Unripe Pear Research Articles

Effects of Unripe Pear Extract on UVB-Irradiated Skin Wrinkles

Effects of Unripe Pear Extract on UVB-Irradiated Skin Wrinkles

Unripe Pear Extract Suppresses UVB-Induced Skin Photoaging in Hairless Mice and Keratinocytes.

Our study aimed to investigate whether unripe pear extract (UP) could provide protection against UVB-induced damage to both mouse skin and keratinocytes. We observed that UVB exposure, a common contributor to skin photoaging, led to wrinkle formation, skin dryness, and inflammation in mice. Nevertheless, these effects were mitigated in the groups of UVB-irradiated mice treated with UP. Moreover, UP treatment at 400 μg/mL increased the antioxidant enzyme activities (sodium dodecyl sulfate, 2.22-fold higher; catalase, 2.91-fold higher; GPx, 1.96-fold higher) along with sphingomyelin (1.58-fold higher) and hyaluronic acid (1.31-fold higher) levels in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes. In the keratinocytes irradiated with UVB, UP 400 μg/mL resulted in reduced cytokine production (TNF-α, 33.2%; IL-1β, 45.3%; IL-6, 33.4%) and the expression of inflammatory pathway-related proteins. The findings indicate that UP has a direct protective effect on UVB-irradiated keratinocytes and is also able to shield against photoaging induced by UVB. Hence, it is suggested that UP could contribute to improved skin health by averting skin photoaging.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIRE BLIGHT PATHOGEN ERWINIA AMYLOVORA ISOLATED FROM FRUIT CULTURES IN SOUTHEASTERN KAZAKHSTAN

One of the most dangerous and quarantine diseases of fruit crops of the Rosaceae family is fire blight which affected on plants. Its causative agent Erwinia amylovora causes necrosis of all organs of host plants. In the territory of Republic of Kazakhstan, the disease belongs to a limited number of quarantine species. A special place is given to laboratory diagnostics of E.amylovora, which is necessary for reliable detection of the pathogen. Bacteriological analyses of diseased samples of fruit crops were carried out under laboratory conditions to isolate pathogens into pure cultures. Isolating of the quarantine and causative agent of fire blight into a pure culture was carried out on King B nutrient media, Levan and Miller Schroth selective media. They were tested for pathogenicity on indicator plants of indoor geranium by hypersensitivity reaction by the infectious-infiltration method of Clement. The pathogenicity of isolated bacteria was also tested by testing on unripe pear fruits, on which the damaging bacteria caused the release of milky-white exudate. After the selected isolates of the fire blight pathogen were identified by two pairs of specific primers PEANT F/PEANT2 R and FER F/rgER2-R approved by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization. For molecular differentiation, the nucleotide sequences of 16S rRNA genes were compared

Selection of resistant genotypes of Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) to root and crown rot caused by the pathogen, Phytophthora cactorum, in the lab condition

Phytophthora root and crown rot is a common disease of different hortcrops in rosaceae family including pomefruits and stonefruits. In order to characterize reaction of different quince genotypes to Phytophthora, infected root and crown tissues of apple and quince trees in addition to some soil around them were collected from the orchards and cultured on semi-selective media. Four oomycete isolates out of 20 samples were recovered from which Phytophthora isolates were identified as P. cactorum, using physiological and morphological criteria. Disease resistance evaluation of quince genotypes to P. cactorum was implemented using excised twigs of 24 genotypes in glass bottles containing carrot agar media overlaid with a fresh layer of P. cactorum. The pathogenic isolate of P. cactorum selected from a pathogenicity test on unripe pear fruits. After two weeks of preservation of bottles in dark condition in 25 °C in growth chamber, the extent of necrosis was measured using a digital calipers then it was divided by length of twig to get the necrosis proportion. The genotypes showed a statistically significant different reaction to the pathogen at 1% level. Comparison of means using Duncan multiple range test indicated that the genotype ASP2 with 82% of necrosis proportion was the most susceptible one and PH2 (released as cultivar Behta), Unk and Khosro genotypes with 8, 10 and 13 percent necrosis of twigs were the most resistant genotypes, respectively.

Surface temperature of plant tissues. Which method of air temperature measurement fits best?

Abstract Climate change is contributing to an increased risk of flower damage by late spring frosts. Monitoring flower temperature is critical for the timely start of frost protection systems. However, there are many weak points that complicate the use of this method. The aims of this study were to: i) find the method of air temperature measurement with the best relationship to the surface temperature of plant tissues and ii) quantify the differences between plant tissues surface temperature and ambient temperature during different weather situations. The surface temperature of plant tissues (budding leaves of grapevine, apricot flower, and unripe pear fruit), air temperature and humidity in the radiation shield, wet bulb temperature and air temperature with an unsheltered thermometer were measured at ten-minute intervals in the spring months. The average temperatures obtained by the individual methods as well as the lowest temperatures were determined from each measurement. Differences between air temperatures and plant surface temperatures, including variation ranges, were also determined. An unsheltered thermometer, in which the energy balance corresponds approximately to that of the evaluated plant surfaces, provided the best relationship with plant tissue temperature. The air temperature measured by the standard method (in a Stevenson screen or in the radiation shield) was almost always higher than the temperature of the plant tissue during periods of negative energy balance. The difference between the minimum temperatures was approximately 0.5 °C. Temperatures more than 1.5 °C higher than the actual temperature of plant tissues were measured in extreme cases.

Unripe pear fruit extract induces the transcriptional activity of sirtuin-related genes to extend the chronological lifespan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Unripe pear fruit extract induces the transcriptional activity of sirtuin-related genes to extend the chronological lifespan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ニホンナシ未熟果のセミドライフルーツ加工適性

ニホンナシ未熟果のセミドライフルーツ加工適性

Drop test of pear fruit: Experimental measurement and finite element modelling

Pear fruit has a soft tissue that must be protected against mechanical bruises. In this paper, the bruised area of pear fruit was determined by experimental dropping tests and then was predicted by the Finite Element Method (FEM). Three dropping heights (200, 500 and 1000 mm), two impact surfaces (steel and wood) and two fruit orientations (vertical and horizontal) were studied. In order to simulate the fruit in the ANSYS 14 software, volume, density and elasticity modulus of unripe, ripe and overripe fruits were determined experimentally using standard methods. The minimum bruised area was occurred for unripe pear falling on the wood surface at vertical orientation and 200 mm dropping height whereas the maximum value was obtained for overripe pear falling on the steel surface at horizontal orientation and 1000 mm dropping height. The minimum and maximum error for prediction of bruised area by finite element modelling was 0.00 and −60.50%, respectively.

Antioxidant and whitening activities of five unripe pear cultivars

The present study was the first evaluation of the arbutin content, antioxidant activity, and whitening function of the unripe pears of five major Korean pear cultivars. Unripe pears were investigated 30 days after florescence for possible utilization as a whitening ingredient, instead of being thrown away for thinning out. Among the five cultivars tested, Gamcheonbae and Manpungbae had significantly higher total phenolics and arbutin contents, while Niitaka had lower values of both total phenolics and arbutin. For whitening activity related to tyrosinase and cellular melanin formation, Manpungbae also showed the strongest tyrosinase inhibition (4.9 %), and achieved 74% reduction of the cellular melanin compared to non-treated cells. These results indicate that unripe pears, especially the Manpungbae cultivar, could be useful for application as a possible natural whitening additive with high arbutin content and excellent whitening activity.

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of the Fire Blight Pathogen, Erwinia amylovora, Isolated from Apple and Pear Orchards in Egypt

A B S T R A C T Eleven Erwinia amylovora isolates, the causal agent of the fire blight disease, were isolated from apple orchards adjacent to those of pears showing fire blight disease symptoms. Initial characterization concerning morphological and biochemical traits revealed that all isolates were typical to those of E. amylovora. Furthermore, all bacterial isolates showed typical symptoms of the fire blight disease upon infection of unripe pear fruits. Molecular characterization of these isolates via PCR utilizing specific primers based on a region of plasmid pEA29 and chromosomal DNA ams-region was performed. PCR products were positive and represented the expected length 1.1 and 1.6 kb, respectively. Moreover, PCR reactions utilizing the 16S rRNA universal primers were carried out. DNA sequence of PCR products and analysis via blast and Genbank data showed that, the bacterial isolates actually belonging to E. amylovora. Moreover, there are interference between these Erwinia isolates and identified E. amylovora strains based on constructed phylogenetic analysis. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of fire blight of apples caused by E. amylovora in Egypt.

Fine Needle Elastography (FNE) device for biomechanically determining local variations of tissue mechanical properties

Diseased tissues exhibit changes in mechanical properties and thus possess clinical diagnostic significance. We report the design and development of a Fine Needle Elastography (FNE) prototype device integrated with Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) needle that allows for quantitative and sensitive assessment of tissues and materials based on local variations in elastic, friction, and cutting forces on needle insertion. A piezoelectric force-sensor at the base of FNA needle measures the forces opposing needle penetration with micrometer scale resolution. Measurement precision (±5μm) and axial resolution (~20μm) of FNE device was tested using control mm size gelatin matrices and unripe pear in assessing needle penetration resistance, force heterogeneity and optimization of needle penetration velocity. Further, we demonstrated the usefulness of FNE in quantitative, biomechanical differentiation of simulated thyroid tumor nodules in an ultrasound neck phantom. Fluid or solid nodules were probed in the phantom study coupled with ultrasound guidance. Our data shows significantly higher force variations (1-D force heterogeneity; HF,a=6.5mN, HF,q=8.25mN and stiffness heterogeneity; HS,a=0.0274kN/m, HS,q=0.0395kN/m) in solid nodules compared either to fluid nodules or to regions corresponding to healthy thyroid tissue within the ultrasound phantom. The results suggest future applications of in vivo FNE biopsies based on force heterogeneity to diagnose thyroid tumors in areas where ultrasound instrumentation or access to a qualified pathologist for FNAC are unavailable, as well as an ancillary diagnostic tool in thyroid cancer management.

Fracture Toughness of Human Solid Cancers

AbstractHuman solid cancers typically are harder and firmer than surrounding normal tissue upon clinical palpation. This characteristic has been linked to the presence of abundant collagen in the tumor stroma, referred to as the desmoplastic reaction. Recent evidence indicates that tumor-associated desmoplastic stroma is critical to cancer’s growth and progression. However, how best to measure, interpret, and/or model the mechanical attributes of tumor microenvironment in vivo remain unclear. During routine sonographically-guided fine needle biopsy of solid tumors of the human thyroid gland, it was serendipitously observed by the lead author that the nature and strength of the haptic force feedback cues varied among tumors [See Movie:http://www.jbioleng.org/imedia/6538834542236038/supp1.mov]. Note the apparent ease with which the needle travels through a non-cancerous tumor. In contrast, a cancerous tumor offers substantial resistance to needle insertion and penetration. To further investigate this phenomenon and to assess the relationship between tumor hardness and cytological diagnosis, a clinical study was designed and implemented incorporating the principles of fracture mechanics with haptic modality. In this prospective study, 609 solid thyroid gland tumors were percutaneously probed using standard 25-gauge fine needles, their tissue toughness ranked on the basis of the nature and strength of the haptic force feedback cues, and subjected to standard fine needle biopsy. Ranked tumors were placed in one of two groups: Group 1 [N = 134]: tumors exhibiting penetration resistance with a distinctive force-feedback cue, as if cutting through an unripe pear; and Group 2 [N = 475]: tumors exhibiting no resistance, as if cutting through jelly. The results were dramatic: 64% of Group 1 tumors were cancerous while 95% of Group 2 tumors were noncancerous. This qualitative method, though subject to some operator bias, identifies a previously unreported in vivo approach for characterizing the fracture toughness of human solid tumors that can be correlated with malignancy. Our results when validated by quantitative measurement data are likely to provide a new framework for understanding the mechanical attributes of the tumor microenvironment. We anticipate our method to be a starting point for the development of a mechanical device that can quantify a tumor’s toughness in vivo using the principles of fracture mechanics. [Journal of Biological Engineering 2008;2:12 doi:10.1186/1754-1611-2-12]

Fracture Toughness of Human Solid Cancers

Human solid cancers typically are harder and firmer than surrounding normal tissue upon clinical palpation. This characteristic has been linked to the presence of abundant collagen in the tumor stroma, referred to as the desmoplastic reaction. Recent evidence indicates that tumor-associated desmoplastic stroma is critical to cancer’s growth and progression. However, how best to measure, interpret, and/or model the mechanical attributes of tumor microenvironment in vivo remain unclear. During routine sonographically-guided fine needle biopsy of solid tumors of the human thyroid gland, it was serendipitously observed by the lead author that the nature and strength of the haptic force feedback cues varied among tumors [See Movie:http://www.jbioleng.org/imedia/6538834542236038/supp1.mov]. Note the apparent ease with which the needle travels through a non-cancerous tumor. In contrast, a cancerous tumor offers substantial resistance to needle insertion and penetration. To further investigate this phenomenon and to assess the relationship between tumor hardness and cytological diagnosis, a clinical study was designed and implemented incorporating the principles of fracture mechanics with haptic modality. In this prospective study, 609 solid thyroid gland tumors were percutaneously probed using standard 25-gauge fine needles, their tissue toughness ranked on the basis of the nature and strength of the haptic force feedback cues, and subjected to standard fine needle biopsy. Ranked tumors were placed in one of two groups: Group 1 [N = 134]: tumors exhibiting penetration resistance with a distinctive force-feedback cue, as if cutting through an unripe pear; and Group 2 [N = 475]: tumors exhibiting no resistance, as if cutting through jelly. The results were dramatic: 64% of Group 1 tumors were cancerous while 95% of Group 2 tumors were noncancerous. This qualitative method, though subject to some operator bias, identifies a previously unreported in vivo approach for characterizing the fracture toughness of human solid tumors that can be correlated with malignancy. Our results when validated by quantitative measurement data are likely to provide a new framework for understanding the mechanical attributes of the tumor microenvironment. We anticipate our method to be a starting point for the development of a mechanical device that can quantify a tumor’s toughness in vivo using the principles of fracture mechanics. [Journal of Biological Engineering 2008;2:12 doi:10.1186/1754-1611-2-12]

Effect of harvest maturity on quality of fresh-cut pear salad

Texture of an unripe pear is firm and crisp, similar to an apple. However, at the crisp stage, the flavor of pears is flat. This study evaluated the effect of harvest maturity on the quality of fresh-cut pear salad. Fruit were harvested at commercial maturity and 1-month delayed. After 2 and 5 months (1 and 4 months for delayed-harvest fruit) storage at −1 °C, fruit were sliced into 8–12 wedges per fruit, dipped in an antibrowning solution, packaged in Ziploc bags and stored at 1 °C for up to 21 d. Delayed-harvest fruit were larger in size (≈20% increase in weight), had lower flesh firmness (≈17% decrease), lower titratable acidity content (≈20% decrease), and lower phenolic content (≈45% and 13% decreases in pulp and peel, respectively). There was no significant difference in soluble solids content. After 2 months storage, ethylene production and respiration rate were initially lower in the slices from delayed-harvest fruit, but tended to become similar after 7 d in storage at 1 °C. Delayed-harvest fruit had lower hydroxycinnamic acids and flavanols, and higher ester, alcohol, and aldehyde volatile compounds after 2–5 months storage. The results indicated that fruit salad produced with delayed-harvest pears had less browning potential and better flavor. Sensory evaluation results showed that about 80% of the panel liked slices from delayed-harvest fruit over commercial harvested, especially in terms of visual quality (65–85%), sweetness (75–95%), taste (70–80%), and overall quality (75–80%) during 21 d storage at 1 °C. The cut surface of slices appeared dry in delayed-harvest fruit when processed after 5 months in storage. However, sensory evaluation showed that panels still preferred the delayed-harvest fruit.

Resistance to Erwinia amylovora in immature pears induced by acibenzolar-S-methyl in the orchard

A field trial was carried out to determine whether resistance to Erwinia amylovora could be induced in unripe pears with acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), comparing the effectiveness of ASM with a formulate of copper hydroxide. The random block trial was carried out in a commercial pear orchard between June 15 and 29. The treatments were applied in mid-June. Unripe pears were collected from the trees immediately and 1, 2, 4, 7 and 14 days after treatment, and inoculated in the greenhouse within 2–3 hours with a constant dose of a virulent strain of Erwinia amylovora . After inoculation, the pears were stored in a moist chamber at 25±2°C in a greenhouse, and after 8 days the diameter of each surface lesion was measured as well as its width and depth inside the pulp. In the fruits of ASM treated trees there was a reduction in the lesion diameter of the peripheral tissues around the inoculation holes, but not in the deep pulp tissues. Specifically, the symptoms appeared to be milder in the peripheral tissues even 7 and 14 days after treatment with ASM, especially at the lower concentration. The copper compound gave protection to the immature pears for not more than 4 days. These results justify the use of ASM for the protection of unripe fruit in the spring-early summer period to control bacterial fire blight in pear orchards.

ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE CAUSAL AGENTS OF ROOT AND CROWN ROT OF PISTACHIO TREES IN THE SISTAN AND BALUCHISTAN PROVINCES

ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF THE CAUSAL AGENTS OF ROOT AND CROWN ROT OF PISTACHIO TREES IN THE SISTAN AND BALUCHISTAN PROVINCES

Variations in firmness and sugar content in ‘Huanghua’ pear (Pyrus pyrifolia ‘Nakai’)

SummaryKnowledge of the firmness and sugar content of fruit flesh and intact fruit is required for grading and processing. Little detailed information is available on anisotropic differences in firmness and sugar content, and their relationship within fruit. The objectives of this study were to determine any spatial or orientational differences in firmness and/or sugar content in ‘Huanghua’ pear, and to analyse the relationship between firmness and sugar content. Significant differences in firmness and sugar content existed between unripe and ripe pears. Our analyses showed that firmness and sugar content did not differ significantly in the radial (longitudinal) axis, but along the stem-to-calyx (latitudinal) axis (i.e., the proximal to distal end of the fruit) there were significant differences between the two parameters. Firmness and sugar content were greatest in the top or proximal, stem-end of the fruit, and lowest in the distal or calyx end. Thus, it is necessary to consider axis orientation and spatial or positional effects when the quality of pear is being evaluated by measuring firmness and/or sugar content.The “equatorial” area (i.e., the middle of the stem-to-calyx axis) of pear was the best part to evaluate firmness and sugar content. The relationship between firmness and sugar content within pear, and for different harvest periods could be expressed using quadratic models.

Fruit size as a model for teaching first trimester uterine sizing in bimanual examination

Objective: To examine a commonly used fruit-comparison model for teaching uterine sizing by bimanual examination, to compare the sizes of actual fruits with published first trimester uterine ultrasound measurements, and to estimate the degree of provider agreement with this model. Methods: Actual fruits (pears, juice oranges, navel oranges, and grapefruits) were measured. Published ultrasound measurements of first trimester pregnant uteri were compared with the fruit measurements. A questionnaire was developed and sent to a community-based sample of 300 women’s healthcare providers selected from a local medical society roster of obstetrician-gynecologists and a local reproductive healthcare provider list. Results: One hundred twelve (37%) of 300 questionnaires were returned. Of these respondents, 55% were medical doctors, 41% nurse-practitioners, and 4% midwives. Overall, 75% of respondents agreed (responded either “Agree” or “Strongly agree”) that a nonpregnant or 5-week pregnant uterus feels like a small, unripe pear. Sixty-one percent agreed that a 6-week pregnant uterus feels like a small (juice) orange. Eighty percent agreed that an 8-week pregnant uterus feels like a large (navel) orange. Eighty-one percent expressed agreement that a 12-week pregnant uterus feels like a grapefruit. Conclusion: The degree of provider agreement with the fruit-based teaching model indicates potential utility of the model.

Enzymatic Deodorization with Raw Fruits, Vegetables and Mushrooms.

Abilities of 31 kinds of raw fruits, 33 kinds of raw vegetables, and 2 kinds of raw mushrooms to remove the odor of methylmercaptan were examined. Apple, pear, loquat, peach, plum, prune, apricot, cherry, grape, lettuce, chicory, udo, perilla, peppermint, basil, burdock, potato, eggplant, and mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) showed high deodorizing activity. Highest activities were obtained with burdock and unripe fruits (apple and pear). These green foods are believed to contain large amounts of both polyphenolic compounds and their specific polyphenol oxidases, by which oxidation reaction causes addition reaction of the resulting quinone radicals with SH-compounds such as methylmercaptan. The sequential reactions can be called enzymatic deodorization. Sensory examination or measurement with an odor sensor indicated that eating apple, unripe pear and prune significantly removed bad breath caused by eating garlic. The enzymatic deodorization method has great potential for eliminating bad odors from the environment including bad breath.

Effect of postharvest application of calcium on ripening rates of pears and bananas

SummaryDipping unripe pears (cv Williams Bon Chretien) in a solution of calcium chloride under reduced pressure (125-375 mm Hg) and subsequent storage at 20°C delayed ripening by up to 40% of the time taken for control fruit to ripen. The Ca-treated fruit ripened normally and a taste panel found that it was of good eating quality. However, dipping unripe bananas (cv Cavendish) in CaCl2 solution, whether under ambient or reduced pressure, accelerated ripening.