This study evaluated the efficacy of optimized deep learning architectures using a portable fluorescence imaging device specifically for the in-situ detection of fecal contamination on chicken eggshells to enhance food safety. The research utilized a Contamination and Sanitization Inspection device to establish a comprehensive dataset of fluorescence images, leveraging the spectral characteristics of fecal matter which emits fluorescence in the 600 to 720 nm range. Based on this fluorescence image data set, the study developed high performance models to identify fecal residues across both brown and white eggshells. Experimental results demonstrated that the fluorescence signals of fecal contaminants remain highly stable under ambient lighting, with both the primary mode utilizing 405 nm excitation and the enhance mode utilizing 365 nm excitation achieving Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) values consistently exceeding 0.9200. These metrics confirm that the intrinsic high contrast of fluorescence imaging maintains structural integrity without the need for strict darkroom environments. Through the evaluation of nine distinct neural networks, it was found that the 365 nm excitation effectively suppressed background interference on brown eggs, allowing the lightweight MobileNet architecture to detect fecal contamination with an accuracy of 0.9000. For white eggshells, the 405 nm excitation coupled with the ViT Base 384 model yielded a peak accuracy of 0.9333 in identifying minute fecal traces. The reliability of the detection was further validated through Explainable AI frameworks which confirmed that the classification logic was consistently based on actual contaminated regions marked by fecal residues. These findings provide a robust methodology for leveraging handheld portable fluorescence technology to establish objective standards for detecting fecal contamination in the poultry industry.

ABSTRACT 1. Calcium (Ca) is essential for avian embryonic bone mineralisation, yet its metabolic dynamics during duck embryogenesis remain unclear. This study investigated Ca mobilisation in Muscovy duck embryos. 2. Eggshell (ES) and yolk samples were collected from embryonic day (ED) 16 to ED31 for analysis of ES physical properties (thickness, strength, mass ratio) and Ca levels. Serum, yolk sac membrane (YSM) and liver tissues were collected from ED16 to the day of hatch (DOH) to assess serum biochemical parameters and relative mRNA expression of genes associated with Ca transport (PLCG1, PRKCA, CALM1) and absorption (CALB1, ARNT, EP300). 3. Results showed ES quality and Ca levels decreased (p < 0.01) linearly with increasing incubation days. Yolk Ca levels decreased (p < 0.01) linearly and quadratically, reaching a minimum on ED25. Serum Ca levels and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity increased (p < 0.01) linearly and quadratically during ED16-DOH and achieved a plateau during ED28-DOH. Expression of Ca-related genes in YSM and liver increased quadratically (p < 0.01), peaking during ED25-28. 4. In conclusion, ES quality declined with reduced Ca levels during embryogenesis. Concurrently, yolk Ca levels, along with serum Ca and ALP levels, increased significantly during ED25-28, indicating peak embryonic Ca mobilisation during this period. Additionally, relative mRNA expression of Ca mobilisation-related genes in the YSM and liver exhibited a similar increasing trend. This suggested enhanced Ca mobilisation during this phase to support bone mineralisation and growth in duck embryos.

Of the many pollutants wildlife is exposed to, mercury ranks among the most toxic. In birds, mercury does not only accumulate within generations, but also is transferred across generations via maternal offloading in eggs, with higher mercury concentrations found in shells of unhatched eggs. The latter may be explained either by mercury reducing hatching success, or by reduced embryonic development limiting the mobilization of mercury from the shell by the embryo. Here, we distinguished between these pathways by experimentally exposing mated female Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) to a single sublethal dose of methylmercury, and randomly selecting their eggs to be incubated or not. A control group of unexposed females allowed us to test whether maternal mercury transfer affects embryo survival within the exposure range observed. We found markedly lower total mercury concentrations in the eggshells of incubated versus unincubated eggs. In addition, among incubated eggs, successful embryonic development was associated with lower total mercury concentrations. The eggs from mercury-exposed and control-treated females, however, did not differ in hatching success. As such, our findings provide evidence consistent with embryonic mobilization of mercury from the eggshell during development. This implies that elevated mercury in the shells of unhatched eggs should not, by default, be interpreted as evidence of mercury-related embryo mortality, and illustrates how assessing causality is crucial for understanding how pollution may put wildlife at risk.

Hyperuricemia, a chronic metabolic condition characterized by elevated serum uric acid levels, is a major risk factor for gout and has also been associated with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome. Although diet is widely recognized as an important modifiable factor in hyperuricemia, the associations between specific food groups and hyperuricemia remain incompletely understood. In this frequency-matched case-control analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2020, we included 886 individuals with hyperuricemia and 2171 matched controls. Dietary intake was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall data. Unconditional multivariable logistic regression models were applied to examine the associations between food group intake and hyperuricemia, and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by comparing the highest with the lowest intake quantiles. False discovery rate-adjusted P for trend values were additionally calculated to account for multiple comparisons. Higher intake of legumes, nuts, and seeds (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57–0.96), grain products (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62–0.96), whole-wheat bread, oats, and brown rice (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62–0.93), eggs (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.77–0.94), and milk products (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.51–0.79) were associated with lower odds of hyperuricemia. In contrast, higher intake of meat, poultry, and fish (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.12–1.33), fish and seafood (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01–1.23), sugars, sweets, and beverages (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.28–2.00), soft drinks (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.03–1.21), sugar-sweetened soft drinks (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03–1.23), and sugar-sweetened tea (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.11–3.12) were associated with higher odds of hyperuricemia. The overall directions of the observed associations were largely unchanged after false discovery rate adjustment, although fewer trend tests remained statistically significant. Several dietary factors were associated with hyperuricemia in this National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-based frequency-matched case-control analysis. These findings may help inform dietary strategies for the prevention and management of hyperuricemia. However, the observed associations should be interpreted cautiously, particularly in light of multiple-comparison adjustment, and further studies are warranted to confirm the findings and clarify their clinical implications.

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease frequently associated with allergic sensitization and elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. Food allergen sensitization is common in children with AD, but its relationship with disease severity and clinical relevance remains uncertain. Objective: To evaluate patterns of food allergen sensitization in children with AD and their association with total IgE levels, disease severity, and polysensitization. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study included 54 pediatric patients (≤18 years) with AD evaluated at the University Clinic of Dermatology. Disease severity was assessed using the SCORing AD (SCORAD) index. Allergy testing included skin prick testing (SPT) and in vitro specific IgE assays for common food allergens. Total serum IgE levels were measured in all participants. Polysensitization was defined as sensitization 3≤ allergens. Results: Food allergen sensitization was detected in 35.2% of patients by SPT and in 37.0% by in vitro IgE testing. Polysensitization occurred in 14.8% and 18.5% of patients, respectively. Egg allergens were the most frequently detected sensitizers. Total IgE levels showed a moderate positive correlation with SCORAD severity (Spearman ρ = 0.396, p = 0.003). Polysensitization patterns involving egg allergens were strongly associated with markedly elevated IgE levels (&gt;1000 kU/L), with the egg white–egg yolk combination showing the strongest association (OR 31.5, p=0.000196). Conclusion: Food allergen sensitization is common in pediatric AD, with egg allergens representing the dominant sensitization pattern. However, sensitization does not necessarily indicate clinically relevant food allergy, and allergy testing should guide targeted management while avoiding unnecessary restrictive diets.

Non-destructive detection of internal egg defects: Transmission imaging for blood spots and Vis-NIR spectroscopy for runny yolk.

Research note: A machine learning approach for authentication of laying hen housing systems based on egg quality parameters.

Enhancing the sustainability of fermentation processes increasingly involves the reuse of bio-residues to replace synthetic reagents and reduce environmental impact, as well as the increase process yield and optimization reducing cost of process. This study investigates the integration of eggshell as a low-cost, renewable alternative in the production of second-generation (2G) ethanol and xylitol from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysates. Eggshell naturally comprises of about 97% calcium carbonate in its composition, besides being readily available due to the extensive consumption of eggs in various sectors. Applications of eggshell were evaluated across multiple process stages, including pretreatment, detoxification, cell immobilization, and nutritional supplementation. Eggshell proved effective in supporting fermentation, particularly due to its high calcium carbonate content and natural alkalinity, which contribute to pH regulation and nutrient supply. Using immobilized cells in flask-scale fermentations, ethanol and xylitol production yields (YP/S) of 0.21 and 0.20 g/g, and productivities (QP) of 0.09 and 0.31 g/L·h, respectively were achieved. Furthermore, eggshell proved to be successful to decrease concentrations of inhibitors molecules present in hemicellulosic hydrolysate derived from sugarcane bagasse in more than 90% of 5-HMF and furfural, besides of partial removal of other compounds such as syringaldehyde and ferulic acid. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using eggshell powder as a multifunctional additive, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach to improve the overall performance of 2 G ethanol and xylitol bioproduction.

A replacement of the non-renewable type of peat with circular ones entails the resolution of the so-called nutrient-salinity conflict of pyrolyzed agro-wastes. This study aims to assess physicochemical profiles, toxicity mechanisms, and critical safety levels of biochars obtained from shrimp shells (SS), pineapple peels (PP), and eggshells (ES). Biochars were produced through slow pyrolysis at 500°C and characterized for macronutrients, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and elemental composition. Agronomic validation was conducted using three indicator crops (Capsicum annuum, Solanum lycopersicum, and Cucumis sativus) to determine safe substitution levels in peat-reduced substrates. Slow pyrolysis concentrated essential macronutrients (SS: 15.5% P₂O₅; PP: 15.2% K₂O) but also produced very high EC (39.5 and 31.9 dS m⁻1) and highly alkaline matrices (pH 10.0-12.0). Elemental profiling described a marine salinity complex in SS biochar with extreme salinity coupled with cadmium (4.35mgkg⁻1) exceeding international safety limits. Salinity-induced osmotic stress was the main physiological limitation on plant survival. A maximum substitution rate of 10% (v/v) was identified for high-salinity biochars (SS, PP). Although biomass remained lower than the peat control due to nitrogen dilution and residual osmotic stress, this level prevented plant mortality and moderated alkalinity through natural buffering capacity. Low-salinity ES biochar functioned as a calcitic buffer at 30% (v/v). These results provide practical safety thresholds for using agro-waste biochars in peat-reduced substrates, balancing nutrient supply, salinity stress, and buffering capacity for sustainable plant growth.

Preparation methods, inhibitory activity, and regulatory mechanisms of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides derived from eggs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of substituting soybean meal (SBM) with Moringa stenopetala leaf (MSL) on egg production and egg quality in hens from 21 to 41 wk of age. Diets were formulated to contain MSL at a rate of 0 (MSL0), 3 (MSL3), 8 (MSL8), and 13% (MSL13) by replacing SBM. Each of the four treatments was assigned to four replicate pens with ten hens each. Hen-housed egg production (HHEP), daily egg mass (DEM), and feed conversion ratio (FCR, g feed/g DEM) were computed. Egg quality traits were determined at 25, 29, 33, 37, and 41 wk. Replacement of SBM with MSL increased (P < 0.05) HHEP, DEM, and ADFI. The HHEP for MSL8 and MSL13 was higher (P < 0.05) than that of MSL0 and MSL3. The highest DEM was observed in MSL8 and MSL13 and differed (P < 0.05) from MSL3 and MSL0. A linear effect was found for HHEP, DEM, and ADFI (P < 0.001). A significant interaction of age by dietary level was detected for shell thickness and internal egg qualities. At 25, 33, and 41 wk, shell thicknesses of MSL3, MSL8, and MSL13 groups was higher (P < 0.05) than that of the control. Egg length, breadth and shell weight increased from wk 25 to 41 (P < 0.05). At 41 wk, albumen height and Haugh unit (HU) were higher (P < 0.05) in MSL3, MSL8, and MSL13 groups compared to MSL0. At 33 and 37 wk, yolk height was higher (P < 0.01) for MSL13 than others. Yolk index was greater (P < 0.01) for MSL13 than other groups at 33, 37, and 41 wks. The deepest yolk colour was observed in MSL13 group, followed by MSL8 and MSL3 across ages (P < 0.001). From wk 25 to 41, albumen height, HU, yolk height, and index decreased (P < 0.05). Yolk height, index, and colour linearly increased across substitution levels (P < 0.001). In conclusion, replacing SBM with MSL positively influenced egg production and quality, and MSL can be included in layer hen diets.

Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly recognized as emerging contaminants, yet field data remain scarce for tropical marine ecosystems and for seabird matrices beyond feathers. Here, we present a multi-matrix assessment of REEs across a tropical oceanic-coastal gradient in the South Atlantic, including, to our knowledge, the first measurements of REEs in seabird blood and eggs. We analyzed 311 samples including brown booby (Sula leucogaster) blood, feathers and eggs, fish muscle and liver, and crab muscle from a remote oceanic archipelago (SPSPA) and a nearshore coastal archipelago (Santana). ΣREE in seabird samples differed among matrices, with feathers generally showing higher median values than blood and eggs, underscoring matrix-specific integration of exposure. Spatial patterns were also matrix- and age-dependent: blood ΣREE showed no consistent site contrast, feather differences between sites were largely restricted to juveniles, and eggs showed higher ΣREE at Santana, indicating that maternal transfer provides a clear pathway for expressing site-specific exposure signals. In fishes, interspecific differences were detected at SPSPA in both liver and muscle, whereas no among-species difference was detected for muscle at Santana; liver often exceeded muscle, consistent with tissue-dependent accumulation. A screening-level dietary assessment indicated negligible carcinogenic risk from ΣREE exposure via edible fish muscle under adult and child scenarios, with intake distributions far below the provisional tolerable daily intake and zero exceedance probability. Overall, these results expand baseline REE knowledge for tropical marine food webs and highlight seabird eggs as a sensitive matrix for spatial comparisons.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying levels of piperine-containing diet on the production performance, external and internal egg quality, and sensory attributes of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs. A total of 120 quails (72.51 grams average weight) were distributed to 4 treatments with 3 replicates (10 quails per replicate) and were laid out in a completely randomized design. The treatments were as follows: Treatment 1 (T1) - 0 ml piperine extract/kg feed (basal diet), Treatment 2 (T2) - 0.25 ml piperine extract/kg feed, Treatment 3 (T3) - 0.50 ml piperine extract/kg feed, and Treatment 4 (T4) - 0.75 ml piperine extract/kg feed. Results revealed that there was no significant difference among treatments in the final weight, average daily gain, total feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio of quails. Incorporation of piperine in the diet of quails resulted in significantly higher egg production, egg mass, and egg weight. For egg quality traits, albumen weight and shell thickness were significantly influenced by the treatments. However, yolk weight, yolk height, albumen height, yolk color, Haugh unit, and eggshell weight were not significantly influenced by the treatments. Furthermore, aroma, taste, texture, and general acceptability of the eggs were not significantly influenced by piperine inclusion. Therefore, it is recommended that piperine be incorporated in the diet of Japanese quail at 0.25 ml piperine extract/kg feed as it is enough to promote higher egg production and egg weight without compromising the production performance, egg quality traits, and sensory properties of the eggs.

Conventional stabilisation with lime or cement enhances soil performance but entails significant environmental costs. This study explored three widely available waste materials, steel slag (SS), construction and demolition waste (CDW) and eggshells (ES) as non-conventional binders. These materials were selected for their comparable chemical or physical properties to those of conventional binders and for their abundance, low cost and their capacity to reduce the environmental impact of landfilling through effective reuse. Experimental results demonstrate that a 3% addition of ES increased unconfined compressive strength (UCS) to values exceeding 4000 kPa after 56 days of curing, outperforming the reference lime-stabilised sample (2000 kPa). Likewise, the corresponding secant modulus (Es) reached 254.9 MPa with ES, compared with 187.7 MPa for lime. For granular additions, 30% SS yielded UCS values above 1500 kPa, while 24% CDW achieved over 500 kPa. Microstructural analyses confirmed that hydration and pozzolanic reactions are responsible for the improvement. Overall, the stabilised samples exhibited a mechanical performance comparable to that of conventional binders, which would promote the reuse of substantial waste streams and contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. These findings indicate a viable pathway towards more sustainable ground improvement practices within the framework of a circular economy.

ABSTRACT 1. The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) gene expresses a highly conserved signalling molecule essential for cell-to-cell communication, which regulates key biological processes, such as embryonic development (as embryo days; ED) and organogenesis. Although feathering is a critical aspect of skin development in poultry, particularly in Chinese indigenous breeds such as the Jilin white goose, its molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. 2. In this study, 150 fertilised Jilin white goose eggs were analysed to investigate embryonic skin morphological changes. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was applied to determine the localisation of Shh protein, while qPCR and Western blotting were conducted to examine the temporal dynamics of mRNA and protein expression. 3. The results revealed that Shh mRNA expression increased initially and then declined between ED8 and ED13, with the highest level observed at ED12. In contrast, Shh protein expression demonstrated a biphasic rise with an intervening decline, peaking at ED9. 4. In vitro skin tissue culture experiments indicated that Shh may contribute to feather bud initiation and development by modulating the WNT signalling pathway. 5. This study elucidated the temporal and spatial expression patterns of Shh and its interaction with the WNT signalling pathway during early embryonic skin development in Jilin white geese.

Ostrich egg shell as an accurate retrospective dosimeter using electron paramagnetic resonance technique.

Egg quality during storage is a critical factor influencing consumer acceptance and food safety. However, the effects of storage methods on eggshell translucency and surface microbiota remain insufficiently understood. In this study, three common packaging methods, paper pulp trays (PPT), expanded polyethylene foam trays (EPE), and transparent plastic boxes (TPB), were evaluated to assess their impact on egg translucency, internal quality, and microbial communities. Egg quality traits were measured, and microstructural and elemental characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy and compositional analysis. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to characterize the eggshell surface microbiota. The packaging method significantly influenced translucency development, with EPE mitigating mottling better than PPT and TPB. Storage duration was the predominant driver of internal quality deterioration, particularly affecting the albumen height and Haugh units. Translucency was not associated with shell thickness or mineral content but was likely associated with moisture dynamics. Distinct microbial communities are shaped by different packaging materials. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying translucency and microbial ecology during egg storage. This highlights the practical implications of optimizing packaging strategies to maintain egg quality, extend the shelf life, and ensure microbial safety.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of an alternative system compared to a conventional system on performance, egg quality, bioclimatic parameters, behavior, and economic viability of commercial laying hens during the Amazonian summer. A total of 120 Hissex Brown hens were monitored for 90 days (from August to November). The alternative system showed a significantly higher egg production rate (83.57%) compared to the conventional system (80.33%) (p≤0.05), although it also recorded a higher feed conversion ratio (kg/kg) (p≤0.05). Albumen height, Haugh unit, and yolk color were superior in the alternative system, while egg weight and shell thickness were lower (p≤0.05). Bioclimatic indices indicated greater thermal stress in the conventional system during the afternoon (p≤0.05). Behavioral observations revealed greater expression of natural behaviors in the alternative system. Economically, feed cost was lower, and gross profit, profitability, and break-even point were more favorable in the alternative system (p≤0.05). It was concluded that the alternative system was more efficient in promoting animal welfare, supporting natural behavioral expression, and ensuring productive and economic returns.

This research focusses on the synthesis of biodiesel as an altenative fuel to replace diesel oil which can be produced from vegetable oil or animal fat as renewable dan sustainable fuel. This study was conducted to determine the effect of stirring time in the manufacture of biodiesel on the effectiveness of the CaO/SiO2 catalyst from egg shell waste dan rice husks in the transesterification process. The control variables in this study were raw materials taken from rice husk waste dan chicken egg shell waste, and the mole ratio of used cooking oil: methanol used was 9:1. The variation of stirring time used was 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes, 150 minutes with a stirring speed of 450 rpm at 65ºC. The results showed that the optimal time in this study was 150 minutes with a biodiesel yield of 63.64%.

Heat stress is a major constraint to global egg production, as rising temperatures increasingly challenge the physiological limits of commercial layer chickens. This review integrates current advances in stress physiology to demonstrate that heat stress is not merely a thermoregulatory problem but a multi-systemic disruption involving neuroendocrine overload, metabolic imbalance, oxidative damage, immune suppression, and gastrointestinal barrier breakdown. These interacting pathways collectively impair egg production, shell quality, feed efficiency, and hen welfare. The review also synthesizes emerging mitigation strategies across environmental control, nutritional interventions, genetic and breeding innovations, welfare-oriented housing systems, and precision monitoring technologies. Studies indicate that targeted cooling, antioxidant, and electrolyte supplementation, the selection of heat-tolerant strains, enriched environments, and sensor-based early-warning systems can significantly enhance egg-laying hen resilience. Remaining gaps include a limited understanding of multi-stressor interactions, microbiome-mediated thermal tolerance, and the large-scale implementation of precision tools. The review provides a forward-looking framework for improving heat resilience in modern layer systems.