Bentham Science Publishers

Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are known to play an important role in gene expression regulation. Owing to their ever-increasing implications in the control of various biological and pathological processes, miRNAs have now been considered novel biomarkers of various human diseases including, cancer, viral disease, cardiovascular disorders, metabolic disturbances, etc. Unique expression profiles have been associated with specific pathological states.

Cardiovascular disease is among the main causes of mortality in developed countries. The pathological process of the heart is associated with altered expression profile of genes that are important for cardiac function. The implications of miRNAs in the pathological process of the cardiovascular system have recently been recognized, and the research on miRNAs in relation to cardiovascular disease is now in rapid progress. The aim of this ebook is to present updated research on the subject with analyses from published reports. Micro RNAs and Cardiovascular Disease caters to the growing interest and information needs of cardiac clinicians and gene expression researchers.

Global plastic production is estimated to be over 300Mt annually. Most conventional plastics are predominantly produced from fossil fuels and are highly resistant to biodegradation, and only a small share of about 20% of spent plastics is believed to be recycled, which is a cause for environmental concern. Biodegradable plastics would solve this concern as they are a sustainable alternative, yet these do not even cover 5% of the global plastic market.

Microbial polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are a versatile group of polyesters produced by nature as prokaryotic storage materials. PHAs can be produced through sustainable bioprocess engineering and have displayed remarkable flexibility in their physical and chemical properties. PHAs are the subject of several scientific papers and numerous PHA patents have also been filed, generating significant interest in the plastic production industry.

To develop overall sustainable and efficient production processes, all bioprocess steps need to be thoroughly understood and accounted for. These processes start with the selection of suitable inexpensive raw materials (microbes and enzymes), optimizing the process engineering and process regime, and conclude with the enhancement of product recovery in terms of time, energy, and material input.

Microbial Biopolyester Production, Performance and Processing: Bioengineering, Characterization, and Sustainability is a compilation of eight chapters covering bacterial polyesters, green plastics and PHAs from various angles. The contents of this volume focus on sustainable practices focus on the sustainability of processes that involve the synthesis and recycling of these meterials. The volume is a useful resource for bioprocess engineers, microbiologists, biotechnologists and chemical engineers interested in the basics of biodegradable plastic production.

This volume brings current knowledge of proteomics technologies and related developments with special reference to diseases caused by microbes. The editor has compiled chapters written by expert academicians which distill the information about useful methods in microbial proteomics for the benefit of readers. Chapters cover several methods used to investigate the microbial proteome and special topics such as antimicrobial drug resistance mechanisms, biomarker developments, post translational modifications.

Key Features:

-overview of several biochemical methods in proteomics

-full-color, high quality images of the most frequent technologies and applications

-concise, well organized, and didactic format

-updates in basic applied information

-bibliographic references

-information on proteomics for tuberculosis treatment

This reference work is intended for researchers seeking information on laboratory techniques applied in proteomics research and microbiology.

Micronutrient Deficiency in Soils and Plants highlights the problems caused by micronutrient deficiencies in vegetative production. This eBook emphasizes on the necessary requirements for plant growth micronutrients, the vital deficiency symptoms of micronutrients and their crucial role in plant metabolism.

The scope of this eBook covers a range of topics including micronutrient deficiency, the availability of micronutrient in soils, plant metabolism and micronutrient solubility.

The contents of this eBook include chapters on micronutrient solubility and availability in soils, the role of micronutrients in plant metabolism and growth and diagnostic tools to assess deficiencies of iron, zinc, copper and other micro-nutrients.

Micronutrient Deficiency in Soils and Plants is a valuable resource for MSc and PhD students, academic personnel and researchers seeking updated and critically important information on major nutritional problems in agricultural soils and crops.

Microplastic Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Control sheds light on the causes, effects, and control of microplastic pollution, providing valuable insights into the tools and techniques for analysis, the impact on ecosystems, and the potential risks to human well-being. The editors focus on the urgency of addressing this global environmental challenge through collaborative efforts and sustainable solutions. This reference features 10 edited chapters covering multiple aspects of microplastic pollution. The book introduces the reader to various tools and techniques used to analyze microplastic pollution in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It then examines the sources, pathways, and levels of microplastic contamination in the environment and explains how to evaluate the potential health risks for the nearby communities. The impact of microplastic on flora and fauna is presented in one chapter. To emphasize the importance of assessing microplastic contamination, the editors present a case study conducted in Thoothukudi, South India, to explore the implications of microplastic pollution on human health. The book also provides information on solutions to microplastic pollution including the use of bioplastics and removal techniques. Microplastic Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Control equips readers with a complete understanding of the global challenge of microplastics, fostering awareness and encouraging further research and action to protect our ecosystems and human health from their detrimental impact. It is an ideal handbook for environmental science researchers and students who need to understand microplastic pollution and plan environmental impact assessments for academic research and professional projects.

Key Features

- Comprehensive coverage of microplastic pollution with 10 structured chapters

- Informs readers about important parameters to understand and measure the impact of microplastics on local fauna, flora and the surrounding environment

- Covers evaluation and remediation of microplastics in both terrestrial and marine environments

- Includes references for advanced readers

- Includes a case study on the effect of microplastics in Thoothukudi, South India

This volume presents information about protocols for micropropagation of more than 40 species of medicinal plants. The contents combine knowledge about the scientific principles of micropropagation with state of the art updates in tissue culture techniques presented by plant scientists.

The readers will learn about techniques required to grow plants in challenging conditions that aim to reduce the impacts of injudicious harvesting, deforestation, climate change, pollution, urbanization and other factors that limit the ability to meet current demand. General topics such as biotization and pharmaceutical investigation are also included to guide readers about the significance of these plants in research and development for new medicines.

The book provides protocols for micropropagation of important medicinal plants like Rauvolfia serpentina, Catharanthus roseus, Withania somnifera, Tylophora indica, Bacopa monnieri, Aloe vera, Phyllanthus amarus, Allium sativum, Moringa oleifera, Operculina turpethum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Pterocarpus marsupium, Vetiver grass, Ruta graveolens, Tinospora cordifolia, Kaempferia, Hedychium, Decalepis hamiltonii, Saraca asoca, Wrightia tinctoria, Wrightia arborea, Artemisia absinthium, Aegle marmelos, Atropa acuminata, Atropa belladonna, Alpinia species, Hedychium species, and Cissus species.

This book is a handy reference for medicinal chemists, horticulturists and pharmacists who want to learn about the growth and conservation of important medicinal herbs and plants.

Mind Maps in Clinical Biochemistry is an essential test preparation guide aimed specifically at students studying clinical biochemistry as part of their medical, nursing, or biomedical science courses and for candidates preparing for postgraduate entrance and board examinations. The book presents a series of comprehensive case- based learning modules designed to address key teaching points in clinical biochemistry in the context of real clinical experience. Students can begin to understand routine clinical cases by reading biochemical results in the context of a clinical history, examination findings and other diagnostic information. The content also equips readers with the information to propose a differential diagnosis, a treatment plan and a prognosis at later stages.

Key Features

· Concept maps for basic and applied clinical biochemistry

· Structured outline for clinical cases including history with lab findings, clinical correlations and clinical evaluation

· Answers and explanations to facilitate learning

· References for further reading

· OSPE questions for self-assessment and exam preparation

Mind Maps in Clinical Chemistry presents information about clinical laboratory techniques for junior healthcare professionals, medical residents and students. Each chapter enables readers to suggest, arrange and interpret clinical chemistry tests effectively with the objective of enhancing clinical care.

Chapters of this part cover a range of topics focused on biochemical analysis including tumor detection, special topics in clinical biochemistry, the clinical chemistry of diseases, lab instrumentation and reference ranges of diseases.

Key Features

i. Topic-based presentation through 31 chapters in 6 sections

ii. Coverage of practical and theoretical knowledge

iii. Lucid and integrated presentation of concepts

iv. Wide range of topics covered including tumor detection, special topics in clinical biochemistry, the clinical chemistry of diseases, lab instrumentation, and reference ranges in medical diagnosis

v. Packed with practical lab testing information

Mind Maps in Clinical Chemistry is an ideal textbook for quick and easy learning of clinical laboratory knowledge for undergraduate and graduate students as well as teachers instructing courses at these levels.