The strawberry tree (Arbutus andrachne L.) is an underutilized Mediterranean fruit species with considerable potential as a source of nutritionally valuable and functionally important bioactive compounds. In the present study, 30 naturally growing genotypes collected from Defne district of Hatay Province, Türkiye, were comprehensively evaluated over two consecutive growing seasons (2024 and 2025) to determine the extent of variation in fruit pomological traits, color parameters, biochemical composition, antioxidant capacity, and mineral content. Fruit width, fruit length, fruit weight, CIELAB color coordinates (L*, a*, and b*), total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanin content, total antioxidant capacity, and 16 mineral elements were assessed. In addition to univariate comparisons, multivariate statistical approaches, including correlation analysis, principal component analysis, heat map analysis, and multiple regression analysis, were applied to reveal trait interrelationships and genotype differentiation. The results demonstrated significant genotype-dependent variation for all evaluated traits, indicating broad phenotypic diversity within the studied germplasm. Fruit weight ranged from 0.29 to 1.81 g, total phenolic content from 321.61 to 507.01 mg GAE 100 g⁻1 FW, total flavonoid content from 125.54 to 288.87 mg CAE 100 g⁻1 FW, total anthocyanin content from 7.22 to 20.07 mg C3G 100 g⁻1 FW, and antioxidant capacity from 31.54% to 64.09% inhibition. Potassium was the predominant mineral, varying between 2867.29 and 8134.66 mg kg⁻1 DW. Genotype 'AA-7' was distinguished by superior fruit size and weight, 'AA-19' by outstanding macro-mineral accumulation, 'AA-14' by the highest antioxidant capacity, 'AA-3' by elevated phenolic content, and 'AA-23' by the highest anthocyanin concentration. Multivariate analyses revealed strong coordination among fruit size traits, structured associations among color parameters, partial coupling among biochemical variables, and an integrated pattern of mineral accumulation. Multivariate analyses further revealed that several genotypes, particularly 'AA-7', 'AA-14', 'AA-19', and 'AA-23', occupied distinct positions in the multivariate space, reflecting unique combinations of pomological, biochemical, and mineral attributes. Overall, the findings highlight the substantial breeding, conservation, and functional food potential of naturally growing strawberry tree germplasm.
The current research investigated effect of in vitro digestion on bioactive compounds and the antioxidant capacity of five underutilized fruits (Amla, Olive, Hog plum, Elephant Apple, and Bilimbi) grown in Bangladesh. In case of fresh extracts, maximum (523.31 mg/100 g fruit weight [FW]) and minimum (45.62 mg/100 g FW) ascorbic acid content was found in amla and olive, respectively. Moreover, the highest total phenol content was found in elephant apple (379.36 mg of GAE/100 FW), whereas the lowest total phenol was found in olive (346.28 mg of GAE/100 g FW). Regarding total flavonoid content (TFC) five fruits differed significantly for both fresh and digested extract. Amla exhibited the highest flavonoid content among the five fruits in both fresh (51 mg QE/100 g) and digested extracts (53 mg QE/100 g). Although TFC increased after in vitro digestion, a decreasing trend was observed in total flavanol content after digestion for all five fruits. The results also showed that DPPH radical scavenging activity significantly reduced after in vitro digestion. The highest DPPH activity was observed in Elephant apple before (92%) and after (46.67%) digestion. Although the ABTS assay (% inhibition) of all fruit extracts decreased, Elephant Apple still showed 89.75% inhibition. However, gastrointestinal in vitro digestions improved FRAP which was highest for Amla 14.68 mg BHT/mL. Therefore, the outcomes of the current study suggest that among the five fruits, Amla, and Elephant apple, which have high ascorbic acid, total flavonoid, and antioxidant capacity, could be considered for nutraceuticals and value-added products.
Mediterranean Basin has recently emerged as a viable region for tropical fruit cultivation, as reflected by the expansion and increase of dedicated agricultural areas. However, research on these species remains scattered, limited, and not always easily accessible. In this context, evidence-based synthesis is fundamental to assess the current research status and to identify knowledge gaps. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive systematic review to highlight research trends on major tropical fruit crops (mango, avocado, papaya, guava, litchi, dragon fruit, passion fruit, and cherimoya) across countries of the Mediterranean basin. The objective is to summarise key findings and pinpoint gaps that require further investigation. A final dataset of 517 publications was obtained following a PRISMA search protocol. Information, including studied species, varieties, year, geographic location, and thematic area, was retrieved and quantitatively analysed. Subsequently, a summary was compiled for each species based on the most relevant findings. Avocado (n = 200) and mango (n = 166) were the most studied species, whereas litchi, passionfruit, and guava were the least studied. Over the past 90 years, an average of five articles were published annually, with an increase to 17 per year in the last decade. A geographical research bias was evident, with most publications originating from the European part of the Mediterranean. Spain, Italy, and Egypt accounted for the highest number of publications, while Cyprus and Algeria had the fewest. Most studies were focused on pests and pathology, whereas ecosystem services and ethnobotany were the least explored thematic areas. Although grey literature and national reports may not have been fully captured due to indexing limitations, this review serves as both a compendium and a baseline for future research on tropical fruit cultivation in the Mediterranean Basin.
Tacaribe virus (TCRV) was the first arenavirus discovered in the New World and was isolated from Artibeus bats in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1950s. One isolate, TRVL-11573, remains but it was passaged by intracranial inoculation of newborn mice 22 times that likely changed its biology. This isolate has been extensively used for arenavirus research, including our previous work that showed it can cause fatal neurological disease in Jamaican fruit bats ( Artibeus jamaicensis ). Another divergent TCRV, DOM2014, was recently identified from a Jamaican fruit bat captured in the Dominican Republic that contained TCRV genome. A kidney fragment homogenate from this bat was inoculated into Jamaican fruit bats and all became infected with signs of mild liver disease. Experimental challenge of Jamaican fruit bats with DOM2014 led to nonfatal infection that persisted through the end of the study on day 21 and with contact transmission to naive bats. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry and serum chemistry confirmed infection and mild liver disease, but none of the bats produced neutralizing antibodies. B cell receptor transcripts suggested limited somatic hypermutation that could explain the lack of detectable neutralizing antibodies. Transcriptome profiling of livers and spleens showed signatures of a typical innate antiviral response; however, evidence of adaptive immune suppression was also present. Similarly, liver transcriptome analysis showed signatures of an expected innate antiviral response and metabolic dysfunction. The isolation of TCRV-DOM2014 provides a relevant model for the study of a bat reservoir host, and which may challenge the extensive work previously conducted with TRVL-11573. Several New World arenaviruses cause disease in humans and many are BSL-4 agents. TCRV strain TRVL-11573 has been used since the 1950s to study arenavirus biology; however, because it was intracranially passaged in newborn mice and Vero cells, it likely accumulated mutations that changed its biology. This assertion has been reinforced in recent years with discovery of divergent TCRV sequences in wild Artibeus bats that are substantially different than TRVL-11573, thus the prototype strain is unlikely to represent wildtype TCRV. The isolation of a new TCRV strain that has retained its genome fidelity allows a better understanding of TCRV's biology and pathogenic potential. The availability of pathogen-free Jamaican fruit bats and cell lines that are permissive for TCRV-DOM2014 will also help retain the biological features of the virus. Collectively, this is among the most tractable bat reservoir host models developed and provides a system for dissection of how bats host viruses. Moreover, it may be a suitable model for the study of therapeutics and vaccines for New World arenaviruses.
This review synthesizes recent advances and develops an integrative regulatory framework that links shoot apical meristem size control to tomato fruit locule number, encompassing genetic, phytohormonal, and environmental determinants. Tomato is a globally vital vegetable crop that contributes significantly to human nutrition and agricultural economies. The number of locules, a key component of fruit morphology, is a primary determinant of ultimate fruit size and shape, thereby influencing both market yield and consumer preference. This review focuses on how shoot apical meristem size control acts as a core hub that connects genetic, hormonal, and environmental cues to the regulation of tomato fruit locule number. We synthesize recent progress in understanding the molecular and physiological mechanisms behind locule determination, with a particular focus on integrative networks linking known regulators. By bridging insights from these interconnected domains, we aim to present a more holistic view of the developmental process. Furthermore, we propose avenues for future research aimed at achieving a deeper understanding of the modulation mechanisms that govern fruit locule formation and their numerical count in this vital crop.
Fruits and vegetables are key components of the human diet, valued for their unique textures and flavors. In recent years, numerous studies have demonstrated that individual transcription factors (TFs) can simultaneously regulate two biological processes; these TFs are defined as bifunctional TFs. However, systematic reviews on these bifunctional TFs in fruits and vegetables remain limited. This review systematically summarizes current knowledge on bifunctional TFs in fruits and vegetables, focusing on three themes: (i) molecular mechanisms (cis-element diversity, partner switching, posttranslational); (ii) network topology (hubs vs bottlenecks); and (iii) agronomic trade-offs. Meanwhile, the functional conservation and divergence of homologous TFs in different fruits and vegetables have also been investigated. In addition, we elaborate how key TF families, including MYB, bHLH, WRKY, ERF, and NAC, regulate diverse physiological processes in fruits and vegetables via dual mechanisms. We also identify several limitations in the existing literature, such as insufficient understanding of bifunctional regulatory mechanisms, incomplete identification of target genes, and inadequate exploration of crop applications.
Electrochemical detection is an applicable rapid detection technology, but it is always limited by sample treatment and matrix interference. In this study, two gel/graphite paper electrodes were obtained by drop coating of sodium alginate gel and chitosan gel onto 0.1 mm graphite paper. Comparations of anti-interference performance and stability indicated that sodium alginate gel/graphite paper electrode (GGPBE) was the preferred term for establishing a rapid determination method for Pb in fruits. Based on the contents of organic acids and main metal ions in fruits, analysis and control of matrix interference were conducted. Organic acids, such as ascorbic acid, citric acid and quinic acid, caused greater interferences than metal ions. Mg(II) and Fe(III) were the notable factors of co-interference with organic acids. Matrix interference could be controlled in 3.92% by chemical oxidation using H2O2 combined with HNO3 ultrasonic extraction. The established linear range of Pb(II) was 0.1 ∽ 21.0 µg/L and LOD was 0.0274 µg/L under square wave anodic stripping voltammetry method. In the detection of 9 fruits, the contents of Pb were below 0.1 mg/kg. This work developed an easily prepared gel/graphite paper electrode and provided a rapid sample treating-detection method of lead in fruits. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-025-06288-x.
Between February 2024 and June 2025, surveys conducted in northwestern Morocco revealed citrus fruits (Citrus sinensis and Citrus × limon) showing atypical postharvest decay symptoms, characterized by dark, water-soaked lesions with zonation and coremia-like structures. These symptoms were detected at only two sites, with a low incidence of 1.6% in the orchard and 0.5% in market samples. Five fungal isolates were obtained from symptomatic tissues on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Morphological characterization identified all isolates as Penicillium ulaiense, based on colony and micromorphological features consistent with published descriptions. Two representative isolates (BH_B1 and BH_E2) were selected for molecular analyses. Sequencing of the ITS region and the β-tubulin (BenA) gene showed 99-100% identity with reference P. ulaiense sequences, and the concatenated alignment comprised 804 base pairs. Phylogenetic analyses placed the Moroccan isolates within a well-supported P. ulaiense clade, clearly distinct from closely related species such as P. italicum and P. expansum. Pathogenicity assays reproduced typical symptoms on C. sinensis fruits, with progressive lesion development and successful re-isolation of the pathogen, confirming its pathogenic role under experimental conditions. This study reports, for the first time, the occurrence of Penicillium ulaiense associated with postharvest whisker mold symptoms on citrus fruits in Morocco. It provides new insights into postharvest citrus pathogens in Morocco and establishes a basis for future investigations on the occurrence and epidemiology of this species.
Coffee pulp is a major by-product of coffee green bean processing. This study evaluated the influence of the ratio of coffee pulp to water and fermentation conditions on the physicochemical properties and sensory quality of the resulting product. The results showed that increasing the mixing ratio of fruit pulp to water from 1:2 to 1:4 (g/g) did not significantly affect the growth of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) or the sensory quality of the product. However, higher dilution caused a reduction in the antioxidant activity of the product. Fermentation temperatures between 29 and 33 °C and 37 °C, and fermentation times ranging from 24 to 72 h, were favorable for the growth of L. plantarum. In contrast, incubation at 37 °C for extended periods decreased the levels of bioactive compounds as well as the organoleptic properties of the coffee pulp fruit juice. The optimal fermentation conditions were a fruit pulp-to-water ratio of 1:2 (g/g) and fermentation for 48 h at room temperature. Under these conditions, the product achieved high sensory acceptance (7.77/9 points), an L. plantarum count of 7.92 log CFU/mL, and antioxidant activity of 162.92 mg/100 mL. These findings suggest that coffee pulp can be utilized to produce a functional beverage containing beneficial probiotics and bioactive compounds, promoting consumer health. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-025-06467-w.
The shift towards plant-based beverages, particularly almond drinks, has increased the need to develop innovative products using fruits and herbal extracts to improve their nutritional and sensory properties. In this study, date palm fruits, Deglet Nour variety (tamr stage) and Besser Helou variety (khalal stage), and two Deglet Nour-derived products (date powder and syrup) were evaluated as fortifying ingredients in almond drinks. The antioxidant and nutritional properties of the recovered solid residues were also evaluated. The beverage-making process involved grinding blanched almonds into flour (w=12 %), mixing with date products (w=20 %), water extraction, filtration, and pasteurisation. Proximate composition, physicochemical properties, phenolic profiles (liquid chromatography-high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry), and antioxidant activity of the raw ingredients, beverages, and recovered residues were analysed using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Fe(III) reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. In addition, physical stability, rheological behaviour, and sensory attributes of the beverages were evaluated using descriptive analysis and acceptability tests. The addition of date-based ingredients to almonds significantly reduced the extraction yields of beverages, with the reduction being least significant in syrup, moderate in Deglet Nour and Besser Helou varieties, and most significant in date powder. Combining almonds with any form of dates significantly increased carbohydrate and ash mass fraction, energy value and antioxidant activity of beverages, as confirmed by both FRAP and DPPH assays. Phenolics previously present in almonds and dates were found to multiply, while new ones appeared in both drinks and residues, such as caffeic acid. A distinctive rheological profile was observed in beverages fortified with Deglet Nour, date syrup and date powder, characterised by shear thickening at low shear rates and a transition to shear thinning at higher shear rates. Sensory evaluations of enriched drinks revealed that dates provided new colour shades, increased sweetness and mouthfeel viscosity, and improved almond taste perception. Date powder-based drinks received the highest overall acceptability rating, while syrup-based drinks received the lowest. Combining date ingredients with almonds reduced the fat and protein mass fraction of residues while increasing carbohydrate mass fraction. Quinic acid and quercetin were the prevalent phenolic acids and flavonoids in almond residue, while caffeic acid and luteolin were the primary compounds in date-based residues. This study presents the first comprehensive evaluation of the nutritional, rheological, antioxidant and sensory properties of almond beverages fortified with date-based ingredients. The nutritional and antioxidant properties of the raw ingredients and the produced residues were also assessed. The results suggest that additional phenolics may be generated in fortified almond drinks during processing and show that the resulting date residue is as relevant as potent dietary supplements.
Bread fortification with fruit- and vegetable-derived ingredients has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the antioxidant potential of a widely consumed staple food. However, increases in total phenolic content (TPC) and in vitro radical-scavenging activity do not necessarily indicate improved physiological antioxidant delivery. This review examines fruit- and vegetable-fortified breads as carriers of antioxidants, with emphasis on bioaccessibility, processing-induced transformations, and the role of sourdough fermentation as a modulatory bioprocess. Current evidence on how ingredient form (e.g., juice, powder, pomace, peel), cereal matrix interactions, fermentation conditions, and baking parameters influence the release, transformation, stability, and gastrointestinal accessibility of phytochemicals are addressed. Particular attention is given to the distinction between antioxidant content, extractability, bioaccessibility, and bioefficacy, as well as to methodological limitations associated with common spectrophotometric assays. Sourdough fermentation is discussed as an enabling factor that can enhance antioxidant delivery through acidification, enzymatic hydrolysis, structural modification of cereal polymers, and microbial biotransformation of phytochemicals, while also interacting with technological and sensory quality. Finally, key research gaps are identified, including the need for harmonized analytical protocols, compound-specific tracking after digestion, and translational/clinical validation of functional claims. This review proposes an integrated framework for the development and evaluation of antioxidant-enriched breads with improved functional relevance.
What drives the evolution of extreme sexual selection? A new study on the Neotropical manakins finds that adaptation to fruit-rich diets preceded changes in mating systems and the elaboration of sexual traits in this bird radiation, highlighting a key role for ecological and physiological preconditions.
Malus coronaria crabapple is a widely cultivated plant worldwide. This study optimized a green extraction process for polyphenols from M. coronaria crabapple fruits (MAPp) using deep eutectic solvents (DES) and evaluated their chemical composition and antioxidant properties. A DES system based on chlorocitrate-acetic acid (1:3) was optimized through single-factor experiments and the Box-Behnken design. Under the optimal conditions (56.9% water content, 46 min extraction time, and 42 °C extraction temperature), the polyphenol yield reached 116.48 ± 0.13 mg GAE·g-1 DW, significantly exceeding that of traditional solvents. LC-MS analysis was conducted for six polyphenolic compounds: phloridzin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, rutin, and gallic acid. Polyphenolic substances were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. MAPp exhibited strong in vitro antioxidant capacity. Simulated digestion showed partial recovery of antioxidant activity after digestion. Overall, this study provides a green extraction strategy for plant polyphenols and highlights the antioxidant potential of MAPp.
The development of everbearing (Jangha and Miha) and day-neutral (Goseul) strawberry cultivars has enabled extended highland production; however, seasonal and maturity-driven metabolite variations remain unclear. This study quantified vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, and phenolics from August to October at 60% and 100% ripeness. The total vitamin C content ranged from 4.4 to 6.3 mg·g-1 dw in Goseul, 5.5 to 7.2 mg·g-1 dw in Jangha, and 5.5 to 8.8 mg·g-1 dw in Miha, with significant increases across harvest months in Goseul and Jangha (p < 0.05). Targeted phenolic compounds increased significantly at full ripeness (p < 0.05), with the highest 6.3-fold increase observed in Goseul harvested in October (3132.43 vs. 497.87 μg·g-1 dw), mainly due to pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside. Total B-complex vitamin levels decreased significantly by up to 53% across three cultivars as they ripened. Overall, fruit maturity had a stronger influence on metabolite composition than harvest timing.
Consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables (F&V) contributes to a healthy and balanced diet. F&V provide many compounds of nutritional interest such as fiber, minerals (potassium), vitamins C, B9, E and K, provitamin A carotenoids (including β-carotene), polyphenols and glucosinolates. After harvest, F&V undergo physiological changes. These are slowed down by storage technologies such as refrigeration, possibly combined with a modified storage atmosphere. F&V shelf life remains extremely variable, ranging from a few days for fragile species to a few months for species with long-term storage potential. Nutritional compounds fulfill essential physiological or structural functions in plants. They are used, and therefore their concentration change, during storage in ways that vary depending on their type (leading to significant changes in vitamin C, for example, but far fewer in minerals or fiber). Post-harvest changes in levels of compounds of nutritional importance in F&V are just one of the factors contributing to their variability, along with environmental factors (soil, climate…) and production methods, although species and genotypes have the greatest impact on composition. Despite relative losses of certain nutrients during storage, overall levels remain sufficiently high to meet nutritional needs and provide the health benefits associated with regular consumption of F&V.
High intakes of fructose-containing sugars among children and adolescents is implicated in obesity and related comorbidities, including hypertension. However, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), fruit juices, and whole fruit have different nutritional profiles and matrices, which may confer different effects on blood pressure. GUTS (Growing Up Today Study) is a longitudinal cohort of 25 749 individuals (55% female) drawn from 2 enrollment waves, GUTS 1 (n=16 875; baseline 1996) and GUTS II (n=10 918; baseline 2004), followed up prospectively through 2021 (mean age at enrollment, 12 years; mean age at end of follow-up, 36 years). Participants provided updated information on lifestyle, health status, and habitual diet through validated food frequency questionnaires every 1 to 4 years. We conducted multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate the associations of total fructose and SSB, fruit juice, and whole fruit intake (cumulative averages) with incident hypertension (hazard ratios [HRs] and 95% CIs), adjusting for major diet and lifestyle factors. We also modeled substitutions of SSBs or fruit juice with whole fruit, milk, and water. During up to 25 years of follow-up, 1625 participants (6.3%) reported a hypertension diagnosis. Total fructose intake was not associated with incident hypertension (highest versus lowest quintile HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 0.92, 1.25]; Ptrend<0.001). However, participants with the highest intake of SSBs (≥2 servings/d versus <3 servings/week) and fruit juice (≥1.5 servings/d versus <1 serving/wk) had a higher risk of hypertension (HR, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.27, 1.83]; Ptrend<0.001 and HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.06, 1.71]; Ptrend=0.018, respectively). In contrast, whole fruit was not associated with hypertension (highest versus lowest category HR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.59, 1.05]; Ptrend=0.08). Replacing 1 serving/d of SSB with milk, water, or whole fruit was associated with a 13% (95% CI, 5%, 20%), 9% (95% CI, 3%, 15%), and 22% (95% CI, 11%, 31%) lower risk of hypertension, respectively. In addition, replacing fruit juice with whole fruit was associated with a 19% (95% CI, 3%, 32%) lower risk of hypertension. SSB and fruit juice intakes were positively associated with a higher risk of hypertension independently of overall diet quality, physical activity, and other factors. Our findings support public health guidelines to limit the overconsumption of SSBs and fruit juice starting in childhood to protect against the development of hypertension.
This study evaluated the larvicidal activity of hexanic, acetonic, and methanolic extracts obtained from the fruits-seeds and stems of Hippocratea excelsa against larvae of Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Anopheles albimanus. Acute toxicity bioassays were conducted under in vitro conditions using a completely randomized design. Major chemical compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the hexanic extracts from the stem and fruit-seed at concentrations of 20-200 ppm caused 100% larval mortality in all three mosquito species after 12 h of exposure. The hexanic stem extract showed LC₅₀ values of 4, 4, and 3 ppm at 12 h for Ae. aegypti, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and An. albimanus, respectively. Similarly, the hexanic fruit-seed extract showed LC₅₀ values of 3.7, 3.7, and 3.4 ppm at 12 h for the same species. GC-MS analysis of the hexane stem extract identified hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (1), 5-cyclohexyl-1-pentene (2), 2-methyloctacosane (3), eicosane (4), squalene (5), β-amyrone (6), and friedelan-3-one (7). These findings suggest that hexanic extracts from the stem and fruit-seeds of H. excelsa possess larvicidal potential for the control of Ae. aegypti, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and An. albimanus larvae.
To investigate volatile metabolite accumulation differences between Cerasus humilis (Bge) Sok (C. humilis) peel and pulp and their correlation with the contents of sugars and acids, the fruits of 'Nong Da 4' at three developmental stages (S1: coloring/expansion, S2: hard ripening, S3: full ripening) were collected and measured via HS-SPME-GC-MS and widely targeted metabolomics. A clear aroma functional division was first clarified: pulp dominates fruity/sweet/floral characteristic aromas, while peel contributes green/waxy/woody background aromas, which synergistically with taste-active sugars and acids form the comprehensive edible flavor of ripe fruits. Key results include: (1) 1467 volatile metabolites of 15 classes identified, with terpenoids and esters the predominant ones; (2) Peel being rich in terpenoids/phenolics/aldehydes, pulp in esters/alcohols; (3) S2 being a critical flavor turning point, with increased levels of esters in pulp and greater tissue specific differences; (4) Stage- and tissue-specific sugar-acid-volatile correlations; (5) Flavoromics confirmed aroma division, intensifying with ripening. This study fills a gap in C. humilis tissue-specific flavor research, providing a metabolic basis for the flavor regulation of C. humilis and and other fruits in Rosaceae.
Objective: To analyze the age-specific differences and temporal trends in triggers of pediatric anaphylaxis from 2015 to 2024, aiming to provide evidence for optimizing clinical diagnosis, treatment, and allergy management strategies. Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study. Patients who attended the Department of Allergy, Beijing Children's Hospital, from January 2015 to December 2024 were initially screened based on based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes and clinical diagnoses. Cases meeting the diagnostic criteria for anaphylaxis were included after secondary verification by allergy specialists. A total of 635 children were included. According to age at first onset, they were divided into infant/toddler group (0-2 years, n=227), preschool group (3-6 years, n=143), school-age group (7-12 years, n=211), and adolescent group (13-17 years, n=54). Basic demographic data, suspected clinical triggers, and comorbid allergic diseases were collected. Suspected triggers were determined by integrating clinical history with allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) results and skin prick test findings. The chi-square test and Cochran-Armitage trend test were employed for intergroup comparisons and trend analyses. Results: A total of 635 pediatric patients were enrolled, with the highest incidence of onset in the 0-2 years age group (227 cases, 35.7%). Males accounted for 64.6% (410/635) and females 35.4% (225/635). The most common comorbid allergic disease was allergic rhinitis/allergic conjunctivitis (303 cases, 47.7%), followed by bronchial asthma (145 cases, 22.8%). A total of 845 episodes of anaphylaxis were analyzed, with food being the predominant trigger (81.1%, 685/845), followed by food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis/exercise-induced anaphylaxis (11.6%, 98/845), idiopathic causes (3.8%, 32/845), and suspect drugs (2.5%, 21/845). The leading food triggers were cow's milk (11.2%, 95/845), wheat (9.6%, 81/845), and hen's egg (8.5%, 72/845); fruits/vegetables and nuts/seeds accounted for 20.9% (177/845) and 10.1% (85/845), respectively. Overall trigger analysis showed that the proportion of food-induced anaphylaxis decreased significantly with increasing age, from 95.8% in the 0-2 years group to 52.7% in the 13-17 years group (Z=-10.718, P<0.001). In contrast, the proportion of food-dependent exercise-induced/exercise-induced anaphylaxis increased significantly with age, from 0.4% (1/284) in the 0-2 years group to 35.1% (26/74) in the 13-17 years group (Z=10.881, P<0.001). Age-trend analysis for specific food triggers revealed that allergies to cow's milk, hen's egg, and wheat all showed a significant downward trend with age (Z=-9.518, -9.797, -9.233, respectively; all P<0.001), while allergies to fruits/vegetables increased significantly with age (Z=5.909, P<0.001). Buckwheat and nut/seed allergies were most prevalent in the 3-6 years age group, with no statistically significant age-related trend (P=0.518 and P=0.174, respectively). Comparison of trigger proportions between the periods 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 demonstrated a significant decrease in the overall proportion of food triggers, from 88.0% to 79.0% (χ2=8.209, P=0.004). The proportion of food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis/exercise-induced anaphylaxis increased significantly (χ2=16.758, P<0.001), while the proportion of drug-induced anaphylaxis decreased significantly (χ2=9.827, P=0.002). No statistically significant changes were observed in the proportions of idiopathic and other triggers (both P>0.05). Among specific food triggers, the proportions of nuts/seeds (χ²=12.46, P<0.001) and fruits/vegetables (χ2=7.636, P=0.006) increased significantly, whereas the proportions of cow's milk (χ2=24.999, P<0.001), wheat (χ2=5.891, P=0.015), legumes (χ2=7.394, P=0.007), and seafood/fish (χ2=4.161, P=0.041) decreased significantly. Conclusion: Based on this single-center 10-year retrospective data, triggers of pediatric anaphylaxis from 2015 to 2024 show age-related differences and temporal trends. Clinically, stratified and individualized allergy management strategies should be implemented, taking into account age-specific characteristics and period evolution, to provide evidence for precise prevention and control of pediatric anaphylaxis. 目的: 探讨2015—2024年儿童严重过敏反应诱因的年龄差异性及变化趋势。 方法: 采用横断面研究,选择2015年1月至2024年12月于北京儿童医院过敏反应科就诊,根据《疾病和有关健康问题的国际统计分类》第十次修订版(ICD-10)编码及临床诊断初步筛选病例,经过敏反应专科医师二次审核确认符合严重过敏反应诊断标准的患儿,共纳入635例患儿,根据第1次起病年龄划分,其中婴幼儿(0~2岁)227例、学龄前组(3~6岁)143例、学龄组(7~12岁)211例、青春期组(13~17岁)54例。收集患儿基本信息、临床可疑诱因及合并过敏性疾病等资料;病史结合过敏原特异性IgE(specific IgE,sIgE)、皮肤点刺试验判定可疑诱因。采用χ2检验、Cochran-Armitage趋势检验进行组间比较及趋势分析。 结果: 在纳入的635例患儿中,起病年龄以0~2岁组最多(227例,35.7%),男性占64.6%(410/635),女性占 35.4%(225/635)。过敏共病中最常见者为过敏性鼻炎/过敏性结膜炎(303例,47.7%),其次为支气管哮喘(145例,22.8%)。共纳入845次严重过敏反应,诱因以食物为主,占81.1%(685/845),其次为食物联合运动/运动占11.6%(98/845),特发性严重过敏反应、疑似药物诱因分别占3.8%(32/845)和2.5%(21/845)。主要食物诱因依次为牛奶11.2%(95/845)、小麦9.6%(81/845)、鸡蛋8.5%(72/845);水果/蔬菜20.9%(177/845),坚果/种子10.1%(85/845)。总体诱因分析显示,食物诱发严重过敏反应比例随年龄增长呈现显著下降趋势,由0~2岁组95.8%降至13~17岁组52.7%(Z=-10.718,P<0.001);食物联合运动/运动诱发过敏比例随年龄显著上升趋势,从0~2岁组的0.4%(1/284)上升至13~17岁组的35.1%(26/74)(Z=10.881,P<0.001);具体食物诱因年龄趋势分析显示,牛奶、鸡蛋、小麦过敏均随年龄增长呈显著下降趋势(Z=-9.518、-9.797、-9.233,均P<0.001);水果/蔬菜过敏随年龄呈显著上升趋势(Z=5.909,P<0.001)。荞麦、坚果/种子过敏以3~6岁组多见,年龄变化趋势无统计学意义(P=0.518、P=0.174)。对 2015—2019年与 2020—2024年两个时段诱因占比进行比较,结果显示,总体食物诱因占比由88.0%降至79.0%,差异有统计学意义(χ2=8.209,P=0.004)。食物联合运动/运动诱因占比显著升高(χ2=16.758,P<0.001);疑似药物诱因占比显著降低(χ2=9.827,P=0.002);特发性诱因及其他诱因占比变化均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。具体食物诱因中,坚果/种子(χ2=12.46,P<0.001)和水果/蔬菜(χ2=7.636,P=0.006)占比显著升高;牛奶(χ2=24.999,P<0.001)、小麦(χ2=5.891,P=0.015)、豆类(χ2=7.394,P=0.007)及海鲜/鱼(χ2=4.161,P=0.041)占比显著降低。 结论: 2015—2024年北京儿童医院儿童严重过敏反应诱因呈现年龄差异及年度变化趋势。.
How social animals encode vocalizations, assign them value, and formulate behavioral responses remains largely unknown. We asked whether physiological signatures of social-call perception predict behavioral responses across contexts, using the Egyptian Fruit Bat ( Rousettus aegyptiacus ), an auditory specialist with a rich repertoire of social calls. Using heart rate monitoring during playback of conspecific vocalizations, we found that females showed larger heart rate responses than males to social calls (aggression and distress), whereas non-social echolocation calls evoked no sex difference. In vivo recordings from primary auditory cortex (A1) revealed call-selective units whose selectivity was independent of frequency tuning, with the largest selective fraction for distress calls. In a behavioral assay, female bats approached a distress-call playback only when a live conspecific was coupled with it. However, in isolation, the same calls elicited interest (grooming, pointing) but no approach. Together, the neural and autonomic signatures of social-call perception are present across contexts, whereas the behavioral response is not. Social context, therefore, does not modulate the behavioral readout of social calls; rather, it gates it. How a social animal converts the perception of a vocalization into behavior remains poorly understood. Using the Egyptian Fruit Bat ( Rousettus aegyptiacus ), we show that physiological and neural responses to social calls are present in isolation, whereas approach behavior is not. We conclude that social context acts as a necessary gate between sensory representation and action, not a modulator that adjusts an existing response.