Search Results (589)

This study valorized camel milk residue (CMR) via optimized bacterial fermentation to produce bioactive peptides with hypoglycemic potential. Screening of eleven bacterial strains identified four optimal starters. Artificial neural network (ANN) simulation significantly outperformed response surface methodology (RSM) in modeling and prediction, as evidenced by its superior performance in key statistical metrics, including R², RMSE, and AAD(%), ultimately achieving a maximized yield of TCA-soluble nitrogen (TCA). Under optimized conditions, a TCA yield of 39.8% was achieved and experimentally validated. Ultrafiltration yielded a highly bioactive peptide fraction (<1 kDa), which exhibited significant inhibition of α-amylase (80.7%) and α-glucosidase (32.0%). The peptides exhibited high stability under various conditions, highlighting their industrial potential. This study explores the application of ANN-RSM optimization for the valorization of camel milk residue (CMR). Our findings provide a sustainable strategy for transforming CMR into a high-value anti-diabetic ingredient, which could contribute to extending the camel milk value chain. Full article

This review highlights the anti-hyperglycemic and antidiabetic properties of camel and dromedary milk (CM). Diabetes mellitus poses a significant global health challenge, and strategies that reduce reliance on insulin or other medications could substantially improve patient management. CM could represent a promising complementary approach due to its established antidiabetic effects, which are supported by its unique biological characteristics. Compared to other common milks, such as bovine milk, CM contains higher concentrations of insulin. Its distinctive physicochemical and microstructural properties help protect insulin and other bioactive proteins from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby enhancing their intestinal absorption. Furthermore, peptides generated during CM protein digestion may exert direct or indirect effects on the liver and pancreas, contributing to improved glucose metabolism. These beneficial actions are further supported by CM’s antioxidant and antilipidemic properties, which may help mitigate diabetes-related complications, including renal dysfunction and skin lesions. Full article

The proliferation of fake news, particularly in sensitive domains like religious texts, necessitates robust authenticity verification methods. This study addresses the growing challenge of authenticating Hadith, where traditional methods relying on the analysis of the chain of narrators (Isnad) and the content (Matn) are increasingly strained by the sheer volume in circulation. To combat this issue, machine learning (ML) and natural language processing (NLP) techniques, specifically through transfer learning, are explored to automate Hadith classification into Genuine and Fake categories. This study utilizes an imbalanced dataset of 8544 Hadiths, with 7008 authentic and 1536 fake Hadiths, to systematically investigate the collective impact of both linguistic and contextual features, particularly the chain of narrators (Isnad), on Hadith authentication. For the first time in this specialized domain, state-of-the-art pre-trained language models (PLMs) such as Multilingual BERT (mBERT), CamelBERT, and AraBERT are evaluated alongside classical algorithms like logistic regression (LR) and support vector machine (SVM) for Hadith authentication. Our best-performing model, AraBERT, achieved a 99.94% F1score when including the chain of narrators, demonstrating the profound effectiveness of contextual elements (Isnad) in significantly improving accuracy, providing novel insights into the indispensable role of computational methods in Hadith authentication and reinforcing traditional scholarly emphasis. This research represents a significant advancement in combating misinformation in this important field. Full article

Sour camel milk, as a nutritious fermented dairy product, faces challenges in terms of quality stability. Sparassis crispa, due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, shows potential in improving food quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different active components of Sparassis crispa on the quality of sour camel milk. The results indicated that Component I was the most effective Sparassis crispa component in enhancing the quality of sour camel milk. The components of Component I were identified as LysoPC(0_0_18_2(9Z,12Z)), LysoPC(18_1(11Z)_0_0), and N-(2-hydroxymethyl-3-chloro-4-hydroxyphenyl) anthranilic acid, among others. It increased the total viable count of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and water-holding capacity (WHC) while improving the texture of sour camel milk. Metabolomics analysis revealed that the first component of sour camel milk (FCS) and Sparassis crispa sour camel milk (SS) have a high degree of similarity in the composition of flavor substances. The characteristic flavor metabolites included 2-amylfuran, isoamyl alcohol, 2-methylbutyraldehyde, and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. Additionally, the supplementation of Component I increased the levels of metabolites such as amino acids, free fatty acids, organic acids, and carbohydrates, thereby contributing to the enhanced taste and nutritional quality of sour camel milk. This intervention also strengthened carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism in LAB. These findings provide a theoretical basis for utilizing Component I to improve the quality of sour camel milk. Full article

Dromedary camels raised under semi-extensive management can act as One Health sentinels for environmental exposures and food chain surveillance, yet serum reference information remains scarce. Our objective was to provide the most comprehensive assessment to date of physiological and toxicological serum profiles in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) from the Canary Islands. We included 114 clinically healthy animals of different sex, age, and reproductive status. Serum samples were analyzed for essential, toxic, and potentially toxic elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, a high-throughput multi-residue method based on QuEChERS extraction followed by UHPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS was used to screen for 360 organic compounds, including pesticides, veterinary drugs, human pharmaceuticals, and persistent organic pollutants. Essential elements showed biologically consistent variations according to sex, age group, and pregnancy status. Males had higher levels of selenium and copper, while calves showed elevated concentrations of manganese and zinc. Pregnant females exhibited lower iron, zinc, and selenium levels, consistent with increased fetal demand. These results provide preliminary reference values for healthy camels, stratified by physiological status. In contrast, classical toxic elements such as arsenic, mercury, lead, and cadmium were found at very low or undetectable concentrations. Several potentially toxic elements, including barium, strontium, and rare earth elements, were detected sporadically but without toxicological concern. Only 13 organic compounds (3.6%) were detected in any sample, and concentrations were consistently low. The most prevalent was the PAH acenaphthene (55.3%), followed by the fungicide procymidone and the PAH fluorene. Notably, no residues of the usually detected 4,4′-DDE or PCB congeners were found in any sample. These findings confirm the low environmental and dietary exposure of camels under low-intensity farming systems and highlight their value as sentinel species for food safety and environmental monitoring. Full article

Shubat, a traditional fermented camel milk from Kazakhstan, is renowned for its unique flavor and nutritional properties, though its volatile compound profile remains poorly characterized. In this study, headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC×GC–ToFMS) was employed to qualitatively identify and semi-quantitatively analyze volatile metabolites in seven Shubat samples collected from four regions of Kazakhstan. Of the 372 volatile organic compounds initially detected, 202 were retained after screening, predominantly comprising esters, acids, alcohols, ketones, and aldehydes. Esters, acids, and alcohol were found to be the most abundant categories. Diversity analyses (α and β) revealed substantial variation across regions, likely influenced by Shubat’s rich and region-specific microbiome. An UpSet analysis demonstrated that 75 volatile compounds were shared among all samples, accounting for over 87% of the total volatile content, indicating a chemically stable core. These findings underscore the chemical complexity of Shubat and provide novel insights into its metabolite composition, thereby establishing a foundation for future sensory, microbial, and quality-related research. Full article

Kuwait has reported a problematic increase in the prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). However, the absence of studies that analyze AMR from combined human, agricultural (animal), and environmental domains limits our ability to assess the extent of the problem in Kuwait. Therefore, this systematic review provides a comprehensive insight into the AMR status in Kuwait regarding humans, agriculture (animals), and the environment from the perspective of the One Health approach. A systematic search was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify the relevant literature on AMR in Kuwait. Multiple online electronic databases, including the Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Web of Science, PubMed, BioMed Central (BMC), and Scopus, were searched to perform a narrative synthesis and meta-analysis. Twenty-eight studies published between 2009 and 2024 were included in this study. Domain-wise distribution varied, with 11 studies related to clinical settings, 11 to the environment, 4 to agricultural (animal), and 2 to both clinical and community settings. The narrative synthesis indicated a high occurrence of AMR bacteria in human, agriculture (animal), and environmental domains. In human domains, the dominant AMR isolates belonged to four Gram-negative species: E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. In agriculture (animals), Salmonella isolates from poultry display high resistance to cefotaxime, ampicillin, and amoxicillin. Camel milk analyses revealed that 80% of bacterial isolates are resistant to antibiotics such as penicillin, tetracyclines, and carbapenems. An environmental analysis of sewage, seawater, sediment, and aerosol samples documented widespread antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) with resistance mechanisms such as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, carbapenemases, and colistin. The cross-domain analysis identified the overlapping of ARGs. Regarding the One Health approach, none of the studies used this approach to interlink these sectors. Meanwhile, the meta-analysis indicated a high resistance rate in humans (34.05%, 95% CI (22.81 to 46.27, p < 0.0001, I² = 98.94%)), agriculture (animals) (67.42%, 95% CI (30.30 to 94.93, p < 0.0001, I² = 97.40%)), and environment (69.86%, 95% CI (48.80 to 87.26, p < 0.0001, I² = 98.78%)). The reported spread of AMR and the overlap of resistance genes among isolates across the domains demonstrate the interconnected nature of AMR in Kuwait. These findings underscore the need to adopt the One Health approach to strengthen surveillance, implement control measures, and enhance public education strategies to address the complexity of AMR challenges in Kuwait. Full article

Paratuberculosis is a chronic zoonotic bacterial infection, primarily affecting ruminants. This review examines the disease in the Arabian Peninsula, focusing on distribution, molecular diversity, prevalence, and associated risk factors. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. After duplicate removal and eligibility screening, data extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed. Pathogen sequences were retrieved from NCBI GenBank for phylogenetic analysis. The review included a total of 31 published articles from 1997 to 2025, of which 26 were used in the meta-analysis. Most studies (n = 12) were published between 2011 and 2015, predominantly from Saudi Arabia (n = 22), with no reports from Qatar, Bahrain, or Yemen. The majority of the studies involved camels and sheep (n = 16 on each species), followed by cattle (n = 9), goats (n = 7), humans (n = 2), and buffalo (n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis delineates two major clades—Type S and Type C—suggesting greater genetic diversity in Type S. The estimated pooled seroprevalence and pathogen prevalence in livestock ruminants were 8.1% and 22.4%, respectively. Herd-level estimated pooled seroprevalence was 26.9%. Small ruminants (19.3%) were more sero-prevalent than large ruminants (7.4%), with goats (28.7%) significantly (p < 0.01) more affected than sheep (21.5%), camel (9.8%), and cattle (6.6%). Clinical signs in ruminants included chronic diarrhea, emaciation, anorexia, alopecia, wry neck, and dehydration. The reviewed study patterns and findings suggest high pathogen diversity and a significant risk of transboundary transmission at the human–animal interface in this region. A One Health surveillance approach is crucial, particularly on farms with diarrheic and emaciated animals. Establishing a national surveillance plan and phased (short-, intermediate-, and long-term) control programs is essential to mitigate economic losses, limit transmission, overcome the cultural barrier, and protect public health. Full article

SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV are two coronaviruses that have received significant attention due to their high pathogenicity and mortality rates in human populations. In this study, we compared their evolutionary dynamics to provide a One Health perspective on their differences in terms of the results of disease control. The phylogenetic network of SARS-CoVs showed that human isolates gathered into a “super-spreader” cluster and were distinct from civet isolates. In contrast, dromedary camel- and human-isolated MERS-CoVs were clustered together. Thus, most clades of MERS-CoV can infect humans, and MERS-CoVs seem to more easily spill over the animal-to-human interface. Additionally, the civet can be easily controlled, while the intermediate host (dromedary camels) of MERS-CoV is an important livestock species, so it is impossible to eliminate all animals. This further leads to difficulties in disease control in MERS. Although MERS-CoVs are endemic to dromedary camels in both the Middle East and Africa, human infections are mainly linked to the Middle East. The nucleotide sequences of the MERS-CoV receptor gen (dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4)) from 30 Egyptians, 36 Sudanese, and 34 Saudi Arabians showed little difference. These findings suggest that the observed disparities in MERS prevalence between populations in the Middle East and Africa may be more strongly attributed to inadequate disease surveillance and the limited camel-to-human transmission of clade C MERS-CoV in Africa, rather than variations in DPP4 gene. Full article

Appropriate carriers or templates are crucial for maintaining the stability, biological activity, and bioavailability of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs). Selecting suitable templates remains challenging for fully utilizing SeNPs functionalities and developing applicable products. Exosome-like nanoparticles (ELNs) have gained importance in drug delivery systems, yet research on selenium products prepared using exosomes remains limited. To address this gap, we utilized Cyperus bean ELNs to deliver SeNPs, investigated three preparation methods for SeNPs-ELNs, identified the optimal approach, and performed characterization studies. Notably, all three methods successfully loaded SeNPs. Ultrasonic cell fragmentation is the optimal approach, achieving significant increases in selenium loading (5.59 ± 0.167 ng/μg), enlargement of particle size (431.17 ± 10.78 nm), and reduced absolute zeta potential (−4.1 ± 0.43 mV). Moreover, both exosome formulations demonstrated enhanced stability against aggregation during storage at 4 °C, while their stability varied with pH conditions. In vitro digestibility tests showed greater stability of SeNP-ELNs in digestive fluids compared to ELNs alone. Additionally, neither ELNs nor SeNP-ELNs exhibited cytotoxicity toward LO₂ cells, and the relative erythrocyte hemolysis remained below 5% at protein concentrations of 2.5, 7.5, 15, 30, and 60 μg/mL. Overall, ultrasonic cell fragmentation effectively loaded plant-derived exosomes with nano-selenium at high capacity, presenting new opportunities for their use as functional components in food and pharmaceutical applications. Full article

In this study, 62 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were isolated from raw camel milk and evaluated for their probiotic potential. The strains exhibited significant variability in their ability to withstand simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Of the isolates, only 26 survived exposure to pH 2, and just 10 were tolerant to 0.3% bile salts. Partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene identified all the strains as belonging to the species Enterococcus faecium. Several probiotic traits were assessed, including adhesion to gastric mucin and STC-1 intestinal epithelial cells, as well as auto-aggregation and co-aggregation capacities. Although adhesion to hydrophobic solvents such as chloroform and ethyl acetate was generally low to moderate, all the strains demonstrated strong adhesion to gastric mucin, exceeding 60% at all the growth stages. Notably, two strains—SCC1-33 and SLch6—showed particularly high adhesion to STC-1 cells, with values of 7.8 × 10³ and 4.2 × 10³ CFU/mL, respectively. The strains also exhibited promising aggregation properties, with auto-aggregation and co-aggregation ranging between 33.10% and 63.10%. Furthermore, all the isolates displayed antagonistic activity against Listeria innocua, Micrococcus luteus, and Escherichia coli. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed that none of the tested strains had harmful effects on STC-1 cells, indicating their safety and supporting their potential application as probiotics. Full article

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and cancer drive demand for therapeutic functional foods. This study developed freeze-dried fermented camel milk (FCM) with Ajwa date pulp (ADP), evaluating its physical and functional properties, probiotic survival, and potential benefits for diabetes and cancer. To achieve this target, six FCM formulations were prepared using ABT-5 starter culture (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Streptococcus thermophilus) with or without Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus B-1937 and ADP (12% or 15%). The samples were freeze-dried, and their functional properties, such as water activity, dispersibility, water absorption capacity, water absorption index, water solubility index, insolubility index, and sedimentation, were assessed. Reconstitution properties such as density, flowability, air content, porosity, loose bulk density, packed bulk density, particle density, carrier index, Hausner ratio, porosity, and density were examined. In addition, color and probiotic survivability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions were analyzed. Also, antidiabetic potential was assessed via α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, while cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay on Caco-2 cells. The results show that ADP supplementation significantly improved dispersibility (up to 72.73% in FCM15D+L). These improvements are attributed to changes in particle size distribution and increased carbohydrate and mineral content, which facilitate powder rehydration and reduce clumping. All FCM variants demonstrated low water activity (0.196–0.226), indicating good potential for shelf stability. The reconstitution properties revealed that FCM powders with ADP had higher bulk and packed densities but lower particle density and porosity than controls. Including ADP reduced interstitial air and increased occluded air within the powders, which may minimize oxidation risks and improve packaging efficiency. ADP incorporation resulted in a significant decrease in lightness (L*) and increases in redness (a*) and yellowness (b*), with greater pigment and phenolic content at higher ADP levels. These changes reflect the natural colorants and browning reactions associated with ADP, leading to a more intense and visually distinct product. Probiotic survivability was higher in ADP-fortified samples, with L. acidophilus and B. bifidum showing resilience in intestinal conditions. The FCM15D+L formulation exhibited potent antidiabetic effects, with IC₅₀ values of 111.43 μg mL⁻¹ for α-amylase and 77.21 μg mL⁻¹ for α-glucosidase activities, though lower than control FCM (8.37 and 10.74 μg mL⁻¹, respectively). Cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells was most potent in non-ADP samples (IC₅₀: 82.22 μg mL⁻¹ for FCM), suggesting ADP and L. rhamnosus may reduce antiproliferative effects due to proteolytic activity. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that ADP-enriched FCM is a promising functional food with enhanced probiotic viability, antidiabetic potential, and desirable physical properties. This work highlights the potential of camel milk and date synergies in combating some NCDs in vitro, suggesting potential for functional food application. Full article

Acaricide usage has led to the growing problem of resistance in ticks. A heavy tick burden and the presence of ticks on animals throughout the year, despite the monthly application of acaricides, in farms in the United Arab Emirates formed the motivation for this study. The objectives of this research were as follows: (a) to assess the acaricide resistance status of the most prevalent tick Hyalomma spp. to widely used acaricides Cypermethrin and Deltamethrin; (b) to identify the association of farm management practices and farm-level risk factors with the failure of tick treatment (acaracide resistance). A total of 1600 ticks were collected from 20 farms located in three different regions of Abu Dhabi Emirate including Al Ain (n = 10), Al Dhafra (n = 5), and Abu Dhabi (n = 5). The ticks were subjected to an in vitro bioassay adult immersion test (AIT) modified with a discriminating dose (AIT-DD) against commercial preparations of Cypermethrin and Deltamethrin. A questionnaire was designed to collect metadata and information on farm management and the farm-level risk factors associated with routine farm practices relating to the treatment and control of tick and blood parasite infections in camels and small ruminant populations. Hyalomma anatolicum and Hyalomma dromedarii were identified among the collected ticks, with H. anatolicum being the most prevalent tick species (70%) in the present study. The test results of the in vitro bioassay revealed varied emerging resistance to both of the acaricides in the majority of the three regions; fully susceptible tick isolates with zero resistance to Deltamethrin were recorded in one farm at Al Ain and two farms in the Abu Dhabi region. A questionnaire analysis showed that the failure of tick treatment in farms varied with the presence or absence of vegetation areas, types of animal breeds, and management practices. This study reports the emergence of resistance in ticks to Cypermethrin and Deltamethrin across the Abu Dhabi Emirate, indicating a strict warning for the cautious use of acaricides. There is also a need to improve awareness about sound tick management and control practices among farm owners through a multidisciplinary approach adopting integrated pest management strategies that engage farmers, veterinarians, and policy makers. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study investigates the therapeutic potential of camel milk-derived extracellular vesicles (CM-EVs) for treating colonic damage caused by high-altitude hypoxia, supporting the WHO’s “Food as Medicine” initiative. Methods: Using a 5500 m mouse model, researchers induced colonic injury and treated it with oral CM-EVs for 15 days, comparing results to whole camel milk. Results: CM-EVs outperformed whole milk, significantly improving colon health by restoring barrier integrity and reducing disease activity index (DAI) (p < 0.01). They boosted beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and decreased Enterobacteriaceae (p < 0.01). Metabolic analysis showed restored bile acid balance and amino acid modulation via the FXR/NF-κB pathway, reducing TLR4/MyD88-mediated inflammation and oxidative stress (p < 0.01). Fecal microbiota transplantation in the CM-EVs group notably decreased DAI and increased colon length (p < 0.05). Conclusions: CM-EVs repair mucosal damage, balance microbiota, and regulate metabolism to combat hypoxia-induced colonic damage, suggesting their potential as nutraceuticals and altitude-adaptive foods. This showcases nanotechnology’s role in enhancing traditional dietary benefits via precision nutrition. Full article

The continued migration of physicians from independent practice to affiliation with larger entities has garnered significant scrutiny. These affiliation models include hospitals and health systems, payers and corporate entities, and management services organizations, which may or may not be private equity (PE)-backed. Data on the impact of different physician affiliation models on cost of care is limited. We examined the relationship between provider affiliation model, site of care (SOC), and cost of care for certain high-volume procedures in procedure-intensive specialties for both Medicare and commercial insurance. We found that hospital-affiliated physicians are least likely—and PE-affiliated physicians are most likely—to provide care in lower-cost settings. For both Medicare and commercial insurance, SOC contributes meaningfully to procedure unit price, which is consistently greater in hospital-based settings. These findings suggest that the physician affiliation model and associated SOC cost differentials contribute materially to healthcare expenditures. As the Medicare cost differentials are set by statute and regulations, strategies such as site-neutral payments are needed to mitigate the monetary impact of historical and future physician practice migration. Full article