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Background: Most Rubiaceae species are hermaphroditic with outcrossing often promoted by distyly and self-incompatibility, as well as by andromonoecy and dioecy in some species. However, cleistogamy has been reported in three genera, including Richardia. Aims: To characterise the reproductive biology of Richardia brasiliensis (Rubiaceae), a ruderal herb native to southern USA, Central America and large parts of South America, and determine if it exhibits preanthesis cleistogamy. Methods: In three natural populations of R. brasiliensis in Argentina, floral processes were monitored in the flower-bud stage and during anthesis until senescence. In addition, stigma receptivity and pollen viability were determined at these different floral stages in two populations, and experimental controlled pollinations were performed to check for spontaneous self-pollination, natural pollination and apomixis. Floral visiting insects were observed and collected for identification. Results: Autonomous self-pollination occurred when flowers were in bud and stigmas were receptive, with ovules fertilised prior to anthesis. These flowers were protogynous and functionally cleistogamous, though later passed through a chasmogamous phase when flowers opened and were visited by diverse insects. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that preanthesis cleistogamy occurs in flower-buds of R. brasiliensis, indicating that this mode of self-pollination and self-fertilisation may be more common in Rubiaceae than previously realised. KEY HIGHLIGHTS: Flowers of Richardia brasiliensis exhibit two striking features in the flower-bud stage: stigmatic receptivity and self-pollination causing preanthesis cleistogamy to occur. Pollen grain germination on distinctly enlarged papillae cells and pollen tube growth in the style to the ovary were observed in 85% of fixed flower-buds. During anthesis, flowers are visited by a diversity of insects collecting pollen and nectar (Orders Hymenoptera (Apidae, Formicidae and Trigonalidae) and Diptera (Syrphidae)), but due to preanthesis cleistogamy most reproduction occurs via self-fertilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient and toxicant levels as well as their bioavailability in S. latissima and Ulva species (fenestrata, intestinalis, rigida) were reviewed. Nutritional quality was assessed by nutrient contribution to daily reference intake (DRI) per portion (5 g dry weight), nutrient density score NRF21.3, and comparisons to reference foods. Toxicological assessments comprised tolerable daily intake (TDI)-levels. Based on mean %DRI per portion, S. latissima and Ulva species were good sources (%DRI >15) of calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, and vitamin B12. Mean %DRI was <10% for fiber, sodium, and protein. Toxicological concerns were mainly due to iodine (mean %TDI per portion: 3160% for S. latissima and 41–91% for Ulva species). Mean %TDIs for inorganic arsenic, cadmium, and lead were <20% for S. latissima and 9–97%, 6–15%, and 21–46%, for the selected Ulva species, respectively. Bioavailability data were scarce and is, together with nutritional impact of processing, an important aspect to address in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional quality of 142 plant-based meat analogues (PBMAs) on the Swedish market were assessed by nutritional contribution (NC) to recommended nutrient intake, three labelling systems (Keyhole, Nutri-Score, nutrition claims) and comparisons to meat references. Based on median (min-max) NC for macronutrients, PBMAs in general appeared as healthy options to meat due to higher NC per 100 g for fibre [PBMAs: 15% (1-33%) vs meat: 0% (0-2%)] and lower NC for saturated fat [PBMAs: 4% (0-59%) vs meat: 15% (1-51%)]. The NC per 100 g for salt was substantial for both PBMAs [25% (5-52%)] and meat [24% (2-55%)]. Limited data for micronutrients indicated that PBMAs are higher in iron compared to meat. Nutrition quality varied both between and within product categories. Mince, bite/fillet and nugget analogues were the main healthier categories, according to labelling systems. Bioavailability of iron, protein quality and effects of processing are important future aspects to consider. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biplot is a diagnostic tool used to make a visual appraisal of large data matrices with double entries. It has been most commonly used in crop breeding to evaluate genotype × environment interactions. We have employed the biplot method to study the self- and cross-compatibility reactions as evinced by diallel crosses for full-sib progeny arrays in Lysimachia (Anagallis) monelli, a species that has been shown to have single locus, multiallelic self-incompatibility, homomorphic gametophytic type (GSI). The resultant plots show two and three major groups (inter-compatible, intra-incompatible). In all diallel biplots, the high proportion of the total variation explained by two principal components (PC1 and PC2) indicates one-locus SI. Two to four compatible/incompatible clusters found in the analyzed diallels is in accord with a GSI type. More interestingly, the biplots also showed varying degrees of interaction between plants as females (pollen receiving) and plants as males (pollen donors) in the data from two diallels. The biplot method offers an alternative approach to study the genetic control of self-incompatibility via diallel crosses, and we propose that it might be particularly useful to study complex self-incompatibility systems in which conventional methods for the analysis of sib diallel results have proven difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effectiveness and long-term impact on the composition of the habitual diet of a nutritional intervention programme - undertaken through panels, totems, and table mats or handout leaflets - based on the promotion at a worksite canteen of healthy food-choices resembling the traditional Mediterranean diet. A significantly higher choice of dishes based on wholegrain cereals, legumes, white meat and fish, and a lower choice of dishes based on refined cereals, red and processed meat, eggs and cheese was observed at the end of the intervention and after six months and three years of follow-ups. A significantly better adherence to the nutritional recommendations for saturated-fat, cholesterol, sugars and fibre was observed. This study reveals that a nutritional intervention programme promoting the traditional Mediterranean diet and utilising a minimally intensive approach is feasible and effective to modify in a beneficial way the dietary habits of a working population and keep these changes in the long-term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]