Survey of arsenic content in edible seaweeds and their health risk assessment.

Since humans are especially sensitive to arsenic exposure, predominantly through diet, a strict control of the most widely consumed seaweeds is mandatory. Total arsenic contents and arsenic species in twenty-five different seaweeds from five different origins were studied. Seaweeds selected, included Phaeophyta (brown seaweed), Chlorophyta (green seaweed) and Rhodophyta (red seaweed) genera. The highest arsenic content appears in the Phaeophyta seaweed in the range from 11 to 162 mg kg-1 dried weight. Arsenosugars were found to be the predominant species of arsenic in most seaweeds, being up to 99.7% of total arsenic in some samples. The arsenic dietary intakes for seaweeds studied were assessed and the Target Hazard Quotients (THQ) and the Target Cancer Risk (TCR) were calculated, taking into account inorganic arsenic contents (iAs). iAs species in seaweeds showed low risk of arsenic intake except for Hizikia fusiforme samples.

Predictive Ability of Serum Amino Acid Levels to Differentiate Fibromyalgia Patients from Healthy Subjects.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a complex illness to diagnose and treat. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a broad range of circulating free amino acid (AA) levels in fibromyalgia patients as well as the ability of the AAs to differentiate fibromyalgia patients from healthy subjects. DESIGN: We carried out a case-control study to evaluate AA levels in 62 patients with fibromyalgia and 78 healthy subjects. This study adheres to the STROBE guidelines. METHODS: AAs content was assayed by HPLC in serum samples. The predictive value of AA levels in fibromyalgia was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and forward binary logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Fibromyalgia patients showed higher serum levels of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, aminoadipic acid, asparagine, histidine, 3-methyl-histidine, 5-methyl-histidine, glycine, threonine, taurine, tyrosine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, leucine, ornithine, lysine, branched chain AAs (BCAAs), large neutral AAs, essential AAs (EAAs), non-essential AAs (NEAAs), basic AAs, EAAs/NEAAs ratio, phenylalanine/tyrosine ratio, and global arginine bioavailability ratio than the controls. Serum alanine levels were lower in patients than in controls. According to ROC analysis, most of these AAs may be good markers for differentiating individuals with fibromyalgia from healthy subjects. Results of logistic regression showed that the combination of glutamic acid, histidine, and alanine had the greatest predictive ability to diagnose fibromyalgia. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show an imbalance in serum levels of most AAs in patients with fibromyalgia, which suggest a metabolic disturbance. The determination of serum levels of these AAs may aid in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, in combination with clinical data of the patient.

Antimony in Polyethylene Terephthalate-Bottled Beverages: The Migration Puzzle.

A novel strategy to assess the main variables that potentially affect the migration of antimony from PET bottles to beverages, including mineral waters and juices, is herein proposed. In a preliminary step, an LC-ICP-MS method previously used for water analysis was optimized to correct identify Sb species present in the studied matrices using HRMS. Subsequently, the influence of temperature and storage time up to 30 days on Sb migration from PET bottles into peach and pineapple juices of the same brand was studied. Storing PET bottled drinks at elevated temperatures (i.e., in a hot car or in summer) can cause antimony migration to exceed the limits allowed in the EU or USA. Because the behavior observed differed from the results reported for Sb migration in mineral waters, a second approach was proposed: three mineral water and two juice samples were kept in different PET containers and stored at an elevated temperature (up to 60 °C) to understand the role of the PET type and matrix simultaneously. This study demonstrated that both matrix characteristics and type of PET bottle greatly influence antimony leaching, highlighting the need to consider these variables together when conducting migration experiments. The obtained results can be helpful for developing future legislation concerning migration of pollutants from packing to food commodities.

Different Patterns of Response in Hypersensitivity Reactions to Arylpropionic Acid Derivatives.

BACKGROUND: Ibuprofen and other arylpropionic acid derivatives (APs) are among the most consumed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs worldwide at all age ranges; however, little is known about drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) they induce. OBJECTIVE: To characterize in detail patients reporting DHRs to APs. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated patients with symptoms suggestive of AP-DHRs and analyzed their clinical characteristics, reported reactions, and diagnostic approaches. RESULTS: Six hundred sixty-two patients confirmed as hypersensitive to APs were included: 489 with cross-reactive reactions (CRs) (73.86%) and 173 with selective reactions (SRs) (26.13%). The percentage of subjects reporting reactions to ibuprofen and dexketoprofen was higher in CRs (P = .005 and P = .01, respectively), whereas naproxen and ketoprofen were more frequently involved in SRs (P = .0002 and P = .00001, respectively). The most frequent symptoms induced by ibuprofen, dexketoprofen, and naproxen were isolated angioedema and urticaria, combined or not with angioedema in both CRs and SRs. The result of nasal provocation test with lysine acetylsalicylate was positive in 156 cases (77.14% in patients showing exclusively respiratory symptoms, and in 68.18% of those with both cutaneous and respiratory involvement). To confirm diagnosis, drug provocation test with acetylsalicylic acid was required in 246 CR patients (50.3%), whereas in 28 SR patients (16.18%) drug provocation test with the culprit AP was required. CONCLUSIONS: Skin is the organ most commonly involved in AP-DHRs, with ibuprofen and dexketoprofen inducing most frequently CRs, and naproxen and ketoprofen SRs. More studies are necessary to clarify the underlying mechanism in DHRs induced by APs.

Pneumolysin as a target for new therapies against pneumococcal infections: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review evaluates pneumolysin (PLY) as a target for new treatments against pneumococcal infections. Pneumolysin is one of the main virulence factors produced by all types of pneumococci. This toxin (53 kDa) is a highly conserved protein that binds to cholesterol in eukaryotic cells, forming pores that lead to cell destruction. METHODS: The databases consulted were MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Articles were independently screened by title, abstract, and full text by two researchers, and using consensus to resolve any disagreements that occurred. Articles in other languages different from English, patents, cases report, notes, chapter books and reviews were excluded. Searches were restricted to the years 2000 to 2021. Methodological quality was evaluated using OHAT framework. RESULTS: Forty-one articles describing the effects of different molecules that inhibit PLY were reviewed. Briefly, the inhibitory molecules found were classified into three main groups: those exerting a direct effect by binding and/or blocking PLY, those acting indirectly by preventing its effects on host cells, and those whose mechanisms are unknown. Although many molecules are proposed as toxin blockers, only some of them, such as antibiotics, peptides, sterols, and statins, have the probability of being implemented as clinical treatment. In contrast, for other molecules, there are limited studies that demonstrate efficacy in animal models with sufficient reliability. DISCUSSION: Most of the studies reviewed has a good level of confidence. However, one of the limitations of this systematic review is the lack of homogeneity of the studies, what prevented to carry out a statistical comparison of the results or meta-analysis. CONCLUSION: A panel of molecules blocking PLY activity are associated with the improvement of the inflammatory process triggered by the pneumococcal infection. Some molecules have already been used in humans for other purposes, so they could be safe for use in patients with pneumococcal infections. These patients might benefit from a second line treatment during the initial stages of the infection preventing acute respiratory distress syndrome and invasive pneumococcal diseases. Additional research using the presented set of compounds might further improve the clinical management of these patients.

Genetic profile in patients with complicated acute aortic syndrome: the GEN-AOR study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Genetic testing is becoming increasingly important for diagnosis and personalized treatments in aortopathies. Here, we aimed to genetically diagnose a group of acute aortic syndrome (AAS) patients consecutively admitted to an intensive care unit and to explore the clinical usefulness of AAS-associated variants during treatment decision-making and family traceability. METHODS: We applied targeted next-generation sequencing, covering 42 aortic diseases genes in AAS patients with no signs consistent with syndromic conditions. Detected variants were segregated by Sanger sequencing in available family members. Demographic features, risk factors and clinical symptoms were statistically analyzed by Fisher or Fisher-Freeman-Halton Exact tests, to assess their relationship with genetic results. RESULTS: Analysis of next-generation sequencing data in 73 AAS patients led to the detection of 34 heterozygous candidate variants in 14 different genes in 32 patients. Family screening was performed in 31 relatives belonging to 9 families. We found 13 relatives harboring the family variant, of which 10 showed a genotype compatible with the occurrence of AAS. Statistical tests revealed that the factors associated with a positive genetic diagnosis were the absence of hypertension, lower age, family history of AAS and absence of pain. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings broaden the spectrum of the genetic background for AAS. In addition, both index patients and studied relatives benefited from the results obtained, establishing the most appropriate level of surveillance for each group. Finally, this strategy could be reinforced by the use of stastistically significant clinical features as a predictive tool for the hereditary character of AAS. CLINICALTRIALS: gov (Identifier: NCT04751058).

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, and Clinical Manifestations in Women With Fibromyalgia.

BACKGROUND: Fibromyalgia is a complex illness to diagnose and treat, which significantly impairs patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVES: The study aims were to compare levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide and vascular endothelial growth factor between patients with fibromyalgia and healthy controls and to examine their relationship with the main clinical manifestations of fibromyalgia. METHODS: This case-control study included 42 women diagnosed with fibromyalgia and 22 healthy women. Serum calcitonin gene-related peptide and vascular endothelial growth factor levels were spectrophotometrically analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical manifestations were assessed by means of self-administered questionnaires, including functional capacity in daily living activities, musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, anxiety, and sleep quality. The predictive value of these parameters in fibromyalgia was determined by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. RESULTS: Serum calcitonin gene-related peptide levels significantly increased in the fibromyalgia group in comparison to the control group. However, there were no significant differences in vascular endothelial growth factor levels between patients and controls. No significant correlations were found between calcitonin gene-related peptide and vascular endothelial growth factor and the symptoms analyzed. DISCUSSION: Serum calcitonin gene-related peptide levels were dysregulated in women with fibromyalgia and may be a reliable parameter to help diagnose this complex syndrome.

Sensitisation to Pollen Allergens in Children and Adolescents of Different Ancestry Born and Living in the Same Area.

Background: Allergy can start at early ages, with genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development. Aim: The study aimed to describe the pattern of sensitisation and allergy in children and adolescents of Spanish versus Moroccan ancestry but born in the same rural area of Spain. Methods: Participants were children and adolescents (3-19 years) of Spanish or Moroccan descent, born in Blanca, Murcia (Spain). A detailed questionnaire was completed, and skin prick tests were performed to assess reactions to the most prevalent pollen allergens (O. europaea, P. pratense, S. kali, C. arizonica, P. acerifolia, A. vulgaris and P. judaica) plus molecular components Ole e 1 and Ole e 7. The association with ancestry was verified by studying participants' parents. Results: The study included 693 participants: 48% were aged 3-9 years and 52%, 10-19 years; 80% were of Spanish descent and 20% of Moroccan descent. Sensitisation to Olea europaea, Phleum pratense, Salsola kali and Cupressus arizonica were slightly higher in the Spanish group. The only significant differences were observed in sensitisation to Ole e 1 (p=0.02). Rhinitis, conjunctivitis, and rhinitis plus asthma were significantly higher in the Spanish group (p=0.03, p=0.02, p=0.007, respectively). The sensitisation pattern differed between Spanish and Moroccan parents, and between Moroccan parents and their children, but not between Spanish parents and their children. Conclusion: Both environment and ancestry may influence sensitisation and symptoms. Although the environment seems to have a stronger influence, other factors may contribute to the differences in prevalence and in the clinical entities in people of Spanish versus Moroccan descent.

Arsenosugar extracted from algae: Isolation by anionic exchange solid-phase extraction.

Obtaining reliable speciation data for evaluating dietary exposure, and increasing understanding of arsenic biochemistry in algae, are hindered by the availability of suitable standards of arsenosugars, the major species in these types of samples. Moreover, chemical syntheses of such compounds have been reported to be complex and tedious. The aim of this work was to investigate the feasibility of the anionic exchange SPE cartridges (SAX and WAX) as an easy and quick alternative for the isolation and preconcentration of arsenosugars. Two commercial silica-based SPE cartridges strong anion exchange sorbent (DSC-SAX) and weak anion exchange sorbent (DSC-NH2) were compared for the SPE of three arsenosugars (PO4-Sug, SO3-Sug and SO4-Sug). The effect of pH, ionic strength, type of salt and elution solvent on the elution protocols of these arsenosugars are studied. Eluted solutions from SPE were analyzed by ICP-MS for total arsenic content and IC-ICP-MS for the study of arsenic speciation. The developed SPE procedure allows to obtain a solution containing the three arsenosugars isolated from other arsenic species with recoveries over 75% for SO3-Sug and SO4-Sug, whereas for PO4-Sug were around 45%.

Cadmium and copper mixture effects on immunological response and susceptibility to Vibrio harveyi in white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.

Cadmium (Cd2+) and copper (Cu2+) are considered immunotoxic metals and their presence in combination in the aquatic environment may cause effects on shrimp species as Litopenaeus vannamei. Thus, this research evaluates the combined effects of Cd2+ and Cu2+ on shrimp inoculated with Vibrio harveyi bacteria. The experiments were performed at 96-h of exposure to sublethal concentrations of both metals. No mortality was observed in organisms exposed to the sum of Criterion of Continuous Concentration (ΣCCC) in Cd + Cu mixture and those inoculated with V. harveyi. Higher clotting times were recorded in Cd + Cu + V. harveyi treatment at higher metal concentrations. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were recorded in hemocyanin content between shrimp exposed to metals and those experimentally infected. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) total hemocyte count (THC) was recorded at 96 h exposure in the ΣCCC and 10% treatments of Cd + Cu + V. harveyi experiment. Regarding Cd + Cu + V. harveyi bioassay, the highest phenoloxidase (PO) activity was recorded in shrimp inoculated with V. harveyi (0.326 ± 0.031 PO units/mg protein) at 96-h exposure. The lowest PO activity was observed in organisms exposed to Cd + Cu + V. harveyi. Regarding superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, shrimp exposed to higher metal concentrations at 96 h showed the lowest hemolymph activity (6.03 ± 0.62 SOD units/mL). Protein decrease was observed in organisms exposed to metal mixture. The results showed that L. vannamei could be more susceptible to V. harveyi when exposed to Cd + Cu.

Influence of irrigation methods on arsenic speciation in rice grain.

Although the bioaccumulation of arsenic (As) in rice grains is a global health issue, its speciation is not less worrying. Despite the ascertained effectiveness of the intermittent irrigation methods in minimizing the amount of total As in rice, knowledge of its influence on the As speciation has been insufficient so far. Hence, this contribution was aimed to measure the concentrations of As(III), As(V), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), and monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) in grains from twenty-six different rice genotypes irrigated either with continuous flooding (CF), periodic saturation (SA) or sprinkler irrigation (SP). In CF-irrigated rice, As(III) and DMA prevailed in roughly equal amounts, only As(III) was found in SA-irrigated rice, whereas As(V) was largely predominant on As(III) in SP-irrigated rice. Organoarsenic species were below the limits of detection (LoD) in rice irrigated by intermittent methods. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained the influence of the irrigation method on the total amount of As, its chemical species, and their correlation. Furthermore, PCA showed also significant differences in As speciation as a function of the rice genotype, whereas no differences were found among Indica and Japonica subspecies.

Comparison of the Results of a Parkinson's Holter Monitor With Patient Diaries, in Real Conditions of Use: A Sub-analysis of the MoMoPa-EC Clinical Trial.

Background: For specialists in charge of Parkinson's disease (PD), one of the most time-consuming tasks of the consultations is the assessment of symptoms and motor fluctuations. This task is complex and is usually based on the information provided by the patients themselves, which in most cases is complex and biased. In recent times, different tools have appeared on the market that allow automatic ambulatory monitoring. The MoMoPa-EC clinical trial (NCT04176302) investigates the effect of one of these tools-Sense4Care's STAT-ON-can have on routine clinical practice. In this sub-analysis the agreement between the Hauser diaries and the STAT-ON sensor is analyzed. Methods: Eighty four patients from MoMoPa-EC cohort were included in this sub-analysis. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated between the patient diary entries and the sensor data. Results: The intraclass correlation coefficient of both methods was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.3-0.73) for the OFF time (%), 0.48 (95% CI: 0.17-0.68) for the time in ON (%), and 0.65 (95% CI%: 0.44-0.78) for the time with dyskinesias (%). Furthermore, the Spearman correlations with the UPDRS scale have been analyzed for different parameters of the two methods. The maximum correlation found was -0.63 (p < 0.001) between Mean Fluidity (one of the variables offered by the STAT-dON) and factor 1 of the UPDRS. Conclusion: This sub-analysis shows a moderate concordance between the two tools, it is clearly appreciated that the correlation between the different UPDRS indices is better with the STAT-ON than with the Hauser diary. Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT04176302 (NCT04176302).

Data Fusion Approaches for the Characterization of Musts and Wines Based on Biogenic Amine and Elemental Composition.

Samples from various winemaking stages of the production of sparkling wines using different grape varieties were characterized based on the profile of biogenic amines (BAs) and the elemental composition. Liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) combined with precolumn derivatization with dansyl chloride was used to quantify BAs, while inductively coupled plasma (ICP) techniques were applied to determine a wide range of elements. Musts, base wines, and sparkling wines were analyzed accordingly, and the resulting data were subjected to further chemometric studies to try to extract information on oenological practices, product quality, and varieties. Although good descriptive models were obtained when considering each type of data separately, the performance of data fusion approaches was assessed as well. In this regard, low-level and mid-level approaches were evaluated, and from the results, it was concluded that more comprehensive models can be obtained when joining data of different natures.

Chemical Recycling of Polystyrene to Valuable Chemicals via Selective Acid-Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation under Visible Light.

Chemical recycling is one of the most promising technologies that could contribute to circular economy targets by providing solutions to plastic waste; however, it is still at an early stage of development. In this work, we describe the first light-driven, acid-catalyzed protocol for chemical recycling of polystyrene waste to valuable chemicals under 1 bar of O2. Requiring no photosensitizers and only mild reaction conditions, the protocol is operationally simple and has also been demonstrated in a flow system. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) investigations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that singlet oxygen is involved as the reactive oxygen species in this degradation process, which abstracts a hydrogen atom from a tertiary C-H bond, leading to hydroperoxidation and subsequent C-C bond cracking events via a radical process. Notably, our study indicates that an adduct of polystyrene and an acid catalyst might be formed in situ, which could act as a photosensitizer to initiate the formation of singlet oxygen. In addition, the oxidized polystyrene polymer may play a role in the production of singlet oxygen under light.

Key capabilities for frugal innovation in developed economies: insights into the current transition towards sustainability.

Frugal innovation has become a requirement for success in resource-scarce environments, a situation that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated. In this context, the literature has developed several frugal innovation approaches for promoting sustainability, but there is no a widely accepted theory nor a predominant paradigm given the incipient and relatively new nature of a research domain that requires further studies. There is also a high potential for under-exploited markets, represented by low-income consumers who no longer concentrate on developing countries and where there is a cumulative number of consumers with minimal spending capacity, rising income distribution inequality, and the increasing polarization of wealth and risk of poverty. This paper contributes to the literature by examining from a Resource-Based View perspective, the critical role of two key organizational capabilities, namely market-focused learning and organizational ambidexterity, to develop firms' innovation capability in low-end markets due to the unique characteristics of these markets. In doing so, the study employs partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with a sample of 190 manufacturing firms to provide empirical support to our theoretical predictions that establish that: (1) market-focused learning capability drives organizational ambidexterity, (2) market-focused learning capability and organizational ambidexterity foster organizational innovation capability, which, ultimately, affects cash flow, and (3) market-focused learning capability has a stronger effect on organizational innovation capability in low-end markets. Contrary to our expectations, organizational ambidexterity has a stronger impact on organizational innovation capability in non-low-end markets, considering that this is the first step to shed light on this issue.

Assessment and validation of ICP-MS and IC-ICP-MS methods for the determination of total, extracted and speciated arsenic. Application to samples from a soil-rice system at varying the irrigation method.

Food is the major route of arsenic (As) intake for humans, and rice is the staple food for more than half of the world's population. Unfortunately, rice bioaccumulates large amounts of As from the paddy field, and the toxicity of this element in the kernel is closely linked to its chemical form. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to have access to an integrated set of analytical methods, capable of measuring the concentration of As in its various chemical forms in soil and rice. Hence, the principal aim of this study was to assess and validate a group of inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and IC-ICP-MS (IC, Ionic Chromatography) methods designed to measure the amount of the total or extracted As and its main chemical species (As(III), As(V), monomethylarsonic acid, MMA, and dimethylarsinic acid, DMA) in flours of rice grain and in soils. Great attention has been given to the assessment and the optimization of extraction methods of As species from these matrices. No appreciable interconversion among As species has been observed using an aqueous solution 1 mol dm-3 of phosphoric acid and 0.5 mol dm-3 of L (+)-ascorbic acid for the extraction from soils, and an aqueous solution 0.2% (w/v) of nitric acid for the extraction from rice flour. Validation has been successfully accomplished in terms of limit of detection, limit of quantification, linearity and accuracy. In addition to many certified reference materials, these methods have been tested on real samples of soils and rice grains of the Aleramo genotype obtained through traditional or intermittent irrigation methods. Data obtained revealed the critical role of the intermittent irrigation methods in determining the nature and the amount of the As chemical species in rice grains as well as in soils. As(V) is the only species found in soil irrigated by sprinkling, while the most toxic As(III) dominates in soil irrigated by continuous flooding. On the other hand, the most abundant species found in continuously flooded Aleramo rice grains are As(III) and - mostly - DMA, whereas As(V), less toxic than As(III), represents 60% of the total inorganic compounds measured in sprinkler-irrigated rice. Lastly, the total amount of As measured in this rice is 3.8% of that measured in rice irrigated by continuous flooding.

Skin Testing With Peach Peel Extract Versus Serum IgE to Pru p 3 as a Stronger Predictor of Peach-Induced Anaphylaxis.

The most important peach fruit allergen is Pru p 3, followed by Pru p 1, Pru p 4, and Pru p 7. We aimed to assess their role in subjects with peach fruit-induced allergy (anaphylaxis and OAS) and compare skin prick tests (SPT) vs. specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) for predicting anaphylaxis. We also selected a control group. SPT included prevalent inhalant and plant food allergens plus peach peel extract. The sIgE to Pru p 1, Pru p 3, Pru p 4, and Pru p 7 were quantified. Compared with controls (n = 42), cases (n = 41) were younger (P = 0.003), more frequently female (P < 0.05) and had higher SPT positivity to peach peel (44% vs. 2.4%, P < 0.0001). There were significant differences in sensitization to several pollens: Olea europaea, Artemisia vulgaris, Prunus persica, Platanus acerifolia (all P < 0.001); and fruits: apple (P < 0.04), peanut (P < 0.002), tomato (P < 0.005), and melon (P < 0.05). Pru p 3 sIgE was detected in 61% of all cases (85% anaphylaxis and 38% OAS; P < 0.01 each) and 5% of controls (P < 0.001). Pru p 4 sIgE was present in 19% of cases and 7% of controls. The sIgE to Pru p 1 and Pru p 7 were not found. The odds ratio to predict anaphylaxis for peach peel SPT was 113 (confidence interval [CI], 20-613; P < 0.0001); for sIgE to Pru p 3, 22 (CI, 5.3-93; P < 0.0001); and for SPT positivity to selected plant food allergens, 5 (CI, 1-19; P < 0.05). In our study group, SPT with peel peach extract was a better predictor of anaphylaxis than Pru p 3 sIgE or other variables considered. The role of sIgE to Pru p 1, Pru p 4, and Pru p 7 seemed negligible.

Fast 1H-NMR Species Differentiation Method for Camellia Seed Oils Applied to Spanish Ornamentals Plants. Comparison with Traditional Gas Chromatography.

Camellia genus (Theaceae) is comprised of world famous ornamental flowering plants. C. japonica L. and C. sasanqua Thunb are the most cultivated species due to their good adaptation. The commercial interest in this plant linked to its seed oil increased in the last few years due to its health attributes, which significantly depend on different aspects such as species and environmental conditions. Therefore, it is essential to develop fast and reliable methods to distinguish between different varieties and ensure the quality of Camellia seed oils. The present work explores the study of Camellia seed oils by species and location. Two standardized gas chromatography methods were applied and compared with that of data obtained from proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) for fatty acids profiling. The principal component analysis indicated that the proposed 1H-NMR methodology can be quickly and reliably applied to separate specific Camellia species, which could be extended to other species in future works.

Intersection of Data Science and Smart Destinations: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review adopts a formal and structured approach to review the intersection of data science and smart tourism destinations in terms of components found in previous research. The study period corresponds to 1995-2021 focusing the analysis mainly on the last years (2015-2021), identifying and characterizing the current trends on this research topic. The review comprises documentary research based on bibliometric and conceptual analysis, using the VOSviewer and SciMAT software to analyze articles from the Web of Science database. There is growing interest in this research topic, with more than 300 articles published annually. Data science technologies on which current smart destinations research is based include big data, smart data, data analytics, social media, cloud computing, the internet of things (IoT), smart card data, geographic information system (GIS) technologies, open data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Critical research areas for data science techniques and technologies in smart destinations are public tourism marketing, mobility-accessibility, and sustainability. Data analysis techniques and technologies face unprecedented challenges and opportunities post-coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) to build on the huge amount of data and a new tourism model that is more sustainable, smarter, and safer than those previously implemented.

Subjects develop tolerance to Pru p 3 but respiratory allergy to Pru p 9: A large study group from a peach exposed population.

Peach tree allergens are present in fruit, pollen, branches, and leaves, and can induce systemic, respiratory, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal symptoms. We studied the capacity of peach fruit/Pru p 1, Pru p 3, Pru p 4, Pru p 7 and peach pollen/Pru p 9 for inducing symptoms following oral or respiratory exposure in a large group of subjects. We included 716 adults (aged 21 to 83 y.o.) exposed to peach tree pollen and fruit intake in the study population. Participants completed a questionnaire and were skin tested with a panel of inhalant and food allergens, including peach tree pollen, Pru p 9 and peach fruit skin extract. Immunoglobulin E antibodies (SIgE) to Pru p 1, Pru p 3, Pru p 4 and Pru p 7 were quantified. Sensitised subjects underwent oral food challenge with peach fruit and nasal provocation test with peach tree pollen and Pru p 9. The prevalence of sensitisation to peach fruit was 5% and most of these had SIgE to Pru p 3, with a very low proportion to Pru p 4 SIgE and no SIgE to Pru p 1 and Pru p 7. In only 1.8%, anaphylaxis was the clinical entity induced. Cases with positive skin tests to peach and SIgE to Pru p 3 presented a good tolerance after oral challenge with peach fruit. The prevalence of skin sensitisation to peach tree pollen was 22%, with almost half recognising Pru p 9. This induced respiratory symptoms in those evaluated by nasal provocation. In a large population group exposed to peach fruit and peach tree pollen, most individuals were tolerant, even in those with SIgE to Pru p 3. A positive response to Pru p 9 was associated with respiratory allergy.