Although the phenomenon of lateral gene transfer has been known since the 1940's, it was the genomics era that has really revealed the extent and many facets of this evolutionary/genetic phenomenon. Even in the early 2000s with but a handful of genomes available it became clear that the nature of microorganisms is full of genetic exchange between lineages that are sometimes far apart. The years following this saw an explosion of genomic data, which shook the "tree of life" and also raised doubts about the most appropriate species concepts for prokaryotes. This book attempts to represent the many-fold contributions of LGT to the evolution of micro and, to an extent, macro-organisms by focusing on the areas where the Editor felt it had the largest impact: metabolic innovations and adaptations and speciation.

In Functional Anatomy of the Pelvis and the Sacroiliac Joint author and respected bodywork specialist John Gibbons looks at one of the most important areas of the body: the pelvis and the sacroiliac joint. He takes readers on a fascinating journey of enlightenment, teaching us to recognize pain and dysfunctional patterns that arise from the pelvic girdle. Gibbons addresses key issues such as: * The walking/gait cycle and its relationship to the pelvis * Leg length discrepancy and its relationship to the kinetic chain and the pelvis * The laws of spinal mechanics * The relationship of the hip joint, gluteal muscles, lumbar spine to the pelvis * Sacroiliac joint screening In addition, he provides step-by-step techniques to identify and correct a number of impaired patterns as well as functional exercises for the pelvis that promote recovery.

This book compiles recent research on the modification of nucleic acids. It covers backbone modifications and conjugation of lipids, peptides and proteins to oligonucleotides and their therapeutic use. Synthesis and application in biomedicine and nanotechnology of aptamers, fluorescent and xeno nucleic acids, DNA repair and artificial DNA are discussed as well.

This book reviews important aspects of polycystic kidney diseases, the latest scientific understanding of the diseases and syndromes, along with the therapies being developed. Cystic kidney diseases comprise a spectrum of genetic syndromes defined by renal cyst formation and expansion with variable extrarenal manifestations. The most prevalent disorder is the autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). It is the most common monogenetic disorder in humans and accounts for 4.4% of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) cases in the U.S. Patients inevitably progress to ESRD and require renal replacement therapy in the form of dialysis or transplantation. Through advancements in genomics and proteomics approaches, novel genes responsible for cystic diseases have been identified, further expanding our understanding of basic mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. The hallmark among all cystic genetic syndromes is the formation and growth of fluid-filled cysts, which originate from tubular epithelia of nephron segments. Cysts are the disease, and treatment strategies are being developed to target prevention or delay of cyst formation and expansion at an early stage, however no such therapy is currently approved.

This book provides concrete scientific basis that we can conceive the possibility of modifying or even completely canceling aging process, despite the fact that aging is commonly regarded as the result of the overall effects of many uncontrollable degenerative phenomena. The authors illustrate in detail the mechanisms by which cells and the whole organism age. Actions by which it is possible, or will be possible within a limited time, to operate for modifying aging are also debated. The discussion is conducted within the frame and the concepts of evolutionary medicine, which is also indispensable for distinguishing between the manifestations of aging and: (i) diseases that worsen with age, and (ii) acceleration of normal aging rates, caused by unhealthy lifestyle habits and other avoidable factors. The book also discusses the impact of aging on overall mortality and the strange situation that, according to official statistics, aging does not exist as cause of death. This book is a turning point between a gerontology and geriatrics conceived as the study and vain treatment of an incurable condition and one in which these disciplines examine the how and why of a physiological phenomenon that can be modified up to a possible total control. This means transforming the medical prevention and treatment of physiological aging from the greatest failure to the greatest success of medicine.

The book provides a detailed state-of-the-art overview of inorganic chemistry applied to medicinal chemistry and biology. It covers the newly emerging field of metals in medicine and the future of medicinal inorganic chemistry. Further it includes metal based medicines used in alternative systems of Ayurveda as well as Tibetan Zuotai to make it a holistic approach. It is an essential reading for every researcher and student in medicinal and bioinorganic chemistry.

The face circulates through most things of this world: anything that has presence, that presents itself, that has a front, a surface, an appearance, an aspect, a reputation, or honor - anything that confronts, opposes, or defies - has a face. And the face is a front: from the back it is just a head, a radically different entity. In this exciting new book - and sadly his last before his untimely death - distinguished philosopher Marty Roth pursues considerations of the human face in art, literature, philosophy, and other manifestations of human culture.

This book introduces nanoparticles as a powerful platform for vaccine design. Current challenges in vaccine development are discussed and the unique advantages nanoparticles provide in overcoming these challenges are explored. The authors offer fascinating insights into the immunological assets of using nanoparticles as delivery vehicles or adjuvants and present different materials that are being used in nanoparticle-based vaccine development, covering peptides, proteins, polymers, virus-like particles, and liposomes. Its contemporary research insights and practical examples for applications make this volume an inspiring read for researchers and clinicians in vaccinology and immunology. Chapter "Liposome Formulations as Adjuvants for Vaccines" is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

Metal-Sulfur clusters play an essential role in living organisms through the unique character of sulfur-metal bonding. The new volume in prestigious Metal Ions in Life Sciences explores different transition metal complexes with sulfur, their biosynthesis and biological functions in regulation of gene expression, catalysis of important metabolic reactions and protein structure arrangement.

This book discusses unique ion channels and transporters that are located within epithelial tissues of various organs including the kidney, intestine, pancreas and respiratory tract. As the authors show, these channels and transporters play crucial roles in transepithelial ion and fluid transport across epithelia and their contribution to maintaining homeostasis. Readers will be introduced to the fundamentals of ion transport in terms of function, modelling, regulation, structure and pharmacology. This is the first of three volumes highlighting the importance of epithelial ion channels and transporters in basic physiology and pathophysiology of human diseases. This volume focuses on basic fundamentals of epithelial transport physiology. There is a range of chapters dedicated to specific aspects of epithelial ion transport and cell function. Accordingly, the authors discuss techniques used to determine epithelial function, principles of epithelia transport, polarization of epithelial cells, mathematical modelling of epithelial ion transport, protein folding of ion channels, degradation epithelial ion channels, fundamentals of epithelial sodium, potassium and chloride transport, fundamentals of bicarbonate secretion, volume regulation, and microRNA regulation of epithelial channels and transporters. Given its scope, Volume 1 offers a valuable resource for physiology students, scientists and clinicians alike.

This book reviews the latest developments in the design, synthesis, and molecular mechanism of action of Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors in the context of potential cancer therapy. HDAC inhibitors are emerging as promising anticancer drug molecules that promote growth arrest, differentiation and apoptosis of cancer cells with tumor selective toxicity. The book begins with an overview of various epigenetic modifying enzymes that are involved in cancer transition and progression; before exploring the potential of HDACs in cancer treatment. It provides a classification of HDAC inhibitors based on their structural attributes, and addresses HDAC-induced cytotoxicity.. Lastly, it discusses and assesses the rationale behind therapies that combine HDAC inhibitors with other anticancer agents to treat solid tumors. Given its scope, it offers a valuable resource for all researchers, clinicians, and students working in formulation, drug discovery, oncology, and personalized medicine.

Applications of microbial nanotechnology are currently emerging with new areas being explored. Biosynthesis of nanomaterials by microorganisms is a recently attracting interest as a new, exciting approach towards the development of 'greener' nanomanufacturing compared to traditional chemical and physical approaches. This book will cover recent advances of microbial nanotechnology in agriculture, industry, and health sectors.

Test yourself on over 1,400 anatomical identifications. This 6-page guide is loaded with beautifully illustrated diagrams with blank labels for a true test of your knowledge. The Anatomy Test guide is a companion to our Anatomy guide which contains all the illustrations identified with the body parts name. ?PLEASE NOTE: You must purchase the Anatomy guide to receive the answers to the Anatomy Test guide.