Tritordeum, a novel cereal species, is gaining attention for its health-promoting phytochemicals, yet the effects of milling and food processing on its bioactive compounds has not been fully explored. This study compared the contents of (3-glucans, carotenoids, tocols, and phenolic acids in tritordeum and bread wheat, analyzing roller and stone milled flours and four products: fresh pasta, breadsticks, bread, and pizza. Stone milling preserved more (3-glucans, tocols, and phenolic acids, whereas roller milling favored carotenoid retention, particularly in tritordeum flours. Although processing caused substantial losses, tritordeum products retained more carotenoids (with both milling methods) and greater amounts of tocols and soluble phenolic acids (with stone milling) than the wheat counterparts. These findings highlight how the combination of milling and processing conditions can optimize the health-related quality of cereal-based foods. This study provides the first integrated assessment of tritordeum phytochemicals across multiple processing steps, underscoring its potential as a functional ingredient in staple products. Future studies should investigate the phytochemical bioavailability and sensory properties of tritordeum-based products.

This study presents the optimization of a flow cytometry protocol for the differential somatic cell count in goat milk. The methodological refinement focused on the effective sample preparation, including cell isolation, followed by fluorescent labeling using a targeted panel of fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies to enable the identification of major somatic cell subpopulations-namely, epithelial cells, polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), macrophages, and lymphocytes by flow cytometric analysis. The optimized method was applied to 39 individual goat milk samples. The results demonstrated that differences in cellular immune activity were detectable even among samples with low microbiological findings. Milk samples with minor but detectable microbial findings exhibited a significantly higher proportion of leukocytes compared to samples without microbial detection, with mean leukocyte proportions of 66.6 % vs. 46.9 %, respectively (P = 0.038). A further analysis revealed that a high PMN proportion (>77 %) was significantly associated with decreased casein content (P = 0.024), reduced total protein (P = 0.030), a shorter rennet clotting time (P = 0.056), and a slight increase in lactose concentration (P = 0.035). These findings suggest a negative impact of elevated PMN levels on the technological quality of goat milk. Optimized flow cytometry is a useful tool for goat milk quality management.

Mercury studies in fish are largely based on muscle tissue, while the effects of household cooking on mercury speciation in whole small pelagic fish remain insufficiently understood. To address this gap, total mercury (T-Hg), methylmercury (MeHg), and Hg(II) were determined in wet whole-fish homogenates, including viscera, of sardines and sprats before and after boiling, steaming, baking, and frying. T-Hg was determined by AMA-254 and mercury species by HPLC-ICP-MS; results were expressed on wet-weight (ww), dry-weight (dw), and 100 g reference-portion bases. Frying yielded the highest dry matter, underscoring moisture-related differences among reporting bases. T-Hg concentrations ranged from 0.0518 to 0.1322 µg/g dw and MeHg from 0.0273 to 0.0624 µg/g dw. MeHg was detected in all samples, whereas Hg(II) exceeded the method detection limit only in baked and steamed sardines. MeHg amounts per 100 g ranged from 1.38 to 2.35 µg in sardines and from 0.95 to 1.79 µg in sprats. Within the tested batch, no treatment consistently reduced T-Hg or MeHg across both species. By combining whole-fish analysis, including viscera, with direct mercury speciation and multiple reporting bases, this study provides a food-relevant framework for interpreting mercury in processed small pelagic fish.

Leek (Allium porrum L.), a commonly grown vegetable widely used in the food industry, has gained increased interest in recent years in connection with its content of bioactive substances. Therefore, this study aimed to determine and evaluate the influence of cultivar and morphological part on the total content of polyphenols, sulfur compounds, and the antioxidant activity in the monitored morphological parts of leek (Allium porrum L.). The total polyphenol content (TPC) in the white part of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 446.30 to 1580.55 mg GAE.kg-1 DM. TPC in the green part of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 748.09 to 2172.78 mg GAE.kg-1 DM. TPC in the leaves of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 2301.24 to 5477.73 mg GAE.kg-1 DM. The antioxidant activity (AA) in the white part of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 3.70 to 14.23 mmol TE.kg-1 DM. AA in the green part of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 6.89 to 14.38 mmol TE.kg-1 DM. AA in leaves of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 30.85 to 106.92 mmol TE.kg-1 DM. The total sulfur content (TSC) in the white part of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 0.25 to 0.52 %. TSC in the green part of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 0.27 to 0.52 %. TSC in the leaves of analyzed leek cultivars ranged from 0.31 to 0.59 %. Based on the analysis of variance, we can state that statistically higher (p< 0.05) TPC, AA, and TSC were determined in the leaves of the leek. Statistically higher (p< 0.05) TPC, AA, and TSC in all morphological parts were determined in the cultivar De Carentan. The results confirmed the variability of bioactive substances and antioxidant activity in the individual monitored cultivars, but also in the monitored morphological parts of the leek.

Background: Venotonics are a class of therapeutically active molecules that have vaso-protective effects. They are used to alleviate venous diseases and disorders, particularly venous insufficiency. We compared the composition of prescription versus over-the-counter (OTC) venotonics using high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-DAD) and simulating their digestion using a static digestive model. Methods: From each drug, five tablets were weighed. A homogenate was prepared, and 25 mg of crushed homogenized tablets were weighed into 25 ml volumetric flasks. Dissolved in MeOH and added two drops of saturated NaOH solution. The samples were filtered into vials (Teflon, 0.45 mu m) and used for analysis. An Ultimate 3000 HPLC system (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) consisting of a quaternization pump, autosampler, column thermostat and DAD (UV/VIS detector) was used. The composition of the mobile phase proceeded in a linear gradient from 30% methanol and 70% phosphoric acid (0.15%) in water at time t=0 min. to 80% methanol and 20% phosphoric acid (0.15%) at time t=15 min., at a constant mobile phase flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. Detection was performed using a DAD detector in the 190-450 nm wavelength range. The content of monitored flavonoids was calculated from peaks at a wavelength of 277 nm, in which both flavonoids have their absorption maxima. The static digestive model was used to simulate the digestive phase from the oral cavity to the corresponding intestinal phase. Results: The content of diosmin and hesperidin (mg per table) for a prescription drug: Detralex: 480 mg, 26 mg. The content of diosmin and hesperidin (mg per tablet) for OTC drugs: Venostop: 502 mg, 48 mg, Diosminol: 520 mg, 50 mg, Devenal: 496 mg, 49 mg, Diohes: 493 mg, 46 mg. Digestion did not affect the solubility of all tested drugs. The active substances could not be determined in the non-alkalized sample. After alkalization, part of the insoluble matter was visibly dissolved and converted to a yellow flavonoid complex. Neither diosmin nor hesperidin could be identified afterwards. Conclusions: Our experimental results show that the contents of both listed active substances, diosmin and hesperidin, met the declared amounts in all tested medicaments. Digestion simulation showed identical behaviour in prescription and OTC venotonics. The active substances could not be determined in the non- alkalized sample. Digestion did not affect the solubility of the tested drugs.

Cucamelon (Meltric scabra Naudin, Cucurbitaceae) is a climbing, herbaceous perennial plant with various culinary and medicinal uses. The current study aimed to develop novel autopolyploid genotypes of M. scabra through in vitro polyploidization and assess their morphological and phytochemical characteristics. For polyploid induction, oryzalin was employed as an antimitotic agent, and it was applied at various concentrations (40, 60, and 80 μM) and durations (24 and 48 h). Flow cytometry analysis confirmed the successful induction of polyploids, with polyploidization efficiency ranging from 2.5% to 15%. From a total of 240 treated plants, a total of 20 autotetraploid plants were obtained. The obtained polyploid and control diploid genotypes were cultivated under greenhouse conditions. Further, the plants were transferred to field conditions, and the leaves, flowers, and fruits were harvested to be evaluated for the morphological, biochemical, and biological activity variations among the obtained genotypes. Morphological comparisons between diploid and autotetraploid plants revealed significant differences in flower characteristics, fruit attributes, and leaf morphology. Nutritional evaluation demonstrated enhancement of key parameters in the induced polyploids compared to the diploid plants, including glucose, fructose, carotenoid, polyphenol, and antioxidant contents, highlighting the potential impact of polyploidization on these traits. The results from this study highlight the potential of artificial chromosome doubling as an effective breeding strategy in M. scabra and related plant species.

The cultivation of sweet chestnuts in Slovakia has a century-year-old tradition. However, just a few research publications provide more comprehensive information about the chestnuts’ chemical composition of different varieties in individual growing areas. Sweet chestnuts contain various nutrients, of which carbohydrates are very important for assessing their commercial quality. Simple carbohydrates are mainly represented by glucose, fructose, sucrose, and maltose. The content of glucose was 0.178–3.152, fructose 0.271–3.170, sucrose 9.355–29.890, and maltose 0.171–1.584 g/100 g DW in chestnut samples from 27 sampling points, which are part of Slovakia’s four largest growing areas of sweet chestnuts. Carbohydrate contents were determined by the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-RI) method. There are statistically proven differences in the content of individual carbohydrates depending on the sampling area of chestnuts. Potassium has a significant presence in sweet chestnuts as a mineral substance. Its content was determined in the 377–789 mg/100 g DW range. The content of sodium (calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus) was 0.65–6.90 (26.9–103, 58.7–101, and 96.5–179) mg/100 g DW. The contents of mineral substances were determined by the AAS method. The content of carbohydrates and mineral substances is mainly influenced by variety and age.

In potato tubers of four cultivars, the impact of drought and waterlogging stress on total carotenoid content (TCC) and individual carotenoids profile variance and total carotenoids, chlorophylls (a, b, a + b) content in leaves during period 71 days of stress in two-year pot greenhouse experiments were investigated. The different response between potato cultivars was observed after exposure to drought stress (an increase of TCC was in Marabel and Laura cultivars) and after waterlogging stress (in Milva and Marabel cultivars). On average, of all cultivars, both drought and waterlogging stresses caused total carotenoid content to increase with a higher impact of drought stress. In potato tubers, eight carotenoids were identified with the most represented violaxanthin, luteoxanthin, antheroxanthin and lutein. Significant differences in individual carotenoid amounts between cultivars have been determined. On average, drought and waterlogging stresses of all cultivars significantly increased contents of violax-anthin, 9'-(Z)-neoxanthin and luteoxanthin, while antheraxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin levels decreased. In leaves, both abiotic stresses decreased chlorophyll contents (a, b, a + b) with a very destructive impact of drought stress. While carotenoids accumulated in tubers as a result of stress, the opposite trend was characteristic in leaves, where their content decreased depending on the duration of stress.

Potatoes are a significant source of essential macronutrients and many other health-promoting phytochemicals. However, under thermal processing, undesirable harmful acrylamide might be formed. In the present study, the content of acrylamide (LC-ESI-MS/MS) after baking and frying in thirteen colored potato varieties was investigated. Asparagine (LC-ESI-MS/MS), glucose, fructose, sucrose (HPLC-RI) and chlorogenic acid isomers (HPLC-DAD) were determined in raw tubers. Yellow-fleshed potato varieties produced lower acrylamide content (190 mu g/kg FW after frying and 25.2 mu g/kg FW after baking) than red-(1120 mu g/kg FW and 112 mu g/kg FW) and purple-fleshed (2005 mu g/kg FW and 59.1 mu g/kg FW). Acrylamide content positively correlated with fructose (R = 0.265 frying and R = 0.225 baking at p < 0.05), glucose (R = 0.262 frying), and sucrose contents (R = 0.316 frying) that were more limiting in acrylamide formation than higher asparagine levels. Chlorogenic acid isomers also showed a positive effect on the formation of acrylamide content, which was higher in baking (R = 0.356 at p < 0.05). However, under the same temperature, frying caused significantly higher acrylamide production compared to baking (16.5x on average). Climatic conditions at two growing localities had a significant effect on the amount of acrylamide formed in the heat-treated tubers, as higher temperature and lower precipitation caused lower acrylamide content.

The mass fractions of V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Mo, Cd, W, Hg, and Pb in soil of the Czech dump-side were measured by instrumental neutron and photon activation analyses (INAA, IPAA) and a thermo-oxidation method. Two fractions from seventeen dumping soils and background samples were tested. The significant source of potential toxic elements as Cr, Co, Cd, and Hg was found. Their increased content contributes to a risk load for the inhabitants living in the observed area. The INAA and IPAA procedure has been verified by analysis of several standard reference materials.

Somatic hybridization has been frequently used to overcome sexual incompatibility between potato and its secondary germplasm. The primary objective of this study was to produce and evaluate somatic hybrids of Solanum tuberosum ( Stub ) and S. bulbocastanum ( Sblb ) for breeding purposes. In 2007, 23 somatic hybrids were produced using an electrofusion of mesophyll protoplasts of diploid (2n = 2x = 24) potato line Stub DH165 and S. bulbocastanum PI24351 ( Sblb 66). Phenotype of somatic hybrids in field conditions were evaluated, together with constitution and stability of 30 nuclear (ncSSR) and 27 cytoplasmic (cpSSR) microsatellite markers and content of main glycoalkaloids. All somatic hybrids had very high field resistance against late blight, but the plants were infertile: the viability of pollen grains insignificantly varied between 0.58 and 8.97%. A significant somaclonal variation was observed in terms of the morphology of plants, the date of emergence, the quantity of harvested tubers, the content of glycoalkaloids in foliage, and nuclear microsatellite markers (ncSSR). The analysis of ncSSR identified five distinct genotypes of hybrids partly associated with phenotype variations. The process of somatic hybridization with regeneration of shoots was identified as the most likely source of somaclonal variation because the ncSSR genotypes of hybrids, which were maintained in vitro, remained stable for more than 10 years. The infertile somatic hybrids have no practical breeding potential, but they are considered very suitable for advanced studies of the differential expression of genes in the pathways linked to dormancy of tubers and synthesis of glycoalkaloids.

This article provides a summary of current knowledge about wheat metabolites that may affect resistance against Fusarium head blight (FHB). The mechanisms of resistance, the roles of secondary metabolites in wheat defense, and future directions for breeding are assessed. The soluble phenols play an important role in redox regulation in plant tissues and can act as antimicrobial compounds. The color of cereal hulls and grains is caused by such natural pigments as anthocyanins in the aleurone, endosperm, and pericarp layers of the grain. Phenolic acids, alkylresorcinols, and phytohormones actively participate in the defense system, whereas carotenoids show various effects against Fusarium species that are positively correlated with the levels of their mycotoxins. Pathogen infestation of vegetative tissues induces volatile organic compounds production, which can provide defensive functions to infested wheat. The efficient use of native resistance in the wheat gene pool, introgression of resistant alleles, and implementation of modern genotypic strategies to increase levels of native secondary metabolites with antifungal properties can enhance the FHB resistance of new varieties. Expanding the breeding interest in the use of forms with different grain color and plant organs can be a potential benefit for the creation of lines with increased resistance to various stresses.

The study was focused on the effect of drought and waterlogging stresses in two-year pot experiments in the peat substrate on the content of glucose, fructose and sucrose and free amino acids in potato tubers of four cultivars (yellow-fleshed Laura, Marabel, Milva and blue-fleshed Valfi) after 71 days of exposure to stresses conditions (BBCH 909). Drought and waterlogging increased levels of fructose, glucose, and sucrose in three potato cultivars except for cv. Laura. Drought stress increased l-proline (+248.4%), l-hydroxyproline (+135.3%), l-arginine (+29.97%), l-glutamic acid (+29.09%) and l-leucine (+22.58%) contents in all analysed cultivars. Moreover, the high effect of drought stress on an increase of l-phenylalanine, l-histidine, l-threonine, and total free amino acids content of the cvs. Laura, Valfi and Marabel has been observed. A comparison of the effects of drought and waterlogging stresses on the content of total amino acids showed an increase under drought and a decrease under waterlogging conditions. On average, of all cultivars, waterlogging stress caused an increase of l-tyrosine content, whereas drought stress decrease. In addition, drought stress caused a significant increase of l-proline in all cultivars while waterlogging its decrease. Obtained results confirmed different responses of susceptible or resistant cultivars to abiotic stresses.

Composition and degradation of anthocyanins in blue and purple grain wheat during bread production were investigated using the HPLC-MS/MS method. The most abundant anthocyanins were delphinidin-3-rutinoside (blue grain wheat), cyanidin-3-glucoside and peonidin-3-glucoside (purple grain wheat). Peonidin-3-glucoside was also the most stable during grain treatment while delphinidin-3-glucoside had the greatest loss. Both blue and purple grain anthocyanins decreased significantly during bread production to 41.81% and 70.10% after baking, respectively, and to 24.21% and 60.00% after short-term storage, respectively. The blue grain wheat anthocyanins were lost mostly during baking, but in the purple grain wheat, the greatest decrease occurred during dough production. Despite the higher degradation, the blue grain wheat still showed higher anthocyanins content.

Maintaining a strong antioxidant system is essential for preventing drought or waterlogging stresses damage in potato tubers. In the two-year pot experiment, the effect of long-term drought and waterlogging stresses on the content of phenolic acids, ascorbic acid, and antioxidant activity in potato tubers and relative water content of four cultivars was evaluated. Drought stress significantly (P < 0.05) decreased relative water content (RWC) in the leaves of all genotypes. The evaluation of the relationship between phenolic acid content and the level of plant stress expressed as RWC showed a negative correlation between RWC and most phenolic acids, but these correlations were not statistically significant, with the exception of l-tyrosine. A significant positive correlation was found between total and individual phenolic acid content and antioxidant activity (R = 0.657), confirming the main responsibility for the increase of antioxidant activity. The average tuber yield and weight as well as their average number correlated negatively with total phenolic acids. Drought stress decreased l-ascorbic acid content by reduction of biosynthesis, and its content was positively correlated with decreased RWC, tubers yield, weight, and number. The increase of phenolic antioxidants in potato under stress conditions can be a distinctive marker of cultivar resistance against abiotic stresses.

In three-year field experiments, the effect of genotype, flesh color, site conditions and storage on chlorogenic acid content (CAC) in tubers of potato cultivars with purple or red flesh was compared to yellow-fleshed cv. Agria. The results confirmed the significant effect of genotype on CAC. The highest CAC was characteristic on a three-year mean for the purple-fleshed cv. Vitelotte (769.5 mg/kg fresh weight (FW)), i.e. 1.19-2.6 times higher than in the other cultivars. In regard to the effect of flesh color, significantly higher mean CAC levels have been shown for the red-fleshed (2.8 times) and purple-fleshed (3.16 times) cultivars in comparison with cv. Agria (148 mg/kg FW). At the Uhříněves location with a warmer climate and frequent dry periods as compared to the second Valečov location, a higher CAC (1.18 times) was found. Cold storage (4°C, 6 months) resulted in a significant CAC increase varying from 33.2% in the Blaue St. Galler cultivar to 210.6% in the Vitelotte cultivar among all eight evaluated color-fleshed cultivars. On the other hand, the effect of storage on CAC was not evident in the yellow-fleshed Agria cultivar (inconclusive difference against CAC after harvest).

The study aimed at evaluating the total content of polyphenols (TPC) and phenolic acids (TPA) in grain of 4 spring einkorn, 4 emmer, 4 spelt and 4 common wheat genotypes cultivated under organic cropping system in two-year trials. The TPC and TPA were significantly affected both by genotype, wheat species and crop year (weather conditions). At the same time, TPC and TPA were mainly affected by the crop year while the effect of genetic factors was lesser. The TPC ranged from 618 mg/kg DM (dry matter) (common wheat cv. Annie) to 792.37 mg/kg DM (Triticum monococcum GEO) and TPA from 700.66 mg/kg DM (cv. Annie) to 874.74 mg/kg DM (Schwedishes einkorn) in an average of two-year results. Related to the wheat species, total content of polyphenols was in order einkorn > emmer > common wheat > spelt, total content of phenolic acids in order einkorn > spelt > emmer > common wheat. Higher TPC and TPA were observed in the very dry year 2018.

This study monitors the effect of salt stress induced by a NaCl solution (0 - deionized water, 50, 100, 200, 300 mmol/L) in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Orion), New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragonoides (Pall) Kuntze) and common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L. cv. Green Purslane) over the course of 50 days. The diverse reactions of these monitored species to salt stress are well apparent from the results. Lettuce proved as the most sensitive to salt stress, showing a significant reduction of dry weight, where even lower concentrations of salt affected membrane stability through increased electrolyte leakage value and an imbalance in the content of Na+ and K+, observed in the form of lower ratios of K+/Na+. In case of T. tetragonoides, lower salt concentrations positively affected growth and this species appears to particularly accumulate sodium. In case of P. oleracea no significant reduction of dry weight took place with the increasing concentration of NaCl and a naturally high content of potassium contributed to maintaining a favourable ratio of K+/Na+ even at higher salt concentrations, which is one of the prerequisites of salt-stress tolerance.

The aim of the study was to evaluate total antioxidant activity (TAA) and total content of carotenoids (TCC), anthocyanins (TAC), phenolics (TPC) and phenolic acids (PAs) in grain of selected pigmented wheat genotypes and traditional control cultivar cultivated under organic and conventional cropping systems in two-year trials. All of the evaluated parameters were significantly affected both by genotype and evaluated environmental factors. While in TPC, PAs and TCC the effect of years prevailed, TAC was affected mainly by genotype. The effect of genotype and year in TAA was comparable. TPC ranged from 581.71 mg/kg (control cv. Annie) to 723.60 mg/kg (cultivar with purple pericarp PS Karkulka), total PAs content from 711.77 mg/kg (cv. PS Karkulka) to 849.47 mg/kg (cv. Skorpion with blue aleurone). TCC varied from 1.56 mg/kg (cv. PS Karkulka) to 5.32 mg/kg (cv. Citrus with yellow endosperm). The highest TAC (63.23 mg/kg) was found in cv. Skorpion, the lowest (12.70 mg/kg) in cv. AF Jumiko with purple pericarp. Anthocyanins were not detected in cvs. Annie and Citrus. TAA varied from 162.68 mg/kg in cv. Annie to 226.71 mg/kg in breeding line KM 53-14 with blue aleurone. Higher TAA and antioxidants contents and lower grain yields were observed in organic cropping system and in drier year 2016.

Colored-grain wheat genotypes were used in the preparation of flour, dough, buns, and buns stored for a short period of time. The main carotenoid in all genotypes was lutein, followed by its esters, zeaxanthin, and beta-carotene, while antheraxanthin and alpha-carotene occurred only at negligible levels. The highest carotenoid contents were observed in Yellow- and purple-grained genotypes. After the preparation of dough, total carotenoid content (TCC) decreased significantly by an average of 61.5%. Zeaxanthin was shown to be stable, whereas alpha-carotene was destroyed. In baked buns, the average decrease of TCC and all-E-lutein was lower than in unbaked dough. Greater decreases were recorded for esters, antheraxanthin, and beta-carotene. After storing buns for 24 h at room temperature, approximately one-quarter of TCC observed in the original flour was preserved. Z-Isomers of lutein occurred in minor concentrations, but the degradation of this component, and that of zeaxanthin, was low, suggesting E- to Z-isomerization.