Selenium nanoparticles as a nutritional supplement Skalickova, Sylvie, M.Sc; Milosavljevic, Vedran, M.Sc; Cihalova, Kristyna, M.Sc ...
Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.),
01/2017, Letnik:
33
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Abstract Selenium is an essential trace element in the diet, required for maintenance of health and growth; however, its toxicity could cause serious damage depending on dose and chemical form. ...Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) represent what we believe to be a novel prospect for nutritional supplementation because of their lower toxicity and ability to gradually release selenium after ingestion. In this review, we discuss various forms and types of SeNPs, as well as the way they are synthesized. We also discuss absorption and bioavailability of nanoparticles within the organism. SeNPs demonstrate anticancer and antimicrobial properties that may contribute to human health, not only as dietary supplements, but also as therapeutic agents.
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.
The future distribution of river fishes will be jointly affected by climate and land use changes forcing species to move in space. However, little is known whether fish species will be able to keep ...pace with predicted climate and land use‐driven habitat shifts, in particular in fragmented river networks. In this study, we coupled species distribution models (stepwise boosted regression trees) of 17 fish species with species‐specific models of their dispersal (fish dispersal model FIDIMO) in the European River Elbe catchment. We quantified (i) the extent and direction (up‐ vs. downstream) of predicted habitat shifts under coupled “moderate” and “severe” climate and land use change scenarios for 2050, and (ii) the dispersal abilities of fishes to track predicted habitat shifts while explicitly considering movement barriers (e.g., weirs, dams). Our results revealed median net losses of suitable habitats of 24 and 94 river kilometers per species for the moderate and severe future scenarios, respectively. Predicted habitat gains and losses and the direction of habitat shifts were highly variable among species. Habitat gains were negatively related to fish body size, i.e., suitable habitats were projected to expand for smaller‐bodied fishes and to contract for larger‐bodied fishes. Moreover, habitats of lowland fish species were predicted to shift downstream, whereas those of headwater species showed upstream shifts. The dispersal model indicated that suitable habitats are likely to shift faster than species might disperse. In particular, smaller‐bodied fish (<200 mm) seem most vulnerable and least able to track future environmental change as their habitat shifted most and they are typically weaker dispersers. Furthermore, fishes and particularly larger‐bodied species might substantially be restricted by movement barriers to respond to predicted climate and land use changes, while smaller‐bodied species are rather restricted by their specific dispersal ability.
The future distribution of river fishes will be affected by climate and land use changes. Little is known whether fishes will be able to keep pace with future habitat shifts in fragmented river networks. We model and quantify the extent and direction of climate and land use‐driven habitat shifts of 17 fishes in the European Elbe River and assess the species‐specific dispersal abilities to track habitat shifts while considering movement barriers. Our results revealed that suitable habitats might shift faster than many species disperse, with smaller‐bodied species being most vulnerable. Movement barriers will further restrict fishes’ ability to respond to climate and land use changes, particularly that of larger‐bodied species.
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.
Selenium Status of Southern Africa Chilala, Pompido; Skalickova, Sylvie; Horky, Pavel
Nutrients,
03/2024, Letnik:
16, Številka:
7
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Selenium is an essential trace element that exists in inorganic forms (selenite and selenates) and organic forms (selenoamino acids, seleno peptides, and selenoproteins). Selenium is known to aid in ...the function of the immune system for populations where human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is endemic, as studies suggest that a lack of selenium is associated with a higher risk of mortality among those with HIV. In a recent study conducted in Zambia, adults had a median plasma selenium concentration of 0.27 μmol/L (IQR 0.14-0.43). Concentrations consistent with deficiency (<0.63 μmol/L) were found in 83% of adults. With these results, it can be clearly seen that selenium levels in Southern Africa should be investigated to ensure the good health of both livestock and humans. The recommended selenium dietary requirement of most domesticated livestock is 0.3 mg Se/kg, and in humans above 19 years, anRDA (recommended daily allowance) of 55 mcg Se/per dayisis recommended, but most of the research findings of Southern African countries have recorded low levels. With research findings showing alarming low levels of selenium in soils, humans, and raw feed materials in Southern Africa, further research will be vital in answering questions on how best to improve the selenium status of Southern African soils and plants for livestock and humans to attain sufficient quantities.
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major zoonotic pathogen that causes a variety of severe illnesses as well as mastitis. The distribution of mastitis-causing K. Pneumoniae and its virulence factors vary by ...country and geographical location. The present study aimed to find out the occurrence of Multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. Pneumoniae and their capsular resistance genes which were undocumented previously in cow farms of district Peshawar, Pakistan. A total of 700 milk samples from symptomatic mastitic cows were screened for MDR K. Pneumoniae. Furthermore, the characterization of capsular resistance genes was done by molecular techniques. Among these samples, K. pneumoniae was found 180/700 (25.7%), while MDR K. pneumoniae was found 80/180 (44.4%). The antibiogram analysis revealed high resistance to Vancomycin (95%) while highly sensitive to Ceftazidime (80%). The distribution of capsular genes shows the most common serotype K2 gene 39/80 (48.7%), followed by serotype K1 gene 34/80 (42.5%), serotype K5 17/80 (21.2%), and serotype K54 13/80 (16.2), respectively. Moreover, the co-occurrence of serotypes K1+K2 was found at 11.25%, KI+K5 was 05%, K1+K54 was 3.75%, and K2+K5 was 7.5%, respectively. A statistically significant association (p ≤ 0.05) was found between predicted and discovered K. pneumoniae values. In conclusion, the presence of MDR K. pneumoniae in combination with capsular genes may be a possible threat to dairy farm animals and humans in Peshawar, Pakistan. It may give us special attention to follow up on hygienic practices in livestock management.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Animal welfare science recognizes fish as sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, stress, and various emotions. As social interactions and mutual relationships are essential for fish welfare, ...the social environment in aquacultures is important for fish welfare. Pigmentation influences fish social behavior, e.g., communication and/or shoaling behavior. We investigated how pigmentation and shoal phenotypic composition affect locomotor activity in relation to feeding, exploratory behavior, sheltering and lateralization in holding tanks and Y-mazes in pigmented and albino Bronze Corydoras (Corydoras aeneus). The fish were divided into three treatment groups: pigm only, alb only, and mix groups. Each group comprised 12 shoals, with a total of 288 fish distributed across 36 shoals, each containing eight individuals. The study revealed behavioral differences between fish with pigmented and albino phenotypes, both within and among shoals. For both phenotypes, an increase in locomotor activity before feeding was followed by a decrease in activity after food consumption, indicating an anticipatory response and a shift from foraging to postfeeding behavior. In the mixed shoals, pigmented fish exhibited greater activity and sheltering behavior than albino fish. Both albino and pigmented fish showed lateralization toward the right arm of the Y-maze; however, in the mixed shoals, the preference for the right arm was not significant. Albino fish reached the shelter at the end of the Y-maze more often; however, in the mixed shoals, albino fish maintained their success rate in exploring the maze, while pigmented fish showed an increased success rate. We emphasize the significance of considering phenotypic variation and shoal composition when evaluating fish behavior and welfare. Such insights can inform the management of practices in aquaculture and ornamental breeding to ensure optimal fish welfare and enhance their overall quality of life.
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•Variations in pigmentation affect locomotor activity, exploratory behavior, hiding and lateralisation.•The behavior of pigmented and albino fish phenotypes differs•Albinos are more likely to face reduced welfare conditions
We studied the influence of different selenium (Se) levels on some parameters of the antioxidant potential of lactating sows. The experiment involved 15 sows of the Large White breed divided into 3 ...equal groups. The addition of Se (from Se-enriched yeast) amounted to 0.0, 0.25 and 0.50 mg per kg of diet in the control, Se1 and Se2 groups, respectively. Erythrocyte Se concentration, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and reduced/oxygenated glutathione ratio were measured as some of the indicators of the sow’s antioxidant status. Supplementation of Se at 0.25 mg/kg of diet increased Se concentration (by 50.0%; P<0.01), GPx activity (by 17.0%: P<0.05) and reduced/ oxygenated glutathione ratio (by 29.7%; P<0.05). Addition of Se at 0.50 mg/kg of diet increased Se concentration (by 63.6%; P<0.01), GPx activity (by 34.7%; P<0.01) and reduced/oxygenated glutathione ratio (by 64.0%; P<0.01). A significant relationship (P<0.01) was found between the Se concentrations and activity of GPx in erythrocytes from sows in the Se1 and Se2 groups (r=0.76 and 0.77, respectively). Percentage of piglets weaned/born was higher (P>0.05) in the Se2 than in the Se1 and control groups. In summary, addition of 0.25 or 0.50 mg Se/kg of diet can improve antioxidant status of lactating sows, but addition of 0.25 mg Se/kg may be also sufficient.
The aim of this experiment was to find out whether the taurine supplementation in daily ration had an effect on quantity or quality of Duroc boar ejaculate. The experiment duration was from June to ...August, when it could assumed the possible occurrence of heat stress. For the study was chosen 12 Duroc boars of approximately the same age and condition. The control group of 6 Duroc boars was fed only by basic diet and the experimental group of 6 Duroc boars was fed by the same basic diet with supplementation of 15 g taurine/boar/day. Ejaculate was collected once a week by hand glowed technique. From ejaculate parameters were monitored volume of ejaculate, sperm concentration, total amount of sperm, morphologically abnormal sperm, taurine concentration and GSH/GSSH concentration. From microscopic analysis, results were statistically significant in motility in June and July (P<0.05). In biochemical results, a significant difference (P<0.05) has been found between the experimental groups in the concentrations of taurine as well as GSH/GSSG in ejaculate which indicates the effect of heat stress on boars during the experimental period.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Pigmentation is an important factor for the survival of organisms in different environments; in fish, it plays a key role in social communication and shoal formation. Pigmentation mediates ...communication among colour phenotypes, as fish may temporarily change colouring to indicate their position in a social hierarchy. Although some colour phenotypes may be more common, less frequent colourations do not appear to significantly impact fish welfare, as aggression is directed more towards common, typically pigmented phenotypes than rare phenotypes. The relationship between pigmentation and fish behaviour can be clearly observed with extremely coloured phenotypes, i.e., albino and melanistic individuals. The melanocortin hypothesis states that phenotypes with more pigmentation are more aggressive, reproductively active, and resistant to stress as well as having better overall health. However, the high levels of aggression expressed by melanistic phenotypes may reduce the well-being of less intensely pigmented phenotypes if these individuals are kept together. In contrast, albino individuals are more sensitive to stress, less aggressive, and, as they are prone to physiological constraints such as impaired vision, are unable to effectively defend resources compared to pigmented phenotypes. Moreover, both these extremely coloured phenotypes are unable to signal their position in the social hierarchy by changing colours, which can result in conflict between their mental state and position in a social hierarchy and/or attempt to change their social rank. In summary, colour variation is a consequence of physiological conditions, especially stress, rather than a cause of such conditions. The breeding and propagation of albino and melanistic fish is generally unethical and should not be considered in aquaculture unless these phenotypes are bred separately under specific conditions, i.e., not kept with typically pigmented conspecifics.
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•Fish pigmentation may influence welfare in aquaculture.•Pigmentation mediates communication among colour phenotypes.•Extremely coloured fish should be bred only if conditions ensure their well-being.
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