Plant Food Production Research Articles

Rapid Determination of β-Glucan Content of Hulled and Naked Oats Using near Infrared Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics.

The quantification of β-glucan in oats is of immense importance for plant breeders and food scientists to develop plant varieties and food products with a high quantity of β-glucan. However, the chemical analysis of β-glucan is time consuming, destructive, and laborious. In this study, near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in conjunction with Chemometrics was employed for rapid and non-destructive prediction of β-glucan content in oats. The interval Partial Least Square (iPLS) along with correlation matrix plots were employed to analyze the NIR spectrum from 700–1300 nm, 1300–1900 nm, and 1900–2500 nm for the selection of important wavelengths for the prediction of β-glucan. The NIR spectral data were pre-treated using Savitzky Golay smoothening and normalization before employing partial least square regression (PLSR) analysis. The PLSR models were established based on the selection of wavelengths from PLS loading plots that present a high correlation with β-glucan content. It was observed that wavelength region 700–1300 nm is sufficient for the satisfactory prediction of β-glucan of hulled and naked oats with R2c of 0.789 and 0.677, respectively, and RMSE < 0.229.

Food Consumption, Dietary Diversity and Associated Factors in Pregnant Women Receiving Ante-Natal Care in East Gojjam Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia

Introduction: Dietary Diversity Score (DDS) and Food Consumption Score (FCS) are indices developed to indicate micronutrient deficiency and food inadequacy. This study assessed the association between socio-economic-demographic, environmental, anthropometric and risky behavioral factors with DDS and FCS. Although these indices are significantly applicable in low-income countries set up, limited studies have been conducted on the effect of these factors on DDS and FCS. Materials and Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 423 pregnant women of<17 weeks gestation from randomly selected health institutions in five Woredas that are located in the local administration of Amhara Regional State from June 2019 to October 2019. Weekly and daily nutritional reports were collected using food frequency questionnaires. In addition, the Mid Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) of each participant was also recorded using a “MUAC tape”. Moreover, Wealth Index (WI) was developed and categorized using principal component analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were calculated between DDS and/or FCS and their associated factors. Results and Discussion: The prevalence of low DDS and FCS were 53.2 and 19.7%, respectively. Attainment of education up to junior school level (AOR of 0.260 (0.096, 0.709); P<0.009), low FCG (0.008 (0.001, 0.058); P<0.0001), alcohol (0.307 (0.145, 0.651); P<0.002) and frequent coffee consumption (0.393 (0.177, 0.874); P<0.022) were found to be significant risks for low DDS. Whereas, sharing toilets with other households and low DDS were associated with low FCS with AOR of=0.396 (0.174, 0.901); P<0.027 and 0.008 (0.001, 0.06) P<0.0001, respectively. In addition, the poorest WI quintile reduced the probability of the DDS by 53.9% while an increased MUAC will put the participant in the adequate or high DDS group by 11%. Conclusion and Recommendation: Low level of education, low FCS, poorest WI, low MUAC, alcohol and frequent coffee consumption were found to contribute to the reduction in DDS. A low FCS was associated with the use of a shared toilet between households as well as low DDS. Therefore, aggressive promotion of women’s education, provision of health education about the use of diversified or fortified food and supplementation of micronutrients, ceasing alcohol and coffee consumption is recommended. Moreover, policies on fostering plant and animal food production and consumption would be of high priority. In addition, the fortification of food with essential amino acids and micronutrients, and supplementation of MMN should be encouraged until sufficient production and diversification of the consumed food are attained.

Gibberellic Acid Initiates ER Stress and Activation of Differentiation in Cultured Human Immortalized Keratinocytes HaCaT and Epidermoid Carcinoma Cells A431.

Diterpenoid plant hormone gibberellic acid (GA) plays an important role in regulation of plant growth and development and is commonly used in agriculture for activation of plant growth and food production. It is known that many plant-derived compounds have miscellaneous biological effects on animals and humans, influencing specific cellular functions and metabolic pathways. However, the effect of GA on animal and human cells remains controversial. We investigated the effect of GA on cultured human cell lines of epidermoid origin—immortalized non-tumorigenic keratinocytes HaCaT and carcinoma A431 cells. We found that at a non-toxic dose, GA upregulated the expression of genes associated with the ER stress response—CHOP, sXBP1, GRP87 in both cell lines, and ATF4 predominantly in A431 cells. We also showed that GA was more effective in upregulating the production of ER stress marker GRP78, autophagy marker LC3B-II, and differentiation markers involucrin and filaggrin in A431 cells than in HaCaT. We conclude that GA induces mild ER stress in both cell lines, followed by the activation of differentiation via upregulation of autophagy. However, in comparison with immortalized keratinocytes HaCaT, GA is more effective in inducing differentiation of carcinoma A431 cells, probably due to the inherently lower differentiation status of A431 cells. The activation of differentiation in poorly differentiated and highly malignant A431 cells by GA may lower the level of malignancy of these cells and decrease their tumorigenic potential.

Evaluating the contribution of synthetic fungicides to cereal plant health and CO2reduction targets against the backdrop of the increasingly complex regulatory environment in Europe

AbstractThe global COVID pandemic has impacted the world in ways and at a scale that few could have predicted, with many industries severely disrupted. Despite this, crops were sown and harvested, food was produced and agriculture continued to function, albeit it with many logistical challenges. Plant health lies at the heart of preventing crop losses through a combination of varietal resistance and agronomic practices. In the case of foliar plant diseases in wheat, varietal resistance plays a key role, but the use of synthetic fungicides is essential to minimize crop losses. European arable production faces a dilemma: how to contribute and maintain global food supplies but at the same time decrease emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), reduce inputs potentially harmful to biodiversity, society and the environment while ensuring no more land is brought into production. Throughout history, major disruptions in society have led to big steps in agricultural innovation. Presently, the major disruptive forces in Europe are not just a result of the COVID pandemic but the increasingly urgent need to address climate change. Within the European Green Deal, the Farm‐to‐Fork strategy is in place to help achieve climate neutrality by 2050, aiming for a reduction of GHG emissions of 55% by 2030. To achieve this, there will need to be a major adjustment to how food is produced, a realignment in plant health strategies and accelerated innovation across the agricultural sector. This paper aims to evaluate how synthetic fungicides presently contribute to plant health (mainly wheat) and food production as well as the management of GHG emissions. In addition, it explores the future challenges and prospects for their positive contribution in achieving global food security alongside emerging innovative technologies.

Crop archaeogenomics: A powerful resource in need of a well‐defined regulation framework

Societal Impact StatementCrop archaeogenomics has rapidly flourished in recent years, leading to a new way of understanding the past and bringing answers to important questions about human history in relation to plant management and food production. Furthermore, the knowledge derived from the analysis of ancient crops can contribute to the development of a more sustainable future. However, the extant legal framework presents a number of challenges when applied to this research field, particularly in the current scenario of disparities in scientific outcomes between countries. We expose the uncertainties of the legal framework and the factors that maintain or exacerbate these inequalities, as well as possible solutions.SummaryCrop archaeogenomics is a flourishing field that has greatly benefited from next‐generation sequencing technologies. Ancient and historical plant remains are currently considered genetic resources and as such are subject to legal frameworks like those implemented by the Nagoya Protocol. In addition to the challenges in complying with genetic resource regulations that crop archaeogenomics share with other basic plant research disciplines, there are additional difficulties specific to this interdisciplinary field that includes science and humanities, namely, the need to comply with two different legislations before accessing the samples (one for genetic resources and one for cultural heritage), along with a high risk of not obtaining DNA. As a result, most studies to date have been done on samples for which the laws regulating genetic resources did not apply, sometimes avoiding the need of reaching Access and Benefit Sharing agreements with the country that originally provided the samples. This phenomenon is likely to worsen in the future, as the archaeological record is a limited resource and competition between laboratories will only widen the gap between developed and developing economies. Because crop archaeogenomics is a new and promising scientific field, it is desirable to begin a dialogue with other basic biological research fields to facilitate the implementation of these agreements so that basic sciences can easily utilize these biological samples while ensuring the rights of all parties involved.

Transcriptional characterization of the biostimulant effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model.

Plant food production is affected by multiple abiotic and biotic stresses. To overcome these limiting factors, synthetic agrochemicals are widely used. However, more stringent worldwide regulatory policies and the public demand to reduce their application have led to the search for new ecofriendly alternatives such as biostimulants. Their commercial use is still limited, mostly due to the lack of knowledge of the molecular mechanisms responsible for their effects on plant metabolism. The horseradish Moringa oleifera has been described as a source of metabolites with biostimulant potential in agriculture. In particular, its leaf extracts (MLE) have been used to improve food production by enhancing plant growth and abiotic and biotic stress tolerance. Nevertheless, the molecular basis of changes induced by the application of MLE, in particular to the plant transcriptome, are poorly understood. In this work, using Arabidopsis thaliana as model, we determined that MLEA induced tolerance to salinity and protection against the phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea. Additionally, we characterized the transcriptional changes of phytohormone-induced genes that were caused by MLE. Our work provides novel and valuable information that can help researchers to characterize the biostimulant effects induced by the miracle plant Moringa oleifera.

Variation in the Diet of Ducks During Spring Migration

ABSTRACTBecause management practices that promote the production of plant foods may differ from management practices that promote the production of aquatic invertebrates, a thorough understanding of the diet is needed to develop management strategies for various stages of the annual cycle for dabbling and diving ducks. Diet of dabbling (tribe Anatini) and diving (tribe Aythyini) ducks during breeding, autumn migration, and winter has been documented. Our goal was to estimate and compare the diet of blue‐winged teal (Spatula discors), gadwall (Mareca strepera), mallard (Anas platyrhyncos), lesser scaup (Aythya affinis), and ring‐necked duck (Aythya collaris) during spring migration in the Mississippi Flyway in the United States and evaluate variation among species. We collected 919 ducks for diet analysis from multiple wetlands at 6 sites across 4 states during the spring migration of 2006 and 2007. We collected ≥10 individuals of each species at each of the 6 study sites except we collected only 1 gadwall at the Scioto River site and 2 lesser scaup at the Cache River site. We detected that the proportion of plant and animal material in foods of each spring migrating duck species was in general intermediate of that found in wintering and breeding birds. Furthermore, the proportion of plant and animal material in the diet of species varied even among closely related species, indicating species are partitioning food sources along a protein‐carbohydrate gradient during spring migration. We recommend that resources for ducks be managed to provide diverse wetlands to support the varied diets of even closely related species. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.

Agricultural Land or Photovoltaic Parks? The Water–Energy–Food Nexus and Land Development Perspectives in the Thessaly Plain, Greece

Water, energy, land, and food are vital elements with multiple interactions. In this context, the concept of a water–energy–food (WEF) nexus was manifested as a natural resource management approach, aiming at promoting sustainable development at the international, national, or local level and eliminating the negative effects that result from the use of each of the four resources against the other three. At the same time, the transition to green energy through the application of renewable energy technologies is changing and perplexing the relationships between the constituent elements of the nexus, introducing new conflicts, particularly related to land use for energy production vs. food. Specifically, one of the most widespread “green” technologies is photovoltaic (PV) solar energy, now being the third foremost renewable energy source in terms of global installed capacity. However, the growing development of PV systems results in ever expanding occupation of agricultural lands, which are most advantageous for siting PV parks. Using as study area the Thessaly Plain, the largest agricultural area in Greece, we investigate the relationship between photovoltaic power plant development and food production in an attempt to reveal both their conflicts and their synergies.

Nature and Nurture: Genotype-Dependent Differential Responses of Root Architecture to Agar and Soil Environments.

Root development is crucial for plant growth and therefore a key factor in plant performance and food production. Arabidopsis thaliana is the most commonly used system to study root system architecture (RSA). Growing plants on agar-based media has always been routine practice, but this approach poorly reflects the natural situation, which fact in recent years has led to a dramatic shift toward studying RSA in soil. Here, we directly compare RSA responses to agar-based medium (plates) and potting soil (rhizotrons) for a set of redundant loss-of-function plethora (plt) CRISPR mutants with variable degrees of secondary root defects. We demonstrate that plt3plt7 and plt3plt5plt7 plants, which produce only a handful of emerged secondary roots, can be distinguished from other genotypes based on both RSA shape and individual traits on plates and rhizotrons. However, in rhizotrons the secondary root density and the total contribution of the side root system to the RSA is increased in these two mutants, effectively rendering their phenotypes less distinct compared to WT. On the other hand, plt3, plt3plt5, and plt5plt7 mutants showed an opposite effect by having reduced secondary root density in rhizotrons. This leads us to believe that plate versus rhizotron responses are genotype dependent, and these differential responses were also observed in unrelated mutants short-root and scarecrow. Our study demonstrates that the type of growth system affects the RSA differently across genotypes, hence the optimal choice of growth conditions to analyze RSA phenotype is not predetermined.

Environmental Spread of Antibiotic Resistance.

Antibiotic resistance represents a global health concern. Soil, water, livestock and plant foods are directly or indirectly exposed to antibiotics due to their agricultural use or contamination. This selective pressure has acted synergistically to bacterial competition in nature to breed antibiotic-resistant (AR) bacteria. Research over the past few decades has focused on the emergence of AR pathogens in food products that can cause disease outbreaks and the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), but One Health approaches have lately expanded the focus to include commensal bacteria as ARG donors. Despite the attempts of national and international authorities of developed and developing countries to reduce the over-prescription of antibiotics to humans and the use of antibiotics as livestock growth promoters, the selective flow of antibiotic resistance transmission from the environment to the clinic (and vice-versa) is increasing. This review focuses on the mechanisms of ARG transmission and the hotspots of antibiotic contamination resulting in the subsequent emergence of ARGs. It follows the transmission of ARGs from farm to plant and animal food products and provides examples of the impact of ARG flow to clinical settings. Understudied and emerging antibiotic resistance selection determinants, such as heavy metal and biocide contamination, are also discussed here.

Gadolinium Protects Arabidopsis thaliana against Botrytis cinerea through the Activation of JA/ET-Induced Defense Responses.

Plant food production is severely affected by fungi; to cope with this problem, farmers use synthetic fungicides. However, the need to reduce fungicide application has led to a search for alternatives, such as biostimulants. Rare-earth elements (REEs) are widely used as biostimulants, but their mode of action and their potential as an alternative to synthetic fungicides have not been fully studied. Here, the biostimulant effect of gadolinium (Gd) is explored using the plant-pathosystem Arabidopsis thaliana–Botrytis cinerea. We determine that Gd induces local, systemic, and long-lasting plant defense responses to B. cinerea, without affecting fungal development. The physiological changes induced by Gd have been related to its structural resemblance to calcium. However, our results show that the calcium-induced defense response is not sufficient to protect plants against B. cinerea, compared to Gd. Furthermore, a genome-wide transcriptomic analysis shows that Gd induces plant defenses and modifies early and late defense responses. However, the resistance to B. cinerea is dependent on JA/ET-induced responses. These data support the conclusion that Gd can be used as a biocontrol agent for B. cinerea. These results are a valuable tool to uncover the molecular mechanisms induced by REEs.

Some Plant Food Products Present on the Polish Market Are a Source of Vitamin B12

Cyanocobalamin is the most widespread form of vitamin B12, which is sufficient for humans. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products. However, supplementation does not have to be necessary because certain amounts of vitamin B12 are present in plant products. Previous studies showed significant contents of cyanocobalamin in sea buckthorn and in sauerkraut. In this study, selected products such as sea-buckthorn jam and fermented plant products (obtained by lactic acid fermentation) were tested in a search for vitamin B12. Bacteria involved in this type of fermentation have the potential to produce cyanocobalamin. Popular fermented plant products on the Polish market were selected, namely sauerkraut and pickled cucumbers, as well as parsley juice, beetroot juice and white borscht. The analysis was carried out using HPLC-UV. Most of the analyzed products did not contain significant levels of vitamin B12. Only sea-buckthorn jam and pickled parsley juice can provide the amount of vitamin B12 needed to prevent deficiency.

Detection of genetically modified plants using LAMP (loop-mediated amplification) technologies

Purpose. Analysis of the current state and experience on the loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) use to detect genetically modified plants. Methods. Literature search and analysis. Results. General information on the current state and use of the genetically modified plants is provided. Despite the wide distribution of genetically modified plants, the attitude towards them in society continues to remain somewhat wary. About 50 countries have introduced mandatory labeling of GM feed and products, provided that their content exceeds a certain threshold. In order to meet labeling requirements, effective and sensitive methods for detecting known genetic modifications in a variety of plant materials, food products and animal feed must be developed and standardized. The most common approaches to the detection of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are the determination of specific proteins synthesized in transgenic plants and the detection of new introduced genes. Methods for the determination of GMOs based on the analysis of nucleic acids are more common, since such methods have greater sensitivity and specificity than the analysis of protein composition. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method is the main method of nucleic acid analysis, which is now wide used for the detection of GMOs. Loop-mediated amplification (LAMP), which can occur at a constant temperature and therefore does not require the use of expensive equipment may be an alternative to the PCR. Scientific articles about the use of the loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) for the detection of genetically modified plants were analyzed. Advantages and disadvantages of the polymerase chain reaction and loop-mediated amplification are compared. Conclusions. The main criteria for applying a method of GMO detection analysis are as follow: its sensitivity, time of reaction, availability and ease to use, cost of reagents and equipment, and the possibility for simultaneous detection of many samples.

VETERINARY AND SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY CONTROL OF CITRUS FRUIT

The modern Russian market is represented by a wide range of exotic types of plant products imported from different countries. Currently, there are more frequent cases when in fruits and vegetables there is an increased content of nitrates and toxic elements. Exotic types of plant products sold on food markets are allowed for sale only after passing veterinary and sanitary control in the State laboratories of veterinary and sanitary examination. The aim of the research was the veterinary and phytosanitary control of citrus fruits sold on the commodity market of the Chelyabinsk region. As the objects of research used fresh tangerines, oranges and pomelo, sold in the «Central Market» of Troitsk, Chelyabinsk region. It was found that only the labeling of the studied mandarin samples was complete and in accordance with the regulated requirements of the State Standard 51074–2003, Technical Regulations of the Customs Union 022/2011 and 005/2011. The organoleptic and physical characteristics of the tested samples were in accordance with the rules of the Rules for Veterinary Sanitary Expertise of Plant Food Products in the Veterinary Sanitary Expertise Laboratories of the Markets and the applicable State Standards – 4428–82, 4427–82, 34307–2017. Fresh tangerines, oranges and pomelo were safe for the content of lead, cadmium and nitrates in accordance with the norms of the Sanitary Rules and Norms 2.3.2.1078–01 and Technical Regulation of the Customs Union 021/2011. However, the amounts of lead and cadmium were more detected in the pulp, and the amount of nitrates was the same in the pulp and in the peel of citrus fruits.

Were the Ancient Coast Salish Farmers? A Story of Origins

Were the ancient Coast Salish farmers? Conventional anthropological wisdom asserts that the ethnographically known communities of the Northwest Coast of North America were “complex hunter-fisher-gatherers” who lacked any form of concerted plant food cultivation and production. Despite decades of extensive ethnobotanical and paleoethnobotanical study throughout the Pacific Northwest demonstrating the contrary, this “classic anomaly” is still a cornerstone of anthropological and archaeological canons. The recent discovery of a spectacularly preserved wetland wapato (Indian potato,Sagittaria latifolia) garden, built 3,800 years ago in Katzie traditional territory near Vancouver, British Columbia, has helped recast this picture, alongside evidence for other forms of resource management practiced by Northwest Coast peoples. This article examines “origins of agriculture” stories from three distinctive perspectives: Coast Salish Katzie people who cultivated wapato for millennia; settlers who colonized the Fraser River Delta historically, bringing with them their own ideas about what constitutes farming; and archaeologists, who are challenged by these data to reevaluate their own understandings of these cultural constructs. These perspectives have critical bearing on the historical appropriation of lands and waterways by settler communities in British Columbia as well as contemporary questions of sovereignty and stewardship in this region and well beyond.

Hungry Rice-based Biscuits: Effects on Some Biochemical Indices of Alloxan- induced Diabetic Adult Male Wistar Rats

Background: High costs of hypoglycemic drugs and their side effects have caused an increase in demand for the production of low glycemic plant foods and snacks from locally available nutrient dense crops for diabetes management. Hungry rice is known for its high fiber content and hypoglycemic properties. Objectives: The study investigated the effect of Hungry rice-based biscuits on some biochemical indices of alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Methods: Four groups of six adult male Wistar rats each with a mean weight of 164.59 g were fasted overnight and induced diabetes by a single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight and fed biscuits containing hungry rice/unripe plantain/cashew nut (80:10:10%), hungry rice/unripe-plantain (80:20%), hungry rice/cashew nut (80:20%) or wheat (100%) and water ad libitum for 21 days. The non-induced rats fed poultry growers’ mash serve as the control. The rats’ body weight and food intake were evaluated while the lipid profile, liver enzyme markers, and serum protein were assayed. Results: Hungry rice-based biscuits showed decreases in fasting blood glucose, AST, ALT, ALP, TC, TG, and LDL-C and increases in HDL-C and total serum protein of rats. ALP and serum protein were more in rats fed Wheat biscuit and 80% hungry rice-20% unripe plantain biscuit. The biscuit containing 20% cashew nut showed a better desirable effect on all the parameters tested. Conclusion: The hungry rice-based-biscuits exhibited hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic potentials with desirable effect on liver biomarkers and serum proteins; and may be good for diabetes and weight management.

Food container employing a cold atmospheric plasma source for prolonged preservation of plant and animal origin food products

Cold Atmospheric Plasma is a non-thermal processing technology with great potential for application to food products as it can effectively reduce the microbial load, leading to substantial shelf-life extension. Herein, we present an easy-to-build and cost-effective Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge (SDBD) plasma source adjusted to the plastic lid of a common commercial food container made of transparent glass. Implementation and evaluation of plasma treatment in real perishable food products such as sea bream fillets, fresh-cut rocket salads and fresh whole strawberries showed that such device might be efficiently used in-storage for the extension of their shelf-life.•Easy-to-build and cost-effective SDBD plasma source adjusted in a food container for generation of antimicrobial RONS in proximity to treated food product•Treatment of perishable food products by reducing their initial microbial load•In-storage treatment efficient for perishable food products shelf-life extension

Diversity, Economic Value and Regional Distribution of Plant Food Products at Local Tropical Markets: A Samoa Case Study

Local markets are still an integral part of the food system in developing economies of tropical regions including Samoa. This small South Pacific country is largely dependent on the production of crops in village agriculture, where traditional markets play an important role in sustainability of food supply. Similarly as many small island developing economies, Samoa is currently facing several challenges such as food security and high dependence on food imports. Therefore, we decided to monitor the diversity of plant foods on Samoan local markets and their economic and geographic indicators through interviews with the vendors. Our results suggest that assortment and economical value of plant food products have potential to increase sustainable food security of the local population and support economic growth of the region. For example, underutilized crops available at local markets are prospective species for development of new food products with beneficial nutritional and health properties. Moreover, certain commodities (e.g., papaya, kava and Samoan cocoa) seem to be promising for export. In addition, our findings suggest that development of appropriate processing technologies and the optimization of the logistics of crop products sold at local markets can contribute to an increase in efficiency of the regional agricultural sector.

Mediterranean Lifestyle to Promote Physical, Mental, and Environmental Health: The Case of Chile.

Chile is currently experiencing a progressive epidemiological transition towards chronic diseases. In this country, >50% of annual deaths are attributed to cardiovascular disease and cancer. Moreover, health surveys have shown high prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and elevated cardiovascular disease risk. In addition, mental health issues are also frequent among Chilean adults. On the other hand, the agri-food system contributes to 21–37% of greenhouse gases emissions worldwide. Overall, current health and food chain situation calls out for design and implementation of evidence-based feasible and effective nutritional interventions needed to promote physical and mental health along with addressing food sustainability in Chile. Nowadays, the Mediterranean diet is recognized as one of the healthiest dietary patterns based on observational and interventional studies linked to a wide variety of health outcomes. However, a Mediterranean lifestyle goes well beyond food intake: it includes promotion of psychosocial resources, community life as well as cultural traditions. Indeed, Mediterranean lifestyle is a true modus vivendi that integrally promotes physical, mental, and social well-being. In addition, the Mediterranean diet stands out for its environmental sustainability because it is characterized mainly as a plant-based dietary pattern with low carbon and water footprints. Remarkably, Central Chile has a Mediterranean-like setting with plant and animal food production and availability patterns comparable to those present in countries located around the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, this article reviews how promotion of Mediterranean lifestyle adherence in Chile offers great potential for management of the ongoing epidemiological transition to chronic diseases as well to promote psychological well-being within a unique food system and dietary sustainability vision for this Latin American country.

Apple pomace as food fortification ingredient: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The present review aimed to investigate and analyze the use of byproduct apple pomace as a fortification ingredient in different types of foods. The data obtained from English published articles found on Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar in the period from 2007 to 2019 were used for making the table overview and meta-analysis of results described in those studies. The systematic review confirmed the importance of apple pomace use in the food industry due to the beneficial nutritional profile and ecological issue (waste management). The main attributes of apple pomace are high content of antioxidant compounds and dietary fibers. Dietary fibers from apple pomace significantly increased total fiber content in enriched products-meaning that the transfer of the fortification can be declared health beneficial. The conducted meta-analysis showed unambiguously the different influence of apple pomace addition according to fortified food commodity. The fortification drawbacks were noticeable in plant food products because darker and brownish color was not evaluated positively by panelists. Oppositely, color, as one of the main sensory characteristics, was beneficially affected in animal origin food. The sensory properties, including color, play an important role in product acceptance by consumers. Besides color, animal origin products fortified by apple pomace showed the most acceptable textural properties and oxidative stability.