Tried and Tasted

Egypt takes a liking to Chinese food For those who think Peking(former name of Beijing)is in China,coming to Egypt would be an eye-opener.There’s a Peking in the upmarket Mohandeseen District of Giza,the city that harbors some of the greatest pyramids of Egypt;a second one in the Zamalek District of Greater Cairo frequented by expats,another one in Heliopolis and seven more.

Novel umami peptides from two Termitomyces mushrooms and molecular docking to the taste receptor T1R1/T1R3

Wild edible Termitomyces mushrooms are popular in Southwest China and umami is important flavor qualities of edible mushrooms.This study aimed to understand the umami taste of Termitomyces intermedius and Termitomyces aff.bulborhizus.Ten umami peptides from aqueous extracts were separated using a Sephadex G-15 gel filtration chromatography.The intense umami fraction was evaluated by both sensory evaluation and electronic tongue.They were identified as KLNDAQAPK,DSTDEKFLR,VGKGAHLSGEH,MLKKKKLA,SLGFGGPPGY,TVATFSSSTKPDD,AMDDDEADLLLLAM,VEDEDEKPKEK,SPEEKKEEET and PEGADKPNK.Seven peptides,except VEDEDEKPKEK,SPEEKKEEET and PEGADKPNK were selectively synthesized to verify their taste characteristics.All these 10 peptides had umami or salt taste.The 10 peptides were conducted by molecular docking to study their interaction with identified peptides and the umami taste receptor T1R1/T1R3.All these 10 peptides perfectly docked the active residues in the T1R3 subunit.Our results provide theoretical basis for the umami taste and address the umami mechanism of two wild edible Termitomyces mushrooms.

Three novel umami peptides derived from the alcohol extract of the Pacific oyster(Crassostrea gigas):identification,characterizations and interactions with T1R1/T1R3 taste receptors

Oyster(Crassostrea gigas),the main ingredient of oyster sauce,has a strong umami taste.In this study,three potential umami peptides,FLNQDEEAR(FR-9),FNKEE(FE-5),and EEFLK(EK-5),were identified and screened from the alcoholic extracts of the oyster using nano-HPLC-MS/MS analysis,i Umami-Scoring Card Method(i Umami-SCM)database and molecular docking(MD).Sensory evaluation and electronic tongue analysis were further used to confirm their tastes.The threshold of the three peptides ranged from 0.38 to 0.55 mg/m L.MD with umami receptors T1R1/T1R3 indicated that the electrostatic interaction and hydrogen bond interaction were the main forces involved.Besides,the Phe592 and Gln853 of T1R3 were the primary docking site for MD and played an important role in umami intensity.Peptides with two Glu residues at the terminus had stronger umami,especially at the C-terminus.These results contribute to the understanding of umami peptides in oysters and the interaction mechanism between umami peptides and umami receptors.

Effects of prebiotics on the fermentation of traditional suancai of Northeast China

Suancai is a traditional fermented vegetable widely consumed in Northeast China.In this study,different prebiotics were used to improve the quality of suancai.Four prebiotics(inulin(INU),xylooligosaccharide(XO S),galactooligosaccharide(GOS),and stachyose(STA))were shown to reduce the pH value and increase the content of total titratable acidity(TTA)in suancai,while the contents of most organic acids were also increased.The addition of prebiotics had significant effects on the bacterial microbiota during the suancai fermentation process.All prebiotics were shown to contribute to the growth of Lactobacillus.The suancai sample with fructooligosaccharides(FOS)had the highest relative abundance of Lactobacillus.Besides,INU and XOS could increase the abundance of Weissella.To evaluate the quality of suancai fermented with prebiotics,profiles of volatile flavor compounds(VOCs)and free amino acids(FAA)were analyzed.The prebiotics affected the VOCs and FAA profiles via transforming the bacterial microbiota.In addition,the addition of prebiotics also changed the taste profiles of the suancai samples.This study is among the first attempts to reveal the effects of different prebiotics on suancai fermentation,and the findings provide a foundation to develop new ways for improving the quality of suancai.

Emulsifying property,antioxidant activity,and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate obtained by Corolase PP under high hydrostatic pressure

Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins can enhance their emulsifying properties and antioxidant activities.However,the problem related to the hydrolysis of proteins was the generation of the bitter taste.Recently,high hydrostatic pressure(HHP)treatment has attracted much interest and has been used in several studies on protein modification.Hence,the study aimed to investigate the effects of enzymatic hydrolysis by Corolase PP under different pressure treatments(0.1,100,200,and 300 MPa for 1-5 h at 50℃)on the emulsifying property,antioxidant activity,and bitterness of soybean protein isolate hydrolysate(SPIH).As observed,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had the highest emulsifying activity index(47.49 m^(2)/g)and emulsifying stability index(92.98%),and it had higher antioxidant activities(44.77%DPPH free radical scavenging activity,31.12%superoxide anion radical scavenging activity,and 61.50%copper ion chelating activity).At the same time,the enhancement of emulsion stability was related to the increase of zeta potential and the decrease of mean particle size.In addition,the hydrolysate obtained at 200 MPa for 4 h had a lower bitterness value and showed better palatability.This study has a broad application prospect in developing food ingredients and healthy foods.

Role of bitter contributors and bitter taste receptors:a comprehensive review of their sources,functions and future development

Bitterness,one of the 5“basic tastes”,is usually undesired by humans.However,abundant literature reported that bitter fruits and vegetables have beneficial health effects due to their bitter contributors.This review provided an updated overview of the main bitter contributors of typical bitter fruits and vegetables and their health benefits.The main bitter contributors,including phenolics,terpenoids,alkaloids,amino acids,nucleosides and purines,were summarized.The bioactivities and wide range of beneficial effects of them on anti-cancers,anti-inflammations,anti-microbes,neuroprotection,inhibiting chronic and acute injury in organs,as well as regulating behavior performance and metabolism were reported.Furthermore,not only did the bitter taste receptors(taste receptor type 2 family,T2Rs)show taste effects,but extra-oral T2Rs could also be activated by binding with bitter components,regulating physiological activities via modulating hormone secretion,immunity,metabolism,and cell proliferation.This review provided a new perspective on exploring and explaining the nutrition of bitter foods,revealing the relationship between the functions of bitter contributors from food and T2Rs.Future trends may focus on revealing the possibility of T2Rs being targets for the treatment of diseases,exploring the mechanism of T2Rs mediating the bioactivities,and making bitter foods more acceptable without getting rid of bitter contributors.

Umami taste components in chicken-spices blends and potential effect of aroma on umami taste intensity

In this study,umami taste intensity(UTI)and umami taste components in chicken breast(CB)and chickenspices blends were characterized using sensory and instrumental analysis.Our main objective was to assess the aroma-umami taste interactions in different food matrices and reconcile the aroma-taste perception to assist future product development.The impact of key aroma,including vegetable-note"2-pentylfuran",meaty"methional",green"hexanal",and spicy-note-estragole and caryophyllene"on UTI was evaluated in monosodium glutamate and chicken extract.We found that spices significantly decreased UTI and umami taste components in CB.Interestingly,the perceptually similar odorants and tastants exhibited the potential to enhance UTI in food matrices.Methional was able to increase the UTI,whereas spicy and green-note components could reduce the UTI significantly.This information would be valuable to food engineers and formulators in aroma selection to control the UTI perceived by consumers,thus,improving the quality and acceptability of the chicken products.

Genetic mutation of Tas2r104/Tas2r105/Tas2r114 cluster leads to a loss of taste perception to denatonium benzoate and cucurbitacin B

Background:Bitter taste receptors(Tas2rs)are generally considered to sense various bitter compounds to escape the intake of toxic substances.Bitter taste receptors have been found to widely express in extraoral tissues and have important physiological functions outside the gustatory system in vivo.Methods:To investigate the physiological functions of the bitter taste receptor cluster Tas2r106/Tas2r104/Tas2r105/Tas2r114 in lingual and extraoral tissues,multiple Tas2rs mutant mice and Gnat3 were produced using CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technique.A mixture containing Cas9 and sgRNA mRNAs for Tas2rs and Gnat3 gene was microinjected into the cytoplasm of the zygotes.Then,T7EN1 assays and sequencing were used to screen genetic mutation at the target sites in founder mice.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and immunostaining were used to study the expression level of taste signaling cascade and bitter taste receptor in taste buds.Perception to taste substance was also studied using twobottle preference tests.Results:We successfully produced several Tas2rs and Gnat3 mutant mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 technique.Immunostaining results showed that the expression of GNAT3 and PLCB2 was not altered in Tas2rs mutant mice.But qRT-PCR results revealed the changed expression profile of m Tas2rs gene in taste buds of these mutant mice.With two-bottle preference tests,these mutant mice eliminate responses to cycloheximide due to genetic mutation of Tas2r105.In addition,these mutant mice showed a loss of taste perception to quinine dihydrochloride,denatonium benzoate,and cucurbitacin B(CuB).Gnat3-mediated taste receptor and its signal pathway contribute to CuB perception.Conclusions:These findings implied that these mutant mice would be a valuable means to understand the biological functions of TAS2Rs in extraoral tissues and investigate bitter compound-induced responses mediated by these TAS2Rs in many extraoral tissues.

First report of the histopathological effect of electrocautery using on the urethral taste rosea during glans penis injury by incision in rabbits

Objective:Currently,electrocautery devices have frequently been used in penile surgical procedures.We hypothesized that electrocautery using during penile surgical procedures may harm the taste rosea and the dorsal nerve of the penis or clitoris.Methods:Eighteen young age male New Zealand rabbits were studied:five in the control(Group I,n=5),five in the penile surgery without using electrocautery(sham group,Group II,n=5),eight in the monopolar cautery(study group,Group III,n=8)groups under general anesthesia.The animals were followed for 3 weeks and sacrificed.Penile tissue—pudendal nerve root complexes and dorsal root ganglion of sacral 3 level were examined using stereological methods.The results were compared statistically.Results:The live and degenerated taste bud-like structures and degenerated neuron densities of pudendal ganglia(mean±standard deviation,n/mm^(3))were estimated as 198±24/mm^(3),4±1/mm^(3),and 5±1/mm^(3) in Group I;8±3/mm^(3),174±21/mm^(3),and 24±7/mm^(3) in Group II;and 21±5/mm^(3),137±14/mm^(3),and 95±12/mm^(3) in Group III,respectively.Neurodegeneration of taste buds and pudendal ganglia was significantly different between groups.Conclusion:Intact spinal cord and normal parasympathetic and thoracolumbar sympathetic networks are crucial for human sexual function.The present study indicates that the glans penis injury by using electrocautery may lead to pudendal ganglia degeneration.Iatrogenic damage to taste rosea and retrograde degeneration of the pudendal nerve may be the cause of sexual dysfunction responsible mechanism.

Molecular mechanisms of bitterness and astringency in the oral cavity induced by soyasaponin

The interaction mechanism between soyasaponin(Ssa)and bitter receptors/mucin,as well as the saliva interface behavior of Ssa,were investigated to explore the presentation mechanism of Ssa bitterness and astringency(BA).Strong bitterness arising from high Ssa concentrations(0.5–1.5 mg/mL)had a masking effect on astringency.At Ssa concentrations of 1.0–1.5 mg/mL,Ssa micelles altered the structure of mucin,exposing its internal tryptophan to a more polar environment.At Ssa concentrations of 0.05–1.50 mg/mL,its reaction with mucin increased the aggregation of particles in artificial saliva,which reduced the frictional lubricating properties of oral saliva.Ssa-mucin interactions affected the salivary interfacial adsorption layer,and their complexes synergistically reduced the interfacial tension.Ssa monomers and soyasapogenols bind to bitter receptors/mucin via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions.Class A Ssa binds more strongly than class B Ssa,and thus likely presents a higher BA.In conclusion,Ssa interacts with bitter receptors/mucin causing conformational changes and aggregation of salivary mucin,resulting in diminished frictional lubricating properties of oral saliva.This,in turn,affects taste perception and gustatory transmission.

Analysis of flavor and widely metabolomics differences in black sesame before and after processing

The objective of this study was to determine the differences of aroma and taste in three black sesame originsbefore and after processing via flavor and widely metabolomics.By analyzing the sensory characteristics and metabolites of raw and treated black sesame from China,Vietnam,and Myanmar,treated Chinese sesame have the most significant change in hardness after thermal processing,low viscosity and was easy to chew.The electronic nose could distinguish between raw and treated sesame due to the aroma distribution.The reason of treated sesame from China was“fragrant”is due to the highest content(2545.50μg/kg)of total pyrazines including 2,5-dimethylpyrazine,2-ethyl-5-methylpyrazine,2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine,3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine.933 metabolites were detected via a wide targeted metabolomics in the taste of raw and treated sesame.Based on the analysis of metabolites related to bitterness,145 substances were selected.The main bitter contributors may be amino acids,dipeptides and organic acids.

口腔外甜味受体生物学作用的研究进展

甜味受体(STR)是1型味觉受体的一种主要类型,可感知甜味并与不同的糖类和人工甜味剂相结合。虽然它最初被发现于口腔味蕾,但近来许多研究表明其在心脏、肾脏、胰腺、胃肠道、呼吸道和大脑等口腔外组织中均有表达,并发挥多种口外味觉效应,如参与摄食活动、能量稳态调节、内分泌代谢调节、内皮通透性调节、免疫防御调控和认知功能调节等。对此,本文综述STR的信号途径及其在口外组织中生物学作用的研究进展,旨在为STR相关的深入研究提供参考。

Studies of the Variability of Primary Metabolites in the Epicarp, Mesocarp and Seed of Dacryodes edulis Fruit at Taste Maturity

The fruits of Dacryodes edulis are rich in biologically active substances, which makes them of great interest in terms of validation. In this study, we targeted the primary metabolites in the epicarp, the mesocarp and the seed of the fruit of Dacryodes edulis at taste maturity, which were selected for their nutritional quality and its appreciation throughout the Gulf of Guinea area, which is very popular because of its large size, texture and special taste. The evaluation of total carbohydrates, total lipids and soluble proteins in the epicarp, mesocarp and seed of the fruit at taste maturity was made from spectrophotometer measurements. The overall analysis of the results of the present study shows that total carbohydrates, total lipids and proteins accumulate more in the seed with respectively 251.33 ± 1.15 mg/g DM;9.92 ± 0.201 mg/g DM and 55.075 ± 0.024 mg/g DM. Likewise, the results indicate low concentrations of total carbohydrates and total lipids in the epicarp with respectively 245 ± 1 mg/g DM and 4.77 ± 0.047 mg/g DM, on the other hand, it is the mesocarp which presents the lowest content of soluble proteins: 28.075 ± 3.231 mg/g DM. This variation could be linked to the nature of the compartment, more particularly to the storage location. This comparative study could lead to the valorization of the seed of the fruit of Dacryodes edulis for its richness in metabolites and arouse significant interest in nutrition.

Preparation and Characterization of Vitamin-D Incorporated Marshmallow

This project looks at a novel way to enhance the sensory experience of vitamin D ingestion by incorporating it into marshmallows. This investigation used a human panel taste test with twelve individuals, an index of swelling, and a stability evaluation. Samples of vitamin D infused marshmallows were prepared and given to participants in the human panel taste test, which evaluated mouthfeel and flavor. By analyzing dissolving behavior, the swelling index test revealed unexpected erosion. In addition, a temperature threshold for storage conditions was found through a temperature sensitivity test. All of these techniques assessed the feasibility and palatability of vitamin D supplementation with marshmallow flavor, offering insights into both the possible advantages and difficulties. The marshmallow infusion technique effectively covered up the disagreeable taste of vitamin D pills, leading to reviews that were overwhelmingly favorable (“Moderate Sweet”) and that indicated a pleasant mouthfeel. During the swelling index test, it showed erosion behavior, suggesting a certain kind of dissolution that is advantageous for nutritional absorption. Furthermore, the study discovered a temperature sensitivity threshold, highlighting how crucial proper storage conditions are.

基于学习活动观的小学英语课堂TASTE教学模式探究

针对当前部分教师对于如何在小学英语课堂上落实学习活动观的困惑,文章通过大量案例研究提炼出一种基于学习活动观的TASTE教学模式。TASTE教学倡导教师基于单元整体视域,根据单元主题与单元目标,确立课时目标,以目标为导向设计连续性话题,并以连续性话题为支点,建构以探究答案、共享表现、真实表达为主要内容的活动流程,从而在课堂上落实学习理解、应用实践、迁移创新等三类活动。

Identification of key taste components in Baccaurea ramiflora Lour.fruit using non-targeted metabolomics

Among the numerous fruit species of Baccaurea ramiflora Lour.,‘LR’(white flesh)and‘BR’(pink flesh)are two kinds of local strains with high edibility.In order to study the metabolic causes of taste differences,we performed the non-targeted metabonomics analysis of‘LR’and‘BR’using LC-MS/MS.541 metabolites were totally identified,and 45 kinds of metabolites(carbohydrates,fatty acids,flavonoids and terpenoids,etc.)were different between the two strains.The results indicate L-sorbose,D-(+)-glucose,citric acid,L-phenylalanine and oleamide,α-eleostearic acid were the main primary metabolites.The significant difference existed in pathways of unsaturated fatty acids between the studied two strains by pathway enrichment analysis.The results demonstrate that the different in composition,as well as the abundance of primary and secondary metabolites may be the potential causes of taste differences,which provides a new insight into the possible metabolic factors setting off the changing taste of B.ramiflora.

Energy status regulated umami compound metabolism in harvested shiitake mushrooms(Lentinus edodes)with spores triggered to release

The molecular mechanisms of energy status related to the umami taste of postharvest shiitake mushrooms during spore release remain poorly understood.In this study,the variations of energy status and umami taste of mushrooms were measured at 25℃.At 24 h storage,slight spore prints of mushrooms were first pictured,respiration peaked.Significant ATP decrease and ADP increase were also observed as the initiation of postharvest senescence(P<0.05).Meanwhile,the activities of phosphohexose isomerase,succinate dehydrogenase,glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase and the contents of umami nucleotides and amino acids were maintained at higher levels in mushrooms with spore release.Notably,the equivalent umami concentration(EUC)was strongly correlated with energy levels(R=0.80).Fifteen related gene expression levels in the energy metabolism pathway were downregulated.LecpdP1 and LeAK were significantly expressed in the conversion of ATP into AMP and played key roles in connecting the energy state and umami level.These results provided valuable insights on the umami taste associated with energy metabolism mechanism during postharvest mushroom spore release.

Discovery of the relationship between bitter taste and bitter flavor (efficacy) based on hTAS2Rs

Objective:To explore the relationship between bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy),their character-istics were analyzed at the target and pharmacodynamic points.Methods:Compounds with bitter receptor activity were obtained by high-throughput screening models of the human bitter taste receptors(hTAS2Rs),which were used to analyze bitter taste.The efficacy of anti-asthma medications was used as an example to research bitter flavor(efficacy).The pharmacological effects of bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)were classified according to the functional modules.The coverage for the same targets or pharmacological effects in the overall protein interaction network(PIN)of bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)was analyzed to reveal their relationship.The effect of the compound polydatin with anti-asthma activation on hTAS2R14 was studied to verify the reliability of the aforementioned idea.Results:A total of 121 Chinese materia medica(CMM)compounds that activate hTAS2R10,hTAS2R14,and hTAS2R49 were obtained.The analysis results indicated that 108 same targets for bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)were obtained,accounting for 13.9%in the PIN of bitter taste and 72.5%in the PIN of bitter flavor(efficacy).The pharmacological effects shared by bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)accounted for 79%of the PIN of bitter taste and 81%of the PIN of bitter flavor(efficacy).The activating effect of the anti-asthma compound polydatin on hTAS2R14 was dose-dependent with EC 50 of 4.3 m M.Conclusion:In this study,the relationship between bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)has been demonstrated from the target and pharmacodynamic points,which are based on hTAS2Rs and anti-asthma effect.Bitter taste and bitter flavor(efficacy)exhibited a high correlation.This study provides a theoretical and scientific basis for the hypothesis that“the property theory of CMM is the clinical pharmacodynamics of CMM.”

Aminopeptidase Play a Critical Role in the Accumulation of Free Amino Acids in Abalone(Haliotis discus hannai)During Cold Storage

Abalones reveal unique taste after processing,mainly because of their abundant free amino acids(FAAs)and nucleotides.FAAs are nutrition components that can contribute to the unique taste.However,which factor(s)is responsible for the accumulation of FAAs still need further studies.To analyze the production of FAAs,we studied the variation of FAAs during 7 days of storage at 4℃.The content of taste-active amino acids,including Asp,Glu,Ser,and Gly increased by 1.7-fold,2.0-fold,3.0-fold,and 8.4-fold,respectively.The relative activity of cathepsin L and aminopeptidase(AP)increased significantly during the cold storage period.To identify AP in abalone and its function in mediating the production of FAAs,an aminopeptidase with wide substrate specificity was then extracted and purified from abalone muscle to homogeneity.Purified AP with a molecular mass of 100 kDa exhibited its maximum activity at 30℃,pH 7.5,and was further confirmed by LC-MS.Bestatin specifically inhibited the activity of AP,and metalloproteinase inhibitors EDTA,EGTA and 1,10-phenanthroline also suppressed its activity to different degrees.Based on its highest activity to substrate Leu-MCA and its peptide sequences,the purified enzyme was identified as leucine aminopeptidase(LAP).Our present study indicated the essential role of AP for FAAs accumulation during cold storage of abalone.

Dry matter production and panicle characteristics of high yield and good taste indica hybrid rice varieties

Indica hybrid rice(Oryza sativa) production aims to achieve two crucial targets: high yield and good taste. This study selected three types of indica hybrid rice according to grain yield and taste value, including high yield and good taste(HYGT), low yield and good taste(LYGT), and high yield and poor taste(HYPT), to analyze yield components,corresponding growth characteristics, and rice taste quality. When values were averaged across varieties and years,there were almost no differences in taste value between HYGT and LYGT;HYGT showed a significant increase in yield,owing to a higher number of panicles and spikelets per panicle, with a respective increment of 16.2 and 20.6%. The higher grain yield of HYGT compared with LYGT was attributed to three key factors: a higher leaf area index(LAI) during heading, a higher ratio of grain to leaf, and a higher biomass accumulation at maturity. HYGT and HYPT achieved similar high yields;however, HYGT had more panicle numbers and lower grain weight. In addition, HYGT showed a significantly higher taste value than HYPT, attributed to its significantly lower protein and amylose contents, with reductions of 8.8and 15.7%, respectively. Lower protein and amylose contents might be caused by a proper matter translocation from vegetative organs to panicle. This study suggested that reasonable panicle characteristics and translocation efficiency from vegetative organs to panicle during heading to maturity are the key factors in balancing yield and rice taste quality.These results will provide valuable insights for rice breeders to improve the grain yield and quality of indica hybrid rice.