Germline assessment for alloHSCT candidates over 50 years: A 'Fast-Track' screening in myeloid neoplasms.

Patients aged 50 or above diagnosed with myeloid neoplasms (MNs) are typically not candidates for germline testing. However, approximately 8% carry pathogenic germline variants. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) remains an option for those aged over 50; neglecting germline testing could mask the risk for relative donor cell-derived MN. We propose a germline-augmented somatic panel (GASP), combining MN predisposition genes with a myeloid somatic panel for timely germline variant identification when initial testing is not indicated. Out of our 133 whole-exome-sequenced MN cases aged over 50 years, 9% had pathogenic/likely variants. GASP detected 92%, compared to 50% with somatic-only panel. Our study highlights the relevance of germline screening in MN, particularly for alloHSCT candidates without established germline-testing recommendations.

Potential Interest of Oxalis pes-caprae L., a Wild Edible Plant, for the Food and Pharmaceutical Industries.

(1) Background: Oxalis pes-caprae L. is a plant considered within the group of so-called Wild Edible Plants (WEPs). The particularity of these plants is that they grow only with the natural resources at their disposal. Unfortunately, these types of plants are undervalued, being regularly uprooted from the fields. (2) Methods: Therefore, this study aimed to valorize the Oxalis pes-caprae plant, analyzing the proximate composition (sugars, organic acids, minerals, amino acids profile, fatty acids content, and volatile profile) of the plant shoots (flower, leaves, and stem) to demonstrate the full potential of this WEP. (3) Results: The results showed that Oxalis pes-caprae can be considered a natural source of minerals; furthermore, 19 essential and non-essential amino acids were found. Regarding the fatty acid profile, flowers are an important source of linoleic acid, and leaves present a high amount of α-linolenic acid. (4) Conclusions: Therefore, this research provides new information that reaffirms the capacity of Oxalis pes-caprae L. (WEP) to be a plant with great future progression due to its nutritional quality since it could be used in the food, nutritional, or pharmaceutical fields. Further research must be conducted to assay the biomass production and the costs of recommending farmers not to destroy this plant in their fields.

Effects of marine sediment as agricultural substrate on soil microbial diversity: an amplicon sequencing study.

BACKGROUND: The soil microbiota has a direct impact on plant development and other metabolic systems, such as the degradation of organic matter and the availability of microelements and metabolites. In the context of agricultural soils, microbial activity is crucial for maintaining soil health and productivity. Thus, the present study aimed to identify, characterize, and quantify the microbial communities of four types of substrates with varying proportions of marine port sediment used for cultivating lemons. By investigating microbial diversity and relative abundance, the work aimed to highlight the importance of soil microbial communities in agriculture when alternative culture media was used. RESULTS: The composition and structure of the sampled microbial communities were assessed through the amplification and sequencing of the V3-V4 variable regions of the 16 S rRNA gene The results revealed a diverse microbial community composition in all substrate samples, with a total of 41 phyla, 113 classes, 266 orders, 405 families, 715 genera, and 1513 species identified. Among these, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Planctomycetota, Patescibacteria, Chloroflexi, Actinobacteriota, Acidobacteriota, Verrucomicrobiota, and Gemmatimonadota accounted for over 90% of the bacterial reads, indicating their dominance in the substrates. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of the substrate origin on the diversity and relative abundace of the microbiota was confirmed. The higher content of beneficial bacterial communities for plant development identified in peat could explain why is considered an ideal agricultural substrate. Development of "beneficial for plants" bacterial communities in alternative agricultural substrates, regardless of the edaphic characteristics, opens the possibility of studying the forced and specific inoculation of these culture media aiming to be agriculturally ideals.

Effect of Rootstock on the Volatile Profile of Mandarins.

Mandarin production has increased in recent years, especially for fresh consumption, due to its ease of peeling, its aroma, and its content of bioactive compounds. In this sense, aromas play a fundamental role in the sensory quality of this fruit. The selection of the appropriate rootstock is crucial for the success of the crop and its quality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the influence of 9 rootstocks ("Carrizo citrange", "Swingle citrumelo CPB 4475", "Macrophylla", "Volkameriana", "Forner-Alcaide 5", "Forner-Alcaide V17", "C-35", "Forner-Alcaide 418", and "Forner-Alcaide 517") on the volatile composition of "Clemenules" mandarin. For this, the volatile compounds of mandarin juice were measured using headspace solid-phase micro-extraction in a gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Seventy-one volatile compounds were identified in the analyzed samples, with limonene being the main compound. The results obtained showed that the rootstock used in the cultivation of mandarins affects the volatile content of the juice, with "Carrizo citrange", "Forner-Alcaide 5", "Forner-Alcaide 418", and "Forner-Alcaide 517" being those that presented the highest concentration.

Valorization of Wild Edible Plants as Food Ingredients and Their Economic Value.

(1) Background: Wild Edible Plants (WEPs) are plants that grow without human help, by simply using the available resources. These types of plants are undervalued, because there is a lack of knowledge about their bioactive composition and nutritional/functional potential. (2) Scope and Approach: The main aim of this review is to fully identify the potential uses and importance of WEPs in certain regions based on (i) their sustainability, because they grow with their own resources, (ii) their content of bioactive compounds and consequently nutritional and functional value, (iii) their socio-economic relevance, and (iv) their ability to be useful in the agri-food industry in the short term. (3) Results: This review found evidence that a consumption of between 100 and 200 g of some of these WEPs can cover up to 50% of the recommended daily intake of proteins and fiber, being also a natural source of macro- and micro-minerals. Regarding their bioactive composition, most of these plants contain phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which determine their antioxidant capacity. (4) Conclusions: These reported results clearly demonstrate the high potential of the WEPs from a nutritional, economic and social point of view; although further studies are needed to gather deeper scientific information about their potential role in the socio-economic sustainability of specific groups of farmers worldwide.

Metabolomic Approach to Study the 'Purple Queen' Pomegranate Cultivar Response to Alternative Culture Media and Phenological Stages.

The increasingly evident threat of depletion of world peat bogs is encouraging the search for and study of alternative agricultural substrates that can fully or partially replace peat, guaranteeing food supply (quality and quantity). On the other hand, the identification of the potential for the reuse of waste from relevant economic activities has increased in recent years, mainly motivated by the change to a sustainable circular economy, as is the case of port sediments. Taking into account that significant volumes of dredged port sediments are generated annually so that ports can maintain their economic activity, it is necessary to find objective, sustainable and safe reuse alternatives. In this sense, the objective of this study was to study the response of the "Purple Queen" pomegranate when grown with dredged port sediment. For this, the fruit production (kg), number of fruits (fruits tree-1), fruit weight (g), and seed yield (%) aiming to verify the correct tree development were evaluated. In addition, a 1H-NMR foliar metabolomic study for the three most relevant phenological phases was performed (flowering, fruit development, and post-harvest) to identify metabolic changes in trees. In total, 29 metabolites were identified; among them, 11 were amino acids, 6 organic acids, 5 sugars, and 7 secondary metabolites. The good agronomical development of the trees and fruits indicated the potential for using the dredged sediment as an agricultural substrate. On the other hand, the results revealed that the greatest variability in the metabolomic study occurred between the phenological phases and a lower variability is explained by the substrates used.

Conventional vs. Organic: Evaluation of Nutritional, Functional and Sensory Quality of Citrus limon.

Organic farming is growing rapidly worldwide since it is perceived as more respectful of the environment than conventional farming. In this sense, organic agriculture is highly appreciated by consumers since consumers around the world believe that organic food has a higher content of beneficial compounds for health and consider it of higher quality. For that reason, the objective of this research was to evaluate the nutritional, sensorial, and functional quality of the 'Fino 49' lemon grafted on Citrus macrophylla in conventional and organic cultivation. Fatty acids, amino acids, total phenol, and polyphenols were quantified, antioxidant activity was measured, and sensory descriptive analysis was performed. Conventional farming led to an increase in amino acid content (641 mg L-1) and an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (254 mg 100 g-1) and monounsaturated fatty acids (37.61 mg 100 g-1). On the other hand, organically produced lemon fruits had better sensory profile (highlighting overall aroma (6.5), lemon odor (6.8), sourness (5.8), floral (0.6), and fresh lemon flavor (9.8)), and lower thrombogenicity index (0.15). The type of cultivation (organic and conventional) had no influence on the antioxidant activity (~1.60, ~3.08, and ~4.16 mmol Trolox L-1 for ABTS+, DPPH•, and FRAP, respectively) and polyphenols content (85.51 and 86.69 conventional and organic, respectively). However, to establish the advantages and disadvantages of different types of cultivation on lemon quality more studies are needed.

Accuracy of quality of life questionnaire as a diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary sequelae.

Background: Follow-up after hospital discharge of SARS-CoV-2 survivors represents a huge burden on the healthcare system. We attempt to assess the utility of symptoms and health-related quality of life questionnaire (SF-12) to identify SARS CoV2 pulmonary sequelae. Methods: Prospective, non-interventional follow-up study. A cardiopulmonary exercise test, functional respiratory test (PFT), SF12 questionnaire were performed after hospitalization at six months after the first positive PCR smear. Results: 41 patients were included, female (39%), mean age 57.3 ± 13.7 years. 70% persisted with symptoms. 46% presented a maximum oxygen consumption below 80% of predicted. SF-12 physical domain score was significantly reduced in patients with altered PFT (32.7 vs. 45.9; p < 0.001) and obtained the best sensitivity and specificity to identify PFT alterations (AUC 0.862, Sensitivity 85.7%, Specificity 81.5%). Conclusions: SF-12 questionnaire shows high sensitivity and specificity to detect SARS CoV2 survivors with pulmonary function alterations.

Antecedentes y objetivos: El seguimiento tras el alta hospitalaria de los supervivientes de SARS-CoV-2 representa una enorme carga para el sistema sanitario. Intentamos evaluar la utilidad de los síntomas y el cuestionario de calidad de vida (SF-12) para identificar los pacientes con secuelas pulmonares por SARS-CoV-2. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de seguimiento prospectivo observacional. Después de la hospitalización, a los 6 meses del primer frotis con PCR positiva se realizaron: una prueba de esfuerzo cardiopulmonar, pruebas funcionales respiratorias (PFR) y se aplicó el cuestionario SF-12. Resultados: Se incluyó a 41 pacientes, el 39% eran mujeres, con una edad media de 57,3 ± 13,7 años. El 70% persistía con síntomas. El 46% presentó un consumo máximo de oxígeno por debajo del 80% del predicho. La puntuación del dominio físico del SF-12 fue significativamente más baja en pacientes con PFR alteradas (32,7 vs. 45,9; p < 0,001) y obtuvo la mejor sensibilidad y especificidad para identificar las alteraciones de las PFR (AUC 0,862; sensibilidad 85,7% y especificidad 81,5%). Conclusiones: El cuestionario de calidad de vida SF-12 presenta una alta sensibilidad y especificidad para detectar a los sobrevivientes de SARS-CoV-2 con alteraciones de la función pulmonar.

Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes in Nocardia brasiliensis Induced by Progesterone and Dihydrotestosterone Using Differential Display PCR.

Sex steroid hormones have an important physiological role in humans. They can also affect the gene expression of many organisms, including bacteria. In Mexico, Nocardia brasiliensis is the main causative agent of actinomycetoma, a granulomatous disease more frequent in men than women, which is thought to be related to a higher occupational risk in men. Therefore, it has been suggested that differences in clinical presentation could be related to sex steroid hormone levels. Attempting to explain the differences in actinomycetoma prevalence between men and women, in this work, the effect of progesterone and dihydrotestosterone on the genetic expression of N. brasiliensis was investigated using a differential display polymerase chain reaction assay. The results showed that both hormones affected the expression of genes encoding proteins related to central metabolism and hypothetical proteins with unknown functions. This study also demonstrated the utility of differential display in this modern era and provided a first approach to the effect of sex hormones on N. brasiliensis gene expression.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Substrate Mixes Containing Port Sediments for Sustainable 'Verna' Lemon Production.

The increase in maritime trade and its global economic importance have forced port management actors to carry out the periodic dredging of their sediments to maintain an adequate depth for the passage of large ships to maintain their operation and competitiveness. During the dredging process, large volumes of port sediment are generated. Dredged port sediment is currently considered a waste material and its disposal is regulated. Finding ways to safely reuse port sediments is necessary for sustainable development. In this study, a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to identify the environmental impact of port sediments when used as a culture medium for lemon trees. A total of 90 lemon trees (Citrus limon L. Burm var 'Verna') were used in the trial. The trees were grown under controlled conditions using three substrates, with different portions of peat and port sediment (25%, 50%, and 75%) to identify the real impacts of the culture media on the growth process. The LCA was calculated and analyzed according to the ISO 14040:2006 standard, using the SimaPro v. 9.3 software (PRé Sustainability B.V, Amersfoort, The Netherlands). The functional unit defined for the three-culture media was 1 kg of lemons. The LCA results showed a significant increase in the environmental impact of lemon cultivation proportional to port sediment content (75%), due to the decrease in fruit production caused by the sediment. However, the least impact was identified for the culture medium at 50% peat and 50% port sediment. The greatest impacts were more related to crop management rather than the port sediment content. The results showed that the use of the port sediment, mixed with other substrates as an agricultural medium amendment, is a viable option for lemon growers.

Relevance of infections on the outcomes of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia treated with hypomethylating agents: a cohort study from the GESMD.

Background: The consequences of infectious toxicity of hypomethylating agents (HMAs) on overall survival (OS) of patients diagnosed with high-risk myeloid neoplasms have not been thoroughly investigated. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate whether infectious events (IEs) negatively influenced the results of HMA treatment in a real-world setting. Design: Observational study. Methods: We obtained data from 412 non-selected consecutive patients from 23 Spanish hospitals who were diagnosed with high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, or acute myeloid leukemia and were treated with HMA. HMAs received after chemotherapy or stem cell transplant were excluded. All IEs were recorded. Outcomes included OS, modifications to the pre-planned treatment, incidence and characteristics of IEs, hospitalization, red blood cell transfusions, and factors associated with infection. Results: The rate of infection was 1.2 per patient/year. Next-cycle delay (p = 0.001) and hospitalizations (p = 0.001) were significantly influenced by IEs. Transfusion requirements during each cycle were significantly higher after infection compared with cycles without infection (coefficient = 1.55 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26-1.84], p < 0.001). The median number of cycles was lower in patients experiencing any infection during the first four cycles (5 [3-8] versu 8 [5-16], p < 0.001). In the multivariable analysis, factors associated with lower OS were having any infection during the first four cycles (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.43 [95% CI = 1.09-1.88], p = 0.01), bone marrow blasts ⩾30% (HR = 2.13 [95% CI = 1.14-3.96], p = 0.01), adverse cytogenetics (HR = 1.70 [95% CI = 1.30-2.24], p < 0.001), and platelet count <50 × 109/l (HR = 1.69 [95% CI = 1.3-2.2], p < 0.001). BM blasts >20% (HR = 1.57 [95% CI = 1.19-2.01], p < 0.001) and adverse cytogenetics (HR = 1.7 [95% CI = 1.35-2.14], p < 0.001) were associated with infection, whereas hemoglobin >9 g/dl (HR = 0.65 [95% CI = 0.51-0.82], p < 0.001) and higher platelet count (HR = 0.997 [95% CI = 0.996-0.998], p = 0.016) protected from it. Conclusion: HMA infectious toxicity worsens OS, hinders the adherence to antineoplastic treatment and results in significant morbidity. Preventive strategies are fundamental in vulnerable patients.

Accuracy of quality of life questionnaire as a diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary sequelae

Background: Follow-up after hospital discharge of SARS-CoV-2 survivors represents a huge burden on the healthcare system. We attempt to assess the utility of symptoms and health-related quality of life questionnaire (SF-12) to identify SARS CoV2 pulmonary sequelae.MethodsProspective, non-interventional follow-up study. A cardiopulmonary exercise test, functional respiratory test (PFT), SF12 questionnaire were performed after hospitalization at six months after the first positive PCR smear.Results41 patients were included, female (39%), mean age 57.3±13.7 years. 70% persisted with symptoms. 46% presented a maximum oxygen consumption below 80% of predicted. SF-12 physical domain score was significantly reduced in patients with altered PFT (32.7 vs. 45.9; p<0.001) and obtained the best sensitivity and specificity to identify PFT alterations (AUC 0.862, Sensitivity 85.7%, Specificity 81.5%).ConclusionsSF-12 questionnaire shows high sensitivity and specificity to detect SARS CoV2 survivors with pulmonary function alterations. (AU)

Antecedentes y objetivos: El seguimiento tras el alta hospitalaria de los supervivientes de SARS-CoV-2 representa una enorme carga para el sistema sanitario. Intentamos evaluar la utilidad de los síntomas y el cuestionario de calidad de vida (SF-12) para identificar los pacientes con secuelas pulmonares por SARS-CoV-2.Materiales y métodosEstudio de seguimiento prospectivo observacional. Después de la hospitalización, a los 6 meses del primer frotis con PCR positiva se realizaron: una prueba de esfuerzo cardiopulmonar, pruebas funcionales respiratorias (PFR) y se aplicó el cuestionario SF-12.ResultadosSe incluyó a 41 pacientes, el 39% eran mujeres, con una edad media de 57,3±13,7 años. El 70% persistía con síntomas. El 46% presentó un consumo máximo de oxígeno por debajo del 80% del predicho. La puntuación del dominio físico del SF-12 fue significativamente más baja en pacientes con PFR alteradas (32,7 vs. 45,9; p<0,001) y obtuvo la mejor sensibilidad y especificidad para identificar las alteraciones de las PFR (AUC 0,862; sensibilidad 85,7% y especificidad 81,5%).ConclusionesEl cuestionario de calidad de vida SF-12 presenta una alta sensibilidad y especificidad para detectar a los sobrevivientes de SARS-CoV-2 con alteraciones de la función pulmonar. (AU)

Physico-Chemical Attributes of Lemon Fruits as Affected by Growing Substrate and Rootstock.

Due to its high content of bioactive compounds, the lemon is considered one of the most relevant species around the world. Its great economic importance is motivated, in addition to its fresh consumption, by its applications in the medical, pharmaceutical, and food industries, etc. However, the chemical and nutritional composition of lemon is not constant and can be influenced by external factors such as variety, weather conditions, crop management, etc. Determining the compositional variations of the fruit, essential to defining its potential use, was the main objective of this study. The physicochemical characteristics of the 'Verna' lemon were studied as a function of two controlled variables, the growing substrate and the rootstock. For this, 90 lemon trees were cultivated in three rootstocks and three different culture media. Lemon trees cultivated with 50% sediment/peat mix substrate presented a higher total production (590 lemons and 90.53 kg) while this production was 80% lower on trees cultivated with 75% marine sediment. Citrus macrophylla and Citrus aurantium/Citrus sinensis rootstocks showed a significantly higher production than the Citrus aurantium. All the fruits presented a predominantly yellow color appropriate for the market (0 < CI < +5). Nutritional and chemical parameters were consistent with data reported for the 'Verna' clones. All the obtained lemons were suitable for marketing and consumption both in fresh and processed forms. The results indicated the limited influence that the studied variables have on the quality parameters of lemon fruits, but they also could confirm the potential of marine sediment as a culture substrate.

The role of Na+ in catalysis by the 8-17 DNAzyme.

The 8-17 DNAzyme is the most studied deoxyribozyme in terms of its molecular mechanism; hence it has become a model system to understand the basis behind DNA catalysis. New functional studies and the recent attainment of high-resolution X-ray structures, in addition to theoretical calculations have offered a great opportunity to gain a broader comprehension of its mechanism; however many aspects are unclear yet, especially regarding the precise role of metal ions in catalysis. Recently, molecular dynamics simulations have suggested for the first time a specific and dynamical participation of Na+ in the mechanism through the reaction pathway, besides the roles proposed for divalent metal cofactors. Herein, we present experimental evidence of a cooperative role of the monovalent cation Na+ in catalysis that is in line with these theoretical suggestions. Our findings show a clear influence of the concentration of Na+ on the activity of the 8-17 DNAzyme when Pb2+ is used as the cofactor. Interestingly, this effect is not noticed with Mg2+, indicating a particular contribution of the monovalent ion to catalysis that would operate preferentially with Pb2+. We have also found that Na+ affects the pKa of the general base and the general acid, indicating its influence on general acid-base catalysis, already identified as part of the mechanism of the 8-17 DNAzyme. Finally, our results emphasize the need to consider Na+ carefully in the design and analysis of functional studies of catalytic DNAs and its possible specific role in their mechanisms.

Accuracy of quality of life questionnaire as a diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary sequelae.

BACKGROUND: Follow-up after hospital discharge of SARS-CoV-2 survivors represents a huge burden on the healthcare system. We attempt to assess the utility of symptoms and health-related quality of life questionnaire (SF-12) to identify SARS CoV2 pulmonary sequelae. METHODS: Prospective, non-interventional follow-up study. A cardiopulmonary exercise test, functional respiratory test (PFT), SF12 questionnaire were performed after hospitalization at six months after the first positive PCR smear. RESULTS: 41 patients were included, female (39%), mean age 57.3±13.7 years. 70% persisted with symptoms. 46% presented a maximum oxygen consumption below 80% of predicted. SF-12 physical domain score was significantly reduced in patients with altered PFT (32.7 vs. 45.9; p<0.001) and obtained the best sensitivity and specificity to identify PFT alterations (AUC 0.862, Sensitivity 85.7%, Specificity 81.5%). CONCLUSIONS: SF-12 questionnaire shows high sensitivity and specificity to detect SARS CoV2 survivors with pulmonary function alterations.

Influence of fruit bagging technique on the morphometric and biochemical characteristics of two pomegranate varieties (Punica granatum L.).

The pomegranate tree is cultivated and its fruits consumed since ancient times. This tree is typical of the Mediterranean climate, with high thermal demands to mature properly. The main objective of this work was to study the influence of the fruit bagging technique on the morphometric and biochemical characteristics of the pomegranate fruits of two new varieties that are currently cultivated in the Southeast of Spain. The results indicated that the fruit bagging presented a significant effect on the weight, equatorial diameter, height and shape of the fruit, however, it did not show any influence on the peel thickness. No significant differences have been observed in the number of healthy fruits with and without bagging, however, the number of cracked fruits with Cryptoblabes gnidiella damage was higher for the non-bagged fruits. The fruit bagging presented a significant effect on the total soluble solids, maturity index, glucose, α-punicalagin, α + ß-punicalagin and ellagic acid, but it did not show influence on pH, acidity, ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, total phenols, fructose, citric, malic, and quinic acid, ß-punicalagin and anthocyanins. The internal fruit color was not affected by the bagging, although it did affect the external color of the fruit, and unevenly depending on the variety. Based on the results, it can be said that bagging can improve the quality of the fruit by reducing damage from pests and pathophysiology, and this benefit compensates or even exceeds the negative effects of bagging on peel color.

Pomegranate morpho-chemodiversity: computational investigations based on in-vivo and in-vitro screening.

Pomegranate tree is cultivated since ancient times in Morocco, where a high genetic diversity is hosted mainly in traditional agroecosystems. Over the past decade, it regained importance through extension of cultivated area, but remains thus far little valued. To date, its genetic variability and chemodiversity have gone unheeded for many reasons, some of which are related to previous agricultural strategies. In this context, the present study aimed to screen an ex-situ collection of seven local cultivars and seven exotic varieties with regard to 50 fruit morphometric and biochemical descriptors. The results showed statistically significant variability within accessions (p < 0.01), based on all aforementioned traits, except for seed weight, with coefficients of variation greater than 49%. This indicated a high level of phenotypic diversity among the studied genetic pool. The 3D scatter plot built based on the principal component analysis displayed an interesting discrimination with regard to the genotypes' geographic origins with a total variance of about 50%. According to morphometric based-heatmap, four main clusters were identified distinguishing the typicality of some local cultivars compared to exotic varieties, mainly 'Sefri', 'Bzou', 'Chioukhi' and 'Djeibi'. Traits having the highest impact on discrimination between accessions were, by order of importance, fruit weight and its dimensions, juice yield, aril yield, single aril diameter, soluble sugars (glucose and fructose) along with contents in some organic acids, including citric, palmitic, linoleic and malic acids. Potential statistically significant correlations were spotted through bi-dimensional heatmap analysis, particularly between the fruit size, shape and peel traits along with some biochemical attributes. As many areas of the species chemodiversity and functional properties are still needed to be investigated further, the results of the present study are of great interest for the species valorization and for breeding programs.

Phytochemical Profile of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill Fruits (cv. 'Orito') Stored at Different Conditions.

This research analyzed the phytochemical profile of prickly pear fruits from 'Orito' cultivar stored under cold conditions (2 °C, 85-90% RH) and shelf-life conditions at room temperature (stored at 20 °C for three days after cold storage) for 28 days, mimicking the product life cycle. A total of 18 compounds were identified and quantitated through HPLC-DAD-MS/MS (High-Performance Liquid Chromatographic -Diode Array Detector- Mass Spectrometry) analyses. Phenolic acids such as eucomic acid and betalains such as indicaxanthin were the predominant chemical families, and piscidic acid was the most abundant compound. During cold storage, the content of eucomic acid isomer/derivative and syringaresinol increased, and citric acid decreased, which could be caused by the cold activation of the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymes. However, no significant differences were found in the content of these compounds during shelf-life storage. These results showed that 'Orito' fruit marketability would be possible up to 28 days after harvesting, retaining its profile, which is rich in bioactive compounds.

Fruit tree leaves as valuable new source of tocopherol and tocotrienol compounds.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays it is highly important to find new, cheap and widely available sources of tocopherol and tocotrienol compounds, and leaves are promising unconventional sources. The main goal of this study was to extend the currently limited knowledge concerning tocopherol and tocotrienol isomers composition determined using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection analysis for various fruit tree leaves such as apple, pear, quince, apricot, peach, plum, sour cherry and sweet cherry. The leaves were collected 2 weeks after tree blooming and after fruit collection. Tocopherol and tocotrienol isomers were identified and quantified for the first time in all fruit tree leaves. RESULTS: The total tocopherol content ranged from 203.34 to 260.86 µg g-1 dry weight for spring leaves and from 23.83 to 235.62 µg g-1 dry weight for autumn leaves and consisted mainly of α-tocopherol. The rest of the isomers of tocopherol and tocotrienols were also found, but in trace amounts. A significantly lower content of tocopherols and tocotrienols was detected in leaves after autumn collection of fruits compared to leaves collected after blooming. Among the analyzed leaves, time collected and species were significantly more important than their cultivars. Regarding quantification analysis, apricot > peach > > plums > apples leaves were identified as the best sources of tocopherols, and sweet and sour cherry leaves exhibited a lower content. CONCLUSION: Fruit tree leaves are a novel significant source and good material for isolation of α-tocopherol for application in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals or in the food industry - for example, production of beverages or other functional foods. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparison of bioactive compounds and health promoting properties of fruits and leaves of apple, pear and quince.

This paper presents characterization of healthy potential new sources of functional constituents with reference to basic plant sources. In this study, the phenolics, triterpene, isoprenoids (chlorophylls and carotenoids), amino acids, minerals, sugars and organic acids of different cultivars of pome species-apple, pear, quince-leaves vs. fruits and their enzymatic in vitro enzyme inhibition of hyperglycemic (α-glucosidase, α-amylase), obesity (pancreatic lipase), cholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase, butylcholinesterase), inflammatory (15-LOX, COX-1 and -2) and antioxidant capacity (ORAC, FRAP, ABTS) were evaluated. Leaves of pome species as a new plant sources were characterized by higher content of bioactive and nutritional compounds than basic fruits. The dominant fraction for quince, pear, and apple fruits was polymeric procyanidins. In quince and pear leaves flavan-3-ols, and in apple dihydrochalcones dominated. Triterpene was present in equal content in leaves and fruits. Leaves are excellent sources of amino acids and minerals (especially Ca, Mg, Fe, and K), with high content of organic acids and low content of sugars compared to fruits of pome species. Leaves of apples and pears most effectively inhibited COX-1, COX-2, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase enzyme but quince leaves showed the most effective inhibition of pancreatic lipase, AChE and BuChE, 15-LOX, and antioxidant capacity, which particularly correlated with bioactive compounds. Present study shows that leaves are promising sources of valuable compounds and may be used to produce functional foods as well as for medical purposes.