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17 pages, 1047 KB  
Article
Dietary Fiber Intake, Food Sources, and Their Associations with Metabolic Parameters in Adults
by Kamile Marakoğlu, Fatma Hümeyra Yerlikaya Aydemir, Zehra Doğruer, Esma Nakipoğlu, Abdullah Sivrikaya, Hadi Ziya Kavaklılar, Ülkü Sinem Koçak, Ayşegül Özkan, Beyza Nur Korkmaz, Mustafa Topkafa and Nazan Aktaş
Nutrients 2026, 18(16), 2698; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18162698 - 18 Aug 2026
Viewed by 116
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Dietary fiber intake is associated with lower risk of several chronic diseases; however, intake levels remain below recommended values in many populations. This study aimed to evaluate dietary fiber intake, major fiber sources, and their associations with sociodemographic and metabolic parameters [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Dietary fiber intake is associated with lower risk of several chronic diseases; however, intake levels remain below recommended values in many populations. This study aimed to evaluate dietary fiber intake, major fiber sources, and their associations with sociodemographic and metabolic parameters in adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 820 adults (mean age 33.63 ± 13.58 years) attending the family medicine outpatient clinic. Dietary intake was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Fiber intake was evaluated as total intake and by source (whole-food and refined carbohydrate-rich foods). Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and metabolic data were also collected and analyzed. Results: Mean dietary fiber intake was 13.42 g/day, well below recommended levels. Fiber intake and its sources differed significantly across age groups (p < 0.05); younger adults consumed more fiber from refined carbohydrate-rich foods, whereas fruit- and vegetable-derived fiber increased with age. Women consumed more fiber from whole-food sources, whereas men consumed more fiber from refined carbohydrate-rich foods. Whole-food fiber intake was inversely associated with fasting insulin (r = −0.099) and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (r = −0.094) in unadjusted analyses, but these associations were not significant after multiple-testing correction. In the adjusted model, total dietary fiber intake remained inversely associated with HOMA-IR (β = −0.148, p = 0.007). Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of considering dietary fiber sources when evaluating associations between dietary fiber intake and metabolic parameters. Although associations between whole-food fiber intake and glycemic markers were attenuated after multiple-testing correction, total dietary fiber intake remained independently associated with HOMA-IR. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to confirm these findings and clarify possible causal relationships. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Metabolism)
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30 pages, 290 KB  
Article
Beyond Substance: Contemporary Science and the Case for a Generative Relational Ontology
by Erik Axelkrans
Philosophies 2026, 11(4), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies11040147 - 18 Aug 2026
Viewed by 124
Abstract
Contemporary science has achieved extraordinary explanatory and predictive success, yet its ontological interpretation remains unsettled. This paper argues that one source of this instability lies in the inherited assumption that reality is fundamentally composed of independently existing substances. While this picture was historically [...] Read more.
Contemporary science has achieved extraordinary explanatory and predictive success, yet its ontological interpretation remains unsettled. This paper argues that one source of this instability lies in the inherited assumption that reality is fundamentally composed of independently existing substances. While this picture was historically fruitful, it has become increasingly difficult to sustain as a general ontology in light of three converging pressures: the relational and structural character of modern physics, the problem of emergence across levels of organization and the unresolved status of consciousness within physicalist metaphysics. The paper first examines why substance ontology has become unstable as an implicit background framework for scientific interpretation. It then argues that existing post-substance approaches, including ontic structural realism, relational interpretations of physics and process ontology, each capture important aspects of the required shift and contain important resources for moving beyond substance ontology. The present paper does not attempt to adjudicate these traditions as a whole. It instead identifies a specific generative requirement: an adequate post-substance ontology must explain how stable physical, organizational and experiential domains can be jointly situated within a common ontological framework. This requirement is identified as a generative gap in the argument developed here. In response, the paper argues that a post-substance ontology must be not only structural, relational or processual but generative. It must explain how effective objects stabilize, how levels of organization arise, how spacetime coordination becomes available, and how physical structure and conscious experience can belong to the same reality without reduction or fragmentation. The paper develops a generative-projection hypothesis that takes the derivative status of spacetime as its point of entry and introduces a generative domain, projection, invariance and compatibility as conceptual tools for articulating this ontological direction. The hypothesis is presented as preliminary rather than as a completed metaphysical system. Full article
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20 pages, 805 KB  
Review
Plant-Based Nutrition and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Prevention, Risk, Metabolic Health and the Role of Legumes, Dietary Fiber, and Red Meat
by Fabio Frigo, Peter Fasching and Helmut Brath
Nutrients 2026, 18(16), 2672; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18162672 - 15 Aug 2026
Viewed by 2873
Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 589 million adults in 2024, with projections rising to 853 million by 2050. Dietary modification is a cornerstone of both T2D prevention and management. Among [...] Read more.
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is one of the fastest-growing chronic diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 589 million adults in 2024, with projections rising to 853 million by 2050. Dietary modification is a cornerstone of both T2D prevention and management. Among the various dietary approaches, plant-based dietary patterns have gained increasing attention; however, uncertainty remains regarding the optimal dietary composition and the contribution of specific food groups. Methods: This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on plant-based dietary patterns and their association with T2D prevention and metabolic control, with a particular focus on legumes, dietary fiber, and red and processed meat. Evidence from prospective cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analyses was evaluated. Results: Higher adherence to healthy plant-based dietary patterns was consistently associated with up to a 30% lower risk of developing T2D, improved insulin sensitivity, and approximately a 0.30–0.47 percentage-point reduction in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Greater consumption of legumes and dietary fiber was linked to improved glycemic control, enhanced but heterogeneous modulation of gut microbiota composition, reduced low-grade inflammation, and beneficial effects on body weight and lipid metabolism. In contrast, higher intake of processed meat and unprocessed red meat was consistently associated with an increased risk of T2D. Importantly, unhealthy plant-based diets characterized by refined grains, sugar-sweetened beverages, and highly processed foods provided little metabolic benefit and may even increase diabetes risk by up to 13%. The interpretation of the available evidence is limited by the predominance of observational studies, heterogeneous definitions of plant-based dietary patterns, self-reported dietary assessments, and the limited availability of long-term randomized controlled trials. Conclusions: Current evidence supports healthy plant-based dietary patterns as an effective strategy for the prevention and management of T2D. Dietary patterns emphasizing whole plant foods, including legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while limiting processed and excessive red meat intake, are associated with improved metabolic health. Future high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized dietary definitions are needed to further define the optimal composition of plant-based diets for diabetes prevention and treatment. Full article
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14 pages, 1115 KB  
Article
Compositional Variability of Rowanberry Genotypes and Sugar–Organic Acid Distribution Between Juice and Pomace
by Viive Sarv, Hedi Kaldmäe and Alar Aluvee
Molecules 2026, 31(16), 2796; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31162796 - 11 Aug 2026
Viewed by 203
Abstract
This study evaluated the compositional and processing characteristics of 17 rowanberry (Sorbus spp.) genotypes, including sweet cultivars, interspecific hybrids, and a wild rowanberry. Fruit weight, colour parameters, soluble solids content (SSC), and titratable acidity (TA) were determined to assess fruit quality, and [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the compositional and processing characteristics of 17 rowanberry (Sorbus spp.) genotypes, including sweet cultivars, interspecific hybrids, and a wild rowanberry. Fruit weight, colour parameters, soluble solids content (SSC), and titratable acidity (TA) were determined to assess fruit quality, and the distribution of soluble sugars and organic acids among whole fruit, juice, and pomace fractions was investigated. Significant (p < 0.05) variation was observed among genotypes, with fruit weight ranging from 0.40 g in wild rowanberry to 1.55 g in ‘Alaja Krupnaja’. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into two major clusters according to colour characteristics. Based on the SSC/TA ratio, ‘Burka’ and ‘Oranzevaja’ exhibited the most favourable balance between sweetness and acidity. Sorbitol was the predominant soluble carbohydrate and showed pronounced cultivar-dependent variation, ranging from 46.2 mg/g DW in ‘Likernaja’ to 189.0 mg/g DW in ‘Krasnaja’. Malic acid was the dominant organic acid in all fractions, reaching 70.9 mg/g DW in the pomace of ‘Krasnaja’. This study provides the first comprehensive comparison of sugar and organic acid partitioning among fruit, juice, and pomace fractions in a diverse set of rowanberry genotypes, revealing cultivar-specific patterns of carbon allocation relevant to fruit quality, processing, and by-product valorisation. Full article
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36 pages, 4722 KB  
Review
Clean Extraction Methodologies for High-Added-Value Olive Oil Production and Whole Valorization of the Olive Fruit
by Assamae Chabni, Celia Bañares and Carlos F. Torres
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(16), 7979; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16167979 - 11 Aug 2026
Viewed by 163
Abstract
Olive oil production is an economically and culturally important agro-industrial activity, particularly in Mediterranean regions, but conventional extraction processes generate significant quantities of by-products and may lead to the loss of valuable bioactive compounds. In this context, improving extraction efficiency while preserving oil [...] Read more.
Olive oil production is an economically and culturally important agro-industrial activity, particularly in Mediterranean regions, but conventional extraction processes generate significant quantities of by-products and may lead to the loss of valuable bioactive compounds. In this context, improving extraction efficiency while preserving oil quality and promoting sustainable processing has become a major research focus. This review examines the composition of virgin olive oil with particular attention to minor bioactive compounds and discusses how conventional processing technologies influence their distribution and retention. The environmental implications of traditional extraction systems, especially the generation of olive mill wastewater and solid residues, are also addressed. Furthermore, emerging and alternative extraction technologies are analyzed, including screw press (expeller) and supercritical CO2 extraction, highlighting their potential to enhance the recovery of bioactive compounds and reduce environmental impacts. Particular emphasis is placed on water-free or reduced-water extraction approaches and on the valorization of olive mill by-products as part of a circular economy strategy. Overall, innovative extraction technologies can reconcile efficiency, sustainability and quality by minimizing polyphenol losses and wastewater generation, requiring further industrial optimization. Full article
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15 pages, 5123 KB  
Article
The Association Between Added Sugars Intake and the Healthy Eating Food Index 2019 Among Canadians: Analyses from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey—Nutrition Public Use Microdata File
by Ye (Flora) Wang, Zhongqi Fan, Sandra Marsden, Chiara DiAngelo, Laura Chiavaroli, Mavra Ahmed and Mei Chung
Nutrients 2026, 18(15), 2570; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18152570 - 6 Aug 2026
Viewed by 313
Abstract
Background/Objectives: There is continuing debate regarding the association between added sugars (AS) consumption and overall diet quality, which remains a research gap within the Canadian population. This study aimed to assess the association between intakes of added sugars and the Healthy Eating Food [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: There is continuing debate regarding the association between added sugars (AS) consumption and overall diet quality, which remains a research gap within the Canadian population. This study aimed to assess the association between intakes of added sugars and the Healthy Eating Food Index (HEFI) 2019 that measures adherence to Canada’s Food Guide as an indicator of diet quality. Methods: The first 24 h dietary recalls of Canadians 2 years and older (n = 19,532) from the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey—Nutrition were used. Added sugars intakes were calculated based on a systematic 10-step algorithm. Descriptive statistics were obtained for total HEFI and component scores across different AS intake categories. The association between AS categories and HEFI scores was tested using a generalized linear model adjusted for age, sex, education level, type of smoker, and misreporting status. Results: The association between continuous AS intake and HEFI scores was non-linear. In the categorical model, AS intake categories were inversely associated with HEFI scores among Canadians (R2 = 0.32, p < 0.001). Large overlaps in HEFI scores were observed among individuals with similar AS intakes for the whole population and each age group. Among high AS consumers (>15% EI), lower HEFI scores were largely due to higher proportions of sweetened beverages (i.e., low beverage scores) and lower intakes of vegetables and fruit and plant-based proteins. Scores for protein food and whole grains were low across all AS intake categories. Conclusions: Large variations in overall HEFI scores were observed amongst those with similar AS intakes, suggesting that added sugars alone may not fully capture overall diet quality or adherence to Canada’s Food Guide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
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25 pages, 28849 KB  
Article
Mating-Type System Analysis and Domestication of Paramarasmius mesosporus Based on Whole-Genome Sequencing
by Peng Zhu, Junling Wang, Jinjie Du, Shuainan Yang, Boran Zhang, Shuang Gao, Xiao Li, Ao Ma, Zengchi Wang, Jinghua Tian, Ming Li, Guojie Li and Shoumian Li
J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 579; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080579 - 5 Aug 2026
Viewed by 318
Abstract
Paramarasmius mesosporus is a wild edible mushroom with a strong aroma and high culinary value, capable of growing at temperatures up to 36 °C. However, its domestication system and the genetic basis of its sexual reproduction remain largely unexplored. In this study, fresh [...] Read more.
Paramarasmius mesosporus is a wild edible mushroom with a strong aroma and high culinary value, capable of growing at temperatures up to 36 °C. However, its domestication system and the genetic basis of its sexual reproduction remain largely unexplored. In this study, fresh fruiting bodies of P. mesosporus were collected from the rhizosphere of Imperata spp. in saline–alkali land in Hebei Province, China. The species was successfully domesticated for the first time, and fruiting bodies were harvested 7–10 days after spawning. A chromosome-level genome of the monokaryotic strain ‘Q2’ was assembled using whole-genome sequencing, transcriptome analysis, and Hi-C technology, with a total size of 46.57 Mb that was anchored onto 11 pseudochromosomes at a mounting rate of 95.18%. The mating-type system was identified as a typical tetrapolar heterothallic type, with the MAT A and MAT B loci located on chromosomes 2 and 10, respectively. The MAT A locus encodes HD1, HD2, MIP, and β-fg, among which tr-HD1 was found to be pseudogenized due to domain truncation. The MAT B locus comprises seven pheromone receptor genes and seven pheromone precursor genes arranged in an interspersed pattern. Based on these genomic features, a preliminary MAPK signaling pathway model was proposed to elucidate the molecular regulation of sexual reproduction. This study achieved the first artificial domestication and cultivation of P. mesosporus. systematically elucidated genomic characteristics and mating-type molecular mechanisms of this species were systematically elucidated, providing a theoretical foundation for hybrid breeding, molecular marker-assisted selection, and genetic improvement. These findings hold significant scientific and applied value for germplasm innovation and industrial development of this rare edible mushroom. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biology of Mushroom, 2nd Edition)
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26 pages, 1534 KB  
Review
Nutrition and Hydration Strategies for Heatwave Adaptation: A Narrative Review
by Stefania D’Angelo
Nutrients 2026, 18(15), 2502; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18152502 - 3 Aug 2026
Viewed by 569
Abstract
Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves, making extreme heat a recurrent public health challenge with important nutritional implications. High ambient temperatures affect human health through thermoregulatory strain, sweating, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, cardiovascular and renal stress, impaired cognitive and [...] Read more.
Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves, making extreme heat a recurrent public health challenge with important nutritional implications. High ambient temperatures affect human health through thermoregulatory strain, sweating, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, cardiovascular and renal stress, impaired cognitive and physical performance, and exacerbation of chronic diseases. Diet and hydration may therefore represent modifiable, although still underinvestigated, components of heat-health prevention. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on hydration, electrolyte balance, meal composition, dietary quality, vulnerable populations, Mediterranean dietary patterns, seasonality, environmental sustainability, and public health strategies for reducing heat-related health risks. Evidence from climate-health research, physiology, nutrition science, occupational and sports medicine, geriatrics, pediatrics, and public health guidance was integrated. Particular attention was given to distinguishing direct heat-health evidence from recommendations based on indirect evidence, physiological plausibility, or expert consensus. Regular water intake, water-rich foods, avoidance of alcohol, moderation of sugar-sweetened beverages, and individualized electrolyte replacement during prolonged or intense sweating are supported by physiological rationale and public health guidance, although direct heatwave-specific intervention studies remain limited. Dietary recommendations should prioritize smaller, digestible, nutrient-dense meals that preserve nutritional adequacy while reducing unnecessary digestive and metabolic burden. However, evidence on meal size, macronutrient composition, and heat-related outcomes remains largely indirect. Vulnerable groups, including older adults, children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic diseases, outdoor workers, athletes, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, require tailored strategies. The Mediterranean diet may provide a useful regional model because it emphasizes seasonal plant foods, fruits and vegetables with high water content, legumes, whole grains, olive oil, culinary simplicity, and environmental sustainability; however, its specific role in heat adaptation requires further study. Integrating nutrition and hydration into heat-health action plans may improve preparedness and support climate-resilient food systems. Future studies should evaluate hydration protocols, meal patterns, Mediterranean diet adherence, biomarkers of nutritional heat resilience, and nutrition-sensitive interventions in real-world heat exposure settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydration and Nutrition Status in Human Health)
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18 pages, 24865 KB  
Article
Genome-Wide Identification and Functional Analysis of RNase T2 Family Genes in Camellia oleifera
by Chang Li, Fandeng Liu, Jianghua Zhu, Yiyang Gu, Hongyan Guo, Sen Wang, Biping Deng, Xianglan Song, Tao Liu, Xiaofeng Tan and Junqin Zhou
Forests 2026, 17(8), 912; https://doi.org/10.3390/f17080912 - 2 Aug 2026
Viewed by 289
Abstract
Camellia oleifera Abel. is a typical self-incompatible plant, yet its molecular mechanisms have not been comprehensively elucidated, which constitutes the principal cause underlying the relatively low natural fruit set rate in C. oleifera. S-RNase belongs to the RNase T2 gene family and [...] Read more.
Camellia oleifera Abel. is a typical self-incompatible plant, yet its molecular mechanisms have not been comprehensively elucidated, which constitutes the principal cause underlying the relatively low natural fruit set rate in C. oleifera. S-RNase belongs to the RNase T2 gene family and represents a class of glycoproteins specifically expressed in the style with certain “cytotoxicities” capable of degrading ribonucleic acid (RNA) in their own pollen tube cells, thereby inducing programmed cell death in pollen tube cells. To identify pistil S genes participating in the self-incompatibility response of C. oleifera, nine RNase T2 family genes were identified based on transcriptomic and whole-genome sequencing data of the camellia oil tree and designated CoRNS1–CoRNS9. Systematic evolutionary analysis revealed that CoRNS5, CoRNS7, and CoRNS8 exhibit close phylogenetic relationships with S-RNases of the Camelliaceae family, whereas CoRNS6 shows closer affinity with S-RNases of the Solanaceae family. Analysis of promoter cis-acting elements revealed that RNase T2 family genes are regulated by multiple hormones, including abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, cytokinin, auxin, salicylic acid, and gibberellin, and possess MYB transcription factor-binding sites. Expression analysis revealed that CoRNS6 is expressed exclusively in the ovary; CoRNS5 is expressed at the highest level in the style, followed by lower levels in the petals, anthers, filaments, receptacle, and ovary; CoRNS1 is expressed in all tissues except anthers; and the other genes are expressed across various floral tissues. Ex vitro pollen culture system experiments demonstrated that the CoRNS1 and CoRNS5 recombinant proteins significantly inhibited the elongated growth of autogamous pollen tubes, whereas CoRNS7 significantly reduced the pollen germination rate. Fluorescence labeling revealed that treatment of autogamous pollen tubes with the recombinant proteins CoRNS1, CoRNS5, and CoRNS7 induced microfilament skeleton depolymerization and increased the Ca2+ concentration within the pollen tubes. Additionally, treatment with the CoRNS5 recombinant protein increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in autogamous pollen tubes. These findings suggest that RNase T2 family genes are involved in the self-incompatibility response in C. oleifera, with CoRNS1, CoRNS5, and CoRNS7 playing pivotal roles. Overall, our results not only offer a theoretical foundation for elucidating the regulatory network governing self-incompatibility in C. oleifera, but also furnish valuable genetic resources for future molecular breeding programs targeting improved self-compatibility and increased fruit yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Genetics and Molecular Biology)
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52 pages, 12432 KB  
Review
Fruit-Specific Promoters in Plants: Advances, Regulatory Mechanisms and Applications in Plant Biotechnology
by Jinzhu Fan, Xinyi Tang, Aoxue Wang, Liguo Zhang and Mingfang Feng
Plants 2026, 15(15), 2338; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15152338 - 29 Jul 2026
Viewed by 458
Abstract
Fruit-specific promoters (FSPs) are a class of regulatory DNA sequences that direct transgene expression exclusively in fruit tissues or during specific stages of fruit development. They are indispensable molecular tools in modern agricultural biotechnology, with broad applications in fruit quality improvement, nutritional enhancement, [...] Read more.
Fruit-specific promoters (FSPs) are a class of regulatory DNA sequences that direct transgene expression exclusively in fruit tissues or during specific stages of fruit development. They are indispensable molecular tools in modern agricultural biotechnology, with broad applications in fruit quality improvement, nutritional enhancement, and shelf-life extension. By functioning as precise molecular switches that regulate fruit-specific gene expression, FSPs overcome the limitations of constitutive promoters and facilitate precision molecular breeding for fruit quality improvement. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in FSP research. First, based on their spatiotemporal expression patterns, FSPs are classified into four categories: immature fruit-specific, fruit ripening-specific, whole fruit development stage-specific, and dual-stage (immature fruit/ripening) promoters. Their origins, expression characteristics, and key cis-regulatory elements are comprehensively summarized. Second, the complex transcriptional regulatory network governing FSP activity is discussed from the perspectives of cis-regulatory elements, major transcription factor families (such as MADS-box and NAC proteins), and epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation and histone modifications. Furthermore, recent advances in key methodologies, including promoter cloning, functional characterization, and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated precise editing of cis-regulatory elements, are reviewed, together with their applications in crop genetic improvement, plant molecular farming, and fundamental molecular biology research. Finally, this review highlights the major challenges limiting the application of FSPs, including the relatively weak transcriptional activity of natural promoters, insufficient tissue specificity, and limited cross-species applicability. Future perspectives are discussed, emphasizing the integration of artificial intelligence-assisted promoter design, high-throughput screening, and single-cell omics technologies to develop finely tunable synthetic promoters. These advances are expected to provide both a theoretical foundation and technical support for precision molecular breeding in fruit crops. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Molecular Biology)
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23 pages, 14901 KB  
Article
Combined Anti-Browning Mechanism of Pre-Cutting High Oxygen Treatment and Post-Cutting Withania somnifera Extract Treatment on Fresh-Cut Apples
by Xiangzheng Yang, Huan Lian, Shunxin Qin and Di Wu
Foods 2026, 15(15), 2673; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods15152673 - 29 Jul 2026
Viewed by 293
Abstract
Fresh-cut apples are highly prone to browning during processing and storage. This long-standing problem will cause huge economic losses and restrict the commercial development potential of the fresh-cut fruit industry. In this study, Fuji apples were used as test materials to explore the [...] Read more.
Fresh-cut apples are highly prone to browning during processing and storage. This long-standing problem will cause huge economic losses and restrict the commercial development potential of the fresh-cut fruit industry. In this study, Fuji apples were used as test materials to explore the inhibitory effect and anti-oxidant mechanism of pre-cutting high oxygen treatment (90% O2, 3 h) combined with post-cutting Withania somnifera extract immersion on the browning of fresh-cut apples. Through the determination of physiological and biochemical indexes and proteomics analysis, the effects of different treatments on the nutritional quality, reactive oxygen species metabolism, membrane lipid peroxidation, anti-oxidant enzyme activity and related protein expression of fresh-cut apples were systematically evaluated. The results showed that after 14 days of storage, the combined treatment group had the lowest browning index of 41.29% and the highest whiteness index of 60.35%, and its color protection effect was significantly better than that of single high oxygen treatment or single extract treatment. The combined treatment could increase the total phenol content to 6.45 mg/g after 7 days of storage, and increase the DPPH free radical scavenging rate to 0.60% after 14 days of storage, significantly enhancing the anti-oxidant capacity. Meanwhile, the combined treatment could maintain higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), and maintain the malondialdehyde content at a low level of 0.06 nmol/g after 14 days of storage, effectively delaying the process of membrane lipid peroxidation. However, adverse results were also observed in the study, including the rebound of superoxide anion level (28.16 nmol/g) after 14 days of storage, the highest accumulation of H2O2 during the whole storage period, and the significant increase in polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity (151.14 IU/L) after 14 days of storage, indicating an elevated browning risk under prolonged storage. Proteomics analysis revealed that the combined treatment regulated multiple metabolic pathways, including the up-regulating of glutathione metabolism and pentose phosphate pathway to enhance reactive oxygen species scavenging capacity, as well as the modulation of fatty acid metabolism to preserve cell membrane integrity. Despite the above limitations, the overall browning inhibitory effect of the combined treatment is still better than that of a single treatment, but its pro-oxidant effect and long-term reactive oxygen species regulation effect still need to be further optimized. In summary, pre-cutting high oxygen treatment combined with post-cutting Withania somnifera extract treatment is an effective anti-browning strategy for fresh-cut apples, which can provide a theoretical basis for the development of natural and efficient fresh-cut fruit and vegetable preservation technology. Full article
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22 pages, 11408 KB  
Article
Jabuticaba (Plinia sp.) and Its Phenolic Microencapsulated Peel Extract Attenuate Fat Accumulation and Improve Redox Balance and Lipid Profile in C57BL/6 Mice Fed a High-Fat High-Fructose Diet
by Kelly Aparecida Dias, Livya Alves Oliveira, Stephanie Michelin Santana Pereira, Marcella Duarte Villas Mishima, Lívia Morato Nicoli, Luiz Otávio Guimarães-Ervilha, Camilo José Ramírez-López, Renner Philipe Rodrigues Carvalho, Mariana Machado-Neves and Ceres Mattos Della Lucia
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(8), 1158; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19081158 - 25 Jul 2026
Viewed by 267
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Obesity induced by high-fat high-fructose (HFHF) diets is associated with adipose tissue expansion, dysregulated adipogenesis, chronic low-grade inflammation, and oxidative stress. Bioactive compounds have emerged as promising nutritional strategies to mitigate these alterations, although their stability and bioavailability remain limiting factors. [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Obesity induced by high-fat high-fructose (HFHF) diets is associated with adipose tissue expansion, dysregulated adipogenesis, chronic low-grade inflammation, and oxidative stress. Bioactive compounds have emerged as promising nutritional strategies to mitigate these alterations, although their stability and bioavailability remain limiting factors. This study investigated the effects of different forms of jabuticaba (Plinia sp.) consumption—whole fruit, freeze-dried peel, and phenolic microencapsulated peel extract—on adipose tissue remodeling, oxidative stress, and metabolic parameters in HFHF-fed mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFHF diet for six weeks, followed by six weeks of intervention with the jabuticaba formulations. Results: HFHF feeding induced significant metabolic alterations, evidenced by increased body weight gain, abdominal perimeter, Lee index, and fasting glucose levels. Jabuticaba intake, regardless of formulation, reduced abdominal perimeter, final body weight, and Lee index (p < 0.05) without affecting food intake. Treatment also improved metabolic biomarkers, reducing serum glucose, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol (p < 0.05). In addition, jabuticaba decreased visceral and total adipose tissue mass, attenuated adipocyte hypertrophy, and enhanced antioxidant defenses, leading to reduced oxidative damage in adipose tissue. Conclusions: All the jabuticaba formulations exerted protective metabolic effects; the whole fruit showed more consistent systemic metabolic improvements, whereas the microencapsulated peel extract demonstrated greater efficacy in modulating adipose tissue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Natural Products)
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23 pages, 1741 KB  
Article
Biological Characterization, Domestication, and the Molecular Basis of Iron Enrichment in a Wild Flammulina yunnanensis Strain
by Yuanchao Liu, Xinyu Shi, Yifan Li, Chenwei Wu, Manjun Cai, Xiaoxian Wu, Tamdrin Tsering, Yutao Wu, Ruihan Wang, Ming Jiang and Huiping Hu
J. Fungi 2026, 12(8), 551; https://doi.org/10.3390/jof12080551 - 23 Jul 2026
Viewed by 296
Abstract
In this paper, we reported a wild strain Z68, isolated from Tibet, was identified as Flammulina yunnanensis based on ITS sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Optimal condition for its mycelial growth (maltose, yeast extract, magnesium sulfate, 20 °C and pH 7.0–8.0) and fruiting ability [...] Read more.
In this paper, we reported a wild strain Z68, isolated from Tibet, was identified as Flammulina yunnanensis based on ITS sequence and phylogenetic analysis. Optimal condition for its mycelial growth (maltose, yeast extract, magnesium sulfate, 20 °C and pH 7.0–8.0) and fruiting ability was confirmed. Its fruiting bodies contained 25.1 g/100 g protein and 19.80 g/100 g of 16 amino acids, with iron, potassium and zinc, contents significantly higher than these in the controls F. fennae and F. velutipes. Significantly, whole-genome sequencing and comparative analysis of iron-metabolism gene families were performed between F. yunnanensis, F. fennae and F. velutipes to elucidate the basis of its notably elevated iron content, revealing most single copied and conserved iron-related gene families and two-fold expanded iron permease FTR1 in F. yunnanensi, which is the iron–sulfur cluster assembly protein family. Sequence, topology (DeepTMHMM), and structural-confidence (ColabFold/AlphaFold2) analyses of FTR1 identified six species-specified physicochemical substitutions, of which a charge reverse at the intracellular channel (Glu→Lys) and a polar-to-nonpolar change in the TM3 pore (Ser→Ala) were predicted to enhance iron transport efficiency. These suggested a possible two-tier mechanism underlying the elevated iron content of F. yunnanensis, combining gene-family expansion and predicted functional fine-tuning of the FTR1 permease. This study provided insight for biological characterization, domestication, and the molecular basis of iron enrichment in a F. yunnanensis Z68. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Fungal Evolution, Biodiversity and Systematics)
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20 pages, 6067 KB  
Article
Deciphering the Olive Fruit Volatilome: A Multivariate Approach to Assess Cultivar Variation and Biotic Stress Response in a Changing Agroclimatic Context
by Araceli Sánchez-Ortiz, José Manuel Muñoz-Redondo, Juan Cano Rodríguez, Enrique Quesada-Moraga and José Manuel Moreno-Rojas
Plants 2026, 15(14), 2243; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants15142243 - 22 Jul 2026
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Abstract
Understanding olive tree metabolism and its interactions with biotic and abiotic factors is crucial for the sustainability and resilience of olive cultivation in a changing agroclimatic context. In response to biotic stress, plants activate complex signaling pathways that trigger the production of specialized [...] Read more.
Understanding olive tree metabolism and its interactions with biotic and abiotic factors is crucial for the sustainability and resilience of olive cultivation in a changing agroclimatic context. In response to biotic stress, plants activate complex signaling pathways that trigger the production of specialized metabolites, particularly volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This study investigates the volatolomic profile naturally emitted by whole olive fruits using an integrated metabolomic strategy that combines design of experiments (DoE), targeted and untargeted analyses, and multivariate statistics. Optimal headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) conditions were established using 30 g of sample, a 50 °C extraction temperature, a 50 min extraction time, and a 3 min injection at 250 °C, identifying extraction time and temperature as the most critical factors influencing VOC recovery. The data demonstrated significant cultivar-dependent variation in the volatile emissions from healthy olive fruit among six representative varieties. Furthermore, robust partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and random forest models provided a clear separation between healthy and damaged olive fruits, achieving high predictive accuracy (90%) and identifying key volatile biomarkers derived from the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway. This novel multivariate optimization approach (SPME–GC/MS) represents a powerful tool for establishing a reliable chemical fingerprint of the olive fruit “volatilome” under evolving agroclimatic challenges. Full article
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13 pages, 997 KB  
Article
Diet Quality Among Hungarian Children Assessed Using the Healthy Eating Index-2020: Associations with Sociodemographic Factors
by Diána Sárga, Lajos Biró, Dániel Sándor Veres and Márta Veresné Bálint
Nutrients 2026, 18(14), 2395; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu18142395 - 22 Jul 2026
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Abstract
Background: Assessing overall diet quality has become increasingly important in nutritional epidemiology. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is one of the most widely used measures of diet quality; however, comparable data on Hungarian children are scarce. The current study aimed to assess [...] Read more.
Background: Assessing overall diet quality has become increasingly important in nutritional epidemiology. The Healthy Eating Index (HEI) is one of the most widely used measures of diet quality; however, comparable data on Hungarian children are scarce. The current study aimed to assess the diet quality of Hungarian children using the Healthy Eating Index and to examine demographic factors associated with diet quality. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 666 children aged 4–10 years. Dietary intake was measured using three-day dietary records, and sociodemographic factors were collected via parental questionnaires. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-2020). For the statistical analysis, linear regression, random forest models and one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test were used. Results: The mean HEI score was 48.2 (SD 8.02), indicating low diet quality. Settlement type was significantly associated with the HEI score (p = 0.009). The multiplicity-corrected p-values for pairwise comparisons showed that children living in towns had significantly lower HEI scores (44.9, SD 7.97) than those living in county capitals (3.9, 95% CI:0.8–7.0, p = 0.006) and villages (−3.6, 95% CI: −0.61–−6.6, p = 0.011), but not significantly lower than those living in the capital (3.09, 95% CI: −0.25–6.4, p = 0.08). These differences were primarily related to whole-fruit and whole-grain component scores. Sex, age, and maternal education were not significantly associated with HEI score. The random forest model showed weak predictive performance (RMSE = 7.66). Conclusions: Diet quality among Hungarian children was generally suboptimal. The examined sociodemographic characteristics accounted for only a small proportion of the variability in the HEI score. This highlights the importance of ongoing research to understand dietary patterns and to uncover additional social, environmental, and behavioral aspects of dietary habits across cultures. Furthermore, the results indicate that interventions should also consider local food environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pediatric Nutrition)
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