This handbook covers some primary instruments-based techniques used in modern biological science and medical research programs. Key features of the book include introductory notes for each topic, a systematic presentation of relevant methods, and troubleshooting guides for practical settings. Topics covered in part 2 include: · Fourier transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy · High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) · Raman spectroscopy · Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy · Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) · Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) · SEM-EDX and its applications in plant science This book is a simple, useful handbook for students and teachers involved in graduate courses in life sciences and medicine. Readers will learn about the basics of featured techniques, the relevant applications and the established protocols.

This handbook presents information on different cell culture assays which can be used to perform experimental analysis. Readers are introduced to the basics of in vitro cell cultures followed by a comparative analysis of different experimental protocols designed to detect cellular processes (such as apoptosis, protein-protein interactions, cytotoxicity, gene transfer). Chapters present information on the basics of specific experimental techniques as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the presented methods. Students and scholars who require an understanding of the basic fundamentals of cellular assays.

Unbridled urbanization and development of natural land resources has led to the degradation of our surrounding environment. The air that we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat is at risk of being contaminated with a plethora of chemical pollutants, some of them being potentially carcinogenic. This presents a challenge to human health. This book attempts to address this challenge in two parts which represent two different approaches. The first part of the book summarizes the alarming effects of environmental contaminants. Various studies depicting the direct relationship of environmental contaminants with cancer incidence have been referenced. Scientific studies have established an inverse relation between cancer and ingestion of dietary phytoconstituents (phytochemicals) in the form of fruits, vegetables and botanical herbs. Plant products as dietary supplements can suppress contaminant toxicity by regulating the resulting reactive species and also by assisting their bodily excretion through Phase 1 and Phase 2 enzyme metabolism. The second part of the book, shifts focus to phytoconstituents which, if included in diet, can prevent the harmful effects of pollutants. The text references numerous studies showing the anti-mutagenic, anti-genotoxic and anti-carcinogenic potential of many plant products. The combination of information about contemporary issues of carcinogenic contaminants in the environment coupled with the references to relevant studies in this handbook will enlighten readers studying courses in environmental chemistry, toxicology, botany, and ecology about environmental toxins and help them understand specific dietary measures known to reduce the toxic impact. Researchers in the field of nutrition can also benefit from the information provided.

Extremophiles: Diversity, Adaptation and Applications brings up-to-date knowledge about different types of extremophiles, the fascinating group of microorganisms that love to live in extreme environmental conditions. The book consists of fourteen chapters, of which, the first provides an overview of all the major types of extremophiles and the relationship with their respective extreme environments. The chapters following this introduction explain the diversity of prokaryotes based on environmental conditions, adaptation mechanisms, and industrial applications. The book concludes with a summary of the diverse biotechnological and industrial applications of extremophiles, emphasizing the importance of these microorganisms for human welfare. The book is intended as a primary textbook reference that enriches the knowledge base of scholars in the field of microbiology and biotechnology. It can also serve as a secondary reference for anyone who is interested in research on extremophiles. Key Features: - Covers all the major types of extremophiles, including hyperthermophiles, psychrophiles, halophiles, acidophiles, alkaliphiles, xerophiles, oligotrophs, chemolithotrophs, anaerobes and others - Provides a fundamental overview of the microbiology of extreme environments - Supplements fundamentals with information about industrial and scientific applications - Presents information in a simple structured format suitable for learners - Includes references for further reading

Experimental research using spermatozoa, a highly specialized cell with organelles involved in gene transfer, energy supply and cellular motility, has always occupied the forefront of studies in cell and reproductive biology. Several spermatological experiments have focused on the attraction of a spermatozoon toward the egg – sperm chemotaxis or sperm guidance. This process ubiquitously occurs in the reproductive system of many organisms. After its discovery in the late 19th century in plants, sperm chemotaxis is known to play a crucial role in fertilization success in both plants and animals. Spermatology has expanded in focus in recent years, as the structure of molecules relevant to sperm chemotaxis has been recently determined in several species of invertebrates and vertebrates, which promises remarkable progress for understanding events relevant to sexual reproduction. Reflecting upon these trends in the long history of sperm chemotaxis, Flagellar Mechanics and Sperm Guidance gathers leaders in the field of spermatology, who have presented their experimental research on the chemical cues behind flagellate behavior in a variety of organisms including bikonts and spermatozoa of marine invertebrates and vertebrates (fish, amphibians and mammals). Reviews presented in this monograph provide both basic and detailed information on the initiation and activation of sperm motility at spawning, sperm thermotaxis, and other mechanics such as mathematical models of a spermatozoon swimming. A comparison between features of sperm chemotaxis among different organisms is also given. Flagellar Mechanics and Sperm Guidance will stir interest in spermatology research among a broad variety of readers including researchers, Ph.D. students studying reproductive biology and teachers involved in advanced biology courses.

Fluorescence Microscopy is a precise and widely employed technique in many research and clinical areas nowadays. Fluorescence Microscopy In Life Sciences introduces readers to both the fundamentals and the applications of fluorescence microscopy in the biomedical field as well as biological research. Readers will learn about physical and chemical mechanisms giving rise to the phenomenon of luminescence and fluorescence in a comprehensive way. Also, the different processes that modulate fluorescence efficiency and fluorescence features are explored and explained.

Free radicals and related reactive species, including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) play a critical role in the pathophysiological processes of various human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and metabolic syndrome, neurological disorders, and cancer among many others. This peer-reviewed E-book covers both the fundamental principles and the recent advances in free radical biomedicine along with in-depth discussions of the clinical correlations. It also provides a thorough coverage of the commonly used methods in free radical and antioxidant research with detailed schematic illustrations as well as succinct descriptions of the procedures. This volume should also be a valuable source of information for readers who wish to gain a sound understanding of the research methodologies in this rapidly evolving field.

Some arrangements and structures of permanent magnets are hypothesized to exert measurable physiological and pathological effects on living tissues when exposed to the resultant electromagnetic field. From Microbe to Man: Biological responses to artificial static magnetic field-exposure explores the effects of such arrangements based on this hypothesis. The book begins with an explanation of the mechanisms of artificial static magnetic fields (SMFs). This is followed by sequential sections presenting the effects of SMF exposure on living organisms backed by thorough experimental studies (on microbial, animal and human trials). In conclusion, the work reveals the positive nature of SMF treatment and shows that this is indeed a viable alternative to invasive treatment in the case of a number of both acute and chronic conditions, such as stomatological pain and osteoporosis. From Microbe to Man: Biological responses to artificial static magnetic field-exposure is aimed chiefly at medical professionals and the research community studying alternatives to conventional pain medicine and physiotherapy. However, laypeople interested in non-invasive medical treatment options can also benefit from the easy-to-read layout of the contents of this volume.

Phosphorylated Extracellular Matrix Proteins of Bone and Dentin is the second volume of the e-book series Frontiers between Science and Clinic in Odontology. The phosphorylated proteins of the extracellular matrix of bone and teeth play a crucial structural role in the two tissues. They also act as signaling molecules. Phosphorylated extracellular matrix proteins have been implicated in nucleation and mineralization of skeletal tissues. This e-book covers research on these specific proteins, including details about the cells producing these molecules, their impact on bone and teeth pathology (osteogenesis and dentinogenesis imperfecta) and the potential of these molecules in promoting of inhibiting mineralization. This e-book also explains processes under the control of some enzymes - TNAP and metalloproteases (MMPs) - such as intracellular regulation in bone and dentine, splicing, respective roles of cleavage products, SIBLINGs, nucleation and crystal growth and regulation. This second volume serves as a valuable reference to practicing odontologists, biology and biomaterials scientists and tissue engineers interested in protein research related to tooth and bone formation.

Age-related degeneration may be reduced or even eliminated, by positively challenging the human being, physically or cognitively, to up-regulate somatic repair functions. Exposure to meaningful information and a challenging environment act as hormetic stressors which, in the context of an increasingly technological setting, may invoke evolutionary mechanisms that lead to a persistent maintenance of homeostasis. Thus, there is a strong link between environmental factors and ongoing health, leading to an individual’s ability to continually adapt to age related challenges. Challenging Ageing: The Anti-senescence Effects of Hormesis, Environmental Enrichment, and Information Exposure explains the role of hormesis in anti-aging processes followed by information on vitagenes, epigenetics, environmental enrichment and germlines. The monograph also brings newer concepts and theories to the fore, such as ‘environmental enrichment’ and ‘technoculture.’ Medical professionals and general readers, alike, will gain a a new perspective on the processes that counter aging processes in the human being.