Enteroaggregative Haemorrhagic E. coli (EAHEC) is a new pathogenic group of E. coli characterized by the presence of a vtx2-phage integrated in the genomic backbone of Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAggEC). So far, four distinct EAHEC serotypes have been described that caused, beside the large outbreak of infection occurred in Germany in 2011, a small outbreak and six sporadic cases of HUS in the time span 1992–2012. In the present work we determined the whole genome sequence of the vtx2-phage, termed Phi-191, present in the first described EAHEC O111:H2 isolated in France in 1992 and compared it with those of the vtx-phages whose sequences were available. The whole genome sequence of the Phi-191 phage was identical to that of the vtx2-phage P13374 present in the EAHEC O104:H4 strain isolated during the German outbreak 20 years later. Moreover, it was also almost identical to those of the other vtx2-phages of EAHEC O104:H4 strains described so far. Conversely, the Phi-191 phage appeared to be different from the vtx2-phage carried by the EAHEC O111:H21 isolated in the Northern Ireland in 2012. The comparison of the vtx2-phages sequences from EAHEC strains with those from the vtx-phages of typical Verocytotoxin-producing E. coli strains showed the presence of a 900 bp sequence uniquely associated with EAHEC phages and encoding a tail fiber. At least two different vtx2-phages, both characterized by the presence of a peculiar tail fiber-coding gene, intervened in the emergence of EAHEC. The finding of an identical vtx2-phage in two EAggEC strains isolated after 20 years in spite of the high variability described for vtx-phages is unexpected and suggests that such vtx2-phages are kept under a strong selective pressure. The observation that different EAHEC infections have been traced back to countries where EAggEC infections are endemic and the treatment of human sewage is often ineffective suggests that such countries may represent the cradle for the emergence of the EAHEC pathotype. In these regions, EAggEC of human origin can extensively contaminate the environment where they can meet free vtx-phages likely spread by ruminants excreta.

Endocrine-disrupting compounds are chemicals that alter the normal functioning of the endocrine system of living organisms. They can be natural (N-EDCs) or synthetic compounds (S-EDCs). N-EDCs can belong to different groups, such as phytoestrogens (PEs), including flavonoids, or mycotoxins originating from plants or fungi, and cyanotoxins, derived from bacteria. Humans encounter these substances in their daily lives. The aim of this rapid review (RR) is to provide a fine mapping of N-EDCs and their toxicological effects on human health in terms of various medical conditions or adverse consequences. This work is based on an extensive literature search and follows a rigorous step-by-step approach (search strategy, analysis strategy and data extraction), to select eligible papers published between 2019 and 2023 in the PubMed database, and to define a set of aspects characterizing N-EDCs and the different human target systems. Of the N-EDCs identified in this RR, flavonoids are the most representative class. Male and female reproductive systems were the targets most affected by N-EDCs, followed by the endocrine, nervous, bone and cardiovascular systems. In addition, the perinatal, pubertal and pregnancy periods were found to be particularly susceptible to natural endocrine disruptors. Considering their current daily use, more toxicological research on N-EDCs is required.

Pregnancy, being a vulnerable period, is the time when woman are most motivated to change their diet and lifestyle. Ensuring food safety during this susceptible time of life is essential for avoiding the related risks. Although a wealth of recommendations and guidelines have been issued for for pregnant women, further evidence is required regarding their effectiveness in implementing the knowledge and changing behaviour on food safety topics are needed. Surveys are often used as a research tool to investigate knowledge and awareness amongst pregnant women. Our main aim is to analyse and describe the results of an ad hoc research approach developed to characterise the main features of surveys identified in the PubMed database. The three major food safety issues - microbiological, chemical and nutritional- were analysed. We identified eight main key features to provide a summary of the evidence with a transparent and reproducible methodology. Our results help summarise the knowledge on the features of for pregnant women, by focusing on high-income countries over the last five years. We observed a high level of heterogeneity and methodological variability in food safety surveys. This is a novel approach that could be used to analyse surveys utilising a robust methodology. The outcomes are useful for guiding new survey design methodology and/or the modification existing surveys. Our findings could help to fill knowledge gaps by improving the use of innovative strategies for recommendations and guidelines on food safety for pregnant women. Non-high-income countries deserve separate and more comprehensive consideration.

Home food safety (HFS) is a major contributor to foodborne illness, often originating in domestic settings. Although population-based studies using surveys, questionnaires, and interviews are commonly used to assess consumers’ HFS-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), methodological heterogeneity limits comparability across studies. This scoping review aimed to map studies assessing consumers’ HFS-related KAP in high-income countries, describe recurrent methodological and reporting features, and identify areas of variability. Following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and JBI guidance, the literature published between 2000 and 2023 was systematically searched across five scientific databases, as well as governmental and institutional sources for the grey literature. Data extraction and synthesis were guided by an expanded 15-feature framework refined from a previous rapid review. A total of 274 documents were included (247 scientific articles and 27 governmental and institutional reports). Across the included studies, several methodological features showed high consistency, including primary data collection (93%), predominantly cross-sectional designs (91%), the use of closed-ended instruments (71%), quantitative analytical approaches (78%), and voluntary, non-incentivised participation (68%), suggesting the presence of a common descriptive methodological core. At the same time, substantial variability was observed in sample size (62%), study aims (52%), analytical strategies (52%), modes of administration (51%), geographic coverage (47%), thematic scope (44%), and study period (54%). The coexistence of methodological convergence and context-dependent variability poses challenges in terms of evidence synthesis and comparability in HFS-related KAP research. The 15-feature framework developed in this review provides a structured, non-prescriptive tool to support transparent description and comparison of methodological and reporting practices. By pinpointing common approaches and areas of divergence, this review offers a foundation for guiding future HFS-related KAP research and supporting the development of more comparable and policy-relevant evidence.