Sweet Sensation Research Articles

Growth and Yield Performance of Strawberry Cultivars under Different Growing Conditions in Maharashtra, India

A study was conducted at the Horticulture Nursery, College of Agriculture, Dhule, during 2023–24 to evaluate the growth and yield performance of three strawberry cultivars (Florida Beauty, Winter Dawn, and Sweet Sensation) under three growing conditions: open field, shade net, and polyhouse. The factorial randomized block design experiment recorded growth and yield parameters such as plant height, leaf area, flowering time, and fruit yield. Open field condition (C1) with Sweet Sensation variety (V3) exhibited significantly maximum plant height (25.63 cm), plant spread (41.82 cm EW and 42.03 cm NS), maximum leaf area (134.33 cm2) and least number of days were taken for first flower initiation (26.67 days). Whereas, as regards to fruit and yield characters i.e. greater number of fruits per plant (21.00), the maximum weight of fruit (21.01 g), yield per plant (0.44 kg/plant) and yield per hectare (11 MT/ha) the results were significantly higher in open field condition with Sweet Sensation variety. According to the study, strawberries' vegetative development, floral characteristics, and fruit quality were all improved by open field conditions, which also increased net income returns by producing the most fruits. It was discovered that the open field environment helped strawberries' vegetative growth, blossom characteristics, and fruit quality while optimising net income returns through the largest fruit output.

Sweet Sensation: Humanity, Experimental Medicine and the Philadelphia Animal Cruelty Trial of 1914

Abstract In June 1913, Dr Joshua Sweet, Assistant Professor of Surgical Research at the University of Pennsylvania, was charged with ‘unnecessary cruelty to dogs’. Sweet’s trial would take place the following April. My account of that trial, its context and its aftermath, is primarily concerned with the contested experience of ‘humanity’: a nebulous concept that incorporates other-oriented feelings and practices, couched in broader social and moral frameworks. Ultimately, it is an account of the contextual entanglement of humane feelings – emotions and senses – with practices, politics, belief systems, knowledge systems, professional networks, gender and class dynamics and moral/ethical imperatives.

Seaweed Extract and Microbial Biostimulants Show Synergistic Effects on Improving Organic Strawberry Production

The application of seaweed extract and microbial biostimulants has been suggested as a promising approach to overcome yield-limiting factors in organic farming. Yet, information regarding their impact on organic strawberry production is limited. This 2-year field study evaluated the effect of seaweed extract and microbial biostimulants and their synergistic effects on strawberry plant growth, nutrient uptake, fruit yield, and quality under organic production. The biostimulant effects were compared on two strawberry cultivars: Sweet Sensation® Florida127 and Florida Brilliance. Over two seasons, the combination of seaweed extract plus microbial biostimulants applied biweekly consistently resulted in a significant increase of whole-season marketable and total strawberry fruit yields by 23% and 20% on average, respectively, compared with the no-biostimulant control. Application of either biostimulant alone did not consistently show positive effects on strawberry productivity. Modified strawberry root system architecture, enhanced N uptake, increased number of crowns, and higher soil respiration were observed in the biostimulant combination treatment in contrast to the no-biostimulant control. The biostimulant impact was not influenced by strawberry cultivar, but genotypic difference in yield performance under organic production was observed. ‘Florida Brilliance’ produced significantly higher total fruit number and yield than ‘Florida127’ by 26% and 12%, respectively, in the first season, and by 34% and 11%, respectively, in the second season. Marketable fruit number (by 18%) and yield (by 9%) of ‘Florida Brilliance’ were also higher in the first season, along with greater marketable fruit number (by 31%) in the second season. In addition, ‘Florida Brilliance’ showed significantly higher values of SPAD index, photosynthetic rate (early harvest), and fruit mineral contents based on dry weight (late harvest) than ‘Florida127’ in both seasons. Although the biostimulant treatments exhibited little influence on the fruit quality attributes including soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), SSC/TA, and total anthocyanin content, varietal differences were observed with significantly higher levels of SSC and lower contents of total anthocyanins in ‘Florida 127’ vs. ‘Florida Brilliance’ during each season. The benefits of combined application of seaweed extract and microbial biostimulants demonstrated in this study suggest the need to further elucidate their synergistic functions in promoting nutrient uptake and fruit yield in organic strawberry production systems under different soil and environmental conditions.

Identification of MYB Transcription Factor, a Regulator Related to Hydrolysable Tannin Synthesis in Canarium album L., and Functional Analysis of CaMYBR04.

Hydrolysed tannins (HTs) are polyphenols, which are related to the astringency, flavour, colour, stability, medicinal value and other characteristics of many fruits and vegetables. The biosynthetic mechanism of the majority of HTs remains unknown, and many biosynthetic pathways of HTs are speculative conclusions that have not been confirmed. The fruit of Canarium album L. (Chinese olive), which is notable for its pharmacological and edible properties, is rich in HTs. The fruit has a distinctive bitter and astringent taste when initially consumed, which mellows to a sweet sensation upon chewing. HTs serve as the primary material basis for the formation of the Chinese olive fruit's astringent quality and pharmacological effects. In this study, the fruit of C. album Changying was utilised as the research material. The objective of this study was to provide a theoretical basis for the quality control of Chinese olive fruit and the application and development of its medicinal value. In addition, the study aimed to identify and screen related MYB transcription factors involved in the synthesis of HTs in the fruit and to clarify the mechanism of MYBs in the process of synthesis and regulation of HTs in Chinese olive fruit. The principal findings were as follows. A total of 83 differentially expressed Chinese olive MYB transcription factors (CaMYBs) were identified, including 54 1R-MYBs (MYB-related), 25 2R-MYBs (R2R3-MYBs), 3 3R-MYBs, and 1 4R-MYB. Through trend analysis and correlation analysis, it was found that CaMYBR04 (Isoform0032534) exhibited a significantly higher expression (FPKM) than the other CaMYBs. The full-length cDNA sequence of CaMYBR04 was cloned and transformed into strawberry. The results demonstrated that CaMYBR04 significantly enhanced the fruit's hydrolysable tannin content. Consequently, this study elucidated the function of CaMYBR04, a regulator of the Chinese olive fruit hydrolysable tannin synthesis pathway, and established a theoretical foundation for the synthesis and regulation of fruit HTs.

The Biophysical Properties of the Fruit Cuticles of Six Pear Cultivars during Postharvest Ripening

Pears are abundant in bioactive compounds, which exert favorable effects on human health. The biophysical attributes of fruit cuticles are pivotal in determining fruit quality, storability, and susceptibility to mold growth. This study aimed to elucidate the biophysical properties of six pear cultivars, ‘Conference’, ‘Celina’, ‘Abate Fetel’, ‘Packham’s Triumph’, ‘Sweet Sensation’, and ‘Williams’. Two maturity stages, unripe and fully ripened, were investigated. Furthermore, the efficacy of trimethyl-chitosan-coated pear surfaces in preventing Penicillium expansum (P. expansum) growth was assessed. Basic maturity indices (CIE color, ethylene evolution, firmness, soluble solids), cuticle contact angle, roughness, and zeta potential were analyzed. Surface roughness was measured using an optical profilometer, hydrophobicity was measured via profilometry, and zeta potential was quantified using an electrokinetic analyzer. The ‘Celina’ cultivar exhibited the highest roughness, whereas ‘Williams’ had the lowest roughness. All the cultivars’ cuticles demonstrated hydrophilic characteristics, with contact angles ranging between 65° and 90°. For pH values exceeding 3.5, all pear surfaces exhibited a negative zeta potential. P. expansum growth was the slowest on the ‘Packham’s Triumph’ and ‘Conference’ cultivars. Treatment with trimethyl chitosan effectively inhibited P. expansum growth in the initial hours of incubation. In conclusion, diverse pear cultivars manifest distinct biophysical surface properties and varying susceptibility to P. expansum growth. The growth of P. expansum correlates positively with roughness, contact angle, and zeta potential. These differences can significantly impact shelf life potential and the overall postharvest quality of pears.

Evaluation of Chemical Attributes of Low Chilling Strawberry (Fragraria ananassa) Varieties in Chitwan, Nepal

An experiment to evaluate the qualitative parameters of strawberries to select the promising and high-value varieties was conducted in Bharatpur-5, Chitwan Nepal. The experiment comprises eight varieties ‘Florida Beauty, Florida Festival, Sweet Sensation, Ruby Gem, Elyana, Winter Star, Winter Dawn, and Nyho (check variety) as treatments, laid out in a single factorial RCBD with four replications. The fruits of different varieties were harvested at their respective physiological maturity and fresh juice was extracted for qualitative analysis. The qualitative analyses revealed that the maximum TSS (9.88 °Brix) was recorded in the Nyho variety while the minimum TSS (6.58 °Brix) was recorded in Florida Festival. The maximum amount of TA (0.93 %) and the highest Vitamin C (75.57 mg/100 g) was recorded in fruits of Elyana while the minimum TA (0.71 %) in Sweet Sensation and the lowest amount of Vitamin C (59.89 mg/100 g) was recorded in Nyho. In the case of antioxidant properties of evaluated strawberry varieties, Elyana was found to be superior (81.33 %) while the lowest antioxidant properties were observed in fruits of variety Nyho with a value of 63.23 %. The maximum phenols content (0.64 mg GAE/g) was found on harvested fruits of Nyho while the minimum phenols content (0.24 mg GAE/g) was recorded in fruits of the Winter Star variety. Among the tested varieties, sweetness and aroma were the highest in Nyho while Elyana and Sweet Sensation were superior in nutritional attributes.

Assessment of the Effect of Different Bio-Stimulants on the Growth, Quality, and Yield of Strawberries in a Sub-Tropical Climatic Region: A Case Study

This case study investigates the impact of different bio-stimulants, including Novel prime organic liquid nutrient, Vermi wash, and Cow urine, on vegetative growth, flowering, and fruit yield of sweet sensation variety of strawberry plants. An intensive research work was carried out at an experimental land located in north Konkan zone of Maharashtra, India. The experiment employs a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications to evaluate growth at various stages and yield parameters. The results demonstrate that the strategic application of 2% concentration of Novel prime organic liquid nutrient and 2% Vermiwash significantly improves the plant growth and yield of strawberry. This treatment remarkable yielded 5418 kg/ha, while the appreciable yield achieved to 4733 kg/ha for the Vermiwash treatment. The results also highlight the potential of sustainable strawberry cultivation and suggesting its viability for countries that traditionally depend on rain-fed crops. This may significantly improve the pattern of agricultural practices in those regions. Strawberry cultivation is an economically significant horticultural practice worldwide. Enhancing the growth, quality, and yield of strawberry plants is crucial for improving production and profitability.

The quality indicators of ice cream upon the enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose

Ice cream is a popular type of dairy foods containing up to 6% of lactose. In connection with the lactose intolerance by many consumers and the possibility of its crystallization during storage of finished products, there is a need for a decrease in the content of this nutrient in the composition of ice cream. The aim of the research was to study an effect of the lactose hydrolysis process in ice cream with the fat mass fraction of 15% and different mass fractions of dry skim milk residue on technologically significant and sensory properties of its quality. The main objects of the study were samples of ice cream subjected to lactose hydrolysis at the stage of mixture maturation. The fat mass fraction in the samples was 15%, mass fractions of dry skim milk residue were 7, 10, 12 and 15%. The composition of sugars was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, the dynamic viscosity of mixes and the consistency of ice cream by rheological methods and the dispersion of structural elements by microcopy. The effects of the mass fraction of dry skim milk residue and lactose hydrolysis on quality indicators of mixtures and ice cream were determined. As the mass fraction of dry skim milk residue rose from 7 to 15%, the residual content of lactose increased from 0.2 to 1.1%, while the dynamic viscosity of the mixture increased by 1.3 times. A decrease in the freezing point by 0.6–0.8 °C and an increase in melting resistance were also observed. The mass fraction of melt after 2 hours of holding decreased to 4.7–0.7%. Also, indicators of consistency (hardness, adhesiveness, adhesion force and rigidity) decreased by 1.1–1.7 times (upon a mass fraction of dry skim milk residue of 7 and 10%). The samples of ice cream subjected to lactose hydrolysis were characterized by a high dispersion of structural elements typical for a traditional product, and by improved texture and increased sensation of sweetness. The complex of investigations to study quality indicators of ice cream with the fat mass fraction of 15% showed that a change in the mass fraction of dry skim milk residue upon enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose results in formation of different structural-mechanical and sensory indicators that should be considered during the creation of assortment and development of formulations of low-lactose products.

Suppression of sweet taste-related responses by plant-derived bioactive compounds and eating. Part II: A systematic review in animals

This article, the second in a two-part series, continues the discussion on the nature of the relationship between the level of sweet taste suppression and eating behaviour, but in animal rather human subjects. In particular, the aim was to review the scientific literature on the impact that bioactive compounds that decrease oral sweet sensations have on intake, preference and physiological status in preclinical studies. This review was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews and conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network and covered original papers included in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Food Science Source and Food Science and technology abstracts. We identified 28 peer-reviewed English-language studies that fit the topic and met the inclusion criteria. We identified three plant species, Gymnema sylvestre, Hovenia dulcis, and Ziziphus jujuba, that possess acute sweetness-inhibitory properties. When administered orally, these plants reduced neural responses to sweet stimuli and decreased consumption. However, studies on the longer-term effects of antisweet activity remain to be conducted. Translating the valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying the relationship between sweet taste impairment and eating behaviour into practical clinical applications are discussed.

Miracle Fruit Pulp Transcriptomes Identify Genetic Variants in Support of Discovery Research and Breeding

Miracle fruit (Synsepalum dulcificum) is the botanical source of miraculin, a natural, noncaloric sweetener. Miracle fruit plants have a bush-like architecture and produce multiple flushes of attractive red berries each year. The berries consist of a large seed, opaque pulp, and brilliant red peel. The pulp of the fruit contains a glycoprotein, miraculin, that binds to the tongue’s sweet receptors and induces a conformational change in response to acidic stimuli. Thus, a strong sweet sensation is imparted in the absence of sugars. The miracle fruit plant is becoming increasingly popular because of its taste-modifying properties, but the species lacks many of the breeding tools common to other crops. We report miracle fruit pulp transcriptomes from ‘Sangria’, ‘Vermilion’, ‘Flame’, and ‘Cherry’ morphotypes. A consensus transcriptome included 91,856 transcripts. Reads mapping to the miraculin gene had the highest representation in individual miracle fruit pulp transcriptomes. Other abundant transcripts primarily included Gene Ontology categories representing cellular components, nucleus and nucleic acid binding, and protein modification. The transcriptomes were used to design real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) primers for actin, elongation factor 1α, and the miraculin gene. Analysis by qRT-PCR indicated that miracle fruit pulp and peel tissues had the highest abundance of miraculin transcripts, although other tissues such as leaf, root, and flower also had detectable levels of the target sequence. Overall, these results will support discovery research for miracle fruit and the eventual breeding of this species.

Effect of Growth Regulators on Growth and Quality of Strawberry cv. Sweet Sensation Grown in Pot Culture

A pot culture experiment was conducted at Institute of Agriculture, Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, West Bengal, India during the rabi season (October, 2018–March, 2019) to study the effect of growth regulators such as 28-Homobrassinolide and Triacontanol on growth and yield of strawberry cv. Sweet Sensation. The treatments consisted of seven levels of growth regulators including control viz. control, 0.5 ppm, 1 ppm and 2 ppm of 28-Homobrassinolide and 2ppm, 5 ppm and 10 ppm of Triacontanol. The effect of growth regulators was studied on different morpho-physiological parameters and biochemical and quality parameters such as chlorophyll content of leaves, ascorbic acid, titratable acidity and TSS of fruit. The results revealed that the foliar application of 0.5 ppm of 28-Homobrassinolide produced the maximum plant height, number of leaves plant-1, petiole length, canopy spread, leaf area plant-1, crown diameter, shoot dry weight and root dry weight, RWC, number of flowers plant-1, number of fruits plant-1, percent fruit set, fruit length and fruit diameter, chlorophyll content of leaves, whereas the treatment of 1 ppm of 28-Homobrassinolide recorded maximum plant height, petiole length. However, the minimum value of the morphological, biochemical, yield and quality parameters were recorded in control (foliar spray of water). Hence form present study it may be confirmed that foliar application of 28-Homobrassinolide @ 0.5 ppm and 1 ppm significantly improved the growth, yield, and quality attributes of strawberry.

Assessing the impact of varied nitrogen dosages on the vegetative and reproductive parameters of ‘Sweet Sensation’ and ‘Rubygem’ strawberry in Morang, Nepal

Between 2020 and 2021, an experimental investigation was conducted in Tropical conditions to assess the effects of varying levels of nitrogen fertilization (0 kgNha−1, 0.5 kgNha−1, 1 kgNha−1, 1.5 kgNha−1, and 2 kgNha−1) on the growth and yield parameters of two strawberry cultivars (Sweet Sensation and Rubygem) in a sandy loam soil. The results demonstrated that the application of nitrogen positively influenced both vegetative (such as plant height, leaf number per plant, canopy spread, and crown diameter) and reproductive (such as number of flowers and fruits per plant, fruit yield, and TSS content) traits of both strawberry cultivars. Furthermore, the findings indicated that Sweet Sensation responded more positively to higher nitrogen doses than Rubygem in all aspects. The data showed that the utilization of 2 kgNha−1 resulted in the highest fruit yield (0.390–0.508 t/ha) and quality traits, including TSS (7.89–9.21%). While there were no significant variations in TSS content among the plants treated with different nitrogen levels, significant differences were observed between the two strawberry cultivars.

Susceptibility of seven strawberry cultivars to Belonolaimus longicaudatus and interaction with Phytophthora cactorum

Summary Belonolaimus longicaudatus and Phytophthora cactorum are pathogens threatening Florida strawberry production. The interaction among these and cultivar susceptibility were assessed in this study. Cultivars ‘Sensation® Florida127’, ‘Florida Brilliance’, ‘Florida Radiance’, ‘Winterstar™ FL 05-107’, ‘Florida Elyana’, ‘Strawberry Festival’ and ‘Florida Beauty’ were used to conduct one trial using plug transplants and a second trial using bare-root transplants, which was repeated twice. A factorial combination of P. cactorum (+/−) and B. longicaudatus (+/−) inoculation was applied to evaluate strawberry cultivar resistance to P. cactorum and B. longicaudatus as well as their interaction. The effect of P. cactorum on the canopy, root length, and root and shoot weight was dependent on cultivars. For the plug transplant trial, the overall average of plant mortality among all tested strawberry cultivars was 0.1%, suggesting higher tolerance against P. cactorum when vigorous transplants were used. Conversely, the repeated bare-root transplant trial demonstrated different levels of susceptibility in strawberry cultivars when transplants were inoculated with P. cactorum. ‘Sweet Sensation’ ‘Florida127’, ‘Florida Brilliance’, ‘Florida Radiance’ and ‘Winterstar FL 05-107’ were highly susceptible, whereas ‘Florida Elyana’ and ‘Strawberry Festival’ were resistant. Moreover, ‘Florida Beauty’ was moderately resistant to P. cactorum. Our findings demonstrated the importance of using vigorous transplants to reduce P. cactorum damage. Sting nematode reproduction was suppressed when strawberry transplants were inoculated with P. cactorum, suggesting an antagonistic interaction between the pathogens. None of the cultivars was tolerant to B. longicaudatus as this nematode reproduced from 13.4- to 23.8-fold and caused root damage under glasshouse conditions.

Commentary: Sweet taste is complex: Signaling cascades and circuits involved in sweet sensation.

Commentary: Sweet taste is complex: Signaling cascades and circuits involved in sweet sensation.

Early-life influences of low-calorie sweetener consumption on sugar taste

Children and adolescents are the highest consumers of added sugars, particularly from sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). Regular consumption of SSB early in life induces a variety of negative consequences on health that can last into adulthood. Low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) are increasingly used as an alternative to added sugars because they provide a sweet sensation without adding calories to the diet. However, the long-term effects of early-life consumption of LCS are not well understood. Considering LCS engage at least one of the same taste receptors as sugars and potentially modulate cellular mechanisms of glucose transport and metabolism, it is especially important to understand how early-life LCS consumption impacts intake of and regulatory responses to caloric sugars. In our recent study, we found that habitual intake of LCS during the juvenile-adolescence period significantly changed how rats responded to sugar later in life. Here, we review evidence that LCS and sugars are sensed via common and distinct gustatory pathways, and then discuss the implications this has for shaping sugar-associated appetitive, consummatory, and physiological responses. Ultimately, the review highlights the diverse gaps in knowledge that will be necessary to fill to understand the consequences of regular LCS consumption during important phases of development.

L'interaction odeur‐goût et ses effets marketing sur la perception et la consommation des produits diététiques

AbstractThe interaction between smell and taste has been widely confirmed in the literature. Exposure to a congruent olfactory stimulus enhances taste, increases palatability and the desire to eat, and promotes food consumption. In this paper, we use laboratory experiments to show that, in addition to its role in taste enhancement, olfaction also plays a role in taste induction. Using the phenomena of cognitive sensory integration and mental imagery, we explain how exposure to a real odor congruent with the expected taste produces a taste sensation for which there is no real taste stimulus. For example, exposure to the smell of vanillin, which is a sugar‐congruent odor, creates a taste sensation of sweetness, increases palatability and food cravings, and increases consumption of sugar‐free biscuits. The lack of exposure to the actual taste stimulus of sugar does not prevent the taste‐congruent odor from creating a taste sensation of sweetness, an olfactory sweetness. Odors are able to induce a taste sensation for which there is no real taste stimulus. The results of this research have implications for the marketing of dietary foods. Tastefulness, which is reduced by the absence of flavor, can be increased by congruent olfactory stimuli in the environment and have a positive effect on the sales of this product category.

Preference Drivers for Blackberry Nectar (Rubus spp., Rosaceae) with Different Sweeteners.

This study determined the dynamic sensory profile and consumer acceptance of blackberry nectar with different sweeteners. The ideal scale was used to determine the ideal sweetness of the sucrose and the magnitude estimation method for the equivalent sweetness of the sweeteners. The sensory profile was determined by time-intensity analyses with trained panelists. This study determined the dynamic sensory profile and consumer acceptance of blackberry nectar with different sweeteners. First, to determine the concentration of sucrose to promote optimal sweetness in blackberry nectar, a study was carried out by consumers, who used an unstructured 9 cm "Ideal Scale", ranging from the extreme left as "extremely less sweet than ideal" to the extreme right as "extremely sweet than ideal", with the center of the scale being the ideal sweetness point. Then, the magnitude estimation method was applied to determine the concentration of each sweetener studied in order to obtain the same sensation of ideal sweetness in the blackberry nectar. The sensory profile of blackberry nectar in the same equi-sweetness was determined by time-intensity analysis with trained assessors and CATA (Check-All-that-Apply) with consumers. According to our results and the opinion of the involved consumers, the optimal sucrose concentration in blackberry nectar was 9.3%, and the sweetener concentrations equivalent to sucrose were 0.015% of sucralose, 0.052% of aspartame and 0.09% of stevia with different rebaudioside A concentrations. Time intensity and overall liking data were statistically analyzed by partial least squares regression (PLSR), thus generating the temporal preference drivers for blackberry nectar. The results showed that the sucralose and tasteva sweeteners have a temporal profile closer to sucrose, being characterized by a lower intensity and duration of sweet and bitter taste, with a positive impact on consumer acceptance. Concomitant results were found by the CATA analysis, indicating that the attributes of blackberry aroma, blackberry flavor, sweet taste, and brightness also have a positive impact and stand out in the samples with sucrose, sucralose, and tasteva. The samples sweetened with stevia were characterized by a greater intensity of bitter taste and the presence of a sweet and bitter aftertaste, with a negative impact on acceptance. The different rebaudioside A concentrations in stevia (78%, 92%, and 97%) did not interfere with consumer acceptance.

Prevalence of Oral Health Issues and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Post-COVID Patients in Kannur, Kerala: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The novel coronavirus has affected over 6.9 million people in over 200 nations in the world. As of May 2022, according to World Health Organization, India reported 43,107,689 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). An Egyptian study reported 67.2% with oral manifestations where dry mouth was 39.7%, gustatory dysfunction as 34.5% loss of salt sensation, 29.3% loss of sweet sensation, and 25.9% altered food taste. The objective of this study was to estimate prevalence of oral health issues and associated factors among persons who had been diagnosed COVID positive in Kerala. Methods: In the cross-sectional study conducted among 63 post-COVID patients in Kannur district in Kerala, data was collected through online survey with semi-structured questionnaires. Results: Mean age of study participants was 43.96 ± 16.78 years. About three-fourth, 74.6% (95% confidence interval: 63.9, 85.3), of study participants suffered oral health issues. Most common oral health issues reported were dry mouth 37 (58.7%), altered taste sensation in 35 (55.6%), and teeth sensitivity among 32 (50.8%). Ayurvedic medications for COVID-19 (P value: .014), oral hygiene habits (P value: .001), irregular dental consultation (P value: .04), and treatment (P value: .033) were factors significantly associated with oral health issues. Conclusion: Our study reveals that post-COVID patients are a group which require better oral care and hence early diagnosis is encouraged to recognize and treat oral manifestations in them.

Hedgehog-mediated gut-taste neuron axis controls sweet perception in Drosophila

Dietary composition affects food preference in animals. High sugar intake suppresses sweet sensation from insects to humans, but the molecular basis of this suppression is largely unknown. Here, we reveal that sugar intake in Drosophila induces the gut to express and secrete Hedgehog (Hh) into the circulation. We show that the midgut secreted Hh localize to taste sensilla and suppresses sweet sensation, perception, and preference. We further find that the midgut Hh inhibits Hh signalling in the sweet taste neurons. Our electrophysiology studies demonstrate that the midgut Hh signal also suppresses bitter taste and some odour responses, affecting overall food perception and preference. We further show that the level of sugar intake during a critical window early in life, sets the adult gut Hh expression and sugar perception. Our results together reveal a bottom-up feedback mechanism involving a “gut-taste neuron axis” that regulates food sensation and preference.

An Electronic Nose as a Non-Destructive Analytical Tool to Identify the Geographical Origin of Portuguese Olive Oils from Two Adjacent Regions.

The geographical traceability of extra virgin olive oils (EVOO) is of paramount importance for oil chain actors and consumers. Oils produced in two adjacent Portuguese regions, Côa (36 oils) and Douro (31 oils), were evaluated and fulfilled the European legal thresholds for EVOO categorization. Compared to the Douro region, oils from Côa had higher total phenol contents (505 versus 279 mg GAE/kg) and greater oxidative stabilities (17.5 versus 10.6 h). The majority of Côa oils were fruity-green, bitter, and pungent oils. Conversely, Douro oils exhibited a more intense fruity-ripe and sweet sensation. Accordingly, different volatiles were detected, belonging to eight chemical families, from which aldehydes were the most abundant. Additionally, all oils were evaluated using a lab-made electronic nose, with metal oxide semiconductor sensors. The electrical fingerprints, together with principal component analysis, enabled the unsupervised recognition of the oils' geographical origin, and their successful supervised linear discrimination (sensitivity of 98.5% and specificity of 98.4%; internal validation). The E-nose also quantified the contents of the two main volatile chemical classes (alcohols and aldehydes) and of the total volatiles content, for the studied olive oils split by geographical origin, using multivariate linear regression models (0.981 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.998 and 0.40 ≤ RMSE ≤ 2.79 mg/kg oil; internal validation). The E-nose-MOS was shown to be a fast, green, non-invasive and cost-effective tool for authenticating the geographical origin of the studied olive oils and to estimate the contents of the most abundant chemical classes of volatiles.