Search

A bioactive film was developed using cricket (Acheta domestica) protein (Cric-Prot) and Caralluma fimbriata extract-based nanoparticles [Car-Fim-NPs (0.0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 % w/v)] to augment the storage stability and functional value of cheddar cheese (Ched-Chee). The Car-Fim-NPs were developed using an ultrasonication-mediated (20 kHz, 500 W, 10 min, pulse duration of 5/5 s on/off) green method. The addition of Car-Fim-NPs modified the film characteristics [density (%), WVTR (mg/mt2), transmittance (%), elongation at break (%), and colour (L*, a*, b*)] and enhanced its antioxidant [DPPH, ABTS and FRAP activities, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant release (%)] and antimicrobial (inhibitory halos against E. coli and S. aureus) potential. Application of the films containing Car-Fim-NPs (1.0–3.0 %) increased the antioxidant potential (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP activities), lipid (TBARS and free fatty acids) and protein (total carbonyl content) oxidative stability, and microbial quality (microbial counts) of the Ched-Chee during 90 days of storage. The sensory quality of Ched-Chee showed a significant increase after day 30 till the storage end. Gastrointestinal digestion simulation augmented the antioxidant potential of Ched-Chee. Overall, the results indicate the possibility of the use of Cric-Prot-based film containing Car-Fim-NPs to enhance the storage quality of Ched-Chee.

Ceratocystis fimbriata Ellis & Halsted is the pathogen causing black rot in sweet potatoes that can lead to flavor change and toxin release. This study detected the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of C. fimbriata-infected sweet potatoes in the early stages using headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS). A total of 55 VOCs were identified, including aldehydes, alcohols, esters, ketones, and others. The content of aldehydes and ketones showed a decreasing trend, while alcohols and esters showed an increasing trend. An increase in infection time elevated the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and pyruvate, while the starch content decreased, the content of soluble protein initially increased, then decreased, and the activities of lipoxygenase (LOX), pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) increased. The changes in VOCs were closely related to the content of MDA, starch, pyruvate, and the activities of LOX, PDC, ADH, and PAL. Sweet potatoes showed a good discrimination effect by principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) from 0 to 72 h. Twenty-five differential VOCs could be used as early-stage characteristic compounds of C. fimbriata-infected sweet potatoes for early disease monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceratocystis fimbriata Ellis & Halsted is the pathogen causing black rot in sweet potatoes that can lead to flavor change and toxin release. This study detected the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of C. fimbriata-infected sweet potatoes in the early stages using headspace gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS). A total of 55 VOCs were identified, including aldehydes, alcohols, esters, ketones, and others. The content of aldehydes and ketones showed a decreasing trend, while alcohols and esters showed an increasing trend. An increase in infection time elevated the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and pyruvate, while the starch content decreased, the content of soluble protein initially increased, then decreased, and the activities of lipoxygenase (LOX), pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) increased. The changes in VOCs were closely related to the content of MDA, starch, pyruvate, and the activities of LOX, PDC, ADH, and PAL. Sweet potatoes showed a good discrimination effect by principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) from 0 to 72 h. Twenty-five differential VOCs could be used as early-stage characteristic compounds of C. fimbriata-infected sweet potatoes for early disease monitoring.

This review addresses one of the most emerging threats to Mango (Mangifera indica L.) production known as the Mango Sudden Decline (MSD), also referred as Mango Quick Wilt. Manifestation records of MSD/ Mango Quick Wilt have been reported from major Mango growing countries like Brazil, Oman and Pakistan where the disease is presently known to occur in mango. Fungus Ceratocystis fimbriata from family filamentous Ascomycetes vectored by Hypocryphalus mangiferae (Stebbing) bark beetle is the main cause of the disease (MSD) in Pakistan and other Mango growing regions as well. Different type of symptoms for MSD have been reported like gummosis, canker formation, bark splitting, drying of twigs, branches and curling of leaves. Hemicriconemoides mangiferae nematode has also been reported as a vector of this MSD causing fungus. This species of Ceratocystis that roots the disease on mango was first reported in Brazil after that in Oman and Pakistan. Currently, different mating types of the causative agent have also been reported making this problem a significant one. Applications of different doses of nutrients have been reported in reduction of MSD. But there is need to apply knowledge and management strategies with particular emphasis to overcome MSD causes and vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An examination of 180 specimens of Cyclopsetta Gill, 1889 (Pleuronectiformes: Paralichthyidae) confirmed the validity of four species: C. chittendeni Bean, 1895; C. fimbriata (Goode and Bean, 1886), C panamensis (Steindachner, 1875) and C. querna (Jordan and Bollman, 1890). A key to the species, with new characters, is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]