Minerals in edible insects:a review of content and potential for sustainable sourcing

In response to the rapid increase in world population and subsequent demands for food,edible insects represent an alternative food source for humans that is rich in proteins,amino acids and minerals.Entomophagy is a tradition in many countries including China and Thailand,and edible insects have attracted a lot of attention in Western World due to their suitable nutrient composition,high mineral content(e.g.,Fe,Zn,Ca,Mg)and potential use as a supplement in human diet.In this study,we surveyed mineral content in seven insect orders and 67 species of mass produced and wild-harvested edible insects.The total content of essential elements in edible insects was very high in Tenebrio molitor,Bombyx mori,and Zonocerus variegatus.The heavy metal content(summarized for eight species)was below the maximum limit allowed for safe consumption.Sustainable supply of minerals derived from insect biomass is complicated due to the high variations of mineral content in insects and the potential of its change due to processing.

Identification of different degrees of processed ginger using GC-IMS combined with machine learning

Ginger,the rhizomes of Zingiber officinale Roscoe,was a wellknown edible plant species commonly used in China,which has pungent flavor[1].Ginger has numerous chemical compounds,such as phenolic constituents,volatile compounds(VOCs),and polysaccharides[2].Among them,VOCs are considered one of the effective compounds in ginger due to their functional properties,including anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,and analgesic[3].

Immunological disturbance effect of exogenous histamine towards key immune cells

Histamine in food has attracted widespread attention due to the potential toxicity and associated health risk.However,its influences on immunological components,especially the function of key immune cells,are still poorly known.In this work,we explored the effects of exogenous histamine on the function of key immune cells such as intestinal epithelial cells,dendritic cells,and T cells.The results showed that histamine could affect the expression of allergy-related genes in CMT93 cells at a high dose of histamine.Moreover,it’s found that histamine could cause an imbalance in the levels of relevant immune factors secreted by dendritic cells and T cells,especially those related to allergy.At the same time,the proportion of MHC class IIpositive dendritic cells and the proportion of T helper 2(Th2)cells in CD4^(+)T cells increased after histamine stimulation.We concluded that the presence of a certain level of histamine in food may affect the expression of allergy-related cytokines,disrupt the balance of the immune homeostasis,and potentially lead to adverse immune reactions.This work demonstrated the importance of including the estimation of histamine’s immune safety in aquatic products rather than merely considering the potential risk of food poisoning.

Characterization of blueberry exosome-like nanoparticles and miRNAs with potential cross-kingdom human gene targets

Edible plant derived exosome-like nanoparticles(ELNs)have been shown to have multiple nutraceutical functions.However,the diversity of plant materials makes the plant derived ELN study challenging.More efforts are still needed to explore the feasible isolation methods of edible plant derived ELNs and the possible roles of food-derived ELNs in improving human health.In this study,a size exclusion chromatography based method was compared with the traditional ultracentrifugation method to isolate blueberry derived ELNs(B-ELNs),and the miRNA profile of B-ELNs was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing.A total of 36 miRNAs were found to be enriched in B-ELNs compared with berry tissue,and their potential cross-kingdom human gene targets were further predicted.Results showed that size exclusion chromatography was effective for B-ELN isolation.The most abundant miRNAs in B-ELNs mainly belonged to the miR166 family and miR396 family.Target gene prediction indicated that B-ELNs could potentially regulate pathways related to the human digestive system,immune system and infectious diseases.

Variety Selection and Green Cultivation Technology of Courtyard Ornamental and Edible Peppers

In order to comply with the development trend of the multifunctional use of peppers,we conducted an investigation into the characteristics and features of varieties,potting management techniques,and the methods of extending the fruit ornamental period and other aspects of courtyard ornamental and edible peppers.A set of cultivation techniques suitable for courtyard ornamental and edible peppers has been developed,including timely sowing and seedling,nutrient soil preparation,water and fertilizer management,trimming and pruning,preservation of flowers and fruits,green prevention and control of diseases and pests,harvesting,and so on.

Rape Breeding and Its Intellectual Property Protection in China

Rape is the third largest oil crop in the world and the first one in China.The national average rapeseed yield is only 2077.5 kg/hm^(2),and the rapeseed oil yield is 894 kg/hm^(2).This paper introduced the main types,germplasm resources,breeding bases and breeding progress of Chinese rape,and studied its high-quality varieties,breeding patents and new varieties of agricultural plants.We analyzed the main problems such as serious loss of germplasm resources in Brassica campestris L.and Brassica juncea(L.)Czern.et Coss and weak"agricultural chip"in rape field,and put forward strategies such as strengthening the protection of rape germplasm resources,encouraging the development of"agricultural chip"in rape industry clusters with national advantages and characteristics,and strengthening the protection of agricultural intellectual property rights.

Inheritance,Innovation and High-quality Development of Herbaceous Edible Oils in Hubei Province under the Strategy of Strengthening the Country with Intellectual Property

Only by improving the production capacity of domestic herbal edible oil can China ensure the safety of the supply chain of the important industrial chain of vegetable edible oil in China and practice the big food concept.In addition to rice,maize,and soybean for using as grain and oil,there are eight kinds of herbaceous edible oil crops in Hubei Province,including rape,peanut,sesame,sunflower,perilla(perilla seed),cotton,linen and tiger nut(Cyperus esculentus).This paper studies the main industries of herbaceous edible oil crops and their intellectual property resources in Hubei Province,and analyzes the main problems of its inheritance,innovation and high-quality development under the strategy of strengthening the country with intellectual property.Finally,it proposes the countermeasures of carrying forward and inheriting traditional knowledge and traditional culture,maintaining the biodiversity of crops,strengthening the creation of new plant varieties and breeding patents,and opening up the whole chain of intellectual property rights.

Changes of structure and functional properties of rice protein in the fresh edible rice during the seed development

It has been reported that fresh edible rice has more bioactive compounds and its protein is easier to digest and has lower hypoallergenic than mature rice. In this paper, the changes in structure and functional properties of proteins at five different stages, including early milky stage(EMS), middle milky stage(MMS), late milky stage(LMS), waxy ripe stage(WS)and ripening stage(RS), during the seed development were investigated. It was found that with the seed developing, the molecular weight of fresh rice protein gradually become larger while the secondary structure changed from the highest content of disordered structure at MMS to the highest content of ordered structure at RS, which affect the surface hydrophobicity and then the functional properties of proteins, including foaming properties, emulsifying properties and oil holding capacity. Fresh rice protein at MMS has the strongest surface hydrophobicity while fresh edible rice protein at RS has the strongest oil holding capability. The results of our study can provide a theoretical basis for the application of fresh rice protein in the food industry and help to develop new fresh edible rice food.

Intellectual Property Protection,Inheritance,Innovation and Development of Woody Edible Oilseeds in Hubei Province

Only by developing woody edible oilseeds industry can we ensure the safety of the important industrial chain and supply chain of vegetable edible oil in China.There are 13 kinds of woody edible oil plants in Hubei,including Camellia oleifera Abel(oil tea),Juglans regia L.(walnut),Olea europaea L.(olive)and Paeonia suffruticosa(oil peony).This paper studies the main industries of woody edible oilseeds in Hubei Province and their intellectual property resources,and analyzes the main problems in their intellectual property protection,inheritance,innovation and development.Finally,it proposes some strategies,including carrying forward the traditional knowledge related to woody edible oilseeds,innovating the"agricultural chip",creating key counties of national woody edible oil seeds,and developing industrial clusters with national advantages and characteristics.

Assessing anthropogenic pressure and threats on Paeonia emodi Wall.ex Royle habitats in Garhwal Himalaya

The Garhwal Himalaya is among the major repositories of immensely valuable wild edible plants and provides food security to the local population.Among the valuable plant species that grow in this region,Paeonia emodi(family Paeoniaceae)is an important wild edible species that found in temperate regions with an altitude range between 1800 and 2800 m.The species is facing a severe threat to its sustainability due to overharvesting,habitat disturbances,and a lack of effort regarding conservation.For the first time,this study investigated anthropogenic pressure,population decline perceptions in the natural habitat,and vulnerability assessment of P.emodi under selected study sites(n=23 villages).A semi structured questionnaire was used to interview approximately 45%of the local inhabitants,including herbal practitioners(Vaidhyas or Dais)of each village.On the basis of demographic characteristics,the perceptions and responses of 464 local people were documented regarding potential causes of deterioration and feasible options for sustainable utilization.Using the weight survey method,we estimated the actual amount of collection based on personal interaction and direct observation.In order to determine the threats status,a rapid vulnerability assessment(RVA)was performed and were used based on the current exploitation and usage.The present study revealed that leaf(100%)was the most frequently harvested part,followed by stem(95.65%),seed(26.09%),root(21.74%)and flower(13.04%).The village Triyuginarayan and Pothivasa recorded the highest collection scores while the purpose of the collection was mostly edible(100%),medicinal(100%),and least commercial(8.70%).According to the literature review and the present survey,the RVA(total=21)is categorized as category II(intermediate side of the RVA index),indicating a degree of vulnerability.The study revealed that P.emodi faces extinction in the Garhwal Himalayas.Growing this species through agro-production techniques may alleviate the pressure on the existing population as a result of the availability of raw materials for commercial and household uses.These findings will provide an effective framework for conservation and management decisions and plans.

Anti-lipid-oxidation effects and edible safety evaluation of the oil extracted by a supercritical CO_(2) process from coix seed fermented by Monascus purpureus

The physicochemical properties and composition of coix seed oil produced by Monascus purpureus fermentation and supercritical CO_(2)extraction were determined.Anti-lipid-oxidation and edible safety were evaluated using a cholesterol-fish oil model,acute oral toxicity assay,and genetic toxicity assay in vitro and in vivo,respectively.The results show that the extraction oil from fermented coix seed(FCS-O)had good physicochemical quality and abundant active components with physiological function.In particular,γ-tocotrienol,γ-oryzanol,coixenolide and oleic acid concentrations reached 72.83μg/g,745.96μg/g,9.65 mg/g and 316.58 mg/100 g DW,respectively.The FCS-O exhibited higher antioxidant capability in inhibiting lipid oxidation and peroxidation.Compared to the blank control,the concentrations of 7-ketocholestreol and peroxide only were 8.42μg/mL and 16.16 mmol/kg at 168 h of oxidation(P<0.01).In addition,the FCS-O has been confirmed to be a very safe edible oil,with no acute toxicity(LD50>10 g/kg bw,considered actually non-toxic)and no induced mutagenicity,cytotoxicity or genotoxicity.These results serve as a good safety reference for future application of the oil from fermented coix seed.The development and utilization of this kind of oil will be beneficial as a food,food ingredient,nutritional supplement,or natural food antioxidant to promote good health function.

Development of hyaluronic acid-based edible film for alleviating dry mouth

For alleviating dry mouth symptoms,edible films based on hyaluronic acid(HA)with 3 different m(800,1200 and 2300 kDa)were prepared(800 F,1200 F and 2300 F,respectively),and the properties as well as effectiveness were compared.The concentration of each HA dispersion for film forming was set as 3.0%,1.5%or 1.0%,for the m800,1200 and 2300 kDa,respectively,based on the solubility.The 800 F showed the highest thickness,tensile strength,and water vapor transparency,whereas obtained the lowest transparency and elongation at break among samples.All of the HA films showed safety against microorganism during 28 storage day at 40℃with 60%humidity.The optimum site for film attachment in mouth was the palate,and800 F was the most effective for stimulating saliva secretion,eliciting a 38%increase compared to control(without film),tested by the elderly over 65 years old.By the sensory test,800 F was also the most acceptable.Based on above results,the edible films effectively stimulating saliva secretion could be produced with HA,and the physical,sensory characteristics as well as disintegration times of the film could be controlled by mand the dissolution concentration of HA.

Insights on the molecular mechanism of neuroprotection exerted by edible bird’s nest and its bioactive constituents

Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with the accumulation of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.Edible bird’s nest(EBN)is a glycoprotein(sialylated mucin glycopeptides)found to be beneficial against neurodegenerative diseases.Antioxidative,anti-inflammatory,and anti-apoptotic properties of EBN in preserving neuronal cells were widely researched using in vitro and in vivo models.Functional effects of EBN are often linked to its great number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory glycopeptides.Bioactive compounds in EBN,especially sialic acid,add value to neurotrophic potential of EBN and contribute to neuronal repair and protection.Various studies reporting the neuroprotective effects of EBN,their molecular mechanisms,and neuroactive composition were gathered in this review to provide better insights on the neuroprotective effects of EBN.

Sexual spores in edible mushroom: bioactive components, discharge mechanisms and effects on fruiting bodies quality

Edible mushroom sexual spores have been gaining more interest due to their bioactive components and functions.Spore discharge(SD)is an important factor affecting the quality of edible mushrooms.In this review,the bioactive nutrients of sexual spores of edible mushrooms were summarized,the SD mechanism was described,and the relationship between postharvest SD and the quality of edible mushrooms was analyzed.Spores contain various bioactive nutrients that are benefi cial to the human body.Mature mushrooms can actively discharge spores in a process affected by light,relative humidity,and temperature.During storage,the physiological metabolism of spore-bearing gill tissue is vigorous,promoting the release of postharvest spores and changing the nutritional value of fruiting bodies.The flavor of the fruiting bodies also varied signifi cantly during SD.Edible mushroom sexual spores have the potential to become new raw materials for functional food and medical resources.Research on the effect of the mechanism of SD on the quality of edible mushrooms and the development of SD regulation technology may be a new trend in the quality control of edible mushrooms,which will promote the development of the edible mushroom industry.

Edible mushrooms as a potent therapeutics of subclinical thyroid dysfunction among adults,especially in obese individuals:a prospective cohort study

Background:Mushrooms are a good source of many nutrients which are potentially beneficial for chronic diseases.We speculated that due to its abundant nutrients edible mushrooms might have a beneficial effect on the prevention of subclinical thyroid dysfunction(SCTD).Therefore,we designed a large-scale cohort study to examine whether mushrooms consumption is a protective factor for SCTD in adults.Methods:This prospective cohort study investigated 6631 participants(mean age:(45.0±10.2)years;55.1%men).Edible mushrooms consumption was measured at baseline using a validated food frequency questionnaire.SCTD was defined as abnormal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and normal free thyroxine.Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the association of edible mushrooms consumption with incident SCTD.Results:During follow-up period,a total of 262 new cases of SCTD were identified,the incidence rate of subclinical hypothyroidism was 8.9/1000 person-years and subclinical hyperthyroidism was 7.2/1000 person-years.After adjusting potential confounding factors,the multivariable hazard ratios(95%confidence intervals)for subclinical hypothyroidism were 1.00(reference)for almost never,0.53(0.29,0.97)for 1-3 times/week and 0.30(0.10,0.87)for≥4 times/week(P for trend=0.02).It also showed edible mushrooms consumption was inversely associated with subclinical hypothyroidism in obese individuals but not non-obese individuals,the final hazard ratios(95%confidence intervals)were 0.14(0.03,0.73)(P for trend<0.01).Conclusions:This population-based prospective cohort study has firstly demonstrated that higher edible mushrooms consumption was significantly associated with lower incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism among general adult population,especially in obese individuals.

Isolation and identification of four pathogenic bacterial strains from edible snake(Elaphe carinata and Ptyas mucosus)farms with pneumonia in China

This report describes an outbreak and treatment of pneumonia and enteritis in a snake farm with more than 3000 snakes containing Elaphe carinata(one-year-old)and Ptyas mucosus(three-month-old)seedlings in Huanggang,Hubei,China.Gentamicin was used once in the early stage as treatment,administered orally with water or feed by owners,but mortality increased.Lobar pneumonia was confirmed by dissection and histopathology in infected snakes.Four main pathogenic bacteria were isolated and identified with culture and 16S rRNA sequencing:Staphylococcus sciuri,Salmonella enteritis,Vagococcus fluvialis and Providencia vermicola.Drug susceptibility tests were performed,and amikacin,gentamicin and cefitriaxone were chosen accordingly.After two rounds of treatment,the clinical signs for Elaphe carinata were under control,and the mortality was close to 0%after treatment.However,treatments for Ptyas mucosus seedlings did not work well,potentially because of poor administration technique and weak body condition.

Development Countermeasures of County-level Edible Fungi Industry in Hebei Province from the Perspective of Rural Revitalization

In recent years,the edible fungi industry in Hebei Province has developed rapidly,with gradually increased cultivation scale and production output,and has become the pillar industry of the province,playing a certain role in promoting the development of rural economy and rural revitalization.Based on the in-depth analysis of the development status,future development direction and current constraints of the edible fungi industry in each typical county of Hebei Province in recent years,the paper puts forward corresponding development countermeasures,which has certain reference value for the county-level edible fungi industry of Hebei Province to promote rural revitalization.

Simultaneous Determination of 2- and 3-MCPD Esters in Infant Formula Milk Powder and Edible Vegetable Oils by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Esters of 2- and 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (MCPD) are significative contaminants of processed edible oils used as foods or food ingredients. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a new method by GC-MS for the simultaneous quantification of 2 and 3-MCPD esters in infant milk powder and edible vegetable oils. The developed protocol included fat fraction in infant milk powder and edible vegetable oils samples was extracted and treated with sodium methylate-methanol to cleave the ester bonds of the 2- and 3-MCPD esters, moreover, standard samples of deuterium isotope-labeled 2- and 3-MCPD palmitic acid double esters and stearic acid double esters were used as the internal standards. Furthermore, this method was validated when it was applied to food products, concrete manifestation in its good accuracy (the recovery of MCPD esters ranged from 86% to 114%), high sensitivity (the LOD of 3-MCPD and 2-MCPD esters were 0.025 and 0.020 mg/kg, LOQ were 0.075, 0.060 mg/kg, respectively) and satisfactory repeatability (RSD below 6.8%) for all analytes. In the 150 commercial edible vegetable oils and infant formula milk powder samples, we obtained a preliminary profile of MCPD ester contamination.

Solid Material Formula of Small Fragrant Chicken Soup Stock and Improvement of Boiling Process

[Objectives]To study the solid material formula and boiling process of Small Fragrant Chicken Soup Stock.[Methods]Small fragrant chicken and edible fungi were used as the main raw materials to prepare instant chicken and Morchella esculenta soup stock,and the influencing factors such as solid material ratio,ratio of liquid to material,time and temperature were studied,and the optimal formula and process of the soup stock were screened out through sensory and instrument evaluation experiments.[Results]The optimal formula and process of Small Fragrant Chicken Soup Stock were as follows:small fragrant chicken 40%,M.esculenta 6%,Lyophyllum decastes 3%and Lentinus edodes 1.5%;the ratio of liquid to material was 2.5:1,the boiling time was 2 h,and the boiling temperature was 120℃.Under these conditions,the sensory score of Small Fragrant Chicken Soup Stock was the best.[Conclusions]This study provided a theoretical basis for the industrial production of edible mushroom prepared dishes.

Call for Papers from Food Science of Animal Products

Food Science of Animal Products(ISSN:2958-4124,e-ISSN:2958-3780)is a peer-reviewed,open access international journal that publishes the latest research fi ndings in the fi eld of animal-origin foods,involving food materials such as meat,aquatic products,milk,eggs,animal offals and edible insects.