Search Results (754)

Microbial detoxification, as an environmentally friendly strategy, has been widely applied for benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) degradation. Within this approach, food-derived microbial strains offer unique advantages in safety, specificity, and sustainability for detoxifying food-borne BaP. In this study, we aimed to explore the potential of such strains in BaP degradation. Bacillus mojavensis TC-5, a strain that degrades BaP, was isolated from kefir grains. Surprisingly, 12 genes encoding dehydrogenases, synthases, and oxygenases, including betB, fabHB, qdoI, cdoA, and bioI, which are related to BaP degradation, were up-regulated by 2.01-fold to 4.52-fold in TC-5. Two potential degradation pathways were deduced. In pathway I, dioxygenase, betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase, and beta-ketoacyl-ACP synthase III FabHB act sequentially on BaP to form 4H-pyran-4-one,2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl via the phthalic acid pathway. In the presence of the cytochrome P450 enzyme, BaP progressively mediates ring cleavage via the anthracene pathway, eventually forming 3-methyl-5-propylnonane in pathway II. Notably, TC-5 achieved an impressive BaP removal efficiency of up to 63.94%, with a degradation efficiency of 32.89%. These results suggest that TC-5 has significant potential for application in addressing food-borne BaP contamination. Moreover, our findings expand the application possibilities of Xinjiang fermented milk products and add to the available green strategies for BaP degradation in food systems. Full article

In many developing African countries, milk safety is often managed through traditional methods such as fermentation or boiling over firewood. While these approaches reduce some microbial risks, they present critical limitations. Firewood dependency contributes to deforestation, depletion of agricultural residues, and loss of soil fertility, which, in turn, compromise environmental health and food security. Solar pasteurization provides a reliable and sustainable method for thermally inactivating pathogenic microorganisms in milk and other perishable foods at sub-boiling temperatures, preserving its nutritional quality. This study aimed to evaluate the thermal and microbial performance of a low-cost solar milk pasteurization system, hypothesized to effectively reduce microbial contaminants and retain milk quality under natural sunlight. The system was constructed using locally available materials and tailored to the climatic conditions of the Savanna ecological zone in West Africa. A flat-plate glass solar collector was integrated with a 0.15 cm thick stainless steel cylindrical milk vat, featuring a 2.2 cm hot water jacket and 0.5 cm thick aluminum foil insulation. The system was tested in Navrongo, Ghana, under ambient temperatures ranging from 30 °C to 43 °C. The pasteurizer successfully processed up to 8 L of milk per batch, achieving a maximum milk temperature of 74 °C by 14:00 GMT. Microbial analysis revealed a significant reduction in bacterial load, from 6.6 × 10⁶ CFU/mL to 1.0 × 10² CFU/mL, with complete elimination of coliforms. These results confirmed the device’s effectiveness in achieving safe pasteurization levels. The findings demonstrate that this locally built solar pasteurization system is a viable and cost-effective solution for improving milk safety in arid, electricity-limited regions. Its potential scalability also opens avenues for rural entrepreneurship in solar-powered food and water treatment technologies. Full article

Livestock, poultry, and fisheries play an important economic role in Pakistan’s animal industry. The pet industry is also emerging and contributing to the country’s economy and people’s emotional well-being. This review provides insight into the current challenges and future directions of the animal industry in Pakistan. Livestock, poultry, and fisheries provide an economically beneficial source of milk, meat, and eggs; however, they face challenges such as disease outbreaks, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, natural disasters, and a lack of proper policies. Likewise, humans benefit from companion animals that provide emotional attachment. Moreover, the pet food market has also shown potential growth, contributing to the country’s economy. Due to the close association between animals and humans, both are at risk for infectious disease transmission. Challenges such as the lack of strong animal welfare laws and the increasing number of stray dogs and cats threaten human safety and that of other animals. We highlight current problems and additional approaches to the management of livestock, poultry, fisheries, and pets, which need to be addressed to further advance the animal industry in Pakistan. Full article

Background/Objectives: Early gut colonization by bifidobacteria, occurring more favorably in vaginally born infants than in those delivered via C-section, is crucial for maintaining overall health. The study investigated the health-promoting properties of Limosilactobacillus vaginalis BC17 both as viable cells and as postbiotics (i.e., cell-free supernatant and heat-killed cells), with the purpose of developing oral formulations to support intestinal health. Methods: The safety, effects on the adhesion of bifidobacteria and enteropathogens to intestinal cells, and anti-inflammatory properties of L. vaginalis BC17 viable cells and postbiotics were evaluated. Fast-disintegrating tablets were formulated by freeze-drying cell-free supernatant in combination with heat-killed or viable cells alongside maltodextrins. Results: The formulations were shown to be non-genotoxic and compatible with intestinal cell lines (Caco-2 and HT-29). BC17 viable cells survived in co-culture with intestinal cells up to 48 h and exhibited moderate adhesion to the cell lines. Notably, both BC17 viable cells and postbiotics enhanced the adhesion of beneficial bifidobacteria to Caco-2 cells by up to 250%, while reducing enteropathogens adhesion by 40–70%. Moreover, they exerted significant anti-inflammatory effects, reducing nitric oxide production in macrophages by 40–50% and protecting intestinal cells from SDS-induced damage. The formulations allowed administration of at least 10⁹ BC17 cells in infants and adults through easy and rapid dispersion in milk or water, or directly in the oral cavity without chewing, and preserved their functional properties for up to 3 months of storage. Conclusions: L. vaginalis BC17 viable cells and postbiotics, as well as fast-disintegrating tablets, showed promising functional and safety profiles. Although further in vivo validation is needed, this approach represents a compelling strategy for promoting gut health. Full article

In this study, 62 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were isolated from raw camel milk and evaluated for their probiotic potential. The strains exhibited significant variability in their ability to withstand simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Of the isolates, only 26 survived exposure to pH 2, and just 10 were tolerant to 0.3% bile salts. Partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified all the strains as belonging to the species Enterococcus faecium. Several probiotic traits were assessed, including adhesion to gastric mucin and STC-1 intestinal epithelial cells, as well as auto-aggregation and co-aggregation capacities. Although adhesion to hydrophobic solvents such as chloroform and ethyl acetate was generally low to moderate, all the strains demonstrated strong adhesion to gastric mucin, exceeding 60% at all the growth stages. Notably, two strains—SCC1-33 and SLch6—showed particularly high adhesion to STC-1 cells, with values of 7.8 × 10³ and 4.2 × 10³ CFU/mL, respectively. The strains also exhibited promising aggregation properties, with auto-aggregation and co-aggregation ranging between 33.10% and 63.10%. Furthermore, all the isolates displayed antagonistic activity against Listeria innocua, Micrococcus luteus, and Escherichia coli. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed that none of the tested strains had harmful effects on STC-1 cells, indicating their safety and supporting their potential application as probiotics. Full article

The yak (Bos grunniens) is a key species in high-altitude rangelands of Asia. Despite their ecological and economic importance, yak production faces persistent challenges, including low milk yields, vulnerability to climate changes, emerging diseases, and a lack of systematic breeding programs. This review presents the genomic, physiological, and environmental dimensions of yak biology and husbandry. Genes such as EPAS1, which encodes hypoxia-inducible transcription factors, underpin physiological adaptations, including enlarged cardiopulmonary structures, elevated erythrocyte concentrations, and specialized thermoregulatory mechanisms that enable their survival at elevations of 3000 m and above. Copy number variations (CNVs) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present promising markers for improving milk and meat production, disease resistance, and metabolic efficiency. F1 and F2 generations of yak–cattle hybrids show superior growth and milk yields, but reproductive barriers, such as natural mating or artificial insemination, and environmental factors limit the success of these hybrids beyond second generation. Infectious diseases, such as bovine viral diarrhea and antimicrobial-resistant and biofilm-forming Enterococcus and E. coli, pose risks to herd health and food safety. Rising ambient temperatures, declining forage biomass, and increased disease prevalence due to climate changes risk yak economic performance and welfare. Addressing these challenges by nutritional, environmental, and genetic interventions will safeguard yak pastoralism. This review describes the genes associated with different yak traits and provides an overview of the genetic adaptations of yaks (Bos grunniens) to environmental stresses at high altitudes and emphasizes the need for conservation and improvement strategies for sustainable husbandry of these yaks. Full article

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by various fungi that contaminate livestock feed, posing serious threats to animal health, productivity, and food safety. Although historical research has often examined individual mycotoxins in isolation, real-world conditions typically involve the simultaneous presence of multiple mycotoxins, resulting in additive or synergistic toxic effects that are often more severe than those observed with single toxin exposures. This review comprehensively synthesizes recent findings on multi-mycotoxin contamination in livestock feed, highlighting their physiological effects, mechanisms of action, and implications for regulatory frameworks. Multi-mycotoxin interactions exacerbate oxidative stress, immune suppression, impaired reproduction, and organ damage across species, leading to reduced growth performance, decreased milk and egg production, compromised carcass and wool quality, and increased mortality rates. A major concern is that current international regulatory standards mainly address individual mycotoxins, overlooking the compounded risks of co-occurrence. Global surveillance studies consistently reveal high prevalence rates of mycotoxin mixtures in feedstuffs, especially combinations involving DON, ZEN, AFB₁, FB₁, and OTA. Understanding these interactions and their underlying cellular mechanisms is critical for improving risk assessment models, formulating integrated mitigation strategies, and safeguarding both livestock productivity and human food security. Full article

The main objective of this study was the development of two semi-hard goat cheeses supplemented with Palmaria palmata and Ulva sp. with the aim of developing innovative food products, increasing the concentration of nutrients in these cheeses and familiarizing consumers with seaweed-containing foods. The impact of seaweed addition was evaluated through physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic properties of the semi-hard goat cheeses. Carbohydrate content was relatively low, whereas the total lipid content was relatively high (particularly in semi-hard goat cheese supplemented with seaweeds). Crude protein content presented higher values in semi-hard goat cheese supplemented with Ulva sp. The semi-hard goat cheese supplemented with Ulva sp. shows increased levels of Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn. Instrumental color and the textural parameters of semi-hard goat’s cheese varied significantly with seaweed addition. Most of the microbiological load complies with the Portuguese (INSA) and the United Kingdom’s (HPA) guidelines for assessing the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods placed on the market. Additionally, the Flash Profile scores of semi-hard goat cheeses supplemented with seaweeds highlighted aroma and flavor complexity. Overall, this study confirms the potential of using seaweeds as a viable alternative to produce semi-hard goat cheeses with less pungency or goat milk flavor, making this product more pleasant and appealing to consumers sensitive to these sensory characteristics. Full article

This online survey aimed to gather consumer opinions on dairy products and production and to identify the potential market for A2 milk (milk containing exclusively β-casein A2, which reduces gastrointestinal discomfort after consumption). The questionnaire included seven sections covering the consumption of dairy products, sociodemographic aspects, awareness and purchase intention of A2 milk, questions about milk as a source of nutrients and health benefits, the environmental impact of milk production, and alternatives to cow milk. Responses from 672 Spanish consumers categorized into clusters (according to their milk consumption and their discomfort after drinking it), gender, age, educational level, and milk taste preference were analyzed using a linear multiple regression model. Dairy consumers not experiencing discomfort after drinking milk (62.6%) and those who preferred the taste of milk over plant-based alternatives (64.0%) demonstrated better knowledge of milk nutrients and its health benefits. Participants’ age, gender, and education level also influenced their perceptions, with older participants, women, and those with university education generally showing better results. In conclusion, clusters impact consumers’ milk perceptions as a nutritional source and its health benefits. The positive perception of milk’s nutritional benefits among dairy consumers experiencing discomfort after drinking milk (17.3%) positions them as a strong target market for A2 milk. Full article

This study investigated ten potential toxic metals (PTMs) in six milk and dairy product types and evaluated food safety (TDI, RDA), human exposure (EDI), non-carcinogenic risk (THQ, HI), and contamination levels (CF, PLI). Based on total PTM load, products ranked as: children’s milk > yogurt > protein milk > milk > ayran > kefir. Aluminum (Al) showed the highest average concentration in all products except ayran, where manganese (Mn) was dominant. Cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were consistently at the lowest levels. Except for chromium (Cr) exposure from children’s milk, all average and maximum EDI values stayed below TDI and RDA thresholds. Children’s milk had the highest non-carcinogenic risk, while yogurt, kefir, milk, and ayran may also pose potential risks when maximum HI values are considered. Although CF values varied across products, PLI results showed all products had high levels of PTM contamination. Given the widespread consumption of dairy across all age groups, especially by sensitive populations like children, monitoring and controlling PTM levels is crucial alongside ensuring nutritional quality. Full article

Staphylococcus aureus frequently causes intramammary infections in dairy cows (bovine mastitis), which impair animal welfare, milk yield, and food safety. This study determined the prevalence and genetic diversity of S. aureus in bulk tank milk (BTM) samples from community-based Alpine dairy pastures in Tyrol, a major milk-producing region in Austria. Throughout the 2023 Alpine season (May–September), 60.3% (94/156) of BTM samples tested positive for S. aureus at least once over the course of up to four samplings. A total of 140 isolates collected from the 94 S. aureus-positive community-based Alpine dairy pastures revealed 33 distinct spa types, with t2953 (n = 33), t529 (n = 12), t267 (n = 11), and t024 (n = 10) being the most common. Selected isolates representing the different spa types were characterised by DNA microarray-based genotyping, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Isolates with spa types associated with bovine-adapted CC8 (CC8bov/GTB) were identified as the most common subtype, being detected in BTM samples from 35.3% (55/156) of the pastures. This emphasises the high prevalence of this subtype in dairy herds across European Alpine countries. Other common bovine-associated subtypes were also detected, including CC97, CC151, and CC479. While antimicrobial resistance was rare, enterotoxin-producing genes were detected in all CC8bov-associated spa types. Overall, these findings underscore the importance of rigorous hygiene practices in dairy farming, particularly in community-based Alpine dairy pastures, where the risk of transmission is particularly high. It also emphasises the need for continued surveillance and subtyping to improve animal health, ensure food safety, and promote sustainable milk production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Optimal feeding position may contribute to improving the quality and safety of bottle-feeding in premature infants. The aim of this study was to compare the advantages of right side-lying (R-SLP) and left side-lying (L-SLP) positioning during the bottle-feeding of preterm infants. Methods: The randomized study included eight neonates (n = 8) born at ≤34 weeks of gestational age (GA). Four bottle-feeding sessions were conducted for each newborn: two in the R-SLP and two in the L-SLP position. Levels of oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and heart rate (HR) were measured as indicators of physiological stability. The qualitative aspects of feeding included total time of SpO₂ declines to ≤85%, the newborn’s alertness level based on the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS), and the number of possetings, regurgitations, and choking episodes. The volume of milk consumed and the duration of each feeding session were also recorded. Results: The L-SLP position was characterized with higher SpO₂ (p = 0.042) at the 10th minute after feeding and lower HR (p = 0.022) at the end of feeding. Greater milk intake (p = 0.042), shorter feeding duration (p = 0.021), and shorter duration of SpO₂ declines to ≤85% (p = 0.025) were also observed in L-SLP. No differences were found in alertness level, or in the number of choking episodes, possetings, or regurgitations compared to R-SLP. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests the potential efficacy of the L-SLP position during bottle-feeding of premature infants. The results require the need for larger studies to confirm the potential benefits of using L-SLP. Full article

Breast milk is the optimal nutrition for infants, yet lactation insufficiency remains a common cause of early breastfeeding cessation. Moringa oleifera has been traditionally used as a galactagogue due to its rich micronutrient and phytosterol content. This systematic review assessed the effects of Moringa leaf supplementation on prolactin levels and breast milk volume in postpartum mothers with lactation insufficiency. A systematic search following PRISMA guidelines, was conducted for randomized controlled trials involving healthy postpartum women supplemented with Moringa oleifera. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria, with intervention durations ranged from 3 to 10 days. Moringa supplementation increased significantly breast milk volume by up to 400 mL/day compared to controls. Serum prolactin levels also rose significantly with a mean increase of 231.72 ng/mL Most studies exhibited low to moderate risk of bias, though one study exhibited high risk due to lack of binding and subjective outcome measurement. Moringa oleifera leaf supplementation appears to enhance lactation by increasing milk volume and prolactin levels in postpartum mothers. However, further longer-term studies are needed to establish optimal dosing, sustained effectiveness, and safety. Full article

Milk is frequently susceptible to contamination by potential pathogens, posing risks to both food safety and public health. Cheesemaking often relies on raw milk, where microbial communities—including Staphylococcus xylosus—can play a dual role: (i) contributing to fermentation and (ii) acting as opportunistic pathogens that can be often present in subclinical mastitis and be subjected to carry over in dairy products. In this study, Staphylococcus xylosus was isolated from raw bovine milk (preclinical mastitis) and identified via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Biotyper scores: 1.87–2.19). Its susceptibility to erythromycin and to an essential oil blend composed of Myrtus communis, Salvia officinalis, and Cistus ladanifer was evaluated. The essential oil blend produced inhibition zones ranging from 9 mm to 13.3 mm, indicating moderate antibacterial activity. Further Minimum Inhibitory Concentration analysis revealed that Myrtus communis, Salvia officinalis, and the essential oil blend inhibited Staphylococcus xylosus growth at concentrations between 0.5 and 0.25 percent, while Cistus ladanifer required higher levels (1 to 0.5 percent). These findings suggest that selected essential oils—especially in combination—hold promise as complementary antimicrobial agents in food safety and antimicrobial resistance mitigation efforts. Full article

Background/Objectives: Infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) face challenges in achieving successful oral feedings. During oral feedings, these infants commonly present with suck–swallow–breathe incoordination, with approximately 30% developing dysphagia, leading to feeding aversion, prolonged hospitalization, and increased parental stress. Cold liquid feeding has demonstrated benefits in improving feeding safety in adults with dysphagia; however, its application in neonates is relatively limited. This study aimed to examine global neonatal feeding practices, with a specific emphasis on cold milk feeding as an intervention for dysphagia. Methods: A cross-sectional global electronic survey was distributed via professional society listservs and closed online professional group forums targeting neonatal providers and feeding therapists from June 2023 to June 2024. The survey assessed institutional feeding protocols, oral feeding practices, and the use of cold milk for infants with dysphagia. Responses were analyzed descriptively. Results: A total of 210 complete responses were received from level IV (51%), level III (42%), and level II (5%) NICUs. While 30% of the respondents were aware of cold milk feeding as a dysphagia intervention, only 15% of the total respondents reported using it in practice. Among the 32 institutions implementing cold milk practices, only one had an established protocol. Additionally, 72% reported having a feeding protocol in place, often incorporating cue-based tools. Most respondents (87.5%) did not allow oral feeding during nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP), whereas 78% permitted it during high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) support. Conclusions: Although the awareness of cold milk feeding in neonates is increasing, its implementation remains limited and lacks standardization. Significant variability exists in oral feeding practices, particularly regarding feeding during respiratory support. This underscores the need for further research and evidence-based guidelines to ensure safe and consistent care for preterm infants. Full article