Seroprevalence of IgG Antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus in the Population of the Region of Thessaly, Central Greece

Echinococcosis notification rate in Greece, based on the most recent data, is below 0.25 per 100,000 population. To further investigate the epidemiology of echinococcosis in Greece a study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of Echinococcus granulosus antibodies in the population of Thessaly, Central Greece. Five hundred and forty two left over blood samples in Thessaly laboratories, were collected using a stratified convenient sampling procedure. Samples were analyzed with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The seropositivity found was 1.1%(95% C.I., 0.5–2.5), with 5 out of 6 seropositive results to be in the age group of over 65 (OR = 17.95, 95%CI 2.04–157.11, p value 0.009). Rural residence was also found as a risk factor to seropositivity (RR = 7.60, 95% CI 0.89–64.64, p value 0.039). Surveillance data and our study results converge that echinococcosis is being reduced in Greece, with older population to be affected mostly. These might be due to the disease transmission restriction, by the control measures being implemented. Efforts should be continued, in both animals and humans side, by increasing training campaigns and public awareness

Comparative study on the aflatoxin M1 levels in goats and ewe's milk of organic and conventional origin, in the region of Larisa: correlation to public health

Modern consumers tend to prefer organic milk and dairy as they consider them healthier and safer for their health, in comparison to conventional. Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk and dairy has been recognized as a hazard to human health. AFM1 is the hydroxylated metabolite of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which is produced from Aflatoxin producing moulds affecting animal feed plants, under specific conditions. AFM1 has been classified as a possible carcinogen for human, with liver being the target-organ leading to hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of AFM1 contamination in goat’s and ewe’s milk in Greece, to identify any associated to the presence of AFM1 in milk risk factors and to compare safety levels in organic and conventional milk. Thirty-nine organic and 39 conventional farms participated in this field study and 243 samples were totally collected, during a lactation period (December 2010–July 2011). A standardized questionnaire and a sampling protocol were completed for all farms and samples, including information for the farming system. Samples were screened for AFM1 with ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and confirmed with HPLC-FLD (High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Fluorosence Detector). Results on AFM1 contamination were statistically analysed as to explore any associations with the questionnaire data for possible risk factors.Out of 234 samples analysed, in 191 (81.6%) samples AFM1 was not detected, while 4 (1.7%) were found above the EU maximum tolerable limit of 50ng kg-1. There was no conventional samples found over the maximum limit for AFM1 (0/117), while 4/117 (3.4%) organic samples exceeded 50ng kg-1 [no statistically significant difference (p-value=0.122)]. It was found more possible for organic farms to present AFM1 contamination in comparison to conventional [no statistically significant difference (RR 1.2, 95%CI 0.71-2.02, p-value=0.492)]. Among several potential risk factors investigated for AFM1 milk contamination, the use of warehouse for feed storage (OR 2.69, 95%CI 1.25-5.79), winter season (OR 2.58, 95%CI 1.07-6.24) and feeding field pea (OR 4.17, 95%CI 1.41-12.32) were identified as statistically significant.Organic milk samples were not found less contaminated with AFM1, but even higher contamination is possible, in comparison to conventional milk. As a result, the perception that consuming organic milk and dairy is safeguarding human health does not apply in relation to AFM1 levels. The complex of the associated risk factors in AFM1 contamination found, indicates that these should be associated when assessing AFM1 contamination risk in milk and that constant monitoring and increased awareness is needed in order to safeguard Public Health.Ο σύγχρονος καταναλωτής παρουσιάζει μια τάση προτίμησης στο βιολογικό γάλα και τα βιολογικά γαλακτοκομικά προϊόντα, με την πεποίθηση ότι είναι πιο υγιεινά και περισσότερο ασφαλή για την υγεία του, σε σύγκριση με τα συμβατικής προέλευσης. Στο γάλα και τα γαλακτοκομικά μπορεί να υπάρχει ως αναγνωρισμένος κίνδυνος για την υγεία του καταναλωτή η αφλατοξίνη M1 (AFM1). Πρόκειται για μεταβολίτη της Aφλατοξίνης Β1 (AFB1), που παράγεται από μύκητες οι οποίοι προσβάλλουν τα κτηνοτροφικά φυτά υπό συγκεκριμένες συνθήκες. Η AFM1 έχει αναγνωριστεί ως πιθανό καρκινογόνο για τον άνθρωπο, με όργανο-στόχο το ήπαρ. Σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν να αξιολογηθεί η παρουσία AFM1 σε αίγειο και πρόβειο γάλα στην Ελλάδα, να αναγνωριστούν οι πιθανοί εμπλεκόμενοι παράγοντες επικινδυνότητας και να συγκριθούν τα επίπεδα ασφάλειας σε γάλα βιολογικής και συμβατικής προέλευσης.39 βιολογικές και 39 συμβατικές εκτροφές αιγών και προβάτων στην περιοχή της Θεσσαλίας συμμετείχαν στην παρούσα μελέτη. Συλλέχθηκαν 243 δείγματα, κατά τη διάρκεια μιας γαλακτικής περιόδου. Για κάθε εκτροφή συμπληρώθηκε ένα προτυποποιημένο ερωτηματολόγιο χαρακτηριστικών εκτροφής και για κάθε δείγμα ένα πρωτόκολλο δειγματοληψίας. Τα δείγματα αναλύθηκαν με την ανοσοενζυμική μέθοδο ELISA για τον προσδιορισμό της AFM1 και τα αποτελέσματα επιβεβαιώθηκαν με υγρή χρωματογραφία υψηλής απόδοσης με ανιχνευτή φθορισμού. Τα αποτελέσματα αναλύθηκαν στατιστικά σε συνδυασμό με τα δεδομένα των ερωτηματολογίων και των πρωτοκόλλων δειγματοληψίας.Από τα 234 δείγματα που αναλύθηκαν, σε 191 (81,6%) δείγματα δεν ανιχνεύθηκε AFM1, ενώ σε 4 (1,7%) βρέθηκε ποσοστό AFM1 εκτός του ανώτατου ορίου. Δεν βρέθηκε κανένα συμβατικό δείγμα γάλακτος να υπερβαίνει το όριο (0/117), ενώ 4/117 (3.4%) βιολογικά δείγματα γάλακτος υπερέβαιναν τα 50ngkg-1 [χωρίς στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά (p-value=0,122)]. Βρέθηκε πιο πιθανό να υπάρχει AFM1 σε γάλα βιολογικής προέλευσης σε σύγκριση με το συμβατικό [χωρίς στατιστικά σημαντική διαφορά (RR 1,2, 95%CI 0,71-2,02, p-value=0,492)]. Μεταξύ των παραγόντων επικινδυνότητας που διερευνήθηκαν διαπιστώθηκε ότι οι αποθηκευτικές πρακτικές για τις ζωοτροφές (OR 2,69, 95%CI 1,25-5,79), ο χειμώνας (OR 2,58, 95%CI 1,07-6,24) και η χρήση κτηνοτροφικού μπιζελιού για τη διατροφή των ζώων (OR 4,17, 95%CI 1,41-12,32) ήταν στατιστικά σημαντικοί παράγοντες που επηρέασαν την παρουσία AFM1.Το βιολογικό γάλα δεν βρέθηκε λιγότερο μολυσμένα με AFM1, ενώ βρέθηκε να είναι πιθανό να εμφανίζει μεγαλύτερες ποσότητες σε σύγκριση με το συμβατικό. Κατά συνέπεια η πεποίθηση ότι η κατανάλωση βιολογικού γάλακτος προασπίζει την υγεία του καταναλωτή δεν προκύπτει να ισχύει για την AFM1. Οι παράγοντες επικινδυνότητας για την AFM1, καταδεικνύουν ότι θα πρέπει να λαμβάνονται υπόψη στην ανάλυση επικινδυνότητας για την παρουσία της και ότι απαιτείται διαρκής επιτήρηση και ευαισθητοποίηση, προκειμένου να διασφαλίζεται διαρκώς η Δημόσια Υγεία

Donkey Milk

This article describes the origins and main characteristics of donkey milk i.e., chemical composition, microbiological status as well as the processing methods employed (thermal vs non-thermal), including milk fermentation and innovative products. The functionality/bioactivity of raw milk, fermented milk and the effect of processing are also discussed. Finally clinical studies are presented giving an account on potential positive health benefits to consumers (i.e., infants/children) who suffer from bovine milk allergies

Donkey Milk

This article describes the origins and main characteristics of donkey milk i.e., chemical composition, microbiological status as well as the processing methods employed (thermal vs non-thermal), including milk fermentation and innovative products. The functionality/bioactivity of raw milk, fermented milk and the effect of processing are also discussed. Finally clinical studies are presented giving an account on potential positive health benefits to consumers (i.e., infants/children) who suffer from bovine milk allergies

Chemical, Microbiological, and Sensory Analysis Benefits Leading to Shelf-Life Extension of Minced Beef Meat Using Essential Oil of Oregano Contained in Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum Edible Coating

In the present study, the effect of oregano essential oil, which is contained in xanthan gum and guar gum edible coating, was investigated in regard to its ability to assist with the preservation and the extension of the shelf life of minced beef meat when stored at 4 °C. Minced beef meat samples were coated with a mixture of xanthan gum and guar gum containing oregano essential oil at various levels (1–3%). The coated samples were compared with the control sample (uncoated) for bacteriological (i.e., total viable count, coliforms, and Enterobacteriaceae), physicochemical (pH), and sensorial properties (color and odor) on specific storage days (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12). There was greater microbial growth noted in the uncoated minced beef meat in comparison to the coated ones. Odor, color, and overall acceptability were significantly improved in the coated samples (p < 0.05). The chemical, bacteriological, and sensory analyses that were performed, evidenced the benefits that edible coating with oregano essential oil may have on the shelf life and quality of minced beef meat

Preliminary Results on the Comparative Evaluation of Alkaline Phosphatase Commercial Tests Efficiency in Non-Cow Milk Pasteurization

The demand for non-cow milk and the products derived from it, is constantly increasing; thus, correct and effective pasteurization becomes necessary. Typical practices for evaluating milk pasteurization are mainly based on the thermal inactivation of an endogenous enzyme, alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The ALP tests, originally designed and applied to pasteurized cow milk, are often used to control pasteurization in non-cow milk, without sufficient data on their suitability; EFSA calls on the scientific world for collecting more information on the subject. In this study, the pertinent details of the ALP assay for non-cow milk products are summarized, and a comparison is performed regarding the evaluation of the adequacy of commercially available tests for the determination of ALP activity in non-cow milk. At the same time, raw and pasteurized non-cow milk was analyzed microbiologically using standard ISO methods and MALDI-TOF MS in order to confirm the thermal effect on common microorganisms. In these preliminary results, various ALP tests do not appear to be fully reliable as indicators for the pasteurization of some types of non-cow milk such as camel and donkey milk or even goat and sheep milk, using the EFSA proposed limits. ALP commercial kits may not be suitable as pasteurization indicators for various types on non-cow milk, and alternatives should be investigated

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Overweight and Obesity among Adolescents and Their Parents in Central Greece (FETA Project)

The increasing obesity trend in adolescence is a public health concern. The initial phase of Feeding Exercise Trial in Adolescents (FETA) aimed in investigating the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents and their parents and in identifying associated factors among parents’ and adolescents’ demographics, eating habits, and parental style. The sample consisted of 816 adolescents, aged 12–18 years old, and their parents from 17 middle and high schools in Larissa, central Greece. During school visits, anthropometric measurements were performed along with examination of blood pressure. The students completed the study tool that comprised of demographics and the modified versions of Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ), the Parent-Initiated Motivational Climate Questionnaire-2 (PIMCQ-2) and the Family Eating and Activity Habits Questionnaire (FEAHQ). Their parents completed a questionnaire with demographics, anthropometrics and FEAHQ. Normal Body Mass Index was found in 75.2% of the adolescents, 2.6% of the adolescents were underweight, 18% overweight and 4.2% obese. Regarding the parents, 76.3% of the fathers and 39.2% of the mothers were overweight or obese. The logistic regression analysis revealed that, overweight or obesity in adolescence was associated with gender (boy), maternal overweight or obesity, lower maternal educational level, eating without feeling hungry, eating in rooms other than kitchen and having a father that motivates by worrying about failing. A significant proportion of adolescents and their parents are overweight or obese. Future interventions should focus both on the parents and children, taking into account the role of parental authority style, in preventing adolescents’ obesity

Comparative Analysis of Fatty Acid Profile and Fat-Soluble Vitamin Content in Sheep and Goat Milk of Organic and Conventional Origin

Consumers tend to perceive organic foods as more nutritious and safer in comparison to conventional, due to the perception that organic food is eco- and animal-friendly. Since fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins in dairy produce are important nutrients, this study aims to assess possible differences in the amount of these components included in organic and conventional ewes and goat raw milk in Greece, while identifying the potential determining factors. A total of 48 samples were collected from organic and conventional sheep and goat farms in Greece (Thessaly) during the lactation period. A standardized questionnaire, including information about the farming system, and a sampling protocol were completed. Samples were studied for the fat-soluble vitamins (all-trans-retinol and α-tocopherol) and the fatty acids profile, while the outcomes were statistically analyzed to explore any associations with the questionnaire data for potential factors affecting the results. According to the obtained results there are slight differences in milk fatty acid content, which indicates that organic and conventional sheep and goat milk in Greece do not have any substantial differences in terms of feeding strategies. Regarding the content of fat-soluble vitamins, the organic milk is generally found to contain a higher amount than the conventional one

Comparative Analysis of Fatty Acid Profile and Fat-Soluble Vitamin Content in Sheep and Goat Milk of Organic and Conventional Origin

Consumers tend to perceive organic foods as more nutritious and safer in comparison to conventional, due to the perception that organic food is eco- and animal-friendly. Since fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins in dairy produce are important nutrients, this study aims to assess possible differences in the amount of these components included in organic and conventional ewes and goat raw milk in Greece, while identifying the potential determining factors. A total of 48 samples were collected from organic and conventional sheep and goat farms in Greece (Thessaly) during the lactation period. A standardized questionnaire, including information about the farming system, and a sampling protocol were completed. Samples were studied for the fat-soluble vitamins (all-trans-retinol and α-tocopherol) and the fatty acids profile, while the outcomes were statistically analyzed to explore any associations with the questionnaire data for potential factors affecting the results. According to the obtained results there are slight differences in milk fatty acid content, which indicates that organic and conventional sheep and goat milk in Greece do not have any substantial differences in terms of feeding strategies. Regarding the content of fat-soluble vitamins, the organic milk is generally found to contain a higher amount than the conventional one

Sample Descriptive Characteristics.

<p>Sample Descriptive Characteristics.</p