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11 pages, 569 KiB  
Article
Olfactory Perception in Parkinson’s Disease: The Impact of GBA1 Variants (Sidransky Syndrome)
by Mikhal E. Cohen, Yosef Shechter, Melania Dominko, Elena Shulman, Tama Dinur, Shoshana Revel-Vilk, Roni Eichel, Gilad Yahalom and Michal Becker-Cohen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(11), 5258; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26115258 - 30 May 2025
Viewed by 527
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) associated with GBA1 mutations—recently termed Sidransky syndrome—differs from idiopathic PD (iPD) by earlier onset, more rapid progression, and higher rates of non-motor symptoms. Our objective was to assess whether GBA1 mutations contribute to olfactory dysfunction in PD and in asymptomatic [...] Read more.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) associated with GBA1 mutations—recently termed Sidransky syndrome—differs from idiopathic PD (iPD) by earlier onset, more rapid progression, and higher rates of non-motor symptoms. Our objective was to assess whether GBA1 mutations contribute to olfactory dysfunction in PD and in asymptomatic carriers of the mutation. We compared olfactory and motor functions in 119 participants: Sidransky syndrome (n = 18), iPD (n = 30), GBA1 variant carriers without PD (n = 21), Gaucher disease patients (n = 20), and healthy controls (n = 30). All were evaluated with the Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT®) and the motor part of the Movement Disorders Society Unified PD Rating Scale (MDS-mUPDRS). Mean age was 59.2 ± 11.7 years. Mean disease duration was 2.5 ± 2.2 years in Sidransky syndrome and 5.4 ± 4.9 years in iPD. We found that both PD groups had significantly lower BSIT® scores than non-PD groups (p < 0.001), particularly for leather, smoke, natural gas, pineapple, clove, rose, and lemon. Sidransky syndrome patients scored lower than iPD patients (p = 0.04). No significant olfactory deficits were observed in GBA1 carriers or Gaucher patients without PD. We conclude that hyposmia is more pronounced in Sidransky syndrome than in iPD. However, normal olfaction in non-parkinsonian GBA1 carriers suggests that GBA1 variants alone do not account for olfactory loss in PD. Hyposmia likely reflects broader PD pathology rather than a direct effect of the GBA1 mutation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Mechanisms of Genetic Variants of Parkinson’s Disease)
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14 pages, 400 KiB  
Article
Perfuming and Divine Scents in the Soteriology of Medieval Buddhism and Daoism
by Sang-ho Ro
Religions 2025, 16(4), 517; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16040517 - 16 Apr 2025
Viewed by 553
Abstract
The olfactory sense and experience are considered a conduit between spirituality and the divine realm in Daoism. The ceremonial use of incense in Daoism (shixiang 侍香) has been explored from various theological perspectives and described by numerous liturgists. Despite its importance, several [...] Read more.
The olfactory sense and experience are considered a conduit between spirituality and the divine realm in Daoism. The ceremonial use of incense in Daoism (shixiang 侍香) has been explored from various theological perspectives and described by numerous liturgists. Despite its importance, several questions about the development and history of Daoist olfactory culture remain unresolved. This paper examines medieval religious dialogs concerning divine smells and smoke before and during the Tang dynasty, a period marked by the interaction and mutual influence of Daoism and Buddhism in China. I argue that medieval Daoism enhanced its soteriology by adopting the concept of vāsanā (xun 薰) from Buddhism, particularly Yogâcāra. Xuan Zang’s 玄奘 translation corpus of Vasubandhu, Cheng Weishi Lun 成唯識論, along with the treatises of two Tang Daoist liturgists Zhu Faman’s 朱法滿 and Du Guangting’s 杜光庭, reveal a shared belief that sacred smells transform the perfumed at a profound level, embedding the divine essence within them. The Yogâcāra concept of vāsanā, elucidated by Xuan Zang, was readily incorporated into Tang Daoism due to their shared soteriological interests. Tang Daoism was in the process of codifying its rituals for self-purification and collective salvation, thereby enhancing the significance of incense through its dynamic absorption of vāsanā. The olfactory practices in medieval Daoism demonstrate that East Asian medieval soteriology promoted universalism through the ritual interactions between Buddhism and Daoism. Full article
21 pages, 580 KiB  
Review
Smell and Taste Impairments in Head and Neck Cancer Patients—A Scoping Review
by Nidhi Jha, Jed Speers, Lauren Gastineau, Shivani Patel, William Liu, Emily Pfahl, Apoorva Ramaswamy and Kai Zhao
Nutrients 2025, 17(6), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17061087 - 20 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1257
Abstract
Head and neck cancer affects millions worldwide. The risk factors are numerous, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus to name a few. While improved preventative, diagnostic, and treatment methods have decreased mortality rates, the treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery) often result in [...] Read more.
Head and neck cancer affects millions worldwide. The risk factors are numerous, including smoking, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus to name a few. While improved preventative, diagnostic, and treatment methods have decreased mortality rates, the treatments (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or surgery) often result in smell and/or taste impairments. These can impact quality of life during and after cancer treatment. A scoping review was performed to understand current research and future directions regarding smell and taste impairments in head and neck cancer patients. PRISMA guidelines were followed and Rayyan.ai was used to search and compile journal articles. Three databases, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, and PubMed, were also searched. Search terms included smell, taste, dysgeusia, ageusia, hypogeusia, parosmia, anosmia, hyposmia, dysosmia, and head and neck cancer. A total of 1580 articles were found through Rayyan.ai and 8022 were found through the three databases, which were manually screened. Articles assessing patients with a different malignancy, benign tumors, pediatric populations, animal studies, abstracts, and review articles were excluded. A total of 47 articles were found using this strategy. Of those we identified, 37 articles discussed taste impairments, 12 articles discussed smell impairments, and 3 articles discussed treatments for smell and/or taste impairments. All 37 articles concluded that there was some taste alteration in head and neck cancer patients due to their treatment. However, the specific taste qualities (sweet, sour, salty, or bitter) that were impaired, whether taste function returned to baseline, and which treatments led to impairments varied. For the 12 studies that assessed smell impairments, the results also varied. Some studies found significant objective impairments in smell while others found no significant impairment. Zinc sulfate was not found to be an effective treatment option for taste impairments; however, a liposomal spray showed some potential. Future studies should aim to understand which treatments and types of head and neck cancer lead to chemosensory impairments, whether chemosensory alterations negatively impact a patient’s nutritional status, and treatments or preventative measures for smell and taste changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Interaction Between Flavor and Diet)
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11 pages, 730 KiB  
Article
Persistence of Long COVID Symptoms Two Years After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study
by Gili Joseph, Ili Margalit, Yael Weiss-Ottolenghi, Carmit Rubin, Havi Murad, Raquel C. Gardner, Noam Barda, Elena Ben-Shachar, Victoria Indenbaum, Mayan Gilboa, Sharon Alroy-Preis, Yitshak Kreiss, Yaniv Lustig and Gili Regev-Yochay
Viruses 2024, 16(12), 1955; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16121955 - 20 Dec 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1713
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Millions of individuals worldwide continue to experience symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and phenotype of multi-system symptoms attributed to Long COVID—including fatigue, pain, cognitive-emotional disturbances, headache, cardiopulmonary issues, and alterations in taste and smell—that have persisted [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Millions of individuals worldwide continue to experience symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and phenotype of multi-system symptoms attributed to Long COVID—including fatigue, pain, cognitive-emotional disturbances, headache, cardiopulmonary issues, and alterations in taste and smell—that have persisted for at least two years after acute infection, which we define as “persistent Long COVID”. Additionally, the study aimed to identify clinical features and blood biomarkers associated with persistent Long COVID symptoms. Methods: We sent a detailed long COVID symptoms questionnaire to an existing cohort of 1258 vaccinated adults (age 18–79 years) who had mild infection (e.g., non-hospitalized) SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant 2 years earlier. These individuals had comprehensive datasets, including blood samples, available for further analysis. We estimated prevalence of persistent long COVID two years post-infection using weighted adjustment (Horvitz–Thompson estimator) to overcome reporting bias. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine association of clinical features and blood biomarkers (pre-infection SARS-CoV-2 RBD-IgG, SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, and pre-infection and post-infection neurofilament light) with prevalence of persistent long COVID. Results: N = 323 participants responded to the survey, of whom N = 74 (23%) reported at least one long COVID symptom that had persisted for two years after the acute infection. Weighted prevalence of persistent long COVID symptoms was 21.5% (95% CI = 16.7–26.3%). Female gender, smoking, and severity of acute COVID-19 infection were significantly associated with persistent Long COVID. The blood biomarkers assessed were not significantly associated with persistent Long COVID. Conclusions: Among vaccinated adults two years after mild infection with Delta variant SARS-CoV-2, persistent symptoms attributed to Long COVID are extremely common, certain subgroups are at higher risk, and further research into biological mechanisms and potential treatment targets is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beyond Acute: Navigating Long COVID and Post-Viral Complications)
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10 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Residual Cough and Asthma-like Symptoms Post-COVID-19 in Children
by Abdullah Al-Shamrani, Khalid Al-Shamrani, Maram Al-Otaibi, Ayed Alenazi, Hareth Aldosaimani, Zeyad Aldhalaan, Haleimah Alalkami, Abdullah A. Yousef, Sumayyah Kobeisy and Saleh Alharbi
Children 2023, 10(6), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10061031 - 8 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3349
Abstract
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide and is characterized by different presentations ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia. COVID-19 affects all age groups, including pediatric patients. We observed numerous children complaining of a cough post-COVID-19, even if it was trivial. [...] Read more.
Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide and is characterized by different presentations ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia. COVID-19 affects all age groups, including pediatric patients. We observed numerous children complaining of a cough post-COVID-19, even if it was trivial. The most reported persistent symptoms after recovery from COVID-19 were insomnia, coughing, fatigue, dyspnea, loss of taste and/or smell, and headache. To date, residual cough post-COVID-19 has been reported in pediatrics and adolescents. Method: we conducted a retrospective study, with a self-administered questionnaire by the patient or caregiver, 12 months post-COVID-19-infection. Result: A total of 94.8% of patients were Saudi citizens and were mainly from the southern region of Saudi Arabia (50.0%). Mothers (64.4%) submitted most of the results. The ages were as follows: 6–14 years (51.0%), 3–5 years (32.3%), and younger than 2 years of age (only 16.7%). Females accounted for 41.7% of those studied. Nearly half of the patients (48.5%) had had a previous COVID-19 infection in 2022, with only 2.1% infected in 2019. Only 27/194 (13.9%) patients required hospital admission, and 7 of them (4.2%) required intensive care treatment. A total of 179 (92.2%) patients still reported persistent symptoms 4 weeks post-COVID-19-infection. A cough was reported in 69.8% of patients, followed by cough and wheezing in 12.3%. The cough was described as dry in 78.0% and nocturnal in 54.1%, while 42.5% did not notice any diurnal variation. For those reporting residual cough, 39.3% found that it affected school attendance and daily activities, 31.1% reported associated chest pain, 51.9% associated it with wheezing, and 27.1% associated it with shortness of breath. For 54.4%, the residual cough lasted less than one month, while 31.4% reported a 1–2 month duration. Only 1.0% had a duration of cough of more than 3 months. For cough relief, 28.2% used bronchodilators, 19.9% used cough syrup, 16.6% used a combination of bronchodilators and steroid inhalers, and 1.7% used antibiotics. Surprisingly, 33% attempted herbal remedies for cough relief. Sesame oil was used the most (40.0%), followed by a mixture of olive oil and sesame oil (25.0%), and 21.7% used male frankincense. The majority (78.4%) sought medical advice for their post-infection cough, either from general pediatricians (39.5%) or via specialist pediatric pulmonology consultations (30.9%). A total of 11.0% with a residual cough reported having pets at home, while 27.2% reported secondhand smoke exposure in the household. Before infection with COVID-19, only 32.6% were diagnosed with asthma, while 68.2% reported a diagnosis of atopic skin. Conclusions: There was a high prevalence of residual cough post-COVID-19, extended for a minimum of two months, and the characteristics of the cough were very similar to those of asthmatic patients. There was still a high prevalence of using cough syrup and herbal remedies, especially olive oil, sesame oil, and male frankincense. A residual cough adversely affected school attendance in daily activities, and there was a high prevalence of other siblings in the family being affected. The study showed that a minority of patients were seen by the pulmonologist; luckily, long COVID was rare in our study, and so further studies are highly needed to confirm the association with asthma. More educational programs are highly needed regarding herbal remedies and cough syrup. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue COVID-19 and Pediatric Emergency Medicine)
13 pages, 632 KiB  
Article
Is Olfactory Testing a Useful Diagnostic Tool to Identify SARS-CoV-2 Infections Early? A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analysis
by Christiana Graf, Inken Wagener, Katharina Grikscheit, Sebastian Hoehl, Annemarie Berger, Nils Wetzstein, Julia Dietz, Georg Dultz, Florian Michael, Natalie Filmann, Eva Herrmann, Peter Tinnemann, Udo Goetsch and Sandra Ciesek
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(9), 3162; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12093162 - 27 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1643
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Genesis and the prognostic value of olfactory dysfunction (OD) in COVID-19 remain partially described. The objective of our study was to characterize OD during SARS-CoV-2 infection and to examine whether testing of OD may be a useful tool in clinical practice in [...] Read more.
BACKGROUND: Genesis and the prognostic value of olfactory dysfunction (OD) in COVID-19 remain partially described. The objective of our study was to characterize OD during SARS-CoV-2 infection and to examine whether testing of OD may be a useful tool in clinical practice in order to early identify patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: Olfactory function assessment was objectively carried out using the u-Smell-it® test. In a cross-sectional study part, we evaluated this test in a control cohort of SARS-CoV-2 negative tested patients, who attended the University Hospital Frankfurt between May 2021 and March 2022. In a second longitudinal study part, sensitivity and specificity of OD was evaluated as a diagnostic marker of a SARS-CoV-2 infection in Frankfurt am Main, Germany in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and their close contacts. RESULTS: Among 494 SARS-CoV-2 negative tested patients, OD was detected in 45.7% and was found to be significantly associated with the male gender (p < 0.001), higher age (p < 0.001), cardiovascular and pulmonary comorbidities (p < 0.001; p = 0.03). Among 90 COVID-19 positive patients, OD was found in 65.6% and was significantly associated with male gender and positive smoking status (p = 0.04 each). Prevalence and severity of OD were significantly increased in infections with the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) compared to those with the Omicron variant (BA.1.1.529). Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of OD for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection were 69% and 64%, respectively. CONCLUSION: OD is common in COVID-19 negative and positive tested patients with significantly different prevalence rates observed between different variants. Diagnostic accuracy of OD is not high enough to implement olfactory testing as a tool in diagnostic routine to early identify patients with a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Epidemiology & Public Health)
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10 pages, 678 KiB  
Article
Smell Dysfunction in Patients with Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome: Impact on Quality of Life
by Minan Y. Al-Ezzi, Khalid S. Khan and Anwar R. Tappuni
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(7), 2724; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12072724 - 6 Apr 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2015
Abstract
Objectives: Patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) often report smell and taste disturbances. However, the correlation between smell impairment and mucosal dryness is not well understood. The objectives of this study were to investigate the following: (1) the prevalence of smell hypofunction in [...] Read more.
Objectives: Patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) often report smell and taste disturbances. However, the correlation between smell impairment and mucosal dryness is not well understood. The objectives of this study were to investigate the following: (1) the prevalence of smell hypofunction in patients with SS; (2) the impact of smell hypofunction on their quality of life (QoL); (3) whether the patients’ smell is correlated with xerostomia; and (4) whether the patients’ smell is affected by taste hypofunction, disease duration, age, smoking or self-reported neuropathy. Methodology: An ethically approved cross-sectional study was conducted on 65 female patients with SS and 62 sex-matched healthy controls. Their smell was assessed using the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test. Their taste acuity was assessed using the Taste Strips Test. A visual analogue scale was used for the self-assessment of smell and taste functions. Xerostomia was assessed by the salivary flow rate, clinical oral dryness score and the Xerostomia Inventory. The patients’ QoL and mental health well-being were assessed using validated questionnaires. Results: In the SS group, the patients’ smell function was impaired in 27/65 patients compared with the controls (15/62, p < 0.05), and it did not correlate with the severity of xerostomia, taste acuity (r = 0.05, p = 0.6) or self-reported nasal dryness (r = −0.02, p = 0.7). In the patients’ group, smell hypofunction was not correlated with disease duration (β = 0.1, 95% CI = −0.07–0.1) or smoking (β = −0.02, 95% CI = −8–7). Age was not correlated with the smell function in the patients’ group (β = −0.1, p = 0.5) but was correlated significantly with smell in the healthy participants’ group (β = −0.3, p = 0.02). Neuropathy affected 81.2% of the patients’ group. Their QoL and mental health well-being were not affected by smell hypofunction. Conclusion: Smell hypofunction appears to be a clinical manifestation in patients with SS, but it does not seem to be associated with the severity of mucosal dryness or with taste disturbance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Therapy of Smell and Taste Disorders)
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19 pages, 984 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Consequences of COVID-19: A 1-Year Analysis
by Laurence Bamps, Jean-Philippe Armenti, Mirela Bojan, Bruno Grandbastien, Christophe von Garnier, Renaud Du Pasquier, Florian Desgranges, Matthaios Papadimitriou-Olivgeris, Lorenzo Alberio, Martin Preisig, Jurg Schwitter, Benoit Guery and The RegCOVID Study Group
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(7), 2673; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12072673 - 3 Apr 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4153
Abstract
Long-lasting symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection have been described many times in the literature and are referred to as Long COVID. In this prospective, longitudinal, monocentric, observational study, we collected the health complaints of 474 patients (252 ambulatory and 222 hospitalized) at Lausanne University [...] Read more.
Long-lasting symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection have been described many times in the literature and are referred to as Long COVID. In this prospective, longitudinal, monocentric, observational study, we collected the health complaints of 474 patients (252 ambulatory and 222 hospitalized) at Lausanne University Hospital 1 year after COVID-19 diagnosis. Using a self-reported health survey, we explored cardiopulmonary, vascular, neurological, and psychological complaints. Our results show that age, Charlson comorbidity index, and smoking habits were associated with hospital admission. Regarding the vascular system, we found that having had thromboembolism before SARS-CoV-2 infection was significantly associated with a higher risk of recurrence of thromboembolism at 1 year. In the neurologic evaluation, the most frequent symptom was fatigue, which was observed in 87.5% of patients, followed by “feeling slowed down”, headache, and smell disturbance in 71.5%, 68.5%, and 60.7% of cases, respectively. Finally, our cohort subjects scored higher overall in the STAI, CESD, Maastricht, and PSQI scores (which measure anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep, respectively) than the healthy population. Using cluster analysis, we identified two phenotypes of patients prone to developing Long COVID. At baseline, CCS score, prior chronic disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation were associated with Long COVID. During COVID infection, mechanical ventilation and five neurological complaints were also associated with Long COVID. In conclusion, this study confirms the wide range of symptoms developed after COVID with the involvement of all the major systems. Early identification of risk factors associated with the development of Long COVID could improve patient follow-up; nevertheless, the low specificity of these factors remains a challenge to building a systematic approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Infectious Diseases)
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12 pages, 344 KiB  
Article
Predictors of Discontinued E-Cigarette Use at One-Year Follow-Up in a Sample of Young Adults
by Pallav Pokhrel, Crissy T. Kawamoto, Hannah Mettias, Taha Elwir and Thaddeus Herzog
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4770; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064770 - 8 Mar 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2405
Abstract
Background: Currently, the research on factors associated with young adults’ discontinuation of e-cigarette use behavior is limited. This study tested the predictors of self-reported e-cigarette abstinence at one-year follow-up among young adult baseline current e-cigarette users. The following variables were tested as predictors: [...] Read more.
Background: Currently, the research on factors associated with young adults’ discontinuation of e-cigarette use behavior is limited. This study tested the predictors of self-reported e-cigarette abstinence at one-year follow-up among young adult baseline current e-cigarette users. The following variables were tested as predictors: demographics, cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use dependence, e-cigarette use duration, harm perceptions, and preferred aspects of e-cigarette use, including sensations, flavor, and device characteristics. Methods: Data were provided at two time-points one year apart by 435 ethnically diverse young adults (M age = 22.3, SD = 3.1; 63% women) who reported current e-cigarette use at baseline. Results: Approximately 42% of those who reported current e-cigarette use at baseline (i.e., 184 out of 435 participants) reported discontinuation of e-cigarette use at one-year follow-up. Results indicated that higher e-cigarette dependence, longer history of e-cigarette use, lower e-cigarette harm perceptions, greater preference for both menthol and sweet flavors, for open-pod-based devices, and for e-cigarette use sensations such as buzz, taste and smell of flavors, and throat hit at baseline were associated with lower likelihood of e-cigarette use discontinuation at one-year follow-up. Conclusions: Characteristics associated with nicotine (e.g., dependence) and flavors (e.g., taste and smell) appear to drive the continuation/discontinuation of e-cigarette use among young adults. Thus, cessation strategies may need to be developed with a focus on dependence and harm perceptions related to nicotine and flavors. Furthermore, better regulating open-pod-based devices and sweet–menthol flavors may help e-cigarette use prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Health Behavior, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion)
23 pages, 2624 KiB  
Article
Effect of Nanoemulsion Containing Enterocin GR17 and Cinnamaldehyde on Microbiological, Physicochemical and Sensory Properties and Shelf Life of Liquid-Smoked Salmon Fillets
by Jiaojiao Duan, Rong Nie, Jing Du, Haoxuan Sun and Guorong Liu
Foods 2023, 12(1), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12010078 - 23 Dec 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2404
Abstract
The spoilage of liquid-smoked salmon represented a serious restriction for shelf life, due to the loss of taste, smell, color and consistency in product quality. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of applying a nanoemulsion delivery system co-encapsulated enterocin [...] Read more.
The spoilage of liquid-smoked salmon represented a serious restriction for shelf life, due to the loss of taste, smell, color and consistency in product quality. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of applying a nanoemulsion delivery system co-encapsulated enterocin Gr17 and essential oils (EOs) to the refrigerated storage of liquid-smoked salmon. The synergistic inhibiting effects of enterocin Gr17 and EOs were evaluated, a nanoemulsion delivery system with the optimal combination was developed, and the evolution of the microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory properties of liquid-smoked salmon fillets were analyzed during a 49-day period of refrigerated storage. The results showed that the combination of enterocin Gr17 and cinnamaldehyde essential oil (CEO) displayed the strongest synergistic inhibiting effect on foodborne pathogens. A nanoemulsion system incorporating enterocin Gr17 and CEO was successfully developed and presented a broad spectrum of activity against most of the tested bacteria. A nanoemulsion system incorporating enterocin Gr17 and CEO (CO-NE) could significantly inhibit the growth of microflora, suppress the accumulation of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), and maintain better color, texture, and sensory profiles during smoked salmon storage at 4 °C. Overall, from a microbiological, physicochemical, and sensory point of view, the CO-NE treatment could extend the shelf life to 42 days and maintain the relatively low TVB-N value (≤15.38 mg/100 g), TBARS value (≤2.51 mg MDA/kg), as well as a relatively high sensory score (≥5.83) during the whole storage period. Hence, a nanoemulsion system incorporating enterocin Gr17 and CEO could be a promising bio-preservative technology and alternative to the conventional processes used for improving the safety and quality of chilled liquid-smoked salmon. Full article
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13 pages, 670 KiB  
Article
Who Likes Unhealthy Food with a Strong Flavour? Influence of Sex, Age, Body Mass Index, Smoking and Olfactory Efficiency on Junk Food Preferences
by Magdalena Hartman-Petrycka, Joanna Witkoś, Agata Lebiedowska and Barbara Błońska-Fajfrowska
Nutrients 2022, 14(19), 4098; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14194098 - 2 Oct 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 10288
Abstract
Background. Unhealthy food is an important element in the development of diseases of civilisation. The aim of this study was to determine how sex, age, body mass index, smoking and olfactory efficiency influence the consumption of such foods. Methods. A total of 283 [...] Read more.
Background. Unhealthy food is an important element in the development of diseases of civilisation. The aim of this study was to determine how sex, age, body mass index, smoking and olfactory efficiency influence the consumption of such foods. Methods. A total of 283 people living in the Silesian Voivodeship in Poland took part in the study. They were aged 18–82. An interview and olfactory tests were conducted together with assessments of food preferences from 25 types of food products. The extent to which sex, age, body mass index, tobacco addiction and sense of smell influence unhealthy food consumption was assessed. Results. Using the VARIMAX factor analysis, a coherent group of ‘unhealthy food with a strong flavour’ products was selected: crisps, salty snacks, fast food, sugary carbonated drinks and sour products. Unhealthy food was liked more by people who were younger (B = −0.04; PU = −0.05, −0.03; t = −7.43, eta2 = 0.17; p < 0.001) and who had a higher BMI (B = 0.03; PU ≤ 0.01, 0.06; t = 1.92, eta2 = 0.01; p = 0.056). The efficiency of the sense of smell does not play a significant role in the preference for the ‘unhealthy food’ group as a whole. The analysis of each type of unhealthy food separately showed that young people liked crisps, salty snacks, fast food and sugary carbonated drinks more, men liked fast food and sugary carbonated drinks more than women, and people with a good sense of smell liked sour products. Conclusion. According to the food preferences stated, dietary education should be targeted at young people, especially young men, to prevent the development of overweight and obesity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Public Health)
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18 pages, 3419 KiB  
Article
Impacts of Air Pollution and Dampness on Occupant Respiratory Health in Unplanned Houses: A Case Study of Bandung, Indonesia
by Hanief Sani, Tetsu Kubota, Jumpei Sumi and Usep Surahman
Atmosphere 2022, 13(8), 1272; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13081272 - 11 Aug 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3312
Abstract
This paper presents the results from field measurements and household surveys on the severity of indoor mold risk and its impact on respiratory health in a typical unplanned neighborhood of kampungs in Bandung, Indonesia. Mold risk was investigated using fungal risk detectors ( [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results from field measurements and household surveys on the severity of indoor mold risk and its impact on respiratory health in a typical unplanned neighborhood of kampungs in Bandung, Indonesia. Mold risk was investigated using fungal risk detectors (n = 102), while air pollution levels were established with total suspended particulate (TSP) and particulate matter (PM2.5) (n = 38). The self-reported prevalence of respiratory diseases was obtained using a questionnaire form (ATS-DLD-78) (n = 599). The results showed that respiratory health problems were higher in the rainy season, particularly among children. Most houses suffered from severe mold risk, primarily due to extreme humid weather conditions, especially during rainy season (97%) where water leakage was prevalent (60%). In addition, the TSP and PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the WHO standards in most kampung houses, where around 58% of the houses recorded higher outdoor mean PM2.5 concentrations than indoors. Further, the path analysis showed that allergies followed by humidity rate and smell, which were affected by window-opening duration, directly impacted children’s respiratory health. Smoking behavior and building-related health problems, due to exposure to outdoor air pollution, affected the respiratory health of those aged 15 years old and over. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Indoor Air Quality and Health Impacts)
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11 pages, 850 KiB  
Article
What Counts for the Old and Oldest Old?—An Analysis of Patient Criteria for Choosing a Dentist—Part II: Personal Characteristics and Soft Skills
by Ina Nitschke, Thomas Ulbrich, Annett Schrock, Werner Hopfenmüller and Julia Jockusch
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8621; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148621 - 15 Jul 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1909
Abstract
Soft skills include communication skills and personality traits that are important when choosing a dentist, but other factors within the dental office also seem to be important for patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate factors that are important to people [...] Read more.
Soft skills include communication skills and personality traits that are important when choosing a dentist, but other factors within the dental office also seem to be important for patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate factors that are important to people in a dentist as well as characteristics of the ideal dentist and to evaluate possible age-, gender-, and residence of living specific differences. A telephone survey with participants aged 35 years or older (ag—age group: ag 1: 35–50 years, ag 2: 70–84 years, ag 3: >85 years) in three German cities was conducted. Data were analyzed with respect to gender and age. Most of the participants (n = 298, 64.2%), regardless of their own gender, age, or place of residence did not care about the gender of the dentist. In general, the price of the treatment does not play a role in choosing the ideal dentist. Women differ significantly from men in their choice of dentist (ANOVA p < 0.001 (preference of non-smoker), ANOVA p < 0.001 (preference, that the dentist does not smell of smoke, importance of appearance (ANOVA p < 0.001) and psycho-social skills, etc.). As age increases, professional experience and psycho-social competencies are rated as important. With the increase in age, the mean value of the desired years of professional experience increases without significant differences between age groups. The importance of advanced training (ANOVA p < 0.001; Bonferoni correction: significant difference between ag 1 and ag 2 p < 0.001, and ag 1 and ag 3 p < 0.001) decreases with age. Especially for participants aged 70 to 84 years, a relationship of trust is important. Between the places of residence, statistical differences for almost all surveyed items were found (e.g., importance that the dentist speaks the patients’ native language ANOVA p < 0.001, Bonferoni correction: significant difference between Berlin and Leipzig, Berlin and Mainz, and Leipzig and Mainz (each p < 0.001), dentist has a specialization ANOVA p < 0.001, Bonferoni correction: significant difference between Berlin and Leipzig and Berlin and Mainz (each p < 0.001), etc.). Dentists should be trained to develop psycho-social skills to meet the special demands of the increasing older population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Oral Health and Health Promotion Research)
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15 pages, 4550 KiB  
Article
Using Smoke Condensed Liquids from Pruned Fruit-Tree Branches for Aedes Mosquito Larva Control
by Dun-Sheng Yang, Meng-Wei Shen and Shyi-Tien Chen
Agriculture 2022, 12(6), 825; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12060825 - 8 Jun 2022
Viewed by 3014
Abstract
Some mosquitos are disease-causing vectors. Their widespread existence poses a great threat to disease control worldwide. Finding an effective, low-cost solution for mosquito population control is desperately needed. Pruned branches from three fruit trees of date, pomelo, and guava were chopped, dried, and [...] Read more.
Some mosquitos are disease-causing vectors. Their widespread existence poses a great threat to disease control worldwide. Finding an effective, low-cost solution for mosquito population control is desperately needed. Pruned branches from three fruit trees of date, pomelo, and guava were chopped, dried, and smoldered to form biochar and smoke. The smoke was condensed at 6 °C to form a smoke condensed liquid (SCL) to be used as a larvicide for mosquito larva control. The SCL had a smoky smell, minimal nutrients, and little metal contents, yet contained plenty of phenolic molecules commonly used as biocides. Via bacterial inhibition zone tests, ten percent of the date, pomelo, and guava SCLs had 1.44, 1.13, and 0.83 times higher bactericidal effects, respectively, than the use of 75% ethanol. The effectiveness of bacterial inhibition was positively related to the amounts of volatile compounds in the SCL liquids. As for larvicidal effects, a ten percent solution of the date and pomelo SCLs killed all tested larvae within 2 hrs. The reactive time versus each SCL’s LC50 was determined and fitted with a first-order mathematic model. The adopted model and its estimated parameters showed satisfactory results in presenting the dose–effect relationships in larval mortality of all the tested SCLs. Finally, the liquid pHs and dissolved oxygen (DO) over time were examined for their effectiveness and variation, respectively, and the SCL addition was concluded as the sole key factor in the mortality of the tested larvae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crop Protection, Diseases, Pests and Weeds)
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9 pages, 843 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Thirdhand Smoke Exposure after Short Visits to Public Facilities (Noraebang and Internet Cafés): A Prospective Cohort Study
by Myung-Bae Park and Boram Sim
Toxics 2022, 10(6), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10060307 - 7 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2838
Abstract
We aimed to evaluate the degree of thirdhand smoke (THS) caused by short-term exposure to smoking-related substances. To this end, we evaluated the change in concentration of a smoking-related urine biomarker in volunteers before and after visiting public spaces where there is likely [...] Read more.
We aimed to evaluate the degree of thirdhand smoke (THS) caused by short-term exposure to smoking-related substances. To this end, we evaluated the change in concentration of a smoking-related urine biomarker in volunteers before and after visiting public spaces where there is likely THS exposure. We hypothesized that a visit to such public spaces would result in an increase in such biomarkers. Participants visited one of the predetermined facilities (noraebang, PC café) and revisited the same facility after 24 h, spending around 2 h per visit. We selected creatinine-corrected urine cotinine (CUC) as a biomarker to evaluate THS. In addition, we collected nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone (NNK) from surface dust at each site with cotton swabs (diameter of 2.5 cm). We examined whether CUC concentration significantly changed across three time points (baseline, first visit, and second visit) via repeated-measures analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA). Moreover, we analyzed the interaction to determine whether cigarette smell affects the CUC concentration. Finally, CUC and dust NNK were analyzed with Pearson’s correlation. The CUC concentration did not increase from baseline to the first visit, but increased from the baseline to the second visit (Diff = Ln [0.565] ng/mg, P < 0.01). Further, the CUC concentration increased from the first to the second visit (Diff = Ln [0.393] ng/mg, p < 0.01). In the case of the interaction effect, there were statistically significant differences in CUC concentration depending on the smell of smoke in the facility (Diff = Ln [0.325], F value = 4.438, p value = 0.041). The change in CUC concentration from baseline to the second visit (r = 0.562, p < 0.001) and from the first to the second visit (r = 0.544, p < 0.001) were correlated with NNK concentration. We evaluated whether a short stay in a facility with smoke-related substances that adhere to the surrounding environment would expose individuals to THS even if they do not smell or are directly exposed to cigarette smoke. We confirmed that even two relatively short stays (approximately 2 h each) in a facility in which people had previously smoked can lead to THS exposure. Full article
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