Facial synthesis of fluorine-engineered magnetic covalent organic framework for selective and ultrasensitive determination of fipronil, its metabolites and analogs in food samples.

To improve the adsorption affinity and selectivity of fipronils (FPNs), including fipronil, its metabolites and analogs, a magnetic covalent organic framework (Fe3O4@COF-F) with copious fluorine affinity sites was innovatively designed as an adsorbent of magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE). The enhanced surface area, pore size, crystallinity of Fe3O4@COF-F and its exponential adsorption capacities (187.3-231.5 mg g-1) towards fipronils were investigated. Combining MSPE with high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), an analytical method was established for the selective determination of fipronils in milk and milk powder samples. This method achieved high sensitivity (LODs: 0.004-0.075 ng g-1), satisfactory repeatability and accuracy with spiked recoveries ranging from 89.9% to 100.3% (RSDs≤5.1%). Overall, the constructed Fe3O4@COF-F displayed great potential for the selective enrichment of fipronils, which could be ascribed to fluorine­fluorine interaction. This method proposed a feasible and promising strategy for the development of functionalized COF and broadened its application in fluorine containing hazards detection.

Human milk fat globule delivers entrapped probiotics to the infant's gut and acts synergistically to ameliorate oxidative and pathogenic stress.

The human milk fat globule membrane (hMFGM) and Lactobacillus modulate the infant's gut and benefit health. Hence, the current study assesses the probiotic potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (MRK3), Limosilactobacillus ferementum (MK1) isolated from infant feces, and its interaction with hMFGM during conditions mimicking infant digestive tract. Both strains showed high tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions, cell surface hydrophobicity, and strong anti-pathogen activity against Staphylococcus aureus. During digestion, hMFGM significantly exhibited xanthine oxidase activity, membrane roughness, and surface topography. In the presence of hMFGM, survival of MRK3 was higher than MK1, and electron microscopic observation revealed successful entrapment of MRK3 in the membrane matrix throughout digestion. Interestingly, probiotic-membrane matrix interaction showed significant synergy to alleviate oxidative stress and damage induced by cell-free supernatant of Escherichia coli in Caco-2 cells. Our results show that a probiotic-encapsulated membrane matrix potentially opens the functional infant formula development pathway.

Identification and quantification of goat milk adulteration using mid-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics.

The fraudulent adulteration of goat milk with cheaper and more available milk of other species such as cow milk is occurrence. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effect of goat milk adulteration with cow milk on the mid-infrared (MIR) spectrum and further evaluate the potential of MIR spectroscopy to identify and quantify the goat milk adulterated. Goat milk was adulterated with cow milk at 5 different levels including 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. Statistical analysis showed that the adulteration had significant effect on the majority of the spectral wavenumbers. Then, the spectrum was preprocessed with standard normal variate (SNV), multiplicative scattering correction (MSC), Savitzky-Golay smoothing (SG), SG plus SNV, and SG plus MSC, and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were used to establish classification and regression models, respectively. PLS-DA models obtained good results with all the sensitivity and specificity over 0.96 in the cross-validation set. Regression models using raw spectrum obtained the best result, with coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of cross-validation set were 0.98, 2.01, and 8.49, respectively. The results preliminarily indicate that the MIR spectroscopy is an effective technique to detect the goat milk adulteration with cow milk. In future, milk samples from different origins and different breeds of goats and cows should be collected, and more sophisticated adulteration at low levels should be further studied to explore the potential and effectiveness of milk mid-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics.

Effects of spray drying and freeze drying on the protein profile of whey protein concentrate.

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) is consumed for its high protein content. The structure and biological functionality of whey proteins in WPC powders may be affected by the drying technique applied. However, the specific impact of spray drying and freeze drying on the overall protein profile of whey protein derived from sweet whey streams at scale is unknown. Herein, we examine the effects of commercial-scale freeze drying and spray drying on WPC to determine which method better preserves bioactive whey proteins, with the goal of helping the dairy industry create high-value products that meet the growing consumer demand for functional dairy products. WPCs were produced from pasteurized liquid whey using either a commercial spray dryer or freeze dryer. A variety of analytical techniques, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and bottom-up proteomics using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy were used to identify, quantify, and compare the retention of bioactive proteins in WPC before and after spray drying and freeze drying. In addition, the extent of denaturation was studied via solubility testing, differential scanning calorimetry, and hydrophobicity assessment. There was little to no difference in the retention or denaturation of key bioactive proteins between spray-dried and freeze-dried WPC powders. There was a higher percentage of select Maillard modifications in freeze-dried and spray-dried powders than in the control. The lack of significant differences between spray drying and freeze drying identified herein indicates that freeze drying does not meaningfully improve retention of bioactive proteins compared with spray drying when performed after multiple pasteurization steps. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study aimed to provide insight into the impacts of spray drying versus freeze drying on whey proteins. Overall, our results indicate that for commercial dairy processing that involves multiple rounds of pasteurization, freeze drying does not meaningfully improve the retention of bioactive proteins compared with spray drying. These findings may help the food and dairy industry make informed decisions regarding the processing of its whey protein products to optimize nutritional value.

Secretory IgA in breast milk protects against asthma through modulation of the gut microbiota.

Asthma susceptibility is linked to dysbiosis in early-life gut microbiota, and the antibody secretory immunoglobulin (Ig)A (SIgA) is a key determinant of gut microbiota composition. SIgA is obtained through breast milk during the critical early-life window. We use a mouse model of SIgA deficiency and the house dust mite (HDM) model of asthma to elucidate the role of maternal SIgA in modulating the early-life gut microbiota and asthma protection. Mice that do not receive maternal SIgA display a transient bloom of segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) in the small intestine during the early post-weaning period. Mice that do not receive maternal SIgA also display elevated T helper type 17 (Th17) cell activation in the intestine, which persists into adulthood and is associated with more severe inflammation in response to the HDM model of asthma. This study demonstrates a mechanism by which breast-milk-derived SIgA influences immune development and asthma susceptibility by modulating the early-life gut microbiota.

Sow and litter performance after cross-fostering one surplus piglet and co-mingling the litters at early lactation.

The number of piglets born alive is frequently greater than the functional teats, and some farms are equalizing litters with surplus piglets, limiting piglet udder access. Removing the barrier among farrowing crates may allow piglets to socialize and seek other sows. Thus, we evaluated the effects litter size at cross-fostering and socialization on the sow and piglet performance during lactation. Two factors were included in a 2 × 2 factorial design: socialization and litter size relative to sow functional teat number at cross-fostering. Litters (n = 189) were then assigned to one of four groups: CONT+0 (litters not co-mingled with no additional piglet), CONT+1 (not co-mingled with one additional piglet), Co-M+0 (co-mingled with no additional piglet), Co-M+1 (co-mingled with one additional piglet). Piglets were cross-fostered from 12-16 h after birth, and 24 h later, Co-M groups were socialized by removing the barrier between two adjacent pens. During lactation, sows lost more caliper units in the + 1 group than in the + 0 group (P = 0.04). The number of functional teats did not differ among groups, but Co-M sows had a higher udder lesion score at weaning than CONT (6.55 vs 4.83; P < 0.01). Furthermore, +1 sows had fewer vacant teats throughout lactation (P < 0.01). Milk yield did not differ among the groups (P ≥ 0.13). Regarding the number of weaned piglets, no difference was observed for socialization (P = 0.84), but + 1 sows weaned 0.67 more piglets than + 0 (P < 0.01). Although CONT+0 had the heaviest piglets at weaning (P < 0.01), litter weight did not differ among the groups (P ≥ 0.08). Facial and joint lesions were frequently observed in Co-M (P < 0.01) than CONT. Piglet loss rate did not differ among treatments (overall rate = 12.6%; P ≥ 0.26). The removal rate, however, was more frequent in + 1 litters than in  + 0 (P < 0.01). Death due to starvation was higher in CONT+1 than CONT+0 (P < 0.01) but did not differ between the Co-M groups (P = 0.99). Litters formed with one additional piglet relative to functional teat number weaned more piglets, albeit with lower individual weight. Litter socialization may alleviate the impact of high litter size but shows greater percentages of udder injuries and facial and joint lesions in weaned piglets.

Anti-inflammatory and Restorative effects of milk exosomes and Dexamethasone-Loaded exosomes in a corneal alkali burn model.

Corneal alkali burn is a common and challenging ocular trauma, necessitating the use of dexamethasone (DXMS) as a therapeutic agent. However, prolonged and frequent administration of this drug can lead to undesirable side effects, limiting its clinical application. This study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of action of exosomes as drug carriers in corneal alkali burn repair. We employed centrifugation to isolate milk exosomes (EXO) as nanocarriers. We observed that EXO enhanced the activity and migration of corneal epithelial cells, expediting the repair process following corneal injury. Additionally, a nano-drug delivery model (DXMS@EXO) was designed using ultrasound to load DXMS into exosomes, thus enabling targeted delivery to inflammatory cells and enhancing drug efficacy. DXMS@EXO inhibited the inflammatory processes in the corneal alkali burn model by modulating the classical Wnt signaling pathway, thereby promoting corneal re-epithelialization and wound healing and accelerating the repair process of corneal alkali burn. Neither EXO nor DXMS@EXO exhibited significant side effects during the course of treatment. This study highlighted the substantial potential of EXO and DXMS@EXO in improving drug efficacy and facilitating the repair of corneal alkali burn.

Aflatoxin M1 level and risk assessment in milk, yogurt, and cheese in Tabriz, Iran.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of aflatoxin M1(AFM1) in milk, yogurt, and cheese samples collected from Tabriz, Iran. Additionally, the study conducted a risk assessment related to the consumption of milk and dairy products within Tabriz city. STUDY METHOD: For this study, 56 samples (raw milk, pasteurized milk, ultra-high temperature milk (UHT), traditional yogurt, pasteurized yogurt, traditional cheese, and pasteurized cheese) were collected randomly in Tabriz from December 2021 to March 2022. The analysis was carried out using liquid chromatography, which was equipped with a fluorescence detector. The estimated dietary intake (EDI) and the hazard index (HI) were calculated for the risk assessment. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: AFM1 was detected in all samples. The highest concentration of AFM1 was observed in traditional cheese (P<0.05). The lowest concentration was observed in UHT milk and there were no significant differences between raw milk and pasteurized yogurt(P<0.05). Moreover, in all samples, the levels of AFM1 were below the maximum limit permitted by Iranian national standards. AFM1 levels in traditional yogurt exceeded the European Union's permissible limit in 25% of the samples. The HI in all samples was less than one for both adult and child consumers, except for milk samples for children, which were more than one and indicated a medium risk. In conclusion, the levels of contamination in milk and dairy products and risk assessment appear not to pose a public health risk to Tabriz consumers.

Supplementation of isoacids to lactating dairy cows fed low or high forage diets: Effects on performance, digestibility, and milk fatty acid profile.

Our objective was to determine the effects of isoacids (ISO) on the lactation performance, digestibility, and milk fatty acid (FA) profile of Holstein cows fed 2 forage NDF levels (FL). The study was 10-wk long (including 2-wk for covariate) utilizing a randomized complete block design. Sixty-four mid-lactating Holstein cows [662 ± 71 kg BW, 119 ± 51 DIM, 2 ± 0.9 parity] were blocked by parity, DIM, and prior milk yield (MY) for multiparous cows or genetic merit for primiparous cows, and randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 diets (n = 16). Diets were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial, with 2 FL containing 21 (HF) and 17% forage NDF (LF) without (WIA) or with ISO supplementation (IA, 7.85 mmol/kg DM and 3.44 mmol/kg DM for isobutyrate and 2-methylbutyrate, respectively). Diets were balanced for similar NEL (1.58 Mcal/kg DM), CP (16.0%) and total NDF (27.2%). Feed intake and MY were recorded daily. Nutrient digestibility for each cow was determined using indigestible NDF as a marker, and fecal samples were collected at 8-time points (4 h intervals between samples). Individual cow milk samples composited over a 10-wk period were analyzed using gas chromatography for FA profile. The statistical model included FL, ISO, and FL × ISO as fixed effects and block as a random effect (lme4 in R). The ISO did not affect DMI (P = 0.13), while LF had greater DMI than HF diets (27.8 vs. 26.0 kg/d; P < 0.01). However, ISO increased MY (34.7 vs. 37.2 kg/d; P < 0.01) and ECM (41.9 vs. 39.0 kg/d; P < 0.01) by 7% in HF but not in the LF diet, suggesting FL × ISO interaction (P = 0.04). Interestingly, ISO increased ADG (0.4 kg/d) but decreased MUN by 9% only in LF diet as indicated by FL × ISO interaction (P < 0.01). Additionally, ISO increased DM, OM, NDF, and CP digestibility by 10-24% in HF (P < 0.01), but not in LF (FL × ISO; P > 0.05). As expected, ISO increased milk odd chain FA profiles in the IA groups irrespective of FL, e.g., the IA had greater C15:0 (1.87 vs. 1.54 g/100g FA; P = 0.03) and a tendency to be greater C17:0 levels (0.86 vs. 0.76 g/100g FA; P = 0.05) compared with WIA groups. Overall, ISO improved MY and nutrient digestibility in the HF whereas it increased ADG and decreased MUN in LF diet. Additionally, ISO increased milk odd chain FA (C15:0 and C17:0) regardless of FL.

Impact of preacidification on the functionality and insoluble calcium levels of Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella made from high-casein milk.

The use of low-concentration factor ultrafiltered (LCF-UF) milk for cheesemaking has become popular in recent years. Research on using LCF-UF milk to make low-moisture part-skim (LMPS) Mozzarella manufacture is limited due to concerns about the negative impact of the higher casein content on functional properties, such as melt and stretch. Pre-acidification (PA) (reflects acid added to milk before the addition of the starter culture) has been used in low-fat and nonfat Mozzarella cheeses to lower calcium levels and improve their texture and melting properties. We explored the use of PA to reduce the insoluble calcium content of cheese (calcium that is a crosslinking material for the casein proteins) and its impact on the functionality of LMPS Mozzarella made from high casein (4.2%) milk. Seven vats of LMPS Mozzarella, with a control (no PA), 2 pH values for PA (6.40 and 6.00) and 3 different acidification methods (use of acetic, citric, or carbonic acid from carbon dioxide) were evaluated for their impact on solubilization of colloidal calcium phosphate during LMPS manufacture. Composition, proteolysis, microstructural and functional changes in the LMPS cheeses were monitored during 90 d of refrigerated storage. All cheeses had similar composition except for the cheese made with milk PA with carbonic acid, which had a lower fat-in-dry matter probably due to foaming observed in this sample during the gas sparging. The cheese made with milk PA with citric acid to pH 6.00 had the lowest amount of total and insoluble calcium compared with other cheeses at all steps during cheese manufacture and storage, likely due to the calcium chelating ability of citric acid. The cheese that was made with milk PA with citric acid to pH 6.40 had a trend of slightly lower (not significant) total and insoluble calcium during cheese manufacture compared with other cheeses that were made with milk PA to pH 6.40. The pH value in all the cheeses remained similar throughout 90 d of storage, whereas the cheese that was made with milk PA with citric acid to pH 6.00 had the lowest pH values during storage. Treatment significantly (P < 0.05) impacted instrumental hardness, the maximum loss tangent during heating, the melting temperature and the storage modulus values measured at 70°C. Proteolysis was not impacted by treatment suggesting that typical aging should occur. Cheese that was PA with citric acid to pH 6.00 initially had lower maximum loss tangent values and higher hardness, possibly due to the lower pH value of this cheese. The performance of cheeses on pizza was assessed using Sensory Spectrum® method and quantitative descriptive analysis. The PA of cheese milk with citric acid helped to reduce the insoluble Ca level and at 30 and 90 d of storage, these cheeses had lower first chew hardness, lower chewiness, and lower strand thickness values compared with other cheeses. The use of PA could help improve the functionality of LMPS Mozzarella made from milk high in casein with citric acid being the most efficient in dissolving the insoluble calcium from casein.

Biologics in Food Allergies: Emerging Therapies.

Immunoglobuin E (IgE)-mediated food allergies greatly impact patients and their families, causing financial and emotional stress, and placing them at risk for lifethreatening reactions. Until recently, food allergies have been treated with allergen avoidance and emergency treatment of allergic reactions. Omalizumab was recently approved in adults and children greater than one year who are allergic to one or more foods for the prevention of serious allergic reactions in the setting of accidental exposure. Omalizumab also shows promise when combined with oral immunotherapy for possible allergen ingestion. Other classes of biologics and small molecule inhibitors have also demonstrated potential for use in preventing and treating food allergy.

Linseed oil supplementation alters milk fatty acid profile, mitigates heat stress, and improves summer milk yield in grazing dairy cows.

Dietary supplementation of fat can be an important source of energy to compensate for the reduction in dry matter intake in dairy cows during heat stress periods. Studies have reported that supplementing dairy cow diets with linseed oil (LO) can increase milk yield and enhance the levels of beneficial fatty acids, such as omega-3 fatty acids, in the milk. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of LO supplementation on milk fatty acids profile, milk yield and composition, and physiological parameters of grazing cows. The study was conducted in two seasons, one in spring and one in summer. A 2 × 2 Latin square design was used in each experiment. Twelve Holstein and crossbred Holstein x Jersey cows were involved in each season. Cows were divided into two groups: control (TC) with no supplementation and treatment (TL) supplemented with 400 g/day of LO. The results showed that LO supplementation altered the milk fatty acid profile: decreased concentrations of short and medium-chain fatty acids (C10:0 - C17:1) except for C13:0 and increased concentrations of long-chain fatty acids (C18, C18:1 (both trans and cis isomers), C18:2 (specific conjugated linoleic acid - CLA isomers), and C18:3 n3 (omega-3)). Additionally, milk yield increased by 1.5 l per day during summer in LO-supplemented cows, while milk fat, protein, and casein content decreased. Milk stability increased by 2.2% in the LO-supplemented group. LO-supplemented cows reduced internal body temperature and heart frequency in the afternoon and increased daily rumination time by 20 min. In conclusion, LO supplementation can be an effective strategy to improve the nutritional profile of milk by altering fatty acid composition towards potentially healthier fats, mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on grazing cows during summer, as evidenced by reduced body temperature and heart frequency and increase milk yield.

Goat Milk Exosomes Ameliorate Ulcerative Colitis in Mice through Modulation of the Intestinal Barrier, Gut Microbiota, and Metabolites.

Goat milk is rich in a variety of nutrients that are important for intestinal health and disease prevention. However, the role of exosomes in goat milk remains to be elucidated. This study investigated for the first time the therapeutic efficacy and molecular underlying mechanisms of mature milk exosomes (M-exo) and goat colostrum exosomes (C-exo) on dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. The findings demonstrate that M-exo and C-exo significantly improved physiological indices, suppressed the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, and diminished oxidative stress and apoptosis in UC mice. Moreover, C-exo and M-exo restored the intestinal barrier function, remodeled the gut microbiota, and improved metabolite composition in the feces of colitis mice. In conclusion, goat milk exosomes ameliorate UC in mice, which provides a basis for the development of functional food applications for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Association between coffee consumption and metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional and Mendelian randomization study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the associations between coffee consumption and metabolic syndrome and its components, as well as the effect of milk, sugar, and artificial sweeteners on these associations. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with 351805 UK Biobank participants. Coffee consumption data were collected via food frequency questionnaires and 24-h recall. Metabolic syndrome was identified through blood biochemistry and self-reported medication use. Odds ratios were calculated using multivariable logistic regression, and results were verified with two-sample Mendelian randomization. RESULTS: Consuming up to two cups of coffee per day was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome (1 cup/day: odds ratio [OR]: 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85-0.92; 2 cups/day: OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.86-0.93). Higher intakes showed near-null associations. Mendelian randomization did not support a causal link between coffee intake and metabolic syndrome. Both self-reported and genetically predicted high coffee consumption (four cups per day or more) were associated with central obesity. The inverse association between coffee consumption and metabolic syndrome was more profound among drinkers of ground coffee than those of instant coffee. Results were similar when stratified by the use of milk and sugar, yet the use of artificial sweetener with coffee was positively associated with metabolic syndrome and all component conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Coffee consumption may increase the risk of central obesity but is unlikely to impact the risk of metabolic syndrome. The potential health effects of artificial sweeteners in coffee need further investigation.

Human milk feeding for moderate and late preterm infants at age 2 months: Insights from a cluster randomized controlled trial 2-month follow-up.

Objective: Human milk (HM) is the optimal nutrition for infants; preterm infants demonstrate shorter HM feeding duration. Care interventions may increase HM feeding among preterm infants after NICU discharge. We compared Alberta Family Integrated Care (FICare) versus Standard Care on HM feeding in preterm infants at age 2 months. Methods: We conducted a follow-up of a cluster randomized controlled trial of 455 infants and their mothers with data linked to the infant's 2-month public health visit. We used partial proportional odds to model group differences and factors associated with feeding type: exclusive HM (EHM), Non-EHM, or no HM (NHM). Results: Compared to Standard Care, mothers in Alberta FICare were less likely to provide EHM versus NHM. There was no group difference between EHM and Non-EHM. Mothers with higher education who were on maternity leave or employed were more likely to provide EHM. Infants who received EHM at discharge were more likely to continue at age 2 months. Higher maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy at discharge was associated with a greater likelihood of EHM. Conclusion: Alberta FICare was not associated with EHM feeding at age 2 months. Innovation: Different factors predicted the three HM feeding categories, suggesting the need to individualize feeding supports.Trial Registration.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02879799, retrospectively registered August 26, 2016.

Erythrocyte membrane and breast milk fatty acid profile in lactating mothers: relationship with infant erythrocyte membrane fatty acid profile.

During the first thousand days of life, fetus and infant's nutrition depends on mother's diet. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are important substrates in infant neurogenesis. We related erythrocyte membrane (EM) and breast milk fatty acids (FA) profile in lactating mothers with the EM FA profile in exclusively breastfed infants and evaluated maternal fat consumption. We conducted an observational, cross-sectional analytical study. During the 2016-2019 period, milk and blood samples from adult mothers 90 days post-partum and infant's blood were analysed, and FA were determined by GC. A frequency of consumption survey of fatty acids precursor foods and sources was conducted. The sample included forty-five mother-infant EM and forty-five milk samples donated by the same mothers. A low percentage of DHA (0·14 (0·12-0·2)) was found in milk, consistent with mother's low consumption of DHA-rich foods. A significant positive correlation between infant's EM DHA percentage and milk DHA percentage (r = 0·39; P value 0·008), as well as between infant's EM ω-3 fatty acids sum and milk DHA percentage (r = 0·39; P value 0·008), was found. When milk had a DHA percentage greater than or equal to 0·20 %, infants had a significant increase in DHA in their EM. Mother's consumption of DHA precursors and sources was NS. The relation between the DHA percentage distribution found in maternal milk, and the DHA percentage distribution found in infant's and mother's EM was proven in this population. Dietary fatty acid intake is associated with the maternal milk lipid distribution and with mothers' and infant's EM fatty acids percentage.

Establishment of goat mammary organoid cultures modeling the mammary gland development and lactation.

BACKGROUND: Although several cell culture systems have been developed to investigate the function of the mammary gland in dairy livestock, they have potential limitations, such as the loss of alveolar structure or genetic and phenotypic differences from their native counterparts. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for lactation research. Development of protocols to establish lactating organoid of livestock represents a promising goal for the future. In this study, we developed a protocol to establish a culture system for mammary organoids in dairy goats to model the mammary gland development and lactation process. RESULTS: The organoids cultured within an extracellular matrix gel maintained a bilayer structure that closely resembled the native architecture of mammary tissue. The expansion of mammary organoids was significantly promoted by growth factors containing epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor 2 whereas the proliferative index of the organoids was significantly inhibited by the treatment with WNT inhibitors. Upon stimulation with a lactogenic medium containing prolactin, the mammary organoids exhibited efficient lactation, characterized by the accumulation of lipid droplets in the lumen space. The lactation could be sustained for more than 3 weeks. Importantly, the expression patterns of genes related to fatty acid synthesis and milk proteins in lactating organoids closely mirrored those observed in mammary tissues. These observations were confirmed by data from proteomic analysis that the bulk of milk proteins was produced in the lactating organoids. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to establish a mammary organoid culture system modeling the mammary gland development and lactation process in ruminants. The efficient induction of lactation in ruminant mammary organoids holds promises for advancing the field of cell-based milk bio-manufacture in the food industry.

Role of the biological active components of human milk on long-term growth and neurodevelopmental outcome.

Human Milk is the best option for infant feeding; and for this reason, it should be promoted, protected, and supported. HM is an individual-specific-dynamic biofluid, characterized by an extreme variability in its composition. A wealth of literature has investigated how HM is related to healthy development. An association between HM composition, including nutrients and growth-related hormones as well as other bioactive components, and short-term and long-term infant outcomes could support this statement; however, the evidence is limited. In fact, HM composition is difficult to examine as it is dynamic and changes within a single feed, diurnally, according to stage of lactation and between and within populations. The aim of this review is summarizing only the innovative knowledge on the association between HM composition and long-term outcomes: infant growth and neurodevelopment. In this specific contest, macronutrients and historical biological component with well recognized effect were excluded (i.e. LCPUFA, DHA, iodine). Revised articles have been found in MEDLINE using breast milk-related outcomes, neurodevelopment, infant growth, breast milk-related biological factors, biomarkers, biological active components, and constituents as keywords. Moreover, we focus our search on the latest research results.

Is there sufficient evidence to support the health benefits of including donkey milk in the diet?

Donkey milk has attracted attention due to its distinctive nutritional composition and potential health advantages, particularly because of its whey protein content, which includes lysozyme, α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, and ß-lactoglobulin and vitamin C, among other components. These elements contribute to immunoregulatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, positioning donkey milk as a possible therapeutic option. In addition, due to the low levels of caseins, the casein-to-whey protein ratio, and the ß-lactoglobulin content in donkey milk, it presents an optimal alternative for infant formula for individuals with cow's milk allergies. Moreover, research into donkey milk's potential for cancer prevention, diabetes management, and as a treatment for various diseases is ongoing, thanks to its bioactive peptides and components. Nevertheless, challenges such as its low production yield and the not fully understood mechanisms behind its potential therapeutic role necessitate more thorough investigation. This review consolidates the existing knowledge on the therapeutic possibilities of donkey milk, emphasizing its importance for human health and the need for more detailed studies to confirm its health benefits.

Gut microbiome features in pediatric food allergy: a scoping review.

Increasing evidence suggests that alterations in the gut microbiome (GM) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of pediatric food allergy (FA). This scoping review analyzes the current evidence on GM features associated with pediatric FAs and highlights the importance of the GM as a potential target of intervention for preventing and treating this common condition in the pediatric age. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines, we searched PubMed and Embase using the keywords (gut microbiome OR dysbiosis OR gut microbiota OR microbiome signatures) AND (food allergy OR IgE-mediated food allergy OR food protein-induced allergic proctocolitis OR food protein-induced enterocolitis OR non-IgE food allergy OR cow milk allergy OR hen egg allergy OR peanut allergy OR fish allergy OR shellfish allergy OR tree nut allergy OR soy allergy OR wheat allergy OR rice allergy OR food sensitization). We included 34 studies reporting alterations in the GM in children affected by FA compared with healthy controls. The GM in pediatric FAs is characterized by a higher abundance of harmful microorganisms (e.g., Enterobacteriaceae, Clostridium sensu stricto, Ruminococcus gnavus, and Blautia spp.) and lower abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacteriaceae, Lactobacillaceae, some Bacteroides species). Moreover, we provide an overview of the mechanisms of action elicited by these bacterial species in regulating immune tolerance and of the main environmental factors that can modulate the composition and function of the GM in early life. Altogether, these data improve our knowledge of the pathogenesis of FA and can open the way to innovative diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies for managing these conditions.