Detection of Porcine Norovirus GII.18 Strains in Pigs Using Broadly Reactive RT-qPCR Assay for Genogroup II Noroviruses.

Noroviruses, belonging to the family Caliciviridae, are classified into at least ten genogroups (G) based on their major capsid protein (VP1). The common genogroup to be identified in both humans and pigs is GII, although porcine noroviruses (PoNoVs) belong to genotypes of their own (GII.11, GII.

Probabilistic analysis of spatial viscoelastic cues in 3D cell culture using magnetic microrheometry.

Breast tumors are typically surrounded by extracellular matrix (ECM), which is heterogeneous, not just structurally but also mechanically. Conventional rheometry is inadequate for describing cell-size-level spatial differences in ECM mechanics that are evident at micrometer scales. Optical tweezers and passive microrheometry provide a microscale resolution for the purpose but are incapable of measuring ECM viscoelasticity (the liquid-like viscous and solid-like elastic characteristics) at stiffness levels as found in breast tumor biopsies.

Safety of frozen, dried and powder forms of house crickets (Acheta domesticus) as a novel food pursuant.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of frozen, dried and powder forms of house crickets () as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is proposed in three forms: (i) frozen, (ii) dried, (iii) powder. The main components of the NF are protein, fat and dietary fibre (chitin).

Human-in-the-loop active learning for goal-oriented molecule generation.

Machine learning (ML) systems have enabled the modelling of quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPR) and structure-activity relationships (QSAR) using existing experimental data to predict target properties for new molecules. These property predictors hold significant potential in accelerating drug discovery by guiding generative artificial intelligence (AI) agents to explore desired chemical spaces. However, they often struggle to generalize due to the limited scope of the training data.

Safety of Tiger nuts () oil as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of Tiger nuts () oil as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. Tiger nuts () is an edible tuber with history of consumption as food. The NF is the oil obtained from the nuts through cold pressing of the seeds flour.

Safety of an extension of use of oil from (strain FCC-3204) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of an extension of use of oil from (strain FCC-3204) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The extension of use pertains to the use of the NF as a food ingredient in protein products at a maximum use level of 1 g of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in 100 g of product. The Panel considers that the information provided on the composition and the production process is sufficiently described and does not raise safety concerns.

Guidance on the scientific requirements for an application for authorisation of a novel food in the context of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

The European Commission requested EFSA to update the scientific guidance for the preparation of applications for authorisation of novel foods, previously developed following the adoption of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods. This guidance document provides advice on the scientific information needed to be submitted by the applicant towards demonstrating the safety of the novel food. Requirements pertain to the description of the novel food, production process, compositional data, specifications, proposed uses and use levels and anticipated intake of the novel food.

Safety of glucosyl hesperidin as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on glucosyl hesperidin (GH) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF, which is produced from hesperidin and dextrin by enzymatic reactions, is a powder consisting mainly of monoglucosyl hesperidin (MGH) and unreacted hesperidin (flavonoid), which account in total for up to 92.8% (on dry basis) of the product.

Safety of Acheta domesticus powder as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on powder as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The main components of the NF are protein, fat and dietary fibre (chitin). The Panel notes that the concentration of contaminants in the NF depends on the occurrence levels of these substances in the insect feed.

Safety of vitamin D mushroom powder as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 (NF 2020/2226).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on vitamin D mushroom powder as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is produced from mushroom powder that has been exposed to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation to induce the conversion of provitamin D (ergosterol) to vitamin D (ergocalciferol). The NF contains concentrations of vitamin D in the form of vitamin D in the range of 245-460 μg/g.

Salivary and serum haptoglobin, adenosine deaminase, and immunoglobulin G in growing pigs.

Background: Identification of animals in need of medical treatment is important in porcine health management, where analytical samples applicable at farm level could be utilized. Several biomarkers are measurable in saliva, which is less stressful to collect than blood. Saliva sampling is easy to learn and repeatable, making it suitable for monitoring purposes.

Fecal microbiota profiles of growing pigs and their relation to growth performance.

The early gut microbiota composition is fundamentally important for piglet health, affecting long-term microbiome development and immunity. In this study, the gut microbiota of postparturient dams was compared with that of their offspring in three Finnish pig farms at three growth phases. The differences in fecal microbiota of three study development groups (Good, Poorly, and PrematureDeath) were analyzed at birth (initial exposure phase), weaning (transitional phase), and before slaughter (stable phase).

Access to bedding and outdoor runs for growing-finishing pigs: is it possible to improve welfare without increasing environmental impacts?

Providing bedding or access to an outdoor run are husbandry aspects intended to improve pig welfare, which is currently financially supported through animal welfare schemes in several European countries. However, they may significantly affect the environment through changes in feed efficiency and manure management. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to compare farms differing in animal welfare relevant husbandry aspects regarding (1) the welfare of growing-finishing pigs and (2) environmental impact categories such as global warming (GW), acidification (AC), and freshwater (FE) and marine eutrophication (ME), by employing an attributional Life Cycle Assessment.

Safety of magnesium l-threonate as a novel food pursuant to regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and bioavailability of magnesium from this source in the context of Directive 2002/46/EC.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of magnesium l-threonate as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and to address the bioavailability of magnesium from this source in the context of Directive 2002/46/EC. The NF, produced by chemical synthesis, is intended to be used as new source for magnesium in food supplements at a maximum intake level of 3000 mg per day by adults, except for pregnant and lactating women. This dose corresponds to ~ 2730 mg l-threonate and 250 mg magnesium, which also corresponds to the UL for supplemental magnesium from readily dissociable magnesium salts.

Safety of ashitaba sap as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on ashitaba sap as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. Ashitaba sap is collected from harvested stems of plants. The principal constituents of the sap with regard to the safety assessment are chalcones (1%-2.

Extension of use of isomalto-oligosaccharide as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the extension of use of isomalto-oligosaccharide (IMO) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF consists of glucose oligomers with degrees of polymerisation of 3-9, along with various amounts of mono- and disaccharides. The NF comes in both syrup and powder form.

Safety of HelixComplex snail mucus (HSM) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on HelixComplex Snail Mucus (HSM) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF consists of snail mucus collected from and is proposed to be used by adults as a food supplement. The data provided by the applicant about the composition and stability of the NF together with the report of the subchronic toxicity study were overall considered unsatisfactory.

Safety of isomaltulose syrup (dried) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on isomaltulose syrup (dried) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF consists of a mixture of mono- and disaccharides in powder form, mainly composed of isomaltulose (≥ 75%) and trehalulose (< 13%). The applicant intends to use the NF as a replacement for sucrose already on the market.

Fewer culturable Lactobacillaceae species identified in faecal samples of pigs performing manipulative behaviour.

Manipulative behaviour that consists of touching or close contact with ears or tails of pen mates is common in pigs and can become damaging. Manipulative behaviour was analysed from video recordings of 45-day-old pigs, and 15 manipulator-control pairs (n = 30) were formed. Controls neither received nor performed manipulative behaviour.

Safety of oil from sp. (strain CABIO-A-2) for use in infant and follow-on formula as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of sp. (strain CABIO-A-2) oil as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. .

Safety of oil from (strain TKD-1) for use in infant and follow-on formula as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of sp. (TKD-1) oil as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. sp.

Safety of lacto-N-fucopentaose I/2'-fucosyllactose (LNFP-I/2'-FL) mixture as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on lacto-N-fucopentaose I (LNFP-I)/2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) mixture as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is mainly composed of the human-identical milk oligosaccharides (HiMO) LNFP-I and 2'-FL, but it also contains d-lactose, lacto-N-tetraose, difucosyllactose, 3-fucosyllactose, LNFP-I fructose isomer, 2'-fucosyl-d-lactulose, l-fucose and 2'-fucosyl-d-lactitol, and a small fraction of other related saccharides. The NF is produced by fermentation by a genetically modified strain ( K-12 DH1 MDO MP2173b) of K-12 DH1 (DSM 4235).

Safety of monosodium salt of l-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and the bioavailability of folate from this source in the context of Directive 2002/46/EC, Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 and Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on monosodium salt of l-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and to address the bioavailability of folate from this source in the context of Directive 2002/46/EC, Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 and Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006. The NF is produced by chemical synthesis and consists of at least 95% (w/w) of 5-MTHF and 4%-5% (w/w) of sodium. It is proposed to be used as a partial or complete substitute to folic acid and other sources of added folate in a number of food categories.

Safety of an extension of use of yeast biomass as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of an extension of use of () yeast biomass as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The extension of use pertains to the use of the NF as a food ingredient in a number of food categories, in foods for special medical purposes and in foods for total diet replacement for weight control. In 2018, was attributed the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) status for production purposes, including food and feed products based on biomass.

Safety of 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) produced by a derivative strain ( SGR5) of W (ATCC 9637) as a Novel Food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on 2'-fucosyllactose (2'-FL) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is mainly composed of the human-identical milk oligosaccharide (HiMO) 2'-FL, but it also contains d-lactose, l-fucose, fucosylgalactose, difucosyllactose, d-glucose and d-galactose, and a small fraction of other related saccharides. The NF is produced by fermentation by a genetically modified strain ( SGR5) of W (ATCC 9637).