Search Results (1,482)

This research explores the cultural representations of Mexican cuisine as perceived by tourists visiting Puebla, Mexico. Using open-ended questions and the free listing technique, a total of 549 tourists were asked about their opinion on Puebla’s cuisine, and they also listed the ingredients or dishes they associated with Puebla’s cuisine. Sixteen categories were identified and grouped into seven dimensions, the most important being flavor profile, attractiveness, distinctiveness, and familiarity. These dimensions show tourists’ perceptions of the destination’s cuisine. The results highlight the relevance of emblematic dishes such as Mole poblano and Chiles en nogada that are sold in Puebla. The findings suggest that Puebla’s cuisine is not only strongly anchored in iconic dishes but also reflects a broader edible heritage that reinforces Puebla’s position as a gastronomic destination in Mexico. This research contributes to understanding how tourists conceptualize local cuisines and offers insights for the development of gastronomic tourism and gastronomic promotion strategies. Full article

The present study investigates the potential of olive mill wastewater (OMW), supplemented with expired commercial glucose syrup, as a sustainable substrate for the submerged cultivation of Tuber spp. wild mushrooms. OMW contains considerable quantities of phenolic compounds, making it both a challenging pollutant and a promising nutrient source. To assess fungal performance under increasing phenolic stress, culture media were prepared with varying OMW concentrations (0–75% v/v on agar; 0–50% v/v in liquid media), while glucose was adjusted to ~30 g/L using expired glucose syrup. A sequential experimental approach was followed, beginning with Petri dish screenings on substrate/strain selection (measuring the mycelial growth rate; Kr, mm/day), progressing to 25-day shake flask fermentations and subsequently scaling up the most promising strain (Tuber mesentericum) in a controlled stirred-tank bioreactor. Throughout cultivation, substrate consumption (glucose, phenolics), pH evolution and decolorization were evaluated, while the resulting biomass was analyzed for polysaccharides, β-glucans, proteins, lipids, fatty acids, antioxidants, phenolic acids and triterpenoids content. Results showed that increasing OMW concentration enhanced tolerance and metabolic activity in selected Tuber species, with T. mesentericum exhibiting the highest resilience and achieving comparable or higher biomass yields in OMW-based media than in glucose (control). Phenolic removal exceeded 60% in flasks and 50% in the bioreactor, confirming simultaneous bioremediation capacity. Bioreactor cultivation demonstrated efficient substrate utilization and biomass production, while OMW-grown biomass presented high lipid content, enriched with unsaturated fatty acids, high β-glucan levels and increased antioxidant and phenolic profiles. Overall, this study demonstrates that OMW (supplemented with expired glucose syrup) can serve as a cost-effective and environmentally beneficial substrate for Tuber biomass production with dietary and antioxidant properties, offering an alternative source to mushroom carposomes, as well as supporting the circular bioeconomy strategies within olive oil processing industries. Full article

New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is a premium seafood product that may be substituted with morphologically similar mussels after shucking and cooking, particularly Asian green mussel (Perna viridis). This study developed a rapid, on-site duplex recombinase-aided amplification–lateral flow dipstick (dRAA–LFD) assay to authenticate P. canaliculus and differentiate it from P. viridis. Species-specific primers were designed from mitochondrial COI alignment and combined in a dRAA reaction. Reaction conditions were optimized at 37–42 °C and 15–60 min. Specificity was assessed against 11 non-target seafood species, and sensitivity was evaluated using 2-fold serial dilutions. The assay was further validated using DNA from boiled (85 °C, 5–15 min), steamed (105 °C, 10–30 min), and fried (185 °C, 30–90 s) mussels, and 15 restaurant products labeled as New Zealand mussel dishes. Optimal performance was achieved at 40 °C for 30 min, with no cross-reactivity. The LFD detection limits were 0.05 ng/reaction for P. viridis and 0.2–0.1 ng/reaction for P. canaliculus. All cooked samples remained identifiable, and commercial testing classified 13/15 products as P. canaliculus and 2/15 as P. viridis. Overall, the dRAA–LFD assay enables rapid, equipment-light authentication of cooked mussel products for routine screening. Full article

Small-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) systems coupled with micro gas turbines (MGTs) offer a promising solution for decentralised and sustainable power generation. However, CSP–MGT systems are subject to pronounced transient behaviour during start-up and operation due to fluctuating solar irradiance, making accurate transient modelling essential. This work introduces a fully coupled transient electro-thermo-mechanical model of a CSP-driven micro gas turbine, explicitly linking thermal transients and heat soakage effects to electrical performance during start-up. Unlike existing models, the proposed approach captures the interaction between turbomachinery thermal inertia, shaft dynamics, and detailed electrical machine and power converter losses under real-world transient operating conditions. The model integrates thermodynamic, mechanical, electrical, and control subsystems within a unified framework using a lumped-volume formulation suitable for real-time-capable simulations. To improve prediction accuracy at low rotational speeds, a dedicated interpolation strategy for turbomachinery performance maps is implemented. The model is validated at both component and system levels using experimental data from a 6 kWe CSP–MGT test facility. The results show good agreement with measurements, with maximum deviations of approximately 8% in receiver outlet temperature and less than 6% in air mass flow rate. The findings demonstrate that accounting for heat soakage is critical for a realistic prediction of thermal and electrical transients, as neglecting thermal inertia leads to an underestimation of the start-up electrical energy consumption by up to 140%, highlighting the dominant role of thermal mass effects in small-scale micro gas turbines compared to larger systems. The proposed model provides a robust tool for analysing start-up behaviour and supports improved control and operational strategy development for CSP–MGT systems under variable solar conditions. Full article

The negative impacts caused by synthetic herbicides have necessitated research on environment-friendly and sustainable alternatives. In this study, a novel botanical nanoherbicide was developed through green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) assisted by aqueous extract of Brucea javanica (BJ) residue. The BJ-Ag NPs were characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) attached with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). TEM images indicated that the BJ-Ag NPs were spherical with an average particle size of 12.75 nm. Meanwhile, the herbicidal activity against two paddy weeds (Echinochloa crusgalli and Bidens pilosa L.) and phytotoxicity to rice (Oryza sativa L.) were evaluated using the Petri dish method. Compared to the BJ residue extract, the BJ-Ag NPs exhibited enhanced inhibitory activity on the seed germination and seedling growth of two target weeds, while showing alleviated phytotoxicity and partially restored seedling vigor in rice. Obviously, positive impacts on both the weed and crop were obtained after synthesizing Ag NPs using the BJ residue extract. The results in this study demonstrated the potential of the BJ-Ag NPs as a sustainable, crop-friendly nanoherbicide for weed management in paddy fields. Full article

Background: Evidence regarding the validity of digital dietary recordings in the family-based nutritional management of anorexia nervosa (AN) remains limited. This study evaluated the validity of an AI-assisted dietary recording application (app) used by the parents of young patients with AN, with total energy intake as the primary outcome and major nutrient intake as the secondary outcome. Methods: During hospital leave prior to discharge, one day of dietary intake was recorded by parents using the app based on meal photographs. The energy and nutrient intakes estimated by the app were compared with a registered dietitian using visual estimation of the photographs. Differences were examined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, associations were assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficients, and agreement was evaluated using Bland–Altman analysis. Sensitivity analyses excluding extreme outliers were performed. Results: Thirty female inpatients with AN (mean age: 14.8 ± 2.9 years) and their mothers participated. The median total energy intake did not differ significantly between the app and reference method (2462 vs. 2439 kcal/day). Moderate to high correlations were observed for total energy (ρ = 0.62) and major nutrient intakes. The app tended to overestimate these intakes; however, Bland–Altman analyses indicated no systematic bias. Exclusion of two outliers strengthened correlations for total energy intake (ρ = 0.74) and narrowed the limits of agreement. Conclusions: The app demonstrated an acceptable agreement for estimating energy and major nutrient intake in the therapeutic context of AN. Careful attention to dish type and portion size may further support its clinical use. Full article

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely investigated in regenerative medicine owing to their immunomodulatory activity, paracrine signaling, and multilineage differentiation potential. However, accumulating clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that conventional MSC therapies based on single-cell injection often produce transient benefits due to rapid post-transplant cell loss and poor engraftment. These observations suggest that the limited efficacy of MSC therapy is not determined solely by cell type or disease context but may also be influenced by the delivery strategy. In this review, we focus on MSC-based cell sheet studies as an approach to improve cell retention and therapeutic persistence. Building on the clinical validation of cell sheet technology, we critically summarize preclinical evidence across distinct tissue environments. Preclinical studies in cardiac and cutaneous repair models demonstrate that MSC sheets enhance cell retention, sustain paracrine signaling, and promote tissue-level regeneration. Together, these findings highlight that effective MSC sheet therapy requires organ-specific, cell-source-dependent design strategies rather than a uniform approach across tissues. Finally, we propose that the MSC sheet engineering represents not a technical adjustment, but a conceptual shift from transient cell delivery toward structurally integrated, tissue-level regeneration engineering. Full article

Microfluidics-based preparation methods for cell-laden hydrogel microspheres are well-suited for large-scale comparative analysis of single or few cells. However, in existing studies, the preparation of cell-laden hydrogel microspheres and the cell culture process are typically separated, requiring the fabricated microspheres to be eluted and transferred from the preparation device to cell culture dishes or plates for cultivation. This transfer process can easily compromise sterility, while conventional cell culture methods consume more reagents and cause microsphere stacking, hindering single-cell observation and analysis. To address these issues, this paper presents an integrated microfluidic chip that sequentially enables droplet generation with cell encapsulation, gel droplet solidification, hydrogel microsphere trapping, and microsphere-based cell culture and analysis, facilitating the cultivation and observation of single or small numbers of cells. Integrating cell-laden microsphere preparation and 3D cell culture within a sealed chip structure reduces contamination risks associated with cell transfer, enables automation of multiple cell analysis workflows, and minimizes reagent and sample consumption. Using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with good gas permeability and processability as the chip material, biocompatible fluorinated oil was selected as the oil phase for microsphere preparation. A mild sodium alginate-calcium ion gelation system was employed, where calcium ions were released under acidic conditions after droplet generation to trigger solidification, yielding uniform hydrogel microspheres. Under optimized conditions, the single-cell encapsulation efficiency for test samples of human myeloid leukemia cells (K562) was 33.8% ± 1.8%, with a size uniformity coefficient of variation (CV) reaching 3.85%. Cells encapsulated within hydrogel microspheres were cultured in 286 on-chip independent cell culture chambers, achieving >95% viability after 24 h. Full article

This study examines how regional gastronomic identity is expressed through restaurant menus in the Okanagan Valley, designated in October 2025 as Canada’s first UNESCO City of Gastronomy. This article aims to assess the emergence of a regional gastronomic identity and the potential recognition of a signature dish. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods approach was used to collect data from 40 restaurants, where 283 main dishes were selected and analyzed. These data were coded primarily to identify recurring compositional structures and emerging ingredient patterns. Several recurring compositional templates appear across restaurants, structured around shared protein–starch–sauce configurations. Although they remain occasional, their repetition across restaurants points to the early formation of a recognizable gastronomic identity. This identity does not rely on a single signature dish but takes shape through shared dish structures that recur across menus. These patterns contribute to ongoing discussions in gastronomy tourism by showing how regional identity can develop through distributed and processual culinary practices. The study shows how menu analysis provides a valuable lens for understanding the development of such an identity in emerging gastronomic destinations. Full article

In Chinese cuisine, seasoning oil enhances the aroma and appearance of dishes. This study examined how processing affects flavor release in multi-ingredient oils. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), relative odor activity value (ROAV), and variable importance projection (VIP) were used to assess flavor changes. Optimal frying was 160 °C for 15 min with 11% green Sichuan peppercorn, 3% ghost pepper, 6% green onion, 0.1% bay leaf, 0.2% deseeded tsaoko, 0.5% star anise, 0.3% fennel seeds, 1.5% dried Erjingtiao chili, 5% ginger, and 2.5% red Sichuan peppercorn. Gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyzed heating at 150 °C, 160 °C, and 170 °C. Temperature strongly influenced VOC formation; 160 °C produced the most diverse VOCs, including aldehydes, ketones, terpenes, esters, and alcohols. Multivariate analysis identified 73 key compounds (VIP > 1) between 150 and 160 °C, but only 39 between 160 and 170 °C, indicating that high heat reduces complexity. Compounds such as 2-methylpyrazine and (E)-2-heptenal contributed caramel, nutty, buttery notes, with 2-methoxy-3-(1-methylethyl)-pyrazine as the core aroma. Frying at 160 °C balanced sweet, floral, and roasted aromas, offering guidance for precise seasoning oil flavor control. Full article

This study presents the design and experimental evaluation of a low-cost parabolic solar concentrator fabricated primarily from recyclable materials. Three reflector configurations—aluminum foil, Plexiglass mirror tiles, and a hybrid design with a peripheral aluminum foil strip—were experimentally assessed to examine their effects on solar concentration performance. A novel foldable and adjustable tripod-mounted receiver was introduced to improve focal alignment, portability, and mechanical stability by isolating the receiver load from the dish structure. Results indicate that Plexiglass mirror tiles significantly enhance thermal performance compared to aluminum foil, while the hybrid configuration achieved the highest receiver temperature of 53 °C under controlled radiation conditions. The findings demonstrate that efficient and portable parabolic solar concentrators can be developed using inexpensive and recyclable materials for small-scale solar thermal applications. Full article

Pancreatic cancer is a highly intractable malignancy that necessitates personalized treatment strategies. Conventional patient-derived models, such as three-dimensional organoids, are often limited by intellectual property constraints and high costs. In this study, we developed an affordable adherent culture system for patient-derived pancreatic cancer cells using a proprietary medium and laminin-coated dishes. Primary cultures were successfully established from 28 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, exceeding a 90% success rate. Validation of eight samples confirmed maintenance of epithelial cell adhesion molecule expression and preservation of oncogenic KRAS mutations. Transcriptomic profiling revealed consistent upregulation of a six-gene signature (FAP, IGFBP5, PRRX1, SPARC, WNT5A, and ADAMTS12), which is associated with malignancy. In vitro drug sensitivity assays revealed interpatient heterogeneity with preliminary clinical associations. In conclusion, this simplified platform provides high-purity cancer cells and serves as a functional precision medicine tool. Beyond conventional chemotherapy, this platform has the potential to support applications ranging from biomarker validation and exploratory preclinical testing of novel therapeutics, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and antibody–drug conjugates. This optimization can lead to personalized therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skin carotenoid measurements have been proposed as an indicator to reflect of fruit and vegetable intake, but evidence from occupational settings remains limited. The primary aim of this study was to assess the association between fruit and vegetable intake and skin carotenoid levels in the workplace. The secondary aim was to examine the association of skin carotenoid levels with blood glucose levels and blood pressure (BP). Methods: This cross-sectional study included Japanese workers aged ≥20 years between 2022 and 2023. Skin carotenoid levels were measured, dietary intake was assessed using self-administered questionnaires, and data from workplace health check-up records were collected. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the association between skin carotenoid levels and fruit and vegetable intake in 210 participants. Associations between skin carotenoid levels and log-transformed glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), systolic BP, and diastolic BP levels were examined in 162, 158, and 183 participants, respectively. Results: Skin carotenoid levels were positively associated with the number of vegetable dishes consumed and the frequency of fruit intake. A slight positive association was observed with HbA1c levels (partial regression coefficient = 0.00012), whereas no associations were found with FBG or BP. Conclusions: Skin carotenoid levels reflect self-reported fruit and vegetable intake, supporting their potential use as a non-invasive dietary assessment tool in workplace nutrition education. However, the associations observed with HbA1c were very small and of limited clinical significance, and the results should be interpreted with caution. Full article

Food systems are major drivers of global environmental change, accounting for about one-third of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contributing to land degradation, freshwater depletion, and biodiversity loss. Within this system, post-retail activities generate an estimated 18–20% of total food-related GHG emissions. In Europe, food service is responsible for roughly 12% of total food waste, making collective catering a strategic sector for sustainability interventions. Objective: Through menu design and composition, collective catering services can influence the environmental performance of thousands of meals served daily. This study introduces a novel meal-level scoring system—the App for the Environmental Impact Assessment of Dishes in Collective Catering (EcoRistApp, ERA)—designed to assess and communicate the environmental performance of institutional canteen dishes. Methods: EcoRistApp was developed and applied to a representative selection of first courses, second courses, and side dishes. Environmental impacts were quantified using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with SimaPro 9.5.5 software and the ReCiPe Midpoint (H) method. Normalized and weighted impact results were aggregated into a composite Environmental Impact Index (EII), which was then translated into a five-color interpretative scale to enhance usability and comprehension. Results: The analysis highlighted marked differences in environmental performance among dishes, largely driven by ingredient type and origin. Plant-based meals, such as lentil soup, consistently achieved lower impact scores, while dishes containing animal-derived ingredients, particularly beef and fish, showed higher impacts across multiple categories. Recipes combining high- and low-impact ingredients demonstrated potential for reducing overall environmental burdens. Conclusions: By converting complex LCA outcomes into an intuitive scoring system, EcoRistApp supports informed decision-making by catering operators and consumers, encourages plant-forward menu strategies, and contributes to the environmental transition of food service systems. Full article

Endophytic fungi from the Cactaceae family are an underexplored source of bioactive secondary metabolites with potential applications in sustainable agriculture. This study investigated an endophytic fungus obtained from healthy cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica growing in the Chilean Andean Precordillera. The influence of culture conditions, specifically pH and nitrogen concentration, on the production of diffusible and volatile antifungal compounds against the phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea was evaluated using dual-culture (confrontation) and sandwiched Petri dish assays. Morphological characteristics and molecular analyses confirmed that the isolate belongs to the genus Alternaria. Antifungal activity increased significantly under acidic conditions and limited nitrogen availability. The strongest inhibition by volatile compounds occurred at pH 4.5 and the lowest concentration of ammonium tartrate. Furthermore, ethyl acetate extracts at 40 mg/L obtained from Alternaria sp. cultures grown at pH 4.5 with 2.3 g/L ammonium tartrate inhibited B. cinerea mycelial growth by 60%. The study provides a framework for improving the yield of antifungal metabolites produced by Alternaria, contributing to the development of biofungicides for gray mold control. Full article