Search Results (167)

Co-infections of Orthopoxviruses (OPVs), such as vaccinia virus (VACV) and monkeypox virus (MPXV), and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be associated with severe outcomes. Serro’s dairy region, located in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, is an endemic area for VACV, where zoonotic outbreaks affect rural communities. This epidemiological context is especially relevant for at-risk populations, such as people living with HIV (PLHIV). This study aimed to assess the presence of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against OPV in PLHIV in this endemic setting. Serum samples were collected from 177 PLHIV in treatment at the specialized service between December 2021 and August 2022. VACV and MPXV NAbs were measured using the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and VACV-infected cells. The overall occurrence of OPV NAbs was 27.7%. NAbs were higher in individuals born before 1980 (53.3%) than those born after 1980 (1.1%). Among anti-VACV-seropositive individuals, 40.8% also had MPXV NAbs, suggesting cross-immunity. These findings indicate the circulation of VACV in PLHIV and highlight the increased susceptibility to OPV infections among individuals born after the cessation of smallpox vaccination. The results reinforce the importance of continued surveillance of OPV, especially in endemic regions and vulnerable populations. Full article

The amount of protein and fat in raw milk determines its quality, value in the marketplace, and related payment to suppliers. Technicians use expensive specialized laboratory equipment to measure milk quality in specialized laboratories. The continuous quality monitoring of the milk supply in the supplier’s tanks enables the production of higher quality products, better milk supply chain optimization, and reduced milk waste. This paper presents an inexpensive AI-powered IoT sensor that continuously measures the protein and fat in the raw milk in the tanks of dairy farms, pickup trucks, and intermediate storage depots across any milk supply chain. The proposed sensor consists of an in-tank IoT device and related software components that run on any IoT platform. The in-tank IoT device quality incorporates a low-cost spectrometer and a microcontroller that can send milk supply measurements to any IoT platform via NB-IoT. The in-tank IoT device of the milk quality sensor is housed in a food-safe polypropylene container that allows its deployment in any milk tank. The IoT software component of the milk quality sensors uses a specialized machine learning (ML) algorithm to translate the spectrometry measurements into milk fat and protein measurements. The paper presents the design of an in-tank IoT sensor and the corresponding IoT software translation of the spectrometry measurements to protein and fat measurements. Moreover, it includes an experimental milk quality sensor evaluation that shows that sensor accuracy is ±0.14% for fat and ±0.07% for protein. Full article

A key factor in calculating dairy cows’ nitrogen (N) excretion is knowing the amount of daily excreted urine. The present study aimed to investigate two methods to calculate the daily urine volume (UV) excreted using spot urine samples. Data were obtained from nine balance experiments involving 47 lactating and seven non-lactating German Holstein cows, with an average body weight (BW) of 620 ± 95 kg and an average age of 5.6 ± 1.4 years. Daily urinary creatinine (Cr) and UVs were known for all animals. The first method was developed by linearly regressing the daily excreted amount of Cr in urine against BW (p < 0.001; R² = 0.51; RSE: 2.8). The slope of the regression was used to calculate UV. The second method includes a non-linear regression of UV on Cr concentration in urine, allowing direct estimation of UV without knowledge of BW (p < 0.001; RSE: 8.13). Both estimation methods were compared to the standard method to determine UV from balance trials using Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland–Altman plots. The first method had a CCC of 0.81, and the second method had a CCC of 0.85. Both methods can confidently be applied to calculate UV. Therefore, the second method is usable if BW is unavailable. Full article

This study aimed to explore Markov decision methods in order to solve the problem of dairy cow replacement, adding the special characteristics of two types of abortions due to different sanitary reasons that influence the economic, production, and reproduction performance of these animals. The model was successfully validated against other models published in the literature. Python code v.3.13 was used to solve the problem and to ease future extensions with the inclusion of new variables. The results constitute tools that allow the veterinarian to explore more realistic scenarios by running a Markov simulation model that avoids the complexities leading to the problem of dimensionality in dynamic optimization models. In our study, the economic value of the herd considering RA and NLA abortions shows that the maximum net benefit is USD 178.77 per cow, and non-pregnant cows are slaughtered upon reaching six months of lactation, a value that is within the range of values reported by the literature that we have identified. At the optimum, the replacement model extended with abortion generates a difference of USD 0.69 per cow per month compared to the model that does not include the special abortion features. The changes in the net present value of each cow according to the month of culling depend on the variability of milk income and slaughter value and heifers’ replacement values, suggesting that any measure that seeks to improve the economic benefit of dairy cows should take greater account of these variables. Full article

In dairy cattle, abomasal ulcers are a serious but sometimes disregarded ailment that can have detrimental effects on health and cause financial losses. Due to inconclusive clinical symptoms, abomasal ulcers are typically misdiagnosed and treated improperly. Specialized diagnostic methods should be considered to ensure a correct diagnosis and the well-being of cattle. This report focuses on a 4-year-old Holstein-Friesian cow which began her third lactation two weeks before she started showing general clinical signs of an elevated fat–protein ratio in the milk and was diagnosed with an abomasum displacement. The clinical signs can also be mistaken for other conditions such as traumatic reticuloperitonitis and left dislocated abomasum. The patient was brought to the LUHS Large Animal Clinic, and after a short while, sudden death occurred. The autopsy concluded that death had occurred due to hypovolemic shock caused by abomasal ulcer perforation, which caused bleeding into the abomasum and intestines. Also, the type 3 ulcer caused severe peritonitis and anemia, and feed and fibrin could be seen on the outside of organs in the abdomen. Blood clots mixed with feed had formed in the inside of the abomasum and intestinal tract. Based on the work of previous scientific studies, it has been established that the occurrence of ulcers is more frequent in dairy cows during the first four to six weeks of lactation. And the most probable cause could be intensive feeding and dietary changes. Ulcers in the abomasum are very difficult to diagnose, because they require special diagnostic equipment such as an ultrasound or surgical interventions. Due to the similarity with other diseases, this pathological condition of the abomasum is most frequently only identified in post-mortem examinations. Full article

Riboflavin (vitamin B₂) is an essential micronutrient required for all living organisms. It is naturally synthesized by plants and most microorganisms, including the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, the filamentous fungus Ashbya gossypii, and the yeast Candida famata—all of which are known to be riboflavin overproducers. The choice of production organism in industrial applications depends on factors such as yield, ease of cultivation, and the availability of genetic tools. As a result, several microorganisms are commonly used, and their relative prominence can shift over time with advances in metabolic engineering and process optimization. This review presents a comparative analysis of riboflavin biosynthesis across prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, with a particular focus on regulatory mechanisms governing flavinogenesis. Special attention is given to recent advances in metabolic engineering strategies, including the application of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in Bacillus subtilis and Ashbya gossypii. In yeast systems, significant improvements in riboflavin production have been achieved primarily through the manipulation of transcriptional regulators (e.g., SEF1, SFU1, TUP1) and metabolic genes. The role of other important genes (PRS3, ADE4, ZWF1, GND1, RFE1, VMA1, etc.) in riboflavin overproduction in C. famata is described. The review also explores the use of alternative, low-cost feedstocks—including lignocellulosic hydrolysates and dairy by-products—to support more sustainable and economically viable riboflavin production. Although considerable progress has been achieved in genetic optimization and bioprocess development, further work is required to fine-tune metabolic flux and maximize riboflavin synthesis, particularly under industrial conditions. This review highlights key opportunities for future research aimed at refining metabolic interventions and expanding the use of renewable substrates for environmentally sustainable riboflavin production. Full article

Listeriosis, the disease caused by the bacterium L. monocytogenes, can take invasive forms, with severe complications such as septicemia or meningitis, mainly affecting vulnerable people, such as pregnant women, the elderly, and immunocompromised people. The main transmission is through the consumption of contaminated food, and unpasteurized dairy products are common sources of infection. Due to the high mortality and the difficulty in eliminating the bacterium from the production environment, rigorous hygiene and control measures are essential to prevent the spread of Listeria in the food chain, and research on biofilm formation and bacterial resistance is vital to improve food safety. Dairy products, raw milk, and soft cheeses are among the most vulnerable to contamination with L. monocytogenes, especially due to pH values and low-temperature storage conditions. This paper presents a synthesis of the specialized literature on methods to reduce the incidence of L. monocytogenes in milk and dairy products. Conventional strategies, such as pasteurization and the use of chemical disinfectants, are effective but can affect food quality. Specialists have turned their attention to innovative and safer approaches, such as biocontrol and the use of nonthermal methods, such as pulsed electric fields, irradiation, and nanotechnology. Barrier technology, which combines several methods, has demonstrated superior efficiency in combating the bacterium without compromising product quality. Additionally, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bacteriocins are examples of biopreservation techniques that provide a future option while preserving food safety. Natural preservatives, especially those derived from plants and fruits, are promising alternatives to synthetic compounds. Future solutions should focus on developing commercial formulations that optimize these properties and meet consumer demands for healthy, environmentally friendly, and clean-label products. Full article

Children with Down syndrome often face significant feeding difficulties and health comorbidities that may contribute to undernutrition or obesity. This study assessed dietary habits and nutritional status among 104 children with Down syndrome in Croatia, representing 11.5% of this population. Results showed that over 30% of children aged 1 to 15 were overweight. Over 60% never consumed whole grain bread, while more than 50% avoided fish, nuts, or seeds. Despite rural families more frequently producing their own food (meat p = 0.009; fruits/vegetables p = 0.035), no significant improvement was observed in the children’s diets compared to their urban counterparts. Urban children consumed milk (p = 0.008) and fermented dairy (p = 0.005) more often. Children of university-educated mothers had higher vegetable (p = 0.031), meat (p = 0.025), olive oil (p = 0.003), and nut (p = 0.029) consumption, and a lower intake of processed meats (p = 0.008) and salty snacks (p = 0.040). Families spending less than 50% of income on food also showed significantly healthier dietary patterns. Feeding difficulties in children with Down syndrome are commonly associated with sensory sensitivities, oral-motor impairments, and comorbid medical conditions. These challenges are often intensified by parental anxiety, delayed introduction of diverse foods, and inadequate professional support. Collectively, these factors contribute to selective eating, poor nutrient intake, and disordered eating behaviors. This study underscores the need for individualized nutritional interventions that address the unique physiological and sensory requirements of both children and adults with Down syndrome. Effective strategies should extend beyond general dietary recommendations to include early exposure to a variety of food textures, specialized feeding support, and the management of coexisting health conditions. Family education and engagement play a crucial role in achieving positive nutritional outcomes. Empowering parents and caregivers—especially those in socioeconomically disadvantaged or rural communities—can facilitate the alignment of food accessibility with healthy dietary practices. The findings of this research offer valuable guidance for the development and implementation of national strategies aimed at enhancing the nutrition and long-term health of individuals with Down syndrome. Full article

The global demand for animal protein presents significant challenges in the production of nutritionally rich foods, such as milk and meat. Traditionally, the quality of these products is assessed using physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory methods. Although effective, these techniques are constrained by time limiting their widespread application. Furthermore, growing concerns regarding sustainability, animal welfare, and transparency have driven the development of technologies to enhance the rapid and precise assessment of food quality. In this context, omics technologies have transformed the characterization of animal-origin food by providing in-depth molecular understanding of their composition and quality. These tools enable the identification of biomarkers, adulteration detection, optimization of nutritional profiles, and enhancement of authentication and traceability, facilitating the development of functional foods. Despite their potential, several barriers persist, including high implementation cost, the need for specialized infrastructure, and the complexity of integrating multi-omics data. The main aim of this review was to provide information on advances in the application of omics technologies in dairy and meat production systems and studies that use them in food quality, authentication, and sustainability. It also outlines opportunities in areas such as fraud prevention and functional product development to support the transition to safer, healthier, and more transparent food systems. Full article

Functional beverages comprise a special category of drinks free of alcohol that contain bioactive components from plant, animal, marine, or microorganism sources that contribute to the reinforcement of human health. Functional beverages are mainly divided into the following basic categories: (i) dairy-based beverages and (ii) non-dairy-based beverages. Functional beverages have several positive functional properties such as the rehydration of the body, recovery of lost energy, the increase of athletic performance, the prevention of pain in joints, the improvement of heart health, the improvement of immunity and the digestive system, and the creation of the feeling of satiety and boosting mood. However, according to health experts, there are also functional beverages that induce obesity and heart diseases because of their high content of sugars, sweeteners, and other components such as caffeine, taurine, taurine combined with caffeine, creatinine, etc. The scope of this review was to highlight the main components and the functional properties of energy drinks along with the effects of functional beverages on human health. Limited review articles address this overall hypothesis in the recent literature, thus comprising the significance of the current study. Full article

Background: On 18 April 2024, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the first food package changes to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in over a decade, which reduced some food benefits (juice, milk, canned fish, and infant fruits and vegetables) and offered substitutes (cash-value vouchers (CVVs) or cash-value benefits (CVBs) to redeem for fruits and vegetables, cheese, soymilk, or other dairy products). Methods: To assess the impact of the changes on the consumption and redemption of these food groups, a systematic search was conducted, identifying 23 peer-reviewed publications between 2010 and 2024. Results: They revealed significant shifts in consumption after the 2009 food package changes; e.g., a decline in 100% juice intake following reductions in juice allowances. Additionally, the review highlighted that the 2009 WIC food package revision was associated with more fruit and vegetable consumption after the increase in CVV allowance. While including milk alternatives like soy-based beverages or lactose-free milk or cheese may improve redemption rates and WIC program satisfaction, the long-term impacts of these proposed changes remain unknown. No research was identified on the consumption of canned fish. Conclusions: This review contributes to understanding the changes in redemption and consumption after the last WIC food package changes, identifies the knowledge gap about prospective impacts, and recommends that the WIC agencies implement appropriate evaluations to promote health and nutrition among vulnerable populations. Full article

Milk is the principal nutrient of newborn humans and a diagnostic feature of the order Mammalia. Its release is elicited as a reflex by infant sucking under the control of the hormone oxytocin. While it is recognized that breast milk optimally promotes infant longitudinal growth and development, this review explores facts and controversies regarding the extent to which the milks of several dairy animals and infant formula milk (IF) approximate special properties and bioactivities of breast milk. It also provides evidence that early exposure to undernutrition during the very rapid fetal and early infancy growth predominantly and permanently stunts longitudinal growth trajectory in both animals and humans and is often followed in later life by obesity and metabolic dysfunction, and sometimes also by precocious timing of sexual maturation. There is a knowledge gap as to whether there may be additional critical periods of nutritional vulnerability in human development, which is characterized by a relatively prolonged period of slow childhood growth bracketed by the rapid fetal–neonatal and pubertal growth spurts. It is also unclear whether any quantitative differences in caloric intake and supply during neonatal period may influence developmental fatness programming. A further knowledge gap exists regarding the role of infant microbiome composition and development in the possible epigenetic programming of longitudinal growth or fatness in later life. Extending the research of early developmental programming to the entire period of human growth from conception to the end of puberty, examining infant caloric intake and supply as possible factors modulating the epigenetic programming in favor of obesity, and examining the role of infant gut microbiome in developing infant’s capacity to process nutrients may provide a better understanding of the interaction between critical nutritional influences in the control of human longitudinal growth and later-life obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Proper nutrition and correct habits and behaviours are crucial elements in the treatment and prevention of hypertension or atherosclerosis. This study aims to assess the nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, and nutritional status of cardiology patients, particularly those with hypertension and atherosclerosis. Methods: The study was conducted at St. Barbara Regional Specialized Hospital No. 5 in Sosnowiec from January to June 2021. It included 301 patients, 51.2% women (N = 154) and 48.8% men (N = 147), who were assessed for Body Mass Index, Nutritional Risk Score, and morphological and biochemical test results. Their knowledge and dietary habits were examined using a questionnaire and rating scale designed by the authors. While the study encompassed all cardiology patients, a subgroup analysis specifically examined individuals diagnosed with hypertension and/or atherosclerosis. Results: 80% of the respondents showed above-normal body weight, while there were no significant differences in the risk of malnutrition according to the Nutritional Risk Score. The diet analysis revealed insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy, whole grains, and fish, while the consumption of salty snacks, sweetened beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol was low. Analysis of morphology and biochemistry results showed no significant differences between patients with atherosclerosis, hypertension, and others. Conclusions: The study reveals insufficient nutritional knowledge and poor dietary habits among cardiology patients, highlighting the need for targeted education to improve dietary behaviours and reduce cardiovascular risks. Implementing nutrition-focused interventions in cardiology care could enhance patient outcomes. Future research should explore the long-term effects of dietary education and identify effective strategies for behavioural change in this population. Full article

Some studies have shown that intensification improves the sustainability of bovine milk; however, this matter is controversial. The present study, performed in Southern Italy, in the Basilicata region, focuses on nine specialized dairy farms of the Marmo Platano internal area. These farms are characterized by a “low intensification profile”, and we estimated the sustainability of the Marmo Platano dairy system via life-cycle assessment using specific software. We chose 1 kg of refrigerated raw milk as the functional unit and four impact categories: global warming potential, non-renewable energy use, fossil depletion, and agricultural land occupation. All impact category values fell within the ranges in the bibliography. Economic allocation, a criterion led by the market value of milk and culled cows (and their ratio), significantly (p < 0.05) affected the global warming potential and agricultural land occupation of two farms (1.38 kg CO₂ eq and 2.48 m²y⁻¹ as the system mean), while it did not affect the fossil depletion of the entire system, i.e., 138 g of oil as the mean. After allocation, the system showed three different profiles (p < 0.05) of non-renewable energy use (average value 6.31 MJ), despite its closeness with fossil depletion. Despite the aptness of Marmo Platano, the animals are not grazed, whereas full barn housing ensures satisfactory milk yields. Mainly driven by its low input characteristics, implying a low culling rate, the system proved to be sustainable. Full article

Background: In prehistoric societies, especially in the Neolithic period, the study of the palaeodiet assumes special importance as it is one of the points in human history characterised by important changes in diet. In this context, the study of food intolerances is even more significant. Methods: Some of the individuals studied were analysed from a genetic point of view, while a systematic literature review was performed from a genetic perspective, verifying the persistence or absence of lactase in adulthood, and information from necropolises regarding the presence of biomarkers linked to possible consumption of dairy products was analysed. Results: The results indicate a clear majority of individuals with hypolactasia in adulthood, although in a Pyrenean necropolis, studied here for the first time, the lactase persistence allele was already detected. Dairy consumption was also verified to be widespread in very early Neolithic periods. Conclusions: From a population perspective, this study enables a deeper understanding of past populations’ daily lives, expanding our perspective on their dietary patterns. From an evolutionary standpoint, it illuminates a pivotal point in human history and evolution within the European context, where past and modern dairy consumption, particularly cheese, has profound implications for both present and past economies. Full article