Search Results (914)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly becoming a major global public health concern, as antibiotics are losing their effectiveness at an alarming rate due to drug resistance. The ß-lactam group of antibiotics are widely used in dairy farms to treat animal infections, and their presence in the food chain is a significant concern. Addressing this issue requires the development of effective analytical tools for the rapid detection of antibiotics. In this work, a miniaturized Biosensor-on-Pillar platform was developed for detecting ß-lactam antibiotics in milk, which operates in a rapid, cost-effective, and user-friendly format, making it particularly suitable for resource-limited settings. The platform employs an enzyme induction-based approach, wherein Bacillus cereus spores germinate in the presence of β-lactam antibiotics, leading to the production of β-lactamase enzyme, which is then recognized using a chromogenic substrate functionalized on paper associated with the pillar platform. The developed biosensor can detect 12 β-lactam antibiotics with limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 1 to 1000 ppb, achieving sensitivity at or below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by regulatory bodies (FSSAI/CODEX) for the majority of the tested antibiotics. The performance of the platform, including the design, fabrication, and working principle, was further evaluated by analyzing six blind milk samples, yielding significant results compared to the commercially available AOAC-approved gold-standard method. Hence, the developed biosensor demonstrates promising potential for the rapid, cost-effective and high-throughput screening of milk samples for β-lactam antibiotics, benefiting the dairy industry and ensuring food safety. Full article

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a large class of thousands of synthetic organofluorine chemical compounds used for many industrial applications. Humans are exposed to PFASs mainly through diet and contaminated drinking water. Studies show that PFASs induce several adverse effects on humans. A great number of human biomonitoring studies have been widely conducted with the aim of estimating exposure to PFASs. The matrices mainly investigated are blood, serum and breast milk. However, in many cases, the need for non-invasive sampling methods with a minimal impact on donors has become paramount to comply with modern ethical standards and regulations. For this reason, we developed a streamlined and efficient method for the analysis of eight perfluorocarboxylic and perfluorosulfonic acids (PFHpA; PFHxS; PFOA; PFHpS; PFNA; PFOS; PFDA; and PFUdA) in human urine samples by UPLC chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Chromatographic and MS parameters were optimized; the method was validated for: repeatability (<20%), within-lab reproducibility (<20%), trueness (within the set 20% variation limit of agreement between the mean of the data set and the true value), efficiency (51–97%), linearity (R² > 0.99), limits of detection (0.0003 ng/mL), and limits of quantification (0.001 ng/mL). To our knowledge, this is the first published method in Italy for the detection of PFASs in human urine. Full article

Milk production in dairy herds is determined by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, with reproductive efficiency serving as a primary determinant. Infectious, nutritional, and management-related challenges can reduce this efficiency. Following parturition, cows are more susceptible to clinical disorders due to a temporary loss of integrity in the cervix, vagina, and vulva, which allows environmental bacteria to ascend and alter the vaginal microbiota. These microbial changes may disrupt endocrine responses related to conception and contribute to repeat breeder cow syndrome (RBCS), which is defined as failure to conceive after three or more inseminations. This study investigated associations among cultivable vaginal bacteria, circulating progesterone and glucose concentrations, and reproductive performance in 30 fourth-parity Holstein cows with a body condition score of 3.5. Cows were classified by reproductive history as repeat breeders (RBCS; n = 14) or controls (CTL; n = 16). Vaginal mucosal samples were collected at insemination and cultured on blood agar and MacConkey media under aerobic and microaerobic conditions. Bacterial identification was conducted using Gram staining and standard biochemical assays. Blood samples were collected at insemination, on day 5 post-insemination, and every two days thereafter to measure progesterone and glucose concentrations. Fertility outcomes were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX, and hormonal data were analyzed using mixed models with repeated measures. The bacterial genera identified included Bacillus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Proteus, Streptococcus, and Actinomyces. Progesterone and glucose concentrations did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). However, the fertility rate (p < 0.05; CTL:87.50% vs. RBCS:57.14%) and number of attempts to conceive (p < 0.001; CTL:2.5 vs. RBCS:6.7) differed statistically between treatments. A higher prevalence of S. hyicus was detected in RBCS cows, and E. coli, S. hyicus, and Proteus spp. were more frequently detected in non-pregnant cows. These findings suggest that the identified cultivable vaginal bacteria are associated with reproductive status in dairy cows. Full article

Approximately 1–2% of infants have cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). From a clinical perspective, diagnosing CMPA using the oral food challenge (OFC) is high risk, necessitating safer alternatives. One possible alternative is component-resolved diagnostics (CRD). This narrative review examines specific IgE (sIgE) thresholds for cow’s milk protein in predicting outcomes of OFCs in European children. Eligible studies focusing on CRD in European pediatric populations were identified through PubMed and Scopus databases. Our findings highlight the crucial role of Bos d 8 (casein) in the diagnostic process. Among the analyzed milk components, Bos d 8 appeared to be a promising marker for predicting positive OFC outcomes in several cohorts. However, due to significant population heterogeneity, conflicting findings exist, with some studies indicating that no single molecular component is consistently superior to whole cow’s milk specific IgE. While other molecules, such as Bos d 6 and lactoferrin, showed limited diagnostic utility, specific IgE to Bos d 8 demonstrated the highest clinical value. Although the double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) remains the gold standard for CMPA diagnosis, the use of Bos d 8 in CRD is a key step toward risk stratification and may help reduce the need for high-risk OFCs in selected patients. Full article

Centuries of cohabitation between the two species of large camelids (dromedary and Bactrian) in Kazakhstan with a long practice of crossbreeding make it necessary to establish a national camel milk breed standard. To obtain data on purebred herds, the present study aimed to (i) describe the morphometric differences between the two species of large camelids based on some body and udder measurements, (ii) describe the composition of the milk (fat, proteins, minerals) of each species and determine the most discriminating parameters, (iii) verify the possible links between milk productivity and body measurements. The analyses, carried out on two “purebred” farms (respectively, 21 Aruana dromedary and 15 Bactrian camel of different parities but all sampled at the 5th month of lactation), made it possible to observe significant difference in the concentration of certain milk components (fat, respectively, 3.59 ± 1.22 vs. 5.27 ± 0.87%, protein: 3.18 ± 0.28 vs. 3.97 ± 0.29%, magnesium: 1357.07 ± 246.2 vs. 929.40 ± 166.8 µg/mL, manganese: 0.10 ± 0.05 vs. 0.03 ± 0.01 µg/mL). The combination of parameters (protein, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn) made it possible to distinguish 97.6% of the animals. It was also possible to establish the lack of correlations between body measurements and milk production, except the link with heart girth (r = 0.529; p = 0.014) in dromedary only. By automatic classification, 3 different morphological types in dromedary camels and two in Bactrian camels, as well as two profiles of dromedary milk and 3 of Bactrian milk were identified. The present study provided preliminary results which should be validated on a larger number of farms with purebred animals in order to establish a national standard of camel milk, a necessary step for developing the market. Full article

Introduction: Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common food allergies in early infancy and poses important clinical and economic challenges for affected children, their families, and healthcare systems. In Latin America, variability in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches remains substantial. Objective: We aim to systematically review the available evidence on CMPA, with emphasis on clinical characteristics, diagnosis, management, and economic impact, and to provide a complementary cost analysis of specialized formulas in the Colombian context. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines to synthesize current evidence on CMPA in pediatric populations. Studies published between 2010 and 2023 were screened using predefined eligibility criteria, and 46 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. A complementary cost analysis was also performed to estimate the six-month costs associated with specialized infant formulas in Colombia, based on average age-specific formula consumption and standardized 2025 market prices. Results: The reviewed evidence confirms that CMPA is a heterogeneous condition with variable clinical manifestations and persistent diagnostic challenges, particularly in non-IgE-mediated presentations. Elimination of cow’s milk protein followed by oral food challenge remains the reference diagnostic approach. Breastfeeding with maternal dairy exclusion is consistently recommended as the preferred first-line strategy, whereas extensively hydrolyzed and amino-acid-based formulas are used when breastfeeding is not feasible or is insufficient. Estimated six-month costs ranged from COP 4,337,640 to COP 14,480,700 (approximately USD 1100–3600), depending on formula type. Conclusions: CMPA requires early recognition, careful clinical evaluation, individualized nutritional management, and improved access to effective and affordable treatment strategies. Full article

Automated milk feeders (AMFs) offer significant advantages in promoting natural feeding behavior in calves and reducing manual labor. With widespread use, the impact of AMF hygiene on calf health has attracted increasing research attention, as inadequate cleaning protocols may lead to bacterial accumulation on calf-contact surfaces and subsequent health risks for calves. This study aimed to quantify bacterial contamination on AMF surfaces, evaluate the cleaning efficacy of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) compared to warm water and chemical disinfectants (n = two total samples), and optimize SAEW cleaning parameters using response surface methodology (RSM). Results revealed that bacterial loads on five high-frequency calf-contact surfaces ranged from 5.48 to 8.21 log₁₀ CFU/cm². SAEW at 60 mg/L achieved significantly higher cleaning efficacy than warm water and chemical disinfectants under field conditions (p < 0.01). Through RSM optimization (highly significant (p < 0.001)), the optimal SAEW cleaning parameters were determined as follows: cleaning time of 35 s, cleaning temperature of 78 °C, and available chlorine concentration (ACC) of 108 mg/L. Under the optimized parameters, bacterial and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) removal rates reached approximately 98%. These findings suggest that SAEW is a promising alternative sanitation agent for AMFs, provide preliminary parameters for rapid sanitation under the tested conditions, and hold the potential to support the standardized hygiene control of calf feeding equipment. Full article

Background: Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common cause of gastrointestinal and dermatologic symptoms in infancy. In clinical practice, infants with atopic dermatitis (AD) and suspected non-IgE-mediated CMPA are frequently managed with formula modification, although real-world comparative data across different formula strategies remain limited. Aim: To evaluate gastrointestinal symptom resolution, improvement in AD, and growth outcomes following formula modification in infants with AD and suspected non-IgE-mediated CMPA. Methods: This retrospective comparative cohort study included 107 infants aged ≤12 months with documented AD and suspected non-IgE-mediated CMPA evaluated at a tertiary academic center between January 2024 and December 2025. Infants were categorized according to initial management strategy: switch to extensively hydrolyzed formula (eHF; n = 63), switch to amino acid formula (AAF; n = 29), or continued standard cow’s milk-based formula (n = 15). The primary outcome was resolution of gastrointestinal symptoms within 2–4 weeks. Secondary outcomes included improvement in AD, weight gain, and need for further formula escalation. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to adjust for potential confounders. Results: Overall, gastrointestinal symptom resolution occurred in 74 of 107 infants (69.2%). Resolution rates were 71.4% in the eHF group, 79.3% in the AAF group, and 40% in the standard formula group (p = 0.01). In adjusted analysis, switching to eHF (aOR 2.8; 95% CI 1.1–7.3; p = 0.03) and AAF (aOR 4.1; 95% CI 1.3–12.5; p = 0.01) was independently associated with higher odds of symptom resolution compared with continued standard formula. Improvement in AD was observed in 57.9% of infants overall and differed significantly across groups (p = 0.04). Mean weight gain during follow-up did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.63). Subsequent formula escalation was more frequent in the standard formula group (46.7%) compared with eHF (17.5%) and AAF (13.8%) groups (p = 0.004). Conclusions: In infants with AD and suspected non-IgE-mediated CMPA, substitution with extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid formula was independently associated with greater gastrointestinal symptom resolution and improvement in dermatitis compared with continued standard formula, without evidence of compromised growth. These findings provide supportive real-world evidence consistent with current international guidelines; however, given the observational design and potential for residual confounding, they should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory evidence of causal treatment effects. Full article

Background noise and intensive sample preparation frequently compromise the field screening of Bacillus anthracis. Addressing these analytical bottlenecks, we constructed a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) biosensor incorporating geometrically tailored trapezoidal magnetic flux concentrators (MFCs). 3D finite element magnetic simulations directed the MFC topology to mitigate edge saturation, reconciling central magnetic gain with spatial uniformity. The resulting platform demonstrated a 100-fold sensitivity improvement over recent electrochemical methods, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 CFU/mL in standard buffers, with the entire testing process completed within 40 min. Direct target quantification remained viable in heterogeneous matrices—muddy water, whole milk, and apple cider—circumventing tedious pretreatment. This geometric and magnetic optimization yields a pragmatic sensing architecture tailored for on-site biodefense monitoring. Full article

Mycotoxin contamination remains a persistent threat to food safety in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and neighboring countries, driven by conducive tropical agroecological conditions, inadequate post-harvest practices, and limited regulatory governance. This critical narrative review (2009–2024) synthesizes the occurrence data for major staple foods (maize, peanuts, cassava, sorghum, millet, and beans) and dairy products compiled from Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, MDPI and institutional sources. It examines the co-occurrence patterns, exposure pathways, and analytical and regulatory gaps. Warm, humid lowland environments favor Aspergillus and aflatoxins, whereas cooler, humid highland zones promote Fusarium, fumonisins, and deoxynivalenol. Across commodities, contamination intensifies along food value chains through inadequate drying, non-hermetic storage, insect damage, and prolonged handling, with processed products generally exhibiting the highest levels of mycotoxins. Regulated mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, fumonisins, trichothecenes, ochratoxins, and zearalenone, frequently exceed European Union (EU), East African Community (EAC), and Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) limits in staple foods. Their co-occurrence is widespread, including emerging mycotoxins such as beauvericin and enniatins, particularly in maize- and peanut-based products, raising concerns about potential additive or synergistic effects. Aflatoxin M1 in milk highlights plant–feed–animal–human transfer within a One Health framework. Despite increasing evidence, the available data remain fragmented and heterogeneous; rapid tests dominate, while few studies employ multi-mycotoxin LC-MS/MS methods. Cross-border trade between countries, such as Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia and Angola, facilitates the circulation of contaminated commodities in the absence of harmonized standards and risk-based controls. Priorities include harmonized regional surveillance, biomarker-based co-exposure assessment, cost-effectiveness evaluation of mitigation strategies, and regulatory alignment at borders. Coordinated, multisectoral action is essential to reduce chronic dietary exposure and improve food safety across the region. Full article

Background: Vitamin D deficiency remains a widespread public health issue in Europe, despite the availability of sunlight, dietary sources, supplements, and food fortification. National fortification strategies differ substantially in their regulatory approaches, food vehicles, and fortification levels, influencing the population’s vitamin D intake and status. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to map vitamin D food fortification policies across European Union (EU) Member States, European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, and the United Kingdom (UK), focusing on regulatory frameworks, eligible food categories, and implementation models. Methods: A structured review of national legislation and official guidance on vitamin D food fortification was conducted between December 2025 and March 2026 across EU Member States (n = 27), EFTA countries (n = 4), and the UK. For EU Member States, the framework established by Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006 was examined alongside national implementation measures. For EFTA countries and the UK, corresponding national legislation and official regulatory guidance were reviewed. Data were extracted on fortification policy status, eligible food categories, legal basis, and fortification levels. Targeted searches of PubMed and Scopus were performed to identify modeling studies and policy analyses supporting the interpretation of the findings. Results: Fortification policies show marked heterogeneity. Mandatory fortification is limited to a few countries and specific foods: Finland (homogenized skim milk), Sweden (low-fat milk, fermented dairy, plant-based alternatives, and fat spreads), Belgium (margarine and selected fats), and Poland (margarine and fat spreads). In most other European countries, vitamin D fortification is voluntary under EU legislation or equivalent national legislation, depending on market uptake. Food vehicles vary regionally, with Northern Europe extending fortification beyond fats to include fluid milk and plant-based drinks, whereas other regions mainly fortify margarines, cereals, dairy products, and plant-based beverages. Fortification levels also differ, with some countries specifying maximal or exact levels, while others lack national standards. Data on fortified foods are limited in several Central and Southern European countries. Modeling indicates that multi-vehicle fortification is more effective than single-vehicle approaches, safely increasing population intakes while reducing deficiency prevalence. Conclusions: Vitamin D fortification policies across Europe are highly heterogeneous. Most countries rely on voluntary approaches, which provide limited coverage. Strengthening policy through mandatory and well-coordinated multi-vehicle strategies, informed by modeling and population-based studies, can improve vitamin D intake, reduce deficiency prevalence, and enhance health equity. Full article

Background/Objectives: The preschool period is critical for neurodevelopment, yet evidence investigating fortified formula’s effect and potential microbiota–gut–brain axis mechanisms in this age group is limited. To evaluate fortified formula milk’s effect on neurodevelopment and explore potential microbiota–gut–brain axis mechanisms in preschool children. Methods: In this 9-month cluster-randomized, double-blind, controlled trial, 120 healthy children aged 3–6 years from four kindergarten classes were stratified by grade and randomly allocated (1:1) to receive either multi-nutrient fortified formula (intervention, n = 60) or standard control milk (n = 60). Neurocognitive function was assessed using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV). Safety was evaluated through anthropometry and blood biochemistry. Gut microbiota (16S rRNA sequencing) and fecal metabolomes (untargeted LC-MS) were analyzed at baseline and 9 months. Results: The intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed no significant difference in Full Scale Intelligence Quotient (adjusted mean difference: 1.05 points; 95% CI: −1.42, 3.52; p = 0.400). However, the intervention group significantly improved the Processing Speed Index (adjusted mean difference: 5.91 points; 95% CI: 1.88, 9.93; p = 0.004), increased gut microbial alpha diversity (Shannon index) and Bifidobacterium abundance. Metabolomic analysis revealed elevated fecal 2-hydroxybutyric acid (2-HB), a marker of propanoate metabolism. Increases in both Bifidobacterium and 2-HB levels showed a positive association with PSI improvement (both p < 0.05). All children maintained normal growth and safety parameters. Conclusions: Fortified formula milk improved processing speed in preschoolers, a benefit associated with gut ecosystem modulation characterized by Bifidobacterium enrichment and upregulated microbial propanoate metabolism. These results offer preliminary evidence for the role of the microbiota–gut–brain axis in nutritional cognitive programming during early childhood. (Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2400084211). Full article

Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the relationship between dietary habits and anthropometric characteristics of high school adolescents. Participants and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved randomly selecting 104 students (34 boys and 70 girls) who were 17–19 years old. To evaluate dietary habits, a validated and standardized EPIC-Norfolk frequency food questionnaire was used, and anthropometric characteristics of the participants were assessed. Results: The most often consumed foods during the week were meats and fruits, while the least frequently consumed were fish and vegetables. For all participants, intake below the recommended levels was for alpha-carotene, total carbohydrate sugars, vitamin D, milk, dairy products, nuts, and seeds. Intake of proteins and iron was below the recommended levels in girls. Boys had a lower intake of proteins and fruits compared to girls. No differences were observed in the consumption of macronutrients. The median of all anthropometric values was within the reference values. Boys were slightly older and had significantly higher values of body weight and height, BMI, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip-ratio (WHR) compared to girls. In addition, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly higher in males than in females. Participants with increased arterial blood pressure (ABP) showed significantly higher energy intake from fat, sodium intake, and total fat intake compared to those with normal ABP. Participants with increased WHR had significantly higher energy intake, intake of sodium, and total carbohydrates compared to those with normal WHR. Conclusions: This study shows that adolescents’ eating habits (particularly intake of fat and sodium) were associated with anthropometric values, ABP, and WHR, which present risks for cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood. Full article

White-backed and Ash-grey cows yielded an average of 6212 kg and 6078 kg of milk per year, with 4.25–4.28% fat and 3.37–3.40% protein, while Holsteins averaged 10,694 kg with 4.47% fat and 3.45% protein. The study aimed to analyse the fatty acid (FA) profile of milk from two local cow breeds, compare them with that of Holstein cows, and evaluate the influence of lactation number, productivity indicators and milk colour. The study was carried out with White-backed (n = 40), Ash-grey (n = 49), and Holstein (n = 51) cows. Based on lactation number, cows were divided into two groups. Composite milk samples from all quarters of each cow were collected. Two additional milk samples were taken: 1st to assess milk colour and the second to determine the fatty acids profile. Productivity data of cows were provided from the Livestock Information System. Statistical analysis included calculating means and standard deviations or standard errors of the mean. One-way and two-way ANOVA (breed and lactation) were used, and Duncan’s test was applied to compare mean values between groups. White-backed cows contained greater proportions of C17:0, C17:1, C18:3 ω3, and C20:0 (p < 0.05), as well as higher total omega-3 and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents. Parity did not have a significant effect on productivity indicators, but parity influenced the FA profile. Milk from 1st-lactation Ash-grey cows showed higher levels of PUFA and omega-6 fatty acids (p < 0.05). Milk from Ash-grey cows has more favourable visual attributes, indicating improved suitability for dairy processing, where colour uniformity is important for technological quality. Full article

A cost-effective and practical method for characterizing the dielectric properties of liquids at 1 MHz is presented in this article. A cylindrical parallel-plate capacitive sensor was developed, in which the circular end plates function as electrodes and the sidewall is formed by a thin polyvinyl chloride ring cut from a standard water pipe to enclose the liquid sample. Dielectric constant values of air, distilled water, ethanol, and methanol were determined through analytical calculations, electromagnetic simulations, and experimental measurements at 1 megahertz. Consistent results were obtained across all methods, and the extracted values were found to agree well with theoretical values, yielding extraction errors of 0.06% for methanol and 1.85% for ethanol with respect to theoretical values from the literature. A calibration technique was applied in which air and water were used as reference materials with known dielectric constants, effectively mitigating uncertainties associated with sensor geometry, spacer material, and fringing fields. Through this work, a practical and effective technique for dielectric characterization at low frequency has been demonstrated, with core validation of four reference materials (air, deionized water, ethanol, and methanol) at 1 MHz and an additional application example in which cow’s milk is characterized over 10–30 MHz. The 10–30 MHz measurement demonstrates the applicability of the proposed method in the low megahertz region, while the primary validation is conducted at 1 MHz. The technique is applicable to a wide range of applications in materials science, chemical, and biomedical engineering. Full article