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Cytokinesis, the partitioning of the cytoplasm following nuclear division, requires extensive coordination between cell cycle cues, membrane trafficking and microtubule dynamics. Plant cytokinesis occurs within a transient membrane compartment known as the cell plate, to which vesicles are delivered by a plant-specific microtubule array, the phragmoplast. While membrane proteins required for cytokinesis are known, how these are coordinated with microtubule dynamics and regulated by cell cycle cues remains unclear. Here, we document physical and genetic interactions between Transport Protein Particle II (TRAPPII) tethering factors and microtubule-associated proteins of the PLEIADE/AtMAP65 family. These interactions do not specifically affect the recruitment of either TRAPPII or MAP65 proteins to the cell plate or midzone. Rather, and based on single versus double mutant phenotypes, it appears that they are required to coordinate cytokinesis with the nuclear division cycle. As MAP65 family members are known to be targets of cell cycle-regulated kinases, our results provide a conceptual framework for how membrane and microtubule dynamics may be coordinated with each other and with the nuclear cycle during plant cytokinesis., (© 2016 The Authors The Plant Journal © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Fungal effector-host sensitivity gene interactions play a key role in determining the outcome of septoria nodorum blotch disease (SNB) caused by Parastagonospora nodorum on wheat. The pathosystem is complex and mediated by interaction of multiple fungal necrotrophic effector-host sensitivity gene systems. Three effector sensitivity gene systems are well characterized in this pathosystem; SnToxA-Tsn1, SnTox1-Snn1 and SnTox3-Snn3. We tested a wheat mapping population that segregated for Snn1 and Snn3 with SN15, an aggressive P. nodorum isolate that produces SnToxA, SnTox1 and SnTox3, to study the inheritance of sensitivity to SnTox1 and SnTox3 and disease susceptibility. Interval quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping showed that the SnTox1-Snn1 interaction was paramount in SNB development on both seedlings and adult plants. No effect of the SnTox3-Snn3 interaction was observed under SN15 infection. The SnTox3-Snn3 interaction was however, detected in a strain of SN15 in which SnTox1 had been deleted (tox1-6). Gene expression analysis indicates increased SnTox3 expression in tox1-6 compared with SN15. This indicates that the failure to detect the SnTox3-Snn3 interaction in SN15 is due - at least in part - to suppressed expression of SnTox3 mediated by SnTox1. Furthermore, infection of the mapping population with a strain deleted in SnToxA, SnTox1 and SnTox3 (toxa13) unmasked a significant SNB QTL on 2DS where the SnTox2 effector sensitivity gene, Snn2, is located. This QTL was not observed in SN15 and tox1-6 infections and thus suggesting that SnToxA and/or SnTox3 were epistatic. Additional QTLs responding to SNB and effectors sensitivity were detected on 2AS1 and 3AL., (© 2016 The Authors. The Plant Journal published by Society for Experimental Biology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The HOG1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is activated through two-component histidine kinase (HK) signalling. This pathway was first characterized in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a regulator of osmotolerance. The fungus Parastagonospora nodorum is the causal agent of septoria nodorum blotch of wheat. This pathogen uses host-specific effectors in tandem with general pathogenicity mechanisms to carry out its infection process. Genes showing strong sequence homology to S. cerevisiae HOG1 signalling pathway genes have been identified in the genome of P. nodorum. In this study, we examined the role of the pathway in the virulence of P. nodorum on wheat by disrupting putative pathway component genes: HOG1 (SNOG_13296) MAPK and NIK1 (SNOG_11631) hybrid HK. Mutants deleted in NIK1 and HOG1 were insensitive to dicarboximide and phenylpyrrole fungicides, but not a fungicide that targets ergosterol biosynthesis. Furthermore, both Δnik1 and Δhog1 mutants showed increased sensitivity to hyperosmotic stress. However, HOG1, but not NIK1, is required for tolerance to elevated temperatures. HOG1 deletion conferred increased tolerance to 6-methoxy-2-benzoxazolinone, a cereal phytoalexin. This suggests that the HOG1 signalling pathway is not exclusively associated with NIK1. Both Δnik1 and Δhog1 mutants retained the ability to infect and cause necrotic lesions on wheat. However, we observed that the Δhog1 mutation resulted in reduced production of pycnidia, asexual fruiting bodies that facilitate spore dispersal during late infection. Our study demonstrated the overlapping and distinct roles of a HOG1 MAPK and two-component HK signalling in P. nodorum growth and pathogenicity.

Cytokinesis, the partitioning of the cytoplasm following nuclear division, requires extensive coordination between membrane trafficking and cytoskeletal dynamics. In plants, the onset of cytokinesis is characterized by the assembly of a bipolar microtubule array, the phragmoplast, and of a transient membrane compartment, the cell plate. Little is known about the coordination between membrane deposition at the cell plate and the dynamics of phragmoplast microtubules. In this study, we monitor the localization dynamics of microtubule and membrane markers throughout cytokinesis. Our spatiotemporal resolution is consistent with the general view that microtubule dynamics drive membrane movements. Nonetheless, we provide evidence for active sorting at the cell plate and show that this is, at least in part, mediated by the TRAPPII tethering complex. We also characterize phragmoplast microtubule organization and cell plate formation in a suite of cytokinesis-defective mutants. Of four mutant lines with defects in phragmoplast microtubule organization, only mor1 microtubule-associated mutants exhibited aberrant cell plates. Conversely, the mutants with the strongest impairment in phragmoplast microtubule reorganization are keule alleles, which have a primary defect in membrane fusion. Our findings identify the SEC1/Munc18 protein KEULE as a central regulatory node in the coordination of membrane and microtubule dynamics during plant cytokinesis., (Copyright © 2016 The Author. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Urinalysis is a routine and cheap laboratory test that provides clinically useful information in patients with acute abdominal conditions, including acute pancreatitis. The aim of the study was to assess the relationships between the results of urinalysis and the course of the disease among 65 patients with acute pancreatitis (34 men and 31 women, mean age 61 ± 19 years) at the early phase of the disease, i.e. during the first 72 hours from the onset of symptoms. Mild acute pancreatitis was diagnosed in 47 patients, moderately severe in 13 and severe in 5. The most prevalent abnormalities were proteinuria (43% of patients), high urinary bilirubin (20%), erythrocytes (18%), glucose (18%) and leukocytes (17%). High urinary protein and low specific gravity were associated with more severe acute disease and with acute kidney injury. The severity of bilirubinuria and proteinuria were positively correlated with urine concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL). Urinalysis should be routinely performed in patients with acute pancreatitis.

This work investigates the potential application of e‐beam radiation for sterilization of food packaging made of commercial polyester blend of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) and polylactide known under the trade name Ecovio 23B1. Ecovio film was irradiated at doses of 5, 13, and 26 kGy and the effect of sterilization on the microorganism inactivation ability was performed. The influence of radiation doses on structural and packaging properties such as tensile strength, barrier, and migration properties was also studied. 1H NMR and FTIR analysis revealed no significant changes in the polymer structure, however, the molar mass of irradiated samples decreased with increasing radiation dose. This result indicated the occurrence of degradation process during radiation, which was confirmed by the thermal analysis and accelerated enzymatic degradation. The packaging properties did not changed significantly and the overall migration for 10% ethanol, isooctane, and MPPO was below the limit for all of the studied samples. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48462. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to determine the effect of various amounts of dried apple pomace (AP) powder and calcium ions on selected physicochemical properties of restructured freeze-dried snacks in comparison with products obtained with low-methoxyl pectin (LMP). The material was prepared using frozen carrot, orange concentrate, ginger, water, and various concentrations of AP (1, 3, 5%) and calcium lactate (0, 0.01, 0.05%). The reference samples were without additives, and with 0.5 or 1.5% of LMP combined with 0.01% of calcium lactate., Results: The material was studied in terms of water content and activity, hygroscopic properties, structure, texture, color, and polyphenol content (TPC), and antioxidant activity. The addition of AP resulted in reducing water activity and porosity. As a consequence of the increasing density of the structure, the reduction of hygroscopic properties by up to 16% followed the increasing amount of AP. Apple pomace and calcium ions strengthened the structure. The addition of 3% and 5% of AP gave a hardening effect close to or better than 0.5% LMP. Because of the pigment dilution, LMP caused significantly greater total color change than AP. The incorporation of AP also increased TPC and enhanced antioxidant activity in comparison with the reference materials by up to 18%., Conclusion: The results showed that dried AP powder can be applied successfully as an additive enhancing stability, texture and bioactive compound content, thus fortifying the physicochemical properties of restructured freeze-dried fruit and vegetable snacks. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.)

Aims: The Optimization of Heart Failure Management using OptiVol Fluid Status Monitoring and CareLink (OptiLink HF) study is designed to investigate whether OptiVol fluid status monitoring with an automatically generated wireless CareAlert notification via the CareLink Network can reduce all-cause death and cardiovascular hospitalizations in an HF population, compared with standard clinical assessment. Methods Patients with newly implanted or replacement cardioverter-defibrillator devices with or without cardiac resynchronization therapy, who have chronic HF in New York Heart Association class II or III and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% will be eligible to participate. Following device implantation, patients are randomized to either OptiVol fluid status monitoring through CareAlert notification or regular care (OptiLink 'on' vs. 'off'). The primary endpoint is a composite of all-cause death or cardiovascular hospitalization. It is estimated that 1000 patients will be required to demonstrate superiority of the intervention group to reduce the primary outcome by 30% with 80% power.Conclusion: The OptiLink HF study is designed to investigate whether early detection of congestion reduces mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization in patients with chronic HF. The study is expected to close recruitment in September 2012 and to report first results in May 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a new phenomenological mean field approach aiming at the calculation of properties of exotic nuclei. This approach combines the microscopic description of the spin-orbit properties in terms of particle densities, but also vector spin-orbit densities, inspired by results obtained within the Skyrme Hartree-Fock formalism, thus including the contribution of the tensor force. At the same time, the new approach preserves the simplicity of the phenomenological Woods-Saxon calculations and, more importantly, the robustness of the latter towards extrapolations in terms of increasing number of particles and/or isospin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotrophic diseases of wheat cause major losses in most wheat growing areas of world. Tan spot (caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) and septoria nodorum blotch (SNB; Parastagonospora nodorum) have been shown to reduce yields by 10-20% across entire agri-ecological zones despite the application of fungicides and a heavy focus over the last 30 years on resistance breeding. Efforts by breeders to improve the resistance of cultivars has been compromised by the universal finding that resistance was quantitative and governed by multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL). Most QTL had a limited effect that was hard to measure precisely and varied significantly from site to site and season to season. The discovery of necrotrophic effectors has given breeding for disease resistance new methods and tools. In the case of tan spot in West Australia, a single effector, PtrToxA and its recogniser gene Tsn1, has a dominating impact in disease resistance. The delivery of ToxA to breeders has had a major impact on cultivar choice and breeding strategies. For P. nodorum, three effectors - SnToxA, SnTox1, and SnTox3 - have been well characterized. Unlike tan spot, no one effector has a dominating role. Genetic analysis of various mapping populations and pathogen isolates has shown that different effectors have varying impact and that epistatic interactions also occur. As a result of these factors the deployment of these effectors for SNB resistance breeding is more complex. We have deleted the three effectors in a strain of P. nodorum and measured effector activity and disease potential of the triple knockout mutant. The culture filtrate causes necrosis in several cultivars and the strain causes disease, albeit the overall levels are less than in the wild type. Modeling of the field disease resistance scores of cultivars from their reactions to the microbially expressed effectors SnToxA, SnTox1, and SnTox3 is significantly improved by including the response to the triple knockout mutant culture filtrate. This indicates that one or more further effectors are secreted into the culture filtrate. We conclude that the in vitro-secreted necrotrophic effectors explain a very large part of the disease response of wheat germplasm and that this method of resistance breeding promises to further reduce the impact of these globally significant diseases.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of blast chilling of pig carcasses on the physiochemical and sensory properties of the longissimus lumborum muscle. To this end, right half-carcasses were blast-chilled for 70min at -24°C and then for 22h and 50min at 1°C, while left half-carcasses were chilled conventionally at 1°C for 24h. At 2h and 6h post mortem, blast chilling had significantly reduced the temperature of the carcasses, as well as the rate of pH decrease and the rate of increase in EC. It had no significant effect on the ultimate pH or its range, or on EC at 24h post mortem, but it significantly lowered L*, b*, C* and drip loss compared to the conventionally chilled carcasses. Blast chilling adversely affected sensory characteristics such as tenderness and flavor. There were no significant differences between the effects of blast and conventional chilling systems on meat quality between conformation classes., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In twenty first century, the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMt2) dramatically increases, followed by the number of patients suffering from its complications. Currently, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of renal replacement therapy. Often, DMt2 is diagnosed after several years of duration, and irreversible organ damage can develop during that period. On the other hand, the early diag- nosis of DKD in the preclinical phase, when glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is still maintained and there are no evident changes in urinalysis, gives the possibility of implementing the nephroprotective treatment that can significantly delay the progression of the disease. However, the diagnostic tests available in clinical practice, i.e. serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria have important limitations. There is a need for new, early and non-invasive biomarkers specific for kidney injury, allowing for differentiation between glomerular and tubular injury, and changing dynamically in response to the degree of kidney damage. Hereby, we review the current knowledge about the novel and emerging biomarkers of kidney injury and their used for the diagnosis of DKD.

Pyrenophora tritici-repentis causing the tan spot of wheat produces specific necrotrophic effectors Ptr ToxA, Ptr ToxB, and Ptr ToxC, inducing necrosis and chlorosis on the leaves of susceptible varieties. On the basis of the ability of P. tritici-repentis strains to produce specific necrotrophic effectors or their combinations, eight races of the pathogen are distinguished. Monitoring the race composition of P. tritici-repentis populations is necessary to assess the evolutionary potential of the pathogen and develop a methodology for breeding wheat cultivars with long-term resistance. We have analyzed 179 monoconidial P. tritici-repentis strains from Kazakhstan and Russian populations in 2020–2022. The widespread distribution of races 2 and 4 was revealed, strains of which were present in each analyzed P. tritici-repentis population with a frequency of 2–36 and 7–82%, respectively. The dominance of avirulent race 4 was noted: the strains of this race accounted for 27% of all analyzed P. tritici-repentis strains. Molecular identification of the ToxA and ToxB genes, as well as toxb, a homolog of the ToxB gene, in 118 P. tritici-repentis strains from six populations revealed the presence of the ToxA gene in 69% of the analyzed strains. The ToxB gene was not detected in any strains, while the toxb gene was found sporadically and was identified in the genome of 18 P. tritici-repentis strains (9%), most of which were avirulent and belonged to race 4. In PCR with specific primers for the ToxA gene of ten P. tritici-repentis strains, a product of ~800 bp was amplified, which turned out to be significantly larger than expected. This was explained by the presence of an insertion in the amplified region of the ToxA gene. Such gene was called ToxAL. All P. tritici-repentis strains with the ToxAL variant were assigned to races 4 and 5, which do not form the necrotrophic effector Ptr ToxA. The structure of the ToxAL gene and its protein product is the subject of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely acknowledged through various studies that comprehending the environment and sustainability can help children cultivate curiosity, insights, and ethical ideals, facilitating ways of enhancing public environmental literacy and leading to a more sustainable future. Environmental education in early childhood has substantial positive effects on social, economic, wellness, and educational elements, aiding in the growth of children's abilities to become responsible young citizens. The present article examines how green informational picturebooks in India can cultivate eco-consciousness in young readers and support environmental children's literature, motivating them to protect the earth and recognise their responsibility in environmental issues as adults. Taking Jeyanthi Manokaran's Chipko Takes Root (2015) as a point of exploration and intervention, the article illustrates how a picturebook like this can be implemented as a means of communication for environmental protection. For this, the article emphasises how the book indulges in a streamlined recounting of the Chipko movement, incorporates regional stories, and uses effective visual representations as tools to elevate awareness about environment and sustainability among children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit and vegetable industrialisation is a major contributor to food waste; thus, its integral transformation into functional powders has gained attention. Pretreatments can be incorporated into valorisation processes to generate structural or biochemical changes that improve powders' characteristics. This study deepens into the impact of biological (fermentation, FERM) and thermophysical (autoclaving, AUTO; microwaves, MW; ultrasound, US; and pasteurisation, PAST) pretreatments, combined with dehydration (hot air-drying, HAD; or freeze-drying, FD) on the characteristics of powdered products obtained from broccoli stems. The impact of pretreatments on physicochemical (moisture, water activity, total soluble solids) and antioxidant properties (phenols, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity by ABTS and DPPH) on residue and powdered products was studied, together with their impact on plant tissue structure (Cryo-SEM) and the powders' phenolic profile (HPLC). Probiotic viability was also determined on the fermented samples. The pretreatments applied, particularly the ultrasound, improved the antioxidant properties of the broccoli stems compared to the unpretreated samples, in line with microscopic observations. Dehydration did also improve the antioxidant attributes of the broccoli wastes, especially drying at 60 °C. However, pretreatments combined with dehydration did not generally lead to an improvement in the antioxidant properties of the powders. Probiotic properties were preserved in the freeze-dried products (>107 CFU/g). In conclusion, pretreatments may be applied to enhance the antioxidant attributes of broccoli wastes, but not necessarily that of dried powdered products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local adaptation has been a central theme of eco-evolutionary research for decades. It is generally assumed that plant pathogens are locally adapted due to their standing interactions with biotic and abiotic factors in the ecosystem. Effectors, secreted small proteins encoded by pathogens, play critical roles in host–pathogen interactions, by activating host genotype-specific resistance, suppressing plant immunity, and playing other functions. In this study, we investigated the potential involvement of RXLR effector genes in ecological adaptation by examining the simple sequence repeat (SSR), virulence, and effector profiles in Phytophthora infestans isolates collected from two geographic regions differing in ecological environments. Genotypic analyses with SSR markers and virulence assays showed that the pathogen from the two regions shared genetic background but differed in virulence spectrums. High-throughput sequencing and expression analysis of 24 selected P. infestans isolates further showed variations in the RXLR effector repertoire, ranging from 536 to 548 for each isolate and the expression of effector genes was highly associated with the accumulation of homologous sRNA. Regional specific alleles were detected at 94 RXLR effector genes, and a specific accumulation of homologous 25–26 nt sRNAs was found at 67 RXLR effector genes. Two of the regional specific RXLR effector genes were confirmed to be virulence factors. Taken together, these results suggest that genomic and epigenetic variations in RXLR effector genes contribute significantly to the ecological adaptation of P. infestans populations and that regional specific effector genes will help to understand the adaptive landscape of pathogens and efficient use of host resistance genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) combine the properties of plastics and lignocellulosic fillers. A particular limitation in their use is usually a hydrophobic, poorly wettable surface. The surface properties of materials can be modified using ion implantation. The research involved using composites based on polyethylene (PE) filled with sawdust or bark (40%, 50%, and 60%). Their surfaces were modified by argon ion implantation in three fluencies (1 × 1015, 1 × 1016, and 1 × 1017 cm−2) at an accelerating voltage of 60 kV. Changes in the wettability, surface energy, and surface colour of the WPCs were analysed. It was shown that argon ion implantation affects the distinct colour change in the WPC surface. The nature of the colour changes depends on the filler used. Implantation also affects the colour balance between the individual variants. Implantation of the WPC surface with argon ions resulted in a decrease in the wetting angle. In most of the variants tested, the most significant effect on the wetting angle changes was the ion fluence of 1 × 1017 cm−2. Implantation of the WPC surface also increased the surface free energy of the composites. The highest surface free energy values were also recorded for the argon ion fluence of 1 × 1017 cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the effects of thermal pre-treatments such as convective drying (P-CD), water (BL_W), and microwave blanching (M_BL) and osmotic enrichment pre-treatments with juices from pomegranate (PG), chokeberry (CH), and sea buckthorn (SB) on microwave-vacuum-dried (MVD) carrot properties. Convective drying (CD) and freeze-drying (FD) were used as a comparative method. The dry matter content and water activity of MVD carrots were varied, but in many cases, the values were comparable to those of FD-dried carrots. Pre-enrichment in CH juice significantly reduced the values of the color parameters L*, a*, and b*, regardless of the drying method. The smallest changes were observed in microwave pre-blanching (M_BL). The lowest loss in carotenoid content was observed in CD-dried carrots (14–34 mg/100 g d.m.). Blanching and enrichment in SB juice allowed significant retention of these compounds. As a result of drying carrots, the total phenolic content (TPC) increased. Compared to the raw material, the TPC content in dried carrots increased 3–9 times. Drying using the FD and MVD methods gave a similar effect of increasing the TPC content, including a greater effect after enrichment in CH juice. The highest average antioxidant activity against the DPPH• and ABTS•+ radicals was recorded for FD-dried carrots (6.9 and 30.0 mg Trolox/g d.m.). SB juice contributed to a significant increase in the total vitamin C content, even by 89.1%, compared to raw carrots. Applying osmotic pre-enrichment in PG juice increased the sugar content in dried FD and CD samples by 37.4–49.9%, and in MVD by 21–59%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to optimize the osmotic dehydration process of strawberry slices by examining the effects of glycerol concentration, immersion time, and temperature on water loss and solid gain. Additionally, the study explored the use of chokeberry infusion to enhance the total phenolic content of the strawberries, thereby increasing their nutritional value. Using the Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology, the study identified optimal conditions to maximize water loss and solid gain. The findings revealed that high glycerol concentration (60% w/w) and temperature (50 °C), combined with optimal immersion times, significantly influenced water loss and solid gain. Experimental validations confirmed the model's predictions, showing high prediction accuracy (87.37% to 87.69%) for water loss determination but moderate prediction accuracy (42.80% to 64.72%) for solid gain. The immersion of strawberry slices in a hypertonic osmotic chokeberry infusion for 170–220 min maximized the migration of natural antioxidants. Moreover, the osmotic dehydration process effectively reduced water activity and moisture content, enhancing the strawberries' shelf stability. Furthermore, the addition of calcium chloride (CaCl2) helped maintain the strawberries' firmness and color during dehydration. Overall, the optimized osmotic dehydration process preserved the structural integrity and improved the nutritional profile and preservation quality of the strawberries, suitable for preparation of various fruit-based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze drying (FD) is a technique used to preserve the bioactive content and flavor of samples. Foods with a short shelf life due to nature have been preserved via FD in recent years. The success of the drying technique is thanks to the high retention ability of the bioactive compounds and the flavor of the sample. However, the high cost and energy consumption of FD limit its usage in several fields. Freezing, primary drying, and secondary drying, which take place in the same device, are the stages of FD. In addition, several parameters, including pretreatment, size, temperature, sample species, time, and pressure, affect the FD process. These parameters are controlled to increase the effectiveness of FD on the samples. Moreover, FD has been compared with other drying techniques including hot air drying, microwave drying, vacuum drying, and solar drying to determine its protective capability. It has also been applied to the valorization of waste products, which is a common problem worldwide. For valorization, microencapsulation and powder production have been achieved using FD. In recent years, studies on the effects and use of FD on various materials increased, providing new aspects for the future of science and food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food packaging, which is typically made of paper/cardboard, glass, metal, and plastic, is essential for protecting and preserving food. However, the impact of conventional food packaging and especially the predominant use of plastics, due to their versatility and low cost, bring serious environmental and health problems such as pollution by micro and nanoplastics. In response to these challenges, biotechnology emerges as a new way for improving packaging by providing biopolymers as sustainable alternatives. In this context, bacterial cellulose (BC), a biodegradable and biocompatible material produced by bacteria, stands out for its mechanical resistance, food preservation capacity, and rapid degradation and is a promising solution for replacing plastics. However, despite its advantages, large-scale application still encounters technical and economic challenges. These include high costs compared to when conventional materials are used, difficulties in standardizing membrane production through microbial methods, and challenges in optimizing cultivation and production processes, so further studies are necessary to ensure food safety and industrial viability. Thus, this review provides an overview of the impacts of conventional packaging. It discusses the development of biodegradable packaging, highlighting BC as a promising biopolymer. Additionally, it explores biotechnological techniques for the development of innovative packaging through structural modifications of BC, as well as ways to optimize its production process. The study also emphasizes the importance of these solutions in promoting a circular economy within the food industry and reducing its environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Hospitalizations are common in patients with heart failure and are associated with high mortality, readmission and economic burden. Detecting early signs of worsening heart failure may enable earlier intervention and reduce hospitalizations. The HeartLogic algorithm is designed to predict worsening heart failure using diagnostic data from multiple device sensors. The main objective of this analysis was to evaluate the sensitivity of the HeartLogic alert calculation in predicting worsening heart failure events (HFEs). We also evaluated the false positive alert rate (FPR) and compared the incidence of HFEs occurring in a HeartLogic alert state to those occurring out of an alert state. Methods: The HINODE study enrolled 144 patients (81 ICD and 63 CRT‐D) with device sensor data transmitted via a remote monitoring system. HeartLogic alerts were then retrospectively simulated using relevant sensor data. Clinicians and patients were blinded to calculated alerts. Reported adverse events with HF symptoms were adjudicated and classified by an independent HFE committee. Sensitivity was defined as the ratio of the number of detected usable HFEs (true positives) to the total number of usable HFEs. A false positive alert was defined as an alert with no usable HFE between the alert onset date and the alert recovery date plus 30 days. The patient follow‐up period was categorized as in alert state or out of alert state. The event rate ratio was the HFE rate calculated in alert to out of alert. Results: The patient cohort was 79% male and had an average age of 68 ± 12 years. This analysis yielded 244 years of follow‐up data with 73 HFEs from 37 patients. A total of 311 HeartLogic alerts at the nominal threshold (16) occurred across 106 patients providing an alert rate of 1.27 alerts per patient‐year. The HFE rate was 8.4 times greater while in alert compared with out of alert (1.09 vs. 0.13 events per patient‐year; P < 0.001). At the nominal alert threshold, 80.8% of HFEs were detected by a HeartLogic alert [95% confidence interval (CI): 69.9%–89.1%]. The median time from first true positive alert to an adjudicated clinical HFE was 53 days. The FPR was 1.16 (95% CI: 0.98–1.38) alerts per patient‐year. Conclusions: Results suggest that signs of worsening HF can be detected successfully with remote patient follow‐up. The use of HeartLogic may predict periods of increased risk for HF or clinically significant events, allowing for early intervention and reduction of hospitalization in a vulnerable patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green extraction primarily emphasizes developing new extraction techniques that consume less energy. It involves using safe, non‐toxic alternative solvents and sustainable natural resources to ensure the production of safe and high‐quality extracts. Red onion skin is an important source of anthocyanins, a subgroup of phenolic compounds. Anthocyanins are an important group of natural pigments that have attracted a lot of attention due to their health benefits. However, the instability and high sensitivity of these pigments have limited their use in food and cosmetics. Therefore, in this study, various modern green extraction methods were used, including solvent extraction, ultrasound‐assisted extraction, subcritical water extraction, microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE), pulsed electric field extraction, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and high hydrostatic pressure‐assisted (HHPAE) extraction, to specifically extract and purify anthocyanins. The extraction efficiency, specifically targeting anthocyanins, showed the highest efficiency with HHPAE (81.84%) and the lowest with MAE (40.01%). Measurement of total anthocyanin content revealed that HHPAE and SFE methods yielded the highest anthocyanin concentrations, with 248.49 and 244.98 mg/L, respectively. Identification of anthocyanin by LC–MS revealed that the main anthocyanidins in red onion peel are pelargonidin, cyanidin, delphinidin, and petunidin. These results indicate that innovative green extraction methods, particularly HHPAE and SFE, can effectively replace conventional techniques due to their superior efficiency and enhanced preservation of anthocyanin compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the recycling of composites from plant tissues is difficult, extraction of bioactive compounds from plant sources requires pre‐treatment by new technology such as pulsed electric fields (PEF). Due to the reduced consumption of organic solvents, the extractive techniques such as using supercritical CO2 (SC‐CO2) are of interest to researchers. This work aimed to investigating the influences of different parameters of SC‐CO2 (pressure, modifier volume, temperature, and dynamic time) and PEF (frequency and field strength) treatments on the amount extraction of β‐carotene, lycopene, lutein, β‐cryptoxanthin, total phenol content (TPC), and also antioxidant activity percentage of tomato to obtain the optimum circumstances extraction via PEF and SC‐CO2 methods. PEF data showed that treatments with moderate intensity (1 Hz and 0. 25 kV/cm) enhanced the extractability of lycopene (88%), β‐carotene (69%), and β‐cryptoxanthin (24%). The maximum recovery in total polyphenols was achieved at a 1 Hz and 1.75 kV/cm, leading to a 41.68% growth. The SC‐CO2 results showed that extraction at 55°C and 35 MPa, and in a short time of 20 min (without any modifier: methanol) resulted in the highest levels of carotenoids (100% recovery), especially lycopene, and antioxidant activity. Largest value of total polyphenols was obtained at 35 MPa, 35°C, during 30 min, and 250 μL methanol as a modifier (58.79% recovery). Results showed that the extraction of polyphenols, unlike carotenoids, required a modifier. Organic solvents, often called modifiers, are sometimes added to the supercritical fluid to increase the polarity range of the extraction process and to help overcome analyte retention in the matrix. In this study, methanol was used as a modifier in different volumes. Therefore, the SC‐CO2 gentle processing conditions, compared with PEF, improved the recovery of tomato bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to optimize such treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables have become more popular among consumers because of their nutritional value and convenience. However, the lower shelf life of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables due to processing and mechanical damage is a critical factor affecting their market expansion, and advances in preservation technology are needed to prolong their shelf life. Some traditional chemical preservatives are disliked by health-seeking consumers because of worries about toxicity. Chemical preservation is inexpensive and highly efficient, but sometimes it carries risks for human health. Biological preservation methods are safer and more appealing, but they are not applicable to large-scale production. Physical fresh-keeping methods have been used for the storage and transportation of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables due to the ease of application. This review discusses current research in fresh-keeping technology for the preservation of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Preservation methods include low temperature, modified atmosphere packaging, cold plasma, pulsed light, ultrasonics, ultraviolet light, and ozonated water. As promising alternatives to chemical methods, these novel processes have been evaluated singly or combined with natural preservatives or other methods to extend the shelf life of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables and to provide references and assessments for further development and application of fresh-cut fruit and vegetable preservation technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethyl hydrocinnamate is an ester with a sweet, fruity, honey-like scent commonly used as a flavor and fragrance agent. Due to its chemical structure, it can be easily obtained through enzymatic reactions without the need for harsh substances and processes. This study investigated the immobilization of the commercial lipase Sustine® 131 onto spent coffee grounds (SCG) as a low-cost support for the enzymatic synthesis of ethyl hydrocinnamate. Spent coffee grounds underwent pretreatment with water, hexane, and ethanol to serve as a lipase adsorption platform and extract valuable bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. The immobilized lipase displayed both hydrolytic and synthetic activities during 12 weeks of storage at room temperature. The optimal reaction conditions for the synthesis of ethyl hydrocinnamate were determined using a Box–Behnken plan. It was shown that the enzyme concentration and the temperature were crucial for achieving high yields of ethyl hydrocinnamate with a conversion rate above 92%. Specifically, at least 18% enzyme concentration and a temperature of 45 °C were necessary. This eco-friendly approach utilized abundant food waste residue as an inexpensive and renewable immobilization support, enabling efficient biocatalytic production of the high-value flavor ester ethyl hydrocinnamate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meat delicatessen products, including pâtés, are important for consumers' daily diets. However, due to the complex recipe composition, pâtés can also contain allergens such as gluten. Simultaneously, powdered edible insects are increasingly used to reformulate food products. Therefore, the paper aimed to investigate the feasibility of replacing wheat flour (total content: 9% w/w) with yellow mealworm powder (3:0, 2:1, 1:2, and 0:3) in chicken and pork pâtés and determine its effect on their quality properties. The rheological properties of pâté batter, as well as texture, color parameters, and microbiological and sensory characteristics of pâtés, were assessed. All prepared pâté batters were identified as weak gels. Furthermore, all the examined pâtés met the microbiological quality requirements. Adding yellow mealworm powder to the formulation weakened the pâté structure, resulting in significantly lower shear force and increased spreadability. In addition, it led to a darker and more gray color of the pâtés. It may be seen as indicating no preservatives or as resembling a typical pork pâté. It has been demonstrated that the complete replacement of wheat flour with insect powder significantly reduced the sensory quality of chicken and pork pâtés. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small berries are rich sources of bioactive compounds, acknowledged for a wide variety of biological activities. The health benefits of these berries are primarily attributed to phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, owing to their good antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuro- and cardioprotective properties. In order to compensate for the lack of fresh fruit availability throughout the year, berries are usually processed to obtain various final products. Depending on the processing condition, the nutritional and functional profile of the berries might be affected. The present review focuses on the bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity that contribute to the health-related properties of berries and on the effects of the conventional and alternative thermal and non-thermal techniques employed for processing berries into final products. The literature suggests that, regardless of the processing method, incorporating berries into the daily diet offers protective and preventive benefits against various diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector‐borne bacterial pathogens cause devastating plant diseases that cost billions of dollars in crop losses worldwide. These pathogens have evolved to be host‐ and vector‐dependent, resulting in a reduced genome size compared to their free‐living relatives. All known vector‐borne bacterial plant pathogens belong to four different genera: 'Candidatus Liberibacter', 'Candidatus Phytoplasma', Spiroplasma and Xylella. To protect themselves against pathogens, plants have evolved pattern recognition receptors that can detect conserved pathogen features as non‐self and mount an immune response. To gain an understanding of how vector‐borne pathogen features are perceived in plants, we investigated three proteinaceous features derived from cold shock protein (csp22), flagellin (flg22) and elongation factor Tu (elf18) from vector‐borne bacterial pathogens as well as their closest free‐living relatives. In general, vector‐borne pathogens have fewer copies of genes encoding flagellin and cold shock protein compared to their closest free‐living relatives. Furthermore, epitopes from vector‐borne pathogens were less likely to be immunogenic compared to their free‐living counterparts. Most Liberibacter csp22 and elf18 epitopes do not trigger plant immune responses in tomato or Arabidopsis. Interestingly, csp22 from the citrus pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' triggers immune responses in solanaceous plants, while csp22 from the solanaceous pathogen 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' does not. Our findings suggest that vector‐borne plant pathogenic bacteria evolved to evade host recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the search for sustainable protein sources, the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) is often regarded as a promising food source. Our research evaluates the applicability of European nutrition claims (Regulation (EU) No. 1924/2006) to commercially bred yellow mealworms, using samples from four Belgian breeders. We analyzed their proximate compositions, fatty acid profiles, and mineral contents to validate these claims. This study improves our understanding of compositional variations among yellow mealworms from different breeders and explores their potential to meet specific European nutritional standards. Due to its potential as a sustainable protein source, the industrial relevance of Tenebrio molitor, known as yellow mealworm, is set to increase substantially. Given the novelty of its application in the food industry, knowledge is lacking regarding the nutritional quality of commercially farmed mealworms. This study investigated the nutritional composition of larvae from four different rearing facilities in Belgium and specifically investigated whether their nutritional profiles adhered to defined European nutrition claims (Regulation (EC) No. 1924/2006). In particular, the European nutrition claims "high in protein", "high unsaturated fat", "high in fibre" and "rich in P, Mg, K, Zn and Mn" were applicable for all mealworm samples on a dry matter basis. On a fresh matter basis, yellow mealworms were found to be "high in protein", "high unsaturated fat" and "low in sugar". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols are organic chemical compounds naturally present in plants, renowned for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and cardiovascular protective properties. Their bioactivity and bioavailability can vary widely depending on the methods of food processing and interactions with the gut microbiome. These factors can induce changes in polyphenols, affecting their ability to achieve their intended health benefits. Thus, it is essential to develop and apply food processing methods that optimize polyphenol content while maintaining their bioactivity and bioavailability. This review aims to explore how various food processing techniques affect the quantity, bioactivity, and bioavailability of polyphenols, as well as their interactions with the gut microbiome, which may ultimately determine their health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present research was to determine the nutrient utilization of full-fat black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens; BSFL), which were processed by various drying methods, using in vitro procedures for pigs. Four sources of BSFL were prepared using various drying methods: (1) hot-air drying at 65 °C for 24 h; (2) microwave drying at 700 W for 5 min, three times; (3) freeze drying at −40 °C for 72 h; (4) infrared drying at medium infrared region (ranged from 2.0 to 6.0 μm) and at 95 °C for 12 min. In vitro ileal disappearance (IVID) of nutrients in the BSFL was measured using a procedure simulating the nutrient digestion and absorption in the stomach and small intestine of pigs. In vitro total tract disappearance (IVTTD) of nutrients in the BSFL was also measured using a procedure that simulated the total intestine of pigs. The contents of dry matter, ether extract, and crude protein in the dried-BSFL ranged from 94.6 to 96.8%, 49.2 to 52.8%, and 30.0 to 36.8%, respectively, on an as-is basis. Microwave drying resulted in a greater (p < 0.05) IVID of dry matter in BSFL, compared with the freeze drying or infrared drying method, which caused the least IVID of dry matter. Hot air-dried BSFL, microwave-dried BSFL, and freeze-dried BSFL had a greater (p < 0.05) IVID of crude protein and a greater (p < 0.05) IVTTD of dry matter and organic matter, compared with infrared-dried BSFL. In conclusion, the hot-air drying, microwave drying, and freeze drying of full-fat black soldier fly larvae resulted in fairly comparable and relatively high nutrient digestibility based on the present in vitro study for pigs. However, the infrared drying method impaired nutrient utilization of full-fat black soldier fly larvae for pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant cytokinesis is initiated in a transient membrane compartment, the cell plate, and completed by a process of maturation during which the cell plate becomes a cross wall. How the transition from juvenile to adult stages occurs is poorly understood. In this study, we monitor the Arabidopsis transport protein particle II (TRAPPII) and exocyst tethering complexes throughout cytokinesis. We show that their appearance is predominantly sequential, with brief overlap at the onset and end of cytokinesis. The TRAPPII complex is required for cell plate biogenesis, and the exocyst is required for cell plate maturation. The TRAPPII complex sorts plasma membrane proteins, including exocyst subunits, at the cell plate throughout cytokinesis. We show that the two tethering complexes physically interact and propose that their coordinated action may orchestrate not only plant but also animal cytokinesis., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

ToxA is a proteinaceous necrotrophic effector produced by Stagonospora nodorum and Pyrenophora tritici-repentis. In this study, all eight mature isoforms of the ToxA protein were purified and compared. Circular dichroism spectra indicated that all isoforms were structurally intact and had indistinguishable secondary structural features. ToxA isoforms were infiltrated into wheat lines that carry the sensitivity gene Tsn1. It was observed that different wheat lines carrying identical Tsn1 alleles varied in sensitivity to ToxA. All ToxA isoforms induced necrosis when introduced into any Tsn1 wheat line but we observed quantitative variation in effector activity, with the least-active version found in isolates of P. tritici-repentis. Pathogen sporulation increased with higher doses of ToxA. The isoforms that induced the most rapid necrosis also induced the most sporulation, indicating that pathogen fitness is affected by differences in ToxA activity. We show that differences in toxin activity encoded by a single gene can contribute to the quantitative inheritance of necrotrophic virulence. Our findings support the hypothesis that the variation at ToxA results from selection that favors increased toxin activity.

At the end of the cell cycle, the nascent cross wall is laid down within a transient membrane compartment referred to as the cell plate. Tethering factors, which act by capturing vesicles and holding them in the vicinity of their target membranes, are likely to play an important role in the first stages of cell plate assembly. Factors required for cell plate biogenesis, however, remain to be identified. In this study, we used a reverse genetic screen to isolate tethering factors required for cytokinesis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We focused on the TRAPPI and TRAPPII (for transport protein particle) tethering complexes, which are thought to be required for the flow of traffic through the Golgi and for trans-Golgi network function, as well as on the GARP complex, thought to be required for the tethering of endocytotic vesicles to the trans-Golgi network. We found weak cytokinesis defects in some TRAPPI mutants and strong cytokinesis defects in all the TRAPPII lines we surveyed. Indeed, four insertion lines at the TRAPPII locus AtTRS120 had canonical cytokinesis-defective seedling-lethal phenotypes, including cell wall stubs and incomplete cross walls. Confocal and electron microscopy showed that in trs120 mutants, vesicles accumulated at the equator of dividing cells yet failed to assemble into a cell plate. This shows that AtTRS120 is required for cell plate biogenesis. In contrast to the TRAPP complexes, we found no conclusive evidence for cytokinesis defects in seven GARP insertion lines. We discuss the implications of these findings for the origin and identity of cell plate membranes.

Implantable devices in cardiac electrophysiology have developed from simple machines that prevent bradycardia to complex systems that treat malignant tachyarrhythmias and severe heart failure. Optimal therapeutic utilization of these systems requires profound knowledge of those who treat patients with devices. To account for that, the German Cardiac Society has published "Recommendations for the structure of cardiac pacemaker and defibrillator therapy" to achieve an expertise in 2 levels. These define topics for interdisciplinary education to ensure implantation and follow-up of high quality, as well as infrastructural requirements such as staff and operation rooms. The implementation of these guidelines offers a great opportunity for good quality in device therapy and may enhance the results of the compulsory German quality registry of the respective institution. The established courses of the German Cardiac Society to achieve competence in pacemaker and ICD therapy according to the curricula should be complemented by practical training in accredited centers. Minimum numbers for implantation and follow-up are necessary to ensure a continuously high quality.

*At the end of the cell cycle, the plant cell wall is deposited within a membrane compartment referred to as the cell plate. Little is known about the biogenesis of this transient membrane compartment. *We have positionally cloned and characterized a novel Arabidopsis gene, CLUB, identified by mutation. *CLUB/AtTRS130 encodes a putative TRAPPII tethering factor. club mutants are seedling-lethal and have a canonical cytokinesis-defective phenotype, characterized by the appearance of bi- or multinucleate cells with cell wall stubs, gaps and floating walls. Confocal microscopy showed that in club mutants, KNOLLE-positive vesicles formed and accumulated at the cell equator throughout cytokinesis, but failed to assemble into a cell plate. Similarly, electron micrographs showed large vesicles loosely connected as patchy, incomplete cell plates in club root tips. Neither the formation of KNOLLE-positive vesicles nor the delivery of these vesicles to the cell equator appeared to be perturbed in club mutants. Thus, the primary defect in club mutants appears to be an impairment in cell plate assembly. *As a putative tethering factor required for cell plate biogenesis, CLUB/AtTRS130 helps to define the identity of this membrane compartment and comprises an important handle on the regulation of cell plate assembly.

Stagonospora nodorum is a necrotrophic fungal pathogen that is the causal agent of leaf and glume blotch on wheat. S. nodorum is a polycyclic pathogen, whereby rain-splashed pycnidiospores attach to and colonise wheat tissue and subsequently sporulate again within 2-3weeks. As several cycles of infection are needed for a damaging infection, asexual sporulation is a critical phase of its infection cycle. A non-targeted metabolomics screen for sporulation-associated metabolites identified that trehalose accumulated significantly in concert with asexual sporulation both in vitro and in planta. A reverse-genetics approach was used to investigate the role of trehalose in asexual sporulation. Trehalose biosynthesis was disrupted by deletion of the gene Tps1, encoding a trehalose 6-phosphate synthase, resulting in almost total loss of trehalose during in vitro growth and in planta. In addition, lesion development and pycnidia formation were also significantly reduced in tps1 mutants. Reintroduction of the Tps1 gene restored trehalose biosynthesis, pathogenicity and sporulation to wild-type levels. Microscopic examination of tps1 infected wheat leaves showed that pycnidial formation often halted at an early stage of development. Further examination of the tps1 phenotype revealed that tps1 pycnidiospores exhibited a reduced germination rate while under heat stress, and tps1 mutants had a reduced growth rate while under oxidative stress. This study confirms a link between trehalose biosynthesis and pathogen fitness in S.nodorum.

Therapy with implantable pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators (ICD), and devices for cardiac resynchronization (CRT) is performed by various medical and surgical specialists. With the change from implantation by thoracotomy to the transvenous approach, an increasing number of devices are implanted by cardiologists. The purpose of this paper is to establish training requirements for transvenous device therapy, implantation and follow-up examinations, regardless of the implanting person, an internist, cardiologist, general surgeon, or cardiothoracic surgeon. Epicardial lead placement should be performed only by surgeons. Two levels of training topics are defined, level 1 for pacemakers and level 2 for ICD and CRT devices. Surgery that involves the implantation of foreign material should demand the highest standards of operating rooms design and environment. Catheter laboratories used for implantations should meet operating room standards. Complications need to be documented carefully for quality control.

Microwaves are electromagnetic waves of specific frequencies (300 MHz-3000 GHz), whereas ultrasonic is mechanical waves of specific frequencies. Microwave and ultrasonic technology as a new processing method has been widely used in food processing fields. Combined ultrasonic and microwave technology is exploited by researchers as an improvement technique and has been successfully applied in food processing such as thawing, drying, frying, extraction, and sterilization. This paper overviews the principle and characteristics of ultrasonic- and microwave-assisted food processing techniques, particularly their combinations, design of equipment, and their applications in the processing of agricultural products such as thawing, drying, frying, extraction, and sterilization. The combination of ultrasonic and microwave is applied in food processing, where microwave enhances the heating rate, and ultrasonic improves the efficiency of heat and mass transfer. The synergy of the heating effect of microwave and the cavitation effect of ultrasonic improves processing efficiency and damages the cell structure of the material. The degradation of nutrient composition and energy consumption due to the short processing time of combined ultrasonic and microwave technology is decreased. Ultrasonic technology, as an auxiliary means of efficient microwave heating, is pollution-free, highly efficient, and has a wide range of applications in food processing., (© 2023 Institute of Food Technologists®.)

The use of natural food items as antioxidants has gained increasing popularity and attention in recent times supported by scientific studies validating the antioxidant properties of natural food items. Peppers (Capsicum spp.) are also important sources of antioxidants and several studies published during the last few decades identified and quantified various groups of phytochemicals with antioxidant capacities as well as indicated the influence of several pre- and postharvest factors on the antioxidant capacity of pepper. Therefore, this review summarizes the research findings on the antioxidant activity of pepper published to date and discusses their potential health benefits as well as the factors influencing the antioxidant activity in pepper. The major antioxidant compounds in pepper include capsaicinoids, capsinoids, vitamins, carotenoids, phenols, and flavonoids, and these antioxidants potentially modulate oxidative stress related to aging and diseases by targeting reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, lipid peroxidation products, as well as genes for transcription factors that regulate antioxidant response elements genes. The review also provides a systematic understanding of the factors that maintain or improve the antioxidant capacity of peppers and the application of these strategies offers options to pepper growers and spices industries for maximizing the antioxidant activity of peppers and their health benefits to consumers. In addition, the efficacy of pepper antioxidants, safety aspects, and formulations of novel products with pepper antioxidants have also been covered with future perspectives on potential innovative uses of pepper antioxidants in the future., (© 2023 Institute of Food Technologists®.)

A non-targeted metabolomics approach was used to identify significant changes in metabolism upon exposure of the wheat pathogen Stagonospora nodorum to 0.5M NaCl. The polyol arabitol, and to a lesser extent glycerol, was found to accumulate in response to the osmotic stress treatment. Amino acid synthesis was strongly down-regulated whilst mannitol levels were unaffected. A reverse genetic approach was undertaken to dissect the role of arabitol metabolism during salt stress. Strains of S. nodorum lacking a gene encoding an l-arabitol dehydrogenase (abd1), a xylitol dehydrogenase (xdh1) and a double-mutant lacking both genes (abd1xdh1) were exposed to salt and the intracellular metabolites analysed. Arabitol levels were significantly up-regulated upon salt stress in the xdh1 strains but were significantly lower than the wild-type. Arabitol was not significantly different in either the abd1 or the abd1xdh1 strains during osmotic stress but the concentration of glycerol was significantly higher indicating a compensatory mechanism in operation. Genome sequence analysis identified a second possible enzyme capable of synthesizing arabitol explaining the basal level of arabitol present in the abd1xdh1 strains. This study identified that arabitol is the primary compatible solute in S. nodorum but in-built levels of redundancy are present allowing the fungus to tolerate osmotic stress.

The study aimed to determine the influence of a pulsed electric field (PEF) treatment on vacuum drying (VD) of apples and their selected quality parameters. The apples were treated with a PEF at 1 kV-cm-1 (with a variable amount of the specific energy input: 1, 3.5, and 6 kJ·kg-1) before VD at 4 kPa (with a variable drying temperature: 40 °C, 55 °C, and 70 °C). The drying time, microstructure, retention of total phenolics (TPC) as well as the antioxidant activity of the obtained dried materials were studied. As a result of opening the cell structure of the apple tissues, the PEF significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the drying time - depending on the used process parameters - by 6-22%. Moreover, an increase in the drying temperature also shortened the drying time. The electroporation led to obtaining porous materials after drying, and with the higher amount of specific energy during the PEF pre-treatment that was applied, a higher porosity was observed in the dried apples. After the PEF-assisted VD, a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the TPC (by 12-40%) and antioxidant activity (by 23-81%) were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit ripening is accompanied by the development of fruit quality traits; however, this process also increases the fruit's susceptibility to various environmental stresses, including pathogen attacks and other stress factors. Therefore, modulating the fruit ripening process and defense responses is crucial for maintaining fruit quality and extending shelf life. Membrane proteins play intricate roles in mediating signal transduction, ion transport, and many other important biological processes, thus attracting extensive research interest. This review mainly focuses on the functions of membrane proteins in regulating fruit ripening and defense responses against biotic and abiotic factors, addresses their potential as targets for improving fruit quality and resistance to environmental challenges, and further highlights some open questions to be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The regulation of virulence in plant-pathogenic fungi has emerged as a key area of importance underlying host infections. Recent work has highlighted individual transcription factors (TFs) that serve important roles. A prominent example is PnPf2, a member of the Zn2Cys6 family of fungal TFs, which controls the expression of effectors and other virulence-associated genes in Parastagonospora nodorum during infection of wheat. PnPf2 orthologues are similarly important for other major fungal pathogens during infection of their respective host plants, and have also been shown to control polysaccharide metabolism in model saprophytes. In each case, the direct genomic targets and associated regulatory mechanisms were unknown. Significant insight was made here by investigating PnPf2 through chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and mutagenesis approaches in P. nodorum. Two distinct binding motifs were characterised as positive regulatory elements and direct PnPf2 targets identified. These encompass known effectors and other components associated with the P. nodorum pathogenic lifestyle, such as carbohydrate-active enzymes and nutrient assimilators. The results support a direct involvement of PnPf2 in coordinating virulence on wheat. Other prominent PnPf2 targets included TF-encoding genes. While novel functions were observed for the TFs PnPro1, PnAda1, PnEbr1 and the carbon-catabolite repressor PnCreA, our investigation upheld PnPf2 as the predominant transcriptional regulator characterised in terms of direct and specific coordination of virulence on wheat, and provides important mechanistic insights that may be conserved for homologous TFs in other fungi. Author summary: Fungal pathogens cause large crop losses worldwide and consequently much attention has focused on improving host genetic resistance to diseases. These pathogens use effectors, which require coordinated expression at specific stages of the pathogenic lifecycle, to manipulate the host plant metabolism in favour of infection. However, our understanding of the underlying regulatory components, their direct interactions and their evolutionary origins is lacking. The Pf2 TF-orthologue family underpins virulence and effector gene expression in several fungal phytopathogens, including Parastagonospora nodorum. This study provided significant insight into the DNA-binding regulatory mechanisms of P. nodorum PnPf2, as well as further evidence for its important role in regulating virulence. In the context of crop protection, the Pf2 TFs present opportune targets in major fungal pathogens to screen for direct or indirect inhibitor compounds to suppress virulence and improve disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]