Search Results (2,832)

The prospects for long-distance space flights are becoming increasingly realistic, and one of the key factors for their implementation is the creation of sustainable systems for producing food on site. Therefore, the aim of our work is to assess the prospects for using millet in biological life support systems and to create predictive models of yield components for automating plant cultivation control. The study found that stress from hypergravity (800 g, 1200 g, 2000 g, and 3000 g) in the early stages of millet germination does not affect seedlings or yield. In a closed system, millet yield reached 0.31 kg/m², the weight of 1000 seeds was 8.61 g, and the yield index was 0.06. The paper describes 40 quantitative traits, including six leaf and trichome traits and nine grain traits from the lower, middle and upper parts of the inflorescence. The compiled predictive regression equations allow predicting the accumulation of biomass in seedlings on the 10th and 20th days of cultivation, as well as the weight of 1000 seeds, the number of productive inflorescences, the total above-ground mass, and the number and weight of grains per plant. These equations open up opportunities for the development of computer vision and high-speed plant phenotyping programs that will allow automatic correction of the plant cultivation process and modeling of the required yield. Predicting biomass yield will also be useful in assessing the load on the waste-free processing system for plant waste at planetary stations. Full article

Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with systemic health risks due to the production of acetaldehyde, a primary carcinogen that not only pollutes the environment but also endangers human health. In this study, a promising bacterial strain for biodegrading both ethanol and acetaldehyde was successfully isolated from the traditional fermented food Jiaosu and identified as Acetobacter ghanensis JN01 based on average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis. Initial ethanol of 1 g/L was completely biodegraded within 4 h, while initial acetaldehyde of 1 g/L was also rapidly removed at 2 or 1 h by whole cells or cell-free extracts (CEs) of JN01, respectively, which indicated that JN01 indeed has a strong ability in the biodegradation of both ethanol and acetaldehyde. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a 2.85 Mb draft genome of JN01 with 57.0% guanine–cytosine (GC) content and the key metabolic genes (adh1, adh2, and aldh) encoding involving alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), co-located with NADH dehydrogenase genes and ethanol-responsive regulatory motifs, supporting the metabolic pathway of transforming ethanol to acetaldehyde, and, subsequently, converting acetaldehyde to acetic acid. Furthermore, selected in vitro safety-related traits of JN01 were also assessed, which is very important in the development of microbial catalysts against both ethanol and acetaldehyde. Full article

Background/Objectives: Military Service Members (SMs) require optimal nutrition to support health, readiness, and job performance. However, they often fall short of meeting nutrition guidelines. This study aimed to determine the impact and feasibility of implementing the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) “Fueled to Fight^®” (F2F) nutrition program in non-appropriated fund (NAF) food venues. Objectives included evaluating changes in Military Nutrition Environment Assessment Tool (mNEAT) scores, feasibility of implementing and maintaining F2F strategies, and influence on customer purchasing patterns. Methods: Researchers conducted a pre-post interventional study from January to December 2024 at three NAF food venues across two USMC bases. F2F strategies, including identifying items using a stoplight color coding system (Green = healthy, Yellow = less healthy, Red = least healthy), menu revisions, food placement, promotion, and marketing, were implemented. Data included mNEAT assessments, sales reports, and stakeholder focus groups. Generalized Estimating Equations models were used to analyze sales data. Results: mNEAT scores increased across all venues post-intervention. Availability and sales of Green items increased, while sales of Red items decreased in some venues. Profit increased at all three food venues. Focus groups revealed feasibility and provided insights for future interventions. Conclusions: F2F interventions in NAF food venues are feasible and can positively impact the food environment and customer purchasing patterns without negatively affecting profit. This study highlights the importance of integrating nutrition programs into all military food venues, not just government-funded dining facilities, to support the nutritional fitness and readiness of SMs. Full article

In the face of growing demand for food and climate change, ensuring the stability and height of crop yields is becoming a key challenge for modern agriculture. One of the solutions supporting the sustainable development of crop production is the use of certified seed. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of using certified seed on the level and stability of yields of three cereal species: winter wheat, winter triticale and spring barley, in temperate climate conditions. Data came from surveys conducted on over 8000 farms in six agroecoregions of Poland in 2021–2023. The analysis showed significantly higher yields on farms using certified seed for all species studied. Additionally, greater yield stability (lower values of Shukla variance and Wricke ecovalence) was noted in the case of using certified seeds, especially in region IV. This indicates the positive impact of certified seeds (e.g., genetic purity, health, and vigor) on the efficiency and resilience of agricultural systems. This phenomenon is of particular importance in the context of climate change and may be an important element of risk management strategies in agriculture. Full article

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is frequently accompanied by gastrointestinal disturbances, dietary selectivity, and altered stress responses, with growing evidence pointing to gut–brain axis involvement. While intestinal microbiota has been extensively studied, the role of the oral microbiota remains underexplored. This study investigates the associations between oral microbiota composition and behavioral, gastrointestinal, dietary, and neuroendocrine parameters in children with ASD. A total of 45 children aged 2–18 years comprised the study group. Data collection included oral swabs for 16S rRNA gene sequencing, salivary cortisol sampling, dietary records, and standardized behavioral assessments using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale. A total of 363 microbial species across 11 phyla were identified. Significant correlations were observed between specific bacterial taxa and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), dietary patterns, salivary cortisol rhythms, and functioning. Children with FGIDs, food selectivity, or macronutrient imbalances exhibited enriched pro-inflammatory taxa (e.g., Selenomonas, Megasphaera), whereas those with typical cortisol secretion or higher adaptive functioning showed greater microbial diversity and abundance of health-associated genera (e.g., Bifidobacterium dentium). These findings suggest that oral microbiota profiles may reflect systemic physiological and neurobehavioral traits in children with ASD. Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify causal relationships and support the development of microbiota-targeted interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cancer is a complex disease that affects patients’ nutritional and psychological status. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of patients diagnosed with lung and gastrointestinal system cancers and evaluate its association with anthropometric measurements, nutrient intake, and psychological symptoms. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 180 patients with lung and gastrointestinal system cancers. Data were collected face-to-face by a questionnaire that included the Subjective Global Assessment-(SGA), Cachexia Assessment Criteria, 24 h Food Consumption Record, and Symptom Checklist-90-Revised-(SCL-90-R). Some anthropometric measurements were collected. Results: Body Mass Index (BMI) was found to be significantly lower (p < 0.001) in SGA-B (moderately malnourished) and SGA-C (severely malnourished) compared to those in SGA-A (well-nourished). The calf circumference was significantly lower (p = 0.002) in SGA-C compared to those in SGA-A and SGA-B. The mean SGA scores were found to be higher in cachexia-diagnosed participants (p < 0.001). The energy intake of SGA-C was significantly lower than SGA-A and SGA-B (p < 0.001). In addition, the energy intake of SGA-B was lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). The protein intake of SGA-C was lower than SGA-A and SGA-B (p < 0.001). The protein intake of SGA-B was lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). Regarding the intake of vitamins A, C, E, B1, and B6 and carotene, folate, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc, SGA-B and SGA-C were significantly lower than SGA-A (p < 0.001). Additionally, only phobic anxiety was found to be significantly higher in SGA-B than in SGA-A (p: 0.024). Conclusions: As the level of malnutrition increased, a reduction in some nutrient intake and anthropometric measurements was observed. No significant difference was found in any psychological symptoms except phobic anxiety. With this in mind, it is important that every cancer patient, regardless of the stage of the disease, is referred to a dietitian from the time of diagnosis. Full article

We recently reported that phospholipase A2 (PLA2)-mediated production of prostaglandins within the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) plays a critical role in systemic glucose homeostasis. However, the role of PLA2 in the VMH in regulating food intake is still unclear. Here, we attempted to investigate the role of PLA2 in regulating food intake and body weight in male mice. We injected an adeno-associated virus encoding short hairpin RNA (AAV-shRNA) targeting cytosolic phospholipase A2 (shPla2g4a) into the VMH. We assessed food intake, body weight, oxygen consumption, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity. Three weeks after the AAV injection, the shPla2g4a group exhibited increased food intake and body weight gain compared to controls (shSCRM). Energy expenditure, oxygen consumption, and respiratory quotient (RQ) were comparable between groups. Our findings suggest that the cPLA2-mediated pathway in the VMH is critical for feeding behavior and maintaining energy homeostasis. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Full article

Croatian agricultural legislation acknowledges the significance of radionuclides as pollutants in agricultural lands; however, it lacks specific thresholds or reference values for contamination levels, in contrast to other contaminants. This absence highlights the necessity for a comprehensive assessment of radionuclides across various agricultural systems in Croatia. This study investigates the transfer of radionuclides ¹³⁷Cs and ⁴⁰K from soil to agricultural crops throughout Croatia and estimates the consequent annual ingestion dose for the population. The samples collected comprised food crops and animal feed, with corresponding soil samples analyzed to calculate transfer factors. Activity concentrations of ¹³⁷Cs exhibited regional and crop-type variability, reflecting the uneven distribution of fallout and differing soil properties. Transfer factors were found to range from 0.003 to 0.06 for ¹³⁷Cs and from 0.15 to 3.1 for ⁴⁰K, with the highest uptake occurring in kidney beans. The total estimated annual effective ingestion dose was calculated to be a maximum of 0.748 mSv/year for children aged 2–7, predominantly attributable to ⁴⁰K. Given the homeostatic regulation of potassium in the human body, the dose associated with ¹³⁷Cs poses a more significant radiological concern. These findings underscore the need for radionuclide-specific agricultural legislation in Croatia and offer a baseline for recommending reference values and informing future regulations regarding agricultural soil contamination. Full article

Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) can cause detrimental health effects. The consumption of contaminated food is viewed as a major exposure pathway for humans, but the relationship between agriculture and PFASs has not been investigated thoroughly, and it is becoming a pressing issue since health advisories are continuously being reassessed. This semi-systematic literature review connects the release, environmental fate, and agriculture uptake of PFASs to enhance comprehension and identify knowledge gaps which limit accurate risk assessment. It focuses on the heavily agricultural state of Minnesota, USA, which is representative of the large Midwestern US Corn Belt in terms of agricultural activities, because PFASs have been monitored in Minnesota since the beginning of the 21st century. PFAS contamination is a complex issue due to the over 14,000 individual PFAS compounds which have unique chemical properties that interact differently with air, water, soil, and biological systems. Moreover, the lack of field studies and monitoring of agricultural sites makes accurate risk assessments challenging. Researchers, policymakers, and farmers must work closely together to reduce the risk of PFAS exposure as the understanding of their potential health effects increases and legacy PFASs are displaced with shorter fluorinated replacements. Full article

Fistulina hepatica (Schaeff.) With. and Clitocybe nuda (Bull.) H.E. Bigelow & A.H. Sm. are wild edible mushrooms with nutritional and functional potential that remain insufficiently characterized. This study provides the first comparative assessment of their nutritional profiles, phenolic composition, and antioxidant activity, using specimens collected from Montesinho Natural Park (Portugal). Proximate composition, organic and phenolic acids, free sugars, and fatty acids were analyzed by chromatographic methods, and antioxidant capacity was assessed through OxHLIA and TBARS assays. F. hepatica showed higher carbohydrates (9.3 ± 0.2 g/100 g fw) and estimated energy values (43 ± 1 kcal/100 g fw), increased phenolic acids content (2.7 ± 0.1 mg/g extract), and the exclusive presence of p-coumaric and cinnamic acids, along with OxHLIA activity (IC₅₀ = 126 ± 5 µg/mL at Δt = 60 min). C. nuda displayed higher protein (2.5 ± 0.1 g/100 g dw) and quinic acid contents (4.13 ± 0.02 mg/g extract), a PUFA-rich profile, and greater TBARS inhibition (EC₅₀ = 303 ± 17 µg/mL). These findings highlight distinct and complementary bioactive traits, supporting their valorization as natural functional ingredients. Their compositional features offer promising applications in sustainable food systems and nutraceutical development, encouraging further investigations into safety, bioaccessibility, and formulation strategies. Notably, F. hepatica is best consumed at a young developmental stage, as its sensory properties tend to decline with maturity. Full article

Increased food production demands, labor shortages, and environmental concerns are driving the need for innovative agricultural technologies. However, effective adoption depends critically on aligning robot innovations with the needs of farmers. This paper examines the alignment between the needs of farmers and the robotic systems used in row crop farming. We review current commercial agricultural robots and research, and map these to the needs of farmers, as expressed in the literature, to identify the key issues holding back large-scale adoption. From initial pool of 184 research articles, 19 survey articles, and 82 commercial robotic solutions, we selected 38 peer-reviewed academic studies, 12 survey articles, and 18 commercially available robots for in-depth review and analysis for this study. We identify the key challenges faced by farmers and map them directly to the current and emerging capabilities of agricultural robots. We supplement the data gathered from the literature review of surveys and case studies with in-depth interviews with nine farmers to obtain deeper insights into the needs and day-to-day operations. Farmers reported mixed reactions to current technologies, acknowledging efficiency improvements but highlighting barriers such as capital costs, technical complexity, and inadequate support systems. There is a notable demand for technologies for improved plant health monitoring, soil condition assessment, and enhanced climate resilience. We then review state-of-the-art robotic solutions for row crop farming and map these technological capabilities to the farmers’ needs. Only technologies with field validation or operational deployment are included, to ensure practical relevance. These mappings generate insights that underscore the need for lightweight and modular robot technologies that can be adapted to diverse farming practices, as well as the need for farmers’ education and simpler interfaces to robotic operations and data analysis that are actionable for farmers. We conclude with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the importance of co-creation with the farming community to ensure the adoption and sustained use of agricultural robotic solutions. Full article

Nutrition plays a fundamental role in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases, with bioactive food components offering a therapeutic potential in biomedical applications. Among these, edible oils are recognised for their functional properties, which contribute to disease prevention and metabolic regulation. The proposed study aims to evaluate the quality of four bioactive oils (olive oil, sunflower oil, tomato seed oil, and pumpkin seed oil) by analysing their thermal behaviour through infrared (IR) imaging. The study designed a customised electronic system to acquire thermographic signals under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The acquisition system was used to extract thermal data. Analysis of the acquired thermal signals revealed characteristic heat absorption profiles used to infer differences in oil properties related to stability and degradation potential. A hybrid deep learning model that integrates Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) with Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) units was used to classify and differentiate the oils based on stability, thermal reactivity, and potential health benefits. A signal analysis showed that the AI-based method improves both the accuracy (achieving an F1-score of 93.66%) and the repeatability of quality assessments, providing a non-invasive and intelligent framework for the validation and traceability of nutritional compounds. Full article

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) is a multifactorial clinical condition characterized by the bidirectional deterioration of cardiac and renal function, driven by mechanisms such as renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) overactivation, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and fibrosis. The aim of this narrative review is to explore the key molecular pathways involved in CRS and to highlight emerging therapeutic approaches, with a special emphasis on nutritional interventions. We examined recent evidence on the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction, uremic toxins, and immune activation to CRS progression and assessed the role of dietary and micronutrient factors. Results indicate that a high dietary intake of sodium, phosphorus additives, and processed foods is associated with volume overload, vascular damage, and inflammation, whereas deficiencies in potassium, magnesium, and vitamin D correlate with worse clinical outcomes. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactives, such as omega-3 PUFAs, curcumin, and anthocyanins from maqui, demonstrate potential to modulate key CRS mechanisms, including the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and the NLRP3 inflammasome. Gene therapy approaches targeting endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling are also discussed. An integrative approach combining pharmacological RAAS modulation with personalized medical nutrition therapy and anti-inflammatory nutrients may offer a promising strategy to prevent or delay CRS progression and improve patient outcomes. Full article

Gas sensors are considered a highly effective non-destructive technique for monitoring the quality and safety of food materials. These intelligent sensors can detect volatile profiles emitted by food products, providing valuable information on the changes occurring within the food. Gas sensors have garnered significant interest for their numerous advantages in the development of food safety monitoring systems. The adaptable characteristics of gas sensors make them ideal for integration into production lines, while the flexibility of certain sensor types allows for incorporation into packaging materials. Various types of gas sensors have been developed for their distinct properties and are utilized in a wide range of applications. Metal-oxide semiconductors and optical sensors are widely studied for their potential use as gas sensors in food quality assessments due to their ability to provide visual indicators to consumers. The advancement of new nanomaterials and their integration with advanced data acquisition techniques is expected to enhance the performance and utility of sensors in sustainable practices within the food supply chain. Full article

Postharvest losses amongst small-scale farmers in developing countries are high due to inadequate resources and infrastructure. Among the various affected crops, tomatoes are particularly vulnerable; however, studies on postharvest losses of most fruits and vegetables are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to assess postharvest tomato losses under different production systems within the small-scale supply chain using the indirect assessment (questionnaires and interviews) and direct quantification of losses. Farmers reported tomato losses due to insects (82.35%), cracks, bruises, and deformities (70.58%), and diseases (64.71%). Chemical sprays were the main form of pest and disease control reported by all farmers. The direct quantification sampling data revealed that 73.07% of the tomatoes were substandard at the farm level, with 47.92% and 25.15% categorized as medium-quality and poor-quality, respectively. The primary contributors to the losses were decay (39.92%), mechanical damage (31.32%), and blotchiness (27.99%). Postharvest losses were significantly higher under open-field production systems compared to closed tunnels. The fungi associated with decay were mainly Geotrichum, Fusarium spp., and Alternaria spp. These findings demonstrate the main drivers behind postharvest losses, which in turn highlight the critical need for intervention through training and support, including the use of postharvest loss reduction technologies to enhance food security. Full article