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This book aims to provide scientific information about toxins. Toxins are chemicals produced by living organisms that are poisonous to another organism. The chapters present the characteristics of toxins that can be harmful to tissues, organs or biological processes of living organisms, produced only by other living organisms. The authors of the prepared chapters also present the most popular toxins.

Metabolomics Perspectives: From Theory to Practical Application is an expertly written volume, which provides a thorough description of the current state-of-the-art in the metabolomics field. The philosophy behind the book is to guide the reader in a step-by-step exploration of metabolomics experiments, ranging from sample preparation to data extraction, analysis and interpretation, and to discuss the main current applications and future perspectives of this emerging science. Armed with critical insights, coupled with a clear writing, the book consists of three main sections. The first one introduces the pivotal theoretical fundamentals and provides a comprehensive overview of the'wet'laboratory workflow, including protocol instructions and a detailed description of experimental methods and analytical techniques. The second section covers a wide range of topics in the context of data analysis, including guidance in exploratory analysis, supervised and unsupervised machine learning approaches and validation and optimization methods. In addition to the several examples reported in the text, the book features an R package, specifically designed to perform all the described algorithms, which is hosted on a companion website (www.metabolomicsperspectives.com) together with several sets of available metabolomic data. Finally, an extensive dissertation describes the latest advances and the major fields of interest for metabolomics applications, highlighting their crucial potentials for future biomedical research. Thus, this book represents a must-read for both experienced researchers, interested in metabolomics, and newcomers to the field. - Provides an in-depth description of the metabolomics experimental workflow and its applications in life science and biomedical research - Features chapter contributions from the greatest international experts in the field - Includes an R package and several sets of metabolomics data, hosted on a companion website

The Ups and Downs in Drug Design: Adventures in Medicinal Chemistry highlights the necessity for an integrative approach in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology. As medicinal chemistry is not a monolithic science, it is important to emphasize the other various disciplines that are required for successful drug design. This book presents the author's own personal experience in this field and describes the'ups'and'downs'that come with drug discovery. It is an excellent companion text for graduate and postgraduate students who would like further insight into the parameters of drug design, including the challenges that come with the project.Key Features Illustrates'real-life'examples in medicinal chemistry Integrates the use of physical, chemical, and biological concepts that are important in drug design Highlights the'ups'and'downs'that come with drug discovery Aims to inspire students who may be struggling with the challenges and thought process in drug design Intends to be an excellent companion text for graduate and postgraduate students

This book comprehensively summarizes the biological mechanisms of coloration and pattern formation of animals at molecular and cellular level, offering up-to-date knowledge derived from remarkable progress in the last 10 years. The brilliant coloration, conspicuous patterns and spectacular color changes displayed by some vertebrates and invertebrates are generally their strategies of the utmost importance for survival. Consists of mainly three parts, starts with introductory chapter, such as Pigments and Pigment Organelles, Developmental Genetics of Pigment Cell Formation, Adult Pigment Patterns, and Color Changes, this book introduces new pigment compounds in addition to classically known pigments and organelles, explains how the generation of multiple types of pigment cell is genetically controlled, describes the mechanisms underlying the zebrafish stripe formation as well as other animals and also summarizes the mechanism of physiological and morphological color changes of teleost, amphibian and cephalopod. Written by experts in the field, this book will be essential reading for graduate students and researchers in biological fields who are interested in pigmentation mechanisms of animals.

This book provides a comprehensive and complete overview of biomarkers in clinical practice for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) bringing together the literature in a clear and concise manner. The book bridges the gap between growing knowledge at the bench and current and future applications of biomarkers in clinical practice. The central structure of the book focuses on prognostic and predictive biomarkers in IBD with an emphasis on the fields of research and scientific techniques (genomics, proteomics and metabonomics) that have led to biomarker discovery and places these biomarkers within a clinical context to help understand their utility in clinical practice.This book will be of use to clinicians who have an interest in using biomarkers in clinical practice as well as clinician researchers and scientists involved in the biomarker research pipeline.The author team comprises experts from around the world in order to bring together the literature in an effort to inform clinicians and researchers about the current state-of-the art in biomarker discovery. It is intended to assist future research efforts and indicate how biomarkers might be best applied to clinical practice both at present and in the future.

This 8-volume set provides a systematic description on 8,350 active marine natural products from 3,025 various kinds of marine organisms. The diversity of structures, biological resources and pharmacological activities are discussed in detail. Molecular structural classification system with 264 structural types are developed as well. The 7th volume mainly illustrates the molecular formula and structures of O-heterocycles and aromatics.

Dr. Heinonen reviews and critically evaluates the scientific literature on the biological role of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) published from 1940 to the end of 1999. He describes and classifies all known biochemical reactions that produce Ppi; describes and evaluates all published methods used in biological Ppi; and compiles and critically evaluates information on the concentration of PPi (with the conclusion that, contrary to common belief, PPi exists throughout the living world in rather high concentrations). Many reactions in which PPi is used as a biochemical energy source instead of ATP have been described in recent decades, especially in bacteria, protists, and plants. These reactions are evaluated from the bioenergetic and regulatory points of view. Also considered is the possible role of PPi as a source of biochemical energy in the primitive phases of life, before ATP. Data is presented on the regulatory role of PPi in living systems, such as activities of enzymes, fidelity of syntheses of macromolecules, and proliferation of cells. PPi may also regulate the formation and dissolution of bone as well as pathologic calcification of soft tissues and the formation of urinary stones. The formation of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate crystals in the extracellular fluids of joints cause the disease called pseudogout. Biological Role of Inorganic Pyrophosphate book is a unique and invaluable source of references (about 1120) and summarized data for professionals who study or plan to study the role of PPi in living systems. Many different branches of science (biochemistry, microbiology, bioenergetics, plant physiology, parasitology, evolution, orthopedics, rheumatology) have involvement with PPi. This book sums up available knowledge in one place and will help scientists cross disciplinary boundaries.

The Biochemistry of Plants: A Comprehensive Treatise, Volume 6: Proteins and Nucleic Acids provides information pertinent to the nucleic acids and the regulation of the expression of this information. This book presents the processes by which the nucleic acids are finally expressed as proteins. Organized into 14 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of the overall structure of eukaryotic genomes, with emphasis on higher-plant DNA. This text then examines the enzymes involved in the cleavage and degradation of DNA. Other chapters provide a critical assessment of eukaryotic nucleic acid polymerases. This book discusses as well some examples from plant mitochondrial systems. The final chapter deals with two special areas of plant biology where the expression of the nucleic acids is seen in striking relief, the formation of plant tumors, and the growth and expression of plant viruses. This book is a valuable resource for plant biochemists, molecular biologists, senior graduate students, and research workers.