Search Results (205)

Background and Aims: The majority of individuals with COVID-19 developed acute symptoms. Post-COVID-19 syndrome refers to the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 that persist for more than 12 weeks. The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for post-COVID-19 syndrome in the Omani population. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted at the University Hospital Center (UHC). All patients diagnosed with COVID-19 (through polymerase chain reaction PCR testing) between March 2020 and March 2022 were included. Eligible participants were interviewed through a phone call, informed about the study procedure, and invited to participate in the study. Results: The study enrolled 265 COVID-19 patients, of whom 156 (59.2%) were females and 204 (77.3%) had been vaccinated. The overall prevalence of post-COVID-19 syndrome was 48.5%. The most common symptom was fatigue (71, 26.9%), followed by joint pain (44, 16.7%). The other symptoms included loss of taste/smell (34, 12.9%), cough (32, 12.1%), palpitation (25, 9.5%), and hair loss (27, 10.2%). Unvaccinated patients showed a higher incidence of fatigue (p = 0.03) and loss of smell/taste (p = 0.01) on univariate analysis. Females were at high risk for the development of various symptoms, including fatigue, muscular pain, breathing difficulty, cough, chest pain, palpitation, headache, and hair loss. Multivariate analysis showed that female gender is a significant independent predictor (odds ratio: 3.1; p = 0.00) for the development of post-COVID-19 syndrome. Conclusions: The prevalence of post-COVID-19 syndrome among the Omani population was high, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to manage long-term symptoms in vulnerable groups. Full article

Background: Olfactory dysfunction (OD)—including anosmia and hyposmia—is a common and often persistent outcome of viral infections. This systematic review consolidates findings from structural and functional MRI studies to explore how COVID-19 SARS-CoV-2-induced smell loss alters the brain. Considerable heterogeneity was observed across studies, influenced by differences in methodology, population characteristics, imaging timelines, and OD classification. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify MRI-based studies examining COVID-19’s SARS-CoV-2 OD. Twenty-four studies were included and categorized based on imaging focus: (1) olfactory bulb (OB), (2) olfactory sulcus (OS), (3) grey and white matter changes, (4) task-based brain activation, and (5) resting-state functional connectivity. Demographic and imaging data were extracted and analyzed accordingly. Results: Structural imaging revealed consistent reductions in olfactory bulb volume (OBV) and olfactory sulcus depth (OSD), especially among individuals with OD persisting beyond three months, suggestive of inflammation and neurodegeneration in olfactory-associated regions like the orbitofrontal cortex and thalamus. Functional MRI studies showed increased connectivity in early-stage OD within regions such as the piriform and orbitofrontal cortices, possibly reflecting compensatory activity. In contrast, prolonged OD was associated with reduced activation and diminished connectivity, indicating a decline in olfactory processing capacity. Disruptions in the default mode network (DMN) and limbic areas further point to secondary cognitive and emotional effects. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) findings—such as decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) and increased mean diffusivity (MD)—highlight white matter microstructural compromise in individuals with long-term OD. Conclusions: COVID-19’s SARS-CoV-2 olfactory dysfunction is associated with a range of cerebral alterations that evolve with the duration and severity of smell loss. Persistent dysfunction correlates with greater neural damage, underscoring the need for longitudinal neuroimaging studies to better understand recovery dynamics and guide therapeutic strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Aging is one of the greatest risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). As the disease progresses, neural loss in brain regions, such as the olfactory cortex (OC), i.e., a set of areas including the mediotemporal and orbitofrontal regions, may lead to dysfunction in the sense of smell and affect other brain regions that relate to the olfactory cortex by either afferent or efferent projections. Methods: The objective of this study was to assess sex-related differences in olfactory cortex volume using magnetic resonance imaging in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, probable dementia of the AD type and in healthy older adults, using the Mini-Mental Statement Examination score, years of education, and total intracranial volume as correction factors. Results: Atrophy of the olfactory cortex was observed in patients of both sexes with probable AD dementia. However, at the MCI stage, significant volumetric loss in the OC was detected in females only but not in males. Conclusions: This finding indicates greater pathological effects in this region in females at an earlier disease stage than in males. This study suggests that OC volume loss occurs differently between the sexes in older adults, with volumetric loss being greater in females. Full article

This paper presents the optimal sizing of a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) for an isolated residential building using modified smell agent optimization (mSAO). The paper introduces a time-dependent approach that adapts the selection of the original SAO control parameters as the algorithm progresses through the optimization hyperspace. This modification addresses issues of poor convergence and suboptimal search in the original algorithm. Both the modified and standard algorithms were employed to design an HRES system comprising photovoltaic panels, wind turbines, fuel cells, batteries, and hydrogen storage, all connected via a DC-bus microgrid. The components were integrated with the microgrid using DC-DC power converters and supplied a designated load through a DC-AC inverter. Multiple operational scenarios and multi-objective criteria, including techno-economic metrics such as levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and loss of power supply probability (LPSP), were evaluated. Comparative analysis demonstrated that mSAO outperforms the standard SAO and the honey badger algorithm (HBA) used for the purpose of comparison only. Our simulation results highlighted that the PV–wind turbine–battery system achieved the best economic performance. In this case, the mSAO reduced the LPSP by approximately 38.89% and 87.50% over SAO and the HBA, respectively. Similarly, the mSAO also recorded LCOE performance superiority of 4.05% and 28.44% over SAO and the HBA, respectively. These results underscore the superiority of the mSAO in solving optimization problems. Full article

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

Background/Objectives: Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare genetic condition characterized by compromised mucociliary clearance and chronic respiratory manifestations. Anosmia, or the loss of smell, is a lesser-known but clinically relevant symptom that can significantly impact patient safety, nutritional status, and the overall quality of life. The RSPH4A (c.921+3_921+6delAAGT) founder mutation is highly prevalent among Puerto Rican individuals with PCD and may carry distinct phenotypic implications. This study aimed to evaluate olfactory function in Puerto Rican PCD patients with this mutation using the Brief Smell Identification Test (BSIT^®) and to assess associations with age and sex. Methods: We conducted a case–control study involving 30 participants, including 15 PCD patients with genetically confirmed RSPH4A mutations and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants completed the BSIT, and BSIT scores were compared by diagnosis, sex, and age. Results: PCD patients had significantly lower BSIT scores than controls (p = 0.0015). When stratified by sex, both male (p = 0.0289) and female (p = 0.0178) PCD patients demonstrated significantly lower BSIT scores compared to their respective healthy counterparts. Regression analysis showed a significant inverse correlation between age and BSIT score in the PCD group (r² = 0.2873; p = 0.0395), while no such relationship was observed in controls (r² = 0.0096; p = 0.7283). Among PCD patients, age-related decline in olfactory function was more pronounced in females (r² = 0.71; p = 0.005) than in males (r² = 0.31; p = 0.25). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the RSPH4A founder mutation is associated with measurable olfactory impairment in PCD patients, particularly in females and with advancing age. The routine assessment of olfactory function should be considered in the clinical evaluation of patients with PCD, as anosmia may represent a key phenotypic feature and contribute to disease burden. Full article

The pandemic period significantly impacted professional football, leading to mandatory SARS-CoV-2 testing and quarantine. Our study aimed to examine the factors influencing time of recovery after a positive test, including return-to-training (RTT) and return-to-first-match (RTFM) of male football players in a first-division Hungarian team between 8 May 2020 and 30 June 2022. Infection was determined using mandatory RT-PCR testing 3 times per week, which later decreased to 1 to 2 times per week, in 55 elite players. A self-administered questionnaire was utilized based on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services symptom list and modified with relevant factors of return-to-play in football. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2-positive players in the three consecutive years was 5.26; 21.43 and 45.71%. Mild symptoms were present in test-positive players, completing the questionnaire (n = 31), predominantly loss of smell and dry cough. Post-infection fatigue levels correlated with the perceived performance decline. In players with precisely documented dates (n = 18), the average RTT was 18.7 days, while the RTFM was 67.3 days. Older players returned to training faster than their younger counterparts and the RT-PCR Ct number had a weak negative correlation with RTFM. Mental support was provided by family and friends in 68% of the players. This study highlights the variability in return-to-play timelines and the role of age, symptom severity and mental help in recovery and emphasizes the need for individualized rehabilitation in elite football. Full article

The hierarchical perspective on senses has relegated smell to the lowest rank in Western culture while granting vision superiority. Studies show that olfactory impairments, like vision and hearing impairments, reduce quality of life. Our study examines the perceived value of smell in a student population in comparison to hearing and vision, hypothesizing differences based on previous loss of smell (≥2 weeks) and gender. University students were enlisted in a survey comparing smell to vision, hearing, and forfeiting the senses for various commodities (phone, EUR 10,000, hair, and social media). A total of 200 participants completed the survey, with 52 reporting previous loss of smell and 148 reporting no history of smell loss. Overall, smell was the most frequently forfeited sense. While the sacrifice of hearing and vision remained consistent across various commodities, smell was notably forfeited more for certain items. When comparing groups with and without previous loss of smell, no significant differences were observed in forfeiting the senses across various commodities, except for hair. However, it is noteworthy that smell was forfeited more often for all commodities when considering percentages. Furthermore, females exhibited a greater willingness to sacrifice their sense of smell for USD 10,000 and hair. Smell is valued the lowest among the three senses when asked directly and compared to various commodities. There were no significant differences in its perceived value between those with and without previous loss of smell. Furthermore, females tend to value their sense of smell less than males, according to the surveyed commodities. Full article

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with frustrating symptoms, particularly nasal obstruction and loss of smell. We conducted a patient survey on the significant burden of the disease, with a specific focus on conditions that affect health, sleep quality, absenteeism, and presenteeism, including the caregivers’ perspectives. Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to 4230 randomly selected recipients, and 200 matched the inclusion criteria for self-reported CRSwNPs symptoms. A total of 100 participants not matching the inclusion criteria for CRSwNPs were recruited as a control group. The study also collected the perspectives of 50 caregivers. Results: Patients with CRSwNPs experienced very bothersome symptoms, such as nasal congestion, headache, and rhinorrhoea, with a profound impact on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The patients and their caregivers showed significantly lower quality of sleep, experiencing a poor night’s sleep on average 72.1 and 51.7 days per year, respectively. Smell and taste impairments significantly impacted patients’ social and working lives, with 39.5% feeling in danger because of hyposmia and 34.5% because of limited taste. Out-of-pocket costs were up to EUR 40/month for 68.5% of patients. CRSwNPs alone was responsible for an average of 24.7 days of absenteeism and 25.1 days of presenteeism. Conclusions: Our results highlight how CRSwNPs has a negative impact on patients’ and caregivers’ HRQoL. Most bothersome and health-conditioning symptoms involve nose symptoms and poor sleep quality, resulting in patient absenteeism and presenteeism with a strong burden on cognitive and emotional functioning for both patients and their caregivers. Full article

Wood, in the form of cladding or furniture, is often placed in close proximity to heat radiant sources. This research focused on samples, which are Norway spruce (Picea abies L.), Red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.), cherry (Prunus avium), and oak (Quercus spp.). The aim of this paper was to observe the effect of the distance of the selected wood samples from the radiant heat source on the process of thermal degradation of wood. Additionally, this research aimed to identify significant effects of wood species and sample distance on this process. A hot-plate device, an electric plate heated according to a temperature–time curve, was used as the initiating source. Samples were placed directly on the plate, as well as at two different distances from the plate (12 and 32 mm). During the experiment, the temperature history on the heat-exposed side of the sample, its mass loss, and the formation of a charred layer were monitored. Additionally, the progression of thermal degradation and related effects (smell, smoldering, and charring layer) were visually observed. The highest level of degradation was observed in the spruce sample placed directly on the plate, which started to smolder after 540 s of exposure to radiant heat at 291.2 °C. Full article

Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA)/Churg–Strauss syndrome is a systemic vasculitis that often causes chronic nasal dysfunction, including anosmia, nasal obstruction, and sinusitis. Anosmia, affecting up to 20% of EGPA patients, has a significant negative impact on quality of life (QoL). The loss of smell disrupts daily activities, reduces enjoyment of food, and impairs social interactions, leading to feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. These psychosocial consequences, combined with persistent physical symptoms, contribute to a marked decline in overall well-being and are among the strongest predictors of poor QoL in EGPA patients. Early diagnosis and intervention are essential to mitigate these effects and improve patient outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach that combines pharmacological treatment, surgical options, and psychosocial support is critical to managing both the physical and emotional challenges of nasal dysfunction in EGPA. However, further research is needed to explore long-term management strategies, optimize therapeutic approaches, and better address the complex interplay between physical symptoms and QoL in EGPA patients. Full article

Rotenone, a naturally occurring compound derived from the roots of tropical plants, is used as a broad-spectrum insecticide, piscicide, and pesticide. It is a classical, high-affinity mitochondrial complex I inhibitor that causes not only oxidative stress, α-synuclein phosphorylation, DJ-1 (Parkinson’s disease protein 7) modifications, and inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system but it is also widely considered an environmental contributor to Parkinson’s disease (PD). While prodromal symptoms, such as loss of smell, constipation, sleep disorder, anxiety/depression, and the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of rotenone-treated animals, have been reported, alterations of metabolic hormones and hyperinsulinemia remain largely unknown and need to be investigated. Whether rotenone and its effect on metabolic peptides could be utilized as a biomarker for its toxic metabolic effects, which can cause long-term detrimental effects and ultimately lead to obesity, hyperinsulinemia, inflammation, and possibly gut–brain axis dysfunction, remains unclear. Here, we show that rotenone disrupts metabolic homeostasis, altering hormonal peptides and promoting infiltration of inflammatory T cells. Specifically, our results indicate a significant decrease in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), C-peptide, and amylin. Interestingly, levels of several hormonal peptides related to hyperinsulinemia, such as insulin, leptin, pancreatic peptide (PP), peptide YY (PYY), and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), were significantly upregulated. Administration of rotenone to rats also increased body weight and activated macrophages and inflammatory T cells. These data strongly suggest that rotenone disrupts metabolic homeostasis, leading to obesity and hyperinsulinemia. The potential implications of these findings are vast, given that monitoring these markers in the blood could not only provide a crucial tool for assessing the extent of exposure and its relevance to obesity and inflammation but could also open new avenues for future research and potential therapeutic strategies. Full article

Food and food safety, as one of the basic issues of human life, has made it necessary to store foods for a long time with the increasing population. One of the oldest and most common methods of extending the shelf life of food products is the drying process. The drying process contributes to the higher quality of foods in terms of physical, chemical, and microbial properties by ensuring that beneficial contents such as vitamins, minerals, and aroma compounds are better preserved. The aroma values of foods, which consist of taste and smell components, gain importance. In foods, the taste is determined by permanent components, while smell is determined by volatile components. The loss of volatile aroma compounds in the strawberry drying process negatively affects product quality. Small changes in aroma compounds can lead to significant differences in product taste. Therefore, strawberry aroma is a critical factor for consumer appeal and commercial success. In this study, the effects of drying methods on the aroma compounds of strawberry fruit were compared with Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) techniques. In this study, PSI-based MCDM techniques were used to make the most appropriate choice among strawberry drying methods. The values of 23 distinct aroma compounds obtained with different drying methods applied to strawberry fruit were analyzed with 7 different MCDM techniques. The calculations gave similar results and these results were combined with the Borda rule. Accordingly, the drying methods with the highest scores were determined as freeze drying. Full article

Background/Aim: Loss of smell, also known as anosmia, is a prevalent and often prolonged symptom following infection with SARS-CoV-2. While many patients regain olfactory function within weeks, a significant portion experience persistent anosmia lasting over a year post-infection. The underlying mechanisms responsible for this sensory deficit remain largely uncharacterized. Previous studies, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), have identified genetic variants near the UGT2A1 and UGT2A2 genes that are linked to anosmia in COVID-19 patients. However, the role of epigenetic changes in the development and persistence of smell loss has not been well explored. In this study, we aimed to investigate epigenetic alterations in the form of DNA methylation in the UGT1A1 gene, which is a locus associated with olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 patients. Methods: We analysed DNA methylation patterns in blood samples from two carefully matched cohorts of 20 COVID-19 patients each, which are differentiated by their olfactory function—those with normal smell (normosmia) and those suffering from smell loss (anosmia). The cohorts were matched for age and sex to minimize potential confounding factors. Results: Using quantitative analysis, we found significantly lower levels of DNA methylation in the UGT1A1 locus in the anosmia group compared to the normosmia group, with a 14% decrease in median methylation values in patients with smell loss (p < 0.0001). These findings highlight potential epigenomic alterations in the UGT1A1 gene that may contribute to the pathogenesis of anosmia following COVID-19 infection. Our results suggest that the methylation status at this locus could serve as a biomarker for olfactory dysfunction in affected individuals. Conclusion: This study is among the first to describe epigenetic changes associated with smell loss in COVID-19, providing a foundation for future research into targeted interventions and potential therapeutic strategies aimed at reversing persistent anosmia. Further investigations involving larger cohorts and additional loci may help elucidate the complex interaction between genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors influencing long-term sensory impairment post-COVID-19. Full article

This study explores the influence of algal incorporation on the sensory and physicochemical attributes of caseless sausage—ćevap (CSC). Various algae, including Chlorella vulgaris, Himanthalia elongata (sea spaghetti), and Undaria pinnatifida (wakame), were added at different concentrations to standard CSC formulations. Proximate analysis revealed that the addition of algae did not significantly change crude protein and fat content (p > 0.05). Furthermore, sea spaghetti and wakame resulted in lower moisture levels and decreased cooking loss, while all algae varieties raised the salt content (p < 0.05) due to their inherent sodium levels. Texture analysis demonstrated that the inclusion of sea spaghetti and Chlorella led to reductions in hardness and chewiness, while wakame resulted in a firmer texture, highlighting its substantial impact on textural attributes. Color measurements indicated that wakame significantly affected the color profile (p < 0.05), resulting in decreased lightness and increased darkness in the sausage, surpassing the effects of other algae. Sensory evaluations showed that formulations containing wakame received the lowest scores for color, smell, taste and overall acceptability—up to 1.5 points lower compared to the control samples. On the other hand, some formulations with other algae showed promising small deviations from the control. Overall, this research supports the viability of using algae as functional ingredients in meat products, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate type and concentration of algae to optimize both physicochemical parameters and sensory qualities in caseless sausages. Full article