Odorant-Binding and Chemosensory Proteins in Fig Wasps: Evolutionary Insights From Comparative Studies.

Fig wasps (Agaonidae; Hymenoptera) are the only pollinating insects of fig trees (Ficus; Moraceae), forming the most closely and highly specific mutualism with the host. We used transcriptome sequences of 25 fig wasps from six genera to explore the evolution of key molecular components of fig wasp chemosensory genes: odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and chemosensory proteins (CSPs). We identified a total 321 OBPs and 240 CSPs, with each species recording from 6 to 27 OBP genes and 6-19 CSP genes. 318 OBP genes are clustered into 17 orthologous groups and can be divided into two groups: PBP sensitive to pheromone and GOBP sensitive to general odor molecules, such as alcohols, esters, acids, ketones, and terpenoids. 240 CSP genes are clustered into 12 orthologous groups, which can be divided into three major groups and have functions, such as olfactory, tissue formation and/or regeneration, developmental, and some specific and unknown function. The gene sequences of most orthologous groups vary greatly among species and are consistent with the phylogenetic relationships between fig wasps. Strong purifying selection of both OBP and CSP genes was detected, as shown by low ω values. A positive selection was detected in one locus in CSP1. In conclusion, the evolution of chemosensory proteins OBPs and CSPs in fig wasps is relatively conservative, and they play an indispensable role in the life activities of fig wasps. Our results provide a starting point for understanding the molecular basis of the chemosensory systems of fig wasps.

The evolution of parasitism from mutualism in wasps pollinating the fig, Ficus microcarpa, in Yunnan Province, China.

Theory identifies factors that can undermine the evolutionary stability of mutualisms. However, theory's relevance to mutualism stability in nature is controversial. Detailed comparative studies of parasitic species that are embedded within otherwise mutualistic taxa (e.g., fig pollinator wasps) can identify factors that potentially promote or undermine mutualism stability. We describe results from behavioral, morphological, phylogenetic, and experimental studies of two functionally distinct, but closely related, Eupristina wasp species associated with the monoecious host fig, Ficus microcarpa, in Yunnan Province, China. One (Eupristina verticillata) is a competent pollinator exhibiting morphologies and behaviors consistent with observed seed production. The other (Eupristina sp.) lacks these traits, and dramatically reduces both female and male reproductive success of its host. Furthermore, observations and experiments indicate that individuals of this parasitic species exhibit greater relative fitness than the pollinators, in both indirect competition (individual wasps in separate fig inflorescences) and direct competition (wasps of both species within the same fig). Moreover, phylogenetic analyses suggest that these two Eupristina species are sister taxa. By the strictest definition, the nonpollinating species represents a "cheater" that has descended from a beneficial pollinating mutualist. In sharp contrast to all 15 existing studies of actively pollinated figs and their wasps, the local F. microcarpa exhibit no evidence for host sanctions that effectively reduce the relative fitness of wasps that do not pollinate. We suggest that the lack of sanctions in the local hosts promotes the loss of specialized morphologies and behaviors crucial for pollination and, thereby, the evolution of cheating.

Fungal Species Causing Canker and Wilt of Ficus carica and Evidence of Their Association by Bark Beetles in Italy.

Field surveys conducted during 2021 and 2022 in Western Sicily, Italy, revealed the presence of common fig trees severely affected by trunk and crown root canker and bark cracking. Moreover, in conjunction with the symptomatic tissues, the same surveyed plants showed the presence of bark beetle holes and internal wood galleries. The predominant beetle Criphalus dilutus was previously reported attacking figs in Sicily. Phylogenetic analyses based on multilocus DNA data showed the presence of different fungal taxa associated with disease symptoms, including Botryosphaeria dothidea, Ceratocystis ficicola, Diaporthe foeniculina, Neocosmospora bostrycoides, N. perseae, and Neofusicoccum luteum. Pathogenicity tests conducted on potted fig plants showed that all the species were pathogenic to fig, with C. ficicola and Neocosmospora spp. as the most aggressive fungal species. Moreover, isolations conducted from the bodies of emerging adult insects recovered from disease samples confirmed the presence of C. ficicola and Neocosmospora spp., suggesting the potential involvement of C. dilutus in their dissemination.

First Report of Rust Caused by Phakopsora nishidana on Creeping Fig, Ficus pumila, in South Africa.

Phakopsora nishidana has recently been reported as the causal organism of rust on edible fig, Ficus carica in South Africa (SA) (Boshoff et al. 2022). This contradicted reports by Doidge (1927, 1950) and Verwoerd (1929) who listed Cerotelium fici as the causal organism of the disease in SA. Similarities in urediniospore morphology and differing taxonomic interpretations most likely contributed to the use of both pathogen names as the causal agents for fig rust (Boshoff et al. 2022; Padamsee and McKenzie 2024). In January 2023 rust was commonly observed on nursery specimens of creeping fig, Ficus pumila, a popular evergreen and fast-growing garden plant in SA. Ficus pumila is native to southern China, Indochina, and eastern Asia but has been introduced to many countries worldwide (https://powo.science.kew.org/ accessed 20 March 2024). The F. pumila rust isolate collected in Somerset West (34°07'00.70"S, 18°52'41.75"E; Western Cape (WC) province) was identified using the sequenced 5.8S rRNA-ITS2-28S rRNA locus. When used in a BLAST analysis, this F. pumila isolate (GenBank accession number OR835538) shared the best homology with the Vermont P. nishidana isolate (34°24'33.37"S, 19°08'59.24"E) (MZ047090; e-value 0.0, 99.7% identity, 1400/1404 bp) reported on edible fig by Boshoff et al. (2022). Other P. nishidana isolates with excellent homology were KY764080 (e-value 0.0, 99.8% identity, 1012/1014 bp), KY764081 (e-value 0.0, 99% identity, 882/885 bp) and MF580676 (e-value 0.0, 99.3% identity, 981/988 bp). Accessions were used in a phylogenetic study that included four other rust samples collected from F. carica trees in Somerset West, WC (OR835534; 34°03'37.26"S, 18°51'02.18"E), Onrus River, WC (OR835535; 34°24'43.10"S, 19°09'57.99"E), Elgin, WC (OR835536; 34°14'31.37"S, 19°03'05.38"E), and Bloemfontein, Free State province (OR835537; 29°05'05.1"S 26°09'09.5"E). Reference sequences were as described in Boshoff et al. (2022). Despite limited variation, all six South African isolates, including the F. pumila isolate, grouped with the three P. nishidana reference isolates, but separate from the three P. myrtacearum isolates collected from eucalyptus trees (Maier et al. 2016). Uredinia on F. pumila leaves were mostly hypophyllous and surrounded by a halo of brown, necrotic tissue. On the upper leaf surface, the lesions appeared as small, dark leaf spots with infrequent sporulation. Urediniospores were echinulate, mostly obovoid or elliptical and their cell walls pale-yellow to yellowish-brown. The mean width and length of urediniospores were 16.7 x 21.3 µm. No telia were observed. Applying standard rust inoculation and incubation procedures (Boshoff et al. 2022), F. pumila plants inoculated with P. nishidana isolate PREM63073 produced sporulating uredinia on the abaxial surface of leaves. Likewise, inoculation of F. carica cv. Kadota leaves with the F. pumila isolate OR835538 yielded sporulating lesions containing urediniospores typical of P. nishidana, on the lower surface. Based on both the DNA sequence data and controlled infection studies, our study confirmed the host status of F. pumila for P. nishidana. The occurrence of rust on creeping fig plants in nurseries, the evergreen status of the creeper, and thus the potential to harbor the pathogen during winter, are likely to contribute to the spread of fig rust in SA.

Investigating the effect of climate factors on fig production efficiency with machine learning approach.

BACKGROUND: This study employs a machine learning approach to investigate the impact of climate change on fig production in Turkey. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm is used to analyze production performance and climate variable data from 1988 to 2023. Fig production is a significant component of Turkey's agricultural economy. Therefore, understanding how climate change affects fig production is essential for the development of sustainable agricultural practices. RESULTS: Despite an observed increase in fig production between 2005 and 2020, potential yield may be negatively impacted by climate variables. Identifying the specific climatic factors affecting fig production efficiency remains a challenge. In the study, two different machine learning models are created: one for fig production yield per decare and another for fig production yield per bearing fig sapling. Eight climate variables (16 variables considering day and night values) serve as independent variables in the models. The models reveal that temperature change has the highest impact, with a percentage contribution of 41.30% in the first model and 43.90% in the second model. Thermal radiation (day and night) and 2 m temperature also significantly affect individually fig production. Wind speed, precipitation and humidity contribute to a lesser extent. CONCLUSION: This study illuminates the intricate interrelationship between climate change and fig production in Turkey. The utilization of machine learning as a predictive tool for future production trends and an instrument for informing agricultural practices is a valuable contribution to the field. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Deep eutectic solvent (DES)-assisted extraction of pectin from Ficus carica Linn. peel: optimization, partial structure characterization, functional and antioxidant activities.

BACKGROUND: The pectin from Ficus carica Linn. (fig) peels is a valuable and recyclable constituent that may bring huge economic benefits. To maximize the utilization of this resource, deep eutectic solvent (DES)-assisted extraction was applied to extract pectin from fig peels, and the extraction process was optimized with response surface methodology. RESULTS: When DES (choline chloride/oxalic acid = 1:1) content was 168.1 g kg-1, extraction temperature was 79.8 °C, liquid-solid ratio was 23.3 mL g-1, and extraction time was 120 min, the maximum yield of 239.6 g kg-1 was obtained, which was almost twice the extraction of hot water. DES-extracted fig peel pectin (D-FP) exhibited better nature than hot water-extracted fig peel pectin (W-FP) in terms of uronic acid content, particle size distribution, and solubility, but lower molecular weight and esterification degree. D-FP and W-FP had similar infrared spectra and thermodynamic peaks but differed in monosaccharide compositions. D-FP also showed good antioxidant capacities and exhibited better functional activities than W-FP. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that D-FP was of promising quality being utilized in food or medical industries and the optimal DES-assisted extraction method might be applied as a sustainable process for the effective extraction of bioactive pectin from fig peels with the excellence of low equipment requirements and simple operation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antiphotoaging Effect of AGEs Blocker™ in UVB-Irradiated Cells and Skh:HR-1 Hairless Mice.

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major cause of photoaging. It involves extrinsic aging, wrinkle formation, and skin dehydration, and leads to excessive production of active oxygen that adversely affects the skin. Here, we investigated the antiphotoaging effect of AGEs BlockerTM (AB), which comprises Korean mint aerial part and fig and goji berry fruits. Compared to its individual components, AB was more potent at increasing the expression of collagen and hyaluronic acid and decreasing MMP-1 expression in UVB-irradiated Hs68 fibroblasts and HaCaT keratinocytes. In Skh:HR-1 hairless mice exposed to 60 mJ/cm2 UVB for 12 weeks, oral administration of 20 or 200 mg/kg/day AB restored skin moisture by improving UVB-induced erythema, skin moisture, and transepidermal water loss, and alleviated photoaging by improving UVB-induced elasticity and wrinkles. Moreover, AB upregulated the mRNA levels of hyaluronic acid synthase and collagen-related Col1a1, Col3a1, and Col4a1 genes, increasing hyaluronic acid and collagen expression, respectively. AB inhibited UVB-induced MAPK and AP-1 (c-fos) activation, resulting in significantly downregulated expression of MMP-1 and -9, which are responsible for collagen degradation. AB also stimulated the expression and activity of antioxidative enzymes and reduced lipid peroxidation. Thus, AB is a potential preventive and therapeutic agent for photoaging.

Indirect regeneration in Ficus lyrata Warb. and metabolite profiles influenced by nitric oxide and Plant growth regulators.

BACKGROUND: To establish an indirect regeneration protocol in Ficus lyrata, a three-phase experiment (callus induction, morphogenic callus induction, and plant regeneration) based on auxin, cytokinin, and nitric oxide interactions was designed and implemented using leaf explants. The metabolite profiles (amino acid profile, total phenolic content, total soluble sugars, and total antioxidant activity) alteration patterns were also investigated to determine the metabolites contributing to the progress of each phase. RESULTS: Results demonstrated that 11 out of 48 implemented treatments resulted in morphogenic callus induction (morphogenic treatments), and nitric oxide played a key role in increasing efficiency from 13 to 100%. More importantly, nitric oxide cross-talk with cytokinins was necessary for shoot regeneration from morphogenic calli. Only 4 out of all 48 implemented treatments were capable of shoot regeneration (regenerative treatments), and among them, PR42 treatment led to the highest shoot regeneration rate (86%) and maximum mean number of shoot/explant (10.46). Metabolite analyses revealed that the morphogenic and regenerative treatments followed similar metabolite alterations, which were associated with increased biosynthesis of arginine, lysine, methionine, asparagine, glutamine, histidine, threonine, leucine, glycine, serine amino acids, total soluble sugars content, and total antioxidant activity. On the contrary, non-morphogenic and non-regenerative treatments caused the accumulation of a significantly greater total phenolic content and malondialdehyde in the explant cells, which reflexed the stressful condition of the explants. CONCLUSIONS: It could be concluded that the proper interactions of auxin, cytokinins, and nitric oxide could result in metabolite biosynthesis alterations, leading to triggering cell proliferation, morphogenic center formation, and shoot regeneration.

Polygalacturonase gene family analysis identifies FcPG12 as a key player in fig (Ficus carica L.) fruit softening.

BACKGROUND: The fig (Ficus carica L.) tree has high economic value. However, its fruit have a short shelf life due to rapid softening. Polygalacturonases (PGs) are essential hydrolases, responsible for the pectin degradation that plays a key role in fruit softening. However, fig PG genes and their regulators have not yet been characterized. RESULTS: In this study, 43 FcPGs were identified in the fig genome. They were non-uniformly distributed on 13 chromosomes, and tandem repeat PG gene clusters were found on chromosomes 4 and 5. Ka/Ks calculation and collinear analysis indicated negative selection as the main driver of FcPG family expansion. Fourteen FcPGs were found expressed in fig fruit with FPKM values > 10, of which seven were positively correlated, and three, negatively correlated with fruit softening. Eleven FcPGs were upregulated and two downregulated in response to ethephon treatment. FcPG12, a member of the tandem repeat cluster on chromosome 4, was selected for further analyses due to its sharp increment in transcript abundance during fruit softening and its response to ethephon treatment. Transient overexpression of FcPG12 led to decreased fig fruit firmness and increased PG enzyme activity in the tissue. Two ethylene response factor (ERF)-binding GCC-box sites were found on the FcPG12 promoter. Yeast one-hybrid and dual luciferase assays showed that FcERF5 binds directly to the FcPG12 promoter and upregulates its expression. Transient overexpression of FcERF5 upregulated FcPG12 expression, thereby increasing PG activity and fruit softening. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified FcPG12 as a key PG gene in fig fruit softening, and its direct positive regulation by FcERF5. The results provide new information on the molecular regulation of fig fruit softening.

Determination of the epitopic peptides of fig mosaic virus and the single-chain variable fragment antibody by mass spectrometry.

The study of antibody-antigen interactions, through epitope mapping, enhances our understanding of antibody neutralization and antigenic determinant recognition. Epitope mapping, employing monoclonal antibodies and mass spectrometry, has emerged as a rapid and precise method to investigate viral antigenic determinants. In this report, we propose an approach to improve the accuracy of epitopic peptide interaction rate recognition. To achieve this, we investigated the interaction between the nucleocapsid protein of fig mosaic virus (FMV-NP) and single-chain variable fragment antibodies (scFv-Ab). These scFv-Ab maintain high specificity similar to whole monoclonal antibodies, but they are smaller in size. We coupled this with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The experimental design involved using two different enzymes to digest FMV-NP separately. The resulting peptides were then incubated separately with the desired scFv-Ab at different incubation times and antibody concentrations. This allowed us to monitor the relative rate of epitopic peptide interaction with the antibody. The results demonstrated that, at a 1:1 ratio and after 2 h of interaction, the residues 122-136, 148-157, and 265-276 exhibited high-rate epitopic peptide binding, with reductions in peak intensity of 78%, 21%, and 22%, respectively. Conversely, the residues 250-264 showed low-rate binding, with a 15% reduction in peak intensity. This epitope mapping approach, utilizing scFv-Ab, two different enzymes, and various incubation times, offers a precise and dependable analysis for monitoring and recognizing the binding kinetics of antigenic determinants. Furthermore, this method can be applied to study any kind of antigens.

T2 olivary nuclei hyperintensities: A characteristic neuroimaging finding in FIG4-related leukoencephalopathy.

FIG4 related leukoencephalopathy has recently been considered as an expanded spectrum of FIG4 related disorders characterized by upper and lower motor neuron involvement, dystonia, intellectual disability, bulbar symptoms with cerebellar atrophy. We report a 7-year-old girl who presented with classic clinical features of FIG4 related leukoencephalopathy and neuroimaging showed characteristic T2 olivary nuclei hyperintensities in addition to bilateral parietal lobe and thalamic hyperintensities and mild cerebellar atrophy. Trio exome sequencing with Sanger confirmation revealed a novel variant c.504C>G in the FIG4 gene. Phase contrast microscopy of skin fibroblast cultures detect enlarged vacuoles in 50% of patient's fibroblasts as opposed to 18.6% vacuolation in cultured control fibroblasts (p < 0.00001), a feature characteristic of fibroblasts with deleterious variants of FIG4. In addition, we have reviewed and compared the phenotypic features of published cases of FIG4 related leukoencephalopathy from literature. This case adds to the delineation of FIG4 related leukoencephalopathy phenotype. The radiological finding of T2 inferior olivary nuclei hyperintensities appear to be characteristic for the phenotype or at least for the cases due to variants in and around the 168th codon and active effort should be made to detect the same as it can add to the genotype phenotype spectrum.

Magnetic activated carbon synthesized using rubber fig tree leaves for adsorptive removal of tetracycline from aqueous solutions.

The current study emphasizes the activated carbon fabrication from rubber fig leaves, the establishment of its composite with iron oxide nanoparticles (RFAC@Fe2O3), and its relevance in the adsorptive elimination of tetracycline. The physical and functional properties of RFAC@Fe2O3 nanocomposite were uncovered by multiple approaches. Elemental analysis portrayed the existence of carbon, oxygen, and iron, while FESEM analysis revealed that Fe2O3 nanoparticle agglomerates were entrenched in the activated carbon matrix rendering it a rough abrasive texture. FT-IR analysis reported the presence of functional groups attributing to CC, -OH, crystalline iron oxide, and Fe-O stretching vibrations, and XRD corroborated graphitic crystalline structure, oxygenated functional groups attached to carbon accompanied by crystalline plane corresponding to Fe2O3 nanoparticles. XPS spectra depicted signature peaks for C, O, and Fe, while VSM studies designated its superparamagnetic nature. The high surface area (662.73 m2/g), pore size (3.12 nm), and mesoporous nature of RFAC@Fe2O3 make it apt for the adsorption of pollutants from contaminated samples. The adsorption of tetracycline (50 ppm) by RFAC@Fe2O3 was maximum at pH 4.0. As the nanocomposite dosage and stirring speed increased to 2.0 g/L and 150 rpm, maximum adsorption was observed due to more active binding sites and improved mixing. Freundlich isotherm along with pseudo-second-order model well described adsorption process divulging that tetracycline was adsorbed onto RFAC@Fe2O3 composite in multi-layers by chemisorption. Thermodynamic analysis signified negative values for ΔG°, while positive values for ΔH° and ΔS were obtained, indicating spontaneous feasible endothermic adsorption.

From Threat to Opportunity: Harnessing the Invasive Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br for Nutritional and Phytotherapeutic Valorization Amid Seasonal and Spatial Variability.

Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br. (Hottentot-fig) is a problematic invasive species found in coastal areas worldwide. Mechanical removal is a common control method, leaving the removed biomass available as a possible source of natural phytochemicals with prospective commercial applications. While the Hottentot-fig's vegetative organs have been studied previously, this work establishes for the first time a seasonal and spatial comparative analysis of its nutritional, chemical, and bioactivity profiles (in three locations over four seasons). Proximate and mineral contents were assessed, along with its phenolic composition and in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Hottentot-fig's biomass offered a good supply of nutrients, mainly carbohydrates, proteins, and minerals, with a tendency for higher concentrations of the most relevant minerals and proteins in autumn and winter, and in plants from sites A (Ria de Alvor lagoon) and B (Ancão beach). The extracts were rich in polyphenolics, with higher levels in spring and summer, especially for luteolin-7-O-glucoside and salicylic and coumaric acids. The extracts were also effective antioxidants, with stronger radical scavenging activities in spring and summer, along with anti-inflammatory properties. Our results suggest that the usually discarded plant material of this invasive halophyte could be valuable as a source of natural products with potential biotechnological applications in the food and nutraceutical industries.

Ficus carica Latex Modulates Immunity-Linked Gene Expression in Human Papillomavirus Positive Cervical Cancer Cell Lines: Evidence from RNA Seq Transcriptome Analysis.

Cervical carcinogenesis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, and the role of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) as a possible risk factor in the development of this cancer is well recognized. Despite the availability of multi-therapeutic approaches, there is still major concern regarding the prevention of metastatic dissemination and excessive tissue injuries. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a safer and more efficient treatment modality. Ficus carica, a natural plant, has shown potential therapeutic properties through its fruit latex when applied to HPV-positive cervical cancer cell lines. However, the mechanisms of action of Ficus carica (fig) latex are not well understood. This study aims to provide a deeper insight into the biological activities of fig latex on human cervical cancer cell lines expressing high-risk HPV types 16 and 18. The data obtained from this study reveal that fig latex influences the expression of genes involved in "Class I MHC-mediated antigen presentation" as well as "Antigen processing: Ubiquitination and Proteasome degradation". These genes play a crucial role in host immune surveillance and the resolution of infection. Notably, Western blot analysis corroborated these findings, demonstrating an increase in the expression of MHC class I in HeLa cells after fig latex treatment. Findings from this study suggest that fig latex may enhance T cell responses against oncogenic HPV, which could be beneficial for the clearance of early-stage cancer.

Industrial Application and Health Prospective of Fig (Ficus carica) By-Products.

The current review was carried out on the industrial application of fig by-products and their role against chronic disorders. Fig is basically belonging to fruit and is botanically called Ficus carica. There are different parts of fig, including the leaves, fruits, seeds and latex. The fig parts are a rich source of bioactive compounds and phytochemicals including antioxidants, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and vitamins. These different parts of fig are used in different food industries such as the bakery, dairy and beverage industries. Fig by-products are used in extract or powder form to value the addition of different food products for the purpose of improving the nutritional value and enhancing the stability. Fig by-products are additive-based products which contain high phytochemicals fatty acids, polyphenols and antioxidants. Due to the high bioactive compounds, these products performed a vital role against various diseases including cancer, diabetes, constipation, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Concussively, fig-based food products may be important for human beings and produce healthy food.

Effects of Partial Replacement of Sugar with Fig Syrup on the Survival of Bacillus coagulans and the Physicochemical Properties of Probiotic Ice Cream.

Research background: Various sectors of the food industry demand the enrichment of food with functional compounds. Probiotic products with valuable nutritional and therapeutic properties have attracted great attention in the fields of industry, nutrition and medicine. The aim of the present study is to investigate the sensory and physicochemical properties of probiotic ice cream containing fig syrup and to evaluate the survival of Bacillus coagulans after 90 days of storage at -18 °C. Experimental approach: In this study, four experimental groups of ice cream were produced as follows: plain dairy ice cream (without additives), ice cream containing 109 CFU/g B. coagulans, ice cream containing 25 % fig syrup as sugar substitute and ice cream containing 25 % fig syrup as sugar substitute and 109 CFU/g B. coagulans. They were stored at -18 °C for 3 months. Texture, pH, acidity and viscosity were analysed and microbial counts were determined after 1, 30, 60 and 90 days of storage. The organoleptic evaluation was carried out on days 1 and 90. Results and conclusions: The results showed that during the initial freezing process and the transformation of the mixture into ice cream, the number of B. coagulans decreased from 109 to 107 CFU/g, without significant changes observed over the 90-day period. No significant changes were found in the sensory and textural properties of the samples either. Replacement of 25 % sugar with fig syrup reduced the pH, increased the acidity of the ice cream and improved their viscosity. In conclusion, the production of functional ice cream using fig syrup and B. coagulans is recommended for their health benefits. Novelty and scientific contribution: The results of this study can be used to prepare functional and healthy foods. Our results suggest that fig syrup has the potential to be used as a natural sweetener or sugar substitute in various products.

Thermostable ficin from jelly fig (Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang) latex: purification, identification and characterization.

BACKGROUND: The achenes/seeds of endemic jelly fig (Ficus pumila var. awkeotsang) fruit have been applied to prepare a traditional beverage in Taiwan. Upon fruit harvest, jelly fig latex exuded from stalks was discarded. Protease activity was monitored in its latex. Proteases capable of hydrolyzing proteins have many application aspects based on diverse characteristics. Commercial plant proteases are frequently from latex. RESULTS: The latex protease of jelly fig, termed FaFicin, was purified to homogeneity with a molecular mass of ~32 kDa on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. According to liquid chromatographic-tandem mass spectrometric analyses, the expected protein band of protease was matched to ficin A, ficin B or chymopapain from common fig or papaya. Iodoacetamide, an inhibitor of cysteine protease, inhibited its protease activity completely. Hence FaFicin was identified as a papain-like cysteine protease (PLCP), exhibiting more than 80% and 70% activity as assayed at pH 5-8 and 40-70 °C, respectively. It maintained ~89% of initial activity after 120 min at 55 °C and pH 7. Moreover, FaFicin could degrade the myosin and actin of meat, and clot milk. CONCLUSION: The ficin FaFicin was obtained, purified and identified as a PLCP member from agricultural waste: jelly fig latex. It possessed activity under a wide range of pH values and temperature, and exhibited excellent thermostability. Based on its initial evaluation as a meat tenderizer and milk clotting reagent, the application of FaFicin was possible, which may extend utilization of jelly fig. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Ultrastructural study of anther parasitism of Ficus laevigata by Ficophagus laevigatus (Aphelenchoididae).

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to compare the ultrastructural differences between healthy male florets (anthers) and one floret parasitized by Ficophagus laevigatus in late phase C syconia of Ficus laevigata from southern Florida. Previous light-microscopic examination of paraffin-sectioned material showed that F. laevigatus-infested anthers of F. laevigata manifested as malformed, often with aberrant pollen and hypertrophied epidermal cells closest to regions containing propagating nematodes. Female florets or fig wasp-parasitized female florets were not observed to be parasitized by nematodes. Considering that plant-feeding in the Aphelenchoididae is purportedly much less specialized than in certain groups of the Tylenchomorpha, where specialized hypertrophied feeder cells are produced in response to nematode feeding, we examined the putative induced response in this unusual aphelenchoidid system with the higher resolution afforded by TEM. TEM confirmed the expression of significant epidermal cell hypertrophy of the anther and anther filament in the presence of propagating nematodes, which was expressed as cell enlargement (2-5X), fractionation of large electron-dense stores into smaller aggregates, irregularly shaped nuclei enclosed by an elongated nuclear envelope, nucleolus enlargement, increased organelle production, and apparent metabolism with increased numbers of mitochondria, pro-plastids, and endoplasmic reticulum, as well as increased thickening of the cell walls. Pathological effects were observed in adjacent cells/tissue (e.g., anther and anther filament parenchymal cells, pollen tubes, pollen, and endothecium) with apparent diminishment as the distance from propagating nematodes increased (which was also probably affected by number of nematodes). Some TEM sections captured previously undocumented ultrastructural highlights of propagating individuals of F. laevigatus.

Adsorption of methylene blue dye from aqueous solution using low-cost adsorbent: kinetic, isotherm adsorption, and thermodynamic studies.

Fig leaf, an environmentally friendly byproduct of fruit plants, has been used for the first time to treat of methylene blue dye. The fig leaf-activated carbon (FLAC-3) was prepared successfully and used for the adsorption of methylene blue dye (MB). The adsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). In the present study, initial concentrations, contact time, temperatures, pH solution, FLAC-3 dose, volume solution, and activation agent were investigated. However, the initial concentration of MB was investigated at different concentrations of 20, 40, 80, 120, and 200 mg/L. pH solution was examined at these values: pH3, pH7, pH8, and pH11. Moreover, adsorption temperatures of 20, 30, 40, and 50 °C were considered to investigate how the FLAC-3 works on MB dye removal. The adsorption capacity of FLAC-3 was determined to be 24.75 mg/g for 0.08 g and 41 mg/g for 0.02 g. The adsorption process has followed the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.9841), where the adsorption created a monolayer covering the surface of the adsorbent. Additionally, it was discovered that the maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) was 41.7 mg/g and the Langmuir affinity constant (KL) was 0.37 L/mg. The FLAC-3, as low-cost adsorbents for methylene blue dye, has shown good cationic dye adsorption performance.

The Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Figs (Ficus carica L.) Grown in the Black Sea Region.

This study compared the phenolic composition and antioxidant properties of three varieties of fig fruits (Ficus carica L) from the Eastern Black Sea region of Türkiye. Total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and phenolic compositions were analyzed in green, purple, and dark purple species. The mean TPC value was 42.10 ± 5.71 mg GAE/100 g FW, ranging from 35.98 to 47.30 mg GAE/100 g FW, and was highest in the dark purple species. The mean TFC value was 1.27 ± 0.93 mg QUE/100 FW g, ranging between 0.35 and 2.21 mg QUE/100 FW g, and was highest in the purple species. The samples' total antioxidant capacity was measured based on ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), the values ranging from 151.98 to 372.97 µmol FeSO4.7H2O/100 g FW, with an average value of 239.64 µmol FeSO4.7H2O/100 g FW, being highest in the dark purple species. The 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity of the fruits was expressed as SC50 (mg/mL), and the values ranged from 10.04 to 42.42 mg/mL, being highest in the purple species. The phenolic composition was analyzed using HPLC-PDA according to the method in which 25 phenolic standards were used. Chlorogenic acid and t-cinnamic acid were the most common phenolic compounds, with rutin, chrysin, apigenin, and luteolin being detected at different amounts. In conclusion, the purple species contained the highest flavonoid content, was rich in apigenin, luteolin, and chrysin, and possessed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity.