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This study explored how social media users' mocking of a public health campaign can affect other users' emotions, cognitions, and behavioral intentions. Inspired by public mocking of the CDC's "Say No to Raw Dough" campaign aiming to prevent food poisoning caused by eating raw flour-based products, this experiment (N = 681) employed a 2 (Public responses to a PSA: Mocking or serious) x 3 (Organizational response to public responses: Self-mocking, serious, or none) + 1 (control condition) design. Statistical tests revealed that user-generated mocking can lower intentions to avoid the health risk by decreasing perceptions of injunctive norms (that is, seeing others mock a public health campaign resulted in weaker perceptions that others think you should avoid the risky behavior). Mockery of a public health campaign also engender anger at the CDC and at other users, with the target of the anger having differential effects on intentions to avoid eating raw dough. Implications for theory and the practice of social media-based health promotion are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a major cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, often associated with meat consumption and meat processing. Research on NTS infection and circulating serovars in meat value chains in Uganda is limited. We aimed to establish NTS prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and risk factors among slaughterhouse workers, and to identify potentially zoonotic serovars in the pork value chain. Material and methods: We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional survey, collecting 364 stool samples from livestock slaughterhouse workers and 1,535 samples from the pork value chain: mesenteric lymph nodes, fecal samples, swabs of carcass splitting floor, cleaning water, meat handlers hand swabs, carcass swabs, raw pork, cooked pork, and mixed raw vegetables. Samples were cultured for isolation of NTS, and subsequently serotyped according to White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme. Antimicrobial resistance profiles were determined using tube microdilution and Sensititre® EUVSEC3® plates. Semi-structured questionnaires with 35 questions were used to collect data on demographics, work related risk factors and activities outside the slaughterhouse. Results and discussion: Overall NTS prevalence was 19.2% (365/1899). Proportions at slaughter were; 46.7% in floor swabs, 30.5% in carcass swabs, 20.5% in pig faeces, 19.2% in mesenteric lymph nodes, 18.4% in hand swabs, 9.5% in water and 5.2% in slaughterhouse workers. At retail, proportions were 33.8% in pork chopping surface, 33.1% in raw pork, 18.9% in hand swabs, 4.0% in cooked pork and 0.7% in vegetables. Sixty-one serovars were identified, with significant overlap between humans and the pork value chain. Overall, zoonotic S. Zanzibar, monophasic serovars of S. subspecies salamae (II) and subspecies enterica (I), S. Typhimurium and S. Newport, were the most prevalent. S. Typhimurium was predominant in humans and exhibited multi-drug resistance. NTS infection was significantly associated with eating, drinking, or smoking while working (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 0.67-2.90%, p = 0.004). The detected NTS serovars in slaughterhouse workers could be a potential indicator of circulating serovars in the general population. The persistent presence of NTS along the pork value chain highlights occurrence of cross-contamination and the potential for transmission to consumers and slaughterhouse workers. This emphasizes the need to reduce Salmonella prevalence on pig farms and improve hygiene and pork handling practices at slaughter and retail points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite considerable interest and research in the canine fecal microbiome, our understanding of its species-level composition remains incomplete, as the majority of studies have only provided genus-level resolution. Here, we used full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the fecal microbiomes of 286 presumed healthy dogs living in homes in North America who are devoid of clinical signs, physical conditions, medication use, and behavioral problems. We identified the bacterial species comprising the core microbiome and investigated whether a dog’s sex & neuter status, age, body weight, diet, and geographic region predicted microbiome variation. Our analysis revealed that 23 bacterial species comprised the core microbiome, among them Collinsella intestinalis, Megamonas funiformis, Peptacetobacter hiranonis, Prevotella copri, and Turicibacter sanguinis. The 23 taxa comprised 75% of the microbiome on average. Sterilized females, dogs of intermediate body sizes, and those exclusively fed kibble tended to harbor the most core taxa. Host diet category, geographic region, and body weight predicted microbiome beta-diversity, but the effect sizes were modest. Specifically, the fecal microbiomes of dogs fed kibble were enriched in several core taxa, including C. intestinalis, P. copri, and Holdemanella biformis, compared to those fed raw or cooked food. Conversely, dogs on a raw food diet exhibited higher abundances of Bacteroides vulgatus, Caballeronia sordicola, and Enterococcus faecium, among others. In summary, our study provides novel insights into the species-level composition and drivers of the fecal microbiome in healthy dogs living in homes; however, extrapolation of our findings to different dog populations will require further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical method based on high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the determination of β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate (HMB) content in food raw materials. The quantitative detection was performed by HPLC on diode array detector mode under external standard method. The limits of quantification, calculated as 10 times the standard deviation, were 2.0 g/100 g. The average recoveries were in the range of 92.3%–101%, with relative standard deviations below 3.87%, measured at three concentration levels. This method was used to determine the purity of HMB in 10 commercially available food raw materials. The real sample analysis results showed that the content and measurement uncertainties of HMB were 77.1–81.8 g/100 g and 4.51–4.68 g/100 g respectively, which met the requirement of HMB content in the range of 77–82 g/100 g in the HMB announcement. There are no studies on the detection of HMB in food raw materials in the previous reports. The established method provided reference for the rapid quantification and purity analysis of β‐hydroxy‐β‐methylbutyrate in food raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweed varieties, Halymenia durviela and Caulerpa racemosa, hold a significant economic value since they can be used as raw materials in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Therefore, proper cultivation methods are essential to enhance the productivity of these seaweeds. This study aimed to assess the growth effects on C. racemosa and H. durviela and identify which variety exhibits the best growth performance. Two different seed variety treatments were tested, each with three replications. The treatments were as follows: Treatment A involved C. racemosa seeds, and Treatment B involved H. durviela seeds. The data analyzed included absolute weight growth and relative growth rates. The results indicated that the off-bottom method influenced the growth of both seaweed varieties, with Halymenia durviela showing the best results in terms of absolute weight growth and relative growth rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cereal grain crops are used as main food and raw feed materials all over the world. Among cereal crops, wheat occupies a leading place as the most valuable crop. Harvesting is the most energy-intensive stage in wheat cultivation. Therefore, improving technologies and tools to reduce energy costs in this process is an urgent task. A new stripping and threshing unit for harvesting cereal crops has been developed, allowing the harvesting of grain at both full maturity and in the early stages of maturity, when the grain has an increased content of protein and amino acids and is a valuable raw feed material. The new unit consists of a stripping and threshing unit. The stripping unit consists of a stripping drum and stripping combs. The threshing unit contains replaceable decks that collide with the grain, separating it from the ear; an auger for transporting the heap to the unloading device; and a blade beater with a cut-off shield. Wheat grain in the early stages of maturity has a strong connection with the ear, as a result of which harvesting such grain can be energy-intensive and impractical. In this regard, the purpose of this research was to study the dynamics of changes in the energy intensity of the wheat grain harvesting process during ripening and to compare the energy intensity of the harvesting process with the new unit with the energy intensity of a combine harvester. The methodology is based on measuring torque on the shaft of the stripping and threshing unit. The results show that the power required for stripping by the new unit is reduced from 8–10 kW to 2–4 kW, which is 2.5–4 times lower. The difference in power values between harvesting at the hard wax ripeness stage and full ripeness is only 1–1.5 kW, indicating the feasibility of harvesting grain at this stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urinary mercapturic acids N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoylethyl)-L-cysteine (AAMA) and N-acetyl-S-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine (GAMA) are short-term biomarkers of exposure from acrylamide and its metabolite glycidamide, respectively. The medium-term exposure to acrylamide and glycidamide is monitored by the adducts N-(2-carbamoylethyl)-Val (AA-Val) and N-(2-carbamoyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-Val (GA-Val) in hemoglobin (Hb), respectively. Three questions were addressed by application of these biomarkers in two diet studies including 36 omnivores, 36 vegans and 16 strict raw food eaters (abstaining from any warmed or heated food for at least four months): first, what is the internal acrylamide exposure following a vegan or a raw food diet in comparison to that in omnivores? Second, did the exposure change between 2017 and 2021? And third, what is the stability over time of AAMA/GAMA excretion compared to that of AA-Val/GA-Val levels in Hb between both time points? Median urinary AAMA excretion per day in non-smoking omnivores, vegans and raw food eaters were 62.4, 85.4 and 15.4 µg/day, respectively; the corresponding median AA-Val levels were 27.7, 39.7 and 13.3 pmol/g Hb, respectively. Median levels in strict raw food eaters were about 25% (AAMA excretion) and 48% (AA-Val) of those in omnivores. In comparison to 2017, AAMA and GAMA excretion levels were hardly altered in 2021, however, levels of AA-Val and GA-Val in 2021 slightly increased. There was a weak correlation between AAMA excretion levels determined four years apart (rS = 0.30), and a moderate correlation between levels of AA-Val (rS = 0.55) in this timeframe. Our data in strict raw food eaters confirm a significant endogenous formation to acrylamide in a size range, which is—based on the levels of AA-Val—distinctly higher than reported previously based on levels of urinary AAMA excretion. The relatively lower AAMA excretion in raw food eaters likely represents a lower extent of glutathione conjugation due to missing hepatic first-pass metabolism in case of endogenous formation of acrylamide, which leads to a higher systemic exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of natural bioactive constituents from various food sources for anticancer purposes has become increasingly popular worldwide. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) is on the top of the consumed vegetables by the masses. Its raw matrix contains a plethora of phytochemicals, such as glucosinolates and phenolic compounds, along with rich amounts of vitamins, and minerals. Consumption of broccoli-derived phytochemicals provides strong antioxidant effects, particularly due to its sulforaphane content, while modulating numerous molecules involved in cell cycle regulation, control of apoptosis, and tuning enzyme activity. Thus, the inclusion of broccoli in the daily diet lowers the susceptibility to developing cancers. Numerous studies have underlined the undisputable role of broccoli in the diet as a chemopreventive raw food, owing to the content in sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate produced as a result of hydrolysis of precursor glucosinolates called glucoraphanin. This review will provide evidence supporting the specific role of fresh florets and sprouts of broccoli and its key bioactive constituents in the prevention and treatment of different cancers; a number of studies carried out in the in vitro and in vivo conditions as well as clinical trials were analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary source of food for the growing global population is agriculture, which is frequently referred to as the basis of human civilization. It includes a wide variety of tasks that are involved in growing crops, caring for animals, and creating different raw materials for food, clothing, and industrial uses. For thousands of years, agriculture has been the foundation of human societies, producing not just food and raw resources but also impacting cultures, economies, and environments. Consider a farm where robots work together as a team, with no cables connecting them. These robots make it easier for farmers to care for their crops. In this research paper, we will look at how wireless robots are transforming the way we farm. We also investigate how they conserve energy and improve farming efficiency. The research explains how these robots can do various farming tasks such as planting and harvesting. We also discuss various issues, such as what happens when they run out of power. Finally, we consider the future and how these robots might help farmers even more. It's like having a high-tech farm worker that assures our food grows better and our farms are more sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prison scholars have long noted prisoners' improvisation with materials and resources at hand (or bricolage) in ways that defy the prison regime. Yet longstanding scholarly perspectives which cite such bricolage as evidence for themes like "prison culture" or "resistance" have often distracted scholars from accounting for the specific features of organizational materials and operations that prisoners leverage in their bricolage, and distracted from the rather mundane nature of the practices—like grooming, cleaning, and eating—they thus serve. Drawing from interviews with de-incarcerated persons from a U.S. state prison system, and from documents memorializing the disruption of prison routines during COVID-19 pandemic in that same state, this article investigates the specific resources prisoners enlist in bricolage projects related to making and sharing meals. Those resources, I argue, are the material and organizational products and byproducts of the complex prison undertaking. The practices prisoners achieve are precarious, with low degrees of equifinality –there are only so many ways to accomplish them in contexts of comprehensive restriction. The COVID-19 pandemic threatened those delicate arrangements not only through problems in the acquisition of raw food materials, but also through disrupted institutional routines which offer the resources necessary to coordinate, assemble, and transform those materials into meals. This pattern comes into focus when the "prison food system" is approached as a consumption system like any other, though one which operates in a strictly regulated context with minimal materials and deeply curtailed choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal food raw materials refer to those raw materials with food and possess medicinal value. They were particularly suitable for developing novel functional food. In this study, a novel functional food based on ultrafine grinding treatment of Ganoderma, yam, wolfberry, Rhizoma polygonati, raspberry, and euryale ferox (GYWRRE) with a specifically designed formula was developed and characterized. The results were shown that the ultrafine GYWRRE powder presented a relatively regular structure and smooth surface. It had notable decreases in fluidity and oil‐holding capacity but increases in characteristic nutrient content and antioxidant capacity. The ultrafine GYWRRE powder also could prevent oxidative stress in C2C12 cells by reducing the contents of reactive oxygen species and methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and increasing expressions of heme oxygenase‐1 and NQO1. The results of this study were demonstrated that medicinal food raw materials and ultrafine grinding had great applications potentials in developing functional food. Practical applications: Medicinal food refers to those natural ingredients that serve both as food and possess medicinal value. Ultrafine grinding technology is a meticulously engineered method capable of grinding raw materials to the micron level, thereby increasing their surface area, improving their bioavailability, and potentially enhancing their medicinal properties and bioavailability. This study developed an ultrafine grinding treatment of Ganoderma, yam, wolfberry, Rhizoma polygonati, raspberry and euryale ferox (GYWRRE) with a specifically designed formula. The characteristics of the ultrafine GYWRRE powder contained particle size, morphology, colorimetry, liquidity, hydration, adsorption, and characteristic nutrients were characterized. The antioxidant capacity in vitro and in cells as well as the possible mechanism were also explored. The results of this study will be helpful for development of novel functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Networks to distribute goods, from raw materials to food and medicines, are the backbone of a functioning economy. They are shaped by several supply relations connecting manufacturers, distributors, and final buyers worldwide. We present a network-based model to describe the mechanisms underlying the emergence and growth of distribution networks. In our model, firms consider two practices when establishing new supply relations: centralization, the tendency to choose highly connected partners, and multi-sourcing, the preference for multiple suppliers. Centralization enhances network efficiency by leveraging short distribution paths; multi-sourcing fosters resilience by providing multiple distribution paths connecting final buyers to the manufacturer. We validate the proposed model using data on drug shipments in the US. Drawing on these data, we reconstruct 22 nationwide pharmaceutical distribution networks. We demonstrate that the proposed model successfully replicates several structural features of the empirical networks, including their out-degree and path length distributions as well as their resilience and efficiency properties. These findings suggest that the proposed firm-level practices effectively capture the network growth process that leads to the observed structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this article was to perform a life cycle assessment (LCA) of industrial meatballs produced in Malaysia, for evaluating the environmental impacts and discussing the adoption of circular economy (CE) principles. It attempted to fill the research gaps of very less related work reported, unavailability of environmental performance data and less discussion on improvement implications for food production in developing countries. Methods: To achieve the objectives, the midpoint environmental impacts of beef meatballs manufacturing were assessed and analyzed. Primary data were collected from a small- and medium-sized food manufacturing company located in Malaysia. The environmental assessment was grounded on the production of food raw materials and packaging materials and industry-based manufacturing of processed food items as the system boundary. The LCA was conducted using SimaPro 7.3.3 as a software tool and CML-IA baseline V3.05 as an impact evaluation method. Results and discussion: The results found that the farm-based production and industrial cooking of beef are the major sources responsible for the environmental burdens. Comparatively, food-based raw materials were having more damaging impact on the environment than the packaging materials. The use of natural gas for meatballs cooking was found to be another environmental hotspot. In addition, from the packaging viewpoint, polystyrene material was the major contributor towards environmental impacts. Based on the results, the potential solutions and CE principles were recommended and discussed in order to improve the environmental performance. Conclusions: By using LCA, this study identified the environmental hotspots for industrial meatballs production in Malaysia and discussed the potential adoption of CE principles in order to reduce the environmental burdens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Shipin Kexue/ Food Science is the property of Food Science Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This survey article aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of food purchasing and safe food handling, as well as changes in lifestyle-related behaviours among rural people. A cross-sectional study was conducted in population of NCR area of Uttar Pradesh, India from age group of 16-60 years and above. A structured questionnaire of 25 questions was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, Food purchasing practices like Nutritional Information, Manufacture Date, Expiry Date and Mark of FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India), Colour Dot Symbol on food package, Safe Food Handling practices like source of vegetables and fruits or eggs and meats, storage of raw and cooked food at home, general knowledge about preservation of the daily dietary ingredients and Changes occur in lifestyle-related behaviour like way of cooking and eating of food at home, checked awareness about the Allergens knowledge and Foodborne Diseases. In conclusion, the knowledge and awareness about food purchasing and safe handling is differ among sex, age groups, job types and locality. A number of people have awareness about food purchasing and handling but still a lot of people need knowledge about food safety and security. These findings need to be further confirmed in subsequent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Machinery is the property of Food & Machinery Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Rising consumer awareness, coupled with advances in sensor technology, is propelling the food manufacturing industry to innovate and employ tools that ensure the production of safe, nutritious, and environmentally sustainable products. Amidst a plethora of nondestructive techniques available for evaluating the quality attributes of both raw and processed foods, the challenge lies in determining the most fitting solution for diverse products, given that each method possesses its unique strengths and limitations. This comprehensive review focuses on baked goods, wherein we delve into recently published literature on cutting‐edge nondestructive methods to assess their feasibility for Industry 4.0 implementation. Emphasizing the need for quality control modalities that align with consumer expectations regarding sensory traits such as texture, flavor, appearance, and nutritional content, the review explores an array of advanced methodologies, including hyperspectral imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, terahertz, acoustics, ultrasound, X‐ray systems, and infrared spectroscopy. By elucidating the principles, applications, and impacts of these techniques on the quality of baked goods, the review provides a thorough synthesis of the most current published studies and industry practices. It highlights how these methodologies enable defect detection, nutritional content prediction, texture evaluation, shelf‐life forecasting, and real‐time monitoring of baking processes. Additionally, the review addresses the inherent challenges these nondestructive techniques face, ranging from cost considerations to calibration, standardization, and the industry's overreliance on big data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The presence of aflatoxin M1, a toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic substance, poses significant health risks. Hence, this study assesses the levels of aflatoxin M1 in raw, pasteurized, and sterilized milk obtained from the North Khorasan Province, Iran, and evaluates its potential impact on consumer health. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study randomly collected 189 raw milk samples. Additionally, 70 pasteurized and sterilized milk samples from supermarkets in the North Khorasan Province, Iran, were included. All samples were assessed for aflatoxin M1 contamination using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Meanwhile, statistical analysis (analysis of variance) was performed on the results. Results: The Mean±SD concentration of aflatoxin M1 in raw milk from the North Khorasan Province, Iran, was 18.44±34.6 ng/L, while pasteurized and sterilized milk had a higher mean concentration of 42.8±21.54 ng/L. The lowest concentration was found in Bojnord City, Iran, at 9.30±8.91 ng/L, while the highest concentration was detected in Jajarm at 30.70±80.50 ng/L. The mean contamination of aflatoxin M1 was not statistically significant (P=0.42) in most cities of the province. Meanwhile, 6.34% of raw milk and 11.4% of pasteurized milk samples had higher levels of aflatoxin M1 than the maximum limit recommended by the Iran National Standard Organization (INSO) (100 ng/L). However, none of the milk samples exceeded the permissible limit set by the Veterinary Organization of the country (500 ng/L). Conclusion: The mean concentration of aflatoxin M1 in raw and pasteurized milk from the North Khorasan Province is lower than the European Union (EU) standard of 50 ng/L and the approved limit set by the country’s Veterinary Organization (500 ng/L). Therefore, it is not considered a significant threat to the health of adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Raw diets have become popular in companion animal nutrition, but these diets may be contaminated with harmful bacteria because heat processing is not utilized to mitigate pathogens during the production process. We analyzed 24 commercially available frozen raw canine and feline diets for extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E). Methods: Samples were incubated in tryptic soy broth augmented with 50 µg/mL ampicillin to enrich for ESBL-E. ESBL-E were isolated using CHROMagar ESBL plates and isolate identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing were confirmed using the VITEK®2 instrument. Results: ESBL-E were isolated from 42% (10/24) of raw diets, with E. coli, Enterobacter cloacae complex and Klebsiella pneumoniae predominating. Most ESBL-E isolates (71%, 32/45) were multidrug-resistant. Direct plating of samples onto tryptic soy agar yielded bacterial counts >6 log10 for 2 samples from two diFFerent manufacturers. Conclusion: This preliminary study justifies further investigation into the potential contribution of raw diets to the dissemination of antibiotic resistant bacteria in companion animals and domestic living spaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sweet sorghum juice is a typical production feedstock for natural, eco-friendly sweeteners and beverages. Clostridium tyrobutyricum is one of the widely used microorganisms in the food industry, and its principal product, bio-butyric acid is an important food additive. There are no published reports of Clostridium tyrobutyricum producing butyric acid using SSJ as the sole substrate without adding exogenous substances, which could reach a food-additive grade. This study focuses on tailoring a cost-effective, safe, and sustainable process and strategy for their production and application. Methods: This study modeled the enzymolysis of non-reducing sugars via the first/second-order kinetics and added food-grade diatomite to the hydrolysate. Qualitative and quantitative analysis were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometer, full-scale laser diffraction method, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, the cell double-staining assay, transmission electron microscopy, and Oxford nanopore technology sequencing. Quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction, pathway and process enrichment analysis, and homology modeling were conducted for mutant genes. Results: The treated sweet sorghum juice showed promising results, containing 70.60 g/L glucose and 63.09 g/L fructose, with a sucrose hydrolysis rate of 98.29% and a minimal sucrose loss rate of 0.87%. Furthermore, 99.62% of the colloidal particles and 82.13% of the starch particles were removed, and the concentrations of hazardous substances were effectively reduced. A food microorganism Clostridium tyrobutyricum TGL-A236 with deep utilization value was developed, which showed superior performance by converting 30.65% glucose and 37.22% fructose to 24.1364 g/L bio-butyric acid in a treated sweet sorghum juice (1:1 dilution) fermentation broth. This titer was 2.12 times higher than that of the original strain, with a butyric acid selectivity of 86.36%. Finally, the Genome atlas view, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and evolutionary genealogy of genes: Non-supervised Orthologous (eggNOG) functional annotations, three-dimensional structure and protein cavity prediction of five non-synonymous variant genes were obtained. Conclusion: This study not only includes a systematic process flow and indepth elucidation of relevant mechanisms but also provides a new strategy for green processing of food raw materials, improving food microbial performance, and ensuring the safe production of food additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonellosis, an infectious disease caused by the Salmonella species, encompasses a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from mild self‐limiting gastroenteritis to severe systemic infections. It affects millions of people annually, causing immense morbidity and economic losses worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the occurrence of Salmonella in water and raw foods, focusing on meat, fish, shellfish, and vegetables consumed in the city of Nampula, north of Mozambique. A total of 81 samples of meat, fish and shellfish, vegetables, and water were collected from nine of the ten municipal markets in Nampula City. Salmonella detections were performed according to ISO 6579‐1. A chi‐square test was performed in the Python programming language to detect associations between positive samples and market localization. The results showed a high frequency of Salmonella. From the total sample, 38.5% were Salmonella positive. Fresh vegetables were the most contaminated samples, followed by fish, shellfish, raw meat, and water. The outcomes of this study did not find an association between the sample collection location and the test results for Salmonella. In this study, serovars of Salmonella were not identified which hinders the association of Salmonella occurrence with diseases. Consequently, we propose that the next study should focus on detecting the serotypes of Salmonella strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium /3-hydroxy-/3-methylbutyrate (CaHMB), as a new food raw material, has obtained approval in multiple countries, including China. In China, CaHMB is allowed to be used in foods for special medical purposes. However, despite being approved in China for over a decade, no products containing CaHMB have been introduced as foods for special medical purposes to the market. Thus, there is a need to form a consensus on the health benefits, safety, dosage and other aspects of CaHMB to facilitate its application in the relevant food industry, regulatory authorities and consumer understanding, thereby advancing its application to better address the nutritional and health needs of the publication. This article provided comprehensive analysis of the global research and application of CaHMB, engaging relevant academic and industrial experts to form the scientific consensus on the application of CaHMB via literature analysis and scientific discussions, as: 1) CaHMB, as new food raw material and the calcium salt form of HMB, plays a crucial role to supplement HMB in promoting muscle protein synthesis and reducing muscle protein breakdown; 2) CaHMB supplementation is beneficial to correct the negative nitrogen balance and improving muscle health in the elderly and people with various diseases (such as sarcopenia syndrome, oncology, etc.); 3) The safety of CaHMB is widely recognized, and appropriate increase its maximal daily intake limit locally can better support target population to receive health benefits and promote industrial application development. Recommendations: At the policy level, proactive measures can guide the appropriate increase in the maximal daily intake limit of CaHMB to better address the nutritional and health needs of the population; further strengthen scientific research and innovation on CaHMB to provide scientific and technical evidence supporting its optimal application and related policy development; promote CaHMB application in food industry, especially in foods for special medical purposes, to further forest high-quality development of related industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are increasing in Denmark and elsewhere. STEC is also the most frequent cause of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) in Danish children. Most cases are considered sporadic, while approximately one-third can be attributed to a known source of infection. Hence, we examined sources of sporadic STEC infection in Denmark. From January 2018 to December 2020, we conducted a prospective nationwide case–control study among Danish adults and children. Cases with confirmed positive STEC infection were notified infections within the national laboratory surveillance system. Control persons were randomly selected from the Danish Civil Registration System, individually matched in age in 5-year bands and sex. Participants were invited by an electronic letter to complete either an adult or child questionnaire online. Univariate and adjusted matched odds ratios were computed for adults and children using conditional logistic regression. The study recruited 1583 STEC cases and 6228 controls. A total of 658 cases (42%) and 2155 controls (35%) were included in the analysis. Depending on age, univariate analysis adjusted for socio-demographic determinants showed that the consumption of boiled beef (mOR = 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–3.1) and fried minced beef (mOR = 1.6, CI: 1.2–2.1), drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk (mOR = 11, CI 1.1–110), eating grilled food (mOR = 9.8, CI: 5.6–17) and having a household member using diapers (mOR = 2.1, CI: 1.4–3.2) were determinants of sporadic STEC infection. Further multivariate adjusted analysis resulted in the same determinants. This study confirms that beef is an overall important risk factor for STEC infection in Denmark. We also present evidence that a proportion of sporadic STEC infections in Denmark are determined by age-specific eating habits, environmental exposures and household structure, rather than being exclusively food-related. These findings are relevant for targeted public health actions and guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pithecellobium dulce (P. dulce) is described in this review in terms of its botanical features, traditional uses, phytoconstituents, biological activities, and nutritional value. The aril of the fruit is consumed raw as food in many countries like India for its sweet taste. The plant phytoconstituents possess anti-ulcerogenic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties. The plant’s different extracts contain a variety of bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. People have been paying attention to medicinal plants over the past few years due to their incredible significance in the medication discovery process, their effectiveness, safety, and lack of negative side effects. P. dulce is a highly regarded plant in traditional medicine because of its diverse biological and nutraceutical properties. This review covers information regarding traditional uses, nutritional values, phytochemicals, and pharmacological activities of the different extracts as well as the pure compounds isolated from P. dulce's different parts and extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Listeria (L.) monocytogenes is an opportunistic foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis in humans and animals, reaching up to 30% case mortality. There are only a few reports in Mexico about the L. monocytogenes strains found in various foods. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of L. monocytogenes, serogroups, virulence genes, and antimicrobial resistance in different foods from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico. L. monocytogenes strains were characterized by microbiological and molecular methods. Susceptibility to 12 antibiotics was determined according to CLSI and EUCAST. A total of 300 samples of seafood, pasteurized and raw milk, cheese, beef, and chicken were collected from supermarkets and retail markets. The presence of L. monocytogenes was detected in 5.6% of the samples. Most strains belonged to serogroups 4b, 4d, and 4e (68.4%). All strains presented a minimum of four virulence genes; the most common were actA, hly, and plcB (92.1%). A high percentage of antimicrobial susceptibility was observed, with resistance only to STX-TMP (78.9%), STR (26.3%), MEM (21.0%), and E (2.6%). These results show that the foods in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, are a reservoir of L. monocytogenes and represent a potential health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is growing interest in food prescriptions, which leverage health care settings to provide patients access to healthy foods through vouchers or food boxes. In this commentary, we draw on our experiences and interest in food prescribing to provide a summary of the current evidence on this intervention model and critically assess its limitations and opportunities. Rationale: Food insecurity is an important determinant of health and is associated with compromised dietary adequacy, higher rates of chronic diseases, and higher health service utilization and costs. Aligning with recent discourse on social prescribing and "food is medicine" approaches, food prescribing can empower health care providers to link patients with supports to improve food access and limit barriers to healthy diets. Food prescribing has been shown to improve fruit and vegetable intake and household food insecurity, although impacts on health outcomes are inconclusive. Research on food prescribing in the Canadian context is limited and there is a need to establish evidence of effectiveness and best practices. Conclusion: As food prescribing continues to gain traction in Canada, there is a need to assess the effectiveness, cost-efficiency, limitations and potential paternalism of this intervention model. Further, it is necessary to assess how food prescribing fits into broader social welfare systems that aim to address the underlying determinants of food insecurity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The worldwide distribution and occurrence show that more than 1.8 billion people, accounting for 28% of the global population, are infected with A. lumbricoides infection due to poor hygiene. The World Health Organization aims to eliminate morbidity from A. lumbricoides infection in children by 2030 by at least 75%. Surveys in the Pwani Region of Tanzania have shown poor hygienic risk factors due to high population and lack of sufficient toilets/latrines, poor sewage waste disposal, and insufficient clean drinking water that encourages the reproduction, transmission, and reinfection of A. lumbricoides. No study has been conducted in Pwani Region to determine the extent of A. lumbricoides infection among the population. This research tends to explore more about the status of A. lumbricoides infection in Kibaha District in the Pwani Region, Tanzania. Methods. A cross-sectional study was done on 400 children (170 males and 230 females) who were under the age of 5 years old at Kongowe Health Centre. Collected data for A. lumbricoides infection measured were analyzed using Microsoft Excel, while data for sociodemographic findings and risk assessment were subjected to bivariate and multivariable analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 28.0.1.0 software (SPSS Inc., USA) at the level of significance of P < 0.05. Results. Of the 400 children who participated in the laboratory testing of A. lumbricoides infection, 194 were found positive for A. lumbricoides infection. Amongst the 194 children who were found to be positive, 4.1%, 38.7%, and 57.2% were found to be in the age group of below 1 year old, 1 to 2, and 3 to 4 years old, respectively. The tabulated responses on the social demographic responses showed that 81.8% of the responses at P = 0.041 and 80.6% at P = 0.101 knew that A. lumbricoides infection is acquired from faeces and uncooked food, respectively, as 61.8% at P = 0.132 and 63.2% at P = 0.085 respondents did not accept that soil and dirty water, respectively, were not sources of A. lumbricoides infection. At P = 0.612 and P = 0.022 , 64% and 91.2% of the respondents showed the importance of using latrines/toilets and washing fruits, respectively. Further results showed that 69.8% and 37.6% of the respondents reacted with no importance of washing hands with soap after using a toilet/latrine and no need to treat or boil water before drinking, respectively. Conclusions. A. lumbricoides infection has a high prevalence in infants of the Kibaha District of Tanzania, especially in Kongowe village. The infection is dominant in males compared to female children. The prevalence is due to risk factors such as inadequate sanitation, low level of education, knowledge, and awareness of prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma radiation is a common sterilization technique utilized in the packaging of raw and processed foods; it acts retarding the microbial growth in packaged foods, however, depending on the dose, the radiation can modify the chemical structure of the polymers in the packaging. In this study, different doses of 10, 25 and 50 kGy were applied in PBAT films additivated with orange essential oil, and their physical, chemical and thermal properties were investigated. The results of the principal components analysis of the films showed that the applied doses altered the chemical structures of the films, the DSC of the films showed a reduction of their crystallization temperature and an increase in their enthalpy of fusion, indicating a cross-linking, the TGA of the samples revealed that the material remained stable with the doses applied, additionally, the films became more resistant and rigid without losing their elastic behavior. At last, the analyses presented that the additivated PBAT films did not suffer major modifications in their structure due to irradiation, indicating a good radiolytic stability of the PBAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blood donors are screened for medication use to determine their health status and to ensure that the collection will be safe and efficacious for transfusion. Although stringent medication deferral guidelines exist for human blood donors, no consensus exists as to which medications should be permitted among canine donors. Methods: A brief survey regarding canine donor screening methods was distributed to an online hematology and transfusion medicine group and included questions pertaining to commonly prescribed medications and consumption of a raw food diet. Key Findings: The survey results demonstrate that more than half of the respondents accept canine donors given thyroid supplements, whereas respondents were split as to whether they accept canine donors given antihistamines chronically. Most survey respondents exclude canine donors taking anti‐inflammatory or anti‐itch medications unless in acute circumstances and only after a washout period. More than half of the survey respondents exclude dogs fed a raw food diet. Significance: The survey results demonstrate that there is no obvious agreement regarding which medications to permit in canine donors. Evidence‐based guidelines are needed to inform best practices and the subsequent decisions made by donor programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance is crucial for early initiation of appropriate therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether resistance to colistin, the last-resort antibiotic, in carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) isolates can be detected accurately and rapidly by flow cytometry (FCM). The VITEK 2 automated system was used to identify 85 K. pneumoniae strains and to determine their resistance to carbapenems. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for colistin in 85 CRKP strains were determined by broth microdilution (BMD), which is the reference method. In addition, FCM was used, combined with DiBAC4(3) fluorescent stain, to determine colistin susceptibility. The MIC₅₀ value of the strains, 80% of which were resistant to colistin by the BMD method, was 16 mg/L, and the MIC₉₀ value was 32 mg/L. When FCM was compared with the reference method, it was determined that the specificity was 94.1%, sensitivity was 100% of FCM, and Cohen's kappa value was 0.96. Colistin susceptibility results with FCM were obtained within an average of 2 h. These findings suggest that FCM holds great promise as a rapid and reliable alternative method for detecting colistin resistance in CRKP strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonellosis is a major foodborne disease transmitted from contaminated poultry products worldwide. Although a wide variety of chemical agents are used in the prevention of foodborne Salmonella spp. infections, consumers prefer natural additives, that do not harm human health and do not impair the characteristics of food. Curcumin is a yellow-coloured, hydrophobic polyphenol obtained from the rhizome of the Curcuma longa L. plant known as turmeric. The purpose of this study was to evaluate curcumin's antibacterial activity against S. Typhimurium in chicken meat and in vitro. In the first step, chicken samples were experimentally contaminated with S. Typhimurium at a level of 2.8 x 10-7 CFU/ml. Then, they were kept in a 1, 2, and 3% curcumin solution for 15 minutes. At the end of the treatment, chicken samples were stored at +4 °C. The number of S. Typhimurium in chicken samples was determined according to EN ISO 6579-1. In the result of the study, the number of S. Typhimurium decreased by 2.37, 2.71, and 2.84 log levels at the end of the 6th day as a result of the 1, 2 and 3% curcumin treatment, respectively. The MIC value of curcumin was determined to be 362 µg/ml for S. Typhimurium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Street foods are any foods or drinks prepared or sold by street vendors in an open space. The purpose of this study was to determine the Bacteriological safety and antibiotic resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacteriaceae isolated from street foods. Method: A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was used from December 2022 to February 2023 on street foods of Addis Ababa, Hawassa, Dire Dawa, and Jimma towns of Ethiopia. 525 street foods and 175 water samples were taken from 175 street food vending stalls. Proportional allocation to the total town population and stratified sampling techniques were used to select vending stalls. Samples were analyzed for the presence of bacteria following the standard microbiological methods used for the isolation, enumeration, and identification of bacteria. Pour plate technique was used to transfer the suspension to MacConkey agar, Mannitol Salt Agar, and Salmonella Shigella Agar. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Result: Out of 525 food samples, 279 (53%) were contaminated by bacteria. From 175 water samples, 95 (54.3%) were contaminated with Escherichia coli. From both samples in total, eleven bacterial species were isolated. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated species. Shigella, Klebsiella, and Salmonella group A have statistically significant with the type of food. Erythromycin (54%), Streptomycin (17%), and Amoxicillin (14%) were the most resistant antibiotics. Least resistance was observed to Ciprofloxacin (5%). Conclusion: Street foods of the selected towns were highly contaminated with various antibiotic-resistant organisms. Hence, the relevant authorities ought to ensure the proper handling of street food by enforcing safety measures. Additionally, they should initiate a widespread awareness campaign promoting the prudent use of antibiotics among both street food vendors and the broader population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was supposed to detect the impact of three decontaminators (ozonized water, lactic acid and their blend of them) in improving organoleptic characteristics, chemical and bacteriological quality of poultry meat. Chicken fillet samples were collected from Zagazig city, Egypt. and divided into three groups, Group1: To assess the impact of additives on sensory criteria, chemical quality indices (pH, Thiobarbituric acid, Total Volatile Basic-Nitrogen) and APC of the examined samples with reference to their the shelf life, Group 2: For assessment the additives effectiveness on Enterobacteriacae counts, Group 3: to evaluate the influence of additives on Staphylococcus aureus artificially inoculated in chicken fillet meat samples, each group was divided into 4 subgroups (control, ozonized water 0.38%, lactic acid 1% and blend of both), the data cleared that the immersion of samples in the blend of ozonized water with lactic acid can prolong the shelf life of chicken fillet during chilled storage at 4 oC ±1 with keeping its sensory characteristics and chemical parameters meanwhile a combination of ozonized water and lactic acid can protract the shelf life of chicken fillet by additional 48 hours. Concerning to the antimicrobial efficacy of the different trials, it's interesting to note that the combined uses of ozonized water –lactic acid have greatly a noticeable decrease in aerobic plate count, Enterobacteriacae count and S. aureus count, followed by ozonized water, finally lactic acid. So it’s recommended that using ozonized water-lactic acid blend in poultry meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reverse-yield factor (RF) database was developed for qualitatively and quantitatively disaggregating Japanese composite foods into raw primary commodity (RPC) ingredients. Representative equations for four types (dried, salted, fermented and mixed foods) were developed to calculate RFs using the food content and composition data for composite foods listed in the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan—2020—(STFCJ), published by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. Out of 1150 composite foods identified in the STFCJ, RFs for 54 dried, 41 salted, 40 fermented and 818 mixed foods were obtained. RFs for 197 mixed foods could not be calculated because these foods were produced from ingredients with no specified information and/or through complex processing. The content and composition of Japanese composite foods would be interpreted representatively by RFs in the developed database. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The quest for a green and sustainable environment has created innovative ways of recycling and valorising agro‐based wastes, as well as using uncommon raw materials for food products. Likewise, food proteins and peptides are potentially generated from unique sources such as seaweeds, insects, hemp, rapeseed cake, olive meal cake, sesame meal, flaxseed cake, sunflower meal, spent grain, pomace, and pit for the development of functional foods and biopeptide‐based products. These biopeptides confer numerous positive health benefits against chronic diseases such as cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and neurodegeneration. In this review, diligent efforts were made to provide an updated status on the biopeptides produced from various unusual sources with certain salient considerations towards their production, biological activities, action mechanisms, and safety. We also discussed the possible drawbacks encountered during their applications in the nutraceutical and functional food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a large number of heterogeneous compounds formed by the glycation of proteins, fats or nucleic acids. Endogenous AGEs have been associated with various health problems such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Inflammation is thought to be one of the main mechanisms in the development of these disorders. Although AGEs are produced endogenously in the body, exogenous sources such as smoking and diet also contribute to the body pool. Therefore, when the AGE pool in the body rises above physiological levels, different pathological conditions may occur through various mechanisms, especially inflammation. While the effects of endogenous AGEs on the development of inflammation have been studied relatively extensively, and current evidence indicates that dietary AGEs (dAGEs) contribute to the body's AGE pool, it is not yet known whether dAGEs have the same effect on the development of inflammation as endogenous AGEs. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate the results of cross‐sectional and intervention studies to understand whether dAGEs are associated with inflammation and, if there is an effect on inflammation, through which mechanisms this effect might occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging serves as a pivotal component in addressing food losses by extending the shelf life and preserving the quality of both raw and processed food products. Nevertheless, conventional plastic packaging has substantial environmental drawbacks due to its non‐biodegradable nature and the inclusion of potentially harmful chemical components. As a result, there is a global shift toward biodegradable packaging obtained from natural sources as a more environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative. In this regard, biodegradable coatings made up of natural sources are very efficient for food packaging purposes because of various significant properties. Moreover, huge amounts of food waste are produced globally, leading to environmental pollution. Utilization of this waste is crucial, with one significant application being the extraction of essential oils (EOs). These oils are incorporated into different coatings materials to enhance their functional properties for better preservation of food products. So, this review covers the potential of EOs derived from food waste materials as bioactive compounds incorporated in biodegradable coatings for enhancing the storage quality and shelf life of food products. The biodegradable coatings enriched with these EOs thereby reduce microbial spoilage, stop moisture loss and act as a barrier against gases that ultimately enhance the product's shelf life. These coatings with EOs also reduce weight loss and stabilize other parameters such as pH, colour, acidity and firmness of food commodities. Different packaging systems using waste‐derived EOs have been developed to preserve both plant and animal‐origin foods such as fruits, meat, fish, shrimp, mushrooms and cheese. Developing biodegradable packaging from natural polymers along with the incorporation of EOs from food waste is an innovative way of food preservation and waste management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the usefulness of component-resolved diagnosis in pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS). PFAS is a condition where individuals with pollen allergies experience oral hypersensitivity symptoms when consuming certain raw fruits, vegetables, peanuts, and tree nuts. The main allergens in Fagales pollen are pathogen-related 10 (PR-10) proteins, with Bet v 1 being the most common. This study presents a case of a patient with eosinophilic gastroenteritis linked to PFAS caused by sensitization to PR-10 protein. The patient's specific IgE for soy was detected by the component ImmunoCAP test but not by other tests. The article suggests that component-resolved diagnosis can help guide patients in avoiding certain food items and alleviate symptoms. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Extensively drug resistant (XDR) strains of the Salmonella lineages have been reported to spread from Africa to South Asia. XDR strains are resistant to fluoroquinolones, chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole, and ampicillin, resulting in treatment failure. The objectives of this study included the investigation of transmission of S. Typhi lineages and the identification of the potentially contaminated sources of the XDR typhoid outbreak from different urban areas by using molecular techniques. Methodology: Environmental samples, including food samples, were collected from different towns and the susceptibility of each isolate to the antimicrobial agents was examined. Molecular identification of different Salmonella lineages including S. Typhi, S. Paratyphi A, H58, and XDR was carried out through multiplex PCR. Results and Conclusions: A total of 328 environmental samples including raw vegetables, water, and bakery items were collected. More than half of the tested samples (64%) found harboring Salmonella spp. The Salmonella was confirmed through PCR amplification of species-specific markers that showed the presence of S. Typhi (40%), S. Paratyphi A (8%), H58 (7%), and XDR S. Typhi (6%). Raw vegetables had the highest number of Salmonella spp., indicating consumption of raw vegetables as a possible source of salmonellosis. XDR status was also affirmed through phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapidly increasing demand for poultry products and the current challenges facing the poultry industry, the application of biotechnology to enhance poultry production has gained growing significance. Biotechnology encompasses all forms of technology that can be harnessed to improve poultry health and production efficiency. Notably, biotechnology-based approaches have fueled rapid advances in biological research, including (a) genetic manipulation in poultry breeding to improve the growth and egg production traits and disease resistance, (b) rapid identification of infectious agents using DNA-based approaches, (c) inclusion of natural and synthetic feed additives to poultry diets to enhance their nutritional value and maximize feed utilization by birds, and (d) production of biological products such as vaccines and various types of immunostimulants to increase the defensive activity of the immune system against pathogenic infection. Indeed, managing both existing and newly emerging infectious diseases presents a challenge for poultry production. However, recent strides in vaccine technology are demonstrating significant promise for disease prevention and control. This review focuses on the evolving applications of biotechnology aimed at enhancing vaccine immunogenicity, efficacy, stability, and delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, such as Escherichia coli, are emerging as a serious threat to global health due to their rapid spread and their multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes. However, limited information is available regarding the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile of ESBL-E. coli in the United States dairy farms. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and AMR pattern of ESBL-E. coli in East Tennessee dairy cattle farms. Methods: Rectal fecal samples from dairy cattle (n = 508) and manure (n = 30), water (n = 19), and feed samples (n = 15) were collected from 14 farms. The presumptive E. coli was isolated on CHROMagar™ ESBL and confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on the ESBL-E. coli isolates. Results and discussion: From 572 fecal and farm environmental samples, a total of 233 (41%, n = 572) ESBL-E. coli were identified. The prevalence of fecal ESBL-E. coli was 47.5% (95% CI: 46.2-49.2). The within-farm prevalence of ESBL-E. coli ranged from 8 to 100%. Recent treatment history with third-generation cephalosporins (3GC), cow parity ≥3, and calves were the independent risk factors associated (P < 0.05) with fecal carriage of ESBL-E. coli. Overall, 99.6% (n = 231) ESBL-E. coli tested were phenotypically resistant to at least one of the 14 antimicrobial agents tested. The most common AMR phenotypes were against beta-lactam antibiotics, ampicillin (99.1%; n = 231 isolates), and ceftriaxone (98.7%, n = 231). Most ESBL-E. coli isolates (94.4%) were MDR (resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes), of which 42.6% showed coresistance to at least six classes of antimicrobials. ESBL-E. coli isolates with concurrent resistance to ceftriaxone, ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, sulfisoxazole, and chloramphenicol are widespread and detected in all the farms. The detection of MDR ESBL-E. coli suggests that dairy cattle can be a reservoir for these bacteria, highlighting the associated public health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histomonas meleagridis, a protozoan parasite, induces blackhead disease (histomoniasis) in poultry. During hatching, chicks from lines divergently selected for high (HAS) and low (LAS) antibody responses to sheep red blood cells were divided into two groups, each of HAS and LAS, and placed in pens with wood shavings as litter. Feed and water were allowed ad libitum. Half of the chicks from each line had Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) inoculated to their drinking water. On day 18, all chicks were given a transcloacal inoculation of 100,000 H. meleagridis cells. Then, 10 days later, they were euthanized, followed by collection of tissues from the brain, cecal tonsil, ceca, liver, thymus, and spleen for qPCR analyses of cytokines involved in immunological development. Changes in cytokine expressions were most numerous in the cecal tonsil, ceca, and liver. In the absence of a functional medication for control of histomoniasis, L. reuteri and/or its secretory product, reuterin, might serve, in some genetic populations, as a means to reduce the impact of histomoniasis in chickens. The data demonstrate that L. reuteri treatment had tissue specificity between the two genetic lines, in which the effects were targeted primarily toward the cecal tonsil, ceca, and liver, which are the primary tissue targets of the parasite (H. meleagridis), as well as the thymus and spleen. However, interactions among main effects reflect that responses to inflammatory markers observed in tissues for one genetic line may not be observed in another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foodborne illnesses are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in the twenty-first century, and food handlers are the main source of these illnesses. Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites, enteric bacteria, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and associated factors among food handlers working in a food and drinking establishment in Yabelo town, Borena zone, Southern Ethiopia, in 2022. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed to assess the food handler's state of health. Data were gathered using semistructured questionnaires and observational checklists, and 396 regular stool samples were collected. Samples were examined with microscopy and bacteriological culture to isolate enteric bacteria. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 26 The factors that had a P -value of <.05 were considered statistically significant. Result: Of the 396 stool samples collected, 164 (41.4%) were tested positive for intestinal parasites, while 40 (10.1%) were positive for enteric bacteria (Salmonella and Shigella). Among intestinal parasites, the most predominant parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides 48 (12.1%). All isolates of Salmonella and Shigella showed resistance to ampicillin. In multivariable analysis, not trimming fingernails regularly (AOR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.97-5.37), not washing hands with soap after the toilet (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI 2.37-5.62), and eating raw food (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.79-6.51) have a significant association with the prevalence of bacteria and parasites. Conclusion: The majority of food handlers had poor hygiene practices, and the prevalence of parasites and bacteria was high in the study setting. Educational status, eating raw vegetables or fruit, hand washing after the toilet, and fingernail trimming have associations with the health status of food handlers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low immune response is fatal for humans because increased infection risk is related to both morbidity and mortality. The neutropenic diet is applied if a person's neutrophil count is <2000 cells/μL. When compared with standard nutrition treatment, the neutropenic diet is found to be related to deficiencies in dietary fiber, vitamins C, A, and D, magnesium, and calcium. This is also related to malnutrition in patients diagnosed with cancer. Although raw vegetables are good sources of these nutrients, they can also be sources of pathogen microorganisms. Thus, the consumption of well-cooked vegetables is an essential principle in the neutropenic diet. Although many cooking methods are available, pressure cooking is the most commonly used in neutropenic diet kitchens to reduce pathogen transmission risk. According to many studies, the cooking process is associated with significant nutrient loss. In particular, boiling is found to be related to losses in vitamins C, A, and K, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, calcium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, copper, and iron in different types of vegetables. Even though some studies have shown that standard nutrition treatment with the adoption of food safety guidelines does not increase infection risk and the neutropenic diet is related to malnutrition, no guidelines have thus far suggested the application of standard nutrition treatment in neutropenic patients. Consequently, additional studies are required to compare the beneficial and harmful effects of the neutropenic diet to a standard nutrition treatment and support the application of standard nutrition treatment with the adoption of food safety guidelines at least in mildly neutropenic patients. The neutropenic diet is characterized by packaged, 1-use, and well-cooked food consumption to reduce foodborne infection risk. Although the neutropenic diet is seen as the only choice for patients with moderate and severe neutropenia, this diet model can potentially increase malnutrition risk in patients. In particular, the well-cooked vegetable consumption principle of this diet model is related to dietary fiber, vitamin, and mineral loss and thus their deficiencies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]