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Peach production in China uses large inputs of mineral fertilizers but lower inputs of organic fertilizers, resulting in decreased peach quality and increased environmental risks. This study investigated the effects of formula fertilizers (combined organic and inorganic fertilizers) on peach yield, quality, and carbon and nitrogen footprints using three peach cultivars in two consecutive years. Two types of formula fertilizers had positive effects on improving the peach yield (5.6–13.6%), single fruit weight (9.0–32.5%), transverse diameter (3.6–13%) and longitudinal diameter (5.4–21.6%). Also, these fertilizers increased soluble solids (7.2–36.6%) and vitamin C (7.1–78%). In addition, the carbon footprint of peach decreased by 37–49%. This study demonstrates the potential of formula fertilizers to achieve balance between peach quality and environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first phytochemical investigation of specialized metabolites from the stem bark of Alyxia fascicularis, which is used in different traditional medicines, including those of Myanmar and China, five lignans (1-5) and three coumarins (6-8) were isolated by semipreparative HPLC separations and identified mainly by 1D and 2D NMR spectral analysis. The radical scavenging activity of isolated compounds was tested using the DPPH method. Noteworthy, most lignans exhibited antiradical effects comparable to vitamin C and gallic acid. Instead, compounds 1-8 showed no cytotoxic effect on Hela cell line. A possible biosynthetic pathway to enantiomeric 3 and 4 is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pakchoi (Brassica campestris ssp. Chinensis) is a leafy vegetable which has been widely cultivated and consumed worldwide due to its low calorific value, a large supply of macro and micronutrients, beneficial phytochemicals and fibers. Amino acids have a vital role in plant nutrition; however, the effect of glycine and nitrate (Gly/NO3-N) on health-promoting phytochemicals, biomass, and antioxidant activities has gained a little attention. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of glycine and nitrate on health-promoting phytochemicals and yield/biomass of pakchoi. Glycine and nitrate were employed in different proportions (control, Gly/NO3-N = 3:1, Gly/NO3-N = 1:1, and Gly/NO3-N = 1:3 in the Venlo greenhouse, Shanghai Jiao Tong university, China. Results showed that compared to control, the treatment with Gly/NO3-N notably increased the secondary metabolites like polyphenols, flavonoids, glutathione (GSH), ascorbic acid (vitamin C), antioxidant potential (FRAP and DPPH value), and biomass in pakchoi plants. The contents of all antioxidants were high under the treatment of Gly/NO3-N（1:1). Interestingly, the contents of flavonoids were significantly enhanced (107.10%) by Gly/NO3-N = 1:1 than control plants. Furthermore, the content of Phe increased by 33.79%-86.32%, and also the activity of catabolic enzymes (CHI, CHS, C4H, and PAL) of the polyphenols pathway was found to be significantly enhanced while the activity of 4CL and DFR was restrained by the treatment of Gly/NO3-N, compared with control plants. In addition, the correlation analysis of polyphenols and flavonoids with Phe, PAL, C4H, CHS, and CHI showed a positive correlation, while a negative correlation was found in the case of 4CL and DFR. Taken together, the current findings suggest that the application of Gly/NO3-N enhanced polyphenols metabolism as well as increased the total polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity. Consequently, this combination of glycine and nitrate could be used to promote beneficial phytochemicals and yield/biomass of pakchoi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ottelia acuminata (O. acuminata) is an edible and medicinal submerged plant endemic to southwestern China, yet there is little information available concerning its nutritional or bio-active composition. This study aimed to evaluate in detail the nutritional profile and phenolic composition of O. acuminata (inflorescence, peduncle, and leaf) and investigate a protective activity in phenolic extracts on DNA damage induced by •OH and ROO• radicals. O. acuminata was excellent sources of protein (17.7–24 g/100 g DW), TPC (11.43–19.00 mg GAE/g DW), ascorbic acid, and minerals (especially potassium, calcium, and iron). Interestingly, the protein contained a high amount of EAA with a ratio (EAA11/TAA) in the range of 47.79–50.93%, BCAA and MSG-like AA. The inflorescences and leaves of O. acuminata contained abundant UFA with a ratio of UFA/TFA more than 50%. Five phenolic compounds, with a predominance of luteolin, luteolin-7-O-glucoside and chlorogenic acid, were identified by HPLC. Phenolic extracts of O. acuminata displayed a significant protective effect on DNA damage, which effect was comparable to that of the positive control (trolox). It was concluded that O. acuminata is an excellent vegetable with a high nutritional value and a great potential as a natural antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in pregnant women was associated with increased risks of both maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of IDA and identify the associated factors of IDA among pregnancy woman in Fuyang, China. The cross-sectional study was carried out in 789 pregnant women using simple random sampling method living in Fuyang, China from August 2017 to May 2018. Overall, the prevalence of IDA was 39.8%. 1-unit increment in maternal age was associated with a 5% increased risk of IDA, and 1-unit increased in BMI was associated with a 6% decreased risk of IDA (all P <.01). When compared with exercise for <30 minutes, 30–60 minutes of daily exercise was associated with a lower risk of IDA (P =.02). Similarly, when compared with a low frequency intake of iron-rich food, intake≥once/week was associated with a lower risk of IDA (P <.0001). However, vitamin C-rich food intake ≥twice/day was associated with a higher risk of IDA (P =.01) and a normal or bad appetite increased the risk of IDA when compared with a good appetite (P <.01). Our findings suggested that high frequency of iron-rich food intake, good appetite, and moderate physical activity were important for the prevention of IDA during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Actinidia chinensis Planch. 'Hongyang' Wu and Li 1993, also known as red-fleshed kiwifruit, has a high vitamin C content and with high economic and nutritional value. Here, we assembled the complete chloroplast genome of A. chinensis Planch. 'Hongyang', which was 156,267 bp in length, contained a large single-copy region (LSC) of 87,866 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 20,335 bp, and two inverted repeat (IR) regions of 24,033 bp. In addition, the chloroplast genome contained 132 genes, including 85 protein-coding, 39 tRNA, and eight rRNA genes. Overall GC content in the genome was 37.2%, with the corresponding values in the LSC, SSC, and IR regions of 35.5%, 31.1%, and 42.9%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that A. chinensis Planch. 'Hongyang' was clustered with that of A. callosa var. strigillosa, A. deliciosa, A. melanandra, A. chinensis and A. setosa in the same branch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]