Arthropods are invertebrates that constitute over 90% of the animal kingdom, and their bio-ecology is closely linked with global functioning and survival. Arthropods play an important role in maintaining the health of ecosystems, provide livelihoods and nutrition to human communities, and are important indicators of environmental change. Yet the population trends of several arthropods species show them to be in decline. Arthropods constitute a dominant group with 1.2 million species influencing earth’s biodiversity. Among arthropods, insects are predominant, with ca. 1 million species and having evolved some 350 million years ago. Arthropods are closely associated with living and non-living entities alike, making the ecosystem services they provide crucially important. In order to be effective, plans for the conservation of arthropods and ecosystems should include a mixture of strategies like protecting key habitats and genomic studies to formulate relevant policies for in situ and ex situ conservation. This two-volume book focuses on capturing the essentials of arthropod inventories, biology, and conservation. Further, it seeks to identify the mechanisms by which arthropod populations can be sustained in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and by means of which certain problematic species be managed without producing harmful environmental side-effects. This edited compilation includes chapters contributed by over 80 biologists on a wide range of topics embracing the diversity, distribution, utility and conservation of arthropods and select groups of insect taxa. More importantly, it describes in detail the mechanisms of sustaining arthropod ecosystems, services and populations. It addresses the contribution of modern biological tools such as molecular and genetic techniques regulating gene expression, as well as conventional, indigenous practices in arthropod conservation. The contributors reiterate the importance of documenting and understanding the biology of arthropods from a holistic perspective before addressing conservation issues at large. This book offers a valuable resource for all zoologists, entomologists, ecologists, conservation biologists, policy makers, teachers and students interested in the conservation of biological resources.

The facts about Lyme disease, from epidemiology to treatment to control Lyme borreliosis, popularly known as Lyme disease, remains the most commonly reported tick-transmitted infection in North America and Europe. A growing body of scientific and clinical evidence has facilitated early diagnosis and effective treatment. Nonetheless, there are a number of misconceptions about this infectious disease that have given rise to unproven, potentially dangerous alternative therapies. In Lyme Borreliosis in Europe and North America, a team of authors whose expertise spans basic research, epidemiology, and clinical practice has compiled evidence-based information on Lyme borreliosis. Presents all the latest evidence needed to diagnose, treat, and prevent Lyme disease Lyme Borreliosis in Europe and North America begins with a review of the disease's epidemiology, the causative Borrelia genospecies, and tick vectors. It then explores pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment. Next, the book examines the role of serologic, culture, and molecular diagnostic methods. The book also features a chapter on prognosis, offering an evidence-based review of outcome studies, as well as practical advice to physicians to help them manage the challenging clinical scenario of chronic symptoms attributed to Borrelia infection. The final chapter is a guide to prevention strategies, including the management of tick bites. Examines similarities and differences in Europe and North America Because differences in Borrelia genospecies are responsible for differences in the clinical presentation of Lyme borreliosis between North America and Europe, this book provides descriptions of the disease as it presents on each continent. Most of the chapters have been cowritten by experts on each continent, in order to provide a balanced perspective that combines European and North American findings, practices, and experiences. Helps everyone better understand, treat, and control Lyme disease Lyme Borreliosis in Europe and North America is a comprehensive reference, ideal for clinicians, researchers, and public health officials who seek to treat and control Lyme borreliosis. It will help them better understand the facts and make sense of the misconceptions and myths that surround this infectious disease.