Background/Objectives: Although Drosophila melanogaster is widely used in genetics and nutrition research, developmental kinetics are rarely analyzed using formal mathematical modeling. Most dietary studies present developmental curves without rigorous fitting, limiting quantitative interpretation. This study applies and compares three primary models, as well as develops secondary models, to characterize the effects of high-sugar diets on egg-to-adult (life cycle) development. Methods: Standardized husbandry and an embryo-to-pupa feeding assay were performed across 11 sucrose concentrations. Synchronized embryo collection and high-resolution monitoring were used for this assay. Three primary models-dose-response, Gompertz, and logit-based linearization-were fitted to developmental curves to extract timing (tmid) and synchrony (sdvp) parameters. Secondary modeling was used to evaluate how these parameters change with respect to sucrose concentration. Results: Increasing sucrose concentration markedly delayed pupariation and reduced viability at the highest levels. All models showed increasing tmid and decreasing sdvp with rising sugar concentration, with the Gompertz model providing the best overall performance. Secondary modeling revealed a consistent bilinear response with a breakpoint at 0.52-0.62 M, separating low-, medium-, and high-sucrose conditions. Reduced sampling frequency decreased model robustness, while twice-daily observations remained sufficient. Conclusions: Mathematical modeling provides a robust, practical framework for quantifying the effects of diet on D. melanogaster development. The Gompertz model provided the best fit and yielded biologically interpretable parameters. The bilinear secondary model effectively captured sucrose-dependent stress responses and quantified plasticity through environment-dependent changes in developmental timing and synchrony. Overall, this work establishes a quantitative practical framework for modeling developmental kinetics under nutritional perturbations, and the approach can be extended with additional secondary environmental factors to improve predictive analyses of nutritional effects.

The aim of this study was to analyze the composition and dual beneficial and toxic effects of Achillea millefolium L., Mentha longifolia L., and Thymus serpyllum L. extracts. The phenolic profile, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, and drosopterin eye content (DEC) were determined by modern methods. The viability and developmental time of D. melanogaster were assessed by a diet-dependent viability test. The results show that the phenolic profile varied depending on the extract type and plant species. The TPC ranged between 5.32 and 29.32 mg GAE/g dry weight. All the plant extracts exert antioxidant effect in the applied in vitro tests. In the case of D. melanogaster fed with a normal diet supplement with different concentrations of the plant A. millefolium L. extract, a biphasic effect was observed. A more complex effect was recorded for the M. longifolia L. and T. serpyllum L. extracts. On a high-sugar diet, all the extracts were toxic. All the plant extracts in tested concentrations influenced the DEC, suggesting an impact on gene expression. This study contributes to the expanding knowledge about the beneficial and toxic effects of local medicinal plants, suggesting the need for future studies to elucidate the appropriate use of natural products in therapy.

Antioxidants play an essential role in human health by reducing damage caused by free radicals. Total polyphenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and the antioxidant capacity of two sour cherry cultivars (Cigánymeggy, Oblacsinszka) grown under conventional and organic production systems were evaluated over two consecutive years at different stages of ripening. Results showed that the concentrations of different antioxidant compounds varied during ripening, but more significant differences were observed between the growing seasons, whereas no significant differences were found between the investigated genotypes or cultivation methods. In 2024, total polyphenol values during the harvest period ranged from 1116.33 to 1874.39 mg GAE/100 g DM, while in 2025 they ranged from 909.81 to 1668.96 mg GAE/100 g DM. Polyphenol profile analysis showed that the main polyphenolic compounds of sour cherries, including cyanidin-3-glucosylrutinoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-sophoroside, were detected in both years, indicating that the major anthocyanin components were consistently present despite harvesting year effects.

With the growing emphasis on dietary plant-based protein, revealing its potential nutritional and health benefits has become imperative. This study employed a Drosophila melanogaster-based model to investigate the effects of a protein-rich diet on viability and phenotypic variability, including survival rate, organ size, and eye colour, which could also identify potential epigenetic modifications. Diets that were either restricted to soybean protein or enriched with it were compared with lysine supplementation, a single essential amino acid. The results showed that dietary restriction reduced larval brain size and overall pupal size compared to the normal conditions. This also raised the potential for epigenetic modification, which manifests as an intensification of the white-eyed phenotype in the wm4h genotype. In low protein concentrations, lysine was essential for D. melanogaster development, but protein intake was insufficient for the larvae to complete their development into pupae. In contrast, higher lysine concentrations appeared to be associated with complete larval developmental failure, suggesting potential toxicity; however, the specific mechanism requires further investigation. Our results emphasise the importance of considering nutrient quality and quantity when designing specific dietary interventions.

Background: Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), the superfood of the present era, is widely recognized for its high content of nutrients and bioactive compounds. However, dietary products and by-products derived from different parts of the fruit differ markedly in their biochemical composition, which may influence their nutritional and biological effects. Drosophila melanogaster represents a well-established in vivo model for studying the impact of dietary components on nutritional status, development, and viability under defined nutritional conditions. Methods: Four sea buckthorn-derived matrices-seed flour, seed oil, pulp, and fruit pomace powder-were analyzed for fatty acid, amino acid, polyphenol, and antioxidant contents. Their effects were evaluated in D. melanogaster under zero-nutrient, normal-nutrient, and high-sugar diets, assessing viability and developmental dynamics across various product types and concentrations. Results: Substantial compositional differences were observed between the samples. Seed flour and fruit pomace powder were rich in proteins, essential amino acids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins, whereas seed oil predominantly contained fatty acids with limited antioxidant capacity. Consistent with these compositional profiles, diet- and product-specific biological effects were observed. Under zero-nutrient conditions, high concentrations of fruit pomace powder (100 g/L) supported larval and adult viability and resulted in developmental patterns comparable to those observed under a normal-nutrient diet. Under normal-nutrient and high-sugar diets, the matrices modulated development and viability without apparent toxicity, with fruit pomace powder consistently showing the most favorable effects. Conclusions: The biological responses of D. melanogaster are closely linked to the biochemical composition of the matrices and the dietary context. Fruit pomace powder emerged as the most effective product, highlighting its potential as a functional dietary ingredient and a valuable source of nutrients and bioactive compounds.

Sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds, which contribute to its numerous health-promoting properties. Fruit contains a variety of bioactive constituents, including anthocyanins, flavonols, and chlorogenic acids, which are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. Analyses of these compounds demonstrate the potential of sour cherry to support human health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. However, the protection of these bioactive compounds is crucial, as food processing methods such as heat treatment, freezing, drying and storage can significantly affect their concentration and biological activity. Sour cherries are commonly processed into products such as juice, concentrates and jams. Jam quality is influenced by its recipe, processing methods, and storage conditions. During jam production, significant losses of polyphenols are observed, particularly anthocyanins, which can decrease by up to 90

Background/Objectives: Essential oils (EOs) are complex mixtures extracted from plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, as well as in vivo toxicity against Drosophila melanogaster of the EOs extracted from Achillea millefolium L. (AM), Mentha longifolia L. (ML), and Thymus serpyllum L. (TS) from the mountains in Sibiu County, Romania. Methods: EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation. Their phytocompounds were determined by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. Antioxidant potential was evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]-diammonium salt (ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Antibacterial action was measured against eight pathogenic bacteria. An in vivo D. melanogaster diet-dependent viability assay was conducted to assess the toxicity of the EOs. Results: Chamazulene (49.72%), pulegone (36.20%), and thymol (42.11%) were the most abundant constituents of the AM, ML, and TS EOs, respectively. All tested EOs exerted antioxidant activity, with TS EO being the most efficient in the DPPH (98.19% inhibition) and ABTS (1.82 mmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/mL EO) scavenging assays, while AM EO performed best in the FRAP assay (66.70 μmol TE/mL EO). Against TS EO, Bacillus subtilis was the most sensitive, with an inhibition zone of 37 mm. A dose-dependent decrease in the viability of D. melanogaster L. was observed when their diet was supplemented with AM, ML, and TS EOs. Conclusions: The analyzed EOs demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, suggesting their potential applications in various fields. However, due to their toxicity, an in-depth analysis is required before introducing such products in therapy.

Leavening dough is one of the most widespread applications of fermentative yeast and the most common practice for the general public to come into contact with microbial cultures. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the typical species used for dough making, but the evolutionary origin of strains isolated from dough is mixed. Here, using 49 newly sequenced and 183 previously described isolates from the bakery environment, we show that the traditional strains used in Europe for sourdough making are more closely related to Chinese Mantou sourdough lineages than to commercially used baker yeast strains. Surprisingly, the expansion of these traditional European strains into other human-associated niches, including the human body, has been very limited. This is in stark contrast to the Mixed-origin clade commercial baking yeasts, which consists of only a few globally distributed clonal lineages that dominate the yeast market and recurrently colonize sourdoughs and human hosts. These clonal lineages consistently maintain their ploidy, unique heterozygous chromosomal rearrangements, and stable aneuploidies in addition to several diverse structural variants. In addition to the previously known diploid and tetraploid groups of commercial isolates, we describe a widely distributed stable triploid aneuploid clonal lineage. We show that company practices and global trade help the distribution of these clonal clusters and that these yeasts are characterized by their exclusively mitotic reproduction. ### Competing Interest Statement Adam Fulep is an employee of the bakery company from which the Hungarian sourdoughs were sourced. The company had no influence on interpreting and publishing the results. Other authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background: Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria L.) is a medicinal plant native to the spontaneous Romanian flora. The aim of this study was to investigate the phenolic profile, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity (AC) of two L. salicaria L. extracts, a hydro-methanolic extract (LSmet-1) and a hydro-ethanolic extract (LSeth-2), and their putative toxicity, as well as the effect on eye pigment content in the case of Drosophila melanogaster of an extract derived from LSmet-1 (LSmet-3). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the influence of L. salicaria L. extracts on cytotoxicity and the expression of genes as determined by eye pigment levels, using a D. melanogaster-based model system. Methods: High-performance liquid chromatography was carried out to investigate the chemical composition of the extracts. Spectrophotometric methods were used to estimate their TPC and AC. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using an in vivo D. melanogaster diet-dependent viability assay and eye pigments of wm4h males, suitable for position-effect variegation studies, which were quantified by a spectrophotometric method. Results: The results indicated that the main phenolic compounds were gallic acid, resveratrol, and rutin in LSmet-1, whereas in LSeth-2, gallic acid and quercetin were the most relevant. LSmet-1 had a higher TPC compared to LSeth-2. Both extracts exhibited notable efficacy in the applied in vitro antioxidant tests. The viability of flies on normal media increased in a concentration-dependent manner at lower concentrations, with the extract being toxic at higher concentrations. On a high-sugar diet, even lower concentrations were toxic. All tested concentrations influenced the eye pigment content. Conclusions: Our study brings new findings on L. salicaria L. extracts, suggesting the need for further investigation before introducing them in therapy.

Lung cancer is the second cause of death in the world, being the most common type of cancer. Conventional therapies are not always recommended due to the particularities of patients. Thus, there is a need to develop new anticancer therapeutic agents. Medicinal plants constitute a source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential in lung cancer. The purpose of our narrative review is to evaluate and summarize the main studies on the cytotoxic effects of ten medicinal plants and their extracts, volatile oils, and bioactive compounds. We have also included studies that reported protective effects of these natural products against chemotherapy-induced toxicity. Studies were identified by assessing five databases using specific keywords. The investigated natural products possess cytotoxic effects on lung cancer cell cultures. Several mechanisms of action have been proposed including cell death by apoptosis, necrosis or autophagy, cell cycle arrest, the modulation of signaling pathways (PI3K/Akt and MAPK), the inhibition of migration, invasion and metastasis, antiangiogenesis, and targeting inflammation. Different bioactive compounds exhibit protective effects against chemotherapy-induced toxicity. Studies have shown promising results. To develop new therapeutic agents useful in treating lung cancer, the plants included in this review should be more deeply investigated to reveal their molecular mechanisms of action.

Background: Antibiotic resistance is spreading, and the effectiveness of the most widely used antibiotics is decreasing. These issues are global health and food safety concerns that require immediate attention. One potential solution is the use of various gemmotherapy extracts (GTEs). However, there is a paucity of studies investigating the presumptive antimicrobial activity of GTEs. Methods: In this comparative study, we are assessing the antimicrobial properties of eight selected GTEs, as well as their polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, against a panel of microorganisms (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeasts, and molds). We are using the agar diffusion method (ADM) and the broth microdilution method (BMD) to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results: Among the analyzed extracts, dog rose, lingonberry, sea buckthorn, blackthorn, and common grape GTEs showed the highest total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and the most relevant antimicrobial activity including certain differences with respect to the microbiostatic and/or microbicidal properties. These results demonstrate the relative strength of the antimicrobial effects of specific GTEs against certain microbial species, which could facilitate the use of these GTEs in personalized and/or specific antimicrobial therapies.

Oenothera biennis L. is a biennial species native to North America and introduced to Europe in the 17th–18th centuries, used in traditional medicine or as a dietary supplement in various products, as well as in cosmetics and the pharmaceutical industry. In recent decades, oil extracted from seeds has been increasingly used for the treatment of various conditions. In this article, we highlight the polyphenolic content of 2 types of extracts from O. biennis species, collected from the wild flora of Romania, from two regions with different altitudes and pedoclimatic conditions (plains and mountains), namely: OHM—hydroalcoholic extract, Macea sample; OHVD—hydroalcoholic extract, Vatra Dornei; OAM—aqueous extract, Macea sample; OAVD—aqueous extract, Vatra Dornei sample. The LC/MS analysis of the whole plant extracts revealed 5 to 14 polyphenols, depending on the sample location and type of extract, out of which 7 flavonoids are newly reported for this species. Climatic parameters were mapped using QGIS. Higher qualitative and quantitative values of polyphenols were observed in the hydroalcoholic extract obtained from individuals collected from the plain area.

A data subset collected from different research papers is used to determine the optimum conditions for extracting protein from soybeans. Various algorithms are employed to model the purity of the protein isolate. Results demonstrated that the chosen model was well aligned with the extracted data, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of up to 0.83. The adequacy of the model was confirmed by the experiment held using a mild extraction technique and a full factorial design, with temperature (25 and 45 degrees C) and pH of extraction (8 and 10) as independent variables. While the conducted experiments confirmed that the temperature and pH of extraction did not affect the purity, they showed that the pH of extraction has a significant effect on the protein yield and solid yield. The maximum yield was obtained when temperature and pH were 45 degrees C and 10, respectively.

We demonstrate that the commonly assumed matrix-independence of the cardinal (minimum, optimum and maximum) temperatures for bacterial growth is not necessarily valid for Bacillus licheniformis growing in plant-based milk. If confirmed, a consequence is that the ratio (called correction factor) between the maximum specific growth rate in a specific food matrix and in culture medium is not temperature-independent for every food matrix, opposed to general expectations. We found that, while the cardinal temperatures of B. licheniformis growing in either white almond or coconut beverages did not significantly differ from those in culture medium, this was not the case for another almond-based beverage, where we observed a smaller growth range and lower optimum temperature. A possible reason for this is that the food composition affects the cardinal temperatures. Our investigation is an example of "tertiary modelling" inasmuch it studies the effect of food matrix (a category variable) on the parameters of secondary models.

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are emerging as promising eco-friendly solvents for various applications such as product extraction and quality preservation. However, their high viscosity may hinder their effectiveness. Therefore, incorporating water into DES can effectively mitigate this limitation. This study aims to assess how DES (choline chloride:glycerol (1:2)) hydration affects proteinous nitrogen diffusion, considering different extraction durations and mild temperatures (25–45 °C). The degree of DES hydration was identified as the most significant parameter influencing the extraction efficiency. The incorporation of high water content ( 50–70

Chlorogenic acids are plant secondary metabolites, chemically—polyphenols with similar biological activity, formed through the esterification of quinic acid and hydrocinnamic acid moieties. They are best known for their high concentration in coffee and other dietary sources and the antioxidant properties that they exhibit. Both chlorogenic acids and plant extracts containing significant amounts of the compounds show promising in vitro activity against colorectal cancer. With coffee being the most popular drink in the world, and colorectal cancer at an unfortunate peak in incidence and mortality, the mechanisms through which the anti-tumorigenic effect of chlorogenic acids could be functionalized for CRC prevention seem appealing to study. Therefore, this review aims to enable a better understanding of the modes of action of chlorogenic acids in combating carcinogenesis, with a focus on cell cycle arrest, the induction of apoptosis, and the modulation of Wnt, Pi3K/Akt, and MAPK signal transduction pathways, alongside the reduction in the number of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and the counterintuitive beneficial elevation of oxidative stress.

Cosmopolitan in the western areas of Europe as well as on other continents, the Ilex genus is interesting for its genetic, phenotypic, and biogeographic variabilities. Its insular/local distribution, according to existing data on the periphery of the central and southern European areas, represents a suitable case study with reference to the adaptive plasticity or acclimatization of the Ilex aquifolium L. species to new climatic conditions. The aim of the present study was to analyze the genetic variability at the genome level in four insular populations of Ilex aquifolium L., i.e., in three spontaneous populations from Romania (RO), Serbia (SR), and Bulgaria (BG) and a cultivated population from Hungary (HU). According to the obtained results, the most genetically similar populations among the four considered in this study were those from SR and RO. Genetic variation overlapped genes that were generally associated with metabolic regulation/transport factors, water, and abiotic stress factors. The analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the levels of the chloroplast and mitochondrion, from the point of view of their distributions at the gene level, identified two clusters: one that includes the native populations (BG, SR, and RO) and a second one including the cultured population from HU.

Nowadays, unprecedented health challenges are urging novel solutions to address antimicrobial resistance as multidrug-resistant strains of bacteria, yeasts and moulds are emerging. Such microorganisms can cause food and feed spoilage, food poisoning and even more severe diseases, resulting in human death. In order to overcome this phenomenon, it is essential to identify novel antimicrobials that are naturally occurring, biologically effective and increasingly safe for human use. The development of gemmotherapy extracts (GTEs) using plant parts such as buds and young shoots has emerged as a novel approach to treat/prevent human conditions due to their associated antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and/or antimicrobial properties that all require careful evaluations. Seven GTEs obtained from plant species like the olive (Olea europaea L.), almond (Prunus amygdalus L.), black mulberry (Morus nigra L.), walnut (Juglans regia L.), blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.), blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) were tested for their antimicrobial efficiency via agar diffusion and microbroth dilution methods. The antimicrobial activity was assessed for eight bacterial (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, Proteus vulgaris, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Listeria monocytogenes), five moulds (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus ochraceus, Penicillium citrinum, Penicillium expansum) and one yeast strain (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). The agar diffusion method revealed the blackberry GTE as the most effective since it inhibited the growth of three bacterial, four moulds and one yeast species, having considered the total number of affected microorganism species. Next to the blackberry, the olive GTE appeared to be the second most efficient, suppressing five bacterial strains but no moulds or yeasts. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were then determined for each GTE and the microorganisms tested. Noticeably, the olive GTE appeared to feature the strongest bacteriostatic and bactericidal outcome, displaying specificity for S. aureus, E. faecalis and L. monocytogenes. The other GTEs, such as blueberry, walnut, black mulberry and almond (the list indicates relative strength), were more effective at suppressing microbial growth than inducing microbial death. However, some species specificities were also evident, while the blackcurrant GTE had no significant antimicrobial activity. Having seen the antimicrobial properties of the analysed GTEs, especially the olive and black mulberry GTEs, these could be envisioned as potential antimicrobials that might enhance antibiotic therapies efficiency, while the blackberry GTE would act as an antifungal agent. Some of the GTE mixtures analysed have shown interesting antimicrobial synergies, and all the antimicrobial effects observed argue for extending these studies to include pathological microorganisms.

This paper aimed to investigate the amino acid, fatty acid, proximate composition, total phenolic content (TPC), texture, color, and sensory properties of an Emmental type cheese from Ţara Dornelor, Romania as influenced by the processing technology (CA sample made in a stainless steel tank, with spontaneous microflora and ripening of 70 days, and TC sample made in a copper tank, with standard culture and 90 days ripening) and season (winter or summer). The results revealed that the winter samples had higher dry matter content, and were richer in some fatty acids such as palmitoleic acid, isooleic acid, 13-octadecenoic acid, and linoleic acid compared to summer. The season factor influenced significantly (p < 0.05) the amino acid profile, while the processing technology did not have a major impact. The TPC was affected by the processing technology, with the TC sample being the richest. The texture and sensory properties showed significant differences (p < 0.05) depending on the processing conditions and season. TC samples showed lower luminosity, greener, and less yellow nuance compared to CA. A reduction in the color parameters was observed in summer compared to winter. The global acceptance was correlated with the white index, the most appreciated sample obtained in summer, in a stainless steel tank.

Abstract The number of elderly people is steadily increasing in developing countries though the specific age-related challenges of nutrition fail to get properly addressed in the case of senior citizens. Accordingly, we have developed protein-polyphenol dietary fibre (PPF) bars using two kinds of protein mixtures (1 and 2) and some food additives, such as the banana powder, freeze-dried strawberries, coconut powder, Dutch cacao powder, and vanilla cookies, as they can interfere with the texture of bars and the flavour as well. The used food additives are also a source of polyphenols and dietary fibres that would enhance the nutritive values of the bars. The texture properties, such as hardness and cutting force, were assessed, and the results indicated a significant difference (P < 0.05) among the bars, offering important hints about their suitability for the elderly. Also, significant differences were observed for the polyphenol content of the bars that would stress their increased nutritional relevance too. On average, the sensorial evaluation showed the developed bars of moderate acceptability, while Bar 3 and 6 had the highest scores for colour, texture, flavour, and aroma. Conversely, Bar 1 recorded the lowest values for all assessed criteria. Interestingly, Bar 3 with freeze-dried strawberries and Bar 6 with Dutch cacao powder were the most appreciated flavours and contained in the range of 25–28% protein, 17–23% carbohydrate, 15–21% lipids, and 15–23% dietary fibre, which also indicates their nutritionally balanced nature. Furthermore, the above-mentioned macronutrient content ensures approximately 400 Kcal/100g per PPF bar, while through their polyphenol and flavonoid yield their health-promoting effect gets substantiated.