Search Results (1,039)

Aspergillus fumigatus, a saprophytic fungus, causes aspergillosis, primarily affecting the immunocompromised. The efficacy of triazole antifungals is compromised by resistance that has developed both clinically and environmentally. Widespread agricultural use of similar triazole fungicides selects for resistant genotypes, leading to potential food contamination and compromising treatment. This study assessed the presence of azole-resistant A. fumigatus in minimally processed food items commonly consumed in Brazil. A total of 25 commercial samples, including black pepper, yerba mate, and green coffee beans, were collected from different regions. Forty-two A. fumigatus isolates were recovered and screened for susceptibility to agricultural and clinical triazoles by determining EC₅₀ values for tebuconazole (0.04–0.7 µg/mL), itraconazole (0.06–0.5 µg/mL), and voriconazole (0.07–0.15 µg/mL). Sequence analysis of the CYP51A gene revealed the presence of M172V mutation, none of which are associated with resistance. Microsatellite genotyping indicated high genotypic diversity and genetic relatedness among isolates from different food sources. Although no azole-resistant phenotypes were identified, the consistent recovery of A. fumigatus from products not directly exposed to azole fungicides highlights the need for continued surveillance. Agricultural environments remain critical hotspots for the emergence and dissemination of resistance, reinforcing the importance of integrated One Health strategies in antifungal resistance monitoring. Full article

Polyester fibers are extensively used in textiles, packaging, and industrial applications due to their durability and excellent mechanical properties. However, high-crystallinity polyester fibers represent a major challenge in plastic waste management due to their resistance to biodegradation. This study evaluated the biodegradation potential of environmental Bacillus isolates, obtained from mold-contaminated black bean plastic bags, toward polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and industrial-grade polyester fibers under mesophilic conditions. Among thirteen isolates, five (Bacillus altitudinis N5, Bacillus subtilis N6, and others) exhibited measurable degradation within 30 days, with mass losses up to 5–6% and corresponding rate constants of 0.04–0.05 day⁻¹. A combination of complementary characterization techniques, including mass loss analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), together with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC), and water contact angle (WCA) analysis, was employed to evaluate the biodegradation behavior of polyester fibers. Cross-analysis of mass loss, surface morphology, molecular weight reduction, and degradation products suggests a surface erosion-dominated degradation process, accompanied by ester-bond hydrolysis and preferential degradation of amorphous regions. FTIR, TGA/DSC, and WCA analyses further reflected chemical, thermal, and surface property changes induced by biodegradation rather than directly defining the degradation mechanism. The findings highlight the capacity of mesophilic Bacillus species to partially depolymerize polyester fibers under mild environmental conditions, providing strain resources and mechanistic insight for developing low-energy bioprocesses for polyester fiber waste management. Full article

Laboratory maintenance of mosquitoes is important for studying vector biology and transmission of diseases, and for testing vector control tools. Standard operating procedures require feeding larvae with commercial fish meal. However, for many insectaries in sub-Saharan Africa, the commonly used feeds are imported and accompanied by procurement challenges. Changing the larval feed abruptly without allowing the larvae to adapt to new brands of feed also leads to a decrease in mosquito colonies in the laboratory. We investigated locally acquired beans, maize, and dried herrings as alternate feeds for mosquito larvae reared under laboratory conditions. Four replicates for each treatment were prepared, each containing 100 first instar larvae of Anopheles gambiae Tiassalé mosquitoes. The larvae were introduced into 500 mL of dechlorinated tap water and maintained under standard environmental insectary conditions. The larvae were provided with 40 mg of the designated powdered feed—beans, maize, and herring fish—in single and combined treatments. Tetra^® goldfish meal was included as a control. The larval mortality, developmental time, and number of pupae were recorded to evaluate the effectiveness of the feeds. Adult mosquitoes were weighed and measured to assess fitness, and females from each treatment were blood-fed and allowed to lay eggs to evaluate fertility. Larval survival differed significantly across diets (Kruskal–Wallis, p = 0.01), with maize-fed larvae showing the highest mortality (41.3%) and those with herring-based diets the lowest. Pupation and adult emergence were poorest in the maize and maize–bean groups, while the maize–herring combination achieved the highest emergence (92.6%, p = 0.03). Although overall differences were detected among the groups, conservative pairwise tests did not pinpoint specific group contrasts, but effect size estimates suggested biologically meaningful patterns. Generally, adult body weight and wing length did not differ by treatment except in maize-fed males (β = 0.371 mm, p = 0.022). Herring fish-based diets consistently supported larval survival, timely development, and robust fecundity, whereas maize-based diets were nutritionally inadequate. These findings highlight herring fish-based diets as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to commercial feeds for maintaining Anopheles mosquito colonies, with potential to strengthen vector research capacity in resource-limited laboratories. Full article

This study investigated the effects of germination on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), free sugars, organic acids, polyphenols, protein content, and antioxidant activity in six legumes (mung beans, Dobrudzha beans, white beans, brown lentils, red lentils and chickpeas). Seeds were germinated for 5 days at room temperature, with or without an initial freezing pretreatment at −18 °C for 20 h. Daily analysis revealed significant increases in GABA across all legumes, especially chickpeas, which showed an 18-fold rise to 210.5 mg/100 g dry weight (DW), alongside elevated glutamate decarboxylase activity. Total polyphenols increased 3.4-fold in white beans and chickpeas by day five. Antioxidant activity (ORAC) rose in parallel, reaching 123.8 and 83.3 µmol TE/g DW in germinated white beans and chickpeas, compared to 68.4 and 45.4 µmol TE/g DW in non-germinated controls. While protein content remained stable, levels of free sugars (notably maltose) increased during germination. Organic acids rose across all samples as well, with quinic acid being the most abundant and showing the sharpest increase. Initial freezing had a clear effect on enhancing GABA accumulation compared to non-treated seeds, but generally exerted neutral effects on other bioactive components. Overall, germination triggered biochemical transformations in seeds, enriching them with bioactive compounds and enhancing their nutritional and functional properties, with chickpeas emerging as a particularly rich source of GABA, polyphenols, and organic acids, supporting their potential in functional food development. Full article

The quality of different coffee varieties varies, and the corresponding bioactive value of coffee processing byproducts is often overlooked. For that, we employed HPLC, GC-MS, and electronic sensory analyses to evaluate the key bioactive components, antioxidant potential, and flavor traits of green coffee bean and coffee processing byproducts of seven coffee varieties. The results showed that green coffee beans (Oe+Ie) and exocarp (Ep) possessed strong antioxidant activity and high total phenolic content (TPC), caffeine and trigonelline content. Among the varieties, DR390 contained higher levels of total phenols, caffeine, and trigonelline, whereas DR402 was rich in caffeine and chlorogenic acid. In addition, RY3 exhibited higher TPC, total flavonoid content (TFC), caffeine, and chlorogenic acid. The parchment (Pc) layer was rich in soluble sugars (1.83–5.43%), while the silverskin (Sk) contained relatively high levels of chlorogenic acid (3.58–4.69 mg/g). Flavor analysis identified eleven classes of volatile compounds in green coffee bean (Oe+Ie) and byproducts (Ep, Pc, Sk), with esters, ketones, alcohols, and aldehydes being the most prevalent. Seven key aroma compounds, including methyl salicylate, phenethyl alcohol, nonanal, and benzaldehyde, were identified across the various structural tissues of coffee fruit. Distinct flavor profiles were observed among the coffee fruit parts: green coffee bean (Oe+Ie) was nutty; the Ep showed fruity and cocoa-like aromas; the Pc and Sk exhibited papery and nutty aromas, respectively. Varieties DR397, DR402, and RY3 exhibited pronounced aroma profiles. Comprehensive analysis showed that DR402 and RY3 had higher overall scores for bioactive and flavor components than other varieties in their groups. In summary, green coffee bean (Oe+Ie) exhibited strong antioxidant activity and high levels of bioactive compounds. Coffee byproducts, such as the Ep, hold potential for extracting natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds to develop specialty products or for other high-value utilization. Full article

The mung bean (Vigna radiata) is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds and is valuable for its antioxidant content in functional food development. However, mung bean seed coats are discarded or used as a low-value feed owing to their coarse texture. Here, 12 homozygous mung bean lines with different seed coat colors were selected from six recombinant inbred lines. The seed coats and cotyledons were separated and quantitatively analyzed for protein, starch, dietary fiber, polyphenols, flavonoids, vitexin, isovitexin, and antioxidant activities using standard chemical assays and HPLC, followed by statistical analysis and principal component analysis. The cotyledons contained more protein (26.97–28.34%) and starch (50.40–56.25%), whereas the seed coat contained more dietary fiber (74.17–79.93 g/100 g) and bioactive compounds. Polyphenolic compounds were significantly higher in the seed coat than in the cotyledons (p < 0.05) and were positively correlated with seed coat darkness, indicating that the black mung bean had higher bioactive functions. This study provides evidence for mung bean variety improvement and functional food development. Full article

Background: Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important grain legume crop of nutritional and economic value across Africa. Genetic improvements of the crop to enhance productivity and resilience depend on understanding the diversity within the African germplasm. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, the genetic diversity and population structure of common bean in Africa were reviewed systematically based on existing research. A protocol for conducting the systematic review was developed registered in OSF. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria after a comprehensive search in ScienceDirect, PubMed, Google Scholar, PubMed, AGRICOLA, Taylor & Francis, and SpringerLink. Data on molecular markers and diversity metrics, thus PIC, He, and AMOVA, were extracted and synthesized qualitatively. Results: Despite substantial heterogeneity in panel sizes, reporting completeness, and marker systems (SSR, SNP, POX, ISSR), consistent patterns emerged. Studies revealed moderate to high levels of genetic diversity. Population-structure analyses recovered the canonical Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools with extensive admixture and high gene flow. AMOVA results indicated that a substantial proportion of total genetic variation was attributed to within-population components. Conclusions: The results are consistent with previous studies, but the sample size and types of markers make direct comparisons impossible. More future studies should use standardized genotyping approaches to increase data consistency. These insights are useful for yield improvement under both non-stress and stress conditions and for developing Africa’s diverse environments. Full article

Continuous cropping leads to declines in soil productivity and biodiversity, as well as a deterioration of overall phytosanitary conditions. What if we rotate the intercrops instead of the main crops? In a stationary three-year field experiment, maize was intercropped with Fabaceae (faba bean, crimson and Persian clovers, and blue-flowered alfalfa), Poaceae (winter rye, annual ryegrass, spring barley, and common oat), and Brassicaceae (white mustard, spring oilseed rape, oilseed radish, and spring Camelina) intercrops in separate growing seasons. Fabaceae intercrops developed slowly and competed poorly with weeds. The highest air-dried biomass (ADM) was produced by Persian and crimson clovers (approx. 86 g m⁻²). Intercrops of the Poaceae family, particularly rye and oats, as well as ryegrass, which was the most productive at 200 g m⁻² ADM, germinated faster and competed effectively with weeds. Brassicaceae intercrops also developed rapidly, especially mustard, Camelina, and radish (the most productive 206 g m⁻² ADM). Most intercrops competed with maize and reduced its biomass productivity; however, their competitive effects were weaker than those of weeds. A strong negative correlation between maize and weed biomass was detected (max. r = −0.946; p < 0.01). Complex evaluation index (CEI) showed that the crimson clover–annual ryegrass–spring oilseed rape rotation (CC-AR-SR) was the most productive and was effective in suppressing major weeds Echinochloa crus-galli, Chenopodium album, Polygonum lapathifolium, and Cirsium arvense, less competitive with maize (CEI 4.82), and can be used as an Integrated Pest Management tool. Full article

Peru is currently distinguished by its remarkable biodiversity, which is characterized by a high level of endemism and a wide array of ecological niches. In the context of biodiversity, the genus Theobroma spp. is particularly noteworthy, encompassing the species Theobroma cacao, Theobroma grandiflorum and Theobroma bicolor, which are collectively referred to as cacao, cupuaçu, and macambo, respectively. The primary economic value of these species is derived from their mucilage-rich pulp and beans. In recent years, the mucilage of the genus Theobroma has gained economic relevance due to its flavor, floral and fruity aroma. The present review article aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of Theobroma spp. mucilage, addressing its characterization and potential applications. The present study investigates aspects related to its origin, cob morphology, proximal composition, bioactive compounds, volatile profile and its application in the food industry. The study highlights a high content of polysaccharides such as reducing sugars, organic acids, pectin, cellulose, hemicellulose, antioxidant capacity, presence of polyphenols and methylxanthines. Through this comprehensive review, a prospective vision is proposed on the opportunities for innovation and sustainable development around the Theobroma mucilage industry, highlighting its relevance not only as a agri-food byproduct, but also as a valuable resource in the productive circular economy and the sustainability of biodiversity. Full article

Coffee silverskin is generated in large quantities as a co-product during the roasting process of coffee beans. This co-product is rich in bioactive compounds that offer potential health benefits, justifying its consideration as a functional ingredient in food. In this study, silverskin from the species Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora from six different countries was characterized to highlight its potential and applicability as a safe ingredient in new food formulations. The results revealed a dietary fiber content ranging from 71.81 to 76.86 g/100 g, with a high portion of insoluble fiber ranging from 54.02 to 60.58 g/100 g. The mineral content showed that, in all samples, potassium and calcium were the main elements with values ranging from 6.66 to 17.57 mg/g and from 9.25 to 16.44 mg/g, respectively. The caffeine content was quantified with levels ranging from 0.81 to 7.32 mg/g. In addition, high levels of phenolic compounds were identified in free and bound forms, with 5-caffeoylquinic, 3-caffeoylquinic, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic, and ferulic acids being the main components in both fractions. All samples analyzed showed a good antioxidant capacity in the four different methods used, with values ranging from 8.12 to 10.85 mg Trolox Equivalents (mgTE/g) in the DPPH assay; from 9.69 to 19.68 mgTE/g in the FRAP assay; from 5.96 to 11.05 mgTE/g in the FRAP assay; and from 0.21 to 1.11 and 4.69 mg EDTA/g sample in the FIC assay. In conclusion, coffee silverskin has the potential to play a beneficial role as an ingredient in new food formulations, thus contributing to the development of a circular economy in the food industry. Full article

Background: Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, playing a multifaceted and vital role in plants. Phosphate Transporter 1 (PHO1) is a class of important functional genes involved in plant phosphorus uptake and transport. We identify PHOSPHATE 1 (PHO1) members in mung beans and investigate their response to low phosphorus stress, thereby aiding in the development of stress-tolerant, high-yielding mung bean varieties. Methods: A bioinformatic analysis was performed, which led to the identification of the PHO1 homologue sequence in mung beans. This analysis also elucidated its gene and protein structural characteristics alongside its phylogenetic relationships. qRT-PCR was used to analyze the expression patterns of genes in roots and leaves in response to conditions of prolonged low-phosphorus and phosphorus-deprivation stress. Results: Total PHO1 homologues were identified in mung beans, which can be grouped into 3 groups (Group I-III). Phylogenetic analysis indicates that VrPHO1s shares closer evolutionary relationships with PHO1 in legumes, and exhibits 6 collinear gene pairs with Glycine max (soybean), all with Ka/Ks ratios below 1, suggesting they have undergone purifying selection. The gene promoter region contains multiple cis-acting elements capable of participating in plant growth and development, stress responses, and plant hormone responses. Expression analysis revealed that more VrPHO1 genes responded to phosphorus stress in roots than in leaves; of these, the expression of VrPHO1; H2, VrPHO1; H3, and VrPHO1; H5 genes was significantly induced by continuous phosphorus-deficient stress. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive genome-wide identification of the PHO1 family in mung bean and provides valuable candidate gene resources for the future study of their biological functions and regulatory roles in phosphate-deficient stress. Full article

Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is a soil-borne fungus that causes southern blight on many crops in the tropical and subtropical regions. In 2018, southern blight was reported as the most prevalent bean root rot in Uganda. Earlier studies ascertained the morphological and pathogenic diversity of S. rolfsii, but a limited understanding of its genetic diversity exists. Knowledge of S. rolfsii genetic diversity is a critical resource for pathogen surveillance and developing common bean varieties with durable resistance. A total of 188 S. rolfsii strains from infected common bean plants were collected from seven agro-ecological zones of Uganda in 2013, 2020 and 2021, and characterized morphologically and pathogenically. The genetic diversity of the strains was assessed using single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) obtained from whole-genome sequencing. The growth rate of the strains ranged between 1.1 and 3.6 cm per day, while the number of sclerotia produced ranged from 0 to 543 per strain. The strains had fluffy, fibrous, and compact colony texture. The strains were pathogenic on common bean and caused disease severity indices ranging from 10.1% to 93.3%. Average polymorphic information content across all chromosomes was 0.27. Population structure analysis identified five genetically distinct clusters. The results of analysis of molecular variance revealed that 54% of the variation was between clusters while 46% of variation was within clusters. Pairwise comparison of Wright’s fixation indices between genetic clusters ranged from 0.31 to 0.78. The findings of this study revealed moderate genetic diversity among S. rolfsii strains, which should be taken into consideration when selecting strains for germplasm screening. Full article

Enhancing sexual literacy through sex education from an early age is vital for preventing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. The “Beginning of Life” section of sex education presents a crucial opportunity to educate students on fertilization and fetal development. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and usability of the Beans Education Project Card (BEPC), a novel teaching tool for this section, in a real-world educational setting. Five midwives with sex education experience were provided with the BEPC for use with elementary, middle, and high school students over an approximate 3-month period (October 2024 to January 2025). Subsequently, group interviews were conducted with the midwives to gather feedback on the design, feasibility, and usability of the tool. The interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative analysis, with large language model-assisted thematic exploration employed as a supplementary method to identify key themes. The analysis showed that the BEPC was highly regarded for its visual appeal, ease of use, and potential to engage families. The hierarchical design and visual representations, such as the use of small holes and beans to represent different stages of fetal development, were particularly effective in facilitating student understanding. The findings suggest that the BEPC has the potential to be a visually engaging tool for interactively teaching the process of fertilization and fetal development in the “Beginning of Life” part of sex education. Future research should focus on collaborations with parents and the development of strategies for reaching out to absent or home-schooled students. Full article

Off-odors produced by volatile compounds remain a major barrier to consumer acceptance of plant-based proteins. This study presents a novel two-stage fermentation strategy to effectively reduce undesirable volatiles in eight plant proteins. A sequential fermentation process was developed using Lactobacillus plantarum in Stage 1 and a traditional yogurt culture, Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus and Lactobacillus acidophilus, in Stage 2. This method was applied to solutions of 9% soy, pea, chickpea, mung bean, faba bean, rice, barley-rice, and hemp proteins. Volatile profiles were analyzed via Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT-MS) and sensory evaluation before and after fermentation. The two-stage fermentation resulted in significant deodorization, with 95–99% reduction in key odorants such as hexanal, 2-pentylfuran, methoxypyrazines, and sulfur compounds across all proteins. The sequential approach significantly outperformed a one-stage fermentation. Allulose enhanced L. plantarum activity while strawberry preserves supported traditional yogurt culture performance. Non-fermentable additives such as pectin, xanthan gum, and oil had minimal effects on volatiles. The proposed fermentation method offers an effective, scalable, and clean-label solution for mitigating off-odors in plant-based proteins. By leveraging microbial metabolism and formulation synergies, this strategy provides a foundation for developing more palatable plant-based dairy alternatives. Full article

Climate change in the Pannonian region is accelerating a shift toward autumn sowing of cool-season grain legumes (pea, faba bean, lentil, chickpea, lupine) to achieve higher yields, greater biomass production, enhanced nitrogen fixation, improved soil cover, and superior resource use efficiency compared with spring sowing. However, successful overwintering depends on the availability of robust winter-hardy cultivars. This review synthesizes recent breeding advances, integrating traditional approaches—such as germplasm screening, hybridization, and field-based selection—with genomics-assisted strategies, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, marker-assisted selection (MAS), and CRISPR/Cas-mediated editing of CBF transcription factors. Key physiological mechanisms—LT₅₀ determination, cold acclimation, osmoprotectant accumulation (sugars, proline), and membrane stability—are assessed using field survival rates, electrolyte leakage assays, and chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. Despite challenges posed by genotype × environment interactions, variable winter severity, and polygenic trait control, the release of cultivars worldwide (e.g., ‘NS-Mraz’, ‘Lavinia F’, ‘Ghab series’, ‘Pinklevi’, and ‘Rézi’) and ongoing breeding programs demonstrate substantial progress. Future breeding efforts will increasingly rely on genomic selection (GS), high-throughput phenomics, pangenomics, and G×E modeling to accelerate the development of climate-resilient legume cultivars, ensuring stable and sustainable production under increasingly unpredictable winter conditions. Full article