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CRISPR/Cas has emerged, as a powerful genetic engineering tool. It is simple yet highly affordable and robust. This book provides a basic introduction to the mechanism and architecture of the CRISPR/Cas. It enlightens the readers about the new advancements such as gene insertion, transcriptional activation, suppression, gene tagging, multiplexing, base editing, prime editing, and tissue culture free editing which makes it easier for crop improvement. With such technologies, application of genome editing has opened new paths for crop improvements and sustainable agriculture. The current book will be useful for beginners to understand these tools and how to use them in a better and more efficient way.

Childhood Obesity: From Basic Knowledge to Effective Prevention brings together field experts, taking a multifactorial approach to understand the scope and various causes of the issue and offer the latest in treatment and prevention strategies and resources. Beginning with basic concepts and definitions, chapters progress to cover worldwide prevalence and trends, genetic and epigenetic origins, metabolic programming, and neuroendocrine control of appetite and satiety. Further, this book examines social determinants and lifestyle behaviors contributing to risk factors as well as complications associated with childhood obesity. Final chapters discuss multidisciplinary treatment, strategies for prevention, and current worldwide policies aimed to address obesity in children. This fundamental reference is a vital resource for both researchers and practicing clinicians in pediatric medicine. - Provides a comprehensive approach to childhood obesity - Presents a multi-omics description of the early origins of childhood obesity - Includes innovative strategies to treat and prevent obesity in children

Proteomics, Multi-Omics and Systems Biology in Optic Nerve Regeneration is a comprehensive reference that covers all vistas of standardization of axon regeneration, as well as all multi-omics and system level data and integration tools. By adopting a translational approach, the book bridges current research in the field to clinical applications, and readers can expect to learn standardization approaches for axon regeneration, multi-omics datasets, different databases, search engines, multiple dataset integrative tools, pathway convergence approaches and tools, outcome and outcome measures that unify bench research with clinical outcome.The axon regeneration from existing neurons in central nervous system (CNS) have become a potential possibility in the last decade. The potential possibility of long-distance axon growth has opened the possibility of re-connectivity of axons of retinal ganglion cell neurons within the lateral geniculate nucleus in the brain. The long-distance axon regeneration and re-connectivity is a promise to restore lost vision in the optic nerve. Further, long-distance regeneration and re-innervation is equally helpful for other fields such as spinal cord injuries. - Includes updates on the use of multi-omics datasets for selecting molecules for axon regeneration - Bridges the preclinical and clinical world, from selection of the molecules to outcome leading to IND filing and their use - Includes system level knowledge needed for central nervous system axon and dendrite regeneration, and standardizes the system level biology for axon regeneration - Explores the current state of multi-omics in axon and dendrite regeneration in the optic nerve and its comparison to other CNS regeneration

With changing consumer preferences and the focus on developing resilient food systems, food processing is finding its place in key policies, government interventions, global trade, and the overall food and nutritional security. Given this, this new 3-volume collection offers a compilation of emerging and futuristic food processing technologies, presenting fundamental concepts of food technology, trending applications, and a range of interdisciplinary concepts that have found numerous interwoven applications in the food industry.Volume 3 is an exploration of the future of food processing, highlighting certain emerging and disruptive technologies and their gaining influence in the food sector. The first five chapters focus on computers and information technology-linked applications such as CFD modeling, robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, big data, the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and blockchain management for the food industry. The book then details selected interesting concepts that have made phenomenal advancements in recent years: approaches for improved delivery of nutrients, micro- and nanofluidics, novel drying technologies, smart and intelligent packaging, as well as 3D food printing technology.The other volumes in the series are Volume 1: Fundamentals of Food Processing Technology, which presents the basics of food preservation, covering hurdle technology, aspects of minimal processing, ohmic heating of foods, edible coatings, and electromagnetics and allied applications in food processing; and Volume 2: Advances in Nonthermal Processing Technologies, which focuses on the interesting field of nonthermal processing and its applications.

Achieving integral health is a challenge that necessitates a diversified approach from different disciplines to achieve a coordinated impact on people's health. Food and nutrition form an essential part of this approach. This new book explores some important advances in the role of nutrition in integral health and quality of life, laying special emphasis on the challenges that humans face in this era of sedentary lifestyles, diseases associated with food consumption, and social, economic, environmental, and cultural crises. The volume discusses interdisciplinary approaches to nutrition, focusing on nutrition for children, the impact of nutrition on chronic noncommunicable diseases and gastrointestinal disorders, the nutritional profile of fermented foods and their health benefits, microstructured particles as bioactive compound carriers, and more. The book also offers an analysis of obesity and its dimensions, covering childhood obesity risks and challenges at home and at school, quality of life in adult patients with diabetes, the role of genetics and epigenetics in obesity, and more. The impact of nutrition on oral and dental health is also addressed in the book.

This book offers comprehensive coverage of all manifestations of resistance in combating infectious diseases and explores advances in antimicrobials in agriculture and their applications in the fight against microbes. According to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to global health because the number of alternative antibiotics is very limited. Antimicrobial resistance is a slow, evolutionary process that has been accelerated by human activities in the health, environment, and agriculture sectors. Due to their wide application, antibiotics and their residues have been found in almost all food products and natural ecosystems. This book appraises the drivers, impact, and mitigation of antimicrobials, with a focus on methods and targets. In addition, it also provides a variety of photographs, diagrams, and tables to help illustrate the material. The novel strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance are also described, emphasizing collaborative measures of control. The underlying molecular mechanisms, which depend not only on the microbe but on the specific drug molecule, are highly diverse and are covered in detail.Students, researchers, scientists, practitioners, academicians, biologists, microbiologists, stakeholders, and policymakers can benefit from current trends in antimicrobials in agriculture that address microbiology, microbial biotechnology, ethnopharmacology, toxicology, natural medicinal plant products, secondary metabolites, and all disciplines related to antimicrobial research.Features of the book: Covers antimicrobials in agriculture with up-to-date research Recent references on plausible antimicrobials in agriculture Public health impact of the use of antibiotics in agriculture Antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal plants Role of phytoalexins in agriculture Nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents Presents cutting-edge research on microbiology, nanotechnology, and emergent antimicrobial technologies

An Introduction to the Amphibians of Ecuador is the first of four volumes, which are comprehensive, well-illustrated, and authoritative works, making them invaluable to biologists, conservationists, and others. This initial volume delves into the cultural history of amphibians, encompassing ethnobatrachology and folklore, while summarizing the amphibian iconography found in Ecuadorian archaeology. Moreover, it covers topics such as bioprospecting, sustainable management, and biotrade activities. The history and present state of amphibian biology research are also addressed. Furthermore, it explores in comprehensive detail the rich amphibian diversity of Ecuador, providing a thorough review of biogeography, amphibian declines, and conservation.Subsequent volumes list the characteristics of each species, define each taxon, and compare them to similar other species. Natural history and reproductive behavior, where known, are described, as are data on vocalizations, larvae, and ontogenetic changes. Amphibian distributions are illustrated with physiographic maps with dots. Each volume addresses the declines, extinctions, and conservation status of each species and provides notations of their occurrence in reserves.KEY FEATURES Summarizes the ethnozoological aspects of amphibians Provides a thorough history of research Introduction to three volumes providing accounts for each of the 3 orders, 19 families, 78 genera, and over 650 species from Ecuador

This new 3-volume set provides informative reviews on the physiology of sponges, cnidarians, round and flat worms, annelids, echinoderms, and crustaceans, advancing our knowledge of the physiology of these major invertebrate groups (Phyla). Invertebrates exhibit the largest number of species and occupy virtually every conceivable ecological niche. They are economically important in food chains, they recycle organic waste, and they are crucial pollinators of plants and sources of food. They are also medically relevant as parasites that cause major diseases of both humans and livestock.Chapters on crustacean physiology are grouped in this volume and cover diverse physiological topics ranging from moulting, respiration, water balance, biomineralization, bioreceptors, and temperature regulation to the land adaptation of terrestrial crustaceans. The chapters are comprehensive and add new knowledge to crustacean biology.Volume 1 looks at non-bilaterians (sponges, cnidarians, placozoans) while echinoderms and annelids are covered in Volume 3.

Hepatology: An Evidence-Based Clinical Compendium provides current and comprehensive insights into the field of hepatology, covering various aspects such as diagnosis, management, control, techniques, procedures, and technology. By offering the latest information, the book ensures that readers stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving landscape of hepatology. The comprehensive scope covers a wide range of topics related to liver diseases, including epidemiology, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology. It features contributions from esteemed experts worldwide and is enhanced with high-quality diagrams. The book serves as a valuable resource for scientists and researchers, offering a solid foundation for their investigations and clinical inquiries.Moreover, the book goes beyond the discussion of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology, and presents updated treatment and management guidelines for liver diseases, making it a go-to reference for Clinicians treating liver diseases. - Presents current and comprehensive insights into the diagnosis, management, control, techniques, procedures, and technology in hepatology - Facilitates evidence-based decision-making for better patient care, enabling practitioners to effectively incorporate research findings into their treatment approaches - Guides the selection of optimal treatment and management options, equipping readers with valuable resources to overcome challenges encountered in clinical practice - Enhances knowledge and skills for clinical practice, offering valuable support to healthcare professionals seeking to improve their expertise

Nanomedicine in Translational Research: Status and Future Challenges harnesses the current developments and future directions of diagnostic and therapeutic solutions in clinical scenarios. This book integrates nanomedicine and biomaterials to develop healthcare technology for improved patient care and clinical practices, through applications using theranostics, biomaterials, 3-D printing, regenerative medicines, and nanosystems. Those in this multidisciplinary field will need to improve procedures and protocols, as well as regulatory guidelines and their clinical implications. This book will be highly useful as it is written by experts in the field for researchers working in the areas of nanotechnology, biomaterials, drug delivery, and pharmaceuticals for chronic diseases. - Focuses on the pillars contributing to the global healthcare crisis: geopolitical changes, overpopulation/migration, and climate change. - Includes personal interviews with many world leaders in different areas along with the authors'hands-on experience on healthcare, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, for drafting the contents that confirm advanced healthcare. - Provides a broad and multidisciplinary understanding of healthcare, allowing the readers to understand their role and empower them to take initiatives to emerging solutions.

This book presents research findings on newly discovered pests and diseases that may be impacted by climate change in the tropics; current management techniques including molecular diagnostics, integrated pest management (IPM), and agroecological approach; and recent technological advancements used as preventive and curative approaches to mitigate the effects of plant pests and diseases. Combining the expertise of leading researchers in the various fields, the book provides a useful reference for all relevant stakeholders. The proposed book is prepared with the aim of disseminating the current research development of emerging pests and diseases in the tropics in the era of climate change as well as new and eco-friendly pest and disease management technologies of tropical crops. The book is divided into three parts with sixteen chapters. Part 1: Advances in Tropical Insect Pest Management consists of five chapters describing the discovery, formulations, and applications of nature-based solutions such as natural enemies of insects, insect hormones, botanicals, and microorganisms for sustainable pest management. Part 2: Advances in Tropical Plant Disease Management consists of seven chapters, describing the causal agents of economically important diseases of tropical crops, rapid pathogen detection systems as well as effective and sustainable disease management strategies. Part 3: Advances in Other Tropical Pests Management consists of four chapters detailing the various eco-friendly pest management of vertebrates, mollusks, weeds, and emerging IR4.0 technologies in pest management. Ideas for future volumes on this subject: Volume II would be a follow-up to Volume I. It covers emerging pests and diseases of the tropics in greater depth, with a focus on specific hosts and diseases. Robust pests and disease management technologies utilized in crop protection in tropical areas by the farmers will be discussed as well.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is among the most diagnosed cancers in men worldwide as well as one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths. Despite the advances in treatment, the disease remains associated with poor survival and resistance to cytotoxic and targeted therapies. Therapy Resistance in Prostate Cancer: Mechanisms and Insights highlights the main mechanisms that are responsible for therapy resistance in PCa allowing researchers and clinicians to have a synopsis of current options and new therapies that can be proposed to overcome this resistance. Understanding the mechanisms responsible for chemotherapy resistance helps researchers all over the world to delve deeper into the pathways behind this resistance and potentially discover new therapeutic targets for PCa. - Tackles the topic of resistance from a broader perspective, including, but not limited to, the role of the extracellular matrix and cancer stem cells in therapy resistance - Creates understanding on how to develop novel therapies that specifically target CSCs to eliminate the regenerating capacity of the tumor and overcome therapy resistance - Helps in identifying novel molecular biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets pertaining to the tumor microenvironment to overcome therapy resistance - Provides a general view of the main pathways involved in PCa progression that will aid in understanding the mechanisms responsible for chemotherapy resistance

Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management explores the intersection of nanotechnology and agriculture. This book serves as a comprehensive exploration of the current state and future potential of nanoparticles in revolutionizing plant disease management within the realm of agriculture. This book elucidates the synthesis, characterization and judicious application of nanoparticles, providing a clear and accessible explanation of what nanomaterials are, how they are characterized, and their pivotal role in reshaping the plant disease management systems. It scrutinizes innovative strategies that influence the unique properties of nanoparticles to identify and monitor the presence of pathogens at early stages. The book also examines the limitations inherent in the use of nanomaterials for disease management in plants by critically evaluating both sides of the spectrum. This aims to provide a candid overview of the hurdles that must be overcome to unlock the full benefits of nanotechnology in this field. By pinpointing and understanding these obstacles, the current work aims to pave the way for effective strategies and solutions, ensuring the responsible and optimized application of nanomaterials for enhanced plant disease management. This in-depth examination serves as a cornerstone, providing readers with a profound understanding of the intricate processes involved in synthesis, characterization and utilizing nanomaterials for disease control. Nanotechnology and Plant Disease Management is a testament to the transformative potential of nanotechnology in agriculture. The authors invite readers to embark on this enlightening journey, exploring the intricate world of nanomaterials and their application in safeguarding the health and vitality of plants.

Biodiversity and Bioeconomy: Status Quo, Challenges, and Opportuniti es comprehensively delivers the latest developments in theories of biodiversity and ecosystem functi oning and their major implicati ons for biodiversity conservati on through diversifying agriculture, forestry, and biomass producti on systems and linking these developments with sustainability of bioeconomy. This book provides basic understanding of biodiversity and bioeconomy, diff erent views of their interrelati onship, and their links with sustainable development goals. It also examines the research and practi ce of biodiversity and ecosystem functi oning in agriculture, forestry, and biomass producti on systems to achieve sustainable bioeconomy. Finally, this book examines status, challenges, and opportuniti es for biodiversity-centered bioeconomy providing a way forward. - Examines the status of scienti fi c understanding of biodiversity and bioeconomy and interrelatedness - Describes challenges and opportuniti es for socioeconomic and ecologically sustainable development of bioeconomy - Covers agriculture, forestry, and aquati c ecosystems and explores their biodiversity and bioeconomy potentials

Transplant Oncology: A Frontier in Multidisciplinary Cancer Care summarizes new and evolving scientific findings and discoveries in the field of cancer and transplants and gives guidance on future directions and related research. With a strong focus on transplant oncology, the book examines new and evolving topics, including the utilization of immunotherapy in special patient populations as well as the clinical updates on new concepts in the field such as using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) as a tool for minimal disease detection, surveillance, and treatment response evaluation as well as rejection assessment and detection in transplant patient for oncological indications. Sections cover applications of transplant medicine and surgery in oncology to improve patient survival outcome and quality of life. The book gives insight into anticancer strategies, such as initiating studies in genomics and cancer immunogenomics based on new insights in liver cancer. In addition, it describes how the adoption of surgical transplantation techniques in oncology has improved conventional resection and bridged the gap between tumor and transplant immunology. This is a must have reference for all those that want to be familiar and up-to-date with the dynamic changes in the field including practicing physicians, scientists, and trainees. - Illustrates the concept and history of transplant oncology as an evolving field for the management of hepatocellular carcinoma - Discusses the utility and safety of immunotherapy in the transplant setting - Summarizes the utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies in pre-and post-liver transplants for HCC patients and discusses the assessment of immune checkpoint inhibitor regulators that might determine liver transplant outcomes - Highlights new and evolving topics including the utilization of immunotherapy in special patient populations as well as the clinical updates on new concepts in the field, including treatment and rejection assessment

In recent decades, bio-nano interfaces have become a popular topic of research. The interface between biology (e.g., cells, proteins) and man-made materials (e.g., surfaces of labware, medical devices/implants, etc., that are exposed to the biological matter) has always been important, way before the terms of nanotechnology and nanoscience were coined. Nanotechnology brought new techniques into play, with which such interfaces can be investigated with an additional viewpoint. This book is a collection of articles spanning two decades that shows how the newer publications have evolved from the older ones. This allows the reader to see the development in the field not only technically but also conceptually. The book is, in particular, suitable for the researchers and general readers who are looking for inspiration on how ideas develop over decades.

Honey bees are social insects; they live together in large, well-organized family groups comprising three castes: queen (fertile female), workers (sterile females) and drones (males). During honey flow season, there is a considerable increase in the foraging activity of the workers and in the rate of egg laying by the queen. Sex determination in honey bees involves a multi-allelic locus, such that homozygotes develop as males and heterozygotes as females, whereas diet quality influences the caste determination in honey bees. Like all living organisms, honey bees can be infested with diseases and pests. Some of these are more deleterious to bee colonies than others, but it is important for the beekeeper to be able to recognize conditions that might be disease or pest-related and respond accordingly so as to improve the quality of honey and honey bee by-products.The best-known primary products of beekeeping are honey and wax, but pollen, propolis, royal jelly, venom, queens, bees and their larvae are also marketable primary bee products. The purpose of this book is to make available information on bee biology and beekeeping as well as to provide comprehensive information on manufacturing, processing and marketing of value-added bee products.This book has been designed as a useful tool for the many diverse professionals who characterize and market honey bee products, including beekeepers, non-beekeepers, small entrepreneurs, extension officers and those involved in small business development. This edited book will be the first of its kind to contain comprehensive information on both bees and bee products.Key Features: Contains comprehensive information on beekeeping. Discusses the recent advances in beekeeping. Sheds light on bee colony integration and organization. Contains brief information on honey bee products.

Dysphagia: A Clinical Guide will help practitioners and surgeons learn and understand how best to diagnose and treat dysphagia. It provides a complete picture of dysphagia through the experiences of leaders who cover the latest techniques and evidence-based outcomes in the field. Coverage includes the recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease processes that cause dysphagia, gastric problems, and need surgical intervention.It includes the latest research and perspectives from both gastroenterologists and surgeons to enable clinicians to stay up to date on the most current and effective management strategies. Each chapter provides summary statements and recommendations based on recent literature. Recent discoveries regarding the diagnosis and management of dysphagia are exemplified by illustrations of both diagnostic methods and descriptions of interventional techniques. This an important reference for general surgeons, general practitioners, and ENT surgeons while also bringing new data dedicated specifically to gastroenterologists and foregut surgeons. - Allows practitioners to stay up-to-date on the most current and effective management strategies for dysphagia - Provides a comprehensive picture of swallowing difficulty, from mouth to stomach - Contains recommendations on how to use research in the diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia

The book is an introduction to nanomedicine informed by a philosophical reflection about the domain and recent developments. It is an overview of the field, sketching out the main areas of current investment and research. The authors present some case-studies illustrating the different areas of research (nanopharmacy, theranostics and patient monitoring) as well as reflecting on the risks that accompany it, such as unanticipated impacts on human health and environmental toxicity. This introduction to a fast-growing field in modern medical research is of great interest to researchers working in many disciplines as well as the general public. In addition to an overview of the work currently ongoing, the authors critically assess these projects from an ethical and philosophical perspective.Key Features Provides an overview of nanomedicine Employs a reflective and coherent critical evaluation of the benefits and risks of nanomedicine Written in an accessible manner intended for a wide audience Related TitlesHehenberger, M. Nanomedicine: Science, Business, and impact (ISBN 978-9-8146-1376-7).Beg, S., et al. Nanomedicine for the treatment of Disease: From Concept to Application (ISBN 978-1-7746-3443-1)Brenner, S. The Clinical Nanomedicine Handbook (ISBN 978-1-1380-7578-8)

Informed by the Biopsychosocial Model, this Encyclopedia of Child and Adolescent Health examines multiple aspects of child and adolescent development and physical and mental health. According to the Biopsychosocial Model, health is determined by the reciprocal interactions between biological (e.g., genetics, physical development, family health history), psychological (e.g., mental health, identity developmental, attitudes), and social (e.g., family, peers, school, social supports) factors. This theory posits that each one of these factors alone is not sufficient to understand health; instead, it is important to understand how these interactive components ultimately influence health outcomes. In addition to the Biopsychosocial Model, this Encyclopedia of Child and Adolescent Health has a translational approach. Each section and all applicable entries include a discussion of prevention or intervention efforts that can inform health and health promotion, and prevent health risks. - Presents a comprehensive review of current child and adolescent research, along with critical insights into the future direction of the field, including translation and prevention - Includes concise, authoritative chapters that are expertly authored make this an easy-to-read, reliable reference resource - Provides a clear thematic structure that allows for easy exploration across the discipline's different sub-fields. - Helps readers find their topics of interest, all of which are contextualized and linked to relevant literature

Value-Addition in Beverages through Enzyme Technology covers the potential impact of new enzymes and enzyme technology on the beverages sector. The book brings together novel sources and technologies regarding all aspects of enzymes for value addition in beverage production and processing. Sections primarily focus on alcoholic (e.g., beer, wine, cider, and distilled spirits) and non-alcoholic beverages (e.g., fruit juices, milk-based, tea, coffee, ready to drink and functional foods), but also cover innovative enzyme technologies to keep endogenous enzymes under control. It is essential reading for researchers and scientists, including food and beverage biotechnologists and students studying enzyme biotechnology and food-related courses. This book will comprise updated research from various independent scientists from around the world who are working on value-addition and production of beverage products using enzyme technology. - Provides new genetic approaches for protein engineering for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages - Includes enzyme applications in the production and processing of beverages - Offers updates on the latest biotechnological tools in the production of value-added beverages - Discusses various types of enzymes extensively used in the beverage industry for improving yield of extraction, clarification, aroma enhancement, and more

Cardio-Hepatology: Connections Between Hepatic and Cardiovascular Disease provides a direct relationship between the cardiac and hepatic pathologies providing the link between the heart and liver and showing how liver diseases predispose to impairment in heart functioning and vice versa. Considering the growing number of patients living (and living longer) with heart failure and/or congenital heart disease, it is important to know when and how to test for liver disease in this population, how to interpret abnormal test results, and what management is appropriate. Coverage includes what should be done for patients to limit, avoid, or postpone the impairment in the liver functioning induced by heart diseases and the impairment in the heart functioning induced by liver diseases, on the basis of scientific-exposed evidence and pathophysiology knowledge. This comprehensive, extended review of the medical literature is perfect for researchers interested in the connection between cardiology and hepatology as well as clinicians making therapeutic decisions for patients suffering from heart or liver chronic diseases. - Reviews and discusses all current knowledge about the interactions between heart and liver pathologies - Provides guidance on current topics surrounding the assessment of the liver in heart failure - Presents important clinical cardiovascular assessments in cirrhotic patients

Sinusoidal Cells in Liver Diseases: Role in their Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment provides a state-of-the-art review on recent advances surrounding the role of liver sinusoidal cells (LSECs, HSCs, macrophages, and other non-parenchymal cells) in acute and chronic liver diseases. Coverage emphasizes disease pathophysiology, novel mechanisms, unmet clinical questions, development of biomarkers and treatment opportunities. By focusing on the role of sinusoidal cells in human liver diseases, this reference provides a comprehensive overview of the role of sinusoidal cells in acute and chronic liver diseases, in its pathophysiology and mechanisms, and in the development of novel biomarkers and new therapeutics. Cells of the liver vasculature play an essential role in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic liver diseases and are considered key therapeutic targets to treat most of human hepatopathies. Coverage in this reference includes the phenotypic changes occurring in liver vascular cells and how cells contribute to the development of microcirculatory dysfunction, fibrosis, inflammation, and liver failure. Provides a comprehensive update on the role of sinusoidal cells in acute and chronic liver diseasesCovers our current understanding of the role of sinusoidal cells as therapeutic targets to improve liver diseasesPresents the latest research in the development of novel biomarkers of liver diseases that derive from sinusoidal cells

This book details the long, diverse, and complex phylogenetic history of elephants and their fossil relatives (the Proboscidea), whose origin is deeply embedded some 60 million years ago in Africa. Most of the major evolutionary events of proboscideans occurred in Africa, and these are examined in their geological, paleoecological, geographic, and faunal contexts. Updated information about feeding adaptations, taxonomy and systematics, genetics, and site occurrences is included and summarized in tables, figures, and charts. This is the first comprehensive review of African proboscideans and illustrates the need to more actively protect elephants and ensure their survival in modern ecosystems.Key Features: Provides a comprehensive systematic review of the African proboscidean fossil record Includes a summary of taxonomy, geochronology, biogeography and morphology Documents major faunal events including those associated with hominin origins Synthesizes new data from genomic, isotopic, and microware analyses Emphasizes the role of elephants in ecosystems and the importance of conservation

Black-tailed and mule deer represent one of the largest distributions of mammals in North America and are symbols of the wide-open American West. Each chapter in this book was authored by the world's leading experts on that topic. Both editors, James R. Heffelfinger and Paul R. Krausman, are widely published in the popular and scientific press and recipients of the O. C. Wallmo Award, given every two years to a leading black-tailed and mule deer expert who has made significant contributions to the conservation of this species. In addition, Heffelfinger has chaired the Mule Deer Working Group sponsored by the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies for more than 15 years. This working group consists of the leading black-tailed and mule deer experts from each of 24 states, provinces, and territories in western North America, putting them at the forefront of all conservation and much of the research on this species.The book represents all current knowledge available on these deer, including how changing conditions such as fires, habitat alteration and loss, disease, climate change, socio-economic forces, energy development, and other aspects are influencing their distribution and abundance now and into the future. It takes a completely fresh look at all chapter topics. The revisions of distribution, taxonomy, evolution, behavior, and new and exciting work being done in deer nutrition, migration and movements, diseases, predation, and human dimensions are all assembled in this volume. This book will instantly become the foundation for the latest information and management strategies to be implemented on the ground by practitioners and to inform the public. Although this book is about deer, the topics discussed influence most terrestrial wildlife worldwide, and the basic concepts in many of the chapters are applicable to other species.