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This book provides an excellent platform for understanding the chemical processes involved in food transformation. Starting with the examination of major food components, such as water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and minerals, the author further introduces the biochemistry of digestion and energy metabolism of food ingredients. The last section of the book is devoted to modern food technologies and their future perspectives.

This textbook for undergraduate students aims at providing an in-depth understanding of the relationship between diet, nutrients, health, diseases, and drug treatment. The book presents a comprehensive but detailed view of the field of Nutritional Biochemistry; balancing the historical with contemporary findings, the descriptive with the experimental, structure with function as well as the mechanistic and the clinical aspects of any particular nutrient. Though the major emphasis of the book is on Nutritional Biochemistry, the book also attempts to provide an insight into other related and relevant areas. Amongst the topics that are covered are: nutraceuticals, food, and nutrient interactions; the newly emerging field of the human microbiome, its interdependence on diet and human health as well as the public health concerns which is a looming burden of non-communicable diseases. Each chapter begins with an insight into the history of discovery and structure of the nutrient, its absorption, and metabolism, physiological functions, ending with diseases associated with nutrient deficiency/toxicity along with a clinical perspective. Apart from this, the book emphasizes the biochemical basis of physiological responses and correlates the same with symptoms identifying the pathophysiology. This textbook caters to students of undergraduate courses like Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Life Sciences, Home Science; Nutrition and Dietetics, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, and Nursing. ​

The textbook is intended for the undergraduate and postgraduate students of chemistry, biology and medicine. It covers diverse topics of biophysical chemistry ranging from the structure of cells, lipids, and proteins to nonequilibrium thermodynamics, enzyme catalysis, and fast reaction kinetics. The book discusses the fundamental structural concepts in the first part and provides a systematic account of different experimental techniques such as chromatography, electrophoresis, and gel filtration that are extensively employed in biochemical research in the second part. It also includes typical applications using NMR, ESR, and SPR to comprehend the power of spectroscopic tools in biophysical chemistry. This textbook also deals with advanced topics of entropy production and biosensors. It consists of a large number of schematic diagrams as well as tabular compilations of kinetic, electrochemical, and thermochemical data. It includes multiple-choice questions, numerical examples, and descriptive questions in various chapters to aid self-learning among students. In view of the diverse coverage of topics, this textbook is a valuable asset to undergraduate and postgraduate students. It is also a useful reference for researchers and professionals in chemistry, biology, and medicine.

Biogenic toxins are fascinating natural products characterized by an enormous diversity of chemical structures and pharmacological activities. They not only pose hazards to humans and animals, but they are important components in the interplay of substances and living beings in nature and, moreover, important sources for new drugs. Numerous images of plants and chemical structural formulas complete the book, as well as extensive references for further reading. The multivolume reference is an essential resource for physicians, veterinarians, pharmacists, chemists, biochemists, food chemists and biologists, for students in the relevant fields, and maybe for interested laymen. All aspects of natural toxins based on the latest scientific knowledge are included: All aspects of the toxicology of all living organisms and natural foods, chemistry, action mechanisms, symptoms of intoxications. The only book arranged on a strictly scientific base according to the biogenetic origin and chemical structure. Natural Poisons and Venoms in 5 Volumes: Volume 2: Plant Toxins: Polyketides, Phenylpropanoids and Further Compounds 2024, ISBN 978-3-11-072851-4 Volume 3: Plant Toxins: Alkaloids and Lectins 2025, ISBN 978-3-11-112740-8 Volume 4: Animal Toxins 2023, ISBN 978-3-11-072854-5 Volume 5: Fungal and Microbial Toxins 2025, ISBN 978-3-11-072856-9

This edited volume studies gut microbiota peculiarities in elderly, in senescence-related and environmental-related alterations of gut microbiota in chronic diseases. Aging, as a physiological process mediated through several regulatory pathways and transcription factors, is generally speaking associated to a relentless functional decline and increasing risk of chronic diseases. Growing data on gut microbiota quali-quantitative changes in aging gut, and the opportunity to study by advanced NGS and metabolomic technologies, now offers novel horizons to link such changes to disease risks and to theoretically the weapons for gut microbiota intervention as an effective therapeutic tool. Chapters are divided into clear sections, starting with the aging perspective, then moving from chronic diseases to neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. The final parts focusses on interventions. Contributors are well-reputed and dedicated scientists in clinics and experimentalmedicine from 4 different continents who have provided their contribution keeping the polar star on aging as a guide while investigating their gut microbiota in occurrence and progression of disease together with proposed preventing, monitoring and therapeutic interventions. In the wide offer of books on gut microbiota, this age-thematic volume will be a valuable source of updated information for a wide group of readership including gerontologists, geriatricians, medical specialists of several fields, PhDs, basic scientists and public/private research entities focused on potential intervention in and through gut ecosystem. This book will stimulate a large number of basic scientists and clinicians to review their once organ (or cellular line)-specific knowledge and widen either their pathophysiological mechanisms understanding while providing novel ways to prevent, monitor and treat diseases from eyes to bones.

Mitochondrial Transplantation and Transfer: Biology, Methods, Applications, and Disease, a volume in the Translational and Applied Bioenergetics series, offers a detailed overview of mitochondrial transplantation across fundamental biology, disease and early therapeutics research. Here, more than twenty experts in the field discuss transplantation and transfer of healthy mitochondria and define future steps to improve new therapeutic applications across a variety of diseases. Emphasis is placed on the physiology of mitochondrial transfer, isolation processes and their applications, transfer methods, and diagnostic and treatment use across cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological diseases, among other disease types. Step-by-step instruction is provided around research protocols and methods discussed, along with careful attention to the ethical implications of mitochondrial transplantation research and application. Provides an in-depth discussion of mitochondrial transplantation, considering fundamental biology, disease implications, research methods and applications Discusses recent advances in the field and their meaning for future research and clinical utility Considers ethical dimensions of mitochondrial transplantation research and use in therapeutics Examines mitochondrial transplantation across a range of disease types, from neurological to cardiovascular disease and ischemia

Mineralizing Vesicles: From Biochemical and Biophysical Properties to Their Roles in Physiology and Disease presents the state-of-the art in the properties of mineralizing EVs and their potential clinical applications. The first chapter presents foundational biochemical and biological aspects of EVs. Next, the title coves the role of EVs in bone ossification and in cardiovascular and cartilage-related diseases. Considering the unique ability of this class of EVs to form apatite minerals assigned to their special biochemical machinery, three chapters of the book then focus on the enzymes catalysing the inorganic phosphate and calcium turn-over and the dynamic properties of the vesicles'peripheral proteins. Chapters describe the role of inorganic phosphate and calcium ions and of autophagy on the biogenesis and function of mineralizing EVs. Recent studies show that the lumen of mineralizing EVs is partially filled with miRNA, and a chapter therefore considers research on the possible function of these vesicles as signalosomes. The final five chapters of the book describe practical aspects of working with mineralizing EVs, including their purification, proteomic and biophysical analyses, the use of biomimetic models and mineralizing EVs in regenerative medicine. This title presents, for the first time, a comprehensive account of mineralizing EVs and their potential clinical applications. It will be invaluable to researchers in the field. • Covers all aspects of mineralizing EVs, from their composition to their function in physiological and pathological processes, and their clinical potential• Presents mineralizing EVs systematically using clear accessible language• Describes practical aspects of working with mineralizing EVs• Integrates an account of the biochemistry and biophysics of vesicles with their functions• Takes a multidisciplinary perspective, offering an exhaustive and cutting-edge account of mineralizing EVs and human health

An understanding of the mineral nutrition of plants is of fundamental importance in both basic and applied plant sciences. The fourth edition of this book retains the aim of the first in presenting the principles of mineral nutrition in the light of current advances. Marschner's Mineral Nutrition of Plants, 4th Edition, is divided into two parts: Nutritional Physiology and Plant–Soil Relationships. In Part I, emphasis is put on uptake and transport of nutrients in plants, root–shoot interactions, role of mineral nutrition in yield formation, stress physiology, water relations, functions of mineral nutrients and contribution of plant nutrition to food nutritional quality, disease tolerance, and global nutritional security of human populations. In view of the increasing interest in plant–soil interactions. Part II focuses on the effects of external and internal factors on root growth, rhizosphere chemistry and biology, soil-borne ion toxicities, and nutrient cycling. Now with color figures throughout, this book continues to be a valuable reference for plant and soil scientists and undergraduate and graduate students in the fields of plant nutrition, nutritional physiology, and soil fertility. Offers new content on the relationship between climate change, soil fertility and crop nutrition Keeps overall structure of previous editions Includes updates in every chapter on new developments, ideas and challenges

This book provides acomprehensive overview of cell signalling pathways and morphogens in the genesis of brain tumours. It also explains the role of brain tumour stem cells in the brain tumour progression. It also elucidates the novel early biomarkers that can be utilized to diagnose brain tumours. It presents the basic developmental pathways and morphogens, including retinoic acid and TGF-b that promote brain tumorigenesis. The chapters illustrate the role of stem cells and stem cells mediated cell signalling pathways including, Sonic hedgehog, Notch, Wnt in the brain tumour growth. The chapters also emphasize the role of transcription factors, mainlyNanog, Sox, BMI1, HIF1 and Pax6 in the brain tumouriogensis. It highlights the role of NF-kb, Myc and neurotrophins in the brain tumour development. Finally, the book summarizes the potential early therapeutic targets and targeted drug discovery for brain tumours.

This book aims to provide scientific information about proteins. 28 chapters have been written that describe the characteristics of proteins and their influence on human physiology. The authors presented the structure of individual proteins and their role in particular diseases. Proteins are among the most important nutrients responsible for the proper functioning of the body. Protein is one of the basic building blocks of our tissues and plays a role in transport, regulating biochemical processes and in reactions initiated by the immune system.

This book is an inclusive collection of topics on research on UVB for its impact on plants with a focus on its use as an emerging technology for crop growth and protection. This book covers role of UV-B on biological systems, and its transformation from generic stressor to specific regulator. It also explores the past research in UVB studies and the changing mind-sets regarding UV-B in recent time with respect to the plant growth. It also explores the discovery of specific UV-B photoreceptor, UVR8 and UVR8 mediated plants responses. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, agriculture scientists and plant physiologists. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of agriculture, forestry, ecology, soil science, and environmental sciences

This book provides a broad overview of the chemicals in food that have the potential to induce adverse health effects. Nutritional Toxicology is an interaction of nutrition, toxicology, biochemistry and food science, etc. Its main research scope involves the effects of nutrients on metabolisms of toxicants and their mechanisms, the interaction of the toxicants and contaminants originated from diet with nutrients and nutrition process, the adverse health outcome of nutrients excess, as well as methodology of research and related food and nutrition regulation process. Also the risk assessment of toxicants and contaminants in foods, and risk benefit assessment of nutrients (dietary supplementation) has become an emerging topic. This book provides novel and provocative insights into the fields of nutrition, food science and toxicology. It also offers a state-of-the-art report on recent discoveries concerning nutritional toxicology and where the field is going. It mainly focuses on advances made over the past 20 years. It will benefit graduate students, researchers and food and nutrition related regulation parties.

As sequel to Aquatic Animal Nutrition – A Mechanistic Perspective from Individuals to Generations, the present treatise on organic macro- and micronutrients continues the unique cross fertilization of aquatic ecology/ecophysiology and aquaculture. This treatise considers proteins and their constituents, carbohydrates from mono- to polysaccharides, fatty acids from free acids to fat, and waxes. It becomes obvious that these organic nutrients are more than only simple fuel for the metabolism of animals; rather, their constituents have messenger and controlling function for the actual consuming individual and even for succeeding generations. This aspect will become particularly clear by putting the organisms under consideration back into their ecosystem with their interrelationships and interdependencies. Furthermore, micronutrients, such as vitamins and nucleotides as well as exogenous enzymes, are in the focus of this volume with known and still-to-be-discovered controlling physiological and biomolecular functions.Aquatic Animal Nutrition – Organic Macro and Micro Nutrients addresses se­veral gaps in nutritional research and practice. One major gap is the lack of com­mon research standards and protocols for nutritional studies so that virtually incomparable approaches have to be compared. This applies also to the studied animals, since most approaches disregard intraspecific variabilities and the existence of epimutations in farmed individuals. Furthermore, recalling the Mechanistic Perspective from Individuals to Generations, dietary benefits and deficiencies have effects on succeeding generations. In most studies, this long-term and sustainable aspect is overruled by pure short-term production aspects. By comparing nutritional behavior and success of fishes and invertebrates, Aqua­tic Animal Nutrition points out different metabolic pathways in these animal groups and discusses how, for instance, fishes would benefit when having some successful metabolic pathway of invertebrates. Application of novel ge­ne­tic techniques will help turn this vision into reality. However, a widely missing link in the current nutritional research is epigenetics regarding transgenerational heritages of acquired morphological and physiological properties. To in­crease public acceptance, nutritional optimization of farmed animals based on this mechanism, rather than genetical engineering, appears promising.

This second edition of Medical Biochemistry is supported by more than 45 years of teaching experience, providing coverage of basic biochemical topics, including the structural, physical, and chemical properties of water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. In addition, the general aspects of thermodynamics, enzymes, bioenergetics, and metabolism are presented in straightforward and easy-to-comprehend language. This book ties these concepts into more complex aspects of biochemistry using a systems approach, dedicating chapters to the integral study of biological phenomena, including cell membrane structure and function, gene expression and regulation, protein synthesis and post-translational modifications, metabolism in specific organs and tissues, autophagy, cell receptors, signal transduction pathways, biochemical bases of endocrinology, immunity, vitamins and minerals, and hemostasis. The field of biochemistry is continuing to grow at a fast pace. This edition has been revised and expanded with all-new sections on the cell plasma membrane, the human microbiome, autophagy, noncoding, small and long RNAs, epigenetics, genetic diseases, virology and vaccines, cell signaling, and different modes of programmed cell death. The book has also been updated with full-color figures, new tables, chapter summaries, and further medical examples to improve learning and better illustrate the concepts described and their clinical significance. Integrates basic biochemistry principles with molecular biology and molecular physiology Illustrates basic biochemical concepts through medical and physiological examples Utilizes a systems approach to understanding biological phenomena Fully updated for recent studies and expanded to include clinically relevant examples and succinct chapter summaries

This book is intended to cover all known abiotic stresses and their effects on the various aspects physiological processes in plants. The first chapter deals with introduction and the introductory remarks on abiotic stress and overall effects of different factors on crop. Second chapter deals with aspects of seed germination, seedling growth and root development under stressful condition for different factors of abiotic stress. Third chapter is a contributory chapter and deals with different aspects of biological nitrogen fixation under abiotic stress. Fourth chapter deals with growth, development and phenology of crop plants under environmental stress condition. Various aspects of photosynthesis under abiotic stress have been discussed in the fifth chapter. Mineral nutrition under abiotic stress condition and roles of different nutrient to overcome abiotic stress has been discussed in Sixth chapter. Seventh chapter discussions have been provided regarding transgenic approach to enhance drought tolerance and it is a contributory chapter. Eighth chapter is about the effects of different factors of abiotic stress on respiration processes of plant have been discussed. These review chapters addresses how knowledge of the physiological mechanisms of crops can improve crop yield. The study of crop physiology can assist cereal breeding by: i) improving our understanding of the factors that determine crop yield and adaptation through the syncretic concept of ideotype and, consequently, improve crop simulation models; ii) defining particular secondary traits to select (analytical breeding) when choosing: iii) indicating the kind of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with potential for development and how to test them; and iv) phenotyping associated with marker-assisted selection.

Aging is an inevitable part of life, and is becoming a worldwide social, economic and health problem due to the fact that an increasing proportion of individuals in the advanced age category have a higher probability of developing age-related disorders. New therapeutic approaches are still in need to decrease or slow the effects of such diseases in this aging society. Advances in ‘omic technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics have significantly advanced our understanding of diseases in multiple medical areas. It is hoped that emerging hits from these analyses might be prioritized for further screening as potential novel drug targets for increasing the human healthspan in line with the lifespan, which will in turn lead to new therapeutic strategies and drug development projects by the pharmaceutical industry. This new book presents a series of reviews describing studies which have resulted in the identification of potential new drug targets for age-related disorders. Much of this information has come from ‘omic comparisons of healthy and disease states or from testing the effects of potential new therapeutic approaches. Each chapter will be presented in the context of specific chronic diseases or different therapeutic strategies, providing important information on disease mechanisms related to the aging process. This book will be of interest to researchers in the areas of aging and chronic disease, as well as clinical scientists, physicians, and major drug companies. With contributors from Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Iran, Iraq, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay and Vietnam, this is a timely follow up to Guest's previous book Reviews on New Drug Targets in Age-Related Disorders.

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 skillsMind 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.

Hormones and Aging, Volume 115 in the Vitamins and Hormones series, highlights advances in the field, with this new volume presenting timely topics, including hypothalamic aging and hormones, endocannabinoids and aging-inflammation, neuroplasticity, mood and pain, the impact of hormones and bone loss across the menopause transition, and much more. Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors Presents the latest release in the Vitamins and Hormones series Includes the latest information on Hormones and Aging

Handbook of Hormones: Comparative Endocrinology for Basic and Clinical Research, Second Edition presents a catalog of fundamental information on the structure and function of hormones from basic biology to clinical use, offering a rapid way to obtain specific facts about the chemical and molecular characteristics of hormones, their receptors, signaling pathways, and the biological activities they regulate. The book's stellar editorial board, affiliated with the Japan Society for Comparative Endocrinology, brings together authors that present a compelling structure of each hormone with a consistent presentation that provides a primer surrounding the plethora of hormones that now exist. Comparative endocrinology continues to rapidly expand and new information about hormones is being produced almost daily, making it important to stay up-to-date. Hormone, paracrine, and autocrine factors have been identified as key players in a range of different systems, including immune, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular. Frontiers between disciplines are being blurred and many scientists in fields other than endocrinology are interested in hormones. Scientists now have the unprecedented opportunity to look from invertebrates to vertebrate and identify novel regulatory factors and understand their function and how they determine an organism's physiology and survival. Presents hormones in groups according to their origin so that readers can easily understand their inter-relation Includes 47 new hormones, such as neuropeptides, cytokines, growth hormones, biogenic amines and amino acids that are important for cell to cell communication via endocrine, paracrine and neurotransmitter signaling Summarizes the current knowledge of hormone evolution based on comparative genome resources, such as synteny, genome sequence and comprehensive phylogeny Covers a wide range of information on hormones, from basic information on structure and function across vertebrate and invertebrate phyla to clinical applications Collates key information on 259 hormones and 47 groups/families

We have surpassed the omics era and are truly in the Age of Molecular Therapeutics. The fast-paced development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, such as the mRNA vaccines encoding the viral spike protein, demonstrated the need for and capability of molecular therapy and nanotechnology-based solutions for drug delivery. In record speed, the SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA genome was sequenced and shared with the scientific community, allowing the rapid design of molecular therapeutics. The mRNA vaccines exploit the host cell endoplasmic reticulum to produce viral spike proteins for antigen presentation and recognition by the innate and adaptive immune system. Lipid nanoparticles enable the delivery of the fragile, degradation-sensitive nucleic acid payloads. Molecular-based therapeutics and nanotechnology solutions continue to drive the scientific and medical response to the COVID-19 pandemic as new mRNA, DNA, and protein-based vaccines are developed and approved and the emergency use approved vaccines are rapidly manufactured and distributed throughout the globe. The need for molecular therapies and drug delivery solutions is clear, and as these therapies progress and become more specialized there will be important advancements in organelle targeting. For example, using organelle targeting to direct lipid nanoparticles with mRNA payloads to the endoplasmic reticulum would increase the efficacy of mRNA vaccines, reducing the required dose and therefore the biomanufacturing demand. Likewise, improving the delivery of DNA therapeutics to the nucleus would improve efficacy. Organelles and molecules have always been drug targets, but until recently we have not had the tools or capability to design and develop such highly specific therapeutics. Organelle targeting has far-reaching implications. For example, mitochondria are central to both energy production and intrinsic apoptosis. Effectively targeting and manipulating mitochondria has therapeutic applications for diseases such as myopathies, cancer, neurodegeneration, progerias, diabetes, and the natural aging process. The SARS-CoV-2 vaccines that exploit the endoplasmic reticulum (for mRNA vaccines) and the nucleic translational process (DNA vaccines) attest to the need for organelle and molecular therapeutics. This book covers the status, demand, and future of organelle- and molecularly targeted therapeutics that are critical to the advancement of modern medicine. Organelle and molecular targeting is the drug design and drug delivery approach of today and the future; understanding this approach is essential for students, scientists, and clinicians contributing to modern medicine.

Throughout life, human beings undergo several hormonal changes responsible for growth and maturation. These alterations in hormone secretion include enhanced or decreased production, the latter of which is mainly observed during aging. These processes are intrinsic to human development, but may vary from individual to individual. Thus, experienced metabolic changes can alter the state of health and even trigger the development of certain pathologies.The main metabolic differences observed in newborns and children when compared to adults result from the fact that the organism is not yet fully developed. During adolescence, changes in hormone secretion occur that lead to sexual maturation. In the same way, during pregnancy, women suffer alterations in the secretion of certain hormones which allow the adaptation of their bodies to that physiological state and the normal development of the foetus. As for the elderly, a general decline of health is observed during ageing, and hormonal dysfunctions, such as the development of insulin resistance and thyroid dysfunction, frequently occur.This volume focuses on metabolic and hormonal changes during the human lifetime. Screenings best suited for each life stage, the reasons for doing them, and the diseases they allow the diagnosis of are also presented.

This book follows on from Volume 83 in the SCBI series (“Macromolecular Protein Complexes”), and addresses several important topics (such as the Proteasome, Anaphase Promoting Complex, Ribosome and Apoptosome) that were not previously included, together with a number of additional exciting topics in this rapidly expanding field of study. Although the first SCBI Protein Complex book focused on soluble protein complexes, the second (Vol. 87)addressed Membrane Complexes, and the third (Vol. 88) put the spotlight on Viral Protein and Nucleoprotein Complexes, a number of membrane, virus and even fibrillar protein complexes have been be considered for inclusion in the present book. A further book is also under preparation that follows the same pattern, in an attempt to provide a thorough coverage of the subject.Chapter 9 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.

This open access book highlights concepts discussed at two international conferences that brought together world-renowned scientists to advance the science of potassium (K) recommendations for crops. There was general agreement that the potassium recommendations currently in general use are oversimplified, outdated, and jeopardize soil, plant, and human health. Accordingly, this book puts forward a significantly expanded K cycle that more accurately depicts K inputs, losses and transformations in soils. This new cycle serves as both the conceptual basis for the scientific discussions in this book and a framework upon which to build future improvements. Previously used approaches are critically reviewed and assessed, not only for their relevance to future enhancements, but also for their use as metrics of sustainability. An initial effort is made to link K nutrition in crops and K nutrition in humans. The book offers an invaluable asset for graduate students, educators, industry scientists, data scientists, and advanced agronomists.

This textbook introduces the industrial production and processing of natural resources. It is divided into six major topics (fats and oils, carbohydrates, lignin, terpenoids, other natural products, biorefinery), which are divided into a total of 20 chapters.Each chapter is self-contained and therefore a compact learning unit, which can be worked on by students in self-study or presented by lecturers. Clear illustrations, flow diagrams, apparatus drawings and photos facilitate the understanding of the subject matter. All chapters end with a succinct summary, the'Take Home Messages'. Each chapter is supplemented by ten short test questions, which can be solved quickly after working through the chapter; the answers are at the end of the book. All chapters contain bibliographical references that focus on essential textbooks and reference works. As a prior knowledge, only basic knowledge of chemistry is required.

This volume is designed to provide an understanding of current and potential therapies for osteoporosis. The opening chapter introduces the cells of bone and their interactions. Several following chapters describe factors affecting bone including systemic hormones with significant effects on bone, and local mediators including growth factors, prostaglandins, cytokines and chemokines. Topics that have commanded particular attention recently are calcium, FGF-23, nervous system bone interactions. Drugs that cause bone loss provide important information on mechanism as well as therapeutic considerations. An overview of the genetics of bone disorders and a discussion of the pathophysiology of osteoporosis establish the clinical context. The final chapters discuss current and potential osteoporosis treatments.

This book provides an excellent platform for understanding the chemical processes involved in food transformation. Starting with the examination of major food components, such as water, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and minerals, the author further introduces the biochemistry of digestion and energy metabolism of food ingredients. The last section of the book is devoted to modern food technologies and their future perspectives.

The Essential Guide to Vitamin D first discusses vitamin D receptor, a member of the superfamily of nuclear steroid/thyroid hormone receptors that can be found in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. It acts mainly as a ligand-dependent DNA-binding transcriptional factor mediating the actions of the biological active form of vitamin D (VD), the metabolite 1α,25[OH]2D3. Vitamin D has a complex role in the human body. Beside the classical effects in bone mineralization, a significant amount of data regarding the role of this vitamin in cell differentiation, defense mechanism, allergy, inflammation, metabolism and hormonal regulation continue to accumulate. As such, the relevance of these effects for lung disorders is under investigation. Vitamin D is a hormone with pleiotropic effects; it controls calcium homeostasis, immune response, and hemodynamic wall stress. In the last decade, numerous studies have focused on the role of vitamin D levels in cardiovascular disease. In particular, it has been shown that insufficient Vitamin D levels are frequently observed among patients with cardiovascular disease. Additionally, calcitriol, which is also called 1, 25-dihydroxy vitamin D3, is involved in several physiological processes maintaining balanced bone turnover and a healthy bone microenvironment. The beneficial effects of vitamin D on bone biomechanical features are not exclusively attributable to the reduction in non-mineralized bone matrix, but to the osteocyte number and their connectivity, too. Studies have reported that Vitamin D is essential for recovery of hospitalized patients as they are at increased risk of developing/worsening vitamin D deficiency due to lack of availability of sources of the vitamin. Various cognitive disorders have also been associated with hypovitaminosis D. Vitamin D has also been proposed as a risk-modifying factor for many chronic diseases, including multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, cognitive issues, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, psoriasis, and other autoimmune diseases. Vitamin D deficiency is the main cause of osteoporosis and osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children. The low serum of this vitamin is common in patients suffering from cardiovascular, autoimmune, cancer, psoriasis, depression and atherosclerosis disorder. The highly sensitive nature of vitamin D to environmental factors including light, heat, and oxygen, as well as hydrophobicity and acid labile nature, are the major drawbacks that need to be addressed for development of an efficient formulation for vitamin D.

This book focuses on the nutrients and nutraceuticals that promote active and healthy ageing – recently defined by the WHO as the process of development and maintenance of functional capacity that allows well-being at an advanced stage of life. There has been a rapid rise in the use of nutritional interventions as well as specific nutraceuticals in the management of multifactorial aspects of clinical health outcomes. Written by leading experts this book comprehensively discusses the various ageing phenotypes and age-related diseases. It also assesses the nutritional status of the elderly and the various epidemiological factors that influence it. It reviews the role of dietary fiber in disease-free and fully functional ageing. Further, the book explores the benefits of polyphenols, which are secondary plant metabolites, in protecting against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and various neurodegenerative diseases.

Mechanobiology: From Molecular Sensing to Disease will provide a review of the current state of understanding of mechanobiology and its role in health and disease. It covers: Current understanding of the main molecular pathways by which cells sense and respond to mechanical stimuli, A review of diseases that with known or purported mechanobiological underpinnings; The role of mechanobiology in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine; Experimental methods to capture mechanobiological phenomena; Computational models in mechanobiology. Presents our current understanding of the main molecular pathways by which cells sense and respond to mechanical stimuli Provides a review of diseases with known or purported mechanobiological underpinnings Includes the role of mechanobiology in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine Covers experimental methods to capture mechanobiological phenomena

GPCRS: Structure, Function, and Drug Discovery provides a comprehensive overview of recent discoveries and our current understanding of GPCR structure, signaling, physiology, pharmacology and methods of study. In addition to the fundamental aspects of GPCR function and dynamics, international experts discuss crystal structures, GPCR complexes with partner proteins, GPCR allosteric modulation, biased signaling through protein partners, deorphanization of GPCRs, and novel GPCR-targeting ligands that could lead to the development of new therapeutics against human diseases. GPCR association with, and possible therapeutic pathways for, retinal degenerative diseases, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer and diabetic nephropathy, among other illnesses, are examined in-depth. Addresses our current understanding and novel advances in the GPCR field, directing readers towards recent finding of key significance for translational medicine Combines a thorough discussion of structure and function of GPCRs with disease association and drug discovery Features chapter contributions from international experts in GPCR structure, signaling, physiology and pharmacology

In this book, the author provides expert analysis on naturally occurring iridoids, their chemistry and their distribution in plants and insects. Particular attention is given to the pharmacology of iridoids and their prospective applications in pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. Iridoids are found in a wide variety of plants and some insects, and they are structurally derived from monoterpenoid natural products. In the first two chapters of this book, the author describes the iridoids classification, occurrence and distribution in plants and insects. The following chapters cover different chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques that can be used to identify and quantify iridoids in herbal formulations, and also the biosynthesis of iridoids, in which the reader will discover a metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis to identify the genes involved in the biosynthesis. The final chapters provide insights on several pharmacological activities of iridoids, their physiological role in insects, pharmacokinetics in mammals, insects and microorganisms, and their applications in medicine and agriculture. This book will engage students and researchers interested in the chemistry of natural products, and it will also appeal to medicinal chemists and practitioners working in the design of new herbal drugs with bioactive pure iridoids.

The first part of this book describes in a condensed manner the current state of diagnosis and treatment of disorders of electrolyte balance and provides the physician with both a rapid aid to orientation at the bedside as well as a comprehensive insight into the pathophysiological relationships involved. A separate section deals with electrolytes in the urine. In the subsequent chapters, preanalysis and analysis of electrolytes are discussed with special reference to determination by means of ion-selective electrodes as well as'enzymatic” methods and carrier-bound reagents ('dry chemistry”) including quality assessment.

This unique work compiles the latest knowledge around veterinary nutraceuticals, commonly referred to as dietary supplements, from ingredients to final products in a single source. More than sixty chapters organized in seven sections collate all related aspects of nutraceutical research in animal health and disease, among them many novel topics: common nutraceutical ingredients (Section-I), prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, enzymes and antibacterial alternatives (Section-II), applications of nutraceuticals in prevention and treatment of various diseases such as arthritis, periodontitis, diabetes, cognitive dysfunctions, mastitis, wounds, immune disorders, and cancer (Section-III), utilization of nutraceuticals in specific animal species (Section-IV), safety and toxicity evaluation of nutraceuticals and functional foods (Section-V), recent trends in nutraceutical research and product development (Section-VI), as well as regulatory aspects for nutraceuticals (Section-VII). The future of nutraceuticals and functional foods in veterinary medicine seems bright, as novel nutraceuticals will emerge and new uses of old agents will be discovered. International contributors to this book cover a variety of specialties in veterinary medicine, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, toxicology, chemistry, medicinal chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, nutrition, drug development, regulatory frameworks, and the nutraceutical industry. This is a highly informative and carefully presented book, providing scientific insight for academia, veterinarians, governmental and regulatory agencies with an interest in animal nutrition, complementary veterinary medicine, nutraceutical product development and research.

This book series consists of 3 volumes covering the basic science (Volume 1), clinical science (Volume 2) and the technology and methodology (Volume 3) of autophagy. Volume 1 focuses on the biology of autophagy, including the signaling pathways, regulating processes and biological functions. Autophagy is a fundamental physiological process in eukaryotic cells. It not only regulates normal cellular homeostasis, and organ development and function, but also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of a wide range of human diseases. Thanks to the rapid development of molecular biology and omic technologies, research on autophagy has boomed in recent decades, and more and more cellular and animal models and state-of the-art technologies are being used to shed light on the complexity of signaling networks involved in the autophagic process. Further, its involvement in biological functions and the pathogenesis of various diseases has attracted increased attention around the globe. Presenting cutting-edge knowledge, this book series is a useful reference resource for researchers and clinicians who are working on or interested in autophagy.

This book gathers a selection of original articles and critical reviews presented at the 21st International Taurine Meeting, held in Shenyang, China in May 2018, which discussed and disseminated the latest findings on taurine, especially in human life. The book is divided into eight parts, which respectively address: Taurine and Metabolism, Taurine and Nutrition, Taurine and Organ Dysfunction, Taurine and Heart Health, Taurine and Anti-cancer, Taurine and Anti-oxidation / Anti-microbial, Taurine and Neuroprotection, and Taurine and Anti-inflammatory. These latest discoveries concerning the functions and advantageous effects of taurine on the health of various human body systems will not only advance the treatment of human diseases and the quality of human life, but also promote further research into the applications of taurine in human health.

Fruit Crops: Diagnosis and Management of Nutrient Constraints is the first and only resource to holistically relate fruits as a nutritional source for human health to the state-of-the-art methodologies currently used to diagnose and manage nutritional constraints placed on those fruits. This book explores a variety of advanced management techniques, including open field hydroponic, fertigation/bio-fertigation, the use of nano-fertilizers, sensors-based nutrient management, climate- smart integrated soil fertility management, inoculation with microbial consortium, and endophytes backed up by ecophysiology of fruit crops. These intricate issues are effectively presented, including real-world applications and future insights. Presents the latest research, including issues with commercial application Details comprehensive insights into the diagnosis and management of nutrient constraints Includes contributions by world renowned researchers, providing global perspectives and experience

This book presents an overview of our current understanding of the biomineralization mechanisms for shell formation in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata, based on molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology and environmental biology. Pinctada fucata is the major pearl-producing shellfish in the South China Sea and is also an established model system for the research on the nacre biomineralization mechanism. Extensive studies on nacre biomineralization have provided valuable information for novel bionic material design. Discussing the isolation and gene cloning of the matrix proteins involved in the shell formation, as well as the cell signaling pathways, shell microstructures, and the environmental impacts on shell biomineralization, it is a valuable reference resource for researchers working in the field of nacre biomineralization and biomaterials.

With the recent shift of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to organic agriculture, the employment of microbes that perform significant beneficial functions for plants has been highlighted. This book presents timely discussion and coverage on the use of microbial formulations, which range from powdered or charcoal-based to solution and secondary metabolite-based bioformulations. Bioformulation development of biofertilizers and biopesticides coupled with the advantages of nanobiotechnology propose significant applications in the agricultural section including nanobiosensors, nanoherbicides, and smart transport systems for the regulated release of agrochemical. Moreover, the formulation of secondary metabolites against individual phytopathogens could be used irrespective of geographical positions with higher disease incidences. The prospective advantages and uses of nanobiotechnology generate tremendous interest, as it could augment production of agricultural produce while being cost-effective both energetically and economically. This bioformulation approach is incomparable to existing technology, as the bioformulation would explicitly target the particular pathogen without harming the natural microbiome of the ecosystem.Nanobiotechnology in Bioformulations covers the constraints associated with large-scale development and commercialization of bioinoculant formations. Furthermore, exclusive emphasis is be placed on next-generation efficient bioinoculants having secondary metabolite formulations with longer shelf life and advanced competence against several phytopathogens. Valuable chapters deal with bioformulation strategies that use divergent groups of the microbiome and include detailed diagrammatic and pictorial representation. This book will be highly beneficial for both experts and novices in the fields of microbial bioformulation, nanotechnology, and nano-microbiotechnology. It discusses the prevailing status and applications available for microbial researchers and scientists, agronomists, students, environmentalists, agriculturists, and agribusiness professionals, as well as to anyone devoted to sustaining the ecosystem.

At the time of the first edition of Principles of Cancer Biotherapy in 1987, this book represented the first comprehensive textbook on biological therapy. In 1991, when the second edition was published, there was still some doubt on the part of many oncologists and cancer researchers as to the therapeutic value of these new approaches. By 2003 and the fourth edition, it was generally agreed that biopharmaceuticals were producing major opportunities for new cancer therapies. Cancer biotherapy has now truly matured into the fourth modality of cancer treatment. This fifth revised edition describes the tremendous progress that has been made in recent years using biologicals in cancer treatment. This book summarizes an evolving science and a rapidly changing medical practice in biotherapy. In this new millennium, it is now possible to envision a much more diversified system of cancer research and treatment that will afford greater opportunities for a patient's personalized cancer treatment. This was first envisioned in the 1987 initial edition of this textbook and is now a'new'and popular approach to cancer treatment. Some forms of cancer biotherapy use the strategy of tumor stabilization and control though continued biological therapy, akin to the use of insulin in the treatment of diabetes. This textbook illustrates new methods of thinking and new strategies for control of cancer. It is always difficult to move from past dogma to future opportunity, but this fifth edition of Principles of Cancer Biotherapy illustrates why it is so important to the patients for researchers and clinicians to explore and quickly apply these new opportunities in cancer biotherapy.

Advances in Clinical Chemistry, Volume 90, the latest installment in this internationally acclaimed series, contains chapters authored by world-renowned clinical laboratory scientists, physicians and research scientists. The serial discusses the latest and most up-to-date technologies related to the field of clinical chemistry, and is the benchmark for novel analytical approaches in the clinical laboratory. Provides the most up-to-date technologies in clinical chemistry and clinical laboratory science Authored by world-renowned clinical laboratory scientists, physicians and research scientists Presents the international benchmark for novel analytical approaches in the clinical laboratory

Published in 2014, Protein Deimination in Human Health and Disease was the first book on this novel post-translational modification, in which selected positively-charged arginine amino acids are converted to neutral citrulline amino acids by the peptidyl-arginine deiminase (PAD) family of enzymes. This area of research continues to expand rapidly, necessitating the need for this second edition. Chronicling the latest inflammatory, epigenetic, neurodegenerative, and carcinogenic processes, Protein Deimination in Human Health and Disease, Second Edition, updates the latest advances in deimination research, including new information on PAD enzyme structure and activity, and how PAD knock-out animals are being used to study known and newly-discovered links to various human diseases. The first edition outlined what was known about citrullinated proteins in normal tissues such as skin and hair, as well as in maladies such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), glaucoma, peripheral nerve injury, neonatal hypoxic brain damage, and breast cancer. This second edition addresses numerous additional disorders such as diabetes, asthma, traumatic brain injury, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, bone disease, heart failure, fronto-temporal dementia, and prostate and colon cancer. It also provides updates on the deimination research covering the three seminal diseases first linked to this process (RA, MS and AD), and details how auto-antibodies against citrullinated proteins contribute to disease. In addition, new hypotheses on the possible pathologic mechanisms of citrullinated myelin basic protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein are also proposed. This second edition also outlines the latest developments in therapeutic strategies, including the use of new PAD antagonists and innovative techniques such as micro-vescicles and stem cells as possible mechanisms to treat these conditions.

Medical Biochemistry is supported by over forty years of teaching experience, providing coverage of basic biochemical concepts, including the structure and physical and chemical properties of hydrocarbons, lipids, proteins, and nucleotides in a straightforward and easy to comprehend language. The book develops these concepts into the more complex aspects of biochemistry using a systems approach, dedicating chapters to the integral study of biological phenomena, including particular aspects of metabolism in some organs and tissues, and the biochemical bases of endocrinology, immunity, vitamins, hemostasis, and apoptosis. Integrates basic biochemistry principles with molecular biology and molecular physiology Provides translational relevance to basic biochemical concepts though medical and physiological examples Utilizes a systems approach to understanding biological phenomena

Advances in Clinical Chemistry, Volume 82, the latest installment in this internationally acclaimed series, contains chapters authored by world-renowned clinical laboratory scientists, physicians and research scientists. This updated volume includes chapters on Calcium and Bone Metabolism Indices, Cytokines and MicroRNA in Coronary Artery Disease, Biological and molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells: A creative strategy for precision medicine?, Towards a blood-borne biomarker of chronic hypoxemia: Red cell distribution width and respiratory disease, miRNAs: nanomachines that microManage the pathophysiology of Diabetes mellitus, and Fortilin, A Potential Target for the Prevention and Treatment of Human Diseases. The serial discusses the latest and most up-to-date technologies related to the field of clinical chemistry, and is the benchmark for novel analytical approaches in the clinical laboratory. Provides the most up-to-date technologies in clinical chemistry and clinical laboratory science Authored by world renowned clinical laboratory scientists, physicians and research scientists Presents the international benchmark for novel analytical approaches in the clinical laboratory

Quantitative Human Physiology: An Introduction, winner of a 2018 Textbook Excellence Award (Texty), is the first text to meet the needs of the undergraduate bioengineering student who is being exposed to physiology for the first time, but requires a more analytical/quantitative approach. This book explores how component behavior produces system behavior in physiological systems. Through text explanation, figures, and equations, it provides the engineering student with a basic understanding of physiological principles with an emphasis on quantitative aspects. Winner of a 2018 Textbook Excellence Award (College) (Texty) from the Textbook and Academic Authors Association Features a quantitative approach that includes physical and chemical principles Provides a more integrated approach from first principles, integrating anatomy, molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology Includes clinical applications relevant to the biomedical engineering student (TENS, cochlear implants, blood substitutes, etc.) Integrates labs and problem sets to provide opportunities for practice and assessment throughout the course NEW FOR THE SECOND EDITION Expansion of many sections to include relevant information Addition of many new figures and re-drawing of other figures to update understanding and clarify difficult areas Substantial updating of the text to reflect newer research results Addition of several new appendices including statistics, nomenclature of transport carriers, and structural biology of important items such as the neuromuscular junction and calcium release unit Addition of new problems within the problem sets Addition of commentary to power point presentations

This book on'Fundamentals of Biochemistry'contains three parts. Part1 has 10 chapters each describing the structure and functions of different biochemical components. Part II includes 4 chapters that describe different metabolic reactions and Part III list out some important analytical methods. Chapter1 lists the major molecules that make up food. The sources that supply these macromolecules are given. The important functions of each macromolecule are also described. Chapter2 provides the classification and function of carbohydrates present in plant and animal tissues. The structure of monosaccharaides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides are described.The important reactions of carbohydrates are also described to give a basic knowledge so as to understand the methods used for their qualitative and quantitative estimations. Chapter3 gives detailed account of the amino acids, the monomers of protein, their classification, structure and functions. The important physical and chemical properties and reactions are also described. The principle behind their important reactions and their application for the qualitative and quantitative estimations are also given. Chapter 4 describes the classification and functions of proteins. The structural organization and the forces that stabilize these structures are also given. The properties and important reactions of proteins are also described. In chapter5 the classification and structure of lipids are described to enable the student to understand the heterogeneous nature of compounds of lipids and fatty acids that occur in plant and animal tissues. The properties and reactions of lipids are also given. Further the digestion, absorption and metabolism for providing energy are also described. Chapter 6 gives an account of the structure and functions of nucleic acids present in cells. The phenomenon of replication and recombinant DNA synthesis arealso described. Further, the processes involved in the transcriptionand translation of RNA are also described. Chapter 7 describes the classification and functional organization of enzymes, the biocatalysts, present in cells and tissues of plant and animal. Further the mechanisms by which these enzymes functions and their inhibition by different compounds are also described. Chapter 8 describes the classification and functions of hormones present if various tissues and organs of animals. The mechanisms that are involved in the functioning of different hormones are also described. Chapter 9 and 10 describe the structure and biological functions of water soluble and lipid soluble vitamins. The requirement and sources for the supply of these vitamins are also given. The effect of deficiency of these vitamin intake and the effects due to excess intake are alsodescribed.. Part II consists of four chapters. They describe the details of digestion, absorption of carbohydrate, protein and lipids and energy production. The catabolic and anabolic reactions involving the above components and the processes of energy production and their utilization are also described Part III lists out the principles and apparatus used for the for the qualitative and quantitative estimation of major biochemical compounds like Method of total Lipid Extraction from Fresh and Frozen Fish, Estimation of Glycogen with Anthrone Reagent, Estimation of Total Nitrogen and Protein Content of Fish by Micro Kjeldahl Method, Estimation of Protein by Lowry's Method, Determination of Saponification Number of Fish Fat / Oil, Determination of Iodine Value of Fish Oil, Estimation of Lipase Activity, Determination of Molecular Weight of Proteins by Gel Electrophoresis (SDS - PAGE), Separation of Lipid of Fish Samples Using thin Layer Chromatography, Paper Chromatography of Amino Acids. The book provides a comprehensive account on fundamentals of Biochemistry. The book will be useful for fishery professionals, students, scientists and college teachers as a useful ref

This fully updated and extended second edition provides a comprehensive overview on the basic concepts of the rapidly developing field of osteoimmunology and also offers in-depth insights into the molecular mechanisms of bone diseases. Clinical data is presented and put into context with the latest research findings. This second edition in addition discusses the latest topics in transplantation immunology. The book addresses scientists and physicians working in immunology, pathophysiology and osteology.

This second edition offers a comprehensive overview of the physiological functions of vertebrate kidneys from a comparative viewpoint, with particular emphasis on nonmammalian vertebrates. The topics covered include renal structure; glomerular ultrafiltration; tubular transport of inorganic ions, organic substances, and fluid; and urine dilution and concentration. Mammalian renal function is only considered for purposes of comparison with nonmammalian renal function and as a frame of reference for some of the discussions. The major findings on nonmammalian renal functionand the important unanswered questions raised by those findings are described in detail. As such, the book provides comprehensive information on comparative renal function for biological scientists and advanced students of biology with some knowledge of physiology and a desire to know more about renal function in vertebrates, and for mammalian renal physiologists who wish to obtain a broader view of renal function.

Klotho is the latest edition of a series first published in 1943 on Vitamins and Hormones and the longest-running serial published by Academic Press. It provides up-to-date information on vitamin and hormone research spanning data from molecular biology to the clinic, with volumes focusing on a single molecule or on a disease that is related to vitamins or hormones that are interpreted broadly so that related substances, such as transmitters, cytokines, growth factors, and others can be reviewed. Contains contributions from experts in the field of vitamins and hormones Covers a vast array of subjects In-depth, current information at the molecular to clinical levels

This book describes the dietary habits (such as use of probiotics, synbiotics, prebiotics and dietary fiber) that could modify and reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). The book will be of practical and scientific use to academicians, research scholars, students, health professionals, nutritionists, etc. and could support the cause of preventing CRC by adopting smarter food habits. CRC is the third leading cause of death, in terms of both incidence and mortality, among men and women. Excess consumption of red and processed meat, roasted coffee, etc. have shown an increase in CRC, indicating that compounds formed in food containing free amino acids and sugars interact at elevated temperatures to form mutagens or carcinogens. Standard treatment options for CRC include invasive surgery and chemotherapy or radiation. Several lifestyle and dietary factors could prevent this ailment. Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics that are found in functional foods, health supplements and nutraceuticals and short chain fatty acids that are formed in the colon as a result of microbial fermentation of undigested bioactive carbohydrates by Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus inhibit colonic epithelial cells and minimize inflammation, thereby exhibiting immunomodulatory effects. This book tries to address the novel unexplored benefits and mechanism of action of these functional foods.

Handbook of Hormones: Comparative Endocrinology for Basic and Clinical Research collates fundamental information about the structure and function of hormones from basic biology to clinical use. The handbook offers a rapid way to obtain specific facts about the chemical and molecular characteristics of hormones, their receptors and signalling pathways, and the biological activities they regulate. The evolution of hormones and gene families is also covered both in the text and in online ancillaries. Users will find simple and visual ways to learn key molecular information. Chapters and online ancillary resources integrate additional sections, providing a comparative molecular, functional, and evolutionary consideration. Provides the only single resource available with concise, yet informative descriptions of hormones in vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants Presents hormones in groups according to their origin, so that readers can easily understand their inter-relation Includes comparative information on the structures and functions of hormones enabling readers to understand both general and specific actions in and across species Ancillary website hosts additional information, including sequence data, comparative data, figures, and tables