This book examines the current state of probiotic research and in particular focuses on the future potential of this important and exciting area. Probiotics and Prebiotics contains state-of-the-art commentaries on all aspects of the intestinal microflora and probiotics and provides an authoritative review of important aspects of probiotic research. Written by leading experts in the field, each chapter affords a critical insight to a particular topic, reviews current research, discusses future direction and stimulates discussion. Topics covered include the genomics of probiotic microorganisms, the developing technologies for analysis of gut microorganisms, evaluation and future potential of prebiotic substances, and the potential for disease prevention in the host by probiotic organisms. This book is an essential text for all microbiologists, health professionals, biotechnologists, pharmaceutical companies, and dairy and food scientists.

This is the fourth updated and revised edition of a well-received book that emphasises on fungal diversity, plant productivity and sustainability. It contains new chapters written by leading experts in the field. This book is an up-to-date overview of current progress in mycorrhiza and association with plant productivity and environmental sustainability. The result is a must hands-on guide, ideally suited for agri-biotechnology, soil biology, fungal biology including mycorrrhiza and stress management, academia and researchers. The topic of this book is particularly relevant to researchers involved in mycorrhiza, especially to food security and environmental protection. Mycorrhizas are symbioses between fungi and the roots of higher plants. As more than 90% of all known species of plants have the potential to form mycorrhizal associations, the productivity and species composition and the diversity of natural ecosystems are frequently dependent upon the presence and activity of mycorrhizas. The biotechnological application of mycorrhizas is expected to promote the production of food while maintaining ecologically and economically sustainable production systems.

"Advances in Immunology, " a long-established and highly respected publication, presents current developments as well as comprehensive reviews in immunology. Articles address the wide range of topics that comprise immunology, including molecular and cellular activation mechanisms, phylogeny and molecular evolution, and clinical modalities. Edited and authored by the foremost scientists in the field, each volume provides up-to-date information and directions for the future.

Key features:

* Contributions from leading authorities * Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field

This volume discusses various methods and protocols used for the experimentation of a wide range of bacterial species, such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia, Listeria monocytogenes, and Mycobacterium marinum. Bacterial Pathogens: Methods and Protocols is divided into 6 parts: Part 1 describes different approaches to identifying and characterizing bacterial effector molecules; Part 2 deals with structural biology of bacterial pathogenesis and how to overcome folding and stability problems with recombinantly expressed proteins; Part 3 details methodology that identifies bacteria in complex communities and how genomes of bacterial pathogens have evolved; Part 4 reflects on the rapid development of advanced imaging techniques that address questions about molecular properties of individual live bacteria, ultrastructure of surfaces, and subcellular localization of bacterial proteins; Part 5 describes methods from in vitro and in vivo modeling of bacterial infections; and Part 6 explores how bacterial pathogens are the true experts of the immune system. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and comprehensive, Bacterial Pathogens: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in this fascinating and evolving field.

This book summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding antibiotics and antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs) in the soil environment. It covers a wide range of topics to help readers understand antibiotics and ARGs in soils, the risks they pose for the environment, and options for effective control. In addition, it presents a range of essential tools and methodologies that can be used to address antibiotics and ARGs in a consistent, efficient, and cost-effective manner. Gathering contributions by international experts, the book addresses both theoretical aspects and practical applications.The topics discussed include antibiotics-producing microorganisms; the routes of entry and fate of antibiotics and resistance genes; biomonitoring approaches; dissemination of ARGs in soils; risk assessment; the impact of antibiotics and ARGs on the soil microbial community and other biota; bioremediation and biodegradation approaches; and soil management strategies for antibiotics and ARG-contaminated soils.As such, the book will be of interest to students, researchers and scholars in environmental science and engineering, toxicology, the medical and pharmaceutical sciences, environmental biotechnology, soil sciences, microbial ecology and plant biotechnology. Readers and Journals: 1. This new volume on antibiotics and antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs) in the soil environment will be of interest to students, researchers and scholars in environmental science and engineering, toxicology, the medical and pharmaceutical sciences, environmental biotechnology, soil sciences,microbial ecology and plant biotechnology. 2. The book will provide government authorities all over the world with effective strategies for the management of antibiotics and antibiotics resistance genes (ARG)- contaminated soil. 3. Gathering contributions by international experts,the book addresses both theoretical aspects and practical applications.

"Advances in Botanical Research" publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences. The series features a wide range of reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology and ecology. Thisthematic volume features reviews on Genomic Insights into the Biology of Algae.
"Advances in Botanical Research" publishes in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a wide range of topics in plant sciences. Features a wide range of reviews by recognized experts on all aspects of plant genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, physiology and ecology. Thisthematic volume features reviews on Genomic Insights into the Biology of Algae."

The book provides an introduction to the basics of fungi, discussing various types ranging from edible mushrooms to Neurospora - a model system for genetics and epigenetics. After addressing the classification and biodiversity of fungi, and fungi in different ecological niches, it describes the latest applications of fungi, their role in sustainable environments and in alleviating stress in plants, as well as their role in causing plant and animal diseases. Further chapters explore the advances in fungal interactions research and their implications for various systems, and discuss plant-pathogen interactions. The book also features a section on bioprospecting, and is an extremely interesting and informative read for anybody involved in the field of mycology, microbiology and biotechnology teaching and research.

The rapidly expanding molecular biological techniques and approaches have significant impact on microbial biotechnology, hence the need for the addition of four new chapters in the third edition of this textbook - "Chapter 3: Application of 'Omics' Technologies in Microbial Fermentation", "Chapter 5: Microbial Genome Mining for Identifying Antimicrobial Targets", "Chapter 21: Bacterial Biofilm: Molecular Characterization and Impacts on Water Management" and "Chapter 23: Microbial Biomining". "Chapter 15: Transgenic Plants" has been completely revised while most of the other chapters have been thoroughly updated in this new edition.There already exist a number of excellent general textbooks on microbiology and biotechnology that deal with the basic principles of microbial biotechnology. To complement them, this book focuses on the various applications of microbial-biotechnological principles. A teaching-based format is adopted, whereby working problems, as well as answers to frequently asked questions, supplement the main text. The book also includes real life examples of how the application of microbial-biotechnological principles has achieved breakthroughs in both research and industrial production.Although written for polytechnic students and undergraduates, the book contains sufficient information to be used as a reference for postgraduate students and lecturers. It may also serve as a resource book for corporate planners, managers and applied research personnel.

Marine fungi play a major role in marine and mangrove ecosystems. Understanding how higher fungi with their spectrum of cellulolytic and ligninolytic enzymes degrade wood tissue, while labyrinthuloids and thraustochytrids further contribute to the dissolved organic matter entering the open ocean is essential to marine ecology. This work provides an overview of marine fungi including morphology and ultrastructure, phylogeny, biogeography and biodiversity. Increasingly, biotechnology is also turning to these organisms to develop new bioactive compounds and to address problems such as decomposition of materials in the ocean and bioremediation of oil spills. These potential applications of marine fungi are also treated. In the light of massive marine oil spills in the past years, the importance of understanding marine fungi and their role in the food chain cannot be underestimated.

This book contributes to better understand how lifestyle modulations can effectively halt the emergence and progression of human diseases. The book will allow the reader to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms by which the environment interferes with the bio-molecular regulatory processes underlying the emergence and progression of complex diseases, such as cancer. Focusing on key and early cellular bio-molecular events giving rise to the emergence of degenerative chronic disease, it builds on previous experience on the development of multi-cellular organisms, to propose a mathematical and computer based framework that allows the reader to analyze the complex interplay between bio-molecular processes and the (micro)-environment from an integrative, mechanistic, quantitative and dynamical perspective. Taking the wealth of empirical evidence that exists it will show how to build and analyze models of core regulatory networks involved in the emergence and progression of chronic degenerative diseases, using a bottom-up approach.

Plant microbe interaction is a complex relationship that can have various beneficial impacts on both the communities. An urgent need of today's world is to get high crop yields in an ecofriendly manner. Utilization of beneficial and multifaceted plant growth promoting (PGP) microorganisms can solve the problem of getting enhanced yields without disturbing the ecosystem thus leading to sustainability. For this to achieve understanding of the intricate details of how the beneficial microbes form associations with the host plant and sustain that for millions of years must be known. A holistic approach is required wherein the diversity of microbes associated with plant and the network of mechanisms by which they benefit the host must be studied and utilized. 'Plant Microbe Symbiosis - Fundamentals and Advances' provides a comprehensive understanding of positive interactions that occur between plant and microorganisms and their utilization in the fields. The book reviews the enormous diversity of plant associated microbes, the dialog between plant-microbes-microbes and mechanisms of action of PGP microbes. Utilization of PGPRs as nutrient providers, in combating phytopathogens and ameliorating the stressed and polluted soils is also explained. Importantly, the book also throws light on the unanswered questions and future direction of research in the field. It illustrates how the basic knowledge can be amalgamated with advanced technology to design the future bioformulations.

Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) are three of the most important elements used to build living beings, and their uptake from the environment is consequently essential for all organisms. Photosynthesis is the process in which plants absorb atmospheric C as they grow and convert it to biomass. However, plants acquire N and P only when these are available in the soil solution, which makes these elements the most limiting nutrients in plant growth and productivity in most ecosystems. When plant residues and roots decompose, the C, N and P they contain is transformed primarily into soil organic matter (SOM) or C and N can release to the atmosphere. Recent interest on the global C, N and P cycles has focused attention on the different proportion of terrestrial C, N and P stored in different ecosystem pools. Cuatro Cienegas represents an exceptional place, since the plants are not the base of the food web, they are the microbial community, that recycle the elements essential for life. In this book we describe how this is an analog of early Earth.

This volume of the Trilogy of Traditional Foods, part of the ISEKI Food Series, describes important aspects of the production of foods and beverages from all over the globe. The intention of this volume is to provide readers with an appreciation of how products were initially made, and which factors have shaped their development over time. Some modern products have remained local, while others are commodities that appear in peoples' cabinets all over the world. Modernization of Traditional Food Processes and Products is divided into two sections. The first section focuses on products originating in Europe, while the second section is a collection of products from the rest of the world. Each chapter describes the origin of a particular food or beverage and discusses the changes and the science that led to the modern products found on supermarket shelves. The international List of Contributors, which includes authors from China, Thailand, India, Argentina, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, attests to the international collaboration for which the ISEKI Food Series is known. The volume is intended for both the practicing food professional and the interested reader.

Since their discovery in 1869, the dictyostelids have attracted the attention of scientists in a wide variety of fields. This interest has stemmed from their peculiar lifestyle and developmental properties, which were shaped by the evolutionary forces that generated multicellularity during eukaryotic evolution. More recently, the dictyostelids have gained attention due to the striking similarities found at the genomic, cellular and biochemical levels with human cells, which has propelled the species Dictyostelium discoideum to become a model system for biology and medicine in many laboratories. This book covers the latest advances in our knowledge of these extraordinary organisms with topics spanning from their evolutionary history, ecology and diversity to the recent discoveries regarding their cellular and molecular biology.

Focusing on the systems biology of bacteria and microorganisms, the 39th volume of "Methods in Microbiology"investigates the interface between molecular biology, bioinformatics, and modelling" "and predicting behavior. This cutting-edge research area is of extreme importance to the field and is developing quickly.
Written by research experts in the fieldProvides a guide for lab scientists, researchers, and studentsFocuses on up-to-date research methods"

This concise volume describes the latest, up-to-date theory, methodology, and applications of ABC transporters in microorganisms. The topics include the structure, physiology, and evolution of ABC transporters, as well as their special characteristics in specific microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, trypanosomes, and malaria parasites. In particular, the book describes the most recent research and innovations relative to the role of ABC transporters in the design of strategies to circumvent drug resistance in microorganisms. Each chapter comprises an exhaustive review of the particular topic and provides insights into the future of the field, both from the scientific and clinical perspective. A skillful selection of topics and a panel of acknowledged experts ensure that this concise volume will be of exceptional importance to everyone involved in DNA superfamily research, as well as scientists interested in microbial physiology and multidrug resistance. It is essential reading for anyone involved in this field, and it is a recommended volume for all microbiology laboratories.

"Advances in Cancer Research" provides invaluable information on the exciting and fast-moving field of cancer research. Here, once again, outstanding and original reviews are presented on a variety of topics.
113th volume of Advances in Cancer ResearchExpert authorsChapters on topics including microRNA regulatory network, multifaceted oncoprotein tax, and underlying chromosomal translocations

This book presents the latest results in the exploration of halophilic bacteria, archaea, fungi and viruses. Basic and molecular aspects as well as possible biotechnological applications of halophiles are highlighted by leading scientists. Topics include: the family "Halomonadaceae"; the hypersaline lakes of Inner Mongolia; "Salinibacter ruber" - from genomics to microevolution and ecology"; "the" "impact of lipidomics on the microbial world of hypersaline environments; molecular mechanisms of adaptation to high salt concentration in the black yeast "Hortaea werneckii"; viruses in hypersaline environments; initiation and regulation of translation in halophilic Archaea; protein transport into and across haloarchaeal cytoplasmic membranes; protein glycosylation in "Haloferax volcanii"; the effect of anoxic conditions and temperature on gas vesicle formation in "Halobacterium salinarum"; halophiles exposed to multiple stressors; cellular adjustments of "Bacillus subtilis" to fluctuating salinities; the nature and function of carotenoids in "Halobacillus halophilus"; xanthorhodopsin; enzymatic biomass degradation by halophilic microorganisms; and enzymes from halophilic Archaea.

This volume focuses on those instances when benign and even beneficial relationships between microbes and their hosts opportunistically change and become detrimental toward the host. It examines the triggering events which can factor into these changes, such as reduction in the host's capacity for mounting an effective defensive response due to nutritional deprivation, coinfections and seemingly subtle environmental influences like the amounts of sunlight, temperature, and either water or air quality. The effects of environmental changes can be compounded when they necessitate a physical relocation of species, in turn changing the probability of encounter between microbe and host. The change also can result when pathogens, including virus species, either have modified the opportunist or attacked the host's protective natural microflora. The authors discuss these opportunistic interactions and assess their outcomes in both aquatic as well as terrestrial ecosystems, highlighting the impact on plant, invertebrate and vertebrate hosts.

In the last quarter century, advances in mass spectrometry (MS) have been at the forefront of efforts to map complex biological systems including the human metabolome, proteome, and microbiome. All of these developments have allowed MS to become a well-established molecular level technology for microorganism characterization. MS has demonstrated its considerable advantage as a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective method for microorganism identification, compared to conventional phenotypic techniques. In the last several years, applications of MS for microorganism characterization in research, clinical microbiology, counter-bioterrorism, food safety, and environmental monitoring have been documented in thousands of publications. Regulatory bodies in Europe, the US, and elsewhere have approved MS-based assays for infectious disease diagnostics. As of mid-2015, more than 3300 commercial MS systems for microorganism identification have been deployed worldwide in hospitals and clinical labs. While previous work has covered broader approaches in using MS to characterize microorganisms at the species level or above, this book focuses on strain-level and subtyping applications. In twelve individual chapters, innovators, leaders and practitioners in the field from around the world have contributed to a comprehensive overview of current and next-generation approaches for MS-based microbial characterization at the subspecies and strain levels. Chapters include up-to-date reference lists as well as web-links to databases, recommended software, and other useful tools. The emergence of new, antibiotic-resistant strains of human or animal pathogens is of extraordinary concern not only to the scientific and medical communities, but to the general public as well. Developments of novel MS-based assays for rapid identification of strains of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms are reviewed in the book as well. Microbiologists, bioanalytical scientists, infectious disease specialists, clinical laboratory and public health practitioners as well as researchers in universities, hospitals, government labs, and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries will find this book to be a timely and valuable resource.

This volume covers microbiological, clinical and patophysiological aspects of sepsis and also provides general overview chapters with every chapter discussing the real clinical impact of the discussed diagnostic approaches. Sepsis is a major clinical problem that takes an inordinate toll on human lives and economical resources. It is widely recognized that inappropriate treatment is associated with a dramatic increase in mortality, especially within the first hours, therefore clinical and microbiological diagnosis are of pivotal importance in the management of septic patients. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Sepsis: Diagnostic Methods and Protocols seeks to serve both professionals and novices with its well-honed methodologies in an effort to further our knowledge of this life-threatening illness.

This volume summarizes recent advances in environmental microbiology by providing fascinating insights into the diversity of microbial life that exists on our planet. The first two chapters present theoretical perspectives that help to consolidate our understanding of evolution as an adaptive process by which the niche and habitat of each species develop in a manner that interconnects individual components of an ecosystem. This results in communities that function by simultaneously coordinating their metabolic and physiologic actions. The third contribution addresses the fossil record of microorganisms, and the subsequent chapters then introduce the microbial life that currently exists in various terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Coverage of the geosphere addresses endolithic organisms, life in caves and the deep continental biosphere, including how subsurface microbial life may impact spent nuclear fuel repositories. The discussion of the hydrosphere includes hypersaline environments and arctic food chains. By better understanding examples from the micro biosphere, we can elucidate the many ways in which the niches of different species, both large and small, interconnect within the overlapping habitats of this world, which is governed by its microorganisms.

This book provides in-depth information on all key aspects of geminivirus biology, e.g. the genetics and evolution, global diversity and spread of these plant pathogens, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying their virulence. Geminiviridae is one of the largest viral families, comprising numerous plant-infecting viruses that cause diseases in crops and weeds. These diseases have been reported from nearly all continents, in particular Asia, Europe, Africa and America. The book summarizes the current state of knowledge on the interactions between plant host and virus. In addition, it discusses advances regarding the trans-replication of satellite molecules and its effect on geminiviral pathogenesis, as well as pest management strategies to combat these diseases in the field. Given its scope, the book is a must-read reference guide for all researchers and advanced students working in virology, agriculture and plant biotechnology..

This volume reviews the current metabolic engineering tools and technologies from a practical point of view, and guides researchers as they overcome challenges at various stages of organism and bioprocess development. Microbes have been engineered to produce a variety of industrial products such as fuels, basic chemicals, fine chemicals, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceutical intermediates, and new tools such as gene synthesis, advanced cloning techniques, 'omics' analysis, and mathematical modeling have greatly accelerated the pace of innovation in the field. Written by leading experts in the field from both academia and industry, key topics include synthetic biology, pathway engineering, metabolic flux manipulation, adaptive evolution, and fermentation process scale-up. It is suitable for non-specialists, and is a valuable resource for anyone embarking on the exciting path to harnessing the metabolic potential of microorganisms.

Flagella-dependent motility is widespread throughout prokaryotes and is advantageous when nutrients are limited as a mechanism to migrate to more favorable environments and to compete with other micro-organisms. Flagella systems can also play an important role in additional processes, such as adhesion to substrates, biofilm formation, and host invasion in pathogenic bacteria. A variety of different classes of pili are found in prokaryotes and these structures also possess a diverse array of functions. Pili are essential for host colonization, virulence, and pathogenesis for many bacteria and, in the case of type IV pili, can also be employed for motility across solid surfaces. This book brings together some of the top scientists in the field and describes the current knowledge and latest research on prokaryotic pili and flagella. The emphasis is on the molecular biology, genetics, structure, assembly, and function of these structures. Topics include: biogenesis, structure, and function of various pili in Gram-negative and Gram-positive organisms * flagellar gene expression, structure, and assembly * the flagella motor * posttranslational modifications of flagella systems * lateral flagella systems * the origin and evolution of flagella * applications of flagella as a surface display and expression system * the flagella and pili of Archaea.