Vaccinium Macrocarpon Research Articles

The Role of Phialocephala fortinii in Improving Plants' Phosphorus Nutrition: New Puzzle Pieces.

Plants' mineral nutrition in acidic soils can be facilitated by phosphate solubilizing fungi inhabiting the root systems of these plants. We attempt to find dark septate endophyte (DSE) isolates in the roots of wild-heather plants, which are capable of improving plants' phosphorus nutrition levels. Bright-field and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used for the visualization of endophytes. A model system of co-cultivation with Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. was used to study a fungal isolate's ability to supply plants with phosphorus. Fungal phytase activity and phosphorus content in plants were estimated spectrophotometrically. In V. vitis-idaea L. roots, we obtained a Phialocephala fortinii Wang, Wilcox DSE2 isolate with acid phytase activity (maximum 6.91 ± 0.17 U on 21st day of cultivation on potato-dextrose broth medium) and the ability to accumulate polyphosphates in hyphae cells. The ability of the isolate to increase both phosphorus accumulation and biomass in V. macrocarpon is also shown. The data obtained for the same isolate, as puzzle pieces put together, indicate the possible mediation of P. fortinii DSE2 isolate in the process of phosphorus intake from inorganic soil reserves to plants.

Effect Of Vaccinium Macrocarpon On Candida Albicans Adhesion To Denture Base Resin

Objective
 This study aimed to assess the effectivenessof Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry)extract on Candida albicans adhesion tocranberry added denture base biomaterial.
 Method
 Different proportions of cranberryextract were incorporated into polymer of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) self - cure resin material forfabricationfifty of 4 mm x 4mm x 2mm samples. Group I contained 0 wt/wt% cranberry was used as control group. 0.5wt/wt%, 1.0 wt/wt%, 1.5 wt/wt% and 2 wt/wt% was graded as Group II to V in order.Addition of 0.1mL of Candida albicans suspension was done in each well of tissue culture plate and incubated for 48 hours. 2% cranberrywasused as disinfectant solution in four serial dilutions at undiluted, 1:10, 1:100, 1:1000 ratio. Immersion of resin samples in disinfectant solution was done for 10 minutes. A colony forming unit was measuredafter 0.1mL of the solution was plated on as sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) plate and cultured for 72 hours. Data were subjected to statistical analysis.
 Results
 The mean colony forming units (CFU) per mL showed that there were severalconfluent colonieswith all proportions of cranberry extract added poly methyl methacrylate (CA-PMMA) resin samplesin undiluted and 1:10 dilution state with both distilled water and cranberry disinfectants. While immersion indistilled waterat 1 :100 dilution, mean CFU/mL was 2.99 0.29in all groups of CA-PMMA. In 1 :1000 dilution state, the mean SD was 117 0.42.Immersion in cranberry solution at 1:100 and 1:1000 showed 2.65 0.66 and 1.26 0.59 for all groups of CA-PMMA. On comparison between distilled water and cranberry as disinfectants, a statistically significant difference was noted with all groups as p < 0.043. Insignificant variation was observed within the groups with both disinfectants as p > 0.05.
 Conclusion
 Adherence of Candida albicans to cranberry added self-cure poly methyl methacrylate biomaterial was evidenced to be less irrespective of extract proportions of 1%, 1.5% and 2% in PMMA.Cranberry’s effectiveness as disinfectant showed lesscandida growth when compared to distilled water immersion. This infers that cranberry has anti-adherence property when used both as a polymer constituent material as well as disinfectant solution.

Сравнительный анализ количественных признаков сортов клюквы (Oxycoccus) в условиях Москвы

Cranberry is a valuable food and medicinal plant. For industrial purposes, two types of cranberries are used - large-fruited cranberries (Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Aiton) Pursh.) and marsh cranberries (Oxycoccus palustris Pers.). Based on these species, new varieties with improved qualities are obtained. At the moment, there are more than 100 varieties of large-fruited cranberries and marsh cranberries. They have economically valuable qualities: large-fruitedness, early maturity, dark color of berries, a large number of upright shoots per unit area, uniformity of berries, and a tendency to form more than one flower bud per shoot. Changing climatic conditions, for example, with the introduction of North American varieties, may lead to additional variability in traits. In this regard, it is necessary to compare popular varieties of cranberries in Moscow. The aim of the study is to compare varieties of cranberries according to the quantitative characteristics of fruits and leaves. Cranberry varieties were chosen as objects of study: ‘Ben Leer’, ‘Early Black’, ‘Mac Farlen’, ‘Piligrim’, ‘Stivens’ and ‘Beauty of the North’. Accounting and observations were carried out in the laboratory of cultivated plants GBS RAS. N.V. Tsitsina in 2021 and 2022 according to the morphological characteristics of fruits and leaves. The analysis of the experimental data was carried out by the methods of analysis of variance and confidence intervals. Comparative analysis showed that ‘Ben Leer’ and ‘Krasa Severa’ fruits have the maximum values of parameters with a low number of seeds. According to the features of the leaves, it was determined that the length, width and length of the petiole in the variety ‘Ben Leer’ turned out to be minimal. ‘Stivens’ has the largest leaves with long petioles. Keywords: MARSH CRANBERRY, LARGE-FRUITED CRANBERRY, FRUIT, LEAF, MORPHOLOGICAL SIGNS, 'BEN LEER', 'EARLY BLACK', 'MAC FARLEN', 'PILIGRIM', 'STIVENS', 'BEAUTY OF THE NORTH'

Evaluation of the Phytochemical Composition of Phenolic and Triterpene Compounds in Fruit of Large Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) Grown in Latvia.

We carried out a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the phytochemical composition of the fruits of large cranberry cultivars ‘Ben Lear’, ‘Bergman’, ‘Kalnciema agra’, ‘Lemunyon’, ‘Pilgrim’, ‘Stevens’, and ‘Tina’ grown in Latvian climatic conditions. The following predominant compounds were found in cranberry fruit samples: peonidin-3-O-galactoside, peonidin-3-O-arabinoside, cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-arabinoside, myricetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-α-L-arabinofuranoside, quercetin 3-rhamnoside, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid. During the berry ripening period (from 16 August until 15 September), a trend of decreasing amounts of compounds was found in the fruit samples of the studied cranberry cultivars: the total amount of proanthocyanidins decreased by 1.3 times, the total amount of the identified flavonols decreased by 1.3 times, the total amount of triterpenoids decreased by 1.2 times, and the total amount of chlorogenic acid decreased by 1.7 times. During the period from 16 August until 15 September, the total amount of anthocyanins in the cranberry fruit samples increased by 2.6 to 17 times. The highest total amount of anthocyanins (5305.80 ± 27 µg/g) was detected in fruit samples of the cranberry cultivar ‘Kalnciema agra’ collected on 15 September. The amount of biologically active compounds in cranberry fruit samples varies during berry ripening. Thus, the choice of the picking time is one of the factors that determines the phytochemical composition of raw cranberry material.

Validation of Reference Genes in a Population of Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) Plants Regenerated in Colchicine.

For the first time we report the validation of reference genes in plants from a population of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) clones cultured in vitro on a colchicine-supplemented medium. Nodal segment explants of the cultivar Duke were regenerated by organogenesis under different periods of colchicine 1 mg/L exposure (1, 2, 3, 5, 30 days). The clones selected for the study showed variability for phenotypic traits after 2 years of adaptation to field conditions, compared to plants of the donor genotype that were regenerated on a medium without colchicine. Vaccinium myrtillus (GAPDH) and Vaccinium macrocarpon (ATP1, NADH, RPOB and COX2) were used as reference genomes for primer design. The results show that colchicine treatments can cause genomic changes in blueberry plants. At the molecular level, exposure of plants to colchicine in early periods could promote an increase in gene expression of specific genes such as ATP1, COX2, GAPDH, MATK, NADH and RPOB. However, prolonged exposure (30 days) could decrease gene expression of the genes studied. For qPCR assays, the primers designed for ATP1, COX2, GAPDH and MATK genes showed high efficiency. In addition, the GAPDH, ATP1, NADH and COX2 genes showed high stability and could be recommended as potential reference genes for gene expression assays in Vaccinium.

Genomic-environmental associations in wild cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.).

Understanding the genetic basis of local adaptation in natural plant populations, particularly crop wild relatives, may be highly useful for plant breeding. By characterizing genetic variation for adaptation to potentially stressful environmental conditions, breeders can make targeted use of crop wild relatives to develop cultivars for novel or changing environments. This is especially appealing for improving long-lived woody perennial crops such as the American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.), the cultivation of which is challenged by biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we used environmental association analyses in a collection of 111 wild cranberry accessions to identify potentially adaptive genomic regions for a range of bioclimatic and soil conditions. We detected 126 significant associations between SNP marker loci and environmental variables describing temperature, precipitation, and soil attributes. Many of these markers tagged genes with functional annotations strongly suggesting a role in adaptation to biotic or abiotic conditions. Despite relatively low genetic variation in cranberry, our results suggest that local adaptation to divergent environments is indeed present, and the identification of potentially adaptive genetic variation may enable a selective use of this germplasm for breeding more stress-tolerant cultivars.

Determination of biologically active substances extraction parameters from cranberry leaves

The problem of type 2 diabetes due to its prevalence, severity, and complications is one of the most pressing in the world. Plants of the genus Vaccinium are promising sources for the creation of hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic medicines. Studies have shown that the extract from cranberry leaves, obtained with 50 % ethanol solution has prospects to be used for correcting insulin resistance. Therefore, for creating new medicines based on cranberry leaves, it is necessary to determine the optimal parameters of biologically active substances (BAS) extraction from this raw material. The aim of the research is to determine the parameters of BAS extraction from cranberry leaves (Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Ait.) Pursh) for creating a new dry extract with hypoglycemic activity. Materials and methods. The object of the study was cranberry leaves. Extracts from the leaves were obtained with 50 % ethanol solution in a ratio of 1:10; 1:15; 1:20; 1:25; 1:30 and 1:35 by maceration at room temperature for 8 hours. The extraction was repeated four times with new portions of the extractant, collecting each extract separately. Identification of phenolic compounds was performed by thin-layer chromatography. An assay of phenolic compounds was carried out by spectrophotometric methods. The mass transfer coefficient of each stage (miBAS/Viextragent) was calculated for each indicator and the dependence of these factors on the extraction multiplicity to determine the rational extraction was derived using the software Statistics. Results. Gallic and chlorogenic acids, rutin, quercetin, and hyperoside were detected on TLC of cranberry leaves extracts in comparison with standard samples of substances. The content of the sum of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives in terms of chlorogenic acid, the number of flavonoids in terms of rutin, and the content of the sum of phenolic compounds in terms of gallic acid were determined. It was established that the exhaustive extraction of BAS with 50 % ethanol solution from the cranberry leaves provides a ratio of 1 to 100–110. It was rational to carry out BAS extraction from cranberry leaves in a ratio of 1:10 twice, this would ensure the maximum yield of BAS at the minimum cost of the extractant. Conclusions. It was found that was rational to extract BAS with 50 % ethanol solution from cranberry leaves in a ratio of 1:10 twice using mathematical and statistical methods. It would be used in the future in the development of extract technology.

Endosymbionts in cranberry: Diversity, effect on plant growth, and pathogen biocontrol

Societal impact statementThis investigation addresses the diversity of microbial endosymbionts in cranberry, which are among the least understood and ill‐defined ericoid symbionts. There is excellent potential for Ericaceous plants, such as cranberry and blueberry, to be farmed more sustainably once the properties and functioning of their associated microbiomes are known in more detail. Here, we demonstrate that some bacterial and fungal endosymbionts of cranberry stimulate plant growth and suppress fungal pathogens. They have the potential for field applications as a first step toward sustainable cranberry farming.Summary Virtually, all vascular plants harbor bacterial and fungal endosymbionts, which colonize predominantly but not exclusively, roots. Most common among fungal partners are arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF; Glomeromycotina) that live within plant roots and provide soil nutrients to the plant while receiving from the plant organic carbon sources. Ericaceae are an exception as they do not host AMF but rather the taxonomically ill‐defined “ericoid mycorrhizal fungi,” including select ascomycete and basidiomycete species. Because the diversity of endosymbionts in Ericaceae is poorly investigated, we set out to explore the microbiome of Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton (cranberry). Here, we report the isolation and ribotyping of ~180 distinct bacterial and fungal endophytes collected from roots, stems, and leaves of cranberry plants cultivated in Quebec, Canada. Plant growth promotion was assessed after inoculating plant cuttings with these microbes, whereas pathogen suppression was tested on agar plates by growth confrontation. We show that the cranberry microbiome varies substantially between tissues, cultivars, and across fields of the same farm. Among the isolates, 16 bacterial and 8 fungal strains exhibit biofertilization or biocontrol properties with potential application in sustainable cranberry farming. We propose to move towards a more rigorous, molecular‐based definition of ericoid mycorrhiza, accounting for their broad evolutionary and morphological diversity.

Development and Validation of the UPLC-DAD Methodology for the Detection of Triterpenoids and Phytosterols in Fruit Samples of Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton and Vaccinium oxycoccos L.

Cranberries are used in the production of medicinal preparations and food supplements, which highlights the importance of triterpene compounds determination in cranberry fruit raw material. The aim of our study was to develop and validate for routine testing suitable UPLC-DAD methodology for the evaluation of triterpene acids, neutral triterpenoids, phytosterols, and squalene content in cranberry samples. The developed and optimized UPLC-DAD methodology was validated according to the guidelines of the International Council for Harmonization (ICH), evaluating the following parameters: range, specificity, linearity (R2 > 0.999), precision, LOD (0.27–1.86 µg/mL), LOQ (0.90–6.18 µg/mL), and recovery (80–110%). The developed and validated technique was used for the evaluation of triterpenic compounds in samples of Vaccinium macrocarpon and Vaccinium oxycoccos fruits, and their peels, pulp and seeds. The studied chromatogram profiles of Vaccinium macrocarpon and Vaccinium oxycoccos were identical but differed in the areas of the analytical peaks. Ursolic acid was the dominant compound in fruit samples of Vaccinium macrocarpon and Vaccinium oxycoccos. The highest amounts of triterpenic compounds were detected in the cranberry peels samples. The developed method for the detection of triterpene compounds can be applied in further studies for routine testing on the qualitative and quantitative composition of fruit samples of Vaccinium macrocarpon and Vaccinium oxycoccos species and cultivars.

Determination of standardization parameters of Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Ait.) Pursh and Oxycoccus palustris Pers. Leaves

The aim. Extracts of cranberry large leaves have prospects when used to correct insulin-resistant conditions. There­fore, to create new drugs based on cranberry leaves, you need to develop instructions for cultivating the plant, harvesting raw materials and methods of quality control. Therefore, the aim of the research was to determine the pa­rameters of standardization of large cranberry leaves (Oxycoccus macrocarpus (Ait.) Pursh) and swamp cranberries (Oxycoccus palustris Pers.). Materials and methods. Macro- and microscopic studies of raw materials were performed according to the method of SPhU 2.8.23 “Microscopic examination of medicinal plant raw materials”. Macroscopic examinations were per­formed using a magnifying glass and MBS-9 binocular microscope. Identification of basic substances was performed by TLC, testing and quantification of flavonoids according to SPhU methods. Results. The morphological and anatomical features of the leaves of common cranberry and large cranberry were determined. The general features of the structure of stems and leaves species and different differences for each species are were revealed. TLC identification of the main BAS of raw materials was developed and standardization parameters were determined. Conclusions. The parameters of cranberry leaf standardization are determined by the following indicators: mac­ro-and microscopic features, TLC identification of the main BAS raw materials (hyperoside, rutin and caffeic acid), impurities (not more than 2 %), brown stems not more than 5 %, weight loss during drying (not more than 10 %), total ash (not more than 7 %) and not less than 1 % of flavonoids, in terms of hyperoside

Genome-wide analysis of long terminal repeat retrotransposons from the cranberry Vaccinium macrocarpon

BACKGROUND: Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons are widespread in plant genomes and play a large role in the generation of genomic variation. Despite this, their identification and characterization remains challenging, especially for non-model genomes. Hence, LTR retrotransposons remain undercharacterized in Vaccinium genomes, although they may be beneficial for current berry breeding efforts. OBJECTIVE: Exemplarily focusing on the genome of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton), we aim to generate an overview of the LTR retrotransposon landscape, highlighting the abundance, transcriptional activity, sequence, and structure of the major retrotransposon lineages. METHODS: Graph-based clustering of whole genome shotgun Illumina reads was performed to identify the most abundant LTR retrotransposons and to reconstruct representative in silico full-length elements. To generate insights into the LTR retrotransposon diversity in V. macrocarpon, we also queried the genome assembly for presence of reverse transcriptases (RTs), the key domain of LTR retrotransposons. Using transcriptomic data, transcriptional activity of retrotransposons corresponding to the consensuses was analyzed. RESULTS: We provide an in-depth characterization of the LTR retrotransposon landscape in the V. macrocarpon genome. Based on 475 RTs harvested from the genome assembly, we detect a high retrotransposon variety, with all major lineages present. To better understand their structural hallmarks, we reconstructed 26 Ty1-copia and 28 Ty3-gypsy in silico consensuses that capture the detected diversity. Accordingly, we frequently identify association with tandemly repeated motifs, extra open reading frames, and specialized, lineage-typical domains. Based on the overall high genomic abundance and transcriptional activity, we suggest that retrotransposons of the Ale and Athila lineages are most promising to monitor retrotransposon-derived polymorphisms across accessions. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that LTR retrotransposons are major components of the V. macrocarpon genome. The representative consensuses provide an entry point for further Vaccinium genome analyses and may be applied to derive molecular markers for enhancing cranberry selection and breeding.

Effectiveness of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon, cv. Pilgrim) vacuum impregnation: The effect of sample pretreatment, pressure, and processing time

This study aimed to determine the effects of vacuum impregnation (VI) on the effectiveness of enrichment of cranberry fruit with ascorbic acid. During the research, different strategies of fruit preparation that might improve impregnation in a ternary solution containing ascorbic acid, citric acid, and sucrose were tested. The evaluation of the processes was based on an analysis of impregnation efficiency, selected quality parameters, and alterations of internal structure. The results confirm that VI proceeds efficiently with heat-treated or bisected cranberry. The pressure and length of the individual process stages also affect impregnation efficiency. The lower the pressure and/or the longer the impregnation time, the higher the ascorbic acid content in the fruit. It can be concluded that VI is an effective method for enriching difficult to process berries with valuable compounds.

Effect of Cranberry Juice Supplementation on the Gut Microbiome and Inflammatory Markers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Overweight Individuals.

ObjectivesObesity is considered a growing public health concern worldwide. This complex chronic disease has been linked with alterations in adipose tissue and increased pro-inflammatory molecules. Previous studies have associated cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) polyphenols with antimicrobial effects anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we evaluate the impact of daily cranberry juice consumption for six weeks on the gut microbiome and inflammatory cytokines of overweight individuals. MethodsA total of 45 overweight or obese (BMI 28–35 kg/m2) individuals aged 18–65 years, with a body fat percentage greater than 18% for males and 25% for females consumed 8 oz of placebo or cranberry juice twice a day for six weeks. Blood, fecal samples, intestinal health questionnaires, and food records were collected at baseline and after six weeks. Inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, interferon γ (IFN-γ), were analyzed in serum. DNA was extracted from fecal samples to perform a 16S rRNA metagenomics analysis. ResultsSerum levels of TNFα were significantly decreased in the male group (p-value < 0.0317), and IL-8 levels were significantly increased in the female group (p-value < 0.0121) after six weeks of cranberry consumption. In contrast, cranberry consumption significantly improved constipation status after six weeks, based on the AGACHAN questionnaire. At the end of the study, significant differences were found among groups on the class Coriobacteriia, attributed to an increment in the relative abundance of unidentified Coriobacteriaceae sp. after cranberry consumption. Moreover, significant differences among groups on the Bilophila genus were detected after six weeks. This difference was accompanied by an increase in the relative abundance of unidentified Bilophila sp. on the placebo group. ConclusionsA short-term supplementation of a low dose of cranberry juice showed a slight impact on the inflammatory markers and increased the abundance of some beneficial bacterial species. Results are contributing to understanding the bioactive properties of cranberry polyphenols. Funding SourcesOcean Spray Cranberries, Inc.

A dPCR Method for Quantitative Authentication of Wild Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) versus Cultivated American Cranberry (V. macrocarpon).

Berries of the genus Vaccinium are highly valued health-beneficial superfoods, which are commonly subjected to adulteration and mixed with each other, or with other common berry species. A quantitative DNA-based method utilizing a chip-based digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) technique was developed for identifying and quantifying wild lingonberry (V. vitis-idaea) and cultivated American cranberry (V. macrocarpon). The dPCR method with species-specific primers for mini-barcoding was designed based on the indel regions found in the trnI-CAU–trnL-CAA locus in the chloroplast genome. The designed primers were able to amplify only target species, enabling to distinguish the two closely related species with good sensitivity. Our results illustrated the ability of the method to identify lingonberry and American cranberry DNA using PCR without the need for probes or further sequencing. The dPCR method could also quantify the DNA copy number in mixed samples. Based on this study, the method provides a basis for a simple, fast, and sensitive quantitative authentication analysis of lingonberry and American cranberry by dPCR. Moreover, it can also provide a platform for authentication analyses of other plant species as well by utilizing the indel regions of chloroplast genomes.

Chronic Consumption of Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) for 12 Weeks Improves Episodic Memory and Regional Brain Perfusion in Healthy Older Adults: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel-Groups Feasibility Study.

BackgroundAgeing is highly associated with cognitive decline and modifiable risk factors such as diet are believed to protect against this process. Specific dietary components and in particular, (poly)phenol-rich fruits such as berries have been increasingly recognised for their protection against age-related neurodegeneration. However, the impact of cranberries on cognitive function and neural functioning in older adults remains unclear.DesignA 12-week parallel randomised placebo-controlled trial of freeze-dried cranberry powder was conducted in 60 older adults aged between 50 and 80 years. Cognitive assessment, including memory and executive function, neuroimaging and blood sample collection were conducted before and after the intervention to assess the impact of daily cranberry consumption on cognition, brain function and biomarkers of neuronal signalling.ResultsCranberry supplementation for 12 weeks was associated with improvements in visual episodic memory in aged participants when compared to placebo. Mechanisms of action may include increased regional perfusion in the right entorhinal cortex, the accumbens area and the caudate in the cranberry group. Significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol during the course of the intervention was also observed. No significant differences were, however, detected for BDNF levels between groups.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that daily cranberry supplementation (equivalent to 1 small cup of cranberries) over a 12-week period improves episodic memory performance and neural functioning, providing a basis for future investigations to determine efficacy in the context of neurological disease. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03679533 and at ISRCTN as ISRCTN76069316.

A Freeze-Dried Cranberry Powder Consistently Enhances SCFA Production and Lowers Abundance of Opportunistic Pathogens In Vitro.

The American cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon, contains fibers and (poly)phenols that could exert health-promoting effects through modulation of gut microbiota. This study aimed to investigate how a freeze-dried whole cranberry powder (FCP) modulated metabolite production and microbial composition using both a 48-h incubation strategy and a long-term human gut simulator study with the M-SHIME (Mucosal Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem). FCP was repeatedly administered over three weeks. The studies included five and three study subjects, respectively. In both models, FCP significantly increased levels of health-related short-chain fatty acids (SCFA: acetate, propionate and butyrate), while decreased levels of branched-chain fatty acids (markers of proteolytic fermentation). Interestingly, FCP consistently increased luminal Bacteroidetes abundances in the proximal colon of the M-SHIME (+17.5 ± 9.3%) at the expense of Proteobacteria (−10.2 ± 1.5%). At family level, this was due to the stimulation of Bacteroidaceae and Prevotellaceae and a decrease of Pseudomonodaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. Despite of interpersonal differences, FCP also increased the abundance of families of known butyrate producers. Overall, FCP displayed an interesting prebiotic potential in vitro given its selective utilization by host microorganisms and potential health-related effects on inhibition of pathogens and selective stimulation of beneficial metabolites.

Acquisition of Freezing Tolerance in Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. Is a Multi-Factor Process Involving the Presence of an Ice Barrier at the Bud Base.

Bud freezing survival strategies have in common the presence of an ice barrier that impedes the propagation of lethally damaging ice from the stem into the internal structures of buds. Despite ice barriers’ essential role in buds freezing stress survival, the nature of ice barriers in woody plants is not well understood. High-definition thermal recordings of Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. buds explored the presence of an ice barrier at the bud base in September, January, and May. Light and confocal microscopy were used to evaluate the ice barrier region anatomy and cell wall composition related to their freezing tolerance. Buds had a temporal ice barrier at the bud base in September and January, although buds were only freezing tolerant in January. Lack of functionality of vascular tissues may contribute to the impedance of ice propagation. Pith tissue at the bud base had comparatively high levels of de-methyl-esterified homogalacturonan (HG), which may also block ice propagation. By May, the ice barrier was absent, xylogenesis had resumed, and de-methyl-esterified HG reached its lowest levels, translating into a loss of freezing tolerance. The structural components of the barrier had a constitutive nature, resulting in an asynchronous development of freezing tolerance between anatomical and metabolic adaptations.

Fertility Effects on Blueberry Gall Midge (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Wild Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium; Ericales: Ericaceae).

Blueberry gall midge, Dasineura oxycoccana (Johnson) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is a pest in American cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton (Ericales: Ericaceae) and wild blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton (Ericales: Ericaceae), and has been observed in areas of high soil and foliar nutrient levels. New management strategies, including fertilization, will need to be altered to sustain wild blueberry production under climate change and, in turn, may impact the occurrence of this pest. The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer application on density of infested stems and the combined effects of fertilizer application with and without infestation on wild blueberry systems. This study was conducted at two field sites in Jonesboro and Washington, ME during 2020 and 2021. Despite increases in habitat availability (blueberry cover) for the gall midge and greater infestation density, wild blueberry production benefited from DAP application. This was shown in the number of buds per stem at both sites, as well as in stem height, flowers, green fruit, blue fruit per stem, and total yield at the Washington site. Foliar nitrogen and phosphorus levels had a significant positive linear relationship with infestation density. Growers applying fertilizers should monitor blueberry gall midge field infestation levels due to our findings that DAP fertilizer impacted infestation density and the interaction of DAP fertilizer with infestation impacted wild blueberry production.

Plant Extract and Essential Oil Application against Food-Borne Pathogens in Raw Pork Meat.

Herbal and plant extracts are being applied for a wide range of foods against different types of food-borne pathogens. In the present study, ethanolic and aqueous extracts (2% w/v) from cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) and pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) plants were applied alone or in combination with two essential oils (thyme and oregano in a concentration of 0.150 μg/g) in pork meatballs and their antimicrobial activity was estimated. The extracts exhibited promising results (aqueous and ethanolic extracts of pomegranate and cranberry in a food-compatible concentration of 2% w/v) were applied to raw pork meatball production and their antimicrobial activity was recorded versus Enterobacteriaceae, total mesophilic bacteria, yeasts/molds, Staphylococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The outcome demonstrated that meatballs containing aqueous extracts of pomegranate were more resistant to spoilage compared to all the other samples since they were preserved for more days. The chemical profiles of plant extracts were determined through LC-QTOF/MS and the chemical composition of the essential oils applied was determined with the use of GC/MS in order to identify the substances involved in the observed antimicrobial activity. Phenolic acids (quinic acid, chlorogenic acid), monoterpenes (p-cymene, carvacrol, thymol, limonene), organic acids (citric acid) and phenols were the main constituents found in the plant extracts and essential oils applied. These extracts of plant origin could be used as natural preservatives in meat products, even in low concentrations.

Effects of a Supplement Containing a Cranberry Extract on Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and Intestinal Microbiota: A Prospective, Uncontrolled Exploratory Study.

Aim:Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are traditionally used in prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The authors' aim was to evaluate effects of a supplement containing cranberry extract, pumpkin seed extract, vitamin C, and vitamin B2 on recurrent uncomplicated UTIs in women and their intestinal microbiota.Methods:A prospective, uncontrolled exploratory study was conducted in women with recurrent uncomplicated UTIs. The primary exploratory outcome was the number of UTIs in a 6-month prospective observation period compared with a 6-month retrospective period. Further outcomes included number of antibiotics, quality of life (SF-36), intestinal microbiota (assessed by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing), and evaluation questions. Parameters were assessed at baseline and after 1, 2, and 7 months (start of intake of cranberry supplement after 1 month for 6 months). p-Values were calculated with the pairwise Wilcoxon signed-rank test for α diversity and permutational multivariate analysis of variance.Results:Twenty-three women (aged 52.7 ± 12.4 years) were included in the study. Participants reported 2.2 ± 0.8 UTIs (at baseline) in the previous 6 months. After 6 months of cranberry intake, participants reported a significant decrease to 0.5 ± 0.9 UTIs (p < 0.001). Number of antibiotic therapies was also significantly (p < 0.001) reduced by 68% during 6 months of cranberry intake (0.14 ± 0.35) when compared with 6 months retrospectively (1.14 ± 0.71). The SF-36 physical component score increased from 44.9 ± 5.5 at baseline to 45.7 ± 4.6 at 7 months (p = 0.16). The SF-36 mental component score decreased slightly from the baseline value of 46.5 ± 6.5 to 46.2 ± 6.4 at 7 months (p = 0.74). No significant intragroup mean changes at genus, family, or species level for α and β diversity within the intestinal microbiota were found. In the evaluation questions, participants rated the cranberry extract positively and considered it beneficial. The supplement intake was safe.Conclusions:This study shows that women with recurrent uncomplicated UTIs benefit from cranberry intake. Future larger clinical studies with further investigation of the mechanisms of action are required to determine the effects of cranberries on participants with uncomplicated UTIs.