ABSTRACT
In 2019, SARS-CoV-2 was identified as the cause of an easily transmissible disease that was declared as a world pandemic. Foodborne transmission was never reported. However, early studies suggested that food could be involved in SARS-CoV-2 entry in the human gastrointestinal tract leading to possible infection, and highlighting the importance of further studies to inspect possible issues linked to food consumption. In this perspective, this work aimed at monitoring SARS-CoV-2 presence in some food and mains water samples in Northern Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022). A total of 1806 foods, 112 mains water samples, and 580 swabs on meat and dairy product surfaces were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection by Real-time PCR. All the analyzed samples were negative to viral RNA detection with the exception of one vegetable sample. Even if data on foodborne coronavirus transmission suggested a limited importance of this pathway, the impact of the current pandemic in Northern Italy deserved a rigorous investigation to rule out such possibility. Indeed, gaining insight on all SARS-CoV-2 possible transmission pathways, including the foodborne route, seemed of interest to maintain consumers' confidence and trust in food safety, and for the effective management of the current, and future, possible pandemics.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to analyze the effects of nutrition education on anemia and upper arm circumference in pregnant women. It was a cluster-randomized control study involving 110 pregnant women. The nutrition education interventions, was a combination of offline and online sessions, conducted by trained Nutrition education staffs with a 1:5 ratio to pregnant women. Twelve education sessions were conducted for three months utilizing a nutrition booklet for pregnant women, food monitoring cards, and flyers shared on a social media WhatsApp group. The socio-demographic data were obtained through an interview method. The nutritional status collected, by measuring Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), and anemia was determined through a diagnosis by the family doctor. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test and the paired and independent t-tests, the confidence interval was set at 95%. Hemoglobin levels in the intervention group experienced a higher increase than in the control group. The MUAC in the intervention group increased by 0.8 cm while in the control group it was decreased by -2.7 cm. However, the Difference in Difference (DID) analysis did not show significant different for both parameters (p=0.198 and p=0.274). Chi square analysis showed that the prevalence of anemia at the end line point in the intervention group (3.6%) was significantly lower compared to the control group (14.5%) (p=0.047). The prevalence of the Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) measured by MUAC decreased by 9% in the intervention group, and 1.8% in the control group. However, the difference in prevalence of CED was not statistically significant (p=0.696). The nutrition education within three months did not significantly increase the mean hemoglobin and MUAC. But considering the trend in decreasing anemia and CED prevalence in the intervention group, structured and routine nutrition education can be implemented as part of nutritional intervention in pregnant women to prevent anemia and CED to observe effects in a longer-term intervention.
ABSTRACT
A current list of immediate ‘basic human needs’ emphasizes the necessity of good food, good health, and a healthy environment to live in. For a great time, various research is being carried out to improve life. Biosensors are such a peculiar discovery of science which shows applicability in different fields and enhances the survival of mankind. Aided with nanotechnology, it opens the path for “nanobiosensors,” which has refined the role of sensors in biomedical, environmental, and food monitoring applications. This concise and inclusive review is targeted towards the recent progress in these applicative spheres of nanobiosensors.