The beneficial health effects of cheese as a source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and analgesic effects are well known. The aim of this study is to determine the presence of pesticide residues and heavy metals in 79 cheese samples from small farms in Croatia. The samples were analyzed over a period of three years for the quality parameters of fat, protein, dry matter, salt, and pH to determine whether metrological conditions affect the quality of cheese and to test the correlation between the variables in different types of cheese. A total of 509 pesticide residues were analyzed using liquid and gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Piperonyl butoxide was found in two samples. Inductively coupled plasma with mass spectrometry was used for a metal content analysis, and Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Pb were found in the range of <0.005–0.012 mg kg⁻¹, <0.02–0.84 mg kg⁻¹, 0.031–1.128 mg kg⁻¹, <0.03–0.67 mg kg⁻¹, and <0.01–0.12 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Cd was detected in just three samples. Mn was found in all analyzed samples. All tested samples complied with EU regulations and directives, and at the point of analysis, none posed a direct health risk for consumers. Sustainability on small farms could be ensured with the responsible use of pesticides and through a consistent and reliable supply of fresh, high-quality milk.

Background/Objectives: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a pathological condition defined by a reduced fetal ability to achieve the genetically expected growth potential during gestation. It affects 5–10% of all pregnancies and it is a leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. During the initial phases of placentation, complex interlinked processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and the invasion of trophoblasts occur. Alterations in the regulation of these processes lead to placental dysfunction. Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family, plays an important role in cell proliferation balance and apoptosis, thus leading to proper placental development. This study aimed to evaluate survivin expression in placentas from IUGR and healthy pregnancies to explore its potential as a biomarker for the early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of IUGR. Methods: Survivin presence was determined in 153 archival formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded placental tissues from IUGR (N = 122) and uncomplicated (N = 31) term pregnancies. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were constructed, and survivin expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry (IHC). Survivin levels were quantified using positive cell proportion (PCP) scores and immunoreactive scores (IRS), with statistical significance determined using mean values, standard deviation (SD), standard error, and Student’s t test in instances of normal distribution, and when this was not the case, the Mann–Whitney test. Chi-square tests, Fisher exact tests, and t-tests (p < 0.05) were used to compare categorical variables. Results: Our results suggested the significantly higher expression of survivin validated with PCP (p < 0.001) and IRS (p < 0.002) in placentas with IUGR compared to placentas from non-complicated term pregnancies. Conclusions: Increased survivin expression in IUGR placentas points to its potential role as a key indicator of placental dysfunction. By signaling early pathological changes, survivin may offer a valuable tool for the early detection of IUGR, potentially allowing for timely clinical interventions that could reduce the risk of serious outcomes, including stillbirth. To fully establish survivin’s clinical value, further research is needed to validate its diagnostic accuracy and to explore its involvement in molecular pathways that may be targeted for therapeutic benefit.