Microbiology (non-medical) Books

Book SynopsisThis Volume presents a comprehensive series of generic protocols for the genetic and genomic analysis of prokaryotic isolates. Genetic methods for functional analyses employ the latest cloning vectors, gene fusion methods and transposon mutagenesis systems, as well as systems for introducing protease-cleavage sequences into permissive sites in proteins under investigation. Genomic methods described include protocols for transcriptomics, shotgun proteomics, interactomics, metabolic profiling, and lipidomics. Bioinformatic tools for genome annotation, transcriptome display and the integration of transcriptomic data into genome-scale metabolic reconstructions are described. Protocols for 13C-based metabolic flux determinations and analysis of the hierarchical and metabolic regulation of fluxes through pathways are included. The Volume thus enables investigators to functionally analyse an isolate over the entire cellular range spanning the gene, the genome, the transcript repertoire, the proteome, the interactome, the metabolic network with its nodes and their regulatory hierarchies, and the metabolic fluxes and their physiological controls.Hydrocarbon and Lipid Microbiology ProtocolsThere are tens of thousands of structurally different hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon derivatives and lipids, and a wide array of these molecules are required for cells to function. The global hydrocarbon cycle, which is largely driven by microorganisms, has a major impact on our environment and climate. Microbes are responsible for cleaning up the environmental pollution caused by the exploitation of hydrocarbon reservoirs and will also be pivotal in reducing our reliance on fossil fuels by providing biofuels, plastics and industrial chemicals. Gaining an understanding of the relevant functions of the wide range of microbes that produce, consume and modify hydrocarbons and related compounds will be key to responding to these challenges. This comprehensive collection of current and emerging protocols will facilitate acquisition of this understanding and exploitation of useful activities of such microbes.Table of ContentsIntroduction.- Broadening the SEVA plasmid repertoire to facilitate genomic editing of Gram-negative bacteria.- Protocols on regulation of gene expression.- Ultra-high-throughput transposon scanning of bacterial genomes.- Knock-in-leave-behind (KILB): Genetic grafting of protease-cleaving sequences into permissive sites of proteins with a Tn5-based transposition system.- Deep sequencing to study microbial transcriptomic responses to hydrocarbon degradation/production/stress.- Shotgun proteomics for hydrocarbon microbiology.- Interactomic characterization of membrane-associated mega-complexes for the anaerobic respiration in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.- Lipidomic analysis of bacteria by thin layer chromatography and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry.- Accurate microbial genome annotation using an integrated and user-friendly environment for community expertise of gene functions: the MicroScope platform.- Approaches for displaying complete transcriptomes of environmental bacteria.- A practical protocol for integration of transcriptomics data into genome-scale metabolic reconstructions.- GC-MS based determination of mass isotopomer distributions for 13C-based metabolic flux analysis.- Analysis of the hierarchical and metabolic regulation of flux through metabolic pathways.

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Book SynopsisThis volume is composed of chapters that review important fundamental aspects of HCV biology and disease pathogenesis including, for example, the discovery and identification of the HCV genome, early virus-cell interactions including identification of various cellular receptors, HCV gene expression studied using the HCV replicon system, identification and characterization of HCV structural- and non-structural HCV proteins, HCV replication in cultured cells, and host factors involved in viral replication. This volume also contains chapters dealing with immunity to HCV infection and pathogenesis. This is particularly important in understanding hepatitis C because HCV infection alone is not cell lytic. Mechanisms underlying the persistent nature of HCV infection are also discussed in these chapters. Many of the authors published articles that were listed among the “top 10 papers” published in the 24 years since HCV was discovered in 1989. Their citations are above 1,000 (Web of Science). The authors describe the background and significance of their contributions to the field in the context of findings from other research groups.Table of ContentsPart I. Hepatitis C Virus.- 1. Towards the Control of Hepatitis C (Michael Houghton).- 2. Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes and Their Evolution (Tadasu Shin-I, Masaya Sugiyama, Masashi Mizokami).- 3. The Structure of HCV (Joseph Marcotrigiano and Maria Teresa Catanese).- Part II. The Viral Life Cycle.- 4. Cell Culture Systems for Propagation of HCV.- 5. HCV Receptors and Virus Entry (Rajiv G. Tawar, Catherine Schuster, and Thomas F. Baumert).- 6. Structural Proteins of HCV and Biological Functions (Kohji Moriishi and Yoshiharu Matsuura).- 7. Role of Nonstructural Proteins in HCV Replication (Tetsuro Suzuki and Ryosuke Suzuki).- 8. The HCV Replicase Complex and Viral RNA Synthesis (Inés Romero Brey and Volker Lohmann).- 9. Host factors and the HCV lifecycle (Glenn Randall).- 10. Lipid Peroxidation and Hepatitis C Virus Replication (Daisuke Yamane and Stanley M. Lemon).- 11. Lipid and Lipoprotein Components Play Important Roles in HCV Egress and Infectivity (Takayuki Hishiki, Yuko Shimizu, Saneyuki Ujino, Hironori Nishitsuji, and Kunitada Shimotohno).- Part III. Immune Recognition and Pathogenesis.- 12. New Animal Models for Hepatitis C (Alex Ploss).- 13. Innate Immune Recognition of Hepatitis C Virus (Kui Li).- 14. B Cell Responses and Control of HCV Infection (Zhen-Yong Keck, Thomas R. Fuerst, Roy A. Mariuzza, and Steven K.H. Foung).

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Book SynopsisThe Conference on Pseudomonas syringae which started in 1973 as an informal meeting of a group of scientists working on these bacteria in Angers, France, has become more and more important with time. Many meetings have been held since then: 1984, 1987, 1991, 1995, and 2002 in Cape Sounion, Greece; Lisbon, Portugal; Florence, Italy; Berlin, Germany; and Maratea, Italy; respectively. This Conference is considered as the most important scientific forum in which recent advances in different research aspects on Pseudomonas syringae, a plant pathogenic bacterial species that includes a high number of pathogens (referred as pathovars) and Related Pathogens such as Acidovorax, Burkholderia, Ralstonia, affecting several economically important crops. The proceedings resulting from these meetings are considered as valuable sources of information related to this group of pathogens. The interest in organising this conference regularly is reflected by the attendance of more than 80 scientists from 20 countries worldwide, who participated at the 7th International Conference on Pseudomonas syringae pathovars and related pat- gens organized by the Institut Agronomique et Veterinaire Hassan II in Agadir, Morocco, from 13th to 16th November 2006.Table of ContentsPreface. Sponsors and Donors. Section 1. Identification and Detection. 1. Current technologies for Pseudomonas spp. and Ralstonia solanacearum detection and molecular typing: M.M. López et al. 2. Siderophore uses in Pseudomonas syringae identification: A. Bultreys, I. Gheysen. 3. Chlorophyll fluorescene imaging for detection of Bean response to Pseudomonas syringae in asymptomatic leaf areas: L. Rodrígues-Moreno et al. 4. Sensitive detection of Ralstonia solanacearum (race 3) using serological methods and Biolog automated system: A.E. Tawfik et al. Section 2. Epidemiology and Disease Management. 5. Epidemiological basis for an efficient control of Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. savastanoi on olive trees: J.M. Quesada et al. 6. Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae on kiwifruit plants: its role and its control: A. Rossetti and G.M. Balestra. 7. Head rot of cauliflower caused by Pseudomonas fluerescens in southern Italy: P. Lo Cantore and N.S. Iacobellis. 8. Internalization and survival of Pseudomonas corrugata from flowers to fruits and seeds of tomato plants: G. Cirvilleri et al. 9. Copper and streptomycin resistance in pseudomonas strains isolated from pipfruit and stone fruit orchards in New Zealand: J.L. Vanneste et al. 10. Basal defence in Arabidopsis agains Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola: Beyond FLS2?: A. Forsyth et al. 11. Agrobacterium suppresses P. syringae-elicited salicylate production in Nicotiana tabacum leaves: A. Rico and G.M. Preston. 12. Characterization of an inhibitory strain of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae withpotential as a biocontrol agent for bacterial blight on soybean: S.D. Braun and B. Völksch. 13. Characterization of the inhibitory strain Pantoea sp. 48b/90 with potential as a biocontrol agent for bacterial plant pathogens: B. Völksch and U. Sammer. 14. Pseudomonas syringae: Prospects for its use as a weed biocontrol agent: B.M. Thompson et al. 15. Analysis of Pseudomonas syringae populations and identification of strains as potential biocontrol agents against postharvest rot of different fruits: G. Cirvilleri et al. Section 3. Pathogenesis and Determinants of Pathogenicity. 16. The distribution of multiple exopolysaccharides in Pseudomonas syringae biofilms: H. Laue et al. 17. Impact of temperature on the regulation of coronatine biosyntesis in Pseudomonas syringae: Y. Braun et al. 18. Role of flagelling glycosylation in bacterial virulence: Y. Ichinose et al. 19. Genetic relatedness among the different genetic lineages of Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola: M.E. Führer et al. 20. WLIP and Analogues of Tolaasin I, Lipodepsipeptides from Pseudomonas reactans and Pseudomonas tolaasii: A Comparison of their Activity on Natural and Model Membranes: R. Paletti et al. 21. Competitive index in mixed infection: a sensitive and accurate method to quantify growth of pseudomonas syringae in different plants: A.P. Macho et al. Section 4. Genomics and Molecular Characterization. 22. Genomic analysis of Pseudomonas syringae pathovars: Identification of virulence genes and associated regulatory elements using pattern-based searches and genome comparison: W. Lindeberg et al. 23. Gene ontology (GO) for microbe-host interactions and its

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Book SynopsisMorphological, biological, biochemical and physiological characteristics have been used for the detection, identification and differentiation of fungal pathogens up to species level. Tests based on biological characteristics are less consistent. Immunoassays have been shown to be effective in detecting fungal pathogens present in plants and environmental samples. Development of monoclonal antibody technology has greatly enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of detection, identification and differentiation of fungal species and varieties/strains. Nucleic acid-based techniques involving hybridization with or amplification of unique DNA have provided results rapidly and reliably. Presentation of a large number of protocols is a unique feature of this volume.Trade ReviewFrom the reviews:“The first volume of the Microbial plant pathogens - Detection and disease diagnosis focuses on fungal pathogens. … All chapters are summarized in the abstract, well referenced and focused on providing concerns of techniques and improvements of research. Therefore, if you are interested in the methods for detection and diagnosis, this is certainly a book you must have. The book should be available to every mycologist and students studying any aspect of plant pathology. Every library in the world should also have this book.” (Dhanushka Udayanga and Dimuthu S. Manamgoda, Fungal Diversity, April, 2012)Table of ContentsVolume 1 Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Microbial plant pathogens as a major limiting factor of crop production 1.2 Discovery of fungi as plant pathogens 1.3 Detection of fungal plant pathogens and disease diagnosis References Chapter 2 Detection of Fungal Pathogens in Plants 2.1 Detection of fungal pathogens in plant organs 2.1.1 Biological methods 2.1.2 Pathogenicity and host range 2.1.3 Biochemical methods 2.1.4 Immunoassays 2.1.5 Nucleic acid-based detection techniques 2.2 Detection of fungal pathogens in seeds and planting materials 2.2.1 Detection of fungal pathogens in seeds 2.2.2 Detection of fungal pathogens in propagative planting materials 2.2.3 Detection of fungal pathogens in postharvest produce Appendix References Chapter 3 Detection of Fungal Pathogens in the Environment 3.1 Detection of fungal pathogens in soil 3.1.1 Bioassays 3.1.2 Immunoassays 3.1.3 Nucleic acid-based techniques 3.2 Detection of fungal pathogens in water 3.2.1 Immunoassays 3.2.2 Nucleic acid-based techniques 3.3 Detection of fungal pathogens in air 3.4 Detection of fungal pathogens in alternative host plants Appendix References Chapter 4 Assessment of Variability in Fungal Plant Pathogens 4.1 Methods of assessment of variability in fungal pathogens 4.1.1 Assessment of variations in biological characteristics 4.1.2 Assessment of variations in biochemical characteristics 4.1.3 Assessment of variations in immunological characteristics 4.1.4 Assessment of variations in genomic characteristics 4.2 Assessment of variability in sensitivity to chemicals 4.2.1 Assessment of variations in biological characteristics 4.2.2 Assessment of variations in genetic characteristics Appendix References Chapter 5 Diagnosis of Fungal Diseases of Plants 5.1 Choice of diagnostic tests for fungal pathogens 5.1.1 Conventional methods 5.1.2 Molecular methods 5.2 Agencies involved in disease diagnosis 5.2.1 Disease diagnostic centers 5.2.2 Plant quarantines References

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Book SynopsisMany Microorganisms and some macro-organisms can live under extreme conditions. For example, high and low temperature, acidic and alkaline conditions, high salt areas, high pressure, toxic compounds, high level of ionizing radiation, anoxia and absence of light, etc. Many organisms inhabit environments characterized by more than one form of stress (Polyextremophiles). Among them are those who live in hypersaline and alkaline, hot and acidic, cold/hot and high hydrostatic pressure, etc. Polyextremophiles found in desert regions have to copy with intense UV irradiation and desiccation, high as well as low temperatures, and low availability of water and nutrients. This book provides novel results of application to polyextremophiles research ranging from nanotechnology to synthetic biology to the origin of life and beyond.Trade ReviewFrom the book reviews:“It is a document of the terrestrial ecology of free-living microorganisms. … The utility of the volume is enhanced by its general readability; any undergraduate with a basic understanding of microbiology will benefit from reading it. This accessibility is augmented by the color plates that are used throughout the text. … Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.” (P. K. Strother, Choice, Vol. 52 (2), October, 2014)Table of ContentsPART 1: OPENING CHAPTERSIntroduction; J. Seckbach et al.Foreword; R.W. CastenholzPreface; K. HorikoshiList of Authors and Their AddressesPART 2: GENERAL ASPECTSPolyextremophiles and the Constraints for Terrestrial Habitability; M.C. Capece et al.Life on the Edge and Astrobiology: Who Is Who in the Polyextremophiles World; J. SeckbachThe Dynamic Genomes of Acidophiles; F. J. López de Saro et al.PART 3: HALOPHILESTwo Centuries of Microbiological Research in the Wadi Natrun, Egypt: A Model System for the Study of the Ecology, Physiology, and Taxonomy of Haloalkaliphilic Microorganisms; A. OrenAdaptation in Haloalkaliphiles and Natronophilic Bacteria; H.L. Banciu and D.Y. SorokinA Random Biogeochemical Walk into Three Soda Lakes of the Western USA: With an Introduction to a Few of their Microbial Denizens; R.S. OremlandHalophilic, Acidophilic, and Haloacidophilic Prokaryotes; H. MinegishiLife in Magnesium- and Calcium-Rich Hypersaline Environments: Salt Stress by Chaotropic Ions; A. OrenSurvival Strategies of Halophilic Oligotrophic and Desiccation Resistant Prokaryotes; H. Stan-Lotter and S. FendrihanRadiation Resistance in Extremophiles: Fending Off Multiple Attacks; K.M. Webb and J. DiRuggieroPART 4: THERMOPHILESThermoalkaliphilic Microbes; V. Kumar and T. SatyanarayanaAcido- and Thermophilic Microorganisms, Their Features and Identification of Novel Enzymes or Pathways; Y. KawarabayasiMicrobial Diversity in Acidic High Temperature Steam Vents; R.L. Weiss Bizzoco and S.T. KelleyPART 5: PSYCHROPHILESLeft Out in the Cold: Life in Cryoenvironments; J. Goordial et al.Microbial Diversity and Enzymes in Ikaite Columns; A Cold and Alkaline Environment in Greenland; J.K. Vester et al.Microbial Communities Thriving in Various Ice Ecosystems; B. Sattler and B. PostSnow Algae. Adaptation Strategies to Survive on Snow and Ice; T. LeyaAdaptation of Antarctic Freshwater Green Algae to the Extreme Environments; H. HuPART 6: PRESSUREDeep Sub-Surface Oil Reservoirs as Poly-Extreme Habitats for Microbial Life. A Current Review; A. Wentzel et al.Expanding Limits for Life to a New Dimension: Microbial Growth at Hypergravity; S. Deguchi and K. HorikoshiPART 7: OXYGEN RELATIONSHIPSMicrobial Eukaryotes in Marine Oxygen Minimum Zones; W.D. Orsi and V.P. EdgcombDeep Hypersaline Anoxic Basins as Model Systems for Environmental Selection of Microbial Plankton; A. Stock et al.Microbial Eukaryotes in Hypersaline Anoxic Deep Sea Basins; V.P. Edgcomb and W.D. OrsiLife at High Salt and Low Oxygen: How Do the Halobacteriaceae Cope with Low Oxygen Concentrations in their Environment?; A. OrenPART 8: SELECTED ORGANISMSNiches and Adaptations of Polyextremotolerant Black Fungi; M. Grube et al.Polyextremophilic Photoautotrophic Eukaryotic Algae; W. Reisser Extremophilic Magnetotactic Bacteria; C.T. Lefèvre and D. A. BazylinskiMulticellular Extremophiles – The Case of the Tardigrades; D. Schulze-Makuch and J. SeckbachPART 9: FINAL COMMENTSPolyextremophiles - Summary and Conclusions; J. Chela FloresErratumOrganism IndexSubject IndexAuthor Index

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Book Synopsis1. The viral infections of the developing nervous system: an overview.- 2. Reovirus infections of the central nervous system.- 3. Dysmyelination in transgenic mice containing the early region of JC virus.- 4. Bovine leukaemia: facts and hypotheses derived from the study of an infectious cancer.- 5. Human immunodeficiency virus brain infection in infants and children.- 6. Persistent infection of mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.- 7. Differentiation-linked susceptibility of nervous and muscular tissue of mice to infection with Moloney murine leukaemia virus.- 8. Antigenic phenotype and experimental herpes simplex virus infection of cultured human fetal neural cells.- 9. Human cytomegalovirus: the major envelope glycoprotein as a candidate for a subunit vaccine.- 10. Rubella virus and its effects on the developing nervous system.- 11. Experimental mumps virus infections in the developing nervous system.- 12. Neurotransmitter-related activities of MHV3-infected cortical cells in culture.Table of Contents1. The viral infections of the developing nervous system: an overview.- 2. Reovirus infections of the central nervous system.- 3. Dysmyelination in transgenic mice containing the early region of JC virus.- 4. Bovine leukaemia: facts and hypotheses derived from the study of an infectious cancer.- 5. Human immunodeficiency virus brain infection in infants and children.- 6. Persistent infection of mice with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus.- 7. Differentiation-linked susceptibility of nervous and muscular tissue of mice to infection with Moloney murine leukaemia virus.- 8. Antigenic phenotype and experimental herpes simplex virus infection of cultured human fetal neural cells.- 9. Human cytomegalovirus: the major envelope glycoprotein as a candidate for a subunit vaccine.- 10. Rubella virus and its effects on the developing nervous system.- 11. Experimental mumps virus infections in the developing nervous system.- 12. Neurotransmitter-related activities of MHV3-infected cortical cells in culture.

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Book SynopsisIn spite of the availability of modern broad-spectrum anthelmintic drugs, the prevention and control of helminth zoonoses remain a challenge to human and veterinary parasitologists and to physicians and veterina- rians working on the field. Although the life cycles of most helminths of zoonotic importance are well known, there are still major gaps in our knowledge especially in the fields of epidemiology, diagnosis and treat- ment The International Colloquium on Helminth Zoonoses held at the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, 11-12 December 1986, laid emphasis on more recent advances made in the control and epidemiology of these zoonotic diseases. The disease complexes echinococcosis/hydatidosis, taeniasis/cysticercosis and the larva migrans-syndrome were dealth with in considerable detail. In the first chapter the phenomenon of strain variation in Echinococcus spp. is examined in the light of newer findings. The progress made in recent years towards a more specific diagnosis and drug targeting in hydatidosis is reported. In the second chapter recent advances in immunisation and treatment of cysticercosis are dealt with. The possibili- ty of the existence of strain differences in Taenia saginata is also dis- cussed. The third chapter is devoted to trematode zoonoses with particular reference to the situation in South-east Asia, Senegal (schistosomiasis) and Liberia (paragonimiasis). In the last chapter the larva migrans- syndrome is treated in detail with special attention to its etiology and and diagnosis. Reports on lesser known nematode zoonoses like mammomono- gamosis and oesophagostomiasis are included.Table of ContentsSection 1: Echinococcosis — Hydatidosis.- Changing concepts in the microecology, macroecology and epidemiology of hydatid disease.- The fertility of hydatid cysts in food animals in Greece.- A failure to infect dogs with Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces of human origin.- Experimental infection of sheep and monkeys with the camel strain of Echinococcus granulosus.- Characterization of the hydatid disease organism, Echinococcus granulosus from Kenya using cloned DNA markers.- Kinetics of molecular transfer across the tegument of protoscoleces and hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosus and the relevance of these studies to drug targeting.- Diagnosis of ovine hydatidosis by Immunoelectrophoresis.- Characterisation of Echinococcus granulosus proteins and antigens from hydatid cyst fluid.- Existence of an urban cycle of Echinococcus granulosus in Central Tunisia.- Echinococcosis eradication in Cyprus.- Section 2: Taeniasis — Cysticercosis.- Taeniasis: the tantalizing target.- Observations on possible strain differences in Taenia saqinata.- Immunoprophylaxis of Taenia saqinata cysticercosis.- An important focus of porcine and human cysticercosis in West Cameroon.- Cysticercus fasciolaris in mice: a laboratory model for selecting new drug on cysticercosis.- Large-scale use of chemotherapy of taeniasis as a control measure for T. solium infections.- Section 3: Trematode Zoonoses.- Zoonotic trematodiasis in South-east and Far-east Asian countries.- Observations on human and animal schistosomiasis in Senegal.- Occurrence of human lung fluke infection in an endemic area in Liberia.- Section 4: Larva migrans and other nematode zoonoses.- Larva migrans in perspective.- Immunological studies on Ascaris suum infections in mice.- Toxocara vitulorum: a possible agent of larva migrans in humans?.- Antigenic and biochemical analysis of the E.S. molecules of Toxocara canis infective larvae.- Ocular toxocariasis: role of IgE in the pathogenesis of the syndrome and diagnostic implications.- Serological arguments for multiple etiology of visceral larva migrans.- Experimental Trichinella spiralis infection in two horses.- Intestinal mast cells: possible regulation and their function in the gut of Trichinella spiralis infected small rodents.- Variable levels of host immunoglobulin on microfilariae of Brugia pahanoi isolated from the blood of cats.- Mammomonogamosis.- Frequency of symptomatic human oesophagostomiasis (helminthoma) in Northern Togo.- Index of Subjects.

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Book SynopsisGlobal yields of legumes have been relatively stagnant for the last five decades, despite the adoption of conventional and molecular breeding approaches. The use of plant growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria for improving agricultural production, soil and plant health has become one of the most attractive strategies for developing sustainable agriculture. Actinomycetes are bacteria that play an important role in PGP and plant protection, produce secondary metabolites of commercial interest, and their use is well documented in wheat, rice, beans, chickpeas and peas. In order to promote legumes, the general assembly of the UN recently declared 2016 the “International Year of Pulses.” In view of this development, this book illustrates how PGP actinomycetes can improve grain yield and soil fertility, improve control of insect pests and phytopathogens, and enhance host-plant resistance. It also addresses special topics of current interest, e.g. the role of PGP actinomycetes in the biofortification of legume seeds and bioremediation of heavy metals. Trade Review“The present book documents recent research, at ICRISAT and worldwide, on this fascinating subject of study. … Clearly the plant growth promoting, root-associated Actinobacteria constitute a most promising group for further study in the quest to improve the performance and yield of grain legumes, one of the world’s most important crop groups, with great potential for success in helping to strengthen international food security.” (David S. Ingram, Food Security, Vol. 9, 2017)“This work focuses on actinobacteria in soil microbiota and their role in crop production, generally pulse crops such as peas and beans. … Chapters show a consistency of style and format, all with meaningfully titled short subsections, frequent inclusion of tables, extensive cited reference … . This work is strongly recommended for institutions with programs in agriculture, especially those with research soil science or legume cultivation. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through researchers and faculty; professionals.” (J. Cummings, Choice, Vol. 54 (4), December, 2016)Table of Contents1. Direct Plant Growth-Promoting Ability of Actinobacteria in Grain Legumes.- 2. Indirect Plant Growth-Promotion in Grain Legumes: Role of Actinobacteria.- 3. Enhancing Soil Health and Plant Growth: Promotion by Actinomycetes.- 4. Recent Advancement in the Development of Bio-Pesticides by Actinomycetes for the Control of Insect Pests.- 5. Actinomycetes Bio-Inoculants: A Modern Prospectus for Plant Disease Management.- 6. Managing Pests and Diseases of Grain Legumes with Secondary Metabolites from Actinomycetes.- 7. Role of Secondary Metabolites of Actinomycetes in Crop Protection.- 8. Endophytic Actinobacteria: Nitrogen Fixation, Phytohormone Production and Antibiosis.- 9. Role of Endophytic Actinomycetes in Crop Protection: Plant Growth-Promotion and Biological Control.- 10. Synergy of Actinomycetes Co-inoculation.- 11. Role of ACC Deaminase in Stress Control of Leguminous Plants.- 12. Induction of Systemic Resistance in Crop Plants against Plant Pathogens by Plant Growth-Promoting Actinomycetes.- 13. Actinomycetes as Mitigators of Climate Change and Abiotic Stress.- 14. Perspectives of Plant Growth-Promoting Actinomycetes in Heavy Metal Phytoremediation.- 15. Role of Actinomycetes Mediated Nano-System in Agriculture.- 16. Use of Genomic Approaches in Understanding the Role of Actinomycetes as PGP in Grain Legumes.- 17. Exploration of Plant Growth-Promoting Actinomycetes for Biofortification of Mineral Nutrients.- 18. Evaluation of Plant Growth-Promoting Actinomycetes on Vigna.- 19. Plant Growth-Promoting Actinomycetes: Mass Production, Delivery Systems and Commercialization.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides useful information on microbial physiology and metabolism. The key aspects covered are prokaryotic diversity, growth physiology, basic metabolic pathways and their regulation, metabolic diversity with details of various unique pathways. Another focus area is stress physiology with details on varying environmental stresses, signal transduction, adaptation and survival. For instructional purposes, the book provides case studies, interesting facts, techniques etc. which help in showcasing the inter-disciplinary nature and bridge the gap between various aspects of applied microbiology.Table of Contents

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Book SynopsisThis book illustrates the importance and significance of the biosurfactants obtained from microorganisms, preferably from bacteria and yeast. It explains the superiority of biosurfactants (green molecule) over chemically synthesized surfactants for the sustainable future. The content of the present book addresses the quest for novel biosurfactants producing strains, high throughput screening methods, and production strategies. It finely describes the aptness of biosurfactants for industrial and environmental applications. It elaborately describes the technical background and cutting-edge advancement of the commercial aspect of biosurfactants. In the later part of the book, the role of green biosurfactants in food processing, control of food spoilage, incorporation in personal health care products, environmental and agricultural remediation are discussed. Finally, the book elucidates a comprehensive and representative description of toxicity assessment of the biosurfactants, which highlights the risk assessment of the incorporation of the microbial biosurfactants in food, healthcare, and pharmaceutical formulations.Table of ContentsChapter 1. Introduction.- Chapter 1.1. Properties and characteristics.- Chapter 1.2. General Properties.- Chapter 1.3. Chemical vs. Biosurfactants.- Chapter 1.4. Aptness of biosurfactants for industrial and environmental applications.- Chapter 2. Screening of Biosurfactants.- Chapter 3. Commercial production, optimization and purification.- Chapter 3.1. Low cost substrates and higher productivity.- Chapter 3.2. Recent developments in optimization and purification.- Chapter 4. Industrial and environmental applications.- Chapter 4.1. Biosurfactants in Food.- Chapter 4.2. Biosurfactants in Food.- Chapter 5. Role of biosurfactants in Agriculture and soil reclamation.- Chapter 5.1. Soil washing and soil reclamation.- Chapter 5.2. Soil washing and soil reclamation.- Chapter 6.Toxicity assessment.

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Book SynopsisAssesses a promising new approach to restoring the health of our bodies and our planet Most of us are familiar with probiotics added to milk or yogurt to improve gastrointestinal health. In fact, the term refers to any intervention in which life is used to manage life—from the microscopic, like consuming fermented food to improve gut health, to macro approaches such as biological pest control and natural flood management. In this ambitious and original work, Jamie Lorimer offers a sweeping overview of diverse probiotic approaches and an insightful critique of their promise and limitations. During our current epoch—the Anthropocene—human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment, leading to the loss of ecological abundance, diversity, and functionality. Lorimer describes cases in which scientists and managers are working with biological processes to improve human, environmental, and even planetary health, pursuing strategies that stand in contrast to the “antibiotic approach”: Big Pharma, extreme hygiene, and industrial agriculture. The Probiotic Planet focuses on two forms of “rewilding” occurring on vastly different scales. The first is the use of keystone species like wolves and beavers as part of landscape restoration. The second is the introduction of hookworms into human hosts to treat autoimmune disorders. In both cases, the goal is to improve environmental health, whether the environment being managed is planetary or human. Lorimer argues that, all too often, such interventions are viewed in isolation, and he calls for a rethinking of artificial barriers between science and policy. He also describes the stark and unequal geographies of the use of probiotic approaches and examines why these patterns exist. The author’s preface provides a thoughtful discussion of the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to the probiotic approach. Informed by deep engagement with microbiology, immunology, ecology, and conservation biology as well as food, agriculture, and waste management, The Probiotic Planet offers nothing less than a new paradigm for collaboration between the policy realm and the natural sciences. Trade Review"This brilliant book delivers an incisive reading of probiotic cultural practices today—taking in everything from home fermentation to permaculture to rewilding. Jamie Lorimer expertly shows us that social and scientific projects that aim at re-calibrating microbial, bodily, and ecological worlds are experiments in the politics of symbiosis. In our days of viral peril, The Probiotic Planet is a vital reminder of the multiple futures biology may yet prepare."—Stefan Helmreich, author of Sounding the Limits of Life: Essays in the Anthropology of Biology and Beyond"Moving between human intestines and forests patches, The Probiotic Planet maps a diverse and emerging terrain of ecological experimentation, both formal and vernacular. A transdisciplinary analysis that brings detailed attention to scientific practices into dialogue with critical social theory, this book is also a bold and important experiment in its own right."—Heather Anne Swanson, director, Aarhus University Centre for Environmental Humanities "Lorimer unravels the multiplicities of present-day scientific designs for the future."—Los Angeles Review of Books "This book bridges the gap between two widely separated topics: healing the planet by rewilding, and internal sanitation of the body by natural allies."—Anthropos "The book is well referenced... and the text is supported by appropriate and readable tables and charts."—CHOICE Table of ContentsContentsIntroduction: Life in the Anthropocene1. The Probiotic Turn: Rewilding and Biome Restoration2. Thinking like Gaia: The Science of the Probiotic Turn3. Symbiopolitics: Governing through Keystone Species4. Wild Experiments: The Controlled Decontrolling of Ecological Controls5. Geographies of Dysbiosis: The Patchiness of the Probiotic Turn6. Future-Pasts: The Temporalities of the Probiotic Turn7. Probiotic Value: Putting Keystone Species to WorkConclusions: A Spectrum of ProbioticsAcknowledgmentsGlossary NotesBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisFor readers of Plague of Corruption, Thomas S. Cowan, MD, and Sally Fallon Morell ask the question: are there really such things as "viruses"? Or are electro smog, toxic living conditions, and 5G actually to blame for COVID-19? The official explanation for today’s COVID-19 pandemic is a “dangerous, infectious virus.” This is the rationale for isolating a large portion of the world’s population in their homes so as to curb its spread. From face masks to social distancing, from antivirals to vaccines, these measures are predicated on the assumption that tiny viruses can cause serious illness and that such illness is transmissible person-to-person. It was Louis Pasteur who convinced a skeptical medical community that contagious germs cause disease; his “germ theory” now serves as the official explanation for most illness. However, in his private diaries he states unequivocally that in his entire career he was not once able to transfer disease with a pure culture of bacteria (he obviously wasn’t able to purify viruses at that time). He admitted that the whole effort to prove contagion was a failure, leading to his famous death bed confession that “the germ is nothing, the terrain is everything.” While the incidence and death statistics for COVID-19 may not be reliable, there is no question that many people have taken sick with a strange new disease—with odd symptoms like gasping for air and “fizzing” feelings—and hundreds of thousands have died. Many suspect that the cause is not viral but a kind of pollution unique to the modern age—electromagnetic pollution. Today we are surrounded by a jangle of overlapping and jarring frequencies—from power lines to the fridge to the cell phone. It started with the telegraph and progressed to worldwide electricity, then radar, then satellites that disrupt the ionosphere, then ubiquitous Wi-Fi. The most recent addition to this disturbing racket is fifth generation wireless—5G. In The Truth About Contagion: Exploring Theories of How Disease Spreads, bestselling authors Thomas S. Cowan, MD, and Sally Fallon Morell explore the true causes of COVID-19. On September 26, 2019, 5G wireless was turned on in Wuhan, China (and officially launched November 1) with a grid of about ten thousand antennas—more antennas than exist in the whole United States, all concentrated in one city. A spike in cases occurred on February 13, the same week that Wuhan turned on its 5G network for monitoring traffic. Illness has subsequently followed 5G installation in all the major cities in America. Since the dawn of the human race, medicine men and physicians have wondered about the cause of disease, especially what we call “contagions,” numerous people ill with similar symptoms, all at the same time. Does humankind suffer these outbreaks at the hands of an angry god or evil spirit? A disturbance in the atmosphere, a miasma? Do we catch the illness from others or from some outside influence? As the restriction of our freedoms continues, more and more people are wondering whether this is true. Could a packet of RNA fragments, which cannot even be defined as a living organism, cause such havoc? Perhaps something else is involved—something that has upset the balance of nature and made us more susceptible to disease? Perhaps there is no “coronavirus” at all; perhaps, as Pasteur said, “the germ is nothing, the terrain is everything.”

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Book SynopsisPaul A. Offit shares hard-earned wisdom on the dos and don’ts of battling misinformation. From conspiracy theories linking vaccines to autism to Holocaust and climate-change denial. Bad Advice is a humorous guide to taking on quack experts and self-appointed activists and a must-read for any American disturbed by politicized attacks on science.Trade ReviewIn breezy and deceptively conversational prose that often winks with humor, Bad Advice breaks down complex scientific subjects that have been distorted through several cultural lenses. Offit takes to task actors, network news anchors, quack scientists, and even politicians who, unlike Jolie in her thoughtful article, have opined on scientific subjects in ways that misinform the public, on occasion to a potentially dangerous degree. * Washington Post *Bad advice about your health, firmly grounded in fact-free marketing, greed, and science denialism, is omnipresent in the new and old media these days. One of the few reliable sources of good advice is Dr. Paul A. Offit who, unlike all too many scientists and doctors, is ready to take on the hype and lies of celebrities, charlatans, ideologues, and money-grubbers with logic, evidence, and humor. Take my advice: Bad Advice is just what you need to navigate the murky waters of an unending stream of really bad information about your health. -- Arthur L. Caplan, Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor of Bioethics, New York University School of MedicineBad Advice gives us a front row seat to Offit’s role on the leading edge of the vaccine fight as he shows just how important communicating good science can be. The author's rare storytelling blend of equal parts humorous anecdotes and serious facts leads to an entertaining and captivating read that is hard to put down. -- Melissa Stockwell, MD, MPH, Columbia University Medical CenterPaul Offit is a pediatrician, a vaccine scientist, and one of our foremost explainers of science. In Bad Advice, he distills what he has learned—often the hard way—from standing up for science in the face of bogus theories, quack remedies, and the flat-out denial of empirical fact. Skillfully, Offit uses stories of his many missteps in the treacherous public arena to teach us how to confront pseudoscience effectively. In the process, without noticing, we learn fascinating lessons in the relevant science. A forcefully-written, indispensable book, particularly at the present moment. -- Geoffrey Kabat, cancer epidemiologist at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and author of Getting Risk Right: Understanding the Science of Elusive Health RisksWith humor and a unique perspective, Offit takes us step by step through our culture’s missteps (and some of his own), relating stories of real science and the difficulties of communicating complicated concepts clearly to a skeptical and sometimes hostile public. Bad Advice shows us how we can succeed in the battle against pseudoscience, seductive gurus with simple messages, and snake oil-hawking celebrities. -- Adam Ratner, M.D., New York UniversityThe beauty of mass communication in our free society is also our curse. Information flows so quickly, from so many different sources, that one can’t help but be overwhelmed—and too frequently misled. No one has fought harder over the years to educate the public, and to puncture the dangerously false dogmas of pseudoscience, than Paul Offit. Bad Advice is a brilliant extension of his dictate, so aptly stated by Daniel Patrick Moynihan, that one is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts. Celebrities and politicians bear the brunt of Offit’s elegantly written, often hilarious, pinpoint assaults. But what makes this book truly special is its vision of how science can, and must, be defended against its despoilers. Bad Advice is, in every sense, an essential read. -- David Oshinsky, director of the Division of Medical Humanities at NYU School of MedicineBad Advice is a fun and educational book that will leave readers optimistic—as Offit himself is—that fact will ultimately prevail over fiction in the world of science and medicine. “Although science is under siege,” Offit writes toward the end of the book, “science advocates are fighting back.” -- Arlene Weintraub, author of Heal: The Vital Role of Dogs in the Search for Cancer Cures * New York Journal of Books *[Bad Advice] provides a sterling example of this stand in the name of empirical truth. * Publishers Weekly *A well-presented, knowledgeable, and surprisingly engaging look at the pitfalls of the information age. * Foreword Reviews *The author's droll account of attempts to inform the public about vaccines and even before a congressional hearing make for compelling reading....Recommended * Choice *Table of ContentsPrologue: On Being Naïve1. What Science Is—and What It Isn’t2. White Mice and Windowless Rooms3. An Alibi for Ignorance4. Feeding the Beast5. To Debate or Not to Debate6. Make ’Em Laugh7. Science Goes to the Movies8. The Emperor’s New Clothes9. Judgment Day10. The Nuclear Option11. Pharma Shill12. A Ray of HopeEpilogue: The End of the TourAcknowledgmentsAppendix: Blogs and PodcastsNotesSelected BibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisArno Karlen, author of Man and Microbes, focuses on a single bacterium in Biography of a Germ, giving us an intimate view of a life that has been shaped by and is in turn transforming our own.Borrelia burgdorferi is the germ that causes Lyme disease. In existence for some hundred million years, it was discovered only recently. Exploring its evolution, its daily existence, and its journey from ticks to mice to deer to humans, Karlen lucidly examines the life and world of this recently prominent germ. He also describes how it attacks the human body, and how by changing the environment, people are now much more likely to come into contact with it. Charming and thorough and smart, this book is a wonderfully written biography of your not so typical biographical subject.

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Book SynopsisThrough a long history of co-evolution, multicellular organisms form a complex of host cells plus many associated microorganism species. Consisting of algae, bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists and viruses, and collectively referred to as the microbiome, these microorganisms contribute to a range of important functions in their hosts, from nutrition, to behaviour and disease susceptibility. In this book, a diverse and international group of active researchers outline how multicellular organisms have become reliant on their microbiomes to function, and explore this vital interdependence across the breadth of soil, plant, animal and human hosts. They draw parallels and contrasts across hosts in different environments, and discuss how this invisible microbial ecosystem influences everything from the food we eat, to our health, to the correct functioning of ecosystems we depend on. This insightful read also pertinently encourages students and researchers in microbial ecology, ecology, and mTrade Review'This book focuses on current research investigations of the microbiomes found in animals, plants, and soils. The authors propose an emerging theoretical framework for investigating the complex interactions between microbiomes and their habitats. They promote advancements for studying microbiomes and microorganisms in situ, or in the natural environment, rather than focusing on classical methods using in vitro studies as conducted in labs. Each chapter reveals the significant roles that microbiomes play in biogeochemical cycling and in homeostatic mechanisms of host organisms and natural environments. Also discussed are the impacts of anthropogenic changes on microbiome interactions. Topics in the book include background information on microbiomes, analytical methods for studying them, a review of microbiome research investigations, and biotechnology applications of microbiome research. Each chapter provides a wealth of primary references. As an added plus, the readability level is appropriate for those lacking an extensive background in science.' B. R. Shmaefsky, Choice'It is a solid, approachable introduction to the role of microbiomes in ecology and could serve as a primary reading for a graduate seminar course or for a researcher just entering the field.' Jonathan Newman and Newman Lab Group, The Quarterly Review of BiologyTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Microbiomes of soils, plants and animals: an introduction Rachael E. Antwis, Xavier A. Harrison, Michael J. Cox, Sophia Carryl, Meagan Dewar, James Doonan, Ellen L. Fry, Jack Gilbert, Bethan Greenwood, Reid N. Harris, Zenobia Lewis, Anne Lizé, James McDonald, Valerie McKenzie, Marc Sze and Feng Zhu; 2. Analytical approaches for microbiome research Xavier A. Harrison and Simon J. S. Cameron; 3. Microbiomes of soils Reuben Margerison, Océane Nicolitch and Yaqian Zhang; 4. Factors that shape the host microbiome Marc Sze, James Doonan, James E. McDonald, Reid Harris and Meagan Dewar; 5. Microbial symbioses and host nutrition Philip Donkersley, Sam Robinson, Ella K. Deutsch and Alastair T. Gibbons; 6. The microbiome and host behaviour Anne Lizé and Zenobia Lewis; 7. Host microbiomes and disease James E. McDonald, Reid N. Harris, James Doonan, Sophia Carryl, Marc Sze, Valerie McKenzie and Jack A. Gilbert; 8. Adapting to environmental change Ellen L. Fry, Feng Zhu and Bethan Greenwood; 9. Microbial biotechnology Rachael E. Antwis, Ellen Fry, Chloë E. James and Natalie Ferry; 10. Synthesis and future directions Rachael E. Antwis, Xavier A. Harrison and Michael J. Cox; Index.

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Book SynopsisPlant growth promoting microorganisms (PGPM) have gained acceptance and importance due to their dual benefits of promoting plant growth in addition to managing plant pests and diseases and are extensively used as microbial inoculants in improving agricultural productivity. Use of PGPM mixtures and their integration with other means, like host resistance and chemicals, has proven to be more useful in management of several disease problems. Successful greenhouse and field demonstrations have been done using PGPM for growth promotion and resistance induction in various crops, against a broad spectrum of pathogens. Practical use of PGPM-based products has advanced and many formulations are made available in commercial scale, and more are currently under development. Further, novel formulation technologies have been formulated. Microorganisms constitute the major players in the rhizosphere and their composition and biomass significantly alters the plants response to the environment. Composition and interaction of rhizomicroflora with its surroundings highly influences plant health and productivity. Such beneficial rhizo-ecosystems engineering and manipulation of the rhizosphere to exploit or enhance this innate genetic potential, which will most probably play a key role in the future development of sustainable agricultural processes, is also reviewed. In recent years, a substantial amount of work has been done in the area of PGPM and voluminous literature is available. This book presents a methodical, comprehensive and latest research survey in this area. An overview of the scale and impact of PGPM in plant growth promotion and management of crop diseases, focusing attention on details most relevant to the development and application of biological control strategies involving various microbial strains is discussed. Problems and prospects of commercialisation, advantages and disadvantages of their use and their potential for integrated pest management are also outlined. Most of the available books either refer to the subject of plant growth promoting fungi or plant growth promoting bacteria, however, this comprehensive book includes research pertaining to all beneficial microorganisms that are plant growth promoting in nature. Moreover, this is a rapidly developing field of research and has global impact. Therefore, keeping in pace with the latest developments in this area is totally necessary, and this book will be a latest and up-to-date compilation of the research from different parts of the world.Table of ContentsFor more information, please visit our website at:https://novapublishers.com/shop/plant-growth-promoting-microorganisms-microbial-resources-for-enhanced-agricultural-productivity/

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Book SynopsisPseudomonas aeruginosais characterized by its metabolic versatility and found ubiquitously in soil and aquatic habitats and persists survival on various surfaces of plants, animals and humans. Diversity in Pseudomonas characteristics have led to recent technological advances and lay out important avenues of research focused on the role of Pseudomonas and the molecular mechanisms of their beneficial actions. This book brings together respectedP. aeruginosaexperts from around the world to provide a timely, extensive and updated review of Pseudomonas research. It covers various aspects in applications of Pseudomonas in molecular engineering of genetic tools for Pseudomonas protein expression, medical and environmental fields including biofilm development, quorum sensing, heavy metal bioremediation and photodynamic therapy as well as the industrially-important lipoxygenase biocatalysis properties. This book is essential reading for scientists working with Pseudomonas and serves as a ready reference and text book for graduate students, young field microbiologists and research scientists in academia, research institutes and industry.

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Book SynopsisThe Aedes aegypti mosquito is a recognized vector for dengue, chikungunya, and Zika arboviruses, and has had a significant dispersion in recent years across the southern hemisphere. It is a known nuisance species in the United States and is believed to have been brought to the new world on ships used for European exploration and colonization In recent years, the use of entomopathogenic fungi has proven a promising tool for the biocontrol of Culicides that threaten public health. As such, the authors systematically review studies that evaluated the main entomopathogenic genera used in the biological control of these vectors.

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Book SynopsisEnterobacter is a relatively lesser known member of family Enterobacteriaceae with at least fifteen species more or less involved in different human infections. As little knowledge is available about its pathogenicity and virulence factors, this compilation discusses the factors and genes involved. The plants and microbes with antimicrobial potential in the synthesis of nanoparticles for the control of pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae are highlighted, and the authors discuss how, to overcome the complexities regarding antibiotic therapies and multiple drug resistance, there is a dire need to develop some novel clinical approaches and strategies. The factors causing multi-drug resistance are highlighted, including under or overuse of antibiotics, prolonged use of antibiotics, poor infection control, poor hygiene and sanitation.

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Book SynopsisNeurocysticercosis, a preventable parasitic infection of the central nervous system caused by tapeworm, is a serious, potentially fatal disease that can cause neurologic syndromes such as epileptic seizures. Chapter One of this monograph describes the existing treatment options for neurocysticercosis, along with possible therapeutic alternatives under different drug development phases. Chapter Two explains the difficulties associated with correctly diagnosing neurocysticercosis, resulting from its varied clinical presentation, and mentions current guidelines of diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis. Chapter Three describes the various merits and demerits of techniques for detecting the parasites associated with neurocysticercosis, which include radioimaging, genotyping of cysts, and antibody, antigen, and nucleic acid detection in body fluids.Table of ContentsPreface; Treatment of Neurocysticercosis: Current and Future Options; The Challenge of Deciphering Certainty from Ambiguity for the Laboratory Diagnosis of Neurocysticercosis; Trends in the Diagnosis of Human Neurocysticercosis: Issues and Challenges; Index.

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Book SynopsisToday, local, state, and federal funding agencies have recognised the importance of the role the community plays in assuring a healthy population. As a result, these funding sources have mandated that the community which is primarily affected by these persistent public health issues, be present at the working table with academicians, researchers, public health practitioners, and policymakers so their "voice" may be heard and they may contribute to effective solutions. For sustainability purposes, we need to help these communities build their capacity to address the episodic, as well as the persistent, public health issues that affect their health. How do we, as public health professionals, do that? How do we learn the skills and principles necessary to establish partnerships with our communities? How do we then teach our community partners to continue to improve the health status of their neighbourhoods when the funding expires? This book explores this topic in greater detail.

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Book SynopsisThis important book discusses the ethical code regarding possible introduction of exogenous bacterial species into the environment, as well as various other applications of bacteria in environmental biotechnology.

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Book SynopsisMarine and freshwater biotoxins are a well-known problem in food safety, mainly for filter-feeding molluscs and for freshwater aquaculture. This is a challenging matter since, in recent years, toxic algal blooms seems to grow in frequency and duration, leading to longer closure of harvesting areas, disruption in trade, mortality in farmed fish and a growing concern in producers, consumers and health authorities. Unfortunately, in recent years toxins from far latitudes are emerging, leading to new human health problems. Research and exhaustive knowledge of a problem makes it easier to draw a scenario where the best management strategies are gathered. This book combines information related to food-borne illness associated with marine or freshwater biotoxins, the anthropogenic and environmental factors that cause the appearance of toxic episodes and all available analytical procedures for phycotoxins detection.

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Book SynopsisBiotechnology has proven to be one of the more fruitful technological approaches in science today; being both very powerful, and able to generate valuable intellectual property. This book aims to present examples in the applications of molecular biology and genetic engineering. This book shows how areas as diverse as agrofood technology, fine chemistry, detergents, bioremediation and biosensors are receiving significant contributions from biotechnology approaches. The fundamental principles that underpin all biotechnologies are explained and a full range of examples are discussed to show how these principles are applied; from starting substrates to the final product. The challenges on these aspects and methodologies inspired us to edit this book.

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Book SynopsisThe information age came with the promise of transparency greater than anything witnessed heretofore by humanity. Of course, transparency is the essence of foresight and knowledge. The hope was for a greater accountability that would follow increased transparency, compelling policy makers to depend on knowledge and foresight rather than disinformation and hidden agendas. Recent events of the new millennium indicate that the increase has been in opacity and disinformation. The information age, often dubbed as the knowledge era'', has become the antithesis of knowledge, however; even its most ardent proponents admit that. Despite globalisation, the information age has failed to generate knowledge-based decision-making tools.

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Book SynopsisMicro-organisms are highly ubiquitous in nature and manifold in their activity. Interest in microbiology increased quite significantly due to wide application of micro-organisms in studying different biological processes. An attempt has been made to introduce the readers to several areas of microbiology and microbial biotechnology and to provide insight into basic concepts of biology and practical applications of micro-organisms. To assist the readers in understanding the text, several illustrations and figures have been incorporated in the current volume. The topics covered in this volume are arranged in such a way as to maintain the thread of continuity with Volume One as well as to make it easy for those who are not acquainted with Volume One of the series. The editors believe that the previous book of the series, "Recent Advances in Microbiology Volume-1", would also be helpful to readers in strengthening their concepts about different areas of microbiology and microbial biotechnology.

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Book SynopsisThe book consists of a total of 17 chapters contributed by experts from ten different countries across the globe. The book is divided into six short sections containing a minimum of two chapters each. It is a comprehensive collection of articles that describe the active processes performed by micro-organisms in our daily life, in both a positive way, which is emphasised, and less so in a negative way. The book is focused more on the benefits that mankind can harness from these microbes with which we interact constantly. As we live in complete harmony with these Leeuwenhoek''s animalcules, we must learn to achieve and maximise the benefits from such microscopic organisms.

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Book SynopsisEnterococcus faecalis is a gram-positive, coccus shaped, lactic acid bacterium, with demonstrated ubiquity across multiple anatomical sites. Enterococcus faecalis isolates have been isolated from clinical samples as the etiological agent in patients with overt infections, and from body sites previously thought to be sterile but absent of signs and symptoms of infection. E. faecalis is implicated in both human health and disease, recognised as a commensal, a probiotic and an opportunistic multiply resistant pathogen. E faecalis has emerged as a key pathogen in nosocomial infections. Enterococcus faecalis is a commensal bacterium inhabiting the gastro-intestinal tract of humans. Interestingly, although it is not clear whether E faecalis is part of the oral cavity microbiome, it is frequently recovered from root canal infections. Specifically, it is the major pathogen found in persistent infections associated with root canal treatment failure. Moreover, E faecalis is one of the leading multidrug resistant nosocomial pathogens, causing infective endocarditis, and participating in urinary tract, wound, and device- device-related infections. This book discusses the molecular characteristics, its role in nonsocomial infections and the antibacterial effects of Enterococcus faecalis. It begins by discussing the virulence factors of enterococcus faecalis and concludes with E faecalis in dental infections.

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Book SynopsisThe ability of various microorganisms to attach to surfaces and create biofilms on them is rather a cause of concern for many industries, including for those occupied with food production and processing. Thus, the attachment of bacterial pathogens to food processing equipment is considered as an essential contributing factor in foodborne disease outbreaks, since this may ultimately lead to the contamination of food products. Improperly cleaned surfaces promote soil build-up, and, in the presence of water, contribute to the development of microbial biofilms which may contain pathogenic bacteria, such as Salmonella. Salmonella enterica is one of the most significant enteric foodborne bacterial pathogens, with host-adapted strains able to cause systemic human infections and persist for long periods of time, posing significant public health problems. This book discusses the prevalence, risk factors and treatment options of Salmonella.

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Book SynopsisAvian influenza (AI) is caused by Influenza A viruses, and are single stranded, segmented RNA viruses of the family Orthomyxoviridae. Influenza A viruses continue to pose a major threat to the poultry industry and to the public. Wild aquatic birds are considered the primary hosts of influenza A, in which the virus is enzootic. In these birds, influenza viruses usually replicate in the intestinal tract, cause no disease, and spread by fecal contamination of the water habitat. This book discusses the epidemiology, global patters, and clinical management of Avian Influenza. It also examines the symptoms, treatment and clinical outcomes of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), which is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a SARS coronavirus.

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Book SynopsisOver fifty years of scientific and industrial developments focused on the amino acid producer bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum has successfully yielded up to 2.93 and 1.95 million tons/year of L glutamic acid and L-lysine, respectively. As a result of this biotechnological effort, a massive amount of knowledge decidedly applicable to the development of new products has been gained. Nowadays, this knowledge is used to enlarge the portfolio of C. glutamicum industrial products, since they are highly relevant as chemicals, biodegradable polymers, ingredients, or additives in food, feed, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This book addresses production of these new metabolites (C. glutamicum applications) and their potential under the expert point of view of those groups directly involved in their developments. Thus, amino acids out of the traditional glutamic acid or lysine, as L valine; food colorants such as carotenoids; dicarboxylic acids used as building blocks (e.g: succinate); alpha hydroxy acids as L lactate, D lactate or glycolate; biodegradable polyester (eg.: polyhydroxybutyrate); alcohols for biofuel as isobutanol as well as bioremediation applications of the new developments around C. glutamicum described in this book. Those industrial relevant compounds come to the market parallel with the developing application of new technologies. Hence, cell activity as a whole by means of the Proteomics or Transcriptomics approaches, as well as the methodologies that mimic the large fermetor conditions in a scale-down format are also reviewed in the book. Additionally, a historical description and an updated review of the taxonomical environment of Corynebacterium genus open an essential manual for enterprises, researchers and academia involved in Actinobacteria, secondary metabolite production and industrial applications. This book reviews the evolution of almost sixty years of development, initially focused on amino acid production, which unleashes the idea of C. glutamicum as a biorefinery due to its ability to generate hundreds of products demanded by the market.

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Book SynopsisThis book provides readers with the latest developments in Listeria Monocytogenes research. Topics covered include its growth in biofilms in the food industry; molecular mechanisms involved in the food-related subsistence of Listeria Monocytogenes; an epidemiological update and the control possibilities for outbreaks of L. Monocytogenes; how to control L. Monocytogenes biofilms on food contact surfaces; methods for killing activities of macrophages against L. Monocytogenes infection; and a review of some of the most exciting developments in the analysis of the interaction between L. Monocytogenes and the host GI tract.

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Book SynopsisThis book is divided into six chapters that cover a wide range of endotoxin biology topics. The first chapter provides a general overview of endotoxins, as well as a timeline of their use and discovery. In Chapter Two, we'll look at how to extract and characterize these compounds. In Chapter Three, the genetics and biochemical pathways involved in endotoxin biosynthesis are discussed in depth. In Chapter Four, endotoxin virulence is discussed, as well as the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions. In Chapter Five, the use of endotoxins as vaccine adjuvants is discussed as a futuristic way to improve vaccine efficacy. At the end, Chapter Six discusses potential areas of endotoxin exposure in the environment, as well as measures to combat the ecological threat.Table of ContentsPreface; Endotoxins: A Basic Introduction; Extraction and Characterization of Endotoxins; Endotoxin Biosynthesis: Genetics and Biochemistry of the Process; Endotoxins: Regulation of the Virulence; Endotoxins as Vaccine Adjuvants; Endotoxins in the Environment; Index.

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Book SynopsisBiofilms have grown into a major issue that poses hazards to all life forms. This book reviews strategies which can be employed to combat biofilms.Chapter 1 demonstrates that microbial biofilms are generated when a polymeric matrix surrounds a collection of single or heterogeneous microbial organisms. Chapter 2 discusses how biofilm resistance to antimicrobial drugs has become a global problem for medical researchers. Chapter 3 discusses how even though antibiofilm tactics are helpful, they are still worth investigating because each strategy is limited by physiological parameters such as composition, osmolarity, and bacterial species. Chapter 4 reveals that biofilms are diverse microbial societies dwelling in diverse environments. Chapter 5 confers emerging biofilm eradication tendencies and tactics, as well as the treatment of biofilm-related medical problems. Chapter 6 examines how biofilm's pervasiveness makes its removal extremely challenging. Chapter 7 looks at a variety of recently discovered nano-established biomaterials as well as the approaches that are being used to create antibiofilm surfaces. Finally, Chapter 8 discusses how microbial biofilms, which are generated by the aggregation of single or varied microbial species encased in a polymeric matrix, are a frequent way for bacteria to shield themselves against environmental challenges and antibacterial treatments.Table of ContentsPreface; Acknowledgements; Natural Products for Biofilm Control: Action Mechanisms and Innovative Proposals; An Understanding of Antibiofilm Activity; Perspectives on Current Information and Future Potential for Antibiofilm Approaches in Health Care Systems; Major Physical Strategies for Controlling Biofilm Formation; Emerging Trends in Antibiofilm Approaches: A Review; Insect-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides: A Novel Strategy for Biofilm Inhibition; The Use of Nanotechnology as an Effective Antibiofilm Approach: A Review; Chemical Strategies for Combating Microbial Biofilms; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book features the reduction and removal of selenium in wastewater via bioremediation. Arranged over five chapters, this book provides information regarding the interaction between micro-organisms and selenium, and it also explains the biogeochemistry of selenium in engineered ecosystems designed for wastewater treatment. The analytical approaches currently adopted by the scientific community are also described and discussed. Readers will find examples of the biological treatment of selenium contaminated wastewater, and discover a concise overview of selenium removal processes that are currently implemented at lab-scale as well as at industrial scale.Table of Contents

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Book SynopsisThis book is designed to give students an understanding of the role of microorganisms in food processing and preservation;

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