Low Sugar Content Research Articles

Combination of maleic hydrazide and coumarin inhibits rice seed germination involving reactive oxygen species accumulation, ABA metabolism and starch degradation

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) in cereal crops is a prevalent phenomenon that impacts grain yield and quality. Several PHS inhibitory compounds were screened and identified in previous studies, such as eugenol (EUG), maleic hydrazide (MH), coumarin (COU), etc. However, few studies have focused on the combination of PHS inhibitors, and the inhibitory mechanism remains unclear. Here, through combination tests of EUG, MH, and COU, the optimal combination of PHS inhibitors was selected as MH 20 mg L−1 + COU 100 mg L−1, which presented the lowest germination percentages. The optimal combination treatment significantly decreased the germination rate, α-amylase activity, content of soluble sugar and soluble protein, enhanced ABA content and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), inhibited the production of superoxide anion (O2−) and hydrogen peroxide, and reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA); conversely, this trend is precisely the opposite in normal germination. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed that the optimal combination of MH and COU significantly decreased the expression level of OsAmy1A and OsAmy3D at 12 and 48 h after imbibition (HAI); and promoted the expression of OsRbohs (OsRbohA, OsRbohC, OsRbohD, OsRbohE, OsRbohH) and ABA biosynthetic genes OsNCED1, OsNCED2, and OsNCED5, especially OsNCED2 at 12 HAI, but down-regulated expression of OsRbohs and ABA catabolic genes OsABA8ox1-3 at 48 HAI. These results demonstrated that the delay in seed germination induced by MH and COU involved in ROS, ABA, and sugars; the optimal combination of MH and COU inhibited the germination process by promoting ABA biosynthesis and reducing ABA catabolism, and restraining the α-amylase activity to lower soluble sugar content. Intriguingly, although the expression of OsRbohs, which play a crucial role in generating ROS, increased in early imbibition (12h), the activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and POD also increased with the optimal combination treatment of MH and COU, which lead to the delay in ROS accumulation and inhibition of germination. These results have deepened our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of PHS inhibitors and provided theoretical support for the application of MH and COU in preventing sprouting before crop harvesting.

Clinicopathological analysis of primary central nervous system lymphoma in patients with or without HIV infection

The clinicopathological features of HIV-related primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and immunocompetent primary central nervous system lymphoma (IC-PCNSL) were found to be distinct. Thirty-seven patients with HIV-related PCNSL and thirty patients with IC-PCNSL were included in our study. Hematoxylin & eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemical detection using CD10, MUM1, CD20, Bcl-2, Bcl-6, p53, C-MYC, Ki67, methyltransferase like factor 3 (METTL3) antibodies and Epstein–Barr encoding region (EBER) in situ hybridization were performed. All of the patients were classified as the diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) histological type. Patients with HIV-related PCNSL were younger and more likely to be male, with elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and low sugar content in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) compared to patients with IC-PCNSL.The positive rates of METTL3, Bcl-2, p53 and EBER were significantly higher in HIV-related PCNSL patients than in IC-PCNSL patients. Furthermore, we also found that the expression of METTL3 was lower in germinal centre B-cell (GCB)-like DLBCL (n = 7) than in non-GCB like DLBCL (n = 30) in HIV-related PCNSL (P = 0.030); however, in IC-PCNSL patients, the expression of METTL3 was not significantly different between GCB-like DLBCL and non-GCB-like DLBCL (P = 0.670). Although the manifestations are similar in PCNSL patients with and without HIV, HIV-related PCNSL differs from IC-PCNSL in terms of pathological characteristics including METTL3, Bcl-2, p53 and EBER. We therefore suggest that the pathogenesis of HIV-related PCNSL and IC-PCNSL may differ according to host immune status.

Nutrient content and ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry metabolomic comparative analysis of Lithocarpus corneus and Lithocarpus pachylepis.

China possesses abundant species resources in genus Lithocarpus Blume, commonly known as "acorns." These nuts are traditional foods in China, holding significant potential for local specialty food and rural economic development. To explore their edible value, we compared the nutritional components and metabolites between the fruits of Lithocarpus corneus (YD) and Lithocarpus pachylepis (HL), which are cultivated widely in south of China. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis of YD and HL was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry technology. A total of eight classes of differential metabolites (DAMs) were detected: alkaloids, amino acids and peptides, carbohydrates, fatty acids, polyketides, shikimates and phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, and other metabolites. In the positive ion mode, 225 DAMs were identified, whereas in the negative ion mode, 116 DAMs were identified. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differentially abundant metabolites were generally enriched in three pathways: aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, and ABC transporters. The nutritional content of YD has higher moisture, fructose, and total flavonoid levels, but lower starch, protein, fat, glucose, sucrose, and total sugar content than HL. Additionally, YD contains more Ca, K, P, and Fe, but less Mg and Zn compared to HL. Analyses indicate that YD is nutrient-rich and beneficial, making it suitable for further development. Two species of Lithocarpus contain nandrolone, suggesting a new direction for specialty food development. The unique chemical composition and rich nutritional content of Lithocarpus fruits provide a theoretical basis for their development and application as food resources. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: L. corneus and L. pachylepis are traditional Chinese nuts, rich in starch, minerals, and flavonoids, making them suitable for consumption or use as food constituents. Their fruits contain various unique natural chemical compounds, indicating high application value and development potential.

Game changer for anaerobic fermentation of paper mulberry: Sucrose-loaded biochar enhancing microbial communities and lactic acid fermentation

This study investigated biochar effects, either alone or combined with sucrose, on fermentation quality, microbial communities, and in vitro rumen digestion of anaerobic fermented paper mulberry. The biochar alkaline functional groups bind to lactic acid, reducing acid inhibition and promoting Lactiplantibacillus proliferation. Owing to the low sugar content of paper mulberry, lactic acid bacteria in the biochar group primarily underwent heterofermentation, resulting in the lowest lactic and highest acetic acid contents. Treated with sucrose-loaded biochar, the increased substrate supported homofermentation, leading to the highest lactic and lowest acetic acid contents, with a 15.0 % increase in lactic acid and a 22.2 % decrease in ammoniacal nitrogen compared with the control after 75 days. In vitro rumen tests showed that the biochar-sucrose group had the highest dry matter degradation rate (45.9 %) and a 24.2 % reduction in methane emissions. Concludingly, sucrose-loaded biochar is recommended as effective for lactic acid production under anaerobic conditions.

High-solids saccharification of non-pretreated citrus peels through tailored cellulase

Citrus peels, characterized by their low lignin and high sugar content, have been drawing increasing attention as a valuable lignocellulosic biomass with significant potential in biorefinery. Notably, in this study, the citrus waste was found to be enzymatically accessible without any pretreatment. Moreover, to promote the high-solids saccharification of the citrus peels, a tailored cellulase cocktail was formulated by response surface methodology (RSM), along with a fed-batch strategy aiming to obtain a high substrate loading. The study resulted in an optimized cellulase cocktail (7.08 U/g DM of β-glucosidase, 164.17 U/g DM of hemicellulase, 47.38 mg/g DM of sophorolipid, and 64.68 mg/g DM of Tween 80) and achieved solids loading of 22 % with a total sugar concentration of 123.84 g/L, corresponding to a yield of 93.12 % (65.28 % in batch operation). These findings provided essential validation for the efficient utilization of citrus waste, ensuring them promising potential as feedstock for sugar platforms.

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

Life cycle assessment of biochar and cattle manure application in sugar beet cultivation – Insights into root yields, white sugar quality, environmental aspects in field and factory phases

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a well-known sugar crop essential for supplying the global demand for sugar. Examining how different farming techniques affect the environment may help produce a high-quality crop with the least negative environmental effects. To this, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of biochar (B) and cattle manure (CM) applications at three different rates (5, 10, and 15 tons ha−1) compared with conventional chemical fertilization (CH) in the autumn and spring sugar beet crops has been studied. The system boundaries for LCA analysis were set from the cradle to the sugar factory gate. Based on the results, the highest amounts of root yield were obtained under CM10 and CM15 treatments with 24.5% and 23.2% increase in autumn cultivation and 34.8%, and 33.9% increase in spring cultivation, compared to CH. However, CM15 resulted in significantly lower sugar content (10.9%) than B5 (17%). Also, B utilization significantly reduced molasses content in sugar beet rather than CM in both cultivation periods. Further, biochar treatments (B5, B10, B15) significantly increased the white sugar yield in both cultivation times by 43.7%, 39.2%, and 36.1%, on average. Generally, the highest and the lowest global warming potential (GWP) were obtained from CM15 and B15 with 638.5 and 437.2 CO2-eq ton−1 root/sugar yields, respectively. These findings validate the hypothesis that using biochar in sugar beet production could reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing the amount of white sugar produced.

A Preliminary Study on the Whole-Plant Regulations of the Shrub Campylotropis polyantha in Response to Hostile Dryland Conditions.

Drylands cover more than 40% of global land surface and will continue to expand by 10% at the end of this century. Understanding the resistance mechanisms of native species is of particular importance for vegetation restoration and management in drylands. In the present study, metabolome of a dominant shrub Campylotropis polyantha in a dry-hot valley were investigated. Compared to plants grown at the wetter site, C. polyantha tended to slow down carbon (C) assimilation to prevent water loss concurrent with low foliar reactive oxygen species and sugar concentrations at the drier and hotter site. Nitrogen (N) assimilation and turn over were stimulated under stressful conditions and higher leaf N content was kept at the expense of root N pools. At the drier site, roots contained more water but less N compounds derived from the citric acid cycle. The site had little effect on metabolites partitioning between leaves and roots. Generally, roots contained more C but less N. Aromatic compounds were differently impacted by site conditions. The present study, for the first time, uncovers the apparent metabolic adaptations of C. polyantha to hostile dryland conditions. However, due to the limited number of samples, we are cautious about drawing general conclusions regarding the resistance mechanisms. Further studies with a broader spatial range and larger time scale are therefore recommended to provide more robust information for vegetation restoration and management in dryland areas under a changing climate.

Integrated cytological, physiological, and comparative transcriptome profiling reveals the regulatory network for male sterility in Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.)

Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) is a specialty crop with value as a vegetable, condiment, and medicine. However, the molecular mechanisms related to pollen abortion and cytoplasmic male sterility are poorly understood, limiting the heterosis utilization and hybrid production of A. fistulosum. This study investigated the dynamic differences between male-sterile (MS) plants and male-fertile (MF) plants at different anther developmental stages based on integrated cytological, physiological, and transcriptomic analyses. Cytological observations revealed that pollen abortion in the MS plants began during the tetrad stage and was caused by vacuolated microspores, abnormal degradation of the tapetum, and inadequate nutrient supply. The physiological results showed that MS plants exhibited low total soluble sugar and starch contents and decreased antioxidant enzyme activities (peroxidase and catalase). Comparative transcriptome analysis identified 7005 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and functional enrichment analysis indicated that significant transcriptomic differences were related to oxidative phosphorylation, starch and sucrose metabolism, and cutin, suberine, and wax biosynthesis. The relative expression levels of key DEGs in these three important metabolic pathways were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. On this basis, a core transcriptome-mediated MS network was proposed for MS plants with four functional components: inhibited sucrose synthesis and transport; blocked cutin, suberine, and wax synthesis; accelerated reactive oxygen species generation; and abnormal tapetal programmed cell death. These results provide theoretical guidance for further exploring the molecular mechanisms of male sterility in A. fistulosum.

Wild asparaguses as a rich source of bioactive compounds: Biogeographic, intra- and interspecific variability

Asparagus spears are a widely renowned vegetable, known for their taste and nutritional value, alongside many benefits for human health. However, wild species are understudied, although they are widely consumed in traditional cuisine. Here, we focus on cultivated (A. officinalis) and wild (A. tenuifolius and A. acutifolius) species from Slovenia. We described in detail the external morphology and quality parameters, as well as the primary and secondary metabolism using HPLC and/or MS/MS systems, and their variation among species, spear portions, and geographical location. We found many significant differences between these factors, especially between species, where the wild species show low sugar and high phenolic content. Therefore, native species of Asparagus could be considered promising alternatives rich in bioactive compounds. This knowledge is vital not only as a basis for future research in this genus, but also for optimizing dietary recommendations, food processing methods, biodiversity conservation efforts, sustainable agriculture practices, and future breeding efforts.

Understanding the effect of reaction parameters on the production of levulinic acid from glucose

AbstractA significant and sustainable feedstock for many value added products is levulinic acid, which is basically a short‐chain fatty acid. The current study aims to comprehend how multiple factors affect the hydrothermal reactions that convert glucose to levulinic acid. Glucose can be readily obtained from lignocellulosic biomass and hence it is selected in the work as representative sustainable source. The effect of various operating parameters, including time (0–180 min), temperature (140–180°C), nitrogen pressure (0–25 bar), glucose concentration (3%–10%), agitation speed (100–300 RPM), and acid concentration (2%–6%); use of different salts (NaCl, AlCl3 6H2O, FeCl3); and different acids (HCl, H3PO4, H2SO4) on the reaction progress has been studied in a batch autoclave reactor. It was elucidated that pressure (only nitrogen purge was essential for reaction progress) or salt content changes did not affect sugar conversion significantly. The process was seriously influenced by the presence of acids, mostly in the form of homogeneous catalysts, and the most significant results were obtained for H2SO4. The highest levulinic acid yield (39.7 g/g) at 90 min, with nearly complete sugar conversion, was obtained under the ideal conditions of 160°C, 5% sugar loading, and 5% H2SO4 concentration. The current study indicates that the two primary operating parameters in this conversion process are temperature and time, with higher temperature and lower sugar concentration showing a rising tendency in sugar conversion. Overall, the study establishes a sustainable process for levulinic acid synthesis.

Application of natural sweetener Stevia rebaudiana in the medical field

Steviol glycoside sweeteners have been isolated and produced for hundreds of years in Bertoni, a South American Asteraceae plant prized for its sweetness. Stevia is becoming more popular among consumers and food manufacturers as a result of diabetes, rising obesity rates, and other related comorbidities, as well as global public policies calling for a reduction in intake of sugar to help control these issues. Low-calorie as well as no-calorie sweeteners, such as Stevia, have this appeal because they are plant-based, have no calories, and have a sugary flavour that is 50 to 350 times sweeter than table sugar, making them an excellent as well as suitable choice for use in foods as well as beverages with lower sugar and calorie content. This plant yields steviol glycoside sweeteners, which are isolated and processed. Current studies on Stevia rebaudiana extract, metabolism, tolerable intake, and safety, steviol glycoside extraction and purification, side effects, as well as the toxicity of Stevia extract are discussed in detail.

Effect of Organic and Industrial Fertilizers on Reducing Sugar, Specific Gravity, Dry Matter and Starch Composition of Fresh Harvested Irish Potato Varieties in Musanze District Rwanda

Potatoes for use in industrial processing must have a low reducing sugar concentration. This study investigates the impact of organic and synthetic fertilizers on the composition of Irish potato cultivars’ reducing sugar, specific gravity, dry matter, and starch. The research was conducted at Busogo Farm in Rwanda, using randomized complete block designs in seasons 2021 B and 2022 A with rate of ten tones per hectare under the doses of 100%, 50%, and 0% and three hundred kilograms per hector under the dose of 100%, 50% and 0% respectively for farmyard manure and NPK 17.17.17. Results showed significant effects of season and treatment on reducing sugar levels in potatoes. Twihaze and Kirundo varieties recorded high glucose (0.09%), while Gisubizo variety in control, recorded low glucose (0.01%). Additionally, the analysis of variance showed that Irish potato varieties with low to moderate and moderate to high glucose contents, respectively, experienced extremely significant (p 0.001) effects of farmyard manure and NPK on glucose content for the seasons 2021 B and 2022 A. The application of inorganic and organic fertilizers had a significant impact (p 0.05) on dry matter in seasons B and A, according to the analysis of variance. Additionally, the results demonstrated extremely significant (p<0.01) differences in specific gravity and starch in both seasons, with Kinigi variety having higher values of dry matter, specific gravity, and starch content in season B and A, respectively, of 24.58, 1.10, and 18.59%. Season 2022 A’s high decreasing sugar levels were caused by meteorological conditions brought on by the soil’s high moisture content as well as the maturity of the tubers. Due to its low level of reducing sugar, Gikungu, Kirundo, and Kinigi are excellent for chips whereas Twihaze variety is advised for boiling cooking methods.

Preventing Fungal Spoilage from Raw Materials to Final Product: Innovative Preservation Techniques for Fruit Fillings.

Spoilage fungi are a significant cause of financial loss in the food and beverage industry each year. These fungi thrive in challenging environments characterized by low acidity, low water activity and high sugar content, all of which are common in fruit fillings used in pastry products. Fruit fillings are therefore highly susceptible to fungal spoilage. Fungal growth can cause sensory defects in foods, such as changes in appearance, odor, flavor or texture, and can pose health risks due to the production of mycotoxins by certain mold species. To reduce food loss and waste and extend product shelf-life, it is critical that we prevent fungal spoilage. Synthetic chemicals such as sorbic acid and potassium sorbate are commonly used as preservatives to prevent fungal spoilage. However, with consumer demand for 'natural' and 'chemical-free' foods, research into clean-label preservative alternatives to replace chemical preservatives has increased. The objectives of this review are (i) to provide an overview of the sources of fungal contamination in fruit filling production systems, from pre-harvest of raw materials to storage of the final product, and to identify key control factors; and (ii) to discuss preservation techniques (both conventional and novel) that can prevent fungal growth and extend the shelf-life of fruit fillings.

Magnesium deficiency induced leaf chlorosis affects plant growth, mineral concentration and fruit quality in field pomelo trees

Healthy trees are considered the foundation for high-quality pomelo production; however, leaf chlorosis frequently happens in pomelo orchards, and the reasons and adverse effects on plant growth and fruit quality are poorly understood. We conducted a field investigation with six paired groups between the yellow and green leaves of pomelo trees to analyze the growth, mineral and quality characteristics in different leaf positions and fruit parts. Compared with green pomelo trees, the concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were decreased and increased potassium (K) in various leaf organs of yellow pomelo trees, resulting in accumulated non-structural carbohydrates and reduced growth variables (including SPAD value as relative chlorophyll content, dry weight, leaf area, water content, and specific leaf weight), which was amplified with fruit than without fruit. Also, there was the highest positive correlation between leaf Mg concentration and SPAD value, further confirmed by the path analysis and random forest analysis, implying that Mg is the main factor affecting leaf chlorosis. Moreover, leaf chlorosis also affected fruit quality, in which the concentrations of N, P and Ca were decreased and increased K and Mg, with lower sugar content (including total soluble sugar, sucrose, and total soluble solids) and higher acidity content (including pH, vitamin C, and titratable acidity), resulting in decreased total soluble solids/titratable acidity and antioxidant capacity (less phenol content). The positive correlations between leaf Mg concentration and fruit quality parameters were also observed. However, these measured parameters were highly separated and accounted for 53.1 % of leaf and fruit organs between the yellow and green leaves of pomelo trees. Overall, our results demonstrate that Mg deficiency induced leaf chlorosis affects plant growth and fruit quality in pomelo trees, that SPAD can be used to monitor leaf Mg status, and these findings provide the basis for optimized nutrient management in sustainable pomelo production.

Examining the impact of dry climates temperature on citrus fruit internal ripening

High temperatures alter the ripening process of citrus fruit, affecting quality, flavor, harvest time and marketing period. For example, citrus fruits ripen faster and are sweeter in tropical hot-humid climates than in Mediterranean warm-dry climates due to higher sugar accumulation and organic acid catabolism. Considering that: 1) over 60 % of the world's citrus exports come from countries with warm Mediterranean climates, and 2) the Mediterranean region is warming 20 % faster than the global average, the citrus industry will face significant challenges in the coming years. The range of high temperatures and the timing at which they determine sugar and acid content in dry climates have not been studied under field conditions. Therefore, a study was undertaken over 6 years to determine the relationship between high temperature and citrus ripening in two dry macroclimates, hot (Arid, in Morocco) and warm (Mediterranean, in Spain), and 5 microclimates of the Mediterranean region.Heat stress in these dry climates correlates with changes in fruit quality (lower juice and sugar content, and higher organic acids), depending on the maximum temperature threshold and the time of onset and duration of heat. In the arid climate, the heat stress threshold was found to be a significant number of days above 35 °C. This was particularly important at the beginning of summer (July in the northern hemisphere). However, in the current Mediterranean climate of Spain, the percentage of summer days above 35 °C is still low indicating that other microclimatic conditions are involved in determining fruit quality. In particular, an increase in the number of days with temperatures between 27 °C and 33 °C in late summer and early autumn was found to correlate with reduced citric acid concentration. Microclimate did not determine sucrose, fructose, and glucose concentrations.

Sensory Attributes and Chemical Composition: The Case of Three Monofloral Honey Types from Algeria.

There is a demand from the scientific, beekeeping and consumer sectors to characterize honey based on its botanical origin, as it provides unique and distinctive properties. Nevertheless, existing studies on the physicochemical properties and the sensorial profile of honey in relation to botanical origin remain insufficient. This study aimed to understand the relationships between sensory profile and various chemical compounds (minerals, sugars, water content and volatiles) of three monofloral honeys (Atractylis serratuloides, Retama sphaerocarpa and Eruca sativa) produced in Algeria using principal component analysis. Crystallization was detected as a distinctive attribute of Eruca and Atractylis honey. A candy aroma and odor with floral nuances, light color, crystallized state and the volatile compounds Alpha-Bisabolol and Beta-eudesmol characterized the Atractylis honey. Eruca honeys were distinguished by an animal and degraded odor, bitter taste, light color and the presence of Dimethyl trisulfide and Dimethyl tetrasulfide. Finally, a vegetal aroma, some saltiness and sourness, dark amber color, lower sugar content, higher K content and Lilac aldehyde and Lilac aldehyde D characterized Retama honeys.

Enrichment of Fruit Peels' Nutritional Value by Solid-State Fermentation with Aspergillus ibericus and Rhizopus oryzae.

The fruit processing industry is responsible for disposing of huge amounts of byproducts, especially fruit peels (FPs), which are often discarded in landfills. Using FPs in biotechnological processes contributes to a circular economy, reducing the environmental burden of FPs and increasing the revenue of the fruit processing industry. This study was focused on upgrading the nutritional value of orange (OPs) and banana (BPs) peels by solid-state fermentation (SSF) with filamentous fungi. SSF factors (moisture, fermentation time, inoculum size, ammonium sulfate (AS), and corn steep liquor (CSL)) and fungi species (Aspergillus ibericus and Rhizopus oryzae) were studied by a variable screening Plackett-Burman design. Both fungi grew on untreated FPs, increasing their protein content and antioxidant activity. Moisture, AS, and CSL were further studied by a Box-Behnken design with A. ibericus. Fermented OPs at 70% moisture and 0.005 g/g AS increased their protein content by 200%, whereas BPs at 70% moisture and 0.005 g/g CSL increased by 123%. Fermented peels were enriched in protein, fiber, and minerals, with a low content of carbohydrates and soluble sugars. Fermented OPs and BPs showed higher antioxidant activity than unfermented peels. The SSF of these FPs is an innovative approach that contributes to obtaining rich nutrient-fermented peels for food.

Assessment of Diet Quality Based on Selected Dietary Quality Indices and Consumption of Specific Food Items of Midwives Working on a Shift Schedule in Wroclaw, Poland.

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of diets among midwives working in a shift system and to analyze variations in their dietary habits according to their working hours. In a group of fifty midwives employed in four public hospitals in Wrocław, the HDI-2015, HEI-2015, AHEI-2010, and Mellen's DASH diet index were calculated. The significance of differences in terms of the prevalence of selected dietary habits, meal frequency, average content of selected food items, and the percentage of energy obtained from them was assessed. Over half of the diets of the participants exhibited low adherence to the selected dietary indices. Only the scores on Mellen's DASH diet index were significantly associated with other components of the diet. Diets scoring ≥ 4.5 points were characterized by significantly lower processed meat content, meal frequency, and energy value, as well as lower sugar content and lower dietary energy value, compared to diets scoring < 4.5 points. Regardless of their working hours, the diets of midwives are characterized by low quality. Therefore, it appears essential to introduce targeted educational programs and provide guidance on appropriate dietary models, such as the DASH diet.

Enzymatic quality enhancement of oolong tea based on grade difference analysis

The quality of oolong tea in summer and autumn is generally lower than in spring, resulting in a loss of economic benefits. We found that this was due to the higher tea polyphenol content and lower sugar and amino acid content of summer and autumn oolong teas. Here, we used cellulase, protease and tannase for targeted enzymatic hydrolysis of low-quality teas to reduce the tea polyphenol content while increasing the soluble sugar and amino acid contents. By optimizing the ratio, concentration and treatment temperature of the added enzymes, the soluble sugar and amino acid contents of low- and middle- quality tea were increased by 6%-128% and 12%-88%, respectively. The ester catechin content was reduced by 12% and the total catechin content was reduced by 41%. The aroma of middle- and low-quality tea was transformed into the characteristics of high-quality tea. Therefore, directed enzymatic degradation is a promising technology for tea quality improvement.