Environmental Microbiology: Advanced Research and Multidisciplinary Applications focus on the current research on microorganisms in the environment. Contributions in the volume cover several aspects of applied microbial research, basic research on microbial ecology and molecular genetics. The reader will find a collection of topics with theoretical and practical value, allowing them to connect environmental microbiology to a variety of subjects in life sciences, ecology, and environmental science topics. Advanced topics including biogeochemical cycling, microbial biosensors, bioremediation, application of microbial biofilms in bioremediation, application of microbial surfactants, microbes for mining and metallurgical operations, valorization of waste, and biodegradation of aromatic waste, microbial communication, nutrient cycling and biotransformation are also covered. The content is designed for advanced undergraduate students, graduate students, and environmental professionals, with a comprehensive and up-to-date discussion of environmental microbiology as a discipline that has greatly expanded in scope and interest over the past several decades.

Biomarkers in Medicine is a comprehensive guide to understanding the current and future status of biomarkers. The book features 27 chapters focusing on disease biomarkers for diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiac diseases, metabolic conditions and much more. This book supplies readers with the unique insight of experts in multiple specialties in medicine and life sciences who have extensive experience in diagnostics and clinical laboratories. The book includes case studies and practical examples from different classes of biomarkers on different platforms, including new data for biomarkers in different therapeutic indications. In addition to presenting biomarker information, each chapter covers the relevant pathology and also emphasizes on preclinical and clinical manifestation of the disease process. Clinicians managing patients or clinical trials, clinical researchers, clinical laboratories, diagnostic companies, regulatory agencies, medical school graduate students, academic students, and the general public involved in healthcare delivery will all benefit from information presented in this book.

This volume is a compilation of reviews on the industrial usage of soil microorganisms. The contents include 15 brief reviews on different soil microbe assisted industrial processes. Readers will be updated about recent applications of soil bacteria, fungi and algae in sectors such as agriculture, biotechnology, environmental management. The reviews also cover special topics like sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, ecology, and intellectual property rights of patented strains, giving a broad perspective on industrial applications of soil microbes. The text is easy to understand for readers of all levels, with references provided for the benefit of advanced readers.

More than 4 decades have passed since the birth of the first in vitro fertilized baby in 1978. The use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) to overcome infertility has increased steadily with the simultaneous increase in the number of fertility centers in every part of the world. Access to infertility clinics is playing an important role in the treatment of different forms of infertility (like tubal disease, ovarian aging, or ovarian dysfunction). This book captures the state of current and recent advances in assisted reproduction technology in humans and livestock in an easy and comprehensive way for non-experts and learners. 10 chapters cover the biology of reproduction, and male ART methods (sperm retrieval and freezing) and female ART methods (oocyte activation, and cryopreservation), and finally embryo ARTs (assisted hatching and cloning techniques) with simple definitions and explanations. Tips to overcome problems are also presented where appropriate along with references for further reading. This book is a simple primer for students who are involved in courses in embryology or reproductive technologies as part of programs in biology, biotechnology, medicine, and physiology.

Sustainable Utilization of Fungi in Agriculture and Industry covers current knowledge about of different fungal microorganisms, including economically important filamentous fungi and yeasts. 22 chapters summarize recent information about scientific investigations and the application of fungi in the production of industrial enzymes, organic acids (citric acid, lactic acid, etc.), biofuel (ethanol, H2 gas) and bioactive compounds for sustainable processes in agriculture, bioremediation, industries and therapeutics. Each chapter gives an updated and detailed account of knowledge on fungal microbes and their sustainable utilization in agriculture, white biotechnology, and other valuable industrial applications. Contributions are made by academic and professional experts in mycology and industrial biotechnology, presenting a broad perspective of the field in a simple, yet engaging style. Sustainable Utilization of Fungi in Agriculture and Industry is an informative reference for general readers, trainees, interested in sustainability measures in agriculture and industry. It also serves as reading materials for scholars, students and teachers involved in botany, microbiology, biotechnology and life sciences courses.

Myconanotechnology is the interface between mycology and nanotechnology. In other words, myconanotechnology represents the green synthesis of nanoparticles using fungi. The field is recently gaining attention due to the simple, resource efficient, and ecofriendly nature of fungal biotechnology. Therefore, Myconanotechnology is at the core of cost-effective and sustainable solutions for many industrial processes. This volume provides readers at all academic levels with a broad background on some of the fastest developing areas in myconanotechnology. It is organised into two sections, A and B. Section A updates readers on several cutting-edge aspects of the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles through the use of fungi. Section B describes applications of myconanotechnology including: the management of bacterial and fungal diseases, pest control, among other applications in medicine and agriculture. The breadth of topics covered in the contents make this volume an informative resource on the field. Contributions are written by experts in industrial biotechnology, and include extensive references to published studies. This book is a timely reference for researchers, teachers and students, and all readers who are interested in new developments in industrial mycology and nanotechnology.

Bioluminescence, the cold living light or the cold fire of the sea is extremely common in all oceans at all depths. However, this phenomenon is nearly absent in freshwater, with the exception of a freshwater limpet. More than 75% of deep-sea creatures have been reported to produce their own light. The luminescent marine plankton such as dinoflagellate, radiolarians, jellyfish, comb jellies, annelids, copepods, ostracods, mysids, amphipods, euphausiids, and tunicates form an important component in the marine food chain. Research on luminescent marine plankton is gaining momentum owing to its importance in life science research and medicine. The glowing Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) extracted from the North Pacific jellyfish, Aqueorea victoria (for which the Japanese biologist, Osamu Shimonmura won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2008) has helped shed light on key processes such as the spread of cancer, the development of brain cells, the growth of bacteria, damage to cells by Alzheimer's disease, and the development of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Therefore, it is difficult to underscore the importance of bioluminescence and the organisms associated with this phenomenon. Bioluminescent Marine Plankton is a unique reference that attempts to provide answers to questions about bioluminescence. The first of its kind, this book attempts to answer questions on the subject with a focus on planktonic organisms. 12 chapters provide information about the chemistry of bioluminescence, types of bioluminescent displays, distribution of bioluminescence among marine plankton, ecological functions and utility of planktonic bioluminescence. Chapters are dedicated to the biology and ecology of specific groups of plankton that span about 200 luminescent marine species. The detailed book is an essential compendium on marine plankton for a broad range of readers who want to learn about bioluminescent plankton. A list of detailed references is also provided for the benefit of teachers, students, researchers and enthusiasts interested in marine biology, aquaculture, and environmental sciences.

Halophytic plants are a fascinating group of plants that also serve as dietary feed for livestock. Their utilization is essential for sustainable agriculture and maintaining ecological balance. This book explains the nature of halophytic plants through an in-depth presentation of their botanical and nutritional characteristics. Chapters of the book highlight different aspects of halophytes on a botanical, histological, ecological and nutritional basis when utilized as animal feed components. The issues of the histo-chemical aspects of halophytes are addressed with regard to their impact on nutrient compositions and availability to animals, while the important nutrient contents of halophytes are considered in relation to their value to animals. Key Features: - 10 organized chapters on halophytic plants - Explains the relationship between botanical and nutritional characteristics of halophytes when utilized as animal feed components - Covers information about important nutrient contents and secondary metabolites in halophytes - Includes information on nutritional and feeding values for animals - Includes informative diagram and tables - Includes references for further reading This book fills a notable gap in available literature on the subject, and will stimulate researchers to pursue the many unanswered questions in the field of biosaline agriculture. This text serves as reading material for undergraduate and graduate level courses and specializations in agriculture, animal nutrition, animal physiology, botany and plant physiology. It also serves as supplementary reading for students of taxonomy, ecology, and environmental science courses. Professional and apprentice livestock farmers will also benefit from the information presented by the book.

This book introduces the most recent research findings on selected parasitic weeds that occur in Jordan and are also spread in Middle Eastern countries. It is a valuable source of information for researchers, students as well as farmers, giving readers a better understanding of these regional parasites and their unusual growth patterns. The book set consists of two volumes. The first volume includes information about genera which are typically known as root parasites. These genera are Orobanchaceae, Santalaceae, and Cynomoriaceae families. The second volume covers stem parasites of the Cuscutaceae, Loranthaceae and Viscaceae families. The detailed information presented in this set makes this an essential reference on weeds and parasitic plants in Jordan and Middle Eastern regions. Key Features: - Chapters cover the biology, ecology, distribution, economic significance, host ranges, and control methods of a variety of regional weeds in an organized way - It includes information on parasitic families, genera and species that are found in Jordanian flora and their hosts. - It also provides coloured photos of weeds - Presents the latest techniques for plant pest management - Provides references for further reading - Includes a glossary and appendix suitable for beginners.

This reference explores the science of signaling mechanisms associated with diseases like endocrine, metabolic, and immune disorders which are linked to oxidative stress-mediated disease mechanisms. The common diseases in these categories include diabetes mellitus and arthritis and conditions defined by inflammation and autoimmunity. These diseases involve metabolic pathways mediated by reactive oxygen species or free radicals. The pathways are targets in the mechanism of drugs that aim to treat related disorders. The book covers key topics in free radical biology that help to understand the nature of the pathways and the pharmacology of the drugs that are designed to target them. 5 chapters elucidate the free radical biology of the diseases. 1. Role of free radical biology in diabetes mellitus 2. Role of GSK3 in the regulation of insulin release and glucose metabolism 3. Regulatory role of NRF2 in rheumatoid arthritis 4. Role of free radical biology in Alzheimer's disease 5. Regulatory role of immune cells mediated antibody on rheumatoid arthritis Key features: - Elucidates the key biochemical and pharmacological mechanisms that are mediated by free radicals in common endocrine, metabolic and immune diseases - Explains the activation of immunological factors (like RF and ACPA) that trigger inflammation and arthritis - Covers the role of free radicals in Alzheimer's disease and new interventions that target mitochondrial mechanisms - Systematically explains the molecular biology of free radicals with the help of schematic diagrams - Includes references for further reading The accessible and structured text in this reference makes it a suitable resource for all biomedical scientists, faculty, and postgraduate students in academia and industry.