Common Food Research Articles

Food as migraine trigger

Migraine is a neurological disorder that is characterized by severe headaches and temporary motor and sensory disturbances. Migraine triggers are internal or external factors that can increase the likelihood of a migraine attack. Some individuals with migraine associate their attacks with the consumption of certain types of food, but no have been conducted in Iceland. The aim of the study was to estimate the proportion of individuals with migraine in Iceland who associate their symptoms with consuming certain types of food. An electronic questionnaire was submitted to two groups (≥18 years old), members of the Icelandic Facebook group 'Migreni' (n=395 and to patients being treated by a neurologist (n=108), with the question if they thought certain foods could trigger migraine attacks. A total of 503 opened the survey (19.6% in the Facebook group and 65% managed by a neurologist). Response options were never/rarely, sometimes, often, or always. Other questions included types of migraine, medication use and background. Out of 466 participants, 354 individuals (76%) claimed that food often or always triggered their migraine. The proportion was higher in the Facebook group than in the neurologist group (78% vs. 66%, p=0.007). Red wine and skipping meals (hunger) were the most common food-related triggers, reported as triggers often or always by >50%. Other common food triggers included white wine, liquorice, and smoked meat; they were reported as triggers by 20-50% of participants. Food seems to be a common migraine trigger, and the main food-related triggers were similar to those reported in other studies. However, previous studies have not shown liquorice as a common food trigger for migraines, and smoked meat was found to be a more common trigger than seen in other studies.

Development of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method for the rapid detection of Clostridium botulinum serotypes E and F.

Botulinum neurotoxin serotypes E and F (BoNT/E and BoNT/F) produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) found in a wide variety of foods cause poisoning in humans with high mortality rates. Mouse bioassays (MBAs), the gold standard method for BoNT detection, have a low detection limit; however, require experienced personnel and take a long time to obtain results. Therefore, it has been gradually replaced by nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) with primers targeting species-specific genes. In this study, for each serotype E and F, six LAMP primers were designed based on multiple sequence alignments of the conserved regions of the bont/E and bont/F genes collected from 180 serotype E strains and 23 serotype F strains published in NCBI. In silico PCR amplification with the outer primer pairs showed successful amplification of the target fragments. To validate the LAMP method, we constructed two synthetic plasmids containing the target sequences extended approximately 10-50bp to both ends. The specificity of the primers was further evaluated using six different Clostridium species and eight strains belonging to other common food poisoning-related bacterial species. Employing the synthetic plasmids, the optimal temperatures and limits of detection (LODs) were determined for bont/E (63°C, LOD ≤ 101 copies/reaction) and bont/F (65°C, LOD ≤ 102 copies/reaction) within 30min. In addition, the LAMP primer set for BoNT/F was redesigned with degenerate nucleotides that improved the coverage from 15 to 45%. For future directions, applications of the established method, especially with the degenerate primers, could be used as an alternative assay for the rapid and sensitive detection of C. botulinum.

Supporting respiratory epithelia and lowering inflammation to effectively treat common cold symptoms: A randomized controlled trial.

Common cold viruses are leading triggers of asthma attacks, causing nearly two million hospitalizations per year and productivity losses approaching $40B. They also increase susceptibility to bacterial infections driving antibiotic use. Post-market clinical studies have questioned the efficacy of most over the counter (OTC) cough and cold ingredients against placebo in treating various symptoms. To our knowledge, only aspirin significantly improved overall illness severity compared to placebo and that was by about 25-30%. In this double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial involving 157 participants, we sought to determine whether a throat spray containing a mucosal immune complex (MIC) (comprised of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and aloe) along with anti-inflammatory salicylates can increase the hereto reported efficacy of aspirin at reducing common cold symptoms. Previously published reports showed that the MIC can protect respiratory epithelia and lower inflammatory cytokines. Salicylates are naturally occurring plant compounds found in many common foods as well as wintergreen oil and are chemically similar precursors to aspirin (acetyl salicylate). Participants self-administered treatments (throat sprays every hour and tablets every four hours) and completed surveys at home over two days. Treatments included MIC spray mixed with 6 mg aspirin + placebo tablet (Treatment 1), MIC spray mixed with 6 mg wintergreen oil+ placebo tablet (Treatment 2), MIC spray mixed with 6mg wintergreen oil+ 325 mg aspirin tablet (Treatment 3). Participants included adult volunteers ages 21-66 (average 44), 54% female, 46% male, 46% African American, 8% Asian, 39% Caucasian, and 7% Hispanic, having common cold symptoms lasting less than two days. The main outcome measures included Sore Throat Pain Intensity (STPIS) 0-100 at 36 hours (primary endpoint) and Modified Jackson Score (MJS), a combination of eight cold symptoms (secondary endpoint). Both primary and secondary endpoints were met. Sore throat pain as measured by STPIS decreased 68-75% by 36 hours depending on treatment. Other symptoms such as nasal discharge, congestion, sneezing, cough, sore throat, and malaise as measured by MJS decreased 38-68% depending on treatment. In repeated measure within group analysis observing the same participants over multiple time points; the mean change of STPIS values and their percentage change from baseline to 36 hours were as follows: Placebo (-7.84 [95% CI -14.20 to -1.47];(-14%)), Treatment 1 (-42.41 [95% CI -48.30 to -36.52];(-75%)), Treatment 2 (-38.60 [95% CI -46.64 to -31.56];(-68%)), and Treatment 3 (-44.19 [95% CI -52.11 to -36.27];(-79%)). In repeated measure within group analysis all treatments significantly reduced cold symptom severity (MJS) from Days 1-2. Results were as follows: Treatment 1 (-2.26 [95% CI -3.04 to -1.47] (-38%)), Treatment 2 (-3.81 [95% CI -4.82 to -2.80];(-53%)), Treatment 3 (-4.49 [95% CI -5.62 to -3.57];(-69%)). As a result of this study, we conclude that supporting upper respiratory epithelia and reducing COX-mediated inflammation may be used to effectively treat common cold symptoms. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06106880 Posted 30/10/2023.

Resveratrol Alleviates Fumonisin B1-Induced Cytotoxicity in Sertoli Cells

Fumonisin B1 is a common food contaminant that has been found to adversely affect the reproductive system, especially Sertoli cells. However, the potential mitigation of FB1-induced cytotoxicity in Sertoli cells has not been fully elaborated. Resveratrol is a natural substance with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. Herein, the protective effects of resveratrol against FB1-induced cytotoxicity in Sertoli cells were examined in this work. The mouse Sertoli cell line (TM4) was used as a research model. These results indicated that FB1 (40 μM and 80 μM) significantly reduces cell viability, disrupts the cell barrier, and induces an inflammatory response in TM4 cells. To our surprise, resveratrol (15 μM) showed an ability to reverse adverse effects induced by FB1 (40 μM). Furthermore, resveratrol could alleviate the FB1-induced apoptosis, decrease ROS level, and promote the antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD2) expression in FB1-treated TM4 cells. The addition of resveratrol could mitigate FB1-induced promoted phosphorylation of JNK and upregulation of c-jun expression. Interestingly, resveratrol was also able to mitigate the cytotoxicity of FB2 (40 μM), FB3 (40 μM), and an FB1-FB2-FB3 (40 μM-40 μM-40 μM) combination group on TM4 cells. In summary, this research displayed that resveratrol may alleviate fumonisin B1-induced cytotoxicity in Sertoli cells via inhibiting oxidative stress-mediated JNK/c-jun signaling pathway-induced apoptosis. This study provides new insights into the prevention and treatment of FB1-induced testicular toxicity and highlights the potential application value of resveratrol.

Changes of volatile flavored compounds during lactic acid fermentation in cereal-based products

Changes of volatile flavored compounds during lactic acid fermentation in cereal-based products

The evolution of nutritional care in children with food allergies - With a focus on cow's milk allergy.

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) remains one of the most common and complex paediatric food allergies. In the last decade, our understanding has advanced in terms of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated CMA and focus is now also paid to non-IgE-mediated CMA, particularly in some Western countries where incidence rates are high. We have had significant progress in the last 10 years in relation to our understanding of existing supportive tests for IgE-mediated CMA, with the advancement of newer tests, such as the basophil activation test (BAT), which have shown great promise. However, little advancement has been made in terms of tests for non-IgE-mediated CMA, and controversy still exists around symptoms. Our understanding of the natural history of CMA has also advanced with more awareness of different phenotypes. While the mainstay of management remains cow's milk elimination, the importance of supporting breastfeeding and avoidance of unwarranted cow's milk elimination diets in breastfeeding mothers has been highlighted. For non-breastfed children, there has been some advancement in the formulas offered for the management of CMA, including the recognition of hydrolysed rice-based formulas and increased demand for nutritionally complete plant-based options, some of which are currently being assessed. The addition of pro, pre and synbiotics is considered safe to use, although research and guidance on routine use remain absent. Knowledge of tolerance induction from studies on the early introduction of peanuts has also highlighted the importance of a more active approach to managing CMA with the use of milk ladders, primarily in non-IgE-mediated CMA and baked milk (BM) introduction in IgE-mediated CMA. In addition, modulation of the microbiome and diet diversity during complementary feeding has been a major advancement in the last 10 years. While data on poor growth and feeding difficulties in children with CMA has not changed much, increased rates of obesity are now also reported. Finally, novel approaches, including oral immunotherapy, the use of milk ladders and earlier consideration of BM, have advanced somewhat in the last decade, although the risks and benefits of these novel approaches require further research. While CMA remains a complicated allergy to diagnose and manage, the evolution of science has advanced our knowledge and brought some novel innovations, which combined have enhanced our practice.

Promoting sustainable agri‐food production to achieve food and nutrition security: The role of soil conservation practices

AbstractWe examine the role of soil conservation practices (SCPs) in promoting sustainable agri‐food production to achieve food and nutrition security. To this end, we use the endogenous treatment regression model, as it allows us to address the selection bias associated with SCP adoption. Data sourced from the 2020 China Land Economic Survey, collected by Nanjing Agricultural University, China, are examined. First, we analyse the association between the adoption of SCPs and rice yield; we focus on rice as it is the most common staple food globally. Then, we examine the links between SCP adoption and dietary diversity and the consumption of seven specific foods (rice, potato, pork, poultry, egg, fruits and vegetable oil). This allows us to glean insights into how SCPs may affect the dietary patterns in rural communities. The findings show that adopting SCPs is associated with an 8.5% increase in rice yield. Rice yields increase with the intensification of SCP adoption. Disaggregated analysis suggests that low‐income farmers receive the most rice yield promotion by adopting SCPs compared with wealthier ones. Meanwhile, among the three SCPs (i.e. soil remediation, commercial organic fertiliser application and formulated fertilisation) considered in our study, only formulated fertilisation increases rice yields. Furthermore, adopting SCPs is associated with higher consumption of protein‐rich foods and lower dietary diversity.

Discrepancy between Mexican paediatricians and ESPGHAN experts regarding cow's milk allergy

AbstractObjectivesCow's milk allergy (CMA) is a common food allergy in infants. Guidelines and recommendations for the diagnosis and management of CMA are based on scientific review of the available evidence. However, real‐world situations may oblige clinicians to adapt a different attitude.MethodsThis paper evaluated the opinion of 42 Mexican paediatricians on the 73 statements presented in the recent position paper of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). Voting on the statements and their interpretation were identical for both groups (online and anonymous). Both groups were unaware of the other's outcome at the moment of the voting.ResultsWhile the ESPGHAN group accepted all 73 statements, the Mexican group rejected 19 statements. Two rejections were due to the mean and median being below the predefined and agreed‐upon cut‐off, and 17 were due to over 75% of participants disagreeing with the statements. The greatest discrepancy was observed regarding the role of vitamin D in preventing CMA.ConclusionWhile opinions on the prevalence, diagnosis and management of CMA were comparable between European paediatric gastroenterologists and Mexican general paediatricians for the majority of statements, significant differences were observed. It is essential to gather information from various regions and healthcare levels to enhance the impact of recommendations.

Associations between dairy and alcohol consumption and major depressive disorder in a mendelian randomization study.

This study explored the link between diet and major depressive disorder (MDD) to provide fresh insights for MDD prevention. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with common foods, such as meat, bread, cheese, fruits, cereals, vegetables, and four alcohol intake categories, were leveraged as instrumental variables. Accordingly, this study employed the inverse variance weighting (IVW) method to evaluate the genetically predicted associations of different food phenotypes with MDD risk. The sensitivity analysis involved MR‒Egger regression and Mendelian random polymorphism residuals, along with outlier tests, to assess instrumental variable pleiotropy. Additional analysis methods, such as MR‒Egger, the weighted median method, and the weighted model, were used to validate the robustness and reliability of the findings. The results of the univariable Mendelian randomization(UVMR) analysis using IVW indicated that genetically predicted consumption of cheese [OR = 0.841, 95% CI: 0.737-0.959, P = 0.0099], dried fruit [OR = 0.7922, 95% CI: 0.644-0.973, P = 0.0264], beer [OR = 1.284, 95% CI: 1.026-1.608, P = 0.0291], and spirits [OR = 3.837, 95% CI: 1.993-7.387, P = 0.0001] were significantly associated with the risk of developing major depressive disorder. Specifically, cheese and dried fruit intake exhibited a inverse correlation with MDD risk, whereas beer and spirits intake showed a positive correlation, with spirits showing a stronger positive correlation. Fourteen other foods, including meat, vegetables, fruits, red wine, and white wine, displayed no significant association with the occurrence of major depression through either type of alcohol intake. In the multivariable Mendelian randomization(MVMR) analysis, considering potential confounding factors such as insomnia, smoking, and the use of contraceptive pills, cheese was identified to have an independent causal relationship with MDD (OR: 0.754, 95% CI: 0.591-0.962, p = 0.0229). No independent causal relationships were identified between dried fruit, beer, or spirits and MDD. The reverse Mendelian randomization (rMR) analysis indicated that MDD did not have a significant effect on the intake of cheese, dried fruit, beer, or spirits, supporting the presence of a unidirectional causal relationship. Finally, the study examined the relationships between dietary characteristics, per capita alcohol intake, and depression incidence among residents of Shanghai, Peking, and Guangdong Provinces of Asian ethnicity in China. These findings align with the conclusions drawn from Mendelian randomization analysis, suggesting that maintaining a diverse diet, sensibly consuming cheese and dried fruit, and reducing beer and spirit intake may prevent MDD.

Clinical and Treatment Evaluation of Anaphylaxis in Children Aged 0-2 Years: Multicenter Study.

Diagnosing anaphylaxis in children within the first 2 years of life can be difficult due to the often confusing and nonspecific signs and symptoms. This study focuses on the phenotype of anaphylaxis in children within the first 2 years of life and aims to increase awareness of anaphylaxis in this age group. The study included children between 0 and 2 years who were diagnosed as having anaphylaxis by pediatric allergists in 11 tertiary hospitals. A total of 402 anaphylaxis episodes experienced by 360 patients (68.7% males) were included in the study. Food was the most common causative agent (n = 374, 93%), with the most common foods being cow's milk (n = 179, 44.6%). Drugs were the second most common trigger (n = 15, 3.7%). The most common clinical findings were cutaneous (95%) and respiratory (72%); nonspecific symptoms such as weakness (n = 63, 15.6%) and hoarseness (n = 14, 3.4%) were also reported. There was a biphasic course in 3 infants (0.8%). Only 3 of the 41 parents who had an adrenaline autoinjector used it during anaphylaxis. Infants experience anaphylaxis most often when they are at home with their mothers, and the most common triggers are foods, particularly cow's milk and egg. Greater awareness of anaphylaxis symptoms and autoinjector use among mothers can facilitate management. Infant anaphylaxis cases may present with different symptoms compared to classic presentations, potentially leading to diagnostic oversight. The study elucidates the clinical course of anaphylaxis in children under 2 years of age. It details the treatment strategies employed in managing these cases. Anaphylaxis triggers were identified over several years. Cases from 11 regions of Turkey were included, representing a population reflective of national data. The study highlights the distinctiveness of anaphylaxis cases in children within the first 2 years of life.

A global analysis of portion size recommendations in food-based dietary guidelines.

Since large food portion sizes (PS) lead to overconsumption, our objective was to review PS recommendations for commonly consumed food groups reported in Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) globally and to assess variation in PS across countries and regions. Consumer-oriented FBDGs from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) online repository were used to evaluate dietary recommendations, PS and number of portions for common food groups. Guidelines were classified for each group as qualitative, quantitative, or missing. A standardized approach was applied to convert PS recommendations given as household measures, cup equivalents, pieces and other measures into grams for cross comparison. Variation of recommended PS of common food groups within and across regions was examined. Among 96 FBDGs, variations were found both across and within regions. At a regional level, the highest median PS recommendations were seen in Europe for Meat, Fish and Pulses, in the Near East for Dairy products, and in Africa for most grain-based foods. Recommendations for Fruits and Vegetables showed the highest consistency across FBDGs worldwide, whereas guidance on Meat, fish & eggs and Cooked cereals/grains showed discrepancies in the classification of foods into categories, as well as in the number of portions per day. While some variation in PS recommendations across countries can be expected due to cultural and regional dietary practices, inconsistent definitions to refer to a portion and varied derivation methods may further produce discrepancies. Harmonizing development methods for FBDG could help establish more consistent reference portion sizes and therefore provide clearer guidance to consumers.

Linking Macronutrient Composition of Common Allergenic Foods to European and North American Food Allergy Prevalence.

Linking Macronutrient Composition of Common Allergenic Foods to European and North American Food Allergy Prevalence.

Harmonizing Dietary Exposure of Adult and Older Individuals: A Methodological Work of the Collaborative PROMED-COG Pooled Cohorts Study.

Objectives: The PROtein-enriched MEDiterranean diet to combat undernutrition and promote healthy neuroCOGnitive ageing in older adults (PROMED-COG) is a European project that investigates the role of nutritional status on neurocognitive ageing. This methodological paper describes the harmonization process of dietary data from four Italian observational studies (Pro.V.A., ILSA, BEST-FU, and NutBrain). Methods: Portion sizes and food frequency consumption within different food frequency questionnaires were retrospectively harmonized across the datasets on daily food frequency, initially analyzing raw data using the original codebook and establishing a uniform food categorization system. Individual foods were then aggregated into 27 common food groups. Results: The pooled cohort consisted of 9326 individuals (40-101 years, 52.4% female). BEST-FU recruited younger participants who were more often smokers and less physically active than those of the other studies. Dietary instruments varied across the studies differing in the number of items and time intervals assessed, but all collected dietary intake through face-to-face interviews with a common subset of items. The average daily intakes of the 27 food groups across studies varied, with BEST-FU participants generally consuming more fruits, vegetables, red meat, and fish than the other studies. Conclusions: Harmonization of dietary data presents challenges but allows for the integration of information from diverse studies, leading to a more robust and statistically powerful dataset. The study highlights the feasibility and benefits of data harmonization, despite inherent limitations, and sets the stage for future research into the effects of diet on cognitive health and aging.

The Influence of Radiofrequency Heating on the Quality and Shelf of Life of Pepper

Pepper is one of the common vegetable food items that constitute most African dishes with beneficial health properties. This study investigates the influence of radiofrequency (RF) heating on the quality and shelf life of pepper. Utilising the measured dielectric properties of pepper, the research evaluates how microwave exposure at varying frequencies affects pepper's nutritional content and preservation duration. Fresh samples of pepper were subjected to radio waves ranging from 5 MHz to 25 MHz, and their dielectric properties, proximate composition, and shelf life were analysed. The dielectric properties were measured using a parallel plate capacitance method, revealing significant variations in conductivity, dielectric constant, and loss factor across different frequencies. Results demonstrated that RF treatment effectively extended the shelf life of pepper, with the highest frequency (25 MHz) achieving a shelf life of 36 days, compared to 20 days for the control. Moreover, the study observed minimal changes in the proximate composition of pepper, ensuring the retention of its nutritional quality. This research provides valuable insights into the use of RF heating as a viable technique for extending the shelf life of pepper while maintaining its nutritional integrity.

Safety of Oral Food Challenges for Individuals with Low Levels of Cow's Milk-Specific Immunoglobulin E Antibodies.

Cow's milk (CM) is one of the most common food allergens in Japan. The oral food challenge (OFC) of CM is important for the definite diagnosis of children with CM allergy and it is recommended to be actively and safely performed in individuals with low CM-sIgE levels. This study aimed to investigate the safety of low-dose CM-OFC in individuals with low CM-sIgE levels and discuss the prognostic factors and appropriate approaches for assessing the starting doses of CM-OFC in these individuals. We retrospectively analyzed 6,929 OFC tests conducted between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2021; of which, 1,390 were CM-OFC tests. The characteristics, OFC-positive rates, CM loading, and related factors were analyzed in 138 cases involving low CM-sIgE levels. Stepwise OFC tests were conducted according to the FA guidelines in Japan using an open and unblinded method. Among 138 individuals with low CM-sIgE levels, 110 (79.7%) passed the OFC test without any symptoms. Among the cases with OFC-positive status, 50.0% (14/28) cases showed symptoms with low-dose OFC (30-105 mg CM protein). Moreover, complete CM elimination was associated with a significantly high OFC-positive rate, and 60.0% (12/20) of the cases involving complete CM elimination showed symptoms with low-dose OFC. Eighty percent of the patients with low CM-sIgE levels safely completed the OFC test. Nevertheless, careful observation is essential during low-dose OFC test in cases with low CM-sIgE levels, especially in the cases with complete elimination. The starting dose of the OFC test should be re-evaluated and modified using baked milk or a lower dose of CM to ensure safety and early outgrowth of CM allergy.

Food Allergy Test-Guided Dietary Advice for Children With Atopic Dermatitis: A Consensus Study.

The use of blood specific IgE or skin prick tests (SPT) to guide dietary exclusions for disease control in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) is controversial. We undertook a consensus exercise on how to interpret SPT results and dietary history for cow's milk, hen's egg, wheat, and soy in children < 2 years old with AD. Fourteen clinicians from general practice, pediatrics, pediatric dermatology, pediatric allergy, and pediatric dietetics from UK and Ireland took part in an online modified Delphi study. Over three rounds, participants gave their anonymous opinions and received individualized and group feedback, based on the premise that all children had SPTs. The findings were discussed in an online workshop. Of 18 symptoms, 12 were identified as relevant to immediate and 7 to delayed allergy. Regarding SPTs, there was consensus over which allergens to use for wheat and soy but not cow's milk or hen's egg; for all study foods, wheal size was determined as 0-1 mm negative, ≥ 5 mm sensitized, but between 2 and 4 mm, categorization varied by food. During the final workshop, consensus was reached on dietary advice for nine combinations of SPT results and dietary history. We attained consensus on how SPTs and dietary history for four common food allergens should be interpreted in young children under 2 years of age with AD. These pragmatic recommendations may support clinician education, consistency of decision-making, and future research.

Exploring Edible Insects: From Sustainable Nutrition to Pasta and Noodle Applications-A Critical Review.

Edible insects provide an alternative source of high-quality proteins, essential lipids, minerals, and vitamins. However, they lack the acceptability and consumption rates of more common staple foods. In contrast, pasta and noodles are globally appreciated foods that are consumed across various cultures. These products contribute greatly to the population's energy intake but generally lack essential nutrients. Recently, edible insects have gained in popularity due to their numerous benefits, both environmental and nutritional. Current research indicates that incorporating edible insect ingredients into pasta and noodle formulations enhances their nutritional quality by increasing protein and fiber content and reducing carbohydrates. However, adding new ingredients to enrich common foods often carries technological and sensory challenges, such as changes in processing parameters, texture, flavor, and appearance. Technology assessment, scientific research, information campaigns, and public policies can help overcome these issues. This review aims to summarize the benefits of entomophagy (the consumption of insects as food) for sustainability, nutrition, and health; highlight the potential of pasta and noodles as carriers of nutritious and bioactive ingredients, including insects; and critically address the advancements in insect-enriched pasta and noodle technology, identifying current challenges, knowledge gaps, and opportunities.

Clinical diagnosis and management of wheat and buckwheat allergy: application and prospects of allergen component diagnostics

Wheat and buckwheat allergies are common food allergies that significantly impact patients' quality of life and health. Wheat allergy encompasses various forms, including wheat food allergy, exercise-induced allergic reactions (WDEIA), baker's occupational asthma/allergy, and contact urticaria. IgE-mediated allergic reactions involve sensitization to stable wheat allergens such as ω-5 gliadin and gluten. Although buckwheat allergy is less common, it is gaining attention in certain regions. Allergen component diagnostic technologies, by detecting specific allergen components [e.g., ω-5 gliadin, gliadins (α, β, γ), and Tri a 14], offer precise allergen source identification, aiding in the optimization of diagnosis and management processes. Oral challenge tests are considered the gold standard for diagnosing wheat allergy, and combining skin prick tests with specific IgE measurements can enhance diagnostic accuracy. While avoidance of allergens remains the primary management strategy, research into immunotherapy is ongoing. Future research should focus on a deeper understanding of the structural and immunological characteristics of wheat and buckwheat allergens to develop more accurate diagnostic tools and treatment methods, thereby improving allergy management and patient quality of life. This article provides a detailed interpretation of the Molecular Allergology User's Guide 2.0 (MAUG 2.0) published by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) and recent research advances on wheat and buckwheat allergies, highlighting the crucial role of allergen component diagnostics in optimizing food allergy diagnosis and treatment processes, supporting clinicians in accurately identifying common allergens and their cross-reactivity, and formulating more personalized treatment plans for patients.

Environmental pH and compound structure affect the activity of short-chain carboxylic acids against planktonic growth, biofilm formation, and eradication of the food pathogen Salmonella enterica.

Short-chain carboxylic acids (SCCAs) that are naturally produced by microbial fermentation play an essential role in delaying microbial spoilage. SCCAs are structurally diverse, but only a few of them are routinely used in food biopreservation. This study investigated the effects of environmental pH and intrinsic properties of 21 structurally different SCCAs on the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against Salmonella enterica. Inhibition of SCCA toward planktonic and biofilm growth of S. enterica was higher in an acidic environment (pH 4.5) that is common in fermented products, and for SCCA that possessed both a high acid dissociation strength (pKa) (>4.0) and a positive hydrophobicity [octanol/water partition coefficient (log Kow)]. Crotonic and caproic acids were identified as SCCAs with potential as biopreservatives even at near-neutral pH. SCCA with hydrophilic groups such as lactic acid did not inhibit S. enterica at concentrations up to 50 mM, while SCCA with benzene or methyl groups or a double bond prevented S. enterica growth and biofilm formation. Stimulation of biofilm formation was observed for formic, acetic, and propionic acid close to the minimum inhibitory concentration to reduce 50% of cell density (MIC50) of planktonic cells, and for citric and isocitric acid with an MIC50 of ≥50 mM. The presence of low concentrations of formic and propionic acids during biofilm formation conferred protection during eradication possibly due to a pre-adaptation effect, yet two consecutive acid treatments were successful in eradicating biofilms if the first acid treatment was two- to threefold of the MIC50.IMPORTANCEThis study provides a systematic comparison on the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of more than 20 structurally different SCCAs against a common food pathogen. We tested the antimicrobial activity at controlled pH and identified the structure-dependent antimicrobial effects of SCCA without the confounding influence of acidification. The combined effect of pKa and log Kow was identified as an important feature that should be considered when deciding for a specific SCCA in the application as antimicrobial. Our results imply that additional phenomena such as the use of SCCA as substrate and cellular pre-adaption effects have to be taken into consideration. We finally present a two-step treatment as an efficient approach to eradicate biofilms, which can be applied for the disinfection of contact surfaces and manufacturing equipment. Results obtained here can serve as guidelines for application of SCCA to avoid the growth of food pathogens and/or to develop biopreserved food systems.

Anaphylactic Reaction With The Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine In A Patient With Cow's Milk Allergy

The most common food allergy in children worldwide is cow's milk allergy. The most known allergens from cow's milk proteins are casein, alpha-lactalbumin, and beta-lactoglobulin. Lactalbumin hydrolysate is used as a stabilizer in the measles mumps rubella (MMR) vaccine originating in India. Different commercial forms of the MMR vaccine are available. While neomycin stabilizes, lactalbumin hydrolysate is used in the other form. We present a patient who was followed up for cow's milk allergy and developed anaphylaxis after the MMR vaccine originating from India. A 4-year-old girl with a history of anaphylaxis with cow's milk whose vaccinations were applied by the routine vaccination schedule in the family health center. Sneezing and urticaria started 1 minute after immunization. The patient presented to the emergency department (within 10 minutes after vaccination) with severe respiratory distress and intercostal retractions. The patient was administered three doses of intramuscular adrenaline, 5 minutes apart, intravenous pheniramine and methylprednisolone, and a nebulizer short-acting beta agonist. Symptoms regressed approximately 40 minutes after hospitalization. In our patient with a history of cow's milk anaphylaxis and lactalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E value of 61.3 kU/L, anaphylactic reaction with MMR vaccine seems to be related to the lactalbumin contained in the vaccine. Families and physicians should be meticulous about reading labels in the follow-up of patients with known food allergies.