Books published by Caister Academic Press

A state of the art compendium of fundamental science related to early 21st century probiotic or prebiotic research.

A cutting edge summary of all the latest advances, providing the first coherent picture of the current status.

Highly recommended for anyone involved in the microbiology of brewing, this volume surveys the most recent discoveries in brewing microbiology, with an emphasis on omics techniques and other modern technologies. Discoveries in these areas have furthered our knowledge of brewing processes, with practical applications from barley growth and malting to yeast management, strain selection, fermentation control, and quality assurance. The chapters, written by experts in the field, aim not only to illuminate recent progress, but also to discuss its impact on brewing practices. Topics covered include the physiology, fermentation, taxonomy, diversity, typing, genetic manipulation, genomics and evolution of brewing yeasts. Further areas covered include the fungal contamination of barley and malt, spoilage by lactic acid bacteria and gram-negative bacteria, and beer-spoiling yeasts.

A useful and timely review of the applications of the CRISPR/Cas system across diverse fields, this book also explores further avenues and research directions of this novel and powerful genome editing technology. CRISPR/Cas technology is reviewed with respect to reproduction and development, immunity and genetic diseases, system structure and system specificity. Some of the potential problems of the CRISPR/Cas system are discussed, in particular specificity. The authors also debate ethical concerns associated with this powerful new technology. This volume is an invaluable guide for all scientists working in the fields of genome editing and gene therapy and is recommended for all life sciences libraries.

Kinetoplastid parasites are responsible for a number of serious protozoal diseases with limited treatment options and few commercially available vaccines. Viewed globally, these parasites pose an increasing threat to human health and welfare.Written by a team of authors active in the field of Leishmania and Trypanosoma research, this volume reviews the current research in kinetoplastid parasites. With an emphasis on cellular and molecular biology, areas covered include epigenetic regulation, cellular defence, manipulation of host macrophages, B lymphocyte response, adhesion and invasion of host tissues, immune evasion, immunotherapy, hemeproteins, phospholipids biosynthesis and DNA topoisomerases. A common theme throughout the book is the identification of new therapeutic targets for drug development. This timely and up-to-date volume is essential reading for anyone working on kinetoplastid parasites and will also be of interest to parasitologists, immunologists and drug development researchers. All parasitology laboratories should have a copy of this important reference volume.

Members of the enterovirus genus are positive-stranded RNA viruses encompassing important human pathogens and include poliovirus, coxsackievirus and rhinovirus. Several enteroviruses, such as enterovirus-71 and enterovirus-D68, have emerged from relative obscurity to become worldwide public health threats, highlighting the need to develop effective therapeutic strategies to combat these important viruses. To do this, understanding the genomics and the cellular and molecular biology of infection of enteroviruses is critical. This book represents a comprehensive tour of the current most important enterovirus research. The editors, Dr. Jackson and Dr. Coyne, have assembled a group of enteropviral experts who cover topics including viral entry and the hijacking of host functions; the dynamic analysis of ever-evolving virus genomes; the cellular membrane changes promoting virus assembly and release. This volume is a must-read for anyone with an interest in this family of viruses and an important acquisition for all microbiology libraries.

This book is required reading for everyone involved in FMD and is an important acquisition for all microbiology libraries. The volume provides essential scientific background on FMD and its etiological agent, FMD virus, as well as comprehensive, interdisciplinary and up-to-date information on basic research findings and applied developments contributing to FMD control. The eighteen chapters have been written by leading FMD researchers. Topics include genome organization, translation and replication, virus-coded proteinases, structure of virus particles, cell receptors and host range, the RNA polymerase, quasispecies dynamics and virus evolution, innate and acquired immune responses, and the clinical signs of FMD and its natural habitats. Further chapters deal with various aspects of disease control such as diagnosis, current and new vaccines, antivirals and models of epidemiology. The role of international organizations in FMD control and the impact of FMDV as a re-emergent virus are also addressed.

"This authoritative volume will be indispensable for all microbiology laboratories"In this timely and up-to-date book, experts in the field provide an overview of the application of MALDI-TOF MS in key areas of microbiology and discuss the impact this modern technology is having on laboratory practice and patient outcome. Several chapters cover applications in clinical and veterinary diagnostic laboratories, food microbiology, environmental microbiology and strain collections. Further chapters discuss the utilization of MALDI-TOF MS for the analysis of challenging microbial groups such as yeast and anaerobic bacteria. In addition, new applications such as microbial typing, DNA analysis and the detection of antibiotic resistance are also covered. The final chapter provides a valuable overview of potential future trends and developments in MALDI-TOF MS and assesses the impact of the technology in microbiology.

"an invaluable reference for everyone working in the field of basic and medical microbiology and a recommended acquisition for all parasitology, microbiology and medical libraries"This concise book on Naegleria fowleri serves as a quick guide for clinical practitioners, health professionals, researchers and students working with this parasite. Divided into easy-to-follow sections, the book covers all aspects of research into N. fowleri as an organism ranging from clinical and laboratory diagnosis to growth and life cycle. It is essential reading for all microbiologists, immunologists, physicians, public health officials and researchers (both new and experienced) involved with N. fowleri.

Gas plasma is the fourth state of matter, alongside solid, liquid, and gas. There are many naturally-occurring events and man-made products related to gas plasma, including aurora, thunderstorms, high-intensity discharge headlamp bulbs, oxonizers, semiconductors, and solar battery panels. A gas plasma is generated by removing electrons from a gas, e.g. nitrogen gas, to produce a highly-excited mixture of charged nuclei and free electrons. It has enormous potential as a broad spectrum antimicrobial sterilization procedure with applications in medical, industrial, and agricultural settings (e.g. decontamination of medical instruments). A major advantage is the shallow penetration of gas plasmas: approximately 10-20 nanometers from the surface, thereby minimizing damage to the material being sterilized. An important obstacle to overcome is the 'understanding-gap' between the engineering researchers who are developing the gas plasma sterilization technology and the microbiologists who aim to fine tune it for their needs. This timely book bridges that gap, permitting engineers and microbiologists to develop more coherent multidisciplinary strategies. The book opens with introductory chapters that explain the background and principles of gas plasma sterilization and outline the possible mechanisms of action. The requirements for achieving the 'gold-standard' sterilization level, i.e. a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10-6, are also covered. The book also covers the applications of this technology, ranging from the inactivation of spores and endotoxins to inactivation of viruses and seed-borne plant pathogens. The final section of the book tackles sterilization validation (from several ISO documents), common data-interpretation errors, and speculation about future trends. [Subject: Microbiology, Engineering

Corynebacterium glutamicum is most widely known for its role in the industrial production of L-glutamate and L-lysine and as a platform organism for the production of a variety of fine chemicals, biofuels, and polymers. The organism's accessibility to genetic manipulation has resulted in a wealth of data on its metabolism and regulatory networks; this in turn makes C. glutamicum the model organism of choice in white biotechnology. A key development in recent years has been the engineering of C. glutamicum to utilize a broader spectrum of carbon sources (e.g. glycerol, galactose, and pentose sugars), in addition to the traditional hexoses. Given its unique ability to co-utilize mixed carbon sources, C. glutamicum could be used for the clean-up of wastes from agricultural or other industries, simultaneously producing useful compounds such as L-lysine or putrescine. This book provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge and research on C. glutamicum systems biology and biotechnological applications. Written by a team of prominent scientists, the topics covered include: proteomics * flux analysis technology for metabolic analysis * metabolic engineering for alternative carbon source utilization * manipulation of nitrogen metabolism * transport, degradation, and assimilation of aromatic compounds and their regulation * engineering for production of organic acids and alcohols * microbial factory for the production of polyesters * biotechnological application under oxygen deprivation * the secretory production of heterologous proteins * genetically-encoded biosensors. Packed with practical information and state-of-the-art science, this concise volume is an essential handbook for everyone working with Corynebacterium and related organisms in academia, biotechnology companies, and the pharmaceutical industry, It is a recommended volume for all microbiology libraries. [Subject: Microbiology, Life Science, Biotechnology

Members of the genus Shigella are responsible for bacillary dysentery and are of global public health importance. Shigella is one of the leading bacterial causes of diarrhoea worldwide with greatly elevated morbidity and mortality in developing nations and especially among children. This book provides a thorough overview of current research on the cellular and molecular biology of Shigella. Expert authors have contributed authoritative and up-to-date reviews of current knowledge and recent advances in the molecular biology of these pathogens. The first section of the book explores aspects of metabolism and gene regulation and examines the molecular and cellular biology of Shigella as a genus diversified from Escherichia. This section also considers often overlooked features of bacterial pathogens and the current understanding of RNA-based regulation of gene expression. The second part of the book focuses on the important area of host-pathogen interplay, the ability of Shigella to subvert host signaling processes, pathways for the destruction of phagocytes, the development of novel methods for assessing host cell targets, an overview of the adaptive immunity elicited by Shigella and current Shigella vaccine candidates. The final section covers the Shigella type III secretion system (T3SS) recognized as a highly evolved nanomachine for promoting cross-species communication between prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Two chapters are dedicated to dynamic aspects of the Shigella T3SS including the needle tip complex and novel methods for the identification of newly recognized effector proteins. This compendium provides the researcher with a flavour of the molecular and cellular topics that are important in understanding Shigella and the delicate balance it has with its primary host. This is an essential book for Shigella researchers and recommended reading for anyone working in the area of bacterial pathogenesis.

Microalgae, also known as phytoplankton, are abundant microorganisms which are found in freshwater and marine environments. Phytoplankton are important in global biogeochemistry since they produce the bulk of oxygen on Earth through photosynthesis. They form the base of the marine food web and are primary producers of organic carbon. Microalgal species can synthesize high value chemical products, such as carotenoids, antioxidants, fatty acids, and sterols. Most recently, microalgae have become an attractive raw material of biofuel, in the form of biodiesel. In this concise book, expert contributors describe the latest research and newest approaches to the study of these important organisms, as well as covering the more traditional methods, such as morphotaxonomy. The book provides practical information on cultivation of phytoplankton, growth media and division rates for different algal species, optical techniques, and automated instrumentation, such as flow cytometry. Furthermore, methods and approaches to study gene expression and regulation in phytoplankton are reviewed. A separate chapter is dedicated to the discussion of algal blooms and their effects on local environments. Coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi and bioluminescent phytoplankton are thoroughly reviewed by experts in these fields. Finally, the book reviews the state-of-the-art of microfluidic and in situ sensors for phytoplankton identification. It is an authoritative and contemporary review of research on microalgae and is indispensable for anyone working in this field, or who wishes to learn more about these important microorganisms. [Subject: Molecular Biology, Life Science, Marine Biology]

The completion of the Plasmodium falciparum genome sequence in late 2002 hearlded a new era in malaria research. The search began in earnest for new drugs and vaccines to combat malaria, a disease which afflicts up to 500 million people worldwide and is responsible for the deaths of more than one million people each year. The new genomic data is aiding a greater understanding of the living parasite and its interaction with the insect vector and human host. In this book internationally renown experts provide up-to-date reviews of the most important aspects of post-genomic malaria research. Topics covered include: the P. falciparum genome and model parasites, bioinformatics and genome databases, microsatellite analysis, analysis of chromosome structure, cell cycle to RNA polymerase I and II mediated gene expression, role of the nuclear genome, the parasite surface and cell biology, and much more. The book is essential reading for all parasitologists and scientists with an interest in malaria.

Influenza viruses are important pathogens responsible for flu epidemics and pandemics. The socio-economic impact of seasonal flu is very significant and the rapid rate of virus evolution necessitates the development of new vaccines every year. Another major challenge is the emergence of novel strains that are highly pathogenic for humans. Examples include H7N9 and H5N1 (emerged from birds) which have mortality rates of up to 30% and 60%, respectively. Research is underway to develop of a universal flu vaccine that would provide long-lasting protection and be effective against emergent strains.Following on from their highly-acclaimed 2010 book, Drs. Wang and Tao present a new, up-to-date and comprehensive review of current advancements in molecular influenza virology. Topics covered include: stem-specific broadly neutralizing antibodies to the virus hemagglutinin; virus replication and transcription; influenza B virus hemagglutinin; influenza A virus ribonucleoprotein complex; regulation of the virus replication machinery by host factors; evolution of receptor specificity of influenza A virus hemagglutinin: PB1-F2, a multi-functional non-structural influenza A virus protein; and avian influenza H7N9 virus.Highly informative and well referenced, this book is essential reading for all influenza specialists and is recommended reading for all virologists, immunologists, molecular biologists, public health scientists and research scientists in pharmaceutical companies.

Pollution is a major challenge for mankind responsible for millions of premature deaths globally. Current research aims to harness and enhance the natural ability of microbes to degrade or metabolise a huge range of compounds including hydrocarbons, radionuclides and metals. In recent years the application of omics technologies to biodegradation research has generated a plethora of new data providing a greater understanding of the key pathways and new insights into the adaptability of organisms to changing environmental conditions. In this timely book, expert authors critically review the most important current research in this exciting field. Topics include the genomics, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics of biodegradation, molecular markers in biodegradation, metabolomics and crucial enzymes, proteomics in metabolic pathways inspection, lipidomics in microbial adaptation to toxic compounds, degradation of endocrine disrupting compounds, dyes decolourisation and degradation, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon biodegradation, biosurfactants enhancement factors, degradation of volatile compounds, heavy metals removal, and examples of the applications of recent research. Essential reading for scientists working in the field of microbial degradation and bioremediation and recommended reading for everyone interested in environmental microbiology, biotechnology and molecular biology.

Essential reading for all virologists with an interest in cytomegaloviruses, for all clinicians in pediatric intensive-care medicine and at transplantation centers, for scientists working on antiviral drug and vaccine development, as well as for public health service and science funding system authorities.

In this volume, a range of experts explore our current understanding of the biology of these important compounds, and identify the prospects for their use in medical and veterinary applications. In so doing, this volume introduces the vast diversity of bacteriocin molecules and mechanisms and brings readers to the cutting edge of a new 21st century approach to antibiotic discovery and design. Topics covered include: the natural history of bacteriocins; killing strategies and applications of microcins; the mode of action of nuclease colicins; the role of the van der Waals zone in the design of a new family of bacteriocins; the use of pyocins in the treatment of infections; the role of streptococccal bacteriocins as oral probiotics; veterinary applications of bacteriocins (nisin) in treating mastitis, and an exploration of the genetics of bacteriocin resistance.This volume is essential reading for everyone involved in antimicrobial research in academia, biotechnology companies, and the pharmaceutical industry and a recommended volume for all microbiology libraries.