Development, characterization and multi-environment testing of novel male sterile baby corn hybrids
Baby corn has emerged as a new high-value vegetable that offers excellent economic benefits to farmers along with exceptional silage for livestock. Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) provides an effective alternative to manual detasseling which is otherwise essential in baby corn farming.
Regulating effects of hydroxytyrosol acyl esters with different acyl chain lengths and isomers on gut microbiota: insights from in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, fecal fermentation and Lactobacillus fermentation
Phenolic compounds are increasingly recognized for their diverse health benefits, particularly their potent antioxidant capacities. To enhance its lipophilicity, stability and bioavailability, hydroxytyrosol has been successfully esterified with various alkyl chains lengths and different isomers (branched-chain and straight-chain), forming hydroxytyrosol-fatty acid acyl esters (Hty-Es). These synthesized Hty-Es, have garnered significant interest and are widely explored in fields such as food preservation because of their superior antioxidant properties. However, little is known about the digestion, fermentation characteristics and the effects on the intestinal microbiota in vitro.
Interactive effects of high planting density and drought on physiological traits and yield in tomato
This study investigated the combined effects of high planting density and drought stress on morpho-physiological traits, yield, and fruit quality in tomato plants. The research addresses knowledge gaps in plant responses to multiple concurrent stressors and explores strategies for maximizing yield per cultivation area under water scarcity conditions. Two experimental approaches were employed: a controlled environment study with 30-day-old tomato seedlings grown under low density (LD) or high density (HD) conditions with normal or restricted water supply, and a field experiment carried out up to the fruiting stage. Measurements included morphological traits, photosynthetic parameters, oxidative stress markers, pigment content, gene expression of shade marker genes, yield components, and fruit quality attributes.
The combination of gut microbiota and metabolomics reveals the effects of polysaccharides from Schisandra chinensis on microbiota and metabolic profile in Alzheimer's disease rats
Polysaccharide from Schisandra chinensis (SPJ) can attenuate the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by regulating changes in gut microbiota and its metabolites, but the mechanism of action is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the anti-AD effects and regulatory mechanisms of SPJ in an Aβ-induced AD model from the perspective of the 'microbe-gut-brain' axis.
In vitro screening of essential oil blends, probiotics and prebiotics to optimize post-weaning in artificially reared ruminants: effects on rumen fermentation and gut health indicators in Caco-2 cells
Weaning represents a significant digestive challenge for dairy ruminants due to their underdeveloped rumen microbiota resulting from early separation from their dams shortly after birth. This study aimed to optimize the weaning process by evaluating six commercial feed additives, including four blends of essential oils (BEOs), a probiotic (live yeast) and a prebiotic (pectin). The effects on rumen fermentation were evaluated using batch cultures with rumen inocula collected at the post-weaning period from artificially reared lambs, whereas the effects on gut health indicators were assessed using Caco-2 cell monolayers.
The chemical rheological properties of pea protein dough and the storage stability of pea steamed bread were improved and the beany flavor was reduced by cooperative fermentation
Pea protein powder lacks gliadin and glutenin, which prevents the formation of network structure. At the same time, it has beany taste, thus limiting its application in steamed bread production. The organic acids and exopolysaccharides produced through lactic acid bacteria fermentation show potential to replace traditional steamed bread improvers such as emulsifiers and thickeners. This study investigated the synergistic effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Lp90 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LRa05 co-fermented with yeast with respect to improving the properties of pea protein dough, as well as their impacts on the storage stability and flavor profile of pea protein steamed bread.
Novel integration of forage cereal-legume mixtures in conservation agriculture enhances weed control and barley productivity in Moroccan drylands
To our knowledge, this is the first study quantitatively investigating the mixed forage integration into dryland conservation agriculture (CA) systems in the Mediterranean region. Weed management under CA is challenging in low-input systems with limited herbicide use. Incorporating forage legumes into cereal-based systems provides a long-term solution for weed control while increasing yield.
Potential metabolite biomarkers of drought tolerance in contrasting Sideroxylon spinosum L. ecotypes using a metabolomic approach
Sideroxylon spinosum L., an endemic Moroccan species, holds significant ecological and socioeconomic importance. Drought stress severely affects plant survival by disrupting metabolic and physiological processes. This study aimed to investigate drought-induced metabolic changes and identify potential biomarkers in two S. spinosum L. ecotypes that contrast primarily in their climatic origins - Aoulouz (Alz, inland) and Lakhssas (Lks, coastal) - using metabolomic analysis.
A novel branched polysaccharide from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa: structural elucidation, physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity
Polysaccharides from medicinal and edible plants have attracted increasing attention as a result of their structural diversity and potential bioactivities. In this study, a novel heteropolysaccharide (RTP) was isolated and purified from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruits. The physicochemical properties, structural characteristics and antioxidant activities of RTP were investigated.
Boron-mediated regulation of productivity, pomology and nutritional composition across sequential harvests in high-tunnel-cultivated 'Rubygem' strawberries
Strawberries are a high-value fruit with increasing global demand, owing to their flavor and rich content of biochemicals beneficial to health. Fruit quality and yield are influenced by micronutrients, particularly boron (B) that is vital for sugar transport, membrane stability and phenolic metabolism. Yet, few studies have explored how different B application methods interact with the harvest period to affect fruit quality and yield. This study evaluates the effects of soil, foliar and combined B applications across three harvest periods (March, April and May) on yield and diverse quality attributes of 'Rubygem' strawberries under Mediterranean high-tunnel conditions.
Effect of oat flour on the 3D printing properties of mashed potatoes: rheological, textural, and oro-sensory evaluation
The development of printable food inks for 3D printing requires optimization of rheological and mechanical properties to balance extrusion ease with structural stability. Mashed potato (MP), a starch-based material, is commonly used as an edible ink but faces challenges such as weak gel strength and sensitivity to printing conditions. Incorporating oat flour (OF), rich in β-glucans, may enhance printability by improving ink rheology and texture, and health benefits.
Optimization of spray-drying conditions for green acerola concentrate juice: effect of temperature and maltodextrin
Acerola (Malpighia glabra and M. emarginata) is a tropical fruit predominantly cultivated in northeastern Brazil, notable for its abundance of health-beneficial bioactive compounds, including ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. However, due to its high perishability, preservation processes such as spray drying have become essential. Given its low acidity, high sugar content, and the presence of low-molecular-weight substances, acerola poses several challenges during drying, which require careful evaluation of process parameters. This study aimed to evaluate and optimize the spray-drying process parameters, temperature and maltodextrin concentration, for the production of green acerola powder from concentrated juice.
Myoglobin-induced gel degradation in surimi: mechanistic insights into the structural disruption and oxidative aggregation of myofibrillar proteins via myosin binding
The utilization of unwashed surimi presents a promising strategy for reducing water consumption and wastewater discharge during processing. However, the elevated levels of impurities, including water-soluble proteins, proteases and lipids, in unwashed surimi contribute to gel deterioration during formation, resulting in inferior sensory quality compared to washed surimi products. Myoglobin, as a key water-soluble protein component, plays a significant yet poorly understood role in this gelation impairment. Consequently, elucidating the mechanism by which myoglobin induces protein oxidation within the surimi matrix, along with determining its specific binding characteristics and molecular interaction sites with myosin, is imperative for addressing the quality limitations of unwashed surimi-based products.
Chlorogenic acid and quercetin alleviate food allergy responses through the PPAR-γ signaling pathway in mice
Food allergy has become a global public health problem. This study established a BALB/c mouse food allergy model to investigate the possible therapeutic effects of two widely studied polyphenols: chlorogenic acid (CA) and quercetin (QR).
Dynamic changes of lipids and volatiles in pumpkin seed kernels during oxidation: multi-omics analysis identifies pentanol and hexanal as rancidity markers
Accurate evaluation of pumpkin seed oxidation is essential for its effective utilization; however, conventional rancidity indicators have limitations during storage.
Antioxidative stress effect of chromium-chelated pea (Pisum sativum L.) peptides through the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway
Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) plays an important role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. Pea peptides (PP) can chelate Cr(III) but their chelation mechanism and activity remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to prepare chromium-chelated pea peptides (CPP), analyze the structure, and explore the antioxidative stress effect of CPP.
Integrated green extraction of phenolic compounds and fermentable sugars from grapefruit peel using ultrasound and enzymatic hydrolysis
Valorizing sugar-rich food waste in biorefineries offers a sustainable route to bio-based products. Grapefruit peel (GP), representing about 50% of the fruit´s weight, is rich in sugars (soluble and insoluble) and polyphenols such as flavonoids. The present study investigates an integrated green extraction strategy using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and enzymatic hydrolysis (EH) to recover phenolic compounds and sugars from GP.
Characterization of the polymorphism detected for the granule-bound starch synthase (WX gene) in wild einkorn wheat
The WX gene encodes the granule-bound starch synthase I or waxy protein, which is the sole enzyme responsible for amylose synthesis in wheat seeds. Wild einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum L. ssp. aegilopoides Link em. Thell.) could be an important source of variation for this gene.
Interactive effects of cropping systems, nitrogen fertilization, and plant densities on grain filling dynamics, waternitrogen utilization, and economic benefits of winter wheat
Optimizing winter wheat production for sustainability requires a systems approach; however, a comprehensive evaluation of the synergistic effects of cropping systems, nitrogen levels, and planting density is lacking, particularly in terms of how they jointly determine grain development, water-nitrogen productivity, and profitability.
Rhamnogalacturonan-I type polysaccharides isolated from Houttuynia cordata enzymatic hydrolysates activate intestinal immunity
In our previous study, we developed enzymatic hydrolysates (HCPE) derived from Houttuynia cordata (HC) that exhibit Peyer's patch (PP)-mediated immune activity. In this study, HCPE was fractionated using gel permeation chromatography, and the active moiety responsible for intestinal immunostimulatory activity was identified through activity-guided fractionation based on PP-mediated assays.
Multi-omics analysis of amino acids and fatty acids metabolism impacts on flavor profiles in Tibetan and Hu sheep under cold-season housing conditions
Different genetic backgrounds have resulted in significant differences in lamb fatty acids and amino acids, which form the basis of meat flavor. Previous studies have mainly compared grazing Tibetan sheep with lowland breeds, leaving it unclear whether breed-specific metabolic strategies persist under cold-season housing. Therefore, we integrated transcriptomics (RNA-sequencing), untargeted metabolomics (ultra high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry) and volatile profiling (headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) to explore the mechanisms of amino acids and fatty acids regulation on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cold-season housed Tibetan and Hu sheep.
