Milk Odor Research Articles

Antihypertensive Peptides from Ultrafiltration and Fermentation of the Ricotta Cheese Exhausted Whey: Design and Characterization of a Functional Ricotta Cheese.

Aiming at valorizing the ricotta cheese exhausted whey (RCEW), one of the most abundant by-products from the dairy industry, a biotechnological protocol to obtain bioactive peptides with angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE)—inhibitory activity was set up. The approach was based on the combination of membrane filtration and fermentation. A Lactobacillus helveticus strain selected to be used as starter for the fermentation of the ultrafiltration protein-rich retentate (R-UF) obtained from RCEW. The fermented R-UF was characterized by a high anti-ACE activity. Peptides responsible for the bioactivity were purified and identified through nano-LC–ESI–MS/MS. The sequences identified in the purified active fractions of the fermented R-UF showed partial or complete overlapping with previously reported κ-casein antihypertensive fragments. The fermented R-UF was spray-dried and used to enrich ricotta cheese at different fortification level (1 and 5% w/w). An integrated approach including the assessment of the microbiological, chemical, functional, textural, and sensory properties was used to characterize the fortified products. A significantly higher anti-ACE activity was found in the ricotta cheese fortified with fermented R-UF as compared to the control and to the samples obtained with the unfermented R-UF fraction at the same levels of fortification. In particular, a 100 g portion of the ricotta cheese produced at 5% fortification level contained circa 30 mg of bioactive peptides. The fortification led to a moderate acidification, increased hardness and chewiness, and decreased the milk odor and taste of the ricotta cheese as compared to the control, while flavor persistence and sapidity improved.

The effect of inhaling mother\u2019s breast milk odor on the behavioral responses to pain caused by hepatitis B vaccine in preterm infants: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundNowadays, it is generally assumed that non-pharmacologic pain relief in preterm infants is an important measure to consider. Research findings suggest that familiar odors have soothing effects for neonates. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of maternal breast milk odor (MBMO) with that of another mother’s breast milk odor (BMO) on the behavioral responses to pain caused by hepatitis B (HB) vaccine injection in preterm infants.MethodsThis single-blind randomized clinical trial was performed over the period between February 2019 and March 2020 in the neonatal intensive care unit of Babol Rouhani Hospital, Iran. Ninety preterm infants, who were supposed to receive their HB vaccine, were randomly assigned into three groups: MBMO (A), another mother’s BMO (B), and control with distilled water(C). Oxygen saturation (SaO2), blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded for all participants through electronic monitoring. In addition, premature infant pain profiles (PIPP) were determined through video recording for all three groups during intervention. The chi-square, ANOVA and ANCOVA were used for analyzing the data, and P < 0.05 was considered significant in this study.ResultsNo significant differences were found between the three groups in mean ± SD of HR, BP, and Sao2 before the intervention (P > 0.05). After the intervention, however, the means for heart rate in groups A, B, and C were 146 ± 14.3, 153 ± 17.5 and 155 ± 17.7, respectively (P = 0.012). Moreover, the means for PIPP scores in groups A, B and C were 6.6 ± 1.3, 10 ± 2, and 11.4 ± 1.9, respectively (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference found between groups in their means of SaO2, systolic and diastolic blood pressure after the intervention (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe results indicate that stimulation with MBMO is effective in reducing pain in preterm infants; therefore, it can be postulated that this technique can be considered in less invasive procedures such as needling.Trial registrationIRCT, IRCT20190220042771N1. Registered 18 May 2019- Retrospectively registered,

Comparison of lactose free and traditional mozzarella cheese during shelf-life by aroma compounds and sensory analysis

Aroma compounds and sensory features of lactose free (LFM) and traditional (TM) Mozzarella cheese have been investigated during their labeled shelf-life. Acetoin and 2-heptanone characterized both types of cheese at the production time. During the shelf-life, a statistically significant increase in the amount of the volatiles coming from amino acid and fatty acid metabolism occurred in the LFM samples after 8 days of storage and, to a lesser extent, in TM cheese after 13 days of storage. As regard sensory analysis, milk odor and milk flavor descriptors characterized TM and LFM in the early stage of their shelf-life; bitter and acid taste and yoghurt odor descriptors characterized LFM after 8 days and TM after 13 days. The differences between the two cheese types can be attributed to the proteolytic activity of the lactase enzyme. As a result, the volatile aroma profile and the sensory quality should be taken into account for a proper shelf-life definition of Mozzarella cheese and a shorter shelf-life should be suggested for LFM than TM cheese.

Effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid feeding on the fatty acid profile and odor of milk in danbred sows

ABSTRACT The effects of n-6 and n-3 fatty acid supplementation on the fatty acid profile of sow milk were investigated using traditional fatty acid analysis and a novel method of the electronic nose (EN). The control group received 6.3 g of sunflower oil (SO) rich in n-6 fatty acids per kg feed, and experimental animals received the same amount of fish oil (FO) as an n-3 fatty acid source. The diets were corn- and soybean meal-based diets. Supplementation of SO enhanced the amount of linoleic acid (C18:2, n-6) (SO: 8.43 mg/mL vs. FO: 6.63 mg/mL milk), and significantly increased (p < 0.02) the amount of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (SO: 9.92 mg/mL vs. FO: 8.61 mg/mL milk) in the sow’s milk. On the contrary, FO significantly increased the amount of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (FO: 1.17 mg/mL vs. SO: 0.69 mg/mL milk), especially eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5, n-3), docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5, n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6, n-3), in the milk (p < 0.001). FO and SO supplementation did not affect the analytical composition of milk. Milk samples collected from the differently fed individuals could be clearly separated according to the feeding groups based on the odour profile described by the EN.

Central Nervous System Processing of Floral Odor and Mother's Milk Odor in Infants.

Newborns have a functioning sense of smell at birth, which appears to be highly significant for feeding and bonding. Still, little is known about the cerebral odor processing in this age group. Studies of olfactory function relied mostly on behavioral, autonomic, and facial responses of infants. The aim of the present study was to investigate central odor processing in infants focusing on electroencephalography (EEG)-derived responses to biologically significant odors, namely a food and a non-food odor. A total of 21 term-born, healthy infants participated (11 boys and 10 girls; age range 2-9 months, mean 5.3 ± 2.2 months). Odor stimuli were presented using a computer-controlled olfactometer. Breast milk was used as food odor. Farnesol was presented as a non-food odor. In addition, odorless air was used as a control stimulus. Each stimulus was presented 30 times for 1 s with an interstimulus interval of 20 s. EEG was recorded from 9 electrodes and analyzed in the frequency domain. EEG amplitudes in the delta frequency band differed significantly after presentation of food (breast milk) odor in comparison to the control condition and the non-food odor (farnesol). These changes were observed at the frontal recording positions. The present study indicates that central odor processing differs between a food and a non-food odor in infants. Results are interpreted in terms of focused attention towards a physiologically relevant odor (breast milk), suggesting that olfactory stimuli are of specific significance in this age group.

Sensory evaluation and acceptability of goat milk in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun state

This study was conducted to assess the sensory characteristics and acceptability of goat milk in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State. A total of seventy respondents were selected randomly. Milk collected from lactating West African Dwarf goats was pasteurized at a o temperature of 74 C for five minutes, cooled, packaged in small polythene and sealed withmachine and refrigerated. The milk was taken to various settlements in Odeda Local Government of Ogun state for sensory evaluation. Majority of the respondents were students 54.3% only a few 12.9% were traders with a high percentage between the ages of 21-30. Also, 67.1% and 70.0% of the respondents were Christian and Yorubas, respectively. Moreover, 65.7% of respondents were married, while 34.3% were unmarried. The married had a family size of ≤ 2. Majority of the respondents (88.8%) had tertiary education. The small number of respondents 37.1% involved in ruminant production had only 2 years ruminant farming experience and kept fewer than 5 goats. About 60 % of the respondent consumed milk on weekly basis while 6% consumed milk on daily. It was observed that 100% of the respondents preferred cow milk despite the fact that 78.6% of the respondents were aware of goat milk consumption. The taste, colour, odour and flavor of goat milk were rated as Very good by 55.7%, 37.1%, 41.4% and 41.4% of respondents respectively. Majority of the respondents had a favourable disposition towards the taste (75.5%), colour (62.9%), odour (80.0%) and flavour (61.4%) when compared with other milk products in the market. Thus, goat milkt could be taken as alternative to cow milk without any detrimental effect It then become imperative for this positive perception to be explored by the government and other relevant development agencies so as to increase food supply to alleviate protein deficiency and thereby improved the economy.&#x0D;

Human neonates prefer colostrum to mature milk: Evidence for an olfactory bias toward the "initial milk"?

Colostrum is the initial milk secretion which ingestion by neonates warrants their adaptive start in life. Colostrum is accordingly expected to be attractive to newborns. The present study aims to assess whether colostrum is olfactorily attractive for 2-day-old newborns when presented against mature milk or a control. The head-orientation of waking newborns was videotaped in three experiments pairing the odors of: (a) colostrum (sampled on postpartum day 2, not from own mother) and mature milk (sampled on average on postpartum day 32, not from own mother) (n tested newborns=15); (b) Colostrum and control (water; n= 9); and (c) Mature milk and control (n= 13). When facing the odors of colostrum and mature milk, the infants turned their nose significantly longer toward former (32.8 vs 17.7% of a 120-s test). When exposed to colostrum against the control, they responded in favor of colostrum (32.9 vs 16.6%). Finally, when the odor of mature milk was presented against the control, their response appeared undifferentiated (26.7 vs 28.6%). These results indicate that human newborns can olfactorily differentiate conspecific lacteal fluids sampled at different lactation stages. They prefer the odor of the mammary secretion - colostrum - collected at the lactation stage that best matches the postpartum age of their own mother. These results are discussed in the context of the earliest mother-infant chemo-communication. Coinciding maternal emission and offspring reception of chemosignals conveyed in colostrum may be part of the sensory precursors of attunement between mothers and infants.

Consumer acceptance in context: Texture, melting, and sensory properties of fried ripened curd cheese

The aim of this study was not only to accurately characterise this cheese, but to check a consumer behaviour model using logistic regression models. Fried ripened curd cheese has a very specific sensory profile and colour, a uniform, plastic consistency and strong adhesive properties. Descriptive sensory analysis showed that the cheese is mostly characterised by old milk odour, stickiness, surface film and firmness. The aroma of this cheese is not accepted by young consumers. In this group, the level of education and employment affected the decision to eat the cheese. Only the oldest consumers consume the cheese because of its composition.

The Calming Effect of Maternal Breast Milk Odor on Term Infant: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: This study was carried out to assess the effect of the odor of breast milk and formula milk on reducing the acute pain of newborn infants during the heel-prick blood sampling. Methods: Eighty-four newborn were randomly assigned into two groups (formula milk group and breast milk group) with 42 infant searches. The pain that the newborn felt before, during, and after heel-prick blood sampling was assessed using Neonatal Infant Pain Scale; their heart rate and blood oxygen saturation were measured with a pulse oximeter. Saliva samples were taken from newborns before and after sampling, and their salivary cortisol level was measured. During sampling, the crying duration of newborn was recorded with a chronometer. Results: The pain threshold and heart rates of the newborn in the breast milk group were significantly lower than those in the formula milk group (p < 0.001). Salivary cortisol in the formula milk group increased and oxygen saturation levels in these infants decreased significantly more as compared to the breast milk group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The odor of breast milk may be helpful in reducing the pain of newborn during heel-prick blood sampling.

A Randomized Controlled Trial: The Effect of Own Mother's Breast Milk Odor and Another Mother's Breast Milk Odor on Pain Level of Newborn Infants.

Objective: Our research was conducted empirically to determine whether another mother's breast milk could be used to reduce the pain of newborns who were not able to access their own mother's milk for any reason. Materials and Methods: The sample group of the research included 90 newborns [smell of own mother's milk (30), smell of another mother's milk (30), and the control group (30)] hospitalized in the unit. A neonatal information form was used as the data collection tool, the Neonatal Pain, Agitation, and Sedation Scale (N-PASS) was used to assess the newborn's pain, and an evaluation form prepared by the researcher was used to record the findings. Results: The group which was exposed to their own mother's milk had a significantly lower N-PASS mean score compared to other groups and the group which was exposed to another mother's milk was observed to have a significantly lower N-PASS mean score compared to the control group (p < 0.05). While the median values for the total time spent crying of the "own mother's milk" group and the "another mother's milk" group were similar; the total time spent crying of the control group had a significantly higher median value. Conclusion: Our research determined that, while the most effective method for reducing pain in newborns was the smell of their own mother's breast milk, for newborns who were not able to access their own mother's breast milk, the smell of breast milk from a different mother could also be used.

Probiotic Fermented Milk with Collagen

The aim of this study was to assess the possibility of using collagen protein hydrolysate in the production of milk fermented by Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb-12 and Lactobacillusrhamnosus. Physicochemical and organoleptic properties were studied and microbiological analysis of fermented milk was performed on days 1 and 21 of storage. Milk with the addition of 3% collagen protein hydrolysate was pasteurized (85 °C/30 min), divided into two groups, cooled to 37 °C and inoculated: the first group with Bifidobacteriumanimalis ssp. lactis Bb-12, second with Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Incubation was carried out at 37 °C/10 h. After 21 days of refrigerated storage, the pH value decreased in all analyzed milk samples. Collagen protein hydrolysate was a good milk additive to increase gel hardness and reduce syneresis. Moreover, its addition did not change the taste and odour of milk fermented with the use of Bifidobacterium Bb-12 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Collagen protein hydrolysate favourably stimulated the survival of Bifidobacterium Bb-12 during 21 days of storage. After 21 days of cold storage in milk with collagen, the number of Lactobacillus rhamnosus cells was reduced by 0.11 log cfu g−1.

Comparing the Effect of Breast Milk Odor and Incubator Cover on Nutritional Adequacy of Premature Infants: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: Premature babies face nutritional problems caused by underdevelopment and lack of coordination between sucking, swallowing, and breathing. Appropriate early interventions are needed to promote the nutritional adequacy of these infants. Objectives: This study was designed to compare the effect of breast milk odor and incubator cover on the nutritional adequacy of premature infants. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 105 preterm infants aged 28 - 33 weeks who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Ali Ibn Abi Taleb Hospital in Zahedan in 2018. The subjects were selected via convenience sampling and randomized into three groups: breast milk odor (BMO), incubator cover (IC), and control. Infants in the IC group were placed in an incubator for two hours before feeding. In the BMO group, a gauze soaked with breast milk was placed 1.5 cm away from the infant’s nose in the incubator, and a prescribed amount of milk was given by a syringe to the infant through the mouth. The amount of milk that the baby orally received in the first 10 min (nutritional adequacy) was recorded by a camera, and the results were compared in the three groups. Results: One-way analysis of variance showed a statistically significant difference between the control group and the two groups of incubator cover and breast milk odor (P &lt; 0.001) such that nutritional adequacy was lower in the control group than in the two other groups. Conclusions: Both the smell of breast milk and incubator cover improved the nutritional adequacy of premature infants and enabled them to orally receive more breast milk.

Evaluasi Kualitas Susu Kambing Etawa Yang Dikoleksi dari Peternakan Berskala Kecil Di Wilayah Samigaluh, Kulon Progo

Peranakan Etawa (PE) Goat is a type of superior goat that is very potential to be maintained as a dairy goat. Food safety guarantee of animal origin becomes very important in order to prevent and spread disease from animal to human. So it takes an effort in terms of quality control of food of animal origin, especially goat's milk. This study aims to determine the quality of PE goat milk which is maintained by farmers in small farms. The study was conducted on 15 samples of goat milk collected in the region of Samigaluh, Kulon Progo. The research used a method of testing the quality of milk in the laboratory that includes testing the physical condition of milk and milk composition. Testing the physical condition of milk consists of testing of cleanliness, color, odor, and taste. Testing of milk composition consist of degree of acid, reductase, fat content, calculation of total bacteria by Total Plate Count (TPC) method. The data obtained are then analyzed descriptively. The results showed milk samples were clean, yellowish, typical odor of fresh milk, and had a slightly sweet taste. Mean of acid degree 7,1°SH, mean of reductase rate 2 hour, mean of fat content 4,53% and mean total bacteria 2,8 x 105 CFU ml. These results indicate that the quality of goat milk included in the category worth to be consumed with sufficient quality. The quality of goat's milk is influenced by the type of feed given and the nutrient composition in the feed type.

Effects of Combined Use of Mother's Breast Milk, Heartbeat Sounds, and Non-Nutritive Sucking on Preterm Infants' Behavioral Stress During Venipuncture: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Even routine procedures can cause pain and stress, and can be harmful to the fast-growing brain of preterm infants. Mitigating pain and stress with sucrose and analgesics has side effects; thus, an alternate choice is the use of natural breast milk and infants' sensory capabilities. Therefore, this study examined the effects of different integrations of sensory experiences-mother's breast milk odor and taste (BM-OT), heartbeat sounds (HBs), and non-nutritive sucking (NNS)-on preterm infant's behavioral stress during venipuncture. This study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. Infants born preterm (<37 weeks' gestational age) were enrolled in the study through convenience sampling, and randomly assigned to the following conditions: (condition 1) routine care (n = 36); (condition 2) BM-OT (n = 33); (condition 3) BM-OT + HBs (n = 33); or (condition 4) BM-OT + HBs + NNS (n = 36). Crying duration from puncture to recovery period was recorded using a voice recorder. Facial actions and body movements were measured using an infant behavioral coding scheme and transformed into frequencies during seven stages: baseline (stage 0), disinfecting (stage 1), venipuncture (stage 2), and the recovery period for 10 minutes (stages 3-6). Data were analyzed for 138 preterm infants. The corresponding median times to stop crying for conditions 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 137, 79, 81, and 39 s, respectively; the instantaneous occurrence rates of stopping crying for conditions 2, 3, and 4 were 1.469, 1.574, and 2.996 times greater than for condition 1, respectively. Infants receiving conditions 3 and 4 had significantly fewer occurrences of facial actions (stage 6 and stages 4-6, respectively) and body movements (stages 3-6 for both); however, there were no significant reductions in stress behaviors for condition 2 (BM-OT). The combination of BM-OT, HBs, and NNS could be provided to preterm infants as interventions to prevent and reduce behavioral stress, and facilitate pain recovery during venipuncture procedures. Clinicians should be educated about how to recognize preterm infants' behavioral stress, and to incorporate different sensory combinations of respective mothers' BM, HBs, and NNS into painful procedures to help preterm infants recover from distress.

Production, composition, fatty acid profile and sensory traits of milk from goats fed crude glycerin from waste frying oils used in biodiesel production

Eight Anglo-Nubian goats with 42.06 ± 3.5 kg body weight (BW) and 51 ± 4.0 d in milk were randomly assigned in a double 4 × 4 Latin square experiment with 20-d periods and four diets with different concentrations of crude glycerin (0, 70, 140 and 210 g/kg on DM basis) to evaluate the effects on intake and on production, composition, fatty acid (FA) profile and sensory traits of milk. The inclusion of crude glycerin from waste frying oils in the goat diets linearly decreased the intake of DM (P=0.001), NDF (P<0.001) and NFC (P=0.007), goat milk production (P=0.006), 4% fat-corrected milk production, (P=0.007), milk composition of total solids, (P=0.006) fat (P=0.005), protein (P=0.03), lactose (P=0.006), total solids (P=0.005), nonfat solids (P=0.005), saturated FA C14:0 (P<0.001) concentrations, short- (P<0.001) and medium-chain (P=0.002) FA proportions and atherogenicity index of fat milk. There was a quadratic increase of EE intake (P=0.002), fat and lactose (P=0.03) milk composition and linear increases in unsaturated FA (P<0.001), monounsaturated (MUFA; P<0.001), UFA:ΣSFA (P=0.002), MUFA:ΣPUFA (P=0.001), all long-chain FA (P<0.001), Σcis C18:1 (P<0.001), and the activity levels of Δ9desaturase 18 (P=0.008) and elongase (P<0.001) with crude glycerin inclusion in the diets of milk goats. The water intake, milk concentration (g/kg) of CP and SNF, C16:0, C18:0 and C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 FAs, polyunsaturated (PUFA), n-3, n-6, and n-6:n-3 ratio, Trans:C18:0, activity of Δ9desaturase 14 and 16, and sensory attributes (odor and flavor) of milk were not affected by crude glycerin intake (P>0.05). Crude glycerin from waste frying oils (36% glycerol and 26% EE) inclusion up to 210 g/kg in total DM replacing corn ground in diets of lactating goats improves milk solids composition and fatty acid profile, which it is desirable for the industry of dairy products, however, it reduce DMI, production and total solids milk, without effects on sensory attributes.

The Effects of Different Strategies on the Painful Procedure Management, and the Physiological Parameters in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review

Background: Since preterm infants are subjected to numerous painful and stressful procedures, various strategies reducing the effects during and after painful procedures are required; we aimed to review the effectiveness of the use of different strategies as a primary or adjunctive treatment on the painful procedures, and the physiological parameters in preterm infants. Materials and Methods: In this systematic review, English databases such as PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EMBASE were systematically searched without any time limitation up to February 2019. The search keywords were (Aromatherapy OR Olfactory OR Amniotic Fluid OR Milk or odor) AND (Pain OR Venipuncture). Results: Finally, four articles were included. The first study conducted on four groups indicates that the pain profile score and the crying time slightly differed during and after the heel prick procedure. In the second study, having pricked the heel, the breast milk group in comparison with the formula milk group embodied the lower premature infant pain profile (PIPP) score. According to the third study, both the vanilla and the breast milk odors groups indicated soothing effects on the premature infants during sampling; and only the breast milk odor is the soothing factor affecting the infants after the sampling termination. The fourth study found that the infants, who were exposed to their own mother’s milk odor, when compared with the control group, encompassed the lowest median PIPP score during venipuncture. Conclusion: Amniotic fluid, the mother’s milk, vanilla and the mother’s odor were determined as reduction and enhancement factors affecting painful procedures and physiological parameters in preterm infants, respectively.

Association of Weight of Premature Infant and Aromatherapy: A Systematic Review

Background: Few studies assessed the association of weight of premature infant and aromatherapy as a secondary outcome. Aim of study was to evaluate all clinical trials on the association of weight of premature infant and aromatherapy. Materials and Methods: All clinical trials evaluating the association of weight of premature infant and aromatherapy with the alleviation of pain were searched on the electronic databases of Scopus, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science and Medline (via PubMed) with no language or time restrictions till December 26, 2019. Jadad scale as a valid and reliable tool was applied to assess the quality of included studies. Results: Finally, five studies with a total of 367 participants were enrolled in this systematic review. In the first study over that time interval, the mean daily weight gains did not differ significantly between the infants in the milk versus water-exposure conditions. In the second study the evaluation of the mean weight of subjects at discharge and the mean weight gained between hospitalization and discharge showed that there were no significant differences between the study and control groups. In third study, the infants' weight did not differ significantly among three groups: vanilla, placebo and rose. In the fourth study, the mean weight of preterm infants at discharge and between hospitalization and discharge showed no significant difference between two groups’ impregnated pad with breast milk and control. In the fifth study, combining milk odor and nonnutritive sucking (NNS) than single NNS were effect in achieving oral feeding and earlier discharge from the hospital. Conclusion: Aromatherapy with a single oil or a combination of two or more aroma oils, were not effective on weight among high-risk and vulnerable infant, such as preterm infant and very low birth weight, there is a need for more accurate and robust future studies.

Aromatherapy as a Nutrition Improvement Approach in Premature Infants: A Short Review

Background: Literature presented numerous methods to promote nutrition in premature newborns. The aim of the review is to promote nutrition in premature newborns using numerous methods which have been suggested by systematic review. Materials and Methods: Online databases including Scopus, Medline, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to perform the present review. In this search date of publication was not considered and articles from the beginning until February 10, 2019 were included. The keywords of choice were aromatherapy OR smell OR AND OR baby OR preterm OR premature. To evaluate the quality of the studies obtained by searching, Jadad scoring was utilized. Results: Finally, four studies were included for review. In the first study, babies in milk-odor group showed more bursts consisting of more than seven sucking attempts, longer sucking bouts and ingesting more volume of milk in comparison to the control group. According to observations in the second study, elevated number of sucks in the presence of breast milk odor was seen in six of 7 infants switched from tube feeding to full enteral feeds in less time. In the third study, olfactory stimulus shows gestational age-related variations in premature infants babies born prior to 31th week of gestation receiving mother's own milk stimulation were able to feed prior to the control group. In the fourth study, babies born after 31th week of gestation did not show significantly different in response to receiving MOM than control group. Conclusion: Aromatherapy improved feeding behavior by more sucking attempt, longer sucking

The Effect of Individualized Developmental Care Practices in Preterm Infants

Background: Preterm infants are vulnerable humans requiring much care and attention. They may be exposed to irregular noise, light, and odor in the neonatal intensive care unit for a period of several weeks or months. This study was carried out to determine the effect of individualized developmental care on physiological parameters, growth, and transition to oral feeding in preterm infants. Methods: The study was a randomized controlled trial. The sample comprised premature infants meeting the inclusion criteria. They were randomly assigned to four groups: the maternal voice group, the breast milk odor (BMO) group, the incubator cover (IC) group, and the control group. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of weight, height, and head circumference at time of discharge. Mean SO₂ values were statistically higher in the IC group than the other groups; however, the heart rate and respiratory rate were not statistically different in a significant sense between the groups. The briefest duration of transition to total oral feeding was seen in the BMO group. Conclusion: Individualized developmental care practices based on the results of these interventions are likely to support the care of preterm infants. Breast milk odor may ease the transition to breastfeeding.

Is Aromatherapy Effective for Apnea in Preterm Infants? A Systematic Review

Background: Apnea can be associated with many complications such as bradycardia, cyanosis, hypotension, hypotonia, hydrocephalus, neurologic complications, and even death. Pharmacological treatment is associated with many side effects. We aimed to investigate the effect of aromatherapy on Apnea in premature newborns. Materials and Methods: An extensive search was done in databases of Medline, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science until February 2019. Two independent researchers screened articles, in the next step, full texts of probably relevant articles were summarized and categorized based on the evaluated outcomes and overall effect size was presented. Results: Three studies were included in the systematic review (including 110 preterm infants). Aromatherapy with breast milk odor not with vanilla odor, caused variability of premature infants’ heart rate blood oxygen saturation during and after venipuncture. Calming effects were observed when preterm newborns were exposed to either vanilla or breast milk odors during venipuncture; however, only breast milk odors had a calming effect on subjects after sampling. Breast milk odor was more effective regarding calming effects on premature infants. Infants in olfactory stimulation with anise or cinnamon were discharged from hospital 3.4 days earlier than the control group (p = 0.12). A subgroup analysis of subjects with a body weight of 2,000 grams or more showed a shorter hospitalization period. When compared by gender, better effect was observed in boys than girls with shorter hospitalization in NICU. Conclusion Aromatherapy can be effective for apnea in preterm infants. Due to the small number of participants and low number of articles, the conclusion should be interpreted with caution.