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Horticulture Research Jan 2024Flavonoids are important compounds in tea leaves imparting bitter and astringent taste, which also play key roles in tea plants responding to environmental stress. Our...
Flavonoids are important compounds in tea leaves imparting bitter and astringent taste, which also play key roles in tea plants responding to environmental stress. Our previous study showed that the expression level of was positively correlated with the accumulation of flavonoids in tea leaves as exposed to sunlight. Here, we newly reported the function of CsMYB67 in regulating flavonoid biosynthesis in tea leaves. CsMYB67 was localized in the nucleus and responded to temperature. The results of transient expression assays showed the co-transformation of and promoted the transcription of promoter in the tobacco system. CsTTG1 was bound to the promoter of based on the results of yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and transient expression assays, while CsMYB67 enhanced the transcription of through protein interaction with CsTTG1 according to the results of yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). Thus, CsMYB67-CsTTG1 module enhanced the anthocyanin biosynthesis through up-regulating the transcription of . Besides, CsMYB67 also enhanced the transcription of and through forming transcription factor complexes. The function of on flavonoid biosynthesis in tea leaves was validated by gene suppression assay. As was suppressed, the transcriptional level of was greatly reduced, leading to a significant increase in the contents of total catechins and total anthocyanidins. Hence, CsMYB67 plays an important role in regulating the downstream pathway of flavonoid biosynthesis in summer tea leaves.
PubMed: 38288253
DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad231 -
Food Chemistry: X Jun 2024In this study, a new fermented food was developed using pineapple by-products and whey protein (2.6%) as raw materials through the co-fermentation of autochthonous...
In this study, a new fermented food was developed using pineapple by-products and whey protein (2.6%) as raw materials through the co-fermentation of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria and yeast. To better understand the fermentation mechanism and the impact of microorganisms on the entire fermentation system, we tracked the changes in carbohydrate and amino acid profiles, organoleptic quality and microbial community during the fermentation process. Compared with unfermented samples, dietary fiber and free amino acids increased significantly as fermentation proceeded. The fermented samples were significantly lower in astringency and bitterness and significantly higher in sourness, umami and richness. The fermented products were richer in volatile compounds with floral, cheesy, fruity and other flavors. Relevant analyses showed that the core microbial community was highly correlated with the quality attributes of the fermented products. Microorganisms such as , , , and contributed significantly to the fermented products.
PubMed: 38444559
DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101254 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Jul 2023Immunotherapy represents a promising therapeutic option for treatment of warts. Different concentrations of Candida antigen (1/100 and 1/1000) and zinc sulfate 2% were... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Immunotherapy represents a promising therapeutic option for treatment of warts. Different concentrations of Candida antigen (1/100 and 1/1000) and zinc sulfate 2% were not previously compared regarding their efficacy in treatment of cutaneous warts. The present study compared the safety and efficacy of intralesional candida antigen versus intralesional 2% zinc sulfate for treatment of cutaneous warts. This prospective controlled clinical trial included one hundred and five patients presented with common, plantar, and plane warts. Patients were divided randomly into three groups, each group included 35 patients. Group 1 were treated with intralesional candida antigen (Ag) 1/100, Group 2 were treated with intralesional candida Ag 1/1000, and Group 3 were treated with intralesional zinc sulfate 2%. This study found that target warts of group 1 displayed higher rate of complete clearance compared to group 2 and group 3 (94.3%, 77.1, 74.2%), respectively. The present study concluded that intralesional immunotherapy with Candida antigen was more effective than Intralesional 2% zinc sulfate in treatment of cutaneous warts and less painful. Clinical trial registration number is (Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT03158168).
Topics: Humans; Candida albicans; Zinc Sulfate; Treatment Outcome; Prospective Studies; Injections, Intralesional; Warts; Immunotherapy; Antigens, Fungal; Papillomaviridae
PubMed: 36567351
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-022-02499-w -
Food Chemistry Nov 2023Acetaldehyde plays a key role in determining some wine properties. Interesting is the reaction of acetaldehyde with flavonoids, as the ensuing products can alter wine...
Acetaldehyde plays a key role in determining some wine properties. Interesting is the reaction of acetaldehyde with flavonoids, as the ensuing products can alter wine color, astringency, colloidal stability. Many studies reported on the formation of ethylidene-bridged flavan-3-ols as products of the reaction between acetaldehyde and either (+)-catechin or (-)-epicatechin. In white wines after one year of incubation with acetaldehyde only vinyl-(+)-catechin and vinyl-(-)-epicatechin were observed, while no ethylidene linked oligomers were detected. This observation prompted us to study the reaction of (+)-catechin with acetaldehyde in wine model solution through an experimental and theoretical approach, with the purpose of exploring the nature of the species involved along with the mechanisms leading to them. The products of the reaction were observed over 38 days. The results showed that ethylidene-bridged catechins are the first products to be formed but over time the dissociation of these dimers causes vinyl-catechins to accumulate.
Topics: Catechin; Acetaldehyde; Flavonoids; Wine; Models, Theoretical
PubMed: 37343411
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136556 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Sep 2023Many authors have investigated the role of mannoproteins on wine quality, but very few have analyzed the use of grape-derived polysaccharides as they are not...
Many authors have investigated the role of mannoproteins on wine quality, but very few have analyzed the use of grape-derived polysaccharides as they are not commercially available. In this study, purified grape-derived polysaccharides from red wine (WPP) and winemaking by-products (DWRP: Distilled Washing Residues Polysaccharides) were used as potential fining agents to modulate white wine flavor. Phenolics and volatile compounds were analyzed in the control and wines treated with WPP, DWRP, and commercial mannoproteins (CMs) after one and twelve months of bottling, and a sensory analysis was conducted. WPP and DWRP, rich in rhamnogalacturonans-II, showed themselves to be good modulators of wine aroma and astringency. Improvement in wine aroma was related to an increase in all volatile families expect higher alcohols and volatile acids. The modulation of astringency and bitterness was related to a reduction in the proanthocyanidin content and its mean degree of polymerization. Extracts with polysaccharides with higher protein contents presented a higher retention of volatile compounds, and DWRP extract had more positive effects on the overall aroma. Our novel results present the possibility of obtaining valuable polysaccharides from distilled washing residues of wine pomaces, which could promote its valorization as a by-product. This is the first time the potential use of this by-product has been described.
Topics: Humans; Wine; Vitis; Rhamnogalacturonans; Polysaccharides; Astringents
PubMed: 37764251
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186477 -
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry Oct 2023Gingival displacement is used in prosthodontics to obtain an accurate impression. However, randomized clinical trials to analyze the performance of different gingival...
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
Gingival displacement is used in prosthodontics to obtain an accurate impression. However, randomized clinical trials to analyze the performance of different gingival displacement products are lacking.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this prospective, comparative randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of 3 gingival displacement techniques: Racegel cordless, Racegel with a cord, and Racestyptine with a cord.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A prospective, multicenter randomized, open label, 3-arm parallel group study was carried out in private dental practices. Patients with prepared teeth with healthy gingiva were recruited to make impressions before and after gingival displacement, which were digitized. Lateral and vertical gingival displacements were measured with computer-aided 3-dimensional analysis performed by a single operator who was blinded to the technique and the patient. For mean lateral gingival displacement, each gingival displacement method was compared with a required clinical value of 200 µm with the Student t test. The comparison of means among the 3 groups was performed using an ANOVA. Periodontal indices were recorded immediately and 7 to 14 days after gingival displacement. The percentages were compared with the chi-squared test or the Fisher exact test (α=.05 for all tests).
RESULTS
Eighty-eight participants were enrolled. The mean lateral gingival displacement obtained by Racestyptine with a cord (253 ±59 µm, P<.001) and by Racegel with a cord (247 ±61 µm, P<.001) were significantly higher than 200 µm. Lateral displacement observed with Racegel cordless was 207 ±57 µm (P=.53). For vertical gingival displacement, no difference among the 3 techniques was found. The astringent effect of these products was confirmed by the absence of crevicular fluid or bleeding. No periodontal damage was observed immediately or 7-14 days after displacement.
CONCLUSIONS
The study showed that cord impregnated with Racestyptine and Racegel with or without a cord provided a sufficient sulcus opening before impression making in prosthodontics, consistent with the clinical requirements for lateral displacement.
PubMed: 37919130
DOI: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2023.09.027 -
DNA Research : An International Journal... Oct 2023Frequent polyploidization events in plants have led to the establishment of many lineage-specific traits representing each species. Little is known about the genetic...
Frequent polyploidization events in plants have led to the establishment of many lineage-specific traits representing each species. Little is known about the genetic bases for these specific traits in polyploids, presumably due to plant genomic complexity and their difficulties in applying genetic approaches. Hexaploid Oriental persimmon (Diospyros kaki) has evolved specific fruit characteristics, including wide variations in fruit shapes and astringency. In this study, using whole-genome diploidized/quantitative genotypes from ddRAD-Seq data of 173 persimmon cultivars, we examined their population structures and potential correlations between their structural transitions and variations in nine fruit traits. The population structures of persimmon cultivars were highly randomized and not substantially correlated with the representative fruit traits focused on in this study, except for fruit astringency. With genome-wide association analytic tools considering polyploid alleles, we identified the loci associated with the nine fruit traits; we mainly focused on fruit-shape variations, which have been numerically characterized by principal component analysis of elliptic Fourier descriptors. The genomic regions that putatively underwent selective sweep exhibited no overlap with the loci associated with these persimmon-specific fruit traits. These insights will contribute to understanding the genetic mechanisms by which fruit traits are independently established, possibly due to polyploidization events.
Topics: Diospyros; Fruit; Genome-Wide Association Study; Phenotype; Genotype
PubMed: 37326063
DOI: 10.1093/dnares/dsad015 -
Scientifica 2024, a widely utilized medicinal plant in various African ethnic communities, continues to hold significant importance in traditional healing practices. Research has... (Review)
Review
, a widely utilized medicinal plant in various African ethnic communities, continues to hold significant importance in traditional healing practices. Research has identified phytochemical compounds in this plant, exhibiting diverse pharmacological activities that offer potential for pharmaceutical development. Notably, is employed in treating various ailments such as wounds, diabetes mellitus, malaria, benign prostatic hyperplasia, chest pain, and prostate cancer. Its pharmacological properties are attributed to a spectrum of bioactive compounds, including tannins, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phytosterols, and fatty acids. Multiple studies have documented the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiandrogenic, antiangiogenic, antioxidant, antidipeptidyl peptidase-4 activity, analgesic, and astringent properties of extracts. This review offers a comprehensive compilation of ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical composition, pharmacological effects, and toxicity assessments of , serving as a foundation for future preclinical and clinical investigations. By understanding its traditional uses and chemical constituents, researchers can target specific medical conditions with greater precision, potentially expediting the development of safe and effective pharmaceuticals. Moreover, toxicity assessments provide crucial insights into the safety profile of extracts, ensuring the development of safe pharmaceuticals to treat various diseases.
PubMed: 38654751
DOI: 10.1155/2024/8862996 -
BMC Ophthalmology Nov 2023Transepithelial corneal crosslinking (CXL) is a novel surgical approach for the treatment of keratoconus, which is a bilateral asymmetrical ophthalmological disease... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Transepithelial corneal crosslinking (CXL) is a novel surgical approach for the treatment of keratoconus, which is a bilateral asymmetrical ophthalmological disease accompanied by progressive corneal ectasia. Silicon hydrogel (SiH) contact lenses have been extensively used in clinical ophthalmologic medicine, as a postoperative ophthalmological intervention. However, the ideal lens application duration after transepithelial CXL remains uncertain. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects and comfort of immediate corneal contact lens use after transepithelial CXL for keratoconus.
METHODS
In this prospective study, 60 patients with keratoconus who underwent transepithelial CXL treatment were enrolled from September 2021 to January 2023 with a male:female ratio of 39:21, and an average age of 25.42 ± 5.47 years. The patients were divided randomly into two groups: group A contained 30 patients wearing silicone hydrogel contact lenses for 7 days postoperatively, and group B contained 30 patients wearing the same contact lenses for 3 days. Ten subjective ophthalmologic symptoms were surveyed by the patients, including pain, photophobia, foreign body sensation, tearing, burning, blurred vision, dry eyes, difficulty opening the eyes, astringency, and stinging. Ophthalmologic signs, including corneal edema and conjunctival congestion, were recorded by a single clinician on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7.
RESULTS
Each surgical procedure was readily performed without complications, and both groups postoperative day 7 (P = 0.04), where group B scored (0.01 ± 0.41) lesser than group A (0.12 ± 0.29), whilst corneal edema in both groups recorded significantly different on postoperative days 5 and 7 (group A demonstrated the result of 0.17 ± 0.14 and 0.08 ± 0.11 for the respective days, whereas group B indicated 0.10 ± 0.13 and 0.03 ± 0.07 at the corresponding times).
CONCLUSIONS
Immediate use of silicone hydrogel corneal lenses after transepithelial CXL effectively alleviates postoperative ocular distress, particularly with a three-day use period as the ideal duration.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Young Adult; Adult; Keratoconus; Silicon; Prospective Studies; Corneal Cross-Linking; Hydrogels; Corneal Edema; Cornea; Contact Lenses; Silicones; Cross-Linking Reagents; Photosensitizing Agents; Riboflavin; Ultraviolet Rays; Corneal Topography
PubMed: 37985976
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-023-03217-4 -
Plant Direct Jan 2024Dry pea () seeds are valuable sources of plant protein, dietary fiber, and starch, but their uses in food products are restricted to some extent due to several...
Dry pea () seeds are valuable sources of plant protein, dietary fiber, and starch, but their uses in food products are restricted to some extent due to several off-flavor compounds. Saponins are glycosylated triterpenoids and are a major source of bitter, astringent, and metallic off-flavors in pea products. () is the entry point enzyme for saponin biosynthesis in pea and therefore is an ideal target for knock-out using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to produce saponin deficient pea varieties. Here, in an elite yellow pea cultivar (CDC Inca), LC/MS analysis identified embryo tissue, not seed coat, as the main location of saponin storage in pea seeds. Differential expression analysis determined that was preferentially expressed in embryo tissue relative to seed coat and was selected for CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. The efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing of was systematically optimized in pea hairy roots. From these optimization procedures, the AtU6-26 promoter was found to be superior to the CaMV35S promoter for gRNA expression, and the use of 37°C was determined to increase the efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. These promoter and culture conditions were then applied to stable transformations. As a result, a bi-allelic mutation (deletion and inversion mutations) was generated in the coding sequence in a T plant, and the segregated plants from the T population showed a 99.8% reduction of saponins in their seeds. Interestingly, a small but statistically significant increase (~12%) in protein content with a slight decrease (~5%) in starch content was observed in the mutants under phytotron growth conditions. This work demonstrated that flavor-improved traits can be readily introduced in any pea cultivar of interest using CRISPR/Cas9. Further field trials and sensory tests for improved flavor are necessary to assess the practical implications of the saponin-free pea seeds in food applications.
PubMed: 38222934
DOI: 10.1002/pld3.563