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Carbohydrate Polymers May 2022Studies on the effect of sulfated polysaccharides from seaweed on bone regeneration have increased in recent years. However, there is no consensus on how to use them and... (Review)
Review
Studies on the effect of sulfated polysaccharides from seaweed on bone regeneration have increased in recent years. However, there is no consensus on how to use them and their real effectiveness in that process. Thereby, we carried out a systematic review to answer the question "Do the sulfated polysaccharides from seaweeds promote osteogenesis?". Searches were performed in Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge databases. A total of 599 articles were selected, resulting in 14 eligible studies. Results showed that the sulfated polysaccharides from seaweeds increase the osteogenic markers evaluated. Nevertheless, due to the lack of standardization on protocols used, the results should be cautiously interpreted. In addition, studies using animal models are still scarce, and the results with cellular models cannot always be extrapolated to systems that are more complex. Despite the study limitations, the use of sulfated polysaccharides appears to promote in vitro osteogenesis and enhance bone regeneration.
Topics: Animals; Bone Regeneration; Polysaccharides; Seaweed; Sulfates; Sulfur Oxides
PubMed: 35287916
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119204 -
Harmful Algae Sep 2020Exposure to harmful algal blooms (HABs) can lead to well recognised acute patterns of illness in humans. The objective of this scoping review was to use an established...
Exposure to harmful algal blooms (HABs) can lead to well recognised acute patterns of illness in humans. The objective of this scoping review was to use an established methodology and the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) reporting framework to map the evidence for associations between marine HABs and observed both acute and chronic human health effects. A systematic and reproducible search of publications from 1985 until May 2019 was conducted using diverse electronic databases. Following de-duplication, 5301 records were identified, of which 380 were included in the final qualitative synthesis. The majority of studies (220; 57.9%) related to Ciguatera Poisoning. Anecdotal and case reports made up the vast majority of study types (242; 63.7%), whereas there were fewer formal epidemiological studies (35; 9.2%). Only four studies related to chronic exposure to HABs. A low proportion of studies reported the use of human specimens for confirmation of the cause of illness (32; 8.4%). This study highlighted gaps in the evidence base including a lack of formal surveillance and epidemiological studies, limited use of toxin measurements in human samples, and a scarcity of studies of chronic exposure. Future research and policy should provide a baseline understanding of the burden of human disease to inform the evaluation of the current and future impacts of climate change and HABs on human health.
Topics: Ciguatera Poisoning; Climate Change; Harmful Algal Bloom; Humans
PubMed: 33129458
DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2020.101901 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024This review article aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the main determinants of consumers' acceptance of novel foods (new foods and ingredients) in the EU with... (Review)
Review
This review article aims to provide an up-to-date overview of the main determinants of consumers' acceptance of novel foods (new foods and ingredients) in the EU with emphasis on product's intrinsic properties (sensory characteristics) and individual factors (socio-demographics, perceptive, psychological) by adopting a systematic approach following the PRISMA methodology. Case studies on terrestrial (i.e., insects, cultured meat and other animal origin products, plant-based food including mushrooms, plant-based analogues, pulses, and cereals) and aquatic systems (i.e., algae and jellyfish) are included focusing on age-related and cross-national differences in consumer acceptance of novel foods and ingredients. General trends have emerged that are common to all the novel foods analysed, regardless of their aquatic or terrestrial origin. Aspects such as food neophobia, unfamiliarity, and poor knowledge of the product are important barriers to the consumption of novel foods, while healthiness and environmental sustainability perception are drivers of acceptance. Sensory properties are challenging for more familiar ingredients such as plant-based food (e.g., novel food made by pulses, mushrooms, cereals and pseudocereals). Results are discussed in terms of feasibility of introducing these products in the EU food systems highlighting strategies that can encourage the use of new ingredients or novel foods.
PubMed: 38790835
DOI: 10.3390/foods13101534 -
Frontiers in Veterinary Science 2024Ruminant feed is a major problem for the livestock sector in West African developing countries causing animal nutritional diseases, reducing ruminant production, and .... (Review)
Review
Ruminant feed is a major problem for the livestock sector in West African developing countries causing animal nutritional diseases, reducing ruminant production, and . Alternative feeds, which include agro-industrial by-products, fodder trees, crop residues, insects, fodder legumes, algae, and pulses, constitute enormous feed resources for livestock in Africa. This study was conducted in accordance with the methodological recommendations of PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). We conducted a literature search using Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify documents related to alternative ruminant feeds using the following keywords: alternative feeds, ruminant products, environmental impacts, and West Africa. Those that met the inclusion criteria were included, resulting in 44 articles published between 2013 and 2023. These studies included 45 alternative feeds divided into six groups, including agro-industrial by-products (48.89%), followed by fodder trees (17.78%), crop residues (13.33%), insects (8.89%), fodder legumes (6.67%) and seaweeds (4.44%). Our results revealed that alternative feed resources and their effects on ruminant's performances and environment are poorly known in West Africa, which limits their inclusion in rations and sometimes leads to their misuse. Future research should focus on these aspects in order to make efficient use of these resources to improve ruminant milk and meat production.
PubMed: 38855410
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1352235 -
Bioengineered Feb 2022This work is a systematic review that reports state-of-the-art in removal of pharmaceuticals from water and wastewater by photosynthetic organisms in photobioreactors....
This work is a systematic review that reports state-of-the-art in removal of pharmaceuticals from water and wastewater by photosynthetic organisms in photobioreactors. The PRISMA protocol-based review of the most recent literature data from the last 10 years (2011-2021) was reported. Articles were searched by the combination of the following keywords: photobioreactor, pharmaceuticals, drugs, hormones, antibiotics, biodegradation, removal, wastewater treatment. The review focuses on original research papers (not reviews), collected in 3 scientific databases: Scopus, Web of Knowledge, PubMed. The review considered the following factors: type of microorganisms, type of micropollutants removed, degradation efficiency and associated products, types of photosynthetic organisms and photobioreactor types. The conclusion from the systematic review is that the main factors that limit widespread pharmaceuticals removal in photobioreactors are high costs and the problem of low efficiency related with low concentrations of pharmaceuticals. The review indicated a need for further research in this area due to increasing amounts of metabolites in the food chain, such as p-aminophenol and estrone, which can cause harm to people and ichthyofauna. Pharmaceuticals removal can be improved by adapting the type of microorganism used to the type of contamination and implementing photoperiods, which increase the removal efficiency of e.g. sulfamethazine by up to 28%. In the future, it is necessary to search for new solutions in terms of the construction of photobioreactors, as well as for more effective species in terms of pharmaceuticals biodegradation that can survive the competition with other strains during water and wastewater treatment.
Topics: Biodegradation, Environmental; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Photobioreactors; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 35132911
DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2036906 -
Frontiers in Genome Editing 2024With scientific progress and the development of new genomic techniques (NGTs), the spectrum of organisms modified for various purposes is rapidly expanding and includes...
Horizon scanning of potential environmental applications of terrestrial animals, fish, algae and microorganisms produced by genetic modification, including the use of new genomic techniques.
With scientific progress and the development of new genomic techniques (NGTs), the spectrum of organisms modified for various purposes is rapidly expanding and includes a wide range of taxonomic groups. An improved understanding of which newly developed products may be introduced into the market and released into the environment in the near and more distant future is of particular interest for policymakers, regulatory authorities, and risk assessors. To address this information need, we conducted a horizon scanning (HS) of potential environmental applications in four groups of organisms: terrestrial animals (excluding insects and applications with gene drives), fish, algae and microorganisms. We applied a formal scoping review methodology comprising a structured search of the scientific literature followed by eligibility screening, complemented by a survey of grey literature, and regulatory websites and databases. In all four groups of organisms we identified a broad range of potential applications in stages of basic as well as advanced research, and a limited number of applications which are on, or ready to be placed on, the market. Research on GM animals including fish is focused on farmed animals and primarily targets traits which increase performance, influence reproduction, or convey resistance against diseases. GM algae identified in the HS were all unicellular, with more than half of the articles concerning biofuel production. GM algae applications for use in the environment include biocontrol and bioremediation, which are also the main applications identified for GM microorganisms. From a risk assessor's perspective these potential applications entail a multitude of possible pathways to harm. The current limited level of experience and limited amount of available scientific information could constitute a significant challenge in the near future, for which risk assessors and competent authorities urgently need to prepare.
PubMed: 38938511
DOI: 10.3389/fgeed.2024.1376927 -
Journal of Complementary & Integrative... Dec 2022(CV) as a unicellular algae is a dietary supplement with beneficial nutritious content, used for decades in some countries. Positive effects for CV supplementation on... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
(CV) as a unicellular algae is a dietary supplement with beneficial nutritious content, used for decades in some countries. Positive effects for CV supplementation on metabolic parameters has been established in animal and human studies. However there is a gap for this results summary for a definite conclusion announce. This systematic review aimed to summarize the effects of CV on body weight, lipid profile, and blood glucose.
CONTENT
PRISMA guidelines were charted in this review. Subject search was performed in MEDLINE, ProQuest, PubMed, ISI web of sciences, Google scholar, Cochrane and Scopus databases for randomized clinical trials published in English languages, until December 2020, which assessed the effects of CV on metabolic syndrome related symptoms in clinical trials.
SUMMARY
Out of 4,821 records screened, after duplicate and irrelevant exclusion by title and abstract, 20 articles remained for full text screening. Finally a total of 12 articles met the study inclusion criteria and were assessed for study method and results.
OUTLOOK
The findings showed controversies in anthropometric, glycemic and lipid profile effects. CV may have beneficial effects on obesity-related metabolic disorders; however, collected studies lacked statistical power to reach a definite conclusion. More well-designed studies are required.
PubMed: 33951762
DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2021-0024 -
Nutrients Jun 2020The effect of algae and its extract supplementation on glycolipid metabolism has not been finalized. Therefore, the purpose of the meta-analyses was to assess the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
AIMS
The effect of algae and its extract supplementation on glycolipid metabolism has not been finalized. Therefore, the purpose of the meta-analyses was to assess the effects of its supplementation on glycolipid metabolism concentration.
METHODS
We have systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library and Embase to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the impact of algae and its extracts supplementation on glycolipid metabolism. Effect size analysis was performed using weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI between the methods of the experiment group and the control group. Subgroup analyses were performed to explore the possible influences of study characteristics. Publication bias and sensitivity analysis were also performed.
RESULTS
A total of 27 RCTs (31 trials) with 1221 participants were finally selected for the meta-analysis. The algae and its extract intervention significantly decreased glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c, WMD = -0.18%; 95% CI: -0.27 to -0.10; < 0.001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, WMD = -0.22 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.38 to -0.06; = 0.008), and triglycerides (TC, WMD = -0.31 mmol/L; 95% CI: -0.37 to -0.25; < 0.001) levels and increased insulin (WMD = 6.05 pmol/mL; 95% CI: 4.01 to 8.09; < 0.001) levels. It did not significantly change the blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), 2-h post-meal blood glucose (2hPBG) and other lipid profiles. Subgroup analyses based on the duration of intervention and subjects demonstrated that the intervention of algae and its extracts for 10 weeks or fewer and more than 40 subjects decreased TC levels ( < 0.05). Moreover, the intervention reduced TC and 2hPBG concentrations for East Asians ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings provided evidence that algae and its extract interventions were beneficial for the regulation of human glycolipid metabolism. More precise RCTs on subjects are recommended to further clarify the effect of algae, seaweed polysaccharide, seaweed polypeptide, algae polyphenol and its products intervention on glycolipid metabolism.
Topics: Asian People; Blood Glucose; Dietary Supplements; Female; Glycolipids; Humans; Male; Plant Extracts; Postprandial Period; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Seaweed; Stramenopiles; Triglycerides
PubMed: 32521609
DOI: 10.3390/nu12061712 -
Environmental Health and Preventive... Nov 2014During the last two decades, Sri Lanka, located close to the equator, has experienced an escalating incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown aetiology... (Review)
Review
During the last two decades, Sri Lanka, located close to the equator, has experienced an escalating incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown aetiology (CKDue) in dry zonal areas. Similar incidences of unusual CKDs have been reported in the dry zonal, agricultural areas of several other equatorial countries. In Sri Lanka, the incidence of CKDue is highest in the North Central Province (NCP), where approximately 45 % of the country's paddy fields are located. However, in recent years, the disease has spread into areas adjacent to as well as distant from the NCP. The cause of CKD in Sri Lanka is unknown, and may likely due to interactions of different potential agents; thus, CKD is of multi-factorial origin (CKD-mfo). These factors include, the negative effects from overuse of agrochemicals. Nevertheless, the potential interactions and synergism between probable agents have not been studied. This systematic review discusses the proposed hypotheses and causes of CKD-mfo in Sri Lanka, and ways to decrease the incidence of this disease and to eradicate it, and provide some recommendations. During the past decade, a number of groups have investigated this disorder using different methodologies and reported various correlations, but failed to find a cause. Research has focussed on the contamination of water with heavy metals, agrochemicals, hard water, algae, ionicity, climate change, and so forth. Nevertheless, the levels of any of the pollutants or conditions reported in water in NPC are inconsistent not correlated with the prevalence of the disease, and are too low to be the sole cause of CKD-mfo. Meanwhile, several nephrotoxins prevalent in the region, including medications, leptospirosis, toxic herbs, illicit alcohol, locally grown tobacco, and petrochemicals, as well as the effects of changed habits occured over the past four decades have not been studied to date. Taken together, the geographical distribution and overall findings indicate that combinations of factors and/or their interactions are likely to precipitate CKD-mfo, which kills more than 5,000 people annually in Sri Lanka; most victims are middle-aged male farmers. Much anecdotal evidence from this region suggests that consumption of contaminated water is the most likely source of this deadly disease. Although the aetiology is unknown, prevention of this "environmentally acquired" disease seems relatively straightforward. Solutions include (a) preventing environmental pollution, (b) stopping the irresponsible use and decreasing the usage of agrochemicals, and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly agricultural methods, (c) taking proper precautions when using agrochemicals and safe disposal of their containers, (d) changing the risky behaviour of farmers and educating them to preserve the environment, and (e) providing clean potable water to all affected regions. Implementing a well-coordinated, in-depth, region-wide, broad-based research study together with a long-term effective surveillance programme across the country is essential to curbing this disease. Unless firm actions are taken promptly, more than three million healthy people in the country, live in agricultural regions, are at risk for contracting CKD-mfo and succumb to premature deaths, which are preventable.
Topics: Environmental Exposure; Humans; Incidence; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Sri Lanka
PubMed: 25239006
DOI: 10.1007/s12199-014-0395-5 -
Anais Da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias 2022Hypertension is a factor that contributes to the risk of chronic diseases. The inhibition of angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) is a useful therapeutic approach to...
Hypertension is a factor that contributes to the risk of chronic diseases. The inhibition of angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) is a useful therapeutic approach to the hypertension treatment. The algae have been an alternative for the production of ACE inhibitory (ACEi) peptides from enzymatic hydrolysis due to their protein-rich biomass. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding the production, composition and activity of ACEi peptides derived from algae proteins. Systematic database searches identified 648 related articles. Among these, only 14 were selected according to the eligibility criteria to this review. Macroalgae are more studied than microalgae as sources of ACEi peptides. Furthermore, hydrolysates by thermolysin or bromelain exhibited the highest ACEi activity compared to other enzymes. The main features of the peptides with high ACE inhibition are low molecular weight, short amino acids sequence and non-competitive inhibition pattern. In vivo studies using hydrolysates and peptides derived from algae proteins showed antihypertensive activity in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Thus, it is suggested that ACEi peptides derived from algae can be considered as potential antihypertensive.
Topics: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Angiotensins; Animals; Antihypertensive Agents; Hypertension; Peptides; Rats
PubMed: 35319622
DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202220201636