Differentiation of staphylococci from sheep and goat milk samples

A total of 447 micrococcaceae strains isolated from 88 ewe and 359 goat milk samples from cases of chronic mastitis were differentiated by means of the ATB 32 STAPH-test. Of these strains 389 (= 87%) could be identified. Fourteen strains were sensitive in the bacitracin-resistance-test and therefore classified as Micrococcus spp. In ewe milk following Staphylococcus spp. were found: S. epidermidis, S. aureus, S. lentus, S. xylosus, S. warneri, S. equorum, S. haemolyticus, S. simulans, S. hominis and S. saprophyticus. Staphylococcus spp. identified in goat milk samples were: S. epidermidis, S. aureus, S. caprae, S. lentus, S. simulans, S. capitis, S. lugdunensis, S. xylosus, S. chromogenes, S. hominis, S. arlettae, S. warneri, S. sciuri, and S. saprophyticus. Highest cell counts in the milk of both animals species, and the highest incidence of clinical udder alterations were caused by S. aureus. Increases in milk cell counts as well as pathological udder findings were observed in coagulase-negative staphylococcal infections for novobiocin-sensitive Staphylococcus spp. (S. epidermidis, S. warneri, S. simulans, S. lugdunensis, and S. chromogenes) and several S. lentus strains.     

In vitro diagnosis of cow's milk protein sensitive enteropathy by organ culture method

The criteria that are used at present to diagnose cow's milk protein sensitive enteropathy (CMPSE) are based on an in vivo milk challenge which can be hazardous and life threatening. We have used an organ culture model to determine the usefulness of this technique in establishing the diagnosis of CMPSE on the basis of a single biopsy with in vitro milk challenge. Fourteen infants with diarrhoea clinically suspected to have CMPSE were studied prospectively. On the basis of milk challenge studies seven infants had CMPSE. They had clinical reaction to cow's milk with associated histological changes and depression of alkaline phosphatase levels in the jejunal mucosa. In all seven cases parallel changes in alkaline phosphatase levels were noted in the organ culture specimens of initial biopsy subjected to in vitro challenge. The seven control infants tolerated cow's milk and did not have histological changes. The alkaline phosphatase levels were moderately increased in the jejunal mucosa in five of the seven infants. The alkaline phosphatase levels in the organ culture specimens of initial biopsy were increased after in vitro challenge in all seven infants. This study suggests that organ culture methods may be useful in the vitro diagnosis of CMPSE, and also obviate the need for in vivo oral milk challenges and repeated biopsies.     

Copper, iron, and zinc contents of mature human milk

Daily, weekly, and within-day variations in copper, iron, and zinc contents of human milk were investigated in order to determine whether one sample from an individual is representative of these elements. Total solids, fat, and protein contents were also measured. Fifty women in their 6th to 12th week of lactation each provided seven milk samples consisting of five consecutive daily samples and two additional samples collected either within a single day or at weekly intervals. Fat varied the most of all constituents and total milk solids reflected this variability. Values ranged from 0.2 to 10.4 g/100 ml for fat and from 8.58 to 17.49 g/100 ml for total solids. Protein varied from 0.76 to 2.04 g/100 ml among individuals, with little variation within an individual. Copper content varied considerably among women and within the same woman. With a large proportion of low values, the range was 0.09 to 0.63 mug/ml. Iron content was also found to vary within women as well as among women. Values ranged from less than 0.1 to 1.6 mug/ml with a preponderance of low values. Zinc content was more evenly distributed over the range of 0.14 to 3.95 mug/ml,and within an individual it did not vary widely. A representative estimate of copper and iron contents would therefore require multiple samples, whereas only one sample may provide a representative estimate of zinc content. Comparison of morning, midday, and evening values showed that copper and zinc are higher in the morning and iron is lower at this time. Increased amounts of copper, iron, and zinc were found in multiparous women whether or not they had previously lactated. Milk from older women had lower iron and higher copper and zinc contents than that from younger women. No differences were found in milk of women receiving dietary mineral and vitamin supplements. Calculations indicated that fully breast fed infants under 3 months of age receive approximately 0.35 mg/kg per day of zinc and 0.05 mg/kg per day of both copper and iron.     

Production of exfoliative toxin A by Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mastitic cow's milk and farm bulk milk

The production of exfoliative toxins A and B (ETA and ETB) by Staphylococcus aureus isolated from mastitic cow's milk and farm bulk milk was examined by the reverse passive latex agglutination method (RPLA). ETA was detected in 2 (1.2%) of 162 isolates from mastitic cow's milk and in 1 (0.6%) of 166 isolates from farm bulk milk. RPLA titers of these isolates were much lower than in human isolates. No ETB was detected in any of the isolates tested. These ETA-positive isolates belonged to bovine ecovar. They were non-typable using the international phage set for human strains. When these ETA-positive isolates were subcutaneously inoculated into neonatal mice, general exfoliation of the epidermis accompanied by the so-called Nikolsky sign was not recognized. By the immunoblotting and PCR methods, however, ETA and eta gene were recognized in the ETA-positive isolates from mastitic cow's milk and farm bulk milk. These data suggest that ETA is also produced by bovine isolates of S. aureus, but in smaller quantities.     

Secretory IgA antibodies against cow's milk proteins in human milk and their possible effect in mixed feeding

Antibodies of the secretory IgA type against cow's milk proteins were consistently found in human milk. With the assumption that such antibodies can help to prevent or at least diminish the contact between native cow's milk proteins and the lymphoid system of babies on mixed feeding, the levels of antibodies of various immunoglobulin classes against bovine milk proteins were measured in different groups of babies. Those on artificial feeds who had been on mixed feeding of human milk and cow's milk for less than 1 week had significantly higher levels of IgG antibodies to cow's milk proteins than those who had been on mixed feeding for a period longer than 3 weeks.     

Intolerance of cow's milk and chronic constipation in children

BACKGROUND: Chronic diarrhea is the most common gastrointestinal symptom of intolerance of cow's milk among children. On the basis of a prior open study, we hypothesized that intolerance of cow's milk can also cause severe perianal lesions with pain on defecation and consequent constipation in young children. METHODS: We performed a double-blind, crossover study comparing cow's milk with soy milk in 65 children (age range, 11 to 72 months) with chronic constipation (defined as having one bowel movement every 3 to 15 days). All had been referred to a pediatric gastroenterology clinic and had previously been treated with laxatives without success; 49 had anal fissures and perianal erythema or edema. After 15 days of observation, the patients received cow's milk or soy milk for two weeks. After a one-week washout period, the feedings were reversed. A response was defined as eight or more bowel movements during a treatment period. RESULTS: Forty-four of the 65 children (68 percent) had a response while receiving soy milk. Anal fissures and pain with defecation resolved. None of the children who received cow's milk had a response. In all 44 children with a response, the response was confirmed with a double-blind challenge with cow's milk. Children with a response had a higher frequency of coexistent rhinitis, dermatitis, or bronchospasm than those with no response (11 of 44 children vs. 1 of 21, P=0.05); they were also more likely to have anal fissures and erythema or edema at base line (40 of 44 vs. 9 of 21, P<0.001), evidence of inflammation of the rectal mucosa on biopsy (26 of 44 vs. 5 of 21, P=0.008), and signs of hypersensitivity, such as specific IgE antibodies to cow's-milk antigens (31 of 44 vs. 4 of 21, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In young children, chronic constipation can be a manifestation of intolerance of cow's milk.     

The influence of different food components on the in vitro availability of iron, zinc and calcium from a composed meal

The availability of iron, zinc and calcium from a composed meal was studied by an in vitro method using equilibrium dialysis after simulated gastric digestion. Four different concentrations of four influencing factors (coffee, vitamin C, wheat bran and pectin) were added to the mixed meal and their effect on the relative index of availability was studied after elemental analysis by atomic absorption spectrometry. Apart from ascorbic acid, all other factors had a negative effect on availability of minerals and trace elements. Most pronounced effect, and for all three elements, was observed for the addition of wheat bran. Zinc was the trace element, which was most sensitive to increased spiking of food constituents.     

Evaluation of an extensively hydrolyzed casein-whey protein formula in immediate cow's milk protein hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND: Hydrolysate formulas are safe for most infants who are allergic to cow's milk. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical tolerance and safety of an extensively hydrolyzed casein-whey protein formula in a homogeneous group of patients with immediate cow's milk hypersensitivity. METHODS: The study population consisted of 33 infants in whom immediate cow's milk protein allergy had been diagnosed by clinical data, evidence of specific immunoglobulin E antibodies, and positive results in a controlled challenge test with cow's milk proteins. RESULTS: The hydrolysate was well tolerated in 31 of the 33 patients, which represented a 94% effectiveness. Using 95% confidence intervals generated for a binomial outcome (reaction-no reaction), the casein-whey protein formula is tolerated by 84.4% to 99% of infants with immediate immunoglobulinE-mediated cow's milk protein allergy. These figures are in the range of values recommended for this type of product. CONCLUSIONS: This extensively hydrolyzed casein-whey protein formula is generally safe to feed children with immediate hypersensitivity to cow's milk. However. it is advisable that the first intakes be given under direct medical supervision, in that the occurrence of adverse reactions in highly sensitive infants cannot be unequivocally excluded.     

悬浮液进样-火焰原子吸收光谱法测定硬脂酸钙中钙及硬脂酸锌中锌

建立了悬浮液进样 -火焰原子吸收光谱法快速测定硬脂酸钙中钙及硬脂酸锌中锌的分析方法。将样品过筛 ,制备成OP -琼脂悬浮液 ,以La3+ 作为钙的释放剂 ,以盐酸溶液作为锌的释放剂 ,用工作曲线法测定。对悬浮剂的选择、介质的影响、硬脂酸根基体的影响、背景吸收干扰及线性范围进行了考察。测定结果与推荐值吻合 ,相对标准偏差 <1 6% ,加标回收率 97.5 %～ 10 3.0 %。     

Applicability of cultured hepatocytes derived from goat, sheep and cattle in comparative drug metabolism studies

1. Using trimethoprim (TMP), scoparone (SCOP), ethylmorphine (EtM), 1-naphthol (1-N) and phenol red (PhR) as test substrates, biotransformation activities were investigated in cultured hepatocytes from male and female rat, male and female goat, and female sheep and cattle. 2. As compared with rat hepatocytes, the total culture cytochrome P450 content was relatively well maintained in ruminant hepatocytes. In 72 h, it decreased to approximately half the initial content, whereas in rat hepatocytes only 30% was maintained. In ruminant hepatocytes, sulphation of 1-N remained fairly stable, glucuronidation of PhR decreased gradually, and glucuronidation of 1-N increased during the 72-h culture period. 3. Oxidative metabolism of TMP was rapid in goat and sheep hepatocytes, as compared with rat hepatocytes, reflecting species differences in TMP pharmacokinetics in vivo. In contrast with rat hepatocytes, 6-O-demethylation was by far the major pathway of scoparone metabolism in ruminant hepatocytes. The glucuronidation and sulphation activities were similar among the species. 4. In goat liver cells, sex differences in some oxidative biotransformations were observed, females being more active than males. In rat hepatocytes, a reverse sex difference was observed. 5. In conclusion, cultured hepatocytes from agricultural target species appear a useful in vitro model to study comparative metabolism of veterinary drugs and other xenobiotics. Comparing rat and ruminant, sex and species differences and similarities in drug metabolism can be observed that reflect the in vivo situation.     

Variations with breed, age, season, yield, stage of lactation and herd in the concentration of urea in bulk milk and individual cow's milk

The concentration of urea in the milk of 510 dairy cows in 10 herds was determined at regular intervals for a year. The herds contained approximately equal numbers of Swedish Red and White, and Swedish Holstein cows. The mean +/- sd concentration in the samples from individual cows was 5.32 +/- 1.13 mmol/l, and the mean concentration in bulk milk was 5.39 +/- 0.96 mmol/l. These values indicated that on average the herds were fed too much protein relative to their intake of energy throughout the year. Herd factors had a strong influence on the milk urea concentration. The concentration was lower during the first month of lactation than later in the lactation, and lower when the cows were housed during the winter than when they were grazing. There was a weak positive relationship between the daily milk yield and urea concentration, particularly during late lactation, but there was no relationship with either breed or age. Bulk milk urea was a reliable guide to the average urea concentration of a herd.     

Relative DNA contents of somatic nuclei of ox, sheep and goat

Five feeder pigs 4 to 6 months old were orally inoculated with transmissible gastroenteritis virus. Diagnosis of transmissible gastroenteritis was made on the basis of clinical signs and examination of intestinal mucosa by the fluorescent antibody technique. Immunoglobulins were extracted from intestinal fluid of infected feeder pigs. Virus-binding and neutralizing antibodies were detected in intestinal extracts between 7 and 56 days after infection. The concentration of binding antibodies reached a peak at 21 days after infection and was on the decline at the end of the experiment on the 56th postinfection day. In contrast, neutralizing intestinal antibody concentration was increasing on day 56. In both systems, the predominant immunoglobulin was of the IgA class. Examination of blood serums of the pigs by the plaque-reduction technique showed progressive antibody increases ranging in titer from 1:8 on day 7 to 1:256 on day 56 after infection. An analysis of the protein profiles from these serums showed a significant increase in the concentration of gamma-globulins and a decrease in the albumin fraction.     

A case of megaloblastic anemia in an 11-month-old infant fed with goat milk

A case of an 11-month-old infant with megaloblastic anaemia who was fed goat milk only. The diet was not fortified with folic acid.     

Reduction in heat-induced gastrointestinal hyperpermeability in rats by bovine colostrum and goat milk powders

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to one of three dietary groups [standard diet (Cont; n = 8), standard diet plus bovine colostrum powder (BColost 1.7 g/kg; n = 8), or goat milk powder (GMilk 1.7 g/kg; n = 8)] to determine the ability of these supplements to reduce gastrointestinal hyperpermeability induced by heat. Raising core body temperature of rats to 41.5 degrees C increased transfer of (51)Cr-EDTA from gut into blood 34-fold relative to the ambient temperature value (P < 0.05) in the Cont group of rats, indicative of increased gastrointestinal permeability. Significantly less (P < 0.01) (51)Cr-EDTA was transferred into the blood of rats in either the BColost (27% of Cont) or GMilk group (10% of Cont) after heating, showing that prior supplementation with either bovine colostrum or goat milk powder significantly reduced the impact of heat stress on gastrointestinal permeability. The changes in the BColost group were not significantly different than those of the GMilk group. The potential mechanism of the protective effect of bovine colostrum and goat milk powders may involve modulation of tight junction permeability, because both powders were able to maintain transepithelial resistance in Madin Darby canine kidney cells challenged with EGTA compared with cells maintained in media only. The results show that bovine colostrum powder can partially alleviate the effects of hyperthermia on gastrointestinal permeability in the intact animal. Moreover, goat milk powder was equally as effective as bovine colostrum powder, and both may be of benefit in other situations where gastrointestinal barrier function is compromised.     

The influence of coffee with milk and tea with milk on the bioavailability of tetracycline

BACKGROUND: At the initial stages of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), several studies reported on the feasibility of coronary artery incision and dilatation leading to the extension of the PTCA technique. HYPOTHESIS: This study was designed to determine the immediate and chronic results of cutting balloon (CB) angioplasty. METHODS: This procedure was performed on 127 lesions in 110 patients (male 83%, age 61.8 +/- 9.3 years). RESULTS: The overall procedural success rates for the CB were 93.7% (119 lesions) and 92.7% (102 patients), while solitary CB without pre- and/or postdilatation was 76.4% (91 lesions). There was one major in-hospital complication (Q-wave myocardial infarction, 0.9%), but there were no deaths or emergency coronary artery bypass graftings. Significant angiographic dissections (> or = grade C) occurred in four patients, and coronary perforation occurred in one. The successfully treated CB group (95 lesions) was matched with the successful conventional angioplasty group (PTCA group) for chronic result assessment in regard to reference vessel size and lesion characteristics. In the CB group, postprocedural minimal luminal diameters were significantly larger and the percentage of stenosis at the stenotic site was significantly lower compared with the PTCA group. Restenosis occurred in 22 lesions (23.1%). This showed a significantly lower restenosis rate compared with the PTCA group (42.1%). In addition, the restenosis rate of the CB without inclusion of the pre- and/or postdilatation-treated lesions was 19.7%. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Cutting balloon angioplasty procedures can be performed with high success rates with few major inhospital events. (2) The restenosis rate in the CB group was significantly lower compared with the PTCA group.     

Inhibition of iron absorption from human milk by baby food

We measured the effect of a common baby food, strained pears, on the absorption of iron from human milk. Five adult subjects were initially fed 1 dL of human milk that contained added ferrous citrate Fe 59; the same subjects were later fed human milk and one jar of baby food. Incorporation of 59Fe into RBCs averaged approximately one quarter of the administered iron from the human milk. When the milk was combined with the baby food, incorporation was significantly decreased. The addition of a supplemental food to the diet of the breast-fed infant impairs the bioavailability of the iron from human milk.