Histamine is a toxic biogenic amine commonly found in seafood products or their derivatives. This metabolite is produced by histamine-producing bacteria (HPB) such as Proteus vulgaris, P. mirabilis, Enterobacter aerogenes, E. cloacae, Serratia fonticola, S. liquefaciens, Citrobacter freundii, C. braakii, Clostridium spp., Raoultella planticola, R. ornithinolytica, Vibrio alginolyticus, V. parahaemolyticus, V. olivaceus, Acinetobacter lowffi, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Pseudomonas putida, P. fluorescens, Aeromonas spp., Photobacterium damselae, P. phosphoreum, P. leiognathi, P. iliopiscarium, P. kishitanii, and P. aquimaris. In this review, the role of these bacteria in histamine production in fish and seafood products with consequences for human food poisoning following consumption are discussed. In addition, methods to control their activity in countering histamine production are proposed.

Ipomoea batatas L. (IBL) has gained significant popularity as a complementary therapy or herbal medicine in the treatment of anti-diabetes. This review seeks to explore the mechanism by which flavonoid compounds derived from IBL exert their anti-diabetic effects through the activation of GLP-1. The review article refers to the PRISMA guidelines. In order to carry out the literature search, electronic databases such as Science Direct, Crossref, Scopus, and Pubmed were utilized. The search query was based on specific keywords, including Ipomoea batatas OR sweet potato AND anti-diabetic OR hypoglycemic. After searching the databases, we found 1055 articles, but only 32 met the criteria for further review. IBL contains various compounds, including phenolic acid, flavonols, flavanols, flavones, and anthocyanins, which exhibit activity against anti-diabetes. Flavonols, flavanols, and flavones belong to a group of flavonoids that possess the ability to form complexes with AlCl₃ and Ca²⁺. The intracellular L cells effectively retain Ca²⁺, leading to the subsequent release of GLP-1. Flavonols, flavones, and flavone groups have been found to strongly interact with DPP-IV, which inhibits the degradation of GLP-1. The anti-diabetic activity of IBL is attributed to the mechanism that effectively increases the duration of GLP-1 in the systemic system, thereby prolonging its half-life.

Background and Aim: Yellowfin tuna and swordfish are seafood commodities commonly caught from deep oceans worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the levels of three heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in yellowfin tuna and swordfish. The results are expected to provide consumers with information on the safety of consuming or exporting these fishes caught in the Hindian and Pacific Oceans. Materials and Methods: Fresh yellowfin and swordfish were obtained from fishermen’s catches in FAO Fishing Zone 57 (Indian Ocean) and 71 (Pacific Ocean) and then collected at Benoa Harbor, Bali Province. The comparative method was to evaluate the levels of heavy metals in each fish. Furthermore, heavy metal concentrations, including Pb, Cd, and Hg, were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy analysis. These results were then used to assess the safety of these fishes by calculating the estimated daily intake (EDI) and target hazard quotients-total target hazard quotients (THQs-TTHQs). Results: The analysis showed that none of the samples exceeded the threshold levels for the three heavy metals, which was specified by the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) and European Commission Regulation (CR) No. 1881/2006. The EDI and provisional tolerable weekly index (PTWI) obtained in this study were still in the safe range. However, the PTWI values for Pb in yellowfin tuna product from the Indian Ocean were higher (0.0038 mg/kg) compared to the recommended standard for the adult population. The THQ-TTHQ values of fish caught from these oceans were also within the acceptable range specified by the two agencies, indicating that they are safe for consumption by people with various age groups and for export purposes. Conclusion: The average levels of three heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Hg) in muscle samples of yellowfin tuna and swordfish caught from the Pacific and Hindian Oceans were within the acceptable range as specified by the SNI and CR No. 1881/2006. Furthermore, the EDI and THQs values indicated that fishes caught from the Pacific and Hindian Oceans were safe for consumption. This research is still limited to assessing two capture fisheries commodities. Further research is needed on the assessment of heavy metal levels in other capture fisheries commodities in this capture zone. Keywords: health risk assessment, heavy metal pollution, seafood products, Tuna.

Ramona Y, Darmayasa IBG, Line MA. 2022. Biological control of Sclerotinia minor attack on pyrethrum plants by Trichoderma harzianum in glasshouse experiment. Biodiversitas 23: 3264-3269. The aim of this research was to elucidate the efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum (isolate Td22) grown in a ratio of 2:8 millet seeds and wood fiber waste (WFW) compost mixture to suppress Sclerotinia minor infection in pot trails on the pyrethrum plants (in 0.5 L pots). The pots were filled with soil and mixed with Td22-grown WFW compost to obtain a concentration of 5% v/v. The S. minor (fungal pathogen) previously grown in millet seeds amounted at 2.0 g per pot, was then evenly inoculated at 2 cm below the surface of potting mix. Soil without compost amendment, amended with pathogen only, or without pathogen inoculation served as controls. All pots were acclimatized for 4 days in a shade house prior to transplanting (4 seedlings per pot) of pyrethrum seedlings (aged of 3 weeks). Eight replications per treatment were run for 8 weeks. The results showed that 5% v/v compost-grown Td22 provided 78% protection to pyrethrum plants at week 8. Each surviving plant in Td22-treated pots also showed significantly higher average dry weight (p<0.05) than those planted in S. minor control treatment, indicating that Td22 has a potential to be developed as a novel fungal antagonist or a plant growth-promoting fungus.

Context: The increasing demand for cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in medical applications underscores the need for optimized Cannabis cultivation. Aims: To explore the impact of environmental and genetic factors on cannabinoid production, focusing on CBD and THC, using systematic bibliometric analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and regression modeling. Methods: Data were collected from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases, resulting in 56 systematically reviewed studies. Information on temperature, humidity, altitude, photoperiod, and cultivation methods was also extracted. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer to identify research trends, whereas PCA and regression analyses were performed in RStudio to evaluate the relationships between environmental factors and cannabinoid profiles. Results: The analysis highlighted that Cannabis sativa was the dominant species studied, with CBD being the most researched cannabinoid. PCA revealed positive correlations between CBD production and environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. Regression analysis supported these trends, with altitude showing a minimal direct influence. Cultivar differences had less impact on cannabinoid profiles than environmental variables. Conclusions: Environmental factors play pivotal roles in cannabinoid production. These findings provide actionable insights for optimizing cultivation practices and advancing cannabinoid research.