Proteomic Identification and Quantification of Basal Endogenous Proteins in the Ileal Digesta of Growing Pigs.

The accurate estimation of basal endogenous losses (BEL) of amino acids at the ileum is indispensable to improve nutrient utilization efficiency. This study used a quantitative proteomic approach to identify variations in BEL in the ileal digesta of growing pigs fed a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) or a casein diet (CAS). Eight barrow pigs (39.8 ± 6.3 kg initial body weight (BW)) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 crossover design. A total of 348 proteins were identified and quantified in both treatments, of which 101 showed a significant differential abundance between the treatments (p < 0.05). Functional and pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the endogenous proteins were associated with intestinal metabolic function. Furthermore, differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in the digesta of pigs fed the NFD enriched terms and pathways that suggest intestinal inflammation, the activation of innate antimicrobial host defense, an increase in cellular autophagy and epithelial turnover, and reduced synthesis of pancreatic and intestinal secretions. These findings suggest that casein diets may provide a more accurate estimation of BEL because they promote normal gastrointestinal secretions. Overall, proteomic and bioinformatic analyses provided valuable insights into the composition of endogenous proteins in the ileal digesta and their relationship with the functions, processes, and pathways modified by diet composition.

Anti-cancer potential of casein and its derivatives: novel strategies for cancer treatment.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with over 10 million fatalities annually. While tumors can be surgically removed and treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, or combined therapies, current treatments often result in toxic side effects in normal tissue. Therefore, researchers are actively seeking ways to selectively eliminate cancerous cells, minimizing the toxic side effects in normal tissue. Caseins and its derivatives have shown promising anti-cancer potential, demonstrating antitumor and cytotoxic effects on cells from various tumor types without causing harm to normal cells. Collectively, these data reveals advancements in the study of caseins and their derivative peptides, particularly providing a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism of action in cancer therapy. These mechanisms occur through various signaling pathways, including (i) the increase of interferon-associated STAT1 signaling, (ii) the suppression of stemness-related markers such as CD44, (iii) the attenuation of the STAT3/HIF1-α signaling, (iv) the down-expression of uPAR and PAI-1, (v) the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced intracellular ATP production, (vi) the increase of caspase-3 activity, and (vii) the suppression of TLR4/NF-кB signaling. Therefore, we conclude that casein could be an effective adjuvant for cancer treatment.

Unraveling the rationale and conducting a comprehensive assessment of KD025 (Belumosudil) as a candidate drug for inhibiting adipogenic differentiation-a systematic review.

Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) are crucial during the adipocyte differentiation process. KD025 (Belumosudil) is a newly developed inhibitor that selectively targets ROCK2. It has exhibited consistent efficacy in impeding adipogenesis across a spectrum of in vitro models of adipogenic differentiation. Given the novelty of this treatment, a comprehensive systematic review has not been conducted yet. This systematic review aims to fill this knowledge void by providing readers with an extensive examination of the rationale behind KD025 and its impacts on adipogenesis. Preclinical evidence was gathered owing to the absence of clinical trials. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the study's quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist Critical Appraisal Tool for Systematic Reviews. In various in vitro models, such as 3T3-L1 cells, human orbital fibroblasts, and human adipose-derived stem cells, KD025 demonstrated potent anti-adipogenic actions. At a molecular level, KD025 had significant effects, including decreasing fibronectin (Fn) expression, inhibiting ROCK2 and CK2 activity, suppressing lipid droplet formation, and reducing the expression of proadipogenic genes peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα). Additionally, KD025 resulted in the suppression of fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4 or AP2) expression, a decrease in sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) and Glut-4 expression. Emphasis must be placed on the fact that while KD025 shows potential in preclinical studies and experimental models, extensive research is crucial to assess its efficacy, safety, and potential therapeutic applications thoroughly and directly in human subjects.

Milk-Clotting Properties and Primary Proteolysis of a Lyophilised Extract from Artichoke Flowers (Cynara scolymus L.).

Research background: A few studies have investigated Cynara scolymus enzymes as a substitute for calf rennet in cheese making. They used aqueous extracts prepared by maceration of plant material and stored by freezing. However, it was indicated that lyophilisation is a better alternative to preserve the coagulant properties of plant extracts over a longer period of time, as it is a more controllable, stable and hygienic alternative with a better shelf life that is easier to transport, store and standardise. Experimental approach: We obtained a lyophilised extract of mature artichoke flowers, named CS, which was characterised for its milk-clotting properties at different pH and temperatures. In addition, the potential yield, whey composition and the primary hydrolysis profile of caseins by urea-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of mini curds prepared with different doses of coagulant were determined. Results and conclusions: The lyophilised extract was able to hydrolyse casein and showed stable proteolytic activity at pH=6.4 and 37 °C for 50 min, which decreased when the process temperature was increased to 41 and 45 °C and was lost at 70 °C. On the other hand, milk-clotting activity increased significantly (p<0.001) when the temperature increased from 37 to 45 °C and the pH of the milk decreased from 6.8 to 5.8. Potential yield ​​between 10 and 17 % was obtained for the mini curds prepared with the lyophilised artichoke extract, and the casein degradation pattern obtained by urea-PAGE was similar to that of the commercial coagulant. Novelty and scientific contribution: On a laboratory scale, our work has shown that the lyophilised artichoke extract has sufficient proteolytic and coagulant activity to be used as a milk coagulant, i.e. plant rennet, in cheese making as an alternative to animal rennet. As this extract is lyophilised, it has the advantage of being a better alternative in terms of preservation and shelf-life. It offers an innovative way to diversify cheese products and appeal to consumers with different dietary preferences and needs.

Worldwide research on the health effects of bovine milk containing A1 and A2 ß-casein: Unraveling the current scenario and future trends through bibliometrics and text mining.

The possible adverse effect of consuming bovine milk with A1 ß-casein (but not with A2 ß-casein) on health aspects due to the release of ß-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) is currently under debate. The aim of this study was to perform a bibliometric analysis of studies extracted from Scopus to explore the relationship between BCM-7, A1 or A2 bovine milk with different aspects of health. Over time, several research groups were formed that are no longer active and although some authors have returned to the field of study, they have focused their efforts mainly on conducting reviews that show the same imprecise conclusions due to the few original articles. Research is concentrated in Europe and Asia, where New Zealand, China and Germany are the countries with the most publications, records and citations on the subject, respectively. On the other hand, no country in Africa or South America has scientific production, which opens the possibility of building collaborations between countries and exploring areas that lack scientific studies. Based on conflicting information from primarily in vitro and animal studies, and limited clinical trials with poor designs, A1 milk presents pro-inflammatory and oxidative activity, but the evidence is insufficient to associate its consumption with negative health effects. However, A2 milk may be better tolerated by the digestive system of some individuals, suggesting its possible modulating role in the intestinal microbiota. Stronger scientific evidence is needed to reach a consensus on whether the presence of ß-casein A1 can significantly negatively affect health. The information shown will allow a better understanding of the subject and consumers will be able to make their own decisions regarding A1 or A2 milk.

Difficulties in Establishing the Adverse Effects of ß-Casomorphin-7 Released from ß-Casein Variants-A Review.

ß-Casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) is a peptide released through the proteolysis of ß-casein (ß-CN), which is considered a bioactive peptide displaying evidence of promoting the binding and activation of the µ-opioid receptor located in various body parts, such as the gastrointestinal tract, the immune system and potentially the central nervous system. The possible effects of BCM-7 on health are a theme rising in popularity due to evidence found in several studies on the modulation of gastrointestinal proinflammatory responses that can trigger digestive symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort. With the advancement of studies, the hypothesis that there is a correlation of the possible effects of BCM-7 with the microbiota-gut-brain axis has been established. However, some studies have suggested the possibility that these adverse effects are restricted to a portion of the population, and the topic is controversial due to the small number of in vivo studies, which makes it difficult to obtain more conclusive results. In addition, a threshold of exposure to BCM-7 has not yet been established to clarify the potential of this peptide to trigger physiological responses at gastrointestinal and systemic levels. The proportion of the population that can be considered more susceptible to the effects of BCM-7 are evidenced in the literature review. The challenges of establishing the adverse effects of BCM-7 are discussed, including the importance of quantifying the BCM-7 release in the different ß-CN genotypes. In summary, the reviewed literature provides plausible indications of the hypothesis of a relationship between ß-CN A1/BCM-7 and adverse health effects; however, there is need for further, especially in vivo studies, to better understand and confirm the physiological effects of this peptide.

Understanding the link between gut microbiota, dietary intake, and nutritional status in children with autism and typical development.

Background: Gut microbiota plays a potential role in human health and different disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, we analyzed gut bacteria composition in children with ASD and typical development (TD), and its relationship with nutritional status and dietary intake. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 3- to 12-year-old children (ASD = 30, TD = 28). Dietary intake (applying food frequency questionnaires) and body mass index-for-age (expressed in z-score) were determined. Children were divided into normal weight and excess weight (risk of overweight + overweight + obesity), and the ASD group was categorized into gluten- and casein-free diet (ASD-diet) or no diet (ASD-no diet). The relative abundance of gut bacteria was analyzed in fecal samples by 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Children with excess weight had lower Roseburia than normal weight. Fewer Bifidobacterium longum and higher Clostridium glycolicum were found in the ASD group compared with TD one. Participants with excess weight and ASD had lower Roseburia and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and higher Eubacterium ventricosum and Flavonifractor plautii than the TD group with the same nutritional status. Positive and negative associations were found between the bacteria genus and species, and the intake of dairy, vegetable drinks, cereals with and without gluten, food source of proteins, fish, food source of fat, and coconut oil, in unadjusted models and after adjustment for age, diet/no diet, ASD/TD. Conclusion: Significant differences in microbial community composition were found between children with ASD and TD, considering their nutritional status and dietary intake.

Modification of a previously patented method to unequivocally score A2-like and A1-like bovine ß-casein variants.

A growing interest in the production and commercialization of A2 cow's milk has been observed in many countries in the last few years due to the beneficial properties for human health attributed to A2 ß-casein variant. Methods of varying complexity and different equipment requirements have been proposed for the determination of the ß-casein genotype of individual cows. We proposed herein a modification of a previously patented method based on an amplification-created restriction site PCR followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. This method allows to identify and differentiate A2-like from A1-like ß-casein variants, after differential endonuclease cleavage flanking the nucleotide that determines the amino acid at position 67 of ß-casein. The advantages of this method are that it: • enables to unequivocally score A2-like as well as A1-like ß-casein variants, • can be performed at low cost in simply equipped molecular biology laboratories, and • can be scaled up to analyze hundreds of samples per day. For these reasons, and based on the results obtained from the analysis carried out in this work, it showed to be a reliable method for the screening of herds to selective breeding of homozygous cows and bulls for A2 or A2-like alleles.

Impact of Physicochemical Modifications in Casein Promoted by UV-C on the Peptide Profile of Gastric Digestion and the Transepithelial Transport of Peptides.

Caseins are the main proteins in milk, and their structure and spatial conformation are responsible for their slow digestion rate. The release of bioactive and ß-casomorphin peptides from casein digestion may induce allergic responses during consumption. Spectroscopic techniques were used to observe the structural changes in casein conformation induced by Ultraviolet light irradiation (UV-C). Raman spectroscopy results showed more pronounced peaks at 618 and 640 cm-1 for phenylalanine and tyrosine moieties of the photolyzed micellar casein, respectively, suggesting changes in the micelle structure. The decrease in the intensity of Raman signals for tryptophan and tyrosine corroborates to the UV-C-induced modifications of the micelle structure. Particle size distribution showed a decrease in the average micelle size after 15 min of UV-C exposure, while low-temperature, long-time (LTLT) pasteurization led to the formation of large aggregates, as observed by atomic force microscopy. UV-C did not impact the formation or transport of peptides, as observed by using the Caco-2 cell as a model for peptide absorption. However, the absence of the opioid peptide SRYPSY from κ-casein and only 20% of the concentration of opioid peptide RYLGY were noted. This work demonstrated that UV-C can be utilized to induce the physicochemical modification of dairy products, promoting a higher digestion rate and reducing allergenicity.

Effect of Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Added to Milk, Chewing Gum, and Candy on Dental Caries: A Systematic Review.

Casein is one of the most studied proteins with activity against dental caries. In particular, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) has shown promising remineralizing properties. In vivo evidence on the anticaries potential of CPP-ACP added to foodstuffs is elusive, nonetheless. Hence, this systematic review aimed at determining whether the use of CPP-ACP added to foodstuffs has a remineralizing or inhibitory action on dental demineralization either in vivo or in situ. The review protocol followed the PRISMA-P criteria and was registered in PROSPERO. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched using predefined criteria, based on the PICO question: Is there an effect on dental caries upon adding CPP-ACP to milk, chewing gums, or candies? No year or language limits were applied. Article selection and data extraction were carried out independently by 2 investigators. Two hundred ten titles were examined, 23 were selected for full-text review, and 16 studies were included (2 in vivo and 14 in situ). CPP-ACP was added to candy in 2 studies, to milk in 2 studies, and to chewing gum in 12 studies. The main outcomes included enamel remineralization and activity against dental biofilm. The overall quality of the evidence was classified as moderate. The available evidence suggests that CPP-ACP added to milk, chewing gum, or candy has a potential remineralizing activity on tooth enamel, with some additional antibacterial activity on the dental biofilm. Further clinical studies are needed to verify if this effect is clinically significant in reducing the caries lesion incidence or to revert the demineralizing process.

Effect of ß - hydroxy - γ -aminophosphonate (ß - HPC) on the hydrolytic activity of Nocardia brasiliensis as determined by FT-IR spectrometry.

The use of immunomodulatory and metabolic modulating drugs has been considered a better strategy to improve the efficacy of conventional treatments against pathogens and metabolic diseases. L-carnitine is relevant in fatty acid metabolism and energy production by ß-oxidation, but it also has a beneficial therapeutic immunomodulatory effect. The ß-hydroxy-γ-aminophosphonate (ß-HPC) was developed, synthesized and studied in different pathologies as a more soluble and stable analog than L-carnitine, which has been studied in bacterial physiology and metabolism; therefore, we set out to investigate the direct effect of ß-HPC on the metabolism of N. brasiliensis, which causes actinomycetoma in Mexico and is underdiagnosed. To analyze the effect of ß-HPC on the metabolic capacity of the bacterium for the hydrolysis of substrate casein, L-tyrosine, egg yolk, and tween 80, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was employed. It was found that ß-HPC increases the metabolic activity of N. brasiliensis associated with increased growth and increased hydrolysis of the substrates tested. By the effect of ß-HPC, it was observed that, in the hydrolysis of L-tyrosine, the aromatic ring and functional groups were degraded. At 1515 cm-1, any distinctive signal or peak for this amino acid was missing, almost disappearing at 839, 720, 647, and 550 cm-1. In casein, hydrolysis is enhanced in the substrate, which is evident by the presence of NH, OH, amide, and CO. In casein, hydrolysis is enhanced in the substrate, which is evident by the presence of NH, OH, amide, COO, and P = O signals, characteristic of amino acids, in addition to the increase of the amide I and II bands. In Tween 80 the H-C = and C = C signals disappear and the ether signals are concentrated, it was distinguished by the intense band at 1100 cm-1. Egg yolk showed a large accumulation of phosphate groups at 1071 cm-1, where phosvitin is located. FT-IR has served to demonstrate that ß-HPC is a hydrolysis enhancer. Furthermore, by obtaining the spectrum of N. brasiliensis, we intend to use it as a quick comparison tool with other spectra related to actinobacteria. Eventually, FT-IR may serve as a species identification option.

Kappa and beta-casein alleles in dairy zebu cattle.

The kappa (CSN3) and beta-casein (CSN2) genes are intensively genotyped in dairy cattle for selection purposes. This information is also generated and disseminated for Zebu breeds adapted to tropical climates. The objective of this work was to gather information on the genotypes for the CSN3 and CSN2 genes in three breeds (Gyr, Guzerat and Sindhi), and to verify the genotypic frequencies in the populations. The genotype AA and allele A frequencies are high for the CSN3 gene, without changes in values over the years, possibly indicating a small gene participation in traits under selection. In addition, the A2A2 frequencies are high for the CSN2 gene (<∼0.80). It is recommended to verify the association and contribution of CSN3 genotypes in productive traits for these breeds. The potential of A2 milk production by these genetic groups is also confirmed.

Use of Calotropis procera cysteine peptidases (CpCPs) immobilized on glyoxyl-agarose for cheesemaking.

Calotropis procera cysteine peptidases (CpCPs) have presented several potential biotechnological applications. Here, these enzymes were immobilized on glyoxyl-agarose (glyoxyl-CpCPs) with yields of 90-95 % and the recovered activities ranged from 10 % to 15 %, according to enzyme loadings (5, 10, 20, 40, and 50 mgBSAeq/g). Spectrophotometric assays and SDS-PAGE showed that the casein hydrolysis by glyoxyl-CpCPs was similar to soluble CpCPs. In addition, glyoxyl-CpCPs exhibited similar ratio of milk-clotting activity to proteolytic activity in comparison with soluble CpCPs and chymosin. Even after being stored for six months at 8 °C, the residual proteolytic activity of glyoxyl-CpCPs remained close to 100 %. Atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering techniques showed that the process of casein micelle aggregation after treatment with glyoxyl-CpCPs was very similar to its soluble form and chymosin. Glyoxyl-CpCPs performed well after five reaction cycles, producing cheeses with yield, moisture, protein, and fat similar to those produced with chymosin.

Nutritional aspects related with casein and gluten comsumption in autism spectrum disorder ASD

The etyology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is unknown, involves a complex interaction between multiple and varied susceptible genes, epygenetic and environmental factors. The diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation First-line therapies are psychosocial treatments and educational interventions. On average 30% of people and with ASD consumes some drug or supplement. The options and effectiveness of the treatments are limited and therefore several lines of alternative treatment have emerged. The use of dietary restriction to reduce behavioral symptoms is widespread, with the most popular being the "theory of excess opioid peptides which postulates that the consumption of gluten and casein contributes to the worsening of symptoms and a diet free of these proteins improves the clinical picture. Despite many data presented in the literature, there are still doubts about the mechanisms involved as well as about dietary efficacy For all of the above, the topical review will address the opioid system, opioid peptides derived from gluten and casein, changes in the digestive tract of individuals with ASD, history of the onset of the theory, physiological mechanisms involved, brief description of the scientific literature, on the subject and the perspectives as a therapeutic instrument.

Microscopical Evaluation of the Effects of High-Pressure Processing on Milk Casein Micelles.

The effect of different high-pressure processing (HPP) treatments on casein micelles was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a particle size distribution analysis. Raw whole and skim milk samples were subjected to HPP treatments at 400, 500 and 600 MPa for Come-Up Times (CUT) up to 15 min at ambient temperature. Three different phenomena were observed in the casein micelles: fragmentation, alterations to shape and agglomeration. The particle size distribution analysis determined that, as pressure and time treatment increased, the three phenomena intensified. First, the size of the casein micelles began to decrease as their fragmentation occurred. Subsequently, the casein micelles lost roundness, and their shape deformed. Finally, in the most intense treatments (higher pressures and/or longer times), the micelles fragments began to agglomerate, which resulted in an increase in their average diameter. Homogenization and defatting had no significant effect on the casein micelles; however, the presence of fat in whole milk samples was bioprotective, as the effects of the three phenomena appeared faster in treated skim milk samples. Through this study, it was concluded that the size and structure of casein micelles are greatly altered during high-pressure treatment. These results provide information that broadens the understanding of the changes induced on casein micelles by high-pressure treatments at room temperature.

Sodium Caseinate in Combination With Daunorubicin or Cytarabine Improves Survival of Mice With Long-established Leukemia.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Although acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has traditionally been considered an oncological emergency and initiation of therapy is believed to be crucial to minimizing disease-related morbidity and mortality, it has also been suggested that a certain delay in treatment has no negative consequences in terms of response, early mortality, or survival. We aimed to determine the effect of administration of sodium caseinate (SC), a salt of casein, the main milk protein, with cytarabine or with daunorubicin on survival in mice with well-established leukemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To assay the time of establishment of leukemia in the bone marrow, Balb/c mice were inoculated with 2.5×10 5 WEHI-3 cells/mouse and after 3, 6 and 9 days were euthanized. Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) of the femur were obtained and cultured for 120 h with or without rmIL-3 and cell proliferation was evaluated by the crystal violet technique. Then, the effect of administrating SC-cytarabine or SC-daunorubicin on survival rates of mice with well-established leukemia was assayed. Another group of Balb/c mice was inoculated with WEHI-3 cell and after 10 days mice were treated with SC-cytarabine or SC-daunorubicin for 40 days. Survival rates were recorded daily and in surviving mice, the prevalence of bone marrow proliferation after treatment was assayed by the crystal violet technique. RESULTS: The assay on the time of establishment of leukemia shows that in 9 days leukemia cells accumulate in the bone marrow in sufficient quantities to sustain an in vitro culture in the absence of growth factors, and we, thus, used this as a criterion of well-established leukemia. When mice with a burden of leukemic cells of more than 9 days were treated with SC-cytarabine or SC-daunorubicin, this resulted in 55% survival for both treatments, and the proliferation assays showed that the bone marrow retained its normal proliferation capacity. CONCLUSION: SC-cytarabine or SC-daunorubicin treatment prolonged the survival rate of Balb/c mice with a burden of well-established leukemia, and there was no negative impact on bone marrow functionality; however, SC-cytarabine or SC-daunorubicin combination options need to be sought to increase survival beyond 40 days.

Rennet-Induced Casein Micelle Aggregation Models: A Review.

Two phases are generally recognized in the enzymatic coagulation of milk: hydrolysis and aggregation, although nowadays more and more researchers consider the non-enzymatic phase to actually be a stage of gel formation made up of two sub-stages: micellar aggregation and hardening of the three-dimensional network of para-κ-casein. To evaluate this controversy, the main descriptive models have been reviewed. Most of them can only model micellar aggregation, without modeling the hardening stage. Some are not generalizable enough. However, more recent models have been proposed, applicable to a wide range of conditions, which could differentiate both substages. Manufacturing quality enzymatic cheeses in a cost-effective and consistent manner requires effective control of coagulation, which implies studying the non-enzymatic sub-stages of coagulation separately, as numerous studies require specific measurement methods for each of them. Some authors have recently reviewed the micellar aggregation models, but without differentiating it from hardening. Therefore, a review of the proposed models is necessary, as coagulation cannot be controlled without knowing its mechanisms and the stages that constitute it.

Dietary Intake, Nutritional Status and Sensory Profile in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typical Development.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may consume a restricted diet, whether due to sensory sensitivities or an adherence to a gluten and casein free (GCF) diet. Our objective was to analyze dietary intake, nutritional status, and sensory profile in children with and without ASD. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out in 65 children (3−12 years, ASD = 35, typical development (TD) = 30). Short Sensory Profile and food frequency questionnaires were applied. All participants were categorized into normal weight and excess weight, typical sensory performance (TP), and probable + definite difference (PD + DD); and ASD group into GCF dieters (ASD-diet) and non-dieters (ASD-no diet). Children with ASD had a higher intake (gr or ml/d) of vegetable drinks (p = 0.001), gluten-free cereals (p = 0.003), and a lower intake of fish (p < 0.001) than TD ones. The ASD group showed a lower score in total sensory profile score (p < 0.001) than TD group. In the ASD group, those who had PD + DD in their sensory profile consumed fewer dairies (p = 0.019), and more cereals (p = 0.036) and protein foods (p = 0.034) than those with TP. These findings confirm the need to consider the neurodevelopment, sensory profile, and type of diet to improve the ASD child's nutrition. Further long-term research is needed to explore their impact on health.

Effect of timing of paddock allocation in tropical grass on performance, nitrogen excretion, and enteric methane emissions from dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of timing of paddock allocation (AM or PM) in tropical grass on nutritive value of the herbage, dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and composition, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen excretion, and enteric CH4 emissions of dairy cows. Twenty cows were grouped in pairs and randomly distributed within pair to one of two treatments. PM herbage had greater contents of dry matter (DM), soluble carbohydrates, starch, and nonfibrous carbohydrate to protein ratio and lower contents of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. There was no treatment effect on DMI, N excretion, milk yield, and CH4 emissions. However, milk protein and casein yields tended to be greater for PM than AM, while milk urea nitrogen concentration was lower for PM than AM. The increase in nutritive value of the afternoon relative to the morning herbage within the framework of this study was not large enough to increase DMI and milk yield or to decrease CH4 emission intensity by the dairy cows as hypothesized. The findings indicate that PM treatment can be a simple and useful grazing strategy that results in an herbage harvest with greater nutritional value and in lower excretion of urea N into milk.

Characterization of Structural Changes of Casein Micelles at Different PH Using Microscopy and Spectroscopy Techniques.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of pH changes on morphometric parameters of casein micelles and a general overview of their conformational structure through microscopy techniques, Raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis. It was found that casein micelles morphology and protein secondary structure depend strongly upon pH. The changes of arithmetic average roughness (Ra), size, and shape of casein micelles at different pH are properly characterized by atomic force and cryo-transmission electron microscopy. Morphometric changes of casein micelles were correlated correctly with folding and unfolding of casein molecules as evaluated by Raman spectroscopy when the pH was varied. The novelty of this contribution consists in demonstrating that there is a close structure-functionality relationship between the morphometric parameters of proteins and their secondary structure. Knowledge about casein micelles can help improve their use of its diverse applications.