Search Results (830)

Resistance to cytarabine (Ara-C) remains a major obstacle to the successful treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Therefore, modulating Ara-C resistance is indispensable for improving clinical outcomes. We previously demonstrated that sodium caseinate (SC), a salt derived from casein, the principal milk protein, inhibits proliferation and modulates the expression of Ara-C resistance-related genes in chemoresistant cells. However, it remains unclear whether the combination of SC with antineoplastic agents enhances apoptosis, modulates chemoresistance-related genes, and prolongs the survival of tumor-bearing mice implanted with chemoresistant cells. Here, we investigated the effects of SC in combination with Ara-C or daunorubicin (DNR) on cell proliferation, apoptosis, the expression of chemoresistance-associated genes, and the survival of tumor-bearing mice. Crystal violet assays, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to evaluate the effects of combinations in chemoresistant cells. We demonstrate that the IC₂₅ concentration of SC, when combined with antileukemic agents, increases the sensitivity of chemoresistant WEHI-CR50 cells to Ara-C by downregulating SIRT1 and MDR1, upregulating the expression of ENT1 and dCK, enhancing apoptosis, and prolonging the survival of WEHI-CR50 tumor-bearing mice. Our data suggest that SC in combination with antileukemic agents could be an effective adjuvant for Ara-C-resistant AML. Full article

Monitoring pH and acidity during yoghurt fermentation is essential for product quality and process efficiency. Conventional measurement methods, however, are invasive and labour-intensive. This study developed artificial neural network (ANN) models to predict pH and titratable acidity during yoghurt fermentation using CIELAB colour parameters (L, a*, b*). Reconstituted milk powder with 12% total solids was prepared with varying protein levels (4.2–4.8%), inoculum concentrations (1–3%), and fermentation temperatures (36–44 °C). Data were collected every 10 min until pH 4.6 was reached. Forty models were trained for each output variable, using 90% of the data for training and 10% for validation. The first two phases of the fermentation process were clearly distinguishable, lasting between 4.5 and 7 h and exceeding 0.6% lactic acid in all treatments evaluated. The best pH model used two hidden layers with 28 neurons (R² = 0.969; RMSE = 0.007), while the optimal acidity model had four hidden layers with 32 neurons (R² = 0.868; RMSE = 0.002). The strong correlation between colour and physicochemical changes confirms the feasibility of this non-destructive approach. Integrating ANN models and colourimetry offers a practical solution for real-time monitoring, helping improve process control in industrial yoghurt production. Full article

Dietary tannin supplementation represents a potential strategy to modulate rumen fermentation and enhance lactation performance in dairy cows, though responses remain inconsistent. A 21-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of chestnut tannin (CNT) extract on the enteric methane emissions (EME), blood metabolites, and milk production traits in mid-lactation dairy cows. Thirty-six Holstein cows were allocated to three homogeneous treatment groups: control (CNT₀, 0 g/d CNT), CNT₄₀ (40 g/d CNT), and CNT₈₀ (80 g/d CNT). Measurements of EME, dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY), and blood and milk parameters were carried out pre- and post-21-day supplementation period. Compared with the no-additive group, the CNT extract reduced methane production, methane yield, and methane intensity in CNT₄₀ and CNT₈₀ (p < 0.001). CNT₄₀ and CNT₈₀ cows exhibited lower blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.019 and p = 0.002) and elevated serum insulin (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001) and growth hormone concentrations (p = 0.046 and p = 0.034), coinciding with reduced aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.016 and p = 0.045), and lactate dehydrogenase (p = 0.011 and p = 0.008) activities compared to control. However, CNT₈₀ had higher circulating NEFA and BHBA than CNT₀ (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004) and CNT₄₀ (p = 0.035 and p = 0.019). The blood glucose, albumin, and total bilirubin concentrations were not affected. MY and fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM), MY/DMI, and FPCM/DMI were higher in both CNT₄₀ (p = 0.004, p = 0.003, p = 0.014, p = 0.010) and CNT₈₀ (p = 0.002, p = 0.003, p = 0.008, p = 0.013) cows compared with controls. Feeding CNT₈₀ resulted in higher protein content (p = 0.015) but lower fat percentage in milk (p = 0.004) compared to CNT₀. Milk urea nitrogen and somatic cell counts were significantly lower in both CNT₄₀ (p < 0.001, p = 0.009) and CNT₈₀ (p < 0.001 for both) compared to CNT₀, while milk lactose did not differ between treatments. These findings demonstrate that chestnut tannin extract effectively mitigates EME while enhancing lactation performance in mid-lactation dairy cows. Full article

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding a combination of chicory–plantain silage and supplementing Se yeast on the response of early-lactating ewes to induce subclinical mastitis. Polypay ewes (n = 32) were fed either chicory–plantain silage or grass silage and supplemented with 3.6 mg Se yeast/ewe/day for approximately 2 months prior to the infusion of S. uberis into both mammary glands (i.e., intramammary infection or IMI). The ewes had a typical subclinical mastitis response with an 8-fold increase in milk somatic cell count within 24 h post-IMI, a decrease in milk yield, and changes in all milk components measured. The ewes experienced a mild systemic inflammation post-IMI as determined by an increase in rectal temperature and decrease in feed and water intake and, in blood, by an increase in the concentration of ceruloplasmin, haptoglobin, and myeloperoxidase and a decrease in paraoxonase, Zn, advanced oxidation protein products, and hematocrit with no effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines. No effect of silage type, likely due to a low concentration of secondary compounds, or Se supplementation was detected in response to IMI. In summary, the subclinical mastitis model used was effective in mounting an inflammatory response, although this was mild; however, feeding chicory–plantain silage with a low concentration of secondary compounds and supplementing Se yeast had no significant effect on the response of ewes to mammary infection. Full article

Milk lactose concentration has been proposed as a noninvasive indicator of metabolic health in dairy cows, particularly during early lactation when metabolic demands are elevated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between milk lactose levels and physiological, biochemical, and behavioral parameters in early-lactation Holstein cows. Twenty-eight clinically healthy cows were divided into two groups: Group 1 (milk lactose < 4.70%, n = 14) and Group 2 (milk lactose ≥ 4.70%, n = 14). Both groups were monitored over a 21-day period using the Brolis HerdLine in-line milk analyzer (Brolis Sensor Technology, Vilnius, Lithuania) and SmaXtec intraruminal boluses (SmaXtec Animal Care Technology^®, Graz, Austria). Parameters including milk yield, milk composition (lactose, fat, protein, and fat-to-protein ratio), blood biomarkers, and behavior were recorded. Cows with higher milk lactose concentrations (≥4.70%) produced significantly more milk (+12.76%) and showed increased water intake (+15.44%), as well as elevated levels of urea (+21.63%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (+22.96%), glucose (+4.75%), magnesium (+8.25%), and iron (+13.41%) compared to cows with lower lactose concentrations (<4.70%). A moderate positive correlation was found between milk lactose and urea levels (r = 0.429, p < 0.01), and low but significant correlations were observed with other indicators. These findings support the use of milk lactose concentration as a practical biomarker for assessing metabolic and physiological status in dairy cows, and highlight the value of integrating real-time monitoring technologies in precision livestock management. Full article

The main objective of this study was the development of two semi-hard goat cheeses supplemented with Palmaria palmata and Ulva sp. with the aim of developing innovative food products, increasing the concentration of nutrients in these cheeses and familiarizing consumers with seaweed-containing foods. The impact of seaweed addition was evaluated through physicochemical, microbiological, and organoleptic properties of the semi-hard goat cheeses. Carbohydrate content was relatively low, whereas the total lipid content was relatively high (particularly in semi-hard goat cheese supplemented with seaweeds). Crude protein content presented higher values in semi-hard goat cheese supplemented with Ulva sp. The semi-hard goat cheese supplemented with Ulva sp. shows increased levels of Ca, Fe, Mn, and Zn. Instrumental color and the textural parameters of semi-hard goat’s cheese varied significantly with seaweed addition. Most of the microbiological load complies with the Portuguese (INSA) and the United Kingdom’s (HPA) guidelines for assessing the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods placed on the market. Additionally, the Flash Profile scores of semi-hard goat cheeses supplemented with seaweeds highlighted aroma and flavor complexity. Overall, this study confirms the potential of using seaweeds as a viable alternative to produce semi-hard goat cheeses with less pungency or goat milk flavor, making this product more pleasant and appealing to consumers sensitive to these sensory characteristics. Full article

This study investigated ten potential toxic metals (PTMs) in six milk and dairy product types and evaluated food safety (TDI, RDA), human exposure (EDI), non-carcinogenic risk (THQ, HI), and contamination levels (CF, PLI). Based on total PTM load, products ranked as: children’s milk > yogurt > protein milk > milk > ayran > kefir. Aluminum (Al) showed the highest average concentration in all products except ayran, where manganese (Mn) was dominant. Cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) were consistently at the lowest levels. Except for chromium (Cr) exposure from children’s milk, all average and maximum EDI values stayed below TDI and RDA thresholds. Children’s milk had the highest non-carcinogenic risk, while yogurt, kefir, milk, and ayran may also pose potential risks when maximum HI values are considered. Although CF values varied across products, PLI results showed all products had high levels of PTM contamination. Given the widespread consumption of dairy across all age groups, especially by sensitive populations like children, monitoring and controlling PTM levels is crucial alongside ensuring nutritional quality. Full article

The S100B protein, known for its role in the central and enteric nervous systems, has recently been identified in dietary sources such as milk, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Given its potential interaction with the gut microbiota, this study explores the relationship between dietary intake of S100B and microbiota biodiversity across different diets. A comprehensive study was conducted, estimating S100B concentrations in 13 dietary patterns recommended in different countries. This is the first study to provide a comparative estimation of S100B exposure from the diet and to explore its potential ecological and epidemiological relevance. The association between S100B levels and microbiota biodiversity was statistically analyzed, showing a direct correlation. Microbial diversity was assessed using the Shannon index, based on data extracted from studies reporting microbiota composition across dietary patterns. Additionally, the relative risk of Crohn’s disease was assessed in different populations to examine potential links between dietary patterns, S100B, and chronic disease prevention. A moderate positive correlation (R² = 0.537) was found between S100B concentration and Shannon index, suggesting that diets higher in S100B (e.g., Mediterranean diet) were associated with higher microbial alpha-diversity. Furthermore, Western-style diets, with the lowest S100B levels, exhibited a higher relative risk for Crohn’s disease (R² = 0.780). These findings highlight the potential role of dietary S100B content in modulating gut microbiota diversity and reducing chronic disease risk. Full article

The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of two dietary regimens, characterized by different forage-to-concentrate ratios, on feed intake, milk yield and composition, as well as economic and environmental sustainability in lactating buffalo cows. Group H was fed a high-forage diet, while Group L was fed a diet with a lower forage-to-concentrate ratio. Despite a lower energy value (Unit for Feed Lactation: UFL 0.89 vs. 0.91), the diet of group H met the animals’ nutritional requirements, with similar dry matter intake (DMI) and body condition scores observed in both groups. While there was no significant difference in milk yield, protein, and lactose, group H exhibited significantly higher milk fat content and an enhanced fatty acid profile, characterized by increased oleic acid, conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs), and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These fatty acids have been linked to potential health benefits in humans, including anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and anticarcinogenic effects. From an economic perspective, the H group’s diet was found to be more cost-effective, resulting in EUR 0.46 savings per head per day and a higher yield of mozzarella cheese. From an environmental perspective, the high-forage diet reduced reliance on imported concentrates and irrigation-dependent crops, aligning with sustainable development goals. In conclusion, increasing the forage content in buffalo diets has been demonstrated to support animal performance, improve milk quality, reduce environmental impact, and enhance economic returns for producers. Full article

This study was performed to assess the effects of grape pomace feeding on the immunoglobulin concentration in mammary gland secretions and the biochemical parameters of sows’ blood. This study presents unique results of sow blood parameters obtained during the first day postpartum. Sixteen gestating sows were included in the experiment. The experimental group (DGP) received a supplement of dried grape pomace in the amount of 1% of the basal diet from the 7th day antepartum until the end of lactation. Blood, colostrum, and milk were taken from the sows. On the 1st day postpartum, in the sows’ blood, higher values of total proteins and globulins, as well as lower values of aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and the albumin/globulin ratio, were recorded in DGP. There were no significant differences in the concentration of immunoglobulins in the blood of sows between the groups. Also, differences in the concentrations of immunoglobulins in the colostrum and milk of sows throughout lactation were not statistically significant. It can be stated that the feeding of dried grape pomace did not have a negative effect on the biochemical parameters of the sows’ blood, colostrum, and milk. In addition, there is a potential suggestion that the addition of dried grape pomace could have a positive effect on the antioxidant status of sows. Full article

This study assessed the effect of ultrafiltration (UF) on the quality of soft white cheese made from goat skim milk (GSM) and aimed to identify the optimal UF parameters for protein concentration while minimizing energy consumption. UF was applied to pasteurized GSM by altering transmembrane pressure (TMP) and permeate flux density (J) while monitoring the volume reduction factor (VRF). The acidity, viscosity, dry extract, proteins and Ca, Na, K, Mg and Fe contents increased significantly during concentration. Post-ultrafiltration, both UF and non-UF GSMs were coagulated using modified rennet doses (150, 200 and 300 µL/L). The resulting cheeses underwent chemical analysis, yield calculation and textural property assessment. The findings highlighted that milk protein concentration was the primary limiting factor for coagulation, with rennet dose having a lesser impact. The UF-GSM produced the best results, yielding approximately 30% cheese with a soft texture and greater nutritional value (proteins, Ca, Mg and Fe). Full article

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing early-lactation Holstein cows with rumen-protected omega-3 fatty acids (calcium salts) on productive and reproductive performance. Thirty-six multiparous cows were randomly assigned to one of two treatments from 21 ± 2 days before calving to 105 ± 5 days in milk (DIM): a Control group (C) or an Omega-3-supplemented group (O-3), receiving a blend of linseed and fish oil (60:40). Both groups were fed isoenergetic diets, with ground corn as the control supplement. Total dry matter and net energy intake did not differ between treatments. A treatment-by-time interaction was observed for milk yield, with cows in the O-3 group producing more milk than controls at specific time points. Additionally, O-3 cows had higher overall protein yield and improved feed efficiency. No differences were found in body weight, BCS, glucose, insulin, IGF-1, or urea concentrations, but a tendency toward higher plasma NEFA and BHBA concentrations and lower energy balance was observed in the O-3 group. Supplementation increased plasma cholesterol and progesterone concentrations and was associated with a higher proportion of cows being pregnant at 130 DIM. These findings suggest that omega-3 supplementation may improve specific aspects of lactational performance and reproductive efficiency without compromising metabolic status. Full article

Acetate is naturally produced in the rumen through feed degradation and fermentation. It serves as a primary energy source for ruminants and as a key substrate for de novo fatty acid synthesis in the mammary gland. The interaction of exogenous acetate with different animal and dietary factors is an area of growing interest, as it may have significant implications for milk fat synthesis. This study aimed to assess the effect of two diet fermentability levels on the short-term response of lactation to acetate supplementation in dairy cows. Eight ruminally cannulated multiparous European Holstein cows were randomly assigned to treatments in a crossover design that tested the effect of diet fermentability, acetate supply, and their interaction. Using corn silage as the only forage source and a constant forage-to-concentrate ratio, high-fermentability (HF) and low-fermentability (LF) diets were formulated. Acetate supply was investigated by infusing ruminally 10 moles of sodium acetate/d (ACE) or an equimolar infusion of control (CON). Therefore, the treatments were as follows: LF + CON; LF + ACE; HF + CON; and HF + ACE. No interactions between acetate and diet fermentability were found on performance variables. Acetate infusion decreased dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and milk protein yield and content but did not affect milk fat yield; however, it increased milk fat concentration, and this response tended to be more pronounced in the HF diet. Acetate infusions increased plasma β-hydroxybutyrate in the HF diet, but not in the LF diet, and increased plasma non-esterified fatty acid, which was likely a lipolysis response to reduced DMI and decreased energy balance. This study demonstrates that acetate availability can be a constraint on mammary lipogenesis, even with adequate dietary fiber. Full article

Background/Objectives: Calprotectin and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (IFABP) may reflect the intestinal maturation process of very preterm infants (VPI) but have also been associated with gut inflammation. To establish normative values for fecal calprotectin (FC) and urinary intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (uIFABP) in VPI and to study their correlations with demographic and clinical factors. Methods: A cohort of VPI (born before or at 32.0 weeks of gestation) was recruited in two neonatal intensive care units. Urine and fecal samples were collected at 1, 4 and 8 weeks of life to measure urinary IFABP (normalized to creatinine as uIFABP/Cr) and FC, respectively. UIFABP was determined by ELISA and FC by fluoroenzyme immunoassay. Results: 194 newborns had at least one valid biomarker measurement. The study cohort mean gestational age was 28.9 ± 2.3 weeks and mean birth weight 1178 ± 365 g. Although uIFABP/Cr concentrations differed between the two centres, they were negatively correlated with gestational age, with a statistically significant correlation observed in both centres at week 4 (Hospital Clínic: Spearman’s rho −0.500; p = 0.000 and Hospital Sant Joan de Déu: Spearman’s rho −0.474; p = 0.000). Conversely, FC showed a positive significant correlation at the same time point (Spearman’s rho 0.302; p = 0.006). At week one, FC increased with antibiotic exposure (28 mcg/g of stool per antibiotic day, 95%CI 3–57; p = 0.028). FC at week 4 was inversely correlated with mother’s own milk (MOM) exposure during the first month (Spearman’s rho −0.253; p = 0.023). Conclusions: uIFABP/Cr and FC are associated with gestational age at 4 weeks and FC is also influenced by antibiotic treatment and MOM exposure. Full article

In this study, Malatya cheeses were produced using cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, and a cow–sheep milk mixture (1:1), were stored in brine solutions, and samples from both the cheeses and their brines were collected and analyzed at 0, 30, 90, and 180 days of storage to investigate the impact of the milk type and storage time on the cheese characteristics. Cheese made from cow’s milk exhibited a lower fat content (14.5%), whereas cheese made from sheep’s milk had a lower protein content (17.5%). During storage, salt and ash contents increased. Water-soluble nitrogen (WSN) and trichloroacetic acid-soluble nitrogen (TCASN) levels decreased during the first 90 days of storage, followed by a subsequent increase. Cow’s milk cheese demonstrated higher ripening extension index (REI) values, indicating early-stage proteolysis, whereas sheep milk cheese showed higher ripening depth index (RDI) values, reflecting more advanced ripening. The total concentration of volatile compounds in the headspace increased over time, rising from 576.7–1060.2 to 5795.1–7360.1 µg/kg dry matter by day 180 of storage, with acids being the dominant volatile group in both quantity and diversity. Free fatty acids (FFAs) were the predominant volatiles and branched-chain acids and alcohols associated with proteolysis were particularly notable in cow’s milk cheeses. Additionally, the transfer of proteins and volatile compounds into the brine increased throughout the storage period. Overall, storage time significantly influenced the cheese characteristics, while milk type also played a role, albeit to a lesser extent. Full article