Search Results (198)

This study systematically assessed the dietary exposure risks of short-chain and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs) through chicken consumption in China, where these persistent organic pollutants are widely produced and used. As an important component of the Chinese diet, chicken was selected as the research matrix due to its high lipid content and potential for chlorinated paraffin bio-accumulation, while available data on these contaminants in market-sold chicken remains limited. We collected 126 representative commercial chicken samples from eight major provinces and municipalities across China and conducted precise analysis using two-dimensional gas chromatography with electron capture negative ionization mass spectrometry (GC×GC-ECNI/MS). The probabilistic exposure assessment was performed through Monte Carlo simulation, and health risks were characterized using the margin of exposure (MOE) approach. The results revealed mean concentrations of 95.8 ng/g wet weight (range: 9.5–1542.4 ng/g ww) for SCCPs and 156.6 ng/g ww (range: 20.0–1517.9 ng/g ww) for MCCPs in chicken samples, with Jiangsu Province exhibiting significantly higher contamination levels compared to other regions (p < 0.001). The estimated mean dietary exposures through chicken consumption were 32.8 ng/kg bw/d for SCCPs and 52.6 ng/kg bw/d for MCCPs in the general Chinese population. Notably, children aged 3–6 years and the Consumer only showed the highest exposure levels. All calculated MOE values substantially exceeded the risk threshold of 1000, indicating no significant health concerns from current exposure to SCCPs and MCCPs through chicken consumption in China. Full article

Salmonella is a globally prevalent and diverse group of pathogenic bacteria that reside in food animals, such as swine. They possess transmissible antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and virulence factors, causing outbreaks with varying disease outcomes. This study identified and characterized 110 Salmonella enterica isolates from swine meat in abattoirs and wet markets of Metro Manila, Philippines. Thirteen different S. enterica serovars were identified using the Check & Trace microarray platform. The most prevalent were Rissen, Typhimurium 1, 4, [5], 12:i:-, Anatum, and Derby. This study is also the first to report serovar Soerenga in the Philippines and Asia. A high prevalence of virulence genes was observed, namely, hilA (75.45%), avrA (73.64%), mgtC (72.73%), pipB (66.36%), sseC (58.18%), and spi4R (53.64%), with no plasmid-borne spvC and spvR. A high prevalence of bla_TEM (44.55%) was also observed, consistent with the phenotypic AMR profiles. Additionally, 14.81% of the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. Statistical associations and predictions were also found among virulence genes, serovars, and location types, which highlight implications of Salmonella contamination and serovar variations. These findings suggest the need for continuous surveillance of Salmonella, especially for emerging or rare serovars, the deeper investigation of virulence and AMR mechanisms, and improved regulation and sanitation throughout food animal industries. Full article

The global demand for new ingredients and healthier food products is on the rise. Global challenges like rapid population growth, climate change, and emerging pandemics are putting a strain on food security for future generations. This makes it crucial to seek alternatives for producing nutrient-rich foods using more sustainable methods. In this context, proteins are an essential macronutrient for humanity. Plant-based proteins are becoming increasingly popular for the following reasons: their sustainability, as they have a lower environmental impact compared to animal-based proteins, provided they are consumed locally; their nutritional value, since they contain all the essential nutrients when consumed in a varied way and do not contain limiting amino acids; their potential accessibility; and the health benefits they offer. Consequently, the food industry is developing an increasing market of protein concentrates and isolates from plant sources using wet or dry methods. In particular, dry fractionation is expected to play a key role in enhancing food sustainability, as it allows protein enrichment without the use of water or energy-consuming operations. This review provides a detailed description of the application of dry fractionation method to Andean grains, with quinoa, amaranth, and kañiwa as prominent examples. The narrative review covers the essential primary processing and pretreatments, assesses the properties of the resulting fractions, and discusses their applications and future trends. This work aims to promote the development of innovative and sustainable food solutions. Full article

Foodborne diseases remain a public health issue worldwide. Inadequate attention to food safety and hygiene increases the risk of opportunistic pathogens and resistant bacteria spreading to people through the food chain, leading to foodborne diseases. To investigate food safety in our region, this study aims to measure the prevalence of microorganisms on raw food materials randomly purchased from wet markets in Chiang Mai province, Northern Thailand. In this study, microbial cultures, identified by MALDITOF-MS techniques, were used to determine the microflora and antibiotic-resistance organisms on raw vegetables and fruit. Consequently, to confirm antibiotic resistance, the antimicrobial susceptibility techniques were performed. The results found no Salmonella enterica was detected on the overall food samples. For Proteus spp. detection, P. mirabilis were detected at 3.23% in cabbage, 3.57% in Chinese cabbage, and 6.67% in lettuce, while P. vulgaris were detected at 7.14% in Chinese cabbage and 3.57% in peppermint. No Proteus spp. was detected in basils, tomatoes and grapes. In addition, for antibiotic-resistance detection, only ESBL-producing Klebsiella oxytoca was detected in the raw tomato sample (3.57%). According to the study’s findings, people who participate in the food process should be aware of their food safety and hygiene. Full article

Implementing natural resource protection systems and improving regional water resource utilization efficiency are effective ways to resolve the contradiction between economic development and water resource poverty. To this end, this paper establishes a Difference-in-Difference (DID) model to analyze the impact of water rights trading pilot policies (WET) in 271 prefecture-level cities in China from 2006 to 2023 on water resource utilization efficiency (WEE). The research results indicate that (1) WET significantly improved WEE, while confirming the robustness of this effect; (2) WET exhibit significant heterogeneity in their policy effects on WEE, reflecting pronounced differences between northern and southern cities in terms of geographical location and water resource endowment. In cities with abundant water resources, this promotional effect is even more pronounced; (3) market vitality and water conservation benefits can positively promote the impact of WET through regulatory mechanisms. Based on this, expanding the pilot cities for water rights trading policies and enhancing market vitality can effectively improve WEE and alleviate the current situation of water resource poverty in the region. Full article

Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular parasites with a broad host range. These parasites can cause mild to severe harm to their hosts, making them important targets for research. However, studies on common wild-caught fish from the Atlantic Eastern Central Zone (FAO Area 34) remain scarce. 576 individuals across 35 fish species from this region were collected from local markets between 2011 and 2019. The specimens were dissected, and lesions were examined using histology, wet mounts, PCR, and transmission electron microscopy. However, microsporidian infection was detected only in round sardinella (Sardinella (S.) aurita), with 19 out of 39 individuals infected. Parasitized fish weighed nearly half as much as non-infected ones, indicating a potentially significant economic impact. Molecular and ultrastructural analyses identified the parasite as Glugea (G.) thunni, a species previously reported only from the Mediterranean Sea. This study provides the first record of G. thunni in FAO Area 34, with round sardinella likely serving as its primary host. This and other closely related sequences may represent a single taxonomic entity or, more likely, a complex of a few cryptic species geographically separated across the Mediterranean Sea and the eastern and western North Atlantic regions. Full article

We develop a comprehensive dynamic Walrasian framework entirely in $L^{\infty }$ so that prices and allocations are essentially bounded, and market clearing holds pointwise almost everywhere. Utilities are allowed to be locally Lipschitz and quasi-concave; we employ Clarke subgradients to derive generalized quasi-variational inequalities (GQVIs). We endogenize inventories through a capital-accumulation constraint, leading to a differential QVI (dQVI). Existence is proved under either strong monotonicity or pseudo-monotonicity and coercivity. We establish Walras’ law, and the complementarity, stability, and sensitivity of the equilibrium correspondence in $L^2$-metrics, incorporate time-discounting and uncertainty into $\Omega \times [0,T]$, and present convergent numerical schemes (Rockafellar–Wets penalties and extragradient). Our results close the “in mean vs pointwise” gap noted in dynamic models and connect to modern decomposition approaches for QVIs. Full article

Wet markets serve as critical infrastructure for access to fresh food for urban residents in China, playing a vital role in daily life and public well-being. However, their accessibility is often shaped by disparities between urban cores and rapidly expanding peripheral districts, raising concerns over spatial equity in the urban food environment. This study investigates these disparities in Shanghai by comparing wet market accessibility in Putuo district (urban core) and Minhang district (periphery). Accessibility is measured using the Gaussian-enhanced two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA) method, incorporating travel time data from the Baidu Map API for multiple transportation modes. The Gini coefficient is further employed to evaluate the equity of accessibility distribution. The results reveal a notable disparity: residents in the periphery (Minhang) experience a higher average level of accessibility, but their access is distributed significantly less equitably compared to those in the traditional urban core (Putuo). These findings underscore a critical trade-off between development efficiency and spatial equity, highlighting the need for targeted planning strategies and policies to address spatial inequalities in fresh food access in rapidly transforming cities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Given the persistent threat of war and nuclear accidents, and the global reliance on marketed Prussian blue capsules manufactured in only a few countries without an openly accessible quantitative formulation, there is a critical need for robust tablet alternatives that ensure stability, scalability, and rapid deployment. This study focuses on the design and development of PB tablets for oral administration as decorporation agents for radioactive and toxic species, particularly for treatment in nuclear and radiological emergencies. Methods: Advanced tableting processes, including direct compression, wet granulation, and dry granulation, were employed to develop innovative Prussian blue tablet formulations and to provide significant flexibility for industrial-scale production. Comprehensive physicochemical and pharmacotechnical characterizations were performed to support the formulation and to ensure both the safety and efficacy of the PB tablets. Stability studies were conducted in accordance with ICH guidelines to evaluate product performance over time and to confirm that quality and performance attributes remained within specification. Results: Among the formulations evaluated, the direct compression (DC5) was recommended for industrial production due to its simplicity, short cycle time, and high throughput. Stability studies up to 18 months confirmed that the PB tablets remained within specification, and the program is ongoing at 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Conclusions: This research provides a promising advancement in countermeasures for nuclear and radiological incidents by delivering a robust, scalable PB tablet formulation that can be rapidly manufactured and deployed in emergency situations. Full article

Increasing interest in functional nutrition has driven the incorporation of probiotics into pet food formulations to enhance digestive health, immune response, and overall well-being in companion animals. This systematic review examines scientific publications, patents, and market developments related to probiotic-enriched pet food from 2014 to 2024. We evaluate major probiotic taxa—including Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., Bacillus spp., and Saccharomyces cerevisiae—based on their resilience during processing, gastrointestinal survival, and documented health benefits. Delivery technologies such as microencapsulation, coating matrices, and post-processing supplementation are analyzed for their effectiveness in preserving probiotic viability within dry and wet food matrices. Patent landscape analysis highlights innovation trends in strain selection, formulation design, and processing methods. In vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that probiotic supplementation modulates gut microbiota composition, improves fecal parameters, enhances immune markers, and promotes nutrient absorption in both canine and feline models. Market data reveal rapid expansion of commercial probiotic pet food products, yet scientific research remains limited compared to human nutrition. Overall, the findings indicate that while probiotics hold clear potential to improve gastrointestinal health and immunity in pets, evidence remains fragmented, particularly for cats and long-term outcomes. Bridging the gap between industrial innovation and controlled clinical validation will be essential for developing next-generation probiotic pet foods. Full article

Background:Klebsiella pneumoniae is a highly dangerous microorganism that presents significant challenges to effectively eliminate in food production facilities, making it a serious and urgent public health concern. The wet markets of Hong Kong represent a considerable yet insufficiently explored source for the spread of microorganisms. Methods: This investigation employed whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomics to assess the genomic variation and adaptive traits of K. pneumoniae extracted from wooden cutting boards in these marketplaces. We examined four wet market isolates in conjunction with 39 publicly accessible genomes from diverse origins. Results: Pan-genome analysis revealed a diverse and open genetic structure significantly shaped by horizontal gene transfer. Phylogenetic reconstruction did not categorize the wet market isolates into a singular clade, indicating varied contamination sources; nonetheless, certain market isolates exhibited close phylogenetic affiliations with high-risk clinical clones, implying possible spillover events. These isolates exhibited a concerning variety of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), chiefly encoding efflux pumps (acrAB, oqxAB), which confer resistance to numerous drug categories. Moreover, the evaluation for pathogenicity attributes uncovered genes associated with robust biofilm development (fim and mrk operons) and efficient iron procurement strategies. Conclusions: The existence of these genetically adaptable isolates, possessing multidrug resistance and virulence factors, renders wet markets potential amplifiers and reservoirs for the spread of resistant pathogens. These findings present the initial genomic evidence of such risks in Hong Kong’s wet markets and emphasize the immediate necessity for improved hygiene protocols and comprehensive One Health surveillance to reduce transmission at the human–animal–environment interface. Full article

Titanium (Ti) and vanadium (V) are metals critical for the sustainable development of our society. Their growing demand and the depletion of ores rich in these metals along with technological development lead to a reconsideration of sources that were previously considered unpromising. The present work is devoted to the study of an iron (Fe) ore from southeastern Bulgaria, containing Ti and V in low but potentially recoverable concentrations. The aim was to check whether it is possible to obtain an iron concentrate containing Ti and V in concentrations comparable to those in similar market products. The material was examined by optical microscopy, XRD, SEM-EDS, and ICP MS. Magnetic separation was applied with and without predating gravity separation. By applying wet gravity beneficiation followed by a low-intensity magnetic field, an iron concentrate (40%–65% Fe) bearing 3%–5% Ti and 0.4%–0.59% V was obtained. Using only a low-intensity magnetic field, without gravity separation, an iron concentrate (59.4% Fe) containing 3.5% Ti and 0.44% V was obtained. Vanadium was extracted in the highly magnetic material, while a significant amount of Ti was left in the weak magnetic fraction. An additional 1.5% may be recovered by applying a high-intensity magnetic field. The main processing challenge appears to be the recovery, without flotation beneficiation, of magnetite that is oxidized to non-magnetic hematite and maghemite. Using magnetic separation (with or without preliminary wet gravity beneficiation) avoids pollution of the processing waste with reagents. Thus, the waste from the beneficiation of the studied type of ore can be used as a soil improver. As a result, the extraction of critical metals using a practically waste-free technology may be achieved. Full article

Palatability is a critical determinant of pet food performance, directly influencing voluntary intake, nutrient utilization, and therapeutic efficacy. In this systematic review, we examine peer-reviewed research publications, patent filings, and commercial product data pertaining to palatant technologies in dry and wet pet food from 2014 to 2024. Major palatant classes—including fats, proteins, yeast extracts, and novel plant-derived or insect-based hydrolysates—are evaluated for their physicochemical properties, flavor-release mechanisms, and stability during processing. We analyze formulation techniques such as microencapsulation, Maillard-reaction enhancement, and multilayer coating systems, focusing on their impact on aromatic compound retention and palatability consistency. Patent landscape assessment identifies over 15 key innovations in delivery systems, life-stage-specific palatant modulation, and dual-phase release architectures. Dual-phase release architectures are defined as systems that deliver active compounds in two sequential phases, such as immediate and sustained release. Sensory evaluation methodologies—ranging from multivariate preference mapping to descriptive analysis—are critically appraised to correlate human-panel metrics with canine and feline feeding behavior. We also discuss strategic integration of palatants at different processing stages (pre-conditioning, extrusion, and post-extrusion) and the challenges of balancing taste masking with nutritional requirements, particularly in formulations containing alternative proteins for sustainability. Despite rapid market growth in functional palatant-infused products, peer-reviewed literature remains relatively limited, suggesting opportunities for further research on species-specific flavor drivers, synbiotic flavor–nutrient interactions, and novel delivery platforms. This comprehensive overview of palatant science, patent innovations, and market evolution provides evidence-based guidance for researchers, formulators, and veterinarians seeking to optimize organoleptic properties and consumer acceptance of next-generation pet foods. Full article

As the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to increase, the need for effective and efficient driveline lubricants and dielectric coolants has become crucial. Commercially used mineral oils or synthetic ester-based coolants, despite performing satisfactorily, are not environmentally friendly. The fatty esters of vegetable oils, after overcoming their shortcomings (like poor oxidative stability, higher viscosity, and pour point) through chemical modification, have recently been used as potential dielectric coolants in transformers. The benefits of natural esters, including a higher flash point, breakdown voltage, dielectric character, thermal conductivity, and most importantly, readily biodegradable nature, have made them a suitable and sustainable substitute for traditional coolants in electric transformers. Based on their excellent performance in transformers, research on their application as dielectric immersion coolants in modern EVs has been emerging in recent years. This review primarily highlights the beneficial aspects of natural esters performing dual functions—cooling as well as lubricating, which is necessary for “wet” e-motors in EVs—through a comparative study with the commercially used mineral and synthetic coolants. The adoption of natural fatty esters of vegetable oils as an immersion cooling fluid is a significant sustainable step for the battery thermal management system (BTMS) of modern EVs considering environmental safety protocols. Continued research and development are necessary to overcome the ongoing challenges and optimize esters for widespread use in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle market. Full article

The cosmetics industry has been seeking to develop products with renewable natural ingredients to reduce the use of or even replace synthetic substances. Biosurfactants can help meet this demand. These natural compounds are renewable, biodegradable, and non-toxic or have low toxicity, offering minimal risk to humans and the environment, which has attracted the interest of an emerging consumer market and, consequently, the cosmetics industry. The aim of the present study was to produce a biosurfactant from the yeast Starmerella bombicola ATCC 22214 cultivated in a mineral medium containing 10% soybean oil and 5% glucose. The biosurfactant reduced the surface tension of water from 72.0 ± 0.1 mN/m to 33.0 ± 0.3 mN/m after eight days of fermentation. The yield was 53.35 ± 0.39 g/L and the critical micelle concentration was 1000 mg/L. The biosurfactant proved to be a good emulsifier of oils used in cosmetic formulations, with emulsification indices ranging from 45.90 ± 1.69% to 68.50 ± 1.10%. The hydrophilic–lipophilic balance index demonstrated the wetting capacity of the biosurfactant and its tendency to form oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions, with 50.0 ± 0.20% foaming capacity. The biosurfactant did not exhibit cytotoxicity in the MTT assay or irritant potential. Additionally, an antioxidant activity of 58.25 ± 0.32% was observed at a concentration of 40 mg/mL. The compound also exhibited antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic microorganisms. The characterisation of the biosurfactant using magnetic nuclear resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the biomolecule is a glycolipid with an anionic nature. The results demonstrate that biosurfactant produced in this work has potential as an active biotechnological ingredient for innovative, eco-friendly cosmetic formulations. Full article