Milk Formula Research Articles

Description of Risk Factors Affecting Neonatal Jaundice

Background: Bilirubin is a chemical compound that is a product of catabolism by biliverdin reductase. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment compound. Increased bilirubin levels in babies' blood will cause neonatal jaundice and changes in skin and sclera color in babies. This study aims to determine the risk factors that influence neonatal jaundice Methods: This research used correlational analytical observational research with a cross-sectional design, using medical records of birth and jaundice babies at Gatot Subroto Army Hospital, Hermina Depok Hospital, and Hermina Kemayoran Hospital in the period January 2023 - June 2023. The total sample was 300 samples. The research instruments and materials used in this study were medical records of babies experiencing jaundice at Gatot Subroto Army Hospital, Hermina Depok Hospital, and Hermina Kemayoran Hospital. Results: Based on data analysis of several factors that have the potential to have a relationship with Neonatal Jaundice, namely: gender, type of delivery, birth weight, consumption of breast milk/formula milk, and gestational age, the results of data analysis were obtained using chi-square where for the gender factor the value was obtained. p_value 0.000 < 0.005, meaning that there is a significant relationship between gender and neonatal jaundice; for the type of delivery factor, the p-value was 0.188 < 0.005, meaning that there was no significant relationship between the type of delivery and the incidence of Neonatal Jaundice; For the birth weight factor, data was obtained with a p-value of 0.118 > 0.005, meaning that there was no significant relationship between birth weight and neonatal jaundice; Factors of consumption of breast milk/milk//formula milk on neonatal jaundice; Furthermore, the maternal gestational age factor has a p-value of 0.494>0.005, meaning that there is no significant relationship between the maternal gestational age factor and neonatal jaundice. Conclusions: Of the six factors studied, two factors have a significant relationship to neonatal jaundice, namely gender and consumption of breast milk/formula milk Keywords: Bilirubin, Neonatal Jaundice, Risk Factors

Influence of breastfeeding on the ontogenesis of mucosal immunity in children

The role of breastfeeding in the development of the cellular immune system, antimicrobial strategies of neutrophils, and local cytokine levels was evaluated in a single-center, prospective, open-label, uncontrolled study of healthy infants who were either naturally or artificially breastfed. The main group included practically healthy children who were exclusively breastfed for the first year of life. Thirty-six children were examined during the first stage and 25 from this group during the second stage. The comparison group included children who received an adapted cow’s milk formula during the first half-year of their lives and a different formula during the second half-year. Thirty-one children were examined during stage one and 27 from this group were examined during stage two. A comprehensive study of mucosal immunity was conducted, assessing the cytokine profile and cellular components using the method of smear prints from the nasal mucosa. The results showed that the nature of feeding during the first year of life influences the formation of mucosal immunity and programming the postnatal development of the child’s immunological reactivity. In the absence of the immunomodulatory effects of breast milk, there is an imbalance in the cytokine profile, with a physiological deviation of the immune response linked to the predominance of Th2 profiles. In contrast, breastfeeding promotes the optimal cellular composition of the upper respiratory mucosa and a cytomorphological neutrophil profile with minimal destructive changes. Breastfeeding programs the optimal functional profile of neutrophils, including the level of receptor activity, intracellular biocidal activity, cytotoxicity, ability to complete phagocytosis. This natural infant feeding method has a long-term protective effect, preventing neutrophil destruction under the influence of environmental factors and respiratory viral agents, and ensuring optimal mucosal immunity development in the respiratory tract.

Effects of different milk powders on the growth and intestinal flora in weaned rats: Comparison of special formula milk powder with ordinary milk powder

AbstractThe objective of this investigation was to examine the effects of distinct dosages of infant formula and diverse formula constituents on the growth and development of weaned rats. Fifty specific pathogen‐free (SPF) male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats aged 3 weeks were divided into the basic diet group, 20% ordinary milk powder group, 20% special formula milk powder group, 30% ordinary milk powder group, and 30% special formula milk powder group randomly. After 28 days of feeding, compared with the basic diet group, the body mass and brain/body weight of rats in the 30% ordinary and special formula milk powder groups were decreased. At the Genus level, Bacteroides in the group supplemented with 20% special formula milk powder was significantly lower than that in the basic diet group, and Parabacteroides was significantly lower than that in the 20% ordinary milk powder group. Lactobacillus was significantly higher than those in the basic diet group and the 20% ordinary milk powder group, and Blautia was significantly higher than those in the basic diet group and the 20% and 30% ordinary milk powder groups, and UBA1819 was significantly higher than those in the other groups. The abundance of Parasutterella in the basic diet group was significantly higher than those in the groups supplemented with 20% ordinary milk powder, 20% special formula milk powder, and 30% ordinary milk powder. This study found that different doses and different formula components of infant milk powder could affect body mass and intestinal flora in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats, and the addition of low‐dose (20%) special formula infant milk powder can increase the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal flora of rats and may reduce the pathogenic bacteria.

The nutrition profile and utility of banana puree as a liquid thickener for medically complex infants with dysphagia.

Dysphagia among infants, particularly high-risk and preterm neonates, poses feeding challenges that can impact multiple systemic outcomes and delay hospital discharge. Limited therapeutic options for approved thickening agents for human milk and infant formula necessitate the exploration of alternatives, including banana puree. This study investigated the feasibility of using banana puree as a thickening agent for hospitalized infants with dysphagia. The International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) flow test determined optimal volumes of banana puree mixed with infant formulas or human milk to achieve desired liquid thickness levels. Nutrition analysis considered potassium intake and calories from carbohydrates to assess dietary composition. Banana puree effectively achieved IDDSI Levels 1-3, with varying volumes required based on milk types and caloric concentrations. The nutrition analysis revealed the importance of restricting banana puree to 15% of feeding volumes to avoid exceeding recommended potassium levels while promoting appropriate nutrition. Banana puree represents a promising option for thickening feeds in infants with dysphagia, facilitating safe oral feeding opportunities, accelerating the introduction of oral feeding, and, potentially, improving long-term outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore its impact on feeding progression, hospital stays, growth, patient outcomes, and feeding-related behaviors compared with traditional thickening agents.

Microplastic and human health with focus on pediatric well-being: a comprehensive review and call for future studies.

Although humans are highly dependent on plastics from infancy to adolescence, these materials can degrade into ubiquitous microplastics (MPs) that affect individuals at every stage of life. However, information on the sources, mechanisms, detection techniques, and detrimental effects of MPs on children's health from infancy to adolescence is limited. Hence, here we identified and reviewed original research papers published in 2017-2023 across 11 database categories in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science to improve our understanding of MPs with a focus on pediatric well-being. These studies found that milk and infant formulas are common sources of MP exposure in infants. Infant formula is the dominant source of MPs in babies, while plastic toys are a common source of MPs in toddlers. Adolescents are frequently exposed to MPs through the consumption of food contaminated with MPs and the use of plastics in food packaging. Water and air are sources of MP exposure in children from infancy through adolescence. This study thoroughly summarized how MP exposure in children of all ages causes cell damage and leads to adverse health effects such as cancer. With appropriate authorization from the relevant authorities, small amounts of human biological samples (10 g of feces) were collected from volunteers to assess the amounts of MPs in children with the aim of promoting pediatric well-being. The samples were then treated with Fenton's reagent, stored in glass jars, and filtered through nonplastic filters. Finally, MPs in children were quantified using stereomicroscopy and characterized using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.

Individual- and system-level determinants of breastfeeding in a low-resource setting

The benefits of breastfeeding are widely established and therefore the World Health Organization recommends that every child be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life and continue breastfeeding up to 2 years of age or beyond. However, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding is low globally and has declined in Bangladesh in recent years. In this review, Bangladesh is used as an example to demonstrate the complex individual- and system-level determinants of breastfeeding in a low-resource setting. Mothers face barriers to breastfeeding within the context of marketing by commercial milk formula companies, limited safe alternatives to breastfeeding directly from the breast, and insufficient resources to support breastfeeding in the hospital, community, and workplace setting. Future research and implementation science is required to investigate the overlapping effects between breastfeeding and the high antibiotic use and Caesarean section rates in Bangladesh, along with public health efforts to promote breastfeeding based on robust evidence.

Parenteral nutrition dependence and growth in pediatric patients with intestinal failure following transition to blenderized tube feedings: A case series.

Human milk and amino acid (AA) formulas are correlated with a shorter duration of parenteral nutrition (PN) dependence for infants with intestinal failure (IF). Literature to guide feeding practices beyond infancy in this population is limited. We aimed to assess PN dependence, growth patterns, and stool frequency in pediatric patients with IF who transitioned from AA or hydrolyzed formula to blenderized tube feedings (BTFs). We performed a retrospective review among children with IF observed at Boston Children's Hospital from January 2014 to January 2019. Inclusion criteria were receipt of BTF for ≥3 months at a volume of ≥200 ml/day and ≥2 outpatient visits during the study period. Patients who received BTF in combination with another formula or food purees were excluded. Twelve children met criteria. Eleven had a small bowel resection with mean residual small bowel length of 51 ± 47 cm. Two retained their ileocecal valve (ICV), and eight had colonic resection. All patients were dependent on PN with mean (SD) energy intake of 51 ± 21 kcal/kg/day. After transition to BTF, three patients (25%) achieved enteral autonomy, and seven (58%) had a reduction in PN energy intake. Anthropometric data and stool frequency were generally unchanged. The transition from AA or hydrolyzed formula to BTF was associated with a substantial reduction in PN support in 12 children with IF. Stool frequency and growth parameters were not significantly changed. Our findings suggest that the use of BTF in older children with IF should be considered.

Parenteral lipid nutrition in congenital gastrointestinal malformation operated cases

Background: Congenital gastrointestinal malformation (CGIM) cases require immediate surgical correction after birth and proper nutrition to meet energy demands. Among the macronutrients, lipids are considered the major energy source, playing a vital role in parenteral nutrition. However, the time of their initiation remains unclear. We compared the data of CGIM cases where lipids were given from the first post-surgical day to those where parenteral lipids were initiated on the second or third day of surgery and then reevaluated them on the seventh day of parenteral nutrition.Methods: We collected the data of patients who had undergone surgical correction for CGIM and were kept on parenteral nutrition including lipids from day 1 of surgery labeling them as group 1. Group 2 comprised of neonates having lipid parenteral nutrition started from day 2 or 3 of surgery. Both groups were reevaluated on the 7th day of parenteral nutrition. Statistical analysis was performed.Results: Group 1 had higher total bilirubin (TB) statistically significant (p-value=0.0299), as well as lower lipase (p-value=0.0286), and lower total lipids (p-value=0.0365). The values were lower of triglycerides (p-value=0.0365), and total lipids (p-value=0.0365), on day 1. Comparing both groups, all biochemical parameters were found to be statistically significant.Conclusion: Lipid deficiency and overload should be carefully evaluated, especially in neonates having undergone recent surgical interventions, which increase their nutritional demands. No adverse effects were seen in our study related to parenteral lipid emulsion administration in post-surgical congenital gastrointestinal malformation cases. Early initiation of parenteral lipid regimens can provide better outcomes.Keywords: Congenital gastrointestinal malformations; Intravenous lipid emulsions; Parenteral nutrition; Gestational age; Milk formula

Formula protein versus human milk protein and the effects on growth in preterm born infants

Purpose of review This review aims to evaluate the latest available evidence on the differences between human milk proteins versus infant formula proteins and its effects on growth and development in preterm infants. Recent findings High protein intake supports initial growth in preterm infants, although the long-term benefits remain unclear. Human milk requires adequate fortification to meet nutritional needs of preterm born infants. Formula feeding, with its higher protein content, may accelerate early weight gain but also increases the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. Current evidence showed no significant advantages of human milk-derived fortifiers over bovine milk-derived fortifiers. Furthermore, studies published during the review period do not provide new evidence that alters the existing understanding of differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes between infants fed human milk and those fed formula. Summary Both fortified human milk and preterm formula support growth in preterm infants, but human milk offers additional protective benefits, such as reducing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, making it the preferred option. Balancing immediate growth needs with potential long-term developmental outcomes remains crucial, highlighting the need for further research to determine the optimal protein intake for preterm infants.

Problematic issues of the impact of microplastics on the human body and the environment: A review

Currently, the widespread use of plastic has become a serious problem for the environment and human health. Microplastics, being an artificial polymer created by man, are highly resistant to external influences and their decomposition requires a significant amount of time. The article provides information on the distribution of microplastics and their impact on the environment and the human body, issues of detecting microplastics in the blood, heart, lungs, placenta and meconium, in breast milk, hypothetical mechanisms by which microplastics penetrate into human tissues and the metabolism of plasticizers in children with autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In the modern world, plastic has become an integral part of our daily lives, the presence of microplastics in plastic bags for storing breast milk, in baby formula and polypropylene bottles has been demonstrated, the relationship between microplastics and postpartum depression, the relationship between fecal microplastics and the status of inflammatory bowel diseases has been described. Making the decision to limit the use of plastic products in your home is an important step that can play a key role in reducing environmental pollution and protecting the health of future generations.

Comparison of fatty acid characteristics in human milk, bovine milk and infant formula for better emulation

Comparison of fatty acid characteristics in human milk, bovine milk and infant formula for better emulation

Isolation and characterization of Bifidobacterium spp. From breast milk with different human milk oligosaccharides utilization and anti-inflammatory capacity

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for infants. Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and the corresponding HMOs-consuming Bifidobacterium positively influence infant health. This study aims to isolate and characterize Bifidobacterium from breast milk of healthy Chinese mothers, identifying the most efficacious strains for inclusion in simulated maternal milk formulas. Nine Bifidobacterium strains (two of B. breve and seven of B. infantis) were isolated, exhibiting a broad spectrum of probiotic potential. This included tolerance to simulated infant gastrointestinal conditions, notable adhesion, antibacterial, antioxidant activities, and HMOs utilization ability. Lacto-N-Tetraose (LNT) is preferred in early growth among Bifidobacterium isolates. B. breve showed a preference for LNT, whereas B. infantis showed a preference for fucosylated HMOs, and displayed reduced utilization of sialylated HMOs. They also exhibited robust safety profiles, including no hemolytic activity, an appropriate D/L lactate-producing ratio, and non-toxicity in an acute oral toxicity assay on mice. It is noteworthy that B. breve N-90, O-147, B. infantis O-161 and R-1 exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Specifically, a notable reduction in TNF-α levels was observed in pre-treatment, while a decrease in IL-1β and IL-6 levels in co-treatment. B. breve N-90 and B. infantis R-1 were identified finally as promising probiotic candidates. Their whole-genome sequencing analysis confirmed presence of functional genes associated with gastrointestinal colonization, antioxidation, and glycoside hydrolase activity on HMOs. The annotation for antibiotic resistance and virulence genes concurred with phenotypes, further validating the safety. Breast milk is a good source for Bifidobacteria isolation, while Bifidobacteria utilize HMOs in a strain-dependent manner. The two selected strains, B. breve N-90 and B. infantis R-1, are potential candidates for inclusion in simulated maternal milk formulas and deserved further in vivo investigation for their health-promoting effects.

Spousal Postpartum Social Support and Association with Sexual Function and Sexual Quality of Life among Breastfeeding Women

Background: The present study investigated the relationship between spousal support during postpartum period and the sexual function and sexual quality of life among lactating women. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out from October to March 2021 comprising 301 breastfeeding women referred to comprehensive health centers in Qazvin, Iran. The sampling method was performed in two stages. First, via cluster sampling, ten comprehensive health centers were randomly selected. Then based on the list of lactating mothers, 31 mothers in each center were randomly selected and invited to complete the survey. The survey included three psychometric instruments (i.e., Postpartum Partner Support Scale [PPSS], Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI] and Sexual Quality of Life-Female version [SQOL-F]) as well as a reproductive and demographic information questionnaire. The findings were analyzed using univariable and multivariable regression models at a significance level of p<0.05. Results: The participants had a mean age of 30.33 years and a mean length of marriage of 7.99 years. A total of 219 women were exclusively breastfeeding (72.8%), and 82 used a combination of breastfeeding and formula milk to feed their infants (27.2%). The mean (standard deviation) scores in the postpartum period were 61.34 out of 80 (SD=11.41) on the PPSS, 86.52 out of 108 (SD=19.68) on the SQOL-F, and 22.78 out of 36 (SD=6.20) on the FSFI. Based on adjusted multivariable regression models, spousal support in the postpartum period was a significant predictor of sexual quality of life (β=0.39, p<0.001) but not a significant predictor of sexual function. Sexual quality of life was a significant predictor of sexual function (β=0.44, p<0.001). Conclusion: Given the importance of spousal support during the postpartum period in relation to sexual quality of life and sexual function, designing and implementing counseling programs based on the role of spousal support during postpartum sexual life would be helpful.

Assessment of Lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) as a Novel Food for Use in Food and Food Supplements (RP2101)

Chr. Hansen, Denmark (“the applicant”) submitted a novel food application for the authorisation of lacto-N-tetraose (LNT) as a novel food to each nation of Great Britain in September 2023. The novel food is intended to be used as a source of human identical milk oligosaccharide, LNT, and is manufactured by microbial fermentation using a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and then refined to yield the purified powder. This new application is seeking to use the novel food within the following food categories: food for special medical purposes and food supplements for the general population including those for vulnerable groups (pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the elderly); food for infants and young children including infant formula and follow-on formula. Food supplements are not intended to be used if other foods with added LNT or breast milk are consumed the same day. This novel food had its application for authorisation assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which was published in March 2022. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have reviewed the information available, including the EFSA opinion, and confirmed that LNT is safe under the proposed conditions of use. The anticipated intake levels and proposed use in food and food supplements was not considered to be nutritionally disadvantageous. This safety assessment represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.

Assessment of 3-Fucosyllactose (3-FL) as a Novel Food for Use in Food and Food Supplements (RP2106)

Chr. Hansen, Denmark (“the applicant”) submitted a novel food application for the authorisation of 3-fucosyllactose (3-FL) as a novel food to each nation of Great Britain in September 2023. The novel food is intended to be used as a source of human identical milk oligosaccharide, 3-FL, and is manufactured by microbial fermentation using a genetically modified strain of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and then refined to yield the purified powder. This new application is seeking to use the novel food within the following food categories: food for special medical purposes and food supplements for the general population including those for vulnerable groups (pregnant and breastfeeding women, and the elderly); food for infants and young children including infant formula and follow-on formula. Food supplements are not intended to be used if other foods with added 3-FL or breast milk are consumed the same day. This novel food had its application for authorisation assessed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which was published in May 2022. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) have reviewed the information available, including the EFSA opinion, and confirmed that 3-FL was safe under the proposed conditions of use. The anticipated intake levels and proposed use in food and food supplements was not considered to be nutritionally disadvantageous. This safety assessment represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.

Empowering Global Health Systems to Protect, Promote and Support Optimal Breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is a critical public health strategy for optimal child development and maternal health across the life course. The 2021 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study reveals that, despite reductions in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to suboptimal breastfeeding practices-namely, non-exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months or early discontinuation within the first 2 years-low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to bear a staggering 50-fold higher burden compared to high-income nations. This inequity signals a pressing global health priority. Hence, we propose to address these challenges by first, expanding the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) reach through community-driven efforts such as the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) to enhance breastfeeding support in both clinical and community settings; second, embedding breastfeeding counselling within national health and social protection programmes to fill in gaps in culturally competent care, drawing on large scale breastfeeding peer counselling programme experiences like the one being implemented by the US Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); third, improving maternity leave policies and workplace accommodations for breastfeeding women and fourth, stringent regulation of exploitative commercial milk formula (CMF) marketing to combat misinformation and reduce health inequities. Governments must implement strong, evidence-driven policies-such as strict monitoring and regulation of product labelling and digital media marketing-to establish safeguards against the powerful influence of the CMF industry. Collectively, these strategies will enhance breastfeeding outcomes, reduce health disparities and drive progress across countries towards meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Utilizing superheated steam to inactivate Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 on various material surfaces used in food and produce industries

Traditional sanitation in dry food and produce manufacturing plants is challenging as residual moisture can harbor microbial contamination. Superheated steam (SHS) is produced when water is heated to temperatures (125–400 °C) beyond the boiling point. SHS does not lead to condensation on surfaces. There are limited studies available on the sanitation efficacy of SHS on different surfaces. This study was conducted to understand the sanitation efficacy of SHS to inactivate Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 on different surfaces (stainless steel, concrete, plywood, leather, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), silicon rubber, cotton, and cardboard). The surfaces were either spot inoculated or coated with a representative food matrix (baby formula) and treated with SHS at 150 °C for a total process time (come-up time + treatment time) of 3 min. Spot-inoculated surfaces showed a higher microbial inactivation (range: 9.2 ± 0.9 to 10.7 ± 0.7 log reduction/coupon) whereas surfaces with inoculum coated with baby formula had lower microbial inactivation (range: 7.8 ± 0.4 to 9.6 ± 0.4 log reduction/coupon). The effects of surface characteristics like thermal inertia, surface roughness, and hydrophobicity of microbial inactivation were studied. Prolonged usage of SHS (150 °C for 5 min once a week over 8 weeks) did not alter surface characteristics, particularly roughness of stainless steel, silicone rubber and plywood.

Ethanol-activated microglial exosomes induce MCP1 signaling mediated death of stress-regulatory proopiomelanocortin neurons in the developing hypothalamus

BackgroundMicroglia, a type of resident immune cells within the central nervous system, have been implicated in ethanol-activated neuronal death of the stress regulatory proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neuron-producing β-endorphin peptides in the hypothalamus in a postnatal rat model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. We determined if microglial extracellular vesicles (exosomes) are involved in the ethanol-induced neuronal death of the β-endorphin neuron via secreting elevated levels of the chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP1), a key regulator of neuroinflammation.MethodsWe employed an in vitro model, consisting of primary culture of hypothalamic microglia prepared from postnatal day 2 (PND2) rat hypothalami and treated with or without 50 mM ethanol for 24 h, and an in vivo animal model in which microglia were obtained from hypothalami of PND6 rats fed daily with 2.5 mg/kg ethanol or control milk formula for five days prior to use. Exosomes were extracted and characterized with nanosight tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy and western blot. Chemokine multiplex immunoassay and ELISA were used for quantitative estimation of MCP1 level. Neurotoxic ability of exosome was tested using primary cultures of β-endorphin neurons and employing nucleosome assay and immunocytochemistry. Elevated plus maze, open field and restraint tests were used to assess anxiety-related behaviors.ResultsEthanol elevated MCP1 levels in microglial exosomes both in vitro and in vivo models. Ethanol-activated microglial exosomes when introduced into primary cultures of β-endorphin neurons, increased cellular levels of MCP1 and the chemokine receptor CCR2 related signaling molecules including inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic genes as well as apoptotic death of β-endorphin neurons. These effects of microglial exosomes on β-endorphin neurons were suppressed by a CCR2 antagonist RS504393. Furthermore, RS504393 when injected in postnatal rats prior to feeding with ethanol it reduced alcohol-induced β-endorphin neuronal death in the hypothalamus. RS504393 also suppressed corticosterone response to stress and anxiety-like behaviors in postnatally alcohol-fed rats during adult period.ConclusionThese data suggest that alcohol exposures during the developmental period elevates MCP1 levels in microglial exosomes that promote MCP1/CCR2 signaling to increase the apoptosis of β-endorphin neurons and resulting in hormonal and behavioral stress responses.

Development of an Indirect Competitive ELISA Based on a Stable Epitope of β-Lactoglobulin for Its Detection in Hydrolyzed Formula Milk Powder.

The target of traditional immunological detection methods for milk allergens is usually the whole β-lactoglobulin molecule. However, thermal processes and hydrolysis can destroy the epitope of β-lactoglobulin and interfere with its accurate detection and labeling in prepackaged foods, posing a health risk to milk-allergic patients. There currently remains a need to excavate and locate recognition sites for β-lactoglobulin in thermally processed and hydrolyzed products. Therefore, a stable epitope of β-lactoglobulin (CAQKKIIAEKTKIPAVFKIDA) was selected as the ideal recognition site, and an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed using an antibody against this stable β-lactoglobulin epitope in order to improve the detection of β-lactoglobulin in thermally processed and hydrolyzed foods in this study. The stable epitope of β-lactoglobulin was selected using a molecular dynamics simulation, and the binding ability of anti-stable epitope antibodies was characterized using indirect ELISA and indirect competitive ELISA. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the established ELISA were 0.25 and 1.07 mg·kg-1, respectively. Furthermore, the developed ELISA only showed cross-reactivity to goat milk among 23 common foods, therefore exhibiting high specificity to bovine β-lactoglobulin. In addition, the developed ELISA was able to effectively detect β-lactoglobulin residue in processed commercial foods and hydrolyzed formula milk powder. Our findings provide a novel strategy for accurately detecting milk allergens based on stable epitope recognition in thermally processed and hydrolyzed foods.

Improving midwives' knowledge and attitudes in providing lactation education based on local wisdom of the Bugis ethnic in Indonesia

Background: The current rate of exclusive breastfeeding remains low due to several factors, including social and cultural changes, psychological factors, lack of education provided by healthcare workers, and the increasing promotion of formula milk as well as misinformation to the public. Therefore, it is necessary to have productive midwives who provide optimal healthcare services to improve the health status of infants. Currently, the healthcare services provided by midwives can also be carried out through independent practice. A midwife does not only provide obstetric services from a biological perspective but also addresses social, cultural, and spiritual needs. Purpose: To evaluate the impact of providing lactation education based on local wisdom in improving midwives' knowledge and attitudes in the Bugis ethnic in Indonesia. Method: A quasi-experiment method, specifically a pre-test and post-test with a control group design. The study population consists of midwives who have Independent Midwifery Practice in 15 districts of Makassar City. The sample obtained using purposive sampling. The sample size was 30 midwives, consisting of 15 midwives in the treatment group and 15 midwives in the control group. Results: The N-Gain Score test showed a value of 72.89% for the treatment group, while the control group scored 21.89%. The paired t-test showed an Asymp Sig (2-tailed) value of 0.000, which is less than the probability value of 0.05 for the treatment group. Conclusion: The use of printed and online pocketbooks for lactation education integrated with the cultural values of Sipakatau, Sipakalebbi, and Sipakainge in the exclusive breastfeeding program by independent midwives is more effective compared to counseling alone, which is less effective in the control group. Further testing concluded that there was a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores in the treatment group, indicating an increase in the midwives' knowledge.