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Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by a wide range of cognitive and non-cognitive impairments. The present study was designed to investigate the potential effects of cacao on cognitive and non-cognitive performance and to identify the role of oxidative stress in an AD animal model induced by unilateral intracerebroventricular (U-ICV) injection of amyloid beta1-42 (Aβ1-42). Methods: Oral administration of cacao (0.5 g/kg/day) was performed for 60 consecutive days. Following 60 days, the open-field (OF) test, elevated plus-maze (EPM) test, novel object recognition (NOR) test, Barnes maze (BM) test, and Morris water maze (MWM) test were used to evaluate locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, recognition memory, and spatial memory, respectively. Total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma were also examined. Furthermore, the number of healthy cells in the hippocampus's dentate gyrus (DG), CA1, and CA3 regions were identified using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: The results indicated that the injection of Aβ1-42 in rats led to recognition memory and spatial memory impairments, as well as increased anxiety. This was accompanied by decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC), increased total oxidative stress (TOS), and increased neuronal death. Conversely, cacao treatment in AD rats improved memory function, reduced anxiety, modulated oxidative stress balance, and decreased neuronal death. Conclusion: The findings suggest that cacao's ability to improve the balance between oxidants and antioxidants and prevent neuronal loss may be the mechanism underlying its beneficial effect against AD-related cognitive and non-cognitive impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioinformatics has emerged as a valuable tool for screening drugs and understanding their effects. This systematic review aimed to evaluate whether in silico studies using anti-obesity peptides targeting therapeutic pathways for obesity, when subsequently evaluated in vitro and in vivo, demonstrated effects consistent with those predicted in the computational analysis. The review was framed by the question: "What peptides or proteins have been used to treat obesity in in silico studies?" and structured according to the acronym PECo. The systematic review protocol was developed and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022355540) in accordance with the PRISMA-P, and all stages of the review adhered to these guidelines. Studies were sourced from the following databases: PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, Virtual Heath Library, and EMBASE. The search strategies resulted in 1015 articles, of which, based on the exclusion and inclusion criteria, 7 were included in this systematic review. The anti-obesity peptides identified originated from various sources including bovine alpha-lactalbumin from cocoa seed (Theobroma cacao L.), chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.), rice bran (Oryza sativa), sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), sea buckthorn seed flour (Hippophae rhamnoides), and adzuki beans (Vigna angularis). All articles underwent in vitro and in vivo reassessment and used molecular docking methodology in their in silico studies. Among the studies included in the review, 46.15% were classified as having an "uncertain risk of bias" in six of the thirteen criteria evaluated. The primary target investigated was pancreatic lipase (n = 5), with all peptides targeting this enzyme demonstrating inhibition, a finding supported both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, other peptides were identified as PPARγ and PPARα agonists (n = 2). Notably, all peptides exhibited different mechanisms of action in lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. The findings of this systematic review underscore the effectiveness of computational simulation as a screening tool, providing crucial insights and guiding in vitro and in vivo investigations for the discovery of novel anti-obesity peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theobroma cacao is primarily cultivated for its seeds. In the Philippines, where cacao yields are decreased by pod rots and vascular streak dieback (VSD)-like symptoms, the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Botryospaheriaceae) is the only reported species of Lasiodiplodia reported to cause disease in cacao. Here to identify and determine the pathogenicity of Lasiodiplodia isolates from cacao trees, we isolated Lasiodiplodia from from a leaf with blight (isolate PH22-080), stem with vascular streak (PH22-060), pod rot (PH22-120), an asymptomatic stem (PH22-014), and leaf litter (PH22-007). All strains were pathogenic on wounded leaves and stems and infected pods even without wounds. On the basis of molecular analysis of combined sequence data for ITS, rpb2, tef1-α and tub2 and morphological characteristics, the strains were identified as L. pseudotheobromae (PH22-080), L. theobromae (PH22-120), and Lasiodiplodia sp. (PH22-060), which were confirmed to be pathogenic on cacao leaves, stems, and pods. L. theobromae (PH22-007) and L. hormozganensis (PH22-014) showed potential to cause disease in cacao but further investigation is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceratocystis fimbriata is an important pathogen with a wide host range that causes xylem lesions, wilt and death in different plant species. More adapted populations of C. fimbriata have probably been selected to specific hosts and high genetic and physiological variability can be found within the pathogen populations. Thus, molecular analysis and inoculation studies were performed to investigate the genetic and physiological variability of isolates of C. fimbriata complex obtained from different host species and geographic regions in Brazil. The minimum spanning tree analysis based on 14 simple‐sequence repeat (SSR) markers of C. fimbriata exhibited a clear clustering of isolates according to host, where each groups of isolates differed in at least five loci. In addition, inoculation of eight hosts with 10 isolates revealed a wide variation in aggressiveness. By assessing the length of xylem lesions caused by C. fimbriata isolates, Ficus carica was found to be the most susceptible host, followed by Mangifera indica. Only the isolates from Theobroma cacao and Carapa guianensis proved to be host specialized. Overall, the isolates tested were more aggressive to the hosts from which they were sampled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles offers a non-toxic, eco-friendly, economical, and efficient solution against various microorganisms. The study aimed to investigate the utilization of cocoa bean shells for the production of silver nanoparticles through green synthesis, besides its characterization and evaluation against foodborne pathogens. To this end, total phenolic compounds, individual bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity were evaluated in the aqueous extract of the cocoa bean shell. In addition, the size and stability of the silver nanoparticles were investigated (zeta potential and dynamic light scattering), morphology (scanning electron microscopy), chemical composition (mid-infrared spectroscopy), and their effectiveness against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19117), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 22923), Salmonella enteritidis (S64), Cronobacter sakazakii (ATCC 29004), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 18883). The extract was rich in reducing agents and efficiently produced AgNPs with high surface area (74.51 ± 0.38 nm) and stability (− 17.97 ± 0.12 mV). The nanoparticles were also found to be effective against all tested pathogens, demonstrating the potential of agro-industrial waste to produce AgNPs for various industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of plant–microbe interactions is a rapidly growing research field, with increasing attention to the role of seed-borne microbial endophytes in protecting the plant during its development from abiotic and biotic stresses. Recent evidence suggests that seed microbiota is crucial in establishing the plant microbial community, affecting its composition and structure, and influencing plant physiology and ecology. For Theobroma cacao L., the diversity and composition of vertically transmitted microbes have yet to be addressed in detail. We explored the composition and diversity of seed-borne endophytes in cacao pods of commercial genotypes (ICS95, IMC67), recently liberated genotypes from AGROSAVIA (TCS01, TCS19), and landraces from Tumaco (Colombia) (AC9, ROS1, ROS2), to evaluate microbial vertical transmission and establishment in various tissues during plant development. We observed a higher abundance of Pseudomonas and Pantoea genera in the landraces and AGROSAVIA genotypes, while the commercial genotypes presented a higher number of bacteria species but in low abundance. In addition, all the genotypes and plant tissues showed a high percentage of fungi of the genus Penicillium. These results indicate that domestication in cacao has increased bacterial endophyte diversity but has reduced their abundance. We isolated some of these seed-borne endophytes to evaluate their potential as growth promoters and found that Bacillus, Pantoea, and Pseudomonas strains presented high production of indole acetic acid and ACC deaminase activity. Our results suggest that cacao domestication could lead to the loss of essential bacteria for seedling establishment and development. This study improves our understanding of the relationship and interaction between perennial plants and seed-borne microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Southeast Asia (SEA) fastidious fungi of the Ceratobasidium genus are associated with proliferation of sprouts and vascular necrosis in cacao and cassava, crops that were introduced from the tropical Americas to this region. Here, we report the isolation and in vitro culture of a Ceratobasidium sp. isolated from cassava with symptoms of witches' broom disease (CWBD), a devastating disease of this crop in SEA. The genome characterization using a hybrid assembly strategy identifies the fungus as an isolate of the species C. theobromae, the causal agent of vascular streak dieback of cacao in SEA. Both fungi have a genome size > 31 Mb (G+C content 49%), share > 98% nucleotide identity of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and > 94% in genes used for species-level identification. Using RNAscope® we traced the pathogen and confirmed its irregular distribution in the xylem and epidermis along the cassava stem, which explains the obtention of healthy planting material from symptom-free parts of a diseased plant. These results are essential for understanding the epidemiology of CWBD, as a basis for disease management including measures to prevent further spread and minimize the risk of introducing C. theobromae via long-distance movement of cassava materials to Africa and the Americas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Southeast Asia (SEA) fastidious fungi of the Ceratobasidium genus are associated with proliferation of sprouts and vascular necrosis in cacao and cassava, crops that were introduced from the tropical Americas to this region. Here, we report the isolation and in vitro culture of a Ceratobasidium sp. isolated from cassava with symptoms of witches' broom disease (CWBD), a devastating disease of this crop in SEA. The genome characterization using a hybrid assembly strategy identifies the fungus as an isolate of the species C. theobromae, the causal agent of vascular streak dieback of cacao in SEA. Both fungi have a genome size > 31 Mb (G+C content 49%), share > 98% nucleotide identity of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and > 94% in genes used for species-level identification. Using RNAscope® we traced the pathogen and confirmed its irregular distribution in the xylem and epidermis along the cassava stem, which explains the obtention of healthy planting material from symptom-free parts of a diseased plant. These results are essential for understanding the epidemiology of CWBD, as a basis for disease management including measures to prevent further spread and minimize the risk of introducing C. theobromae via long-distance movement of cassava materials to Africa and the Americas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is one of the leading commodities in Indonesia. Cocoa pod husk is part of the mesocarp or part of the cacao pod husk that wraps the cocoa beans. Endophytic bacteria are microbes that live in host plant tissues and do not interfere with host plant growth. This study aimed to determine characteristics of endophytic bacterial isolates contained in endocarp cocoa pod husk and to determine the antioxidant power of endophytic bacterial isolates contained in cocoa pod husk. Isolation of endophytic bacteria from the inner pod of cocoa which be expected to produce antioxidants has been carried out. Isolation of bacteria using surface sterilization method. Antioxidant test using DPPH method (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) with UV-Vis spectrophotometer at 600 nm. Two isolates out of four endophytic bacteria were obtained from the results of the preliminary test of phenolic tests, namely isolates of bacteria KK2 and KK3 which had different colony morphology. The results of the secondary metabolite test showed that the bacterial isolates KK2 and KK3 contained flavonoids and phenolics. Based on the test results, the value of IC50 of bacterial isolate KK2 was 2104.58 ppm and KK3 bacterial isolate was 1123.04 ppm. The highest antioxidant activity was possessed by bacterial isolate KK3 and was classified as a very weak antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theobroma cacao plantations are of significant economic importance worldwide, primarily for chocolate production. During the harvest and processing of cocoa beans, they are subjected to fermentation either by microorganisms present in the environment (spontaneous fermentation) or the addition of starter cultures, with different strains directly contributing distinct flavor and color characteristics to the beans. In addition to fungi and bacteria, viruses are ubiquitous and can affect the quality of the fermentation process by infecting fermenting organisms, destabilizing microbial diversity, and consequently affecting fermentation quality. Therefore, in this study, we explored publicly available metatranscriptomic libraries of cocoa bean fermentation in Limon Province, Costa Rica, looking for viruses associated with fermenting microorganisms. Libraries were derived from the same sample at different time points: 7, 20, and 68 h of fermentation, corresponding to yeast- and lactic acid bacteria-driven phases. Using a comprehensive pipeline, we identified 68 viral sequences that could be assigned to 62 new viral species and 6 known viruses distributed among at least nine families, with particular abundance of elements from the Lenarviricota phylum. Interestingly, 44 of these sequences were specifically associated with ssRNA phages (Fiersviridae) and mostly fungi-infecting viral families (Botourmiaviridae, Narnaviridae, and Mitoviridae). Of note, viruses from those families show a complex evolutionary relationship, transitioning from infecting bacteria to infecting fungi. We also identified 10 and 3 viruses classified within the Totiviridae and Nodaviridae families, respectively. The quantification of the virus-derived RNAs shows a general pattern of decline, similar to the dynamic profile of some microorganism genera during the fermentation process. Unexpectedly, we identified narnavirus-related elements that showed similarity to segmented viral species. By exploring the molecular characteristics of these viral sequences and applying Hidden Markov Models, we were capable of associating these additional segments with a specific taxon. In summary, our study elucidates the complex virome associated with the microbial consortia engaged in cocoa bean fermentation that could contribute to organism/strain selection, altering metabolite production and, consequently, affecting the sensory characteristics of cocoa beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaysia stands prominently among Asia's key cocoa‐producing countries. In the cocoa season of 2022–2023, Malaysia demonstrated its contribution to the industry, with an estimated production of around 364,000 tonnes of cacao bean grindings. Nonetheless, fungal diseases pose undeniable challenges to the cocoa sector. Extensive sampling conducted between September 2018 and March 2019 across multiple states in Malaysia revealed concerning symptoms of leaf blight and stem canker affecting Theobroma cacao plants. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize fungal species associated with leaf blight and stem canker of T. cacao in Malaysia through morphological, molecular and pathogenicity analyses. Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses using multiple DNA regions (rDNA internal transcribed spacer [ITS], TEF1 and TUB2) were performed and identified 40 fungal isolates found in this study as Diaporthe tulliensis (17 isolates), Fusarium solani (seven isolates), Fusarium proliferatum (six isolates) and Neopestalotiopsis clavispora (10 isolates). Pathogenicity tests with mycelial plugs and wound treatments showed that D. tulliensis and N. clavispora were responsible for causing leaf blight whereas D. tulliensis, F. solani and F. proliferatum caused stem canker of T. cacao. The present study provides insights into disease aetiology and symptomatology that may be useful in planning effective disease management for the host plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Christophe Boesch, a pioneer in primatology, passed away suddenly on January 14, 2024. His dedication to understanding and protecting chimpanzee societies has inspired research and conservation efforts worldwide. Boesch conducted groundbreaking research on nut-cracking behavior and hunting behavior in chimpanzees, and his studies supported the idea that chimpanzees are cultural beings. He established the Taï Chimpanzee Project and the Ozouga chimpanzee field site, resulting in numerous scientific publications and documentaries. Boesch also played a crucial role in chimpanzee conservation, founding the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation and advocating for the establishment of national parks in West Africa. His legacy will continue through his field sites and the work of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation. [Extracted from the article]

Energy application potential from the abundant biomass residues is inadequately exploited. Over-dependence on forest trees, its negative environmental impacts, and ever-rising energy costs require alternative production technologies including briquetting. The physico-mechanical and combustion properties of binderless and bindered Alstonia boonei sawdust and Theobroma cacao (cocoa) pod briquettes, carbonized in a steel kiln (at 410±5°C, and a heating rate of 4°C/min from the ambient temperature of 25°C), piston-pressed at 9.0 MPa, were studied. The binders were starch, wax, and clay. Starch-bindered T. cacao pod briquettes recorded the maximum bulk density (640 kg/cm3), while basic density was greatest for sawdust/clay briquette (433 kg/cm3). Sawdust/wax briquette produced much Water Resistance Capacity (76.76%) with safer carbon monoxide (CO) emissions (0.67 ppm). A. boonei sawdust/starch briquettes recorded the greatest calorific value (24.023 MJ/kg), least specific fuel consumption (0.0483 kg/l), and slowest burning rate (0.0005 kg/min). All but T. cacao pod/starch and Sawdust/starch emitted CO below the safe air quality Standard of ≤ 6ppm (24h mean). Binderless sawdust, sawdust/starch and T. cacao pod/starch briquettes recorded 47.86, 20.95 and 11.40 μg/m3 particulate matter (PM2.5) respectively, which are below WHO Air Quality Standard safe for domestic uses. Binderless T. cacao pod produced more harmful CO and PM2.5 than its non-bindered A. boonei sawdust counterpart. Clay-bindered briquettes were the most durable. Briquetting, 'a waste-to-energy technology', enhances bio-residue management for domestic and industrial spaces in the global energy mix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sources of resistance are an important control measure for witches' broom disease in cacao. Their identification through quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genetic diversity analysis would assist breeding programs to develop new cultivars with improved resistance traits. We conducted a systematic review that compiles the main advances in the search for resistance to witches' broom disease. The systematic review on Scopus, Springer Link, PubMed, SciELO, and Web of Science databases followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines using the State of the Art through Systematic Review (StArt) software. We identified genotypes exhibiting the most significant resistance in phenotypic analysis, along with combinations of crosses that are promising for future studies and cultivar development. Data on genetic diversity indicate a wide possibility of benefits from heterozygosis. Genetic mapping and association studies revealed eight QTLs associated with resistance and several candidate genes with known and unknown biological functions. More comprehensive research of the various sources of resistance to witches' broom disease is crucial for the advance of cacao breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theobroma cacao L. beans have long been used for food and medicinal purposes. However, up to 52%–76% of Theobroma cacao L. fruit comprises its husk, which are regarded as waste and oftentimes thrown away. In fact, cocoa pod husks actually possess a high antioxidant capacity. Antioxidants can be used to fight free radicals that are produced by environmental pollution. In order to simulate the effects of pollution, H2O2 and cigarette smoke extract models were used respectively. However, the antioxidant properties are limited on the skin due to poor penetration. Hence, in order to increase the topical penetration, cocoa pod husk extract (CPHE) was also formulated into niosomes thereafter. CPHE was characterised using total phenolic content, total flavonoid content and three antioxidant assays. After that, cytotoxicity and cytoprotective assay were conducted on HaCaT cells, which represent the skin epidermis. CPHE was then formulated into niosomes subjected to stability and penetration studies for three months. CPHE was shown to contain 164.26 ± 1.067 mg GAE/g extract in total phenolic content and 10.72 ± 0.32 mg QCE/g extract in total flavonoid content. In addition, our results showed that CPHE possesses similar antioxidant capacity through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, around eight-fold less through ABTS assay and approximately twelve-fold less through Ferric reducing power (FRAP) assay. The extract also showed comparable cytoprotective properties to that of standard (ascorbic acid). The niosome formulation was also able to increase the penetration compared to unencapsulated extract, as well as possess a good stability profile. This showed that CPHE, in fact, could be repurposed for other uses other than being thrown away as waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The southern region of the department of Córdoba, Colombia, in the last ten years has shown growth in the cultivation of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) as an alternative to replace illicit crops and improve the quality of life of the families that They have gone through armed conflict. The production system has shown potential given its yields that exceed the national average; However, there is no evidence of the presence of a study that investigates the efficiency in the allocation or investment of resources. The objective of the work was to determine the technical efficiency of this crop with information obtained from a structured survey applied to 158 cocoa farmers in the municipalities of Puerto Libertador, Montelíbano, Tierralta and Valencia. The information obtained contained technical and socioeconomic variables that allowed calculating the current state of the technical efficiency of cocoa cultivation for this region of the country. The technique used was the stochastic frontier through the estimation of parameters by the least squares method to a Cobb Douglas type production function. Although the yields are not low, the results show that the farmer has a technical efficiency of 39%, attributed to underutilization of resources resulting in a production gap. It is concluded that this inefficiency is also associated with social factors such as the advanced age of farmers and low levels of schooling, mainly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoa cultivation is one of the sectors that most contributes to Ecuador's GDP. The aim of this study is to determine the Land-Use Conflict (UC) for cocoa in 71 cities on the coast of Ecuador. Photointerpretation has been applied to locate the crop and geospatial modeling has been used to analyze Land Use Capacity (LUC) criteria, agroecological requirements and LUC at 1:5,000. Of the total study surface area, 4.65% is occupied by cocoa crops and of this value 66.03% is in adequate use (AU) and 33.97% in LUC, and the category of UC over lightly used is the most frequent with 17.25% of the total surface in LUC. In the coastal region, the province of Guayas has the lowest LUC in contrast to Los Rios; the predominant LUC for the crop is Class III 34.32%. The findings show that the LUC of cocoa has a low concordance with the national Agroecological Zoning (AZ), since this model considers the crop in natural conditions, the main limiting factor is the vegetative wet period and does not take into account whether the crop is present in the territory. The use of national AZ information to establish crops could limit their production, since it has been demonstrated that there are cultivated areas that are not in conflict and that are exploited by farmers. This study is replicable to other crops and scalable to any area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Diet, including foods and beverages, affects migraine. Conversely, the influence of migraine therapies on dietary habits is largely unknown. This study aimed at investigating the effects of triptan intake on foods and drinks consumed by adults with migraine with and/or without aura. Methods: An exploratory questionnaire‐based survey took place online between November 2022 and June 2023. Participants were recruited through advertisements shared on social media accounts (e.g., Facebook and Instagram) and seasonal newsletters of three Danish patient associations. In addition, posters and flyers in headache and pain centers at Danish hospitals and private neurological, pain, and physiotherapeutic clinics were utilized. Results: A total of 314 adults with migraine with and/or without aura completed the survey. Among the respondents, 236 individuals (75.2%) regularly used triptans to treat their migraines. Compared with non‐triptan users, individuals using triptans were characterized by significantly more foods and/or drinks triggering migraine (74.2% vs. 56.4%, p = 0.005). Alcoholic beverages and most specifically red wine were overreported as migraine triggers by triptan users (48.3% vs. 21.8%, p < 0.001). In the week preceding the survey, red wine was significantly less consumed by triptan users than non‐triptan users (92.4% vs. 76.9%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients who regularly consume triptans report red wine most frequently as a migraine trigger. Triptan users are characterized by a lower consumption of red wine than non‐triptan users, suggesting that a regular triptan intake may promote an increased sensitivity to red wine‐induced migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dieback disease is one of the constraints to cocoa production in Indonesia. A newly identified dieback symptom has been observed in cocoa farms in East Luwu since 2015 and later observed in Luwu, Pinrang, Enrekang and Soppeng Regency, South Sulawesi. The potential causal agent identity was determined using morphological characteristics, DNA sequences, and phylogenetic analyses. A total of four fungal isolates out of seven isolates that were recovered from diseased stems morphologically resembled Lasiodiplodia species. ITS and EF1α sequencing confirmed that three of the Lasiodiplodia isolates were Lasiodiplodia theobromae, and one isolate was Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae. The aggresiveness of all fungal isolates and control was further determined by a leaf disk assay. Experiments showed that L. theobromae isolate CAS0321 was the most aggressive isolate in a leaf disk assay, while other Lasiodiplodia isolates, Fusarium isolates and Diaporthe isolate, were less aggressive. L. theobromae isolate CAS0321 was further used for a pathogenicity test on cocoa seedlings. Two months after inoculation, L. theobromae isolate CAS0321 caused elongated streaks on seedling stems with dark brown to black streaking of vascular tissues similar to that observed in natural infections. This is the first report of a virulent isolate of L. theobromae associated with cocoa dieback in Sulawesi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cacao is a tropical tree species, is highly sensitive to soil water limitations, and its production is strongly affected by global climatic fluctuations. The study of variability in cacao germplasms offers insights into identifying morphological traits associated with drought tolerance. Assessing the genetic parameters of these traits is essential to optimize selection strategies in breeding programs. This study estimated genetic parameters for eighteen cacao progenies and seven parental clones in the field and in greenhouse conditions. The family heritability (h2fam) and individual heritability (h2ind) of pod production during the dry season were calculated as h2fam = 0.30 and h2ind = 0.27. Regarding relative water content (RWC), the highest h2fam value was observed after 180 min of dehydration (0.26). High genetic values were observed for the parental clones CEPEC-2002 and SJ-02, as well as their progenies, in terms of production and RWC in the field. The survival and RWC of greenhouse seedlings were correlated with the evaluations carried out in adult plants in the field (a maximum r of 0.49*** between RWC in the field and survival in the greenhouse and a maximum r of 0.66*** between RWC in both conditions). These findings provide valuable insights to enhance breeding strategies to improve cacao drought tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Caffeine is a natural substance found in coffee (Coffea spp.), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), cola (Cola nitida), guaraná (Paullinia cupana), maté (Ilex paraguariensis), and tea plant (Camellia sinensis). These plant species are widely used to produce different drinks and foods, generating a large volume of by-products that may be used for animal feed. This article is part of a broad study that aims to evaluate the safety of using by-products containing caffeine to feed laying hens. In this study, we show that the eggs of laying hens fed caffeine contain this compound together with its primary metabolites: theophylline, theobromine, and paraxanthine. It is essential to highlight that the levels of these compounds found in eggs do not appear to pose any health risk to consumers. This study aimed to determine whether the eggs of laying hens fed caffeine contain this compound and its primary metabolites (theophylline, theobromine, and paraxanthine). Laying hens were distributed into four experimental groups fed rations containing 0 (control), 150, 300, or 450 μg/g of caffeine. For residual analysis, six eggs per group were collected after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The concentrations of caffeine, theophylline, theobromine, and paraxanthine were determined in the white and yolk of each egg by a high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA) method. All four compounds were detected in the white and yolk of eggs produced by hens fed caffeine, but their levels in the egg white were approximately twice those in the yolk. The major metabolite found in eggs was theophylline (57.5% of caffeine metabolites in the egg white and 58.5% in the yolk), followed by theobromine (39.9% in the egg white and 41.5% in the yolk), and paraxanthine (2.64% in the egg white and non-detected in the yolk). In summary, caffeine and its metabolites, theophylline, theobromine, and paraxanthine, are transferred to the chicken eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reinforcement is considered an essential component of many behavioral interventions. However, caregivers may criticize the use of edible reinforcers, particularly those viewed as unhealthy. Still, as evidenced by current attitudes toward the profession, addressing the concerns and criticisms of behavior analytic consumers is paramount. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which edible reinforcers are used within published behavior analytic research. To this end, we analyzed research published in six major behavior analytic journals across 3 years. Results indicate that edible reinforcement was utilized in less than one third of the studies using reinforcement often in combination with other nonedible reinforcers. However, it is important to consider potential negative externalities with the use of edible reinforcement and the need for future research on the use of edible reinforcers in clinical practice and research contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavors contribute to the appeal of tobacco products, but less is known about flavors in cigar products. The current study is the first to focus on characterizing the use and perceptions of flavors in cigar products among pregnant women. Pregnant women (N = 124) reported their use, preferences (liking, attractiveness, smoothness, interest), perceptions of harm (general, pregnancy-specific, fetal), and postpartum intention to use eight flavor categories (menthol/mint, spices, fruit, chocolate, alcohol, other beverages, candy/sweet, tobacco). We utilized correspondence analysis of contingency tables to investigate clustering of preferences and perceptions of flavors across the sample, and examined how preferences and perceptions of flavors may differ based on history of cigar use (none vs. lifetime vs. prenatal). Overall, 37% reported never trying cigars, 51% reported lifetime use, and 12% reported prenatal use. Fruit (37%), tobacco (36%), and alcohol (14%) were the most common cigar flavors participants reported ever trying. Correspondence analysis revealed clustering in preferences for alcohol, fruit, and candy flavors compared to other flavors, and revealed lower intentions to use menthol/mint and tobacco flavors compared to other flavors. Participants who reported prenatal cigar use also reported more positive perceptions and greater intentions to use (1) spice and alcohol flavors compared to those who reported lifetime use (ps <.05); and (2) spice, alcohol, fruit, and tobacco cigar flavors compared to participants reporting never using cigars (ps <.04). Regulations to restrict the availability of flavors, especially fruit, spice, and alcohol, may reduce the appeal and use of cigar products in pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theobroma cacao beans are cultivated in Fiji by smallholder farms in low volumes, mainly for export. Cocoa beans are often processed under ambient conditions by farmers and cocoa processors. Postharvest processing includes natural fermentation from six to ten days in wooden boxes, followed by sun – drying in the open for up to 14 days. The impact of fermentation conditions on key quality parameters of Fijian cocoa beans, such as temperature profile, pH, and total extractable polyphenol content (TPC) are presented in this study. The quality of fermentation was assessed using a standard method, such as a cut test followed by fermentation index (FI) measurement. A temperature increase to 40°C and variations in the pH of the bean mass were evident during natural fermentation. TPC in the cocoa beans was sensitive to temperature and pH. Fermentation was variable due to weather conditions between harvest seasons. The dry season had the best conditions for fermentation as the peak temperature of the bean mass was 40°C and the FI was high (1.39 ± 0.04) There is a need to improve fermentation during the rainy season. This can be achieved by providing training to Fijian cocoa farmers on using better fermentation techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pacific countries of Fiji, Samoa, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu account for less than 2% of the world's cacao dry bean production. To capitalise on the rapidly expanding origin craft cocoa market, understanding the genetic attributes of Theobroma cacao in the Pacific is essential. A six-year ACIAR-funded project collected 1647 dried leaf samples from research stations and smallholder farms to identify the population ancestry of T. cacao in the partner countries. Using SNP marker profiling, the study identified germplasm high in Amelonado, which represents the majority of material throughout the Pacific. However, the study also identified samples high in the remaining nine genetic groups, including Criollo, Nanay, IMC (Iquitos), Guiana, Parinari (Marañón), Nacional, Ucayali (Contamana), LCT EEN (Curaray), and Purus, which were distributed throughout the Pacific. The results, if utilised in local selection trials, could reposition growers in the Pacific countries, allowing them to supply the growing origin craft cocoa market, with genetically unique beans. Cocoa genetics was one aspect of a project incorporating production and postharvest research to refocus the commodity based cocoa industry to a supplier of high-quality beans of unique Pacific cocoa origin to the rapidly expanding craft 'bean to bar' cocoa industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Theobroma cacao, the cocoa tree, is a tropical crop grown for its highly valuable cocoa solids and fat which are the basis of a 200-billion-dollar annual chocolate industry. However, the long generation time and difficulties associated with breeding a tropical tree crop have limited the progress of breeders to develop high-yielding disease-resistant varieties. Development of marker-assisted breeding methods for cacao requires discovery of genomic regions and specific alleles of genes encoding important traits of interest. To accelerate gene discovery, we developed a gene atlas composed of a large dataset of replicated transcriptomes with the long-term goal of progressing breeding towards developing high-yielding elite varieties of cacao. Results: We describe the creation of the Cacao Transcriptome Atlas, its global characterization and define sets of genes co-regulated in highly organ- and temporally-specific manners. RNAs were extracted and transcriptomes sequenced from 123 different tissues and stages of development representing major organs and developmental stages of the cacao lifecycle. In addition, several experimental treatments and time courses were performed to measure gene expression in tissues responding to biotic and abiotic stressors. Samples were collected in replicates (3–5) to enable statistical analysis of gene expression levels for a total of 390 transcriptomes. To promote wide use of these data, all raw sequencing data, expression read mapping matrices, scripts, and other information used to create the resource are freely available online. We verified our atlas by analyzing the expression of genes with known functions and expression patterns in Arabidopsis (ACT7, LEA19, AGL16, TIP13, LHY, MYB2) and found their expression profiles to be generally similar between both species. We also successfully identified tissue-specific genes at two thresholds in many tissue types represented and a set of genes highly conserved across all tissues. Conclusion: The Cacao Gene Atlas consists of a gene expression browser with graphical user interface and open access to raw sequencing data files as well as the unnormalized and CPM normalized read count data mapped to several cacao genomes. The gene atlas is a publicly available resource to allow rapid mining of cacao gene expression profiles. We hope this resource will be used to help accelerate the discovery of important genes for key cacao traits such as disease resistance and contribute to the breeding of elite varieties to help farmers increase yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Wound healing of tooth extraction is associated with fibroblasts that are produced during the proliferation phase. The use of herbal extracts is currently being investigated by researchers, as it allows avoiding the side effects of synthetic drugs. Cocoa pod husk extract is one of the alternative herbal ingredients that contains active compounds which have antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to analyze the effects of the cocoa pod husk extract (Theobroma cacao L.) on wound gap closure and collagen density on tooth extraction socket in rats. Materials and methods: Twenty-four Wistar rats with first molar removed in the left mandibular region divided into three groups: negative control group (CMC-Na gel), positive control group (Alvolgyl), and treatment group (100 mg/ ml cocoa pod husk extract gel). Samples were sacrificed on days 7 and 14 after teeth extraction and gel application. The wound gap closure and collagen density was analized using Masson's Trichrome staining, and determined by image raster software and Adobe Photoshop CS 6.0 software. Data was analyzed using One Way ANOVA and post hoc LSD. Results: The treatment group administered with cocoa pod husk 100 mg/ml extract gel showed a higher average value compared to control groups. There were significant differences in wound gap closure (p<0.05), but the increasing collagen density was not significantly different on 14th day (p>0.05). Conclusion: Cocoa pod husk extract (Theobroma cacao L.) potential increasing wound gap closure and collagen density on rat molar tooth extraction socket. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amphitricia flachi (Brenske, 1892) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae: Rhizotrogini) is an emerging insect pest of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in the Philippines. The larva of this pest feeds on the roots of cacao, and the adult emerges from the root, as evidenced by an exit hole near the base of the tree, thereby causing significant damage and eventually death to the tree. The pest was monitored from different cacao plantations in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija; Bani, Pangasinan; Sariaya, Quezon; and Tuy, Batangas. The feeding damage of the beetle is characterized, and some integrated pest management considerations were reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shade trees in agroforestry systems confer ecosystem services, such as enhanced soil fertility from diverse litter inputs, microclimate regulation via shade, and disease mitigation through trophic and abiotic interactions. With this thriving role of agroforestry in sustainable agriculture, particularly for tree crops, systematic and reliable methods to select shade trees for specific agroecosystem outcomes are crucial.Plant functional traits offer a framework to describe, select and manage shade trees. Over the last decade, shade tree leaf functional traits and whole plant traits have been assessed in agroforestry systems. Yet, we lack amalgamated information on (i) what we know about shade tree trait relationships with functions to achieve desired agroecosystem outcomes, (ii) how decades of shade tree selection by farmers impacts agroforests inter‐ and intraspecific trait diversity, and (iii) which shade tree traits should be considered for achieving farmer priorities.We consolidate literature on Coffea arabica (coffee) and Theobroma cacao (cocoa) agroforestry systems to summarize the role of shade tree functional traits in three key ecosystem functions: soil fertility, microclimate modification and crop productivity. We compile global and regional datasets on tree functional trait diversity to show the functional space of agroforestry tree species compared with the overall functional space observed in plants.Despite, or maybe because of, high shade tree diversity, shade tree trait characterization remains coarse and commonly measured at the community scale in the literature. Based on published trait data, we show that farmers adjust the functional composition of shade trees to increase the recycling of soil nutrients (high leaf nitrogen), the production of wood (skewing towards lower wood densities) and the production of fruits (tendency towards high seed size). Common shade trees in coffee and cocoa systems fall in the mid‐range of leaf acquisitive to conservative strategies, providing evidence that expanding shade tree portfolios can improve, or even accelerate, functions.Synthesis and applications: Based on the agroforestry literature and on trait‐environment relationships, we propose a matrix of shade tree traits that influence desirable agroecosystem outcomes for farmers, which can guide fine‐scale coordination of trait expression and agroforestry functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of clones with promising growth and yield characteristics remains imperative for cocoa improvement in Ghana. This study assessed the relationship between selected trees from seed origin and their derived clones as a strategy to identify superior cocoa clones. Two experiments consisting of 40 progeny families, and 160 derived clones (plus 20 parents) respectively, were conducted at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, New Tafo-Akim, from 2008 to 2022 to assess the genetic association between the two populations. Agronomic traits measured included stem diameter (vigour) at the juvenile and reproductive phases of growth, as well as bean yield and its components. Significant genetic variation was estimated among the ortets and their ramets for all measured traits. Relatively wide variation and superior performance were observed among the ramets compared with the ortets for all measured traits suggesting the achievement of substantial genetic improvement in the ramets to warrant selection progress. Additionally, the results revealed significant regression co-efficients and correlation patterns, along with high realized heritability values between the ortets and their ramets for bean yield and pod value indicating that high yielding clones with desirable pod values could be identified by relying on the genetic relationship between the progeny families and their derived clones. The high yielding ramets, CRG 0148/418, CRG 0121/106, CRG 0149/210, and CRG 0150/114 identified are therefore, invaluable for utilization in cocoa enhancement programmes across the globe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theobroma cacao L. is a plant that is reported to have strong antioxidant potential. A study was carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of dichloromethane extract of cocoa pod husk using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The cocoa pod husk was macerated using n-hexane, ammonia-dichloromethane, and methanol. The TCD extract of cocoa pod husk showed the lowest IC50 value of 14.59 ± 0.54 ppm based on the DPPH inhibition assay. The dichloromethane extract was isolated by gravity column chromatography with Silica gel G60 as the stationary phase and n-hexane: ethyl acetate as the mobile phase (gradient elution system). Fractions with identical staining patterns were combined into six fractions (TCD 1-TCD 6). The TCD 6 showed the lowest IC50 value of 127.05 ± 0.54 ppm according to the DPPH inhibition assay. Based on the TLC results, TCD 4 was further isolated and four fractions (TCD 4.1 to TCD 4.4) were obtained. The TCD 4.4 had the lowest IC50 value (38.66 ± 0.96 ppm). The TCD extract showed the presence of the dominant compound, γ-sitosterol, as determined by GC-MS analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the case of a patient with antecedent of tree nuts allergy who developed an anaphylactic reaction after ingesting a piece chocolate. An allergy study detected sensitization to cocoa in skin tests as well as cross‐reactivity with tree nuts in the SDS‐PAGE immunoblotting‐inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the stability of cacao clone production by analyzing the dynamics of pod production over time. It investigates correlations in multi-year production levels and explores how genetics influence both intra-annual and inter-annual temporal production dynamics of total and healthy pods. To address these questions, data were analysed from a clonal cacao trial conducted over a period of 18 years in Costa Rica. Longitudinal data analysis provided a clearer understanding of the link between yields over successive years. The best-fit model proved to be the ante-dependence model. This model indicated that the correlation between two successive years was relatively stable, and the correlation between years decreased as the interval between years increased. These correlations are also higher as the age of the trees increases. The clones differ more in terms of their production of healthy pods than total pod production. Four dynamic patterns, considering both intra- and inter-annual production, were identified, revealing differences in production timing and distinct peaks for each class. Inter-annual variability analysis revealed differences in healthy pod production among classes, with some displaying more sustainable production dynamics over 18 years. Intra-annual variability analysis showed significant variation in production periods among clones, with different production distributions throughout the year allowing selection of escape and or resistant clones. The study emphasized the importance of genetics in sustainable cacao production, with potential implications for clonal selection. It was suggested to combine clones of different classes to mitigate risks and spread harvests, emphasizing that resilience is a crucial criterion in cacao breeding programs to effectively meet new challenges. Further research is recommended to explore the influence of various environmental factors and facilitate more efficient selection in perennial crops, with the aim of selecting more resilient clones, a particularly important objective in the context of climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research study compares two methods of cellulose extraction from Theobroma cacao L. (CMT) clone Federación Arauquita 5 (FEAR 5) husks. Method 1 (Lubis) is an alkaline treatment with heating that uses sodium hydroxide and whitening with sodium hypochlorite. In the second method, a soxhlet extraction is conducted for a period of six hours, followed by an alkaline-acidic treatment. Physicochemical and thermographic analyzes are conducted to identify characteristics specific to the extraction method. The results show that the highest mass cellulose yield is obtained by the modified Lubis method 1 with 27.09%. It is concluded that the cellulose obtained can be produced and used to develop biotechnological products, contributing to the circular economy and the sustainable development of cocoa in the Department of Risaralda, Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) plant genotyping is mandatory for the conservation and use of the species genetic resources. A set of 15 international standard SSR markers was assumed as universal cacao genotyping system. Recently, different SNPs and SNP genotyping techniques have been exploited in cacao. However, a consensus on which to use has not been reached yet, driving the search for new approaches. To validate a new ddRADseq protocol for cacao genotyping, we compared the performances for population analysis of a dataset with 7,880 SNPs obtained from ddRADseq and the genotypic data from the aforementioned SSR set, using 158 cacao plants from productive farms and gene bank. Four genetic groups were identified with STRUCTURE and ADMIXTURE softwares using SSR and SNP data, respectively. Similarities of cacao ancestries among these groups allowed the identification of analogous pairs of groups of individuals, referred to as: G1SSR/G1SNP, G2SSR/G2SNP, G3SSR/G3SNP, G4SSR/G4SNP, whether SSRs or SNPs were used. Both marker systems identified Amelonado and Criollo as the most abundant cacao ancestries among all samples. Genetic distance matrices from both data types were significantly similar to each other according to Mantel test (p < 0.0001). PCoA and UPGMA clustering mostly confirmed the identified genetic groups. AMOVA and FST pairwise comparison revealed a moderate to very large genetic differentiation among identified groups from SSR and SNP data. Genetic diversity parameters from SSR (Hobs = 0.616, Hexp = 0.524 and PIC = 0.544) were higher than that from SNP data (0.288, 0.264, 0.230). In both cases, genetic groups carrying the highest Amelonado proportion (G1SSR and G1SNP) had the lowest genetic diversity parameters among the identified groups. The high congruence among population analysis results using both systems validated the ddRADseq protocol employed for cacao SNP genotyping. These results could provide new ways for developing a universal SNP-based genotyping system very much needed for cacao genetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foodways and cooking are intimately linked to daily life and to the identity of societies. In this article, we explore the culinary practices of a middle-status household of the Pre-Columbian Maya site of Sihó, Yucatán. We applied spot test chemical analyses on pottery fragments and analyzed starch grains from pottery and obsidian prismatic blades recovered from a kitchen context within domestic group 5D72. The main results are the identification of starch granules of cacao (Theobroma cacao), sweet potato (Ipomea batatas), chili (Capsicum sp.) and corn (Zea mays) in jars, bowls, and vessels, some of them with damage from culinary processes such as grinding and cooking. Based on above, we looked at the evidence to propose the possibility of certain prepared, served, and consumed dishes at this domestic group, to analyze the household's access to food goods and to compare it with the same topics in elite houses such as the Central Group, seat of the ruler elite, and Group 5D16, which housed secondary elite. In this way, we discussed some identity aspects of Group 5D72 and its relations to other households of Sihó. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cacao swollen shoot disease (CSSD) caused by a complex of badnavirus species presents a major challenge for cacao production in West Africa, especially Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. In this study, CSSD species detection efficiency, diversity, and geographic distribution patterns in cacao plantations in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire were investigated through field surveillance, PCR detection assays, sequencing of positive amplicons, and phylogeographic clustering. Cumulatively, the detection efficiency of the tested CSSD primer sets that were targeting the movement protein domain of the virus ranged from 0.15% (CSSD-3 primer) to 66.91% (CSSD-1 primer) on all the symptomatic cacao leaf samples assessed. The identified CSSD species differed phylogenetically and overlapped in distribution, with the cacao swollen shoot Togo B virus (CSSTBV) (n = 588 sequences) being the most prevalent and widely distributed compared to the other CSSD species that were encountered in both countries. Geographically, the cacao swollen shoot CE virus (CSSCEV) species (n = 124 sequences) that was identified was largely restricted to the bordering regions of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. These results provide updated knowledge of the geographic distribution of the key CSSD species and their diagnostic efficiency and, thus, provide guidance in identifying locations for structured testing of cacao germplasm and optimal diagnostics for the predominant CSSD species in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi-parental hybrids (BPHs) are recommended cocoa planting materials in Ghana and other West African countries. However, the inability to produce enough BPHs to meet farmers' demand makes it almost impossible to avoid open-pollinated families (OPF) in the supply chain. To study the effects of OPF on cocoa production, parentage analysis, vigor, and precocity of seven BPHs generated from a 4 × 2 North Carolina II (NC II) incomplete mating design were compared with eight OPFs. The 15 cocoa progenies together with two checks of Guiana (GU) origin were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications across five contrasting locations for stem diameter increment (SDI) and number of pods per tree (NP). Parentage analyses at 75 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci of leave samples from the 17 progenies revealed that the BPHs were of the appropriate female and male parents, while the OPF had varying number of male parents. The pollination effect (bi-parental vs open-pollinated progenies) was not significantly different for both traits, but the BPH was relatively better and surpassed on average the OPF by 3.5% for SDI and 7.8% for NP. Crosses involving GU 144/ C, T63/967, and T65/238 as females in both the OPF and BPH showed predominantly higher performance than those with PA 7 and T79/501 for both traits. Among the promising female parents, GU 144/C is the only one that is not in the seed gardens and could be added to parental clones currently used in producing cocoa varieties in the seed garden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of the genus Neotropiconyttus Kirkaldy, 1909 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae: Harpactorini) is described and illustrated. Neotropiconyttus armandoi Gamboa & Gil-Santana, sp. nov. represents the first record of the genus for the Province of Napo in Colombia, and the first description of a male individual in the genus. The male specimen representing the new species was collected on a leaf of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.-Malvaceae). Its remarkable similarity in external coloration and structure with that of the true bug Monalonion dissimulatum Distant, 1883 (Hemiptera: Miridae) inhabiting cacao agroforestry systems suggests that the new species could be part of a mimetic complex that incorporates phytophagous and predator bugs. Comments and figures of type specimens of Neotropiconyttus alboannulatus (Stål, 1855) and Neotropiconyttus dama (Burmeister, 1838), and a key to the species of the genus are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Marketing of unhealthy foods to children on digital media significantly impacts their dietary preferences and contributes to diet-related noncommunicable diseases. Canadian children spend a significant amount of time on digital devices and are frequently exposed to unhealthy food marketing on social media, including by influencers with celebrity status who endorse products. This study aimed to examine the frequency, healthfulness, and power of unhealthy food marketing in posts by influencers popular with Canadian children on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Methods: The top 9 influencers popular amongst Canadian children aged 10–12 years were identified from the 2021 International Food Policy Study Youth Survey. A total of 2,232 Instagram, YouTube and TikTok posts made by these influencers between June 1st 2021 and May 31st 2022 were examined for instances of food marketing. Food products/brands were identified and frequencies were calculated for the number of posts promoting food products/brands, posts promoting products/brands classified as less healthy according to Health Canada's Nutrient Profile Model (2018) and marketing techniques utilized. Results: YouTube had the highest average rate of food marketing instances per post, at a rate of 1 food marketing instance every 0.7 posts, while TikTok and Instagram had instances every 10.2 posts and 19.3 posts, respectively. Overall, fast food restaurants was the most promoted food category (21%), followed by regular soft drinks (13%), snacks (11%), candy and chocolate (11%) and water (8%). The most frequently used marketing techniques were appeals to fun/cool (37%), the use of songs or music (28%) and the product being consumed (25%). In terms of healthfulness, 83% of the products/brands (87% of brands and 82% of products) promoted were classified as less healthy. Conclusions: Social media influencers play a substantial role in promoting unhealthy food products to children, primarily fast food items. Given the significant impact of such marketing on children, there is a need for ongoing government-led monitoring, and it is crucial to include social media and influencer marketing in marketing restrictions targeting children in Canada to safeguard this vulnerable demographic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to isolate Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains from Amazonian fruits for potential utilization in beer production. Yeast strains were derived from the spontaneous fermentation of Arazá (Eugenia stipitata MacVaught), cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.), and cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum Wild. Ex Spreng. Schum) fruits. Identification of the isolated strains was achieved through biochemical assays and ITS rDNA (Internal Transcribed Spacer ribosomal DNA), sequencing, with emphasis on determining their affiliation to S. cerevisiae and assessing phylogenetic ties. Out of the 76 colonies isolated from the fruit fermentations, seven were distinctly identified as S. cerevisiae. Phylogenetic assessments unveiled significant parallels between regional isolates and commercial strains. Notably, beer brewed with the S. cerevisiae AR 03 isolate exhibits physical-chemical attributes characteristics similar to those found in American ale commercial beers. These findings underscore the untapped potential of leveraging Amazonian yeasts in brewing, a step forward for the region's burgeoning bioeconomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilization of cacao seedlings is not yet a widely accepted practice in the Philippines and research studies are needed to define sources, rates and timing of application. The use of fertilizer as an agricultural technique for supplying the nutrients necessary for the development of cacao seedling in the nursery is an option. The objective of this study was to determine how different doses of the fertilizer can affect the growth of cacao seedlings in terms of days of emergence, plant height, stem girth, and number of leaves. The study was conducted at Buhangin Baler in Aurora province, the Philippines from June 2022 to December 2022. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with three treatments and four replications. The treatments were: T1 – Control (No inorganic fertilizer); T2 – Recommended Rate of Inorganic Fertilizer (RRIF) based on soil analysis result; and T3 – Double the Recommended Rate of Inorganic Fertilizer based on soil analysis result. The variant T2 or Recommended Rate of Inorganic Fertilizer applied had the best response out of the three treatments in terms of plant height, and stem girth and has a high percentage of survival after grafting and fertilization. The results showed that the grafted seedlings (BR 25 cacao variety as rootstock and Criollo cacao variety as scion) responded well in terms of plant height, and stem girth and has a high number of survival rate (60-65%) after grafting and application of 25% and 50% fertilizer. In terms of number of leaves, the grafted BR 25 cacao variety as rootstock and Criollo cacao variety as scion and grafted BR 25 cacao variety as rootstock and UF 18 cacao variety as scion were best performing at both single (T2) and double (T3) rate of fertilizers applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of the present study was to follow the dynamics of potential antihypertensive (angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE)) and antidiabetogenic (dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV)) inhibitory activities during artisanal fermentation of Mexican cocoa beans. Almendra Blanca, Criollo and Forastero cocoa beans were sampled after 0, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h of fermentation and roasting (140 °C) and subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Subsequently, proteolytic activity (OPA method), peptide abundance (RP–HPLC), ACE and DPP‐IV inhibitory activities and IC50 were determined. The results showed that proteolytic activity, peptide abundance and ACE and DPP‐IV inhibition were higher (P < 0.05) at the final stages of fermentation (96 and 120 h). However, IC50 values in partially fermented (48 to 96 h) cocoa beans were the lowest (P < 0.05) of all. In conclusion, a partially fermented cocoa bean may be desirable for its use as a functional ingredient with potential antihypertensive and antidiabetogenic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) is noted to have a low tolerance to drought and is, therefore, not resilient to prolonged dry periods. The study sought to evaluate the morpho-anatomical and physiological responses of two clonal seedlings of cacao BR25 and K9 under drought stress and to explore the potential alleviating effects of salicylic acid (SA) at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mM on the early vegetative stage. Eleven-month-old BR25 and K9 cacao were pre-treated with foliar application of 0.5 and 1.0-mM SA for 2 wk before the onset of drought conditions. Well-watered and drought seedlings with no pre-treatments served as the control. Water was withheld for 20 d, after which rewatering resumed for 3 mo. Results revealed that after 20 d of drought, both clonal varieties experienced a significant decline in relative water content (RWC) and increased ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase activity. Changes in stem diameter were observed after a rewatering period of 3 mo. K9 exhibited a noticeable reduction in root and shoot dry weight and stomatal aperture after 20 d of drought, whereas BR25 showed a decrease in total chlorophyll content and chlorophylls a and b. Furthermore, the results of the study suggest that 0.5-mM SA has the potential to mitigate the drastic effects during drought in BR25 and K9 cacao by improving RWC, stomatal length, and width. On the other hand, 1.0-mM SA has the potential to alleviate the effects of drought experienced earlier on by improving root dry weight and APX activities of the seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actual observations and documentation of cacao pests feeding on the pods in the field are very few. The cacao mirid bug, Helopeltis bakeri Poppius, was laboratory-reared and released [21 pairs = Tree 1; 17 pairs = Tree 2; 21 pairs = Tree 3] in three randomly chosen cacao trees under controlled settings from October 2019-March 2020 with the aim of observing and documenting cacao pests feeding on the pods in the field to have insights into the proper pest action threshold. A coefficient score of 4.93 on a 0-5 rating scale described "heavy damage" as > 50% of feeding lesion marks on 28 out of 30 pods (93%) were visible. The first feeding lesions were observed in an average of 37 days but came as early as 10 d upon release of H. bakeri. Within this time of observing the initial feeding lesions, there would only be 39 d before the whole pod is scorched due to black pod disease. The study shows the harmfulness of this cacao pest and highlights the need for integrated pest management to reduce the reliance on chemical control, which has been the default strategy for too long. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Theobroma cacao L. seeds, commonly known as cocoa beans, are the foundation for cocoa and chocolate production. Following harvest, these beans undergo a multi-step processing chain including fermentation, drying, roasting, and grinding. This process yields cocoa solids, cocoa butter, and cocoa powder—all fundamental ingredients in the food and beverage industry. Beyond its sensory appeal (flavor, aroma, and texture), cocoa has garnered significant interest for its potential health benefits attributed to a rich profile of bioactive compounds. Cocoa is a well-documented source of polyphenolics, specifically flavanols, alongside methylxanthines, phytosterols, and dietary fibers. These constituents have been associated with a diverse range of bioactivities, including antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anti-allergenic properties, potentially contributing to overall health maintenance. Efficient extraction techniques are crucial for maximizing the recovery of these valuable bioactive components from cocoa plant material. Modern methods are continuously being explored to optimize this process. This review focuses on the established health benefits associated with the bioactive compounds present in cocoa. Additionally, it will explore and discuss contemporary approaches for the extraction of these bioactive compounds from this plant source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]