Milk fat globule membrane supplementation protects againstβ-lactoglobul-ininduced food allergy in mice via upregulation of regulatory T cells and enhancement of intestinal barrier in a microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids manner

Milk fat globule membrane(MFGM),which contains abundant glycoproteins and phospholipids,exerts beneficial effects on intestinal health and immunomodulation.The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effects and possible underlying mechanisms of MFGM on cow’s milk allergy(CMA)in aβ-lactoglobulin(BLG)-induced allergic mice model.MFGM was supplemented to allergic mice induced by BLG at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight.Results demonstrated that MFGM alleviated food allergy symptoms,decreased serum levels of lipopolysaccharide,pro-inflammatory cytokines,immunoglobulin(Ig)E,Ig G1,and Th2 cytokines including interleukin(IL)-4,while increased serum levels of Th1 cytokines including interferon-γand regulatory T cells(Tregs)cytokines including IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β.MFGM modulated gut microbiota and enhanced intestinal barrier of BLG-allergic mice,as evidenced by decreased relative abundance of Desulfobacterota,Rikenellaceae,Lachnospiraceae,and Desulfovibrionaceae,while increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes,Lactobacillaceae and Muribaculaceae,and enhanced expressions of tight junction proteins including Occludin,Claudin-1 and zonula occludens-1.Furthermore,MFGM increased fecal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)levels,which elevated G protein-coupled receptor(GPR)43 and GPR109A expressions.The increased expressions of GPR43 and GPR109A induced CD103+dendritic cells accumulation and promoted Tregs differentiation in mesenteric lymph node to a certain extent.In summary,MFGM alleviated CMA in a BLG-induced allergic mice model through enhancing intestinal barrier and promoting Tregs differentiation,which may be correlated with SCFAs-mediated activation of GPRs.These findings suggest that MFGM may be useful as a promising functional ingredient against CMA.

Gut microbiota in preterm infants receiving breast milk or mixed feeding

BACKGROUND Preterm birth is the leading cause of mortality in newborns,with very-low-birthweight infants usually experiencing several complications.Breast milk is considered the gold standard of nutrition,especially for preterm infants with delayed gut colonization,because it contains beneficial microorganisms,such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria.AIM To analyze the gut microbiota of breastfed preterm infants with a birth weight of 1500 g or less.METHODS An observational study was performed on preterm infants with up to 36.6 wk of gestation and a birth weight of 1500 g or less,born at the University Hospital Dr.JoséEleuterio González at Monterrey,Mexico.A total of 40 preterm neonates were classified into breast milk feeding(BM)and mixed feeding(MF)groups(21 in the BM group and 19 in the MF group),from October 2017 to June 2019.Fecal samples were collected before they were introduced to any feeding type.After full enteral feeding was achieved,the composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Numerical variables were compared using Student’s t-test or using the Mann–Whitney U test for nonparametric variables.Dominance,evenness,equitability,Margalef’s index,Fisher’s alpha,Chao-1 index,and Shannon’s diversity index were also calculated.RESULTS No significant differences were observed at the genus level between the groups.Class comparison indicated higher counts of Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria in the initial compared to the final sample of the BM group(P<0.011).In addition,higher counts of Gammaproteobacteria were detected in the final than in the initial sample(P=0.040).According to the Margalef index,Fisher’s alpha,and Chao-1 index,a decrease in species richness from the initial to the final sample,regardless of the feeding type,was observed(P<0.050).The four predominant phyla were Bacteroidetes,Actinobacteria,Firmicutes,and Proteobacteria,with Proteobacteria being the most abundant.However,no significant differences were observed between the initial and final samples at the phylum level.CONCLUSION Breastfeeding is associated with a decrease in Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria and an increase of Gammaproteobacteria,contributing to the literature of the gut microbiota structure of very low-birth-weight,preterm.

Cardiometabolic effects of breastfeeding on infants of diabetic mothers

BACKGROUND Breast milk is the best and principal nutritional source for neonates and infants.It may protect infants against many metabolic diseases,predominantly obesity and type 2 diabetes.Diabetes mellitus(DM)is a chronic metabolic and microvascular disease that affects all the body systems and all ages from intrauterine life to late adulthood.Breastfeeding protects against infant mortality and diseases,such as necrotizing enterocolitis,diarrhoea,respiratory infections,viral and bacterial infection,eczema,allergic rhinitis,asthma,food allergies,malocclusion,dental caries,Crohn's disease,and ulcerative colitis.It also protects against obesity and insulin resistance and increases intelligence and mental development.Gestational diabetes has short and long-term impacts on infants of diabetic mothers(IDM).Breast milk composition changes in mothers with gestational diabetes.AIM To investigate the beneficial or detrimental effects of breastfeeding on the cardiometabolic health of IDM and their mothers.METHODS We performed a database search on different engines and a thorough literature review and included 121 research published in English between January 2000 and December 15,2022,in this review.RESULTS Most of the literature agreed on the beneficial effects of breast milk for both the mother and the infant in the short and long terms.Breastfeeding protects mothers with gestational diabetes against obesity and type 2 DM.Despite some evidence of the protective effects of breastfeeding on IDM in the short and long term,the evidence is not strong enough due to the presence of many confounding factors and a lack of sufficient studies.CONCLUSION We need more comprehensive research to prove these effects.Despite many obstacles that may enface mothers with gestational diabetes to start and maintain breastfeeding,every effort should be made to encourage them to breastfeed.

QuEChERS-液相色谱-串联质谱法测定乳及乳制品中活化酯及其代谢物阿拉酸式苯含量

该文研究了高效液相色谱-三重四级杆质谱法(HPLC-MS/MS)测定乳及乳制品中活化酯和阿拉酸式苯的测试方法。样品经甲酸乙腈(含1%甲酸(V/V))涡旋提取,分析液经QuEChERSdSPE EMR-Lipid除脂专用管净化,离心后过膜上机检测。测试方法以甲醇-0.1%甲酸水(V/V)为流动相,流速设置为0.2 mL/min,应用梯度洗脱程序,采用ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3色谱柱进行分离,电喷雾正、负离子模式(活化酯为ESI+、阿拉酸式苯为ESI-),多反应离子监测模式(MRM)检测,基质匹配外标法进行定量。对于乳及乳制品基质,活化酯和阿拉酸式苯在1~30 ng/mL的质量浓度与其相对应的峰面积之间线性关系良好,R^(2)均大于0.996,在0.01、0.02和0.1 mg/kg 3种不同浓度添加水平下,活化酯和阿拉酸式苯的平均回收率在91.8%~109.6%之间,相对标准偏差在1.3%~11.5%之间。该方法可满足残留检测的准确度、精密度和灵敏度的要求。

Very early onset perinatal constipation:Can it be cow’s milk protein allergy?

Delayed passage of meconium or constipation during the perinatal period is traditionally regarded as a signal to initiate further work up to evaluate for serious diagnoses such as Hirschsprung’s disease(HD),meconium ileus due to Cystic Fibrosis,etc.The diagnosis of HD particularly warrants invasive testing to confirm the diagnosis,such as anorectal manometry or rectal suction biopsy.What if there was another etiology of perinatal constipation,that is far lesser known?Cow’s milk protein allergy(CMPA)is often diagnosed in infants within the first few weeks of life,however,there are studies that show that the CMPA allergen can be passed from mother to an infant in-utero,therefore allowing symptoms to show as early as day one of life.The presentation is more atypical,with perinatal constipation rather than with bloody stools,diarrhea,and vomiting.The diagnosis and management would be avoidance of cow's milk protein within the diet,with results and symptom improvement in patients immediately.Therefore,we discuss whether an alternative pathway to address perinatal constipation should be further discussed and implemented to potentially avoid invasive techniques in patients.This entails first ruling out CMPA with safe,noninvasive techniques with diet modification,and if unsuccessful,then moving forward with further diagnostic modalities.

Identification of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium 16S rRNA Gene in Breast Milk of Some Healthy Women in Kinshasa (DR Congo)

Breast milk is important for infant health. Some of its benefits are due to the presence of a specific population of bacteria in the microflora. However, the microbiome of breast milk is influenced by many parameters such as maternal diet, breastfeeding and geographic location. Culture and non-culture methods have been used in studies of this bacterial population worldwide. But in the DR Congo, there was no study reporting the use of culture-independent techniques to characterize the bacterial diversity of human milk. The aim of this study was to identify the bacterial 16S rRNA gene from two genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The 16S rRNA gene was also identified from four species: Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium lactis. This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Kinshasa. Breast milk from some healthy women was collected from February 2 to 28, 2018. A culture-independent protocol using the classical polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify the bacterial 16S rRNA gene. The 68 samples of breast milk were collected in a sterile condition. The bacteria-specific ribosomal gene 16S rRNA was detected in 91.18% of Lactobacillus and 32.35% of Bifidobacterium at genus level. At of species level, only Lactobacillus reuteri 16S rRNA gene was identified in 89.71%. The 16S rRNA gene from the other species could not be amplified. There was also an association between educational level and the presence of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus 16S rRNA genes in the breast milk (p = 0.008*, p Conclusion: This study demonstrates the presence of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in breast milk at the genus and Lactobacillus reuteri at species level. A further study on the diet, use of antibiotics during pregnancy and lactation practice will provide a better understanding of the microflora of breast milk.

Bisphenol A in Fluid and Powdered Milk Samples and Associated Child Dietary Exposures

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical found in a wide range of consumer products and consumables that humans are exposed to. The aim of this study was to determine BPA contamination levels in 51 milk samples sold in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region, Brazil. Bisphenol A was detected (≥limit of detection, LOD) in five of the analyzed samples (9.8%) and quantified (≥limit of quantification, LOQ) in two (3.8%). The estimated daily intake (EDI) for children aged up to 12 months ranged from 24.95 to 97.72 ng/kg body weight/day, lower than the established European Union tolerable daily intake value. Recent evidence, however, suggests that even low doses of endocrine disruptors such as BPA may pose potential health risks, even more so when exposure occurs at such an early life stage.

基于Swanson关怀理论的护理干预在早产儿母亲中的应用

目的:探讨以Swanson关怀理论为框架的护理干预在早产儿母亲中的应用效果。方法:采取便利抽样法选取2022年1月-5月入住百色市某三级甲等医院新生儿重症监护室(NICU)治愈出院的40例早产儿母亲作为对照组,选取2022年6月-10月入住百色市某三级甲等医院NICU治愈出院的40例早产儿母亲作为试验组。对照组实施NICU常规护理,试验组在对照组干预的基础上实施基于Swanson关怀理论的护理干预,比较两组早产儿母亲干预前后疾病不确定感、希望水平、育儿胜任感得分情况。结果:干预后试验组早产儿母亲疾病不确定感得分明显低于对照组(P<0.001),希望水平得分明显高于对照组(P<0.001);出院时及出院1个月后试验组早产儿母亲育儿胜任感得分明显高于对照组(P<0.001)。结论:基于Swanson关怀理论的护理干预可有效降低早产儿母亲疾病不确定感水平,提高其希望水平,增强其育儿胜任感,有利于早产儿顺利从医院过渡至家庭。

Dietary polyphenols reduced the allergenicity ofβ-lactoglobulin via non-covalent interactions:a study on the structure-allergenicity relationship

Studies showed that complexation of polyphenols with milk allergens reduced their immunogenic potential.However,the relationship between structures of polyphenols and their hypoallergenic effects on milk allergens in association with physiological and conformational changes of the complexes remain unclear.In this study,polyphenols from eight botanical sources were extracted to prepare non-covalent complexes withβ-lactoglobulin(β-LG),a major allergen in milk.The dominant phenolic compounds bound toβ-LG with a diminished allergenicity were identified to investigate their respective role on the structural and allergenic properties ofβ-LG.Extracts from Vaccinium fruits and black soybeans were found to have great inhibitory effects on the IgE-and IgG-binding abilities ofβ-LG.Among the fourteen structure-related phenolic compounds,flavonoids and tannins with larger MWs and multi-hydroxyl substituents,notably rutin,EGCG,and ellagitannins were more potent to elicit changes on the conformational structures ofβ-LG to decrease the allergenicity of complexedβ-LG.Correlation analysis further demonstrated that a destabilized secondary structure and protein depolymerization caused by polyphenol-binding were closely related to the allergenicity property of formed complexes.This study provides insights into the understanding of structure-allergenicity relationship ofβ-LG-polyphenol interactions and would benefit the development of polyphenol-fortified matrices with hypoallergenic potential.

Determination of the Fatty Acid Profile of Breast Milk from Nursing Mothers in Bungoma County, Kenya

The fatty acid profile in breast milk of nursing mothers who participated in a Cohort for Vitamin A (COVA) study at the fourth and ninth month of lactation was investigated. Breast milk samples were collected by manual expression and stored at - 20°C until analysis. The fat was extracted from the milk and methylated using the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) Official Methods with modifications. The separation, identification and quantification of the fatty acid methyl esters was performed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Fat contents of human milk increased significantly between the fourth and ninth month of lactation 0.38 and 1.21 mg·mL-1 respectively;P 0.05) than the average percent of the total unsaturated FAs (48.93%). Similarly, at the 9th month the percentage average of the total saturated fatty acids (15.18%) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than the average percent of the total unsaturated FAs (31.05%). The results obtained in this study demonstrated that the fat content in breast milk significantly increased in the 9th compared to the 4th month of lactation. The fatty profile was also significantly different with the omega 6 being the dominant at the 9th month compared with the omega - 9 being dominant at the 4th month of lactation.

Milk protein IgG and IgA:The association with milk-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in adults

AIM:To study the association between serum levels of milk protein IgG and IgA antibodies and milk-related gastrointestinal symptoms in adults.METHODS:Milk protein IgG and IgA antibodies were determined in serum samples of 400 subjects from five outpatient clinics in Southern Finland.Subjects were randomly selected from a total of 1900 adults undergoing laboratory investigations in primary care.All 400 participants had completed a questionnaire on abdominal symptoms and dairy consumption while waiting for the laboratory visit.The questionnaire covered the nature and frequency of gastrointestinal problems,the provoking food items,family history and allergies.Twelve serum samples were disqualifi ed due to insuff icient amount of sera.The levels of specif ic milk protein IgG and IgA were measured by using the ELISA technique.The association of the milk protein-specific antibody level was studied in relation to the milk-related gastrointestinal symptoms and dairy consumption.RESULTS:Subjects drinking milk(n=265) had higher levels of milk protein IgG in their sera than non-milk drinkers(n=123,P<0.001).Subjects with gastrointestinal problems related to milk drinking(n=119) consumed less milk but had higher milk protein IgG levels than those with no milk-related gastrointestinal symptoms(n=198,P=0.02).Among the symptomatic subjects,those reporting dyspeptic symptoms had lower milk protein IgG levels than non-dyspeptics(P<0.05).However,dyspepsia was not associated with milk drinking(P=0.5).The association of high milk protein IgG levels with constipation was close to the level of statistical signif icance.Diarrhea had no association with milk protein IgG level(P=0.5).With regard to minor symptoms,flatulence and bloating(P=0.8),were not associated with milk protein IgG level.Milk protein IgA levels did not show any association with milk drinking or abdominal symptoms.The levels of milk protein IgA and IgG declined as the age of the subjects increased(P<0.004).CONCLUSION:Milk protein IgG but not milk IgA seems to be associated with self-reported milk-induced gastrointestinal symptoms.

Milk Consumption and Lactose Intolerance in Adults

Objective To investigate relations between milk consumption and lactose intolerance （LI） in adults and to explore the effect of milk consumption on lactase activity.Methods Total of 182 subjects aged 20‐70 years were recruited and interviewed by questionnaires,and their accumulative cow＇s milk intake （AMI） was calculated.LI was evaluated by hydrogen breath test （HBT）.Results A negative correlation was found between AMI and severity of observed LI symptom （r=-0.2884;P0.05）.Binary logistic regression analysis showed a negative correlation between LI and duration and frequency of milk consumption （OR,0.317 and 0.465,respectively;both P0.05） and a positive correlation between LI and amount of milk consumed per sitting （OR,6.337;P0.05）.Conclusion LI is related to various milk consumption behaviors.Most Chinese adults with LI may tolerate moderate milk consumption 160 mL.

Cow’s milk-induced gastrointestinal disorders:From infancy to adulthood

Milk is related to many gastrointestinal disorders from the cradle to the grave due to the many milk ingredients that can trigger gastrointestinal discomfort and disorders.Cow’s milk protein allergy(CMPA)is the most common food allergy,especially in infancy and childhood,which may persist into adulthood.There are three main types of CMPA;immunoglobulin E(IgE)-mediated CMPA,non-IgEmediated CMPA,and mixed type.CMPA appears before the first birthday in almost all cases.Symptoms may start even during the neonatal period and can be severe enough to simulate neonatal sepsis.CMPA(often non-IgE mediated)can present with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux,eosinophilic esophagitis,hemorrhagic gastritis,food protein-induced protein-losing enteropathy,and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome.Most CMPAs are benign and outgrown during childhood.CMPA is not as common in adults as in children,but when present,it is usually severe with a protracted course.Lactose intolerance is a prevalent condition characterized by the development of many symptoms related to the consumption of foods containing lactose.Lactose intolerance has four typical types:Developmental,congenital,primary,and secondary.Lactose intolerance and CMPA may be the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms for many functional gastrointestinal disorders in children and adults.They are also common in inflammatory bowel diseases.Milk consumption may have preventive or promoter effects on cancer development.Milk may also become a source of microbial infection in humans,causing a wide array of diseases,and may help increase the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance.This editorial summarizes the common milk-related disorders and their symptoms from childhood to adulthood.

Assessment of a Precaution Index for Environmental Evaluation: An Example of Application to the Cow’s Milk Production

The paper presents a Precaution Index (P) developed to create an instrument to assess the potential risk related to the presence of pollution sources next to milk production farms. The methodology starts from the inventory and geo-referencing of all pollution sources in an area, with the help of the multi-criteria decision analysis. Results are represented in a map of P, which highlights which areas are most at risk and need monitoring, and which pollutants may be involved. This may help in the early identification of emerging hazards to food safety. P was calculated for the milk production in an Italian region. Results show that 97% of the area is in a condition of minimum precaution that would be needed in controlling the safety of dairy products.

Physico-chemical and Microbiological Analysis of Algerian Raw Camel＇s Milk and Identification of Predominating Thermophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria

The dromedary camel （Camelus dromedarius） is a significant socioeconomic importance in several arid and semi-arid regions of North Africa and Middle East, and its milk constitutes an important component of human diets in these regions. The camel milk plays a vital role in the food of the Algerian nomads in the Sahara. During February and September, 20 samples of the raw camel＇s milk were taken starting from different livestock of camels from three different Sahariennes regions （Bechar, EI-Bayadh and Naama）. These 20 collected samples were analyzed by physico-chemical and microbiological methods. The results of physicochemical analyze obtained from two hot and cold seasons are respectively the following： T ~C （35.83 and 33.95）, pH （6.36 and 6.49）, density （1.031 and 1.032）, dornic acidity （18.6 and 18.3 ~D）, dry matter （93.4 and 144.8 g/L）, fat contents （30 and 52.1 g/L）, total protein （26.3 and 33.1 g/L） and ashes （7.46 and 8.66 g/L）. The protein profile obtained by electrophoretic analysis （SDS-PAGE） showed that camel milk contains several types of proteins and some have a molecular weight identical to major proteins of the cow＇s milk. The final results showed that camel milk has generally a comparable composition to that of bovine milk. The microbiological analysis, of these samples, detected a significant number of the total microflora, Staphylococcus aureus and total coliforms. The absence of Clostridium and fecal coliforms was observed. Several species of lactic acid bacteria were detected such as Lactococcus lactis subsp, lactis, Lactococcus lactis subsp, lactis biovar, diacetylactis, Weissella cibaria and Enteroccocusfeacalis.

Mothers’ Knowledge of Health Caring for Premature Infants after Discharge from Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Gaza Strip, Palestine

Background: Preterm labor is one of the most public health problems related to neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Poor knowledge among mothers about the care requirements of a preterm neonate is immediate cause for post-discharge medical problems in premature and neonates readmission to NICU. Hence, this study aims to evaluate mothers’ knowledge of caring for premature infants post-discharge from Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Gaza strip. Methods: A Quantitative-based cross-sectional designs study was used to survey 120 mothers of preterm neonates at the time of preterm neonates discharge by face-to-face interview at Al-Shifa medical complex and Nasser hospital between February and June 2018. Results: The results showed that only about 58.4% of mothers of premature babies had good knowledge about health care needed for premature infants after discharge from NICU. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference between the level of knowledge and mother’s sociodemographic characteristics (P-values > 0.05). Conclusion: Mothers’ knowledge of premature infants care was not at the optimal level, which might put the newborns at risk. Therefore, the study emphasizes the necessity of thoughtful exchange of health information between team members and mothers and establishing pre- and post-discharge plans with mothers to start their healthy transition of preterm neonate to home and to ameliorate family concerns.

Quantitative Adhesion of <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>on Stainless Steel Coated with Milk

The surface energy characteristics of uncoated (clean) and coated stainless steel with UHT milk at various contact time (5 min, 30 min, 1 hours, 3 hours, 6 hours, 24 hours) were determined using contact angle measurement. Whatever the contact time, the clean stainless steel coupons became more hydrophobic and more electron acceptor when they are coated by milk. Inversely, the electron donor character seems to decreasing in this condition. The calculated surface energy component of coated stainless steel was found to vary with contact time. Its hydrophobicity and its electron acceptor were minimal after 3 hours of contact, but its electron donor was minimal after 1 hours of contact. Adhesion experiments of Staphylococcus aureus were carried out on uncoated and coated stainless steels at various contact times. For all contact times, the adhesion results show that milk reduce S. aureus adhesion, and the level of this reduction depend on contact time. This reduction was lower and higher after 1 hours, 5 min and 30 min of contact respectively.

Effects of Cow’s Milk on Reproduction in ICR Male Mice

Objective To study the effects of Cow＇s milk on the reproduction in male mice. Methods Twenty-four male mice were divided randomly into two groups： milk group （M） and control group （C）. Each mouse was given 10 mL milk per day from 4 to 16 weeks in the group M. At the age of 17 weeks, all the mice were sacrificed. Results Serum testosterone was decreased in the group M （P=0.037）. No significant difference was found in weight of testes, seminal vesicle or adrenal gland of mice between the groups C and M. However, the weight of seminal vesicle decreased when expressed in g/100 g body weight in the group M. Epididymal sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and sperm head number were not affected by milk. Conclusion Cow＇s milk has adverse effects on the reproductive system in ICR male mice. Further studies are needed to clarify the specific effects of milk on reproductive health.

Molecularly defined adult-type hypolactasia in school-aged children with a previous history of cow's milk allergy

AIM： To assess the role of lactase non-persistence/per- sistence in school-aged children and their milk-related symptoms. METHODS： The genotypes for the C/T-13910 variant associated with lactase non-persistence/ persistence were determined using PCR-minisequencing in a group of 172 children with a mean age of 8.6 years （SE = 0.02, 93 boys） participating in a follow-up study for cow＇s milk allergy. The parents were asked to assess their children＇s milk consumption and abdominal symptoms. RESULTS： The presence of allergy to cow＇s milk was not associated with the C/C-13910 genotype related with a decline of lactase enzyme activity during childhood （lactase non-persistence）. The frequency of the C/C-13910 genotype （16%） was similar to published figures for the prevalence of adult-type hypolactasia in Finland. The majority of the children （90%） in this series consumed milk but 26% of their families suspected that their children had milk-related symptoms. Forty-eight percent of the children with the C/C-13910 genotype did not drink milk at all or consumed a low lactose containing diet prior to the genotyping （P〈 0.004 when compared to the other genotypes）. CONCLUSION： Analysis of the C/T-13910 polymorphism is an easy and reliable method for excluding adult-type hypolactasia in children with milk-related symptoms. Genotyping for this variant can be used to advise diets for children with a previous history of cow＇s milk allergy.

Evaluation of the Physicochemical Parameters of Cow’s Fresh Milk in Shkodra

Milk is universally recognized as complete food, which contains essential components for human nutrition. Physicochemical analysis constitutes an important device that monitors its quality. The purpose of this study was to determine the physicochemical characteristics of fresh cow milk in samples taken in the region of Shkodra and Lezha and compare it to European quality standards. Results of the analyses were statistically processed by the Minitab 17 statistical program. Results showed that there is no significant difference (P > 0.05) in fat, protein, lactose and density value, while there is significant difference (P < 0.05) in pH, ash% without fat, freezing point and water value. The results show a stability of physicochemical parameters of milk, with variation according to the region where samples were gathered.