Search Results (655)

To identify quality markers (Q-markers) for daodi authenticity evaluation of Lycium barbarum L., a comprehensive strategy integrating appearance trait analysis, multi-component quantification, and chemometrics was developed. Forty-five sample batches were collected from four major producing areas in China, namely Ningxia (NX), Gansu (GS), Qinghai (QH), and Inner Mongolia (NM). Appearance traits (50-fruit weight, moisture, and color) and the contents of polysaccharide, total sugar, betaine, zeaxanthin dipalmitate, and 27 small-molecule compounds, including flavonoids and phenolics, were determined using UV–vis spectrophotometry, HPLC-CAD, and UPLC-MS/MS. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association between polysaccharide and total sugar (r = −0.344, p < 0.05), suggesting a possible allocation shift between the two carbohydrate fractions, while zeaxanthin dipalmitate strongly correlated with redness (r = 0.609, p < 0.01). Principal component analysis identified total sugar, polysaccharide, scopoletin, and scopolin as key discriminatory variables. AHP-CRITIC combined weighting highlighted polysaccharide (weight 0.195) and zeaxanthin dipalmitate (weight 0.157) as candidate core Q-markers. Top-ranked comprehensive scores predominantly belonged to samples from NX and GS, chemically supporting the traditional daodi authenticity. This dual-dimensional “efficacy–trait” framework provides a robust, traceable basis for origin authentication and quality standard improvement of L. barbarum. Full article

Storage duration critically shapes the characteristic sweet and mellow quality of ripened pu-erh tea (RPT), yet the underlying chemical mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigated the sensory and chemical evolution of a representative commercial RPT product across a nine-year storage gradient (1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 years) by integrating Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA), chromaticity measurement, targeted quantification of 42 non-volatile components, and Headspace Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) volatilomics with multivariate statistical modeling. Prolonged storage drove systematic sensory maturation: the stale aroma gradually purified, and the taste profile transitioned significantly from heavy and mellow to sweet and mellow (p < 0.05), accompanied by a deepening infusion color with increased redness and yellowness indices. Targeted chemical profiling revealed significant decreases in total polyphenols and astringent esterified catechins, particularly epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) (p < 0.05), while theabrownins remained stable and soluble sugars peaked at intermediate storage stages. Pearson correlation analysis linked these chemical shifts to sensory perception, with enhanced sweetness, mouthfeel thickness strongly associated with reduced monomeric catechins and free amino acids (p < 0.001). Volatilomics combined with K-means clustering and relative odor activity value (ROAV) analysis revealed a dual mechanism of flavor refinement: progressive accumulation and increasing odor activity of aged aroma markers (1,2,3-trimethoxybenzene, β-ionone) coupled with systematic attenuation of pungent acids and grassy aldehydes. These findings, based on a single, standardized commercial product, elucidate the chemical-sensory foundation of the sweet and mellow profile in aged RPT and provide candidate markers and a transferable analytical framework for quality assessment of stored teas. Full article

Objective: Perillae Fructus (PF) (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.) and stir-fried Perillae Fructus (SFPF) are commonly used clinically for the treatment of cough and asthma, yet their quality control methods have not been fully established. Method: The best processing techniques of PF were optimized by one-variable-at-a-time (OVAT) analysis and Box–Behnken design (BBD); fingerprint combined with chemical pattern recognition techniques was employed to establish chromatographic fingerprints of PF and SFPF from different regions. Differential compounds were screened and the reliability of the established method was verified through quantitative analysis of multi-components; image processing technology was applied to determine chromaticity values and perform cluster heatmap analysis. The composition–color correlation of PF and SFPF was investigated. Result: Four characteristic components were identified through 36 batches of PF and SFPF, with rosmarinic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, caffeic acid and luteolin serving as discriminant markers differentiating PF and SFPF. The contents of seven components and the corresponding chromaticity parameters (L*, a*, b*) were determined to generate a visualized heatmap. Rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid showed positive correlations with L*, whereas a negative correlation was shown with b* and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Conclusions: This study provides a theoretical basis for judgment of processing endpoints and the rapid online quality monitoring of SFPF. Full article

Coffee has a complex aroma, over 1000 volatile compounds, and high lipid content. However, it is prone to volatile loss and lipid oxidation during storage. This makes packaging critical for quality preservation. This study evaluated monomaterial and multimaterial packaging for roasted Coffea arabica. Moisture, pH, and color were monitored. Volatile compounds were analyzed (GC–MS). Phenolics were determined (Folin–Ciocalteu). Antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP) was integrated into a relative antioxidant capacity index. Oxidative stability was assessed via acid value, peroxide, p-anisidine, total oxidation, and fatty acid profile (GC–MS) in oil extracted by supercritical fluid. Shelf-life was estimated from peroxide and p-anisidine values using kinetic models with the Arrhenius equation and nonlinear regression (Levenberg–Marquardt). Multimaterial packaging showed greater stability at 50 °C. pH remained slightly variable. Color changes were more pronounced in monomaterial packaging. Notably, freshness-related volatiles, such as 2,3-butanedione and 3-methylbutanal, decreased, while deterioration markers increased, like 1-methylpyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde and ethylpyrazine. Phenolics and antioxidant activity also declined, especially in monomaterial packaging. Monomaterial packaging showed lower oxidative stability and shorter shelf-life (179 and 63 days) than multimaterial packaging (466 and 79 days). However, monomaterial packaging remains promising due to its lower material requirements, recyclability, and lower environmental impact. Full article

Leopard coral grouper (Plectropomus leopardus), a member of the Epinephelidae family, is characterized by its distinct red coloration and excellent meat quality, making it one of the most premium species in the grouper market. Body color is an important economic trait for leopard coral grouper because it is an important factor in determining market price. In order to improve the traits in leopard coral grouper, the regulatory mechanism of body color and pigmentation is essential to explore. In the research, QTLs associated with body color in leopard coral grouper were detected using genome-wide association study analysis. A mixed population derived from 12 female and 12 male wild individuals with significant color differences was established. Meanwhile, the HSV (Hue, Saturation, Value) color model was employed to quantify leopard coral grouper body color as continuous variables. In the results, a total of 18 SNPs associated with the body color of the leopard coral grouper were discovered. Through functional annotation, we identified four candidate genes associated with body color: ASAP2, NLRC3, ALDH18A1, and E2F4. These genes were involved in chromatophore distribution, contraction and dilation, carotenoid oxidation, pigment cell proliferation and development, and immune-related processes. These findings uncovered new genetic loci and regulatory mechanisms for body color, providing a genetic basis for understanding pigmentation regulation and supporting marker-assisted selective breeding in leopard coral grouper. Full article

Brown midrib (bmr) mutants are frequently associated with unfavorable agronomic traits. In this study, we identified a novel brown midrib mutant, bmr34, which exhibited distinct brown coloration in roots, stems, and leaf midribs. Although most classic bmr mutants show undesirable agronomic performance, this mutant displays altered lignin accumulation and has important potential for forage quality and biomass utilization, providing a key genetic resource for lignin regulatory research in sorghum. Compared to the wild-type, bmr34 showed no significant differences in five major agronomic traits; however, lignin content was significantly reduced. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) using an F₂ population derived from a cross between bmr34 and the wild type Tx623 mapped the candidate region to chromosome 4. Further sequencing analysis identified a single nucleotide substitution (C → T; reverse strand G → A) at position 5,731,348 within the 5′ splice site of the third intron of Sobic.004G071000 in the mapping interval. KASP marker analysis demonstrated complete co-segregation between the mutation site and the bmr phenotype. Sequence analysis also revealed that this G → A substitution resulted in aberrant splicing and a 33-bp insertion in the third exon, which introduced a premature stop codon. Notably, the normally spliced transcript still accounted for approximately 36.2% of total transcripts in bmr34, indicating partial retention of wild-type transcript processing. These results demonstrate that bmr34 represents a novel weak allele of Bmr6, providing new insights into splice-site mutations and their contribution to lignin biosynthesis regulation in sorghum. Full article

Phalaenopsis hybrids are the most popular potted flowers in flower markets worldwide because they exhibit various flower colors, including yellow, green, white and red-purple. A thorough assessment of petal color polymorphism in Phalaenopsis enables the promotion of mechanistic studies on floral coloration regulation. In this study, we collected 156 Phalaenopsis germplasms to assess their chromativity value (L*, a* and b*), and then divided them into six groups according to their petal color: white (21), green (11), yellow-orange (37), pink (40), purplish-red (25) and dark red (22). Significant correlations were detected between petal color chromaticity indices and both the total concentration and the compositional ratio of the two primary anthocyanin components: cyanidin 3,5-O-diglucoside (Cy3G5G) and delphinidin 3,5-O-diglucoside (Dp3G5G). The red petal phenotype was largely determined by high accumulations of Cy3G5G and Dp3G5G, as well as a high Cy3G5G/Dp3G5G ratio. By integrating CIELab color parameters with anthocyanin composition and gene expression analyses, a quantitative regulatory model for Phalaenopsis flower color was established. We have revealed that the phenotypic traits of high a* and low L* values are directly associated with the high expression of key structural genes (PhF3′H, PhDFR, PhF3′5′H). These results provide molecular markers and a screening basis for screening, enabling directional flower color breeding, and significantly enhancing the predictability and accuracy of breeding programs. Full article

The temporal relationship between oxidative processes and microbial succession during aerobic cold storage has not been quantitatively characterized. We hypothesized that oxidation dominates early-stage quality loss, while microbial proliferation drives later-stage deterioration, with the two processes being temporally associated. This study investigated the patterns and mechanisms of quality deterioration in fresh beef stored under aerobic conditions at 4 °C for 10 days. Through comprehensive analysis of microbial communities (via high-throughput sequencing, total viable counts, and TVB-N), oxidation indicators (including TBARS, carbonyl compounds, sulfhydryl content, MetMb content, etc.), and quality characteristics (color, texture, and flavor), strong temporal and quantitative associations were observed. Early-stage quality loss was primarily associated with oxidative processes, as evidenced by a rapid decrease in redness. Meanwhile, later-stage deterioration, particularly flavor and texture decline, was strongly correlated with microbial proliferation, notably the dominance of Pseudomonas spp. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that lipid and protein oxidation were significantly associated with microbial total viable counts and changes in key volatile spoilage markers. The results indicate that oxidative and microbial activities are closely associated with beef quality decline, with oxidation mainly associated with color deterioration and microbial activity more strongly associated with flavor changes. These findings demonstrate close associations between co-oxidation processes, microbial succession, and beef quality deterioration, providing a quantitative basis for developing targeted, stage-specific preservation strategies. Full article

Functional feed additives can improve growth, health, and fillet quality in farmed fish, but their stability during feed processing is limited. This study evaluated the effects of dietary microencapsulated rosemary essential oil (REO), astaxanthin (AX), and butyric acid (BA) on growth, oxidative response, and fillet quality in juvenile rainbow trout (7.9 ± 0.3 g; 90 days). Growth parameters, intestinal and liver health, oxidative status, and fillet pH and color, together with proximate composition and fatty acid profile, were measured. All supplemented groups exhibited higher growth performance compared to controls. Histology and stress/inflammatory markers indicated no adverse effects on tissue health. Regarding fillet quality, REO maintained protein content, AX enhanced lipid content and color stability, and BA promoted a leaner fillet with higher protein deposition. Fillet pH remained more stable in REO and BA groups after frozen storage, suggesting improved product stability. Fatty acid profiles were moderately altered, with REO increasing C18:1n7 and AX enhancing polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas BA had minimal effects. Plasma antioxidant enzyme activities were lower in supplemented fish, indicating improved redox balance. Overall, microencapsulation preserved the bioactive properties of REO, AX, and BA, supporting their practical use as targeted functional feed additives in rainbow trout aquaculture. Full article

This study systematically evaluated the effects of five drying methods (sun drying, freeze drying, shade drying, and hot air drying at 40 °C and 60 °C) on the multidimensional quality of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus slices using multiscale techniques and multivariate analysis. The results showed that the drying methods significantly influenced color, microstructure, volatile organic compound profiles, the content of 13 bioactive constituents, and antioxidant activity. Among all treatments, hot air drying at 40 °C achieved the highest composite score in the comprehensive evaluation. This treatment was associated with a marked increase in surface microroughness (Ra), higher levels of the pharmacopoeial markers astragaloside IV and calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, and enhanced ABTS radical scavenging activity. However, other methods performed better in individual parameters: shade drying showed higher DPPH and FRAP values, while freeze drying gave the highest total phenolic content. Based on the observed strong correlations (e.g., roughness vs. astragaloside IV: r = 0.94; astragaloside IV vs. ABTS: r = 0.83), we propose a testable hypothesis that hot air drying at 40 °C may influence bioactivity partly through physical microstructural changes. The multidimensional evaluation framework established here provides a methodological reference for quality optimization of medicinal and edible herbs. Full article

Background: Centella asiatica has been widely recognized for its dermatological benefits; however, clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of oral supplementation for improving skin aging parameters remains limited. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effects of oral Centella asiatica extract on skin wrinkles and related skin parameters in middle-aged women. Methods: A total of 112 participants were randomized to receive either Centella asiatica extract (200 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Skin wrinkle parameters were quantitatively assessed using a three-dimensional skin imaging system (PRIMOS^®). Skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), elasticity, and skin color (brightness and redness) were additionally measured using validated non-invasive instruments. Efficacy analyses were performed in the per-protocol population. Results: After 12 weeks of supplementation, the Centella asiatica extract group demonstrated significant improvements in multiple wrinkle parameters compared with the baseline. Average wrinkle depth decreased by 11.1%, and the mean depth of the largest wrinkle decreased by 14.4%. Maximum wrinkle depth and total wrinkle volume were reduced by 13.3% and 13.7%, respectively, while surface roughness (Ra) decreased by 10.4%. In contrast, the placebo group showed minimal or inconsistent changes. Epidermal hydration at the cheek site significantly increased, while transepidermal water loss decreased, indicating improved skin barrier function. However, the magnitude of changes in epidermal hydration (2.7%), skin elasticity (R2; 0.7%), and skin brightness (L*; 0.7%) were relatively small. Skin elasticity and skin brightness showed statistically significant differences compared with the placebo group (p < 0.05), but these changes should be interpreted as modest improvements. No serious adverse events were reported, and all hematological and biochemical safety markers remained within normal reference ranges during the 12-week intervention period. Conclusions: Oral supplementation with Centella asiatica extract for 12 weeks was associated with improvements in wrinkle-related parameters and TEWL, while changes in skin hydration, elasticity, and brightness were modest and of limited magnitude. These findings suggest a potential role for short-term supplementation; however, further studies are required to confirm long-term efficacy and broader applicability. Full article

Objectives: Langerhans cell sarcoma (LCS) is a very rare, highly malignant tumor that originates from Langerhans cells. The differential diagnosis of LCS and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) still faces limitations, and the molecular changes involved in LCS are unclear. Molecular biomarkers and immunophenotypes may help distinguish between LCS and LCH. In this manuscript, the pathological and molecular markers in LCS are explored. Methods: The expression patterns of ASPP1, ASPP2, and inhibitor of apoptosis-stimulating p53 protein (iASPP) were examined using the immunohistochemical method and immunofluorescence staining. Then, genetic features, such as B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase (BRAF) V600E, K-ras, and ROS proto-oncogene 1, receptor tyrosine kinase (ROS1), were assayed using the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) method. Finally, whole-exon sequencing of LCS was performed. Results: Immunohistochemically, in all samples of LCS, ASPP2 was detected in ovoid and elliptic tumor cells. In the case of LCH, ASPP2 was expressed not only in ovoid and elliptic cells but also in histiocytic cells. The expression of iASPP was observed in five cases LCS (5/6), and no positive reaction was observed in the case of LCH. No ASPP1 expression was observed in LCH and LCS. During triple-color immunofluorescence analysis, ASPP2 and iASPP were co-expressed on Langerin⁺ LCS tumor cells. No mutations of BRAF V600E, K-ras, or ROS1 were detected in LCH and LCS. No gene mutation or rearrangement was detected in LCS except for the MAP2K1 gene. The mutation site was nonsynonymous in 607 bp of MAP2K1, resulting in a change from base G to A; thus, the amino acid E changed to K at the 203 site (4/6, 66.67%). Conclusions: Combined detection of ASPP2 and iASPP in tissue samples may provide valuable markers to differentiate between LCH and LCS. The MAP2K1 variants c.607G > A is the first potential marker to be reported in LCS. Full article

Bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra) is a perennial woody species belonging to the Nyctaginaceae family, native to South America. It is widely recognized for its brightly colored bracts and strong adaptability, and is widely cultivated as a major ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions. However, QTL mapping studies on morphological traits remain limited in the genus Bougainvillea, and the genetic basis underlying its key ornamental traits is still largely unclear. In this study, an F₁ segregating population was constructed using the cultivars ‘Mrs Eva White’ and ‘Formosa’ as parents, and was used for high-density genetic map construction and quantitative trait locus analysis. Fourteen leaf and thorn-related traits were investigated, with coefficients of variation ranging from 8.16% to 64.54%. Based on specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq), a total of 1,133,206 SLAF markers were developed, among which 479,488 were polymorphic. Using the inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) algorithm in the GACD 1.2 software, a high-density genetic linkage map was constructed for B. glabra, consisting of 17 linkage groups and 3256 markers. The genetic map spanned 1797.64 cM, with an average marker interval of 0.55 cM. A total of 22 QTLs were detected for the measured leaf and thorn traits, including 16 major QTLs with a PVE ≥ 8%. Collectively, this study identified stable genetic loci for important morphological traits and provides a valuable theoretical foundation for marker-assisted selection and genetic improvement of ornamental traits in Bougainvillea. Full article

Background/Objectives: The dark green leaf color trait in bunching onion (Allium fistulosum L.) is an important agronomic trait closely associated with market value; however, its genetic basis remains poorly understood. This study aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with leaf color using SPAD values as a phenotypic indicator. Methods: An ${\mathrm{F}}_2$ population derived from a cross between the dark green line YSG1go and the light green line Asagikei-KUJYO was used. A linkage map was constructed based on RNA-seq-derived SNP markers, and SPAD values were measured for QTL analysis. Results: The linkage map consisted of eight linkage groups with a total length of 2103.0 cM and 765 mapped markers. SPAD values showed significant differences between the parental lines, with high broad-sense heritability ($H^2$ = 0.76), indicating a strong genetic contribution to this trait. Multiple significant QTLs were detected on chromosomes 4 and 5, each explaining 27.4–38.1% of the phenotypic variance. The direction of allelic effects differed among QTLs, suggesting that favorable alleles are distributed between the parental lines. In addition, genes related to chloroplast protein translation were identified within the QTL regions. Conclusions: SPAD values are a suitable indicator for genetic analysis of leaf color in bunching onion, and the QTLs identified in this study provide valuable information for molecular breeding aimed at improving dark green leaf color. Full article

Cultivated strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is an allo-octoploid for which the genetic basis of fruit appearance traits has not been comprehensively elucidated. This study investigated the genetic architecture of fruit color and morphological traits using integrated digital phenotyping and genome-wide association analysis of a core collection of diverse strawberry germplasm maintained for Korean breeding programs. A 108-accession core collection was assembled, genotyped, and phenotyped for 12 fruit quality traits. Population structure analysis identified K = 10 genetic clusters, and a Mantel test confirmed significant genotype–phenotype correspondence (r = 0.38, p < 0.001). Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using BLINK and MLMM identified 15 significant marker–trait associations across six traits. Pleiotropic loci on chromosomes 15 (4C) and 22 (6B) were consistently associated with fruit lightness (L*) and red channel intensity (R) in both models, and the 6B locus explained approximately 18% of the phenotypic variance for each trait. Gene Ontology enrichment implicated transcriptional regulation, SUMOylation, and plastid-to-chromoplast transition, suggesting that the identified loci influenced fruit coloration through cellular regulatory mechanisms rather than direct pigment biosynthesis. These findings provide a genomic foundation for dual-trait marker-assisted selection targeting light and vividly red fruits for strawberry breeding. Full article