Clean-label products: Factors affecting liking and acceptability by Portuguese older adults.

Consumers are preferring more "natural" foods, made of "healthier" and "familiar" components - the "clean-label" trend. As the population ages, understanding the older adult consumer segment becomes increasingly important. This study aims to identify the factors influencing the acceptability and liking of clean-label products in older adults living in the community. A convenience sample of 100 older adults was used for this cross-sectional study. Socio-demographic data, health status, independence level, lifestyle characteristics, nutritional status, and food and nutrient intake data were collected. The acceptability and liking for clean-label products comprised two parts: Sensory analysis with overall liking evaluation of three pairs of products, using a 9-point hedonic scale and free comments; Willingness to eat and preference assessment of nine pairs of products using the Food Action scale and a simple preference test. The participants were 80% female with a mean age of 75 years old. The overall liking for clean-label versions of cookies and mayonnaise was lower than for traditional versions. However, participants were more willing to eat the clean-label versions of products, particularly ham and yogurt. Most of the participants would prefer buying the clean-label version of all nine pairs of products, especially for ham, loaf bread, sausages, and yogurt. In sum, older adults living in the community exhibit a lower liking but, a greater willingness to eat and a higher preference for buying clean-label products. Older adults who favor clean-label products have higher levels of education and are reported to have a more adequate diet.

Beyond Reality: Exploring the effect of different virtual reality environments on visual assessment of cakes.

Visual assessment triggers physiological, emotional, and cognitive responses in consumer behavior. This confluence of signals can be influenced by context, which plays a crucial role in eating behavior. The strategies used to evoke scenarios that enhance ecological validity in sensory experiences have evolved in the last years to include immersive technologies and virtual reality (VR) to simulate the complexity of the real world and predict consumer preferences. This study explored VR's effect on visual liking and hedonic responses of five virtual cakes in two virtual contexts designed with advanced 3D modeling and photogrammetry techniques to ensure high realism and immersion. Although the virtual contexts themselves did not impact liking ratings, the variables "context-cake," "age," and "subjective hunger" had a significant effect on the visual liking of cakes. A Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) questionnaire showed significant differences in responses for various terms related to the intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics of the five cakes. Finally, the internal preference map separated two consumer patterns of visual liking: traditional versus innovative.

Consumption of edible insects and insect-based foods: A systematic review of sensory properties and evoked emotional response.

Low consumer acceptance of edible insects and insect-based products is one of the main barriers to the successful implementation of entomophagy in Western countries. This rejection is mainly caused by consumers' negative emotional responses, psychological/personality traits, and attitudes toward food choices. However, as the role of intrinsic product characteristics on such food choices has not been adequately studied, a systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA method, to analyze studies that have assessed hedonic evaluations, sensory profiling, or emotional responses to edible insects or insect-based products. The majority of studies performed with whole insects and insect flour highlight that insect-based products are more negatively evaluated than control products. Although the sensory properties of insects are affected by species and processing conditions, they are generally negative across sensory dimensions. In particular, insects and insect-based products are generally associated with odor and flavor/taste attributes that are related to old/spoiled food. These negative attributes can be linked to the fat fraction of edible insects, with insect oils being very negatively evaluated by consumers. On the other hand, defatted fractions and deodorized oils are not associated with these negative attributes, further supporting the hypothesis that the fat fraction is responsible for the negative odor and flavor/taste attributes. However, there is still a lack of studies assessing the sensory profile of edible insects and insect-based products, as well as consumers' emotional responses to their consumption. Future studies should focus on the effects of different processing conditions, products incorporating insect fractions (namely protein concentrates/isolates and defatted fractions), and evaluation by target consumer groups.

Mini-ACE: Validation Study Among Older People in Long-Term Care.

Background: The Mini-Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (M-ACE) is a valid and reliable tool that accurately differentiates various types of cognitive impairment from Normal-cognition assessed in multiple settings. However, its validity among older individuals in long-term care (LTC) was not yet established. Therefore, we sought to assess the Portuguese M-ACE's validity, reliability, and accuracy in detecting cognitive impairment no-dementia (CIND) in LTC users. Methods: A comprehensive assessment was performed on 196 LTC Portuguese users aged ≥ 60 years, among whom 71 had Normal-cognition, and 125 had CIND. Results: The M-ACE was found to be reliable (McDonald's ω = .86, Cronbach's α = .85) and consistent over time (r = .72; ICC = .83) and between raters (k = .92). Strong correlations with related measures supported construct validity (both r = .67). The M-ACE accurately distinguished CIND from Normal-cognition with a cut-off of 17 points (AUC = 0.81, Sensitivity = 81.7%, Specificity = 74.4%). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the Portuguese M-ACE is a valid and reliable cognitive assessment tool for LTC users, allowing for accurate differentiation between CIND and Normal-cognition. Thus, the M-ACE's use could contribute to the early detection and intervention of cognitive disorders, especially among older adults in LTC.

Exploring Rice Consumption Habits and Determinants of Choice, Aiming for the Development and Promotion of Rice Products with a Low Glycaemic Index.

Current consumption drivers, particularly those related to health and wellbeing, have been influencing trends for the lower consumption of cereals, particularly rice, due to their typical high glycaemic index (GIs) and consequent impacts on obesity. To satisfy this consumer concern, more food innovations that promote healthy eating habits are required. Such innovations must be consumer-oriented to succeed, understanding the dynamics of consumer habits and responding to consumer expectations. This study explored these habits, from acquisition to consumption practices, and the expectations of the European market from the perspective of the major European consumer, Portugal, to obtain insights that support the development of low glycaemic index (GI) rice products. A mixed-methods approach was applied. For the first quantitative questionnaire, 256 Portuguese rice consumers aged 18-73 years were recruited. Twenty-four individuals were selected according to their gender and rice consumption profiles for in-depth interviews. The results confirmed that rice was the main side dish for the participants and was mainly consumed at home, cooked from raw milled rice. The drivers of consumption differ according to the provisioning process stage. In the acquisition stage, participants reported benefits from the rice's dynamic market by comparing products on price, brand, and rice types. In the preparation stage, participants reported the adequacy of the recipe and occasion, while in the consumption stage, participants enhanced their sensory preferences, depending on the rice dish. Although the GI concept was unknown to half of the participants, it was perceived as interesting and positive for healthy eating. Consumers showed concern about the taste and naturalness of the product, preferring it to be as close to a homemade dish as possible. The negative perceptions we verified were interpreted to be due to a lack of knowledge about the GI concept. Therefore, awareness actions and informative campaigns are recommended to promote low-GI rice products.

Emotion dysregulation in older people: validity and reliability of an 8-item version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale.

OBJECTIVES: The abbreviated 16-item version of the Difficulties with Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-16) is widely used to assess individuals' perceived challenges in regulating their emotions, a central aspect of psychological symptoms commonly experienced in old age. However, its psychometric properties have yet to be tested in this population. Furthermore, a shorter version of the DERS-16 could further minimize the assessment burden on older individuals. Thus, we aimed to test the DERS-16's psychometric performance and determine if any items were redundant to develop a psychometrically sound shorter version. METHODS: We enrolled 302 Portuguese older adults (Mage = 75.22; SD = 8.99 years) in a cross-sectional study. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analyses indicated a one-factor structure and a four-factor solution with eight items (69.3%-81.9% of the variance observed). The four-factor-8-item solution presented an interpretable structure and demonstrated good reliability values (> 0.70) and construct validity with the Twenty-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, Eight-Item Geriatric Depression Scale, and Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (r = 0.66, 0.40, 0.52; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The robust psychometric properties of DERS-8 make it a valuable tool for clinical and longitudinal studies, facilitating targeted interventions in older adults and allowing for precise emotion dysregulation screening.

Dereplication of Lantana trifolia L. leaves and fruits by UFLC-DAD-(+)-ESI-MS/MS and its antifungal and cytotoxic activities.

INTRODUCTION: Lantana trifolia L. (Verbenaceae) is a shrubby plant. In folk medicine, its leaves are used in the form of infusions and syrups to treat angina, coughs, and colds; they are also applied as tranquilizer. Previous studies have reported the antimicrobial potential of the compounds present in L. trifolia leaves. OBJECTIVES: To report the anti-Candida activities of the fractions obtained from the fruits and leaves of two L. trifolia specimens. METHODS: The L. trifolia fractions were submitted to UFLC-DAD-(+)-ESI-MS/MS, and the data were analyzed by using multivariate statistical tools (PCA, PLS-DA) and spectral similarity analyses based on molecular networking, which aided dereplication of the bioactive compounds. Additionally, NMR analyses were performed to confirm the chemical structure of some of the major compounds in the fractions. RESULTS: The ethyl acetate fractions presented MIC values lower than 100 µg mL-1 against the three Candida strains evaluated herein (C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. glabrata). Fractions FrPo AcOEt, FrPe AcOEt, and FrPe nBut had MIC values of 1.46, 2.93, and 2.93 µg mL-1 against C. glabrata, respectively. These values resembled the MIC value of amphotericin B, the positive control (0.5-1.0 µg mL-1), against this same strain. Cytotoxicity was measured and used to calculate the selectivity index. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our data, the most active fractions in the antifungal assay were more selective against C. glabrata than against non-infected cells. The analytical approach adopted here allowed us to annotate 29 compounds, nine of which were bioactive (PLS-DA results) and belong to the class of phenolic compounds.

Amazonian earthworm biodiversity is heavily impacted by ancient and recent human disturbance.

Despite the importance of earthworms for soil formation, more is needed to know about how Pre-Columbian modifications to soils and the landscape. Gaining a deeper understanding is essential for comprehending the historical drivers of earthworm communities and the development of effective conservation strategies in the Amazon rainforest. Human disturbance can significantly impact earthworm diversity, especially in rainforest soils, and in the particular case of the Amazonian rainforest, both recent and ancient anthropic practices may be important. Amazonian Dark Earths (ADEs) are fertile soils found throughout the Amazon Basin, created by sedentary habits and intensification patterns of pre-Colombian societies primarily developed in the second part of the Holocene period. We have sampled earthworm communities in three Brazilian Amazonian (ADEs) and adjacent reference soils (REF) under old and young forests and monocultures. To better assess taxonomic richness, we used morphology and the barcode region of the COI gene to identify juveniles and cocoons and delimit Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs). Here we suggest using Integrated Operational Taxonomical units (IOTUs) which combine both morphological and molecular data and provide a more comprehensive assessment of diversity, while MOTUs only rely on molecular data. A total of 970 individuals were collected, resulting in 51 taxonomic units (IOTUs, MOTUs, and morphospecies combined). From this total, 24 taxonomic units were unique to REF soils, 17 to ADEs, and ten were shared between both soils. The highest richness was found in old forest sites for ADEs (12 taxonomic units) and REFs (21 taxonomic units). The beta-diversity calculations reveal a high species turnover between ADEs and REF soils, providing evidence that ADEs and REFs possess distinct soil biota. Furthermore, results suggest that ADE sites, formed by Pre-Columbian human activities, conserve a high number of native species in the landscape and maintain a high abundance, despite their long-term nature.

Earthworm communities in long-term no-tillage systems and secondary forest fragments in Paraná, Southern Brazil.

The area destined for agricultural production in Paraná state in Brazil is ~6 million hectares, of which 79% are under no-tillage systems (NTS) that can positively affect earthworm populations. Furthermore, earthworm abundance and richness can be valuable soil quality. This study assessed earthworm communities in long-term no-tillage sites (NTS) and nearby secondary Atlantic Forest (SF) fragments. Sampling was performed in June 2018 and May 2019 using the quantitative Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility handsorting method (ISO-TSBF), complemented by qualitative sampling in three municipalities: Faxinal, Mauá da Serra and Palmeira, in NTS and SF. Eleven earthworm species, belonging to five families (Benhamiidae, Glossoscolecidae, Megascolecidae, Ocnerodrilidae, and Rhinodrilidae) were found along with seven native species (Glossoscolex sp.22, Glossoscolex sp.23, Fimoscolex sp.21, Fimoscolex sp.24, Fimoscolex sp.42, Andiorrhinus duseni and Urobenus brasiliensis) and four exotic or cosmopolitan species (Dichogaster gracilis, Amynthas gracilis, Metaphire californica and Pontoscolex corethrurus). The cosmopolitan P. corethrurus dominated Faxinal and Mauá da Serra, while in Palmeira Fimoscolex and Glossoscolex were the most abundant. Six species belonging to Glossoscolex and Fimoscolex were new to science and must be described. Overall, 239 individuals were found. In 2018 126 individuals were found (76 in NTS and 50 in SF) and in 2019, only 112 individuals were found (45 in NTS and 67 in SF). The highest earthworm abundance was in Faxinal (123 individuals), with 76 individuals in NTS and 47 in SF. In Mauá da Serra the same pattern was observed (SF>NTS), while in Palmeira in overall, fewer individuals (38) were collected (24 in NTS and 14 in SF). The NTS at Faxinal and SF Mauá da Serra in 2019 had only/more exotic/cosmopolitan species, while at the other dates and sites >50% of the specimens sampled were native species. Overall, forests had more native species than exotics: in 2018, natives represented > 75% of all specimens, but in 2019 both Faxinal and Mauá da Serra had more exotic species (> 65%), while at Palmeira, they represented 50% of the individuals. Earthworm total biomass for forest sites was higher in Faxinal (3.2 g) and NTS in Mauá da Serra (1.7 g) in 2019. Overall, the total biomass was higher in SF sites than NTS. Using a classification available for earthworm populations in no-tillage systems, all three sites were considered to have poor quality in terms of abundance (ind m-2), while for species richness, they were considered to have moderate (Faxinal and Mauá da Serra) and good quality (Palmeira).

Improving γ-Oryzanol and γ-Aminobutyric Acid Contents in Rice Beverage Amazake Produced with Brown, Milled and Germinated Rices.

Rice is an important source of γ-oryzanol (GO) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are bioactive compounds that may benefit blood lipid and pressure control. Both GO and GABA can be improved by germination and fermentation. Fermentation with A. oryzae produces Koji, a rice-based starter for Amazake, a naturally sweet beverage. Germinated rice (brown and milled rice), were tested to improve those bioactive compounds during the fermentation process. The resulting Koji was optimised to GO and GABA through a response surface methodology; α-amylase activity and starch content were also assessed. The different rice matrix resulting from the germination largely impacted the biosynthesis of GABA, α-amylase and starch contents. Amazake, obtained by germinated rice, has increased GO and GABA contents when compared to the one obtained from milled rice (from a non-detectable value to 27.65 ± 0.23 mg/100 g for GO and from 163.95 ± 24.7 to 271.53 ± 5.7 mg/100 g for GABA). A panel of 136 Portuguese consumers tasted the beverage in a blind overall tasting test followed by an informed test, using 9-point scales. The consumer scores had a mean value of 4.67 ± 1.9 and 4.9 ± 1.8, meaning that cultural differences may play an important role with regard to liking and accepting Amazake.

A Survey on Ground Segmentation Methods for Automotive LiDAR Sensors.

In the near future, autonomous vehicles with full self-driving features will populate our public roads. However, fully autonomous cars will require robust perception systems to safely navigate the environment, which includes cameras, RADAR devices, and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors. LiDAR is currently a key sensor for the future of autonomous driving since it can read the vehicle's vicinity and provide a real-time 3D visualization of the surroundings through a point cloud representation. These features can assist the autonomous vehicle in several tasks, such as object identification and obstacle avoidance, accurate speed and distance measurements, road navigation, and more. However, it is crucial to detect the ground plane and road limits to safely navigate the environment, which requires extracting information from the point cloud to accurately detect common road boundaries. This article presents a survey of existing methods used to detect and extract ground points from LiDAR point clouds. It summarizes the already extensive literature and proposes a comprehensive taxonomy to help understand the current ground segmentation methods that can be used in automotive LiDAR sensors.

Introducing insect- or plant-based dinner meals to families in Denmark: study protocol for a randomized intervention trial.

BACKGROUND: Plant- and insect-based foods are promising alternative protein sources. Previous studies have shown that introducing plant-based foods to the diet can reduce meat intake, but no such intervention has explored the effects of insect-based foods. METHODS: This study aims to integrate alternative proteins to main meals of 80 Danish families through a 6-week two-arm randomized intervention trial to investigate acceptance, consumption, and potential for meat replacement. The primary outcome is the replacement of dietary meat protein with plant- or insect-based protein from the intervention foods assessed through change in daily meat protein intake, proportion of meat protein to total protein intake, and counts of dinner meals with meat and intervention products. CONCLUSION: The results of this study will contribute to research in alternative proteins and explore the effects of long-term exposure of meat replacement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05156853 . Registered 24 December 2021.

The Motivations for Consumption of Edible Insects: A Systematic Review.

The consumption of edible insects (EI) is traditional in many parts of the world, but not in others. In fact, despite globalization and the multiple advantages pointed out about the consumption of EI, there are still many countries where entomophagy is seen with disgust and aversion. This systematic review aimed to examine the motivations that influence the consumption of EI in diverse cultures and understand if there are differences between Western countries (WC) and insect-eating countries (IEC). It further evaluated whether the degree of acceptability was influenced by the form of consumption of the insects (eating whole insects or foods containing insects). This literature review was conducted in November 2021 within three databases, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus, according to the Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis and using PRISMA directives. From a total of 245 studies, 31 were selected to be included in this review, based on the inclusion criteria defined: only original research articles, from 2010 or beyond, and written in English. The results indicated that the main motivations that determine the consumption of EI are related to gender, age, sustainability, nutritional value, sensory attributes, tradition/culture, food neophobia, disgust and familiarity/past experiences. Moreover, whereas in IEC, there is a greater focus on factors related to sensory attributes, availability, affordability and preferences, in WC, there is a bigger emphasis on determinants such as nutritional value, sustainability, benefits, familiarity/past experience, tradition/culture, food neophobia and disgust. Finally, it was observed that people in WC are more willing to accept food products containing insects rather than the whole insect, which is one of the most promising points to be addressed in the future. Overall, this review highlights that there are numerous factors influencing the consumption of edible insects, and differences between WC and IEC are clear in what concerns the motivations of consumers. Hence, targeting market segments and consumers' characteristics has to be present when designing strategies to incentivize the consumption of EI in WC as a part of a global strategy for sustainability of food systems.

Does emotional dysregulation mediate the relationship between disability and depressive symptoms in older people? / ¿La desregulación emocional media la relación entre la discapacidad y los síntomas depresivos en las personas mayores?

Background: Emotion dysregulation has been consistently linked to psychopathology, and the relationship between disability and depressive symptomatology in old age is well-known. Objective: To examine the mediational role of emotional dysregulation in the relationship between perceived disability and depressive symptomatology in older adults. Methods: Two hundred eighty-three participants, aged 60–96 years (M±SD=74.22±8.69; 62.9% women; 29.0% with long-term care support [LTC-S] and 71.0% community residents without LTC-S), were assessed with the Geriatric Depression Scale-8 (GDS-8), the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule-2 (WHODAS-2), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 (DERS-16). Results: A mediation model was established, which revealed: (1) a moderate association between WHODAS-2 and GDS-8 (β=0.20; p<.001); (2) DERS-16 partially and weakly mediated the relationship between WHODAS-2 and GDS-8 (β=0.003; p<.01). The model explained 31.9% of the variance of depressive symptoms. An inconsistent mediation model was obtained in the LTC-S group. Conclusions: Globally, our findings indicate that disability has an indirect relationship with depressive symptomatology through emotional dysregulation (except for those in the LTC-S). Accordingly, we present suggestions for the treatment of depressive symptoms and for the inclusion of other emotion regulation variables in the study of the disability-depressive symptom link in future studies with older people in the LTC-S. (AU)

Antecedentes: La desregulación de las emociones se ha relacionado sistemáticamente con la psicopatología, y es bien conocida la relación entre la discapacidad y la sintomatología depresiva en la edad avanzada. Objetivo: Examinar el papel mediador de la desregulación emocional en la relación entre la discapacidad percibida y la sintomatología depresiva en los adultos mayores. Materiales y métodos: Doscientos ochenta y tres participantes, entre 60-96 años de edad (M±DE=74,22±8,69; 62,9% mujeres; 29% con apoyo de cuidados de larga duración [A-CLD] y 71% residentes en la comunidad sin A-CLD), fueron evaluados con la Geriatric Depression Scale-8 (GDS-8), el World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule-2 (WHODAS-2) y la Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 (DERS-16). Resultados: Se estableció un modelo de mediación que reveló: (1) una asociación moderada entre el WHODAS-2 y el GDS-8 (β=0,20; p<0,001); (2) el DERS-16 medió parcial y ligeramente la relación entre el WHODAS-2 y el GDS-8 (β=0,003; p<0,01). El modelo explicó el 31,9% de la varianza de los síntomas depresivos. Se ha obtenido un modelo de mediación inconsistente en el grupo A-CLD. Conclusiones: Globalmente, nuestros hallazgos indican que la discapacidad tiene una relación indirecta con la sintomatología depresiva a través de la desregulación emocional. En consecuencia, presentamos sugerencias para el tratamiento de los síntomas depresivos y para la inclusión de otras variables de regulación de las emociones en el estudio del vínculo discapacidad-síntomas depresivos en futuros estudios con personas mayores en el A-CLD. (AU)

Does emotional dysregulation mediate the relationship between disability and depressive symptoms in older people?

BACKGROUND: Emotion dysregulation has been consistently linked to psychopathology, and the relationship between disability and depressive symptomatology in old age is well-known. OBJECTIVE: To examine the mediational role of emotional dysregulation in the relationship between perceived disability and depressive symptomatology in older adults. METHODS: Two hundred eighty-three participants, aged 60-96 years (M±SD=74.22±8.69; 62.9% women; 29.0% with long-term care support [LTC-S] and 71.0% community residents without LTC-S), were assessed with the Geriatric Depression Scale-8 (GDS-8), the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule-2 (WHODAS-2), and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16 (DERS-16). RESULTS: A mediation model was established, which revealed: (1) a moderate association between WHODAS-2 and GDS-8 (ß=0.20; p<.001); (2) DERS-16 partially and weakly mediated the relationship between WHODAS-2 and GDS-8 (ß=0.003; p<.01). The model explained 31.9% of the variance of depressive symptoms. An inconsistent mediation model was obtained in the LTC-S group. CONCLUSIONS: Globally, our findings indicate that disability has an indirect relationship with depressive symptomatology through emotional dysregulation (except for those in the LTC-S). Accordingly, we present suggestions for the treatment of depressive symptoms and for the inclusion of other emotion regulation variables in the study of the disability-depressive symptom link in future studies with older people in the LTC-S.

In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the Euclea natalensis crude extract and fractions against oral infection agents.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed (i) to evaluate the antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of the crude extract and fractions obtained from Euclea natalensis A.D.C. roots against bacteria that cause periodontal disease and caries and (ii) to identify the isolated compounds. DESIGN: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extract and fractions were determined by the microplate dilution assay. The cytotoxicity of the extract and fractions was evaluated by using the XTT colorimetric assay and normal human fibroblast cells (GM07492A, lung fibroblasts). The compounds present in the most promising fraction were determined by qualitative analysis through liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS-ESI). RESULTS: The MIC results ranged from 25 to > 400 µg/mL for the extract and from 1.56 to > 400 µg/mL for the fractions. To evaluate cytotoxicity, the tested concentrations of the extract and fractions ranged from 19.5 to 2500 µg/mL; IC50 values between 625 and 1250 µg/mL were obtained. Analysis of the main bioactive fraction by HPLC-MS-ESI identified phenolic acids, coumarins, naphthoquinones, lignans, and fatty acids. CONCLUSIONS: The E. natalensis root extract and fractions displayed good antibacterial activity against periodontal pathogenic and cariogenic bacteria. The antibacterial activity may be due to compounds present in the extract and fractions, which also showed low cytotoxicity to normal human cells. These data are relevant and encourage further research into this plant species, which may contribute to the discovery of new herbal medicines that will help to mitigate the problems caused by oral pathogenic bacteria.

Antimicrobial, Antivirulence, and Antiparasitic Potential of Capsicum chinense Jacq. Extracts and Their Isolated Compound Capsaicin.

Bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections increase morbimortality rates and hospital costs. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities of the crude extract from the seeds and peel of the pepper Capsicum chinense Jacq. and of the isolated compound capsaicin and to evaluate their ability to inhibit biofilm formation, eradicate biofilm, and reduce hemolysin production by Candida species. The crude ethanolic and hexane extracts were obtained by maceration at room temperature, and their chemical compositions were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the samples was evaluated by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration. Inhibition of biofilm formation and biofilm eradication by the samples were evaluated based on biomass and cell viability. Reduction of Candida spp. hemolytic activity by the samples was determined on sheep blood agar plates. The antiparasitic action of the samples was evaluated by determining their ability to inhibit Toxoplasma gondii intracellular proliferation. LC-MS-ESI analyses helped to identify organic and phenolic acids, flavonoids, capsaicinoids, and fatty acids in the ethanolic extracts, as well as capsaicinoids and fatty acids in the hexane extracts. Antifungal action was more evident against C. glabrata and C. tropicalis. The samples inhibited biofilm formation and eradicated the biofilm formed by C. tropicalis more effectively. Sub-inhibitory concentrations of the samples significantly reduced the C. glabrata and C. tropicalis hemolytic activity. The samples only altered host cell viability when tested at higher concentrations; however, at non-toxic concentrations, they reduced T. gondii growth. In association with gold standard drugs used to treat toxoplasmosis, capsaicin improved their antiparasitic activity. These results are unprecedented and encouraging, indicating the Capsicum chinense Jacq. peel and seed extracts and capsaicin display antifungal and antiparasitic activities.

Molecular insights into high-altitude adaption and acclimatisation of Aporrectodea caliginosa.

Here, we explore the high-altitude adaptions and acclimatisation of Aporrectodea caliginosa Population diversity is assessed through mitochondrial barcoding, identifying closely related populations across the island of Pico (Azores). We present the first megabase N50 assembly size (1.2 Mbp) genome for A. caliginosa High- and low-altitude populations were exposed experimentally to a range of oxygen and temperature conditions, simulating altitudinal conditions, and the transcriptomic responses explored. SNP densities are assessed to identify signatures of selective pressure and their link to differentially expressed genes. The high-altitude A. caliginosa population had lower differential expression and fewer co-expressed genes between conditions, indicating a more condition-refined epigenetic response. Genes identified as under adaptive pressure through Fst and nucleotide diversity in the high-altitude population clustered around the differentially expressed an upstream environmental response control gene, HMGB1. The high-altitude population of A. caliginosa indicated adaption and acclimatisation to high-altitude conditions and suggested resilience to extreme weather events. This mechanistic understanding could help offer a strategy in further identifying other species capable of maintaining soil fertility in extreme environments.

Conceptualization of Rice with Low Glycaemic Index: Perspectives from the Major European Consumers.

Rice and cereal consumption has become a concern for consumers due to usually high glycaemic indexes (GI), which is a critical issue for a balanced and healthy diet. Therefore, the development of new products with low GI is an important target of the industry, particularly in countries with high consumption. This study assesses consumers' perceptions about "rice" and "rice with low GI" and evaluates the effect of consumers' rice consumption profiles through the application of a free word association technique in a structured self-administered electronic questionnaire with 256 Portuguese consumers (the European market with the highest per capita consumption of rice by far). The frequency of rice consumption was evaluated, and the consumption profile was determined through a hierarchical cluster analysis, with 9% identified as daily consumers. The response words were categorized by the triangulation technique, and the association between the word categories and dimensions, sociodemographic characteristics, and consumption profile were determined. Respondents most frequently associated "rice" with rice dishes, its sensory attributes, and nutrition, highlighting the satisfaction of nutritional and hedonic needs. Consumers revealed positive expectations in relation to the functionality of "rice with low GI". The consumers' rice consumption profiles, sex, age, and educational levels influenced their perception towards "rice" and "rice with low GI". This study provides important insights for the industry to develop a consumer-oriented, low GI rice product.