Search Results (1,100)

In the current study, by integrating the analyses of lipidomics and proteomics, the compositional differences between colostrum and mature milk of Holstein cows were systematically investigated. We have identified a total of 1863 lipid metabolites and 1690 proteins. A small portion of them were highly differentiated between colostrum and mature milk. Among them, 23 highly differentiated lipid metabolites and 17 proteins were screened to run correlation analysis. The results showed that they are highly correlated; therefore, they could serve as biomarkers to distinguish colostrum from mature milk. Furthermore, among lipid metabolites, triacylglycerol (TG) (10:0_11:0_12:0) and sphingomyelin (SM) (20:0;2O/44:11) were identified as key regulatory molecules in glycerophospholipid metabolism and sphingomyelin metabolism. In proteins, cadherin 3 (CDH3) protein and alpha-S1-casein (CSN1S1) protein have been identified as potentially important characteristic proteins. In addition, the level of α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) in colostrum was two-fold lower than that in mature milk and its level strongly correlated with several differentiated metabolites and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle-related proteins, including isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), aconitase 1 (ACO1), and dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD). This indicates that α-KG is one of the most important differential molecules to determine the compositions of colostrum and mature milk. These findings provide molecular basis for understanding the nutritional value and the regulatory mechanisms related to the compositions of colostrum and mature milk. Full article

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are widely detected in food, drinking water, food-contact materials, and human biological samples. This narrative review evaluates whether experimental evidence supports a role for MNPs as modifiers of food-allergen digestion, intestinal-barrier function, microbiota composition, and immune tolerance. In vitro studies indicate that protein-corona formation can alter allergen conformation, epitope accessibility, and proteolysis, although effects vary by polymer, particle size, dose, and digestive model. Rodent studies provide evidence that MNP exposure can disrupt epithelial integrity, induce oxidative and inflammatory signaling, and modify microbiota-dependent immune regulation. More direct food-allergy models have reported exacerbation of ovalbumin- and cow’s-milk-allergic responses, including Th2 polarization and changes in dendritic cell and regulatory T-cell compartments. Infants may represent a susceptible and highly exposed population because of immature digestive and barrier function and the use of plastic feeding equipment; however, the available pediatric evidence is limited to exposure studies and simulated digestion. The effect of MNP exposure on the incidence of food allergies, reaction thresholds, or clinical severity in humans has not yet been studied. Accordingly, current findings support biological plausibility and identify research priorities, but they do not establish causality in humans. Full article

Somatic cell count (SCC) is routinely used as an indicator of mammary gland health, but the SCC level at which coordinated inflammatory and systemic changes become apparent remains uncertain. This study aimed to characterize biological changes across increasing SCC and identify the SCC range associated with a coordinated transition. The study included 580 clinically healthy Polish Holstein–Friesian cows without detectable intramammary infection (IMI), classified according to milk SCC as <100, 100–199, 200–399, or ≥400 × 10³ cells/mL. Milk was analyzed for composition, inflammatory cytokines, and mammary innate-defense proteins, while blood was assessed for metabolic and hepatic indicators and oxidative-status markers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant status (TAS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GluRed). Relatively little variation occurred between the two SCC groups below 200 × 10³ cells/mL, whereas SCC ≥ 200 × 10³ cells/mL was associated with increased pro-inflammatory activity, significant changes in mammary innate-defense proteins, oxidative and metabolic changes, lower body condition, and reduced milk yield. Interleukin-8 showed the strongest independent association with SCC ≥ 200 × 10³ cells/mL. Independently estimated breakpoints for 12 inflammatory, innate-defense, and oxidative variables converged within 198–228 × 10³ cells/mL. Among the evaluated thresholds, 200 × 10³ cells/mL provided 88.0% sensitivity and 82.0% specificity for discrimination of the inflammatory phenotype. These findings identify the region around 200 × 10³ cells/mL as a coordinated biological transition rather than a universal diagnostic threshold for mastitis or intramammary infection. Full article

Background/Objectives: Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction that may involve multiple organ systems and requires prompt recognition and treatment. In children and adolescents, food is a major trigger, and clinical presentation may vary according to biological factors, including sex. This study aimed to examine sex-related differences in the clinical presentation, triage acuity, measured emergency-care processes, and suspected triggers of anaphylaxis in pediatric patients treated at a tertiary hospital. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Madrid, Spain, between 2015 and 2022. Sociodemographic characteristics, allergic history, clinical manifestations, TRIPED-GM triage level, Pediatric Assessment Triangle classification, measured emergency-care processes, suspected triggers, hospital admission, and final diagnosis were analyzed. Multiple comparisons were controlled using Bonferroni adjustment within clinically defined domains. Results: A total of 368 patients were included; 65.2% were boys and 57.3% were aged ≤5 years. Unadjusted analyses identified several apparent signals in specific clinical manifestations, triage distribution, and suspected triggers; none showed a consistent pattern after multiplicity adjustment. The difference in the overall distribution of TRIPED-GM triage levels was not statistically significant after multiplicity adjustment. Although Grade 3 assignment remained more frequent among boys in a category-specific post hoc analysis, this isolated finding was not supported by multivariable ordinal regression, in which sex was not independently associated with overall triage acuity. Tree nuts, cow’s milk protein, and egg were the most frequently suspected triggers. Conclusions: No consistent evidence of overall sex-related differences in suspected pediatric anaphylaxis presentation, measured emergency-care processes, suspected triggers, or triage acuity was found after multiplicity adjustment and multivariable analysis. Although an isolated difference in Grade 3 triage assignment persisted in a post hoc analysis, it should be interpreted cautiously. Pediatric emergency nursing assessment and triage should therefore remain primarily guided by acute clinical presentation and physiological severity rather than by sex. Larger multicenter studies are needed to determine whether more subtle or age-dependent sex-related patterns have clinical relevance. Full article

Climate change is increasing the frequency of heat stress events in dairy farming, adversely affecting milk production, milk composition, cow behavior, and animal health. However, many previous studies relied on distant weather-station data and low-frequency milk recording systems, limiting the assessment of short-term and delayed heat stress responses. Therefore, the aim of this study was to combine dense longitudinal data from automatic milking systems (AMS) with continuously recorded on-farm meteorological measurements to investigate the immediate and lagged effects of heat stress on Holstein dairy cows. The study included 386,587 AMS visit records from 790 cows on three commercial dairy farms in Germany, corresponding to up to 127,310 cow-day records collected between August 2022 and August 2025. Temperature–humidity index (THI) values were calculated based on dense on-farm temperature and relative humidity records and were evaluated for multiple lag periods prior to AMS recordings. Linear mixed models were applied to infer the effects of THI on production, physiological, behavioral, and milking process traits. Increasing THI was associated with reduced daily milk yield, altered milk fat and protein percentages, decreased AMS visit frequency, prolonged milking intervals, and increased milk temperature. For contemporaneous THI, an increase from THI 50 to THI 70 corresponded to model-estimated declines of −0.86 kg in daily milk yield, −0.20% in milk fat content and −0.06% in milk protein content, −0.12 daily AMS visits, and +1.14 °C in milk temperature. The strongest associations were generally observed for prompt and short-term lagged THI windows. In contrast, longer lag periods were associated with weaker and less distinct trait responses. Rather than merely confirming the established decline in milk yield under heat stress, the integrated and temporally resolved analysis revealed trait-specific response patterns across production, behavioral, physiological, health-related, and milking-process traits. In particular, milk temperature and voluntary AMS attendance showed pronounced associations with contemporaneous and short-term THI, demonstrating the value of combining AMS-derived phenotypes with high-resolution on-farm climate data for heat stress monitoring. Full article

Background: Cow’s milk-derived fortifier (CMDF) is widely used to improve the nutritional adequacy of human milk for very preterm infants. Although generally well-tolerated, feeding difficulties may occur during CMDF use. Characterizing these events and their associated clinical factors may improve the understanding of feeding tolerance in routine neonatal practice. Objective: To characterize documented adverse feeding events among infants receiving donor human milk (DHM) and CMDF and to identify clinical characteristics associated with these events. Methods: This retrospective nationwide cohort study used the Japanese Human Milk Bank Database. Infants receiving DHM and CMDF were included. Clinical characteristics were compared between infants with and without documented adverse feeding events, and multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate associated factors. Results: Among the 2587 infants receiving DHM and CMDF, 2476 had available adverse-event information. Adverse feeding events were documented in 315 infants (12.7%), most commonly abdominal distension, increased gastric residuals, vomiting, and suspected cow’s milk protein allergy. Infants with documented adverse feeding events had lower gestational age and birth weight and required longer to reach an enteral feeding volume of 100 mL/kg/day. In multivariable analysis, delayed achievement of 100 mL/kg/day remained associated with documented adverse feeding events, whereas gestational age, birth weight, and sex were not independently associated. Routine clinical variables showed limited discriminatory ability (AUC 0.611). Conclusions: Most infants receiving CMDF had no documented adverse feeding events. Slower progression to an enteral feeding volume of 100 mL/kg/day was associated with documented adverse feeding events; however, the temporal relationship among feeding progression, CMDF initiation, and adverse events could not be established. These findings should therefore be considered hypothesis-generating rather than predictive and require prospective validation. Full article

Although the development of fermented plant-based milk alternatives has become quite popular, the relatively low nutritional value and functional properties of these products present significant challenges. This situation is driving the search for alternative protein sources to improve the quality of plant-based products, and legume proteins are attracting attention as promising components. Accordingly, this study aimed to enrich oat-based vegan yogurt alternatives with different legume protein isolates and evaluate their effects on product quality. In the present study, physicochemical, microbiological, antioxidant capacity, FAA profile, peptide profile, and FTIR analyses were performed on vegan yogurts produced using oat milk as well as mung bean and black bean protein isolates. It was determined that different plant protein isolates used in vegan yogurt production had a statistically very significant (n = 2, p < 0.01) effect on dry matter, protein, pH, L. acidophilus, antioxidant capacity, and all FAA profiles except asparagine and aspartic acid. The addition of legume protein isolates to vegan yogurts contributed to an increase in dry matter content (11.57–14.14%), protein content (2.92–5.20%), ash content (0.22–0.32%), and pH value (4.49–4.59) compared to the control group. Similar effects were also observed in S. thermophilus count (5.79–6.38 log cfu/g), L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus count (5.72–6.43 log cfu/g), DPPH inhibition (10.29–19.93%), and ABTS inhibition (14.66–28.48%). It was determined that the addition of mung bean protein isolate (MBPI-2 and MBPI-4), compared to black bean protein isolate, contributed more to nutritional properties in vegan oat yogurt samples. Vegan yogurts were found to match more frequently with antioxidant, ACE inhibitor, DPP III, and DPP IV inhibitor activity in potential bioactivity predictions. FTIR analysis revealed that using different legume protein isolates in vegan yogurt production did not result in the formation of new absorption bands, but it did affect the intensity of existing regional bands. In conclusion, the addition of different legume protein isolates to oat yogurt was found to generally contribute positively to the parameters examined and represents a promising approach for individuals who cannot consume cow milk due to health problems, as well as for vegans. Full article

Large-scale dairy farms with anaerobic digestion (AD) are expanding rapidly in China, yet high-resolution assessments of N flows, N use efficiency (NUE), and N footprint remain limited. This study conducted a process-based N accounting and N footprint assessment for a large-scale commercial dairy farm with AD in China using farm-specific data on herd structure, feed intake, milk production, manure management, feed production, transportation, and on-farm energy use. Whole-farm N flows were traced from feed inputs to animal products, manure excretion, manure treatment, field application, soil deposition, and environmental losses. Total herd N intake was 3.12 × 10⁶ kg N yr⁻¹, of which 5.83 × 10⁵ kg N was exported in milk, and 2.45 × 10⁶ kg N was excreted. Lactating cow milk NUE was 28.11%, while whole-herd milk-only and product NUE were 18.70% and 19.90%, respectively. The milk-allocated N footprint was 7.21 g N kg⁻¹ fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM) under the cradle-to-farm-gate boundary and increased to 13.56 g N kg⁻¹ FPCM when manure land application was included. Feed production was the largest contributor under the cradle-to-farm-gate boundary, whereas manure management dominated under the expanded boundary. Scenario analysis showed that the largest simulated reductions were 30.52% for dietary mitigation under the cradle-to-farm-gate boundary and 18.77% for combined manure-management mitigation under the expanded boundary. These results highlight the need for coordinated improvements in feeding, herd management, and manure management. Full article

The genetic and physiological variations among individuals of Holstein dairy cattle contribute to variations in milk yield. Selecting high-yield cows is critical for improving lactation performance. The present study aimed to identify functional genetic variants of the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) in the ELF5 gene associated with milk production traits and to elucidate their underlying molecular mechanisms. A total of 1314 Chinese Holstein cows were genotyped, and a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), ELF5 g.32793 G>T, was identified in the 3′ UTR of ELF5. This SNP was significantly associated with milk production, such as milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk protein percentage, and somatic cell score. Bioinformatic prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that the ELF5 g.32793 G>T affects the interaction between bta-miR-487a and the ELF5 3′ UTR. Functional analyses in bovine mammary epithelial (MAC-T) cells showed that bta-miR-487a suppressed cell proliferation by inducing G0/G1 phase arrest and reduced the expression of proliferation-related proteins. Collectively, these findings suggested that bta-miR-487a participates in the regulation of MAC-T cell growth and that the ELF5 g.32793 G>T polymorphism may influence lactation performance through an miRNA-associated mechanism. Therefore, the variant can be used as a functional marker for marker-assisted selection in dairy cattle breeding. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of precision dietary crude protein (CP) reduction through corn dust substitution for soybean meal on lactational performance, milk fatty acid composition, and antioxidant status in mid-lactation dairy cows. Six Holstein Friesian cows were assigned to a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with three 28-day periods and fed total mixed rations containing 17.40% (TMR17), 16.29% (TMR16), or 15.18% CP (TMR15). Forage was maintained at 40% of dietary dry matter. Dry matter intake and plasma metabolites were unaffected by dietary treatment (p > 0.05). However, apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein declined significantly (p < 0.05), while acid detergent fiber digestibility showed a linear downward tendency (p = 0.06). Actual milk yield, lactose yield, and solids-not-fat (SNF) yield were unaffected by treatments (p > 0.05), but milk protein percentage decreased linearly (p = 0.01) as dietary CP declined. Body weight change also tended to decline (p = 0.09), suggestive of possible increased body reserve mobilization, although this was not confirmed with body condition score or direct metabolic indicators. Milk urea nitrogen decreased linearly (p = 0.05), which suggested improved nitrogen utilization. Plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, GSH-Px activity, and total antioxidant capacity were not significantly modified (p > 0.05); however, plasma DPPH radical scavenging capacity increased linearly with higher protein levels (p = 0.01; Trt: p = 0.02). Conversely, TMR15 improved milk lipid quality by significantly increasing monounsaturated fatty acids (p = 0.03; Trt: p = 0.05), particularly oleic acid (p = 0.05), whereas total saturated fatty acids remained unchanged (p = 0.55). Overall, reducing dietary CP improved MUFA proportions and nitrogen efficiency but decreased milk protein percentage and plasma DPPH antioxidant protection, highlighting a trade-off between production performance, animal health, and milk quality. Full article

This study evaluated the impact of fermented palm kernel meal (FPKM) on the lactation performance, blood biochemical indices, rumen microbiota, and metabolic functions of Holstein dairy cows, aiming to enhance the nutritional value of palm kernel meal (PKM) through solid-state fermentation. A 3 × 3 Latin square design was used, involving 12 multiparous Holstein cows (parity = 3; body weight = 625 ± 25.8 kg; days in milk = 103 ± 19.6 day(s); milk yield = 32.6 ± 1.58 kg/d) over three 28-day periods. Cows were randomly assigned to three isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets: a basal diet with wheat bran (WB group), a diet with wheat bran replaced by PKM (PKM group), and a diet with wheat bran replaced by FPKM (FPKM group). Solid-state fermentation improved PKM’s nutritional profile by reducing fiber and β-mannan content while increasing protein availability and ruminal degradability. Compared to the WB group, the PKM group showed lower dry matter intake, milk yield, and nutrient digestibility. In contrast, the FPKM group had higher DMI and milk yield than the PKM group, improved nutrient digestibility, and the highest energy-corrected milk yield due to increased milk protein and lactose production. The FPKM group also had higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, propionate, acetate, and microbial protein synthesis than the PKM group. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-8) were elevated in the PKM group but were reduced to levels similar to the WB group in the FPKM group. Plasma immunoglobulin G levels were higher in both the FPKM and WB groups compared to the PKM group. The FPKM group also showed increased relative abundances of Prevotella, Fibrobacterota, and Verrucomicrobiota, while Bacillota and Ruminococcus were reduced compared to the WB group. Metabolomic profiling revealed that FPKM upregulated energy metabolism and inflammation-related pathways, increasing metabolites such as riboflavin and adenine and decreasing succinic acid and guanine compared to the PKM group. In conclusion, FPKM improved the feeding value of PKM-based material and showed more favorable responses than PKM, with generally comparable responses to WB, supporting its potential as an alternative feed ingredient for lactating dairy cows. Full article

Heat stress limits dairy production. The temperature-humidity index (THI), combining temperature and relative humidity, is widely used to assess heat stress. However, in Chinese Holstein cattle, the phenotypic responses of milk traits and genotype-environment interaction mechanisms under different THI conditions are understudied. Based on 63,334 records from 7240 cows (milk yield, fat percentage, protein percentage), matched with meteorological data and 113,297 SNPs, we employed a random-effects GWAS to examine SNP effects across a continuous THI gradient, comparing results with conventional, temperature-, and humidity-interaction GWAS. As THI increased, all traits declined with distinct patterns. Random regression GWAS identified 149 significant SNP × THI interactions (5 for MY, 86 for FP, 58 for PP), distributed across BTA5, BTA6, BTA14, and BTA20. Candidate gene annotation identified 52 candidate genes near significant SNPs, of which 50 core candidate genes were supported in both temperature and humidity GWAS. The most robustly supported core candidate genes include DGAT1, CPSF1, ABCG2, MGST1, VPS28, PPP1R16A, ZNF250, GRID2, KCNC2, and LOC787350—of which DGAT1, ABCG2, and MGST1 have been functionally validated in milk production traits, whereas others represent novel candidates requiring further investigation. Temperature and THI-GWAS showed high consistency, while humidity-GWAS detected both overlapping and specific signals. Incorporating THI as a continuous environmental gradient identifies environment-dependent regulatory signals not captured by conventional GWAS, providing candidate genes that may contribute to future breeding strategies after further validation. Full article

To delineate the serum proteomic profile of persistent subclinical hypocalcemia (pSCH) in periparturient dairy cows, elucidate its molecular pathogenesis, and provide a theoretical basis for early warning and precision prevention and control, we selected 12 Holstein dairy cows of similar age (2.92 ± 0.12 years), parity (1.56 ± 0.21), body condition score (BCS) (2.84 ± 0.04), milk yield (26.81 ± 0.22 kg/d), and day in milk (DIM) (6.60 ± 0.24 d) and no significant between-group differences as experimental animals. Based on serum calcium concentrations on postpartum days 1 to 4 and clinical presentation, the cows were divided into a healthy control group (serum calcium > 1.77 mmol/L on day 1 and >2.20 mmol/L on day 4 postpartum, n = 6) and a persistent subclinical hypocalcemia group (serum calcium ≤ 1.77 mmol/L on day 1 and ≤2.20 mmol/L on day 4 postpartum, n = 6). Serum samples were collected on postpartum days 1, 2, and 4 and analyzed using 4D-DIA quantitative proteomics. A total of 178 significantly differentially expressed proteins were identified (fold change > 1.2, p < 0.05), including 59 up-regulated and 119 down-regulated proteins. These differentially expressed proteins were mainly enriched in pathways involving endocrine and other factor-regulated calcium reabsorption, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle), and lipoic acid metabolism. The results indicate that the pathological state of pSCH is closely associated with abnormalities in calcium reabsorption regulation, actin cytoskeleton maintenance, and mitochondrial energy metabolism-related signaling pathways. The key proteins and pathways identified in this study provide a theoretical foundation for future in-depth research on the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of pSCH. Full article

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants, yet it remains one of the most challenging neonatal diagnoses to establish with certainty. No single clinical, laboratory, or radiographic finding is pathognomonic, and the modified Bell’s staging system is limited because features such as abdominal distension, bloody stools, pneumatosis intestinalis, and portal venous gas are common in preterm infants or are mimicked by other conditions. A wide range of disorders in preterm and term neonates can therefore resemble NEC, including spontaneous intestinal perforation, sepsis-associated ileus, dysmotility of prematurity, malrotation with or without volvulus, cow’s milk protein allergy, Hirschsprung-associated enterocolitis, cardiogenic colitis, viral enterocolitis, intussusception, neonatal appendicitis, meconium obstruction, incarcerated inguinal hernia, and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome. Misclassification of these mimics leads to over- and under-estimation of NEC incidence, contaminates outcome data, and may delay surgical intervention. This review summarizes the epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and distinguishing clinical, radiographic, and histopathological features of the common mimics of NEC, with particular emphasis on spontaneous intestinal perforation. We also highlight the inherent diagnostic challenges and future directions, including the need for reliable biomarkers and the evolving role of artificial intelligence. Full article

Introduction: Restrictive diets are increasingly encountered in pediatric practice and may be adopted voluntarily or prescribed for medical conditions. Although they can support normal growth when appropriately planned, exclusion of nutritionally important foods may increase the risk of nutrient inadequacy. This narrative review examined nutritional deficiencies and laboratory monitoring in children following plant-based, food-allergy elimination, gluten-free, ketogenic, and protein-restricted diets for inherited metabolic disorders. Methods: Targeted searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were conducted through 30 June 2026 using pediatric, diet-specific, nutritional-status, and biomarker terms. Because this was a narrative review, the literature was selected and synthesized qualitatively rather than through a formal systematic-screening process; no fixed study count, duplicate independent screening, or formal risk-of-bias assessment was performed. Professional guidelines and position papers were prioritized when discussing monitoring considerations, while pediatric studies were used to describe dietary intake, biochemical findings, clinically manifest deficiency, and growth outcomes. Results: Nutritional risks differed according to the foods or nutrients restricted. Vitamin B12 and iron were major concerns in plant-based diets, whereas cow’s milk and multiple-food elimination increased the risk of inadequate calcium, vitamin D, iodine, protein, and energy intake. Gluten-free diets were commonly associated with low fiber, iron, folate, and B-vitamin intake, particularly when refined, non-fortified products predominated. Ketogenic dietary therapy required attention to selenium, vitamin D, bone-related minerals, carnitine in selected patients, and linear growth. In phenylketonuria and related disorders, nutritional adequacy depended strongly on protein-substitute adherence and appropriate provision of essential amino acids and micronutrients. Across all dietary patterns, laboratory results required interpretation in relation to dietary intake, growth, supplementation, inflammation, medication, and the underlying condition. Across dietary patterns, inadequate intake, biochemical abnormalities, clinically manifest deficiency, and impaired growth were considered related but distinct outcomes. Conclusions: Nutritional monitoring should be individualized and based on the actual dietary restriction and clinical risk. The principal contribution of this review is a practical, risk-based framework that links the specific dietary restriction and adequacy of replacement foods with growth, symptoms, supplementation, and targeted laboratory biomarkers. Full article