Search Results (1,234)

The valorization of food processing by-products is a key strategy for advancing sustainability in the agri-food sector. This study developed a fermented milk product incorporating tomato powder (TP) obtained from surplus tomatoes not meeting retail appearance standards. Four yogurt formulations were prepared containing TP (2% and 4%, w/v) and two controls with skim milk powder adjusted to equivalent total solids. Samples were inoculated with a commercial starter culture and fermented at 42 °C to a final pH of 4.6. TP addition did not hinder fermentation but altered acidification kinetics, as the 4% TP yogurt exhibited a faster initiation (T_m ≈ 80 vs. 120 min in the control) yet a slower rate of pH decline (V_max = 0.009 vs. 0.019 pH units/min). TP-fortified yogurts exhibited higher water holding capacity (98% vs. 83%), increased firmness (87 g vs. 47 g), and substantially elevated viscosity (63,000–68,000 mPa·s) while lycopene enrichment enhanced color attributes. Viable counts of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus remained within typical ranges (~6.8 and ~4.9 log CFU/g, respectively, after 24 h), confirming that TP did not compromise microbial activity. Overall, incorporating TP improved structural and functional properties while simultaneously providing tomato-derived antioxidants and promoting a sustainable, circular utilization of surplus tomato streams in fermented dairy products. Full article

Garlic’s vegetative reproduction limits genetic improvement, necessitating advanced biotechnological tools like protoplast culture. However, efficient protoplast regeneration in monocots such as garlic remains a significant challenge. This study establishes an optimized protocol for embryogenic callus induction and subsequent protoplast-to-plant regeneration in garlic (Allium sativum L.), aiming to overcome current limitations using suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, and phytosulfokine-alpha (PSK). We successfully induced embryogenic callus from four garlic accessions and refined protoplast isolation and culture conditions. Key optimizations included using a specific enzyme mixture (2% cellulase R-10 and 0.2% pectolyase Y23) for high yields (from 0.8 to 2.1 × 10⁶ protoplasts per g FM) of viable (approx. 90%) protoplasts and employing the enriched K8M culture medium. Short exposure of protoplasts to SAHA (0.05 or 0.1 µM) significantly improved microcallus formation and plant regeneration. Notably, only callus derived from SAHA-treated cultures displayed regeneration potential, highlighting its pivotal role in embryo differentiation and development. This optimized protocol achieved a 70% success rate for plant acclimatization to ex vitro conditions, with 97% of regenerated plants retaining the ploidy of the donor accession. We demonstrate that SAHA and PSK application enhances garlic protoplast regeneration efficiency. This reliable system provides the groundwork for advanced biotechnological applications, including gene editing technologies in garlic. Full article

Despite the advances in medical therapies for treating myocardial infarction (MI), morbidity and mortality rates remain high. Following MI, increased methylglyoxal (MG) production leads to the accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which contribute to adverse remodeling and to the deterioration of cardiac function. We previously reported that an injectable collagen type I hydrogel improves the repair and function of mouse hearts post-MI. Notably, we observed that the injected hydrogel was a target for MG-AGE glycation, and that there were less MG-modified proteins in the myocardium. In this study, we further evaluated this protective mechanism by pre-glycating the hydrogels and assessing their therapeutic efficacy for treating MI. In vitro experiments showed that the viability of macrophages was reduced when cultured with the glycated hydrogel in the presence of MG. In vivo, female C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to receive intramyocardial injections of one of three treatments: phosphate-buffered saline, normal collagen hydrogel, or MG-glycated hydrogel. After 28 days, echocardiography was performed to evaluate cardiac function, and hearts were harvested for immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that the MG-glycated hydrogel had a reduced treatment effect (greater scar size, fewer wound-healing macrophages, less viable myocardium and decreased cardiac function) compared to mice that received the normal collagen hydrogel. In summary, this study demonstrates that the ability of the collagen hydrogel to act as a target for glycation and remove MG from the environment contributes to its therapeutic effect in treating the post-MI heart. Full article

This study critically examines the technological feasibility, regulatory challenges, and societal acceptance of Pilotless Passenger Aircraft (PPAs) in commercial aviation. A mixed-methods design integrated quantitative passenger surveys (n = 312) and qualitative pilot interviews (n = 15), analyzed using SPSS and NVivo to capture both statistical and thematic perspectives. Results show moderate public awareness (58%) but limited willingness to fly (23%), driven by safety (72%), cybersecurity (64%), and human judgement (60%) concerns. Among pilots, 93% agreed automation improves safety, yet 80% opposed removing human pilots entirely, underscoring reliance on human adaptability in emergencies. Both groups identified regulatory assurance, demonstrable reliability, and human oversight as prerequisites for acceptance. Technologically, this paper synthesizes advances in AI-driven flight management, multi-sensor navigation, and high-integrity control systems, including Airbus’s ATTOL and NASA’s ICAROUS, demonstrating that pilotless flight is technically viable but has yet to achieve the airline-grade reliability target of 10⁻⁹ failures per flight hour. Regulatory analysis of FAA, EASA, and ICAO frameworks reveals maturing but fragmented approaches to certifying learning-enabled systems. Ethical and economic evaluations indicate unresolved accountability, job displacement, and liability issues, with potential 10–15% operational cost savings offset by certification, cybersecurity, and infrastructure expenditures. Integrated findings confirm that PPAs represent a socio-technical challenge rather than a purely engineering problem. This study recommends a phased implementation roadmap: (1) initial deployment in cargo and low-risk missions to accumulate safety data; (2) hybrid human–AI flight models combining automation with continuous human supervision; and (3) harmonized international certification standards enabling eventual passenger operations. Policy implications emphasize explainable-AI integration, workforce reskilling, and transparent public engagement to bridge the trust gap. This study concludes that pilotless aviation will not eliminate the human element but redefine it, achieving autonomy through partnership between human judgement and machine precision to sustain aviation’s uncompromising safety culture. Full article

This study evaluates the use of UAV-based photogrammetry to document shallow submerged cultural heritage, focusing on the Tirpitz wreck salvage site near Håkøya, Norway. Using a DJI Phantom 4 Multispectral drone, we acquired RGB and multispectral imagery over structures located at depths of up to 5–10 m. Structure-from-motion (SfM) processing enabled the three-dimensional reconstruction of submerged features, including a 52 × 10 m wharf and adjacent debris piles, with an accuracy of the order of 10 cm. Our data represents the first and only accurate mapping of the site yet carried out, with an absolute position uncertainty estimated to be no greater than 3 m. Volumes of imaged debris could be estimated, using a background subtraction method to allow for variable bathymetry, at around 350 m³. Bathymetric data for the sea floor could be derived effectively from an SfM point cloud, though less effectively applying the Stumpf model to the multispectral data as a result of significant spectral variation in the sea floor reflectance. Our results show that UAV-based through-surface SfM is a viable, low-cost method for reconstructing submerged heritage with high spatial accuracy. These findings support the integration of UAV-based remote sensing into heritage and environmental monitoring frameworks for shallow aquatic environments. Full article

Background: Fermentation is among the oldest and most versatile food processing techniques, enhancing not only shelf life but also nutritional and functional value. While Asian and Western fermented foods are extensively studied, traditional Eastern European fermentations—such as sauerkraut, kefir, bryndza, kvass, and sourdough—remain largely unexplored despite their enduring cultural and dietary importance. These foods combine spontaneous or mixed-culture fermentations, diverse substrates, and unique microbial consortia that may yield distinct bioactive profiles with potential health benefits. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes data from scientific articles, regional reports, and ethnographic sources retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar up to 2025. Studies were selected for relevance to composition, microbiology, bioactive compounds, and human or experimental health outcomes related to Eastern European fermented foods. Results: Available evidence indicates that traditional fermented dairy, cereal, and vegetable products from Eastern Europe contain fermentation-derived bioactive compounds, including specific bioactive peptides, transformed polyphenols, microbial-synthesized vitamins, organic acids, and live or non-viable microorganisms. Experimental studies describe the generation of ACE-inhibitory peptides, polyphenol biotransformation, and prebiotic or postbiotic metabolites with reported antioxidant, antihypertensive, immunomodulatory, and metabolic effects. However, substantial variability in artisanal production practices and the limited number of standardized human studies currently constrain definitive conclusions. Conclusions: Eastern European fermented foods represent a culturally unique yet scientifically undercharacterized component of functional nutrition. Their complex microbial ecosystems and diverse substrates offer valuable models for studying diet–microbe interactions. Further omics-based and clinical research is warranted to clarify bioavailability, mechanisms of action, and their potential integration into evidence-based dietary strategies. Full article

Biomimetic scaffolds are required in tissue engineering to provide structural support as well as promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Fibrous scaffolds composed of micro- and nanofibers replicate the architecture of the native extracellular matrix. Electrospinning is widely used for fabricating nanofibers; however, constructing fibrous scaffolds that integrate multiple fiber scales into a single structure is difficult. We addressed this issue by developing a fiber-spinning device using two pairs of counter-facing syringes that simultaneously produce micro- and nanofibers under different processing conditions. Poly(ε-caprolactone) solutions are ejected through needle-type nozzles via centrifugal force, and fiber diameter is controlled by adjusting the polymer concentration and nozzle diameter. We fabricated scaffolds with the proposed device, which exhibited a random three-dimensional fibrous network in which microfibers and nanofibers were homogeneously integrated. C2C12 myoblasts cultured on the composite scaffolds strongly adhered to the fibrous network, remained viable, and extended along the fibers to form multinucleated cells within the structure. The developed system produced composite micro/nanofiber scaffolds with tunable morphology and biocompatibility, providing a platform for fibrous tissue engineering applications. Full article

Microalgal production has garnered increasing interest from both researchers and industry due to the wide range of biomass applications in food, feed, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The successful cultivation of microalgae requires not only adequate supply of nutrients but also large volumes of water. The development of green technologies aimed at sustainable microalgae biomass production is expanding, though it presents several technological challenges. Recycling spent culture media and nutrients has emerged as a promising strategy to reduce water consumption and cultivation costs while supporting environmentally friendly practices. In this review, we first highlight the role of macro- and micronutrients in microalgal growth, then examine physicochemical and physical treatments for optimizing medium reuse, discuss the economic aspects of microalgae production, and outline key technologies for sustainable cultivation. The review underscores the potential of medium recycling to significantly lower costs and environmental impact, paving the way for a more sustainable and economically viable microalgae industry. Full article

The aim of this study was to compare, using culture methods, the microflora of the small and large intestines, distinguishing pathogenic bacteria, in free-living ruminants: roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus). Intestinal samples from six individuals of each species were collected immediately after hunting under aseptic conditions. Aerobic and facultatively anaerobic bacteria, including Lactobacillus spp., Escherichia coli, Listeria spp., and Clostridium perfringens, were quantified using standard culture methods. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05) between species in any of the microbial groups analyzed, although higher mean abundances were observed in red deer, particularly in the large intestine. The results indicate that interspecific variation in cultured microbiota may reflect individual and environmental factors rather than consistent taxonomic differences. Due to the high inter-individual variability and limited sample size, this study should be considered preliminary. The results demonstrate the predominance of viable aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacterial groups in culture-based analysis and provide reference data for future metagenomic studies. This study fills an important knowledge gap, as culture-dependent studies of the gut microbiota of wild cervids are still rare due to the logistical and ethical constraints associated with sampling wild animals. Full article

Background/Aim: Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are widely studied for neural repair, yet OB- and OM-derived primary cultures differ in accessibility and cellular composition. This study aimed to establish donor-matched canine OB- and OM-derived primary cultures using harmonized isolation conditions and to quantify source-dependent differences in culture composition and proliferative activity. Materials and Methods: Olfactory bulbs (OBs) and olfactory mucosa (OM) were collected post-mortem from client-owned dogs (n = 10). Primary cultures were established under identical enzymatic dissociation and culture conditions. Culture composition was quantified by immunocytochemistry using p75^NTR (OEC marker) and fibronectin (fibroblast-associated marker), with an epithelial fraction assessed morphologically in OM. Proliferation was assessed by Ki-67 labeling using the Muse^® Ki-67 kit (n = 5 donors/group). Results: Both tissues yielded viable primary cultures. OB-derived cultures had a higher OEC fraction than OM-derived cultures (60.7 ± 6.4% vs. 39.0 ± 6.2%), whereas OM cultures consistently included an epithelial component (27.0 ± 6.6%). Ki-67 labeling was higher in OB-derived cultures than OM-derived cultures (30.2 ± 6.2% vs. 13.0 ± 2.5%; Welch’s t-test p = 0.0018). Conclusions: Canine OB and OM generate source-distinct primary cultures under standardized conditions: OB-derived cultures are OEC-enriched and more proliferative in vitro, while OM-derived cultures are more heterogeneous. These findings inform future optimization of OM-based protocols and motivate functional assays to test regenerative efficacy. Full article

Sturgeons, once resilient enough to outlive dinosaurs, are now critically endangered. All 26 species of Acipenseriformes face extinction due to anthropogenic causes. Despite their ecological and economic significance, sturgeon research lacks essential tools such as larval cell lines; the Cellosaurus database lists only one larval cell line (AOXlar7y from Atlantic sturgeon). Larval stages are key to understand fish development, representing a transitional phase between embryonic and adult life that is highly sensitive to temperature shifts, oxygen depletion and pollution. Larval cell lines therefore provide potential in vitro models for studying development and stress responses in endangered species. This study focused on establishing and initially characterizing five novel larval cell lines from siblings of the Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). The lines proved viable for long-term culture, bio-banking and transfer, displaying different morphologies ranging from epithelial-like to fibroblast-like. Functional assays showed variable mitochondrial activity and extracellular acidification rates. A preliminary targeted gene expression analysis revealed similarity to whole larvae within early passages and in vitro adaptations for certain genes (gapdh, vim, col1a1, pcna). These sibling-derived cell lines hold potential as in vitro tools to deeper explore the biology of Siberian sturgeon larvae and support conservation-focused research. Full article

Helicobacter pylori is one of the most common human pathogens, infecting up to 50% of the global population. The bacterium colonizes the mucus layer overlying gastric epithelial cells and causes chronic infection, which can lead to peptic ulcers, lymphoma, and gastric cancer. Epidemiological studies showed that regions with poor sanitation have higher prevalence rates of H. pylori, suggesting possible environmental or food-related transmission routes in addition to the well-established person-to-person pathways. This assumption is supported by the detection of H. pylori and/or its DNA in a variety of food. Experimental studies further demonstrate that H. pylori can survive in food with certain properties, such as milk, meat, and vegetables, suggesting that such products may serve as potential reservoirs. However, reliable detection of H. pylori in food remains challenging due to its fastidious nature, the ability to enter a viable but non-culturable state, and methodological limitations. While the presence of bacterial DNA and survival across food matrices make foodborne transmission biologically plausible, direct and conclusive proof that ingestion of contaminated food leads to infection is still lacking. Hence, person-to-person transmission currently remains the most firmly established route of transmission. Taken together, the current findings provide substantial indirect evidence that food, particularly under conditions of poor hygiene, may provide a reservoir or vehicle for H. pylori transmission. However, further research is needed to definitively clarify the role of food in the transmission of H. pylori infection and identify appropriate measures to promote public health. Full article

Background: Standardized Er:YAG laser settings for microbial reduction remain undefined, and existing studies rarely compare multiple species under identical conditions. This work aimed to characterize susceptibility across selected microorganisms using a controlled agar-based surface growth model. Methods: Six reference strains (E. coli, S. aureus MSSA, S. aureus MRSA, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans) were cultured on agar and exposed to Er:YAG irradiation. Two experimental phases were conducted: (1) inhibition zone mapping using energies between 30 and 400 mJ at 1 Hz, with tapered and flat laser tips; and (2) quantification of viable surface coverage after irradiating mature 96 h cultures with 80, 130, 180, and 230 mJ at 10 Hz in contact mode. ImageJ analysis was used to measure inhibition diameters and remaining coverage. Data were evaluated using two-way ANOVA. Results: All microorganisms showed measurable inhibition at every tested energy level, with diameter increasing proportionally to energy. E. coli and E. faecalis produced the largest inhibition zones in the mapping phase, while P. aeruginosa and C. albicans required higher energies to reach comparable levels. Mature surface cultures showed progressive reductions in viable coverage; the strongest effects occurred at 230 mJ. The tapered tip generated broader inhibition zones at lower energies compared with the flat tip. Conclusions: Er:YAG laser irradiation produces consistent, energy-dependent antimicrobial effects on single-species agar-based surface growth, with clear differences in species susceptibility and tip performance. The identified parameter ranges provide a quantitative foundation for future in vitro studies aiming to refine Er:YAG-based microbial reduction strategies. Full article

This review analyzes current research on short-term culture of sea urchin from barrens through formulated feed, addressing the need for sustainable aquaculture practices and ecological restoration of kelp forests. We compare the results of multiple studies to identify the optimal feed composition to induce gonad growth and coloration. Our analysis suggests that macroalgae are the best feed ingredients to improve gonad growth and coloration; however, environmental and economic challenges persist in expanding sea urchin production with these types of ingredients. Plant-based protein sources like soy have emerged as a potential cost-effective alternative to fish products; nevertheless, the presence of antinutritional factors in soy products limits their inclusion in formulated feed. Regarding the composition and amount of lipids, we found that they are critical macronutrients in gonad development. The review also explores the potential of sea urchin aquaculture in mitigating urchin barrens and restoring kelp forests, highlighting the interplay between ecological and economic factors. We identify key knowledge gaps and propose future research directions, including large-scale economic viability assessments, novel feed additives, and integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems. These findings have significant implications for developing sustainable and economically viable sea urchin aquaculture, potentially transforming urchin barrens into productive ecosystems while meeting market demand for roe. Full article

Traditional raw milk cheeses are valued for their distinctive sensory properties and microbial richness but may pose microbiological safety risks. The objective of this research was to investigate the bacterial communities present in cheeses sourced from dairies from different regions of one voivodeship using culture-based methods and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Artisanal Polish “twarog”-type cheeses produced from raw cow’s milk were obtained from four small local dairies in the Łódź Voivodeship. Microbial diversity and safety were assessed by culture-based enumeration following ISO standards and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing targeting the V3–V4 region. Microbial counts included total viable microorganisms, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Enterobacteriaceae, coagulase-positive staphylococci, yeasts, molds, and pathogens (Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed among cheeses, with samples ZJ-473 and ZJ-505 showing the highest LAB and total counts, while Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes were undetected. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed dominance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, mainly Lactococcus lactis, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides, and Lactobacillus delbrueckii. Alpha diversity and co-occurrence analyses indicated higher microbial complexity in samples ZJ-473 and ZJ-505. The integration of culture-based and sequencing data provided a comprehensive view of cheese microbiota and safety, confirming the protective role of LAB and emphasizing the need for strict hygiene in artisanal cheese production. Full article