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Pomegranate is an important fruit crop that is usually managed manually through experience. Intelligent management systems for pomegranate orchards can improve yields and address labor shortages. Fast and accurate detection of pomegranates is one of the key technologies of this management system, crucial for yield and scientific management. Currently, most solutions use deep learning to achieve pomegranate detection, but deep learning is not effective in detecting small targets and large parameters, and the computation speed is slow; therefore, there is room for improving the pomegranate detection task. Based on the improved You Only Look Once version 5 (YOLOv5) algorithm, a lightweight pomegranate growth period detection algorithm YOLO-Granada is proposed. A lightweight ShuffleNetv2 network is used as the backbone to extract pomegranate features. Using grouped convolution reduces the computational effort of ordinary convolution, and using channel shuffle increases the interaction between different channels. In addition, the attention mechanism can help the neural network suppress less significant features in the channels or space, and the Convolutional Block Attention Module attention mechanism can improve the effect of attention and optimize the object detection accuracy by using the contribution factor of weights. The average accuracy of the improved network reaches 0.922. It is only less than 1% lower than the original YOLOv5s model (0.929) but brings a speed increase and a compression of the model size. and the detection speed is 17.3% faster than the original network. The parameters, floating-point operations, and model size of this network are compressed to 54.7%, 51.3%, and 56.3% of the original network, respectively. In addition, the algorithm detects 8.66 images per second, achieving real-time results. In this study, the Nihui convolutional neural network framework was further utilized to develop an Android-based application for real-time pomegranate detection. The method provides a more accurate and lightweight solution for intelligent management devices in pomegranate orchards, which can provide a reference for the design of neural networks in agricultural applications.

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Introdução: A cárie dentária ainda se constitui um problema de saúde pública. Áreas adjacentes a restaurações são frequentemente acometidas por cárie. Por mais que as resinas compostas estejam sendo estudadas e melhoradas, ainda não apresentam atividade antimicrobiana. As cascas da romã (Punica Granatum) são um recurso potencial para compostos bioativos como fenólicos, proantocianidinas e flavonoides, além de apresentarem atividade antioxidante e efeito inibitório contra bactérias Gram-negativas e Gram-positivas. Objetivo: modificar a resina composta Opus Bulk Fill Flow (FGM®) com o extrato acetônico da casca da romã em diferentes concentrações e avaliar a rugosidade da superfície e mudança de cor. Metodologia: foi realizada a extração de 5g de casca da romã utilizando 100mL de solvente acetona 70%. Após rotaevaporação, filtragem e liofilização do extrato, este foi macerado, peneirado e pesado em concentrações diferentes a partir da concentração inibitória mínima capaz de inibir o crescimento de Streptococcus mutans ATCC 700610. A resina composta Opus Bulk Fill Flow foi modificada com esse extrato em diferentes concentrações de forma a gerar 5 grupos: Controle 0 µg (n=10), G930 µg (n=10), G1860 µg (n=10), G3730 µg (n=10) e G7460 µg (n=10). Rugosidade (Ra), diferença de cor (ΔE00) e índice de brancura (WID) foram submetidos aos testes de normalidade. Os dados não-paramétricos de Ra foram submetidos ao teste de Kruskal-Wallis com pós-teste de Dunn e os dados paramétricos do ΔE00 e WID foram submetidos ao teste ANOVA 1 Fator com pósteste de Tukey por meio do software GraphPad Prism 8 e Microsoft Excel 2019. Resultados: Verificou-se que a média do índice de brancura (WID) diminuiu conforme o aumento da concentração do extrato na resina modificada (p<0,05), assim como, as resinas modificadas se tornaram, visivelmente a olho nu, um pouco mais amareladas. Após 1 mês, as amostras dos grupos experimentais sofreram a mesma variação de cor (ΔE00) que o grupo controle, uma vez que os valores das médias foram semelhantes. Portanto, todos os grupos apresentaram estabilidade de cor. A rugosidade superficial (Ra) não mostrou diferença estatisticamente significativa (p>0,05). Todos os grupos apresentaram médias com valores similares a 0,06µm. Conclusão: A alteração de cor na resina, com a inserção do extrato, ainda na maior concentração, se manteve na classificação do matiz A. O que não afeta as propriedades organolépticas e pode ser considerada uma cor similar à cor dos dentes naturais. A adição do extrato na resina manteve a rugosidade superficial de todos os grupos dentro do valor ideal, prevenindo a adesão de biofilmes e microrganismos e proporcionando conforto ao toque da língua (AU).

Introduction: Dental caries still constitutes a public health problem. Areas adjacent to restorations are often affected by caries. Even though resin composites are being studied and improved, they still do not have antimicrobial activity. Pomegranate peels (Punica Granatum) are a potential resource for bioactive compounds such as phenolics, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids, in addition to presenting antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Objective: to modify the Opus Bulk Fill Flow (FGM™) resin composite with the acetone extract of pomegranate peel in different concentrations and evaluate the surface roughness, and color change. Methodology: 5g of pomegranate peel was extracted using 100mL of 70% acetone solvent. After rotary evaporation, filtering and lyophilization of the extract, it was macerated, sieved and weighed at different concentrations based on the minimum inhibitory concentration capable of inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 700610. The Opus Bulk Fill Flow resin composite was modified with this extract in different concentrations to generate 5 groups: Control 0 µg (n=10), G930 µg (n=10), G1860 µg (n=10), G3730 µg (n=10) e G7460 µg (n=10). Roughness (Ra) and color difference (ΔE00) were subjected to normality tests and non-parametric data were subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn's post-test using GraphPad Prism 8 and Microsoft Excel 2019 software. Results: It was found that the average whiteness index (WID) decreased as the concentration of the extract in the modified resin increased (p<0.05), as well as the modified resins became, visibly to the naked eye, a little more yellowish. After 1 month, samples from the experimental groups suffered the same color variation (ΔE00) as the control group, since the average values were similar. Therefore, all groups showed color stability. Surface roughness (Ra) did not show a statistically significant difference (p>0.05). All groups presented average values similar to 0.06µm. Conclusion: The color change in the resin, with the insertion of the extract, even at the highest concentration, remained in the classification of hue A. This does not affect the organoleptic properties and can be considered a color similar to the color of natural teeth. The addition of the extract to the resin composite maintained the surface roughness of all groups within the ideal value, preventing the adhesion of biofilms and microorganisms and providing comfort to the touch of the tongue (AU).

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Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a multipurpose dietary and medicinal plant known for its ability to promote various health benefits. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex metabolic disorder driving health and socioeconomic challenges worldwide. It may be characterized by insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. This study aims to conduct a review of pomegranate's effects on MetS parameters using a mechanistic approach relying on pre-clinical studies. The peel, juice, roots, bark, seeds, flowers, and leaves of the fruit present several bioactive compounds that are related mainly to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities as well as cardioprotective, antidiabetic, and antiobesity effects. The use of the juice extract can work as a potent inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme activities, consequently regulating blood pressure. The major bioactive compounds found within the fruit are phenolic compounds (hydrolysable tannins and flavonoids) and fatty acids. Alkaloids, punicalagin, ellagitannins, ellagic acid, anthocyanins, tannins, flavonoids, luteolin, and punicic acid are also present. The antihyperglycemia, antihyperlipidemia, and weight loss promoting effects are likely related to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. When considering clinical application, pomegranate extracts are found to be frequently well-tolerated, further supporting its efficacy as a treatment modality. We suggest that pomegranate fruit, extract, or processed products can be used to counteract MetS-related risk factors. This review represents an important step towards exploring potential avenues for further research in this area.

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Punica granatum, popularly known as pomegranate, is a fruit tree with wide worldwide distribution, containing numerous phytochemicals of great medicinal value. The aim of the present study was to determine the phytochemical profile and antioxidant potential of a protein fraction (PF) derived from P. granatum sarcotesta which is rich in lectin. In addition, the acute oral toxicity, genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of this protein fraction (PF) from P. granatum sarcotesta was measured. The phytochemical profile of PF was determined using HPLC. The in vitro antioxidant effect was assessed using the methods of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and DPPH and ABTS+ radical scavenging. Acute oral toxicity was determined in female Swiss mice administered a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. This PF was examined for genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity at doses of 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg, utilizing mouse peripheral blood cells. Phytochemical characterization detected a high content of ellagic acid and antioxidant capacity similar to that of ascorbic acid (positive control). PF was not toxic (LD50 >2000 mg/kg) and did not exert a genotoxic effect in mice. PF protected the DNA of peripheral blood cells against damage induced by cyclophosphamide. In conclusion, this PF fraction exhibited significant antioxidant activity without initiating toxic or genotoxic responses in mice.

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OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the anti-demineralizing effect of a mouthwash comprising pomegranate peel extract (PPE 3%), sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP 0.3%), and fluoride (F 225 ppm) in an in situ study, and to assess its irritation potential in an ex vivo study. METHODS: This double-blind crossover study was conducted in four phases with 7 days each. Twelve volunteers used palatal appliances containing enamel blocks, which were subjected to cariogenic challenges. The ETF formulation (PPE + TMP + F, pH 7.0), TF formulation (TMP + F, pH 7.0), deionized water (W, pH 7.0), and essential oil commercial mouthwash (CM, 220 ppm F, pH 4.3) were dropped onto the enamel twice daily. The percentage of surface hardness loss, integrated loss of subsurface hardness, calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride in enamel and biofilms were determined. In addition, alkali-soluble extracellular polysaccharide concentrations were analyzed in the biofilms. The irritation potential was evaluated using the hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane test through the vascular effect produced during 300-s of exposure. RESULTS: ETF was the most efficacious in preventing demineralization. It also showed the highest concentrations of calcium and phosphorus in the enamel and in the biofilm, as well as the lowest amount of extracellular polysaccharides in the biofilm. In the eggs, ETF produced light reddening, whereas CM led to hyperemia and hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of PPE to formulations containing TMP and F increased its anti-demineralizing property, and this formulation presented a lower irritation potential than the CM. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: ETF can be a promising alternative alcohol-free mouthwash in patients at high risk of caries.

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Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined as inter-stage between normal cognitive aging and major neurocognitive disorder (MND). This state of decay is a crucial factor in treatment to prevent the progression to MND. In this study, our group developed a virtual screening process to evaluate 2568 phytochemical compounds against 5 key proteins associated with MCI and MND. As a result, two potential candidates were identified: carpaine, found in Carica papaya leaves, and punicalagin, present in Punica granatum. A model of cognitive impairment (CI) was developed in 10-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats by administering aluminum chloride (AlCl3) at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 30 days. After AlCl3 administration period, one of the groups received carpaine and punicalagin in a phytochemical extract (PE) by oral gavage for 30 days. Novel object recognition test (NOR) was assessed at three different time points (T1 - before CI, T2 - after CI, and T3 - after PE treatment). Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were identified in the hippocampus of rats at the end of the study period. After administration of AlCl3, a reduction in discrimination index vs control rats (CI = 0.012 ± 0.08 vs Control = 0.076 ± 0.03), was observed. After phytochemical extract treatment, a significant increase in discrimination index values was observed in the PE group 0.4643 ± 0.13 vs CI group 0.012 ± 0.08. Additionally, the evaluation of immunohistochemistry showed an increase in GFAP positivity in the hippocampus of the CI groups, while a slight decrease was observed in the PE group. This work addressed a comprehensive methodology that utilized in silico tools to identify phytochemical compounds (carpaine and punicalagin) as potential candidates for affecting key proteins in CI. The phytochemical extract containing carpaine and punicalagin resulted in a trend in the decrease of GFAP expression in the hippocampus and improved recognition memory in rats with CI induced by age and AlCl3 administration.

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Climate changes and the related rise in the frequency of excessive weather proceedings have a strong influence on the physical, chemical, and hydrological processes in soils. Recently the investigators confirmed that the use of biological treatments and resources to overcome abiotic stress is fruitful. Thus, pomegranate peel extract (PPE) because of its high efficacy and/or compost application could improve soil characteristics, soil organic matter and nutrient status. This effect may be referred back to the enhancement in the plant antioxidative defense system against stress conditions. This experiment was done to study the influence of spraying wheat plants with pomegranate peel extract (PPE) with and/or without soil compost added under salt stress on some growth parameters and physiological aspects. Wheat plants were grown in the presence or absence of compost in the soil and foliar sprayed with PPE (600 and 1200 mg L-1) under salt irrigation (3000 and 6000 mg L-1). Growth and yield traits were decreased with salinity stress. High levels of PPE (1200 mg L-1) induced the highest values of osmoprotectants (Total soluble sugars, total soluble protein, proline and free amino acids) in both unstressed or salinity-stressed plants presence or absence compost. Using compost in soil for cultivating wheat plants and PPE spraying treatments increased growth traits photosynthetic pigments and yield components. Moreover, these treatments increased the accumulation of minerals content (N, P, K and Ca) in plants. In general, the results of correlation coefficients showed a significant strong positive relationship among measured yield traits and other tested parameters. The correlation between 1000-grain Wt. and grain Wt./spike (r = 0.94**) was the highest. Meanwhile, a strong negative correlation coefficient between Na% and all yield parameters was recorded. Compost adding to soil and spraying pomegranate peel extract is a successful method for increasing wheat growth, yield and improving the nutritional value of the produced grains under salt stress.

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A multi-objective optimization was performed using response surface methodology to obtain a high-value-added product, pectin enriched in polyphenols, from pomegranate peel. For this purpose, a green extraction technique that combines citric acid and ultrasound was carried out considering three variables: time, pH, and temperature. The extraction procedure was optimized using the Box-Behnken design, these being the most suitable conditions, with an extraction time of 34.16 min, a pH of 2.2, and a temperature of 89.87 °C. At this point, the pectin yield was 31.89%, with a total retained polyphenol content of 15.84 mg GAE/g pectin. In addition, the water activity, ash content, equivalent weight, methoxyl content, and degree of esterification were determined for the pectin obtained at the optimal point. This study demonstrates that polyphenol-enriched pectin can be obtained from pomegranate peel via an eco-friendly and efficient method, and that it presents similar properties to commercial pectin, preserving its quality and with potential use as an ingredient or food supplement with a high nutritional value. This work contributes to developing sustainable strategies to valorize pomegranate agro-industrial waste and produce high-value functional ingredients.

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This study aimed to investigate the application of biopolymeric materials (chitosan, gelatin, and pomegranate peel extract as photosensitizer) and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) on the physicochemical and microbial safety of strawberries. The photosensitizer potential of the materials was confirmed by a light-dose-dependent photobleaching profile. The application of light (525 nm; 50 J cm-2) decreased by >2 log CFU mL-1 the survival of Staphylococcus aureus on the surface of the photoactive-biopolymeric films. Moreover, the materials did not present in vivo cytotoxicity using Danio rerio (Zebrafish) as well as cytophytotoxic, genotoxic, or mutagenic potentials against Allium cepa plant model, which points out their safety to be used as films without posing a risk to the humans and the environment. The photoactive-polymeric coatings were able to maintain the strawberries weight, and the association with green light was 100 % effective in delaying fungal contamination. These coated-strawberries presented a significant reduction in S. aureus survival after light application (5.47-4.34 log CFU mL-1). The molecular level analysis of the photoactive compound cyanidin-3-glucoside indicates absorption on UV-Vis consistent with aPDT action. Therefore, this study showed that the antimicrobial effects of aPDT combined with photoactive-biopolymeric coatings were enhanced, while the quality of the strawberries was maintained.

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