Berries Research Articles

Distinct microbial communities associated with health-relevant wild berries.

Lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), rowanberries (Sorbus aucuparia L.) and rosehips (Rosa canina L.) positively affect human health due to their healing properties, determined by a high content of bioactive compounds. The consumption of unprocessed wild berries is relevant and encouraged, making their in-depth microbiological characterization essential for food safety. This study presents the first high-throughput sequencing analysis of bacterial and fungal communities distributed on the surface of lingonberries, rowanberries and rosehips. Significant plant-defined differences in the taxonomic composition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbiota were observed. The bacterial community on rosehips was shown to be prevalent by Enterobacteriaceae, lingonberries by Methylobacteriaceae and rowanberries by Sphingomonadaceae representatives. Among the fungal microbiota, Dothioraceae dominated on rosehips and Exobasidiaceae on lingonberries; meanwhile, rowanberries were inhabited by a similar level of a broad spectrum of fungal families. Cultivable yeast profiling revealed that lingonberries were distinguished by the lowest amount and most distinct yeast populations. Potentially pathogenic to humans or plants, as well as beneficial and relevant biocontrol microorganisms, were identified on tested berries. The combination of metagenomics and a cultivation-based approach highlighted the wild berries-associated microbial communities and contributed to uncovering their potential in plant health, food and human safety.

Physiological and transcriptomic analysis provide new insights into the mechanisms regulating the maintenance of postharvest quality of goji berry fruit in response to 1-MCP

Physiological and transcriptomic analysis provide new insights into the mechanisms regulating the maintenance of postharvest quality of goji berry fruit in response to 1-MCP

The cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between fruit intake and cognitive performance: the Chinese Healthy Dance Study

ObjectiveTo analyse the association between fruit consumption and cognitive performance in middle-aged and older adults in China. MethodsParticipants were drawn from the Chinese Square Dance Cohort. The cross-sectional dataset included 4316 individuals, with their first visit from August 2020 to August 2023. The longitudinal dataset included 1465 participants, with their first visit from August 2020 to December 2021 and follow-up visits from August 2022 to December 2023. Fruit consumption was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire. Standardised neuropsychological assessments were used to measure composite z-scores of cognitive performance, and prevalent and incident mild cognitive impairment. ResultsIn the cross-sectional analysis, higher quartiles of citrus fruit, drupe, berry, and tropical fruit consumption were associated with higher composite z-scores for cognitive performance and lower odds of prevalent mild cognitive impairment. In the longitudinal analysis, there was a positive association between higher quartiles of citrus fruit intake and the annual rate of change in the composite z-scores for cognitive performance; standardised regression coefficient (95 % confidence interval) for the highest compared with the lowest quartile was 0.05 (0.02–0.08). Moreover, an association between higher quartiles of citrus fruit intake and a lower risk of incident mild cognitive impairment was detected; in the comparison of the highest with the lowest quartile, the risk ratio (95 % confidence interval) was 0.56 (0.36–0.88). ConclusionsThe relationship between fruit consumption and cognition varies across the different categories of fruit. Cognitive benefits of citrus fruit consumption were found for middle-aged and older adults. Ascertaining this association might enhance comprehensive dietary recommendations for fruit consumption.

Sex Pheromone Mediates Resource Partitioning Between Drosophila melanogaster and D. suzukii.

The spotted-wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii and the cosmopolitan vinegar fly D. melanogaster feed on soft fruit and berries and widely overlap in geographic range. The presence of D. melanogaster reduces egg-laying in D. suzukii, possibly because D. melanogaster outcompetes D. suzukii larvae feeding in the same fruit substrate. Flies use pheromones to communicate for mating, but pheromones also serve a role in reproductive isolation between related species. We asked whether a D. melanogaster pheromone also modulates oviposition behaviour in D. suzukii. A dual-choice oviposition assay confirms that D. suzukii lays fewer eggs on blueberries exposed to D. melanogaster flies and further shows that female flies have a stronger effect than male flies. This was corroborated by treating berries with synthetic pheromones. Avoidance of D. suzukii oviposition is mediated by the female D. melanogaster pheromone (Z)-4-undecenal (Z4-11Al). Significantly fewer eggs were laid on berries treated with synthetic Z4-11Al. In comparison, the male pheromone (Z)-11-octadecenyl acetate (cVA) had no effect on D. suzukii oviposition. Z4-11Al is a highly volatile compound that is perceived via olfaction and it is accordingly behaviourally active at a distance from the source. D. suzukii is known to engage in mutual niche construction with the yeast Hanseniaspora uvarum, which strongly attracts flies. Adding Z4-11Al to fermenting H. uvarum significantly decreased D. suzukii flight attraction in a laboratory wind tunnel and a field trapping assay. That a D. melanogaster pheromone regulates oviposition in D. suzukii demonstrates that heterospecific pheromone communication contributes to reproductive isolation and resource partitioning in cognate species. Stimulo-deterrent diversion or push-pull methods, building on combined use of attractant and deterrent compounds, have shown promise for control of D. suzukii. A pheromone that specifically reduces D. suzukii attraction and oviposition adds to the toolbox for D. suzukii integrated management.

Resolving the Drymoniakillipii (Gesneriaceae) complex results in a new species from the northwestern Andes of South America.

A new species, Drymoniaquadrangulata Clavijo & J.L.Clark, sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae, Columneinae), is described from the western Andean slopes of southern Colombia and northern Ecuador. The new species has been historically confused with D.killipii, an endemic species to Colombia, restricted to the lowlands of the Chocó biogeographic region in the departments of Cauca, Chocó, and Valle del Cauca. These two species have large foliaceous calyx lobes that cover at least half of the corolla tube, and tubular-infundibuliform corollas. The new species differs by strigose quadrangulate and sometimes winged stems, leaves reticulate abaxially with obtuse to subcordate bases, midveins green, corolla lobes white to yellow with margins incised to short laciniate, and indehiscent berry fruits. Digital photographs, detailed morphological comparisons with the similar species, and an IUCN preliminary risk extinction assessment are provided for the new species.

Identification and Analysis of Phenolic Compounds in Vaccinium uliginosum L. and Its Lipid-Lowering Activity In Vitro.

Vaccinium uliginosum L. (VU), rich in polyphenols, is an important wild berry resource primarily distributed in extremely cold regions. However, the detailed composition of Vaccinium uliginosum L. polyphenols (VUPs) has not been reported, which limits the development and utilization of VU. In this study, VU-free polyphenols (VUFPs) and VU-bound polyphenols (VUBPs) were, respectively, extracted using an ultrasonic, complex enzyme and alkali extraction method; the compositions were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and lipid-lowering activity in vitro was evaluated. The results showed that 885 polyphenols and 47 anthocyanins were detected in the VUFPs and VUBPs, and 30 anthocyanin monomers were firstly detected in VU. Compared with the model group, the accumulation of lipid droplets and the total cholesterol and triglyceride contents in the high-concentration VUP group reduced by 36.95%, 65.82%, and 62.43%, respectively, and liver damage was also alleviated. It was also found that VUP can regulate the level of Asialoglycoprotein receptor 1, a new target for lipid lowering. In summary, this study provides a detailed report on VUP for the first time, confirming that VUP has lipid-lowering potential in vitro. These findings suggest new strategies and theoretical support for the development and utilization of VU, especially in the field of functional foods.

Under-Canopy Drone 3D Surveys for Wild Fruit Hotspot Mapping

Advances in mobile robotics and AI have significantly expanded their application across various domains and challenging conditions. In the past, this has been limited to safe, controlled, and highly structured settings, where simplifying assumptions and conditions allowed for the effective resolution of perception-based tasks. Today, however, robotics and AI are moving into the wild, where human–robot collaboration and robust operation are essential. One of the most demanding scenarios involves deploying autonomous drones in GNSS-denied environments, such as dense forests. Despite the challenges, the potential to exploit natural resources in these settings underscores the importance of developing technologies that can operate in such conditions. In this study, we present a methodology that addresses the unique challenges of natural forest environments by integrating positioning methods, leveraging cameras, LiDARs, GNSS, and vision AI with drone technology for under-canopy wild berry mapping. To ensure practical utility for fruit harvesters, we generate intuitive heat maps of berry locations and provide users with a mobile app that supports interactive map visualization, real-time positioning, and path planning assistance. Our approach, tested in a Scandinavian forest, refines the identification of high-yield wild fruit locations using V-SLAM, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of autonomous drones in these demanding applications.

Antiproliferative effect of wild berries and North-Eastern Siberian bulbous spleen carp on breast cancer cells MCF-7

Introduction. Studies have shown that natural compounds from various plants including berries can have antitumor activity. We examined Phlojodicarpus sibiricus extract as well as homogenates of wild berries such as hawthorn, cranberry, brier; all these plants contain a variety of biologically active compounds: flavonoids, carotenoids, anthocyanins and other polyphenols.Aim. To evaluate cytotoxicity of wild berries and Phlojodicarpus sibiricus growing in Northwestern Siberia in Michigan Cancer Foundation-7 (MCF-7) breast cancer cell line using the МТТ assay.Materials and methods. We examined homogenates of wild berries including Dahurian hawthorn (Crataegus dahurica Koehne), bog cranberry (Oxycoccus microcarpus Turcz.), Yakut brier (Rosa jacutica Juz.) and extract of the above-ground part (leaves, stems) of Phlojodicarpus sibiricus. Cytotoxicity of the prepared homogenates was evaluated on the MCF-7 cell line. For homogenate screening, colorimetric assay for assessing cell metabolic activity МТТ was used.Results. Dahurian hawthorn, bog cranberry and Yakut brier have statistically significant cytotoxic effect on tumor cells at concentration of 100 mg/mL in incubation medium. Among the evaluated berries, Yakut brier demonstrated the highest suppression of MCF-7 cell line growth: at dose 100 mg/mL it decreased it by 80.19 % compared to control. Extract of Phlojodicarpus sibiricus at concentration 10 mg/mL left only 4.95 % of the MCF-7 cells alive.Conclusion. Therefore, wild berries have antiproliferative potential. Being edible, they can be helpful in prevention of oncological diseases. High antiproliferative activity of Phlojodicarpus sibiricus demonstrated by us in this and previous studies indicate that it can be considered a source of effective antitumor compounds.

Research Progress on Methods for the Deacidification of Small Berry Juice: An Overview

As some of the richest sources of natural antioxidants, small berry fruits have attractive colors and special tastes, with recognized benefits for human health. However, sour tastes in small berry juices result in a poor flavor and low acceptance among consumers, greatly limiting their marketability. Among the most commonly used deacidification methods, chemical deacidification methods can neutralize fruit juice via the addition of a deacidification agent, while physical deacidification methods include freezing deacidification, ion-exchange resin deacidification, electrodialysis deacidification, and chitosan deacidification. All of these methods can markedly improve the pH of fruit juice, but they introduce new substances into the juice that may have an influence on its color, taste, and stability. Biological deacidification can effectively remove malic acid from fruit juice, reducing the content from 15 g/L to 3 g/L; additionally, it maintains the taste and stability of the juice. Therefore, it is widely applied for fruit juice deacidification. On this basis, some compound deacidification technologies have also emerged, but they also present problems such as high costs and complicated working procedures. This review of deacidification methods for small berry juice provides a foundation for the industrial development of such juices.

Bioactives in Berry Fruits with Emphasis on In Vitro Bioaccessibility for Human Nutrition

This study aimed to investigate the bioaccessibility and biostability of carotenoids, vitamin E isomers, and individual polyphenolic compounds after the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of two types of berries (raspberry and blackberry fruits). The results of the polyphenols analysis showed that raspberry fruits contained higher concentrations of hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanols, and flavonols compared to blackberry fruits, but exhibited the lowest bioaccessibility values for all the studied polyphenol classes. Ellagic acid represented 13.63% and 2.65% of the hydroxybenzoic acids in raspberry and blackberry fruits. The hydroxybenzoic acids exhibited the highest bioaccessibility index in the intestinal phase of both types of berries, and gallic acid emerged as one of the most bioaccessible phenolic compounds. The bioaccessibility of carotenoids ranged between 15.7 and 17.30% for lutein, 5.52 and 7.56% for astaxanthin, and 7.85 and 9.93% for canthaxanthin, with elevated values being observed in raspberry fruits. Although vitamin E and carotenoids follow a similar path for absorption, the bioaccessibility of vitamin E isomers was higher than that of carotenoids, with γ-tocopherol being the most bioaccessible isomer in both raspberries and blackberries. Knowing the bioaccessibility of food constituents during digestion is crucial, as the potential effectiveness of bioactives for human health largely depends on the bioavailability of these molecules.

Production of soft sugar-coated Chrysalidocarpus lutescens fruit with low sugar content [pdf

Production of soft sugar-coated Chrysalidocarpus lutescens fruit with low sugar content [pdf

Influence of Goji Berry EM Fermentation and Saccharification Products as Cosmetic Raw Materials on Hair Protection

Purpose: Recently, as the number of cases of side effects due to exposure to chemicals has increased, consumers' anxiety about chemicals has deepened, and interest in cosmetics using natural extracts that do not use chemical ingredients has increased. No-chemicals are being created and scientific research using natural extracts is expanding. Accordingly, Goji berry, which is a natural product handed down from the private sector and is rich in various functional ingredients such as carotinoids, choline, and zeatin, and is said to be excellent for antioxidation effects, was fermented and the active ingredients and effectiveness (in vitro) were investigated.
 Method: Goji berry, which has been found to contain large amounts of functional ingredients such as betaine and rutin, is extracted through double fermentation using EM (Effective Microorganisms) and malt to obtain total polyphenol content, flavonoid content, total sugar content, DPPH radical scavenging ability, and SOD. Effectiveness (in vitro) was examined through activity, catalase activity, hydrogen peroxide, and peroxidase verified.
 Results: As a result of the measurement, the sugar content increased when the EM (Effective Microorganisms) fermented product was enzymatically fermented after extracting Goji berry fruit with purified water. The difference depending on the enzyme fermentation temperature was also higher when the enzyme fermented at 60°C compared to immediately after fermentation. The sugar content increased by about two-fold. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid content decreased when the EM (Effective Microorganisms) fermentation product of the sealed pressurized hot water extract was enzymatically fermented at 60°C.
 Conclusion: The extract double-fermented from Goji berry fruit through EM (Effective Microorganisms) fermentation and malt enzyme fermentation has excellent antioxidant ability, suggesting the possibility of using Goji berry fruit and EM (Effective Microorganisms) fermentation as a natural antioxidant. I confirmed that it exists. In particular, it has antioxidant and antibacterial functions, and its feasibility as a natural raw material used in hair products was found.

Phytosanitary irradiation as an effective treatment for Drosophila suzukii.

Drosophila suzukii is a pest native to Southeast Asia that causes significant economic losses to soft fruit crops. Phytosanitary irradiation is a promising treatment for D. suzukii hosts; yet an internationally recognized irradiation protocol is lacking. To fulfil specific requirements for proposing an irradiation treatment for D. suzukii, naturally infested blueberries and cherries containing a total of 37,489 late pupae were irradiated with a maximum absorbed dose of 80Gy. Infested hosts containing a total of 9578 late pupae were considered unirradiated controls. Prevention of egg laying by females that emerged from treated pupae was considered the treatment endpoint. The fecundity and egg viability of females that emerged from treated pupae mated with their siblings were evaluated using blueberries. While females from unirradiated pupae laid a total of 43,142 eggs, no egg was laid by females that emerged from irradiated pupae. In addition, 1-day-old adults were irradiated with nominal doses of 20 and 72Gy to evaluate whether egg laying could be prevented in flies emerging before the irradiation treatment. Females irradiated with 72Gy laid eggs that did not hatch. Our findings suggest the minimum absorbed dose of 80Gy as a phytosanitary irradiation treatment against D. suzukii and may support its inclusion as a treatment option in the annex of the International Standard for Phytosanitary Measures 28 (ISPM 28).

Changes in redox status in raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) fruit during ripening

The knowledge of the mechanisms affecting the process of berry fruit ripening is important, not only to correctly determine the appropriate date of harvest, at which the fruit is most palatable and characterized by adequate shelf-life stability, but also, to develop new strategies of regulating the ripening process before harvesting. It is recognized that berry fruit quality and its post-harvest shelf-life depend on the cellular redox homeostasis. We, therefore, decided to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the level of oxidative stress status in the raspberry fruit proper at different stages of fruit ripening, from green to overripe fruit. We assessed both the level of typical oxidative stress markers, i.e. ROS production, expression of antioxidant enzymes, degree of cell damage, as well as the expression of selected proteins involved in the energy, glutathione, and polyphenols metabolism. We found two stage-related peaks of ROS production. The first - in green fruit, which corresponded to the maximum expression of antioxidant enzymes (MnSOD, CAT), PARP-1, as well as proteins related to glutathione biosynthesis (GS, γ-GC), autophagy (ATG-8) and ubiquitination (UBQ-11). The second one, in the overripe fruit, was responsible for the intensification of oxidative modifications of cell components, i.e. lipids, proteins, and DNA, as well as the loss of low molecular-weight antioxidants. The fruit ripening process, in turn, was manifested by a strong increase in the expression of proteins involved in the biosynthesis of polyphenols (PAL, CHS), cellular respiration (ACO-1, Cyt-C-ox, ATPase), ethylene biosynthesis and signaling (SAMs, EIN-2) and increasing amounts of ABA.

THE EFFECT OF ADDING DIFFERENT ADDITIVES ON ACRYLAMIDE CONTENT AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF INNOVATIVE FUNCTIONAL CEREAL PRODUCTS

Acrylamide (AA) is a chemical pollutant that naturally forms in starchy food products during high-temperature cooking, including frying, baking, and industrial processing, at +120°C and low humidity. The main chemical process that causes this is the Maillard reaction, the same reaction that "browns" food and affects its taste. AA is formed from sugars and amino acids (mainly one called asparagine ASN) that are naturally present in many foods. AA is found in crisps, chips, bread, biscuits and coffee. (Nematollahi et al., 2020). The health impact of acrylamide has been the subject of concern and research for several years. Research on laboratory animals has shown that exposure to high levels of acrylamide can cause a variety of adverse effects, including damage to the nervous system and an increased risk of some types of cancer. It is important to note that these studies often involve the administration of acrylamide at significantly higher doses than are typically found in food (Başaran et al., 2023). Various supplements such as fennel, nigella, pomegranate, wild berries, cumin, black cumin, bamboo leaves and many other supplements have an effect on reducing acrylamide levels, which comes from their antioxidant activity (Al-Ansi et al., 2019; Ashkezari & Salehifar, 2019; Borczak et al., 2022; Abdel-Shafi Abdel-Samie et al., 2011; Li et al., 2012). Besides impacting the acrylamide level, these supplements have antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, immune support, and other health benefits that make products with added ingredients like these functional products.

Организационные аспекты заготовки и переработки дикоросов в Пермском крае

The scientific article contains a review of scientific literature on the issues of economic development of collection and processing of wild plants, it presents the opinions of scientists on the great potential of the market of wild berries, mushrooms and medicinal herbs, that this type of activity can be one of the sources of income for the local population and a promising activity, especially for the population of small towns and rural areas. It is noted that the business of harvesting wild plants includes the following stages: collection of wild plants, procurement and processing (including primary and deep). Attention is drawn to the fact that the level of pre-sale preparation has a significant impact on the price, helps to ensure year-round sale of harvested berries, mushrooms and medicinal herbs. Wild plants in the form of berries and mushrooms can be sold fresh and undergo deep processing (freezing, drying, canning). Wild plants in the form of medicinal herbs are more in need of drying, which will significantly increase the shelf life. The business of harvesting wild plants differs in the level of initial investment: minimal investment is possible when selling wild plants fresh, for deep processing, special equipment for drying, freezing and preservation is needed. It is noted that the main consumers of frozen mushrooms and berries are private confectioners and pastry shops, dried berries - producers of cereals, canned mushrooms and berries - educational institutions and children's camps, catering establishments, stores. The profitability of the business justifies the presence of competitors in the wild plant market.

Assessment of health risks posed by heavy metal contamination of wild mushrooms and berries

BACKGROUND: One of the primary objectives in ensuring food security for the population is to reduce the mitigate the risk of chemical contamination in food. Wild mushrooms and berries have the potential to accumulate heavy metals from the environment, posing a threat to human health if consumed. AIM: To assess the risk of developing general toxic effects associated with the consumption of wild mushrooms and berries on health of the adults living in the Arkhangelsk region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The amount and frequency of mushroom and berry consumption by the adult population of the Arkhangelsk region was assessed by a survey (n=445). Intake of heavy metals contaminating mushrooms and berries was calculated using four scenarios. Hazard Quotients (HQ) were used to characterize the risk of developing overall toxic effects due to exposure to mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Hazard Indexes (HI) for substances with unidirectional effects were employed to assess the risk of non-cancerous effects on critical organs and systems. Quantitative data were presented as medians (Me) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and the 90th percentile (P90). RESULTS: In total, 82% and 70% of respondents were engaged in collection of mushrooms and wild berries, respectively. On average, they reported consuming 180 grams of fresh or frozen berries, 133 grams of berries with juice, and 50 grams of mushrooms in soup or boiled/fried form per week. The Hazard Quotients (HQ) for all heavy metals did not exceed 1.0. The Hazard Index (HI) calculated for the average consumption of mushrooms and berries, as well as the average heavy metal contamination of wild plants was below 1.0. However, at high levels of mushroom (P90 — 417 g/week) and berry (P90 — 900 g/week) consumption, along with high levels of heavy metal contamination, elevated risk of developing general toxic effects on the endocrine- (HI=2.27), cardiovascular- (HI=2.0), digestive- (HI=2.0), nervous- and immune systems (HI =1.81 for both) and kidneys (HI=1.25) were detected. Forest mushrooms and wild berries can be consumed without restriction at an average level of their contamination. However, in cases of heavy metal contamination of mushrooms and berries at the P90 level or above, it is not recommended to exceed daily consumption of 400 grams of forest mushrooms and 650 grams of wild berries. CONCLUSION: Consuming high amounts of wild mushrooms and berries at the upper limit of exposure to heavy metals, may lead to an elevated risk of developing toxic effects on endocrine, nervous, immune, cardiovascular, and digestive systems.

EFFECT OF THE CONCENTRATION OF THE PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON IN VITRO SHOOT GROWTH OF BLACKBERRY

Berry fruit species, such as Ribes nigrum, are highly esteemed in numerous countries for their biological and economic value, being regarded as important species of small fruits. Ribes nigrum, indigenous to northern Europe, and northern and central Asia. Conserving species like blackcurrant, as highlighted in the International Scientific reports, is crucial due to their potential health benefits and contributions to maintaining vascular health, especially in postmenopausal populations. The discovery that blackcurrant extract, rich in phytoestrogens, shows promise in preventing elastin degradation and pathological vascular remodeling underscores the importance of preserving this species. In Kazakhstan, the preservation of Ribes nigrum includes various factors, such as ecological significance, local economic value through agriculture, and conservation priorities since blackcurrant plays a significant role in the country's biodiversity and traditional uses. The potential of in vitro propagation for rapid mass production of valuable species is substantial. Our study addresses biodiversity conservation by employing this approach. Specifically, we aimed to investigate the impact of nutrient media and growth regulators on shoot multiplication of Ribes nigrum. Our findings reveal that the optimal concentration of plant growth regulators (PGR) significantly influences both the number and length of shoots. Notably, the highest multiplication rate for Ribes nigrum was achieved on MS with a combination of BAP at 0.5 μ/L and GA 0.5 μ/L. In conclusion, our study elucidates the effects of manipulating PGR concentrations in culture media on Ribes nigrum. We recommend optimizing these concentrations to enhance the growth of Ribes nigrum for potential reintroduction efforts and biodiversity conservation. The research is being conducted as part of program BR21882166, which focuses on the scientific and practical aspects of reproducing, conserving, and utilizing fruit and berry plants from the natural flora of Western, Eastern, Central, and Northern Kazakhstan to ensure food security. This program is financially supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan for the period 2023-2025.

Variations in polyphenol content and anthocyanin composition in bilberry populations (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) due to environmental factors

Anthocyanins are natural pigments belonging to the flavonoid group, subclasses of polyphenol compounds. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is a commercially important wild berry species, which accumulates high quantities of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins in the skin and flesh. This research aimed to evaluate the total anthocyanins content (TA) and anthocyanin composition profile of fruits in thirty wild bilberry populations from five regions of northern Montenegro. Total anthocyanin content in examined wild bilberries ranged from 236 to 656 mg/100 g. Delphinidin was found to be the most abundant aglycone, followed by cyanidin. Regions at higher altitudes (1129–1699 m) and with high UV radiation (0.370–0.480 W/m²) had higher values of anthocyanins. There were significant variations in anthocyanin content within and between the populations, indicating differences in berry raw material. Variations in the anthocyanin content expressed in different bilberry populations from various regions are a result of the cumulative effects of genotype and environment.

Beta-Lactamase production and antibiotic susceptibility screening of Staphylococus aureus isolated from ready to eat fruits sold in some parts of Offa Metropolis, Nigeria

The global menace of community-acquired antibiotic resistance of Beta Lactamase-producing Staphylococcus aureus has been traced to the increased consumption of Ready-to-eat Foods/Fruits. Samples each of ready-to-eat whole and sliced fruits (sliced pawpaw, apple, sliced watermelon, garden egg, cucumber, pear, guava, sliced coconut, berry and date fruit) were collected randomly from vendors in Offa, Kwara State, in Nigeria. Isolation and characterization of Staphylococcus aureus from the samples were done. The isolates were screened for Beta-Lactamase production and susceptibility to some antibiotics using standard microbiological techniques. A total of twenty-two (Twenty coagulase-positive and two coagulase-negative) Staphylococcus aureus was isolated. The total Staphylococal count was highest in sliced pawpaw (23.30 ± 2.75 × 10⁵ cfu/g) while the least was recorded in apple (3.0 ± 0.01 × 10⁵ cfu /g). Twenty (20) of the isolates were recorded to be Beta Lactamase producers. All the Beta Lactamase producers were 100 % resistant to Aztreoname, 80 % to Amoxicillin Clavulate, 45 and 35 % to Ceftazidine and Ceftriaxone. Thirty percent of the isolates were found to be susceptible to Ceftazidine only while 25 % were susceptible to Ceftriaxone only. The study concluded that increased incidence of Community-Acquired Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus could be traceable to the consumption of unhygienic processed Ready-to-eat Fruits. The ripple effects of which could be dangerous to human health.