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15 pages, 3048 KiB  
Article
Hydrogen-Rich Water Attenuates Diarrhea in Weaned Piglets via Oxidative Stress Alleviation
by Pengfei Zhang, Jingyu Yang, Zhuoda Lu, Qianxi Liang, Xing Yang, Junchao Wang, Jinbiao Guo and Yunxiang Zhao
Biology 2025, 14(8), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14080997 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Early weaning of piglets elicits weaning stress, which in turn induces oxidative stress and consequently impairs growth and development. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW), characterized by selective antioxidant properties, mitigates oxidative stress damage and serves as an ideal intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the [...] Read more.
Early weaning of piglets elicits weaning stress, which in turn induces oxidative stress and consequently impairs growth and development. Hydrogen-rich water (HRW), characterized by selective antioxidant properties, mitigates oxidative stress damage and serves as an ideal intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of HRW on weaned piglets, specifically investigating its impact on growth performance, diarrhea incidence, antioxidant function, intestinal morphology, gut microbiota, and hepatic metabolites. The results demonstrate that HRW significantly increased the average daily feed intake and significantly reduced the diarrhea rate in weaned piglets. Analysis of serum oxidative stress indicators revealed that HRW significantly elevated the activities of total antioxidant capacity and total superoxide dismutase while significantly decreasing malondialdehyde concentration. Assessment of intestinal morphology showed that HRW significantly increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Microbial analysis indicated that HRW significantly increased the abundance of Prevotella in the colon. Furthermore, HRW increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Akkermansia, in the jejunum and cecum, while concurrently reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria like Escherichia. Hepatic metabolite profiling revealed that HRW significantly altered the metabolite composition in the liver of weaned piglets. Differentially abundant metabolites were enriched in oxidative stress-related KEGG pathways, including ABC transporters; pyruvate metabolism; autophagy; FoxO signaling pathway; glutathione metabolism; ferroptosis; and AMPK signaling pathways. In conclusion, HRW alleviates diarrhea and promotes growth in weaned piglets by enhancing antioxidant capacity. These findings provide a scientific foundation for the application of HRW in swine production and serve as a reference for further exploration into the mechanisms underlying HRW’s effects on animal health and productivity. Full article
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18 pages, 8203 KiB  
Article
Puerarin Enhances Eggshell Quality by Mitigating Uterine Senescence in Late-Phase Laying Breeder Hens
by Zhenwu Huang, Guangju Wang, Mengjie Xu, Yanru Shi, Jinghai Feng, Minhong Zhang and Chunmei Li
Antioxidants 2025, 14(8), 960; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14080960 (registering DOI) - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
The deterioration of uterine calcium transport capacity induced by aging is a common problem for late-laying period hens, causing decline in eggshell quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects and possible regulatory mechanisms of dietary puerarin (PU) on calcium transport and eggshell [...] Read more.
The deterioration of uterine calcium transport capacity induced by aging is a common problem for late-laying period hens, causing decline in eggshell quality. This study aimed to investigate the effects and possible regulatory mechanisms of dietary puerarin (PU) on calcium transport and eggshell quality in aged hens. Two hundred eighty-eight Hubbard Efficiency Plus broiler breeder hens (50-week-old) were randomly allocated to three dietary treatments containing 0, 40, or 200 mg/kg puerarin (PU), with 8 replicates of 12 birds each, for an 8-week trial. The results demonstrated that dietary PU ameliorated the eggshell thickness and strength, which in turn reduced the broken egg rate (p < 0.05). Histological analysis showed that PU improved uterus morphology and increased epithelium height in the uterus (p < 0.05). Antioxidative capacity was significantly improved via upregulation of Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX1 mRNA expression in the uterus (p < 0.05), along with enhanced total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity, and decreased levels of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, PU treatment reduced the apoptotic index of the uterus, followed by a significant decrease in expression of pro-apoptotic genes Caspase3 and BAX and the rate of BAX/BCL-2. Additionally, calcium content in serum and uterus, as well as the activity of Ca2+-ATPase in the duodenum and uterus, were increased by dietary PU (p < 0.05). The genes involved in calcium transport including ERα, KCNA1, CABP-28K, and OPN in the uterus were upregulated by PU supplementation (p < 0.05). The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that dietary PU supplementation could reverse the age-related decline in the relative abundance of Bacteroidota within the uterus (p < 0.05). Overall, dietary PU can improve eggshell quality and calcium transport through enhanced antioxidative defenses and mitigation of age-related uterine degeneration. Full article
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15 pages, 1546 KiB  
Article
Ozone Treatment Modulates Reactive Oxygen Species Metabolism Regulation and Enhances Storage Quality of Kiwifruit During Cold Storage
by Ziyu Jin, Jin Tan, Xinyu Zhang, Xin Li, Wenqiang Guan, Pu Liu and Aiqiang Chen
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080911 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Fresh fruit are highly perishable commodities, facing significant postharvest losses primarily due to physiological deterioration and microbial spoilage. Conventional preservation methods often face limitations regarding safety, residue, and environmental impact. Because of its rapid decomposition and low-residue-impact characteristics, ozone has proven superior as [...] Read more.
Fresh fruit are highly perishable commodities, facing significant postharvest losses primarily due to physiological deterioration and microbial spoilage. Conventional preservation methods often face limitations regarding safety, residue, and environmental impact. Because of its rapid decomposition and low-residue-impact characteristics, ozone has proven superior as an efficient and eco-friendly solution for preserving fruit quality after harvest. The maturation and aging processes of kiwifruit are closely linked to the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effects of intermittent ozone treatment (21.4 mg/m3, applied for 0, 1, 3, or 5 h weekly) on ROS metabolism, the antioxidant defense system, and storage quality of kiwifruit during cold storage (0.0 ± 0.5 °C). The results showed ozone treatment slowed the decline in titratable acid (TA) content and fruit firmness, inhibited increases in total soluble solids (TSSs) and weight loss, and maintained the storage quality. Additionally, ozone treatment enhanced the activities of antioxidant-related enzymes. This includes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). Furthermore, it delayed the reduction in ascorbate (ASA), glutathione (GSH), total phenolic compounds, and flavonoid content, while also preventing the accumulation of ROS and the rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In summary, the results indicate that ozone treatment enhances the antioxidant capacity of kiwifruit by increasing the structural integrity of cell membranes, preserving the structural integrity of cell membranes, and effectively maintaining the storage quality of the fruit. Full article
16 pages, 1313 KiB  
Article
Mycorrhizas Promote Total Flavonoid Levels in Trifoliate Orange by Accelerating the Flavonoid Biosynthetic Pathway to Reduce Oxidative Damage Under Drought
by Lei Liu and Hong-Na Mu
Horticulturae 2025, 11(8), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae11080910 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Flavonoids serve as crucial plant antioxidants in drought tolerance, yet their antioxidant regulatory mechanisms within mycorrhizal plants remain unclear. In this study, using a two-factor design, trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) seedlings in the four-to-five-leaf stage were either inoculated with Funneliformis [...] Read more.
Flavonoids serve as crucial plant antioxidants in drought tolerance, yet their antioxidant regulatory mechanisms within mycorrhizal plants remain unclear. In this study, using a two-factor design, trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) seedlings in the four-to-five-leaf stage were either inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae or not, and subjected to well-watered (70–75% of field maximum water-holding capacity) or drought stress (50–55% field maximum water-holding capacity) conditions for 10 weeks. Plant growth performance, photosynthetic physiology, leaf flavonoid content and their antioxidant capacity, reactive oxygen species levels, and activities and gene expression of key flavonoid biosynthesis enzymes were analyzed. Although drought stress significantly reduced root colonization and soil hyphal length, inoculation with F. mosseae consistently enhanced the biomass of leaves, stems, and roots, as well as root surface area and diameter, irrespective of soil moisture. Despite drought suppressing photosynthesis in mycorrhizal plants, F. mosseae substantially improved photosynthetic capacity (measured via gas exchange) and optimized photochemical efficiency (assessed by chlorophyll fluorescence) while reducing non-photochemical quenching (heat dissipation). Inoculation with F. mosseae elevated the total flavonoid content in leaves by 46.67% (well-watered) and 14.04% (drought), accompanied by significantly enhanced activities of key synthases such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), 4-coumarate:coA ligase (4CL), and cinnamate 4-hydroxylase (C4H), with increases ranging from 16.90 to 117.42% under drought. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that both mycorrhization and drought upregulated the expression of PtPAL1, PtCHI, and Pt4CL genes, with soil moisture critically modulating mycorrhizal regulatory effects. In vitro assays showed that flavonoid extracts scavenged radicals at rates of 30.07–41.60% in hydroxyl radical (•OH), 71.89–78.06% in superoxide radical anion (O2•−), and 49.97–74.75% in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Mycorrhizal symbiosis enhanced the antioxidant capacity of flavonoids, resulting in higher scavenging rates of •OH (19.07%), O2•− (5.00%), and DPPH (31.81%) under drought. Inoculated plants displayed reduced hydrogen peroxide (19.77%), O2•− (23.90%), and malondialdehyde (17.36%) levels. This study concludes that mycorrhizae promote the level of total flavonoids in trifoliate orange by accelerating the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, hence reducing oxidative damage under drought. Full article
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21 pages, 1870 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Bimi® Broccoli as a Convenience Food: Nutritional Composition and Quality Traits Following Industrial Sous-Vide Processing
by Elisa Canazza, Christine Mayr Marangon, Dasha Mihaylova, Valerio Giaccone and Anna Lante
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3255; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153255 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 63
Abstract
This study investigates Bimi® (Brassica oleracea Italica × Alboglabra), a hybrid between kailan and conventional broccoli, to evaluate its compositional, functional, and sensory properties in relation to industrial sous-vide processing and refrigerated storage. Proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, [...] Read more.
This study investigates Bimi® (Brassica oleracea Italica × Alboglabra), a hybrid between kailan and conventional broccoli, to evaluate its compositional, functional, and sensory properties in relation to industrial sous-vide processing and refrigerated storage. Proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and mineral content were determined in raw samples. Color, chlorophyll content, total polyphenols, and antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ABTS, DPPH) were analyzed before and after sous-vide treatment and following 60 days of storage. Microbiological and physicochemical stability was monitored over 90 days under standard (4 °C) and mildly abusive (6–10 °C) storage conditions. Sensory profiling of Bimi® and conventional broccoli was performed on sous-vide samples. The results showed an increase in total polyphenols and antioxidant activity after processing, while chlorophylls decreased. Microbiological safety was maintained under all conditions, with stable water activity and only moderate acidification. Bimi® provided a valuable source of protein (4.32 g/100 g FW, 8.63% RDA), appreciable amounts of dietary fiber (2.96 g/100 g FW, 11.85% RDA), and essential minerals such as potassium (15.59% RDA), phosphorus (14.05% RDA), and calcium (8.09% RDA). Sensory evaluation revealed a milder flavor profile than that of conventional broccoli, accompanied by an asparagus-like aroma. These findings support the suitability of Bimi® for industrial sous-vide processing and its potential as a nutritious convenience food. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds in Food and Their Applications)
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19 pages, 582 KiB  
Article
Xylitol Antioxidant Properties: A Potential Effect for Inflammation Reduction in Menopausal Women?—A Pilot Study
by Ilona Górna, Magdalena Kowalówka, Barbara Więckowska, Michalina Banaszak, Grzegorz Kosewski, Olivia Grządzielska, Juliusz Przysławski and Sławomira Drzymała-Czyż
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2025, 47(8), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb47080611 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 141
Abstract
Introduction: Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, especially in postmenopausal women. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol with potential antioxidant properties, may affect oxidative balance when used as a sugar substitute. Aim: This pilot study aimed to assess [...] Read more.
Introduction: Oxidative stress is a key factor in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases, especially in postmenopausal women. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol with potential antioxidant properties, may affect oxidative balance when used as a sugar substitute. Aim: This pilot study aimed to assess the effect of replacing sucrose with xylitol on serum antioxidant capacity in postmenopausal women. Methods: This study included 34 women aged 50 to 65 years who successively consumed 5 g/d, 10 g/d, and 15 g/d of xylitol. The dietary intervention lasted a total of 6 weeks, with each phase covering a 2-week period. Diet was assessed twice based on a 7-day dietary interview (Diet 6.0, NIZP–PZH, Warsaw). The material for this study was venous blood. Antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging method and the ABTS cation radical scavenging method. Results: In both methods, a significant increase in serum antioxidant potential was observed after replacing sugar with xylitol (p < 0.0001). An increase in the ability to neutralize free radicals was observed in almost all women studied. Additional analysis of the effect of selected nutrients on the obtained effects of the nutritional intervention showed that the most significant effect could potentially be exerted by manganese, maltose, sucrose, and mercury, and the strongest positive correlation was exerted by vitamin A, retinol, and vitamin E. Although the values obtained in the constructed models were not statistically significant, the large effect indicates potentially significant relationships that could have a significant impact on serum antioxidant potential in the studied group of women. Conclusions: The results suggest a potential role of xylitol in enhancing antioxidant defense mechanisms in menopausal women. Although the sample size was relatively small, this study was powered at approximately 80% to detect large effects, supporting the reliability of the observed results. Nevertheless, given the pilot nature of this study, further research with larger cohorts is warranted to confirm these preliminary observations and to clarify the clinical significance of xylitol supplementation in populations exposed to oxidative stress. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Role of Natural Products in Inflammatory Diseases)
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17 pages, 1195 KiB  
Article
Phytochemical Profiling, Antioxidant Capacity, and α-Amylase/α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Effects of 29 Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Varieties from China
by Ying Li, Zhihua Wang, Chengkai Mei, Wenqi Sun, Xingxing Yuan, Jing Wang and Wuyang Huang
Biology 2025, 14(8), 982; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14080982 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 179
Abstract
Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), a nutrient-rich legume beneficial to human health, is valued for its high L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and phenolic content. This study investigated phytochemical diversity and bioactivity across 29 Chinese faba bean varieties. Phenolics were profiled using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography [...] Read more.
Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), a nutrient-rich legume beneficial to human health, is valued for its high L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) and phenolic content. This study investigated phytochemical diversity and bioactivity across 29 Chinese faba bean varieties. Phenolics were profiled using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) and quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant capacity was evaluated, including DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), along with α-amylase/α-glucosidase inhibitory effects. Twenty-five phenolics were identified, including L-DOPA (11.96–17.93 mg/g, >70% of total content), seven phenolic acids, and seventeen flavonoids. L-DOPA showed potent enzyme inhibition (IC50 values of 22.45 μM for α-amylase and 16.66 μM for α-glucosidase) but demonstrated limited antioxidant effects. Lincan 13 (Gansu) exhibited the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH, 16.32 μmol trolox/g; ABTS, 5.85 μmol trolox/g; FRAP, 21.38 mmol Fe2+/g), which correlated with it having the highest flavonoid content (40.51 mg rutin/g), while Yican 4 (Yunnan) showed the strongest α-amylase inhibition (43.33%). Correlation analysis confirmed flavonoids as the primary antioxidants, and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed geographical trends (e.g., Jiangsu varieties were particularly phenolic-rich). These findings highlight faba beans’ potential as functional foods and guide genotype selection in targeted breeding programs aimed at enhancing health benefits. Full article
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22 pages, 3360 KiB  
Article
Effect of Atmospheric Cold Plasma Treatment on the Microorganism Growth, Diversity, and Quality of Coconut Water During Refrigerator Storage
by Lixian Zeng, Wenyue Gu, Yuanyuan Wang, Wentao Deng, Jiamei Wang and Liming Zhang
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2709; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152709 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 162
Abstract
To study the effect of cold plasma (CP) on the refrigerator shelf life of coconut water, microorganism growth and diversity and physicochemical properties were investigated. Results indicated that CP treatment did not cause significant color changes in coconut water, with turbidity remaining lower [...] Read more.
To study the effect of cold plasma (CP) on the refrigerator shelf life of coconut water, microorganism growth and diversity and physicochemical properties were investigated. Results indicated that CP treatment did not cause significant color changes in coconut water, with turbidity remaining lower than the control even after 6 days of storage. Enzymatic activity analysis revealed reduced polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) levels in treated samples. Specifically, the 12 s CP treatment resulted in the lowest antioxidant capacity values: 15.77 Fe2+/g for ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 37.15% for DPPH radical scavenging, and 39.51% for ABTS+ radical scavenging. Microbial enumeration showed that extended CP treatment effectively inhibited the growth of total viable counts, psychrophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeast. High-throughput sequencing identified Leuconostoc, Carnobacterium, and Lactobacillus as the dominant bacterial genera. During storage, Carnobacterium was the primary genus in the early stage, while Leuconostoc emerged as the dominant genus by the end of the storage period. In summary, CP as an effective non-thermal technology was able to maintain quality and antioxidant capacity, inhibit microbial growth, and delay the spoilage in coconut water to help extend the refrigerated shelf life of the product. Full article
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15 pages, 3707 KiB  
Article
Saussurea involucrata CML6 Enhances Freezing Tolerance by Activating Antioxidant Defense and the CBF-COR Pathway in Plants
by Mengjuan Hou, Hui Kong, Jin Li, Wenwen Xia and Jianbo Zhu
Plants 2025, 14(15), 2360; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14152360 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 156
Abstract
Low-temperature stress severely limits plant growth and reduces agricultural productivity. Calmodulin-like (CML) proteins are crucial calcium sensors in plant cold responses. Transcriptome analysis of cold-stressed Saussurea involucrata identified seven differentially expressed CML genes. qRT-PCR confirmed that SiCML6 was strongly induced at 4 °C [...] Read more.
Low-temperature stress severely limits plant growth and reduces agricultural productivity. Calmodulin-like (CML) proteins are crucial calcium sensors in plant cold responses. Transcriptome analysis of cold-stressed Saussurea involucrata identified seven differentially expressed CML genes. qRT-PCR confirmed that SiCML6 was strongly induced at 4 °C and −2 °C. Bioinformatics analysis showed that SiCML6 encodes a transmembrane protein containing an EF-hand domain. This protein carries a signal peptide and shows the closest phylogenetic relationship to Helianthus annuus CML3. Its promoter contains ABA, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and cold-response elements. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing SiCML6 showed significantly higher survival rates at −2 °C than wild-type plants. Under freezing stress, SiCML6-overexpressing lines exhibited reduced malondialdehyde content, relative electrolyte leakage, and ROS accumulation (H2O2 and O2), along with increased proline, soluble sugars, soluble proteins, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). SiCML6 elevated the expression of cold-responsive genes CBF3 and COR15a under normal conditions and further upregulated CBF1/2/3 and COR15a at 4 °C. Thus, low temperatures induced SiCML6 expression, which was potentially regulated by ABA/MeJA. SiCML6 enhances freezing tolerance by mitigating oxidative damage through boosted T-AOC and osmoprotectant accumulation while activating the CBF-COR signaling pathway. This gene is a novel target for improving crop cold resistance. Full article
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21 pages, 3469 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Dietary Supplementation with 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 on the Antioxidant Capacity and Inflammatory Responses of Pelteobagrus fulvidraco
by Yi Liu, Jiang Xie, Qingchao Shi, Quan Gong and Chuanjie Qin
Biology 2025, 14(8), 967; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14080967 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 173
Abstract
Based on the limited hepatic hydroxylation efficiency of dietary VD3 in teleosts and the superior bioavailability of its metabolite, 25(OH)D3, this study investigated the regulatory mechanisms of dietary 25(OH)D3 supplementation in yellow catfish—an economically significant species lacking prior nutritional data on this metabolite. [...] Read more.
Based on the limited hepatic hydroxylation efficiency of dietary VD3 in teleosts and the superior bioavailability of its metabolite, 25(OH)D3, this study investigated the regulatory mechanisms of dietary 25(OH)D3 supplementation in yellow catfish—an economically significant species lacking prior nutritional data on this metabolite. A total of 360 fish were divided into three groups—control (basal diet), VD3 (2500 IU/kg VD3), and 25(OH)D3 (2500 IU/kg 25(OH)D3)—and fed for 8 weeks. Compared to the control, both supplemented groups showed elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) activities, alongside reduced malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. The 25(OH)D3 group exhibited higher T-AOC and CAT activities and lower TNF-α than the VD3 group. Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses identified 65 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) and 3515 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Enrichment analysis indicated that the DEMs (e.g., indole compounds, organic acids, aldosterone, L-kynurenine) and DEGs (pgd, mthfr, nsdhl, nox5, prdx2, mpx, itih2, itih3, eprs1) that were highly and significantly expressed in the 25(OH)D3 group were primarily associated with antioxidant defense and inflammatory responses. Dietary 25(OH)D3 was more effective than VD3 in promoting antioxidant capacity and modulating inflammation in yellow catfish. Full article
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15 pages, 4556 KiB  
Article
Coordinated Regulation of Photosynthesis, Stomatal Traits, and Hormonal Dynamics in Camellia oleifera During Drought and Rehydration
by Linqing Cao, Chao Yan, Tieding He, Qiuping Zhong, Yaqi Yuan and Lixian Cao
Biology 2025, 14(8), 965; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14080965 (registering DOI) - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 168
Abstract
Camellia oleifera, a woody oilseed species endemic to China, often experiences growth constraints due to seasonal drought. This study investigates the coordinated regulation of photosynthetic traits, stomatal behavior, and hormone responses during drought–rehydration cycles in two cultivars with contrasting drought resistance: ‘CL53’ [...] Read more.
Camellia oleifera, a woody oilseed species endemic to China, often experiences growth constraints due to seasonal drought. This study investigates the coordinated regulation of photosynthetic traits, stomatal behavior, and hormone responses during drought–rehydration cycles in two cultivars with contrasting drought resistance: ‘CL53’ (tolerant) and ‘CL40’ (sensitive). Photosynthetic inhibition resulted from both stomatal and non-stomatal limitations, with cultivar-specific differences. After 28 days of drought, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) declined by 26.6% in CL53 and 32.6% in CL40. A stable intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) in CL53 indicated superior mesophyll integrity and antioxidant capacity. CL53 showed rapid Pn recovery and photosynthetic compensation post-rehydration, in contrast to CL40. Drought triggered extensive stomatal closure; >98% reopened upon rehydration, though the total stomatal pore area remained reduced. Abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation was greater in CL40, contributing to stomatal closure and Pn suppression. CL53 exhibited faster ABA degradation and gibberellin (GA3) recovery, promoting photosynthetic restoration. ABA negatively correlated with Pn, transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), and Ci, but positively with stomatal limitation (Ls). Water use efficiency (WUE) displayed a parabolic response to ABA, differing by cultivar. This integrative analysis highlights a coordinated photosynthesis–stomata–hormone network underlying drought adaptation and informs selection strategies for drought-resilient cultivars and precision irrigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Science)
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17 pages, 1380 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Foliar Micronutrient Fertilization on Yield and Nutritional Quality of Maize Grain
by Wacław Jarecki, Ioana Maria Borza, Cristina Adriana Rosan, Cristian Gabriel Domuța and Simona Ioana Vicas
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1859; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081859 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 216
Abstract
Foliar fertilization is an effective practice that improves both the yield and quality of maize, a crop with high and specific micronutrient demands. This study hypothesized that foliar application of Fe, Cu, Mn, Mo, Zn and B would improve grain size and quality [...] Read more.
Foliar fertilization is an effective practice that improves both the yield and quality of maize, a crop with high and specific micronutrient demands. This study hypothesized that foliar application of Fe, Cu, Mn, Mo, Zn and B would improve grain size and quality in GS210 maize compared to the control. The single-factor field experiment was conducted in 2023–2024 on Haplic Cambisol (Eutric) soil, under a variety of meteorological conditions. The application of Zn and B fertilizers significantly increased the soil plant analysis development (SPAD) index. Yield components (number of grains per ear, thousand-grain weight) and grain yield increased significantly following Zn foliar application compared to the control. Zn application increased grain yield by 0.59 t ha−1 and 0.49 t ha−1 in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Smaller but beneficial effects were observed with Cu and B applications. In contrast, the effects of fertilization with other micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Mo) were less pronounced than anticipated. Biochemical analyses revealed that foliar fertilization with Fe, Cu and Mo increased total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, while Fe and Mo enhanced carotenoid accumulation, and Cu and B significantly influenced grain color parameters. The study highlights the potential of foliar fertilization to improve maize performance and grain quality, despite possible antagonisms between micronutrients. Full article
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21 pages, 932 KiB  
Article
Investigating Roasted Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) Seed Powder as a Coffee Substitute: Effects of Water Temperature, Milk Addition, and In Vitro Digestion on Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Capacity
by Rayssa Cruz Lima, Carini Aparecida Lelis, Jelmir Craveiro de Andrade and Carlos Adam Conte-Junior
Foods 2025, 14(15), 2696; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14152696 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 191
Abstract
Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) seeds account for up to 95% of the fruit’s weight and are commonly discarded during pulp processing. Roasted açaí seed extract (RASE) has recently emerged as a caffeine-free coffee substitute, although its composition and functionality remain underexplored. This [...] Read more.
Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) seeds account for up to 95% of the fruit’s weight and are commonly discarded during pulp processing. Roasted açaí seed extract (RASE) has recently emerged as a caffeine-free coffee substitute, although its composition and functionality remain underexplored. This study characterized commercial açaí seed powder and evaluated the effect of temperature on the recovery of total phenolic content (TPC) in the aqueous extract using a Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD). An intermediate extraction condition (6.0 ± 0.5 g 100 mL−1 at 100 °C) was selected, resulting in 21.78 mg GAE/g TPC, 36.23 mg QE/g total flavonoids, and notable antioxidant capacity (FRAP: 183.33 µmol TE/g; DPPH: 23.06 mg TE/g; ABTS: 51.63 mg TE/g; ORAC: 31.46 µmol TE/g). Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) analysis suggested the presence of amino acids, carbohydrates, and organic acids. During in vitro digestion, TPC decreased from 54.31 to 17.48 mg GAE 100 mL−1 when RASE was combined with goat milk. However, higher bioaccessibility was observed with skimmed (33%) and semi-skimmed (35%) cow milk. These findings highlight RASE as a phenolic-rich, antioxidant beverage with functional stability when prepared with boiling water. This is the first study to report the phytochemical profile of RASE and its interactions with different milk types, supporting its potential as a coffee alternative. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fruit By-Products and Their Applications in Food Industry)
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14 pages, 654 KiB  
Article
Effects of Natural Fermentation Time on Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activities, and Phenolic Profile of Cassava Root Flour
by Oluwaseun Peter Bamidele
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8494; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158494 (registering DOI) - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 138
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the impact of natural fermentation time on the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of cassava flour. Samples of flour were fermented for intervals of 12, 24, and 48 h and compared with the control (0 h). The results [...] Read more.
This study aimed to determine the impact of natural fermentation time on the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of cassava flour. Samples of flour were fermented for intervals of 12, 24, and 48 h and compared with the control (0 h). The results indicated clear differences in the chemical composition of these samples. The pH value was reduced, TTA increased, and TSS decreased. This is due to the action of lactic acid bacteria during fermentation. The TPC value also increased with fermentation time, achieving 2.95 mg GAE/g after 48 h, compared to 1.35 mg GAE/g initially. Antioxidant activities improved significantly; total antioxidant capacity surged from 23.50 µmol TE/g to 69.81 µmol TE/g over the 48 h fermentation period, based on ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. Protein content also improved significantly, increasing from 1.82% to 3.10%, while the hydrogen cyanide content declined from 25.14 mg/100 g to 5.34 mg/100 g, signifying reduced nutritional risk. An increase in minerals was also noted, with calcium showing the highest concentration of 41.35 mg/100 g after 48 h of fermentation. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of fermenting cassava flour by enhancing its chemical composition and antioxidant properties while lowering antinutrients, which improves its value in functional foods. Full article
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16 pages, 1583 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Ultraviolet-C Light Pretreatment on Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum) Quality During Storage
by Zhuoyu Wang, Andrej Svyantek, Zachariah Miller, Haydon Davis and Ashley Kapus
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8452; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158452 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 243
Abstract
Blackcurrant is a notable superfruit in Europe, and its vitamin C content surpasses the well-known blueberry superfruit. However, due to its short shelf life during storage, consumption is mainly accounted by frozen berries, extracts, and concentrates. This study applied an intensity of 1.2 [...] Read more.
Blackcurrant is a notable superfruit in Europe, and its vitamin C content surpasses the well-known blueberry superfruit. However, due to its short shelf life during storage, consumption is mainly accounted by frozen berries, extracts, and concentrates. This study applied an intensity of 1.2 W/m2 UVC with different durations, including control (non-treated), UVC irradiation for 0.5 h (0.5 h treatment), UVC irradiation for 1 h (1 h treatment), and UVC pretreatment for 2 h (2 h treatment) to blackcurrant berries before storage. Fundamental physical (firmness and weight loss) and physicochemical characteristics (SSC, pH, and acids), microbial population changes, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, and specific phenolic compound changes were evaluated every five days over a twenty-day storage period. The results indicated that the longer the UVC pretreatment, the lower the water weight losses during storage. Meanwhile, the UVC pretreatment significantly affected the blackcurrant soluble solid content, resulting in higher soluble solid contents detected in the blackcurrants with the higher doses of UVC. For the mold population control, UVC effects were highly correlated with the pretreatment duration. However, UVC did not have a significant influence on the berry pH and acid contents, but the storage length slightly increased the pH and decreased the acids. At the same time, UVC pretreatment did not affect the berry firmness, polyphenols, ascorbic acid content, or antioxidant capacities, which were primarily influenced by the storage duration. The monophenolic compounds detected before and after storage indicated that more than one hour of UVC radiation influenced most of the phenolic contents largely before storage. The UVC pretreatment has also influenced some phenolic compounds. After storage, half an hour of UVC pretreatment increased cyanidin levels, and two hours of UVC pretreatment increased catechin and epicatechin levels. However, most of the compounds remained at similar amounts during storage in each treatment. Further research is needed to improve the UVC radiation time length or intensity or explore other technology combinations to optimize UVC pretreatments for blackcurrant storage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Science and Technology)
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