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.

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.

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.

Enzyme inhibitors play a pivotal role in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. The primary understanding of the action of inhibitors helps pharmacologists during the design process for developing new therapeutic drugs. Most drugs treat various chronic and life threatening diseases owing to their specificity and the potency of enzymes which they can inhibit. Enzyme inhibitors are used to screen various levels of diseases which propel the growth of inhibitors. The potential for enzyme inhibitors in the therapeutics market is very high as the biochemical properties and classes of enzyme inhibiting products are readily available. The other broad aspect of enzyme inhibition is their application in analytical sensors. These sensors assist in monitoring various environmental factors. Understanding the mechanism of inhibition and regeneration of enzymes is a general problem of great importance for many biochemists and biotechnologists especially when using immobilized enzymes. This reference compiles applied information about enzyme inhibitors used in medicine and environmental monitoring applications. Chapters presented in this volume cover special topics including biosensors, crop improvements in agriculture, biofuel production, pesticide and heavy metal detection, and drug therapy for human diseases such as breast cancer, neurological diseases and viral infections. The collection of topics in this volume makes it an informative resource for readers at all academic levels on the applications of enzyme inhibitors in medicine and environmental sciences.

This book provides readers a fundamental understanding of the science and applications of medicinal and aromatic plant materials. Chapters of this handbook covers the basics of ethnobotany, (bio)active compounds and their natural sources. Information about the cosmetic, nutritional, medicinal and industrial uses (dyes, tannins and biocides) is also presented. Readers will also learn about concepts central to quality control processes, sustainable management, wild harvesting and the economic valuation of the industrial impact of endemic plants. The volume also presents a case study of the wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L.), which is helpful in explaining the above concepts. This book is intended as a handbook for undergraduate students and teaching professionals in research and higher education institutions involved in agricultural engineering, pharmacy, forestry, natural product chemistry. Non experts interested in aromatic and medicinal plant agriculture, transformation and commercialization will also find the content informative.

The endocannabinoid system comprises at least two G-protein-coupled receptors (the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors) activated by marijuana’s psychoactive principle ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the endogenous ligands known as endocannabinoids. The apex of endocannabinoid research seems to have been reached with the clinical development, and also in some cases, the marketing, of synthetic or natural pharmaceuticals targeting this signalling system, which followed the understanding of the physiological and pathological role of endocannabinoids in several conditions, a role that was investigated first in rodent experimental models and then in humans. </p><p> Endocannabinoids: Molecular, Pharmacological, Behavioral and Clinical Features is a monograph that presents interesting manuscripts selected by the editor on the subject. Chapters in this book include original research or reviews which report the relevance of the endocannabinoid system by describing the results of experimental evidence about the neurobiological role of the endocannabinoid system. The main topics include, but are not limited to: </p><p> *The genetics of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors and their tissue distribution, their splicing variants and polymorphisms, and the possible implications of all this in determining different behaviours as well as various pathological conditions and the addiction to substances of abuse. </p><p> *Pharmacological approaches describing the potential use in the central nervous system disorders of endocannabinoid-based drugs, such as cannabinoid receptor agonists and antagonists, inhibitors of endocannabinoid inactivation processes, and even plant cannabinoids other than THC and with a molecular mechanism of action. </p><p> *The role of the endocannabinoid system in several neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions, such as epilepsy. </p><p> The volume would be a great interest to neuropharmacologists, physiologists and biochemists who aim to learn about the endocannabinoid system in detail.