Article
Agronomy
Mehtap Ozbakir Ozer
Summary: This study conducted morphological characterization and principal component analysis on red head cabbage populations, revealing significant variations among genotypes and providing important information for hybrid red head cabbage breeding studies.
GENETIC RESOURCES AND CROP EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Andreea Lupitu, Cristian Moisa, Flavia Bortes, Denisa Peteleu, Mihaela Dochia, Dorina Chambre, Virgiliu Ciutina, Dana Maria Copolovici, Lucian Copolovici
Summary: This study explores the interplay between elevated atmospheric CO2, drought stress, and plant physiological responses. The findings suggest that elevated CO2 accelerates assimilation rate decline during drought and influences photosynthetic components and electron transport. Additionally, drought-induced monoterpene emissions, polyphenols, flavonoid concentrations, and chlorophyll responses were affected by CO2 concentration and species-specific responses. These findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of CO2-drought interactions and their intricate effects on plant physiology.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dario Lucic, Iva Pavlovic, Lidija Brkljacic, Sandro Bogdanovic, Vladimir Farkas, Andrea Cedilak, Lucia Nanic, Ivica Rubelj, Branka Salopek-Sondi
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the phenolic compounds and antioxidant and anticancer potential of traditional Croatian kale and wild cabbage extracts. The results showed that both plant species extracts are rich in phenolic compounds and exhibited significant antioxidant activity, as well as anti-cancer effects on HeLa cells. Wild cabbage contained more sinapic acid, while kale contained more kaempferol and quercetin. Both extracts inhibited the proliferation of HeLa cells, but did not affect normal human skin fibroblasts.
Article
Agronomy
Jialei Ji, Wenxue Cao, Long Tong, Zhiyuan Fang, Yangyong Zhang, Mu Zhuang, Yong Wang, Limei Yang, Honghao Lv
Summary: A single nucleotide mutation of BoCER2 is identified as the primary cause of wax deficiency in cabbage, leading to premature translation termination in TL28-1. An effective allele-specific KASP marker was developed for marker-assisted selection of glossiness, providing a valuable tool for breeders.
THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Monika Marcinkowska, Stephanie Frank, Martin Steinhaus, Henryk H. Jelen
Summary: A sensomics approach was used to investigate the volatile compounds of raw and cooked green kohlrabi, revealing a total of 55 odor-active compounds. Among these, eight compounds with high odor activity values were identified, with sulfur compounds playing a significant role in the overall smell of both raw and cooked kohlrabi. The differences in odor activity values between raw and cooked kohlrabi can be attributed to the influence of the cooking process.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Erika Ortega-Hernandez, Marilena Antunes-Ricardo, Daniel A. Jacobo-Velazquez
Summary: This review discusses the main phytochemicals present in kale and emphasizes molecules of nutraceutical interest. It also highlights the preventive and therapeutic properties of kale against chronic and degenerative diseases. Additionally, the impact of controlled abiotic stresses on the accumulation of secondary metabolites in kale is discussed.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nina Kacjan Marsic, Ksenija Sinkovic Moze, Rok Mihelic, Marijan Necemer, Metka Hudina, Jerneja Jakopic
Summary: The study found that in white cabbage cultivation, high nitrogen fertilization with sulfur can increase yield and nitrogen uptake, while reducing nitrogen surplus in the soil and decreasing nitrate content in cabbage heads.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ning Jin, Li Jin, Shilei Luo, Zhongqi Tang, Zeci Liu, Shouhui Wei, Fanhong Liu, Xiaoqiang Zhao, Jihua Yu, Yuan Zhong
Summary: The study tested the biological activities of primary and secondary metabolites of 69 green cabbage varieties, showing significant differences in amino acid and polyphenol content among varieties. Glutamate and rutin were found to be the most abundant, with high genetic diversity. PCA analysis grouped cabbage varieties based on amino acid and polyphenol content, providing a theoretical basis for improving cabbage nutritional quality.
Article
Agronomy
Maria Concetta Di Bella, Stefania Toscano, Donata Arena, Diego A. Moreno, Daniela Romano, Ferdinando Branca
Summary: By evaluating the effects of climatic conditions, genotype, and plant growth stages on the nutritional and nutraceutical traits of new foods, this experimental trial aimed to improve the quality of these foods. The three traditional Italian cultivars of Brassica oleracea crops were studied for their morphometric traits and glucosinolates content, with 'Broccolo Nero' broccoli showing faster growth and higher biomass production. Glucoraphanin content varied significantly across different growth stages and genotypes, with BN microgreens and baby leaves having the highest amount.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ester Stajic, Urban Kunej
Summary: The study evaluated the factors affecting transformation efficiency in cabbage protoplasts for efficient delivery of the CRISPR/Cas9 vector. By optimizing the transformation protocol, a high editing efficiency was achieved. These findings have practical significance for successful genome editing in cabbage and other brassicas.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Simone Treccarichi, Hajer Ben Ammar, Marwen Amari, Riccardo Cali, Alessandro Tribulato, Ferdinando Branca
Summary: Marker assisted selection can be used to identify lost alleles in Brassica oleracea crops and improve their resistance and product quality. Analysis of genomic correlations and SSR loci variation can help find genomic regions involved in the hypertrophy of inflorescences.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seom Lee, Chang Ha Park, Jin Kyung Kim, Kyungmin Ahn, Haejin Kwon, Jae Kwang Kim, Sang Un Park, Hyeon Ji Yeo
Summary: This study found that white LEDs are suitable for carotenoid production, while blue LEDs are efficient in increasing the accumulation of phenolics and their biological activities in kale microgreens.
Article
Plant Sciences
Ester Stajic
Summary: Through our experiments, we found that a combination of 0.5% Cellulase Onozuka RS and 0.1% Macerozyme R-10 yielded the best results in isolating protoplasts from cabbage leaves. After three weeks in culture, protoplasts from all tested cabbage cultivars formed micro-calli, but further callus growth and shoot regeneration varied depending on the genotype and regeneration protocol used. The best regeneration results, with a rate of 23.5%, were obtained using a medium supplemented with 1 mg/L BAP and 0.2 mg/L NAA. These findings will contribute to the development of various applications for cabbage protoplasts and facilitate the breeding process of this important horticultural crop.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Daria Gmizic, Marija Pinteric, Maja Lazarus, Ivana Sola
Summary: High temperature affects the nutritional value of broccoli seedlings by inducing certain phytochemicals and reducing others. It also alters the levels of macro- and microelements and antioxidant capacity in extracts from the seedlings. The cytotoxicity of these extracts varies across different cell types. These findings emphasize the importance of growing seedlings at the right temperature for optimal nutritional value and biological effects.
Article
Horticulture
Wenxue Cao, Xin Dong, Jialei Ji, Limei Yang, Zhiyuan Fang, Mu Zhuang, Yangyong Zhang, Honghao Lv, Yong Wang, Peitian Sun, Yumei Liu, Zhansheng Li, Fengqing Han
Summary: BoCER1 was found to be expressed in all cabbage tissues except roots, and its function in cabbage was determined using CRISPR technology. Creating wax-less cabbage through gene editing may aid in breeding brilliant green cabbage varieties.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Luisa Taranto, Isabel Rodrigues, Sonia Santos, Maria Villa, Jose Alberto Pereira
Summary: This study evaluated the response of the Coleoptera community to the landscape surrounding vineyards in Portugal and found that intermediate levels of habitat fragmentation favored beetle biodiversity in wine-producing regions.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Marta Madureira, Isabel Rodrigues, Maria Villa, Jose Alberto Pereira
Summary: The intensification of urban and agricultural use is causing biodiversity loss and a decrease in ecosystem services provided by insects. This study focuses on the Syrphidae community in Portuguese vineyards and examines how the surrounding landscape affects two species of syrphids. The presence of seminatural habitats and other crops was found to increase syrphid abundance, while artificial territories, olive orchards, and vineyards had a negative impact on one of the species.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Nuno Rodrigues, Fatima Peres, Susana Casal, Arantzazu Santamaria-Echart, Filomena Barreiro, Antonio M. Peres, Jose Alberto Pereira
Summary: Olive oils from different regions in Portugal were analyzed to study the effect of geographical origin on their composition. The results showed that the geographical origin significantly influenced the chemical composition and stability of the oils. Principal component analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to establish markers and a discriminant model for identifying the origin of the oils.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Tania F. L. Vicente, Carina Felix, Rafael Felix, Patricia Valentao, Marco F. L. Lemos
Summary: Plant bacterial pathogens can have devastating effects on global fruit and vegetable crops, causing economic losses and reducing food availability. Synthetic bactericides are commonly used but have drawbacks such as high cost and environmental risks. This study focuses on the use of seaweed extracts/compounds as eco-friendly alternatives to control bacterial phytopathogens, particularly highlighting the protective properties of brown algae extracts against microbial attacks.
Article
Oncology
Daniela Correia da Silva, Patricia Valentao, David M. Pereira
Summary: Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and finding effective treatments is urgent. This study aimed to identify selective cytotoxic natural products that target the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of cancer cells. The ER plays a key role in cellular protein synthesis and folding. ER stress is a known vulnerability of cancer cells due to their abnormal protein synthesis rates. Several natural products were found to induce selective cytotoxicity in cancer cells by acting on the ER. Berberine was the most promising molecule, disrupting Ca2+ homeostasis and activating the unfolded protein response (UPR) and ER-resident caspase-4 in cancer cells. These findings suggest that berberine and emodin have potential for the development of new cancer treatments.
Article
Biology
Vera Ribeiro, Federico Ferreres, Andreia Oliveira, Nelson G. M. Gomes, Angel Gil-Izquierdo, Luisa Araujo, David Pereira, Patricia Valentao
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms and bioactives involved in the cytotoxicity of Allophylus africanus stem bark extract in human stomach cancer cells. The extract exhibited selective cytotoxicity against AGS cells and induced apoptosis. It was found that the cytotoxic effects were attributed to the presence of vicenin-2 and other apigenin derivatives. These findings suggest the potential of A. africanus stem bark as an anticancer agent against gastric adenocarcinoma and highlight the importance of exploring herbal-based products and apigenin derivatives in chemotherapy drug development.
Article
Entomology
Isabel Rodrigues, Paula Baptista, Jose Alberto Pereira
Summary: In this study, the species composition, richness, and diversity of the Cicadomorpha community were investigated in different agroecosystems in Northern Portugal over two consecutive years. The results showed that vineyards had the highest abundance, richness, and diversity of Cicadomorpha. There were significant differences in these parameters between different agroecosystems and sampling periods. Further research on how vegetation composition shapes the Cicadomorpha community is essential for implementing strategies to reduce the spread of insect-borne pathogens.
AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Catarina Andrade, David M. Pereira, Nelson G. M. Gomes, Federico Ferreres, Angel Gil-Izquierdo, Paula B. Andrade, Sutsawat Duangsrisai, Patricia Valenta
Summary: Kitul (Caryota urens L.) inflorescences are widely used for sweet sap production in Asian countries and have potential antidiabetic properties. In this study, the methanol extract of the inflorescences was shown to reduce reactive species in pancreatic cells and inflammatory markers in stimulated macrophages. The extract also inhibited 5-lipoxygenase activity. These findings suggest that Kitul inflorescences may have pleiotropic mechanisms as an antidiabetic agent.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Remote Sensing
Nathalie Guimaraes, Luis Padua, Joaquim J. Sousa, Albino Bento, Pedro Couto
Summary: In Portugal, almonds are important due to their nutritional properties. This study explores the classification of almond cultivars using remote-sensing data and machine learning classifiers. The results demonstrate the importance of feature selection in optimizing classifier performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF REMOTE SENSING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raquel Martins, Fatima Fernandes, Patricia Valentao
Summary: This study reveals the phenolic profile of the aqueous extract of Solanum betaceum leaves for the first time, and demonstrates its potential as an antidiabetic agent and antioxidant.
Article
Plant Sciences
Teresa Gomes, Jose Alberto Pereira, Jordi Moya-Larano, Jorge Poveda, Teresa Lino-Neto, Paula Baptista
Summary: Plant-associated microorganisms play important roles in host health by promoting the production of specific metabolites. However, our understanding of these mechanisms in plant-microorganism interaction is still limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between olive leaf spot disease incidence and the composition of fungal and secondary metabolites in leaves from olive tree cultivars with different susceptibilities. The results revealed that disease development is linked to leaf fungal and metabolite composition, as well as host genotype. Certain metabolites and fungi were identified as biomarkers of plant tolerance/susceptibility to the disease.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Maria Eliza Cota e Souza, Filomena Nobrega, Albino Antonio Bento
Summary: Portugal is the largest chestnut tree plantation area for fruit production in Europe, but chestnut productivity and quality are affected by pests like Cydia splendana Hubner and Curculio elephas Gyllenhal. These pests are difficult to control due to the size of the trees and the location of the orchards. However, Beauveria bassiana has shown promise in controlling these pests under certain conditions.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Adriana Silva, Vanessa Silva, Jose Eduardo Pereira, Luis Maltez, Gilberto Igrejas, Patricia Valentao, Virgilio Falco, Patricia Poeta
Summary: Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an important pathogenic bacteria commonly found in livestock, serving as a carrier of drug-resistant genes between humans, animals, and the environment. The use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals, especially in the food chain, is a significant contributor to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) development and spread. This review focuses on the clonal lineages and resistance profiles of E. coli, including extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) producing E. coli, in various food-producing animals such as pigs, poultry, cattle, fish farming, and rabbits. The presence of ESBL-producing E. coli was found to be prevalent among farm animals, with high resistance rates to tetracycline and ampicillin observed in farms worldwide. There is an urgent need for a better understanding of the epidemiology of E. coli and ESBL-producing E. coli in livestock, as animal production plays a major role in the global antibiotic resistance problem, necessitating a One Health approach.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rute Moreira, Federico Ferreres, Angel Gil-Izquierdo, Nelson G. M. Gomes, Luisa Araujo, Eugenia Pinto, Paula B. Andrade, Romeu A. Videira
Summary: Although the crude methanol extract (CME) and the methanol fraction (MF) of Guiera senegalensis leaves exhibited poor antifungal activity, the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) demonstrated strong antifungal activity against various fungi, as well as potent effectiveness against certain yeasts.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Daniela Mendes, Ana Maria Silva, Maria Manuel Oliveira, Paula B. B. Andrade, Romeu A. A. Videira
Summary: Mitochondrial dysfunction and cytosolic oxidative stress are interconnected pathological biomarkers in chronic diseases and cellular toxicity induced by high-energy radiation or xenobiotics. Thus, evaluating the activities of mitochondrial redox chain complexes and cytosolic antioxidant enzymes in the same cell culture system is a valuable approach for studying chronic diseases and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying physical and chemical stress agents' toxicity. This article provides experimental procedures to obtain mitochondria-free cytosolic and mitochondria-rich fractions from isolated cells, as well as methodologies to assess the activities of antioxidant enzymes and mitochondrial complexes. The protocols were optimized to enable testing with a single T-25 flask of 2D cultured cells, as demonstrated in the typical results discussed.
METHODS AND PROTOCOLS
(2023)
