β-Glucan is generally considered to be a very safe immunomodulator. It is a well-known biological response modifier (BRM) that has been used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer since 1980, mostly in Japan. β-Glucan enhances the innate host defense against certain bacteria, yeast, and viral pathogens. I addition, glucans are also considered to be important in prophylaxis against irradiation. Various types of glucans are now routinely added both to human and animal food. At least 26 clinical trials are currently under way in several countries. The authors of this ebook have selected and brought together information on both theoretical and practical aspects of β-glucan use. The book is suitable for readers seeking timely and precise information on β-glucan history and various biological effects including possible use in the treatment of various diseases, without having any preliminary knowledge of natural immunomodulators. The book should not only provide an inspiration for carbohydrate and clinical chemists for further investigations in biomedicine, but it also presents a number of practical applicable results in immunology

β-Glucan is generally considered to be a very safe immunomodulator. It is a well-known biological response modifier (BRM) that has been used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer since 1980, mostly in Japan. β-Glucan enhances the innate host defense against certain bacteria, yeast, and viral pathogens. I addition, glucans are also considered to be important in prophylaxis against irradiation. Various types of glucans are now routinely added both to human and animal food. At least 26 clinical trials are currently under way in several countries. The authors of this ebook have selected and brought together information on both theoretical and practical aspects of β-glucan use. The book is suitable for readers seeking timely and precise information on β-glucan history and various biological effects including possible use in the treatment of various diseases, without having any preliminary knowledge of natural immunomodulators. The book should not only provide an inspiration for carbohydrate and clinical chemists for further investigations in biomedicine, but it also presents a number of practical applicable results in immunology

Bioinformatics, and by extension omic sciences – the collective disciplines that are dependent on the use of extensive datasets of biological information – present a challenge of data management for researchers all over the world. Big data collected as part of research projects and experiments can be complex, with several kinds of variables involved. Coupled with continuously changing bioinformatics and information technology tools, there is a need to bring a multidisciplinary approach into these fields. Advances in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Omic Sciences attempts to realize an integrated approach between all omic sciences, exploring innovative bioinformatics and biostatistical methodologies which enable researchers to unveil hidden sides of biological phenomena. This volume presents reviews on the following topics which give a glimpse of recent advances in the field: - New Integrated Mitochondrial DNA Bioinformatics Pipeline to Improve Quality Assessment of Putative Pathogenic Variants from NGS Experiments - Variant Calling on RNA Sequencing Data: State of Art and Future Perspectives - An innovative Gene Prioritization Pipeline for WES analyses - New Integrated Differential Expression Approach for RNA-Seq Data Analysis - Innovations in Data Visualization for Straightforward Interpretation of Nucleic Acid Omics Outcomes This volume serves as a guide for graduate students in bioinformatics as well as researchers planning new projects as a part of their professional and academic activities.

This volume is the 1st in a series of Ebooks that bridges the gap between advances in science and clinical practice in odontology. Recent advances in biology, materials science and tissue engineering are increasingly viewed as being of enormous clinical potential. Stem cell research has opened up the possibility of reconstructing teeth from the association of epithelial and mesanchymal embryonic or adult cells, as an exciting alternative to metal implants. This Ebook will examine the multifunctional nature of a group of proteins known as the amelogenins. Latest studies indicate that this protein regulates the initiation and growth of hydroxyapatite crystals during the mineralization of enamel. In addition, amelogenins organize enamel rods during tooth development, and also aid in the development of cementum by directing cells that form the cementum to the root surface of the teeth. The aim of this book is to serve as a bridge between basic biology and biomaterial sciences, and to inform clinicians about the implications of recent advances within these fields for clinical practice.

This atlas covers basic as well as novel information on the retinae of various representative vertebrates including fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The book consists of over 200 illustrations with brief descriptions pointing out special features of each retina displayed. The detailed information on the complexity and variety of visual cells in different animals will give interested readers an insight on the retinae of vertebrates. The book is divided into the following sections 1) the general architecture of retinae in different groups of animals 2) the types of visual cells in different vertebrates 3) the other retinal cells and synapses 4) the degenerating retina 5) general format of vertebrate retinal development. This atlas provides a sufficient framework in comparative retinal studies to inspire new research in the field of functional ophthalmology and biodiversity of visual cells. The book should be a useful reference for biologists, veterinarians, ophthalmologists, and eye researchers.

An Illustrated Glossary of Botanical Terminologies is intended as a simple and concise handbook for students undertaking undergraduate or graduate courses in botany or biological sciences as well as general readers interested in understanding terms used in plant science. Readers will find many key words in this book that are often present in many botanical texts although without clear explanation or meaning. This glossary presents an easy approach to learning several plant-related terms. Key features include: -Over 1500 entries -Over 200 illustrations -Simple, easy-to-understand definitions -Brief explanations and annotated figures where possible

An Introduction to Plant Immunity is a comprehensive guide to plant immunology and stress response. The book covers the topic in 21 detailed chapters, starting from an introduction to the subject to the latest knowledge about plant disease resistance. The topics covered in the book include plant pathogens, plant diseases, plant immunity, passive defense mechanisms, acquired resistance, molecular genetics of plant immunology, protein function and genetic engineering. Each chapter provides a reader-friendly introduction along with clear sections detailing each topic. Additionally, detailed references for further reading are also provided. The combination of basic and advanced information on plant immunity make this book an essential textbook for students in botany and plant biology courses. Researchers interested in plant genomics and the effects of environmental and microbial interactions on plants will also benefit from this informative reference.

Anatomy: A Pressing Concern in Exercise Physiology is a thorough analysis of the importance of anatomy in exercise physiology courses. It presents a series of topics that cover key concept and terms in anatomy, muscle physiology, kinesiology, the use of imagery in anatomy, physical flexibility and the conventional study of cadavers. Readers of the book will receive reliable anatomical knowledge, well-researched cadaver information as well as information about good, useless, and dangerous exercises. Readers will essentially be equipped to supervise exercise training designed to be safe while providing a greater range of physical motion. Anatomy: A Pressing Concern in Exercise Physiology serves as a textbook for exercise physiologists in training and as a handbook for healthcare professionals involved in the physical training or rehabilitation of clients or patients.

The queen honey bee is known to mate with multiple drones, and can produce over a million offspring in its lifetime. Its presence is vital to the growth and survival of a beehive. This reference book is a detailed guide to queen honey bees. The book starts by providing deep insights into the fascinating biology of the queen honey bees, their morphometric features, developmental synchronicity, genetics, hormones, pheromones, colonial organization and swarming. Further, the book describes artificial queen rearing techniques that facilitate healthy bee colony growth and increase apiculture productivity. The book equips readers with all the knowledge they need to know about queen bee development, their role in the colony and improving the health of their colony. Key Features - 14 reader-friendly chapters that comprehensively present information about queen honey bees - Comprehensive coverage about queen bee biology, including their physical morphology, genetics, proteomics, development and behavior (including worker and drone interactions) - Information about the role of queen bees in colonial organization and life-cycle events - Practical information that helps to improve bee colony health for research and apiculture (disease mechanisms and control, artificial breeding) The book is an essential primary reference on queen honey bees for biology and entomology students, academicians and researchers at all educational levels. Apiculturists, bee keeping enthusiasts, and general readers interested in honey bees can also benefit from the breadth of information presented.

This handbook aims at focusing on the husbandry of the common water buffalo, (Bubalis bubalis). The book covers a broad range of topics such as the buffalo’s genetic evolution, cytogenetics, subspecies, breed diversification, feeding and metabolic specificity, adaptable response to environmental stress factors, welfare, dairy requirements and production, reproduction and embryo technologies, cryopreservation, sperm cell sexing, somatic cell cloning and transgenesis. Chapters presented and reviewed in this book have been by contributed by renowned scientists that have devoted years of research to the understanding of this species, and highlight the most recent advances in basic and applied science to unveil the understanding of physiological facets intrinsic to this animal species. The depth of the selected topics makes this book especially suited for readers of all academic levels of study. Researchers, students and professionals will find this book a useful guide to breeding and farming the water buffalo.