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ABSTRACT Objective: To develop a rapid method for analysing polyphenols, which are potentially active antioxidants against neonatal oxidative stress, from small human milk (HM) volumes. Methods: Acid and alkaline extractions were compared using two dyes: Folin-Ciocalteu and Fast Blue BB. Linearity, sensitivity, recovery percentage, polyphenol content, precision, and stability were assessed in 14 HM samples and compared using the Kruskal-Wallis H test (p0.96) up to 500 mg/L. All bicarbonate-based Folin-Ciocalteu methods assayed were stable and repeatable, whereas Fast Blue BB-based variants were not. HM polyphenols (mean=94.68 mg/L) positively correlated to the dietary intake of hydroxycinnamic acids, the most consumed polyphenolic family in this population. Conclusions: A bicarbonate-based Folin-Ciocalteu micromethod allowed the accurate determination of polyphenols in HM, which might be useful for translational research settings and HM banks.

Background: As an indigestible component of human breast milk, Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) play an important role as a substrate for the establishing microbiome of the newborn. They have further been shown to have beneficial effects on the immune system, lung and brain development. For preterm infants HMO composition of human breast milk may be of particular relevance since the establishment of a healthy microbiome is challenged by multiple disruptive factors associated with preterm birth, such as cesarean section, hospital environment and perinatal antibiotic exposure. In a previous study it has been proposed that maternal probiotic supplementation during late stages of pregnancy may change the HMO composition in human milk. However, there is currently no study on pregnancies which are threatened to preterm birth. Furthermore, HMO composition has not been investigated in association with clinically relevant outcomes of vulnerable infants including inflammation-mediated diseases such as sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or chronic lung disease. Main body: A randomized controlled intervention study (PROMO = probiotics for human milk oligosaccharides) has been designed to analyze changes in HMO composition of human breast milk after supplementation of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium infantis) in pregnancies at risk for preterm birth. The primary endpoint is HMO composition of 3-fucosyllactose and 3'-sialyllactose in expressed breast milk. We estimate that probiotic intervention will increase these two HMO levels by 50% according to the standardized mean difference between treatment and control groups. As secondary outcomes we will measure preterm infants' clinical outcomes (preterm birth, sepsis, weight gain growth, gastrointestinal complications) and effects on microbiome composition in the rectovaginal tract of mothers at delivery and in the gut of term and preterm infants by sequencing at high genomic resolution. Therefore, we will longitudinally collect bio samples in the first 4 weeks after birth as well as in follow-up investigations at 3 months, one year, and five years of age. Conclusions: We estimate that probiotic intervention will increase these two HMO levels by 50% according to the standardized mean difference between treatment and control groups. The PROMO study will gain insight into the microbiome-HMO interaction at the fetomaternal interface and its consequences for duration of pregnancy and outcome of infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate method for qualitative and quantitative analysis of lipid‐bound (LB), protein‐bound (PB), oligosaccharides‐bound, and free sialic acids in milk was developed by using high‐performance liquid chromatography ‐triple quadrupole‐tandem mass spectrometer. The profile of free and bound sialic acids in milk (human, bovine, goat, and sheep) and infant formula (IF) was examined in the present study. Human milk contains only N‐acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and was mainly present in the form of oligosaccharide‐bound. The content of total Neu5Ac (T‐Neu5Ac), free and bound Neu5Ac in human milk decreased with the prolongation of lactation. The most intriguing finding was the increase in the proportion of PB and LB sialic acids. The sialic acids in bovine and sheep milk were mainly PB and oligosaccharides‐bound Neu5Ac. T‐Neu5Ac in goat milk (GM) was 67.44–89.72 µg/mL and was mainly PB Neu5Ac, but total N‐glycolylneuraminic acid (T‐Neu5Gc) content of GM can be as high as 100.01 µg/mL. The concentration of T‐Neu5Gc in sheep and GM was significantly higher than that of bovine milk (BM). T‐Neu5Gc content of GM ‐based IF was 264.86 µg/g, whereas T‐Neu5Gc content of BM ‐based IF was less (2.26–17.01 µg/g). Additionally, our results found that there were also sialic acids in IF ingredients, which were mainly bound with protein and oligosaccharides, primarily derived from desalted whey powder and whey protein concentrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyoxometalate-based metal–organic frameworks (POMOFs) have emerged as a promising affinity material for separation and enrichment. In this work, zirconium-rich magnetic polyoxometalate-based metal–organic framework (Fe 3 O 4 @POMOF-Zr4+) was prepared and applied to selective enrichment of phosphopeptides. Fe 3 O 4 @POMOF-Zr4+ combined the advantages of metal–organic frameworks and polyoxometalate. By virtue of the strong binding affinity came from Fe–O clusters, V–O clusters, and rich zirconium ions, the novel affinity adsorbent was successfully applied to enrich phosphopetides from standard peptide mixtures. Fe 3 O 4 @POMOF-Zr4+ had good enrichment performance in non-fat milk, human saliva, serum, and lung cancer A549 cell lysate. [Display omitted] • V 10 O 28 -Zr4+ was filled into the pores of Fe 3 O 4 @MOF to construct magnetic POMOF. • Fe 3 O 4 @POMOF-Zr4+ combined the advantages of MOFs and POMs. • The material had high sensitivity, selectivity, and recovery for phosphopeptides. • The method showed high enrichment efficiency in A549 cell lysate. Polyoxometalate-based metal–organic frameworks (POMOFs) have become a promising affinity material for separation and enrichment. The analysis of protein phosphorylation represents a challenge for the development of efficient enrichment materials. Here, a novel zirconium-rich magnetic POMOF was successfully designed and prepared for the enrichment of phosphopeptides. The binding affinity of the nanomaterial partly came from Fe–O clusters in the MOF. The Lewis acid–base interactions between V–O clusters and zirconium ions in V 10 O 28 -Zr4+ and phosphate groups in phosphopeptides further strengthened the enrichment ability. The zirconium-rich magnetic POMOF was employed to capture phosphopeptides from non-fat milk, human saliva, and serum. Additionally, 748 unique phosphopeptide peaks were detected from the tryptic digests of lung cancer A549 cell proteins with a high specificity (86.9 %). POMOFs will become an active competitor for the design of protein affinity materials and will provide a new approach for phosphopeptide analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The UK dairy sheep industry is relatively small but growing, particularly for cheese and yogurt products. Anecdotally, sheep milk (SM) may be better tolerated by humans than cows' milk and could have environmental as well as health benefits. All milk contains sub-micron particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs) which are mainly derived from the mammary epithelium. Physiologically, milk-derived EVs are thought to aid in the development of infant immunity and the microbiome, but may also have health benefits to adult humans. The purpose of this study was to determine whether EVs could be isolated from raw sheep milk and whether they have any effect on inflammatory responses in THP-1, a human monocyte cell line, in vitro. Methods: Using sequential ultracentrifugation, vesicles of <1 µm (LEV) followed by <200 nm (sEVs) were isolated from six individual sheep during mid-lactation. RNA was extracted and microRNA analyzed by RTqPCR for sequences previously identified in cows' milk. Human THP-1 monocytes were differentiated into macrophages and incubated with SM-derived LEVs and sEVs in the presence of pro-inflammatory LPS to measure the effects on the secretion of the chemokine CCL-2 or in the presence of DMNQ and fluorescent dihydrorhodamine-1,2,3 to measure reactive oxygen species. Results: LEVs induced an increase in ROS in both monocytes and macrophages, whilst sEVs decreased DMNQ-mediated ROS in macrophages but not monocytes. Interestingly, the LEVs did not induce CCL2 release; however, they increased LPS-induced CCL2 secretion in monocytes but not macrophages. miR26a, miR92a, miR125b, miR155 and miR223 were identified in both sEVs and LEVs by RT-qPCR and could be responsible for the modulation of ROS and CCL2 expression. Conclusions: These findings suggest that like cows' milk, sheep milk contains EVs, and they can influence human monocyte/macrophage responses, and so is worthy of further investigation for its potential human- and non-human-animal health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural components of breast milk, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and osteopontin (OPN) have been shown to have a variety of functional activities and are widely used in infant formulas. However, the preventive and therapeutic effects of both on influenza viruses are not known. In this study, antiviral assays using a human laryngeal carcinoma cell line (HEP-2) showed that 3'-sialyllactose (3'-SL) and OPN had the best antiviral ability with IC50 values of 33.46 mMand 1.65 mM, respectively. 3'-SL (10 mM) and OPN (4 mM) were used in combination to achieve 75% inhibition. Further studies found that the combination of 200 mg/mL of 3'-SL with 500 mg/mL of OPN exerted the best antiviral ability. The reason for this was related to reduced levels of the cytokines TNF-a, IL-6, and iNOS in relation to mRNA expression. Plaque assay and TCID50 assay found the same results and verified synergistic effects. Our research indicates that a combination of 3'-SL and OPN can effectively reduce inflammatory storms and exhibit antiinfluenza virus effects through synergistic action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop a rapid method for analysing polyphenols, which are potentially active antioxidants against neonatal oxidative stress, from small human milk (HM) volumes. Methods: Acid and alkaline extractions were compared using two dyes: Folin-Ciocalteu and Fast Blue BB. Linearity, sensitivity, recovery percentage, polyphenol content, precision, and stability were assessed in 14 HM samples and compared using the KruskalWallis H test (p<0.05). The best technique was applied to 284 HM samples to determine their polyphenolic content and its association with maternal diet by multifactorial linear regression. Results: Acidic extraction successfully recovered the gallic acid reference standard, whereas alkaline extraction overestimated it. Calibration curves for all methods were linear (R²>0.96) up to 500 mg/L. All bicarbonate-based Folin-Ciocalteu methods assayed were stable and repeatable, whereas Fast Blue BB-based variants were not. HM polyphenols (mean=94.68 mg/L) positively correlated to the dietary intake of hydroxycinnamic acids, the most consumed polyphenolic family in this population. Conclusions: A bicarbonate-based Folin-Ciocalteu micromethod allowed the accurate determination of polyphenols in HM, which might be useful for translational research settings and HM banks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A simple and sensitive method for the fluorometric determination of OFL and CIP. • Water-soluble green copper nanoclusters coated with sodium gluconate (Gl@Cu NCs) as fluorescence probe. • Sodium gluconate is a chelating agent, non-toxic, and biodegradable reagent. • Chelation-enhanced fluorescence intensity of Gl@CuNCs by two fluoroquinolones. • Apply the new sensing probe in the determination of CIP and OFL in water, milk, human urine and serum samples. The present method reports a rapid, inexpensive and sensitive sensing system based on fluorescence turn-on strategy for trace detection of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and ofloxacin (OFL) in aqueous samples. In a one pot method, copper nanocluster whose dimensions are less than 15 nm, were easily prepared and decorated with sodium gluconate (Gl@CuNCs) as a biocompatible material.The Gl@CuNCs were characterized with XRD, TEM, DLS, TG-DTA techniques as well UV–Vis, FT-IR and fluorescence spectroscopies.The maximum fluorescence emission of Gl@CuNCs at 414 nm with excitation at 322 nm shifted to higher wavelength upon addition of CIP and OFL. A good linear relationship between fluorescence emission and drug concentration was achieved in the concentration range of 0.005–0.3 μg mL−1 (15–900 nM for CIP and 14–830 nM for OFL). The limits of detection (LOD) for the determinations of CIP and OFL were calculated to be 9 and 8 nM, respectively. Furthermore, even a 100-fold higher concentration of interfering species had no significant effect on the detection of CIP and OFL. The proposed method was successfully used to determine CIP and OFL in drinking water, cow milk, human urine and serum samples with satisfactory recoveries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the work, we developed polyoxometalate modified magnetic metal–organic framework and investigated its enrichment performance for phosphopeptides. The magnetic nanocomposite can interact with phosphopeptides through Zr−O clusters provided by the MOF shell and metal oxide originated from Zr-W-POM. MALDI-TOF MS and nano LC-MS were employed for phosphopeptide determinations. The magnetic nanocomposite had high sensitivity, good recyclability, and high selectivity. Non-fat milk, drinking milk, human saliva, and serum were selected as real samples for exploration the applicability of the magnetic nanocomposite. [Display omitted] • Synthesis of Fe 3 O 4 @PDA@MOF-POM through a simple post-modification method. • Application of Fe 3 O 4 @PDA@MOF-POM for phosphopeptide enrichment. • High enrichment specificity and selectivity of Fe 3 O 4 @PDA@MOF-POM. • High enrichment efficiency in non-fat milk, drinking milk, human serum, saliva. Herein, polyoxometalate modified magnetic metal–organic framework (Fe 3 O 4 @PDA@MOF-POM) was successfully prepared and then applied to the enrichment of phosphopeptides. Fe 3 O 4 @PDA@MOF-POM can bind with phosphopeptides through Zr O clusters provided by the MOF layer and metal oxide originated from Zr-W-POM. The magnetic nanomaterial had high sensitivity (0.1 fmol), good reusability (10 cycles), and high selectivity (α -casein: β -casein: bovine serum albumin = 1: 1: 5000). Coupling with MALDI-TOF MS determination, non-fat milk was selected to preliminarily explore the applicability of Fe 3 O 4 @PDA@MOF-POM. Furthermore, 241 phosphopeptides derived from 232 phosphoproteins and 99 phosphopeptides attributed to 89 phosphoproteins were identified in human serum and saliva by nano LC-MS. This work paves a new way for the recognition of phosphopeptides in bio-samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An enzyme-free H 2 O 2 amperometric sensor was proposed based on PtPd/IL-CDs/ACF microelectrode. • PtPd/IL-CDs/ACF exhibit higher peak current and lower potential toward H 2 O 2 reduction. • The detection limit of H 2 O 2 was low down to 0.29 μM. • Such amperometric sensor was used for H 2 O 2 detection in living cancer cells successfully. Given the pivotal role of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) in numerous biological progresses, there has been a recent surge in the development of highly effective electrochemical sensors for H 2 O 2 detection. In this article, we propose an enzyme-free amperometric system for the sensitive and selective recognition of H 2 O 2 , leveraging ultrafine PtPd alloy/ionic liquid-carbon dots (IL-CDs) nanocomposites modified flexible carbon fiber. The IL-CDs were synthesized through the direct electrodeposition of ionic liquid [BMIM][PF 6 ] using Pt sheets as electrodes. Subsequently, a sequential electrodeposition of IL-CDs, H 2 PtCl 6 , and PdCl 2 onto the activated carbon fiber (ACF) yielded the PtPd/IL-CDs/ACF microelectrode. This microelectrode serves as an enzyme-free amperometric sensor for H 2 O 2 detection, exhibiting an improved response with a significantly lower detection limit of 0.29 μM and a relatively broad linear range spanning from 2 to 6561 μM. Furthermore, this enzyme-free amperometric H 2 O 2 sensor demonstrates remarkable stability over extended periods and exceptional performance in practical applications, such as the analysis of commercially available milk, human serum, human urine, and living cancer cells analysis. This study offers a fresh perspective on amperometric sensors based on metal alloys and CDs electrode, highlighting the potential of enzyme-independent detection for hydrogen peroxide in biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tularemia, caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, poses health risks to humans and can spread through a variety of routes. It has also been classified as a Tier 1 Select agent by the CDC, highlighting its potential as a bioterrorism agent. Moreover, it is difficult to diagnose in a timely fashion, owing to the non-specific nature of tularemia infections. Rapid, sensitive, and accurate detection methods are required to reduce mortality rates. We aimed to develop antibodies directed against the outer membrane protein A of F. tularensis (FopA) for rapid and accurate diagnosis of tularemia. Methods: We used a baculovirus insect cell expression vector system to produce the FopA antigen and generate anti-FopA antibodies through immunization of BALB/c mice. We then employed hybridoma and phage display technologies to screen for antibodies that could recognize unique epitopes on FopA. Result: Two monoclonal antibodies, 6B12 and 3C1, identified through phage display screening specifically bound to recombinant FopA in a dose-dependent manner. The binding affinity of the anti-FopA 6B12 and 3C1 antibodies was observed to have an equilibrium dissociation constant of 1.76 x 10-10 M and 1.32 x 10-9 M, respectively. These antibodies were used to develop a sandwich ELISA system for the diagnosis of tularemia. This assay was found to be highly specific and sensitive, with detection limits ranging from0.062 ng/mL in PBS to 0.064 ng/mL in skim milk matrices. Discussion: Our findings demonstrate the feasibility of a novel diagnostic approach for detecting F. tularensis based on targeting FopA, as opposed to existing tests that target the bacterial lipopolysaccharide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the effect of room arrangement on the mood and milk volume of mothers who gave birth by cesarean section and whose babies were not with them. The study included 89 mothers with and without infants living in the same room (Group 1) and 94 mothers without and without infants living in the same room (Group 2) (n = 183). The expression of milk was performed twice (0–6 h after birth and 36–48 h before discharge) using an electric breast pump. Expression lasted 15 min for each breast separately. The mean first milk volume of the mothers (Group 1: 5.56 ± 5.03 cc, Group 2: 3.76 ± 3.73 cc) and the mean last milk volume (Group 1: 18.78 ± 15.43 cc, Group 2: 10.64 ± 14.12 cc) were determined, and a significant difference was found between the groups. The mean milk volume of Group 1 was found to be significantly higher than Group 2 (Group 1: 13.21 cc ± 14.62 cc, Group 2: 6.88 cc ± 13.56 cc) (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of positive and negative mood (p = 0.003). In conclusion, it was determined that the milking behavior of mothers was negatively affected due to the lack of stimulation in the room where there was no baby, and this situation negatively affected the start time of the first milking and the average milk volume. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human gastrointestinal tract hosts a complex and dynamic community of microorganisms known as the gut microbiota, which play a pivotal role in numerous physiological processes, including digestion, metabolism, and immune function. Recent research has highlighted the significant impact of diet on the gut microbiota composition and functionality, and the consequential effects on host health. Concurrently, there is growing evidence linking the gut microbiota to inflammation, a key factor in many chronic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review explores how dietary components influence the gut microbiota composition, how these microbial changes affect inflammatory pathways, and the therapeutic implications of modulating this axis for chronic inflammatory disease prevention and management. Beneficial dietary patterns, such as the Mediterranean diet (MD) and plant-based diets, promote a diverse and balanced gut microbiota composition, supporting anti-inflammatory pathways. Conversely, the Western diet (WD), high in saturated fats and refined sugars, is associated with dysbiosis and increased inflammation. With all the links between the three variables considered, this review attempts to offer a thorough examination of the triangle formed by inflammation, the gut microbiota, and food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring optimal infant nutrition is crucial for the health and development of children. Many infants aged 0–6 months are fed with infant formula rather than breast milk. Research on cancer cell lines and animal models is limited to examining the nutrition effects of formula and breast milk, as it does not comprehensively consider absorption, metabolism, and the health and social determinants of the infant and its physiology. Our study utilized small intestine organoids induced from human embryo stem cell (ESC) to compare the nutritional effects of breast milk from five donors during their postpartum lactation period of 1–6 months and three types of Stage 1 infant formulae from regular retail stores. Using transcriptomics and untargeted metabolomics approaches, we focused on the differences such as cell growth and development, cell junctions, and extracellular matrix. We also analyzed the roles of pathways including AMPK, Hippo, and Wnt, and identified key genes such as ALPI, SMAD3, TJP1, and WWTR1 for small intestine development. Through observational and in-vitro analysis, our study demonstrates ESC-derived organoids might be a promising model for exploring nutritional effects and underlying mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fortified human milk is the first choice for preterm infants. Although individualized fortification is recommended, the optimal method for this population remains uncertain. We conducted a comparative study assessing the growth effects of adjusted (AF) and targeted fortification (TF) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. This single-center, randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted at a tertiary neonatal unit in Spain. Eligible participants were premature infants with a birthweight of <1000 g exclusively fed with human milk. A total of 38 patients were enrolled, 15 of them randomized to AF group and 23 to TF group. AF was based on blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration and TF on human milk analysis. The primary outcome was weight gain velocity (g/kg/day). No significant differences were found in weight gain velocity at 28 days, at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age, at discharge, nor during the intervention. Protein intake was significantly higher in the AF group (5.02 g/kg/day vs. 4.48 g/kg/day, p = 0.001). No differences were found in the lipid, carbohydrate, and energy intake; in the weight z score change between the different time points; nor in the length and head circumference growth. Both AF and TF are comparable methods of fortification and provide the appropriate growth rate in ELBW infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey is one of the oldest natural compounds that come from ancient times to nowadays with health benefits. It has been used for the treatment of several diseases, but its role in oral health faces real skepticism due to the high concentration of carbohydrates in its composition. Many studies over the years have confirmed several pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, antihistaminic, etc. It is composed of different chemical compounds like carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, organic acids, phenolic compounds, and volatile substances. Honey contains many enzymes such as invertase, catalase, glucose oxidase, and acid phosphorylase, as well as traces of vitamins B2, B4, B5, B6, B11, and vitamin C, minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium. A promising challenge is the use of honey as a targeting product obtained from green synthesis, with high-efficiency thanks to nanotechnology. This study aims to investigate the potential benefits of honey in oral health, leveraging its diverse biological activity like antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Additionally, our scope was to provide scientific evidence supporting the use of honey in dentistry, emphasizing its broader health benefits and novel applications in oral health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors present a case concerning an adult male patient who developed multiple sites of root caries adjacent to the area where he habitually held a sugar‐free nicotine lozenge that contained mannitol and maltodextrin. The root caries occurred despite the patient's excellent oral hygiene, exemplary dietary habits, and clinically normal salivary flow. Between 1999 and 2008, he had only required two restorations to repair carious lesions. This patient had a 20+‐year habit of using smokeless tobacco before switching to a cessation aid nicotine lozenge in May of 2008. A full‐mouth series of radiographs taken in November 2009 revealed carious lesions on virtually every posterior tooth. The nicotine lozenge's principal ingredients were mannitol (75.7%) and maltodextrin. According to the United States' current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, manufacturers can advertise these lozenges as sugar‐free. Thus, it is assumed by the public that these types of products are incapable of "causing a cavity." However, this case report presents evidence suggesting that frequent use of sugar‐free nicotine lozenges may be associated with dental caries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed bio-nanoparticles secreted by cells and naturally evolved to transport various bioactive molecules between cells and even organisms. These cellular objects are considered one of the most promising bio-nanovehicles for the delivery of native and exogenous molecular cargo. However, many challenges with state-of-the-art EV-based candidates as drug carriers still exist, including issues with scalability, batch-to-batch reproducibility, and cost-sustainability of the final therapeutic formulation. Microalgal extracellular vesicles, which we named nanoalgosomes, are naturally released by various microalgal species. Here, we evaluate the innate biological properties of nanoalgosomes derived from cultures of the marine microalgae Tetraselmis chuii, using an optimized manufacturing protocol. Our investigation of nanoalgosome biocompatibility in preclinical models includes toxicological analyses, using the invertebrate model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, hematological and immunological evaluations ex vivo and in mice. We evaluate nanoalgosome cellular uptake mechanisms in C. elegans at cellular and subcellular levels, and study their biodistribution in mice with accurate space-time resolution. Further examination highlights the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities of nanoalgosomes. This holistic approach to nanoalgosome functional characterization demonstrates that they are biocompatible and innate bioactive effectors with unique bone tropism. These findings suggest that nanoalgosomes have significant potential for future therapeutic applications.This study highlights the biocompatibility, tropism, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of nanoalgosomes, extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from the marine microalga Tetraselmis chuii, suggesting their potential for EV-based therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the association between cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) and breastfeeding (BF). Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed based on studies published in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, BBO, and Embase databases, and in the gray literature. The search occurred in September 2021 and was updated in March 2022. Observational studies evaluating the association between BF and CL/P were included. Risk of bias was analyzed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Main Outcome Measure(s): Frequency of BF in relation to the presence or absence of CL/P, as well as to the type of CL/P. The association between cleft type and BF challenges was also evaluated. Results: From a total of 6863 studies identified, 29 were included in the qualitative review. Risk of bias was moderate and high in most studies (n = 26). There was a significant association between the presence of CL/P and absence of BF (OR = 18.08; 95% CI 7.09–46.09). Individuals with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP ± L) had a significantly lower frequency of BF (OR = 5.93; 95% CI 4.30–8.16) and a significantly higher frequency of BF challenges (OR = 13.55; 95% CI 4.91–37.43) compared to individuals with CL. Certainty of the evidence was low or very low in all analyses. Conclusion: The presence of clefts, especially those with palate involvement, is associated with higher chances of absence of BF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid identification of microorganisms with a high sensitivity and selectivity is of great interest in many fields, primarily in clinical diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and the food industry. For over the past decades, a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based detection platform has been extensively used for bacterial detection, and the effort has been extended to clinical, environmental, and food samples. In contrast to other approaches, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and polymerase chain reaction, SERS exhibits outstanding advantages of rapid detection, being culture-free, low cost, high sensitivity, and lack of water interference. This review aims to cover the development of SERS-based methods for bacterial detection with an emphasis on the source of the signal, techniques used to improve the limit of detection and specificity, and the application of SERS in high-throughput settings and complex samples. The challenges and advancements with the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence has highlighted the role of the gut–brain axis in the progression of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with significant changes in the gut microbiome of individuals with this condition. This report investigates the effects of probiotics and human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) supplements on the gut microbiome, inflammatory cytokine profile, and clinical outcomes in an ASD adolescent with chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction and cognitive impairment. Following treatment, we observed a decrease in proinflammatory cytokines' concentration alongside Sutterella relative abundance, a bacterium reported to be linked with gastrointestinal diseases. Also, we reported a notable increase in mood stability. The study aims to evaluate the use of gut microbiome-based therapy in selected ASD patients, highlighting its potential to improve related clinical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Donor human milk is recommended when infants are unable to be fed their mother's own milk or require supplementation. For-profit companies use technologies to create human milk products for infants in the neonatal intensive care setting without consistent guidelines and regulatory frameworks in place. This commercialization of human milk is inadequately conceptualized and ill-defined. Research Aims: The aim of this study is to conceptualize and define the commercialization of human milk and discuss the need for policy guidelines and regulations. Method: Using a concept analysis framework, we reviewed the literature on the commercialization of human milk, analyzed the antecedents and potential consequences of the industry, and developed a conceptual definition. The literature review resulted in 13 relevant articles. Results: There has been a surge in the development and availability of human milk products for vulnerable infants developed by for-profit companies. Commercialized human milk can be defined as the packaging and sale of human milk and human milk components for financial gain. Factors contributing to the commercialization of human milk include an increased demand for human milk, and consequences include potential undermining of breastfeeding. The lack of guidelines and regulations raises concerns of equity, ethics, and safety. Conclusion: The industry is rapidly growing, resulting in an urgent need for consistent guidelines and regulatory frameworks. If left unaddressed, there could be potential risks for donor milk banking, the future of breastfeeding, and infant and maternal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The accuracy of infant intake using test weights (TWs), the change in weight before and after an infant feeds, has only been validated in hospitalized premature infants. This study's primary aim was to identify how accurate parent infants/toddler (< 2 years old) TWs are at measuring infant intake. Methods: Data were collected from 101 paired bottle and infant/toddler TWs with 31 participants. Parents participated in the feeding sessions by completing infant/toddler TWs blinded to the researcher. Research assistants completed human milk bottle TWs. Infants were fed previously expressed human milk, initially 30 g, but volumes were increased to not exceed the scale's capacity. Results: The mean difference between the bottle TWs measured using the Tanita and OHAUS scales was not significantly different from zero (95% CI (Tanita – OHAUS): (-0.251, 0.108) g). The mean difference between infant/toddler and bottle TWs was significantly different from 0 (95% CI (infant—bottle): (-3.45, -0.915 g or -3.57, -0.95 mL). Infant/toddler and bottle TWs were in agreement with a difference of 2.18 g (SD = 6.63) or 2.25 mL within the scale stated accuracy. Conclusions: The Tanita infant digital scale accurately measures bottle TWs. The differences in parent infant/toddler TWs are within a clinically acceptable range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast milk is one of the many distinct forms of food that can be contaminated with aflatoxin M1 (AFM1). They may be consumed by eating contaminated foods, such as contaminated meat and crops, which would then be present in breast milk and cause health problems, including nervous system disorders and cancers of the lungs, liver, kidneys, and urinary tract. However, the prevalently inconsistent explanation of prevalence and concentration remains a big challenge. Thus, this meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence and concentration of harmful chemicals in breast milk in an African context. The databases MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for both published and unpublished research. To conduct the analysis, the collected data were exported to Stata version 18. The results were shown using a forest plot and a prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (CI) using the random-effects model. The Cochrane chi-square (I2) statistics were used to measure the studies' heterogeneity, and Egger's intercept was used to measure publication bias. This review included twenty-eight studies with 4016 breast milk samples and newborns. The analysis showed the overall prevalence and concentration of aflatoxin M1 in breast milk were 53% (95% CI 40, 65; i2 = 98.26%; P = 0.001). The pooled mean aflatoxin M1 concentration in breast milk was 93.02 ng/l. According to this study, the eastern region of Africa was 62% (95% CI 39–82) profoundly affected as compared to other regions of the continent. In subgroup analysis by publication year, the highest level of exposure to aflatoxins (68%; 95% CI 47–85) was observed among studies published from 2010 to 2019. This finding confirmed that more than half of lactating women's breast milk was contaminated with aflatoxin M1 in Africa. The pooled mean aflatoxin M1 concentration in breast milk was 93.02 ng/l. According to this study, the eastern region of Africa was profoundly affected compared with other regions. Thus, the government and all stakeholders must instigate policies that mitigate the toxicity of aflatoxins in lactating women, fetuses, and newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal diet plays a significant role in the fatty acid composition of breast milk. Dietary products such as milk and meat are the primary sources of natural TFAs for humans. These peculiar fatty acids hold nutritional significance as they not only lack the detrimental effects of industrially produced trans fats on the endothelium characteristic, but they also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. The relationship between the presence of eight fatty acids in breast milk (including natural TFAs trans-vaccenic and conjugated linoleic acid) and the maternal diet has been explored, and their abundance has been compared to that of infant formulas. Two cohorts of lactating women, originating from a Spanish region, participated in this study; they adhered to the Southern European Atlantic diet or the Atlantic diet. While the consumption of conventional meat or dairy products does not seem to increase the abundance of TFAs in breast milk, trans-vaccenic and oleic acid are among the most distinctive features of breast milk fat in mothers consuming naturally improved dairy products with an improved fatty acid profile. The most significant differences between natural breastfeeding and formula feeding lie in natural TFAs, since formulas are notably deficient in natural TFAs while being overfortified in alpha-linolenic acid in comparison to breast milk. We suggest an improvement in the formulation of these products through using cow's milk with an optimal fatty acid profile that better mimics the fatty acid composition found in human milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk is a biological fluid with a dynamic composition of micronutrients and bioactive molecules that serves as a vital nutrient source for infants. Milk composition is affected by multiple factors, including genetics, geographical location, environmental conditions, lactation phase, and maternal nutrition, and plays a key role in dictating its microbiome. This study addresses a less-explored aspect, comparing the microbial communities in human breast milk with those in mature milk from species that are used for milk consumption. Since mature animal milk is used as a supplement for both the infant (formula) and the child/adolescent, our main aim was to identify shared microbial communities in colostrum and mature human milk. Using 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing, we focused on characterizing the milk microbiota in the Northern Greek population by identifying shared microbial communities across samples and comparing the relative abundance of prevalent genera. We analyzed ten human milk samples (from five mothers), with five collected three days postpartum (colostrum) and five collected thirty to forty days postpartum (mature milk) from corresponding mothers. To perform an interspecies comparison of human milk microbiota, we analyzed five goat and five bovine milk samples from a local dairy industry, collected fifty to seventy days after birth. Alpha diversity analysis indicated moderate diversity and stability in bovine milk, high richness in goat milk, and constrained diversity in breast milk. Beta diversity analysis revealed significant distinctions among mammalian species, emphasizing both presence/absence and abundance-based clustering. Despite noticeable differences, shared microbial components underscore fundamental aspects across all mammalian species, highlighting the presence of a core microbiota predominantly comprising the Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteriota phyla. At the genus level, Acinetobacter, Gemella, and Sphingobium exhibit significant higher abundance in human milk compared to bovine and goat milk, while Pseudomonas and Atopostipes are more prevalent in animal milk. Our comparative analysis revealed differences and commonalities in the microbial communities of various mammalian milks and unraveled the existence of a common fundamental milk core microbiome. We thus revealed both species-specific and conserved microbial communities in human, bovine, and goat milk. The existence of a common core microbiome with conserved differences between colostrum and mature human milk underscores fundamental similarities in the microbiota of milk across mammalian species, which could offer valuable implications for optimizing the nutritional quality and safety of dairy products as well as supplements for infant health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pasteurised donor human milk is recommended for very low birthweight infants who do not have access to their mother's milk. Although the use of donor milk continues to increase, little is known about the donation experiences of milk bank donors. We aimed to describe and compare enablers, barriers and patterns of human milk donation and identify factors predicting donation volume in a convenience sample of approved milk bank donors in the United Kingdom and the United States. A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted from August 2022 to December 2022. Approved milk bank donors (n = 556) from three milk banks in the United States (n = 369, Mothers' Milk Bank of Florida, Mother's Milk Bank of North Texas and Northwest Mothers Milk Bank) and one milk bank in the United Kingdom (n = 187, Hearts Milk Bank) completed the survey. A substantial portion of donors in both settings reported participating in other forms of milk exchange (51% of U.S. donors vs. 39% of UK donors, p = 0.009). Top donation barriers reported in both settings were completing the serological screening and having enough space to store collected milk. Most donors started donating when their infant was 3 months old or older and reported donating mature milk. The most common source of information related to milk banking in each setting was the internet (United Kingdom–70% vs. United States ‐ 63%, p = 0.112). Variables that predicted lifetime donation volume differed between the United States and the United Kingdom, highlighting the importance of setting‐specific milk banking research. Key messages: Milk bank donors in the United Kingdom and the United States reported primarily receiving milk banking information from the internet and not their health care provider.A substantial portion of human milk bank donors in the United Kingdom and the United States participate in other forms of milk exchange, including sharing with a peer.Participating in other forms of milk exchange did not predict lower milk bank donation volumes.Barriers to donation and predictors of donation volume differed between donors in the United Kingdom and the United States, suggesting setting‐specific research is warranted to improve the donation process globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pamukkale Medical Journal is the property of Pamukkale Journal of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and aims: This report describes a scoping literature review as preparatory work for the safety evaluation by EFSA of Human‐identical Milk Oligosaccharides (HiMOs) as Novel Foods (NFs). The main objective was to gather information on the concentrations of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) in human milk, both individual and total, and the combinations/mixtures of HiMOs/HMOs in commercially available products or those reported in the literature. Methods: A scoping literature review was conducted, including a search strategy implemented in biomedical (PubMed) and multidisciplinary (Web of Science) databases from 2013 to March 2024, supplemented by an ad hoc search for primary studies included in two key recent systematic reviews and grey literature searches on relevant food business operators' websites. Both primary and secondary studies were selected to determine the individual concentrations of target HMOs, the total concentration of HMOs and relevant HMO fractions, and the combinations/mixtures of HiMOs/HMOs. Only studies with full text published in English or Spanish were eligible, excluding patents, editorials, conference abstracts, books, and dissertations. Results: The structured searches yielded 2,851 unique references, with 218 selected for full‐text evaluation and 36 additional unique references from the key systematic reviews. Ultimately, 171 publications were included in the review. Fourteen companies related to HiMOs were identified through grey literature. In most publications, concentration data for multiple groups of donors (e.g., based on factors like secretor status or lactation period) were reported. By groups of donors, the mean total concentration of HMOs in milk (excluding colostrum) was 6,740 mg/L, whereas the mean by publication was 5,341 mg/L. By publication, the mean concentrations of individual HMOs (mg/L, excluding colostrum) were: LNnT 288, LNT 971, 2'‐FL 1,468, 3‐FL 800, DFL 232, 3'‐SL 212, 6'‐SL 365, LNFP I 738, and LNT/LNnT 611. By groups of donors, the mean concentrations (mg/L, excluding colostrum) were: LNnT 382, LNT 1064.1, 2'‐FL 1685, 3‐FL 907, DFL 303, 3'‐SL 225, 6'‐SL 435, LNFP I 773, and LNT/LNnT 882. By publication, the mean concentration (mg/L) of groups of HMOs mean concentrations (excluding colostrum) was: 4,577 for total neutral; 851 for total acidic; 4,635 for total acidic fucosylated; 1,631 for α‐1‐3/4‐fucosylated; 3,304 for α‐1‐2‐fucosylated; 1,601 for non‐fucosylated; 1,505 for total sialyllated; 2,293 for acidic sialyllated. By group of donors, the mean concentration (mg/L) of groups of HMOs mean concentrations (excluding colostrum) was: 3,942 for total neutral; 1,032 for total acidic; 6,477 for total acidic fucosylated; 1,650 for α‐1‐3/4‐fucosylated; 3,748 for α‐1‐2‐fucosylated; 2,026 for non‐fucosylated; 1,957 for total sialyllated; 2,293 for acidic sialyllated. The most frequent combinations of HMOs/HiMOs were LNnT + 2'‐FL (24 products, 32%) and 2'‐FL + 3'‐SL (12 products, 16%). Conclusions: The findings of this review will support EFSA in the safety evaluation of HiMOs as NFs, in accordance with the EC mandate (M‐2023‐00157). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Assiut Journal of Agricultural Sciences is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Over the millennia, patterns of food consumption have changed; however, foods were always whole foods. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) have been a very recent development and have become the primary food source for many people. The purpose of this review is to propose the hypothesis that, forsaking the evolutionary dietary environment, and its complex milieu of compounds resulting in an extensive metabolome, contributes to chronic disease in modern humans. This evolutionary metabolome may have contributed to the success of early hominins. This hypothesis is based on the following assumptions: (1) whole foods promote health, (2) essential nutrients cannot explain all the benefits of whole foods, (3) UPFs are much lower in phytonutrients and other compounds compared to whole foods, and (4) evolutionary diets contributed to a more diverse metabolome. Evidence will be presented to support this hypothesis. Nutrition is a matter of systems biology, and investigating the evolutionary metabolome, as compared to the metabolome of modern humans, will help elucidate the hidden connections between diet and health. The effect of the diet on the metabolome may also help shape future dietary guidelines, and help define healthy foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background As an indigestible component of human breast milk, Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) play an important role as a substrate for the establishing microbiome of the newborn. They have further been shown to have beneficial effects on the immune system, lung and brain development. For preterm infants HMO composition of human breast milk may be of particular relevance since the establishment of a healthy microbiome is challenged by multiple disruptive factors associated with preterm birth, such as cesarean section, hospital environment and perinatal antibiotic exposure. In a previous study it has been proposed that maternal probiotic supplementation during late stages of pregnancy may change the HMO composition in human milk. However, there is currently no study on pregnancies which are threatened to preterm birth. Furthermore, HMO composition has not been investigated in association with clinically relevant outcomes of vulnerable infants including inflammation-mediated diseases such as sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or chronic lung disease. Main body A randomized controlled intervention study (PROMO = probiotics for human milk oligosaccharides) has been designed to analyze changes in HMO composition of human breast milk after supplementation of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium infantis) in pregnancies at risk for preterm birth. The primary endpoint is HMO composition of 3-fucosyllactose and 3’-sialyllactose in expressed breast milk. We estimate that probiotic intervention will increase these two HMO levels by 50% according to the standardized mean difference between treatment and control groups. As secondary outcomes we will measure preterm infants’ clinical outcomes (preterm birth, sepsis, weight gain growth, gastrointestinal complications) and effects on microbiome composition in the rectovaginal tract of mothers at delivery and in the gut of term and preterm infants by sequencing at high genomic resolution. Therefore, we will longitudinally collect bio samples in the first 4 weeks after birth as well as in follow-up investigations at 3 months, one year, and five years of age. Conclusions We estimate that probiotic intervention will increase these two HMO levels by 50% according to the standardized mean difference between treatment and control groups. The PROMO study will gain insight into the microbiome-HMO interaction at the fetomaternal interface and its consequences for duration of pregnancy and outcome of infants.

A sensitive modified QuEChERS extraction method was developed to assess the levels of free and conjugated bisphenols (BPs) in human milk collected between 2018 and 2019 from two regions of South Africa (the Limpopo Province Vhembe district, n = 194; Pretoria, n = 193) and Canada (Montreal, n = 207). Total BPA (free and conjugated) and BPS were the predominant bisphenols detected in samples from Vhembe and Pretoria, whereas total BPS was the predominant bisphenol detected in Montreal samples. The levels of total BPA in samples from Vhembe and Pretoria ranged between < MDL-18.61 and

Introduction: Maternal synbiotic supplementation during pregnancy and lactation can significantly influence the immune system. Prebiotics and probiotics have a positive impact on the immune system by preventing or ameliorating among others intestinal disorders. This study focused on the immunomodulatory effects of B. breve M-16V and short chain galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS)/long chain fructo-oligosachairdes (lcFOS), including systemic and mucosal compartments and milk composition. Methods: Lewis rats were orally administered with the synbiotic or vehicle during pregnancy (21 days) and lactation (21 days). At the weaning day, small intestine (SI), mammary gland (MG), adipose tissue, milk, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), salivary gland (SG), feces and cecal content were collected from the mothers. Results: The immunoglobulinome profile showed increased IgG2c in plasma and milk, as well as elevated sIgA in feces at weaning. The supplementation improved lipid metabolism through enhanced brown adipose tissue activity and reinforced the intestinal barrier by increasing the expression of Muc3, Cldn4, and Ocln. The higher production of short chain fatty acids in the cecum and increased Bifidobacterium counts suggest a potential positive impact on the gastrointestinal tract. Discussion: These findings indicate that maternal synbiotic supplementation during gestation and lactation improves their immunological status and improved milk composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are crucial components of the innate immune system in various organisms, including humans. Beyond their direct antimicrobial effects, AMPs play essential roles in various physiological processes. They induce angiogenesis, promote wound healing, modulate immune responses, and serve as chemoattractants for immune cells. AMPs regulate the microbiome and combat microbial infections on the skin, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Produced in response to microbial signals, AMPs help maintain a balanced microbial community and provide a first line of defense against infection. In preterm infants, alterations in microbiome composition have been linked to various health outcomes, including sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, atopic dermatitis, and respiratory infections. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in the microbiome, can alter AMP profiles and potentially lead to inflammation-mediated diseases such as chronic lung disease and obesity. In the following review, we summarize what is known about the vital role of AMPs as multifunctional peptides in protecting newborn infants against infections and modulating the microbiome and immune response. Understanding their roles in preterm infants and high-risk populations offers the potential for innovative approaches to disease prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidence indicates that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are important bioactive compounds that enhance health and developmental outcomes in breastfed babies. Maternal dietary intake likely contributes to variation in HMO composition, but studies identifying diet–HMO relationships are few and inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate how the maternal intake of macronutrients and micronutrients—specifically proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals—associated with HMOs at 1 month (n = 210), 6 months (n = 131), and 12 months postpartum (n = 84). Several associations between maternal dietary factors and HMO profiles were identified utilizing partial correlation analysis. For example, maternal free sugar (rho = −0.02, p < 0.01), added sugar (rho = −0.22, p < 0.01), and sugary sweetened beverage (rho = −0.22, p < 0.01) intake were negatively correlated with the most abundant HMO, 2′-fucosyllactose (2′-FL), at 1 month, suggesting that higher sugar consumption was associated with reduced levels of 2′-FL. Further, vitamins D, C, K, and the minerals zinc and potassium were positively correlated with 2′-FL at 1 month (pAll < 0.05). For the longitudinal analysis, a mixed-effects linear regression model revealed significant associations between maternal vitamin intake and HMO profiles over time. For example, for each unit increase in niacin intake, there was a 31.355 nmol/mL increase in 2′-FL concentration (p = 0.03). Overall, the results provide additional evidence supporting a role for maternal nutrition in shaping HMO profiles, which may inform future intervention strategies with the potential of improving infant growth and development through optimal HMO levels in mothers' milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human milk (HM) components affect immune cell toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling. However, studies examining the immunomodulatory impacts of HM on TLR4 signaling in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are limited. This study utilized both a TLR4 reporter cell line and a Caco-2 IEC model to examine the effects of HM on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TLR4 activation and cytokine responses, respectively. Additionally, we performed fast protein liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify a HM component that contributes to the effect of HM on LPS/TLR4 signaling. HM enhances LPS-induced TLR4 signaling as well as LPS-induced IEC gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and negative regulators of NF-κB. Human serum albumin (HSA) present in HM contributes to these effects. HSA within HM synergizes with LPS to induce IEC gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and negative regulators of NF-κB. Altogether, this study provides mechanistic evidence behind the immunomodulatory function of HM on IECs, which may contribute to an enhanced immune response in breast-fed neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global food production system faces several challenges, including significant environmental impacts due to traditional agricultural practices. The rising demands of consumers for food products that are safe, healthy, and have animal welfare standards have led to an increased interest in alternative proteins and the development of the cellular agriculture field. Within this innovative field, precision fermentation has emerged as a promising technological solution to produce proteins with reduced ecological footprints. This review provides a summary of the environmental impacts related to the current global food production, and explores how precision fermentation can contribute to address these issues. Additionally, we report on the main animal-derived proteins produced by precision fermentation, with a particular focus on those used in the food and nutraceutical industries. The general principles of precision fermentation will be explained, including strain and bioprocess optimization. Examples of efficient recombinant protein production by bacteria and yeasts, such as milk proteins, egg-white proteins, structural and flavoring proteins, will also be addressed, along with case examples of companies producing these recombinant proteins at a commercial scale. Through these examples, we explore how precision fermentation supports sustainable food production and holds the potential for significant innovations in the sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goat milk is considered the optimal substitute for human milk and is characterized by variations in the lipid composition of its fat globules across lactation phases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to thoroughly analyze the differences between goat milk during different lactations and human milk, aiming to offer scientific guidance for the production of functional dairy products. Compared with transitional and mature milk, the findings indicated that the total membrane protein content in goat colostrum exhibited greater similarity to that found in human milk. Additionally, goat milk exhibited higher milk fat globule size, as well as a higher total lipid and protein content than human milk. A total of 1461 lipid molecules across 61 subclasses were identified in goat milk and human milk. The contents of glycerides and glycerophospholipids were higher in goat colostrum, whereas sphingolipids and fatty acids were more abundant in human milk. Meanwhile, the compositions of lipid subclasses were inconsistent. There were 584 differentially expressed lipids identified between human and goat milk, including 47 subclasses that were primarily involved in the metabolism of glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, and triglycerides. In summary, for both the membrane protein and the lipid composition, there were differences between the milk of different goat lactations and human milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Where a mother's own milk is not available or is insufficient, donor human milk (DHM) processed by a human milk bank (HMB) is the recommended next best alternative. HMBs exist in over 65 countries. However, most countries have yet to establish national policies or programmes that support the provision of DHM. In July 2019, a group of international experts in fields relevant to human milk banking gathered at a meeting organised by the Institute of Biomedical Ethics, University of Zurich, and co‐sponsored by the World Health Organisation. Prompted by the growing interest globally in creating and sustaining HMBs and addressing current safety and ethical concerns and standards, the aims of the meeting were to define knowledge gaps, determine the need for and scope of global guidelines and provide recommendations on steps that need to be taken at the international level. Following wide‐ranging discussions that included the integration of milk banks into health care systems, strategy and policy, quality and safety, the use of DHM and associated ethical considerations, the overall conclusion of the meeting was that in the absence of global recommendations on the implementation, operation and regulation of HMBs, evidence‐based guidance is urgently needed. Key points: Human milk banks (HMBs) exist in over 65 countries. Most countries with HMBs have yet to establish national policies to support the provision of donor human milk.An international group of experts in fields relevant to human milk banking met in 2019 to define knowledge gaps, determine the need and scope of global guidelines and provide recommendations.Evidence‐based guidance is urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human milk provides essential nutrition for infants and holds many health benefits for infants and mothers. When a mother's own milk is not available for her infant, the World Health Organization recommends feeding donor human milk (DHM) from a human milk banking facility. DHM is human milk produced, collected then donated to a human milk bank (HMB). HMBs serve many vital functions, including screening donor mothers, then collecting, processing, storing, and allocating DHM to recipients. The first HMB opened in 1909, and today there are more than 700 HMBs globally. Unfortunately, HMB facilities are not present in all locales, with notable gaps in South Asia and Africa. Additionally, there are no global standards to guide HMB operational procedures. Even though most HMBs attempt to employ quality control systems to provide safe DHM, differences in community needs, resource availability, and a range of methods and policies to execute processes result in significant variations in DHM quality and HMB operations. Robust and collaborative systems that ensure safe and equitable access to DHM are needed. In this paper, we present a global snapshot of current human milk banking practices; review an interdisciplinary framework to guide and support HMB activities as an integrated part of health and newborn care systems; discuss factors that contribute to HMB sustainability; outline barriers to scaling HMBs worldwide; and highlight knowledge, policy, and research gaps. Developing global HMB guidance and rigorous, adaptable standards would strengthen efforts to improve newborn health. Key messages: Safe donor human milk (DHM) from a human milk bank (HMB) is a WHO recommendation when the mother's own milk is not available.Over 700 HMBs exist globally, with varying operational models and a wide range of practices due to lack of global guidelines and the current practice of adaptation to local needs and health systems.Scaling up of HMBs to meet the global demand for DHM would be facilitated by the development of global standards to guide integration with breastfeeding promotion and quality controlled processing to ensure provision of safe DHM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]