Search Results (4,129)

Biochar, a by-product of agri-food waste, has shown benefits in plant growth and soil health. However, its use in vitro remains underexplored. This study investigates the impact of biochar supplementation in the culture medium, alone or in combination, with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), on kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa), cv. Tomuri proliferation. Kiwifruit explants were cultured on media enriched with 0, 4, or 6 g/L biochar, without or with BAP (0.2 mg/L), over two subcultures (SUB1 and SUB2). Parameters such as shoot and root number and length, fresh and dry weight, as well as plantlets’ total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, were measured and analyzed. Biochar enhanced plantlets proliferation, particularly with BAP. In SUB1, at 4 g/L, biochar promoted shoot production (2.00 vs. 1.63) and their length (1.50 cm vs. 0.98), independently of the presence of BAP. The presence of biochar in the BAP-free media, favored rhizogenesis; particularly in SUB2, where on average, 5.58 roots per plantlets were recorded. Biochar increased the plantlets’ total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, especially in BAP-free media. The addition of biochar as an additive to the culture medium during the kiwifruit in vitro proliferation phase could be a breakthrough outcome for the nursery sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: Weight management is directly linked to cancer recurrence and survival, but unfortunately, nutritional oncology counseling is not typically covered by insurance, creating a disparity for patients without nutritional education and food access. Novel ways of imparting personalized nutrition advice are needed to address this issue. Large language models (LLMs) offer a promising path toward tailoring dietary advice to individual patients. This study aimed to assess the capacity of LLMs to offer personalized dietary advice to patients with breast cancer. Methods: Thirty-one prompt templates were designed to evaluate dietary recommendations generated by ChatGPT and Gemini with variations within eight categorical variables: cancer stage, comorbidity, location, culture, age, dietary guideline, budget, and store. Seven prompts were selected for four board-certified oncology dietitians to also respond to. Responses were evaluated based on nutritional content and qualitative observations. A quantitative comparison of the calories and macronutrients of the LLM- and dietitian-generated meal plans via the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges and United States Department of Agriculture’s estimated calorie needs was performed. Conclusions: The LLMs generated personalized grocery lists and meal plans adapting to location, culture, and budget but not age, disease stage, comorbidities, or dietary guidelines. Gemini provided more comprehensive responses, including visuals and specific prices. While the dietitian-generated diets offered more adherent total daily calorie contents to the United States Department of Agriculture’s estimated calorie needs, ChatGPT and Gemini offered more adherent macronutrient ratios to the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range. Overall, the meal plans were not significantly different between the LLMs and dietitians. LLMs can provide personalized dietary advice to cancer patients who may lack access to this care. Grocery lists and meal plans generated by LLMs are applicable to patients with variable food access, socioeconomic means, and cultural preferences and can be a tool to increase health equity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Shift work has profound effects on the health and dietary habits of registered nurses, especially in Hong Kong, where cultural and systematic barriers can pose a challenge. This study investigated the dietary habits of shift-working nurses in public hospitals, identifying barriers and facilitators to healthy eating using a mixed-methods approach. Methods: Nine subjects (five females and four males: mean = 35.6, SD = 8.4 yrs) filled out a validated food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day dietary record followed by photovoice and semi-structured interview. Results: The findings indicated that all participants reported insufficient dietary fiber intake and eight out of nine exceeded sodium intake recommendations. The key barriers included emotional eating triggered by work stress, inconsistent schedules, limited availability of nutritious foods, and workplace social dynamics. The facilitators included workplace support, positive peer influence, and family involvement in meal planning. Conclusions: This paper focuses on the necessity for health care institutions to create and implement nutritional instructions specific to shift workers, maintain appropriate meal breaks, and build a positive work environment. These interventions may be used to enhance nurses’ eating habits and well-being. Full article

Background/Objectives: The cultural and socioeconomic changes to which societies are exposed can alter individuals’ lifestyles and dietary habits. The nutritional patterns of Mediterranean countries may also be affected by these factors at varying levels, depending on the changing social characteristics of the countries. This study aimed to determine Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) adherence among family members from four Mediterranean countries (Türkiye, Spain, Italy, and Lebanon). Methods: The survey was structured around sociodemographic data, family relationships, the Mediterranean diet adherence screener (MEDAS), the Mediterranean lifestyle index (MEDLIFE), the Mediterranean diet quality index (KIDMED), and the obstacles and drivers of MedDiet adherence. Results: The data were obtained from adults (n = 812), with the contribution of their children (n = 500) if they had any. According to the MEDAS, 22% of the adults strongly adhered to the MedDiet. Similar results were obtained when Mediterranean lifestyle adherence was analyzed using the MEDLIFE score, with 20% of the adults presenting a strong adherence, while significantly stronger adherence was found in Lebanon than in the other countries. Regarding the children and adolescents, around 30% presented strong adherence to the MedDiet. Price, availability, and accessibility were significant obstacles, whereas the perceptions of health and diet quality were identified as the drivers of the MedDiet. Conclusions: Overall, our results highlight the need for national policies to reduce the economic burden of healthy food options while encouraging equitable access to re-popularize the MedDiet pattern. Future research should focus on intervention strategies tailored to different age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds, the long-term impact of family-based strategies, and the cultural influences on MedDiet adherence. Full article

Food and beverage products globally have experienced significant growth in line with increasing consumer demand, especially among Muslim consumers. However, the lack of robust halal governance frameworks and the deliberate adulteration of halal food products with non-halal ingredients have raised concerns among Muslim consumers. This study aimed to investigate the triggering variables that impact the intention to purchase eco-friendly halal food, particularly among college students in Medan, Indonesia. Surveys and interviews were used to collect data on college students’ awareness, perceived costs of products, availability of alternative options, peer influence, cultural beliefs, and personal preferences. The findings revealed a general understanding of halal food but a lack of understanding of halal requirements. Peer groups, cultural beliefs, and personal preferences affected college students’ willingness to buy. The inconsistencies in the findings were related to the influence of students’ understanding of halal products when intending to buy eco-friendly halal products. This study proposes strategies to positively influence consumer behavior, particularly among college students in Medan, Indonesia, regarding halal food, which ultimately encourages its consumption and fosters a more informed and culturally diverse campus community. Full article

Soil salinization and land abandonment pose significant socio-economic and environmental challenges, particularly in the Iberian Peninsula, where traditional saltworks and agricultural lands have been increasingly degraded. Innovative approaches, such as the implementation of halotolerant crops and microorganisms, offer a promising strategy to revitalize these underutilized areas. This study applies the Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) methodology to evaluate the socio-economic benefits of halotolerant agriculture in abandoned saltworks and salinized lands. Data were collected through interviews with key stakeholders, literature reviews, and case studies of four enterprises actively engaged in sustainable salina restoration. Key social indicators, including employment creation, community participation, and cultural heritage conservation, were assessed using an expert-based weighting system. The findings indicate that enterprises involved in these initiatives demonstrated strong contributions to local economic resilience and cultural heritage preservation. However, challenges related to scalability and external economic influences remain key considerations. These results highlight the potential of biosaline agriculture as a viable solution to address land abandonment and food security challenges, while also contributing to rural socio-economic development. Full article

The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is renowned for its health benefits and cultural significance in Mediterranean populations. The present study investigates the question of whether individuals who participate in recreational activities exhibit higher adherence to the MedDiet than those who do not engage in such activities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with participants completing questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, MedDiet adherence, and dietary habits. A total of 1055 participants of both sexes with an average age of 32.2 ± 10.1 years participated in the survey, and they were classified based on their engagement in recreational physical activity. Statistical analyses included independent samples t-tests, chi-squared tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple regression analysis. The results demonstrated that physically active individuals exhibited significantly higher adherence to the MedDiet than non-exercisers (p < 0.001), supporting the hypothesis that exercise is associated with healthier dietary choices. Regression analysis further revealed that exercise, olive oil consumption, and family meals were significant predictors of MedDiet adherence. Additionally, group comparisons highlighted differences in BMI (p < 0.001), meal frequency (p < 0.001), and food preparation habits (p < 0.001), indicating that exercisers were more likely to adopt a holistic Mediterranean lifestyle. These findings emphasize the importance of integrating physical activity with dietary education in public health policies. Promoting an active lifestyle alongside MedDiet principles may enhance overall well-being and contribute to sustainable health strategies. Full article

Coagulase-negative bacteria of the Staphylococcus genus are currently frequent food contaminants. The increase in antibiotic resistance means that these microorganisms are becoming the cause of many serious infections and toxications. Their resistance to routinely used chemical compounds has led to the search for alternative methods to combat food-borne pathogens. For this purpose, plant extracts rich in phenolic compounds are increasingly used. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of extracts obtained from the pseudo-fruits and flesh of Rosa canina, Rosa rugosa and Rosa pomifera ‘Karpatia’ on the growth dynamics of bacterial strains of the Staphylococcus genus (72-h co-culture; plate inoculation method). The conducted studies allowed us to conclude that extracts from Rosa spp. show high antistaphylococcal activity. However, it is not proportional to the dose used. Rosa spp. extracts already at concentrations of ¼ MIC limit the growth of the biomass of bacteria of the Staphylococcus genus. The above-described dependencies are very individual—strain-specific, not species-specific. However, based on SEM analysis, it can be observed that the antistaphylococcal mechanism of action of Rosa spp. extracts is associated with the coating of cell walls by the extracts and the disintegration of cell membranes, as a result of which the cells are destroyed. Full article

With increasing demand for antioxidant-rich foods, research has focused on cost-effective methods to produce natural antioxidants. Mushrooms, especially Agaricus species, are rich in bioactive compounds like ergothioneine, a potent antioxidant. Ergothioneine has been shown to offer significant health benefits, such as protecting against oxidative stress, cardiovascular diseases, and premature aging. This study explores the effects of amino acid supplementation (methionine, cysteine, and histidine) and yeast–peptone mixtures on ergothioneine production, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and growth rate in various Agaricus species; this was conducted through two distinct experiments within a completely randomized design. In the first experiment, 13 treatment combinations were tested, involving varying concentrations of individual amino acids (methionine, cysteine, and histidine) at 0.5, 1, and 2 mM, as well as their combined concentrations (0.5 + 0.5 + 0.5, 1 + 1 + 1, and 2 + 2 + 2 mM), compared to a control (no amino acids). The second experiment tested yeast extract and peptone mixtures at seven concentrations: control (no supplementation), yeast (2 and 4 g/L), peptone (2 and 4 g/L), and combinations of yeast and peptone (2 + 2 and 4 + 4 g/L). Results revealed that supplementation with amino acids at 1 + 1 + 1 mM significantly enhanced ergothioneine content and antioxidant activity, though it resulted in decreased growth rates. In contrast, lower concentrations of amino acids (0.5 + 0.5 + 0.5 mM) increased ergothioneine production, with minimal impact on growth. Yeast and peptone supplementation at 2 + 2 g/L yielded the highest ergothioneine content, antioxidant activity, and growth rates across all Agaricus species tested. The most effective combination for maximizing ergothioneine production, antioxidant activity, and growth was found to be 0.5 mM of methionine, cysteine, and histidine, combined with 2 g/L of yeast extract and 2 g/L of peptone. Agaricus bitorquis (Quél.) Sacc. emerged as a promising candidate for ergothioneine production due to its genetic potential and metabolic efficiency. However, the strong responsiveness of Agaricus bisporus (white) to optimized culture conditions offers a viable alternative to A. bitorquis, which may require more complex and costly cultivation strategies. Full article

Shubat is a traditional fermented camel milk drink that originated in Central Asia, with especially deep cultural roots in Kazakhstan. However, systematic studies on the microbial ecology and functional genes of Shubat remain scarce. As a distinctive fer-mented food, its microbial diversity and functional properties have not been fully ex-plored. This study investigates the microbial diversity and functional potential of Shubat by using advanced metagenomic techniques. Its microbial community is mainly composed of bacteria (96.6%), with Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, and Streptococcus being the dominant genera. Functional annotations through EggNOG, KEGG, and CAZy databases highlighted the metabolic versatility of Shubat’s microbiota. Key pathways included amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, vitamin biosynthesis, and central carbon metabolism, emphasizing their roles in fermentation and nutritional enhancement. The identification of various enzymes related to chemical synthesis further emphasizes the contribution of the microbiota to Shubat’s unique flavor and texture. This study not only provides an important basis for the scientific understanding of Shubat but also expands the application possibilities of fermented food in the field of health and nutrition and confers modern value and significance to traditional food. This integration of science and tradition has not only facilitated the development of food microbiology but also paved new pathways for the global dissemination of traditional foods and the development of functional foods. Full article

Pastirma is an ethnic meat product derived from dry curing, drying, and pressing the whole muscles of cattle and buffalo and coating them with a special paste containing fenugreek seed flour, garlic, milled red capia pepper, and water. In this narrative literature review, the history of pastirma, its definition and classification, detailed production steps, composition and yield, chemical and microbiological properties, pastirma fraud, and customer concerns are mentioned. In this narrative review, relevant studies were identified by searching Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Trdizin, and Google Scholar, including articles, online reports, books, and electronic books in English or Turkish. The keywords “pastirma, cemen, cemening, cemen paste, fenugreek” were used. The results of this review indicate that future studies on pastirma may focus on the related cultural aspects, the elimination of unpleasant odor from fenugreek, providing a detailed grading guide, the histological and chemical effects of pressing meat parts, the kinetics of drying, osmotic dehydration, and developing new starter combinations. Additionally, this is the first article to provide information on grading and food fraud in pastirma. Full article

As a staple food and a key component of livestock feed, the growing demand for maize in Indonesia has spurred the expansion of hybrid maize cultivation. However, despite advancements in seed technology and government initiatives to boost maize production, farmers in rural areas continue to face obstacles in accessing high-quality seeds. This study explores the influence of the marketing mix—encompassing product, price, promotion, and distribution—alongside personal factors on farmers’ purchasing decisions for hybrid maize seeds in Soppeng District. Utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) and survey data from 100 respondents, the findings indicate that product quality and price are the most critical determinants, with farmers prioritizing seed performance and affordability. Distribution also plays a vital role in rural areas, ensuring that farmers can readily access high-quality seeds. At the same time, personal factors such as farming experience and income significantly shape purchasing behavior. Notably, promotional efforts appear to have a limited impact, suggesting that traditional marketing approaches may not be the most effective in this context. Seed companies should focus on product development, refine pricing strategies, and strengthen distribution networks to enhance market penetration. In parallel, policymakers can facilitate access to agricultural credit, invest in rural infrastructure, and promote farmer education programs to improve purchasing power and awareness. Ultimately, adapting marketing strategies to align with local economic and cultural conditions can drive greater adoption of hybrid seeds, boost agricultural productivity, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of rural farming communities. Full article

Background: Adolescence is a critical period for adopting lifestyle behaviors that influence long-term health. While dietary habits are well-documented, the broader socio-cultural and environmental factors impacting these behaviors are underexplored. This study aimed to develop a dietary adherence tool for adolescents that aligns with the Dietary Guidelines for Koreans, incorporating individual and environmental factors for a comprehensive understanding of dietary behaviors. Methods: A nationwide survey was conducted with 1010 adolescents in Korea to develop and validate a dietary adherence tool based on the Dietary Guidelines for Koreans. Factor analyses and structural equation modeling confirmed the construct validity of the tool, and a grading system was established to evaluate adherence based on survey responses. Results: The survey included participants from 17 regions across South Korea. The original 22 candidate items were revised through factor analysis, resulting in the deletion of 4 items and the addition of 6 new items, leading to a final 24-item tool encompassing three domains: food intake, dietary and physical activity behaviors, and dietary culture. The validity of the revised tool remained intact. The mean dietary guideline adherence score of the participants was 54.5 (SD = 12.1), with domain scores of 39.1 (SD = 14.4) for food intake, 51.6 (SD = 16.6) for dietary and physical activity behaviors, and 66.8 (SD = 15.4) for dietary culture. Conclusions: The dietary adherence tool offers a comprehensive framework for assessing adolescent dietary behaviors by integrating food intake, dietary and physical activity behaviors, and environmental factors. By considering sustainability and family support, it promotes healthier and more sustainable eating patterns among adolescents. Full article

Hermetia illucens L. (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), a well-known decomposer of organic wastes, is widely applied to treat food, livestock, and poultry wastes to reduce environmental pollution. It is also used to produce high-protein feed, organic fertilizers, and biomedicine as well as biodiesel. The development of the endo-reproductive system in insects plays a crucial role in their reproduction, which is key in economic insect culture. In this study, we investigate the developmental process of the endo-reproductive system and the effect of mating status on the development of the female reproductive system in adult H. illucens. The results show that the morphological characteristics of the internal reproductive system of adult H. illucens differed with age and mating status. Males exhibited a higher testicular dimension at 2–5 days old, with testicular length and width reaching their maximum at 3 days old, displaying significant differences across ages (p < 0.05). The developmental period of the ovaries varied with time and was classified into five distinct stages. The morphological characteristics of the endo-reproductive system of adult females at different mating status showed differences. The spermatheca of the unmated female was translucent, while that of the mated female exhibited cloudiness and became lighter in color with age. The length and width of the spermatheca of the mated female were larger than that of unmated females (p < 0.05). However, the length and width of the spermathecae of the mated and unmated females reached their maximum at 5 days old. Mating status affected the development of eggs; mated females oviposited matured eggs at 5 days old, while unmated females oviposited matured eggs at 9 days old. The results suggest that mating status can promote the development of eggs in H. illucens. Additionally, the maturity level or mating status can be determined based on the morphology of the endo-reproductive system and its contents. Full article

This study explores the floristic diversity of wild edible plants (WEPs) in the area surrounding Tirli, a small village in the Tuscan Maremma, Italy. Field surveys identified 128 vascular plant taxa across 46 families and 106 genera, with Asteraceae (26 taxa), Rosaceae (10 taxa), and Lamiaceae (8 taxa) being the most represented. The dominant life-forms are scapose Hemicryptophytes, scapose Therophytes, and rosulate Hemicryptophytes, with Euro-Mediterranean, Subcosmopolitan, and Steno-Mediterranean distributions prevailing. Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between life-forms and edible plant parts: scapose and rosulate Hemicryptophytes were linked to leaf use, scapose Therophytes to root use, and Phanerophytes to fruit use. The Asteraceae family exhibited exceptional versatility, being associated with various edible parts. Notably, the endemic species Centaurea nigrescens Willd. subsp. pinnatifida (Fiori) Dostál was recorded for the first time in the Tuscan Maremma, underscoring the area’s naturalistic value. Traditional culinary practices were linked to some edible plants, which were analyzed for bioactive compounds, including photosynthetic pigments, primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, and antioxidant activity. The results confirmed their biochemical richness and functional properties. This study emphasizes the ecological, nutritional, and cultural significance of Tirli’s wild edible flora, promoting biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable food practices. Full article