Search Results (1,639)

In the event of a nuclear or volcanic winter, up to two-thirds of sunlight could be blocked (abrupt sunlight reduction scenarios, ASRS), leading to a worldwide crop failure. There are some similarities between such effects and the short northern summer. This suggests the possibility of transferring successful agricultural practices validated in high latitudes to tropical regions, especially low-tech solutions, which can be more easily implemented in the case of a global catastrophe. We show that equatorial regions’ temperatures under a 150 Tg (millions of tonnes of soot to the stratosphere) scenario of nuclear winter (around 15 °C average) are similar to summer temperatures in northern European regions of the former Soviet Union, which had functional agriculture. We identified the following main agricultural technologies which can be adapted: (a) cold-tolerant crops, first of all potatoes, but also rutabaga and fodder beet; (b) frost-protection technologies (night-covering, watering, bottles with water); (c) silage production in pits for animal feeding; (d) and low-labor-demanding crops. One meta lesson is making several bets on different food-producing technologies in the situation of risky agricultural practices. These findings contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) and highlight how historically validated, low-input agricultural knowledge can underpin sustainable food system resilience under extreme climate disruption. Full article

Background: The global spread of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli (E. coli) from food-producing animals is a critical concern within the One Health framework, particularly because of the potential transmission of clinically relevant resistance determinants across the animal–environment–human interface. Although extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli strains have been widely characterized, the genomic mechanisms underlying resistance to the last-resort and critically important antimicrobials colistin and fluoroquinolones remain incompletely understood in animal-associated populations. This study characterized these resistance mechanisms in multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli from diseased food-producing animals. Methods: We used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to characterize 77 MDR E. coli isolates from diseased livestock and poultry in Taiwan and analyzed the underlying resistance mechanisms and their co-occurrence. Results: Plasmid-mediated colistin resistance genes, including mcr-1.1, mcr-3.1, and mcr-3.5, were identified alongside chromosomal mutations, such as pmrB substitutions, indicating multiple evolutionary pathways to colistin resistance. Fluoroquinolone resistance was driven by both chromosomal mutations in quinolone resistance-determining regions and plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes, including qnr variants and aac(6′)-Ib-cr. Notably, the frequent co-occurrence of resistance determinants targeting multiple antimicrobial classes suggests the presence of mobile genetic elements facilitating horizontal gene transfer. Conclusions: Although a subset of isolates overlapped with those reported in our previous ESBL-focused study, the present work presents a comprehensive genomic dissection of resistance mechanisms beyond β-lactamases. The convergence of colistin, fluoroquinolone, and ESBL-associated resistance determinants within individual isolates highlights the potential role of food-producing animals as reservoirs of multidrug resistance, with potential implications for cross-sectoral transmission. These findings underscore the importance of integrated surveillance strategies addressing potential zoonotic transmission under the One Health framework. Full article

Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate produced from glucoraphanin in cruciferous vegetables, has been associated with the regulation of lipid storage, fatty acid oxidation, and autophagic lipid turnover. Therefore, in the current narrative review, AMPK-centered mechanisms were critically evaluated by distinguishing pathway association from experimentally demonstrated AMPK dependence. In cell and animal models, SFN treatment was associated with ACC phosphorylation, inhibition of mTORC1-SREBP signaling, CPT-1-related fatty acid oxidation, PGC-1α/PPAR-α transcriptional regulation, and ULK1-mediated lipophagy. However, most studies measured AMPK phosphorylation without pharmacological or genetic suppression, and one adipocyte study showed decreased AMPK phosphorylation during SFN-induced lipolysis. These findings indicate that SFN signaling can vary depending on the model, dose, and measured endpoint. Human studies have also shown highly variable SFN exposure and limited or inconsistent effects on lipid and glycemic outcomes, but AMPK-mediated lipid remodeling has not been directly demonstrated in target tissues. In addition, food matrix, myrosinase activity, dose, gut microbiota, and SFN-NIT formation can influence systemic exposure. Therefore, AMPK may be considered an important component of a broader SFN-responsive network rather than an exclusive mechanism. Further standardized human studies are required to evaluate quantified SFN exposure, lipid-related outcomes, tissue-relevant pathway biomarkers, and long-term safety. Full article

Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, remains an important zoonotic disease affecting both human and animal health, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and during pregnancy. Current treatments are unable to eliminate latent tissue cysts and are further limited by adverse effects and prolonged treatment regimens, highlighting the need for effective vaccines. In this study, we evaluated the virulence attenuation and protective efficacy of a CRISPR–Cas9-generated rhoptry protein 64 knockout strain (RHΔrop64) as a live attenuated vaccine candidate in Kunming mice. RHΔrop64 exhibited markedly reduced virulence, and mice tolerated doses of up to 1 × 10² tachyzoites without obvious clinical signs. Immunization provided substantial protection against acute challenge with the parental RHΔku80 and ToxoDB#9 (PYS) strains at 30 days post-vaccination and partial protection against type II (Pru) tachyzoites. In addition, all immunized mice survived following oral challenge with 10 or 40 Pru cysts and exhibited reduced brain cyst burdens among surviving mice. Vaccination also induced measurable humoral and cytokine responses, characterized by increased levels of T. gondii-specific IgG and cytokines that were maintained for at least 75 days post-vaccination. These results suggest that RHΔrop64 has the potential to serve as a live attenuated vaccine candidate, providing substantial, although incomplete, protection against acute challenge with the three T. gondii strains tested and being associated with reduced brain cyst burdens among surviving mice following chronic challenge. Further evaluation is required to determine its safety and applicability as a vaccine candidate for food-producing animals and cats. Full article

The pet food industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the growing trend of companion animal humanization and increasing concerns over the environmental sustainability of conventional protein and lipid sources. Consumers now seek diets that not only meet basic nutritional requirements but also offer preventive health benefits. Microalgae, including Arthrospira (Spirulina, a kind of cyanobacterium), Chlorella, Schizochytrium, and Euglena gracilis, have emerged as versatile biological platforms capable of addressing both functional and sustainability challenges. These microorganisms produce high-quality proteins, omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (particularly docosahexaenoic acid, DHA), natural pigments, and immunomodulatory polysaccharides. This review synthesizes findings from peer-reviewed studies on the application of microalgae in pet nutrition, covering dogs, cats, and aquatic companion animals. We examine how algal ingredients influence gut microbiota, for instance, by enriching beneficial genera such as Turicibacter and Peptococcus, enhance vaccine responses and mucosal immunity, support cognitive function in aging pets, and contribute to weight management. Particular attention is given to Euglena gracilis and its paramylon (β-1,3-glucan), a pathogen-associated molecular pattern that engages the Dectin-1 pathway to train innate immunity and has demonstrated antiviral activity through host defense mechanisms. The review also surveys the patent landscape, highlighting trends in palatability enhancement, hypoallergenic formulations, and novel delivery formats. Key challenges remain, including ingredient standardization, safety validation, palatability optimization, and consumer acceptance. We outline a translational roadmap that prioritizes well-designed clinical trials in target species and processing methods that preserve bioactivity. Collectively, the evidence positions microalgae, and Euglena gracilis in particular, as promising candidates for next-generation functional pet foods that deliver health benefits alongside ecological sustainability. Full article

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-K. pneumoniae) is a priority antimicrobial-resistant pathogen with the capacity to persist and disseminate across environmental and food animal production systems. This study conducted genomic surveillance of ESBL-K. pneumoniae recovered from municipal wastewater treatment plants and food animal production environments in Fayetteville, North Carolina. A total of 449 wastewater and livestock farm environment samples were analyzed. K. pneumoniae was recovered from 162 (36.1%) samples, including 68 (15.1%) ESBL-producing isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that 77.9% of ESBL-producing isolates were multidrug-resistant. Polymerase chain reaction identified bla_CTX-M-1, bla_SHV, and bla_ACT as the predominant resistance genes. Whole-genome sequencing of selected isolates identified diverse antimicrobial resistance determinants, virulence-associated genes, and plasmid replicons, with IncFIB(K) being the predominant plasmid type. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated close genetic relatedness between wastewater and farm environment isolates, with some differing by only 0–6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms, suggesting possible dissemination between environmental reservoirs. These findings highlight municipal wastewater and food animal production environments as important reservoirs of ESBL-K. pneumoniae and reinforce the value of integrated genomic surveillance within a One Health framework to monitor the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

This review analyzes sustainable and regenerative development in the beef production chain, focusing on environmental impacts and pasture-based cattle farming. Livestock emissions account for about 14.5% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gases, with beef cattle contributing 3–3.2% mainly from enteric fermentation and manure management. Pasture-based cow-calf operations generate 60–70% of these emissions, posing significant challenges for producers. Improper grazing degrades soil and vegetation, reducing productivity, while climate change and technology introduce new animal health issues. At the same time, given that beef is an important food item worldwide, it is important to strive for the regenerative management of beef cattle farming. This article lists possibilities for researchers, beef cattle breeders, and farmers to follow and implement, in the hope that the sector will become regenerative. Scientific innovation in grazing-based beef cattle systems should focus on precision livestock monitoring, regenerative pasture management, genetic selection, and improving animal health, as well as identifying opportunities within the value chain. Such innovations could help to optimize productivity, enhance sustainability, improve animal welfare, and generate new income streams through ecosystem services or premium grass-fed markets. Full article

Composited proteins from animal and plant sources can address the limitations of single proteins and expand their applications in food processing. In this study, potato protein and egg white protein (PP/EWP) composites were modified through pH-shift and ultrasound treatments. A systematic comparison was conducted, for the first time, among three ultrasound application protocols (US-A-pH, US-P-pH, and US-B-pH, corresponding to ultrasound after, during, and before pH-shift treatment, respectively) over a range of six pH conditions (3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10) in a composite system. It was found that PP/EWP treated with alkaline pH shifts (especially pH 9 and 10) exhibited better physicochemical, structural, and gelling properties. The complexes pretreated with US-P-pH (pH = 9) possessed higher solubility, smaller particle size, enhanced hydrophobicity, and higher number of disulfide bonds. Furthermore, this treatment yielded gels with superior hardness, chewiness, adhesion, water-holding capacity, and finer network structure. US-B-pH treatment increased the random coil content of PP/EWP, producing flexible and disordered protein states and gels with higher elasticity. In contrast, US-A-pH induced significant structural changes in the protein particles, but did not yield the required gel quality. These findings were intended to offer practical guidance for designing green and efficient protein modification strategies in food processing, with promising applications in composite gel products. Full article

Nodularin is a cyanobacterial toxin predominantly produced by Nodularia spumigena Mertens. This cyanobacterium has been associated with fish, bird, and animal deaths, and the toxin can contaminate fish and shellfish intended for human consumption. With climate change, blooms of Nodularia spumigena are becoming more frequent and more widespread, meaning that the risk this cyanobacterium poses to human health must be evaluated. However, toxicity information is scarce, meaning that data from the closely related toxin class, microcystins, are currently used instead. In the current study, the LD₅₀ of nodularin-R by intraperitoneal injection was found to be 50 µg/kg, consistent with previous reports. For the first time, the LD₅₀ of nodularin-R by oral administration was determined using the voluntary consumption of laced cream cheese (7.5 mg/kg), which is similar to that reported for microcystin-LR (10.9 mg/kg). The use of microcystin toxicology data in food safety assessments for nodularin, therefore, seems reasonable—but it is critical that an oral repeated-dose study is performed on nodularin to better understand the risk posed by this toxin through chronic exposure. Full article

Access to safe, nutritious, and sustainable food remains a major challenge in many Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), where food insecurity, malnutrition, and foodborne diseases frequently coexist. Despite growing recognition of the interconnections between food safety, nutrition security, and sustainability, monitoring systems often assess these dimensions separately, limiting the effectiveness of policy interventions. This study conducted a structured methodological review and framework development study of indicators used to monitor food safety, nutrition security, and sustainability within food systems, with particular emphasis on LMIC contexts. Peer-reviewed literature and internationally recognized monitoring frameworks, drawn from Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and institutional repositories including FAO, WHO, World Bank, and GAIN, were systematically reviewed, yielding 75 sources encompassing 54 peer-reviewed articles and 21 institutional reports, from which 47 indicators were identified and assessed. Indicators were evaluated according to relevance, data availability, methodological robustness, and policy actionability. The review identified a core set of ten operationally relevant indicators, including the Global Diet Quality Score (GDQS), Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD-W), Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), foodborne disease burden indicators, cost of a healthy diet, and post-harvest loss rates. Building on these findings, an integrated indicator selection framework is proposed to support context-specific monitoring and decision-making in LMICs. The results suggest the value of a One Health approach that links human, animal, and environmental health, and three One Health interface indicators, antimicrobial resistance prevalence in food chain isolates, zoonotic disease incidence attributable to food, and pesticide residue exceedance rate in fresh produce, are explicitly integrated into the proposed framework with LMIC-specific implementation pathways. A key limitation of this review is that it did not employ formal systematic methods and may not have exhaustively identified all relevant indicators across the full breadth of the published literature. Full article

Agricultural biomass, comprising animal manure, food processing residues, lignocellulosic agricultural by-products, and other agro-industrial wastes, is generated in large quantities worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Although these residues pose significant environmental disposal challenges, they represent abundant renewable carbon resources that can be valorized into biofuels, contributing to sustainable waste management and circular bioeconomy initiatives. Biohythane, a gaseous fuel consisting of hydrogen and methane, is primarily produced through two-stage anaerobic digestion, in which dark fermentation generates hydrogen-rich intermediates that are subsequently converted into methane during methanogenesis. The separation of these stages enables independent optimization of hydrogen and methane production, resulting in improved substrate conversion efficiency and higher energy recovery than conventional single-stage anaerobic digestion. In addition, the presence of hydrogen enhances combustion characteristics while reducing greenhouse gas and nitrogen oxide emissions. This review critically evaluates recent advances in biohythane production from agricultural biomass through a structured assessment of peer-reviewed literature retrieved from major scientific databases. The selected studies were synthesized to examine biomass feedstocks, pretreatment technologies, microbial communities, metabolic pathways, reactor configurations, and process optimization strategies influencing biohythane production. The review further discusses the advantages and limitations of different agricultural residues, identifies current technological and economic challenges, and highlights emerging research opportunities to improve process efficiency and facilitate the sustainable commercialization of biohythane as a low-carbon renewable energy source. Full article

Amaranth, a nutritionally dense pseudocereal, is an exceptional substrate for producing functional and metabiotic food products via lactic acid fermentation. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of both ungerminated and germinated amaranth seeds as fermentation matrices, assigning their nutritional profiles, bioactive constituents, and compatibility with microbial transformation. Central to this discussion are the synergistic interactions between amaranth’s native compounds and lactic acid bacteria (LAB), with an emphasis on four key bioconversion mechanisms: protein hydrolysis, polyphenol activation, antinutrient reduction, and the biosynthesis of functional and metabiotic metabolites. Essential fermentation parameters, including substrate preparation, inoculation strategies, pH, temperature, and fermentation time, are systematically reviewed to guide optimization of bioactive compound yields. Post-fermentation processing approaches, such as freeze-drying, controlled drying, and product standardization, are assessed for their capacity to preserve product stability and ensure consistent functional performance. The review further explores the incorporation of fermented amaranth into diverse food systems, such as gluten-free bakery goods, functional beverages, and nutraceutical formulations, as well as its application in animal nutrition, where it supports improved digestibility and gut microbiome health. The review concludes by mapping current challenges, unresolved knowledge gaps, and priority research directions, positioning fermented amaranth systems as versatile, science-backed platforms for developing next-generation functional and metabiotic ingredients. Full article

Global plastic production and inadequate waste management have led to widespread environmental contamination with microplastics (MPs), now detected in food, water, and air. Their small size, diverse polymer composition, and capacity to carry chemical additives and co-pollutants facilitate intestinal uptake and raise concerns about their potential impact on gut microbiota. This review synthesizes current evidence on how MPs influence gut microbial composition and function, gut barrier integrity, and associated inflammatory and metabolic pathways. We conducted a narrative review of in vivo animal studies, in vitro simulated gut systems, and human observational studies that assessed MP exposure, gut microbiota profiles, and downstream toxicological outcomes. MPs originate from primary and secondary sources and can act as vectors for metals and organic pollutants. Following ingestion, they may cross the intestinal barrier via endocytic and persorption routes, acquire a protein corona, and be recognized by immune cells, activating TLR/NF-κB, and MAPK pathways alongside oxidative stress. In these models, MP exposure induces dysbiosis, characterized by loss of beneficial SCFA-producing bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides) and expansion of pathobionts (e.g., Escherichia/Shigella, Staphylococcus, Enterobacteriaceae), accompanied by altered bile acid metabolism. These microbiota and metabolic alterations are linked to increased gut permeability, intestinal inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and, in some studies, reproductive and neurobehavioral effects. Current evidence supports MPs as emerging modulators of gut microbial and intestinal homeostasis. However, heterogeneity across experimental models, reliance on high exposure doses, and lack of standardized MP characterization limit robust risk assessment. These limitations underscore the need for harmonized methodologies, longitudinal large-scale human studies, and the development of targeted mitigation strategies. Full article

The search for sustainable and ethical alternatives to conventional protein production has become increasingly important due to climate change, population growth, and the need to reduce the environmental impact of food systems. This work explores the development of animal-free proteins produced in laboratory settings using innovative technologies such as precision fermentation, submerged fermentation, plant cell culture, and molecular engineering. These methods enable the production of high-quality proteins without relying on animal farming or large-scale traditional agriculture. In addition to reviewing traditional plant-based protein sources and their nutritional limitations, the study highlights novel protein sources derived from fungi, algae, and bacteria, focusing on their nutritional profiles, production methods, and challenges related to digestibility, safety, and consumer perception. Special attention is given to downstream processing techniques that preserve protein functionality and enhance key food attributes such as texture, flavor, and stability. The use of agro-industrial residues is also discussed as a strategy to improve sustainability and economic viability. Key barriers to large-scale implementation, including production costs, regulatory approval, and consumer acceptance, are addressed, alongside emerging applications beyond food, such as cosmetics, animal nutrition, and biodegradable materials. Overall, animal-free proteins represent a promising path toward a more sustainable, resilient, and ethical global food system. Full article

Fumonisins, a class of mycotoxins produced primarily by Fusarium fungi, pose significant health risks to humans and animals through contamination of the food and feed chains. They rank among the most prevalent mycotoxins contaminating maize and maize-derived feeds worldwide, resulting in chronic dietary exposure of both humans and livestock populations across many regions. Their core mechanism of action is the inhibition of ceramide synthases (CerS), which disrupts the essential balance of sphingolipid metabolism by causing an accumulation of free sphingoid bases and a depletion of complex sphingolipids. Both sphingolipids and steroidogenesis are metabolically linked to mitochondrial, membrane and kinase-cascade mechanisms; hence this metabolic disruption may consequently affect steroid hormone biosynthesis, triggering toxicity phenotypes marked by impaired gametogenesis hormonal imbalances, and compromised pregnancy outcomes across mammalian species. Despite the established link between fumonisins and sphingolipid disruption, there is a gap in the literature, as no study to date has integrated sphingolipid disruptions with steroid hormone levels in a dose-dependent manner within reproductive tissues in vivo. This review synthesizes current scientific knowledge across mammalian species to highlight the risks fumonisins pose to reproductive physiology and to identify directions for future research. Full article