Ochratoxin A (OTA) is an immunosuppressant fungal compound produced by toxigenic species of Aspergillus and Penicillium fungi. OTA is a key mycotoxin that can cause nephrotoxicity in different animals. In the current study, techniques were used to elucidate the genotoxic and immunosuppressive roles of OTA in rabbits. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study; they were distributed into four groups. Group I was given a diet containing OTA; Group II received selenium preparation in the form of an oral dose; Group III was given both selenium and OTA, and finally, Group IV was fed a standard control diet. Blood samples were collected from each rabbit, and Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) were collected on the 20th day from the end of the experiment to estimate phagocytosis % and killing %. A comet assay was applied to observe DNA damage in lymphocytes introduced by OTA. Additionally, Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF α), Interleukin 2 (IL2), and Interleukin 6 (IL6) levels were measured using ELISA. Selenium was administered orally to two groups of the rabbits, either separately or combined with OTA, to determine its anticytotoxic capacity. Results showed that OTA reduced the percentage of phagocytosis, killing %, and Lymphocyte Stimulation Index (LSI). The comet assay recorded a significant increase in lymphocyte DNA damage. Furthermore, data revealed an elevation of IL2, IL6, and TNF α as a result of OTA usage. On the other hand, selenium showed a significant anticytotoxic effect, where the selenium-treated group did not show any alteration in cytokine levels, % of phagocytosis, killing %, or LSI compared to the control group. Meanwhile, it showed a significant effect in reducing DNA damage compared to OTA-treated Group I. This capacity of selenium as an antioxidant is promising for its use as feed additives to prevent the harmful effects of mycotoxins.
This study explores the ecological benefits of mangrove restoration projects in Southeast Asia, focusing on biodiversity enhancement, carbon sequestration, and shoreline stabilization. Through detailed analysis of restored and non-restored sites, the research highlights the crucial role of mangroves in supporting diverse marine life and mitigating climate effects. The findings suggest that strategic restoration can significantly contribute to environmental sustainability and resilience against sea-level rise.
Urbanization poses a significant threat to biodiversity, yet urban green spaces can serve as crucial refuges for various species. This paper examines strategic approaches to conserving biodiversity within urban environments, focusing on the integration of native plant species and the role of community engagement. The study highlights successful examples from diverse urban settings and proposes a framework for enhancing ecological connectivity and resilience in city landscapes.
Sustainable forest management is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services in tropical regions. This study evaluates adaptive strategies that integrate traditional knowledge with modern conservation techniques. By analyzing case studies across diverse tropical ecosystems, the paper identifies key factors that contribute to successful forest management, including community involvement, policy support, and technological innovations. The findings underscore the importance of adaptive co-management approaches to enhance forest resilience and sustain ecological and socio-economic benefits.
Urban green spaces are critical for maintaining biodiversity and providing ecosystem services in rapidly expanding cities. This study develops a framework to assess the resilience of plant biodiversity in urban parks and gardens, focusing on ecosystem services such as air purification, climate regulation, and recreational opportunities. By analyzing plant diversity across various urban green spaces in Berlin, Germany, we identify key factors influencing resilience and propose strategies to enhance ecosystem functionality. A combination of field surveys and remote sensing technology is employed to quantify biodiversity metrics. The findings suggest that diverse plant communities contribute significantly to urban ecological health and can mitigate the effects of urbanization. Recommendations are provided for urban planners to integrate biodiversity considerations into green space design, promoting sustainable urban development.
Urbanization poses a significant threat to biodiversity, particularly in urban green spaces where native plant species struggle to thrive amidst anthropogenic pressures. This study assesses the impact of urbanization on plant species diversity in selected urban areas across different continents. By employing GIS mapping and field surveys, the research identifies key factors influencing plant biodiversity and proposes sustainable urban planning practices to mitigate biodiversity loss. The findings underscore the importance of integrating ecological considerations into urban development to preserve the ecological integrity of urban green spaces.
Urban expansion represents a significant challenge to the preservation of native plant communities. As cities expand, natural habitats are fragmented, leading to loss of biodiversity and alteration of ecosystem functions. This study examines the effects of urbanization on native flora, focusing on changes in species composition and abundance in response to habitat fragmentation. Through field surveys and GIS analysis in metropolitan regions of South America and Southeast Asia, we identify key factors driving plant community changes and propose strategies for mitigating negative impacts. Our findings highlight the need for integrated urban planning and conservation efforts to preserve native biodiversity.
Urbanization presents significant challenges to the conservation of native plant species, particularly in biologically diverse regions like the Mediterranean. This study evaluates the effects of urban expansion on plant diversity and ecosystem services within these ecosystems. We employed a combination of remote sensing data, field surveys, and ecological modeling to assess changes in plant species distribution and abundance. Our findings highlight the critical areas where conservation efforts should be prioritized to mitigate the adverse impacts of urban development on native flora. Strategies for integrating green infrastructure and promoting biodiversity-friendly urban planning are discussed.
This study explores the role of urban green spaces in enhancing biodiversity within metropolitan environments. By integrating ecological and environmental science methodologies, we assess the diversity of plant and animal species in various urban parks across different cities. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and biodiversity indices, we quantify the impact of green spaces on local ecosystems. The results provide insights into the effectiveness of urban planning strategies aimed at promoting biodiversity and offer recommendations for future urban development.
The objective of this research was to determine the effects of storage time on the chemical, physical, and microbial characteristics of saffron. Chemical characteristics of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) were analyzed using a spectrophotometry device. The study focused on three components—picrocrocin, safranal, and crocin—responsible for flavor, aroma, and color parameters, respectively, using wavelengths of 255, 325, and 440 nm. The mean bacterial total count, coliform count, E. coli, and mold & yeast were found to be 7×10^4, 6.9×10^3, 2×10^3, and 8×10^3 colony forming units (cfu) per gram. Saffron samples underwent microbial analysis, chemical characteristics assessment, and sensory evaluation at 30-day intervals. Moisture content decreased from 8.2% to 7.4% during 60 days of storage. The number of aerobic bacteria, coliforms, E. coli, and mold and yeast decreased with increased storage time. There was a significant difference in sensory quality and chemical characteristics of saffron during the storage period.
In this study, the effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on microbial load, chemical and sensory characteristics of camel meat was evaluated. Meat samples were packed under MAP conditions (MA1: 20% CO2 + 70% N2 + 10% O2, MA2: 30% CO2 + 70% N2, MA3: 60% CO2 + 20% N2 + 20% O2, MA4: 60% CO2 + 40% N2). MAP was effective in inhibiting the growth of total plate counts (TPC), Pseudomonas sp., and yeasts and molds. The b* values were lower in samples packed with 60% CO2 than in the other groups and increased with time, while a* values were lower in samples packed without O2 than in the other groups. In samples of group MA1, TVN values tended to be higher than those packed with 60% CO2, and significant differences (P<0.01) among the groups were found at 21 days of storage.
Irradiation is considered one of the most efficient technological processes for the reduction of microorganisms in food. It can be used to improve the safety of food products and to extend their shelf lives. This work investigated the effects of different packaging methods (air and modified atmosphere packaging) combined with irradiation (0.0, 1.0 and 2.0 kGy) on the preservation of saffron samples stored at room temperature for up to 60 days by sensory evaluation, color, moisture content, texture, and bacterial growth. Microbial analysis indicated that irradiation and modified atmosphere packaging had a significant effect on the reduction of microbial loads. Among the analyzed bacteria, coliforms were most sensitive to gamma radiation. Shelf-life evaluation was based on color, moisture content, texture, and sensory evaluation. Samples stored under air exposure showed the highest discoloration rate and dehydration. Based on sensory analyses and physicochemical analyses as a whole, the saffron samples packaged under MA and irradiated with dose 2.0 kGy were acceptable under storage for 60 days, compared to 30 days for air-packaged non-irradiated samples.
