Protein fingerprinting and quantification of β-casein variants by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Infant formulations are constantly evolving as novel protein ingredients are added to make them more closely mimic the protein profile of human milk; however, precise analytical methods for characterizing and quantifying the major milk proteins in such formulations are currently lacking. This article describes an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry method for intact proteins that can efficiently detect, identify, and characterize the major milk proteins and their proteoforms (phosphorylation status, degree of glycation, genetic variants among others) in ingredients and final products, with an emphasis on detecting and quantifying specific genetic variants of β-casein in infant formulas. Method sensitivity allows detection of β-casein A1 in A2-based infant formulas with a limit of detection of 2% (grams of β-casein A1 per 100 g of total β-casein).

Virological and phylogenetic characterization of attenuated small ruminant lentivirus isolates eluding efficient serological detection.

Three field isolates of small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) were derived from a mixed flock of goats and sheep certified for many years as free of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV). The phylogenetic analysis of pol sequences permitted to classify these isolates as A4 subtype. None of the animals showed clinical signs of SRLV infection, confirming previous observations which had suggested that this particular subtype is highly attenuated, at least for goats.

Molecular clock is involved in predictive circadian adjustment of renal function.

Renal excretion of water and major electrolytes exhibits a significant circadian rhythm. This functional periodicity is believed to result, at least in part, from circadian changes in secretion/reabsorption capacities of the distal nephron and collecting ducts. Here, we studied the molecular mechanisms underlying circadian rhythms in the distal nephron segments, i.