Glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance presents a broad overview of the molecular, biochemical and clinical aspects of glucose metabolism and glucose resistance. The book serves to acquaint the reader with recent information on topics ranging from the glucose metabolism and glucose transporters, the hormonal regulation of glucose homeostasis, to insulin resistance and the characterization of novel pharmacological approaches on emerging targets for the treatment of diabetes. Also included in the book is a discussion on the role of mutations in insulin resistance. The book is particularly useful for clinical researchers, endocrinologists and diabetes specialists.

This Ebook aims to review basic understandings and give current opinions about several important aspects of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored (GPI) protein biology from leading experts in this exciting and emerging field. The scope ranges from micro-domain localization and signaling to proteomics aspects, biophysical behavior through trans-cellular mobility to chemical synthesis of GPI mimics and finally modification of multi-scaled membrane surfaces and potential medical and biotech uses. The applied slant makes it very useful to the current state of knowledge. It is hoped that it will prove to be of considerable interest to students and researchers in this field.

Heat Stress In Food Grain Crops: Plant Breeding and Omics Research is a timely compilation of advanced research on heat stress affecting crop yield, plant growth & development of common food grain and cereal crops. Chapters in the book cover several aspects of crop science including the identification of potential gene donors for heat tolerance, physiological mechanisms of adaptation to heat stress, the use of conventional and modern tools of breeding for imparting tolerance against terminal temperature stress and precise mapping of heat tolerant QTLs through biparental and genome wide association mapping. The use of genomics and phenomics methods is focused on through chapters dedicated to important crops such as groundnut, pearl millet, maize, chickpea, mungbean and wheat. Authors of the respective chapters explain the importance of harnessing a diverse crop genepool for sustaining crop production under conditions of increasing heat stress. Readers will be able to understand the relevance of functional genomics in elucidating candidate genes and their regulatory functions contributing to heat tolerance

Recent molecular studies have revealed an overwhelming role of hemolymph proteins and functional peptides in invertebrate physiology. This is mainly due to the large assortment of biomolecular factors each with a different structure and function. In addition there is a multitude of genes encoding for hemolymph proteins and functional peptides. Hemolymph proteins and functional peptides: Recent Advances in Insects and other Arthropods elucidates the physiological role, both at biochemical and molecular levels, of hemolymph proteins and functional peptides in reproduction, development, homeostasis, hibernation, migration, immune system, and in abiotic stress tolerance of insects and other arthropods. Readers gain an opportunity to find out how insects or other arthropods benefit from these biomolecular instruments for physiological processes, and how they endure and respond to the environmental stress. Recent research developments from a wider range of recognized authors and laboratories actively pursuing research in the field have been gathered and presented in a single volume. This e-book is a unique compilation of research on the biological role of numerous and diversified hemolymph protein molecules and peptides. This e-book will be equally interesting to students and researchers working in universities and other research stations in fields of entomology, zoology and physiology.

Computer-aided drug design and in silico screening have contributed to the discovery of several compounds that have either reached the market or entered clinical trials. In silico Lead Discovery is a compilation of the efforts of several experts on bioinformatics and drug design in developing the latest advances of in silico approaches for lead discovery. It contains an overview of structure-based, ligand-based methods and current fragment-based methods as well as examples for successful applications of such methods in discovering new hit/lead molecules for important therapeutic targets. Treatment of receptor flexibility - which is one of the most important challenges for in silico screening today – has also been highlighted in the eBook. Biomedical scientists, biologists and chemists can find valuable information here that could help them to initiate or to complete chemical biology projects with the goal of designing new hit-to-lead molecules or chemical probes for chemogenomics projects..

Degenerative nerve diseases are age-related, progressive and cause irreversible neurological loss that may lead to death. Chronic diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease are associated with insoluble protein depositions and pose serious health challenges that may intensify in the coming decades. Current therapies only help to alleviate some of the physical or mental symptoms associated with neurodegenerative diseases, although there is currently no remedy for slow disease progression. In recent years, attempts have been made to discover a mechanism for neurodegenerative diseases and prospective treatment that may help mitigate aging effects and prevent these diseases. Natural products have been a constant source of new approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular plant alkaloids and polyphenolic compounds. Indopathy for Neuroprotection: Recent Advances highlights herbal treatments that are preferred over conventional treatments in some regions. Book chapters focus on the effects of various medicinal plants that have shown promise in reversing pathological symptoms of neurodegenerative disease and highlight the neuroprotective role of medicinal herbal phytochemicals and their mechanism of action. The book serves as a reference for pharmacology and herbal medicine scholars as well as healthcare workers interested in information about alternative and complementary therapies for neurological disorders.

Inositol and its phosphates are ubiquitous across most life forms, wherein they play important roles in cellular integrity and functions such as signal transduction, DNA damage repair ion transport and mRNA transport. This reference details the biochemistry and industrial applications of inositol and its phosphate derivatives. Topics covered in this book include the use of inositol and its hexaphosphate (IP6) for numerous health benefits – as antioxidants, as an anti-cancer drug, for the management of atherosclerosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, sickle cell anemia, and even in fighting tooth decay. Readers will also learn about Industrial applications of Inositol including preservation of food and wine, nanotechnology, lithium ion battery, fuel cell technology etc. Inositol & its Phosphates: Basic Science to Practical Applications is a valuable reference for any researcher or aspiring biomedical professional seeking to know more about this fascinating metabolite.

This book presents a definitive exposition of citrus pests and their integrated, mostly non-chemical , control in the Mediterranean area. This is the first book on this topic written by experts from various countries around the Mediterranean region. It provides useful information about the different agricultural management methods and how they impact pest control on various citrus plant species and varieties grown in the aforementioned region. The volume also describes methods of pest sampling, monitoring practices and determining the pests' economic thresholds. Special features of this text include updated data on various pests, their damage and control methods, key identification methods and a relevant glossary. The e-book should be a comprehensive guide for readers interested in citrus crops and integrated pest management.

Introduction to Molecular Genomics introduces the college student to the fundamental concepts of molecular biology and genomics. The text puts an emphasis on important topics in the subject that contribute to the learner’s understanding. These topics include molecular genomics, biodiversity and molecular phenomenon behind evolution of species, modern molecular methods for enhanced genomics research, DNA modifications at the molecular level for transgenic animal species, the role of cell environment on the gene expression, to name a few. The book has been designed to suit the requirements of educational courses in molecular biology, genomics and biochemistry. <p> Key features <p> - Covers basic concepts on key topics in molecular biology and genomics <p> - Simple easy-to-read layout <p> - Includes references for further reading <p> - Includes a section on ethical aspects of scientific research <p> Introduction to Molecular Genomics is a simple primer for students in applied or advanced life science courses at undergraduate levels