Search Results (6,678)

Cooked-rice aroma strongly affects consumer choice, yet the chemical traits distinguishing glutinous rice from normal-amylose japonica rice remain underexplored because earlier studies targeted only a few dozen volatiles using one-dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In this study, four glutinous and seven normal Japanese cultivars were cooked under identical conditions, their headspace volatiles trapped with MonoTrap and qualitatively profiled by comprehensive GC × GC-TOFMS. The two-dimensional platform resolved 1924 peaks—about ten-fold previous coverage—and, together with hierarchical clustering, PCA, heatmap visualization and volcano plots, cleanly separated the starch classes (78.3% cumulative PCA variance; Euclidean distance >140). Volcano plots highlighted 277 compounds enriched in the glutinous cultivars and 295 in Koshihikari, including 270 compounds that were not previously documented in rice. Normal cultivars were dominated by ethers, aldehydes, amines and other nitrogenous volatiles associated with grainy, grassy and toasty notes. Glutinous cultivars showed abundant ketones, furans, carboxylic acids, thiols, steroids, nitro compounds, pyrroles and diverse hydrocarbons and aromatics, yielding sweeter, fruitier and floral accents. These results expand the volatile library for japonica rice, provide molecular markers for flavor-oriented breeding and demonstrate the power of GC × GC-TOFMS coupled with chemometrics for grain aroma research. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections demands innovative non-antibiotic therapeutic strategies. Dual-modal photoresponse therapy integrating photodynamic (PDT) and photothermal (PTT) effects offers a promising rapid antibacterial approach, yet designing single-material systems with synergistic enhancement remains challenging. This study aims to develop uniform Cu-based metal–organic framework micrometer cubes (Cu-BN) for efficient PDT/PTT synergy. Methods: Cu-BN cubes were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method using Cu(NO₃)₂ and 2-amino-p-benzoic acid. The material’s dual-mode responsiveness to visible light (420 nm) and near-infrared light (808 nm) was characterized through UV–Vis spectroscopy, photothermal profiling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assays. Antibacterial efficacy against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was quantified via colony counting under dual-light irradiation. Results: Under synergistic 420 + 808 nm irradiation for 15 min, Cu-BN (200 μg/mL) achieved rapid eradication of multidrug-resistant E. coli (99.94%) and S. aureus (99.83%). The material reached 58.6 °C under dual-light exposure, significantly exceeding single-light performance. Photodynamic analysis confirmed a 78.7% singlet oxygen (¹O₂) conversion rate. This enhancement stems from PTT-induced membrane permeabilization accelerating ROS diffusion, while PDT-generated ROS sensitized bacteria to thermal damage. Conclusions: This integrated design enables spatiotemporal PDT/PTT synergy within a single Cu-BN system, establishing a new paradigm for rapid-acting, broad-spectrum non-antibiotic antimicrobials. The work provides critical insights for developing light-responsive biomaterials against drug-resistant infections. Full article

Growing freshwater fish in saline environments is being explored as a potential solution to the freshwater shortage. However, growing these organisms in suboptimal salinity conditions leads to chronic stress that can be challenging to manage. To address this goal, it is crucial to improve the health of fish through the use of dietary supplements. This study evaluated the effects of varying levels of arginine supplementation on the growth, health status, and expression of stress-related molecular markers in juveniles of Nile tilapia exposed to chronic salinity stress. The tilapia were fed four experimental diets supplemented with 0, 1, 2, and 3% of L-arginine (T0, T1, T2, and T3). After an acclimatization period, the tilapias were exposed to a salinity level of 20‰ for 57 days in a recirculating aquaculture system. Our findings revealed that overall performance parameters were significantly influenced by L-arginine supplementation, except for the condition factor, viscerosomatic index, and hepatosomatic index. Additionally, intermediate levels of L-arginine supplementation positively influenced various blood parameters, including hematological profiles (hemoglobin and leukocytes), blood chemistry (total protein, albumin, globulin, and triglycerides), and the frequency of certain nuclear abnormalities. Furthermore, L-arginine supplementation appeared to regulate the expression of molecular markers related to stress and the immune system. In conclusion, this study indicates that L-arginine supplementation can help alleviate the chronic stress caused by salinity in juvenile Nile tilapia. Full article

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum L.) are considered a functional food due to their high content of bioactive compounds with demonstrated health benefits. This study evaluated four cultivars (G3, G4, G5, and G7) grown under Mediterranean climate conditions, focusing on their physicochemical properties (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and pH), bioactive compound (sugars and organic acids, total and individual phenolic and carotenoid compounds, and antioxidant activities (DPPH and CUPRAC assay)), and aromatic profiles (by GC-MS) to assess their suitability for fresh consumption or incorporation into food products. G4 exhibited the most favorable physicochemical characteristics, with the highest total soluble solids (20.2 °Brix) and sugar content (92.8 g 100 g⁻¹ dw). G5 stood out for its lower titratable acidity (0.34%) and highest ripening index (54.8), indicating desirable flavor attributes. Concerning bioactive compounds, G3 and G4 showed the highest total phenolic content (17.9 and 19.1 mg GAE g⁻¹ dw, respectively), with neochlorogenic acid being predominant. G4 was notable for its high carotenoid content, particularly zeaxanthin (1722.6 μg g⁻¹ dw). These compounds significantly contributed to antioxidant activity. Volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles revealed alcohols and aldehydes as the dominant chemical families, with hexanal being the most abundant. G5 and G7 exhibited the highest total VOC concentrations. Principal component analysis grouped G3 and G4 based on their high sugar and phenolic content, while G5 and G7 were characterized by their complex aromatic profiles. Therefore, G3 and G4 are promising candidates for fresh consumption and potential functional applications, while G5 and G7 are particularly suitable for new product development due to their nutraceutical and aromatic value. Full article

Wild edible mushrooms are increasingly recognised for their nutritional and therapeutic potential, owing to their richness in bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties. This study assessed the chemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni) in Boletus edulis, Imleria badia, and Leccinum scabrum collected from two forested regions of north-western Poland differing in anthropogenic influence and soil characteristics. The analysis encompassed structural polysaccharides (β- and α-glucans, chitin), carotenoids, L-ascorbic acid, phenolic and organic acids. B. edulis exhibited the highest β-glucan and lycopene contents, but also the greatest cadmium accumulation. I. badia was distinguished by elevated ascorbic and citric acid levels and the strongest DPPH radical scavenging activity, while L. scabrum showed the highest ABTS and FRAP antioxidant capacities and accumulated quinic acid and catechin. Principal component analysis indicated strong correlations between antioxidant activity and phenolic acids, while cadmium levels were inversely associated with antioxidant potential and positively correlated with chitin. Although all metal concentrations remained within EU food safety limits, B. edulis showed consistent cadmium bioaccumulation. From a practical perspective, the results highlight the importance of species selection and sourcing location when considering wild mushrooms for consumption or processing, particularly in the context of nutritional value and contaminant load. Importantly, regular or excessive consumption of B. edulis may result in exceeding the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) levels for cadmium and nickel, which warrants particular attention from a food safety perspective. These findings underscore the influence of species-specific traits and environmental conditions on mushroom biochemical profiles and support their potential as functional foods, provided that metal contents are adequately monitored. Full article

The genus Anisosciadium, belonging to the Apiaceae family, has been traditionally recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. However, scientific research on this genus is still limited, highlighting the need for a comprehensive review of its chemical composition and pharmacological characteristics. A comprehensive compilation of data was conducted using major databases such as Google Scholar, Research Gate, Web of Science, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. In this review, we collected and organized the available information of identified compounds from different species of the genus Anisosciadium, covering the literature from 2003 to 2024. In total, 64 phytoconstituents were detected. The findings suggest that the traditional therapeutic properties of Anisosciadium are well supported by the reported pharmacological activities from previous studies. Notably, these studies highlight its antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects, emphasizing the potential of this genus in the development of new therapeutic agents. Nonetheless, the lack of comparative studies among Anisosciadium species and the scarcity of in vivo studies and clinical trials limit the full realization of its therapeutic potential. Specifically, comparative studies could be crucial in identifying species with unique chemical profiles and understanding how variations in secondary metabolite compositions may influence their pharmacological activities. Full article

Wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are gaining traction in marine exploration due to their operational convenience, safety, and flexibility. Nevertheless, disturbances from ocean currents and marine organisms frequently induce rotational, axial, and air-gap misalignments, significantly degrading the output power stability. To mitigate this issue, this paper proposes a novel reconfigurable WPT system utilizing coaxial antipodal dual DD (CAD-DD) coils, which strategically switches between a detuned S-LCC topology and a detuned S-S topology at a fixed operating frequency. By characterizing the output power versus the coupling coefficient (P-k) profiles under both reconfiguration modes, a parameter design methodology is developed to ensure stable power delivery across wide coupling variations. Experimental validation using a 1.2 kW AUV charging prototype demonstrates remarkable tolerance to misalignment: ±30° rotation, ±120 mm axial displacement, and 20–50 mm air-gap variation. Within this range, the output power fluctuation is confined to within 5%, while the system efficiency exceeds 85% consistently, peaking at 91.56%. Full article

The aim of this study was to prevent the development of microorganisms in the refrigerated storage of tench by releasing allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) produced by black mustard seeds. Tench reared in an aquaculture centre were sacrificed and the fillets were separated. Different amounts of defatted mustard seed (300, 400 and 500 mg) were added to hermetic polypropylene trays. Microbiological, sensory, and gas chromatography with MS detection analysis were done. AITC release increased progressively until the third day of storage, significantly delaying the development of microorganisms in samples with higher mustard seed content. The tasting panel detected positive aromas at the beginning of the study, but these decreased and negative aromas appeared. The mustard seed treatment resulted in a higher positive aroma at the end of the storage, reducing rotting and ammonia odours. A total of 31 volatile compounds were detected and grouped into hydrocarbon, alcohol, benzenoid, isothiocyanate, ketone, acetate, aldehyde, and others. Butylated hydroxytoluene, an indicator of bacterial contamination, was the major aromatic compound found during storage. The release of AITC resulted in fewer organic compounds with negative aromas appearing during storage. PCA analysis allowed us to classify the assays during storage according to their volatile profiles, confirming the differences observed between treatments. Thus, adding mustard seed to fish packaging could be a viable alternative to extending the product’s shelf life and ensuring food safety. Full article

Soil salinization is a major constraint to global crop productivity, highlighting the need to identify salt tolerance genes and their molecular mechanisms. Here, we integrated mRNA and miRNA profile analyses to investigate the molecular basis of salt tolerance of an elite Brassica napus cultivar S268. Time-course RNA-seq analysis revealed dynamic transcriptional reprogramming under 215 mM NaCl stress, with 212 core genes significantly enriched in organic acid degradation and glyoxylate/dicarboxylate metabolism pathways. Combined with weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and RT-qPCR validation, five candidate genes (WRKY6, WRKY70, NHX1, AVP1, and NAC072) were identified as the regulators of salt tolerance in rapeseed. Haplotype analysis based on association mapping showed that NAC072, ABI5, and NHX1 exhibited two major haplotypes that were significantly associated with salt tolerance variation under salt stress in rapeseed. Integrated miRNA-mRNA analysis and RT-qPCR identified three regulatory miRNA-mRNA pairs (bna-miR160a/BnaA03.BAG1, novel-miR-126/BnaA08.TPS9, and novel-miR-70/BnaA07.AHA1) that might be involved in S268 salt tolerance. These results provide novel insights into the post-transcriptional regulation of salt tolerance in B. napus, offering potential targets for genetic improvement. Full article

Rose hips are rich in polyphenols, making them a promising ingredient for the development of functional fruit-based beverages. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Pulsed Electric Field (PEF) extraction treatment on rose hip (RH) pulp to enhance the extraction of polyphenols, carotenoids, and volatile compounds. Additionally, this study examined the impact of adding rose hip berries during different stages of carbohydrate fermentation on the resulting phenolic and aroma profiles. A control wort and four experimental formulations were prepared. Rose hip pulp—treated or untreated with PEF—was added either during fermentation or beforehand, and the volatiles produced were analyzed using GC-MS (in triplicate). Fermentation was carried out over 10 days at 20 °C using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Torulaspora delbrueckii. At a 10:1 ratio, all beverage samples were subjected to physicochemical testing and HPLC analysis for polyphenols, organic acids, and carotenoids, as well as GC-MS analysis for aroma compounds. The results demonstrated that the use of PEF-treated rose hips significantly improved phenolic compound extraction. Moreover, the PEF treatment enhanced the aroma profile of the beverage, contributing to a more complex and appealing sensory experience. This research highlights the rich polyphenol content of rose hips and the potential of PEF-treated fruit as a natural ingredient to improve both the functional and sensory qualities of fruit-based beverages. Their application opens new possibilities for the development of innovative, health-promoting drinks in the brewing industry. Full article

The eye, a complex organ essential for visual perception, is composed of diverse cell populations with specialized functions; however, the complex interplay between these cellular components and their underlying molecular mechanisms remains largely elusive. Traditional biotechnologies, such as bulk RNA sequencing and in vitro models, are limited in capturing cellular heterogeneity or accurately mimicking the complexity of human ophthalmic diseases. The advent of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revolutionized ocular research by enabling high-resolution analysis at the single-cell level, uncovering cellular heterogeneity, and identifying disease-specific gene profiles. In this review, we provide a review of scRNA-seq application advancement in ocular physiology and pathology, highlighting its role in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of various ocular diseases, including myopia, ocular surface and corneal diseases, glaucoma, uveitis, retinal diseases, and ocular tumors. By providing novel insights into cellular diversity, gene expression dynamics, and cell–cell interactions, scRNA-seq has facilitated the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and the further integration of scRNA-seq with other omics technologies holds promise for deepening our understanding of ocular health and diseases. Full article

Modern agriculture relies heavily on the use of pesticides, with one-third of them being herbicides. Chloroacetamides are the most widely used herbicides because of their high effectiveness, but their extensive use poses environmental challenges and threatens the health of living organisms due to toxicity risks. Since the pharmacokinetic behavior and toxicity of a compound are influenced by its lipophilicity, this essential physicochemical parameter for disubstituted chloroacetamides was determined in silico and experimentally through thin-layer chromatography on reversed phases (RPTLC C18/UV254s) in mixtures of water and distinct organic modifiers. The pharmacokinetic profile of chloroacetamides was analyzed by using the BOILED-Egg model. The correlation between the obtained chromatographic parameters and software-based lipophilicity, pharmacokinetic, and ecotoxicity predictors of the studied chloroacetamides was assessed by using linear regression, but more comprehensive insight was obtained through multivariate methods—Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis. It was observed that the total number of carbon atoms in the structure of their molecules, along with the type of hydrocarbon substituents, are the most important factors affecting lipophilicity, pharmacokinetics, and potential toxicity to non-target organisms. Full article

Background: Phoebe zhennan and Phoebe chekiangensis are valuable evergreen trees recognized for their unique aromas and ecological significance, yet the organ-related distribution and functional implications of aroma-active volatiles remain insufficiently characterized. Methods: In this study, we applied an integrated GC-MS-based volatile metabolomics approach combined with a relative odor activity value (rOAV) analysis to comprehensively profile and compare the volatile metabolite landscape in the seeds and leaves of both species. Results: In total, 1666 volatile compounds were putatively identified, of which 540 were inferred as key aroma-active contributors based on the rOAV analysis. A multivariate statistical analysis revealed clear tissue-related separation: the seeds were enriched in sweet, floral, and fruity volatiles, whereas the leaves contained higher levels of green leaf volatiles and terpenoids associated with ecological defense. KEGG pathway enrichment indicated that terpenoid backbone and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways played major roles in shaping these divergent profiles. A Venn diagram analysis further uncovered core and unique volatiles underlying species and tissue specificity. Conclusions: These insights provide an integrated reference for understanding tissue-divergent volatile profiles in Phoebe species and offer a basis for fragrance-oriented selection, ecological trait evaluation, and the sustainable utilization of organ-related metabolic characteristics in breeding and conservation programs. Full article

Climate extremes threaten the resilience of Eucalyptus plantations, yet hybridization with drought-tolerant species may enhance stress tolerance. This study analyzed xylem anatomical and functional drought responses in commercial Eucalyptus grandis (GG) clones and hybrids: E. grandis × camaldulensis (GC), E. grandis × tereticornis (GT), and E. grandis × urophylla (GU1, GU2). We evaluated vessel traits (water transport), fibers (mechanical support), and wood density (D) in stems and branches. Theoretical stem hydraulic conductivity (k_Stheo), vessel lumen fraction (F), vessel composition (S), and associations with previous hydraulic and growth data were assessed. While general drought responses occurred, GC had the most distinct xylem profile. This may explain it having the highest performance in different irrigation conditions. Red gum hybrids (GC, GT) maintained k_Stheo under drought, with stable F and a narrower vessel size, especially in branches. Conversely, GG and GU2 reduced F and S; and stem k_Stheo declined for a similar F in these clones, indicating vascular reconfiguration aligning the stem with the branch xylem. Almost all clones increased D under drought in any organ, with the highest increase in red gum hybrids. These results reveal diverse anatomical adjustments to drought among clones, partially explaining their growth responses. Full article

In establishing the safety or tolerability profile of bioactive plant extracts, it is important to perform toxicity studies using appropriate, accessible, and sustainable methods. The Allium cepa model is well known and frequently used for accurate environmental risk assessments, as well as for evaluating the toxic potential of the bioactive compounds of plant extracts. The present review focuses on this in vivo cytogenetic model, highlighting its widespread utilization and advantages as a first assessment in monitoring the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of herbal extracts, avoiding the use of animals for testing. This plant-based assay allows for the detection of the possible cytotoxic and genotoxic effects induced on onion meristematic cells. The outcomes of the Allium cepa assay are comparable to other tests on various organisms, making it a reliable screening test due to its simplicity in terms of implementation, as well as its high sensitivity and reproducibility. Full article