Biochemistry Books

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Book SynopsisThe use of biologically derived polymers is emerging as an important component of sustainable economic development. Technical lignins, derivatives from naturally occurring lignin polymers in woody plants, are generated commercially in large quantities -- up to 70 million tons world-wide annually. Besides being burned as fuels, only a small percentage of these lignins are used for various applications because technical lignins present relatively unpredictable structural characteristics and are therefore unreliable feedstocks to make products with consistent and satisfactory quality. Over the past two decades, there has been great progress in the research and commercialisation of lignin-based products and processes that add significant value to lignins. This book provides critical reviews and the latest research results relating to selected fields of lignin structural analysis and applications. Featuring the significant advances in selected topics of the lignin research field, this reference book is for college students and scientists with the intent of promoting further research and innovations in this specialised field.

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Book SynopsisOleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid and natural constituent of a number of foods, particularly vegetable oils. On the basis of proven beneficial health effects it is also a possible ingredient in processed functional foods. However, due to its high energy content it is not recommended to increase the consumption of any particular fat, but to substitute other lipids with oleic acid. While there is a well-established consensus that replacing saturated fats in the diet with oleic acid or other unsaturated fats contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels, a series of other effects has also been studied, including the modulation of inflammatory markers, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, gastrointestinal functions and even various cancers. This book discusses oleic acid''s health effects, as well as its production, and how it is used.

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Book SynopsisArachidonic acid (ARA) is one the two main polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the brain, especially in neuronal cells, and can be a target in the fight against the major public health concern represented by Alzheimer''s disease (AD) and related disorders in high- as well as in low-income countries where elders constitute a growing part of the population. This compilation includes topics such as the use of arachidonic acid to prevent Alzheimer''s disease; the dietary effects and sources of ARA; the effect of ARA on key oncogenic pathways in prostate cancer; and the effects of adipokines on prostaglandin E2 production by rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts.

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Book SynopsisPolyphenols are secondary metabolites of plants. Dietary phenolics are not only classified as human nutrients, but also play important roles in human health and are therefore called nutraceuticals. Both epidemiological studies and controlled human studies have shown that regular intakes of diets rich in phenolics are inversely related to some chronic diseases such as certain cancers and coronary heart diseases. Types and contents of phenolics in different food system vary greatly and foods of plant origin including fruits, vegetables, legumes and some beverages are good sources of bioactive phenolics. Beside the edible part of plant foods, some agricultural by-products usually contain higher levels of polyphenols, particularly, flavonoids than products themselves. This book describes the major classes of dietary phenolics, and their occurrence in the commercially important agricultural by-products including peanuts skin, grape pomace, apples pomace, citrus processing by-products, and cranberry pomace. It also discusses the role of polyphenols in the prevention of ultraviolet light induced inflammation and immunosuppression; yerba mate; the Mediterranean diet; industrial apple pomace; the role of polyphenols in human diseases; and the influence of extraction methods on the stability of polyphenols.

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Book SynopsisFatty acids have traditionally been described as artery clogging species that is detrimental to overall health. The most prevalent fatty acid is palmitic acid (PA), a sixteen carbon chain fatty acid that is ubiquitous in biological systems. PA is prevalent in most eukaryotic cell membranes and in the mitochondria derived from the Krebs'' cycle utilising acetyl-coenzyme A as its precursor. PA is found in a variety of plants with a high amounts in coconut oil. Many cosmetics, shampoos, and commercialised beauty products contain PA providing structure and substance to the gel or reagent. This book discusses the occurrence, biochemistry, and health effects of palmitic acid.

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Book SynopsisFor thousands of years, mankind has both used bacteria and suffered from them without actually being aware of them, until 340 years ago when Anton van Leeuwenhoek observed bacteria for the first time. People then realized that they are surrounded by a wonderful and, at the same time frightening, micro-world. Only during the second half of the twentieth century did researchers begin to unravel secrets of bacterial cells, and today the amount of knowledge in the field is in an exponential growth stage. However, we are still far from an overall understanding of bacterial cell processes. This book is another step towards revealing principles and mechanisms of bacterial functioning and contains contemporary data and results in hot topics such as bacterial biofilm formation, multidrug transporter proteins, bacterial cells'' adaptation to toxic compounds, bacterial gene regulation, cytotoxins and neurotoxins from Gram-negative and Gram-positive aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, bacterial sensitivity to photodynamic chemotherapy and kinetic analysis of bacterial growth. This book was written by researchers and lecturers from leading universities and research institutes in Europe, North America and Asia. It is addressed to the scientific community and may be interesting for researchers and students in the fields of microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, bioorganic chemistry and medicine.

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Book SynopsisWhey proteins are now one of the most important products in food processing industries. Profit of whey proteins in food applications include its high amino acid content; low calorie, fat, and sodium content; high emulsification and capacity and compatibility with other ingredients. This book discusses the functional properties of whey proteins along with the production and health benefits of consuming these proteins.

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Book SynopsisGlutathione is a widely mentioned biochemical molecule in present clinical biochemistry. There is no doubt that glutathione has several advantages to human bodies. Hence, there are many applications of glutathione products in present biomedicine. Glutathione plays a critical role in cell signalling and antioxidant defences. It plays a significant role in subjects with periodontitis and associated systemic comorbidities. Its depletion leads to oxidative damage. This book discusses dietary sources of glutathione as well as the role it plays in cellular functions, and its therapeutic effects.

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Book SynopsisNeutrophils are the cells that protect our lives against fungi, bacteria, or thrombi. In fungal or bacterial sepsis the flowing blood is exposed to unphysiologic matrices that fold factor 12 and prekallikrein into F12a and kallikrein. These two enzymes start the contact system of coagulation (altered matrix (AM) coagulation). The intrinsic ten-ase, factor 10a, thrombin, and micro-thrombi are formed. The neutrophils answer to increased blood concentrations of kallikrein (also a tissue enzyme) or micro-thrombi with intracellular NADPH-oxidase assembly and secretion of extracellular myeloperoxidase, together these enzymes generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) of the type of singlet oxygen, a selective destructor of "non-self" and light signal emitter. Two very interesting clinical routine assays quantify the pro-oxidative capacity of neutrophils in unsupplemented or supplemented blood (the blood ROS generation assay (BRGA)) and the kallikrein and thrombin-generating capacity of any material (eg: drinking water, vitamins, drugs, pathogens) that comes into contact with blood (the recalcified coagulation activity assay (RECA)). Especially the RECA is the breakthrough in innovative hemostasis diagnostic. Therefore, the present book focuses on activation of neutrophils by singlet oxygen or by kallikrein, an important starter enzyme of clinically so relevant altered matrix coagulation.

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Book SynopsisTerpenoids represent the largest and most widely distributed class of natural, high-value chemicals, comprising more than 55,000 distinct molecules. Besides the wide range of biological properties, these natural compounds have found significant commercial value as pharmaceuticals, flavours and fragrances, commodity chemicals, and, more recently, as potential biofuels. Squalene is a natural lipid belonging to the terpenoid family and a precursor of cholesterol biosynthesis. Squalene has attracted increasing attention during the past few years due to their biological activities and natural abundance and is potential targets for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This book discusses the molecular properties, applications, functions and health implications of terpenoids and squalene.

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Book SynopsisRadon is a naturally occurring volatile gas formed from the alpha radioactive decay of radium. It is colorless, odorless, tasteless, chemically inert, and radioactive. Of all the radioisotopes that contribute to natural background radiation, radon presents the largest risk to human health. This book discusses the geology, the environmental impact and the toxicity concerns of radon. Some of the topics included are the use of radon in balneotherapy; the health implications of radon in tap water; methods of radon measurement; and facts and interpretations of radon buildup in dwellings, spas and caves.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a continuation of the book Medicine Researcher Biographical Sketches and Research Summaries which compiles biographical sketches of top professionals in the field of medicinal research, as well as research summaries from a number of different focuses in this important field.

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Book SynopsisApigenin is one of the most bioactive naturally occurring flavonoids, found in fruits, plant-derived beverages, vegetables, wheat sprouts, and some seasonings. It has been found to possess anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Naringenin is one of the most studied flavonoids abundant in citrus plants. Naringenin and their derivatives are known to exhibit strong anti-oxidant potential along with plenty of protective effects for the improvement of human health. This book discusses the natural sources, pharmacology and role in cancer prevention of the flavonoids, apigenin and naringenin.

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Book SynopsisThis book discusses a group of natural compounds that is referred to in many bibliographic references for its multiple medical and therapeutic applications, which have been carried out by civilisations in the past and continue to be used in the present. Thus, the alkaloids have been isolated from marine and terrestrial sources and human beings have had the aptitude to determine the chemical structure of many derivatives of simple and big complexity as well as observing the biological effects of every compound in the living organism. Different natural sources as well as the synthesis of many alkaloids of big therapeutic activity have been the basis for the hundreds of drugs that are applied successfully in the scope of the health and combating diverse diseases. Alkaloids'' low cytotoxicity in many cases and versatility in transforming into stable salt have generated diverse drugs of easy administration in the organism without the side effects associated with the ingestion of organic and inorganic salt of difficult tolerance. In this sense, this contribution covers several chapters which include: mechanisms and strategies against cancer, wherein certain types of alkaloid take control of important and selective form; the use of boldine as the alkaloid of current reference in the traditional medicine and used actively as natural antioxidant; alkaloids from vegetable origin as coming from the Amaryllidaceae; curious brominated alkaloids from marine sources between several outstanding examples; alkaloids derived from the Erythrina including the synthesis and pharmacological applications; the technological approaches of some derivatives originated from Tropane; an interesting contribution of the application of Trabectedin as alkaloid of clinical use in the treatment of ovarian cancer; the mention of a small group of alkaloids called oxoisoaporphines as the big medical tool in the treatment of mental disorders such as depression; and finally a complete review on the Daphniphyllum alkaloids.

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Book SynopsisChlorpyrifos (CPF) is a broad spectrum organophosphate pesticide. Organophosphate pesticides comprise a group of substances used in agriculture for insect and plague control, infestations in buildings, man or domestic animals. The use of insecticides represents an environmental risk due to the high mass of product applied annually. This book discusses the toxicological properties, uses and effects on human health and environment of the organophosphate pesticide, chlorpyrifos.

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Book SynopsisThe study on molecular rotors and motors is a hot research topic in the current era of nanotechnology. Internal rotation is a ubiquitous motion in most molecules and is considered a bridge to interconnect different energy forms. This monograph is focused on the computational studies on the molecular dynamics of the internal rotation of methyl, tert-butyl and trifluoromethyl groups on aromatic compounds in both isolated molecules and crystalline solids. The methodology and results presented in this book provide the readers a fundamental understanding of factors that affect the molecular rotors. Additionally, not only isolated molecules were studied, but molecular crystals were also simulated using cluster models consisting of 300~500 atoms which were constructed from the high quality X-ray crystallographic structures. Thus, through the comparative studies, the role of intra- and intermolecular interactions for their contributions to the rotational barriers was investigated. The computational results were also compared with the values from experimental studies, such as nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation measurements at variable temperatures.

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Book SynopsisCyclodextrins (CDs) are capable of interacting with a large variety of guest molecules to form inclusion complexes. The authors of the chapters that form this book discuss the development of ion-selective electrodes based on selected cyclodextrins and their derivatives as selective ionophores for various drugs and their applications in pharmaceutical research; the wide range of applications of CDs in biomedical electrochemistry, focusing both on their behavior in solutions and embedded in thin films formed at the electrode surface; the general features of CDs and the progress done so far in the field of microencapsulation of pesticides in CDs; cyclodextrins as encapsulating agents for bioactive plant molecules in the pharmaceutical field; the effect of cyclodextrins on the photodegradation profile of drugs when they are used in drug formulations; applications of cyclodextrins in stabilizing or solubilizing ingredients of pharmaceutical relevance used in the food industry (commonly called nutraceuticals); the use and importance of cyclodextrins in the pharmaceutical industry; the main aspects of the crystal structures of the dimeric;-CD inclusion complexes; the influence of biologically active inorganic ions on complex formation of cyclodextrins with some aromatic carboxylic acids possessing pharmacological and biological activity; the importance of detailed characterization of the composition of substituted CDs by the example of sulfobutylether cyclodextrins; the several crystal structures of dye inclusion complexes using cyclodextrin, the preparation of DISC (dye inclusion single crystal); the structural details about the dye inclusion complex analyzed by X-ray and the properties of porphyrin DISC.

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Book SynopsisHuman Serum Albumin (HSA) is the most abundant plasma protein. It has been widely used for drug delivery systems and has recently emerged as a versatile carrier for therapeutic agents against diabetes, cancer and infectious diseases. This book provides an overview of the expanding field of preclinical and clinical applications and developments that use albumin as a carrier of drug delivery systems. The authors'' discuss the properties of drug binding sites within the structure of HSA, discuss new possibilities for the therapeutic potential of HSA and analyze recently reported HSA-drug complexes including HSA-antibody conjugates. Novel investigations on the applications of albumin fusion proteins are discussed as well, with a focus on tumor targeting and intracellular delivery. Other chapters examine the different aspects of albumin glycation and oxidation, the changes in the structure of human serum albumin determined from infrared spectroscopy and a review of CAPIDAN, a special fluorescent dye, which attaches to drug binding sites of human serum albumin.

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Book SynopsisIn the post-genomic era, science is still challenged to explain the biosynthesis of complex polysaccharides and glycoconjugates. Unlike nucleic acids and proteins, the information needed for their biosynthesis is not clearly contained to this day within the genome of the various organisms. This means that no biosynthetic code has been revealed yet. As a result, there will be millions of structurally distinct, functional chemical species at the end of their biosynthesis. This book offers an up-to-date view on sulfated polysaccharide structure and function state of the art in different life kingdoms: bacteria, protista, plantae, fungi and animalia. The structure, activities and current thinking on the interplay between these two vital features (as well as ways to study them) are reviewed in the present book. The growing economical interest in sulfated polysaccharides due to their potential biotechnological use in different areas, such as pharmaceutical and food industries, are also commented on. The information within the chapters adds to other prior available literature; the intention of the authors was to extend and further develop the discussions related to glycobiology.

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Book SynopsisThis book presents an overview of sphingolipids: biology, synthesis and functions. The topics analysed in this book cover a broad spectrum of functions played by sphingolipids including: the role of sphingomyelin in the regulation of membrane physical state; tricyclic antidepressants as modulators of sphingolipid turnover and cell sensitivity to insulin action; sphingolipid diversity, biosynthesis and regulation; metabolism of glycolipids at the cell''s surface: modulation and functional implications; the specific role of sphingomyelins in cell physiology; the role of sphingosine-based lipids using sphingolipidomics; sphingolipids and ceramides of aqueous humor and trabecular meshwork; the effect of membrane microdomains containing sphingolipids on lipid peroxidation; and roles of sphingolipids in skeletal development and homeostasis.

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Book SynopsisThis book addresses research advances on caffeic acid, a naturally occurring hydroxycinnamic acid with various biological and pharmacological properties. Some of the topics discusses in this book include the derivatives of caffeic acid; the role it plays in winemaking; the comprehensive understanding of anti-diabetic and anti-obesity effects of coffe intake via nutrigenomics; the antimicrobial properties; and other useful properties of caffeic acid.

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Book SynopsisCellulose is the principal constituent of all plant life; it is the most abundant, important and fascinating biopolymer on earth. Cellulose, as an almost inexhaustible, environmentally benign and renewable material, has stimulated basic and applied research as well as inspired significant progress in Polymer Science. In recent years, cellulose has gained renewed importance as a raw material. Although ground breaking research is carried out on cellulose, it still possesses high potential for future applications; it can be easily modified to more natural and sustainable alternatives compared to synthetic products by certain techniques. The present book reviews some vital issues and topics on the latest science and technological advances in cellulose and its derivatives. This catalog acts as an essential source of information to readers in the exploration for possible applications of cellulose and its derivatives. The authors hope this collection will spark a generation of new ideas for product development. The present book contains 25 invited contributions written by leading experts in the field of cellulose and cellulose derivatives. It is divided into three parts: Part I, Cellulose Synthesis and Modification; Part II, Cellulose Derivatives; and Part III, Applications of Cellulose Derivatives. Highlights of this book include the mechanism of cellulose formation in biosynthetical processes; surface modification and functionalisation of cellulose fibers; advances in the homogenous and heterogeneous phase modification of cellulose to create unusual and functional derivatives; analysis and characterisation of modified derivatives; derivatives for antimicrobial, medical and pharmaceutical applications, and wastewater treatment; dendronised and hyperbranched cellulose derivatives; and rheology of nanocellulosic systems.

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Book SynopsisIn this book, the current advances on the functional role of molecular chaperones in protozoan''s mechanisms of response to stressful conditions, as well as an overview of studies focusing on molecular chaperones as potential targets for designing novel anti-parasitic drugs, are examined. In the second chapter, the current progress regarding the structure-function relationship as well as its association with the chaperone-like activity of the mammalian PDIA1/P4HB protein are discussed. The final chapter focuses on the cytoplasmic and nuclear functions of URI/Bud27 in different organisms.

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Book SynopsisCellulose is the most abundant natural biopolymer. Recently, modified cellulose has been used as a reinforcement for various composites. Cellulose composite and modified cellulose are attractive because of their excellent mechanical and thermal performance. Furthermore, these are fully biodegradable in a wide variety of environmental conditions. Researchers all over the world are working on reinforcing cellulosic materials, with a goal to increase the number of uses of cellulose composites and modified cellulose. This book reviews some vital issues and topics on the latest scientific and technological advances in cellulose composites and modified cellulose. There are few books available on these topics. This book contains 20 invited contributions, written by renowned experts from many countries. Each chapter focuses on issues related to the use of cellulose composites and modified celluloses. This book thus demonstrates the real potential of these materials to be useful in different products and industries. Highlights of the book include the cellulose modification for smart material and medical applications, functional finishing of textiles, new cellulose-derivative plastic films, cellulose-based composites (such as thermoplastic composites, smart cellulose composites, composites for building and household materials), smart applications of cellulose-based materials in tissue engineering, digital dyeing and wrapping materials. There are also special sections on Bayesian statistics in interpreting wood pyrolysis and techniques in developing value-added products from cellulosic biomass. Thus, this book, covering the vital issues and topics of cellulose, its modifications and uses, should be attractive and supportive to scientists, product designers, polymer engineers and other academic processionals.

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Book SynopsisAlpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has many applications across various disciplines. This oncofetal protein is routinely used by clinicians for antenatal testing as well for the screening and treatment monitoring of certain malignances. Innovative research using AFP has also been very promising. Recent developments include the use of AFP or its recombinant fragments for drug delivery to cancer cells, as well as for the engineering of cancer vaccines and T cell immunotherapies. The anti-estrogenic potential of AFP has also been utilised to develop drugs directed against estrogen receptor positive malignancies. This book is divided into five sections. In Section One, the history of AFP is recollected, and the role of AFP in normal and pathological conditions is explored. Section Two and Three focus on the utility of AFP during pregnancy. In Section Two, the use of routine maternal serum AFP screening for detection of chromosomal aneuploidies and neural tube defects in normal pregnancies and pregnancies with pre-existing disease is discussed; the potential use of AFP for the detection of preeclampsia is also reviewed. Section Three explores the pathogenesis and data linking unexplained elevations of AFP to adverse obstetrical outcomes. Section Four presents chapters that discuss AFP ligand binding, receptor targeting, and drug delivery strategies. Finally, Section Five serves to explain the regulatory roles of AFP, its use in immunotherapy, and in the development of cancer vaccines. The aim of this book is to bring together some of the great research and clinical insights that currently surround AFP. The target audiences for this book are basic science researchers as well as clinicians.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides research summaries from a number of different focuses in the field of biochemistry research.

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Book SynopsisLignocellulosic biomass conversion to fuel is the only sustainable way to meet the current and future energy demands, at least in displacing a substantial amount of liquid transportation fuel, and curb detrimental effects of greenhouse gas emissions. Various routes and processes to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fuels, chemicals, and bio-based materials have been developed in the last couple of decades. This book contains eleven chapters that intend to provide readers with updates on these various processes and routes to produce fuels and chemicals using lignocellulosic biomass. In addition, it covers the past and current developments on biomass logistics, analytical tools applied to characterise lignocellulosic biomass, environmental aspects and engine performance of various fuels, as well as techno-economical aspects of lignocellulosic biomass refinery. The following list summarises the topics covered in this book: The past and current developments on biomass valorisation in biochemical platforms; Developments in thermochemical conversion of biomass to fuels and chemicals including gasification, pyrolysis, and hydrothermal treatment; Heterogeneous catalysts application in low to high temperature conversion of biomass to fuels and chemicals; Pathways of lignin valorisation to fuels and chemicals; Production methods and the physicochemical properties of nanocelluloses; The environmental impacts and engine performances of various bio-fuels; Biomass logistics and their impact on bioenergy applications; Anaerobic conversion of biomass to biogas and impacts of co-digestion on biogas yields and quality.

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