Milk Samples Research Articles

Simultaneous smartphone-based colorimetric determination of melamine and sodium hypochlorite in milk samples using a simple microfluidic kit

Simultaneous smartphone-based colorimetric determination of melamine and sodium hypochlorite in milk samples using a simple microfluidic kit

Environmental contamination of arsenic: pathway analysis through water-soil-feed-livestock in Nadia District (India) and potential human health risk.

This study investigated arsenic (As) concentrations in diverse environmental components and their potential impact on the health risks faced by residents of the arsenic (As)-contaminated Nadia district in West Bengal, India. A random selection of 182 cattle and 255 goats from 40 livestock farmers in the district revealed that both animals and humans were naturally exposed to elevated arsenic levels through contaminated drinking water, foods, grasses, concentrate feeds, various fodder tree leaves, and other food/feed resources. The mean As concentration in roughages (483.18µg/kg DM) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in tree leaves (391.53µg/kg DM), and concentrate feed/ingredients (186.66µg/kg DM). Pond water exhibited higher arsenic levels (106.11µg/L) compared to shallow tube well water (47.96µg/L) and deep tube well water/tap water (10.64µg/L and 10.04µg/L, respectively). The mean arsenic concentration in soils DM of fodder fields, crop fields, and grassland was 10.25, 10.58, and 10.20mg/kg, respectively. It was observed that protein-rich feeds had lower levels of arsenic accumulation (p < 0.048), while fiber-rich feeds containing more cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin had higher arsenic levels (p < 0.017). Goats consumed 73.46% more arsenic per kg body weight compared to dairy cows. Although chronic and sub-chronic arsenic exposure in the district did not typically manifest symptoms or visible signs in ruminant animals, concentrations in the hair and feces of both cattle and goats exceeded normal values. Cattle feces had significantly higher arsenic (410.43µg/kg DM) levels (p < 0.001) than goat feces (227.00µg/kg DM), and arsenic concentration in cattle hair (1917.74µg/kg DM) was also significantly greater (p < 0.001) than goat hair (1435.74µg/kg DM). Arsenic levels in milk samples from both species were below 10µg/kg. Liver (356.02µg/kg DM) and kidney (317.22µg/kg DM) contained significantly higher (p < 0.001) levels of arsenic compared to muscle (204.23µg/kg DM), and bone (161.98µg/kg DM) in local meat-type adult male goats. The skin accumulated the highest amount of arsenic (576.24µg/kg DM) among the non-edible parts of the goat carcass. The cumulative cancer risk value for adults was 4.96 × 10-3, exceeding the threshold value (1 × 10-6). This suggests a significant risk of cancer development for the population in arsenic-affected areas. Non-cancer risks (hazard indexes) were estimated at 11.01 for adults. Our observations revealed that the highest bioaccumulation of arsenic occurred in the hair of cows, and goats in the examined localities. The biotransformation factor (BTF) for hair was much higher compared to other excreted samples from both species. The calculated BTF followed the order: hair > feces > milk for cows and goats. Livestock farmers in Nadia district are advised to carefully select feed resources, prioritizing those high in crude protein and low in neutral detergent fiber, and they should provide drinking water from deep aquifers to ensure the safety of milk and meat for human consumption.

Extracellular vesicle miRNome during subclinical mastitis in dairy cows

Bovine mastitis is one of the main inflammatory diseases that can affect the udder during lactation. Somatic cell counts and sometimes microbiological tests are routinely adopted during monitoring diagnostics in dairy herds. However, subclinical mastitis is challenging to identify, reducing the possibility of early treatments. The main aim of this study was to investigate the miRNome profile of extracellular vesicles isolated from milk as potential biomarkers of subclinical mastitis. Milk samples were collected from a total of 60 dairy cows during routine monitoring tests. Small RNA sequencing technology was applied to extracellular vesicles of milk samples collected from cows classified according to the somatic cell count to identify differences in the miRNome between mastitic and healthy cows. A total of 1997 miRNAs were differentially expressed between both groups. Among them, 68 miRNAs whose FDRs were < 0.05 were mostly downregulated, with only one upregulated miRNA (i.e., miR-361). Functional analysis revealed that miR-455-3p, miR-503-3p, miR-1301-3p and miR-361-5p are involved in the regulation of several biological processes related to mastitis, including immune system-related processes. This study suggests the involvement of extracellular vesicle-derived miRNAs in the regulation of mastitis. Moreover, these findings provide evidence that miRNAs from milk extracellular vesicles can be used to identify biomarkers of mastitis. However, further studies must be conducted to validate these miRNAs, especially for subclinical diagnosis.

Nutritional composition, fatty acids profile and immunoglobulin G concentrations of mare milk of the Chilean Corralero horse breed

The objective of the present study was to characterize the nutritional composition, fatty acid profile, and IgG concentration of the milk produced by Chilean Corralero horse (CCH) mares from breeding farms located in southern Chile. Forty-five milk samples were collected from three of the biggest breeding farms (coded as A, B and C) specialized in breeding and selection of CCH in Chile (15 mares sampled per farm). Farms differed in days in milk (DIM). A negative association between DIM and ash, milk protein, milk solids, saturated fatty acids (SFA), and gross energy (GE) was found, whereas DIM had a positive association with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Milk components like fat, lactose, and energy content varied independently of DIM, indicating other influencing factors such as farm-specific management practices. Offspring sex moderately affected GE content, with milk from mares bearing female offspring having higher GE. Macronutrient profiles of the CCH mares’ milk were within the reported range for other horse breeds but tended to have lower fat and total solids. Compared to cow and human milk, horse milk is richer in lactose and lower in fat and protein. Immunoglobulin G concentration was only affected by the farm (B &gt; A) which could be linked to dietary factors and pasture composition rather than maternal parity or other known factors. Overall, CCH mare milk has notable nutritional characteristics, with implications for both foal health and potential human consumption, posing less cardiac risk compared to cow’s milk as indicated by lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indices.

Trend analyses of persistent organic pollutants in human milk from first-time mothers in Norway between 2002 and 2021

IntroductionPersistent organic pollutants (POPs) are stable compounds characterized by their resistance to degradation. From the 1960–70's organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as DDTs and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) raised concerns regarding health and environmental impacts. This has led to the banning of POPs in the USA and Europe including Norway in 1980 and worldwide under the 2004 Stockholm Convention. The exposure of nursing infants to POPs has been a significant focus, prompting extensive research into the presence of these substances in human breast milk. In this study, we explored the temporal trends of POPs concentrations in breast milk sampled between 2002 and 2021 by comparing the concentration across the mother's year of birth. MethodTwo Norwegian cohorts of lactating women were utilized (the HUMIS study and the “Iodine in Early Life”-Study). Concentrations of 15 different POPs, including PCBs, OCPs, and brominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) were measured in 513 breast milk samples that had been collected over two decades in a subset of first-time mothers. ResultsTime trend analysis indicated a steady decrease in concentration levels when adjusted for maternal age. The largest reduction was observed in β-HCH, age-adjusted (−17.1%, 95% CI -18.7, −15.4), followed by ∑6BDE (−9.1%, 95% CI -10.5, −7.7), ∑6PCBs (−7.1%, 95% CI -7.7, −6.5), and ∑2DDTs (−7.0%, 95% CI -8.0, −6.0). In contrast, an increasing trend was noted in the median concentrations of β-HCH, ∑2DDTs, and ∑6BDE in the mothers born in 1990–1994 to 1995–2002. ConclusionOur study demonstrates a decline of most POPs in breast milk, likely attributed to international regulatory efforts like the Stockholm Convention. Notably, an increase in the 95th percentile concentrations of β-HCH, ∑2DDTs, and ∑6BDEs was noted in mothers born in 1990–1994 compared to those born in 1995–2002 suggests demographic shifts that may influence exposure levels. Further research is needed to explore and understand the underlying factors for the rise in median concentrations of ∑6BDEs.

Eco-friendly electrochemical assay of oxytetracycline and flunixin in their veterinary injections and spiked milk samples

Two solid-contact electrochemical sensors were developed for detection of each of oxytetracycline HCl (OXY), and the co-formulated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug flunixin meglumine (FLU) in veterinary formulations and animal-derived food products. The designed sensors were based on a glassy carbon electrode as the substrate material and high molecular weight polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymeric ion-sensing membranes doped with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to improve the potential stability and minimize signal drift. For determination of OXY, the sensing membrane was modified with potassium tetrakis (4-chlorophenyl) borate (K-TCPB), which was employed as a cation exchanger, and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-ßCD), which was used as an ionophore. A linear response within a concentration range of 1 × 10− 6-1 × 10− 2 M with a slope of 59.47 mV/decade over a pH range of 1–5 was recorded. For the first time, two potentiometric electrodes were developed for determination of FLU, where the sensing membrane was modified with tetra dodecyl ammonium chloride (TDDAC) as an anion exchanger. A linear response within a concentration range of 1 × 10− 5-1 × 10− 2 M and a slope of -58.21 mV/decade over a pH range of 6–11 was observed. The suggested sensors were utilized for the selective determination of each drug in pure powder form, in veterinary formulations, and in spiked milk samples, with mean recoveries ranging from 98.50 to 102.10, and without any observed interference. The results acquired by the proposed sensors were statistically analyzed and compared with those acquired by the official methods, and the results showed no significant difference.Graphical

Analysis of Inflammatory and Regulatory Cytokines in the Milk of Dairy Cows with Mastitis: A Comparative Study with Healthy Animals

ABSTRACT Bovine mastitis remains a major problem in the global dairy cattle industry. The acute invasion of udder by pathogens induces innate immune response as the first defence mechanism in subclinical and clinical mastitis. The aim of the study was to determine inflammatory and regulatory cytokines IL-2, IL-4, TGF-β1, IL-17A, beta-defensin 3 and IL-10 and their potential changes in milk of dairy cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis, and to compare the findings with healthy animals. Milk samples from 15 holstein Friesian breed cows were used in the study. Cows were divided into three groups based on their health status (5 healthy, 5 subclinical and 5 clinical animals). All samples were tested using immunohistochemistry to evaluate IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL17A, TGF-β1 and β-Def 3 proteins. Expression of all proteins was detected in all milk samples. High expression of IL-2, IL-4, IL17A, TGF-β1 was detected in healthy cows’ milk and in milk of cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis. However, expression of IL-10 and β-Def 3 in milk samples of healthy cows was significantly higher compared to the milk of cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis (p < .001). IL-10 and β-Def 3 can be considered as informative biomarkers in diagnosis of subclinical and clinical mastitis.

Chemiluminescence detection of kanamycin by DNA aptamer regulating peroxidase-like activity of Co3O4 nanoparticles.

Kanamycin (KAN) is widely used as a growth hormone analog and an antibacterial agent. However, abuse of this substance has resulted in the accumulation of excessive residue levels in foods of animal origin, which presents a significant risk to human health. A chemiluminescent aptasensor was constructed for the rapid quantitative detection of KAN by combining the properties of Co3O4 nanoparticles (Co3O4 NPs) nanozyme activity and DNA aptamer with high specificity. The DNA aptamer/Co3O4 NPs nanozyme regulated the chemiluminescence signal by exploiting the chemiluminescent properties of luminol oxidation by H2O2. Specific binding of KAN to the aptamer led to the formation of a steric hindrance block in the solution, which inhibited the activity of nanozyme and reduced signal intensity. The degree of signal reduction is related to the concentration of KAN. Under optimal conditions, there was good linearity between KAN concentration and chemiluminescence signal intensity in the range of 0.5-8.0 μΜ, with a detection limit of 0.26 μΜ. The detection system performed well in the presence of competing antibiotics and was virtually unaffected. The method was also suitable for the detection of KAN in milk samples with sample recoveries of 97.8%-99.1%. The chemiluminescence sensor has the advantages of low cost, specificity, and sensitivity, and does not require an external light source or modification of the nucleic acid aptamer which makes it a promising candidate for applications in the field of food detection.

Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii in raw milk of cattle in Karbala province

Coxiella burnetii causes Q fever in humans and coxiellosis in animals. It was widely distributed worldwide; the main reservoirs are sheep, goats, and cattle. This study has been conducting to detection C. burnetii in raw milk of cattle (50) milk samples were randomly collected from dairy cattle from different areas of major districts of Karbala Province in interval during the period from November 2023 to April 2024 under aseptic conditions, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed that C. burnetii IS1111 gene abundance was 14% in seropositive animals. This study presents the initial molecular identification of C. burnetii in the province of Karbala, indicating its prevalence among cattle. Furthermore, individuals who consume Unpasteurized milk and/or products may have a heightened susceptibility to infection.

Infant Temperament Is Associated With Milk Cortisol but Not With Maternal Childhood Trauma.

Previous studies have suggested that maternal childhood trauma (MCT) may influence infant temperament, but the underlying physiological mechanisms remain unclear. This study sought to confirm the involvement of breast milk cortisol in the link between MCT and infant temperament. The study sample included 90 mother-infant dyads recruited from the urban Polish population. MCT was assessed based on the Early Life Stress Questionnaire (ELSQ) and infant temperamental factors (surgency/extraversion, negative affectivity, and orienting/regulation) using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised at 12 months of life. Cortisol was assayed in milk samples collected at 5 months of life using the ELISA method. Based on the ELSQ median, the sample was divided into low and high MCT groups. The ANCOVA models with milk cortisol as a covariant were run to check the effect of low versus high MCT on infant temperament. We found a positive association between milk cortisol and orienting/regulation. Surprisingly, the low and high MCT groups did not significantly differ in milk cortisol. Furthermore, we found that MCT was unrelated to any infant temperamental factor. While recent literature on the association between milk cortisol and infant temperament is inconsistent, our results suggest that high orienting/regulation might be an adaptation to adverse environments such as stress. Moreover, the infant's temperament appears to be more responsive to the current exposition to maternal stress than her experience of traumatic stress.

Bacterial growth in breast milk expressed under hygienic control: a pilot study

ObjectiveIn this pilot study, we verified safe practices for breast milk expression, storage, and duration, based on bacteriological results.ResultsWe collected breast milk samples from three healthy lactating volunteers and analyzed the bacterial flora and changes in the viable bacterial counts (including those of Staphylococcus) of the samples. Although no consistent change could be observed in the abundance of a particular bacterial group in samples expressed under hygienic control conditions, viable bacterial counts were higher in self-expressed milk than in milk expressed under hygienic control conditions. In conclusion, increased hygiene awareness is vital during breast milk expression and storage.

Fast screening of Milk for Deoxynivalenol

A 2D platform was designed and validated for fast screening of milk for deoxynivalenol. The qualitative and quantitative assay of deoxynivalenol in the milk samples was done using a 2D stochastic sensor based on single walled carbon nanotubes modified with [N-(pyridine-4-yl-methyl)]octadec-9-enamide. The working concentration range was between 10−15 and 10−6 g mL−1, with a sensitivity of 5.48 × 105 s−1g−1mL, and a limit of determination of 1 fg mL−1. Recovery values higher than 99.00 % with RSD values lower than 1.00 % were recorded for the determination of deoxynivalenol in cow's and in the vegetarian (coconut milk, soy milk, almond milk) milk.

The effect of the nisin-based pharmaceutical formulation used in the treatment plan for cows with subclinical mastitis on the milk microbiota

Due to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, the search and development of new drugs to treat infectious mammary gland diseases of high yielding cows is an urgent task. The paper presents data on the microbiota composition of milk from high yielding cows suffering from subclinical mastitis; 144 microbial isolates were recovered from 70 milk samples; with the highest number of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus dysgalactiae detected (22.2 and 16.0%, respectively). The study showed that a significant number of Staphylococcus aureus isolates (53.1%) were resistant to I generation cephalosporins; 52.6% of the isolated Streptococcus dysgalactiae strains showed resistance to tetracyclines; 33.3% of Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolates were resistant to macrolides. 42.1; 35.3 and 62.5% of Enterococcus faecium, Aerococcus viridans and coliform bacteria isolates, respectively, were resistant to penicillins. 38.5% of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates were found to be resistant to tetracyclines. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis isolates showed equal resistance to penicillin and tetracycline antimicrobials (20.0%). The research revealed presence of multi-drug resistant coliform bacteria, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Aerococcus viridans, Staphylococcus aureus strains. Experiments to study the effect of the new nisin-based pharmaceutical formulation on microbiota of milk from cows with subclinical mastitis were carried out using 35 high yielding cows. A microbiological testing of cow milk on day 14 from the beginning of the treatment showed that the number of microbiota-free samples increased to 88.6%, while in 1.4% of cases Staphylococcus aureus isolates were recovered (103 CFU/mL). The titers of coliform and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria isolated in 1.4% (101 CFU/mL) and 2.7% (102 CFU/mL) of cases, respectively, were not etiologically significant.

Variation in bovine milk stability according to lactational stage and genetic group.

We address the hypothesis that at early and late lactation milk presents low ethanol stability due to high acidity and ionic calcium values. Our aim was to evaluate the functional traits of milk (milk ethanol stability: MES, acidity and ionic calcium: iCa) according to lactation stage in different genetic groups. Raw milk samples were collected from Jersey (n = 271), Holstein (n = 248) and Jersey × Holstein crossbred cows (n = 82), raised on five commercial farms located in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Milk composition, somatic cell count (SCC), milk urea nitrogen (MUN), MES, pH, acidity and iCa were determined. Days in milk (DIM) were categorized into four classes: 1-60, 61-150, 151-305 and over 305 DIM. Data were submitted to analysis of variance. Fixed and random effects were incorporated into the model, in a repeated measures in time arrangement using the mixed models methodology. Significant interactions between DIM class and genetic groups were detected. The comparison between each combination of genetic group and DIM class showed that at the beginning of lactation, Holsteins produced milk with higher MES than Jersey and crossbreds. At 105-305 DIM Holstein milk presented higher MES than Jersey, while beyond 305 DIM Holstein milk showed higher MES than crossbred cows. At the beginning of lactation acidity was higher in Holstein milk and crossbreds compared with Jersey, while acidity was lower in Holstein milk compared with Jersey and crossbreds in the other lactation stages. Ionic calcium was highest after lactation peak for Holstein, but did not vary between lactation stages for Jersey and crossbreds. Functional characteristics of bovine raw milk such as MES, iCa and acidity varied between lactation stages in a distinct manner according to genetic groups. Early and end lactation stages are challenging in terms of low stability, especially for Jersey and crossbreds.

Determination of sodium, chlorine, and bromine concentrations in breast milk using neutron activation: Correlation, regression, and machine learning predictions

Breast milk plays a vital role in infant health, providing essential nutrients that directly impact nutrition and development. Understanding its elemental composition, as well as the relationships among these elements, is crucial for assessing its nutritional adequacy. This study focused on determining the concentrations of sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), and bromine (Br) in the breast milk of lactating mothers in Tehran, Iran, during early lactation. The primary objectives were to analyze the concentrations of these elements, investigate their interrelationships, and employ machine-learning techniques to predict their concentrations in breast milk. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) was used to precisely measure the levels of Na, Cl, and Br, while statistical methods, including correlation and regression analyses, were applied to further explore these relationships. Machine-learning models, specifically Random Forest and Linear Regression, were utilized to predict the concentrations of these elements based on their interdependencies. The study revealed mean concentrations of 5.12 mg/g for Na, 8.14 mg/g for Cl, and 11.84 mg/kg for Br in the breast milk samples. A strong positive correlation was observed between Na and Cl (r = 0.976, p < 0.001), while moderate positive correlations were found between Na and Br (r = 0.558, p < 0.001) and Cl and Br (r = 0.606, p < 0.001). Multiple regression models showed that 94.7 % of the variance in Na concentration could be explained by Cl and Br levels (R-squared = 0.947), with a strong positive association between Cl and Na, and a slight inverse relationship between Br and Na. A similar model for Cl concentrations showed strong predictive power, with Na being a significant predictor. However, the model for Br concentrations explained a smaller proportion of variance (R-squared = 0.318), suggesting that additional factors influencing Br levels were not captured in this study. Furthermore, multicollinearity was observed between Na and Cl (VIF = 20.675), indicating potential interactions between these elements. This study highlights the significant correlations between Na, Cl, and Br in breast milk, with particularly strong predictive models for Na and Cl concentrations. The findings also suggest the need for further investigation into the factors affecting Br concentrations. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the elemental composition of breast milk and its implications for infant nutrition and health.

Analysis of miRNAs in milk of four livestock species

BackgroundMilk is essential for mammalian nutrition because it provides vital nutrients for growth and development. Milk composition, which is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, supports lactation, a complex process crucial for milk production and quality. Recent research has focused on noncoding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), which are present in body fluids and regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. This study comprehensively characterizes miRNAs in milk of four livestock species, namely Bubalus bubalis, Capra hircus, Equus asinus, and Ovis aries and identifies potential target genes.ResultsHigh-throughput sequencing of milk RNA resulted in distinct read counts across species: B. bubalis (8,790,441 reads), C. hircus (12,976,275 reads), E. asinus (9,385,067 reads), and O. aries (7,295,297 reads). E. asinus had the highest RNA mapping rate (94.6%) and O. aries the lowest (84.8%). A substantially greater proportion of miRNAs over other small RNAs was observed for the donkey milk sample (7.74%) compared to buffalo (0.87%), goat (1.57%), and sheep (1.12%). Shared miRNAs, which included miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-200c, and miR-23a among others, showed varying expression levels across species, confirmed by qPCR analysis. Functional annotation of predicted miRNA target genes highlighted diverse roles, with an enrichment in functions linked to metabolism and immunity. Pathway analysis identified immune response pathways as significant, with several miRNAs targeting specific genes across species, suggesting their regulatory function in milk.ConclusionsBoth conserved and species-specific miRNAs were detected in milk of the investigated species. The identified target genes of these miRNAs have important roles in neonatal development, adaptation, growth, and immune response. Furthermore, they influence milk and meat production traits in livestock.

Assessment of heavy metal levels in cow's milk and associated health risks in the vicinity of the MIDROC Laga Dambi gold mine in Ethiopia

IntroductionThe possible health effects of consuming milk contaminated with heavy metals have been the subject of considerable concern worldwide. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the level of heavy metals in cow's milk in the vicinity of MIDROC Laga Dambi gold mine and to assess their possible health risks for consumers. MethodsNine composite samples were formed by aggregating 243 milk samples obtained in triplicates from 81 domestic milk-producing households. Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy was used to measure the amount of heavy metals after samples digestion under optimal conditions. ResultsThe heavy metals concentrations obtained were 13.913˗7.843, 9.505˗3.589, 5.972˗3.147, 2.288˗1.851, 0.403˗0.143, 0.436˗0.128, 0.26˗0.153, 0.143˗0.048, 0.160˗ND (not detected), and 0.140˗ND mgkg−1for Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn, Hg, Cr, Cd, As, Ni, and Co, respectively. Of the heavy metals identified, the levels of Pb, As, Cd, and Hg exceeded the recommended value. Based on the estimated daily intake (EDI), the total health quotient (THQ) is higher than unity even for Pb alone. It has been found that the consumption of cow milk increases the health index (HI) by 2.972. Ninety five percent of the HI in the study area was explained by the toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cd, As, and Hg) in the cow milk, which were found to be beyond the safe limit. ConclusionThis demonstrates that there is a health risk to the population who consume cow’s milk sourced from the vicinity of MIDROC Laga Dambi gold mine. To safeguard the public’s health, we advised strict monitoring and legislative control for the safety of cow’s milk originating from study area.

Minimal Transfer of Atorvastatin and Its Metabolites in Human Milk: A Case Series.

Background: Statins are historically contraindicated during breastfeeding due to theoretical concerns of disruptions in infant development from drug exposure and nutritional changes in milk. Breastfeeding mothers requiring statins often discontinue statins or postpone treatment until breastfeeding cessation, contributing to delays in treatment up to 14 years. This study aims to determine the transfer of atorvastatin and its active metabolites into human milk and evaluate the infant's risk of drug exposure. Materials and Methods: Milk samples and health information were released from the InfantRisk Human Milk Biorepository for three women taking 20 mg, 40 mg, and 80 mg of atorvastatin daily at steady state conditions. The concentration of atorvastatin (AT) and its active metabolites, ortho-hydroxy AT (2OH AT) and para-hydroxy AT (4OH AT), was quantified in timed milk samples using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: The highest absolute infant dose of AT was 0.00027 mg/kg/day, and the highest weight-adjusted relative infant dose of the combined analytes was 0.09%, far below established thresholds for infant safety. Milk cholesterol levels were within previously established norms in the range of 10 mg/dL. The mothers reported no adverse outcomes in the two exposed infants. Conclusions: The transfer of atorvastatin and its metabolites was exceedingly low. While the impact on milk composition in states of hyperlipidemia (whether treated or untreated) is not well understood, it is unlikely that the drug in the milk would be present in clinically significant levels to adversely affect a breastfed infant.

Biomonitoring and determinants of mycotoxin exposures from pregnancy until post-lactation in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women from Harare, Zimbabwe

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) heavily affects women from resource-limited settings who are vulnerable to potentially harmful mycotoxins including aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), fumonisin B1 (FB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA). We aimed to conduct biomonitoring and ascertain the determinants of maternal mycotoxin exposure in pregnancy, lactation and post-lactation periods. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women from Harare, Zimbabwe. 175 and 125 random urine samples in pregnancy and 24 months after delivery (post-lactation) respectively were analysed for aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and FB1 by ELISA. 6 weeks after delivery (lactation), 226 and 262 breast milk (BM) samples were analysed for AFM1 and OTA respectively by ELISA. The association of demographics and food consumption with mycotoxins was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. In HIV-infected, urinary AFM1 was detected in 46/94 (Median: 0.05; Range: 0.04–0.46 ng mL−1) in pregnancy and 47/66 (Median: 0.05; Range: 0.04–1.01 ng mL−1) post-lactation. Urinary FB1 was detected in 86/94 (Median: 1.39; Range: 0.17–6.02 ng mL−1) in pregnancy and 56/66 (Median: 0.72; Range: 0.20–3.81 ng mL−1) post-lactation. BM AFM1 was detected in 28/110 (Median: 7.24; Range: 5.96–29.80 pg mL−1) and OTA in 11/129 (Median: 0.20; Range: 0.14–0.65 ng mL−1). In HIV-uninfected, urinary AFM1 was detected in 48/81 (Median: 0.05; Range: 0.04–1.06 ng mL−1) in pregnancy and 41/59 (Median: 0.05; Range: 0.04–0.52 ng mL−1) post-lactation. Urinary FB1 was detected in 74/81 (Median: 1.15; Range: 0.17–6.16 ng mL−1) in pregnancy and 55/59 (Median: 0.96; Range: 0.20–2.82 ng mL−1) post-lactation. BM AFM1 was detected in 38/116 (Median: 7.70; Range: 6.07–31.75 pg mL−1) and OTA in 4/133 (Median: 0.24; Range: 0.18–0.83 ng mL−1). Location, wealth, and peanut butter consumption were determinants of AFB1 exposure. HIV infection, BMI, location, rainy season, unemployment, and age were determinants of FB1 exposure. Women especially those pregnant and/or HIV-infected are at risk of adverse effects of mycotoxins.

Preparation and evaluation of Fe3O4@C@NiCo-LDH@CDs composites for magnetic solid-phase extraction of trace endocrine disruptors.

The widespread use of endocrine disruptors (EDPs) has certain potential hazards to organisms and environments, and it is particularly important to develop effective pretreatment methods before detection of EDPs in complex samples. In this work, a novel magnetic nanocomposite decorated with layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and carbon dots (CDs) was designed and prepared for magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) of EDPs (bisphenol S, bisphenol F, bisphenol A, bisphenol AF, diethylstilbestrol and 4-cumylphenol) combined with high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) detection. The prepared composites were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and the adsorption mechanism towards these EDPs might be mainly based on hydrogen bonds and π-π conjugation. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method showed limits of detection within 0.05-0.50 μg L-1 and limits of quantitation within 0.2-2.0 μg L-1, and good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9975) was presented in the range of 0.2-200 μg L-1. Finally, the Fe3O4@C@NiCo-LDH@CDs composite-based MSPE-HPLC-UV method was applied for enrichment and determination of EDPs in water, milk, and tea beverage samples with recoveries in the range of 81.2-119.8% and relative standard deviations below 9.7%.