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Books in Life sciences

  • Concepts and Models for Drug Permeability Studies

    Cell and Tissue based In Vitro Culture Models
    • 2nd Edition
    • Bruno Sarmento + 2 more
    • English
    Concepts and Models for Drug Permeability Studies: Cell and Tissue Based in Vitro Culture Models, Second Edition, summarizes the most important developments in in vitro models for predicting the permeability of drugs.This book is structured around three different approaches, summarizing the most recent achievements regarding models comprising (i) immortalized cells with an intrinsic ability to grow as monolayers when seeded in permeable supports, (ii) primary cells isolated from living organisms and directly cultured as barrier monolayers, and (iii) tissue-based models constructed with cell lines and extracellular matrix that resembles the tridimensional structure of mucosae and other biological membranes, or animal/patient-deriv... tissues. Each model is covered in detail, including the protocol of generation and application for specific drugs/drug delivery systems. The equivalence between in vitro cell and tissue models and in vivo conditions is discussed, highlighting how each model may provisionally resemble different drug absorption route.Chapters included in the first edition were updated with relevant data published in recent years, while four new chapters were included to reflect new emerging directions and trends in drug permeability models.Concepts and Models for Drug Permeability Studies: Cell and Tissue Based in Vitro Culture Models, Second Edition, is a critical reference for drug discovery and drug formulation scientists interested in delivery systems intended for the administration of drugs through mucosal routes and other important tissue barriers (e.g. the BBB). Researchers studying mucosal biology can use this book to familiarize themselves and exploit the synergic effect of mucosal delivery systems and biomolecules.
  • Organic Agriculture and Biodiversity in China

    • 1st Edition
    • Xiao Han + 1 more
    • English
    Organic Agriculture and Biodiversity in China provides a comprehensive introduction to the development of organic agriculture in China, covering its origins, government policies, management and institutional systems, and socio-economic benefits. It also provides insights into China's policies on biodiversity conservation and the implementation of biodiversity conventions. Through the use of case studies, the book showcases the role and effectiveness of organic agriculture in conserving biodiversity. Additionally, it presents an outlook on the future development of organic agriculture and biodiversity conservation in China. Written by experts from the Nanjing Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), Jiangsu Vocational College of Agriculture and Forestry, Hebei University of Engineering, and other esteemed institutions, this book explores the role that organic agriculture plays in protecting biodiversity and how the government can support or hinder organic agriculture. Through the utilization of in-depth interviews with farmers and government agencies, field surveying, and literature review, the book critically reviews novel research to provide a systematic comparison of biodiversity between organic and conventional agriculture. Organic Agriculture and Biodiversity in China is an important resource for researchers, students, policymakers, and the general public seeking to understand the environmental impact of organic agriculture.
  • Adrenal Gland

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 124
    • English
    Adrenal Gland, Volume 124 in the Vitamins and Hormones series, highlights new advances in the field with this new volume presenting interesting chapters. Each chapter is written by an international board of authors.
  • Nanofertilizer Synthesis: Methods and Types

    • 1st Edition
    • Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam
    • English
    Nanofertilizer Synthesis: Methods and Types discusses the production of a variety of nano-fertilizers, including biological, chemical, and mechanical types. The book presents the latest information, highlights the benefits and impacts of each, and provides a single-volume resource to help effectively and efficiently identify options based on use-case. Exploring the topic from the various mechanistic types to the relevant regulatory, safety, and economic aspects, this volume will be appropriate for those working with and researching new nano-fertilizers which aid in nutrition control by increasing nutrient consumption efficiency as nutrients are bonded to nano-dimensional adsorbents, which in turn release nutrients considerably more slowly than traditional fertilizers. As the nano-fertilizer sector advances, one approach is to concentrate on macro elements (N, P, K), as switching to nano-fertilizers may result in significant environmental benefits by replacing the majority of these nutrients. Furthermore, the biosynthesis of nanomaterials employing bacteria, algae, yeast, fungus, actinomycetes, and plants has opened up a new field of study for the creation of inorganic nanoparticles as environmentally benign fertilizers. Because of the several-fold increase in the surface-to-volume ratio of nano-forms of nutrients, and their appropriateness for foliar application, where environmental losses are further decreased, nano-fertilizers may achieve higher efficiency.
  • Sustainable Agricultural Practices

    • 1st Edition
    • Ajay Kumar + 2 more
    • English
    Sustainable Agricultural Practices, a volume in the Plant and Soil Microbiome series, presents foundational information into the successful utilization of different biocontrol agents (especially bacteria and fungi actinomycetes) under field conditions which can help relieve the pressure of overexploitation of synthetic pesticides in agriculture.The need for sustainable advancement in agriculture practices continues to increase. Traditionally, achieving optimum yields of crops has meant farmers continuously using large amounts of chemical fertilizers or pesticides, but the indiscriminate use of these pesticides has adversely affected the environment, nontarget microorganisms, soil textures, and human health. As many microorganisms, including nitrogen-fixing bacteria and cyanobacteria, can be used as bioinoculants, they offer opportunities not only to enhance the crop productivity but also to maintain the natural properties of agricultural soils.Sustainable Agricultural Practices explores the multifaceted benefits derived from varieties of microorganisms existing in different components of the ecosystem, many of which could potentially be employed as probiotics for improved human and livestock health.Researchers seeking to expand their understanding of related fields and students seeking foundational concept coverage will find this volume valuable.
  • Microbiota Brain Axis

    A Neuroscience Primer
    • 1st Edition
    • Jane Foster + 1 more
    • English
    Microbiota Brain Axis: A Neuroscience Primer provides neuroscience researchers with a comprehensive guide on how to conduct effective microbiota-brain research, understand the appropriate methodologies, and collect and analyze microbiota data. The book begins with an introduction to the importance of the microbiota-brain communication in development and how microbiota impact neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health and neurodegeneration. In addition, the book discusses advances in microbiota analysis tools and techniques for neuroscience related research.
  • The Lateralized Brain

    The Neuroscience and Evolution of Hemispheric Asymmetries
    • 2nd Edition
    • Sebastian Ocklenburg + 1 more
    • English
    The second edition of The Lateralized Brain: The Neuroscience and Evolution of Hemispheric Asymmetries provides for readers a volume detailing the functional and structural differences between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, highlighting how the widespread use of modern neuroimaging techniques such as fMRI and DTI have completely changed the way hemispheric asymmetries are currently investigated.In this new edition, all chapters have been updated with recent advances in the field, and a new chapter on hemispheric asymmetries in development and aging has been integrated. Also featured is a new, larger section on laterality in social behavior, alongside a comprehensive overview about key topics in laterality research, including its history, evolutionary perspectives, brain structure, and the role of the corpus callosum. Chapters cover functional hemispheric asymmetries in language processing, motor behavior, spatial attention, self- and face-perception, emotion processing, and social behavior. Additional topics include the ontogenesis of hemispheric asymmetries and their development over the life span, as well as sex differences and associations with clinical syndromes. This volume can be used by anyone working on hemispheric biology or in courses on hemispheric asymmetries.
  • HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders

    • 1st Edition
    • Guoku Hu + 2 more
    • English
    HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND) presents a complex and evolving challenge in the context of HIV-1 infection and treatment. This comprehensive volume dives into the clinical manifestations, molecular and cellular mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies underlying HAND and its associated comorbidities. This book brings together cutting-edge research and clinical insights, making it an essential resource for researchers, clinicians, and students engaged in HIV-related studies and neurocognitive research. This resource also aims to advance our understanding of HAND to contribute to the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions for improved patient outcomes.
  • Biocontrol Agents for Improved Agriculture

    • 1st Edition
    • Ajay Kumar + 3 more
    • English
    Biocontrol Agents for Improved Agriculture, a volume in the Plant and Soil Microbiome series, presents both an advanced and current description of the important role of plant and soil microbiome in plant disease management. Including the latest biotechnological interventions for harnessing plant and soil microbiome and their potential in controlling plant pathogen/ disease, as well as the commercialization of biocontrol products and exploration of microbial derived bioactive compounds, this book provides an important reference on the challenges of biocontrol products. Sections explore the bacterial and fungal species successfully applied as plant and soil inoculant for the effective management of plant diseases. As these microbial biocontrol agents not only suppress the plant disease, but also enhance the growth or agricultural production in sustainable ways, the book focuses on the molecular aspect of plant- pathogen interactions and their biocontrol strategies via the use of plant and soil microbiome. This book is an important reference for those seeking sustainable, safe options for protecting against microbial agricultural loss and environmental damage.
  • Ureases

    Functions, Classes, and Applications
    • 1st Edition
    • Rodrigo Ligabu Braun + 1 more
    • English
    Ureases: Foundations, Classes, and Applications provides a thorough, practical analysis of ureases—enzymes of growing relevance across a range of biotechnological applications and drug discovery. Unique in many aspects, ureases are one of the few enzymes to have nickel in their active sites. This book covers all aspects of this enzymatic class starting with foundational overview and then providing historical urease research and current state, from basic biochemistry to the use of ureases as hallmarks in enzymology, crystallography, and bioinorganic chemistry. The different classes of ureases, structurally diverse but chemically equivalent, are individually discussed.The multi-protein, multi-step activation of ureases (with chemical modification of residues, transport, and transfer of nickel ions) are examined in-depth, along with the catalytic mechanisms of ureolysis and its inhibitors. The final two sections of the book address multiple applications of ureases in health and biotechnology, respectively, going from gastric ulcer treatment to architectural uses in buildings and engineering. Future applications and next steps in research are also considered.