ALBERT

Description: Bacterial biofilms are colonies of bacterial cells embedded in their self-produced matrix composed of polysaccharides, DNA, and proteins. They protect bacterial cells against antibiotics, antibacterial agents, soaps and detergents, and shear stress. Some of the most common biofilm-associated infections in humans include urinary tract infections, infection of wounds and surgical sites, diabetic foot ulcers, dental caries (tooth decay) and gingivitis (gum inflammation), ventilator-associated infections, sinusitis, microbial keratitis, secondary infection related to Covid-19 and other viral infections, and so on. Bacterial resistance to common antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, gentamycin, erythromycin, ciprofloxacin, etc.) is driving us to a catastrophic failure of our health systems. Strategies to develop novel antibacterial agents and technology must be prioritized to combat and eradicate biofilms and their associated challenges. This book provides a comprehensive overview of biofilms with chapters on bacterial virulence factors, quorum sensing in bacteria, antimicrobial resistance in bacteria, strategies to develop new antibacterial agents, and much more.

Description: Chlorophyll, a green pigment present in almost all plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, is a significant biomolecule essential to photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light into energy. This book provides a comprehensive and easy-to-understand source of information on the latest developments in chlorophyll research. It is a collection of contributions from leading specialists in the subject. Topics discussed include the medicinal uses of chlorophyll, the electronic structure of chlorophyll monomers and oligomers, and chlorophyll estimate from fluorescence vertical profiles in the ocean.

Description: Revisiting Plant Biostimulants focuses on recent advances in plant biostimulants (PBs), an eco-friendly sustainable technology that supports the increased agricultural production required to feed rapidly growing populations. PBs contain diverse bioactive natural substances: (i) humic and fulvic acids, (ii) animal and vegetal protein hydrolysates, (iii) macroalgae seaweed extracts, and (iv) silicon, as well as beneficial microorganisms. There are many concerns about the sustainability of current conventional methods as continued use of chemicals degrades both soil and the environment. This book explores the use of PBs, and their potential responses to current and impending environmental change.

Description: Insects are a group of animals that contribute significantly to the proper functioning of different ecosystems on the planet. They provide services such as pollinating crops, recycling nutrients and controlling pests. Many scientific publications and reports have studied the current global decline of insects. This decline can severely affect other groups of animals including birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and small mammals that utilize insects as a source of food. This will have a great impact on the trophic cascade and an eventual adverse effect on the overall ecosystem. This book provides insights into the possible reasons behind the decline of insects as well as potential measures that might mitigate this decline. It contains eleven chapters written by different experts. The book is useful for a wide range of readers including entomologists, ecologists, botanists, environmentalists, and amateurs who love collecting and preserving insects.

Description: Modern medicine is impossible without antibiotics, but global antibiotic usage has led to the development of increasing numbers of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. Thus, we still have problems with infectious disease treatment despite an arsenal of antibiotics. This has forced researchers to develop new drugs that will be effective against resistant bacteria. Some of these prospective molecules are antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which are an important component of the innate immune system of various organisms in nature. Currently, more than 3,000 AMPs have been reported with different activities against different bacterial species including resistant phenotype bacteria. AMPs display remarkable structural and functional diversity that is not completely understood. As such, this book presents a comprehensive overview of AMPs and their mechanism of action against MDR bacteria.

Description: Grasslands are of vital significance globally by covering more than one-quarter of the earth’s surface. They are known by a variety of names, such as prairies, pampas, steppes, savannas, and so on, and provide feed to animals as well as serve as biodiversity reserves and catchment areas. Under the changing climate scenario, they can potentially serve as carbon sinks, which might alleviate the adverse effects of greenhouse gas emissions. This book provides fundamental knowledge of underutilized grasses of economic significance as well as discusses advancements in grasslands management for boosting their bio-productivity. There is a particular focus on state-of-the-art strategies for the restoration and conservation of grasslands in the era of changing climate.

Description: This book offers a broad perspective on marine mammal species and populations considered to be most at risk due to human activities. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the essential biology and ecology of marine mammals to assess the correlates and causes of extinction and to implement science-based conservation. Chapters address such topics as different types of marine mammals and their importance to the ecosystem of the world’s oceans and food cycles, lactation in marine mammals, dolphin survival rates and causes of movement reduction in Bangladesh, and much more.

Description: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a subsystem of the nervous system that possesses several levels (groups) for receiving, transmitting, generating, and processing information. This book presents a comprehensive overview of the ANS, including chapters on the role of the ANS in a healthy lifestyle, the ANS–stress relationship, general anesthesia and the ANS, signaling pathways, and more.

Description: Almost a decade has passed since the last textbook on the science of cryobiology, Life in the Frozen State, was published. Recently, there have been some serious tectonic shifts in cryobiology which were perhaps not seen on the surface but will have a profound effect on both the future of cryobiology and the development of new cryopreservation methods. We feel that it is time to revise the previous paradigms and dogmas, discuss the conceptually new cryobiological ideas, and introduce the recently emerged practical protocols for cryopreservation. The present books, "Current Frontiers in Cryobiology" and "Current Frontiers in Cryopreservation" will serve the purpose. This is a global effort by scientists from 27 countries from all continents and we hope it will be interesting to a wide audience.

Description: Characterized as a common signaling pathway between cells, the purinergic system is capable of modulating physiological and biochemical processes. Composed of signaling molecules, regulatory enzymes, and specific receptors, this organization can modulate several basal pathways of the organism. It is understood that purinergic signaling is present in all aspects of immunity and inflammation and studies show that extracellular ATP and its adenosine metabolite are the main mediators of response. These occur since most immune cells express P2 and P1 receptors, which are sensitive to the ATP and adenosine molecules, respectively. This book describes the purinergic system and its correlation with the health and disease process.

Description: Catfish, one of the largest groups of freshwater fishes, are not only important ornamentals and sport fishing and research animals but also an important source of protein. This book compiles current research on this species, providing information on its production methods and uses.

Description: This book provides an overview of secondary metabolites in three sections: “Introduction”, “Secondary Metabolites: General Reviews and Biotechnological Interventions” and “Plant Secondary Metabolites.” It discusses the antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities of secondary metabolites, biotechnological interventions in the production and research of secondary metabolites, and the secondary metabolites of plants.

Description: Almost a decade has passed since the last textbook on the science of cryobiology, Life in the Frozen State, was published. Recently, there have been some serious tectonic shifts in cryobiology which were perhaps not seen on the surface but will have a profound effect on both the future of cryobiology and the development of new cryopreservation methods. We feel that it is time to revise the previous paradigms and dogmas, discuss the conceptually new cryobiological ideas, and introduce the recently emerged practical protocols for cryopreservation. The present books, "Current Frontiers in Cryobiology" and "Current Frontiers in Cryopreservation" will serve the purpose. This is a global effort by scientists from 27 countries from all continents and we hope it will be interesting to a wide audience.

Description: This book examines the challenges in bioethics from medical, ethical, legal, and industrial perspectives. A critical exchange of ideas from professionals in interdisciplinary fields allows all people to learn and benefit from their far-reaching insights gained through personal and professional experiences in the fields of medicine and research. Examining these complex issues, ranging from brain-computer interfaces to disabilities in health care to the determination of death to safe injection sites, presents viable paradigms for all healthcare professionals who are being confronted with these issues today and in the future. The more we face these challenges directly, examine them critically, analyze them thoroughly, and debate them enthusiastically the more knowledge will be gained and hopefully more lives will be saved.

Description: This book provides in-depth insights into the diversity of actinobacteria, their various medical aspects, and their biotechnological applications. It is aimed at graduate students and researchers working with actinobacteria who need to know about recent advances in their research fields. The book, which is divided into four sections, contains 13 chapters that review the most recent methods, discuss various applications of actinobacteria, introduce some interesting results, and explore future prospects for the topics covered.

Description: Iron is an essential element for numerous fundamental biologic processes. Iron-containing proteins are required for vital cellular and organismal functions including oxygen transport, mitochondrial respiration, intermediary and xenobiotic metabolism, nucleic acid replication and repair, host defense, and cell signaling. However, excess iron is toxic. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the essential role of iron in biology, the regulation of systemic and cellular iron homeostasis, and how imbalances in iron homeostasis contribute to disease.

Description: This book discusses Trichoderma spp. and its molecular aspects and mode of action on important plant pathogens. In Brazil, there are already more than thirty-four species of this fungus registered in commercial products to control soil-borne pathogens. The book also discusses industrial use of Trichoderma. Chapters examine the application of the fungus in the integrated management of plant diseases as well as its general use in bioprocesses and even in the alcohol production industry for biofuels.

Description: This is an introductory book on the role of potassium in health, physiology of potassium homeostasis, diagnostic approach to potassium derangement, and clinical management of potassium disorders. It is a concise, easy-to-read reference for students in the health professions, mid-level providers, house staff trainees, and clinicians.

Description: Peroxisomes are cell organelles that have functions for the provision of homeostasis and sustainable cellular health. They are indispensable for lipid metabolism and free radical detoxification. A disruption in the peroxisomal pathway can cause irreparable problems or death for the organism. This book provides a comprehensive overview of peroxisomes, including their role in cell health and diseases such as cancer.

Description: Enterobacteriaceae are a large family of Gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia, Salmonella, Shigella, Klebsiella, Yersinia, and others. They are associated with intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases, such as urinary tract infections and diarrhea. This book examines enterobacteria with a focus on pathogenesis, virulence factors, and treatment strategies, as well as their role in multidrug resistance.

Description: This volume presents selected issues in the complex and diverse science of animal husbandry. The use of computer programs provides an opportunity to improve breeding and optimize farm management. At the same time, the use of traditional breeding methods is also of decisive importance. Knowledge of animal welfare and animal wellness is of great help in controlling animal health issues and in economic production. In the biological processes of reproduction of dairy cows, the events of the 100 days after calving are of fundamental importance. Production systems influence the process of product production, in which the relationship between animal products and human health goes far beyond animal husbandry, and to which the issue of greenhouse gases is also connected. The quality of manufactured meat products is influenced by both on-farm and off-farm factors, but good meat cannot be produced from low-quality animals, even with excellent slaughterhouse work. Background knowledge of animal health ‒ including the microbiome in the digestive tract, which makes use of the feed ‒ makes this activity more effective, which is of particular importance in the case of broiler chickens. Knowing the behavioural characteristics of animals (rams) enables better management. Many horse breeds are capable of artificial gaits as a result of breeding and selection processes. Comparative knowledge of the movements of these horse breeds also helps to understand their differences. The quality of life of animals and the quality of manufactured products are also affected by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from the environment, which, being stored and enriched in fat-containing tissues, can also have adverse effects on the human consumer. Each topic presented not only offers specialist knowledge but makes interesting reading in its own right.

Description: Cell death is critical for embryo development and body growth. Several types of cell death have been discovered. The dysfunction of cell death is responsible for various diseases; however, the mechanism underlying cell death is not fully elucidated. Recent advances in cell death research have led to improved diagnosis, treatment, and clinical management of diverse diseases; however, novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. This book presents the most recent advances in cell death and related diseases.

Description: Cancer is a major public health problem and much research is being conducted to develop effective treatments for various types of malignancies. In doing so, researchers must have comprehensive knowledge about what causes cancer. This book explains the mechanisms of different types of cancers in twelve chapters organized into three sections on oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and viral oncogenes.

Description: Molecular docking is a widely used bioinformatics method in biology, medicine, and biochemistry. This method, which can model interactions between different receptors and their various ligands at the molecular level, can represent intermolecular interactions at an unprecedented resolution that may not be achieved by classical experimental approaches. This book describes different aspects of this method that can reveal the intermolecular biochemical and biophysical interactions and the affinities of partner molecules to each other. It is designed for academics, students, and professionals interested in this technique.

Description: Although additives are regularly used in the food industry to improve the organoleptic properties or extend the shelf life of food products, some additives are known to be potentially hazardous if consumed in excess. Increasingly, consumers are avoiding these types of products, highlighting an overall trend toward developing a green and sustainable economy and the emergence of natural additives with equal or greater benefits than synthetic ones. This book is an introduction to the use of natural food additives. It includes eleven chapters that discuss emerging compounds used as food additives and active packaging, molecular gastronomy, enzyme production in the food industry, and much more.

Description: Increasing human migrations, technological advances, agricultural activities, and climate change are forcing plants to adapt to new environments. This book highlights current morphological, anatomical, physiological, molecular, and genomic advances in plant defense mechanisms. These advances, including epigenetic mechanisms, have been linked to observed phenotypic plant plasticity. The book also outlines next-generation food systems, considering the resilience and sustainability of plant genomes and epigenomes.

Description: Due to climatic, social, and epidemiological challenges, urban areas are suffering from recurring problems that require profound and sustainable solutions. Although they cover only a small area of the earth’s surface, metropolises are responsible for most of the world’s global carbon emissions, which cause adverse effects on energy and the climate. This book discusses the spatial development of urban areas in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Chapters address the problems of large urban agglomerations, examine their impacts on both people and the environment, and propose intervention policies and strategies. The book also presents case studies from different areas of the world, including Chile, Brazil, and India.

Description: Pectin is an industrial product of certain fruit peels that contain it, such as citrus fruits, apples, pears, grapes, plums, beets, sunflowers, and so on. It is the traditional gelling agent for jams and jellies, but its applications extend to fruit products for food, dairy, dessert, soft drink, pharmaceutical, and other industries. This book discusses pectin production, pectin biotechnology, and pectin applications. Chapters cover such topics as the production of pectin from citrus, fungal pectinases in food technology, pharmaceutical applications of pectin, and more.

Description: Ion transporters are membrane proteins that allow the passage of ions or charged small molecules through the lipid membrane. They are present in every cell of every organism. The group of ion transporters comprises different types of ion pumps, ion exchangers, and ion channels. This book focuses mostly on ion channels, which represent the biggest subset of ion transporters. Ion transporters, especially ion channels, are of imminent interest in the field of life sciences with possible therapeutic outcomes. Each piece of knowledge that can help us understand their role and function is worth noticing. This book provides a comprehensive overview of ion channels, including their diversity and functions in physiology and pathophysiology.

Description: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale vesicles secreted by cells that mediate horizontal cargo transport from donor to recipient cell, thereby establishing cell-cell communication and signaling. This book provides critical information on the fundamentals of EVs, their roles in diseases like cancer, and their use in disease management. The chapters emphasize the emerging data confirming the role of EVs in the pathogenesis of diseases and discuss the scientific advances that have made it feasible to characterize and engineer EVs, leading to their use as tools in biomarker discovery and disease diagnosis, prognosis, therapeutic application, and theranostics. This volume is a valuable resource for basic biologists, translational scientists, and clinicians.