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.

Microbes as Agents of Change for Sustainable Development explores the pivotal role of microbes and microbiomes in restoring degraded ecosystems and advancing sustainable practices. This comprehensive resource bridges cutting-edge research and practical solutions, emphasizing microbial applications in ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, waste management, agriculture, and climate change mitigation.

The book, which spans 22 chapters, provides insights into topics like nutrient cycling, bioremediation, biofertilizers, and microbial genomics. It also highlights innovative approaches, such as microbial fuel cells, pollution monitoring with biosensors, and the role of microbes in GHG emission mitigation.

Key Features:

- Explores the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and the socio-economic benefits of microbes.

- Discusses microbial roles in polluted ecosystem restoration and renewable energy production.

- Highlights microbes` contribution to sustainable agriculture, waste management, and climate action.

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: Microbiology, Feedstocks, and Metabolism encompasses eight chapters that cover aspects of the microbiology and biotechnology of producing biodegradable plastics. The contents focus on the selection of powerful archaeal and eubacterial production strains, genetic engineering as a tool for optimized PHA production and inexpensive carbon sources for microbial cultures. The volume is a useful resource for bioprocess engineers, microbiologists, biotechnologists and chemical engineers interested in the basics of biodegradable plastic production.

Recent Advances in Biotechnology is a book series comprising of peer-reviewed reference works and monographs that compile the latest developments in the field of biotechnology. Each volume has a thematic focus and features topical reviews written by experts. The series will highlight multidisciplinary perspectives to interested readers (biotechnologists, microbiologists, bioprocess engineers, agronomists, medical professionals, sustainability researchers etc.)

Microbiology for ICAR NET: A Comprehensive Exam Preparation Guide is a valuable resource tailored for students preparing for the ICAR NET exam in Microbiology. This guide offers an in-depth overview of key microbiological topics, including microbial physiology, soil microbiology, environmental microbiology, and microbial biotechnology. Organized into eight comprehensive chapters, the book covers foundational concepts such as the scope of microbiology, prokaryotes, and microscopy, while aligning closely with the ICAR NET syllabus.

Ideal for ICAR NET aspirants, this guide also serves as a solid review tool for microbiology students, researchers, and professionals.

Key Features:

- Includes multiple-choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank questions for active learning.

- Detailed answer key for self-assessment and concept reinforcement.

- Comprehensive coverage of topics essential for ICAR NET Microbiology exam preparation.

- Covers a wide range of microbiology topics.

Micronutrients, which comprise minerals and vitamins, are essential for a variety of biological processes such as growth, immune response, regulation of gene expression and cognitive functions. Micronutrients: The Key to Good Health presents key information about the causes, signs and symptoms of micronutrient deficiencies along with remedial dietary measures. The book also provides authentic knowledge of the nature, structure and metabolic functions of vitamins and essential minerals in a reader-friendly manner. The aim of the book is to provide comprehensive knowledge about micronutrients and their role in a balanced diet for maintaining personal health.

Key features:

- Covers the basics of nutrition and the importance of micronutrients in health over 5 reader-friendly chapters

- Covers metabolic functions of micronutrients - Covers the development of micronutrient rich food products

- Includes information about micronutrient deficiencies with remedial dietary measures in terms of ready-to-eat food supplements in a precise manner

- Includes information about phytochemical nutrients, prebiotics and postbiotics

- Informs the reader about myths on micronutrients

- Includes several informative illustrations, tables and appendices on daily nutrient requirements, diet assessment and composition and much more,

This book serves as a ready reference for the health science students, public health workers, nutrition professionals, and health-conscious readers.

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 Biochemistry presents a series of concept and knowledge maps about biochemical compounds, systems and techniques. The book illustrates the relationships between commonly used terms in the subject to convey the meaning of ideas and concepts that facilitate a basic understanding about the subject for readers.

Chapters of the book cover both basic topics (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, nucleotides, enzymes, metabolic pathways, nutrition and physiology) as well as applied topics (clinical diagnosis, diseases, genetic engineering and molecular biology).

Key Features

i. Topic-based presentation over 16 chapters

ii. Coverage of basic and applied knowledge

iii. Detailed tables, flow diagrams and illustrations with functional information about metabolic pathways and related concepts

iv. Essay and multiple-choice questions with solutions

v. Exercises for students to construct their own mind maps, designed to improve analytical skills

Mind Maps in Biochemistry is an ideal textbook for quick and easy learning for high school and college level students studying biochemistry as well as teachers instructing courses at these levels.

Mind Maps in Clinical Chemistry presents information about clinical laboratory techniques with the for junior healthcare professionals, medical residents and students. Book chapters provide guides which enable readers to suggest, arrange and interpret clinical chemistry tests effectively to enhance clinical care.

Chapters of the book cover range of topics relevant to laboratory testing, clinical physiology and medical biochemistry which will equip readers with adequate knowledge on the subject.

Key Features

i. Topic-based presentation over 24 chapters

ii. Coverage of practical and theoretical knowledge

iii. Lucid and integrated presentation of concepts

iv. Wide range of topics covered including laboratory testing, clinical physiology of organs and systems as well as endocrinology and toxicology

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.

Historically, patients with advanced structural heart disease have required major surgery to correct the defect. This includes, for example, patients with atrial septal defect, aortic valve disease and mitral valve disease. In recent years there have been major advances in the treatment of patients with structural heart disease using minimally invasive, percutaneous treatments. This field continues to evolve quite quickly.

This e-book outlines the current situation with respect to minimally invasive treatment of a wide range of structural cardiac defects. Each chapter covers details of a structural defect and outlines various technologies available for treating the condition. Indications for procedures as well as details of the procedures are also provided wherever possible. This e-book should be a useful reference for readers interested in minimally invasive cardiovascular surgery.