Fresh Milk Research Articles

Dielectric spectroscopy technology combined with machine learning methods for nondestructive detection of protein content in fresh milk.

To quickly achieve nondestructive detection of protein content in fresh milk, this study utilized a network analyzer and an open coaxial probe to analyze the dielectric spectra of milk samples at 100 frequency points within the 2-20GHz range, focusing on the dielectric constant ε' and the dielectric loss factor ε''. Feature variables were extracted from the full dielectric spectra using the successive projections algorithm (SPA), uninformative variables elimination (UVE), and the combined UVE-SPA method. These variables were then used to develop partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector machine (SVM), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), and least squares boosting (LSBOOST) models for predicting protein content. The results showed that ε' decreased monotonically with increasing frequency, while ε'' increased monotonically. The UVE-SPA method for feature extraction demonstrated superior performance, with the UVE-SPA-PLSR model being the best for predicting milk protein content, achieving the highest RC 2=0.998 and RP 2=0.989 and the lowest RMSEC=0.019% and RMSEP=0.032%. This study provides a theoretical reference for evaluating milk quality and developing intelligent detection equipment for natural milk.

An investigative study on Yersinia enterocolitica in animals, humans and dried milk in New Valley Governorate, Egypt

BackgroundYersiniosis is one of the most significant intestinal disorders caused by Yersinia enterocolitica and affects both humans and animals. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Y. enterocolitica in New Valley Governorate, Egypt in animals, humans, fresh milk and dried milk. Additionally, this study analyzed the presence of virulence genes, including ail and Yst in tested isolates and conducted a phylogenetic analysis to determine the genetic similarity between human, and animal Y. enterocolitica isolates. Finally, the antimicrobial resistance patterns of the isolates were examined.ResultsAmong the 982 samples examined, the prevalence of Y. enterocolitica based on ISO10273-2017 was 11.7% in animal samples including 12.8% of animal faeces, and 10.4% in milk samples. Moreover, the prevalence of Y. enterocolitica was 13.2% in human stool, and 9.5% in dried milk samples. The molecular characterization of the six randomly selected isolates showed that the 16S rRNA, ail and Yst genes were found in 50, 33.3 and 100% of the examined Y. enterocolitica isolates, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of animal and human isolates based on the 16S rRNA gene revealed a high degree of similarity between the isolates. All the tested animal and human Y. enterocolitica isolates (100%) were resistant to ampicillin and cefotaxime, but highly sensitive to norfloxacin.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of Y. enterocolitica in animal and human samples with high degrees of genetic similarity poses a threat to public and animal health. Animal faeces, milk and milk powder represent the main sources of Y. enterocolitica infection in humans. Additionally, high levels of antibiotic resistance of Y. enterocolitica can cause public health hazards by leading to the failure of disease prevention and treatment programs in humans and animals.

Outcomes after intranasal human milk therapy in preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage.

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a common cause of brain injury in preterm infants. Fresh human milk (HM) contains stem cells (SCs) that could potentially be delivered via intranasal HM (IHM). In this IHM pilot study, we describe outcomes. Infants <33 weeks gestation with IVH were given IHM until maximum 28 days of age. Short-term neurologic outcomes and follow-up testing were compared to historic HM-fed infants. Longitudinal outcomes were plotted using linear mixed models. Weighted G-computation quantified treatment effects. Propensity score models calculated inverse probability weights for IVH grade, gestational age, and sex. 37 infants (35.1% grade 3-4 IVH) were compared to 191 historic controls (17.8% grade 3-4 IVH). Post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation was common (25.7% IHM patients). Most weighted outcomes, although not significant, favored IHM at 4-12 and 18 months corrected age. This phase 1 study suggests powered trials of IHM for brain injury are needed. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME: clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT04225286.

Perspectives of healthcare workers on the acceptability of donor human milk banking in Southwest Nigeria

BackgroundThe World Health Organization prioritizes Mother’s Own Milk (MOM) or donor human milk (DHM) when MOM is unavailable or insufficient. It is also important for healthcare workers (HCWs) to provide adequate support, information, and education to mothers to help improve their milk production and breastfeeding experience. DHM is scarce in developing countries, prompting a need for understanding health workers’ perspectives.MethodsThis cross-sectional study, conducted in 2021 in Ekiti State, Nigeria, examined the knowledge and attitudes of HCWs regarding human milk banking. A sample of 321 participants from government-owned hospitals completed a self-administered questionnaire.ResultsOf the 321 participants (84.7% response rate), the majority were females (69.2%), aged 30–39 (32.1%), Christian (91.9%), and employed in tertiary hospitals (91.9%). About 65% of the HCWs believe that HMB is a safe practice and 42% believe that the DHM has the same quantity of immunological factors as fresh human milk. While 80.4% displayed good DHM knowledge, attitudes varied. The HCWs profession influenced their attitudes and a higher proportion of all female HCWs (71%), except for health assistants (65.4%), expressed willingness to donate their breast milk if needed. Among males HCWs, the majority of those who were doctors (82.8%) and pharmacists (62.5%) expressed willingness to support their spouses to donate breast milk, and they also had higher acceptance of DHM for their infants. In all, more than 80% of the HCWs will encourage mothers to donate their milk and feed babies under their care with DHM, but only 47% would accept DHM to feed their own children. Health assistants had less favourable views, and negative perceptions were linked to the internet and media sources.ConclusionsThe study highlights health workers’ awareness of DHM but indicates a reluctance to fully embrace it, especially among health assistants. The need for targeted education programs, to address knowledge gaps and negative perceptions, is crucial for the successful implementation of human milk banks in Nigeria. Overcoming challenges, such as safety concerns and sociocultural influences, requires focused efforts from policymakers and healthcare institutions.

Non-destructive detection of water adulteration level in fresh milk based on combination of dielectric spectrum technology and machine learning method

To rapidly realize the identification of fresh milk for water adulteration and to predict the amount of water adulteration, this study adopts a coaxial probe and a vector network analyzer to analyze the variation laws of dielectric constant ε', dielectric loss factor ε'' and dielectric loss angle tangent tanδ in the range of 2–20 GHz under 100 frequency points. Soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA), Naive Bayes (NB), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), and support vector machine (SVM) models were built based on full dielectric spectra for qualitative testing of adulteration levels in milk. Feature variables of FDS were extracted by using the successive projections algorithm (SPA) and uninformative variables elimination (UVE). Partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression (SVR), and particle swarm optimization least square support vector regression (PSO-LSSVR) models were built for quantitative testing of adulteration levels in milk. The results demonstrate an increasing trend of ε'' and tanδ with increasing frequency and a decreasing trend of ε'. The ε'-SIMCA model achieves the best effect in distinguishing water adulteration in milk, showing accuracy (ACC) of 1, Sensitivity (SNS) of 1, Specificity (SPC) precision (PRE) of 1, and an F1-score (F1) of 1. The tanδ-SPA-PSO-LSSVR model optimally predicts the optimal prediction effect of moisture content of milk, showing an RP2 of 0.994 and an RMSEP of 0.016 %. This study is conducive to building a more comprehensive knowledge system of water adulteration in fresh milk. Its results can provide a theoretical reference in the development of non-destructive detection instruments for natural milk.

Exposure to Aflatoxins and Ochratoxin A From the Consumption of Selected Staples and Fresh Cow Milk in the Wet and Dry Seasons in Ghana.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, the heavy reliance on mycotoxin-susceptible staple foods means that populations in the region are particularly vulnerable to chronic mycotoxin exposure. This study assessed the exposure risk to ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins (AFs) from 18 samples of selected staple foods (maize, millet, groundnut) and 56 fresh cow milk samples collected from across Ghana. The foods were sampled simultaneously to maximise comparability, and at two timepoints in March/April (during the dry season) and July/August (during the rainy season) to assess the effects of duration of storage and seasonal conditions on the mycotoxin levels as measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. The margin of exposure (MOE) approach was used to assess the exposure risk from consumption of the sampled foods. Each of the sampled staples was contaminated with OTA (0.19-3.11 ng/g) and at least one AF (0.75-13.05 ng/g B1, ND-12.12 ng/g B2, 0.1-9.95 ng/g G1, ND-16.78 ng/g G2). Up to 67% had contamination above European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maximum limits, and 50% were above Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) limits. The fresh cow milk samples were contaminated with AFM1 in the range of 0.05-1.49 ng/g, with 95% above EFSA limits and 36% above GSA limits. Aflatoxin contamination in the staples was high, particularly in July/August when the wet conditions may have adversely impacted the handling and storage of farm produce. Variation in AFM1 between the two sampling periods mirrored total aflatoxin in the staples, suggesting that even if dairy cattle were grazing in open pasture and not being rationed on stored feed, then there was a high environmental presence of aflatoxigenic fungi. The MOE estimates were ≤ 533.09, far below the safe cut-off of 10,000 for suspected carcinogenic compounds. The high mycotoxin levels indicate a priority risk to child nutrition which relies heavily on cereal mixes based on one or all the three sampled staples. The data from this study underscore the urgent need for interventions to better appreciate and address mycotoxin exposure for enhanced food security and public health in Ghana and across sub-Saharan Africa.

Exonic mutations of POU class 1 homeobox 1 are associated with milk pH in high-producing Holstein Friesian cows

Background and Aim: Milk physicochemical properties play essential role in the milk processing industry, which are moderately to highly affected by genetic factors. This study aimed to evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in POU class 1 homeobox 1 (POU1F1) and the physicochemical properties of milk in high-producing Holstein Friesian (HF) cows. Materials and Methods: A total of 149 high-producing dairy cows from PT Ultra Peternakan Bandung Selatan was included in this study. The physicochemical properties of milk, including density, freezing point, pH, lactose, solid non-fat, protein, and ash content, were determined. Moreover, three polymorphisms within the exon regions of POU1F1 (c.195G&gt;A, c.300G&gt;T, and c.828G&gt;A) were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The association between these polymorphisms and the physicochemical properties of milk was determined using a mixed-effects model analysis, in which the lactation period was used as a covariate. Results: This study found that two polymorphisms, c.195G&gt;A and c.828G&gt;A, significantly affected the pH of fresh milk. Cows with both the GG genotypes c.195G&gt;A and c.828G&gt;A had lower milk pH values than those with the other genotypes. In addition, a non-significant effect of POU1F1 was observed on the other physicochemical properties of milk. Conclusion: Two POU1F1 polymorphisms determined the pH of fresh milk in the Indonesian HF population. These are potential marker candidates for milk pH that directly affect the development of dairy products in the milk processing industry. Keywords: exonic mutation, Holstein Friesian, milk pH, physicochemical properties, POU1F1.

A Novel Bifidobacterium longum Subsp. longum T1 Strain from Cow's Milk: Homeostatic and Antibacterial Activity against ESBL-Producing Escherichia coli.

Background/Objectives: The global emergence of antibiotic-resistant zooanthroponotic Escherichia coli strains, producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL-E) and persisting in the intestines of farm animals, has now led to the development of a pandemic of extra-intestinal infectious diseases in humans. The search for innovative probiotic microorganisms that eliminate ESBL-E from the intestines of humans and animals is relevant. Previously, we received three isolates of bifidobacteria: from milk of a calved cow (BLLT1), feces of a newborn calf (BLLT2) and feces of a three-year-old child who received fresh milk from this calved cow (BLLT3). Our goal was to evaluate the genetic identity of BLLT1, BLLT2, BLLT3 isolates using genomic DNA fingerprinting (GDF), to study the tolerance, adhesion, homeostatic and antibacterial activity of BLLT1 against ESBL-E. Methods: We used a complex of microbiological, molecular biological, and immunological methods, including next generation sequencing (NGS). Results: GDF showed that DNA fragments of BLLT2 and BLLT3 isolates were identical in number and size to DNA fragments of BLLT1. These data show for the first time the possibility of natural horizontal transmission of BLLT1 through with the milk of a calved cow into the intestines of a calf and the intestines of a child. BLLT1 was resistant to gastric and intestinal stresses and exhibited high adhesive activity to calf, pig, chicken, and human enterocytes. This indicates the unique ability of BLLT1 to inhabit the intestines of animals and humans. We are the first to show that BLLT1 has antibacterial activity against ESBL-E strains that persist in humans and animals. BLLT1 produced 145 ± 8 mM of acetic acid, which reduced the pH of the nutrient medium from 6.8 to 5.2. This had an antibacterial effect on ESBL-E. The genome of BLLT1 contains ABC-type carbohydrate transporter gene clusters responsible for the synthesis of acetic acid with its antibacterial activity against ESBL-E. BLLT1 inhibited TLR4 mRNA expression induced by ESBL-E in HT-29 enterocytes, and protected the enterocyte monolayers used in this study as a bio-model of the intestinal barrier. BLLT1 increased intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) as one of the main molecular factors providing intestinal homeostasis. Conclusions: BLLT1 shows promise for the creation of innovative functional nutritional products for humans and feed additives for farm animals that will reduce the spread of ESBL-E strains in the food chain.

Study the effect of lactoperoxidase activation in combination with heat treatment or nisin on the microbiological quality of raw milk

The aim of the current study was to improve the microbiological quality of raw cow milk by activating the lactoperoxidase system using either nisin or heat treatment. A central composite experimental design with three factors was used to evaluate the effect of thiocyanate (SCN), hydrogen peroxide (H202) and nisin on the microbiological quality of raw milk. The experimental response was measured in terms of the logarithmic reduction in total microbial, total coliforms count, yeasts and molds. Our results indicate that the combination of both treatments was highly effective in destroying various microorganisms. In fact, the optimal values of each parameter (SCN, H202 and nisin) for a 6log, 5log and 4log reductions of the initial number of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, coliforms, yeasts and molds were around 7 mg/L of SCN, 15 mg/L of H202 and 50 IU/mL of nisin, obtained after 72 h of incubation at 25 °C. Concerning the LPS activation at moderate temperature, our data suggest that this combination was very effective in destroying different microorganisms. Certainly, the total destruction of coliforms, yeasts and molds was noted after 96 h incubation at 25 °C after LPS activation for 4 h and 6 h followed by heat treatment (63 °C for 30 min). These results highlight a synergistic effect between the LPS activation and nisin or heat treatment in preserving microbiological quality of raw milk for 72 h or 96 h at 25 °C, respectively. Such treatments could be implemented by the dairy industry to enhance the quality of fresh milk and consequently of dairy products.

Evolution of bacterial flora in raw yak milk and its effect on quality characteristics during frozen storage

Due to the scarcity of yak milk in Tibetan areas, local herders primarily use traditional freezing methods for preservation. However, the extent of microbial contamination in raw yak milk during frozen storage and its impact on milk quality remains largely unexplored. This study analyzed the changes in bacterial populations and quality of raw yak milk stored at −18 °C for 6 months. The results indicated that, compared to fresh milk, the freshness of yak milk showed no significant change after 2 months of frozen storage (P > 0.05). After 4 months, the bacterial diversity of flora in yak milk increased significantly, with Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter emerging as the dominant psychrophilic bacteria. Correspondingly, the expression of metabolic pathways related to quality deterioration increased, with a significant increase in physicochemical indicators such as acidity, proteolysis degree, acid value and fat oxidation degree (P < 0.05). Extending the frozen storage to 6 months resulted in a slight but no significant decrease in bacterial diversity, with no significant difference in quality deterioration compared to the 4-month group (P > 0.05). Correlation analysis further revealed that Acinetobacter and Psychrobacter were significantly positively correlated with quality deterioration of frozen milk (P < 0.05). In summary, when frozen for more than 4 months, raw yak milk exhibited the highest bacterial diversity and predicted the most abundant metabolic pathways, with dominant psychrophilic bacteria massive proliferation leading to a decline in quality and safety.

Boronic acid ester-based hydrogel as surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates for separation, enrichment, hydrolysis and detection of hydrogen peroxide residue in dairy product all-in-one

Rapid and selective separation, enrichment and detection of trace residue all-in-one in complex samples is a major challenge. Hydrogels with molecular sieve properties can selectively separate and enrich target analytes, and the combination with high sensitivity detection of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is expected to achieve the above all-in-one detection. Herein, the core-shell structured Au@poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-phenylboronic acid hydrogel (Au@PNIP-VBA) with boronic acid ester groups was prepared by thermally initiated polymerization. The boronic acid ester groups in hydrogel are selectively hydrolyzed by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to hydroxyl structures, leading to a reduction in SERS signals. The Au@PNIP-VBA hydrogel has molecular sieve properties and high SERS activity, making it suitable for separation, enrichment, hydrolysis and detection of H2O2 all-in-one. A rapid SERS method was developed for analysis of H2O2 based on the Au@PNIP-VBA hydrogel with the linear range of 8.5 × 10−2-6.8 mg L−1 and the detection limit of 33 μg L−1. The method was successfully applied to the determination of H2O2 residue in fresh milk, pure milk, yogurt and camel milk, with the recoveries were in the range of 82.2%–109.3% and the relative standard deviations were 2.8%–8.3%. This efficient all-in-one strategy has the advantages of simple sample pre-treatment, rapid analysis (30 min) and high sensitivity, making it highly promising for food quality and safety analysis.

Investigation of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters of traditional mongolian cheese

The traditional technology of Mongolian cheese is almost the same in different parts of the country, it differs from other types of cheeses, there is no microbiological process in it. Within the framework of this study, physico-chemical and microbiological parameters were determined in order to assess the quality and safety of Mongolian cheese sold on the market in Ulanbaatar. The article is devoted to the traditional Mongolian cheese, which belongs to the group of fresh fermented milk cheeses produced by thermal acid coagulation of milk. The main stages of its production include pasteurization of milk, coagulation, molding and pressing of cheese mass. Unlike other types of cheese, the production process of Mongolian cheese does not include clot processing, salting and maturation, which limits its shelf life. However, this cheese is an important source of casein and whey proteins for the Mongolian population. The method of cheese production is based on thermic acid coagulation, which uses high temperature. Mongolian cheese, like other cheeses of this group, is absorbed by the body by 96-98%, being an important source of calcium, phosphorus and amino acids. Milk proteins in such cheeses are not decomposed by microorganisms, which reduces the content of soluble proteins. Studies of the microflora of Mongolian cheese have shown the presence of various microorganisms, mainly lactic acid bacteria, and the absence of pathogenic bacteria when properly stored. The addition of preservatives such as nisin and natamycin can extend the shelf life of cheese up to 15 days.

Omalizumab reduces anaphylactic reactions and allows food introduction in food-allergic in children with severe asthma: An observational study.

In Europe, Omalizumab (anti-IgE) is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe asthma, but not for IgE-mediated food allergy (FA). We assessed the impact of Omalizumab on efficacy, safety, and quality of life (FA-QoL) in patients with moderate to severe asthma and who have a history of anaphylaxis to peanut, tree nuts, fish, egg, milk, and/or wheat. Food-allergic children (6-18 years) with moderate to severe asthma underwent oral food challenges (OFCs) to establish the threshold of reaction to the culprit food(s) at baseline (T0) and at 4-month intervals (T1, T2, and T3) during their first year of treatment with Omalizumab. We recorded the number and severity of food-allergic reactions, Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores, FA-QoL, and total IgE levels. In 65 patients allergic to 107 foods, the No Observed Adverse Events Level (NOAEL) at T1 increased: 243- and 488-fold for fresh and baked milk, respectively; 172- and 134-fold for raw and baked egg; 245-fold for hazelnut; 55-fold for peanut; 31-fold for wheat; and 10-fold for fish. Full tolerance was achieved in 66.4% of OFCs at T1, 58.3% at T2, and 75% at T3. Ninety-five foods were liberalized in the diet of 55 patients; the remaining 12 were introduced by 10 patients at least in traces. Throughout the study, 40 out of 65 were able to get a free diet. ACT increased from 17 (Q1-Q3: 15-17) to 23.6 (Q1-Q3: 23-25). The FA-QoL score in children ≤12 years decreased from 4.63 ± 0.74 to 2.02 ± 1.13, and in adolescents from 4.68 ± 0.92 to 1.90 ± 1.50. During Omalizumab therapy, a safe reintroduction of allergenic foods is feasible. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06316414.

Development of Fruit Based Flavored White Cheese

Cheese is important food constituents among the processing dairy product. Nowadays flavored white cheese is alternatively provided as food product in order to increase consumer acceptance throughout the world. However, flavored cheeses not familiar to consume in Ethiopia. Hence the aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the nutritional and sensory appeal of fruit flavored white cheese. A total of 20 liters of fresh milk were brought from Holeta dairy research livestock farm so as to process the cheese. The fruits (Lemon &amp; Orange) were purchased from Holeta fruit juice shops. The experiment was conducted in five treatments such as 3% fruit flavored cheese, 6% fruit flavored cheese, 9% fruit flavored cheese, 12% fruit flavored cheese and the control (cheese without fruit flavored) using mixture expert design software. Physicochemical of pH, titratable acidity, moisture content, ash content, crude protein, crude fat, mineral and sensory evaluation were done following standard procedures. All the samples were analyzed in duplicate. The sensory attributes were done using five hedonic scale by 15 semi-trained panelists. In this study the result showed that the highest mean score of pH value (6.04) for 12% fruit flavored cheese, Moisture content (3.76%) for 6% flavored cheese and Crude Fat (17.85%) for 3% flavored cheese respectively. Although the highest mean value of Ash (11.55%) and Crude Protein (53.72%) shown in the control. A significant difference (P&amp;lt;0.05) was shown by only Mg among Ca, Fe, Zn and K. Moreover, Color, flavor, odor, texture and overall acceptance shown no significant difference (P&amp;gt;0.05) from Sensory attributes. In conclusion, using fruit flavored cheese may enhance the nutritional quality and sensory acceptance of the cheese. This research study will provide good information for those working on fruit juice shops as well as juice industries to use as alternative product.

Modifying physicochemical properties, rheology, and creaming stability of milk fat globule and membrane through ultrasound treatment

The healthy benefits of milk fat globules and membrane (MFGs/MFGM) ingredients are increasingly recognized in the dairy industry. In this research, we examined the effects of ultrasonic treatment on the physicochemical and rheological properties, as well as the emulsions stability of MFGs/MFGM derived from bovine raw milk. Fresh milk was subjected to sonication at frequencies of 20 kHz and 40 kHz, either individually or simultaneously, for durations of 5 min or 15 min, using work/rest cycles of 5 s on and 3 s off. Bovine milk, without any treatment, served as the control. Regardless of the intensity difference, ultrasonic treatment for 5 min resulted in more pronounced changes in the regions of Amide Ⅱ (1600–1500 cm−1), Amide Ⅲ (1500–1200 cm−1), and fingerprint region (1200–1900 cm−1) compared to both the 15 min treatments and control MFGs/MFGM. Principal component analysis (PCA) conducted on the entire spectra, as well as in the regions of Amide Ⅰ, Amide Ⅱ, and the fingerprint spectra, clustered the 5 min treatment distinctly from the control and MFGs/MFGM ultrasonically treated for 15 min. MFGs/MFGM samples following 20 kHz and 40 kHz synchronous treatment for 15 min exhibited lower absorbance bands at 1727–1726 cm−1, whereas a higher content at 1740 cm−1 was observed compared to control MFGs/MFGM. Additionally, a more significant reduction in the intramolecular β-sheet content in 20 + 40 kHz/ 15 min treatment was observed. According to the sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) patterns, a diminished intensity of Periodic Acid Schiff 6/7 (PAS 6/7) bands was observed across all the MFGs/MFGM. Ultrasonic treatment retained more caseins while reducing the β –LG levels compared to the controls, enhancing the stability of MFGs/MFGM, except in MFGs/ MFGM subjected to 20 and 40 kHz simultaneously treated for 15 min. The irregular sphericity of fat globules was noted particularly in MFGs/MFGM treated at 20 kHz independently or in combination with 40 kHz for 15 min. According to the confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), ultrasonic treatment facilitated the binding of caseins or whey proteins to the MFGs surface and induced flocculation of membrane proteins. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) heat map further underscored the impact of ultrasonic treatments on the structural and compositional changes, as well as rheology and emulsions stability, of MFGs/MFGM.

An antifouling electrochemical sensor based on a U-shaped four-in-one peptide and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) for vancomycin detection in fresh goat milk

Nonspecific adsorption of biomolecules (notably, proteins) and bacteria from unsterilized food may occur on sensor surfaces, which is still a challenge for food safety sensing. To achieve sensitive detection of unsterilized raw-food materials, in this study, a U-shaped four-in-one peptide with the sequence Ac-FLKLLKKLL-DOPA3-PPPPEEKDQDKEKaa that exhibited anchoring, antifouling, antibacterial, and recognition properties was designed. The peptide-modified sensor surface effectively prevented bacterial adhesion and proliferation while resisting biomolecule adsorption (signal inhibition rate as low as 0.51 % in single-protein solutions). A highly conductive polymer layer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) was introduced to improve the electrochemical performance before U-shaped four-in-one peptide anchoring. The proposed sensor could accurately detect vancomycin, with a wide linear range and limit of detection of 0.05–10 μg mL−1 and 2.06 ng mL−1 (S/N = 3), respectively. Satisfactory recovery rates (101.3–105.3 %) were achieved using diluted fresh goat milk.

Evaluation of yoghurt from fresh cow milk fortified with mango (Mangifera indica L.) pulp in Northern Nigeria

Evaluation of yoghurt from fresh cow milk fortified with mango (Mangifera indica L.) pulp in Northern Nigeria

Evaluating the effectiveness of various agents as interim preservative media for biopsy specimens: An experimental in vitro study

In the field of medicine, diagnosing diseases involves various steps, procedures, and protocols. Histopathological examination remains the gold standard for a definitive and accurate diagnosis. This process relies on an initial step of tissue fixation.Formaldehyde is a traditional fixative material and is typically used as 10% or 4% buffered solutions. However, significant health risks are associated with formaldehyde exposure.Our paper aimed to evaluate and compare variable media as a preservative agent. The study included eight groups as follows: (1) normal saline 0.9%; (2) local anesthesia with epinephrine (2% Lidocaine HCl/ 1:100,000 epi); (3) local anesthesia without epinephrine (3% Mepivacaine HCl/ plain); (4) distilled water; (5) Saliva collected from healthy male participants; (6) Milk (Almarai- full-fat fresh milk); (7) Propolis; and (8) l0% formalin. Three tissue samples from each group were fixed in 10% formalin for 24 h after being preserved for 6 h at ambient temperature in their respective media. All specimens were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin.The following histological structures were assessed: (1) superficial 1/3 of the epithelium, (2) middle 1/3 of the epithelium, (3) lower 1/3 of the epithelium, (4) basement membrane/rete ridges, (5) fibrous connective tissue, (6) blood vessels/endothelial cells, (7) skeletal muscle, (8) adipose tissue, and (9) nerve bundles. A numerical rating system was employed to assess these components, with scores ranging from 1 to 4.Our findings suggest propolis has promising potential as a tissue fixative. This study highlighted the effectiveness of propolis as a preservative and fixative solution, which warrants further investigation.

Human milk microbiota, oligosaccharide profiles, and infant gut microbiome in preterm infants diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease of very preterm infants with mother's own milk (MOM) providing protection, but the contribution of the MOM microbiota to NEC risk has not been explored. Here, we analyze MOM of 110 preterm infants (48 NEC, 62 control) in a cross-sectional study. Breast milk contains viable bacteria, but there is no significant difference in MOM microbiota between NEC and controls. Integrative analysis between MOM microbiota, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), and the infant gut microbiota shows positive correlations only between Acinetobacter in the infant gut and Acinetobacter and Staphylococcus in MOM. This study suggests that NEC protection from MOM is not modulated through the MOM microbiota. Thus, "'restoring" the MOM microbiota in donor human milk is unlikely to reduce NEC, and emphasis should instead focus on increasing fresh maternal human milk intake and researching different therapies for NEC prevention.

“Reference sample comparison method”: A new voltammetric electronic tongue method and its application in assessing the shelf life of fresh milk

Shelf life is a critical comprehensive indicator of food quality. Voltammetric electronic tongue (V-Et), is well-suited for assessing food shelf life, due to its capable of capturing food overall fingerprints. This study designed a “reference sample comparison method” for V-Et to assess the shelf life of fresh milk. Quality differences between milk samples of different shelf lives and reference samples were quantified by differential degree (Dd) values. A new “one-to-one” model of milk shelf life was established based on Dd values, and significantly improved predictive accuracy by 11.14 %–17.17 % and 14.86 %–44.47 % in overall quality shelf life assessment compared to “many-to-one” models based on SVM and DFA. Even in the more sophisticated evaluation of microbial safety and sensory quality shelf life, it attained relative errors of 13.57 % and 7.68 %, respectively. All these findings showed the significant potential of the “reference sample comparison method” in assessing food shelf life with V-Et.