Search Results (1,496)

Fusarium crown rot, a widespread and destructive disease affecting cereal crops (particularly wheat and barley), is primarily caused by the soil-borne fungal pathogen Fusarium pseudograminearum. Secondary metabolites (SMs) play a crucial role in colonization and host tissue invasion by pathogenic fungi. In this study, we investigated the functional role of FpTox2, a secondary metabolite-related gene in F. pseudograminearum. An FpTox2 deletion mutant exhibited significantly reduced radial growth compared to wild-type F. pseudograminearum. Notably, the mutant strain completely lost conidiation capacity under induced conditions. Furthermore, although it showed decreased sensitivity to the cell membrane inhibitor sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), the mutant demonstrated enhanced susceptibility to NaCl, a metal ion stressor. Most importantly, the pathogen’s virulence was markedly attenuated in wheat stem base infections following FpTox2 deletion, and we demonstrated that FpTox2 regulates pathogen virulence by influencing deoxynivalenol production. In conclusion, FpTox2 is crucial for vegetative growth, asexual development, abiotic stress responses, and full virulence in F. pseudograminearum. Full article

The incorporation of probiotics into food products has gained substantial attention, primarily due to their well-documented health benefits such as modulating gut microbiota, enhancing immune responses, and providing potential therapeutic effects. This comprehensive review discusses recent advancements in the application of probiotics in the food industry, focusing on diverse food matrices, technological and regulatory challenges, and consumer acceptance. Particular emphasis is placed on fermentation-based approaches that enhance both sensory and nutritional attributes, while acting as effective delivery systems for viable probiotics. The impact of matrices such as dairy, meat, cereals, plant-based beverages (e.g., soy or almond milk), and solid plant-derived foods (e.g., fermented vegetables) on probiotic survival, sensory properties, and product acceptability is critically examined. Understanding these interactions is crucial for the development of stable, efficacious, and consumer-oriented probiotic-enriched functional foods. Full article

Background/Objectives: Poor dietary habits remain a significant public health concern, highlighting the need to promote healthy and sustainable eating patterns, especially in childhood and adolescence. This study assessed the eating habits of primary school children in the Tagus Lezíria region, focusing on adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), recognized for its health and environmental benefits. Methods: The KIDMED index (Mediterranean Diet Quality Index for children and adolescents) was applied to 435 children, the vast majority (97.7%) aged 6–10 years. Results: The data showed that 64.6% of participants exhibited high adherence to the MD, 32.0% medium, and 3.5% low adherence. Despite these encouraging levels, several gaps were identified: 80% of the children did not meet the recommendation for regular nut consumption (≥2–3 times/week), 44% consumed legumes less than once a week, and 43% failed to eat vegetables more than once a day. Regarding demographic factors, no significant differences were observed in overall adherence categories; however, differences emerged in specific eating behaviours. For example, girls consumed more vegetables and cereals than boys, and children in rural areas consumed less dairy than those living in urban settings. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of reinforcing targeted school-based educational interventions to promote healthier dietary behaviours, particularly increased consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, pulses, and nuts. Strengthening children’s adherence to the MD from an early age may contribute to improving their health and fostering sustainable eating practices. Full article

Background: Foods containing nutraceuticals from the mineral element group are being developed to compensate for the problem of deficiency in billions of people around the world. This research focuses on essential elements of patented cereal-based mixtures to complement the deficiencies of these elements and, at the same time, assesses their safety in terms of toxic elements in the human diet. Methods: The mineral and trace element contents in the mixtures were determined using the ICP-MS method with a subsequent evaluation of the contributions of the mixtures to the essential and toxic reference values based on dietary intakes and exposures for adults at 60, 80 and 100 kg of adult body weight and a portion size of 50 g. The potential health risk was evaluated using a metal pollution index. Results: The concentrations of minerals and trace elements in the cereal-based mixtures analyzed were as follows: K (up to 4150 µg/g) ≥ P > Mg > Ca > Na > Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Al > Ba (up to 4.40 µg/g) > Sr (up to 480 ng/g) ≥ Ti ≥ Ni > Ce ≥ Co > As ≥ Cs > Ag ≥ Li > Se > Be > Cr > Tl > Pb ≥ Hg > Ho > Cd > Sn (up to 1.12 ng/g). The mixtures contribute significantly to the reference values for Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, and P for adults. Individual dietary exposure values of toxic elements for adults weighing 60 kg decrease in this order: Al (10.1 µg/kg bw/day) > Ni (362 ng/kg bw/day) > As ≥ Pb > Ag > Hg > Cd > and Sn (0.93 ng/kg bw/day). Conclusions: In terms of Regulation (EU) No 1924/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on nutrition and health claims made on foods, the cereal-based mixtures could be labelled “source of” Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, and P when their contributions to the reference values exceeded 15%; in addition, “low sodium/salt” or “very low sodium/salt” can be applied. The mixtures contribute insignificantly to the toxic reference values of Al, Sn, Hg, Cd, Ni, and Ag, and the exposure values of Pb for developmental neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and cardiovascular effects were considered safe. Regarding the metal pollution index of mixtures, there is no concern for potential health effects. Cereal-based mixtures are suitable for use in the food industry as a potential source of beneficial micronutrients for the human diet, although bioaccessible studies should not be neglected. Full article

The transition towards sustainable agri-food systems requires understanding factors influencing innovation adoption across agri-food companies. This systematic literature review, following PRISMA methodology, examines innovation types, their intended purposes, and adoption determinants among worldwide stakeholders. Data were extracted from Scopus and Web of Science databases using rigorous selection criteria, covering publications from January 2014 to January 2025. From 775 initial records, 80 publications were selected for quantitative analysis, of these 74 empirical studies included in qualitative analysis. Innovations were categorized based on ecological, economic, social, and institutional purposes, revealing ecological purpose innovations predominated. Subsequently, adoption factors were classified using the tripartite framework based on extrinsic, intrinsic, and intervening variables. Findings reveal developing regions (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia) representing 65% of studies. Agriculture sector dominated research attention, with cereals as the most investigated value chain, reflecting their fundamental role in global food security and nutrition. Analysis demonstrates that adoption decisions result from complex interactions between external structural conditions, individual psychological factors, and support mechanisms. Results underscore the context-dependent nature of innovation adoption and the need for context-sensitive, multi-stakeholder approaches facilitating sustainable and digital food system transformations. Full article

Introduction: Consumption of ultra-processed food (UPF) is associated with poor diet quality and a risk for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study explores the energy contribution of NOVA foods and the nutrient gaps. Methods: The study sourced data from the previous Ethiopian National Food Consumption Survey (NFCS). It covered 8254 households, 8254 women of reproductive age (15–45 years old), and 7272 children (6–45 months old). Results: The most consumed UPF in children were biscuits, cookies, soft drinks, and semi-solid palm oil; while cow and human milk, whole wheat bread, a range of legumes, tubers, and cereal-based foods were among NOVA1. In both children and women, the largest dietary energy intake was from NOVA1 (74.6% and 79.0%), processed culinary ingredients (18.3% and 14.0%), processed foods (1.9% and 3.5%), and UPF (5.1% and 3.5%), respectively. Higher intake of energy from UPF was found in urban residences, wealthier households, and women with higher education. However, NOVA1 was more dominantly consumed in rural than in urban areas. Micronutrient and macronutrient gaps were observed compared to the recommended nutrient intake (RNI). The intake of fruits and vegetables was also considerably low compared to the WHO recommendation (≥400 g/day for adults, and ≥250 g/day for children). Conclusions: Adequate intake of micronutrients, fruits, and vegetables is essential to meet the RNI and could have reduced existing body micronutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin A, zinc, iodine, calcium, vitamin D, and selenium prevalence. Whether UPF intake in urban areas is associated with insufficient availability and access to NOVA1 foods or just due to the higher provision of UPF and gained popularity needs additional investigation. Further study is recommended to simulate the impact of increased fruits and vegetables and/or reduced intake of selected UPF, salts, and oils on NCD markers or mortality in the country. Full article

Maize (Zea mays L.) is a key global cereal crop with significant relevance to food security. Maize yield prediction is challenged by cultivar diversity and varying management practices. This preliminary study was conducted at Youyi Farm, Heilongjiang Province, China. Three maize cultivars (Songyu 438, Dika 1220, Dika 2188), two fertilization rates (700 and 800 kg·ha⁻¹), and three planting densities (70,000, 75,000, and 80,000 plants·ha⁻¹) were evaluated across 18 distinct cropping treatments. During the V6 (Vegetative 6-leaf stage), VT (Tasseling stage), R3 (Milk stage), and R6 (Physiological maturity) growth stages of maize, multi-temporal canopy spectral images were acquired using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a multispectral sensor. In situ measurements of key agronomic traits, including plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), leaf area index (LAI), and relative chlorophyll content (SPAD), were conducted. The optimal vegetation indices (VIs) and agronomic traits were selected for developing a maize yield prediction model using the random forest (RF) algorithm. Results showed the following: (1) Vegetation indices derived from the red-edge band, particularly the normalized difference red-edge index (NDRE), exhibited a strong correlation with maize yield (R = 0.664), especially during the tasseling to milk ripening stage; (2) The integration of LAI and SPAD with NDRE improved model performance, achieving an R² of 0.69—an increase of 23.2% compared to models based solely on VIs; (3) Incorporating SPAD values from middle-canopy leaves during the milk ripening stage further enhanced prediction accuracy (R² = 0.74, RMSE = 0.88 t·ha⁻¹), highlighting the value of vertical-scale physiological parameters in yield modeling. This study not only furnishes critical technical support for the application of UAV-based remote sensing in precision agriculture at the field-plot scale, but also charts a clear direction for the synergistic optimization of multi-dimensional agronomic traits and spectral features. Full article

Background/Objectives: Recent shifts in dietary patterns have led to reduced fiber consumption, corresponding with increasing rates of obesity and metabolic disorders. Barley-based cereals with high fiber content, particularly β-glucan, may provide superior metabolic and satiety benefits compared to corn-based alternatives. This study investigated whether barley-based cereals provide superior metabolic and satiety benefits compared to corn-based alternatives in overweight Korean adults. Methods: After selecting the most optimal cereal in the phase 1 study (acute postprandial research), a 6-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in phase 2. In the phase 2 trial, overweight adults (n = 30; mean age of 43 ± 10.89 years; 36.7% female) were randomly assigned to consume either barley (n = 15) or corn cereal (n = 15) daily for 6 weeks. Participants consumed approximately 50 g of available carbohydrates (either barley or corn cereal) in 190 mL milk. Outcome measures included anthropometric parameters, fasting blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), postprandial glucose, subjective satiety, and gut health. Results: After 6 weeks, between-group comparisons revealed significant differences favoring the barley group in body weight (barley: −0.33 kg vs. corn: +0.85 kg; difference: −1.18 kg, p = 0.027), BMI (barley: −0.14 kg/m² vs. corn: +0.03 kg/m²; difference: −0.17 kg/m², p = 0.014), and glycated albumin (barley: −0.78% vs. corn: +0.09%; difference: −0.87%, p = 0.032). Within-group analyses showed that the barley group exhibited significant reductions in percent body fat (−1.03%, p = 0.004), waist circumference (−3.64 cm, p = 0.003), waist-to-hip ratio (−0.02, p = 0.012), glycated albumin (−0.78%, p = 0.029), and LDL cholesterol (−10.57 mg/dL, p = 0.033). Conversely, the corn group showed significant increases in body weight (+0.85 kg, p = 0.026) and percent body fat (+0.84%, p = 0.020), with a significant decrease in HDL cholesterol (−2.84 mg/dL, p = 0.020). Conclusions: Barley-based cereals offer significant metabolic and satiety benefits for overweight adults compared to corn-based alternatives. These findings suggest that barley-based cereals may be an effective dietary intervention for managing obesity and metabolic disorders. Full article

The aim of this study was to develop a scientifically substantiated recipe for the functional food granola using plant-derived ingredients selected for their nutritional value and functional properties. The proposed multi-component granola, comprised of a variety of cereals, fruits, and vegetables local to Kazakhstan, comprises ingredients including oats (Syrgalym variety), corn (Tatti-2012), rice (Barakat), buckwheat (Shortandinskaya 3), pumpkin (Karina), apple (Zailiyskiy), and cranberry (Ben Lear). The research methodology included an analysis of the chemical composition of ingredients, the development and testing of ten granola recipes, and an assessment of their nutritional and sensory value. Optimal formula No. 4 provided the following nutritional values per 100 g: protein—12.4 g; dietary fibre—6.8 g; vitamin C—22.3 mg; potassium—617.4 mg; and iron—4.7 mg. Statistical data processing was performed using the Pearson correlation coefficient and Student’s t-test (p < 0.05). The obtained correlation dependencies allowed the contribution of each component to the nutrient profiles to be determined. Sensory evaluation showed favourable taste and organoleptic characteristics of the recipes using fruit and berry components, especially apples and cranberries. The developed recipe can be recommended for inclusion in the diet of athletes, the elderly, and people with insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals. The results have practical value and contribute to the expansion of the range of healthy food products based on the agricultural potential of Kazakhstan. Prospects for further research include the development of specialised formulas for baby food and people with special dietary needs. Full article

Food and nutritional insecurity, alongside poverty, remain formidable challenges within smallholder crop–livestock mixed farming systems, predominantly found in Asia and Africa, which are the primary focus of this review. Livestock stands as a crucial asset in these systems, providing food and income for families. However, livestock productivity is often constrained by poor-quality feed, predominantly composed of crop residues. This is compounded by limited access to high-quality forage seeds and the misconception that limited land and water resources should be devoted to cereal production. Furthermore, formal seed supply chains for forages are often underdeveloped or non-existent, making it difficult for farmers to access quality seed. The integration of high-quality legume forages into these systems offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution for improving livestock productivity. These forages provide more nutritious feed and enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, helping to reduce farmers’ reliance on expensive commercial feeds and fertilizers. Success in the adoption of improved forage varieties hinges on participatory approaches that actively engage farmers in varietal selection and evaluation. Such collaboration leads to better adoption rates and increases on-farm productivity, facilitating the establishment of village-based forage seed enterprises (VBFSEs). These enterprises offer a reliable local seed supply of quality seeds, reducing farmers’ dependency on inconsistent national and international seed suppliers. These initiatives not only improve the production of high-quality forage and livestock productivity but also create opportunities for income diversification, contributing to the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. By fostering collaboration and sustainable practices, policymakers and stakeholders, particularly farmers, can build more resilient agricultural systems that support food security and poverty alleviation in rural communities. Full article

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acceptability, sensory profile, and physicochemical properties of craft beers produced with unmalted old Sardinian durum (Trigu Murru, Trigu Moru) and soft (Tricu Cossu, Trigu Denti de Cani) wheat varieties. Chemical analysis, by GC-MS, and sensory analysis conducted through a Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) questionnaire, modified Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA), and an acceptability test were performed. The beer brewed with Tricu Cossu received the highest overall liking, characterized by pronounced honey aroma, sweet taste, and cereal notes, supported by a balanced volatile composition. Trigu Denti de Cani also achieved high acceptability, with a profile combining honey and cereal notes, moderate bitterness, and a clean finish. Trigu Murru presented intense cereal and honey notes but was penalized by lower scores in other sensory dimensions, leading to reduced consumer acceptance. Trigu Moru exhibited the lowest liking, dominated by bitter and astringent sensations, though potentially appealing to consumers seeking robust and intense flavor profiles. Multivariate analysis confirmed these sensory-based distinctions, linking each wheat variety to a specific volatile pattern and sensory identity. The multivariate analysis performed on the volatile compounds detected confirmed the differences found with the sensory analysis. Full article

Background: Grain foods are important sources of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Objective: To identify healthy grain foods and to assess their associations with composite diet quality measures and selected health outcomes. Methods: Healthy grain foods were identified using two methods. The first one, Carbohydrate Food Quality Score (CFQS-3) was based on whole grains, fiber, and added sugar. The second, NRF9.3g score for grains, balanced nutrients to encourage (protein, fiber, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and E, folate, iron, and magnesium) against added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. Nutrient composition data for 1244 grain foods came from the USDA Food and Nutrient Database for Dietary Studies (FNDDS 2017–2023). Dietary intakes came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 2017–2023). The Healthy Eating Index (HEI 2020) and the diet-level Nutrient Rich Food Index (NRF) were the two measures of diet quality. National food prices came from the USDA 2021 Thrifty Food Plan. Data on body weight, waist circumference, insulin, and cholesterol came from NHANES clinical files. Results: Healthy grain foods were those that scored >2 points on CFQS-3 or were in the top tertile of NRF9.3g scores. The CFQS-3 score favored cooked whole grains and cereals and savory snacks. The NRF9.3g score gave the highest ratings to breads, rolls, and RTE cereals. Consumers of healthy grains identified using both methods had higher HEI 2020 values and higher diet-level NRF scores. Both effects were dose-dependent. Consumption of healthy grains was associated with lower obesity rates and lower fasting insulin levels. Conclusions: Consumption of healthy grain foods was associated with healthier diets and lower obesity prevalence. Dietary guidelines need to acknowledge the contribution of healthy grain foods to diet quality and health. Full article

Lebanon’s cereals production holds historical importance in the Bekaa region, which has served as Lebanon’s agricultural heartland for centuries. Today, this vital area for food security faces environmental challenges that threaten the viability of its cereals farming sector. This study examines the current state of agricultural resources and territorial features of cereals through the lens of farmers and the local community using Perception-Based Regional Mapping (PBRM). The resulting maps were digitized and analyzed using QGIS to highlight spatial disparities across the region. The study was conducted during the summer of 2023. A total of 36 maps were developed with local farmers who first identified the areas relevant to cereals cultivation, and then reflected the spatialized perceptions covered 93% of the total study area and delineated it into distinct zones based on eight criteria identified by farmers: water availability, water quality, type of water resources, soil type, soil fertility, agricultural productivity, landform, and size of arable land. The primary cereal crops grown in the region are wheat, barley, and corn, with wheat dominating cultivation. Farmers use both traditional and mechanized methods, apply nitrogen-based fertilizers and herbicides, and rely on rainfall or limited irrigation. The resulting maps highlighted the distinct agricultural zones within the basin, of which 1030 km² (74%) were identified as appropriate for cereals cultivation. The findings underscore the value of local knowledge in identifying environmentally and economically favorable zones for cereals production, and contribute to the design of targeted, region-specific policies and interventions aimed at enhancing the resilience of cereals farming systems in the Bekaa—especially in light of ongoing socio-environmental pressures. Full article

2-Amino-14,16-dimethyloctadecan-3-ol (AOD) is commonly found in foods contaminated with Fusarium avenaceum, particularly cereals or fruits, and is structurally related to Fusarium mycotoxins (fumonisins) and mammalian sphingoid bases, especially 1-deoxysphinganine (m18:0); therefore, it might enter systemic circulation and tissues upon dietary intake. Knowledge about what happens when cells are exposed to AOD is limited, but it has been reported to be cytotoxic and to induce vacuolization in HepG2 cells. We also found that AOD is cytotoxic for HepG2 cells, but even at a concentration where cell viability remained above 85% (5 μM), it altered 24 differentially expressed genes based on RNA sequencing-based transcriptomic profiling. Among these genes, 13 were shared with cells treated with m18:0. These overlapping differentially expressed genes were primarily enriched in activated stress response pathways of cells, including the upregulation of specific genes in the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) signaling pathway, such as hexokinase 1 (HK1) and egl-9 family hypoxia-inducible factor 3 (EGLN3), the activation of key components in the p53 signaling pathway, and the induction of cellular senescence-associated transcriptional programs involving serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1). Transcriptional analysis of genes related to sphingolipid metabolism showed that treatment with AOD increased the mRNA expression of ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4), sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase 1 (SGPP1), and UDP-glucosylceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG), while decreasing the expression of dihydroceramide desaturase 1 (DEGS1) and fatty acid desaturase 3 (FADS3), a pattern of gene expression changes that mirrored the alterations observed with m18:0 treatment. Lipidomic analyses revealed that AOD significantly perturbed the sphingolipid composition of HepG2 cells, specifically increasing hexosylceramide content while decreasing ceramide and sphingomyelin levels. Moreover, AOD was found to undergo intracellular metabolism to N-acyl-AODs, perhaps by ceramide synthase(s), since this acylation was inhibited by fumonisin B1 (FB1). These findings demonstrate that AOD or possibly its N-acyl metabolites can alter cellular sphingolipid metabolism and affect the expression of genes involved in cell stress. These new insights call for more studies of the impact of this food contaminant on cells and the implications for human health. Full article

In order to upgrade the potential of cereal bran arabinoxylan for advanced hydrogel applications, a deep understanding of its gelation process is required. This work provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the laccase-catalyzed cross-linking of feruloylated arabinoxylan (FAX) to establish a clear link between processing conditions and final hydrogel properties. Endo-1,4-xylanase was used to obtain corn bran FAX rich in ferulic acid moieties, and then we demonstrated that gel formation is driven by the oxidative coupling of these feruloyl monomers into diferulic acid bridges, e.g., 8-5′, 5-5′, 8-O-4′, and 8-5′ benzofuran diferulic acids. A systematic investigation revealed that hydrogel properties were significantly affected by the processing conditions, i.e., FAX concentration, enzyme dosage, reaction pH, and reaction temperature during the enzymatic gel formation catalyzed by laccase. While gel strength peaked at a FAX concentration of 30 mg/mL, an optimal temperature of 25 °C and pH 6 were identified. Notably, we discovered a critical trade-off with enzyme concentration: higher laccase levels accelerated the reaction but compromised the final hydrogel’s mechanical strength and water retention. Gelation failed completely at pH ≥ 9 due to laccase inactivation. Meanwhile, scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that the microstructure of the FAX hydrogels was significantly affected by changes in the processing conditions. These findings offer crucial insights for the rational design of FAX-based hydrogels, enabling their tailored fabrication for food industry applications. Full article