Search Results (299)

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is an acidothermophilic bacterium considered a significant challenge to the food industry, particularly in the production of fruit juices and concentrates. Its ability to survive pasteurization and form spores and biofilms makes it a persistent contaminant that can spoil products and generate off-flavors even during product storage. Recent studies have increasingly focused on developing new strategies to eliminate both vegetative cells and biofilms, with special attention on natural compounds such as plant extracts, essential oils and antimicrobial metabolites. These natural agents offer promising alternatives for controlling A. acidoterrestris and might contribute to improvement in safety and quality of juice products. This article presents a comprehensive overview of current strategies for controlling Alicyclobacillus species in food processing environments, with an emphasis on A. acidoterrestris as a major spoilage organism in the fruit juice industry. It summarizes the established physical and chemical control methods, as well as highlights emerging novel approaches involving natural-origin antimicrobial compounds considered useful for mitigating Alicyclobacillus contamination. Full article

Fermented products have recently garnered substantial interest in both research and commercial contexts. Although probiotic fermentation is predominantly practiced with dairy, fruits, vegetables, and grains, its application to dual-purpose food-medicine materials like Ganoderma lucidum has been comparatively underexplored. In this study, Ganoderma lucidum fermented juice (GFJ) served as the substrate and was fermented with five probiotic strains. The optimal inoculation ratios—determined by employing a uniform design experiment—were as follows: Bifidobacterium animalis 6.05%, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei 9.52%, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus 6.63%, Pediococcus pentosaceus 21.38%, and Pediococcus acidilactici 56.42%. Optimal fermentation parameters established by response surface methodology included 24 h of fermentation at 37 °C, a final cell density of 5 × 10⁶ CFU/mL, and a sugar content of 4.5 °Brix. Experiments with RAW264.7 macrophages revealed that GFJ significantly promoted both phagocytic activity and nitric oxide (NO) secretion, indicating enhanced immune characteristics as a result of fermentation. Untargeted metabolomics profiling of GFJ across different fermentation stages showed upregulation of functional metabolites, including polyphenols, prebiotics, functional oligosaccharides, and Ganoderma triterpenoids (GTs)—notably myricetin-3-O-rhamnoside, luteolin-7-O-glucuronide, raffinose, sesamose, and Ganoderma acids. These increments in metabolic compounds strongly correlate with improved functional properties in GFJ, specifically heightened superoxide dismutase activity and immunomodulatory capacity. These results highlight an effective approach for developing functionally enriched fermented products from medicinal fungi, with promising applications in functional food and nutraceutical industries. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of nitrogen fertilization and different types of planting material on the yield and fruit quality of pineapple (Ananas comosus var. comosus) cv. Smooth Cayenne under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Northern region of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, arranged in a factorial scheme with four nitrogen rates, six types of planting material, and two harvest seasons (winter and summer). Based on the results, it can be inferred that slips provided higher yields and heavier fruits, whereas plants derived from crowns and suckers showed lower productivity. Increasing nitrogen rates promoted greater fruit mass and length, higher pulp percentage, and increased production of vegetative propagules. Fruits harvested in the summer showed higher soluble solids content (15.5 °Brix), greater pulp and juice percentages, and lower titratable acidity, which are desirable characteristics for fresh consumption. Despite the seasonal differences, fruit mass ranging from 1.5 to 2.0 kg met commercial standards for both processing and domestic markets. The soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio (15.8) was below the ideal range for fresh consumption. The combination of appropriate planting material and nitrogen fertilization contributes to higher production efficiency, cost reduction, and improved fruit quality. Full article

Background and Objectives: Hypertension in young adulthood is increasingly recognized as a precursor to future cardiovascular disease. Early identification of modifiable risk factors, such as dietary habits, lifestyle behaviors, and psychological indicators, is critical for prevention. This study aimed to examine the elevated clinic blood pressure and associated factors in 19-year-old individuals in Serbia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2019 Fourth National Health Survey. A total of 212 participants underwent blood pressure measurement, anthropometric assessment, and completed standardized questionnaires on diet, physical activity, depressive symptoms, and sociodemographic characteristics. Blood pressure was classified according to ESC/ESH guidelines. Associations with elevated blood pressure were assessed using chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Most participants had optimal or normal blood pressure, while 18.9% had elevated blood pressure, including high-normal and Grade I–II hypertension. Elevated blood pressure was more prevalent among males and was associated with depressive symptoms. Nutrition status was significantly associated with elevated blood pressure, and some dietary habits like consumption of pure fruit or vegetable juices and the intake of processed meat products. Other socioeconomic factors, eating habits and physical activity were not significantly correlated. In multivariate logistic regression, elevated arterial blood pressure was significantly associated with consuming pure fruit or vegetable juices less than once per week (OR = 3.239; 95% CI: 1.413–7.427) and with consuming processed meat products several times per week in comparison to the daily consumption (OR = 0.325; 95% CI: 0.130–0.812), while no other variables remained statistically significant. Conclusions: Clinically elevated arterial blood pressure is present in a substantial proportion of 19-year-olds. Early lifestyle interventions targeting nutrition and psychological health may prevent progression to hypertension and reduce long-term cardiovascular risk. Full article

Background: Depression represents a major public health burden in Hungary, where prevalence remains higher than the global average. Although diet is an increasingly studied factor associated with mental health, evidence from Central and Eastern Europe is scarce. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the Hungarian wave of the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) 2019, a nationally representative sample of 5603 adults aged ≥15 years. Depressive symptom severity was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-8 (PHQ-8) and categorized as none (0–4), mild (5–9), and moderate-to-severe (≥10). Self-reported frequency of consumption of fruits, vegetables, fruit juice, dairy products, fish, processed meat, sweetened beverages, coffee, and sweeteners was examined. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression models, adjusted for gender, age, education, income, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, were used to estimate associations with depressive symptom severity. Results: Overall, 77.9% of participants had no depression, 17.0% mild, and 5.1% moderate-to-severe symptoms. After full adjustment, lower consumption of fruits and vegetables, less frequent fruit juice intake, and lower processed meat consumption were associated with higher odds of more severe depressive symptoms. Moderate coffee intake (1–2 cups/day) was associated with lower odds than heavier consumption. Conclusions: In the Hungarian adult population, poorer dietary patterns, particularly low intake of fruits, vegetables, and paradoxically lower processed meat consumption, are significantly associated with greater depressive symptom severity, independent of major sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. These findings underscore the potential role of diet quality in mental health and support public health efforts to promote nutrient-rich dietary patterns in Hungary. Full article

Background/Objectives: The growing prevalence of mental health problems among medical students is a global concern, with dietary patterns emerging as potential modifiable factors. This study aimed to explore and evaluate whether higher consumption of ultra-processed foods may be associated with greater symptoms of anxiety and depression. Methods: This was an exploratory cross-sectional study integrated into a previous cohort of medical students, conducted based on the guidelines for Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology. Sixty-seven medical students completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire-based index. Dietary patterns and the associations between these patterns and symptoms of anxiety and/or depression were assessed statistically. Results: There were differences in the consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes and unsweetened juices between groups with/without anxiety or depression (p < 0.05). A higher intake of ultra-processed foods such as pizza, hot dogs, cereals high in fat and sugar, processed beverages and sweets was linked to greater symptoms (p < 0.05; Cohen’s d = 0.3–0.7). Three to four dietary patterns were identified, explaining between 60% and 86% of the variance. High consumption of cereals with added fat and sugars increased the risk by 7.4 times (OR = 7.4, 95% CI 1.2–12.2, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Dietary intake was associated, but not causally linked, to emotional symptoms among medical students. Lower consumption of unprocessed foods and higher intake of ultra-processed foods formed consistent behavioral profiles associated with anxiety and depression. Consuming more than three daily servings of cereals with added fat and sugar increased the risk of severe depressive symptoms by more than sevenfold, highlighting a strong dietary determinant. Future research should assess nutritional interventions aimed to improve mental health and academic performance in medical students. Full article

Nowadays, consumer demand for functional foods with health benefits has grown significantly. In response to this trend, a variety of potentially probiotic foods have been developed—most notably kefir and kefir-like beverages, which are highly appreciated for their tangy flavor and health-promoting properties. Traditionally, kefir is made by fermenting cow’s milk with milk kefir grains, although milk from other animals—such as goats, ewes, buffalo, camels, and mares—is also used. Additionally, non-dairy versions are made by fermenting plant-based milks (such as coconut, almond, soy, rice, and oat) with the same type of grains, or by fermenting fruit and vegetable juices (e.g., apple, carrot, fennel, grape, tomato, prickly pear, onion, kiwifruit, strawberry, quince, pomegranate) with water kefir grains. Despite their popularity, many aspects of kefir production remain poorly understood. These include alternative production methods beyond traditional batch fermentation, kinetic studies of the process, and the influence of key cultivation variables—such as temperature, initial pH, and the type and concentration of nutrients—on biomass production and fermentation metabolites. A deeper understanding of the fermentation process can enable the production of kefir beverages tailored to meet diverse consumer preferences. Full article

The pH of fruit and vegetable juices is usually around 4.0. To adapt to the pH of fruit and vegetable juices, we developed a highly branched pectin as a natural stabiliser, whose polarity is well suited to conditions under weakly acidic conditions. The pectin content of jujube is high (about 2.0%), in which the polysaccharide content of Muzao (2.0–4.8%) is generally higher than the average value of the jujube. To separate the weak polar pectin in jujube, we extracted the crude polysaccharide (ZMP) with 4 times the volume of alcohol. Then we used Diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) cellulose (DEAE-52) ion-exchange chromatography to separate ZMP, and selected the fraction eluted with 0.2 M NaCl for gel purification to obtain ZMP2. After the hydrolysis of ZMP2 with TFA, four fractions, namely ZMP2n5, ZMP2y5, ZMP2n1, and ZMP2y1, were obtained. The purity, molecular weight, and monosaccharide composition of the above four fractions were determined. It was found that each fraction of ZMP2 contained large amounts of galacturonic acid (GalA) and glucuronic acid (GlcA), indicating that ZMP2 was most likely pectin, making it the natural, polar stabiliser we sought. To further determine the primary structure of ZMP2, we also performed FT-IR spectroscopy; methylation; one-dimensional mapping, including Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR), Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹³C NMR) and Distortionless Enhancement by Polarization Transfer 135 (DEPT 135); and two-dimensional mapping, including Correlation Spectroscopy (1H-1H COSY), Heteronuclear Single Quantum Coherence (HSQC), Heteronuclear Multiple-Bond Correlation (HMBC), and Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy (NOESY). In summary, the primary structure of ZMP2 should be as follows: the main chain is connected as →4)-α-D-GalAp-(1→3)-β-D-Galp-(1→, while the end glycosidic bonds of α-D-Galp-(1→ and α-L-Araf-(1→5)-α-L-Araf-(1→ are attached to the main chain by O-3 and O-6 bonds from →3,4)-α-D-GalAp-(1→ and →3,6)-β-D-GalAp-(1→, respectively. Full article

Mulberries are rich in bioactive compounds and posse significant nutritional value. Fermentation can enhance the product’s flavor, while the synergistic effects of multiple strains can improve the quality of fruits and vegetables, resulting in a greater array of nutritional components. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum were employed as fermentation strains to produce fermented mulberry beverages. Utilizing one-way ANOVA and an orthogonal experimental design, the optimal process conditions were established as follows: Saccharomyces cerevisiae–Lactobacillus plantarum ratio: 2:1 (v/v), inoculum amount: 1% (v/v), fermentation time: 60 h, and fermentation temperature: 30 °C. Under these conditions, the results showed a sugar content of 7.5 ± 0.2 °Brix, a pH of 4.12 ± 0.12, and a sensory evaluation score of 89 ± 1.34. The composite-strain fermented mulberry beverage exhibited a significantly elevated total anthocyanin content, along with enhanced SOD enzyme activity, DPPH radical scavenging capacity, and ABTS radical scavenging capacity. Volatile component analysis revealed that the composite-strain fermented mulberry beverage exhibited a more diverse range of aromatic compounds, with a total of 37 types, approximately 10 types more than both the mulberry juice and the single-strain fermented mulberry beverage. This study revealed the advantages of composite microbial fermentation, laying a foundation for the development of new-type high-quality fermented beverages. Full article

Growers rarely use the grafting method on a double-root system due to limited information on the added advantages for increased plant vigour and yield of soilless-grown cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). The study aimed to investigate the effect of combining rootstock cultivar and the grafting method on the growth, yield, and quality of soilless-grown cucumber in a non-temperature-controlled (NTC) tunnel. Two rootstock cultivars, Flexifort (Flex) (Cucurbita maxima × Cucurbita moschata) and Ferro (Fer) (C. maxima × C. moschata), were grafted with scion cultivar Hoplita (H) to either single- (1R) or double- (2R) root systems, and the original scion root system was combined with either a Flexifort or Ferro rootstock (O1R) to two root systems and a non-grafted plant (Hoplita). Plants were grown in 10 L containers filled with sawdust as a growing medium. The leaf number was higher in ‘HO1RFlex’ combinations, while the non-grafted plants had a significantly lower leaf number. Thicker stem diameter was obtained from non-grafted plants. The tallest plants were obtained from HO1Fer combinations at 39, 53, and 101 days after transplanting (DAT), while non-grafted plants at 25 and 101 DAT were the shortest plants. Plants grafted to single- or double-root systems, regardless of rootstock cultivar, had higher early, marketable, and total yield compared to non-grafted cucumber. Many medium-sized fruits were obtained in ‘HO1RFlex’ combinations during the early harvest. The total soluble solids (TSSs) of cucumber juice were higher in ‘H1RFer’ while fruit mineral content was not affected by the combined rootstock cultivar and grafting method. Grafting to a double-root system using the original scion roots combined with rootstock or double rootstock had a limited effect compared to plants grafted to a single-root system. It is recommended that scion be grafted to a single-root system of either rootstock Ferro or Flexifort compared to a double-root system, particularly for the cost effectiveness of seeds and labour used in grafting, as well as for improved vegetative growth, including early marketable and total yield of cucumber. The growing containers of various sizes need further investigation to allow for the root extension and growth of grafted plants. Full article

In the cherry-growing area of Apulia (Italy), sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cultivars are commonly grafted onto Prunus mahaleb L. rootstock. This study investigated the influence of the scion on the fruit quality of the rootstock, an aspect that remains largely underexplored in studies of stionic interactions. In an old sweet cherry orchard in the Bari area, several ‘Ferrovia’ trees grafted onto P. mahaleb L. rootstock were observed, where some rootstock individuals had developed fruiting branches below the grafting point. We collected fruits from those mahaleb rootstocks and compared them with fruits produced by non-grafted P. mahaleb L. trees growing in the same orchard. Extracts of grafted and non-grafted mahaleb cherries was analyzed by HPLC-DAD and ¹H-NMR. Anthocyanins, coumaric acid derivatives, organic acids, and reducing sugars were identified in both extracts. Non-grafted mahaleb fruits were characterized by a higher relative content of malic acid, fructose, dihydro-coumaric acid derivatives, and anthocyanins and lower content of α/β glucose and sorbitol, with respect to the grafted mahaleb. The metabolic differences observed between fruits from grafted and non-grafted P. mahaleb L. were further supported by our preliminary NMR-based analysis conducted on fruit juice over two consecutive years. The results suggest that grafting may induce some physiological changes not only in the scion, but also in the rootstock, even in its vegetative (above-ground) organs, if developed. This work represents a novel finding and reinforces the broader understanding that grafting impacts physiological processes in plants. Full article

This study evaluated the effects of late pruning and late apical leaf removal on grapevine phenology, fruit composition, yield parameters, xylem sap carbohydrate content, and grape skin polyphenol levels over two consecutive vintages (2022 and 2023). As expected, delayed pruning shifted the phenological stages, with more pronounced delays observed in 2022 than in 2023. However, by August, all the treatments had reached the berry-softening stage, indicating a convergence in ripening. The grape juice composition showed no significant differences in sugar content in 2022; however, in 2023, the °Brix was notably reduced in control vines subjected to late apical defoliation. The titratable acidity and pH remained stable across treatments and years, while the malic acid concentrations were consistently higher in the late-pruned treatments, particularly LP2 (late pruning 2 was performed when the control vines had reached the eight-leaves-folded development stage). Late pruning significantly reduced the yield and bunch size, especially for the 2023 LP2 treatment. In contrast, late apical defoliation had minimal impact on the yield components. Vegetative growth, as assessed by cane diameter and weight, also declined under late pruning. Despite this, the xylem sap analysis revealed no significant changes in the glucose, fructose, or myo-inositol levels, suggesting that the carbohydrate reserves remained unaffected. Notably, LP2 consistently resulted in the highest total polyphenol content in the grape skins across both years, indicating enhanced phenolic maturity. Although the polyphenol concentrations were generally higher in 2023, the treatment effects varied more widely, likely due to the differing environmental conditions. These findings suggest that late pruning—particularly LP2—can be a valuable tool for improving grape phenolic quality, albeit at the cost of reduced yield and vine vigor. This study highlights the importance of site- and season-specific canopy management strategies in balancing fruit quality with productivity under variable climatic conditions. Full article

Cultivation practices such as fruit thinning and soil management with ground covers are commonly applied in Citrus orchards, yet their physiological impact on young trees remains poorly documented. This study evaluated the effects of manual fruit thinning and weed-control mesh on vegetative growth, fruit development, and leaf mineral composition of Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck cv. ‘Navelina’ grafted on Citrus macrophylla. A six-month field experiment was conducted in southeastern Spain under semi-arid Mediterranean conditions using six treatments that combined different soil coverage and subsurface drainage systems. After physiological fruit drop, trees were standardized to ten fruits per plant. Vegetative parameters (canopy and trunk dimensions), fruit growth (size, juice content), and foliar nutrient concentrations were monitored. Trees with ground cover showed significantly greater canopy expansion and juice yield compared to uncovered controls. A negative correlation between fruit number and canopy-to-fruit volume ratio highlighted the trade-off between vegetative vigor and fruit load. Foliar analysis revealed lower micronutrient concentrations (Fe, Mn, B, Zn) in uncovered trees, suggesting reduced nutritional status. These findings demonstrate that combining early thinning with weed-control mesh promotes vegetative vigor, improves juice yield, and enhances nutrient uptake, providing practical insights for optimizing orchard establishment and early Citrus productivity in water-limited environments. Full article

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has rapidly emerged as a powerful analytical technique for the sensitive and selective detection of organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in complex food matrices. This review summarizes recent advances in substrate engineering, emphasizing structure–performance relationships between nanomaterial design and molecular enhancement mechanisms. Functional groups such as P=O, P=S, and aromatic rings are highlighted as key determinants of Raman activity through combined chemical and electromagnetic effects. State-of-the-art substrates, including noble metals, carbon-based materials, bimetallic hybrids, MOF-derived systems, and emerging liquid metals, are critically evaluated with respect to sensitivity, stability, and applicability in typical matrices such as fruit and vegetable surfaces, juices, grains, and agricultural waters. Reported performance commonly achieves sub-μg L⁻¹ to low μg L⁻¹ detection limits in liquids and 10⁻³ to 10 μg cm⁻² on surfaces, with reproducibility often in the 5–15% RSD range under optimized conditions. Persistent challenges are also emphasized, including substrate variability, quantitative accuracy under matrix interference, and limited portability for real-world applications. Structure–response correlation models and data-driven strategies are discussed as tools to improve substrate predictability. Although AI and machine learning show promise for automated spectral interpretation and high-throughput screening, current applications remain primarily proof-of-concept rather than routine workflows. Future priorities include standardized fabrication protocols, portable detection systems, and computation-guided multidimensional designs to accelerate translation from laboratory research to practical deployment in food safety and environmental surveillance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vitamin C plays a vital role in human health, functioning as a powerful antioxidant and enzymatic cofactor. Although vitamin C bioavailability from food versus supplements has been debated, few studies have examined how intake form affects absorption and physiological markers. Methods: This randomized, controlled, crossover trial aimed to compare the bioavailability of vitamin C consumed as a supplement, through raw fruits and vegetables, or through fruit and vegetable juice. Twelve healthy adults underwent three 1-day crossover trials, each separated by a 2-week washout. Participants consumed 101.7 mg of vitamin C via powder, raw fruits and vegetables (186.8 g), or juice (200 mL). Plasma and urinary vitamin C concentrations, urinary metabolites (¹H NMR), and antioxidant activity (ORAC and TRAP) were assessed over 24 h. Results: All interventions elevated plasma vitamin C levels, with juice yielding the highest AUC (25.3 ± 3.2 mg/dL·h). Urinary vitamin C increased in all groups. Metabolomics revealed increased urinary excretion of mannitol, glycine, taurine, dimethylglycine (DMG), and asparagine, and decreased choline and dimethylamine (DMA). Notably, urinary mannitol increased only in the morning. Choline significantly decreased after powder intake (p = 0.001), with similar trends observed in the other groups. DMG and glycine increased following raw and juiced vegetable intake. Antioxidant activity showed transient ORAC elevation post-powder but no sustained improvements. Conclusions: Vitamin C is bioavailable from all intake forms, with juice providing the most efficient absorption. Urinary metabolite changes suggest microbiota-related modulation, while antioxidant activity improvements were limited. Full article