Mucins are glycoproteins that are expressed in cells of different types and fulfill multiple functions that determine participation of these proteins in such processes as signal transduction, regulation of gene expression, cell proliferation, embryogenesis, cell differentiation, immunity, apoptosis and cancer development. This E-book series on mucins presents critical reviews on modern data concerning structures and functions of mucins, their roles in cell physiology and pathology as well as molecular aspects of therapy of mucin-associated diseases. Mucins are represented by two types of molecules: secreted mucins and membrane-bound (receptor) mucins. This e-book series represents a unique attempt to describe the molecular nature of mucin multifunctionality in separate volumes. Chapters in each volume demonstrate the central role of mucins as connectors and regulators of different signaling pathways and their participation metastatic processes. Clinical aspects of mucins, such as their role as diagnostic markers as well as possible applications in mucin-based immuno- and gene-therapies are also discussed. This is the first volume of the series. This volume introduces readers to the general properties of mucins, followed by chapters on specific variants of gel-forming and soluble mucins. The volume concludes with information on the functions of secreted mucins.

Mushrooms: A Wealth of Nutraceuticals and An Agent of Bioremediation informs readers about the growing role of mycotherapy and fungal biotechnology for a sustainable future. It presents reviews of efficient treatment strategies for different diseases with the help of mushrooms and derived nutraceuticals. This book also highlights efficient bioremediation strategies exhibited by common mushrooms. Starting with topics on the nutritional and medicinal values of various edible and non-edible mushrooms, the contributors explore their bioactive components. The book progressively covers the antidiabetic, anticancer and antimcrobial potential of mushrooms. The contents are rounded up by reviews of the application of fungal xylanase enzymes and bioremediation of heavy metals from the environment. This is a comprehensive reference for researchers interested in working in the field of applied mycology for nutraceuticals and environmental bioremediation for pollution control.

Fungi are extremely versatile microorganisms as a biotechnology tool having the advantage of being relatively easy to grow, thus making them suitable for large scale production. Fungi have been successfully employed for biotransformations ranging from food manufacturing to drug design. Mycofactories comprise a substantial share of significant current research in the area of fungal biotechnology, and constitutes an effort to compile high level research in this domain. Topics include applications of fungi as a main source for the production of enzymes, manufacture of food derivatives, pigments and additives, and applications in bioremediation.

Mycology: Current and Future Developments is a book series that brings together the latest contributions to research on the biology, genetics, and industrial use of fungi. Each book chapter is written by academic / professional experts from around the world. The book series is of interest to mycologists and allied researchers seeking to gain new knowledge perspectives about fungi. This volume of the book series focuses chiefly on advances biofuel production. Topics covered in this volume include an overview of biofuel production, the use of lignocelluloses in fungal biofuel production, fungal metabolic engineering, biomass pretreatment for biofuel refineries, and more. The volume also contains chapters about research on other fungi such as S. Cerevisiae. The reviews presented in this volume serve as a useful reference for researchers and readers interested in learning about new developments in biofuel production at a time when the need for alternative energy sources is ever increasing.

Myconanotechnology is the interface between mycology and nanotechnology. In other words, myconanotechnology represents the green synthesis of nanoparticles using fungi. The field is recently gaining attention due to the simple, resource efficient, and ecofriendly nature of fungal biotechnology. Therefore, Myconanotechnology is at the core of cost-effective and sustainable solutions for many industrial processes. This volume provides readers at all academic levels with a broad background on some of the fastest developing areas in myconanotechnology. It is organised into two sections, A and B. Section A updates readers on several cutting-edge aspects of the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles through the use of fungi. Section B describes applications of myconanotechnology including: the management of bacterial and fungal diseases, pest control, among other applications in medicine and agriculture. The breadth of topics covered in the contents make this volume an informative resource on the field. Contributions are written by experts in industrial biotechnology, and include extensive references to published studies. This book is a timely reference for researchers, teachers and students, and all readers who are interested in new developments in industrial mycology and nanotechnology.

Natural Feed Additives Used in the Poultry Industry addresses recent information on the use of different natural feed additives in poultry nutrition. Chapters in the book focus on the growth, production, reproduction and health of poultry. Key Features: - 15 chapters contributed by more than 30 experts and scientists involved in animal and poultry nutrition, physiology, toxicology, pharmacology, and pathology - Chapters highlight the significance of a variety of herbal plant extracts and derivatives, cold pressed and essential oils, fruits by-products, immunomodulators, organic acids, probiotics, nanoparticles and their role in poultry industry instead of the growth promoter antibiotics. - Provides details about the use of antibiotic as growth promoters in poultry and the development of bacterial resistance. - Provides a holistic approach on how natural feed additives can provide an efficient solution to animal health, - Covers the main categories of poultry, including broiler chickens, laying hens, quails, geese, ducks, and turkey. - References in each chapter for further reading This handbook represents an up-to-date review of the existing knowledge on natural feed additives, both in vitro and in vivo and the basis for future research. The text is useful to students of poultry sciences, nutritionists, scientists, veterinarians, pharmacologists, poultry breeders, and animal husbandry extension workers.

Maintaining ideal fish health and production, both of farmed and wild fish populations, requires continuous infrastructural and process upgrades to avoid significant losses as well as to facilitate seafood safety. Aquaculture is multidisciplinary in nature, combining knowledge from biology, veterinary medicine and food technology. Practical Notions on Fish Health and Production brings an integrated approach concerning practical aspects of ichthyology, fish health and aquaculture systems. The textbook will give readers a better understanding of issues related to the management of fish health and production, seafood processing, security, quality and safety. The book is organized in three sections which cover 1) general aspects of fish biology and development, 2) fish diseases and veterinary medicine, and 3) aquaculture and marine food supply chain management. Practical Notions on Fish Health and Production is an essential text for students, food industry professionals and novice fish farmers undertaking courses or training programs in veterinary medicine, aquaculture, and marine food processing systems.

In this handbook, the authors provide a practical, easily accessible guide of necropsy techniques for examining wildlife. Chapters introduce the reader to the value of necropsy in studying wildlife in general, sample collection methods, cadaveric phenomena and necropsy techniques for a variety of organisms ranging from invertebrates to mammals. The book addresses some of the peculiar characteristics of veterinary autopsy specific to different types of specimens. The goal of this book is to equip the reader with the information necessary to conduct a forensic examination in order to reach a conclusive diagnosis of an animal’s death, while also understanding it in an ecological context. Necropsy Techniques for Examining Wildlife Samples is intended as an essential handbook for students and professionals of biology, zoology and veterinary medicine as well as professionals, who work in natural parks, wildlife rehabilitation centers and biological or zoological parks as conservationists, researchers or animal handlers.

Nucleic acid sequencing techniques have enabled researchers to determine the exact order of base pairs - and by extension, the information present - in the genome of living organisms. Consequently, our understanding of this information and its link to genetic expression at molecular and cellular levels has lead to rapid advances in biology, genetics, biotechnology and medicine. Next-Generation Sequencing and Sequence Data Analysis is a brief primer on DNA sequencing techniques and methods used to analyze sequence data. Readers will learn about recent concepts and methods in genomics such as sequence library preparation, cluster generation for PCR technologies, PED sequencing, genome assembly, exome sequencing, transcriptomics and more. This book serves as a textbook for students undertaking courses in bioinformatics and laboratory methods in applied biology. General readers interested in learning about DNA sequencing techniques may also benefit from the simple format of information presented in the book.

With rapid progress being made in both theory and practical applications, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming every aspect of life and leading the world towards a sustainable future. AI technology is fundamentally and radically affecting agriculture with a move towards smart systems. The outcome of this transition is improved efficiency, reduced environmental pollution, and enhanced productivity of crops. Nondestructive Evaluation of Agro-products by Intelligent Sensing Techniques is a reference which provides readers timely updates in the progress of intelligent sensing techniques used for nondestructive evaluation of agro-products. Chapters, each contributed by experts in food safety and technology, describe existing and innovative techniques that could be or have been applied to agro-products quality and safety evaluation, processing, harvest, traceability, and so on. The book includes 11 individual chapters, with each chapter focusing on a specific aspect of intelligent sensing techniques applied in agriculture. Specifically, the first chapter introduces the reader to representative techniques and methods for nondestructive evaluation. Subsequent chapters present detailed information about the processing and quality evaluation of agro-products (e.g., fruits, and vegetables), food grading, food tracing, and the use of robots for harvesting specialty crops. Key Features: - 11 chapters, contributed by experts that cover basic and applied research in agriculture - introduces readers to nondestructive evaluation techniques - covers food quality evaluation processes - covers food grading and traceability systems - covers frontier topics that represent future trends (robots and UAVs used in agriculture) - familiarizes the readers with several intelligent sensing technologies used in the agricultural sector (including machine vision, near-infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral/multispectral imaging, bio-sensing, multi-technology fusion detection) - provides bibliographic references for further reading - gives applied examples on both common and specialty crops This reference is intended as a source of updated information for consultants, students and academicians involved in agriculture, crops science and food biotechnology. Professionals involved in food safety and security planning and policymaking will also benefit from the information presented by the authors.