Supplementation with a New Standardized Extract of Green and Black Tea Exerts Antiadipogenic Effects and Prevents Insulin Resistance in Mice with Metabolic Syndrome.

Insulin resistance is one of the main characteristics of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the main cause of the development of type II diabetes. The high prevalence of this syndrome in recent decades has made it necessary to search for preventive and therapeutic agents, ideally of natural origin, with fewer side effects than conventional pharmacological treatments. Tea is widely known for its medicinal properties, including beneficial effects on weight management and insulin resistance.

Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Properties of a Novel Potential Probiotic CSI08.

Spore-forming bacteria of the genus have demonstrated potential as probiotics for human use. have been recognized as efficacious and safe agents for preventing and treating diarrhea in children and adults, with pronounced immunomodulatory properties during several in vitro and clinical studies. Herein, we characterize the novel strain of CSI08 (Munispore) for probiotic attributes including resistance to gastric acid and bile salts, the ability to suppress the growth of human pathogens, the capacity to assimilate wide range of carbohydrates and to produce potentially beneficial enzymes.

Effect-Directed, Chemical and Taxonomic Profiling of Peppermint Proprietary Varieties and Corresponding Leaf Extracts.

During the development of novel, standardized peppermint extracts targeting functional applications, it is critical to adequately characterize raw material plant sources to assure quality and consistency of the end-product. This study aimed to characterize existing and proprietary, newly bred varieties of peppermint and their corresponding aqueous extract products. Taxonomy was confirmed through genetic authenticity assessment.

Insights into the molecular mechanisms of pesticide tolerance in the Aporrectodea caliginosa earthworm.

Diffuse pollution of the environment by pesticides has become a major soil threat to non-target organisms, such as earthworms for which declines have been reported. However some endogeic species are still abundant and persist in intensively cultivated fields, suggesting they become tolerant to long-term anthropogenic pressure. We thus considered the working hypothesis that populations of Aporrectodea caliginosa earthworms from conventionally managed fields developed a tolerance to pesticides compared with those from organically managed fields.

Short-term effects of macrophyte removal on aquatic biodiversity in rivers and lakes.

Mass development of macrophytes is an increasing problem in many aquatic systems worldwide. Dense mats of macrophytes can negatively affect activities like boating, fishing or hydropower production and one of the management measures often applied is mechanical removal. In this study, we analyzed the effect of mechanical macrophyte removal on phytoplankton, zooplankton, and macroinvertebrate (pelagic and benthic samples) assemblages.