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Topic Review
Tetrodotoxin
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a crystalline, weakly basic, colorless organic substance and is one of the most potent marine toxins known. Although TTX was first isolated from pufferfish, it has been found in numerous other marine organisms and a few terrestrial species. 
  • 3.0K
  • 17 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Dr. Dipankar Chakraborti: A Legend of Arsenic Research
This encyclopedia provides a brief biography of a legendary scientist Dr. Dipankar Chakraborti. Dr. Chakraborti pioneered arsenic research in the Ganga Meghna Brahmaputra Basin and dedicated his entire life to researching and serving arsenic-affected communities in India and Bangladesh. 
  • 1.8K
  • 22 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Plant-Based Biosynthesis of Copper/Copper Nanoparticles
Plants produce numerous secondary metabolites and rich in phytochemicals, which are potential bioresources for synthesizing Cu and CuO Nanoparticles (NPs). This green synthesis approach is environmentally friendly and more advantageous over commercial synthesis using physical and chemical methods. The green synthesized Cu and CuO NPs can be used as anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents in biomedical applications. We discuss about the green synthesis of Cu and CuO NPs using various plants, factors affecting the synthesis, biomedical applications, and toxicity evaluation of the NPs. In addition, the mechanisms of the NPs entry into biological entities were also discussed. 
  • 1.6K
  • 01 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Khat
Khat (Catha edulis) is a recreational, chewed herbal drug that has been used as a psychostimulant for centuries in East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, namely in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Yemen. However, the growing worldwide availability of khat has produced widespread concern. The plant comprises a large number of active substances, among which cathinone, cathine, and norephedrine are the main constituents, which can be included in the group of sympathomimetics of natural origin. In fact, these compounds are amphetamine analogues, and, as such, they have amphetamine-like nervous system stimulant effects. Chewing the leaves gives people a sensation of well-being and increases energy, alertness, and self-confidence. The chronic use of khat is, however, associated with severe cardiac, neurological, psychological, and gastrointestinal complications. The psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms of khat are the reasons for its prolonged use.
  • 1.4K
  • 18 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Mycotoxins in Beverages
Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of filamentous fungi that contaminate food products such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, beverages, and other agricultural commodities. 
  • 1.3K
  • 18 May 2021
Topic Review
Microcystins
Harmful cyanobacterial blooms pose an environmental health hazard due to the release of water-soluble cyanotoxins. One of the most prevalent cyanotoxins in nature is microcystins (MCs), a class of cyclic heptapeptide hepatotoxins, and they are produced by several common cyanobacteria in aquatic environments. Once released from cyanobacterial cells, MCs are subjected to physical chemical and biological transformations in natural environments. MCs can also be taken up and accumulated in aquatic organisms and their grazers/predators and induce toxic effects in several organisms, including humans.
  • 1.2K
  • 14 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Cadmium and Human Health
Cadmium is ubiquitous in the diet, with the highest levels present in grains, leafy greens, and shellfish. Cadmium is a major health risk globally and is associated with pollution and anthropogenic activity. It is important to understand the dietary sources of cadmium, how they are monitored, and the effect of cadmium exposure to human health. 
  • 1.1K
  • 02 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Uremic Toxins Control in CKD
Uremic toxins (UTs) are mainly produced by protein metabolized by the intestinal microbiota and converted in the liver or by mitochondria or other enzymes. The accumulation of UTs can damage the intestinal barrier integrity and cause vascular damage and progressive kidney damage. Together, these factors lead to metabolic imbalances, which in turn increase oxidative stress and inflammation and then produce uremia that affects many organs and causes diseases including renal fibrosis, vascular disease, and renal osteodystrophy. This article is based on the theory of the intestinal–renal axis, from bench to bedside, and it discusses nonextracorporeal therapies for UTs, which are classified into three categories: medication, diet and supplement therapy, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and other therapies. The effects of medications such as AST-120 and meclofenamate are described. Diet and supplement therapies include plant-based diet, very low-protein diet, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and nutraceuticals. The research status of Chinese herbal medicine is discussed for CAM and other therapies. This review can provide some treatment recommendations for the reduction of UTs in patients with chronic kidney disease.
  • 1.1K
  • 10 Sep 2021
Topic Review
Alkenylbenzenes and Food
Alkenylbenzenes are potentially toxic (genotoxic and carcinogenic) compounds present in plants such as basil, tarragon, anise star and lemongrass. These plants are found in various edible consumer products, e.g., popularly used to flavour food. Thus, there are concerns about the possible health consequences upon increased exposure to alkenylbenzenes especially due to food intake. It is therefore important to constantly monitor the amounts of alkenylbenzenes in our food chain. 
  • 1.0K
  • 22 Jun 2021
Topic Review
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor and Autism
AhR is a ligand-activated transcription factor that belongs to basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH)/Per-ARNT-Sim (PAS) family, which is involved in the regulation of cell differentiation, proliferation, and cancer imitation. AhR plays an important role in various physiological pathways, including host defense, immunity, stem cell maintenance, cell differentiation, and xenobiotic metabolism. It was initially believed that AhR is activated only by a group of environmental pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
  • 943
  • 28 Sep 2021
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