns and on effective solutions, and this Special Issue on Progress in Community Nutrition: Dietary Patterns and Planetary Health provides some of this evidence.
Mobile Health Technologies for Ambient Assisted Living and Healthcare
The use of telemedicine and mobile devices is growing, and sensors might aid in creating creative solutions. Developing these solutions is crucial for monitoring senior citizens, lifestyles, and medical procedures. This Special Issue's goal is to bring together academics and professionals in healthcare and medicine interested in using information and communication technologies (ICT) to serve people with special needs. The development of assistive technology for various users to follow sports and other activities is strongly tied to this study area. Data protection is crucial, and the development of these solutions for medical uses should be verified. The security and privacy of the information may be tied to other recognized research projects for their acceptability. ICT research has considerably improved quality of life and has fully assimilated all citizens into society through medical rehabilitation and assistive technology. The technologies and research fields that influence medical informatics include databases, networking, graphical user interfaces, data mining, machine learning, intelligent decision support systems, and specialized programming languages. Because mobile devices are commonly used for several everyday chores and are equipped with sensors that monitor various physical and physiological indicators, it is crucial to encourage the development of m-Health and e-Health solutions for healthcare practitioners. In this area, several solutions are now being developed. In addition, they can collaborate with emerging technologies for social assistance while enhancing life quality.
Urological Cancer 2022
In the urological sphere, the number of tumor malignancies caused by cancer is continuously growing in Western countries. Although this is mainly due to the contemporary increase in the life expectancy of people in these geographic areas, many other factors are also contributing to this growth. Urological cancer is a complex and varied disease which affects different organs and mainly affects the male population. In fact, in most statistics, kidney, prostate, and bladder cancer are regularly included in the top-ten list of the most frequent neoplasms in males. The female population, however, has also been increasingly affected by renal and bladder cancer in the last decade. From these facts, it is clear that urological cancer is a problem of major concern in developed societies. This Topic Issue of Cancers intends to shed some light on the complexity of this field and will consider all useful and appropriate contributions from scientists and clinicians in order to improve urological cancer knowledge for patients' benefit.
Prostate Cancer
The prostate is the largest accessory gland of the male reproductive tract. Together with seminal vesicles and bulbourethral glands, the prostate is responsible for the production of an alkaline fluid that forms part of the seminal fluid. The prostates of men over 40 years of age are commonly affected by several pathologies, such as benign prostate hyperplasia and cancer.Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently occurring cancers among men population worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in the year 2018, prostate cancer affected approximately 1.28 million men and was responsible for the death of 358,989 of them. Prostate cancer development is associated with several risk factors, such as older age, black ethnicity, a family history of disease, an increased body mass index and obesity. In this way, the risk of prostate cancer development may be reduced through the consumption of a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, practice of physical exercise and maintenance of a healthy weight.Despite several approaches being available for prostate cancer treatment, the number of prostate cancer deaths is continuously increasing, which emphasizes the need to search for new methods for precocious diagnosis and more effective treatment. Animal models, including rodents, have greatly contributed to the study of biopathology and the prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.This Special Issue presents original research works, case reports and reviews concerning the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of prostate cancer, highlighting new advances in this field.
Darwin's Theory Is False
No information available at this time. Author will provide once available.
Darwin's Theory Is False
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Novel Applications and Technologies for the Industrial Exploitation of Algal Derived Marine Bioactives as Nutraceuticals or Pharmaceuticals
The active molecules or bioactives (i.e., polysaccharides, fatty acids, proteins, polyphenols, diterpenes, steroids and alkaloids) from algae (seaweed and microalgae) have been widely studied in recent years for multiple pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Innovative and emerging technologies, including but not limited to ultrasounds, microwaves, electric fields, high-pressure supercritical fluids, ionic fluids and plasma, are currently being explored throughout multiple stages of the pre-treatment, extraction, isolation/purification and preservation of biomolecules from algae. This Special Issue will target research papers, reviews, short communications and perspectives on the use of novel technologies for the pre-treatment, extraction, isolation‒purification, characterization and preservation of marine compounds from algae. It will particularly focus on novel research related to algal bioactives with clear and demonstrated industrial applications and focuses.
From Taboo to Wellness
Menopause is a significant milestone in a woman's life, marking the end of fertility and the start of a new phase. However, it can also bring many physical and emotional symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood changes, and a higher risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Because of these issues, dealing with menopause can be a challenge. From Taboo to Wellness: The Facts behind Menopause is an informative guide to menopause. It provides clarity and accessibility for anyone interested in understanding the topic, and wants to deconstruct any myths that surround it with facts. From symptoms to treatments, this book covers everything you need to know about menopause in an engaging and easy-to-understand way. Written with the general reader in mind, this book explores the science behind menopause, as well as the male andropause and how it differs from the female experience. With insights into Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and future treatments using stem cells, it gives a comprehensive understanding of the options for managing menopause. But that's not all - the book also delves into the fascinating world of menopause in the animal kingdom, offering a unique perspective on how different species experience hormonal changes caused by this life-changing event.
What does the Honeybee See? And how do we Know?
This book is the only account of what the bee, as an example of an insect, actually detects with its eyes. Bees detect some visual features such as edges and colours, but there is no sign that they reconstruct patterns or put together features to form objects. Bees detect motion but have no perception of what it is that moves, and certainly they do not recognize "things" by their shapes. Yet they clearly see well enough to fly and find food with a minute brain. Bee vision is therefore relevant to the construction of simple artificial visual systems, for example for mobile robots. The surprising conclusion is that bee vision is adapted to the recognition of places, not things. In this volume, Adrian Horridge also sets out the curious and contentious history of how bee vision came to be understood, with an account of a century of neglect of old experimental results, errors of interpretation, sharp disagreements, and failures of the scientific method. The design of the experiments and the methods of making inferences from observations are also critically examined, with the conclusion that scientists are often hesitant, imperfect and misleading, ignore the work of others, and fail to consider alternative explanations. The erratic path to understanding makes interesting reading for anyone with an analytical mind who thinks about the methods of science or the engineering of seeing machines.
