Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by certain filamentous fungi. The occurrence of mycotoxins in food and feed causes negative health impacts on both humans and animals. Clay binders, yeast cell walls, or antioxidant additives are the most widely used products for mycotoxin elimination to reduce their impact. Although conventional methods are constantly improving, current research trends are looking for innovative solutions. Nanotechnology approaches seem to be a promising, effective, and low-cost way to minimize the health effects of mycotoxins. This review aims to shed light on the critical knowledge gap in mycotoxin elimination by nanotechnology. There are three main strategies: mold inhibition, mycotoxin adsorption, and reducing the toxic effect via nanoparticles. One of the most promising methods is the use of carbon-based nanomaterials. Graphene has been shown to have a huge surface and high binding capacity for mycotoxins. Attention has also been drawn to polymeric nanoparticles; they could substitute adsorbents or enclose any substance, which would improve the health status of the organism. In light of these findings, this review gives new insights into possible future research that might overcome challenges associated with nanotechnology utilization for mycotoxin elimination from agricultural products.
The aim of this publication is to compile a summary of the findings regarding punicalagin in various tissues described thus far in the literature, with an emphasis on the effect of this substance on immune reactions. Punicalagin (PUN) is an ellagitannin found in the peel of pomegranate (Punica granatum). It is a polyphenol with proven antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic and chemopreventive activities, antiproliferative activity against tumor cells; it inhibits inflammatory pathways and the action of toxic substances, and is highly tolerated. This work describes the source, metabolism, functions and effects of punicalagin, its derivatives and metabolites. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are described.
Plant production today depends on the ability of agriculturists to transport and recycle minerals, particularly those minerals which are nutritionally important to animals and human beings, through various agriculture products. It is important to note that the attenuation of these mineral deposits by green plants, as well as their subsequent role in the production of organic compounds, is fundamental to almost all known forms of life. Selenium (Se) is among those trace mineral which are crucial for the maintenance of plant physiology. The significance, production, and biological effects of this element, as well as its application in sustainable development, are remaining an interesting topic of discussion. Moreover, there has been a huge rise in the potential applications of nanotechnology in the food and agriculture industries. Several studies have been conducted on the various biological activities of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and their biosynthesis. There is plenty of research performed on the effects of Se in plant nutrition and physiology, but there is a lack of information about the effects of SeNPs in SeNPs toxicity, and other aspects of using SeNPs in agriculture. The current review is focused on recent information related to the effects and fate of SeNPs in agronomy. We also aimed attention at the primary sources and behavior of Se in different environments, such as soil, water, air, and plants. All the data provides an extremely fertile domain for future investigation and research.
6 December 2017 in Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries
The extreme body sizes of megafishes associated with their high commercial values and recreational interests have made them highly threatened in their native range worldwide by human-induced impacts such as overexploitation. Meanwhile, some megafishes have been introduced outside of their native range. A notable example is the European catfish (Silurus glanis), one of the few siluriforms native to Eastern Europe. It is among the 20 largest freshwater fish worldwide, attaining a total length over 2.7 m and a documented mass of 130 kg. Its distinct phylogeny and extreme size imply many features that are rare among other European fish, including novel behaviours (massive aggregations, beaching), consumption of large bodied prey, fast growth rates, long lifespan, high fecundity, nest guarding and large egg sizes. The spread of the species is likely to continue due to illegal introductions, primarily for recreational angling, coupled with natural range extension associated with climate change. Here, the most recent knowledge on the current distribution and the ecology of the species are reviewed. A series of key research questions are identified that should stimulate new research on this intriguing, yet largely unknown, species and, more generally, on the ecology of freshwater invaders.