The landscape of potential health benefits of carotenoids as natural supportive therapeutics in protecting against Coronavirus infection.

The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic urges researching possibilities for prevention and management of the effects of the virus. Carotenoids are natural phytochemicals of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and may exert potential in aiding in combatting the pandemic. This review presents the direct and indirect evidence of the health benefits of carotenoids and derivatives based on in vitro and in vivo studies, human clinical trials and epidemiological studies and proposes possible mechanisms of action via which carotenoids may have the capacity to protect against COVID-19 effects.

Bioavailability of Orally Administered Active Lipid Compounds from four Different Greenshell™ Mussel Formats.

Greenshell™ mussel (GSM, ) is New Zealand's most important aquaculture species. They are a good source of long chain-polyunsaturated fatty acids (-3 LC PUFA). Beyond a traditional food product, GSMs are also sold as mussel powders and oil extract formats in the nutraceutical markets.

Greenshell™ Mussels: A Review of Veterinary Trials and Future Research Directions.

The therapeutic benefits of Greenshell™ mussel (GSM; ) preparations have been studied using test systems, animal models, and human clinical trials focusing mainly on anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. Activity is thought to be linked to key active ingredients that include omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, a variety of carotenoids and other bioactive compounds. In this paper, we review the studies that have been undertaken in dogs, cats, and horses, and outline new research directions in shellfish breeding and high-value nutrition research programmes targeted at enhancing the efficacy of mussel and algal extracts.

Synthesis and methemoglobinemia-inducing properties of benzocaine isosteres designed as humane rodenticides.

A number of isosteres (oxadiazoles, thiadiazoles, tetrazoles and diazines) of benzocaine were prepared and evaluated for their capacity to induce methemoglobinemia-with a view to their possible application as humane pest control agents. It was found that an optimal lipophilicity for the formation of methemoglobin (metHb) in vitro existed within each series, with 1,2,4-oxadiazole 3 (metHb%=61.0±3.

Synthesis and methemoglobinemia-inducing properties of analogues of para-aminopropiophenone designed as humane rodenticides.

A number of structural analogues of the known toxicant para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) have been prepared and evaluated for their capacity to induce methemoglobinemia--with a view to their possible application as humane pest control agents. It was found that an optimal lipophilicity for the formation of methemoglobin (metHb) in vitro existed for alkyl analogues of PAPP (aminophenones 1-20; compound 6 metHb% = 74.1 ± 2).

Bridging disciplines, knowledge systems and cultures in pest management.

The success of research in integrated environmental and natural resource management relies on the participation and involvement of different disciplines and stakeholders. This can be difficult to achieve in practice because many initiatives fail to address the underlying social processes required for successful engagement and social learning. We used an action research approach to support a research-based group with a range of disciplinary and stakeholder expertise to critically reflect on their engagement practice and identify lessons around how to collaborate more effectively.

Innovative developments for long-term mammalian pest control.

Background: Invasive mammalian pests have inflicted substantial environmental and economic damage on a worldwide scale.

Results: Over the last 30 years there has been minimal innovation in the development of new control tools. The development of new vertebrate pesticides, for example, has been largely restricted due to the costly and time-consuming processes associated with testing and registration.

Vertebrate pesticide risk assessment by indigenous communities in New Zealand.

In New Zealand, the vertebrate pesticide sodium fluoroacetate (Compound 1080) is aerially applied in baits for control of the brush-tailed possum Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr, 1792). Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, have raised concerns about 1080 impacts on culturally-important species. Here, we outline two steps taken to help Maori assess 1080 risk.

Development of a new humane toxin for predator control in New Zealand.

The endemic fauna of New Zealand evolved in the absence of mammalian predators and their introduction has been responsible for many extinctions and declines. Introduced species including possums (Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr), ship rats (Rattus rattus L.) and stoats (Mustela erminea L.

Sodium fluoroacetate (1080): assessment of occupational exposures and selection of a provisional biological exposure index.

Aim: Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) is used for control of vertebrate pests in New Zealand. Little is known about chronic effects in humans, but animal studies demonstrate potential for adverse fetal, male fertility, and cardiac effects. We aimed to employ analyses of 1080 to help assess the degree of exposure of bait formulators and distributors, and identify specific tasks where exposure reduction appeared most indicated.

Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) risk assessment and risk communication.

Sodium monofluoroacetate (1080) is a vertebrate pesticide widely used for possum control in New Zealand. Fluoroacetate is also a toxic component of poisonous plants found in Australia, South Africa, South America, and India. Because of its importance and effectiveness in pest control and the highly toxic nature of this compound, its acute sub-lethal and target organ toxicity have been extensively studied.

Biomarkers in toxicology versus ecological risk assessment.

Toxicity testing of drugs, pesticides, and hazardous compounds has evolved into a battery of standardized tests conducted in a range of surrogate test organisms. The toxicity of these xenobiotics in terms of their LD(50) and LC(50) (Dose or concentration lethal to 50% of the test population), ED(50) and EC(50) (Dose or concentration producing a specified response in 50% of the test population), MATC (Maximum acceptable toxicant concentration), LOEL (Lowest observable effects level), LOEC (Lowest observable effects concentration), NOEL (No observable effects level) or NOEC (No observable effects concentration) is extrapolated to humans and wildlife. Historical failures in the risk assessment process have been largely due to over reliance on regulatory toxicology and an 'assembly line' mentality to toxicology.

A 90-day toxicological evaluation of Compound 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Groups of Sprague-Dawley rats received sodium monofluoroacetate (Compound 1080) at 0.025, 0.075, and 0.

Assessment of risks of brodifacoum to non-target birds and mammals in New Zealand.

The risks to non-target birds and other wildlife from the use of vertebrate pesticides, including anticoagulant rodenticides, are determined to a significant extent by species' intrinsic susceptibility, and the toxicokinetics of the compounds used. Brodifacoum is highly toxic to birds and mammals. The acute toxicity of brodifacoum to birds in New Zealand varies from <1 mg/kg in pukeko (Porphyrio p.