Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Biology of 1-3 Beta Glucans and Related Polysaccharides presents a comprehensive, systematic and authoritative survey of information about a family of chemically related, but functionally diverse, naturally occurring polysaccharides--the (1-3)-glucans. International contributors describe the chemical and physicochemical properties of these glucans and their derivatives and the molecular biological and structural aspects of the enzymes involved in their formation and breakdown. A detailed analysis of their physiological roles in the various biological situations in which they are found will be provided. Additionally, evolutionary relationships among the family of these glucans will be described. - Topics of medical relevance include detailing the glucans' interactions with the immune system and research for cancer therapy applications - Web resource links allow scientists to explore additional beta glucan research - Separate indexes divided into Species and Subject for enhanced searchability

"?-Glucan is generally considered to be a very safe immunomodulator. It is a well-known biological response modifier (BRM) that has been used as an adjuvant therapy for cancer since 1980, mostly in Japan. ?-Glucan enhances the innate host defense against c"

The investigation of indoor air quality has shown that microbial contamination is often a problem in buildings. Recent evidence indicates that fungi are often a part of the picture. A component of the fungal cell wall, 1 3-glucans not only affect human health, they are a marker for the existence of fungi in environmental samples. Toxicology

Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide and an important food supplement that strengthens the immune system. Beta-glucan can be obtained from many food sources such as mushrooms, yeast, or oats. Beta-glucan has a therapeutic use in the treatment of many diseases, thanks to its immune system strengthening effect. Its use helps curtail the need for administering high levels of antibiotics in case of serious infections. This book presents information about the medical applications of beta-glucan. Starting with an introduction to the basic biochemistry and classification of beta-glucan, the contents explain the readers about its use in treating a variety of medical conditions. These include cancer, allergies, COVID-19, respiratory tract infections, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and many other other endocrinological, immunological and infectious diseases. This book is a comprehensive resource about the medical use of beta-glucan where any reader can find topical information and learn about recent studies on the therapeutic effects of beta-glucan on the treatment of different diseases.

Fungi occupy an important place in the natural world, as non-photosynthetic organisms, they obtain their nutrients from the degradation of organic material. They use many of their secondary metabolites to secure a place in a competitive natural environment and to protect themselves from predation. The diverse structures, biosyntheses and biological activities of fungal metabolites have attracted chemists for many years. Fungi are ubiquitous and their activities affect many aspects of our daily lives whether it be as sources of pharmaceuticals and food or as spoilage organisms and the causes of.

For the first major update of this topic in 21 years, editors Webster and Wood have gathered an elite group of internationally recognized experts. This new edition addresses all aspects of oat chemistry, processing, nutrition, and plant genetics. It reflects the considerable changes in the science and food uses of oats that have occurred during the last two decades. Each chapter presents an in-depth review of a specific research area complete with an extensive bibliography. The book provides an important summary of oat nutritional research and associated health claims that have been granted in recognition of the nutritional benefits associated with oat consumption. The individual chapters on component chemistry and functionality provide an excellent resource for product developers in their quest to design new, healthy, oat-based food products. The chapters on oat molecular biology and oat breeding coupled with the extensive works on oat nutrition provide direction to researchers interested in developing oats with enhanced nutrition. Oats: Chemistry and Technology, Second Edition, is the only up-to-date review of oat chemistry and technology and will be a valuable resource for food science professionals including nutritionists, cereal chemists, plant biochemists, plant breeders, molecular biologists, grain millers, and product development and research scientists. Improve Your Knowledge About This Super Grain Covers all areas of oat technology - Single source provides in-depth review of all aspects of oat technology.Provides an excellent source of oat nutritional information - Includes details of oat nutritional studies and potential health claims with a special emphasis on ß-glucans.Offers authoritative descriptions of oat composition and functional properties - Provides researchers and food scientists with key chemical and application information.Highlights oat improvement opportunities - Breeding and molecular information provides researchers direction on oat improvement opportunities.Updates our knowledge of oat-processing technology - Provides in-depth discussion of oat milling and oat fractionation.Demystifies oat phenolics - Provides a peer-reviewed, in-depth discussion of oat phenolic chemistry and functional attributes.

This reference text is a culmination of worldwide research on medical textiles and biomaterials for healthcare, combined with the most innovative papers from the 2003 MEDTEX conference held at the U. of Bolton, UK. Fifty-eight contributions are organized into eight sections, each introduced with an overview, covering the main areas of basic biomaterials, healthcare and hygiene products, infection control and barrier materials, bandaging and pressure garments, woundcare materials, implantable devices, and intelligent textiles for medical applications. A sampling of topics: reformed collagen fibers, application of nonwovens in healthcare and hygiene sector, durable and rechargeable biocidal textiles, assessment of fabrics worn on the upper limbs, woundcare dressings from chitin, new prophylaxis method of children's teeth caries, nerve implants, and delivering cell therapy for chronic wounds. Published by Woodhead Publishing Ltd. (UK) in association with the Textile Institute; co-published in the U.S. by CRC. Annotation :2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).