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Post-veraison irreversible stem shrinkage in grapevine (Vitis vinifera) is caused by periderm formation.
Van de Wal, BAE, Leroux, O, Steppe, K
Tree physiology. 2018;(5):745-754
Abstract
Grapevines are characterized by a period of irreversible stem shrinkage around the onset of ripening of the grape berries. Since this shrinkage is unrelated to meteorological conditions or drought, it is often suggested that it is caused by the increased sink strength of the grape berries during this period. However, no studies so far have experimentally investigated the mechanisms underlying this irreversible stem shrinkage. We therefore combined continuous measurements of stem diameter variations and histology of potted 2-year-old grapevines (Vitis vinifera L. 'Boskoop Glory'). Sink strength was altered by pruning all grape clusters (treatment P), while non-pruned grapevines served as control (treatment C). Unexpectedly, our results showed irreversible post-veraison stem shrinkage in both treatments, suggesting that the shrinkage is not linked to grape berry sink strength. Anatomical analysis indicated that the shrinkage is the result of the formation of successive concentric periderm layers, and the subsequent dehydration and compression of the older bark tissues, an anatomical feature that is characteristic of Vitis stems. Stem shrinkage is hence unrelated to grape berry development, in contrast to what has been previously suggested.
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2.
Olive Fruit Blends Modulate Lipid-Sensing Nuclear Receptor PPARγ, Cell Survival, and Oxidative Stress Response in Human Osteoblast Cells.
Ammendola, S, Cocchiola, R, Lopreiato, M, Politi, L, Scandurra, R, Giusti, AM, Scotto d'Abusco, A
Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2018;(7):589-597
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to investigate how different extravirgin olive oils (EVOOs), obtained by blending Olea europea cultivars, could influence the cell growth, the response to inflammatory stimuli, and oxidative stress in a culture of the osteosarcoma cell line Saos-2. METHODS Three different extravirgin olive oils were physicochemically characterized, determining the free acidity, the oxidation status, the polyphenols content, and the antioxidative activity. Moreover, the effects on Saos-2 cell culture were determined, studying the mRNA expression level by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and the antioxidative activity using fluorescent probes. RESULTS The cultivars used in the south of Italy, yield extravirgin oils with different amount of fatty acids and polyphenols, which counteract induction of proinflammatory cytokines and regulate free radical production in hydrogen peroxide-stimulated cells. In vitro analysis using the human osteoblast cell line Saos-2 showed that the addition of oils to cell culture simulated a hypoxic stress followed by a reoxygenation period, during which the antioxidant activity of extravirgin olive oils protected cells from oxidative damages. On the other hand, the mRNA expression levels of factors involved in inflammatory processes, cell growth recovery, and antioxidant response, as heme oxygenase-1, were differently stimulated by EVOOs. Moreover, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) was differently modulated by EVOOs. CONCLUSION These findings show that the blending of different extravirgin olive oil can impact an osteoblast cell line, in particular regarding cell growth recovery and oxidative stress.
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3.
Genome encode analyses reveal the basis of convergent evolution of fleshy fruit ripening.
Lü, P, Yu, S, Zhu, N, Chen, YR, Zhou, B, Pan, Y, Tzeng, D, Fabi, JP, Argyris, J, Garcia-Mas, J, et al
Nature plants. 2018;(10):784-791
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Abstract
Fleshy fruits using ethylene to regulate ripening have developed multiple times in the history of angiosperms, presenting a clear case of convergent evolution whose molecular basis remains largely unknown. Analysis of the fruitENCODE data consisting of 361 transcriptome, 71 accessible chromatin, 147 histone and 45 DNA methylation profiles reveals three types of transcriptional feedback circuits controlling ethylene-dependent fruit ripening. These circuits are evolved from senescence or floral organ identity pathways in the ancestral angiosperms either by neofunctionalisation or repurposing pre-existing genes. The epigenome, H3K27me3 in particular, has played a conserved role in restricting ripening genes and their orthologues in dry and ethylene-independent fleshy fruits. Our findings suggest that evolution of ripening is constrained by limited hormone molecules and genetic and epigenetic materials, and whole-genome duplications have provided opportunities for plants to successfully circumvent these limitations.
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Star fruit nephrotoxicity: a case series and literature review.
Wijayaratne, DR, Bavanthan, V, de Silva, MVC, Nazar, ALM, Wijewickrama, ES
BMC nephrology. 2018;(1):288
Abstract
BACKGROUND Star fruit is a popular medicinal fruit in the tropics. Its hypoglycaemic properties are considered useful in achieving glycaemic control in diabetes. Star fruit induced nephrotoxicity is a rare cause of acute kidney injury in individuals with both normal and reduced baseline renal function. We present three cases of acute kidney injury due to star fruit nephrotoxicity from Sri Lanka, and discuss the published literature on this topic. CASE PRESENTATION Three Sri Lankan patients, all with a background of diabetes, presented to us with acute nausea and anorexia following recent consumption of star fruit. Two patients complained of diarrhoea and one patient complained of intractable hiccoughs. They all had elevated serum creatinine on admission. Two were known to have normal baseline serum creatinine levels. On renal biopsy two had evidence of oxalate crystal deposition. One did not show crystal deposition but had acute interstitial nephritis for which no alternate cause could be identified. Two were treated with short courses of prednisolone and two required acute haemodialysis. All recovered renal function, with both patients with known baselines approaching their premorbid serum creatinine levels. CONCLUSION Consumption of star fruit, especially on an empty stomach or in a state of dehydration may precipitate acute kidney injury. A history of star fruit ingestion must be actively looked for in patients presenting with unexplained acute kidney injury. The use of star fruit as a therapy for diabetes should be discouraged.
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The nutritional and health attributes of kiwifruit: a review.
Richardson, DP, Ansell, J, Drummond, LN
European journal of nutrition. 2018;(8):2659-2676
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Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the nutritional and health attributes of kiwifruit and the benefits relating to improved nutritional status, digestive, immune and metabolic health. The review includes a brief history of green and gold varieties of kiwifruit from an ornamental curiosity from China in the 19th century to a crop of international economic importance in the 21st century; comparative data on their nutritional composition, particularly the high and distinctive amount of vitamin C; and an update on the latest available scientific evidence from well-designed and executed human studies on the multiple beneficial physiological effects. Of particular interest are the digestive benefits for healthy individuals as well as for those with constipation and other gastrointestinal disorders, including symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The mechanisms of action behind the gastrointestinal effects, such as changes in faecal (stool) consistency, decrease in transit time and reduction of abdominal discomfort, relate to the water retention capacity of kiwifruit fibre, favourable changes in the human colonic microbial community and primary metabolites, as well as the naturally present proteolytic enzyme actinidin, which aids protein digestion both in the stomach and the small intestine. The effects of kiwifruit on metabolic markers of cardiovascular disease and diabetes are also investigated, including studies on glucose and insulin balance, bodyweight maintenance and energy homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS The increased research data and growing consumer awareness of the health benefits of kiwifruit provide logical motivation for their regular consumption as part of a balanced diet. Kiwifruit should be considered as part of a natural and effective dietary strategy to tackle some of the major health and wellness concerns around the world.
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Dairy-Based and Energy-Enriched Berry-Based Snacks Improve or Maintain Nutritional and Functional Status in Older People in Home Care.
Nykänen, I, Törrönen, R, Schwab, U
The journal of nutrition, health & aging. 2018;(10):1205-1210
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Consumption of energy- and nutrient-dense snacks are recommended for older people to maintain adequate nutrition. We evaluated the effects of dairy-based and energy-enriched berry products consumed as snacks on nutritional and functional status among vulnerable older people receiving home care services. DESIGN Randomised controlled study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The study sample consisted of 85 home care clients, with mean age of 81.9 (SD 7.1) years in the intervention group (n=50) and 83.7 (SD 8.1) years in the control group (n=35), and 72% women in both groups. INTERVENTION In the intervention group, the participants consumed both high-protein dairy-based products and energy-enriched berry purées for three months. The snack products provided nearly 300 kcal and 14 g protein per day. MEASUREMENTS The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), body mass index (BMI), mid-arm muscular area (MAMA) and concentrations of plasma albumin and prealbumin and blood haemoglobin were used to determine nutritional status, and handgrip strength was used to determine functional status at baseline and after the intervention. RESULTS After adjustment for age and gender, the intervention showed a significant effect on MNA scores (2.1, 95% [CI]: 1.0 to 3.3) (p=0.003), albumin concentration (2.0 g/L, 95% [CI]: 1.1 to 3.2) (p=0.006) and handgrip strength of the right hand in women (2.4 kg, 95% [CI]: 1.2 to 3.3) (p=0.007). The MNA scores improved in the intervention group, while albumin concentration and handgrip strength decreased in the control group. CONCLUSIONS Regular use of dairy- and energy-enriched berry-based snacks may improve or maintain nutritional and functional status among older people in home care.
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The Proteome of Fruit Peroxisomes: Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) as a Model.
Palma, JM, de Morales, PÁ, Del Río, LA, Corpas, FJ
Sub-cellular biochemistry. 2018;:323-341
Abstract
Despite of their economical and nutritional interest, the biology of fruits is still little studied in comparison with reports of other plant organs such as leaves and roots. Accordingly, research at subcellular and molecular levels is necessary not only to understand the physiology of fruits, but also to improve crop qualities. Efforts addressed to gain knowledge of the peroxisome proteome and how it interacts with the overall metabolism of fruits will provide tools to be used in breeding strategies of agricultural species with added value. In this work, special attention will be paid to peroxisomal proteins involved in the metabolism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the relevant role of these compounds at fruit ripening. The proteome of peroxisomes purified from sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) fruit is reported, where an iron-superoxide dismutase (Fe-SOD) was localized in these organelles, besides other antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and a Mn-SOD, as well as enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, malate, lipids and fatty acids, amino acids, the glyoxylate cycle and in the potential organelles' movements.
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Putative mechanisms of kiwifruit on maintenance of normal gastrointestinal function.
Bayer, SB, Gearry, RB, Drummond, LN
Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. 2018;(14):2432-2452
Abstract
Kiwifruits are recognized as providing relief from constipation and symptoms of constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C). However, the underlying mechanisms, specifically in regards to gastrointestinal transit time and motility, are still not completely understood. This review provides an overview on the physiological and pathophysiological processes underlying constipation and IBS-C, the composition of kiwifruit, and recent advances in the research of kiwifruit and abdominal comfort. In addition, gaps in the research are highlighted and scientific studies of other foods with known effects on the gastrointestinal tract are consulted to find likely mechanisms of action. While the effects of kiwifruit fiber are well documented, observed increases in gastrointestinal motility caused by kiwifruit are not fully characterized. There are a number of identified mechanisms that may be activated by kiwifruit compounds, such as the induction of motility via protease-activated signaling, modulation of microflora, changes in colonic methane status, bile flux, or mediation of inflammatory processes.
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Association between berries intake and cardiovascular diseases risk factors: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Luís, Â, Domingues, F, Pereira, L
Food & function. 2018;(2):740-757
Abstract
The main goal of this work was to clarify the effects of the consumption of berries on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors by performing a systematic review according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) statement, followed by a meta-analysis and a trial sequential analysis (TSA) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, Web of Science and Cochrane Library between April and June 2016. To be included, RCTs had to report 1 or more of the following outcomes: total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL), LDL-cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides (TG), blood pressure (BP), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM), glucose, insulin, apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) or apolipoprotein B (Apo B). It was observed that the intake of berries reduces TC, LDL, TG, and BP while increasing the level of HDL, suggesting a beneficial effect on the control of CVDs' risk factors. Thus, the intake of berries as nutraceuticals or functional foods could be suggested for the prevention and control of CVDs.
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Food bundling as a health nudge: Investigating consumer fruit and vegetable selection using behavioral economics.
Carroll, KA, Samek, A, Zepeda, L
Appetite. 2018;:237-248
Abstract
Displaying bundles of healthy foods at the grocery store is a health nudge that simplifies shopping and may have the potential for increasing fruit and vegetable (F&V) purchasing. To evaluate the impact of food bundling, we conduct an artefactual field experiment with community participants in a laboratory set up as a grocery store. Dual-self theory suggests that food choices may differ depending on whether shoppers are under cognitive load - in our experiment, we exogenously vary whether bundles are displayed (with and without a price discount) and whether shoppers are under cognitive load. Our findings align with prior studies that suggest unhealthy options are more likely to be selected when cognitive resources are constrained. When bundles are displayed, we observe increased F&V purchasing. We also observe a significant interaction between cognitive load and price discounting. We find discounted bundles are more effective in the absence of cognitive load, but non-discounted bundles are more effective when shoppers are under cognitive load. Although more research is warranted, our findings suggest that when shopping under cognitive load, it is possible that discounts impose additional cognitive strain on the shopping experience. For retailers and policymakers, our results point to the potential power of bundling as a strategy for increasing healthy food purchasing.