Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an enteric pathogen linked to outbreaks of human gastroenteritis with diverse clinical spectra. In this review, we have examined the currently methodologies and molecular characterization techniques for assessing the phenotypic, genotypic and functional characteristics of STEC O157 and non-O157. In particular, traditional culture and isolation methods, including selective enrichment and differential plating, have enabled the effective recovery of STEC. Following recovery, immunological serotyping of somatic surface antigens (O-antigens) and flagellum (H-antigens) are employed for the classification of the STEC isolates. Molecular genotyping methods, including multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis, arrays, and whole genome sequencing, can discriminate the isolate virulence profile beyond the serotype level. Virulence profiling is focused on the identification of chromosomal and plasmid genes coding for adhesins, cytotoxins, effectors, and hemolysins to better assess the pathogenic potential of the recovered STEC isolates. Important animal reservoirs are cattle and other small domestic ruminants. STEC can also be recovered from other carriers, such as mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, shellfish and insects. Finally, antimicrobial resistance in STEC is a matter of growing concern, supporting the need to monitor the use of these agents by private, public and agricultural sectors. Certain antimicrobials can induce Shiga toxin production and thus promote the onset of severe disease symptoms in humans. Together, this information will provide a better understanding of risks associated with STEC and will aid in the development of efficient and targeted intervention strategies.

Water contamination with pesticides is one of the major pollution problems in northwestern Mexico, and this is due to the extensive use of pesticides in agriculture. In this research, water samples of ten sampling sites (fishing grounds, beaches, and both) were analyzed in the search for 28 pesticides (organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates, among other chemical classes), supplemented with a calculation of the resulting potential environmental risk. Pesticides were separated from the matrix by liquid-liquid extraction and quantified by gas chromatography coupled to electron micro-capture (organohalogenated) and pulsed flame photometric detectors (organophosphates). In addition, the ecotoxicological risk of pesticides in algae, invertebrates, and fish was assessed, based on seawater pesticide concentrations using the Risk Quotient (RQ) and Toxic Units (TU) approach. The results showed 18 pesticides identified in the analyzed samples, where cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos were identified with the maximum concentrations of 1.223 and 0.994 μg L^-1, respectively. In addition, these two pesticides have been associated with acute toxic effects on algae, invertebrates, and fish. It is important to pay particular attention to the search for long-term alternatives to the use of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin due to their high detection rates and the risks associated with their toxic properties. However, the adoption of alternative measures to synthetic pesticide control should be a priority, moving towards sustainable practices such as the use of biopesticides, crop rotation and polycultures.

Brewer’s spent grain (BSG), a by-product originating from the brewing industry, contains substantial amounts of fibers, proteins, and bioactive compounds; however, its utility is restricted by anti-nutritional factors. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) presents a viable method for improving the nutritional and functional properties of BSG. Microorganisms such as Rhizopus oligosporus have been demonstrated to enhance nutrient bioavailability, facilitate the degradation of complex carbohydrates, and improve protein digestibility while simultaneously reducing anti-nutritional components. Furthermore, this fermentation process yields bioactive compounds that exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and prebiotic properties, thereby contributing to improved gut health, the prevention of metabolic disorders, and enhanced nutritional outcomes. Additionally, SSF seeks sustainability by repurposing agro-industrial by-products, reducing waste, and promoting the principles of a circular economy. Collectively, these advantages underscore the transformative potential of SSF in converting BSG into a functional food ingredient, effectively addressing contemporary health and environmental challenges and offering innovative solutions for food security and sustainable development.

Background: Coffee is widely consumed worldwide and is rich in polyphenols with antioxidant properties linked to a reduced risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Olive pomace (OP), a by-product of olive oil production, contains phenolic compounds with cardioprotective effects but is often discarded. Combining it with coffee could enhance health benefits and promote sustainability. Methods: Soluble solids, total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH^• scavenging activity) were analyzed in C-OP at 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% OP concentrations. The C-OP 10% brew was selected for further evaluation with α-amylase inhibition and a 14-day pilot study in a murine model, evaluating weight, food and liquid intake, and behavior, compared to a control group. Results: Adding OP powder to ground coffee increased the total phenol content in the brews. The highest antioxidant activity (6.62–8.17 mmol TE/L) was found in those brewed from 10%, 15%, and 20% concentrations. The C-OP 10% brew had the highest acceptance in mice, with increased consumption, greater exploratory behavior, and reduced resting time. It also showed 30.5% α-amylase inhibition at 200 µg/mL. Conclusions: The incorporation of OP into coffee enhances its total phenol content and antioxidant capacity. The C-OP 10% brew showed optimal bioactivity, suggesting its potential as a functional beverage for metabolic health.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are zoonotic enteric pathogens linked to human gastroenteritis worldwide. To aid the development of pathogen control efforts, the present study characterized the genotypic diversity and pathogenic potential of STEC recovered from sources near agricultural fields in Northwest Mexico. Samples were collected from irrigation river water and domestic animal feces in farms proximal to agricultural fields and were subjected to enrichment followed by immunomagnetic separation and plating on selective media for the recovery of the STEC isolates. Comparative genomic analyses indicated that the recovered STEC with the clinically relevant serotypes O157:H7, O8:H19, and O113:H21 had virulence genes repertoires associated with host cell adherence, iron uptake and effector protein secretion. Subsequent phenotypic characterization revealed multidrug resistance against aminoglycoside, carbapenem, cephalosporin, fluoroquinolone, penicillin, phenicol, and tetracycline, highlighting the need for improved surveillance on the use of antimicrobials. The present study indicated for the first time that river water in the agricultural Culiacan Valley in Mexico is a relevant key route of transmission for STEC O157 and non-O157 with a virulence potential. In addition, feces from domestic farm animals near surface waterways can act as potential point sources of contamination and transport of diverse STEC with clinically relevant genotypes.

Olive pomace, a byproduct of olive oil production, is a rich source of bioactive phenolic compounds with potential health benefits. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition and evaluate the metabolic effects of a subcritical water extract from California olive pomace (SWE COP) obtained from Arbequina olives. The extract was mainly composed of carbohydrates (72.81%) and contained 66.62 ± 1.22 mg gallic acid equivalents/g of phenolics, with 3,4-DHPEA-EDA, hydroxytyrosol, and verbascoside identified as the predominant compounds. Male C57BL/6N mice were fed a standard diet (SD; n = 7), a high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFSD; n = 7), which was used to induce features of diet-associated metabolic syndrome, or an HFSD supplemented with 3% (w/w) SWE COP (n = 7) for 16 weeks. Supplementation with SWE COP significantly reduced plasma triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol levels compared with the HFSD group. Moreover, SWE COP improved glucose tolerance, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and reduced mesenteric and epididymal adiposity. Histological analysis showed that SWE COP alleviated hepatic steatosis and lowered the NAFLD activity score. These findings demonstrate that phenolic-rich SWE COP exerts beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism and reduces liver fat accumulation in diet-induced obese mice. Overall, SWE COP represents a promising functional ingredient derived from olive industry byproducts for mitigating metabolic dysfunctions associated with obesity.