Biomedical and Life Sciences

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the development of the human central nervous system (CNS) in the context of its many developmental disorders due to genetic, environmental and hypoxic/ischaemic causes. The book contains three general, introductory chapters in which an overview of the development of the human brain and spinal cord, a summary of mechanisms of development as obtained in experimental studies in various invertebrates and vertebrates, and an overview of the causes of congenital malformations are presented. The developmental disorders of the human brain and spinal cord are presented in a regional, more or less segmental way, starting with neurulation and neural tube defects, and ending with developmental disorders of the cerebral cortex. These chapters are abundantly illustrated in colour with carefully chosen clinical case studies with imaging data, and when available, postmortem verification of the developmental disorders involved.

In thethird edition, more emphasis has been given to the developmental ontology based on the prosomeric approach, and fetal development. Prenatal diagnosis by ultrasound, MRI and DTI, and classifications of developmental disorders have been updated. A number of new Clinical Cases have been included. Several new co-authors participate in various chapters. 

The book is intended for advanced medical students, and all those clinicians working with children and adults with developmental disorders of the CNS. Unique to the book is the integration of data from human embryology, experimental and molecular findings in mice in particular, imaging and developmental neuropathology.

This textbook examines the fundamental principles of microbial metabolism and how a microbe's ecology is intrinsically interwoven with and a consequence of its metabolism. Further, it answers many questions frequently asked by students, such as: What are the mechanistic connections between simple phenotypic traits, ecological patterns and microbial metabolism and diversity? In the process, readers will be introduced to essential topics like  metabolism and metabolic pathways, flux of energy and nutrients, genome size and fitness, competition, selection and drift.

Moreover, the book conveys fundamental principles that show students how to approach the field of microbiology from a different, more unifying angle, e.g., how microbes’ access to environmentally available energy resources and the specific metabolism involved lies at the root of every ecologically significant microbial speciation. This aspect, together with its special focus on metabolism and ecological implications, make the book a must-read for all students of microbiology.

This book presents advanced reviews on latest developments and future trends of animal biotechnology with focus on computational and experimental approaches. The articles in this book discusses the implications of recent methods in animal biotechnology to improve the livestock production. Applications of omics technologies and system biology approaches for livestock production and animal disorders were discussed in detail. 

The evolution of transgenic technology, genome editing and markers for early pregnancy detection were elucidated in this book. A couple of chapters were dedicated to understanding the role of gut microbiome, probiotics and prebiotics on livestock health and production. The nanomaterials have been shown been shown beneficial effects in biological applications. This book also discussed the veterinary applications of nanomaterials. The articles of this book provide state of the art information that is appropriate to academicians, researchers and students who are involved in the animal biotechnology research.

In the face of recent viral outbreaks and a global viral pandemic, the necessity for innovation and continued rapid advancement in viral diagnosis and treatment methods has become even more apparent. Global Virology IV: Viral Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Delivery in the 21st Century explores the latest advances in virology and trends in clinical practice, focused on foundational principles and advancements expected to significantly impact this field. Chapters address SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Zika, Mpox, and Hepatitis C, among other key viral threats, before presenting a detailed analysis of antiviral agents broadly and concerning specific vulnerable populations such as stem cell and solid organ transplant recipients. It is designed as a helpful resource for medical students, scientists, and professionals, bridging current practice and future applications and inspiring further innovations and improvements in global health.

This book discusses indigenous practices and obstacles faced by farmers conducting shifting cultivation (jhum) in North-east India and suggests methods of soil fertility improvement through e.g. microbial-mediated rejuvenation of forest fallows as a sustainable approach for mitigating deteriorating jhum lands and enhancing their productivity. Shifting cultivation has experienced a decline in crop productivity due to high population density and shortened fallow length that has impacted upon farmers' socio-economic status, and raised concerns regarding food security and environmental conservation. As shifting cultivation is conducted in moist tropical forests globally supporting millions of people, there is the potential to benefit many populations. This book is suitable for researchers, policy makers, development agencies, NGOs and farmers to formulate strategies that conserve the biodiversity, environment, soil health and traditions of tribal farming communities.

This book offers a thorough examination of how drought stress impacts various facets of a plant's physiology, ecology, and agricultural systems. It delves into the challenges posed by drought stress, a critical issue exacerbated by climate change and its impact on water availability. By employing a multidisciplinary methodology, the book endeavours to furnish a thorough comprehension of the intricate interplay between plants and their surroundings when faced with water scarcity. It proves to be an invaluable asset for scholars, students, policymakers, and experts who are keen on comprehending the intricate array of issues that drought stress poses. Moreover, it serves as a repository of effective strategies to tackle the consequences of drought stress in a world undergoing transformation. The book's multidisciplinary orientation guarantees a comprehensive exploration of the subject, encompassing the physiological, agricultural, and molecular reactions of plants.

The establishment of fruit juice companies in the 20th century marked the beginning of the widespread use of citrus fruits. Around 18% of the total citrus fruit production in the world is used industrially, primarily for the manufacture of juice. Citrus fruit consumption and interest are growing, and trash generation is also increasing, adding to the environmental load. Because of their unwanted and unsanitary character, discarding fruit segments without due care is hazardous to the environment. Producing citrus juice results in the creation of waste, which accounts for over 50% of the mass of fresh fruit. Peels, seeds pomace, and wastewater are all included in this waste. Fruit

peels, seeds, and pulp from ruined fruit are covered with citrus wastewater. About 10 million MT of trash are produced annually by the processing of citrus fruit worldwide, which poses a severe ecological problem. Citrus by-products are troublesome wastes because of their abundance and perishablenature. Citrus peels that are around 80%

water decay fast, attracting bugs, bacteria and mold. Citrus peel utilization is therefore essential for waste management and not only a means of boosting revenue. Citrus trash must be disposed of properly since improper disposal pollutes the land and water, further harming the aquatic habitat.

An efficient strategy for sustainable waste management is to use citrus wastes to create useful bioproducts. Numerous methods have been developed to boost the pectin recovery from citrus trash due to the continuously growing demand. Valorization of Citrus Food Waste presents the high-value compound in the citrus wastes and their extraction methods for obtaining the value-added products as well as their corresponding applications and will be useful to food scientists and industry members exploring the use of valorization process for waste fruits as new components and sources in nutraceuticals. Thisbook is a full of source for the valorization of citrus waste, the use of bioactive components and waste management.

This book addresses significant gaps in our understanding of how watershed microbial structures and functions respond to the pressures of urbanization. It consolidates rapidly evolving, yet often fragmented, global data on watershed microbiomes, providing critical insights into the impacts of urban pollution, human health risks, and long-term ecological consequences.

Featuring the latest technological advancements in biological monitoring, microbial source-tracking technologies, and strategies for effective watershed management, this volume serves as a comprehensive and reliable source for the current state of urban watershed microbiology. It examines the unique challenges urbanization presents to ecosystems, especially in terms of atmospheric chemistry, hydrology, vegetation, and how these factors disrupt microbial communities that mediate essential ecosystem services like water purification, nutrient recycling, and degradation of pollutants.

Together the two-volume work delves into the mechanisms behind the urban watershed syndrome—ecological degradation of streams—and explores many unanswered questions that hinder progress in understanding urban watershed microbiomes. With original research articles, reviews, and perspectives, this collection is a key resource for microbiologists, environmental scientists, engineers, and professionals involved in water quality, ecosystem management, and land-use planning. The hope is that this volume will inspire new breakthroughs, drive further research, and ultimately help shape effective strategies for addressing the ecological challenges of urban watersheds.

Recent studies on extremophiles have focused on thermophiles, microbes that thrive in high temperatures, while psychrophiles, which prefer cold environments, have received less attention. However, interest in cold-adapted microbes, especially those in polar regions, has increased significantly in recent decades. Given that much of Earth’s biosphere remains below 5°C, psychrophiles likely outnumber thermophiles. Oceans, covering over 75% of the planet, maintain deep water temperatures between 2–4°C. Antarctica offers both terrestrial and aquatic cold habitats, including ice that melts seasonally. Other cold ecosystems include permafrost, alpine soils, cold deserts, marine sediments, glaciers, and sea ice.

This book explores microbial diversity and adaptation in extreme polar environments, emphasizing their potential for biotechnological applications. It presents a comprehensive overview of molecular diversity and genetic adaptations in cold-loving microorganisms. The chapters detail representative microbial groups, their habitats, and survival strategies in frigid conditions. It is designed for scientists interested in how life persists in extreme cold.

To survive in such harsh climates, polar microbes have evolved specific regulatory mechanisms to respond to environmental stressors. Over the past decade, research has uncovered microbial responses to anthropogenic challenges like UV-B radiation, nutrient scarcity, desiccation, heavy metals, and temperature extremes. These studies have provided the basis for understanding gene regulatory pathways involved in morphological, physiological, and metabolic adaptations.

Despite advances, the molecular diversity and adaptation mechanisms of polar microbes remain poorly studied. Research is dispersed, and there is a need for a unified resource. This book aims to fill that gap by offering a complete, up-to-date atlas of microbial life in polar regions, highlighting their unique adaptations and potential for future scientific and industrial exploration.

The proliferation of nanotechnology in agriculture, food processing, storage and distribution has allowed for improvements in safety and nutritional preservation across various stages of processing. This technology has the potential to both improve the quality, safety and sustainability of our food and to offer cost-saving measures for the increase of shareholder profit. 

Nanotechnology in Food Safety and Sustainability gathers experts from across the globe to offer cutting-edge perspectives on developments in aspects such as pesticide and aflatoxin detection, polymers as nanocarrier agents of bioactive compounds, green technology for the extraction of nanoparticles from natural polymers, the use of fluorescent carbon quantum dots for food safety and more. Unlike existing texts on the subject, Nanotechnology in Food Safety and Sustainability offers a wide-ranging systematic overview of the topic, with a narrowed focus on safety applications, without sacrificing practical guidance. For researchers, industry and policymakers, this book will provide both a historical overview of and actionable guide, including a discussion of legal and regulatory aspects, to the application of nanotechnology in food safety measures. 

This new edition provides an update on the molecular mechanisms that regulate spermatogenesis. In addition to the rodent as a study model, chapters also include research on studies in humans.  It includes the latest approaches of studying spermatogenesis, such as the use of bioinformatics, molecular modeling and others which are not commonly found in published materials.  It also reviews the latest developments in the field, such as studies on the role of regulatory RNAs on spermatogenesis. Due to the declining fertility rate among men, a brand new chapter highlights the impact of environmental toxicants on spermatogenesis.