Application of ultrasound technology for the effective management of waste from fruit and vegetable.

Food waste presents a continuous challenge for the food industry, leading to environmental pollution and economic issues. A substantial amount of waste, including by-products from fruits and vegetables, non-edible food items, and other waste materials, is produced throughout the food supply chain, from production to consumption. Recycling and valorizing waste from perishable goods is emerging as a key multidisciplinary approach within the circular bio-economy framework. This waste, rich in raw by-products, can be repurposed as a natural source of ingredients. Researchers increasingly focus on biomass valorization to extract and use components that add significant value. Traditional methods for extracting these bio-compounds typically require the use of solvents and are time-consuming, underscoring the need for innovative techniques like ultrasound (US) extraction. Wastes from the processing of fruits and vegetables in the food industry can be used to develop functional foods and edible coatings, offering protection against various environmental factors. This comprehensive review paper discusses the valorization of waste from perishable items like fruits and vegetables using US technology, not only to extract valuable components from waste but also to treat wastewater in the beverage industry. It also covers the application of biomolecules recovered from this process in the development of functional foods and packaging.

Mycotoxins and consumers' awareness: Recent progress and future challenges.

While food shortages have become an important challenge, providing safe food resources is a point of interest on a global scale. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites that are formed through various fungi species. They are mainly spread through diets such as food or beverages. About one quarter of the world's food is spoiled with mycotoxins. As this problem is not resolved, it represents a significant threat to global food security. Besides the current concerns regarding the contamination of food items by these metabolites, the lack of knowledge by consumers and their possible growth and toxin production attracted considerable attention. While globalization provides a favorite condition for some countries, food security still is challenging for most countries. There are various approaches to reducing the mycotoxigenic fungi growth and formation of mycotoxins in food, include as physical, chemical, and biological processes. The current article will focus on collecting data regarding consumers' awareness of mycotoxins. Furthermore, a critical overview and comparison among different preventative approaches to reduce risk by consumers will be discussed. Finally, the current effect of mycotoxins on global trade, besides future challenges faced by mycotoxin contamination on food security, will be discussed briefly.

Pneumocystis jiroveci Pneumonia: A Review of Management in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Non-HIV Immunocompromised Patients.

Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia is an opportunistic fungal infection that was mainly associated with pneumonia in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. There has been a decline in Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia incidence in HIV since the introduction of antiretroviral medications. However, its incidence is increasing in non-HIV immunocompromised patients including those with solid organ transplantation, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, solid organ tumors, autoimmune deficiencies, and primary immunodeficiency disorders. We aim to review and summarize the etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in HIV, and non-HIV patients. HIV patients usually have mild-to-severe symptoms, while non-HIV patients present with a rapidly progressing disease. Induced sputum or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid can be used to make a definitive diagnosis of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is considered to be the first-line drug for treatment and has proven to be highly effective for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis in both HIV and non-HIV patients. Pentamidine, atovaquone, clindamycin, and primaquine are used as second-line agents. While several diagnostic tests, treatments, and prophylactic regimes are available at our disposal, there is need for more research to prevent and manage this disease more effectively.