Ensuring food safety requires robust screening approaches capable of detecting the administration of growth-promoting agents in livestock. While previous metabolomics studies have demonstrated proof-of-concept, most were limited to a single class of compounds and offered only partial metabolome coverage due to the use of individual analytical platforms. The present study aimed to develop a comprehensive classification model through a more global exploration of the metabolome. This integrative workflow represents a major step towards implementing effect-based metabolomics screening within official food control frameworks. A total of 502 urine samples from six experiments (n = 59 cattle) involving β-agonists, steroids, and SARMs were analysed using four complementary LC-HRMS platforms. This multi-platform approach expanded metabolome coverage by capturing a wide range of molecular fingerprints. Multiblock Consensus-OPLS analysis was applied to integrate the four datasets into a joint modelling strategy, thereby enhancing data interpretation. This strategy provided an innovative framework that increased the predictive power of the classification model and underscored the complementarity of the LC-HRMS techniques. Overall, this comprehensive workflow enabled the efficient classification of samples from animals subjected to multiple anabolic treatments within a single analysis. Such advances not only strengthen detection capabilities but also offer a versatile tool to address key public health concerns.
Abstract This data paper presents a curated, georeferenced dataset of the frequencies of the two main target site mutations (V1016G and F1534C) associated with resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in Aedes albopictus in Italy. Populations were collected in 102 out 107 Italian provinces between 2023 and 2025. Specimens were sampled by members of the Mosquito Insecticide Resistance Italian Network (MosqIRIT) as part of RN2 activities within the INF-ACT project. Genotyping was performed on 3,517 individuals by specific allele-specific PCR assays. Each record includes metadata on sampling site, administrative location, developmental stage, collection method, and mutation-specific genotype frequencies. To support spatial analysis modelling effort, the dataset integrates geographic, eco-climatic, and demographic data. This resource will support mosquito control programs, pyrethroid resistance monitoring and managing, as well as ecological modelling, and is compliant with the FAIR data program.
IntroductionHeat stress is an increasing challenge for cattle welfare and biological efficiency under climate change. Locally adapted and less intensively selected breeds may represent models for investigating resilience mechanisms, as they may retain adaptive traits useful for the selection of heat-resilient animals. This study characterized the response of Marchigiana cattle, a local Italian beef breed adapted to semi-extensive environments, in comparison with two cosmopolitan breeds with different productive aptitudes, Limousine and Holstein. Precision Livestock Farming, hematological profiling, and blood transcriptomics were integrated to investigate population- and breed-associated responses to heat stress (HS) under the specific farming conditions examined.MethodsIoT collars were applied only to Marchigiana cattle to record activity patterns and animal-proximal environmental variables. Blood samples from the three cattle populations were collected during summer HS and thermoneutral conditions, with sampling days selected according to the temperature-humidity index (THI).ResultsSensor-derived data in Marchigiana cattle identified distinct clusters with differences in movement intensity and animal-proximal THI dynamics during HS. Hematological analyses revealed population-specific responses: Holstein showed increased neutrophils and platelets, consistent with a stronger inflammatory profile, whereas Marchigiana exhibited higher red blood cell counts and hemoglobin under HS, suggesting better maintenance of systemic homeostasis. Transcriptomic analysis identified both shared and population-specific responses to HS. Although all populations activated core immune- and stress-related pathways, the magnitude and organization of the response differed markedly. Holstein displayed the broadest inflammatory, immunometabolic, and tissue-remodeling signature, Limousine showed an intermediate profile, whereas Marchigiana exhibited a more coordinated response characterized by immune modulation, redox protection, metabolic buffering, and less pronounced extracellular matrix remodeling. We performed expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping using gene expression data and whole-genome imputed or non-imputed genotypes. Using imputed or non-imputed genotypes, we identified 43 and 65 cis-eQTLs influencing the expression of 45 and 73 genes, respectively.DiscussionOur findings indicate that Marchigiana cattle exhibited hematological and transcriptomic profiles consistent with a potentially more balanced adaptive response to HS under the investigated conditions. However, because each breed was sampled on a different farm and direct physiological or productive measures of resilience were not included, the results do not establish an exclusively genetic breed effect or definitively demonstrate superior resilience. Integrating sensor-derived phenotypes with blood-based biomarkers may nevertheless help identify biological signatures associated with inter-individual responses. In addition, integrating transcriptomics and genomics identified cis-eQTLs that provide candidate regulatory markers for future studies of heat adaptation.
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2026.1789484.].
The aim of this study was to assess whether edible insects reared on substrates containing food allergens can carry these allergens into the final product, and to evaluate the effectiveness of a pre-harvest fasting period in reducing this risk to provide consumer protection. Hermetia illucens larvae, chosen as the model species, were grown on substrates containing 10% of each of the following food allergens: peanut, almond, soy, celery, and gluten. At the end of the feeding period, larvae were sampled at T0 (end of feeding), T1 (24 h fasting), T2 (48 h fasting) and tested by real-time PCR and ELISA to detect allergen residues. Positive results were observed by real-time PCR for soy (mean Ct: 28.84 at T0, 29.4 at T1, 30.95 at T2), celery (mean Ct: 26.74 at T0, 26.90 at T1, 29.77 at T2) and almond (Ct 33.96 at T0 and mean Ct: 34.01 at T1). Soy presence was also confirmed by ELISA test. Insects may represent an alternative food source; however, their use requires careful evaluation due to the potential presence of allergens. Our results showed that insects may contain allergens originating from their feeding substrates, potentially triggering a response in allergic consumers.
