This title highlights the current and topical areas of research in this rapidly growing field. Expert authors from around the world provide the latest insights into the mechanisms these fascinating organisms use to survive.

This book presents research findings and conclusions that has been developed as algorithms or intelligent new methods solving problems in the fields of air pollution, climate and health, natural hazards and risks, water resources, human activities and management and informatics, remote sensing, high-performance computing and GIS for environmental monitoring and management. Environmental protection and disaster risk topics are challenging fields, that scientific world is trying to address as much as it can. Earthquakes, floods, fires, droughts, blizzards, dust storms, natural releases of toxic gases and liquids, diseases and other environmental variations affect hundreds of millions of people each year. Many disaster events are triggered by human activities. Dealing with these problems will require systems thinking and integrating multidisciplinary science. Actions in these directions are taken more and more in the recent years by political bodies, NGOs and scientific groups trying to find sustainable solutions for the future generations. Every point of view matter when it comes to our global home - The Planet Earth.

Natural resources and associated biological diversity provide the basis of livelihood for human population, particularly in the rural areas and mountain regions across the globe. Asia is home to the world's highest mountain regions including the Himalayas, Karakorum and Hindukush. These regions are renowned around the globe because of their unique beauty, climate, and biocultural diversity. Because of geoclimatic conditions, the mountains of Asia are medicinal and food plant diversity hot spots. The indigenous communities residing in the valleys of these mountains have their own culture and traditions, and have a long history of interaction with the surrounding plant diversity. Local inhabitants of these mountains areas possess significant traditional knowledge of plant species used as food, medicine, and for cultural purposes. So far, many workers have reported traditional uses of plant species from different regions of Asia including some mountain areas; however, there is not one inclusive document on the ethnobotany of mountains in Asia. This book provides a comprehensive overview on ethno-ecological knowledge and cross cultural variation in the application of plant species among various communities residing in the mountains of Asia; cross cultural variation in traditional uses of plant species by the mountain communities; high value medicinal and food plant species; and threats and conservation status of plant species and traditional knowledge. This book should be useful to researchers of biodiversity and conservation, ethnobiologists, ethnoecologists, naturalists, phytochemists, pharmacists, policy makers, and all who have a devotion to nature.

This book complies latest advancement in the field of environmental biotechnology. It focuses on topics that comprises industrial, environment and agricultural related issues to microbiological studies and exhibits correlation between biological world and dependence of humans on it. It is designed into three sections covering the role of environmental biotechnology in industry, environmental remediation, and agriculture. Ranging from micro-scale studies to macro, it covers up a huge domain of environmental biotechnology. Overall the book portrays the importance of modern biotechnology technologies in solving the problems in modern day life. The book is a ready reference for practicing students, researchers of biotechnology, environmental engineering, chemical engineering and other allied fields likewise.

Chemoinformatics and Bioinformatics in the Pharmaceutical Sciences brings together two very important fields in pharmaceutical sciences that have been mostly seen as diverging from each other: chemoinformatics and bioinformatics. As developing drugs is an expensive and lengthy process, technology can improve the cost, efficiency and speed at which new drugs can be discovered and tested. This book presents some of the growing advancements of technology in the field of drug development and how the computational approaches explained here can reduce the financial and experimental burden of the drug discovery process. This book will be useful to pharmaceutical science researchers and students who need basic knowledge of computational techniques relevant to their projects. Bioscientists, bioinformaticians, computational scientists, and other stakeholders from industry and academia will also find this book helpful.

This first edited Volume on IgY-Technology, addresses the historical and dynamic development of IgY-applications. The authors cover the biological basis and theoretical context, methodological guidance, and applications of IgY-Technology. A focus is laid on the use of IgY-antibodies for prophylactic/therapeutic purposes in human and veterinary medicine. Aside from applications, the chapters also offer an evolutionary understanding of the IgY molecule, IgY receptors and practical prerequisites to produce IgY-antibodies. Guidance is given for every step of the process. Starting with an introduction to hens as a model species and including hen husbandry, hen egg-laying capacity and total IgY outcomes. Readers will also learn about immunization techniques, the advantages and limitations of different IgY extraction methods, as well as storage stability of the final product. The last part of the volume highlights hands-on aspects of applications, such as IgY delivery strategies, new methods to produce monoclonal IgY-antibodies or production of functional IgY fragments by phage-display as well as commercial exploitation of the technology. Thus, this book is a valuable resource and guide for Scientists, Clinicians and Health Product Developers in both human and veterinary medicine.

Synthetic biology is a new area of biological research that combines science and engineering in order to design and build novel biological functions and systems. The definition of synthetic biology has been generally accepted as the engineering of biology: the synthesis of complex, biologically based (or inspired) systems, which display functions that do not exist in nature. This engineering perspective may be applied at all levels of the hierarchy of biological structures from individual molecules to whole cells, tissues and organisms. As with any multi-disciplinary field, there is an immense and rapidly-growing body of literature concerning synthetic biology, with several dedicated journals now available. However, locating the best information, or identifying the hottest topics can be time-consuming. This Specialist Periodical Report presents critical and comprehensive reviews of the recent literature in themed chapters prepared by invited authors from across the globe. The series editors are active in the field, ensuring that the most valuable information is presented in an authoritative manner.

This book addresses the manufacturing methods, characteristic tubular morphologies, diverse functions, and potent applications of organic tubular architectures prepared or self-assembled from rationally designed molecular building blocks. The hollow cylindrical structures with high-aspect ratios are capable of creating unique functions that can be differentiated from well-known self-assembled nanostructures such as organic nanofibers, nanoribbons, and nanorods. Encapsulation, stabilization, transportation, release, and their cooperative functions pave the way for innovative chemical, physical, biological, and medical applications. The book presents attractive advantages of soft-matter nanotubes, which are also different from well-known hard-matter nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes. The topics and figures in this volume intrigue not only academic researchers but also engineers and university students.

Global Perspectives on Astaxanthin: From Industrial Production to Food, Health, and Pharmaceutical Applications explores the range of practical applications for this molecule, focusing on nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical products, along with food and feed. This volume brings together the most relevant research, background and future thinking on astaxanthin, focusing on its health benefits. Chapters cover phytopharmaceuticals, industrial production, feeds, downstream processing, regulations, products, color, pigment, cosmetics, bioactive compounds, relationships to other carotenoids, and skin care. The detailed information on its production, processing, utilization and future applications will be of particular use to academic and industry researchers in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology and nutrition.

Gellan Gum as a Biomedical Polymer details key topics and fundamental aspects of gellan gum and its biomedical applications in drug delivery, proteins and peptides delivery, cell delivery, tissue engineering, wound dressings and enzyme immobilizations in developing high quality products. Sections introduce gellan gum, its source, production and gelation mechanism, discuss biomedical materials, and provides ways it can be used for biomedical applications. The book also examines the used of gellan gum as pharmaceutical excipients for drug delivery. Future developments and challenges round out the book’s coverage. With contributions for an international group of experts, this book is a useful reference for scientists, researchers and those in industry engaged in biomedical product development using natural polysaccharides.

This volume is a monograph of the genus Diplusodon (Lythraceae), written by the world authority on this plant group. Diplusodon is a monophyletic genus of shrubs and subshrubs, with showy, 6-merous, actinomorphic flowers, and floral tubes on which the sepals alternate with conspicuous epicalyx segments. The capsular fruit contains winged seeds and, uniquely for the family, is divided by a bipartite placenta with two semi-lunate septa. Diplusodon is the second largest genus in the Lythraceae and occurs mostly in the Cerrado Biome, the floristically diverse savannah that covers more than two million km2 of the Central Brazilian Plateau, extending west into Bolivia, south to Paraguay and east to the Caatinga. A total of 104 species and eight varieties are recognized in the genus, for which 46 lectotypes, one neotype, one new status and one new combination are designated, nine new species are described, and 15 taxa are placed in synonymy. New information on floral and vegetative morphology, pollen, cytology, chemistry, floral biology, and habitat are provided for the genus. In addition, keys to the species are accompanied by descriptions, illustrations, distribution maps, and assignment of conservation status.

Systems Immunology and Infection Microbiology provides a large amount of biological system models, diagrams and flowcharts to illustrate development procedures and help users understand the results of systems immunology and infection microbiology. Chapters discuss systems immunology, systems infection microbiology, systematic inflammation and immune responses in restoration and regeneration process, systems' innate and adaptive immunity in infection process, systematic genetic and epigenetic pathogenic/defensive mechanism during bacterial infection on human cells is introduced, and the systematic genetic and epigenetic pathogenic/defensive mechanisms during viral infection on human cells. This book provides new big data-driven and systems-driven systems immunology and infection microbiology to researchers applying systems biology and bioinformatics in their work. It is also invaluable to several members of biomedical field who are interested in learning more about those approaches.

Multifunctional Theranostic Nanomedicines in Cancer focuses on new trends, applications, and the significance of novel multifunctional nanotheranostics in cancer imaging for diagnosis and treatment. Cancer nanotechnology offers new opportunities for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Multifunctional nanoparticles harboring various functions-including targeting, imaging, and therapy-have been intensively studied with the goal of overcoming the limitations of conventional cancer diagnosis and therapy. Thus theranostic nanomedicines have emerged in recent years to provide an efficient and safer alternative in cancer management. This book covers polymer-based therapies, lipid-based therapies, inorganic particle-based therapies, photo-related therapies, radiotherapies, chemotherapies, and surgeries. Multifunctional Theranostic Nanomedicines in Cancer offers an indispensable guide for researchers in academia, industry, and clinical settings; it is also ideal for postgraduate students; and formulation scientists working on cancer.

This book delves into the field of immobilizing biologically active and non-active molecules. It discusses the designing strategy of immobilization and the current state-of-the-art applications for advancing biomedical, agricultural, environmental and industrial practices. It focuses on aspects ranging from fundamental principles to current technological advances at multi-scale levels (macro, micro, and nano) which are suitable for cell, enzyme, and nano-catalyst based applications. Written by experts from across the globe, the contents deal with illustrated examples of molecular and cellular interactions with materials/scaffolds and discussions on factors that can affect the functionality and yield of the process. With its discussions on material science, design of delivery vehicles, separation science, additive manufacturing, agriculture and environmental science, this book will be a useful reference for researchers across multiple disciplines.

This book addresses emerging questions concerning who should bear responsibility for shouldering risk, as well as the viability of existing and experimental governance mechanisms in connection with new technologies. Scholars from 14 jurisdictions unite their efforts in this edited collection to provide a comparative analysis of how various legal systems are tackling the challenges produced by the legal aspects of genetic testing in insurance and employment. They cover the diverse set of norms that surround this issue, and share insights into relevant international, regional and national incursions into the field. By doing so, the authors offer a basis for comparative reflection, including on whether transnational standard setting might be useful or necessary for the legal aspects of genetic testing as they relate to the insurance and employment contexts. The respective texts cover a broad range of topics, including the prevalence of genetic testing in the contexts of insurance and employment, and policy factors that might affect this prevalence, such as the design of national health or social insurance systems, of private insurance schemes or the availability of low-cost direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Further, the field of genetics is gaining in importance at the international and regional levels. Relevant concepts - mainly genetic tests and genetic data/information - have been internationally defined, and these definitions have influenced definitions adopted nationally. International law also recognizes a "special status" for human genetic data. The authors therefore also consider these definitions and the recognition of the special status of human genetic data within regional and national legal orders. They investigate the range of norms that specifically address the use of genetic testing in employment and insurance, encompassing international sources - including human rights norms - that may be binding or non-binding, as well national statutory, regulatory and soft-law mechanisms. Accordingly, some of the texts examine general frameworks relevant to genetic testing in each country, including those that stem from general anti-discrimination rules and norms protecting rights to autonomy, self-determination, confidentiality and privacy. In closing, the authors provide an overview of the efficiency of their respective legal regimes' approaches - specific and generalist - to genetic testing or disclosure of genetic information in the employment or insurance contexts, including the effect of lack of legal guidance. In this regard, some of the authors highlight the need for transnational action in the field and make recommendation for future legal developments.

Applications of Nanobiotechnology for Neglected Tropical Diseases describes recent advances in nanobiotechnology that can be applied to reducing the global disease burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The book explores the application of nanotechnology on the development of safe, effective, and reliable tools to prevent, diagnose, and treat NTDs. Furthermore, Applications of Nanobiotechnology for Neglected Tropical Diseases includes multidisciplinary content, combining knowledge from biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, material sciences, pharmacology, and pharmaceutics. The book is divided into three main parts, each outlining one major type of approach: (1) nano-based approaches for prevention, (2) nano-diagnostics and detection, and (3) nanotherapeutics. Each part contains chapters that delve into the different applications of the type of approach being presented in that part. A discussion of other approaches against NTD follows these three parts. This book is remarkable in its ability to encompass and thoroughly explain the latest techniques in nanobiotechnology, from basic research to patient-oriented investigation.

Microbial Cell Factories Engineering for Production of Biomolecules presents a compilation of chapters written by eminent scientists worldwide. Sections cover major tools and technologies for DNA synthesis, design of biosynthetic pathways, synthetic biology tools, biosensors, cell-free systems, computer-aided design, OMICS tools, CRISPR/Cas systems, and many more. Although it is not easy to find relevant information collated in a single volume, the book covers the production of a wide range of biomolecules from several MCFs, including Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas putida, Streptomyces, Corynebacterium, Cyanobacteria, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris and Yarrowia lipolytica, and algae, among many others. This will be an excellent platform from which scientific knowledge can grow and widen in MCF engineering research for the production of biomolecules. Needless to say, the book is a valuable source of information not only for researchers designing cell factories, but also for students, metabolic engineers, synthetic biologists, genome engineers, industrialists, stakeholders and policymakers interested in harnessing the potential of MCFs in several fields.

This book provides a comprehensive account of past, present and future of the biomass based biorefineries. It is an all-inclusive and insightful compilation of recent advancements in the technology and methods used for conversion of biomass to bioenergy and other useful biochemicals. The book also focuses on the limitations of existing technologies and provides the future prospects, as well as discusses socio-economic impact of biomass based biorefineries. This book assists researchers in the area of lignocellulosic biorefineries and can be used by the students, scientist and academician as an advanced reference textbook.

Selenium plays a significant role in preventing certain types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The level of Selenium in the human body depends on its concentration in food. In turn, the content in vegetable crops is a function of the soil-plant system. There are many countries in the world with low Selenium content in the soil. The average daily human intake is thus limited through food chain. Analysis of Selenium status suggests that fortification of the soil substrate with Sodium Selenate, and foliar application to agricultural crops are both effective means of Selenium enrichment. Our intention for this publication is to present the possibilities of augmenting Selenium content by biofortification of soils and plants through differentiated nutrition. In the first part of the monograph, the results of Selenium supplementation in model vegetation experiments are presented. The next part of the monograph presents the results of foliar supplementation of Selenium in field conditions. This book is an outstanding reference source for plant breeders and researchers engaged in biofortification of horticulture crops. It is also beneficial to agricultural companies and other stakeholders.

Oligonucleotides represent one of the most significant pharmaceutical breakthroughs in recent years, showing great promise as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for malignant tumors, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, viral infections, and many other degenerative disorders. The Handbook of Analysis of Oligonucleotides and Related Products is an essential reference manual on the practical application of modern and emerging analytical techniques for the analysis of this unique class of compounds. A strong collaboration among thirty leading analytical scientists from around the world, the book provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the most commonly used analytical techniques and their advantages and limitations in assuring the identity, purity, quality, and strength of an oligonucleotide intended for therapeutic use. Topics discussed include: Strategies for enzymatic or chemical degradation of chemically modified oligonucleotides toward mass spectrometric sequencing Purity analysis by chromatographic or electrophoretic methods, including RP-HPLC, AX-HPLC, HILIC, SEC, and CGE Characterization of sequence-related impurities in oligonucleotides by mass spectrometry and chromatography Structure elucidation by spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR, MS) as well as base composition and thermal melt analysis (Tm) Approaches for the accurate determination of molar extinction coefficient of oligonucleotides Accurate determination of assay values Assessment of the overall quality of oligonucleotides, including microbial analysis and determination of residual solvents and heavy metals Strategies for determining the chemical stability of oligonucleotides The use of hybridization techniques for supporting pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism studies in preclinical and clinical development Guidance for the presentation of relevant analytical information towards meeting current regulatory expectations for oligonucleotide therapeutics This resource provides a practical guide for applying state-of-the-art analytical techniques in research, development, and manufacturing settings.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the fate and interaction of pharmaceuticals in soil-crop systems. It addresses the principles of their transport, uptake and metabolism and reviews methodologies for their analytical determination. It also discusses ecotoxicological effects arising from their presence and highlights bioremediation approaches for their removal. The use of treated wastewater to irrigate crops is becoming more widespread in regions where freshwater is limited. This practice conserves freshwater resources and contributes to nutrient recycling. However, concerns remain regarding the safety of irrigation with treated wastewater since it contains residues of pharmaceuticals that have survived treatment, which means that soil and fauna are potentially exposed to these xenobiotics. Various pathways govern the fate of pharmaceuticals in crop-soil systems, including soil degradation; formation of non-extractable residues; uptake by soil-dwelling organisms (e.g. earthworms); and uptake, transport, and metabolism in agricultural crops. Investigations into these aspects have only recently been initiated, and there is still a long way to go before a meaningful assessment of the impact of wastewater has been completed.