Research Publications (Food Safety)

BackgroundFowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) is the main pathogen of hepatitis-hydropericardium syndrome (HHS), which brings huge economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. Fiber-1 protein plays an important role in viral infection and pathogenesis by binding directly to cellular receptors of FAdV-4.

Liver health is vital for growth and health of ruminants, which can directly affect their performance. High-concentrate diet (HCD) feeding, a common practice to meet the energy requirements for animal production and growth, has been known to induce liver damage, including nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in ruminants. To date, the regulatory mechanisms of liver metabolic dysfunctions in ruminants induced by HCD are not well defined.

IntroductionHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a pressing global issue, with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remaining the primary. Emodin, an anthraquinone compound extracted from the natural plant’s.

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the developed world and a major contributor to gastroenteritis globally. Its low infectious dose and environmental persistence necessitate effective disinfection protocols. Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) bleach is a widely used disinfectant for controlling HuNoV transmission via contaminated fomites.

RNA splicing is an essential post-transcriptional mechanism that facilitates the excision of introns and the connection of exons to produce mature mRNA, which is essential for gene expression and proteomic diversity. In the liver, precise splicing regulation is critical for maintaining metabolic balance, detoxification, and protein synthesis.

by Isabelle Reichert, Ji-Young Lee, Laura Weber, Marceline M. Fuh, Lina Schlaeger, Stefanie Rößler, Volker Kinast, Sarah Schlienkamp, Janina Conradi, Florian W. R. Vondran, Stephanie Pfaender, Pietro Scaturro, Eike Steinmann, Ralf Bartenschlager, Thomas Pietschmann, Joerg Heeren, Chris Lauber, Gabrielle Vieyres

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is currently recognized as an emerging problem and a growing concern for public health in developed countries, with HEV infections mainly attributable to foodborne transmission of HEV-3. The zoonotic HEV genotype 3 infects a wide range of mammalian hosts, with swine considered as the primary host. This study investigates the occurrence of HEV among small ruminants in Portugal.

by Jonathan J. Woolley, Jesse Fishman, Christina M. Parrinello, Tom O’Connell

Background

NASH is considered a contributor to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk; however, its contribution beyond traditional risk factors for CVD, particularly diabetes, is less clearly understood. This study aimed to quantify the cardiovascular-event risk associated with NASH, independent of diabetes status.

Methods

The zebrafish larvae/embryo model has been shown to support the replication of seven strains (G1.7[P7], GII.2[P16], GII.3[P16], GII.4[P4], GII.4[P16], GII.6[P7], and GII.17[P13]) of human norovirus (HuNoV). However, due to challenges in consistently obtaining HuNoV-positive stool samples from clinical sources, evaluating HuNoV surrogates in this model is highly valuable. This study assesses the potential of zebrafish embryos and larvae as a model for Tulane virus (TuV) replication.

by Namsoo Kim, Sinyoung Kim, Jong Rak Choi, Younhee Park

Background/aims

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is characterized by the presence of auto-antibodies and high blood immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels. In this study, the line immunoassay (LIA) was designed to assess various autoantibodies.

Methods

With its historical roots, Iranian traditional medicine has played a significant role in addressing liver‐related disorders and providing alternative approaches to synthetic drugs. Liver‐related disorders, such as hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, pose significant health challenges worldwide. From traditional practices and indigenous knowledge, Iranian traditional medicine offers a holistic approach to liver health.

by Fernanda Torres Quitete, Ananda Vitória Silva Teixeira, Thamara Cherem Peixoto, Bruna Cadete Martins, Geórgia Correa Atella, Angela de Castro Resende, Daniela de Barros Mucci, Fabiane Martins, Julio Beltrame Daleprane

Throughout history, medicinal plants have been used to treat different ailments. About 70 to 80% of the world population rely on medicinal plants for healthcare and some use it for income generation. The annual sale of medicinal plants increases over time. In plants, Berberis vulgaris f.

BackgroundAbout 20% of on-treatment patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) experienced low-level viraemia (LLV), which is associated with persistent low-grade inflammation, fibrosis progression, and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Abstract Concerns about food safety have consistently driven the exploration of potent antimicrobials with probiotic origins. Identification of probiotic‐derived bacteriocins as robust alternatives to antibiotics has gained traction following the COVID‐19 pandemic. Additionally, the global market is witnessing an increasing preference for minimally processed food products free from chemical additives.

by Tadesse Atanaw, Getu Girmay, Aragaw Zemene, Muluneh Assefa, Tewodros Eshetie, Gezahegn Bewket, Fikadu Alemiye, Debaka Belete, Nega Birhane

Background

Acute Infectious Diarrhea (AID) and the short- and long-term complications associated with it are major causes of hospitalization worldwide. In Italy, due to a lack of robust surveillance programs, only limited data has been collected on their prevalence and circulation. This study aims to evaluate the resistance pattern of enteric pathogens and their epidemiological trends over a six-year period.

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) can cause congenital tremor type A-II in neonatal piglets, posing a significant threat to swine herd health globally. Our previous study demonstrated that the Mut domains, comprising 112 amino acids at the N-terminus, are the primary functional regions of the E2 protein of APPV. This study identified 14 host cellular proteins that exhibit potential interactions with the Mut domains of the E2 protein using yeast two-hybrid screening.

Background Hepatitis A (HepA) vaccines are recommended for US adults at risk of HepA. Ongoing United States (US) HepA outbreaks since 2016 have primarily spread person-to-person, especially among at-risk groups. We investigated the health outcomes, economic burden, and outbreak management considerations associated with HepA outbreaks from 2016 onwards.

Background Advancements in access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care have led to a decline in AIDS-related deaths among people with HIV (PWH) in Switzerland. However, data on the ongoing changes in causes of death among PWH over the past 15 years are scarce. Methods We investigated all reported deaths in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study between 2005 and 2022.