COVID-19 has spread like wildfire across the globe since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, hampering quality of life at multiple levels and causing many deaths. Many aspects of the human experience have been affected, with a body of research being published on its effects on psychological and physical well being, loss of jobs, pay cuts, education, and unpaid caregiving. New findings on these aspects are still emerging as we learn more about the consequences of the pandemic. This book is intended as a simple summary of recent findings about COVID-19 for academicians and students from science, humanities and commerce backgrounds to understand the pandemic from a microscopic view and how it has touched our lives at different levels. A collection of topics is presented and explored through chapters dedicated to niche topics on COVID-19. Each chapter is authored by expert scientists, academicians and scholars from leading institutions in India. The key features of this book set are: - Interdisciplinary content, making it useful for readers from different academic streams - A blend of basic and applied research in biology, medicine and social science - A focus on findings from India - Updated References for advanced readers This collection of topics is invaluable for researchers and working professionals in industry and academia as well as general readers who want a broad, insightful perspective on COVID-19.

This book informs readers about recent advances in graphene carbocatalysis encapsulating the current developments in the syntheses, properties, characterizations, functionalization and catalytic applications of graphene, its derivatives and composites. It serves as a comprehensive primary reference book for chemistry and engineering students who are required to learn about graphene chemistry in detail. It also serves as an introductory reference for industry professionals and researchers who are interested in graphene research as well as its emerging applications in catalysis and beyond. Volume 1 provides an introduction to catalysis and the chemistry of graphene. This is followed by chapters that cover the chemistry of graphene compounds. Next, it covers the functionalization of graphene into catalytic materials and its role in the synthesis of nanocomposites. Finally, the book delves into the complex aspects of graphene carbocatalysis: recent advances in graphene supported palladium catalysts for coupling reactions, applications of graphene-based catalysts in multicomponent, domino reactions, oxidation and reduction reactions, and recent trends in biocatalytic properties of graphene-based composites are all discussed in detail.

This book explains key concepts and applications of nanotechnology in clinical medicine and pharmacology. The chapters have been contributed by experts and provide a broad perspective about the current and future developments in pharmacology, toxicology, cell biology, and materials science. The book is divided into 2 main sections. The first section concerns nanobiotechnology for human health including gastrointestinal disease, kidney diseases, pulmonary disorders, reproductive system, COVID-19, and cancer. The second section is devoted to toxicological aspects of nanomaterials which involve toxicological assessments of nanotherapeutics and potential solutions for nanotoxicology. Key Features - Emphasizes the high degree of interdisciplinary research in pharmacology, toxicology and nanoscience - Summarizes the results of theoretical, methodological, and practical studies in different medical subspecialties - includes special topics such as novel nanotoxicology assessment methods and nano vaccines - Includes references for further reading

This volume is a complete review of the cutting-edge scientific evidence about the isolation, identification, bioactivity and molecular analysis of the biologically active peptides (BAPs) obtained from several underutilized grains. It provides a general review of current and new technologies in isolating and bioprospecting BAPs before going into the details of 11 grains. Amaranth, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, sorghum, lupin, mung bean, chickpea, broad bean, cocoa bean and chia are extensively discussed in dedicated chapters. Additionally, these chapters provide information about the characteristics of the crop, its main varieties, traditional uses, economic importance, nutritional aspects, structure and chemical composition of the grains, as well as the classification and distribution of the grain protein fractions. Moreover, the advances in the analytical techniques used for the concentration, purification and molecular characterization of BAPs are described. The impact of BAPs in the promotion of health is highlighted, as well as their potential incorporation as promising ingredients in the development of functional foods, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Finally, the main findings related to the potential antiviral and anti-COVID-19 activities of BAPs derived from underutilized grains are described. This reference will be of interest for academics, professionals and researchers focused in food science, biotechnology, pharmacology and agriculture, and to professionals involved in the research and development of natural products, pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals.

Cerium is the most abundant metal of rare-earth elements. It can be used to make materials such as phosphors and alloys, that have applications in various applied fields (like electronics, magnetics and heterogeneous catalysis) and devices (like catalytic converters and gas mantles). Cerium-Based Materials: Synthesis, Properties and Applications presents detailed knowledge about cerium materials. Starting with the history of cerium-based materials, it gives an introduction to the synthesis of chemicals like cerium oxides and composites. This is followed by information about characterization of cerium nanoparticles and industrial applications of cerium-based materials, with a focus on catalysis, biomedical engineering and pharmaceutical chemistry. This book is an essential reference for researchers and chemical engineers who want a summary of cerium materials and its applications.

Natural Immunomodulators: Promising Therapy for Disease Management discusses the use of natural immunomodulators as a promising therapy for managing various diseases. The book begins with an introduction to the immune system and the ways in which it can be modulated. This is followed by a discussion on the various diseases and disorders associated with the immune system, including autoimmune disorders, allergies, and immune deficiency conditions. The natural sources of immunomodulators, including plants, herbs, and other natural substances is also explained along with the importance of standardizing natural immunomodulator drugs, including the methods used to ensure their quality and consistency. The book also delves into the chemistry and analytical techniques used to study immunomodulators, clinical and pre-clinical bioassays. The next couple of chapters focus on the use of natural immunomodulators in cancer, the therapy of cancer and infectious diseases. Drug delivery and the strategy and regulatory perspective for natural immunomodulators. The final 2 chapters round up the contents with information about synthetic immunomodulators and the future perspective for the use of immunomodulators in disease management. Natural Immunomodulators: Promising Therapy for Disease Management is a comprehensive guide to the use of natural immunomodulators as a therapy for various diseases, and is a valuable resource for professionals and students interested in this topic. The book is aimed at health care professionals such as medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and life science and nutritionist professionals, as well as students.

COVID-19 has spread like wildfire across the globe since the start of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, hampering quality of life at multiple levels and causing many deaths. Many aspects of the human experience have been affected, with a body of research being published on its effects on psychological and physical well being, loss of jobs, pay cuts, education, and unpaid caregiving. New findings on these aspects are still emerging as we learn more about the consequences of the pandemic. This book is intended as a simple summary of recent findings about COVID-19 for academicians and students from science, humanities and commerce backgrounds to understand the pandemic from a microscopic view and how it has touched our lives at different levels. A collection of topics is presented and explored through chapters dedicated to niche topics on COVID-19. Each chapter is authored by expert scientists, academicians and scholars from leading institutions in India. The key features of this book set are: - Interdisciplinary content, making it useful for readers from different academic streams - A blend of basic and applied research in biology, medicine and social science - A focus on findings from India - Updated References for advanced readers This collection of topics is invaluable for researchers and working professionals in industry and academia as well as general readers who want a broad, insightful perspective on COVID-19.

The immune system is highly complex, it senses foreign invaders, thus protecting the body. The adaptive arm of the immune system confers long-term protection, whereas the innate immune system confers immediate protection. The immune system uses pattern recognition receptors that are able to sense the molecular patterns associated with pathogens. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important mediators of inflammatory pathways in the gut which play a major role in mediating the immune responses towards a wide variety of pathogen-derived ligands and link adaptive immunity with the innate immunity. This book covers the role of TLRs in several vector-borne Diseases. Starting with an introduction to these diseases, the book explains the different types of receptors involved in these diseases. The diseases are then covered in separate chapters, including: malaria, lymphatic filariasis, visceral leishmaniasis, dengue fever, chikungunya, West Nile fever, and Japanese encephalitis. The book is a handy reference for researchers and trainees involved in clinical medicine and infection control. It can also serve as supplementary reading material for Students undertaking courses in biotechnology, public health, entomology, immunology, epidemiology, and life sciences.

A biosensor is an integrated receptor-transducer device that converts a biological response into an electrical signal. The design and development of biosensors have taken center stage for researchers or scientists in the recent decade owing to the wide range of biosensor applications in healthcare and disease diagnosis, environmental monitoring, water and food quality, and drug delivery. Due to their adaptability, ease of use in relatively complex samples, and portability, the significance of electrochemical biosensors in analytical chemistry has increased manifold. Electrochemistry has been pivotal in developing transduction methods for biological processes and biosensors. In parallel, the explosion of activity in nanoscience and nanotechnology and their huge success have profoundly affected biosensor technology, opening new avenues of research for electrode materials and transduction. Electrochemical Biosensors in Practice: Material and Methods particularly explores the use of silver and gold nanoparticles for signal amplification, photocurrent transduction, and aptamer design. Therefore, the book serves as an introductory text for those specializing in biosensors and bioelectronics and their practical applications. Key features - Includes structured information for easy understanding of the subject - Provides an introduction to biosensors and electrochemical biosensor classification - Explains fundamental concepts and practical electrochemistry techniques for research - Provides notes on essential electrochemical sensor materials such as graphene, carbon nanotubes, conductive polymers, and other advanced materials - Provides information about electrochemical biosensor development - Informs readers about recent applications and research findings - Includes references for further reading