Toxoplasma gondii in Milk of Human and Goat from the Desert Area in Central Iran

Background: Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular protozoan, causes toxoplasmosis. The aim of this study was molecular detection of T. gondii in breast and goat milk samples by the molecular method in the central Iran. Methods: Totally, 300 human' and 200 goats' milk samples were collected randomly from different regions of central Iran in 2018. DNA extraction was performed by the salting-out method. Molecular detection of the parasite was done by nested-PCR using the specific primer pairs. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS 23 using descriptive and Chi-square tests. Results: Out of 300 human milk samples, 1 sample (0.3%) was infected with T. gondii. Out of 200 samples of goat milk, 11 samples (5.5%) showed infection with T. gondii. The frequency of infection in goat's milk samples was 4.36% in the south and west, 1.9% in northern regions, and 2% in eastern regions of the province. The statistical analysis showed no significant difference between toxoplasmosis and different geographical regions in the province. Conclusion: Because of the popularity of the goat milk and the transfection probability with the milk to humans, it is recommended to boil milk prior to use. Furthermore, case contamination of T. gondii in the human milk sample showed one of the important paths for infection transmission, which requires further studies.

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Mycoplasma agalactiae and the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster in goat herds in the states of Pernambuco and Paraíba, Brazil

Semina Ciências Agrárias ◽

10.5433/1679-0359.2019v40n5supl1p2261 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (5Supl1) ◽

pp. 2261

Author(s):

Luciana Florêncio Vilaça Lopes ◽

Elizabete Cristina da Silva ◽

Anidene Christina Alves de Moraes ◽

Elizabete Rodrigues da Silva ◽

Kleber Régis Santoro ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Goat Milk ◽

Milk Composition ◽

Infrared Spectrometry ◽

Mean Values ◽

Mycoplasma Agalactiae ◽

Milk Samples ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Mycoplasma Mycoides ◽

Etiological Agents ◽

Species Specific

The objective of this study was to detect Mycoplasma agalactiae (Ma) and the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster (Mmcluster) in 373 goat milk samples of different breeds from herds located in Pernambuco and Paraíba states, as well as to evaluate somatic cell count (SCC) and milk composition from positive animals. For this, DNA extraction from milk samples was carried out, followed by generic and species-specific amplification by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Milk constituents were determined by medium infrared spectrometry and SCC by flow cytometry. Analyses of variance and tests of comparison of means verified the effects of positivity on the evaluated characteristics. The frequencies for Ma and Mmcluster were 43.21 and 5.70%, respectively. In all genetic groups, Ma was detected in all positive samples, whereas Mmcluster was only observed in samples from Moxotó, Parda Sertaneja, and that without a defined racial pattern. Statistical difference was observed (p < 0.05) between mean values of protein, casein and SCC in positive and negative Ma samples. In terms of Mmcluster there was only a statistically significant difference in the SCC parameter. The detection of Mycoplasma in samples of goat milk suggests an introduction of infected animals into the evaluated herds, as well as possible contact with the etiological agents at fairs and exhibitions.

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Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats in Kashan, Central Iran

Journal of Food Safety ◽

10.1111/jfs.12425 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (2) ◽

pp. e12425 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sima Rasti ◽

Nader Marandi ◽

Amir Abdoli ◽

Mahdi Delavari ◽

Seyed Gholam Abbas Mousavi

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Molecular Detection ◽

Central Iran ◽

Sheep And Goats

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Keeping Quality and Flavor, and Microorganisms, Proteases and Lipases in Raw Cow and Goat Milk at Collection and After Storage

Journal of Food Protection ◽

10.4315/0362-028x-46.10.873 ◽

1983 ◽

Vol 46 (10) ◽

pp. 873-877 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

LESTER HANKIN ◽

DONALD SHIELDS

Keyword(s):

Protein Degradation ◽

Goat Milk ◽

Raw Milk ◽

Cow Milk ◽

Coliform Bacteria ◽

Microbial Count ◽

Retail Sale ◽

Milk Samples ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Keeping Quality

Raw cow and goat milks for retail sale in Connecticut were examined at collection and after storage at 4.4 and 7.2°C for 7 d for keeping quality, flavor, microorganisms, protein degradation on storage, and protease and lipase activity. Some milks were bottled at the farm, others were placed in containers supplied by the customer. Goat milk retained a satisfactory flavor significantly longer than cow milk. There was no correlation of keeping quality with any microbial count made at collection except for number of coliform bacteria. Significant differences were found in enzyme activity and protein degradation between cow and goat milk. No significant difference was found between milk bottled at the farm and that collected in sterile containers. Over 82% of raw milk samples met the 30,000 per ml state standard for total aerobic count (SPC) and 72% met the coliform standard of 50 per ml.

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COVID-19 Vaccine mRNABNT162b2 Elicits Human Antibody Response in Milk of Breastfeeding Women

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9070785 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 785

Author(s):

Maurizio Guida ◽

Daniela Terracciano ◽

Michele Cennamo ◽

Federica Aiello ◽

Evelina La Civita ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Milk ◽

Antibody Response ◽

Human Milk ◽

Human Antibody ◽

Serum Antibodies ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Low Concentration ◽

Milk Samples ◽

Milk Antibodies ◽

Roche Diagnostics

Objective: The objective of this research is to demonstrate the release of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) antibodies in human milk samples obtained by patients who have been vaccinated with mRNABNT162b2 vaccine. Methods: Milk and serum samples were collected in 10 volunteers 20 days after the first dose and 7 seven days after the second dose of the mRNABNT162b2 vaccine. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies were measured by the Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S ECLIA assay (Roche Diagnostics AG, Rotkreuz, Switzerland), a quantitative electrochemiluminescence immunometric method. Results: At first sample, anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies were detected in all serum samples (103.9 ± 54.9 U/mL) and only in two (40%) milk samples with a low concentration (1.2 ± 0.3 U/mL). At the second sample, collected 7 days after the second dose, anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies were detected in all serum samples (3875.7 ± 3504.6 UI/mL) and in all milk samples (41.5 ± 47.5 UI/mL). No correlation was found between the level of serum and milk antibodies; the milk antibodies/serum antibodies ratio was on average 2% (range: 0.2–8.4%). Conclusion: We demonstrated a release of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S antibodies in the breast milk of women vaccinated with mRNABNT162b2. Vaccinating breastfeeding women could be a strategy to protect their infants from COVID-19 infection.

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Toxoplasma gondii in Sheep and Goats from Central Iran

BMC Research Notes ◽

10.1186/s13104-021-05465-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 14 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Mojtaba Bahreh ◽

Bahador Hajimohammadi ◽

Gilda Eslami

Keyword(s):

Toxoplasma Gondii ◽

Dna Extraction ◽

Infection Rate ◽

Nested Pcr ◽

Prevention Programs ◽

Central Iran ◽

Infection Rates ◽

Sheep And Goats ◽

One Year ◽

Undercooked Meat

Abstract Objective Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, infects humans by consuming infected raw or undercooked meat and foods harboring mature oocysts. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of T. gondii in sheep and goats coming from central Iran. After completing the questionnaire, about one gram of liver or diaphragm tissue was taken as a sample from 90 sheep and 90 goats slaughtered in Yazd Province and stored at – 20 ºC. DNA extraction was done, and then T. gondii was detected using nested PCR. Results This study indicated that the prevalence of T. gondii in all slaughtered animals was 11.6% (21 of 180), including 14.4% (13/90) in sheep and 8.8% (8/90) in goats. The infection rates in liver and diaphragm samples were 12.2% (11/90) and 11.1% (10/90), respectively (p = 0.8163). The infection rate in animals older than one was 16.3% (15/92), and it was 6.8% (6/88) in animals under one year of age. Therefore, no significant differences were found (p = 0.475). Infection rates were 19.5% (18/92) in males and 3.4% (3/88) in females (p = 0.0007). In conclusion, the infection rates of toxoplasmosis in livestock in this area are almost high, and therefore, it is necessary to design appropriate prevention programs to control the disease.

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Assessment of the Health Behaviours and Value-Based Health Analysis of People Aged 50+ Who Were Hospitalized Due to Cardiovascular Disease

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18084221 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (8) ◽

pp. 4221

Author(s):

Izabela Gąska ◽

Katarzyna Sygit ◽

Elżbieta Cipora ◽

Marian Sygit ◽

Anna Pacian ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Statistical Analysis ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Public Health Care ◽

Health Practices ◽

Body Parts ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Health Care Unit ◽

Student’S T

Introduction: The basic determinant of healthy behaviour—among other human behaviours—is the fact that it consistently affects health. Nowadays, health behaviour studies are considered to be an important method of measuring the health of a population. Objective: To assess the health behaviours and value-based health analysis of people aged 50+ who were hospitalized due to cardiovascular disease, depending on the selected descriptive variables. Materials and methods: The study was conducted between April 2018 and December 2018 among 411 subjects aged 50+ who were hospitalized due to cardiovascular disease at the Independent Public Health Care Unit in Sanok (Podkarpackie voivodship in Poland). The method used in the study was a diagnostic survey. The study used the authors’ survey questionnaire and two standardized tests: Inventory of Health-Related Behaviour (IHB) and List of Health Criteria (LHC). A statistical analysis was carried out in the R program, version 3.5.1. The obtained results were subjected to thorough statistical analysis using the following tests: Student’s t, Mann–Whitney U, ANOVA, Kruskal–Wallis, Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD), Pearson, and Spearman. Results: The strongest correlation between health status and health behaviours (according to the IHB questionnaire) was in the area of ‘health practices’, while the lowest correlation was found in the areas of ‘correct eating habits’ and ‘preventive behaviours’. Based on the LHC questionnaire, the most important health criteria according to the subjects were ‘not feeling any physical ailments’; ‘having all body parts functional’; ‘feeling well’; ‘eating properly’; and ‘infrequent need of going to the doctor’. A positive correlation was found in the group of respondents where the ‘preventive health behaviours’ were more intense; herein, the more important criterion for the respondents was ‘eating properly’. Conclusions: Respondents aged 50+ and hospitalized for cardiovascular diseases indicated (based on the IHB questionnaire) that health behaviours in the area of ‘health practices’ had the strongest correlation with their health, while the lowest correlation was found in the areas of ‘correct eating habits’ and ‘preventive behaviours’. According to the respondents, the most important criteria determining health (according to the LHC questionnaire) included ’not feeling any physical ailments’; ‘having all body parts functional’; ‘feeling well’; ‘eating properly’; and ‘infrequent need of going to the doctor’. Based on the information collected from the respondents, it was found that the most important criteria determining health depended on selected descriptive variables, such as age, gender, place of residence, education, and marital status.

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Comparative Analysis of Patients with Robotic Hiatal Hernia Repairs with and without Collis Gastroplasty

The American Surgeon ◽

10.1177/0003134821989051 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000313482198905

Author(s):

John A. Perrone ◽

Stephanie Yee ◽

Manrique Guerrero ◽

Antai Wang ◽

Brian Hanley ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Statistical Analysis ◽

Hospital Stay ◽

Hiatal Hernia ◽

Collis Gastroplasty ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Related Quality

Introduction After extensive mediastinal dissection fails to achieve adequate intra-abdominal esophageal length, a Collis gastroplasty(CG) is recommended to decrease axial tension and reduce hiatal hernia recurrence. However, concerns exist about staple line leak, and long-term symptoms of heartburn and dysphagia due to the acid-producing neoesophagus which lacks peristaltic activity. This study aimed to assess long-term satisfaction and GERD-related quality of life after robotic fundoplication with CG (wedge fundectomy technique) and to compare outcomes to patients who underwent fundoplication without CG. Outcomes studied included patient satisfaction, resumption of proton pump inhibitors (PPI), length of surgery (LOS), hospital stay, and reintervention. Methods This was a single-center retrospective analysis of patients from January 2017 through December 2018 undergoing elective robotic hiatal hernia repair and fundoplication. 61 patients were contacted for follow-up, of which 20 responded. Of those 20 patients, 7 had a CG performed during surgery while 13 did not. There was no significant difference in size and type of hiatal hernias in the 2 groups. These patients agreed to give their feedback via a GERD health-related quality of life (GERD HRQL) questionnaire. Their medical records were reviewed for LOS, length of hospital stay (LOH), and reintervention needed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v 25. Satisfaction and need for PPIs were compared between the treatment and control groups using the chi-square test of independence. Results Statistical analysis showed that satisfaction with outcome and PPI resumption was not significantly different between both groups ( P > .05). There was a significant difference in the average ranks between the 2 groups for the question on postoperative dysphagia on the follow-up GERD HRQL questionnaire, with the group with CG reporting no dysphagia. There were no significant differences in the average ranks between the 2 groups for the remaining 15 questions ( P > .05). The median LOS was longer in patients who had a CG compared to patients who did not (250 vs. 148 min) ( P = .01). The LOH stay was not significantly different ( P > .05) with a median length of stay of 2 days observed in both groups. There were no leaks in the Collis group and no reoperations, conversions, or blood transfusions needed in either group. Conclusion Collis gastroplasty is a safe option to utilize for short esophagus noted despite extensive mediastinal mobilization and does not adversely affect the LOH stay, need for reoperation, or patient long-term satisfaction.

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Age and Overweight Are Not Contraindications for a Breast Reconstruction with a TMG-Flap—A Risk and Complication Analysis of a Retrospective Double Center Study Including 300 Patients

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10050926 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 926

Author(s):

Karl Schwaiger ◽

Laurenz Weitgasser ◽

Maximilian Mahrhofer ◽

Kathrin Bachleitner ◽

Selim Abed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Analysis ◽

Postoperative Complications ◽

Breast Reconstruction ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Free Flaps ◽

Risk Groups ◽

The Elderly ◽

Demographic Development ◽

Autologous Breast Reconstruction ◽

Significant Difference

Introduction: The transverse myocutaneous gracilis (TMG) flap has become a popular and reliable alternative for autologous breast reconstruction. Initially described as a valuable tissue source for women with low body-mass index, indications nowadays have widely expanded. The Western civilization demographic development with its aging population and the steady growing average BMI has led to increasing breast reconstructions with TMG flaps in overweight and aged individuals. Patients and Methods: A total of 300 TMG free flaps for unilateral autologous breast reconstruction were evaluated in the form of a retrospective double center cohort study. Data extraction, study group formation and statistical analysis (One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson’s chi-squared statistical analysis and relative risk calculation) were done specifically to evaluate age and BMI as risk factors for postoperative complications and outcome. Results: No significant differences in patients’ age and BMI in the complication groups compared to the no-complication group could be found. No significant difference regarding the occurrence of complications could be found in any of the formed risk-groups. No significant increase of minor-, major- or overall complications, flap loss or revision surgeries were found in the elderly patient groups or for patients with overweight. Conclusion: Age and overweight do not significantly increase the risk for postoperative complications after breast reconstructions with free TMG flaps. The findings of this study support the fact that microsurgical breast reconstruction with a free TMG flap should not solely be reserved for younger patients and females with a lower BMI.

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Longitudinal Changes in the Concentration of Major Human Milk Proteins in the First Six Months of Lactation and Their Effects on Infant Growth

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13051476 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (5) ◽

pp. 1476

Author(s):

Jian Zhang ◽

Ai Zhao ◽

Shiyun Lai ◽

Qingbin Yuan ◽

Xiaojiang Jia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Milk ◽

Maternal Education ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

Milk Proteins ◽

Protein Composition ◽

Infant Growth ◽

Term Infants ◽

Longitudinal Changes ◽

Milk Samples ◽

The Impact

Our knowledge related to human milk proteins is still limited. The present study determined the changes in multiple human milk proteins during the first six months of lactation, investigated the influencing factors of milk proteins, and explored the impact of milk proteins on infant growth. A total of 105 lactating women and their full-term infants from China were prospectively surveyed in this research. Milk samples were collected at 1–5 days, 8–14 days, 1 month, and 6 months postpartum. Concentrations of total protein and α-lactalbumin were measured in all milk samples, and concentrations of lactoferrin, osteopontin, total casein, β-casein, αs−1 casein, and κ-casein were measured in milk from 51 individuals using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The concentration of measured proteins in the milk decreased during the first six months of postpartum (p-trend < 0.001). Maternal age, mode of delivery, maternal education, and income impacted the longitudinal changes in milk proteins (p-interaction < 0.05). Concentrations of αs−1 casein in milk were inversely associated with the weight-for-age Z-scores of the infants (1 m: r −0.29, p 0.038; 6 m: r −0.33, p 0.020). In conclusion, the concentration of proteins in milk decreased over the first six months postpartum, potentially influenced by maternal demographic and delivery factors. Milk protein composition may influence infant weights.

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Probiotic Supplementation and Human Milk Cytokine Profiles in Japanese Women: A Retrospective Study from an Open-Label Pilot Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072285 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2285

Author(s):

Tomoki Takahashi ◽

Hirofumi Fukudome ◽

Hiroshi M. Ueno ◽

Shiomi Watanabe-Matsuhashi ◽

Taku Nakano ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Human Milk ◽

Regression Models ◽

Bifidobacterium Longum ◽

Pilot Trial ◽

Bacillus Coagulans ◽

Open Label ◽

Probiotic Supplementation ◽

Lactating Women ◽

Milk Samples ◽

Cytokine Levels

The benefits of probiotic supplementation to lactating mothers on human milk cytokines are inconclusive. Thus, we performed a comprehensive open-label pilot trial analysis of 27 human milk cytokines in lactating women with allergies (one to three months postpartum) to determine the effect of supplementation with a mixture of new probiotic strains. Participants voluntarily joined the probiotic (n = 41) or no supplementation control (n = 19) groups. The probiotic group took three probiotic tablets (Lactobacillus casei LC5, Bifidobacterium longum BG7, and Bacillus coagulans SANK70258) daily for one to three months postpartum. Milk samples were collected at one, two, and three months postpartum, and cytokine levels were measured using multiplex assays. The effects were analyzed using multivariate regression models. Eleven cytokines showed a positive rate of over 50% in the milk samples throughout testing in both groups. The positive rates of IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-7 changed significantly with lactation progression in logistic regression models after adjusting for time and supplementation, whereas rates of other cytokines showed no significant differences. The lactational change patterns of IL-10 concentrations differed significantly between the two groups. A short-term supplementation of probiotics affects human milk cytokine levels in lactating women with a possible placebo effect still existing. Future placebo-controlled studies are needed to support these results, based on the estimated sample sizes in this study.

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