Consumption Of Dairy Products Research Articles

Association between cheese consumption but not other dairy products and lower obesity risk in adults.

Some studies have associated dairy consumption with a lower risk of obesity. However, these studies are concentrated in developed countries with high dairy consumption. In developing countries, the evidence is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the consumption of different types of dairy products and obesity in Chilean adults. A cross-sectional study, stratified by sex and age, was carried out using a validated online survey to assess the consumption of dairy products among adults living in Chile. Dairy product consumption was then classified into tertiles. Obesity was determined based on self-reported body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association between dairy consumption and obesity, adjusting for several confounding variables. In total, 2008 participants were included in the analyses. Forty-seven percent, 39% and 14% belonged to the <35 years, 35-60 years, and ≥60-year groups, respectively. 55% were female, 86% had a low-medium socioeconomic level. Cow-derived cheese, milk, and yogurt were the most commonly consumed dairy products. Obese participants had a lower total consumption of dairy products (17.1%) than normal-weight subjects (25.7%, p<0.05). Higher cheese intake was significantly associated with a lower obesity risk (ORadj: 0.70; 95%CI 0.51-0.96, p<0.05). Other types of dairy products and total consumption of dairy products were not significantly associated. Habitual cheese consumption, but not other dairy products, was associated with a lower risk of obesity in this sample of Chilean adults.

Gut microbiomes and treatment-resistant ulcerative colitis: a case-control study using qPCR

BackgroundThe gut microbiome has been identified as a pivotal factor in ulcerative colitis (UC), given its role as the main reservoir of microbes in the body. This community of microorganisms, present in variable concentrations in the digestive tract, makes a wide range of beneficial roles for the host. However, the role of the gut microbiome in patients with refractory UC is still significant, so this study aimed to further investigate the role of these bacteria in patients with refractory UC.MethodsThis case-control study was conducted on stool samples from four distinct groups: the first group comprised new patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis (all of them had responded to treatment after follow-up) (N = 24); the second group consisted of patients with treatment-resistant ulcerative colitis (N = 23); the third group included first-degree relatives of group 1 patients (N = 24); and the fourth group consisted of first-degree relatives of group 2 patients (N = 23). The research tools employed in this study included a questionnaire, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) test, and culture on stool samples.ResultThe mean age of patients in groups 1 and 2 was 45.88 ± 18.51 and 41.30 ± 13.01 years, while the mean age of controls in groups 3 and 4 was 37.29 ± 9.62 and 40.96 ± 13.01 years, respectively. Stool culture results for pathogenic bacteria were negative in all four groups. The of history of consuming dairy products containing probiotics was highest in Group 1, with 22 (91.67%) subjects, while the lowest was observed in Group 3, with 16 (66.67%). The highest history of self-administered antibiotic use was observed in Group 2, with 13 cases (56.52%), while the lowest was noted in Group 3, with 4 cases (16.67%). The findings indicated a statistically significant relationship (P < 0.05) between Groups 2 and 4 with respect to the E. coli and Bifidobacterium ssp. microbial population. Additionally, a significant relationship was identified between the Lactobacillus ssp., Bifidobacterium ssp., and Bacteroides ssp. microbial community between groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings of this study demonstrated that several intestinal microbiomes have a substantial impact on the management of ulcerative colitis. The results of this study suggest that by comparing the gut microbiome of treatment-resistant and individuals newly diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, we can gain a better understanding of microbiome differences that may influence treatment outcomes. The results of this study may also lead to the identification of new therapeutic strategies that are based on regulating the gut microbiome. These strategies could include the use of fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT), probiotics, prebiotics, or specific bacteria-based therapies.

Persistence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Goat and Cow Milks Under Different Storage Conditions and Following Thermal Inactivation

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a neuroinvasive arbovirus that is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of Ixodes ricinus ticks. Consumption of unpasteurised milk and dairy products from infected ruminants can also cause infection in humans. In the majority of food-borne TBE (FB-TBE) cases, goat milk and/or cheese has been identified as the source of infection. The aim of the present study was to analyse the persistence of the infectious strain TBEV_Ain_2020 virus in spiked goat and cow raw milks under different storage conditions, and following pasteurisations performed at 63 °C/30 min or 72 °C/15 s. The total genome of TBEV was stable up to 48 h in goat and cow’s milks at 4 °C and 21 °C. In contrast, the viral titre was significantly lower in goat milk from T + 2 h post-contamination up to 17 h compared to culture cell medium and cow milk at 4 °C. At 21 °C, viral titres were lower than in DMEM in both milks up to T + 12 h. Thermal inactivations were effective in goat milk, but were not sufficient to eliminate all infective virus particles in cow milk. These unexpected findings highlighted that pasteurisation processes should be adapted to the species of origin of the milk and to the initial viral load to ensure food safety.

Assessing the association between dairy consumption and the 10-year Framingham Risk Score in women

PurposeCardiovascular diseases are a significant health concern for women in Iran, with previous research suggesting a potential link between dairy consumption and these diseases. This study aims to explore the relationship between the consumption of various dairy products and cardiovascular risk factors, as well as the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) among Iranian women. Various dairy products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and drinkable yoghurt (dough), were considered, with a focus on dairy fat content (low-fat vs. high fat).MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 371 women aged 18 to 50 years were recruited. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated and reliable food frequency questionnaire. FRS was then employed to estimate each participant's 10-year risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding variables, participants in the highest tertile of low-fat dairy consumption had significantly lower FRS compared to those in the lowest tertile (FRS: -0.26 ± 0.30 vs. 1.06 ± 0.29, P < 0.0001). Higher yogurt consumption was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of having high triglycerides (TAG) (OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.003–1.09, P = 0.02) and high LDL-C (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.01–3.2, P = 0.003). Participants in the highest tertile of cheese consumption had significantly lower odds of high fasting blood sugar (FBS) (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.07–1.62, P = 0.001) and high TAG (OR: 0.05, 95% CI: 0.003–1.09, P = 0.04). Additionally, consumption of drinkable yogurt (dough) and high-fat dairy products was inversely associated with LDL-C levels (OR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.01–3.2, P < 0.0001 and P = 0.02, respectively).ConclusionOur findings suggest that both high-fat and low-fat dairy consumption are associated with beneficial cardiovascular effects. Higher low-fat dairy, is associated with lower FRS, indicating a reduced 10-year cardiovascular disease risk among women. Additionally, yogurt and cheese consumption were linked to improved lipid profiles, including lower triglycerides and LDL-C levels, which are key contributors to cardiovascular risk. These findings highlight the potential cardioprotective role of dairy consumption, supporting the need for further research to better understand its long-term impact on cardiovascular health.

The Agribusiness of Dairy: An Analysis of Consumption Pattern of Dairy Products in Sokoto Metropolis

This study analysed the consumption pattern of dairy products in the Sokoto metropolis. The metropolis was grouped into four clusters, namely; Sokoto main, GRAs, Resident community and Peri-urban whereby 160, 100, 90 and 150 respondents were respectively selected randomly. Data were collected using a food frequency questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, T-test and Anova test were used to analyse the data. The results showed that 76% of the respondents were Hausas while 69% had a tertiary education and 66% earned above NGN50,000 per month. The analysis reveals that the annual per capita consumption level for the metropolis was 40.03 liters LME. Furthermore, all the socio-economic variables studied were highly significant in determining the per capita consumption levels of dairy products. Meanwhile, 88% of the households studied regularly consumed a dairy product. The products with the highest regular consumption were powdered milk and Nono. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that dairy product consumption, especially of the pre- packaged types in the Sokoto metropolis will continue to increase as the populace increasingly adopts a western lifestyle occasioned in part by an increase in education and income. Finally, considering that the per capita consumption level is lower than the recommended level, it is hereby recommended that a concerted effort should be put in place by the Government and the NGOs to enlighten the populace on the advantages of increased uptake of dairy products.

Determination of Elements by ICP-OES Method in Ice-Cream and Cream Samples: A Risk Assessment Study by Monte Carlo Simulation.

Since the consumption of dairy products, especially ice cream and cream, is very high in Iran and the world, either directly or indirectly, and no study has been conducted so far on measuring elements in different types of ice cream and cream, the aim of the present study was to investigate levels of 15 elements (Co, Mn, Fe, Cr, Se, Mg, P, Ca, Zn, Hg, Al, Ni, Cd, As, and Pb) by using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy) technique in the mentioned products along with a health risk assessment by Monte Carlo Simulation. Based on our findings, in all samples, the highest average level of toxic elements was related to Al (29.2 ± 23.9 µg/kg fw or fresh weight), and the lowest mean level of toxic elements was related to Hg (not found). Moreover, the highest average level of essential elements was related to P (8895 ± 4369 µg/kg fw) and the lowest mean level of essential elements was related to Se (0.610 ± 0.150 µg/kg fw). Also, the highest averages of toxic elements in cream was related to As (12.5 µg/kg fw) and in ice cream was related to Al (43.9 µg/kg fw), and the lowest averages were obtained for Hg (not found) in both products. Also, the highest and lowest averages of essential elements in cream were related to P (10641 µg/kg fw) and Se (not found), respectively, and in the ice cream were related to Ca (8135 µg/kg fw) and Se (0.630 µg/kg fw), respectively. In the end, the levels of elements in all ice cream and cream samples were below the standard level. The Monte Carlo method risk assessment reveals that the non-carcinogenic risks from consuming cream and ice cream pose no threat to children or adults (TTHQ < 1.00), but on the contrary, the outcomes of the carcinogenic risk assessment show the TILCR values for both groups exceed acceptable limits, that this indicating a potential risk threat from these products. The principal component analysis (PCA) results revealed the categorization of various toxic and essential elements in all samples. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that the consumption of these products is somewhat safe, but more monitoring is needed in the food cycle from farm to fork.

Evidence-based dietary recommendations for patients with psoriasis: A systematic review.

Evidence-based dietary recommendations for patients with psoriasis: A systematic review.

E039 Radiological features of brucellar spondylodiscitis

Abstract Background/Aims Osteoarticular involvement is the most common manifestation of focal brucellosis. Spinal involvement represents the most severe form. Our objective was to describe the radiological presentation of brucellar spondylodiscitis. Methods We retrospectively collected data from 12 patients diagnosed with brucellar spondylodiscitis in a rheumatology department over 7 years [2016-2023]. The diagnosis of brucellosis was established based on clinical findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, identification of Brucella species in blood cultures or disco-vertebral biopsy, and/or positive Wright serology. Results Among 80 Patients with spondylodiscitis, brucella was diagnosed in 12 cases (15%). There were 6 women and 6 men with a median age of 59,75±13,97 years. Six patients reported the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products. The mean duration of symptom evolution was 2.85 ± 1.65 months. Patients predominantly complained of inflammatory back pain (83%), fever (83%), and profuse night sweats (42%). The spondylodiscitis affected the lumbar, dorsal, and cervical regions in 2, 4, and 4 patients, respectively. Two patients had multifocal involvement: 1 in the cervico-lumbar region and 1 in the dorso-lumbar region. Shoulder involvement was seen in another patient. Wright’s test was positive in 10 patients. Plain radiographs revealed disc space narrowing (n = 9, 75%), vertebral endplate irregularities (n = 7, 58%), erosions (n = 5, 41%), and vertebral collapse (n = 3, 25%). Bone spurs were seen in 2 patients (17%). Computed tomography (CT) scans performed in 10 patients showed disc space narrowing in 80%, erosions of adjacent endplates in 40%, and paravertebral soft tissue abscesses in 40%. MRI performed in 10 cases revealed abnormal signal intensity of the disc and adjacent endplates in all patients, erosions in 3, intracanalicular abscess in 5, paravertebral abscess in 5, epidural collection in 5 and spinal cord compression in 4. Conclusion Brucellar spondylodiscitis represented 18% of infectious spondylodiscitis. The most affected regions in our series were cervical and dorsal regions contrasting with literature findings. The discretion of vertebral destruction and late constructive signs can provide clues for diagnosis. A comprehensive assessment of the complete clinical context, combined with laboratory findings, contributes significantly to establishing the diagnosis. Disclosure M. Dhifallah: None. M. Slouma: None. R. Battikh: None. I. Gharsallah: None.

Effect of Encapsulated Bacteria Limosilactobacillus reuteri on the Physicochemical, Microbial, and Sensory Characteristics of Yogurt Produced from Sheep’s Milk

Abstract Yogurt is one of the most widely consumed dairy products worldwide. It can be produced from different types of milk. Sheep milk produced yogurt by adding encapsulated and unencapsulated Limosilactobacillus reuteri and starter bacteria. It was divided into four groups: yogurt is produced from a yogurt starter (TC); yogurt is produced from the regular starter with 3% free Limosilactobacillus reuteri (unencapsulated) (Tf); and T1% and T3% are yogurt samples produced from the regular starter with 1% and 3% encapsulated Limosilactobacillus reuteri, respectively. During a 21-day refrigerated storage period, yogurt samples’ physicochemical, microbial, and sensory characteristics were assessed. The results on the first day of storage showed that the pH values ranged from 4.51 to 5.61, while the total acidity percentage was between 0.84% and 0.98%. The control group’s water-holding capacity (WHC) increased in the second treatment group (T3%). In contrast, whey excretion decreased in samples T1% and T3% compared with samples from the control group (TC) and Tf, after 21 days of storage. The percentage reduction in L. reuteri was 26.76%, 1.00%, and 0.98% for samples Tf, T1% and T3%, respectively. Adding encapsulated L. reuteri bacteria to yogurt improved the sensory properties compared with the control sample (TC) and the sample containing free bacteria (Tf). Adding encapsulated bacteria to yogurt enhances its physicochemical properties, the viability of bacteria, and sensory qualities. The encapsulation process also decreases the rate of reduction of bacteria used as a starter for producing yogurt.

Role of Influencers in Shaping the Consumption Behaviour of Dairy Products

Influencers are a significant factor in altering consumer purchasing patterns. They shape choices via product reviews, endorsements and daily consumption practices. Accordingly, dairy brands are use influencer to build trust. In addition, it resonates more with target groups than conventional advertising. Decisions when it comes to making a purchase largely depend on what the influencer thinks. Hence, they stimulate demand for dairy products through trends and consumption preferences. Moreover, digital platforms have extended influencer reach across ages. Influencers personally connect with followers through stories about their own lives and by demonstrating products and encourages purchase of dairy products with high frequency. In addition, engagement-driven social media algorithms reward high-engagement content so that products are more widely seen. Consumers see these messages frequently and adjust their purchasing decisions differently. However, influencers often play a role in the dairy industry, as they promote new and existing products. They highlight benefits and usage ideas that help shape day-to-day consumption behaviour. This has an effect on both short-term sales and long-term brand loyalty. Also, food and health influencers help shifted food trends. These trends significantly influence consumers’ perspectives on and consumption of dairy product. Study survey was conducted among 211 influencers of different platform to know Role of Influencers in Shaping the Consumption Behaviour of Dairy Products and found that Influencers consistently stimulate recurrent use through repetition and social validity, they reframe brand messages in terms of personal stories and use their marketing skills to inform, inspire, and create content that incorporates dairy into user journeys.

The impact of maternal employment on child nutritional diversity in Bangladesh: A causal forest analysis with clustered data

Understanding the impact of women’s employment on children’s nutrition is crucial for informing effective public health policies. This study examines the relationship between mothers’ employment status and the dietary diversity of their children, aged 6 months to 5 years, in Bangladesh. The Nutritional Variety Score (NVS) is used as a measure of dietary diversity, capturing the consumption of various food groups, including eggs, meat, bread, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, fish, beans, and dairy products. To explore this relationship, advanced statistical methods were employed, including causal forest models with cluster identifiers and mixed-effects multilevel logistic regression for propensity scores. The analysis utilized data from the 2022 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), a comprehensive dataset encompassing information on women’s employment, household characteristics, and children’s dietary intake. The models controlled for several confounding variables, including the number of children, partner’s education and employment status, type of residence, wealth index, and mother’s education level. The results reveal that children of employed mothers have a higher NVS than those of non-employed mothers, with an estimated average treatment effect (ATE) of 0.532 (95% CI: 0.365-0.699). This finding suggests that working mothers may have better access to resources or opportunities to provide a more diverse diet for their children. The statistically significant ATE confirms a positive causal relationship between women’s employment and children’s nutritional variety. This study contributes to the literature by offering robust evidence on how maternal employment affects child nutrition in Bangladesh. Journal of Statistical Research 2024, Vol. 58, No. 2, pp. 317-333

Effects of a cardioprotective nutritional program on apolipoproteins and lipids in secondary cardiovascular disease prevention.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Brazilian Cardioprotective Nutrition Program (BALANCE Program) on the plasma levels of various apolipoproteins (A-I, A-II, B, C-II, C-III, and E) and lipid biomarkers over a three-year follow-up period in individuals undergoing secondary cardiovascular prevention. This exploratory analysis included 276 patients aged 45 years or older with a history of cardiovascular disease within the preceding decade. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups and monitored over three years: the BALANCE Program group (intervention group; n = 123) and the control (conventional nutritional advice; n = 153). Assessments of clinical and lifestyle data, anthropometry, food intake, plasma apolipoproteins, and lipid profiles were conducted at baseline and at the 3-year follow-up. Intervention adherence was measured utilizing the BALANCE dietary index. By the end of the follow-up period, adherence was significantly higher in the intervention group (mean difference BALANCE-control [95% CI]: 2.09 points [-0.19; 4.37]), mainly due to increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and low-fat dairy products. There were no significant differences in plasma apolipoprotein levels between the groups throughout the study. Nevertheless, significant reductions were observed in the total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol levels in the BALANCE group compared to the control group (mean difference intervention-control [95% CI]: -9.95 mg/dL [-18.5; -1.39] and -8.86 mg/dL [-17.53; -0.2], respectively). Following three years of intervention, despite higher adherence to the BALANCE Program, there were no significant changes in plasma apolipoprotein concentrations or overall lipid biomarkers.

Physical Activity, Taste Preferences, Selected Socioeconomic Characteristics: Differentiators of Consumer Behavior Among Older Adults in the Dairy Market in Poland-A Pilot Study.

Dairy products contain many nutrients that are important for the human body, as they serve to maintain its physiological functions and protect against many diseases. Their consumption by older adults, however, raises certain doubts, including the risks of lactase deficiency, milk protein allergy, etc. Functional dairy products can help maintain or increase the consumption of dairy products among the elderly. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between older adults' habitual purchases of dairy products and their taste preferences and frequency of buying functional dairy products, physical activity, and selected socioeconomic characteristics. This study was conducted between July and October 2024, among 310 people aged 60 and over in Poland. The study collected data on the frequency of buying dairy products (the PF-DP scale), preferences (the P_DP scale), physical activity (the IPAQ questionnaire), and socio-demographic and economic characteristics. The PCA identified three patterns of buying behavior. The relationship between the identified buying behavior patterns and their determinants was verified using the Kruskal-Wallis test and Chi-square. It was found that high intensity of the "conventional dairy products and fats" pattern correlated with high taste preferences (Me = 8.0; p < 0.05), living with family regardless of whether with or without a partner (11.8% and 15.8%; p = 0.002), high physical activity (MET = 5975.5; p = 0.004), including movement (MET = 1803.0; p = 0.028), sports and recreational activities (MET = 1908.0, p = 0.017), and frequent purchases of different functional food groups. The financial situation described as "we have an average standard of living" was related to the high intensity of the "dairy fat" pattern (62.3%; p = 0.018) and its moderate intensity to the high activity associated with movement (MET = 1788.0; p = 0.004). More than half of the sample never purchased functional dairy products. A high intensity of the "conventional dairy products and fats" pattern was associated with more frequent purchases of functional products compared to other patterns. The higher physical activity of older people was accompanied by a higher intensity of the "conventional dairy products and fats" pattern and more frequent purchases of functional dairy products. An evaluation of the relationships between the determinants and buying behaviors of older people in the dairy market, especially their causal nature, requires further research.

Changes in Children's Adherence to Sustainable Healthy Diets During the Implementation of Chile's Food Labelling and Advertising Law: A Longitudinal Study (2016-2019).

Objectives: This longitudinal study measured changes in adherence to sustainable healthy diets in 698 Chilean children (aged 3-6 years at baseline) over the period that Chile's Food Labelling and Advertising Law was implemented. Methods: Dietary data were collected annually from 2016 to 2019 applying single multiple-pass 24 h dietary recalls to children's primary caretakers. The Planetary Health Diet Index for Children and Adolescents (PHDI-C) was used to quantify adherence to sustainable healthy diets where higher scores indicate better adherence. Linear mixed models were fitted to estimate the change in PHDI-C total and individual component scores from 2016 to 2019. Results: Mean total PHDI-C score decreased from 50.1 points in 2016 to 46.3 and 46.1 in 2018 and 2019, respectively (p-value < 0.001), suggesting that children's overall adherence to sustainable healthy diets was low and decreased over time. Intake of legumes, fruits, dark green vegetables, red and orange vegetables, and vegetable oils decreased, while intake of palm oil, red meats, and animal fats increased, resulting in small but significant declines in eight PHDI-C component scores. Whole cereal intake increased, while the consumption of dairy products and added sugars decreased, resulting in improvements in three PHDI-C component scores. Conclusions: Aside from the decrease in added sugar intake, all dietary changes observed in this study were consistent with trends described among children transitioning from pre-school age to school age. The Law might have contributed to reducing children's added sugar intake, but further research is required to establish causality.

Impact of Physical Activity and Dietary Habits on Mental Well-Being in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing worldwide, and mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and diabetes distress are common co-morbidities that negatively impact the quality of life, complications, and treatment outcomes of patients with DM. Objectives: In this study, we assessed the impact of dietary patterns and physical activity on the well-being of patients with DM. Methods: A cross-sectional design and data from the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) data collected in Hungary in 2019, and determination of the relationship between dietary habits and physical activity-related variables contained in the data and the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5 index) by suitable statistical methods. Results: Logistic regression showed higher odds of poor mental well-being in females (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.08-2.42) and lower odds with daily fruit intake (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.31-0.89). Infrequent white meat (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.35-8.22) and dairy intake (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.18-2.64) were associated with poorer well-being. Walking 4-7 days/week reduced the odds by 57% (OR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.23-0.83). Conclusions: The results demonstrate that regular exercise and the consumption of fruits, dairy products, and white meat have beneficial effects on the mental well-being of patients with DM.

Association between dairy products intake and frailty transitions in older adults: The InCHIANTI cohort study.

Association between dairy products intake and frailty transitions in older adults: The InCHIANTI cohort study.

Association of 15 common dietary factors with tinnitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

ObjectiveA systematic analysis was conducted to investigate the association between tinnitus incidence and daily dietary patterns.DesignWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.Data sourcesThe PubMed, Embase, Web of...

Modifiable risk factors associated with the risk of developing Parkinson's disease: a critical review.

The etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is complex and multifactorial, depending on interactions involving environmental/lifestyle and genetic factors. The genetic aspects of the disease are becoming well characterized, while the environmental factors still need further investigation. In the present narrative review, we have described the most concrete evidence of associations between environmental factors and the risk of developing PD. Physical activity, healthy dietary patterns, smoking, and caffeine intake are protective factors against PD. Head trauma, consumption of milk and dairy products, and pesticide exposure were associated with a higher risk of developing PD. The associations of alcohol consumption, living in rural areas, farming, and consumption of well water with PD are still controversial. Results of several studies strongly suggest that diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for the development of PD, as well as the pre-diabetic state. Lower serum levels of uric acid were associated with an increased risk of developing PD and with worse clinical features and faster progression of symptoms. The protective effects of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs use are controversial. Several other factors were potentially associated with the risk of developing PD: environmental pollutants such as organic solvents, exposure to sunlight, vitamin D deficiency, bullous pemphigoid, bipolar disorder, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, certain infections and agents, and essential tremor. Environmental factors are important risk markers for the development of PD. Understanding these risks and protective factors could lead to the implementation of risk-modifying actions for PD.

Extraction and Characterization of Biogenic Nano-Calcium Derived from Daysciaena albida and Otolithes ruber: Potential Applications.

In India, widespread dietary deficiency in calcium and vitamin D is a significant public health concern. Over the past five decades, evidence has shown a decline in dietary calcium intake in rural, tribal and urban populations. This persistent deficiency poses a serious risk to bone health and contributes to the development of rickets, osteoporosis and osteopenia, as well as potential disturbances in metabolic rates and physiological functions. A key factor in this decline appears to be the reduced consumption of calcium-rich dairy products. As a result, research is exploring alternative, highly bioavailable sources of calcium, such as those derived from fish bone waste. The potential of nano-calcium supplements to improve absorption and bone density compared to traditional supplements is an area of active investigation. Nano-calcium powder was synthesised from the bones of two commercial fish species, Daysciaena albida and Otolithes ruber, ethically sourced from the Kerala coast following relevant regulations. Alkali extraction method was used and the resulting nano-calcium powder was characterized by various physiological and chemical analyses. The yield percentage of two samples was different. Notably, both samples had different colour properties, proximate composition and results of scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The nano-calcium from D. albida also contains slightly more calcium and phosphorus than that from O. ruber. The nanoparticles of the calcium from D. albida (d=153.8 nm) were also smaller than the nanoparticles of the calcium from O. ruber (d=337.1 nm). Interestingly, further analyses using techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed significant similarity between the nano-calcium samples from D. albida and O. ruber, despite the initial differences in yield, composition and particle size. This result suggests that the choice of fish species significantly affects the yield, composition and properties of the synthesised nano-calcium powder with D. albida appearing to be a more favorable source, but both products can exhibit similar functionality and warrant further investigation. This is the first report on the extraction and characterization of biogenic nano-calcium from two commercial fish, Daysciaena albida and Otolithes ruber from the Malabar Coast, India. The extracted nano-calcium powders from these two fish are a good source of calcium and help overcome calcium-related disorders.

A Systematic Review on the Prevalence of Tick-Borne Encephalitis Virus in Milk and Milk Products in Europe.

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is one of the most significant zoonotic diseases in Europe. It primarily spreads through the bites of infected ticks and, less frequently, through consumption of raw milk and dairy products from viremic domestic ruminants. Assess the prevalence of TBEV or anti-TBEV antibodies in milk and milk products from domestic ruminants in Europe. Systematic literature review adhering to the JBI methodology, and reported following the PRISMA framework. From the 16 included scientific articles, we extracted 35 data collections (31 on raw milk and 4 on raw milk cheese); studies focused on cow (n = 15), goat (n = 11) and sheep milk (n = 5), goat (n = 3) and cow/goat cheese (n = 1). Fifteen data collections involved individual milk and 16 bulk milk samples. The estimated prevalence of TBEV in individual raw milk and cheese was 6% and 3%, respectively. TBEV prevalence in bulk milk was very heterogeneous, with most values either 0% or 100%. Although published research on TBEV transmission to humans through milk and dairy products in the EU countries is limited, our results highlight the potential infection risk for consumers. The variable prevalence reported in the studies may reflect the focal nature of TBEV. Studies on unpasteurised dairy products from domestic ruminants can be valuable for the detection of TBEV presence in a geographic area, even when human cases are not reported. Thanks to the ease of sample collection, their testing could be adopted in monitoring plans on TBEV.