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Diabetes mellitus, a chronic and non-transmissible disease, triggers a wide range of micro- and macrovascular complications. The differentiation of pancreatic β-like cells (PβLCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) offers a promising avenue for regenerative medicine aimed at treating diabetes. Current differentiation protocols strive to emulate pancreatic embryonic development by utilizing cytokines and small molecules at specific doses to activate and inhibit distinct molecular signaling pathways, directing the differentiation of iPSCs into pancreatic β cells. Despite significant progress and improved protocols, the full spectrum of molecular signaling pathways governing pancreatic development and the physiological characteristics of the differentiated cells are not yet fully understood. Here, we report a specific combination of cofactors and small molecules that successfully differentiate iPSCs into PβLCs. Our protocol has shown to be effective, with the resulting cells exhibiting key functional properties of pancreatic β cells, including the expression of crucial molecular markers (pdx1, nkx6.1, ngn3) and the capability to secrete insulin in response to glucose. Furthermore, the addition of vitamin C and retinoic acid in the final stages of differentiation led to the overexpression of specific β cell genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indoor farming systems enable plant production in precisely controlled environments. However, implementing stable growth conditions and the absence of stress stimulants can weaken plants' defense responses and limit the accumulation of bioactive, health-beneficial phytochemicals. A potential solution is the controlled application of stressors, such as supplemental ultraviolet (UV) light. To this end, we analyzed the efficiency of short-term pre-harvest supplementation of the red–green–blue (RGB, LED) spectrum with ultraviolet B (UV-B) or C (UV-C) light to boost phytochemical synthesis. Additionally, given the biological harm of UV radiation due to high-energy photons, we monitored plants' photosynthetic activity during treatment and their morphology as well as sensory attributes after the treatment. Our analyses showed that UV-B radiation did not negatively impact photosynthetic activity while significantly increasing the overall antioxidant potential of lettuce through enhanced levels of secondary metabolites (total phenolics, flavonoids, anthocyanins), carotenoids, and ascorbic acid. On the contrary, UV-C radiation-induced anthocyanin accumulation in the green leaf cultivar significantly harmed the photosynthetic apparatus and limited plant growth. Taken together, we showed that short-term UV-B light supplementation is an efficient method for lettuce biofortification with healthy phytochemicals, while UV-C treatment is not recommended due to the negative impact on the quality (morphology, sensory properties) of the obtained leafy products. These results are crucial for understanding the potential of UV light supplementation for producing functional plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP), or emesis gravidarum, is a frequent complication of early gestation with unclear causes, suspected to involve genetic, hormonal, and gastrointestinal factors. Our study investigated the association of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), histamine, diamine oxidase (DAO), thyroxine and pyridoxine and the severity of NVP symptoms and assessed the efficacy of a vitamin C-containing chewing gum as a potential NVP treatment. Methods: In this prospective, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial, 111 participants were assigned to receive vitamin C-containing chewing gum, placebo gum, or no treatment at two follow-ups during early pregnancy. Maternal serum levels of hCG, histamine, DAO, thyroxine, and pyridoxine were measured and correlated with NVP severity using the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis and Nausea (PUQE-24) score. Results: Elevated maternal hCG levels were significantly associated with an increased PUQE-24 score (p < 0.001), while histamine levels showed no significant correlation (p = 0.68). Maternal DAO levels negatively correlated with NVP symptoms (p < 0.001) and elevated thyroxine (p < 0.001) and pyridoxine levels (p < 0.001) were associated with increased PUQE-24 scores. The vitamin C-containing chewing gum did not demonstrate efficacy in alleviating NVP symptoms compared to placebo gum or no treatment during the first (p = 0.62) and second follow-up visits (p = 0.87). Conclusions: Our study underscores the complexity of factors contributing to NVP, highlighting the significant roles of hCG and DAO, while histamine levels appear unrelated. Maternal thyroxine and pyridoxine levels also significantly correlate with NVP symptoms. Vitamin C-containing chewing gum was not effective as a treatment for NVP. Further large-scale studies are needed to better understand these interactions and develop targeted treatments in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The worth of sea urchin gonads in the market is determined by their specific features connected to size and texture. Compared with wild counterparts, farmed sea urchins fed formulated feeds showed faster gonad growth but worse gonad texture traits, such as adhesiveness, cohesiveness, hardness, springiness, chewiness, and gumminess. Thus, it is pressing to enunciate the underlying mechanisms and find solutions to solve this problem. As the most abundant collagen, collagen type I is momentous for improving the hardness, springiness, and chewiness of muscle as verified. Vitamin C is vital for participating in the regulation of hydroxyproline biosynthesis, which is an essential component of collagen. However, the effects of vitamin C addition on the collagen synthesis and underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood in any sea urchin species. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of vitamin C on the gonad growth, texture, collagen content, and the expression of genes involved in the collagen synthesis of sea urchin (Mesocentrotus nudus). These results could contribute to precisely quantify the vitamin C addition in the diets to produce gonads with high texture quality in sea urchin. The market value of sea urchin gonads is determined by the specific characteristics associated with gonad size and texture. Formulated feeds can effectively promote the gonad growth of sea urchins but cannot assure essential gonad texture traits. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of vitamin C (VC) on the gonad growth, texture, collagen content, and the expression of genes involved in the collagen synthesis of sea urchins (Mesocentrotus nudus). Graded amounts of VC (0, 3000 and 6000 mg/kg) were supplemented to make three formulated feeds. Fresh kelp (Saccharina japonica) was used as the control diet. Each diet was randomly distributed to three tanks of M. nudus. The results indicated that the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and texture traits of M. nudus fed C3000 were significantly greater than those fed C0 and C6000. Collagen type I (Col I) in the gonads of M. nudus fed C3000 showed significantly greater areas than those fed C0 and C6000. Consistently, the expression levels of collagen alpha-1 (colp1α) of M. nudus fed C3000 were significantly higher than those fed C0 and C6000. As for the transforming growth factor beta (tgf-β)/Smads pathway, the expression levels of collagen synthesis genes (tgf-β receptor 1 and 2, smad nuclear-interacting protein 1 (snip1) and prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit beta (p4hβ)) in the C3000 group were significantly greater than those in the C0, C6000 and kelp groups. On the contrary, the expression levels of collagen degradation genes (lysyl oxidase-like 2 (loxl2) and matrix metalloproteinase 14 (mmp14)) in the C3000 group were significantly lower than those in the C0, C6000 and kelp groups. In conclusion, VC at an addition level of 3000 mg/kg significantly increased the gonad texture and collagen contents of M. nudus, which could be accomplished by increasing collagen synthesis and inhibiting collagen degradation through the tgf-β/Smads pathway. These results could contribute to better understanding the beneficial effects of VC addition on the gonad texture quality of M. nudus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical and sensory properties of corn extrudates enriched with spray-dried tomato powder (TP) in 4, 6 and 8% ratios were researched. Two extrusion temperature regimes were used: 135/170/170 °C (E1) and 100/150/150 °C (E2). Ascorbic acid (AA) at levels of 0.5 and 1% was also added to the raw mixtures in order to prevent the undesirable oxidation of the constituents, primarily carotenoids. AA was especially efficient in the case of the lutein content and 1% AA, but lutein originating from TP was more sensitive to the extrusion conditions than corn lutein, and zeaxanthin was more sensitive than lutein. Lycopene, α-carotene, 13-cis-β carotene and 9-cis-β carotene degraded completely in all the samples, at both extrusion regimes. The proposed models for the color of the extrudates showed the significant influence of TP and AA. Extrudates obtained at the E1 temperature regime containing 4% TP and pure corn extrudate with 1% AA were the best-rated samples by the sensory panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the properties and pharmacokinetics of liposomal vitamin C in powder form obtained by a method devoid of organic solvents. The powder and liposome morphology were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), respectively. Additionally, the carrier particle size, size distribution (STEP-Technology®; L.U.M. GmbH, Berlin, Germany), and zeta potential value were determined. The pharmacokinetic parameters of liposomal and non-liposomal vitamin C (AUC, Cmax, C10h, and C24h) were compared in a randomized, single-dose, double-blind, cross-over trial (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05843617) involving healthy adult volunteers (n = 10, 1000 mg dose). The process of spray drying used to transform liquid suspensions of the liposomes into powder form did not adversely affect the quality of the carrier particles obtained. Compared to non-encapsulated vitamin C, oral administration of the liposomal formulation resulted in significantly better absorption of ascorbic acid into the bloodstream, which equated to a higher bioavailability of the liposomal product (30% increase in AUC, p < 0.05). The duration of elevated vitamin C blood levels was also longer (C24h increase of 30%, p < 0.05). Although the results obtained are promising and suggest higher bioavailability for the liposomal form of vitamin C, the limited sample size necessitates further research with a larger cohort to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spray-dried yellow cashew juice ingredients produced under different inlet temperatures (140 and 150 °C) and gum arabic (GA) addition ratios (15% and 25% w/v) were evaluated for their physicochemical and phytochemical attributes and storage stability for 56 days. All spray-dried cashew juice particles showed high solids recovery (>70%) and solubility (>90%), low water activity (<0.3), and low hygroscopicity (<10%). Spray-dried particles prepared with 15% w/v GA showed spherical shapes with a semi-crystalline structure and higher ascorbic acid concentration (>650 mg 100 g−1) and total phenolic content (>330 mg GAE 100 g−1). During storage, spray-dried cashew juice particles maintained their water activity levels within the microbiologically safe range and retained high solubility, in addition to high ascorbic (>68%) and phenolic (>55%) acid retention. Overall, we showed that spray-drying cashew juice is a feasible strategy to upcycle abundant and undervalued cashew juice into stable, phytochemical-rich ingredients for multiple applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The functional state of enrichment cultures of the Chlorophycean strain Chlorococcum oleofaciens CAMU MZ–Ch4 under various cultivation conditions was studied. Experiments with different aeration conditions, cultivation durations, and nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the medium were carried out to evaluate the growth dynamics of the strain and its biochemical characteristics. The contents of chlorophylls, carotenoids, proteins, lipids, retinol, α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds, lipid peroxidation products, antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase), and succinate dehydrogenase activity were measured. The lipid content on the fully supplemented Bold's basal medium increased to 381.03 mg g−1 dry weight at the late stationary growth phase. This value is 1.3–2.8 times higher than in other experiments. The use of aeration was associated with an increased content of proteins at 283.56 mg g−1 and of carotenoids at 2.12 mg g−1. Also, cultures at the early stationary growth phase with aeration showed the ability to accumulate phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid in amounts up to 0.32 mg g−1 and 0.19 mg g−1. The 74-day-old cultures had the highest contents of retinol (0.16 mg g−1) and α-tocopherol (0.68 mg g−1). Growth in nitrogen- and phosphorus-depleted media increased catalase and superoxide dismutase activity. A comprehensive analysis of all data showed that the antioxidant defence system is stress-resistant and flexible under varying aeration conditions and nitrogen and phosphorus availabilities. Thus, the strain CAMU MZ–Ch4 can be considered a potential producer of lipids, pigments, proteins, and vitamins under various culturing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the ability of a high-voltage electrostatic field (HVEF) treatment to extend the shelf life of tomatoes. Tomatoes were exposed to HVEF treatment for different lengths of time, and the physicochemical properties of tomatoes and bioactive compounds were monitored during 28 days of storage at 4 °C. The results indicated that the quality parameters of tomatoes were better maintained during storage by the HVEF treatment relative to the control treatment, extending their shelf life by 14–28 days. The HVEF treatment mitigated losses in firmness, weight, color changes, and bioactive substances, such as total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, ascorbic acid, and lycopene. The activity of pectin-degrading enzymes was also inhibited. The best exposure times for the HVEF treatment were 90 and 120 min. While the measured parameters decreased in both the control and HVEF treatment groups, the decrease in all of these measured parameters was significantly less (p < 0.05) in the optimum HVEF treatment groups than in the control. While the physicochemical properties may vary between different tomato varieties, the HVEF treatment of harvested tomatoes for 90 or 120 min can mitigate the degradation of quality parameters and loss of bioactive compounds incurred during the postharvest storage of tomatoes, thus maintaining their commercial value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capsaicin, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds from cumari-do-Pará peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) harvested from two different locations in Pará, Brazil, and at different ripening stages were extracted by employing green methodologies as an alternative to organic solvents. Edible vegetable oils from soybeans (Glycine max), Brazilian nuts (Bertholettia excelsa H.B.), and palm olein were used in combination with ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE). The proximate composition of the pepper extracts and vitamin C were determined through AOAC methods, total phenolics and carotenoids were assessed by UV/Vis spectrophotometry, and capsaicin by high-performance liquid chromatography. Antioxidant cumari-do-Pará extract activities were evaluated by the ABTS radical scavenging and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays. The vegetable oils were suitable for extracting and preserving bioactive pepper compounds, especially mature ones harvested from Igarapé-Açu. Bioactive compound content and antioxidant activity varied with harvesting location and ripening stage. Soybean oil was the most effective in extracting bioactive pepper compounds, particularly carotenoids, with 69% recovery. Soybean oil extracts enriched in capsaicin, carotenoids, and phenolics obtained from cumari-do-Pará can be used as spices in foodstuffs and/or as additives in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations. Edible vegetable oils combined with UAE are promising for bioactive compound extraction, representing an environmentally friendly, safe, low-cost, versatile, and fast alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solanaceae, commonly known as nightshade, is a diverse family of flowering plants comprising around 90 genera and an estimated 3000–4000 species. Solanaceae spp. and its various fruits, including pepino (Solanum muricatum), commonly known as pepino melon, are widely recognized by the public for their nutritional value and pharmacological effects. Pepino melon, in particular, is often enjoyed as a fresh dessert or salad due to its juicy flesh. Given its beneficial properties, the potential of pepino melon to be developed as a functional food has been extensively studied. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the reported pharmacological effects of the active compounds found in pepino plant and melon. Among these compounds, polyphenols, notably quercetin, and vitamin C have demonstrated notable antioxidant properties such as scavenging free radicals, effectively protecting against free-radical damage. Moreover, these active ingredients provide pepino with anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and enzymes, thereby reducing nitric oxide production. Additionally, they have shown promise in selectively targeting cancer cells, exhibiting anti-cancer properties. Furthermore, the active compounds such as quercetin in pepino have been associated with anti-diabetic effects, improving insulin sensitivity and inhibiting insulin resistance. Overall, this review highlights the diverse and significant pharmacological effects of the active compounds found in pepino melon, emphasizing its potential as a valuable functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grapes are susceptible to mold and decay during postharvest storage, and developing new technologies to extend their storage period has important application value. Photodynamic technology (PDT) in concurrence with carbon dots (CDs) proposes an innovative and eco-friendly preservation strategy. We examined the effects of carbon dots combined with photodynamic treatment on postharvest senescence and antioxidant system of table grape. The compounding of photodynamic technology with a 0.06 g L−1 CDs solution could possibly extend the postharvest storage period of grape berries. Through this strategy, we achieved a decreased rate of fruit rotting and weight loss alongside the delayed deterioration of fruit firmness, soluble solids, and titratable acid. As paired with photodynamic technology, CDs considerably decreased the postharvest storage loss of phenols, flavonoids, and reducing sugars as compared to the control group. Concurrently, it remarkably postponed the build-up of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2∙−), and malondialdehyde (MDA); elevated the levels of reduced ascorbic acid (AsA) and reduced glutathione (GSH); lowered the levels of dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG); raised the ratios of AsA/DHA and GSSH/GSSG; encouraged the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL); and inhibited the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and lipoxygenase (LOX). Furthermore, it enhanced the iron reduction antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and DPPH radical scavenging capacity of grape berries. CDs combined with photodynamic treatment could efficiently lessen postharvest senescence and decay of grape berry while extending the storage time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective was to review, using an integrated approach, all parameters related to osmotic dehydration, freezing, and frozen storage when assessing the advantages of the osmodehydrofreezing-ODF process. Peeled cherry tomatoes were treated at (T) 25, 35, and 45 °C (t) up to 180 min in glycerol-based OD-solution (50, 60, 70% w/w). OD was studied and optimized by applying the Response Surface Methodology, combined with selected desirability criteria to define the optimum process parameters. Water loss-WL, solid gain-SG, water activity reduction-aw, texture and color changes were monitored during the process. Untreated and OD-treated at optimal OD conditions (C = 61.5%, T = 36 °C; t = 72 min) samples were frozen and stored at isothermal (T, −5, −8, −14, −23 °C) and non-isothermal temperature conditions (Teff, −7.3 °C). OD samples presented acceptable color, increased firmness, low drip loss and high vitamin C/lycopene retention during frozen storage. OD increased the shelf life of frozen cherry tomato (up to 3.5 times based on sensory quality loss). The kinetic models obtained for vitamin and lycopene degradation and sensory quality loss were validated at non-isothermal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction of total flavonoids from Hylotelephium spectabile (Boreau) H. Ohba (H. spectabile) leaves was studied through the use of a double enzyme-assisted ultrasonic method, and the extraction process was optimized using the Box–Behnken design. Eight different macroporous resins were screened for purification in single-factorial experiments, and the flavonoid compounds in the extract of H. spectabile leaves were identified using HPLC-MS. Through the evaluation of the total reducing capacity and capacity for reducing 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine (DPPH), hydroxyl radicals (·OH), and 2,2'-biazobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), the in vitro antioxidant activities of the crude extracts of the total flavonoids and purified total flavonoids of H. spectabile leaves were investigated. The results showed that the most efficient conditions for flavonoid extraction were an ultrasonic extraction time of 60 min, an ethanol concentration of 35%, a liquid-to-material ratio of 20:1 mL/g, and an amount of enzyme (cellulose/pectinase = 1:1) of 1.5%, forming H. spectabile powder. Under these conditions, the total flavonoid extraction rate in the H. spectabile leaf extract was 4.22%. AB-8 resin showed superior performance in terms of purification, and the optimal adsorption and desorption times were 1.5 h and 3 h, respectively. The recommended parameters for purification included a liquid volume of 5.5 BV, a flow rate of 1.2 BV/min, a pH of 5, and a concentration of 0.8 mg/mL. The observed order for reducing capacity was ascorbic acid (VC) > rutin > purified total flavonoids > crude extract of total flavonoids. The purified total flavonoid extract from H. spectabile showed a good scavenging ability against DPPH, ·OH, and ABTS·+, suggesting strong antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study can serve as technical support and reference data for the further development and utilization of H. spectabile resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a sensor array of microscale organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) using poly (3,4−ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT:PSS) as the channel material. The devices show high sensitivity and selectivity to detect dopamine (DA) with platinum (Pt) as a pseudo−reference gate electrode. First, we describe the wafer−scale fabrication process for manufacturing the PEDOT:PSS OECTs, and then we introduce a dilution method to adjust the thickness of the PEDOT:PSS film. Next, we investigate the effect of the film thickness on the sensitivity of DA detection. Reducing the film thickness enhances the sensitivity of DA detection within the concentration range of 1 μM to 100 μM. The OECTs show impressive sensitivitywith a limit of detection (LoD) as low as 1 nM and a high selectivity against uric acid (UA) and ascorbic acid (AA). Finally, we modify the surface of the Pt gate electrode with chitosan to improve the selectivity of OECTs at high concentrations of up to 100 µM to expand the detection range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) during hepatic surgeries can lead to liver cell death via oxidative stress and the activation of immune cells, the release of cytokines, and damage-associated molecular patterns. Ascorbic acid has been shown to confer potential protective effects against IR injury, mainly due to its antioxidant properties. This study evaluated the effect of ascorbic acid infusion at different time points during hepatic IR in rats. Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into control and experimental groups that received the same total ascorbic acid dose at three different infusion times: before ischaemia, before reperfusion, or before both ischaemia and reperfusion. All of the animals experienced hepatic IR injury. We measured the hepatic enzymes, cytokines, and portal blood flow. Animals receiving ascorbic acid before both ischaemia and reperfusion had lower liver enzyme levels, reduced inflammation, and better portal venous flow than other animals. Divided doses of ascorbic acid before IR may be beneficial for reducing liver injury associated with IR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has highlighted potential benefits of vitamin C in managing periodontal diseases, yet systematic reviews to consolidate these findings are scarce. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of vitamin C supplementation in preventing and treating periodontal diseases and elucidate the biological mechanisms underlying these effects. We conducted a systematic review following PRISMA guidelines, searching three databases up to 13 April 2024, for studies from 2010 onward. Our selection criteria aimed to capture a wide range of studies regarding vitamin C's impact on periodontal health. After rigorous screening, 16 studies were included in the final analysis. Meta-analysis techniques were employed to synthesize data and evaluate the association between vitamin C intake and periodontal disease outcomes. The meta-analysis included 17,853 participants from studies with diverse geographical and demographic settings. Notable findings indicated that higher vitamin C intake was associated with a reduction in periodontal disease risk, with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.52 (95% CI: 1.49–1.55). The individual studies reported ORs ranging from 0.62 (95% CI: 0.38–0.94) indicating significant protective effects, to 1.66 (95% CI: 1.04–2.64), suggesting increased risks associated with inadequate vitamin C levels. The heterogeneity among the studies was high (I2 = 95.46%), reflecting variability in study design and population characteristics. This systematic review confirms that vitamin C supplementation has a beneficial effect on periodontal health. The significant variability across studies suggests that individual dietary needs and baseline vitamin C levels might influence the effectiveness of supplementation. These findings underscore the importance of personalized nutritional guidance as part of comprehensive periodontal care. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to better understand the causal relationships and potential confounding factors affecting the link between vitamin C intake and periodontal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural pigments extracted from plant species are used in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This study evaluates the comprehensive biological activities of anthocyanins isolated from Andean blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) and Andean blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth), focusing on their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, and hemolytic properties. Chemical characterization revealed significant anthocyanin content with complex mass spectrometric profiles indicating diverse glycosylation patterns that may influence their bioactivity. The antimicrobial assays showed that the extracts were particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as low as 1 mg/mL for Rubus glaucus, indicating strong potential for therapeutic use. The antioxidant capacity of the berries was substantial, albeit slightly lower than that of ascorbic acid. The extracts also exhibited notable antitumoral activity in various cancer cell lines, showing promise as adjunctive or preventive treatments. The anti-inflammatory effects were confirmed by inhibiting nitric oxide production in macrophage cells, highlighting their potential in managing inflammatory diseases. In terms of hemolytic activity, Rubus glaucus exhibited dose-dependent effects, potentially attributable to anthocyanins and phenolics, while Vaccinium floribundum demonstrated no significant hemolytic activity, underscoring its safety. These findings suggest that anthocyanins from Andean berries possess potent biological activities, which could be leveraged for health benefits in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Further studies are needed to isolate specific bioactive compounds and investigate their synergistic effects in clinical and real-world contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the impact of germination duration on the functional components (vitamin C, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), polyphenols, flavonoids) and antioxidant activity of germs and cotyledons of the germinated Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima). We utilized seeds of the "Zaofeng" Chinese chestnut to germinate, and sowed the seeds in wet sand at 22 °C and 85% relative humidity. The germination rate, length, diameter, and fresh weight of the sprouts were investigated at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days after sowing, and the kinetic changes of amylose, amylopectin, sugar components, soluble protein, vitamin C, GABA, total phenols, flavonoids, and the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity in the germs and cotyledons were monitored, respectively. The findings revealed that the germination rate and germ biomass increased continuously during germination. The germination rate reached 90% on the 8th day after sowing. Germination reduced amylose in cotyledons from 42.3% to 34.2%, amylopectin from 42.9% to 25.8%, total sugar from 12.6% to 11.4%, and vitamin C from 1.45 mg/g to 0.77 mg/g. Meanwhile, soluble protein in the embryos rose from 0.31% to 0.60%, vitamin C from 21.1 to 29.4 mg/g, GABA from 0.49 to 1.68 mg/g, total flavonoids from 53.6 to 129.7 mg/g, and ABTS antioxidant activity from 1.52 to 3.27 μmol TE/g. The average contents of D-fructose, inositol, vitamin C, GABA, polyphenols, and flavonoids and the DPPH and ABTS antioxidant activity in germs were as high as 22.5, 6, 35, 7.5, 10, 20, and 10 and 20-fold those of cotyledons, respectively. Especially, the average content of glucose in germ was as high as 80-fold that of cotyledon. D-xylulose, D-galacturonic acid, and D-ribose were only found in germs, but not in cotyledons. Considering the germ biomass and functional components content, germs of Chinese chestnuts germinated at 22 °C for 8 days are considered the most suitable raw material for functional food products. In conclusion, controlled germination not only enhances the physicochemical and functional properties of Chinese chestnut germs but also reduces the caloric content and improves the nutritional composition of the cotyledons appropriately. Moreover, the comprehensive evaluation of compositional changes and functionality in the embryo and cotyledon of Chinese chestnuts will provide a solid foundation for subsequent functional food processing utilizing germinated Chinese chestnuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet potatoes are extremely vulnerable to mechanical wounds during harvesting and postharvest handling. It is highly necessary to take measures to accelerate wound healing. The effect of 20 g L−1 of ascorbic acid (AA) treatment on the wound healing of sweet potatoes and its mechanisms were studied. The results validated that AA treatment significantly reduced the weight loss rate and disease index. AA treatment effectively enhanced the formation speed of lignin and SPP at the wound sites, decreased the MDA content, and maintained the cell membrane integrity. AA enhanced the activities of PAL, C4H, 4CL, CAD, and POD and increased the contents of chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, sinapic acid, ferulic acid, cinnamic acid, p-coumaryl alcohol, sinapyl alcohol, coniferyl alcohol, and lignin. Based on a transcriptomic analysis, a total of 1200 genes were differentially expressed at the sweet potato wound sites by the AA treatment, among which 700 genes were upregulated and 500 genes were downregulated. The KEGG pathway analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; phenylpropanoid biosynthesis; and other wound healing-related pathways. As verified by a qRT-PCR, the AA treatment significantly upregulated the gene expression levels of IbSKDH, IbADT/PDT, IbPAL, and Ib4CL at the wound sties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing interest in the food industry in new drying technologies that reduce the time required for dehydration, combined with low energy consumption, low environmental impact, and maintenance of the overall quality of the product. This work investigated convective drying of pumpkin with and without ultrasound-organic (citric or acetic) acid pretreatment for different durations (10, 20, and 30 min). Drying was carried out at 60 °C, and the Wang and Singh model had the best fit for the experimental data. Samples pretreated for 30 min had the shortest drying times. Water diffusivities ranged from 6.68 × 10−8 m2/s to 7.31 × 10−8 m2/s, with the pretreated samples presenting the highest values. The dried pumpkin water activity values were below 0.60. Regarding color parameters, there was a slight increase in luminosity, a slight reduction in a*, and a significant increase in b*. Drying resulted in the loss of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds, but the samples pretreated with citric acid showed better retention. There was also a reduction in the total carotenoid content, but samples pretreated with acetic acid for 10 and 20 min showed the best retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) is a nutrient whose daily intake is often below the recommended levels in people. Biofortification with Se is a method to increase this intake by raising the Se concentration in tomato fruits, an effect dependent on sources and modes of application. Additionally, Se application can promote the enhancement of other compounds in tomato fruits, altering their metabolism, which may increase the fruit's shelf life. This study aimed to determine how different strategies of applying a multi-nutrient fertilizer containing Se (SeMNF) can increase the Se content and other bioactive compounds and enhance the shelf life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruits. Different foliar fertilization strategies involving the use of SeMNF were evaluated in field trials conducted on commercial tomato crops. Indeterminate-growth tomatoes were used, and different Se doses and application strategies were tested. Harvesting was conducted in three phases according to fruit ripening. Each harvested fruit was assessed for the Se content, macro and micronutrients, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C, antioxidant activity, carotenoids, pH, total titratable acidity, and total soluble solids in tomato fruits. Doses of 15 g ha−1 of Se, split into three applications, increased the Se content in the fruits at 1 and 2 harvests. The application of SeMNF at Se doses above 10 g of Se ha−1 increased firmness, days of ripening, and the nutritional quality of the tomatoes (higher contents of carotenoids (+39%), lycopene (+33%), antioxidant activity (+16%), total phenolic compounds (+38%), and vitamin C (+14%) in a dose-dependent effect of the application strategy used. These results contributed to an increase in the shelf life of tomatoes, consequently reducing food waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaves of Nicotiana glauca (N. glauca; Solanaceae) plant are a known, major human health concern. This study investigated the antioxidant activity and polyphenols composition of aerial parts of N. glauca collected from its wild habitat in Jordan, using Methanol-Conventional (MC) and deep eutectic solvents (DES) extraction methods in addition to nicotine content determination using UHPLC. Our results showed that the MC extract contains fewer total phenols and flavonoid content than the 90% DES extract, (0.1194 ± 0.009 and 0.311 ± 0.020 mg/mL equivalent to gallic acid) and (0.01084 ± 0.005 and 0.928 ± 0.09 mg/mL equivalent to rutin), respectively. Moreover, this study showed that the prepared MC extract contain 635.07 ppm nicotine, while the 90% DES extract contain 1194.91 ppm nicotine. Extracts prepared using the MC and the DES methods exhibited weak antioxidant activities; the highest was a 33% inhibition rate (equivalent to ascorbic acid), obtained by the 90% DES extract,. The performed UHPLC-MS/MS analysis in this study also revealed the presence of variations in the detected compounds between the two extraction methods. Furthermore, this study found that environmentally friendly DES extraction of N. glauca produced higher phenol and flavonoid content than the MC method; this highlights the superior efficiency and environmental benefits of sustainable chemistry methods for extracting valuable phytoconstituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant action of terngymnoside C (1) and hydroxytyrosol-1-glucoside (2), isolated for the first time from the flower buds of Ternstroemia lineata, as well as katsumadin (3), obtained from the seedless fruits, was evaluated using ABTS•+ and H2O2–Saccharomyces cerevisiae models. In silico docking analysis of 1, 2, and 3 determined their affinity forces to the aquaporin monomers of the modeled S. cerevisiae protein 3 (AQP3) and human protein 7 (AQP7) channels that regulate the H2O2 cell transport. The ABTS•+ antiradical capacity of these compounds showed IC50 values of 22.00 μM (1), 47.64 μM (2), and 73.93 μM (3). The S. cerevisiae antioxidant assay showed that at 25 µM (1) and 50 µM (2 and 3), the cells were protected from H2O2-oxidative stress. These compounds, together with quercetin and vitamin C, were explored through the modeled S. cerevisiae AQP3 and human AQP7 by molecular docking analysis. To explain these results, an antioxidant mechanism for the isolated compounds was proposed through blocking H2O2 passage mediated by aquaporin transport. On the other hand, 1, 2, and 3 were not cytotoxic in a panel of three cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cold storage system is useful for maintaining the quality of hardy kiwifruit. However, extended cold storage periods inevitably result in cold stress, leading to lower fruit marketability; the severity of chilling injury depends on fruit types and cultivars. In this study, the impact of cold storage conditions on the physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity of two phenotypically different hardy kiwifruit cultivars—'Cheongsan' (large type) and 'Daebo' (small type)—stored at low (L; 3 °C, relative humidity [RH]; 85–90%) and moderate-low (ML; 5 °C, RH; 85–90%) temperatures was determined. Significant differences in fruit firmness and titratable acidity between treatments L and ML were observed in both cultivars during the experimental storage period. Meanwhile, the browning and pitting rates of the 'Cheongsan' fruits in treatment L increased for 8 weeks compared with those of the 'Daebo' fruits in treatments L and ML; nonetheless, fruit decay was observed in the 'Daebo' fruits in treatment ML after 6 weeks. The total chlorophyll, carotenoid, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid concentrations as well as the antioxidant activities of both the cultivars significantly differed between treatments L and ML. After 2 weeks of storage, the 'Cheongsan' fruits in treatment L had lower antioxidant activities and ascorbic acid content than those in treatment ML. These results demonstrate that the quality attributes and antioxidant activity of hardy kiwifruit are influenced by the low-temperature storage conditions and the specific kiwifruit cultivars. Our findings suggest that optimal cold storage conditions, specific to each hardy kiwifruit cultivar, promise to maintain fruit quality, including their health-promoting compounds, during long-term storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agri-food processing industry predominantly relies on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and extensive water use. Climate change requires a conversion of food processing technologies towards sustainability. Our research focuses on testing and validating pulsed electric field (PEF) technology as a mild processing method for stabilizing freshly squeezed, not from concentrate, blood orange juice. Experiments were carried out on a continuous pilot plant endowed with a patented treatment chamber that ensures a constant flow of product without "hot spots" for a homogeneous treatment. Once the operative conditions of the process in terms of energy density were optimized, PEF-treated blood orange juice was tested in order to evaluate the effects on physico-chemical parameters (total soluble solids, total acidity, pH, CIE L*, a*, b*, C*, h color indices, cloud, bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, total anthocyanins, total and individual flavanones), antioxidant activity (ORAC units, total phenolic content), microbial communities (aerobic mesophilic viable count, yeasts and molds, acid-tolerant microorganisms), residual enzymatic pectinmethylesterase activity, and sensory attributes (flavor, off-flavor, off-odor, color, intensity of odor, acidity, sweetness, bitter, freshness, cooked flavor). Then, in order to simulate the commercial refrigerated distribution of PEF-treated blood orange juice and define its refrigerated shelf-life, the PEF-treated freshly squeezed, not from concentrate, blood orange juice was subjected to physico-chemical, antioxidant, microbiological, and sensory evaluations over twenty days of refrigerated storage at 4 ± 1 °C. The PEF treatment effectively ensured excellent microbial inactivation and enhanced the nutritional and health characteristics of the juice, thereby extending its shelf-life. This study demonstrates the significant potential of the PEF treatment to produce blood orange juice suitable for a new retail segment—freshly squeezed juices with superior health quality, fresh-like characteristics, and extended refrigerated shelf-life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study evaluated the effect of powder fractionation based on particle size on the chemical composition of macronutrients such as proteins and sugars, on the phytochemical properties (total content of polyphenolic compounds, vitamin C, and antioxidant activity), on preservation capacity (water activity), powder functional properties (water absorption capacity and water solubility index), and physicochemical properties (particle size distribution and moisture content) of blackthorn berry (Prunus spinosa) powders. The fruits were separated from the plant material and seeds, dried, and then ground using an universal mill for dry materials. Eight fractions were obtained after sieving on sieves with different mesh sizes, such as 1 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.630 mm, 0.450 mm, 0.315 mm, 0.200 mm, and 0.125 mm. The grinding/sieving procedure was effective in separating Prunus spinosa powder into sufficiently different size classes. The maximal moisture content and water activity were 5.61% and 0.250, respectively, showed good preservation from a microbiological point of view, and ensured the prevention of oxidation of biologically active compounds of blackthorn berry powders. For samples with reduced particle sizes, the powder functional properties were greatly improved. The total phenolic content, carbohydrates, and antioxidant activity showed significantly different values for some particle size classes compared to the un-sieved sample. A considerable content of vitamin C was presented in the fraction with large particle sizes, precisely because they did not undergo intense degradation processes. Therefore, the technique of grinding and successive sieving proved effective in enhancing the physicochemical and functional characteristics of powdered blackthorn berries, particularly for smaller particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is one of the most esteemed plants due to its medicinal properties. Its health benefits for humans are attributed to its chemical compounds. Few studies characterize garlic genotypes cultivated in Romania concerning their chemical composition. In this context, this study aimed to determine the chemical compounds for 16 local garlic genotypes cultivated under the same climatic and technological conditions. The chemical characteristics studied were the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), reducing sugar content, antioxidant activity (AO), vitamin C, and acidity level. Chemical composition varied significantly among genotypes: TPC ranged from 656.07 to 1317.32 µg GAE/g FW; TFC ranged from 427.08 to 1447.90 µg QE/g FW; vitamin C ranged from 3.24 to 5.37 mg/g FW; reducing sugar content ranged from 3.24 to 5.37 mg/g FW; and the acidity level for the control was 6 meq/100 g. Among the selected genotypes, differences were observed between 3.48 and 11.02 meq/100 g. Significant correlations were noted between different compounds, specifically between TPC and AO, as well as between TPC and acidity level. In conclusion, this study highlights significant variability in terms of chemical composition of local garlic genotypes, which indicates notable differences between them and suggests that the genotypes may have different potential in medicinal and nutritional uses due to their distinctive chemical compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt stress is a critical abiotic factor that adversely affects plant growth and productivity by impairing photosynthesis. This study explores the impact of exogenous ascorbic acid (AsA) on the photosynthetic performance of tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Ligeer 87-5) under salt stress. Hydroponic experiments were conducted in a solar greenhouse, where tomato seedlings were subjected to the following five treatments: Control, NaCl, NaCl + AsA, NaCl + lycorine (LYC), and NaCl + LYC + AsA. Our findings demonstrate that salt stress significantly reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, levels of chlorophyll synthesis precursors (5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), porphobilinogen (PBG), uroporphyrinogen III (Urogen III), protoporphyrin IX (Proto IX), magnesium protoporphyrin IX (Mg-Proto IX), protochlorophyllide (Pchl)), and essential elements (Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Mo, and P) in both roots and leaves. These reductions led to a substantial decline in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and compromised photosystem II (PSII). In contrast, exogenous AsA application significantly enhanced the content of photosynthetic pigment precursors and essential elements, improved stomatal aperture and gas exchange efficiency, and boosted the photosynthetic performance of tomato seedlings under salt stress. Furthermore, AsA treatment mitigated the negative effects of salt stress by protecting PSII, increased light energy utilization efficiency, and alleviated both stomatal and non-stomatal limitations. The application of the AsA synthesis inhibitor LYC exacerbated the detrimental effects of salt stress, further reducing chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency. In conclusion, exogenous AsA plays a vital role in enhancing the photosynthetic performance and stress tolerance of tomato seedlings under salt stress by stabilizing chlorophyll biosynthesis, facilitating essential element absorption, and optimizing stomatal function. This study provides a new approach and feasible measures for improving tomato resistance and yield, which is significant for enhancing crop productivity, managing saline soils, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of nanoparticles utilizing green techniques is becoming increasingly important due to its low cost, biocompatibility, high productivity, and eco-friendliness. Herein, the current work focused on the biosynthesis, characterization, and biological applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from Anabasis articulata, including antioxidant anticancer and larvicidal properties, as well as modifications to the phytochemical ingredients. Hence, the tannin, phenolic, and flavonoid concentrations of the produced nanoparticle samples were lower than those of the original aqueous extract. When compared to the results of ascorbic acid (12.78 mg/mL), the produced extract of A. articulata and its zinc nanoparticles showed remarkable efficacy as antioxidant agents with IC50 values of 27.48 and 69.53 mg/mL, respectively. A normal lung fibroblast cell line (WI-38) and three tumor cells were used to test the compounds' anticancer properties. With an IC50 of 21.19 µg/mL, the ZnO-NPs of A. articulata showed the greatest cytotoxicity against HePG-2 cell lines. Additionally, A. articulata zinc nanoparticles showed significant cytotoxicity against MCF-7 and PC3 tumor cell lines, with IC50 values of 30.91 and 49.32 µg/mL. The biogenic ZnO-NPs had LC50 and LC90 values of 13.64 and 26.23 mg/L, respectively, and are very effective against Aedes aegypti larval instar (III). Additionally, the percentages of larval mortality increased from 28.61% at 5 ppm to 84.69% at 25 ppm after 24 h post-treatment. The overall results of this study point to the potential of A. articulata as a substitute biological agent for potential therapeutic/leutic uses in the medical domains and for preventing the proliferation of malarial vector insects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated if reducing the amount of chemical fertilizer by combining it with organic fertilizer in Hemerocallis citrina Baroni (H. citrina) cultivation could improve plant growth and photosynthetic capacity and, consequently, increase yield and quality. A continuous two-year field experiment was conducted at a research farm in Zhangzhou City, China, during 2021–2022. Six fertilization levels with two locally grown H. citrina cultivars, "Taidong 6" and "Shibage", were tested. The results showed that 100% of the recommended dose of chemical fertilizer (RDF) with bio-organic fertilizer yielded superior effects in promoting both vegetative and reproductive growth in comparison to RDF alone. However, reducing the application rate of chemical fertilizers, especially by more than 40%, resulted in a significant decline in certain agronomic traits such as plant width, leaf width, and scape length. Compared to RDF, the use of 100% or 80% RDF in combination with bio-organic fertilizer significantly increased chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, and transpiration rate as well as yield production, while excessive reductions in chemical fertilizer rate produced results that demonstrated an opposite trend. The co-application of chemical and bio-organic fertilizer enhanced the contents of soluble sugar and lowered total acidity, whereas excessive chemical fertilizer reduction decreased vitamin C, total flavonoids, and soluble protein levels. Utilizing radar chart analysis for a comprehensive assessment of yield and quality demonstrates that the application of bio-organic fertilizer with 80% RDF could be a better field fertilization regime for H. citrina cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties of thymol, carvacrol, and their equimolar mixture. Antioxidant activities were assessed using the DPPH, ABTS, and ORAC methods. The thymol/carvacrol mixture exhibited significant synergism, surpassing the individual compounds and ascorbic acid in DPPH (IC50 = 43.82 ± 2.41 µg/mL) and ABTS (IC50 = 23.29 ± 0.71 µg/mL) assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by inhibiting the 5-LOX, COX-1, and COX-2 enzymes. The equimolar mixture showed the strongest inhibition of 5-LOX (IC50 = 8.46 ± 0.92 µg/mL) and substantial inhibition of COX-1 (IC50 = 15.23 ± 2.34 µg/mL) and COX-2 (IC50 = 14.53 ± 2.42 µg/mL), indicating a synergistic effect. Anticancer activity was tested on MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-436 breast cancer cell lines using the MTT assay. The thymol/carvacrol mixture demonstrated superior cytotoxicity (IC50 = 0.92–1.70 µg/mL) and increased selectivity compared to cisplatin, with high selectivity indices (144.88–267.71). These results underscore the promising therapeutic potential of the thymol/carvacrol combination, particularly for its synergistic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties against breast cancer. This study paves the way for developing natural therapies against breast cancer and other conditions associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, leveraging the synergistic effects of natural compounds like thymol and carvacrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress, driven by reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur species (ROS, RNS, RSS), poses a significant threat to cellular integrity and human health. Generated during mitochondrial respiration, inflammation, UV exposure and pollution, these species damage cells and contribute to pathologies like cardiovascular issues, neurodegeneration, cancer, and metabolic syndromes. Lifestyle factors exert a substantial influence on oxidative stress levels, with mitochondria emerging as pivotal players in ROS generation and cellular equilibrium. Phytochemicals, abundant in plants, such as carotenoids, ascorbic acid, tocopherols and polyphenols, offer diverse antioxidant mechanisms. They scavenge free radicals, chelate metal ions, and modulate cellular signalling pathways to mitigate oxidative damage. Furthermore, plants thriving in high-altitude regions are adapted to extreme conditions, and synthesize secondary metabolites, like flavonoids and phenolic compounds in bulk quantities, which act to form a robust antioxidant defence against oxidative stress, including UV radiation and temperature fluctuations. These plants are promising sources for drug development, offering innovative strategies by which to manage oxidative stress-related ailments and enhance human health. Understanding and harnessing the antioxidant potential of phytochemicals from high-altitude plants represent crucial steps in combating oxidative stress-induced disorders and promoting overall wellbeing. This study offers a comprehensive summary of the production and physio-pathological aspects of lifestyle-induced oxidative stress disorders and explores the potential of phytochemicals as promising antioxidants. Additionally, it presents an appraisal of high-altitude medicinal plants as significant sources of antioxidants, highlighting their potential for drug development and the creation of innovative antioxidant therapeutic approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the role of ascorbic acid in the process of azo dye degradation was explained. For this purpose, the kinetics of azo dye degradation under different conditions was studied. Among them, the influence of daylight protection/exposition, different concentrations of ascorbic acid (0.567–0.014 mol/dm3), and temperature (20 °C and 50 °C) on the rate of the dyes' degradation was considered. For this process, the kinetic equation was proposed, which indicates that the process of azo dye degradation using ascorbic acid is first order. Moreover, the observed rate constants were determined, and the mechanism of azo dye degradation was proposed. Spectrophotometry results, together with FTIR, fluorescence spectroscopy, and DFT calculations, explain the origin of the decolorization of the azo dyes and highlight the role of ascorbic acid in this process. Detailed analysis of the obtained products indicates that the process itself goes through several stages in which equally or more toxic compounds are formed. Obtained results from LCMS studies indicate that during tropaeolin OO degradation, 1,2-Diphenylhydrazine (m/z 185.1073) is formed. Thus, the process of azo dye degradation should be carried out in protective conditions. The proposed mechanism suggests that ascorbic acid at high content levels can be used for azo dye degradation from aqueous solution and can be an alternative method for their removal/neutralization from waste solution but with caution during the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lonicera caerulea L. fruits are a rich source of vitamins, organic acids, and phenolic compounds, which are characterised by their health-promoting properties. The content of bioactive compounds in this fruit may vary depending on the cultivar and the harvest date. This study analysed the effect of applying 5 ppm gaseous ozone for 1, 3, and 5 min on the chemical properties of L. kamtschatica varieties and newly created clones of L. emphyllocalyx for three years of cultivation. The fruits harvested from L. emphyllocalyx, depending on the year of harvest, had significantly larger size and weight compared to L. kamtschatica. On average, the acidity of the L. emphyllocalyx clones was 6% higher than other tested varieties. The average content of ascorbic acid was highest in L. emphyllocalyx clone '21-17'—57.80 mg·100 g−1; the year of harvest will significantly affect the content of vitamin C, reaching the highest level in 2022—53.92 mg·100 g−1. The total content of polyphenols was significantly dependent on the year of cultivation; reaching, on average, 54.8% more in 2022 compared to the rest of the years. The total antioxidant value using the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS methods varied depending on the variety; exposure to ozone significantly increased the antioxidant value in each case. On the basis of the study, both botanical varieties can be used in food processing. Gaseous ozone exposure can significantly influence chemical composition, increasing the health-promoting value of fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated three green extraction methods, accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and laser irradiation extraction (LE), for the polyphenolic compounds and vitamin C extraction of Cornus mas L. and Crataegus monogyna fruit extracts. The polyphenols and vitamin C of extracts were quantified using HPLC-DAD, and the total phenolic content, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (DPPH and reducing power), and antidiabetic activity were also studied. The antidiabetic activity was examined by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and in vitro on a beta TC cell line (β-TC-6). The results showed significant differentiation in the extraction yield between the methods used, with the ASE and LE presenting the highest values. The C. mas fruit extract obtained by ASE exhibited the best antioxidant activity, reaching an IC50 value of 31.82 ± 0.10 µg/mL in the DPPH assay and 33.95 ± 0.20 µg/mL in the reducing power assay. The C. mas fruit extracts obtained by ASE and LE also have the highest inhibitory activity on enzymes associated with metabolic disorders: α-amylase (IC50 = 0.44 ± 0.02 µg/mL for the extract obtained by ASE, and 0.11 ± 0.01 µg/mL for the extract obtained by LE at combined wavelengths of 1270 + 1550 nm) and α-glucosidase (IC50 of 77.1 ± 3.1 µg/mL for the extract obtained by ASE, and 98.2 ± 4.7 µg/mL for the extract obtained by LE at combined wavelengths of 1270 + 1550 nm). The evaluation of in vitro antidiabetic activity demonstrated that the treatment with C. mas and C. monogyna fruit extracts obtained using ASE stimulated the insulin secretion of β-TC-6 cells, both under normal conditions and hyperglycemic conditions, as well. All results suggest that C. mas and C. monogyna fruit extracts are good sources of bioactive molecules with antioxidant and antidiabetic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulation revolutionizes industries through enhanced stability, controlled release, and targeted performance of active ingredients. The novel aspect of this study explores the impact of the wall material-to-active (WM:A) ratio on the stability of ascorbic acid (AA) encapsulated in a maltodextrin (MD) and gum arabic (GA) blend (2:1 w/w). Microparticles were spray-dried and analyzed using SEM, TGA, DSC, thermal stability, and antioxidant activity assessments. Stability tests under different conditions revealed that a higher WM:A ratio (7:1) improved the active stability and antioxidant activity during storage, highlighting its importance in the encapsulation process. SEM analysis confirmed particles with no cracks, and the particles demonstrated excellent thermal stability up to 200 °C with minimal degradation. These findings underscore the critical role of the WM:A ratio in determining the stability of encapsulated AA within a carbohydrate matrix, offering valuable insights for advancing encapsulation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The redness of longissimus dorsi can be improved significantly by administrating growing–finishing pigs with glycerin, vitamin C, and niacinamide; however, it remains unclear if these supplements can have significant impacts on the compositions of gut microbiota and metabolites. The results indicated that dietary supplementation with glycerin, vitamin C, and niacinamide significantly promoted the growth of iron-acquiring microbiota in feces, reduced the expression of some virulence factor genes of fecal pathogens, and increased the fecal levels of ferric ion, L-proline and some secondary bile acids. The findings of this study provide new ideas for improving meat quality by modulating gut flora and metabolites with feed interventions. The addition of glycerin, vitamin C, and niacinamide to pig diets increased the redness of longissimus dorsi; however, it remains unclear how these supplements affect gut microbiota and metabolites. A total of 84 piglets (20.35 ± 2.14 kg) were randomly allotted to groups A (control), B (glycerin-supplemented), C (vitamin C and niacinamide-supplemented), and D (glycerin, vitamin C and niacinamide-supplemented) during a feeding experiment. Metagenomic and metabolomic technologies were used to analyze the fecal compositions of bile acids, metabolites, and microbiota. The results showed that compared to pigs in group A, pigs in group D had lower virulence factor expressions of lipopolysaccharide (p < 0.05), fatty acid resistance system (p < 0.05), and capsule (p < 0.01); higher fecal levels of ferric ion (p < 0.05), allolithocholic acid (p < 0.01), deoxycholic acid (p < 0.05), tauroursodeoxycholic acid dihydrate (p < 0.01), glycodeoxycholic acid (p < 0.05), L-proline (p < 0.01) and calcitriol (p < 0.01); and higher (p < 0.05) abundances of iron-acquiring microbiota (Methanobrevibacter, Clostridium, Clostridiaceae, Clostridium sp CAG_1000, Faecalibacterium sp CAG_74_58_120, Eubacteriales_Family_XIII_Incertae_Sedis, Alistipes sp CAG_435, Alistipes sp CAG_514 and Methanobrevibacter sp YE315). Supplementation with glycerin, vitamin C, and niacinamide to pigs significantly promoted the growth of iron-acquiring microbiota in feces, reduced the expression of some virulence factor genes of fecal pathogens, and increased the fecal levels of ferric ion, L-proline, and some secondary bile acids. The administration of glycerol, vitamin C, and niacinamide to pigs may serve as an effective measure for muscle redness improvement by altering the compositions of fecal microbiota and metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of cinnamaldehyde and Vitamin C can improve immunity and intestinal health. A two-way factorial design was employed to investigate the main and interactive effects of cinnamaldehyde and vitamin C on the growth, carcass, and intestinal health of broiler chickens. A total of 288 one-day-old female Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly distributed among four treatment groups, consisting of six replicate cages with 12 birds each. Four treatments were basal diet or control (CON), supplemental cinnamaldehyde (CA) 300 g/ton (g/t), vitamin C (VC) 300 g/t, and cinnamaldehyde 300 g/t, and vitamin C 300 g/t (CA + VC), respectively. The results showed that supplemental CA did not affect the growth performance or slaughter performance of broilers at 21 days (d), 42 days (d), and 1–42 days (d); however, it could improve intestinal barrier function at 42 d of age and reduce the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in the intestine at 21 d and 42 d of age. Supplemental VC showed a trend towards increasing body weight gain (BWG) at 21 d (p = 0.094), increased breast muscle rate (at 21-d 5.33%, p < 0.05 and at 42-d 7.09%, p = 0.097), and decreased the abdominal fat (23.43%, p < 0.05) and drip loss (20.68%, p < 0.05) at 42-d. Moreover, VC improves intestinal morphology and intestinal barrier function and maintains a balanced immune response. The blend of CA and VC significantly upregulated the mRNA expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD-88) in the intestine at 21 d of age, the mRNA expression of catalase (CAT), Occludin, Claudin-1, Mucin-2, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) in the intestine at 42 d of age (p < 0.01), and downregulated the mRNA expression of interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the intestine at 21-d and 42-d of age, and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) mRNA in intestine at 42 d of age (p < 0.01). This study suggested that the combination of CA and VC had the potential to regulate intestinal health and result in better carcass character of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetables and legume soups contain various essential and bioactive constituents such as vitamin C, carotenoids, and phenolics. Antioxidant activity characteristics related to those compounds are well known to contribute profusely to human health. The cooking technique affects the bioavailability of nutrients and bioactive compounds, making it crucial to explore optimal alternatives to maximize them. The objective of this study was to explore the influence of different cooking techniques (boiling, pressure cooking, sous-vide, and cook-vide) on the physicochemical properties and bioactive characteristics of a ready-to-eat vegetable lentil soup. For this, the bioaccessibility of those compounds was assessed through an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal methodology. The firmness of vegetables was established to define treatments' cooking times, allowing subsequent comparison of the nutritional and functional properties of the soups. The color of vegetables was also evaluated as a quality parameter, which contributed to providing a global vision of the process impact. The results revealed that in vitro digestion (IVD) caused a decrease in all bioactive compound determinations for all cooking treatments of up to 72% for total phenols, 92% for lycopene, 98% for carotenoids, and 100% for vitamin C. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the soups after thermal treatment improved up to 46% measured by the DPPH method. This study emphasizes the importance of considering the digestion process in the selection of the most adequate cooking technique. After IVD, traditional cooking (boiling) reached the maximum total carotenoid and lycopene contents; cook-vide and pressure-cooking techniques provided the highest total phenol content, showing these three techniques to have the maximum antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh-cut radishes are susceptible to quality loss and microbial contamination during storage, resulting in a short shelf life. This study investigated the effects of photodynamic technology (PDT) on fresh-cut radishes stored at 4 °C for 10 d and developed appropriate models to predict the shelf life. Results showed that curcumin-mediated PDT maintained sensory acceptability, color, and firmness, decreased weight loss, and increased ascorbic acid and total phenolics of samples by inactivating polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase, resulting in improved antioxidant capacity and quality. The total bacteria count in samples was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by 2.01 log CFU g−1 after PDT and their shelf life was extended by 6 d compared to the control. To accurately predict the shelf life, the kinetic models based on microbial growth were established, while weight loss, b* value, firmness, and ascorbic acid were selected as representative attributes for developing quality-based prediction models through correlation analysis. Modeling results showed prediction models based on ascorbic acid best fitted PDT-treated samples, while the modified Gompertz model based on bacteria growth was the best for control and samples treated by sodium hypochlorite. This study suggests that PDT is promising in extending the shelf life of fresh-cut radishes, and using critical indexes to establish the prediction model can provide a more reliable shelf-life estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arazá is a fruit native to the Amazonian region with characteristic properties such as aroma, texture, color, and marked acidity. Additionally, the fruit is rich in bioactive compounds in its three fractions (seed, pulp, and peel), such as ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds (and their derivatives), and carotenoids, which have been extensively investigated in the literature for their beneficial properties for human health. However, it is a little-known fruit, and the role it can play in health-promoting activities related to the treatment and prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) when incorporated into the diet is also unknown. Therefore, it is necessary to know the profile of bioactive compounds and the biological properties Arazá possesses, which is the aim of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) seedlings suffering from inappropriate growth substrate stress will present poor seedling quality. However, the regulatory mechanism for the production and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by this type of stress remains unclear. In the current study, a split plot experiment design was implemented with two crop growth substrates—a rice growth substrate (RIS) and rapeseed growth substrate (RAS)—as the main plot and two genotypes—a hybrid and an open-pollinated variety (Zheyouza 1510 and Zheyou 51, respectively)—as the sub-plot. The seedling quality was assessed, and the ROS production/scavenging capacity was evaluated. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic systems, including ascorbic acid and glutathione metabolism, and RNA-seq data were analyzed under the two growth substrate treatments. The results revealed that rapeseed seedling quality decreased under RIS, with the plant height, maximum leaf length and width, and aboveground dry matter being reduced by 187.7%, 64.6%, 73.2%, and 63.8% on average, respectively, as compared to RAS. The main type of ROS accumulated in rapeseed plants was hydrogen peroxide, which was 47.8% and 14.1% higher under RIS than under RAS in the two genotypes, respectively. The scavenging of hydrogen peroxide in Zheyouza 1510 was the result of a combination of enzymatic systems, with significantly higher peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity as well as glutathione metabolism, with significantly higher reduced glutathione (GSH) content, under RAS, while higher oxidized glutathione (GSSH) was observed under RIS. However, the scavenging of hydrogen peroxide in Zheyou 51 was the result of a combination of elevated oxidized ascorbic acid (DHA) under RIS and higher GSH content under RAS. The identified gene expression levels were in accordance with the observed enzyme expression levels. The results suggest that the cost of substituting RAS with RIS is a reduction in rapeseed seedling quality contributing to excessive ROS production and a reduction in ROS scavenging capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the small intestine, nutrients from ingested food are absorbed and broken down by enterocytes, which constitute over 95% of the intestinal epithelium. Enterocytes demonstrate diet- and segment-dependent metabolic flexibility, enabling them to take up large amounts of glutamine and glucose to meet their energy needs and transfer these nutrients into the bloodstream. During glycolysis, ATP, lactate, and H+ ions are produced within the enterocytes. Based on extensive but incomplete glutamine oxidation large amounts of alanine or lactate are produced. Lactate, in turn, promotes hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (Hif-1α) activation and Hif-1α-dependent transcription of various proton channels and exchangers, which extrude cytoplasmic H+-ions into the intestinal lumen. In parallel, the vitamin C-dependent and duodenal cytochrome b-mediated conversion of ferric iron into ferrous iron progresses. Finally, the generated electrochemical gradient is utilized by the divalent metal transporter 1 for H+-coupled uptake of non-heme Fe2+-ions. Iron efflux from enterocytes, subsequent binding to the plasma protein transferrin, and systemic distribution supply a wide range of cells with iron, including erythroid precursors essential for erythropoiesis. In this review, we discuss the impact of vitamin C on the redox capacity of human erythrocytes and connect enterocyte function with iron metabolism, highlighting its effects on erythropoiesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant properties of 3-dithiocarbamic flavanones have been investigated. The influence of the halogen substituents on ring A of the flavanones and the nature of the secondary amine from the dithiocarbamic moiety have been accounted. The results indicated that the presence of a halogen substituent at the C-8 position of the benzopyran ring induce better antioxidant properties against DPPH and ABTS than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and ascorbic acid. The presence of a halogen substituent at the mentioned position appears to induce a higher stability for a free radical intermediate at the C-3 position of the benzopyran ring. A free radical enolate is most likely to be involved in the antioxidant activity of this dithiocarbamic flavanone. It is a stable intermediate that supports the influence of dithiocarbamic moiety on the antioxidant properties of the reported flavanones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of thiazolyl–catechol compounds with antioxidant and cytotoxic activities were synthesized by a Hantzsch heterocyclization, using diverse thioamides as the thiocarbonyl component and 4-chloroacetyl-catechol as haloketone. These compounds were characterized by MS, IR spectroscopy, and NMR. Their antioxidant potential was evaluated by antiradical, electron transfer, and ferrous ion chelation assays using ascorbic acid, Trolox, and EDTA-Na2 as references. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated on two different cell types, normal human foreskin fibroblasts (BJ) and human pulmonary malignant cells (A549), using gefitinib as a reference anticancer drug. The results obtained from the tests highlighted compounds 3g and 3h with significant antioxidant activities. The highest cytotoxic potency against A549 cells was exhibited by compounds 3i and 3j, while compound 3g demonstrated exceptional selectivity on malignant cells compared to gefitinib. These promising results encourage further investigation into targeted modifications on position 2 of the thiazole ring, in order to develop novel therapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their antioxidant activity, alkylresorcinols (ARs) extracted from by-products could represent promising natural and innovative antioxidants for the food industry. This study tested the ability of ARs isolated from wheat bran to increase the shelf-life of minced-meat models stored at 4 °C for 9 days. Fifteen alk(en)ylresorcinols (C17–C25) were recognized by GC/MS, showing good radical-scavenging (200.70 ± 1.33 μmolTE/g extract) and metal-chelating (1.38 ± 0.30 mgEDTAE/g extract) activities. Two ARs concentrations (0.01% and 0.02%) were compared to sodium ascorbate (0.01% and 0.10%) on color (CIELAB values L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue) and oxidative stability (lipid hydroperoxides, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)) of minced-beef samples. ARs-treated samples were oxidatively more stable than those formulated with sodium ascorbate and the negative control, with significantly lower contents of hydroperoxides and VOCs (hexanal, 1-hexanol, and 1-octen-3-ol) throughout the experiment (p < 0.001). However, no effect on color stability was observed (p > 0.05). Since 0.01% of ARs was equally or more effective than 0.10% sodium ascorbate, those results carry important implications for the food industry, which could reduce antioxidant amounts by ten times and replace synthetic antioxidants with natural ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the qualitative and quantitative profile is evaluated of the bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity (AA), microbiostatic properties, as well as the color parameters of jostaberry extracts, obtained from frozen (FJ), freeze-dried (FDJ), and oven-dried berries (DJ). The optimal extraction conditions by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were selected after determination of the total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total antocyanin content (TA), AA by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH), and the free radical cation 2,2-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonates (ABTS). Non-conventional extraction methods are less destructive to anthocyanins, while drying the berries reduced TA, regardless of the extraction method. The oven-drying process reduced the concentration of TA in DJ extracts by 99.4% and of ascorbic acid by 92.42% compared to FJ. AA was influenced by the jostaberry pretreatment methods. The DPPH and ABTS tests recorded values (mg Trolox equivalent/g dry weight) between 17.60 and 35.26 and 35.64 and 109.17 for FJ extracts, between 7.50 and 7.96 and 45.73 and 82.22 for FDJ, as well as between 6.31 and 7.40 and 34.04 and 52.20 for DJ, respectively. The jostaberry pretreatment produced significant changes in all color parameters. Mutual information analysis, applied to determine the influence of ultrasound and microwave durations on TPC, TFC, TA, AA, pH, and color parameters in jostaberry extracts, showed the greatest influence on TA (0.367 bits) and TFC (0.329 bits). The DPPH and ABTS inhibition capacity of all FJ' extracts had higher values and varied more strongly, depending on pH, heat treatment, and storage time, compared to the AA values of FDJ' and DJ' extracts. A significant antimicrobial effect was observed on all bacterial strains studied for FJP. FDJP was more active on Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. DJP was more active on Salmonella Abony and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antifungal effect of DJP was stronger compared to FDJP. Jostaberry extracts obtained under different conditions can be used in food production, offering a wide spectrum of red hues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kiwifruit, Actinidia genus, has emerged as a nutritionally rich and economically significant crop with a history rooted in China. This review paper examines the global journey of the kiwifruit, its genetic diversity, and the role of advanced breeding techniques in its cultivation and improvement. The expansion of kiwifruit cultivation from China to New Zealand, Italy, Chile and beyond, driven by the development of new cultivars and improved agricultural practices, is discussed, highlighting the fruit's high content of vitamins C, E, and K. The genetic resources within the Actinidia genus are reviewed, with emphasis on the potential of this diversity in breeding programs. The review provides extensive coverage to the application of modern omics technologies, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, which have revolutionized the understanding of the biology of kiwifruit and facilitated targeted breeding efforts. It examines both conventional breeding methods and modern approaches, like marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, mutation breeding, and the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 technology for precise trait enhancement. Special attention is paid to interspecific hybridization and cisgenesis as strategies for incorporating beneficial traits and developing superior kiwifruit varieties. This comprehensive synthesis not only sheds light on the current state of kiwifruit research and breeding, but also outlines the future directions and challenges in the field, underscoring the importance of integrating traditional and omics-based approaches to meet the demands of a changing global climate and market preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyssopus officinalis L. (HO) is, as one of the most prevalently utilized plants, used in traditional medicine to cure various diseases as well as the in food and cosmetic industries. Moreover, HO is a rich source of polyphenols with potent antioxidant properties. However, the studies on the extraction of such compounds from HO are scanty and sparse. This study aims to optimize the extraction of polyphenols and maximize the antioxidant activity in HO extracts. A comprehensive experimental design was employed, encompassing varied extraction parameters to determine the most effective ones. Alongside conventional stirring (ST), two green approaches, the ultrasonic treatment (US) and the pulsed electric field (PEF), were explored, either alone or in combination. The extracted polyphenolic compounds were identified with a high-performance liquid chromatography–diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). According to the results, the employment of ST along with an ethanolic solvent at 80 °C for 150 min seems beneficial in maximizing the extraction of polyphenols from HO, resulting in extracts with enhanced antioxidant activity. The total polyphenol was noted at 70.65 ± 2.76 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight (dw) using the aforementioned techniques, and the antioxidant activity was noted as 582.23 ± 16.88 μmol ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/g dw (with FRAP method) and 343.75 ± 15.61 μmol AAE/g dw (with the DPPH method). The as-prepared extracts can be utilized in the food and cosmetics industries to bestow or enhance the antioxidant properties of commercial products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]