Search Results (1,952)

Siraitia grosvenorii (S. grosvenorii), a traditional medicine food homology plant, serves both dietary and medicinal purposes and is increasingly exploited for its bioactivities in pharmaceuticals and nutritional value. In this research, fifteen glycosides including three new cucurbitane-type triterpenoid glycosides named Luohanguosides A–C (1–3) and twelve known ones (4–15) have been isolated from the aqueous extract of fresh S. grosvenorii fruits. A comprehensive analysis of 1D, 2D-NMR, HRESIMS techniques along with some other spectroscopic methods led to the elucidation of their chemical structures. Further investigation focused on the hepatoprotective activities of compounds 1–15. It turned out that compounds 1, 5, and 10 exhibited significant hepatoprotective activities compared to bicyclol under the same concentration (20 μM), providing scientific support for further research on S.grosvenorii products for their preventive potential of hepatic diseases. Full article

Chaenomeles japonica (Chaenomeles japonica Thunb. Lindl. ex Spach.) is gaining increasing attention due to its high nutritional value and potential for industrial use. The development of new breeding clones (potential new cultivars) with improved morphological and chemical properties is essential for enhancing its commercial cultivation. In this study, the impact of ozone in its gaseous form and cold storage on the morphological and chemical properties of newly selected Polish clones of Chaenomeles japonica was determined. Breeding clone ‘3b/1’ produced the largest fruits, with a significantly higher average weight of 99.8 g compared to other clones. Fruits of clones ‘3b/1’ and ‘7d/8’ had the greatest tolerance to mechanical damage, requiring the highest force and energy for puncture and showing the most extensive deformation. The highest ascorbic acid content was recorded in clone ‘4c/1’ (117.3 mg·100 g⁻¹), while clone ‘3b/1’ had the highest total phenolic content, reaching 373.92 mg GAE·100 g⁻¹. A 15 min ozone treatment led to an average increase of 5.3% in both ascorbic acid and total phenolic content. In contrast, cold storage for 60 days caused a reduction of approximately 29.66% of ascorbic acid. Clone ‘3b/1’ appears to be the potential new Polish cultivar and an introduction for cultivation due to its large fruit size, their high mechanical tolerance and relatively favorable chemical composition. Full article

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a pressing public health challenge in the United States (U.S.). Community-based diabetes education programs equip individuals with T2D with the knowledge and skills to improve dietary behaviors, build confidence, and better manage their condition to reduce complications. However, few studies evaluate self-care adherence and self-efficacy together. This study examined participant adherence to diabetes self-care practices and confidence in managing diabetes through a community-based education program. Methods: Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes (DWBWD) is a 5-week program focused on reinforcing the best practices in diabetes management through dietary practices, physical activity, and gaining self-confidence in managing T2D. The program was evaluated among 137 participants across 14 Texas counties using pre- and post-surveys that assessed the number of days per week participants engaged in diabetes self-care practices, as well as their confidence in performing these behaviors (rated on a scale from 1 = not at all confident to 5 = extremely confident). Results: Participants were mostly male (75.9%), White (60.6%), and over 65 years (58.4%). Most participants had T2D (57.7%) or prediabetes (27.0%). Compared to the program entry, participants reported improvements (p < 0.001) in self-care practices, as reflected by their mean differences (MD), including following a healthful eating plan (MD −1.46), consuming five servings of fruit and vegetables (MD −0.87), spacing carbohydrate intake evenly throughout the day (MD −1.64), engaging in at least 30 min of daily physical activity (MD −0.74), testing blood glucose (MD −1.08), and checking their feet (MD −1.09). Confidence in performing all self-care behaviors significantly improved (p < 0.001), with MDs between −0.53 and −1.13, indicating higher post-program scores. Conclusions: Participation in the DWBWD program increased confidence in diabetes management and enhanced engagement in key health behaviors associated with reducing diabetes complications. Full article

Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) is a medicinal fungus renowned for its diverse therapeutic properties, largely attributed to bioactive compounds such as cordycepin, polysaccharides, adenosine, D-mannitol, carotenoids, and ergosterol. However, the production and composition of these metabolites are highly influenced by cultivation conditions, highlighting the need for systematic optimization strategies. This review synthesizes current findings on how nutritional factors—including carbon and nitrogen sources, their ratios, and trace elements—and environmental parameters such as oxygen availability, pH, temperature, and light regulate C. militaris metabolite biosynthesis. The impacts of solid-state fermentation (using grains, insects, and agro-industrial residues) and liquid state fermentation (submerged and surface cultures) are compared, with attention to their roles in mycelial growth, fruiting body formation, and secondary metabolite production. Special emphasis is placed on mixed grain–insect substrates and light regulation, which have emerged as promising methods to enhance cordycepin accumulation. Beyond summarizing advances, this review also identifies key knowledge gaps that must be addressed: (i) the incomplete understanding of metabolite regulatory networks, (ii) the absence of standardized cultivation protocols, and (iii) unresolved challenges in scale-up, including oxygen transfer, foam control, and downstream processing. We propose that future research should integrate multi-omics approaches with bioprocess engineering to overcome these limitations. Collectively, this review highlights both current progress and remaining challenges, providing a roadmap for advancing the sustainable, scalable, and application-driven production of bioactive compounds from C. militaris. Full article

The zucchini market is growing worldwide due to its health and nutritional properties and culinary versatility. However, fruits harvested in the early stages of development are very perishable, which requires efforts to extend their shelf life. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an innovative method involving a dynamically controlled atmosphere (DCA) and controlled atmosphere (CA) on the quality of zucchini stored at two temperatures (5 and 8 °C). After 20 d of cold storage, the fruit was further monitored under retail conditions (air, 15 °C). CA and DCA applied in a cold store at 8 °C improved the storage ability of the zucchini and allowed it to remain marketable for another 8 days at 15 °C. However, there were no significant effects of the storage method at 5 °C on the shelf life of zucchini at 15 °C. In addition, after storage at 8 °C under CA and DCA conditions, zucchini contained more total soluble solids (4.0%), glucose (8.0 g kg⁻¹), fructose (11.0 g kg⁻¹), and polyphenols (436 mg kg⁻¹) than those stored under normal atmosphere (3.6%, 6.2 g kg⁻¹, 9.9 g kg⁻¹, 377.8 mg kg⁻¹ respectively). The use of CA and DCA extends the shelf life and supports sustainable production and consumption of zucchini fruit. Full article

Background: High-temperature stress is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting cotton production. Identifying genetic loci and genes for heat tolerance is crucial for breeding heat-tolerant varieties. Methods: Given the complexity of heat tolerance phenotypes in cotton, this study, which focused on resource materials, identified an A/C SNP mutation at position 5486185 on chromosome D06 within the heat tolerance interval through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of natural Gossypium hirsutum populations. Results: A total of 308 resource materials were identified and evaluated for their heat tolerance phenotypes over two years of field research. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) molecular markers were developed on the basis of the D06-5486185 SNP to characterize the heat tolerance phenotypes of these 308 resource materials. Genotyping for heat tolerance-related traits and agronomic traits was also performed. Materials with the C/C haplotype at position D06-5486185 presented increased heat tolerance (higher pollen viability (PV), leaf area (LA), chlorophyll (Chl) and number of bolls on the third fruit branch (FB3) and a lower number of dry buds (DBs) and drop rate (DR)) without negatively impacting key yield traits. This locus is located in the intergenic region of two adjacent bZIP transcription factor genes (GH_D06G0408 and GH_D06G0409). Expression analysis revealed that the expression levels of these two genes were significantly greater in heat-tolerant accessions (C/C type) than in sensitive accessions and that their expression levels were significantly correlated with multiple heat-tolerant phenotypes. Conclusions: In summary, this study developed a Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) marker associated with heat tolerance in G. hirsutum and identified two key heat tolerance candidate genes. These results provide an efficient marker selection tool and important genetic resources for the molecular breeding of heat-tolerant G. hirsutum, laying an important foundation for further establishing a molecular marker-assisted breeding system for heat tolerance in G. hirsutum. Full article

The search for natural additives from underutilized halophytes and fruit by-products aligns with circular economy principles, addressing consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable alternatives to salt and synthetic antioxidants in foods. Salicornia ramosissima, a halophytic plant rich in minerals, and Malpighia emarginata (acerola), a fruit rich in bioactive compounds, were selected for their potential to enhance meat preservation while reducing reliance on conventional salt and chemical additives. This study evaluated the effects of replacing salt with S. ramosissima powder (1% and 2%) and adding acerola extract (0.3%) in Mertolenga D.O.P. beef hamburgers. Control, 1% salt, acerola, and salicornia formulations were analyzed over 10 days for the following: (1) microbial counts (mesophiles, psychrotrophics, Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp., Brochothrix thermosphacta, lactic acid bacteria, fungi, Salmonella spp., and E. coli); (2) physicochemical parameters (pH, a_w, and CIE-Lab color); and (3) sensory attributes (odor, color, and freshness). Higher Salicornia concentrations negatively affected color (lower a* values) and sensory perception (darker appearance). Acerola extract improved color stability and delayed the development of off-odors, contributing to higher freshness scores throughout storage. No significant differences in microbial counts were observed between treatments. Overall, acerola and low-dose Salicornia showed potential as natural ingredients for meat preservation, with minimal impact on physicochemical and microbiological quality. These findings support the use of halophytes and fruit extracts in sustainable meat preservation strategies. Full article

Lycium barbarum L. (goji berry) undergoes rapid quality deterioration after harvest owing to its high water activity and abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS). Carbon-dot-mediated photodynamic treatment (CD-PDT) has recently been shown to extend shelf life by modulating ROS-scavenging and defense enzymes, yet the global metabolic reprogramming that supports this protection remains unresolved. Here, we applied ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS)-based untargeted metabolomics to decode the metabolic footprint of CD-PDT in freshly harvested goji berries. Our results revealed a total of 17,603 differentially expressed metabolites between the treatment and control groups under both positive- and negative-ion modes. Principal component analysis indicated that CD-mediated PDT significantly altered the metabolic profile of fresh goji berries. The treatment activated the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway, promoting the accumulation of compounds such as kaempferol-3-sophoroside, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside, and galactoside, thereby enhancing the antioxidant capacity of the fruit. Furthermore, CD-mediated PDT induced the tricarboxylic acid cycle, providing sufficient energy to support the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway. In conclusion, these findings provide the systems-level evidence that CD-PDT orchestrates a coordinated activation of primary and secondary metabolism in postharvest goji berries, establishing a mechanistic framework for preservation of horticultural products. Full article

Handling delicate agricultural products, such as tomatoes, requires careful attention from workers during harvesting, sorting, and packaging processes. This labor-intensive approach is often inefficient and susceptible to human error. A potential solution to improve efficiency is the development of automated systems capable of replacing manual labor. However, such systems face significant challenges due to the irregular shapes and fragility of these products, requiring specialized adaptable and soft gripping mechanisms. In this context, this paper introduces a parametric design methodology for 3D-printed flexible fingers in soft grippers, tailored for agricultural applications. The approach was tested in a case study that targeted soft agricultural products with diameters between 45 and 75 mm. Three finger topologies were modeled and compared to identify an optimal configuration. A prototype was then developed using 3D printing with Z-SemiFlex. Experimental tests confirmed that the prototype could grasp different fruits reliably and without surface damage. It achieved an Average Precision (AP) of 87.5% for tomatoes and 92.5% for mandarins across 80 trials. These results validate the feasibility of the proposed design methodology for fingers in soft grippers. Full article

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction contributes to endothelial dysfunction in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense, Camb), a native Brazilian fruit, is rich in polyphenolic antioxidants. We investigated whether its ethanolic bark extract modulates ROS levels and promotes proliferation in human coronary artery endothelial cells from patients with diabetes (D-HCAECs). Cells were treated with pequi extract under normoxic, hypoxic, or H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress conditions. Cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS levels, cell proliferation, and the expression of antioxidant proteins (Nrf2, HO-1, SOD1, SOD2, catalase, and GPx1) were assessed. Pequi significantly reduced cytosolic ROS under normoxia and both cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS under stress. It also upregulated antioxidant enzymes through the Nrf2 pathway and enhanced D-HCAEC proliferation under all tested conditions. These results suggest that pequi’s antioxidant effects may be mediated by the increased expression of endogenous enzymes, leading to improved redox balance and endothelial function in diabetic coronary vasculature. Full article

The ‘Akizuki’ pear has become increasingly popular in China in recent years. However, the ‘Akizuki’ pear often suffers from severe rot diseases during the postharvest storage period. Those during storage have not been thoroughly elucidated In this study, fungal pathogens causing postharvest decay of ‘Akizuki’ pear were identified through multi-gene phylogenetic analysis, followed by assessment of the antifungal efficacy of chlorine dioxide (ClO₂) at varying concentrations. A total of 18 strains were isolated and identified as pathogens by Koch postulates. The isolated pathogens were taxonomically identified by combining morphological characterization of hyphae/spores with multi-gene phylogeny (ITS, β-tub, tef1). The results revealed that isolates A1-A11 were identified as Alternaria alternata, D1-D3 as Diaporthe eres, P1 as Penicillium citrinum, and P2-P4 as Penicillium expansum. The strain with the strongest pathogenicity in each genus was selected as the representative strain for subsequent control experiments. ClO₂ significantly inhibited the development of the D. eres, A. alternata, and P. expansum by suppressing mycelial growth and disrupting cell membrane structure of pathogens, in which the EC50 values were 35.56 mg/L, 24.71 mg/L, and 41.98 mg/L, respectively, showing comparable antifungal activity to conventional fungicides. This has clarified the occurrence and control of postharvest decay diseases of ‘Akizuki’ pear fruit and provided more options for the practical applications in postharvest disease control of pear fruits. Full article

In recent years, symptoms of Twig Cankers and Shoot Blight (TCSB) have re-emerged in several Italian peach orchards, particularly within key production areas of the Emilia-Romagna region. The fungal pathogen Diaporthe amygdali is recognized as the primary causal agent of TCSB, leading to the rapid desiccation of shoots, flowers, leaves, and branches, often accompanied by resin exudation from cankers that appear in late winter or early spring. Given Italy’s position as the second-largest peach producer in Europe, ensuring sustainable yields and high fruit quality necessitates a deeper understanding of D. amygdali biology and the development of effective diagnostic and management tools. This study employed a hybrid whole-genome sequencing strategy, combining Illumina short-read and PacBio long-read technologies, to generate the first high-quality genome assembly of D. amygdali isolated from peach. The genome analysis revealed candidate virulence genes and other factors involved in pathogenicity, deepening our understanding of the infection strategies employed by D. amygdali. These findings may support the potential development of sustainable, effective strategies against TCSB, ultimately supporting resilient peach production in Italy and beyond. Full article

Wendan pomelo (Citrus maxima), valued for its unique quality and high nutritional value, is susceptible to postharvest decay caused by mechanical damage and fungal infection. This study developed a bio-based preservation strategy by incorporating Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) into a sodium alginate (SA)-based coating. An antagonistic B. subtilis strain, isolated from the pomelo growth environment, demonstrated effective inhibition against the pathogenic fungi P. digitatum and P. italicum. The B. subtilis/SA (2.0%) coating maintained high bacterial viability without adversely affecting the viscosity, gas barrier properties, or mechanical strength of the film. The application of the B. subtilis/SA coating significantly delayed fruit appearance deterioration, pulp softening, and decay in pomelo. Furthermore, the treatment enhanced flavonoid accumulation and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes, thereby maintaining quality and extending storage life to 90 d. This study provides an effective bio-preservation strategy for the postharvest management of pomelo. Full article

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit size estimation plays a crucial role in orchard management decision-making, especially for fruit quality assessment and yield prediction. Currently, fruit sizing for pomegranates is performed manually using calipers to measure equatorial and polar diameters. These methods rely on human judgment for sample selection, they are labor-intensive, and prone to errors. In this work, a novel framework for automated on-tree detection and sizing of pomegranate fruits by a farmer robot equipped with a consumer-grade RGB-D sensing device is presented. The proposed system features a multi-stage transfer learning approach to segment fruits in RGB images. Segmentation results from each image are projected on the co-located depth image; then, a fruit clustering and modeling algorithm using visual and depth information is implemented for fruit size estimation. Field tests carried out in a commercial orchard are presented for 96 pomegranate fruit samples, showing that the proposed approach allows for accurate fruit size estimation with an average discrepancy with respect to caliper measures of about 1.0 cm on both the polar and equatorial diameter. Full article

Dark fermentation (DF) has gained increasing interest over the past two decades as a sustainable route for biohydrogen production; however, understanding how reproducible the process can be, both from macro- and microbiological perspectives, remains limited. This study assessed the reproducibility of a parallel continuous DF system using fruit-vegetable waste as a substrate under strictly controlled operational conditions. Three stirred-tank reactors were operated in parallel for 90 days, monitoring key process performance indicators. In addition to baseline operation, different process enhancement strategies were tested, including bioaugmentation, supplementation with nutrients and/or additional fermentable carbohydrates, and modification of key operational parameters such as pH and hydraulic retention time, all widely used in the field to improve DF performance. Microbial community structure was also analyzed to evaluate its reproducibility and potential relationship with process performance and metabolic patterns. Under these conditions, key performance indicators and core microbial features were reproducible to a large extent, yet full consistency across reactors was not achieved. During operation, unforeseen operational issues such as feed line clogging, pH control failures, and mixing interruptions were encountered. Despite these disturbances, the system maintained an average hydrogen productivity of 3.2 NL H₂/L-d, with peak values exceeding 6 NL H₂/L-d under optimal conditions. The dominant microbial core included Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, Veillonella, Enterococcus, Eubacterium, and Clostridium, though their relative abundances varied notably over time and between reactors. An inverse correlation was observed between lactate concentration in the fermentation broth and the amount of hydrogen produced, suggesting it can serve as a precursor for hydrogen. Overall, the findings presented here demonstrate that DF processes can be resilient and broadly reproducible. However, they also emphasize the sensitivity of these processes to operational disturbances and microbial shifts. This underscores the necessity for refined control strategies and further systematic research to translate these insights into stable, high-performance real-world systems. Full article