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Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Microbiology (non-medical) > Bacteriology
Since the discovery of circadian rhythms in cyanobacteria in the late 1980s, the field has exploded with new information. The cyanobacterial model system for studying circadian rhythms, "Synechococcus elongatus," has allowed a detailed genetic dissection of the bacterial clock due to the methods currently available in molecular, structural, and evolutionary biology. This book addresses multiple aspects of bacterial circadian programs: the history and background of the cyanobacteria and circadian rhythms in microorganisms, the molecular basis, structure, and evolution of the circadian clock, entrainment of the oscillator with the environment and the control of downstream processes by the clock, the demonstration of adaptive significance and the prokaryotic clock s remarkable stability, and mathematical and synthetic oscillator models for clock function. Experts in the field provide a timely and comprehensive review and a stepping-stone for future work on this amazing group of microorganisms and timing."
This volume provides an overview of the latency strategies developed during the estimated 200 Myears long coevolution of Alpha-, Beta- and Gammaherpesvirinae and their host species. The main emphasis is on herpesviruses infecting humans. However, relevant cases if herpesviruses infecting animals are covered as well. Special emphasis is drawn on results on molecular mechanisms regulating latent promoters of herpesvirus genomes and signals and molecular pathways resulting in reactivation of latent viral genomes. To balance the volume, epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modification, chromatin structure) involved in cell type specific expression of growth-transformation-associated Gammaherpesvirus genes will also be discussed at length)
This book will cover both the evidence for biofilms in many chronic bacterial infections as well as the problems facing these infections such as diagnostics and treatment regimes. A still increasing interest and emphasis on the sessile bacterial lifestyle biofilms has been seen since it was realized that that less than 0.1% of the total microbial biomass lives in the planktonic mode of growth. The term was coined in 1978 by Costerton et al. who defined the term biofilm for the first time.In 1993 the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) recognised that the biofilmmode of growth was relevant to microbiology. Lately many articles have been published on the clinical implications of bacterial biofilms. Both original articles and reviews concerning the biofilm problem are available.
Chronic wounds, by definition, are those that remain in a chronic inflammatory state and therefore fail to follow normal patterns of the healing process. The chronic wounds present a challenge to physicians and patients alike because they are very difficult to heal, inflict a huge cost to society and impair the quality of life for millions of people. There are many factors that contribute to the development of chronic wounds. One of the most clinically significant impediments to wound healing is infections. Bacteria biofilm formation in wounds is the best unifying explanation for the failure of chronic wounds to heal. This book discusses how the formulation of effective and inexpensive products will be useful to resolve infected chronic wounds with biofilm-producing bacteria.
To cope with the increasing problems created by agrochemicals such as plant fertilizers, pesticides and other plant protection agents, biological alternatives have been developed over the past years. These include biopesticides, such as bacteria for the control of plant diseases, and biofertilizer to improve crop productivity and quality. Especially plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are as effective as pure chemicals in terms of plant growth enhancement and disease control, in addition to their ability to manage abiotic and other stresses in plants. The various facets of these groups of bacteria are treated in this Microbiology Monograph, with emphasis on their emergence in agriculture. Further topics are Bacillus species that excrete peptides and lipopeptides with antifungal, antibacterial and surfactant activity, plant-bacteria-environment interactions, mineral-nutrient exchange, nitrogen assimilation, biofilm formation and cold-tolerant microorganisms.
Salmonellae are important pathogens, responsible for an estimated one million deaths and 100 million human infections annually. Their genomes are mosaic puzzles, results of lateral transfer events that occur within a stable genetic background. Extraordinary diversity of host ranges and pathogenicity traits between different strains are the consequence of both specific genome insertions/deletions and minute changes in genome composition. Genomic information decoded from a multitude of different Salmonella strains and new dramatic insights into pathogenic processes emphasize the fact that Salmonella research is currently at a very exciting juncture. In addition to their fascinating resilience in both the environment and eukaryotic hosts, Salmonella prefer tumors over any other location within the human host (by a factor of 1000 or more). This ability could propel Salmonella into future use as a therapeutic delivery agent to control and/or cure cancers. In this book, internationally accla
At last, here is a graduate-level textbook that focuses on the very latest information on the molecular and cellular mechanism of several major foodborne bacterial pathogens. For the first time in the field, this book makes the link between foodborne illness and immunology. It also covers virulence genes and their regulation in the host or the food environment, pathogenicity testing models, clinical symptoms and prevention and control strategies. Unlike other textbooks this one also covers the host/parasite interaction to a level where readers have a real appreciation of the disease mechanism. It is imperative that we acquire a better understanding of foodborne pathogens. And this is what this brilliant and timely contribution to the subject offers.
The OHOLO conferences are sponsored by the Israel Institute for Biological Research and take their name from the site of the ?rst meeting on the shores of Lake Kinnereth. The purpose of these meetings is, as it was at their inception over 50 years ago, "to foster interdisciplinary communication between scientists in Israel, and to provide added stimulus by the participation of invited scientists from abroad". The core of the organizers of the OHOLO conferences are scientists from the Israel Institute for Biological Research. From time to time a particular OHOLO conference cooperates with an international scienti?c organization. The present 46th OHOLO Conference marks the resumption of the OHOLO tradition after 8 years of interruption caused by events beyond our control. It is my belief that our uncomp- mising commitment to excellence in research and development in the various areas of science in Israel is essential to our survival in this troubled region. The OHOLO conference tradition is a re?ection of this conviction. The present 46th OHOLO Conference entitled: The Challenge of Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms - Mechanisms of Virulence and Novel Medical Countermeasures intends to address the unique virulence features and ho- pathogen interactions of microorganisms constituting emerging biothreat with emphasis on Y. pestis, B. anthracis, F. tularensis and Orthopox viruses. Accordingly we selected classical microbiological as well as genomic, proteomic & transcr- tomic approaches towards developments of novel prophylactic and post-exposure treatment, as well as updated strategies of diagnostics and bioforensics.
ISPP2009, the 13th International Symposium on Phototrophic Prokaryotes, was held in Montreal, Canada, from August 9 to August 14. This was only the second time that the ISPP series was in North America. ISPP2009 was well attended with about 280 registered participants from over 30 countries. A stimulating and inf- mative program showcased the recent developments in this ever-evolving eld. This is always one of my favourite conference series to attend because not only does it inform my speci c research passions, it broadly educates me in ways that improve my teaching and increase my breadth of understanding in a variety of outside areas. Indeed, the ISPP series brings together a broad spectrum of interests, techniques, and disciplines. Both established researchers and newcomers to this eld gave oral presentations in a large number (80) of plenary and parallel symposia sessions which proved to have active audience participation and lively discussions. A large number of excellent poster presentations supplemented the oral program. I think that the high quality of the scienti c presentations, as well as the enjoyable social events, was widely appreciated. Things ran very smoothly, from the original registration to the closing ceremony, thanks to Isabel Stengler and her team at IS Event Solutions.
Bacteria have evolved with extraordinary abilities to regulate aspects of their behavior (such as gene expression) in response to signals in the intracellular and extracellular environment. Key to this are the diverse macromolecules (proteins or RNA) that sense change through direct interactions with chemical or physical stimuli. In recent years, there have been tremendous advances in understanding the structure and function of these signal receptors, and how interaction with the signal triggers changes in their activity and downstream events. For some systems, this understanding extends to the atomic level. In this unique book, an international team of experts reviews a selection of important model systems, providing a timely snapshot of the current state of research in the field. Sensory Mechanisms in Bacteria opens with an introductory chapter that reviews the diversity of signal recognition mechanisms, illustrating the breadth of the field. Subsequent chapters include descriptions
Ranging from the evolution of pathogenicity to oceanic carbon cycling, the many and varied roles that bacteriophages play in microbial ecology and evolution have inspired increased interest within the scientific community. Bacteriophages: Methods and Protocols pulls together the vast body of knowledge and expertise from top international bacteriophage researchers to provide both classical and state-of-the-art molecular techniques. With its well-organized modular design, Volume 1: Isolation, Characterization, and Interactions examines a multitude of topics, including the isolation of phages, morphological and molecular characterization, and interaction with bacteria. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters consist of brief introductions to the subject, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and a Notes section which details tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Thorough and cutting-edge, Bacteriophages: Methods and Protocols is a valuable reference for experienced bacteriophage researchers as well as an easily accessible introduction for newcomers to the subject.
Includes a revised taxonomic outline for the phyla Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, Chlamydiae, Spirochetes, Fibrobacteres, Fusobacteria, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Dictyoglomi, and Gemmatimonadetes based upon the SILVA project as well as a description of more than 153 genera in 29 families. Includes many medically important taxa.
Paris is a cosmopolitan city where roaring life, wonderful museums and excellent science can be found. It was during the XI IUMS conference held in this city that the Pseudomonas book series was ?rst envisaged. On the ?rst row of the auditorium sat a group of outstanding scientists in the ?eld, who after devoting much of their valuable time, contributed in an exceptional manner to the ?rst three volumes of the series, which saw the light simultaneously. The volumes were grouped under the generic titles of "Vol. I. Pseudomonas: Genomics, Life Style and Molecular Architecture", Vol. II. Pseudomonas: Virulence and gene regulation; Vol. III. Pseudomonas: Biosynthesis of Macromolecules and Molecular Metabolism. Soon after the completion of the ?rst three volumes, a rapid search for ar- cles containing the word Pseudomonas in the title in the last 10 years produced over 6,000 articles! Consequently, not all possible topics relevant to this genus were covered in the three ?rst volumes. Since then two other volumes were p- lished: Pseudomonas volume IV edited by Roger Levesque and Juan L. Ramos that came to being with the intention of collecting some of the most relevant emerging new issues that had not been dealt with in the three previous volumes. This v- ume was arranged after the Pseudomonas meeting organized by Roger Levesque in Quebec (Canada). It dealt with various topics grouped under a common heading: "Pseudomonas: Molecular Biology of Emerging Issues".
Escherichia coli bacteria cause many illnesses of the gastrointestinal tract. Often, people come down with these diseases when they eat contaminated foods, especially ground beef or raw produce. Though E. coli infections are most common in less developed parts of the world, they are also a problem in the United States--contamination occurred in prepackaged cookie dough in 2009 and in spinach in 2006. But all E. coli are not harmful, as strains found in the human intestinal system can help with vitamin K production or in fighting harmful bacteria. This revised edition of Escherichia coli Infections contains up-to-date information on the different strains of E. coli, including the latest outbreaks, statistics, diagnostic breakthroughs, and vaccine development. Chapters include:
Bifidobacteria are Gram-positive anaerobic bacteria, found naturally in the gut of humans and other mammals. They are widely used as probiotic organisms in a vast array of formulations for the prevention, alleviation, and treatment of many intestinal disorders. However, bifidobacteria are fastidious microorganisms and are difficult to study in the laboratory, so until recently, understanding of their genetics lagged behind that of other high GC content Gram-positive bacteria. The application of modern whole genome approaches to bifidobacteria research has changed all of this, permitting the accumulation of an impressive amount of data, something that could not have been foreseen a few years ago. This book brings together the expertise and enthusiasm of the leading bifidobacteria researchers from around the world to provide a state-of-the art overview of the molecular biology and genomics of this exciting and important microbial genus. Topics include: ecology, genomics, comparative geno
Due to the possibility that petroleum supplies will be exhausted in the next decades to come, more and more attention has been paid to the production of bacterial pl- tics including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polylactic acid (PLA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), biopolyethylene (PE), poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT), and poly(p-phenylene) (PPP). These are well-studied polymers containing at least one monomer synthesized via bacterial transformation. Among them, PHA, PLA and PBS are well known for their biodegradability, whereas PE, PTT and PPP are probably less biodegradable or are less studied in terms of their biodegradability. Over the past years, their properties and appli- tions have been studied in detail and products have been developed. Physical and chemical modifications to reduce their cost or to improve their properties have been conducted. PHA is the only biopolyester family completely synthesized by biological means. They have been investigated by microbiologists, molecular biologists, b- chemists, chemical engineers, chemists, polymer experts, and medical researchers for many years. PHA applications as bioplastics, fine chemicals, implant biomate- als, medicines, and biofuels have been developed. Companies have been est- lished for or involved in PHA related R&D as well as large scale production. It has become clear that PHA and its related technologies form an industrial value chain in fermentation, materials, feeds, and energy to medical fields.
The genus Borrelia, in the spirochete phylum, is not closely related to any other bacteria and has a highly unusual genome composed of a linear chromosome and multiple circular and linear plasmids that appear to be in a constant state of rearrangement, recombination, and deletion. The determination of the genome sequence of Borrelia strains has facilitated tremendous advances in understanding this genus at the molecular and cellular level, as well as the pathogenesis of Lyme disease and relapsing fever. In recent years, there has been an explosion of new insights into the molecular biology, genetics, physiology, and ecology of Borrelia and its tick/vertebrate life cycle. This research is of particular importance as the incidence of Lyme borreliosis continues to increase. Written by renowned scientists who have made seminal contributions to the field, this book is a comprehensive guide to the pathogenic Borrelia, providing researchers, advanced students, clinicians, and other professionals with an encyclopedic overview of the molecular biology of this important genus and the pathogenesis of diseases. Leading authorities have made contributions on topics such as Borrelia genomics, DNA replication, gene regulation, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolism and physiology, cellular structure, motility and chemotaxis, genetic manipulation, evolutionary genetics, ecology, tick interactions, Lyme disease and relapsing fever pathogenesis, animal models, host response, detection, and vaccines. The volume is essential for anyone involved in Borrelia research and is strongly recommended for microbiologists, immunologists, and physicians involved in spirochete research, Lyme borreliosis, or relapsing fever. The book is a recommended reference volume for all microbiology libraries.
While we have a feeling that our 'thought experiment' could bear fruit, we are far from the idea that equivalent expressions by the brain and the immune function point to an axis of both systems. Al-though major players, they also depend on the regulation of the rest of the body. As we focus here rather on a social context, many more factors are to be accounted for. Shanty-towns, rather than being seen in a dismissive context, may provide clues to historical conditions, a tip off perhaps to update the idea of 'individualistic' immunity. Subjected to all kinds of inward and outward interferences, obviously, a historical approach is complex. Urban overcrowding, by replacing nomadic life, allowed multiple interacting brains to develop civilization and science. The fact that survival under prolonged siege had been recorded, filthy food and water supply notwithstanding, suggests that collective immune adaptation may not be out of question either. Fortunately, experimental evidence in mice and other animal comes in support to our hypothesis of collective immunity. As yet no consensus about immune stimulation or downplaying has been reached, our aim being the possibility of reciprocal immune influence as such.
Megaplasmids are extrachromosomal genetic elements in the size range of 100 kb and larger. They are found in physiologically and phylogenetically diverse groups of bacteria and archaea. By definition, megaplasmids are not essential for the viability of their hosts under all growth conditions, but paradoxically many megaplasmids carry the genetic information for the defining and characteristic traits of the organism in which they reside. Microbial Megaplasmids reviews our knowledge of the extensively studied representatives, such as the catabolic plasmids of the pseudomonads, the rhizobial Sym plasmids, the Ti plasmids of the genus Agrobacterium and the giant enterobacterial virulence plasmids. It also presents snapshots of more recently discovered megaplasmids. The contribution of megaplasmids to the biology of their hosts is described, highlighting the interactions between megaplasmid and chromosomal genes.
There is currently increasing interest concerning the biology and disease caused by Acinetobacter species. Such interest, however, developed relatively slowly because of the necessity to clarify the confusing taxonomy of these organisms. Much work was needed to identify various species as members of this genus, to recognize their epidemiologic profile, their pathogenic role and their increasing importance as multi-antibiotic resistant organisms. In recent years improvement of genetic approaches, recognition of plasmids, integrons and chromosomal sources of resistance mechanisms aroused interest on the role of Acinetobacters in disease by many microbiologists and clinicians, especially internists and infectious disease specialists. In this regard, physicians are frequently confronted with extremely difficult therapeutic approaches for treatment and prevention of severe nosocomial infections due to multi antibiotic resistant Acinetobacter. Moreover, recent observations of community acquired infections have been reported, especially in patients with various risk factors such as immuno-deficiencies. Also, it is now becoming evident that Acinetobacter infections occur frequently in violent situations such as earthquake or war zones. The mechanisms of Acinetobacter virulence are becoming increasingly clear, providing new insights into their pathogenic role in community acquired infections. It is apparent the time is appropriate for detailed review of the increasing knowledge concerning important new information, both clinical and therapeutic, especially information concerning virulence, resistance mechanisms and typing of Acinetobacter spp. Many new findings are accumulating in almost an exponential manner since publication of previous books on this subject in 1991 and 1996.
Secreted proteins are particularly important in bacterial pathogenesis. These proteins have a range of biological functions from host cell toxicity to more subtle alterations of the host cell for the benefit of the invader. The importance of protein secretion to bacterial pathogens is exemplified by the array of mechanisms that have evolved for this purpose. This extensive publication - on bacterial secreted proteins, the secretory systems of bacteria, and the vital role of secreted proteins in bacterial pathogenesis - will be of immense value to all microbiologists, molecular biologists, public health scientists, and researchers engaged in the study of pathogenesis, drug design, and vaccine development. A skillful selection of topics and a panel of acknowledged experts have ensured that this volume will become an important reference source for many years to come. The book is divided into two sections. The first section describes the various protein secretion systems, including mechanisms for secretion across the cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, the specialized mechanisms for secretion across the Gram-negative outer membrane, the systems for transport across both membranes of Gram-negative bacteria, the protein secretion systems in Gram-positive bacteria, the secretion of surface fimbrae/pili, and the less well-defined pathways. Section two describes the protein secretion mechanisms and secreted proteins of a number of important human, veterinary, and plant pathogens and their role in the pathogenicity of these organisms. The pathogens covered have been selected on the basis that there is active research on protein secretion by these pathogens and they employ a diverse array of secreted proteins and protein secretion systems. Each of the book's chapters can be read in isolation. The book constitutes a broad and in-depth description of the current knowledge of bacterial protein secretion and its role in pathogenesis. It is a recommended reference volume for all microbiology libraries.
Expert scientists critically review the current and most recent advances in the genomics and molecular biology of mycobacteria. The focus is on the topical and most relevant aspects and the authors aim to give readers an insight into the current understan
Bacteria pathogenic for plants are responsible for devastating losses in agriculture. The use of antibiotics to control such infections is restricted in many countries due to worries over the evolution and transmission of antibiotic resistance. The advent of genome sequencing has enabled a better understanding, at the molecular level, of the strategies and mechanisms of pathogenesis, evolution of resistance to plant defense mechanisms, and the conversion of non-pathogenic into pathogenic bacteria. In this book, internationally acclaimed experts review the most important developments, providing an invaluable up-to-date summary of the molecular biology and genomics of plant pathogenic bacteria. The book opens with two chapters on bacterial evolution, diversity, and taxonomy - topics that have been transformed by molecular biology and genomics analyses. The third chapter delves into the crucially understudied area of pathogen adaptation to the plant apoplast environment. The next seven chapters focus on specific plant pathogens: Agrobacterium, Leifsonia, Pectobacterium, Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, Xanthomonas, and Xylella. The following four chapters review specific, intensively studied areas of research in the plant pathogen field: microbe associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) and innate immunity; use of bacterial virulence factors to suppress plant defense; cyclic di-GMP signalling and the regulation of virulence; and plasmids and the spread of virulence. The final chapter covers the critical area of bioinformatics. With contributions from some of the pioneering bacterial plant pathogen genome sequencers, this book is essential reading for every plant pathogen researcher - from the PhD student to the experienced scientist - as it provides a timely review of the current and most topical areas of research.
Bacteria change the surface of the Earth. All kinds of bacteria reside in the biosphere, and although sometimes they may cause damage, they also help in cleaning the surface of the Earth and in the circulation of various substances. Chemolithoautotrophic bacteria in particular have a unique and intimate relationship with inorganic substances and human beings. This book covers in detail advances in the biochemistry and physiology of several chemolithoautotrophic bacteria as well as their relationship to certain environments. Included are recent findings regarding the oxidation mechanisms of ammonia, nitrite, sulfur compounds, and ferrous iron by special bacteria. The characteristics of many cytochromes are described to further advance the understanding of bacterial oxidation systems of inorganic compounds. Applications of bacteria, such as in sewage treatment and in biohydometallurgy, among others, are detailed, and bacteria considered closest to the origins of life are discussed in the final chapter.
Ranging from the evolution of pathogenicity to oceanic carbon cycling, the many and varied roles that bacteriophages play in microbial ecology and evolution have inspired increased interest within the scientific community. Bacteriophages: Methods and Protocols pulls together the vast body of knowledge and expertise from top international bacteriophage researchers to provide both classical and state-of-the-art molecular techniques. With its well-organized modular design, Volume 2: Molecular and Applied Aspects examines a multitude of topics, including the bacteriophage genomics, metagenomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, along with applied bacteriophage biology. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters consist of brief introductions to the subject, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and a Notes section which details tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Thorough and cutting-edge, Bacteriophages: Methods and Protocols is a valuable reference for experienced bacteriophage researchers as well as an easily accessible introduction for newcomers to the subject. |
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