Rich Nutrient Research Articles

Harnessing the Transcriptomic Resources of Millets to Decipher Climate Resilience and Nutrient Enrichment Traits

Rich nutrients, climate resilience, and the economic importance of millets are believed to ensure food security for future generations. Millets have the habit of growing against abiotic stresses (particularly drought stress). Millets show much better climate resilience and nutrient supplementation properties compared to other major cereals. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of genes that respond to stresses and nutrient transport will help understand the tolerance mechanism and improve against both stresses. Genome sequences are currently available for two major (sorghum and pearl millet) and eight minor millets (foxtail millet, finger millet, kodo millet, barnyard millet, proso millet, job’s tear, fonio millet, and tef). Five minor millets (little millet, kodo millet, brown top millet, guinea millet, and raishan) do not have genome sequences to date. Transcriptome studies help to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), mine genes induced in a particular stress and develop several molecular markers for all plants, including millets. Some millets have reports on transcriptome datasets for plants exposed to various biotic and abiotic stresses and for nutritional traits. Unfortunately, the transcriptome datasets of millets have not been adequately leveraged to explore genes associated with traits such as climate resilience, nutrient enrichment, and crop improvement. This underutilization stems from a lack of high-resolution studies and limited exploration within the field. As a result, the potential insights and genetic understanding offered by these datasets remain largely untapped. Through this review, we plan to elucidate the current status of transcriptome resources on millets and draw future insights on the utilization of these resources. This review will motivate researchers to utilize the available transcriptome resources for millet improvement.

Dynamic sensory evaluation of selected sensory attributes and food‐related emotions during consumption of plant‐based milk alternatives applying temporal dominance of sensations and temporal dominance of emotions methods

AbstractDespite milk's rich nutrient profile, a growing number of consumers are opting for plant‐based beverages due to health, ethical, and ecological concerns. However, knowledge about the temporal aspects of sensory attributes and consumption‐evoked emotions in these milk alternatives remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the temporal characteristics of oat, almond, and soy drinks in comparison to conventional cow's milk from three Austrian brands. Employing temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) and temporal dominance of emotions (TDE) methods, 43 consumers assessed the dominance of selected sensory attributes and product evoked emotions over an evaluation period of 60 s for each test sample. The results reveal distinct patterns in sensory profiles and emotions associated with plant drinks, contributing to a better understanding of dynamic sensory perception in the evolving landscape of milk alternatives.Practical applicationsThe presented study offers valuable insights into the temporal sensory characteristics and emotional sensations associated with oat, almond, and soy drinks compared to traditional cow's milk. Utilizing the temporal dominance of sensations and temporal dominance of emotions methods, we identified distinct sensory patterns in milk alternatives and dominant product‐specific attributes and emotions. This research underscores the intricate interplay between sensory characteristics and consumption‐evoked emotions, which ultimately influence product acceptability. As the global shift towards plant‐based beverages gains momentum, future studies should delve into understanding evolving consumer preferences and exploring innovative formulations to enhance the sensory appeal of milk alternatives.

A highly efficient organogenesis system based on 6-benzylaminopurine and indole-6-butyric acid in Suaeda glauca-a medicinal halophyte under varying photoperiods

Suaeda glauca (Bunge) is a pivotal halophyte species, well-known for its rich nutrient content and its importance as a superior vegetable and oil crop, offering significant health benefits for both human and animal consumption. However, the absence of an efficient regeneration technique has severely hindered its genetic development. Consequently, there is an urgent need to establish an effective in vitro organogenesis initiation method for this valuable plant. In this study, our primary objective was to develop a comprehensive protocol for micropropagating S. glauca, primarily capitalizing on the synergistic effects of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) and indole-6-butyric acid (IBA). We explored the impact of different combinations of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP), 2,4-dichloroacetic acid (2,4-D), and IBA on callus induction, organogenesis, and rooting using various explants (cotyledons, hypocotyls, and leaves) under two different photoperiod regimes during in vitro culture. Our results unveiled noteworthy variations in several variables related to organogenesis. The optimal combination of plant growth regulators (PGRs) for inducing embryonic callus from cotyledon (COT) was pinpointed at 4.44 μM 6-BAP and 2.71 μM 2,4-D. By employing 6-BAP concentrations ranging from 8.88 μM to 13.33 μM, alongside 0.49 μM IBA, 3% sucrose, and 0.3% phytagel in full MS media under light conditions, we achieved a remarkable 100% regeneration rate through the direct organogenesis pathway. Our findings underscore the pivotal role of 6-BAP in triggering multiple shoots and attaining a 3.6% callus differentiation rate, while 0.98 μM IBA resulted in a 65.28% root induction rate, facilitating the successful acclimatization of plants. Based on the synergistic effects of 6-BAP and IBA, we propose a robust protocol for S. glauca organogenesis, which holds great promise for streamlining micropropagation in S. glauca tissue culture. This standardized protocol has the potential to advance genetic improvement and promote the commercial cultivation of S. glauca as a valuable halophyte species.

Genome-wide association analyses using multilocus models on bananas (Musa spp.) reveal candidate genes related to morphology, fruit quality, and yield.

Bananas (Musa spp.) are an essential fruit worldwide and rank as the fourth most significant food crop for addressing malnutrition due to their rich nutrients and starch content. The potential of their genetic diversity remains untapped due to limited molecular breeding tools. Our study examined a phenotypically diverse group of 124 accessions from the Colombian Musaceae Collection conserved in AGROSAVIA. We assessed 12 traits categorized into morphology, fruit quality, and yield, alongside sequence data. Our sequencing efforts provided valuable insights, with an average depth of about 7× per accession, resulting in 187,133 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) against Musa acuminata (A genome) and 220,451 against Musa balbisiana (B genome). Population structure analysis grouped samples into four and five clusters based on the reference genome. By using different association models, we identified marker-trait associations (MTAs). The mixed linear model revealed four MTAs, while the Bayesian-information and linkage-disequilibrium iteratively nested keyway and fixed and random model for circulating probability unification models identified 82 and 70 MTAs, respectively. We identified 38 and 40 candidate genes in linkage proximity to significant MTAs for the A genome and B genome, respectively. Our findings provide insights into the genetic underpinnings of morphology, fruit quality, and yield. Once validated, the SNP markers and candidate genes can potentially drive advancements in genomic-guided breeding strategies to enhance banana crop improvement.

Immunostimulatory Effects of Korean Mineral-Rich Seawaters on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in Mice.

Deep seawater (DS), obtained from a depth over 200 m, has health benefits due to its rich nutrients and minerals, and intake of DS has shown diverse immunomodulatory effects in allergies and cancer. Therefore, the immunostimulatory effects of Korean mineral-rich seawaters were examined in a cyclophosphamide (CPA)-induced immunosuppression model. Three samples of Korean seawater, namely DS from the East Sea off the coasts of Pohang (PDS) and Uljin (UDS), and seawater from the West Sea off the coast of Boryeong (BS), were collected. The seawaters were abundant in several minerals (calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, etc.). Mice were orally administered the seawaters for 42 days, followed by CPA-induced immunosuppression. The CPA induction reduced the weight of the spleen and lymph nodes; however, the administration of seawaters increased the weight of the lymphoid organs, accompanied by stimulation of natural killer cells' activity and NF-kB-mediated cytokine production (IFNγ, TNFα, IL1β, IL6, and IL12). The mouse-derived splenocytes showed lymphoproliferation without cytotoxicity in the seawater groups. Histopathological analysis revealed that the seawaters improved the CPA-induced atrophic changes by promoting lymphoproliferation in the spleen and lymph nodes. These results provide useful information for the use of Korean mineral-rich seawaters, particularly PDS and UDS, as alternative immunostimulants under immunosuppressive conditions.

An Ecological Study of the Vegetation of the Kolleru Lake

Kolleru lake is a large fresh water body extending over 850 sq. km in the Krishna and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh, between 81°40' and 80°20' E and 17°25' and 1.6°28' N. The entire lake being shallow, has only littoral vegetation with practically no limnetic and profoundal zones. As the lake receives rich nutrients as effluents from the several drains that empty into it, the vegetation is luxuriant. About nineteen species of hydrophytes belonging to thirteen angiosperm families are recorded. Data on the distribution of these hydrophytes in the lake and their frequency, relative frequency and abundance from different regions of the lake at different periods of the year, are presented.

Herbal Skin Magic: Crafting Vanishing Cream with Nature's Best

In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift in the skincare industry towards the use of natural ingredients, driven by consumer demand for safer, eco-friendly alternatives. This research paper explores the formulation and evaluation of a novel vanishing cream enriched with botanical extracts renowned for their skincare benefits. Moringa oleifera, known for its antioxidant properties and rich nutrient profile, serves as a foundational ingredient, complemented by turmeric, celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and brightening effects. Aloe vera, prized for its soothing and hydrating properties, joins the blend alongside ginger, valued for its toning and revitalizing qualities. Lemon oil, renowned for its astringent and clarifying properties, completes the botanical ensemble. The vanishing cream formulation process involves meticulous optimization to achieve the desired texture, stability, and efficacy. Each ingredient is carefully selected and balanced to synergistically enhance the overall performance of the cream. Physicochemical analysis, encompassing parameters such as pH, viscosity, and spreadability, provides insights into the cream's quality attributes and consumer acceptability. Furthermore, the formulated vanishing cream undergoes comprehensive evaluation through in vitro and in vivo studies to assess its skincare efficacy. In vitro assays investigate the cream's ability to hydrate the skin, control sebum production, and neutralize free radicals. In vivo studies involve human volunteers to assess the cream's performance in real-world conditions, including its moisturizing effect, sebum absorption, and overall skin appearance. The results of the research demonstrate the potential of the formulated vanishing cream to address key skincare concerns, including hydration, oiliness, and overall skin health. By harnessing the power of natural ingredients, the cream offers consumers a safe, effective, and sustainable solution for their skincare needs. The findings of this research contribute to the growing body of scientific literature on natural skincare formulations and highlight the importance of botanicals in cosmetic innovation

Influence of Various Organic Manures on the Growth and Yield of Radish at Different Growth Stages (Raphanus sativus L.)

Influence of Various Organic Manures on the Growth and Yield of Radish at Different Growth Stages (Raphanus sativus L.)

Investigating the Influence of Spinach Sauce in Modulating Serum Calcium in Osteoporotic Females

Background: The modulation of serum calcium levels through diet is a critical aspect of managing osteoporosis, particularly in postmenopausal women. Spinach, known for its high calcium content, offers potential benefits for bone health due to its rich nutrient profile. This study aimed to develop a spinach sauce, evaluate its consumer acceptability, and investigate its impact on serum calcium levels in osteoporotic females. Objective: To develop a nutritionally rich spinach sauce, assess its sensory acceptability, and evaluate its effectiveness in modulating serum calcium levels among osteoporotic females. Methods: The spinach sauce was formulated using various recipes to maximize calcium bioavailability. The preparation process involved controlled cooking techniques to preserve nutrients, followed by proximate composition analysis. A sensory evaluation was conducted with osteoporotic females and a control group using standard hedonic scales. Participants were instructed to incorporate the spinach sauce into their daily diet for a specified period. Serum calcium levels were measured before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, controlling for covariates such as age, baseline dietary habits, and baseline serum calcium levels. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was provided by all participants. Results: Treatment T2, containing 40% spinach and 60% mint, scored highest in sensory evaluation with color (8.94 ± 0.26), flavor (8.92 ± 0.30), taste (8.98 ± 0.27), texture (8.22 ± 0.29), and overall acceptability (8.94 ± 0.31). The proximate composition of the spinach sauce showed moisture (79.84%), crude protein (6.27%), crude fat (1.91%), fiber (0.57%), ash (4.21%), and nitrogen-free extract (10.27%). Serum calcium levels increased significantly in the spinach sauce group from 0.84 ± 0.01 to 1.03 ± 0.04, and in the combined spinach sauce and calcium supplement group from 0.69 ± 0.01 to 0.91 ± 0.07. ANOVA revealed significant effects of treatments (F = 1.99, p ≤ 0.01) and days (F = 41.96, p ≤ 0.01) on bone mineral density. Conclusion: The developed spinach sauce was nutritionally rich and well-received, particularly in treatment T2. It demonstrated potential in improving serum calcium levels among osteoporotic females, suggesting that dietary interventions with spinach could be a viable strategy for managing osteoporosis. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer durations is recommended to substantiate these findings.

A Study of Replenishment And Pricing Strategies For Vegetable Commodities Based On Multiple Linear Regression

Vegetables, which can provide the human body with rich nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, are indispensable necessities in people's daily life. Therefore, on the one hand, in order to ensure the quality of vegetables to provide fresh vegetables, superstores need to replenish goods in a timely manner; on the other hand, in order to improve the revenue, superstores need to reasonable pricing. This paper takes 251 kinds of vegetables sold in fresh food superstores as the research object, firstly, using Pearson's correlation coefficient to explore the correlation between the sales volume of vegetable single product and category, and obtains that the strongest correlation in vegetable category is cauliflower and edible mushrooms, with a correlation coefficient of -0.9989, and that the strongest correlation in vegetable single product is Hericium erinaceus and fresh zongzi leaves, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9973. Then, this paper set up a multivariate linear regression model to solve the problem for each vegetable. Linear regression model to solve the relationship between total sales volume and cost-plus pricing for each category. Finally, for the total daily replenishment, through the total daily replenishment = total predicted sales / (1 - wastage rate) processing to get the total daily replenishment of vegetables for 7 days, to obtain the cost matrix and markup rate matrix, and then get the pricing of vegetables for 7 days. For example, the replenishment of cauliflower on Monday should be 268.7238 kg, and the pricing is $2.5179/kg.

Research Progress in Pharmacological Effects and Mechanisms of Angelica sinensis against Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases.

Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (A. sinensis) is a medicinal and edible values substance, which could promote blood circulation and enrich blood. It possesses rich chemical components and nutrients, which have significant therapeutic effects on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. It is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in the elderly, especially in improving ischemic damage to the heart and brain, protecting vascular cells, and regulating inflammatory reactions. This article reviews the main pharmacological effects and clinical research of A. sinensis on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in recent years, explores the effect of its chemical components on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases by regulating the expression of functional proteins and inhibiting inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and antioxidant mechanisms. It provides a reference for further research on A. sinensis and the development of related drugs. It provides a new reference direction for the in-depth research and application of A. sinensis in the prevention, improvement, and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Milling degree affects the fermentation properties of rice: perspectives from the composition of nutrients and gut microbiota via in vitro fermentation

Fermentation substrates of rice with different milling degrees (MDs) were prepared and fermented with human feces to compare their fermentation properties and effects on gut microbiota. MD 0s, MD 5s and MD 60s represented brown rice, moderately-milled rice and white rice, respectively. After in vitro fermentation, the MD 5s group showed higher starch utilization, compared with the MD 0s and 60s groups evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and confocal laser scanning microscope. Effects of fermentation substrates of rice with different MDs on gut microbiota were evaluated by 16S rDNA sequencing. All the sample groups reduced the pH and produced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and branched-chain fatty acids. The MD 5s group exhibited higher α-diversity than the MD 0s and 60s groups. Abundances of Phascolarctobacterium, Blautia and norank_f_Ruminococcaceae were higher in the MD 0s and 5s groups, compared with the MD 60s group. These bacteria were also positively correlated with the SCFAs production via Spearman correlation analysis. In vitro culture assay revealed that fermentation substrates of MD 0s and 5s promoted the growth of two probiotics (Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium adolescentis). Our results showed that moderate milling might be an appropriate way to produce rice products with richer nutrients and better fermentation properties.

Pengembangan Integrasi Budidaya Ikan Lele Dan Tanaman Herbal Di UPR Doa Mandeh

The catfish cultivation business carried out by UPR Doa Mandeh since 2015 still requires support in the form of assistance and training for its development. Meanwhile, the availability of fish seeds in South Sumatra is still very dependent on other regions, such as Lampung, Jambi and West Java. The lack of use of appropriate catfish cultivation technology and the use of commercial feed has an impact on the low production of fish seeds produced. Apart from that, there has been no effort to treat waste water which has the potential to have a negative impact on the surrounding environment. For this reason, community service (PPM) is carried out, which applies lecture materials, research and publications that have been carried out by the proposing team in the form of application of biofloc technology, making liquid fertilizer and cultivating herbal plants. The aim and benefits of carrying out this activity are to develop the catfish cultivation business, increase seed production, utilize waste water from catfish rearing media into liquid fertilizer products that can be used to develop herbal plant cultivation which will ultimately increase the income of cultivators at UPR Doa Mandeh. The activity model is in the form of empowerment, development and assistance which is implemented using counseling, training and technical/production assistance methods. The results of this activity are high survival and growth rates for catfish, water quality is in the optimal range, and the richness of nutrients in wastewater from the biofloc system can be used as liquid fertilizer for herbal plants. Keywords: biofloc; catfish; herbal plants; liquid fertilizer

Water-soluble vegetable extract of cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) fermented with water kefir: development and characterization

Cashew nuts from the Anacardium occidentale L. tree stand out as a promising raw material for developing innovative food products due to their rich nutrients and versatile applications. This work aimed to study and characterize a product based on a vegetable extract of cashew nut (CNWSE) fermented with water kefir grains. A 2 ³ central composite design (DCC) was applied, with independent variables: sucrose (S), inulin (I), and xanthan gum (GX), and the dependent variables were grain cell growth (Δx), beverage yield (R), soluble solids (SS) and lactic acid (LA). Proximate analysis, organic compounds, and enzymatic activity characterized the optimized drink (fermented and non-fermented). Among the 11 formulations studied, F2 was said to be optimized based on the statistical results generated and by the researchers' choice after evaluating sensory attributes. High levels of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates determined in cashew nuts indicate that this raw material is an excellent energy source and protein of vegetable origin. In the enzymatic analysis of the optimized drink, the majority of enzyme activity was amylase, followed by cellulose, proteases, peroxidase, lipases, and laccases. The approach of this work contributes to the diversification of vegetable protein-based food options on the market while promoting principles of sustainability and inclusion.

A new strategy to increase compost carbon fixation: Shell powder reduced gaseous pollutant emissions in co-composting of cow manure and sawdust

To reduce gas emission and convert inorganic carbon into humus more efficiently has become a key research direction in composting. Microorganisms were the main factor affecting gas emissions. Because of its rich nutrients and porous structure, shell powder (SP) can change the succession of microorganisms during composting. The result showed that SP was found to reduce the emissions of CH4 (CK: 4.99 g; T: 3.21 g) and CO2 (CK: 114.48 g; T: 79.23 g) during composting, especially in the thermophilic phase. SP increased the DOM (CK: 20.91 mg/g; T: 26.92 mg/g) and HS (CK: 19.32 g/kg; T: 21.17 g/kg) content of the final compost product. SP increased the abundance of cbbL and Actinobacteria, and decreased mcrA abundance. cbbL and mcrA were identified as key genes for CO2 and CH4 metabolism, respectively. And Actinobacteria was identified as a key microorganism for carbon fixation and conversion during composting. This study can provide a new strategy for improving composting performances and compost quality.

A comparative analysis of the nutrient and phytochemical richness among different varieties of quinoa in China.

Quinoa is a nutrient-dense pseudocereal that has garnered global attention for its potential to bolster food security and nutrition. Despite its celebrated status, the detailed nutritional profiles of various quinoa varieties remain poorly understood, which poses a significant barrier to the strategic cultivation and utilization of quinoa's genetic diversity to combat malnutrition. The impetus for this research lies in the urgent need to identify superior quinoa strains that can be tailored to meet specific nutritional requirements and adapt to diverse agro-ecological zones. Our findings reveal substantial variation in nutrient content across different quinoa varieties, highlighting the variety ZLZX-8 as a particularly nutrient-rich strain with the highest levels of protein, fat, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and key minerals such as Mg, K, and Zn. Moreover, ZLZX-8's exceptional antioxidant capacity suggests it may have additional health benefits beyond its macronutrient profile. In contrast, ZLZX-7 stands out for its dietary fiber and phenolic content, which are critical for digestive health and disease prevention, respectively. Meanwhile, ZLZX-5, with its high starch content, could be better suited for energy production in dietary applications. Notably, the study also uncovers a correlation between grain color and nutrient profile, with colored quinoa varieties exhibiting superior fiber, inositol, phenolic content, and antioxidant activity compared to their white counterparts. This work lays the groundwork for an informed selection of quinoa varieties that can enhance dietary quality, support local and global food systems, and contribute to the fight against malnutrition.

Effects of Artemisia dracunculus powder on dough rheology and quality properties as a novel ingredient in bread formulation.

Tarragon has a great potential to be a healthy functional food ingredient thanks to its rich antioxidant, phenolic compounds, and nutrient content. The possibility of enriching bread with tarragon was investigated. For this aim, tarragon powder was used at the rates of 0, 2, 4 and 6% instead of wheat flour. In this study, the effects of substitution on the rheological properties of bread dough and color, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, texture, sensory, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis of bread samples were performed. The composition of tarragon powder showed significant protein (23.16%), crude fiber (7.4%), antioxidant (48.22 ± 0.11%), and total phenolic content (511.66 ± 1.56 mg GAE/100 g). Bread samples with increased fiber and protein content were obtained by adding tarragon powder to the bread formulation. The major differences in the FT-IR absorbance spectra for the bread samples were not observed. Additionally, tarragon powder significantly increased the antioxidative properties of breads (p < 0.05). Adding up to 4% tarragon powder to the bread formulation increased the sensory scores of the breads.

Review Book Of “Sacha Inchi : a Rich Nutrient Superfood from Amazon.” by Tresno Saras, Tiram Media Publisher, 2023

This book will discuss the history and culture of using sacha inchi, how to process sacha inchi into healthy food and drink products, and the potential for developing sacha inchi as a raw material for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Sacha Inchi, otherwise known as Inca beans or Inca Peanut, is a plant native to South America that grows well in the Amazon Region. Recently, Sacha Inchi has become increasingly popular as a nutrient-rich superfood. In the first chapter In the characteristics of the sacha inchi plant. The author explains that Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is a plant native to South America, mainly found in the Amazon rainforest region. This plant is known as a superfood plant because of its high nutritional content.

The Effects of Four Different Thawing Methods on Quality Indicators of Amphioctopus neglectus.

Amphioctopus neglectus is a species of octopus that is favored by consumers due to its rich nutrient profile. To investigate the influence of different thawing methods on the quality of octopus meat, we employed four distinct thawing methods: air thawing (AT), hydrostatic thawing (HT), flowing water thawing (FWT), and microwave thawing (MT). We then explored the differences in texture, color, water retention, pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), total sulfhydryl content, Ca2+-ATPase activity, and myofibrillar protein, among other quality indicators in response to these methods, and used a low-field nuclear magnetic resonance analyzer to assess the water migration that occurred during the thawing process. The results revealed that AT had the longest thawing time, leading to oxidation-induced protein denaturation, myofibrillar protein damage, and a significant decrease in water retention. Additionally, when this method was utilized, the content of TVB-N was significantly higher than in the other three groups. HT, to a certain extent, isolated the oxygen in the meat and thus alleviated protein oxidation, allowing higher levels of Ca2+-ATPase activity, sulfhydryl content, and springiness to be maintained. However, HT had a longer duration: 2.95 times that of FWT, resulting in a 9.84% higher cooking loss and a 28.21% higher TVB-N content compared to FWT. MT had the shortest thawing time, yielding the lowest content of TVB-N. However, uneven heating and in some cases overcooking occurred, severely damaging the protein structure, with a concurrent increase in thawing loss, W value, hardness, and shear force. Meanwhile, FWT improved the L*, W* and b* values of octopus meat, enhancing its color and water retention. The myofibrillar protein (MP) concentration was also the highest after FWT, with clearer subunit bands in SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, indicating that less degradation occurred and allowing greater springiness, increased Ca2+-ATPase activity, and a higher sulfhydryl content to be maintained. This suggests that FWT has an inhibitory effect on oxidation, alleviating protein oxidation degradation and preserving the quality of the meat. In conclusion, FWT outperformed the other three thawing methods, effectively minimizing adverse changes during thawing and successfully maintaining the quality of octopus meat.

The Ability of Vermicompost to Mitigate the Impacts of Salinity Stress on Soil Microbial Community: A Review

Soil salinity is a major challenge in many developing countries, affecting soil fertility and crop productivity. Salinity directly affects the soil microbiome through osmotic pressure and ion toxicity, resulting in diminished microbial biomass and activity. Additionally, indirect repercussions involve reduced organic carbon inputs and aggregate stability, reducing microbial diversity and functions. Salinity induces a microbial community shift toward the abundance of halotolerant and halophile microorganisms. The use of organic amendments is a promising approach. Indeed, the application of vermicompost, with its rich nutrient and organic matter content, proves effective in counteracting the impact of salinity on the soil microbiome by providing available nutrients, decreasing the plasmolysis of cells by reducing the Na+/K+and Na+/Ca2+ratios, improving the soil texture, increasing the microbial diversity, and shifting the soil microbiome toward the abundance of beneficial soil microbiota. Despite these positive effects, carefully considering the initial EC of both soil and vermicompost and the applied quantity is crucial to ensuring maximum benefits. Overall, vermicompost holds considerable potential as a sustainable management strategy to mitigate the impact of salinity on soil microbiome, promoting overall soil health and enhancing crop production.