Organotins are widespread contaminants especially of water environments. Their chemically versatile structure makes organotin compounds able to bind to a variety of biomolecules thus widely affecting biological functions. Trisubstituted molecules, namely tributyltin (TBT) and triphenyltin (TPhT), have been widely employed in antifouling paints and are also exploited as plastic stabilizers that unfortunately cause harmful biological effects. Persistent bioaccumulation has resulted in organotins becoming a significant environmental threat. Chapter by chapter, the biological and biochemical effects of organotins are unravelled in this e-book by a careful analysis of the most recent findings with special focus on contaminant action mechanisms at cellular and molecular level. The e-book provides an intriguing insight into the molecular mechanisms involved in organotin toxicology thus serving as a useful reference to biochemists, biologists, ecotoxicologists and life science students.

Glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance presents a broad overview of the molecular, biochemical and clinical aspects of glucose metabolism and glucose resistance. The book serves to acquaint the reader with recent information on topics ranging from the glucose metabolism and glucose transporters, the hormonal regulation of glucose homeostasis, to insulin resistance and the characterization of novel pharmacological approaches on emerging targets for the treatment of diabetes. Also included in the book is a discussion on the role of mutations in insulin resistance. The book is particularly useful for clinical researchers, endocrinologists and diabetes specialists.

The interactions between carbohydrates and proteins have been extensively explored in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes over several decades. The recent emergence of glycomics has strengthened this interest and notably contributed to spectacular progress in understanding how carbohydrates mediate and regulate complex biological events. Synthesis and Biological Applications of Glycoconjugates gives a summary of contemporary findings in glycoconjugate research. Readers will be updated on major achievements in chemical methods and biological applications employed in modern glycomics. The Ebook should be of interest to a broad community of students and professional researchers in both academia and industry.

This Ebook aims to review basic understandings and give current opinions about several important aspects of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored (GPI) protein biology from leading experts in this exciting and emerging field. The scope ranges from micro-domain localization and signaling to proteomics aspects, biophysical behavior through trans-cellular mobility to chemical synthesis of GPI mimics and finally modification of multi-scaled membrane surfaces and potential medical and biotech uses. The applied slant makes it very useful to the current state of knowledge. It is hoped that it will prove to be of considerable interest to students and researchers in this field.

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

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.

This eBook presents a summary of central aspects of sialobiology (i.e., the study of sialic acid and its relevance to biology). The importance of substitution by the sugar sialic acid and the role played by sialylated structures (eg. glycoproteins, glycolipids, glycoconjugates) in immune recognition, neural cell growth, embryogenesis and disease development including microbial pathogenesis and cancer progression, has become well-established. Since 1995, the field of sialobiology has expanded greatly as many of the key enzymes involved in sialic acid biosynthesis, as well as the vast majority of sialic acid binding lectins involved in immune recognition, have only been cloned, characterised and structural eluciated after the publication of earlier works on the subject. This e-book also covers these recent developments. Chapters in this e-book have been contributed by eminent sialobiologists. Therefore, a book of this nature is timely and will prove to be a definitive volume with a high impact in this field for glycobiologists and cell biologists.

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

Today’s academic environment presents assessment challenges defined by an increased volume of available information coupled with increased competition among students and time constraints. Multiple choice questions (MCQs) provide examiners with an opportunity to assess academic performance on the basis of instant recollection of correct answers in a minimal amount of time. MCQs Series for Life Sciences Volume 1 is a collection of MCQs on advanced topics and offers the following benefits for readers:  Includes over 2600 relevant MCQs  Covers five advanced subjects including biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics & molecular biology and immunology.  Simplified language and presentation of concepts  Answers to each question are provided This MCQs eBook series in life sciences is, therefore, a handy reference for graduate and postgraduate students undertaking examinations or entrance tests as well as teachers or examiners involved in setting and controlling assessments in specific subjects in life sciences.

Inositol and its phosphates are ubiquitous across most life forms, wherein they play important roles in cellular integrity and functions such as signal transduction, DNA damage repair ion transport and mRNA transport. This reference details the biochemistry and industrial applications of inositol and its phosphate derivatives. Topics covered in this book include the use of inositol and its hexaphosphate (IP6) for numerous health benefits – as antioxidants, as an anti-cancer drug, for the management of atherosclerosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, sickle cell anemia, and even in fighting tooth decay. Readers will also learn about Industrial applications of Inositol including preservation of food and wine, nanotechnology, lithium ion battery, fuel cell technology etc. Inositol & its Phosphates: Basic Science to Practical Applications is a valuable reference for any researcher or aspiring biomedical professional seeking to know more about this fascinating metabolite.