Science Association Research Articles

The Prebiotic Diet: Other Dietary Molecules Implicated in Gut Microbiota Health

In 2016, the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) provided a new definition of a prebiotic as “a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit” [...]

GRUR Taskforce IGC: The WIPO Draft International Legal Instrument Relating to Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge Associated with Genetic Resources – Overview and Analysis

Abstract The German Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (Deutsche Vereinigung für gewerblichen Rechtsschutz und Urheberrecht e.V., or GRUR) is a non-profit scientific association of professional groups and organisations working in the field of industrial property and copyright. Its members include, in particular, academics, judges, lawyers, patent attorneys and representatives of associations and private companies. The GRUR Taskforce IGC has been observing the negotiations of the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore since 2022. This opinion summarises the results of the discussions of the GRUR Taskforce IGC on the WIPO negotiations on a convention on the protection of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge and on the draft text of a convention.

An Update on Prebiotics and on Their Health Effects

Prebiotic compounds were originally defined as “a nondigestible food ingredient that beneficially affects the host by selectively stimulating the growth and/or activity of one or a limited number of bacteria in the colon, and thus improves host health”; however, a significant modulation of the definition was carried out in the consensus panel of The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), and the last definition states that “prebiotics are substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit”. Health effects of prebiotics compounds attracted the interest of researchers, food companies and Regulatory Agencies, as inferred by the number of articles on Scopus for the keywords “prebiotic” and “health effects”, that is ca. 2000, for the period January 2021–January 2024. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to contribute to the debate on these topics by offering an overview of existing knowledge and advances in this field. A literature search was performed for the period 2012–2023 and after the selection of the most relevant items, the attention was focused on seven conditions for which at least 8–10 different studies were found, namely colorectal cancer, neurological or psychiatric conditions, intestinal diseases, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and immune system disorders. In addition, the analysis of the most recent articles through the software VosViewer version 1.6.20 pointed out the existence of five clusters or macro-categories, namely: (i) pathologies; (ii) metabolic condvitions; (iii) structure and use in food; (iv) immunomodulation; (v) effect on gut microbiota.

Frequently asked questions about the ISAPP postbiotic definition.

The term postbiotic was defined by the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP) as "a preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host." Although the ISAPP definition is widely cited, some concerns were aired after publication, and alternative definitions of postbiotic, as well as different terms for inactivated microbes, have been previously suggested. This paper addresses questions about the ISAPP definition that have been raised in different forums, including scientific meetings, social media commentary and personal communications. We focus on the rationale, scope, wording, composition and commercial implementation, as well as what is expected of postbiotics regarding safety, efficacy, quantification and mechanisms of action. We hope that exploring these questions will further clarify the definition and its scope and support a common understanding of the concept of postbiotics.

Psychotherapeutic nursing as Advanced Clinical Practice for the promotion of mental health in Spain.

To contribute to the recognition of psychotherapeutic nursing (PTN) as a regulated advanced clinical practice (ACP) in Spain, as is the case in other countries. Nurses are continually evolving to improve overall health outcomes. PTN has become a reality, with several authors describing it as an ACP. In Spain, psychotherapy is not officially regulated, which has led to a significant number of psychiatric nurses adopting an important ACP in this area without recognition. Evidence confirms that PTN possesses the attributes necessary to be considered an ACP. Nurses, like psychotherapists, independently address the complex needs of individuals and families within the context of therapeutic relationships, and there is a pressing need to advance formal processes of regulation and certification. PTN has evolved at different rates depending on local initiatives, policies and various professional interests. In Spain, it is crucial to evaluate its outcomes, recognise it as an ACP and develop training plans for its regulation and accreditation. Mental health nurses in Spain have a strong interest in PTN being recognised as an ACP. To this end, they should join forces with other partners, scientific associations and international bodies such as the International Council of Nurses (ICN) to make PTN an internationally recognised ACP. Psychotherapeutic nurses could contribute to improving mental health outcomes, client satisfaction and health system efficiency, and their formal recognition is an opportunity to enhance their professional identity, competence and autonomy. Nursing policy needs to be reoriented towards strengthening psychotherapy as an ACP. Synergies and alliances between international nursing associations and the ICN can promote its development and implementation, while research, education and leadership are essential to achieving official regulation and accreditation.

A contribution to preservation of salt-laden construction materials: An effective, eco-friendly and inexpensive system of renovation plasters

Prolongation of construction service-life is a crucial way of reducing maintenance costs and carbon footprint related to civil engineering industry. Salinity and dampness are recognized as the main factors affecting porous materials stability. Hence, it is essential to provide effective and easily accessible measures against them. The main goal of the presented manuscript is to satisfy this need by proposing a complex system of renovation plasters, which combines cost effectiveness with high quality. Five renders’ compositions, i.e., one base and four top plasters are designed and extensively studied. Apart from tests required by Association of Science and Technology of Building Maintenance and Monuments Preservation (ger. Wissenschaftlich-Technische Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Bauwerkserhaltung und Denkmalpflege, WTA), the experimental analysis also includes testing of resistance to corrosion factors, such as UV-aging, or cyclic frost action among others. The presented results confirm that the designed materials meet WTA requirements, but also maintain their properties for a long period of time. Since the proposed plasters consist solely of widely available and cheap components, the final price of a ready-to-use render is reduced by 90 % comparing to commercial mortars available in the market. Additionally, the life cycle analysis (LCA) proves that the proposed materials are eco-friendly solutions in comparison to conventional plasters.

АКТУАЛЬНЫЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ ОБРАЗОВАТЕЛЬНОГО СОТРУДНИЧЕСТВА НА ПОСТСОВЕТСКОМ ПРОСТРАНСТВЕ (ПО МАТЕРИАЛАМ ФОРУМА РЕКТОРОВ ГУМАНИТАРНЫХ УНИВЕРСИТЕТОВ И ДЕКАНОВ ГУМАНИТАРНЫХ ФАКУЛЬТЕТОВ ГОСУДАРСТВ-УЧАСТНИКОВ СНГ-2020)

On December 4, 2020, on the initiative of the Russian State University for the Humanities, the Russian Society of Historians and Archivists, and with the support of the Russian Peace Foundation, the Forum of Rectors of Humanities Universities and Deans of Humanities Faculties of the CIS Member States was held, which commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Commonwealth’s establishment. In 2022, the Forum resulted in the publication of the collection “Integration Processes in the CIS. Results and Prospects of 30 Years of Development”. Based on the materials of that publication, the author of the article tries to identify the main directions and issues of educational integration in the post-Soviet region. According to the author, there are 6 such directions and problematic fields: creation of scientific and educational associations, stimulation of cooperation between organizations of higher professional education, introduction of digital technologies in the sphere of education, development of the so-called “full cycle” of education and upbringing of university students and young scientists, maintenance of the key role and status of the Russian language in the system of regional humanitarian cooperation, modernization of the legal base of humanitarian cooperation. The author states that currently, among the post-Soviet organizations, the Commonwealth of Independent States is the center of the most productive cooperation in the humanitarian sphere in general and in the field of science and education, in particular. However, a more effective interaction in those areas would be facilitated by pairing the format of the Commonwealth with Eurasian organizations, primarily the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Eurasian Economic Union.

Metformin and vitamin B12 deficiency: What is the evidence?

The widespread adoption of metformin as a primary therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes has prompted inquiries into its potential impact on vitamin B 12 (cobalamin) levels and subsequent deficiency. This study aimed to elucidate this complex relationship and enhance the care provided to patients undergoing metformin treatment. A comprehensive search of meta-analyses , systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials and guidelines published between January 2010 and September 2021 was conducted. MeSH terms 'metformin' and 'vitamin B 12 ,' along with corresponding DeCS terms, guided the search. Varied recommendations from different scientific associations underscore the need for regular monitoring of vitamin B 12 levels in patients undergoing long-term metformin therapy. Different durations of metformin exposure, spanning from 6 weeks to 48 months, were associated with decreased vitamin B 12 concentrations. Observed decreases in B 12 concentrations ranged from 7.7 to 65.8 pmol/L, with percentage reductions ranging from 6.3 % to over 35 %. The evidence highlights a dosage-dependent correlation between higher metformin doses and an increased prevalence of B 12 deficiency. The results obtained highlight the association between metformin and B 12 deficiency. The prevalence of B 12 deficiency under metformin is of a greater magnitude than the one declared on the Summary of Product Characteristics approved by the medicine regulatory agencies. Thus, clinicians should be aware of this possible side effect when prescribing metformin, in order to prevent, monitor and treat if present.

Position paper on postgraduate medical education on the occasion of hospital reform - postgraduate medical education must be considered. A joint position paper by Bündnis Junge Ärztinnen und Ärzte and AG Junge Gastroenterologie of the DGVS as well as the Young DGN.

The Bündnis Junger Ärztinnen und Ärzte (BJÄ, Alliance of Young Physicians in Germany) has presented a position paper (PP) on Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) against the background of an unfolding hospital reform in Germany, and they describe existing deficits of PGME in Germany. Based on this, demands were made of legislators, employers and medical associations which could result in a sweeping reformation of PGME. Hospital reforms can only be accomplished with well trained and motivated physicians. In this respect the BJÄ regards the reform of hospitals and the health-care system as a chance for a reform of PGME, which is long overdue. Legislative competence for PGME lies with the States of the Federal Republic of Germany and this warrants an adjustment of state medical association laws to accommodate the demands of the BJÄ. Generally PGME must be taken into consideration in all health-care legislation, in analogy to the meanwhile globally adopted principle of "Health in all Politics (HiAP)". The BJÄ has made every endeavour to produce this PP. The responsible stakeholders and actors in the health-care system would be well-advised to take the position paper seriously with a dwindling physician work force in hospitals and serious quality deficits in PGME. Hence, the BJÄ must be comprehensively supported. They need congenial partners to define the scientific foundation of all their demands, to test their application under real life conditions in hospital and outpatient care, to pursue research on the impact on patient care and on the intended transformation of the health-care system. This might best be accomplished by partnering with a scientific Association for Postgraduate Medical Education as has been the case in many countries for decades.

Business reputation of legal entities according to the civil legislation of Ukraine

In the article research of concept «business reputation» is carried out legal entities as participants of public relations. It is set that the row of the personal unproperty rights for legal entities, among that and right on inviolability of business reputation of legal entities, is envisaged in the article 94 of the Civil code of Ukraine. It is educed that business reputation is the personal unproperty blessing of legal entities. At the same time in the Civil code of Ukraine absent determination of concept «business reputation» legal entities, that causes a necessity to set forth such determination and offer him legislatively to fasten in the Civil code of Ukraine. It is set that the scientific association of Ukraine did not go round attention this question and offered a few variants of determination of concept «business reputation» legal entities.
 Supreme court of Ukraine in resolution of Plenum ВСУ from 27.02.2009 №1 also set forth own determination of this concept, in accordance with that business reputation is an estimation of entrepreneurial, public, professional or other activity of legal entities, that is carried out by such persons as participants of public relations. On the basis of this determination the improved variant of concept «business reputation» is offered, namely: «positive estimation of entrepreneurial, public, professional or other activity of legal entities, that is carried out by such persons as participants of public. Just the same determination of concept of business reputation it is suggested to fasten in the Civil code of Ukraine. It is well-proven that the negative estimation of activity of legal entities testifies to absence of business reputation for such legal entities. It is also set that business reputation is presumption of law, that is assumed after every legal entity. As well as any other presumption of law, a presence for the legal entity of business reputation can be refuted in the judicial order by establishment of negative estimation of activity of such legal entity.

Contribution of Public Scientific and Technical Associations to Development of Mass Inventiveness in USSR from Mid-1950s to Mid-1960s

The article examines the role of public scientific and technical associations in the implementation of the Soviet Union’s science and technology policy aimed at stimulating inventive activity and expediting the introduction of new technology into production. Considering mass invention and rationalization as a crucial resource for ensuring the country’s competitiveness, especially in industries not related to the defense-industrial complex, the state essentially fully administered the activities of scientific and technical societies. The evolution of the mass invention management system is demonstrated. Organizational and economic mechanisms aimed at stimulating innovative activity are analyzed, revealing the most effective and indemand practices. It is noted that public associations had high potential for solving scientific and technical tasks, possessing a large number of qualified personnel, an extensive network of primary organizations, and a centralized management apparatus. However, administrative pressure, the imposition of ideological directives not inherent to scientific and technical societies, the creation of numerous associations with duplicative functions, and the pursuit of increasing quantitative indicators constrained the possibilities of scientific and technical societies, ultimately leading to formalism in the work of public associations.

On mechanisms for high-frequency pump-enhanced optical emissions at 557.7 and 630.0 nm from atomic oxygen in the high-latitude F-region ionosphere

Abstract. The EISCAT (European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association) Heating facility was used to transmit powerful high-frequency (HF) electromagnetic waves into the F-region ionosphere to enhance optical emissions at 557.7 and 630.0 nm from atomic oxygen. The emissions were imaged by several stations of ALIS (Auroral Large Imaging System) in northern Sweden, and the EISCAT UHF incoherent scatter radar was used to obtain plasma parameter values. The ratio of the 557.7 to 630.0 nm column emission rates changed from I5577/I6300≈0.2 for the HF pump frequency f0=6.200 MHz ≈4.6fe to I5577/I6300≈0.5 when f0=5.423 MHz ≲4fe, where fe is the ionospheric electron gyro frequency. The observations are interpreted in terms of decreased electron heating efficiency and thereby weaker enhancement at 630.0 nm for f0=5.423 MHz ≲ 4 fe. The emissions at 557.7 nm are attributed to electron acceleration by upper hybrid waves of metre-scale wavelengths that can be excited with f0=5.423 MHz ≲ 4 fe.

Influence of complex cardio-respiratory recovery therapy on the efficiency of rehabilitation and quality of life on hypertensive patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of dust etiology

The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of two rehabilitation regimens on the effectiveness and quality of life in hypertensive patients with dusty chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study included 73 hypertensive patients (all men) with dust COPD. Patients of group 1 (n = 38) received only the basic cardio-respiratory complex of rehabilitation measures, and the representatives of group 2 (n = 35) received sessions of interval normobaric hypoxic therapy (INBHT) in addition to the basic complex. The control group included 40 practically healthy men of the same age. The basic program included a set of methods: electrosleep, magnetotherapy, sinus module currents, diadynamic currents, franklinization, darsonvalization, laser therapy, electrophoresis, kinesitherapy, massage, reflexotherapy. For INBHT, daily 15-day sessions were used in the Bio-Nova 204AF installation (manufactured by the Scientific and Technical Association Bio-Nova, Moscow, Russia). Statistical data processing was carried out using the software package for statistical analysis Statistica 6.0. The result of a comprehensive cardio-respiratory rehabilitation program was an increase in the effectiveness of restorative measures and an improvement in quality of life indicators, which was achieved through the synergistic effect of traditional approaches with INBHT sessions. Such a comprehensive program had a more pronounced beneficial effect on both the course of hypertensive and respiratory syndromes. The proposed rehabilitation approach can further improve the effectiveness of restorative measures (by 13.1 % increase the frequency of positive results), increase the frequency of reaching the target level of blood pressure by 9.7 %, reduce the frequency of complicated and 7.9 % uncomplicated hypertensive cases by 4.1 %. Crises, improve bronchial patency and diffusion capacity of the lungs, partially restore the complex of psychological, social and pain parameters of the quality of life.

A Comparative Assessment of the Distribution of Joule Heating in Altitude as Estimated in TIE‐GCM and EISCAT Over One Solar Cycle

AbstractDuring geomagnetically active times, Joule (or frictional) heating in the Lower Thermosphere‐Ionosphere is a significant source of thermal energy, greatly affecting density, temperature, composition and circulation. At the same time, Joule heating and the associated Pedersen conductivity are amongst the least known parameters in the upper atmosphere in terms of their quantification and spatial distribution, and their parameterization by geomagnetic parameters shows large discrepancies between estimation methodologies, primarily due to a lack of comprehensive measurements in the region where they maximize. In this work we perform a long‐term statistical comparison of Joule heating as calculated by the NCAR Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIE‐GCM) and as obtained through radar measurements by the European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association (EISCAT). Statistical estimates of Joule heating and Pedersen conductivity are obtained from a simulation run over the 11 year period spanning from 2009 until 2019 and from radar measurements over the same period, during times of radar measurements. The results are statistically compared in different Magnetic Local Time sectors and Kp level ranges in terms of median values and percentiles of altitude profiles. It is found that Joule heating and Pedersen conductivity are higher on average in TIE‐GCM than in EISCAT for low Kp and are lower than EISCAT for high Kp. It is also found that neutral winds cannot account for the discrepancies between TIE‐GCM and EISCAT. Comparisons point toward the need for a Kp‐dependent parameterization of Joule heating in TIE‐GCM to account for the contribution of small scale effects.

Review: International Scientific Conference “The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age – In Specific Terms”, Miskolc, 1 December 2022

The University of Miskolc – Central European Academy in partnership with the Ferenc Mádl Institute of Comparative Law, Central-European Association for Comparative Law, Hungarian Association for Comparative Law, Slovak Association for Comparative Law, Scientific Association for Comparative Law Poland, Association for the Advancement of Comparative Law Researches in Serbia, Romanian Association for Comparative Law and the University of Opole on the 1st of December had organized an International Scientific Conference under the title “The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age – in specific terms”. The conference was held in the building of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, which additionally increased the solemnity of the event. The aim of the conference was to present the results of the Central European Professorial Network’s “Right to Privacy” research group through analytical and summary presentations by participating professors and to raise awareness about privacy issues. The research project, “Central European Professorial Network 2022”, involved experts in comparative law from seven Central European countries: the Czech Republic, Croatia, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

Scientific research and social projection in the undergraduate: The valuable role of a Colombian student scientific association for 33 years

En Latinoamérica las asociaciones científicas de estudiantes de medicina han venido realizando actividades en pro de fomentar la cultura científica desde el pregrado; en Colombia, la Asociación de Sociedades Científicas de Estudiantes de Medicina de Colombia (ASCEMCOL), promueve la investigación médica estudiantil y la proyección comunitaria desde su fundación en 1989. La publicación científica de estudiantes de medicina es deficiente, tal y como se ha documentado en otros países del continente. Esto podría originarse por factores como la baja formación en investigación en muchas facultades de medicina del país y el escaso apoyo a las sociedades de índole estudiantil. las oportunidades de capacitación científica que ofrecen las sociedades científicas estudiantiles incluyen participación en eventos de difusión científica, publicación científica estudiantil, cursos y capacitación de carácter virtual y presencial y programas de intercambio internacional en investigación y ámbitos clínicos.

Creation and Establishment of the State Emergency Medical Services and Disaster Medicine Services in Russia (to the 100th Anniversary of the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine)

After the October Revolution of 1917, the creation of the state healthcare and medical education system in the country played a decisive role in the organization of emergency medical services (EMS) in Moscow on the basis of the former Sheremetev Hospital which later became a large multidisciplinary medical institution — N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Emergency Medicine (since 1943 — N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine), — and the city EMS station as a part of it.In the pre-war period, the working out of the main principles for the EMS provision was critically important for the development of the services. It became possible to solve scientific and methodological problems related to the training of specialists. The Institute grew into a large institution, research in the field of emergency medicine was carried out at the world level. This contributed to the organization of a network of EMS institutions in the country during 1926–1935.The years of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 enriched the practice of providing emergency medical care, including during mass patient admission.In the post-war years (1946–1970s), the Institute became the leading institution on the problems of EMS in the country. Corresponding divisions were created within the Institute, and on its basis — “Emergency Medicine” scientific and practical association, research and organizational structures of the USSR Ministry of Health, the RSFSR Ministry of Health and the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences. Thanks to this, outstanding results were achieved in the EMS organization: the specialty of “emergency medicine physician” was introduced; emergency hospitals were created in a number of the country’s regions; government programs for EMS provision were successfully implemented; а large number of regulatory documents were prepared to facilitate the further EMS development.N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine was among the main initiators of the disaster medicine service, which made it possible to fundamentally solve its organizational and technical problems. Thus, a significant contribution was made to the foundation of this service in Moscow and around the country.At the current stage (from 1992 to the present), EMS improvement has been continued, many developments turned out to be relevant for this services in the Russian Federation. In particular, the created structure of the Institute’s admission and intensive care unit remained the flagship among emergency care institutions in the country for about 20 years. The state program “Improving medical care for road accident victims” was successfully implemented. The Institute’s departments are being actively specialized, making it possible to obtain fundamentally new scientific and practical results for widespread implementation.Since 2011, “Scientific achievements in the field of emergency medical care in the Russian Federation” - collections of research works - have been published annually. The information presented in them can be used throughout the country.The experience in treatment for the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 allowed the Institute to begin a new page in the history of emergency medical services.The recent opening of an emergency inpatient complex at the Institute contributed to optimizing the work of the hospital’s resuscitation and intensive care units and expanding their treatment and diagnostic capabilities.For more than 10 years, the public and consolidating activities of the scientific and practical society of emergency medicine specialists have been effective. Its work primarily concerns the organization and conduct of scientific and practical events, especially congresses of emergency medicine physicians, as well as the publication of Sklifosovsky Journal Emergency Medical Care, which has unifying significance for a large number of Russian specialists in the field of EMS. The decisions made at the congresses and conferences became the basis for expanding the introduction of advanced medical technologies in the Russian regions, as well as for carrying out important structural reforms in EMS institutions.One of the main achievements of the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine is the creation of the state EMS as a separate branch of healthcare in the country. Over the 100 years of the Institute’s activity, the foundations of its theory and practice have been developed, moreover, a contribution of world significance was made to the EMS development, thereby strengthening the scientific foundation for the activities of the Institute for many years to come.

Kuban School of Thought in Thoracic Surgery: History of Its Formation and Development

Introduction: The article discusses formation and development of the Kuban school of thought in thoracic surgery. We reviewed the main aspects of the accumulation of knowledge and experience in thoracic surgery and formation of a scientific association of thoracic surgeons that further developed into a school of thought first regionally, then internationally.Objective: To analyze the main stages of the development of the Kuban school of thought in thoracic surgery through the prism of scholars who made major contributions to the formation of the school’s research concept, as well as through succession (transfer of scientific and medical experience).Materials and methods: Our methodology involved a comparative historical analysis of the most important stages of the development of the school of thought in thoracic surgery, a retrospective evaluation of the contributions made by the surgeons who transformed the surgical community, and a comprehensive analysis of research materials on this subject. We used retrospective, biographical, analytical, and comparative research methods.Results: We identified the fundamental trends in the development of the Kuban school of thought in thoracic surgery, key directions for improving the methods of chest pathology diagnosis and surgical treatment that have been forming in the Kuban over the past 100 years.The education and training of staff, as well as formation of a scientific medical community and its international integration clearly demonstrated the transformation dynamics of the Krasnodar Krai’s research potential in thoracic surgery.

Clinical standards for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of post-COVID-19 lung disease.

BACKGROUND: The aim of these clinical standards is to provide guidance on 'best practice' care for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of post-COVID-19 lung disease.METHODS: A panel of international experts representing scientific societies, associations and groups active in post-COVID-19 lung disease was identified; 45 completed a Delphi process. A 5-point Likert scale indicated level of agreement with the draft standards. The final version was approved by consensus (with 100% agreement).RESULTS: Four clinical standards were agreed for patients with a previous history of COVID-19: Standard 1, Patients with sequelae not explained by an alternative diagnosis should be evaluated for possible post-COVID-19 lung disease; Standard 2, Patients with lung function impairment, reduced exercise tolerance, reduced quality of life (QoL) or other relevant signs or ongoing symptoms ≥4 weeks after the onset of first symptoms should be evaluated for treatment and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR); Standard 3, The PR programme should be based on feasibility, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness criteria, organised according to local health services and tailored to an individual patient's needs; and Standard 4, Each patient undergoing and completing PR should be evaluated to determine its effectiveness and have access to a counselling/health education session.CONCLUSION: This is the first consensus-based set of clinical standards for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of post-COVID-19 lung disease. Our aim is to improve patient care and QoL by guiding clinicians, programme managers and public health officers in planning and implementing a PR programme to manage post-COVID-19 lung disease.

Postbiotics in active food packaging: The contribution of cellulose nanocomposites

The food and pharmaceutical industries have developed innovative products containing probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. According to International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP), 'postbiotics' are preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components which have host health benefits. Postbiotic preparations contain short-chain fatty acids, exopolysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, bacteriocins, and theic acid. Various postbiotics improve human and animal health. In addition, there is evidence of their action as a food bio-preservative. Food packaging is important in food products protection from environmental damage and microbial contamination. Natural active agents are proxy to chemical agents in food packaing, attributed to consumer demand and awareness. Natural biopolymers have become the subject of much interest as they reduce environmental problems due to their abundance, biocompatibility, biodegradability, chemical stability and non-toxicity. Cellulose nanostructures with physicochemical and antibacterial properties have been widely studied for diverse applications, including food packaging to extend the shelf life of packaged food products. In this context, the present review proposes to provide a thorough discussion on production technologies, characterization, biological activities and possible applications of postbiotics in active food packaging based on cellulose nanocomposites.