Impact of Processing Methods on the Distribution of Mineral Elements in Goat Milk Fractions.

Milk and dairy products are excellent sources of mineral elements, including Ca, P, Mg, Na, K and Zn. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of non-thermal (homogenization) and thermal (heat treatment) treatments on the distribution of mineral elements in 4 milk fractions: fat, casein, whey protein, and aqueous phase. The study results revealed that the distribution of mineral elements (such as Mg and Fe) in fat fractions is extremely low, while significant mineral elements such as Ca, Zn, Fe, and Cu are mostly dispersed in casein fractions. For non-treated goat milk, Mo is the only element identified in the whey protein fraction, while K and Na are mostly found in the aqueous phase. Mineral element concentrations in fat (K, Zn, etc.) and casein fraction (Fe, Mo, etc.) increased dramatically after homogenization. Homogenization greatly decreased the concentration of mineral elements in the whey protein fraction (Ca, Na, etc.) and aqueous phase (Fe, Cu, etc.). After heat treatment, the element content in the fat fraction and casein fraction increased greatly when compared with raw milk, such as Cu and Mg in the fat fraction, Na and Cu in the whey protein fraction, the concentration of components such as Mg and Na in casein fraction increased considerably. On the other hand, after homogenization, Zn in the aqueous phase decreased substantially, whereas Fe increased significantly. Therefore, both homogenization and heat treatment have an effect on the mineral element distribution in goat milk fractions.

Effect of lactation on the distribution of mineral elements in goat milk.

The distribution of mineral elements in milk is crucial for their absorption and utilization, however, there has been limited attention given to the status of mineral elements in goat milk. In this study, goat milk was collected at 4 lactation periods (1-3, 90, 150, 240 d) and separated into 4 fractions (fat, casein, whey, and aqueous phase). The concentrations of Mg, Ca, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Co, Ni, Mo, and Cr in 4 fractions were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer. Our findings reveal that Ca, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Cr exhibit the highest levels in casein, while Mo demonstrates the highest content in whey. Additionally, Mg, Na, K, and Ni display the highest concentrations in the aqueous phase. Specifically, the contents of Ca, Cu and Fe in casein decrease from 1-3 to 150 d of lactation but increase from 150 to 240 d of lactation. Furthermore, the content of Mg in the aqueous phase decreases from 1-3 to 90 d of lactation but increases from 90 to 240 d of lactation. The content of Na and K in the aqueous phase decreases from 1-3 to 150 d of lactation. Notably, the content of Mo in whey increases from 1-3 to 150 d of lactation and decreases from 150 to 240 d. Our research contributes to the advancement of understanding the bioavailability of mineral elements in goat milk.

Distribution and variation in proteins of casein micellar fractions response to heat-treatment from five dairy species.

Casein micelles (CMs) contribute to the physicochemical properties and stability of milk. However, how the proteome of CMs changes following heat treatment has not been elucidated. Here, changes in the proteins of CMs in samples of Holstein, buffalo, yak, goat, and camel milk following heat treatment were investigated using a LC-MS/MS approach. According to the hierarchical clustering results, Holstein, yak, and buffalo milk samples had similar CMs protein components, followed by goat and camel milk samples. Changes in lipoprotein lipase and α-lactalbumin in CMs were dependent on the intensity of heat treatment and were similar among the studied species, whereas changes in κ-casein, lactoferrin, and apolipoprotein A-I differed among different types of milk. These results provide information on the distribution and variations of the proteomes of CMs following heat treatment, which will assist in the identification of proteins that are dissociated and attached to CMs from different dairy species during heat treatment.

Prevalence, Drug Resistance, and Virulence Genes of Potential Pathogenic Bacteria in Pasteurized Milk of Chinese Fresh Milk Bar.

Fresh Milk Bar (FMB), an emerging dairy retail franchise, is used to instantly produce and sell pasteurized milk and other dairy products in China. However, the quality and safety of pasteurized milk in FMB have received little attention. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence genes of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus in 205 pasteurized milk samples collected from FMBs in China. Four (2.0%) isolates of E. coli, seven (3.4%) isolates of S. aureus, and three (1.5%) isolates of Streptococcus agalactiae were isolated and identified. The E. coli isolates were resistant to amikacin (100%), streptomycin (50%), and tetracycline (50%). Their detected resistance genes include aac(3)-III (75%), blaTEM (25%), aadA (25%), aac(3)-II (25%), catI (25%), and qnrB (25%). The S. aureus isolates were mainly resistant to penicillin G (71.4%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (71.4%), kanamycin (57.1%), gentamicin (57.1%), amikacin (57.1%), and clindamycin (57.1%). blaZ (42.9%), mecA (28.6%), ermB (14.3%), and ermC (14.3%) were detected as their resistance genes. The Streptococcus strains were mainly resistant to tetracycline (66.7%) and contained the resistance genes pbp2b (33.3%) and tetM (33.3%). The virulence genes eae and stx2 were only found in one E. coli strain (25%), sec was detected in two S. aureus strains (28.6%), and bca was detected in one S. agalactiae strain (33.3%). The results of this study indicate that bacteria with drug resistance and virulence genes isolated from the pasteurized milk of FMB are a potential risk to consumers' health.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy for Evaluating the Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Marrow Adiposity in Postmenopausal Women With Osteopenia.

OBJECTIVE: Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) could promote osteogenic differentiation and suppress adipogenic differentiation in bone mesenchymal stem cells ex vivo. However, data on the effect of PEMF on marrow adiposity in humans remain elusive. We aimed to determine the in vivo effect of PEMF on marrow adiposity in postmenopausal women using magnetic resonance spectroscopy. METHODS: Sixty-one postmenopausal women with osteopenia, aged 53 to 85 years, were randomly assigned to receive either PEMF treatment or placebo. The session was performed 3 times per week for 6 months. All women received adequate dietary calcium and vitamin D. Bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, vertebral marrow fat content by magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and serum biomarkers were evaluated before and after 6 months of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 27 (87.1%) and 25 (83.3%) women completed the treatment schedule in the PEMF and placebo groups, respectively. After the 6-month treatment, lumbar spine and hip BMD increased by 1.46% to 2.04%, serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase increased by 3.23%, and C-terminal telopeptides of type 1 collagen decreased by 9.12% in the PEMF group (P < 0.05), whereas the mean percentage changes in BMD and serum biomarkers were not significant in the placebo group. Pulsed electromagnetic field treatment significantly reduced marrow fat fraction by 4.81%. The treatment difference between the 2 groups was -4.43% (95% confidence interval, -3.70% to -5.65%; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Pulsed electromagnetic field is an effective physiotherapy in postmenopausal women, and this effect may, at least in part, regulate the amount of fat within the bone marrow. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy may serve as a complementary imaging biomarker for monitoring response to therapy in osteoporosis.

Effect of Leptin on Marrow Adiposity in Ovariectomized Rabbits Assessed by Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Leptin acts to influence bone metabolism through indirect hypothalamic relay and direct peripheral pathways. Leptin enhances the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to the osteoblast rather than the adipocyte lineage, but the in vivo impacts of leptin on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced marrow adiposity are poorly understood. In this work, we aimed to address this question. METHODS: Forty-five female New Zealand rabbits were divided into sham + vehicle, OVX + vehicle, and OVX + leptin for 5 months. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry were performed to longitudinally evaluate marrow fat fraction and bone density at 0, 2.5, and 5 months, respectively. At the end of experiment, quantitative parameters of marrow adipocytes were assessed by histopathology. RESULTS: Estrogen-deficient rabbits markedly exhibited expansion of marrow fat in a time-dependent manner, with a variation of marrow fat fraction (+19.7%) at 2.5 months relative to baseline conditions, and it was maintained until 5 months (+49.2%; all P < 0.001), which was accompanied by diminished bone density. Adipocyte diameter, density, and adipocytes area percentage in the OVX controls was increased by 50.7%, 76.3%, and 135.5%, respectively, relative to the sham controls (all P < 0.001). These OVX-induced marrow adiposity and bone loss were partly restored by leptin treatment. Treatment with leptin prevented OVX-induced increases in bone turnover in rabbits. CONCLUSIONS: Early leptin administration inhibits the adipogenic effect of estrogen deficiency in terms of reverting marrow fat expansion seen in OVX rabbits. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy may be a useful tool for longitudinal and interventional assessments in osteoporosis.

[Photodynamic modulation of cellular functions].

Photodynamic action, due to the rather limited lifetime (1 µs) and effective reactive distance of singlet oxygen (< 10 nm), could subcellular-specifically regulate different cellular functions. Photodynamic action could activate permanently cholecystokinin (CCK) 1 receptors, and sensitize or desensitize other G protein-coupled receptors. The emergence in recent years of genetically- encoded protein photosensitisers has enabled more precisely-targeted photodynamic modulation of subcellular organelles and functional proteins. Protein photosensitisers (such as KillerRed, miniSOG or SOPP) expressed on the plasma membrane, mitochondria, lysosomes or endoplasmic reticulum can modulate photodynamically subcellular functions and fine-tune protein activity by targeted photooxidation. With the newly emerged active illumination technique, simultaneous photodynamic action localized at multiple sites is now possible, and the contribution of subcellular regions to the whole cell or individual cells to a cell cluster could be quantitated. Photodynamic action with protein photosensitiser will be a powerful tool for nano-manipulation in cell physiology research.

Nao-Xue-Shu Oral Liquid Protects and Improves Secondary Brain Insults of Hypertensive Cerebral Hemorrhage.

Aim. To determine one traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Nao-Xue-Shu oral liquid which protects and improves secondary brain insults (SBI) in hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage (HCH). Methods. 158 patients with HCH were divided into routine clinical medicine plus Nao-Xue-Shu oral liquid (n = 78) as treatment group, and routine clinical medicine (n = 80) only served as the control group. The incidence of SBI and the classification of a favorable prognosis and a bad prognosis using the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) were assessed to evaluate the clinical effects. The changes of IL-6 and TNF-α levels were determined to study the mechanism of the effects for the TCM. Results. The incidence of SBI at the end of week 2 was 8.97% in the treatment group and 23.75% in the control group, and the difference was significant (P < 0.001). The incidence of a favorable prognosis was 48.72% in the treatment group and 32.72% in the control group, and the difference was significant (P < 0.01) at the end of week 2. These findings indicate clear differences for IL-6 and TNF-α at the end of week 1 and week 2 compared with before treatment for the treatment group and a marked difference at the end of week 2 between the two groups. It also shows a significant difference between the end of week 2 and before treatment for IL-6 and TNF-α for the control group, although the difference was much smaller than the treatment group. Conclusion. Nao-Xue-Shu oral liquid could protect against the occurrence of SBI and improve HCH and SBI patients. It may also decrease the damage and the mass effects of the hematoma by reducing IL-6 and TNF-α to obtain the effects, and thus it is a potentially suitable drug for HCH and SBI.

Imaging characteristics of alkaline-encrusted cystitis.

Alkaline-encrusted cystitis (AEC) has been reported sporadically during the past 90 years. It occurs mainly in immunocompromised or debilitated patients after urologic procedures. However, we report two unexpected cases of AEC in patients who were young and not under conditions of transplantation, immunocompromise or debilitation. Both had undergone a ureteroscopic lithotripsy procedure before being diagnosed as having encrusted cystitis. Although no information on such atypical patients is available, at least to our knowledge, we undertook a further report and discussion on the imaging characteristics of this atypical AEC.