Changes In Taste Research Articles

Risk and characteristics of Bell's palsy in adults as an adverse event following COVID-19 vaccination: a retrospective study.

Although an association between COVID-19 vaccination and Bell's palsy (BP) has been reported, a clear causal relationship has not been elucidated. We investigated the risk and clinical characteristics of BP after COVID-19 vaccination. This retrospective chart review evaluated the association between COVID-19 vaccination and BP by comparing the number of patients diagnosed with BP during the pre-COVID-19 vaccination period (March 2018-February 2021) and the COVID-19 mass vaccination period (March 2021-February 2022). We then compared vaccine-related (time between vaccination and BP onset < 42days) and -unrelated (time interval ≥ 42days or non-vaccination) clinical characteristics in newly diagnosed patients with BP. BP occurred more during the COVID-19 vaccination period than in the previous three pre-vaccination years. Thirteen patients developed BP within 42days of vaccination. All patients, except one, developed BP after mRNA-based vaccination, with most cases (9/13, 69.2%) occurring after the second or third dose. Thirteen patients with vaccine-related BP were younger (age 43.92 ± 13.14 vs. 54.32 ± 16.01years; p = 0.033) and more frequently experienced taste changes (58.8% vs. 10.9%; p = 0.002) than 52 patients with vaccine-unrelated BP. Patients with vaccine-related BP had a greater likelihood of good and faster (p = 0.042) facial nerve function recovery than those with vaccine-unrelated BP (100% vs. 78%). COVID-19 vaccines, especially mRNA-based vaccines, may be associated with BP cases with distinctive clinical characteristics, which occur more frequently in young individuals, are frequently accompanied by taste changes, and have fast and good recovery.

College-Aged Males Experience Attenuated Sweet and Salty Taste with Modest Weight Gain

BackgroundHuman and animal studies report a blunted sense of taste in people who are overweight or obese, with heightened sensitivity also reported after weight loss. However, it is unknown if taste changes concurrently with weight gain. ObjectiveThis study investigated the association of weight gain with changes in suprathreshold taste intensity perception in a free-living population of young adults. MethodsTaste response, anthropometric measures, and diet changes were assessed with a longitudinal study design in first-year college students 3 times throughout the academic year. At baseline, 93 participants (30 males, 63 females) were an average of 18 y old, with a body mass index (in kg/m2) of 21.9. Sweet, umami, salty, sour, and bitter taste intensities were evaluated at 3 concentrations by using the general Labeled Magnitude Scale. Ordinary least-squares regression models assessed the association of weight gain and within-person taste change, adjusting for sex, race, and diet changes. ResultsParticipants gained an average of 3.9% in weight, ranging from −5.7% to +13.8%. With each 1% increase in body weight, males perceived sweet and salty as less intense, with taste responses decreasing by 11.0% (95% CI: −18.9%, −2.3%; P = 0.015) and 7.5% (95% CI: −13.1%, −1.5%; P = 0.015) from baseline, respectively. Meanwhile, females did not experience this decrement, and even perceived a 6.5% increase (95% CI: 2.6%, 10.5%; P = 0.007) in sour taste with similar amounts of weight gain. Changes in the consumption of meat and other umami-rich foods also negatively correlated with umami taste response (−39.1%; 95% CI: −56.3%, −15.0%; P = 0.004). ConclusionA modest weight gain is associated with concurrent taste changes in the first year of college, especially in males who experience a decrement in sweet and salty taste. This suggests that young-adult males may be susceptible to taste loss when gaining weight.

A PRE-EXPERIMENTAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF STRUCTURED TEACHING PROGRAM ON KNOWLEDGE REGARDING MANAGEMENT OF COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AMONG CANCER PATIENTS ADMITTED AT SHER-I-KASHMIR INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES SOURA SRINAGAR KASHMIR

Cancer is a disease of the cell in which the normal mechanism of the control of growth and proliferation has been altered. It is invasive spreading directly to surrounding tissue as well to new sites in the body. According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 2016 the total number of new cancer cases was expected to be around 14.5 lakh and the figure is likely to reach nearly 17.3 lakh new cases in 2020. Over 7.36 lakh people were expected to succumb to the disease in 2016 while the figure is estimated to shoot up to 8.8 lakh by 2020. One way to stop the cancer from growing is to interfere with the cancer cell ability to multiple. There are several methods being utilized, in which chemotherapy is an important modality in cancer treatment.Every treatment has got its own merits and demerits for the cancer patient who is at the receiving end. TheCommon side effects of chemotherapy include mucositis, nausea, vomiting, taste changes, alopecia and fatigue. So, one should understand the condition of these patients. Aim: To investigate the impact of structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding management of common side effects of chemotherapy among cancer patients admitted at Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura Srinagar Kashmir. Methods: Quantitative research approach and pre-experimental one group pre-test post-test design was used. Purposive sampling technique was used to select the sample, that were 50 cancer patients admitted in Medical oncology and Hematology wards of SKIMS Hospital Srinagar Kashmir respectively. Data was collected by using Structured Interview Schedule. Results: The result of the study showed that the posttest (Mean±SD) knowledge score of the study subjects was (47.48±3.710) which was significantly higher than the mean pretest knowledge scores (29.78 ±5.281) of study subjects at 0.05 level of significance. This indicates that structured teaching programme was effective in increasing the knowledge score of patients regarding management of common side effects of chemotherapy. The association of demographic variables with pre-test knowledge scores was analyzed by using Chi square test, which revealed that there was significant association between pre-test knowledge score and educational status (p=0.001) at 0.05 level of significance and no association was found with other demographic variables i.e. age, gender, residence and duration of illness. Conclusion: The findings of the study concluded that in the pre-test patients were having satisfactory knowledge regarding management of common side effects of chemotherapy. The mean post-test knowledge score increased after administration of structured teaching programme indicating that structured teaching programme was effective in improving knowledge of patients regarding management of common side effects of chemotherapy.

Stability of High Concentration Capsaicin in Transfersome Carriers in Gel Dosage Form

Topical capsaicin with high concentrations (8%) is effective in the treatment of pain in Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN) and HIV-Associated Distal Sensory Polyneuropathy (HIV-DSP) patients. High concentrations of capsaicin encapsulated in transfersome nanovesicles aim to reduce the irritating ability of capsaicin when using as drugs. Gel preparations were chosen in the formulation because they are non-sticky, easy to wash, easy to apply, and more practical. The components contained in the gel affect the stability of the gel. Physical and chemical stability tests need to be carried out to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of the gel so that it meets the expected specifications during its shelf life. This study aims to determine the stability of selected gel formulas containing high concentrations of transfersome capsaicin. The selected gel formula is a gel containing a mixture of phosphatidylcholine (Phospholiphon 90G®) and Tween 80 (80:20). Stability was carried out at high temperature (40±2oC), room temperature (30±2oC), low temperature (5±3oC), and cycling test. The stability parameters tested included organoleptic, pH, viscosity, and assay. The results of the transfersom capsaicin gel stability test showed no change in pH, viscosity, and assay in all storage conditions, but the gel showed a change in color, smell, and taste when stored at high temperatures (40 ± 2oC). It can be concluded that the resulting capsaicin transfersome gel formula with a phospholipid:tween ratio of 80 (80:20) was less stable during 12 weeks of storage at 40 oC

Smallholder farmers’ perception on climate change, information needs and adaptation strategies for improved pineapple (Ananas comosus) production in Awaé Cameroon

This study examined smallholder pineapple farmers’ experiences of climate variability and change in production, as well as ranked adaptation and information source options using data from primary sources. The primary data consisted of a survey on pineapple growing in Awaé. The analysis revealed that pineapple farmers experience climate variability and change evidenced mainly through irregular rainfall patterns (100%), excessive heat (97.14%), drying of streams (85.71%), and rising temperatures (77.14%). These variabilities cause a change in color and taste (40.00 and 45.71% respectively), a reduction in fruit size and yield (68.57 and 100% respectively), and consequently, a reduction in income from pineapple production. Farmers identify deforestation (54.29 ± 0.51%), bush fires (34.29 ± 0.48%) as the major causes of climate change. Although the use of soil conservation practices (e.g. mixed and rotational cropping), bush fallow and crop diversification emerged as the three main adaptation options employed by smallholder pineapple farmers, climate change has the potential to reduce pineapple production in Awaé. Therefore there is a need for future studies to identify adaptation measures that will help improve pineapple production in the area. These farmers are willing to receive information commencement of rain, the prediction of stopping rain, the impact, adaptation strategies, and mitigation strategies to climate change. They can be informed through phone text messages, television, radio, and even demonstration methods for them to effectively follow up on climate change to better improve their pineapple production in Awaé.

Taste and Smell Disorders in Cancer Treatment: Results from an Integrative Rapid Systematic Review.

Taste and smell disorders (TSDs) are common side effects in patients undergoing cancer treatments. Knowing which treatments specifically cause them is crucial to improve patients' quality of life. This review looked at the oncological treatments that cause taste and smell alterations and their time of onset. We performed an integrative rapid review. The PubMed, PROSPERO, and Web of Science databases were searched in November 2022. The article screening and study selection were conducted independently by two reviewers. Data were analyzed narratively. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. A high heterogeneity was detected. Taste disorders ranged between 17 and 86%, while dysosmia ranged between 8 and 45%. Docetaxel, paclitaxel, nab-paclitaxel, capecitabine, cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, anthracyclines, and oral 5-FU analogues were found to be the drugs most frequently associated with TSDs. This review identifies the cancer treatments that mainly lead to taste and smell changes and provides evidence for wider studies, including those focusing on prevention. Further studies are warranted to make conclusive indication possible.

Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet Association with Serum Inflammatory Factors Stress Oxidative and Appetite in COVID-19 Patients.

Background and Objectives: The Mediterranean diet's bioactive components are suggested to strengthen the immune system and to exert anti-inflammatory actions. This study investigated the association between adherence to the Mediterranean diet with serum inflammatory factors, total antioxidant capacity, appetite, and symptoms of COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 Iranian COVID-19 patients selected by a simple random method. The ten-item Mediterranean diet adherence questionnaire was used to assess diet adherence. At the beginning of the study, 5 cc of blood was taken from all patients for measurement of serum interleukin 1β) IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). A human ELISA kit with serial number 950.090.096 produced by the Diaclone Company was used to test this cytokine using the sandwich ELISA method. Results: One hundred and five patients presented a high adherence and 495 patients presented a low adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The incidence of fever, cough, diarrhea, taste changes, and pneumonia severity index were significantly lower in patients who adhered to the Mediterranean diet more than other patients. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (5.7 ± 2.1 vs. 6.9 ± 2.8 p = 0.02), interleukin 1 beta (3.2 ± 0.02 vs. 4.9 ± 0.01 p = 0.02), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (17.08 ± 4.2 vs. 19.8 ± 2.5 p = 0.03), and malondialdehyde (5.7 ± 0.2 vs. 6.2 ± 0.3 p = 0.02) were significantly lower in patients who adhered more to the Mediterranean diet than other patients. Conclusion: The Mediterranean diet can improve the symptoms and elevated serum inflammatory factors in COVID-19 patients, so clinical trial studies are suggested to confirm this effect.

Probiotic Bacteria Cannot Mitigate the Adverse Effects of Radioactive Iodine-131 Treatment.

Thyroid carcinoma is the most common cancer of the endocrine system, accounting for 12% of all cancer cases in adolescents in the United States. Radioiodine therapy plays a key role in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) treatment. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was aimed at evaluating the effect of probiotics supplementation in reducing the acute side-effects of radioiodine therapy in PTC patients. Fifty-six patients were randomly divided into four groups: one placebo and three intervention groups. The probiotics product used in this study was LactoCare (ZistTakhmir Co., Tehran, Iran), a multi-strain commercially available symbiotic containing 12 strains of probiotic species including Lactobacillus strains, Bifidobacteria strains, and Streptococcus thermophilus, plus Fructo-oligosaccharides as the prebiotic. Group 0 was our placebo group (no probiotics), while the other three groups received probiotics capsules for 2/4 days, starting only 2 days prior to radioiodine therapy, only 4 days after radioiodine therapy or 2 days prior and 4 days after radioiodine therapy. Six patients were withdrawn during the study because of poor compliance or at their own request. The symptoms reported by patients including data about the incidence and duration of each complication were recorded. The probiotics' effectiveness was confirmed for dry mouth and taste loss or change when it was administered prior to the radioiodine treatment. The benefit was not confirmed for other radiation-induced complications such as pain and swelling in the neck, nausea and vomiting, salivary gland swelling, and diarrhea. Further large-scale clinical trials are warranted to improve our knowledge in this quickly evolving field.

Is Covid Vaccine Hesitancy Unfounded? A Local Comparative Study on Short-Term Side Effects of Different Covid Vaccinations

Introduction: Side Effects of Covid Vaccinations have been responsible for Vaccine hesitancy (VH), which is defined as the delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of vaccine services.&#x0D; Aims &amp; Objectives: To evaluate and compare the severity of common short term side effects of different types and dosages of vaccines in different age groups at a local setting and whether Covid vaccine hesitancy is unfounded.&#x0D; Place and duration of study: The present study was conducted at Specialist Clinic Haroon Chowk Rawalpindi &amp; Doctors Clinic Karachi, Pakistan between August and September 2021&#x0D; Material &amp; Methods: This cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted based on a structured close ended questionnaire designed using google forms after the immense literature search on the research question and provided to individuals aged 18 years and above who had either completed or partially completed their vaccination dosage at any center. SPSS version 24 (IBM, Armonk, New York, USA) was used for data analysis, P-value&lt;0.05 was taken as significant.&#x0D; Results: The survey was conducted on a total of 248 patients Out of 248, 150 (60.48%) were male &amp; 98 (39.52%) were females. Majority 153(61.69%) were of age group 19-30 years, whereas 95 (38.31%) were aged between 31-40 years. 17 participants reported that they were allergic, 7 patients had asthma, 8 respondents mentioned that they were diabetic and hypertensive, the remaining participants did not report any comorbidities at all. Regarding vaccination status, 243 (97.98%) respondents confirmed that they completed the two-dose vaccination process. Short term adverse events were noted, including fever, severe swelling, myalgia, a change in taste, a headache, hypersensitivity, and medication-related symptoms.&#x0D; Conclusion: Compared to COVID-19 vaccines created using inactivated virus, those based on messenger RNA were found to be significantly safer for patients. Widely ranging short term mild and manageable adverse effects were recorded. Covid vaccine hesitancy appears to be unfounded.

The effects of comorbidities on the change of taste and smell in COVID-19 patients.

Sudden chemosensory changes were considered an early predictor of COVID-19. Here, the effects of comorbidities on changes in taste and smell in COVID-19 patients were investigated based on a worldwide study. Data analyzed here were collected from the Global Consortium for Chemosensory Research (GCCR) core questionnaire, including questions regarding preexisting disease conditions. Overall, the final sample of 12,438 participants who were diagnosed with COVID-19 included patients with preexisting conditions. Mixed linear regression models were used to test our hypothesis, and the p-value of interaction was examined. A total of 61,067 participants completed the GCCR questionnaire, including 16,016 participants had preexisting diseases. The multivariate regression analysis showed that individuals with high blood pressure, lung disease, or sinus problems, or neurological diseases exhibited worse self-reported smell loss (p < .05), but no apparent significant differences in the smell or taste recovery. COVID-19 patients with seasonal allergy/hay fever lost their olfactory ability more than patients who did not have it (with 11.90 [9.67, 14.13] vs. without 6.97 [6.04, 7.91], p < .0001). The taste ability, smell loss and taste loss after COVID-19 recovery also decreased in the COVID-19 patients with seasonal allergy/hay fever (p < .001). Preexisting condition of diabetes did not worsen to chemosensory disorder but also had no obvious impact on the chemosensory recovery after acute infection. Preexisting diseases also affected the type of smell change in the COVID-19 patients with seasonal allergy/hay fever or sinus problems (p < .05). COVID-19 patients with high blood pressure, lung disease, or sinus problems, or neurological diseases exhibited worse self-reported smell loss, but no differences in the smell or taste recovery. COVID-19 patients with seasonal allergy/hay fever had greater loss of smell and taste, poorer smell and taste recovery. 4.

Oral Complications and Their Management in Patients With Cancer During Chemo or Radiotherapy in Bangladesh

Cancer is a very alarming disease that affects many people in every year all over the world and also in Bangladesh. Under this study a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge on oral health status and its care before, during and after therapy. Total 145 cancer patients were selected and interviewed through a semi-structured questionnaire. Out of them 82 female and male 63 where 56 patients were treated by radiotherapy (38.62%), 72 patients were treated only by chemotherapy (49.66%) and 17 patients received both radio and chemotherapy. Here 80.69% of patients having pain during therapy while 28.96% and 11.03% before therapy. On the other hand, 61.38% patients had a change of taste after therapy whereas 8.96% had a change of taste during therapy. It was observed that the both physical and psychological well-being of oral health on quality of life which had a high effect on physical pain where 30.34% was very high, 46.21% was moderate, 20.69% a little and 2.76% not at all. In the psychological well-being study 62.76% patients felt very depressed where 37.24% fear moderate type of functional disability and 34.48% feel very lonely of remote from other people. Most patients developed sensitivity, altered taste, oral thrush, mucositis, trismus and xerostemia during and after palliative treatment. Poor knowledge (70.6%) was observed among patients in recommended quality of tooth brush, frequency of tooth brushing, duration, motion and recommended diet. Most of the patients (29.4%) were found with low quality of life. The study also concluded that patients should be provided with adequate knowledge about oral care before taking chemotherapy or radiotherapy. J Bio-Sci. 30(1): 49-59, 2022 (June)

Chemo-Radiotherapy Induced Oral Complications and Their Care in Cancer Patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a randomized control trial protocol to assess the effectiveness of an oral care protocol on chemotherapy- and/ or radiation therapy-induced oral complications in cancer patients. It was a randomized, outcome assessor blinded study. Patients were randomly allotted to a control and intervention group. Out of 68 patients 25 patients were treated only by radiotherapy, 32 patients were treated only by chemotherapy and 11 patients received both radio and chemotherapy. Most of the patients developed sensitivity, altered taste, oral thrush, mucositis, trismus and xerostemia during and after palliative treatment. Here patients having pain during therapy 22.01% and 30.09% before therapy, patients had a change of taste after therapy86.8% and 63.2% had a change of taste during therapy, patients had developed mucositis before therapy 4.4% and 64.7% had developed mucisitis during therapy, patients had developed trismus before therapy 8.8% and 42.6% had developed trismus during therapy. Here most of the respondents had inadequate knowledge and practice about oral care but there was no correlation between family histories of cancer. Under this study 27 staff nurses were working in radiation/chemotherapy oncology areas from the tertiary levels of hospitals. Here 51.3% nurses had a very poor knowledge regarding oral care and the major (81.0%) groups of them were suggested for training in the specific area. On the basis of survey report the respondent groups of nurses provided information are the main source of oral care information. The association between selected demographic factors data on age and education were also recorded. The result shows there was no correlation between family history of cancer patients and enough knowledge of the respondent groups. From this study it may be suggested that proper knowledge should be provided to the peoples to prevent major oral diseases specially for cancer in future in Bangladesh. J Bio-Sci. 30(1): 143-153, 2022 (June)

Taste and smell abnormalities in advanced cancer: Negative impact on subjective food intake.

Taste and smell abnormalities (TSAs) are present in all cancer stages and may contribute to malnutrition. Despite this, they are rarely screened for. This study examined the prevalence and characteristics of TSAs and their influence on subjective food intake in advanced cancer. Consecutive patients with advanced cancer were recruited. A modified Taste and Smell Survey assessed subjective TSAs. Objective TSAs were assessed with validated taste strips and "Sniffin Sticks." A six-item food intake questionnaire identified any effect TSAs had on food preferences/aversions. Nutrition status was evaluated with the abridged Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment. All 30 participants had either subjective or objective TSAs. The prevalence of TSAs varied based on the assessment tool used. Participants were more aware of taste changes (TCs) than smell changes (SCs). TCs caused reduced food intake in 13 participants. Six reported SCs affected food intake. Food choices caused by TSAs were inconsistent. Some foods preferred because of TSAs were avoided by other participants. None received nutrition counseling on TSA management. Almost all were at malnutrition risk (97%). Almost half (47%) felt TSAs reduced quality of life (QoL). Participants reported "not looking forward to meals" and "can't sit down and eat anything" because of TSAs. TSAs were highly prevalent and impactful on food intake. Both TCs and SCs were complex and varied on an individual basis. Despite the effect on health and QoL, no patients received any nutrition counseling on TSA management. Individualized screening and advice are needed for TSAs in advanced cancer.

To evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Indian patients with COVID-19

The Corona virus pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has infected more than 108 million people in over 150 countries. The vigilance around physical distancing, wearing masks, public health interventions, and social gatherings has eased off, and some countries have been hit by secondand third waves due to their hasty easing off of spatial distancing measures. COVID-19 causes symptoms range from mild to life threatening conditions. Prolonged and sustain symptoms due to COVID-19 are observed not only in high-risk population such as elder patients and individuals with comorbid conditions but also in young adults and individual with no or less chronic disease. People with post COVID-19 are experiencing general symptoms (Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life, post-exertional malaise, fever), respiratory and heart symptoms (shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, fast-beating or pounding heart), neurological symptoms (brain fog, headache, sleep problems, dizziness, pins-and-needles feelings, change in smell or taste, depression or anxiety), digestive symptoms (diarrhea, abdominal pain), joint or muscle pain, rash and changes in menstrual cycles. Chances of multiple organ failure is observed in patients with respiratory symptoms like, interstitial pneumonia and respiratory distress syndrome.

Study on the Influencing Factors of Chemotherapeutic-Related Taste Changes in Cancer Patients

Objective: To investigate the current situation of chemotherapy-related taste changes of cancer patients in Jingzhou area, and analyze the influencing factors of chemotherapy-related taste changes of cancer patients. Methods: In this study, 233 patients with malignant tumors who were confirmed by pathological examination and expected survival time of more than 6 months after admission to a tertiary general hospital in Jingzhou from January 2018 to October 2018 were selected by convenience sampling method. The Chinese version of The chemotherapy-induced Taste Alternation Scale (CiTAS) was used to investigate the baseline data and occurrence status, and multiple regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors. Results: In this study, 171 tumor patients experienced chemotherapy related taste changes, accounting for 73.4% (171/233); The vast majority of chemotherapy patients have different types and severity of taste changes; Multiple regression analysis showed that the duration of chemotherapy, the number of consecutive days of chemotherapy, and dry mouth were the main influencing factors for chemotherapy related taste changes in cancer patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Nursing personnel should pay attention to the occurrence of chemotherapy-related taste changes in tumor patients, and provide predictive nursing interventions to improve their taste experience for tumor patients who have a long course of chemotherapy, many consecutive days of chemotherapy, or have dry mouth conditions.

Clinical manifestations of COVID-19 versus other upper respiratory tract infections in pediatric patients

To explore the differences between COVID-19 and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in the pediatric population, emphasizing smell and taste disturbances. A case-control study included 468 patients, 234 with COVID-19 (cases) and 234 with URTI (controls) at a tertiary hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2020-2021. Patients with bacterial URTI, lower tract respiratory infections, and speech or developmental delays were excluded. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Analysis System, 9.2 version. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered significant. The male-to-female ratio was almost equal, with a mean age of 9.90±2.34. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that a change in taste significantly increases the probability of COVID-19 by 21.98 times. On the other hand, sore throat (81.5%), dyspnea (63.5%), nasal obstruction (72.7%), and otalgia significantly (74.8%) decrease the likelihood of COVID-19. Taste disturbances increase the probability of COVID-19 infections, whereas sore throat, dyspnea, nasal obstruction, and otalgia increase the likelihood of other URTIs. The described differences might aid physicians in their differential diagnosis and treatment during the pandemic.

Effect of 5 weeks of oral acetazolamide on patients with pulmonary vascular disease: A randomized, double-blind, cross-over trial

BackgroundThe carbonic anhydrase inhibitor acetazolamide stimulates ventilation through metabolic acidosis mediated by renal bicarbonate excretion. In animal models, acetazolamide attenuates acute hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (PH), but its efficacy in treating patients with PH due to pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) is unknown. Methods28 PVD patients (15 pulmonary arterial hypertension, 13 distal chronic thromboembolic PH), 13 women, mean±SD age 61.6±15.0 years stable on PVD medications, were randomised in a double-blind crossover protocol to 5 weeks acetazolamide (250mg b.i.d) or placebo separated by a ≥2 week washout period. Primary endpoint was the change in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) at 5 weeks. Additional endpoints included safety, tolerability, WHO functional class, quality of life, arterial blood gases, and hemodynamics (by echocardiography). ResultsAcetazolamide had no effect on 6MWD compared to placebo (treatment effect: mean change [95%CI] -18 [-40 to 4]m, p=0.102) but increased arterial blood oxygenation through hyperventilation induced by metabolic acidosis. Other measures including pulmonary hemodynamics were unchanged. No severe adverse effects occurred, side effects that occurred significantly more frequently with acetazolamide vs. placebo were change in taste (22/0%), paraesthesia (37/4%) and mild dyspnea (26/4%). ConclusionsIn patients with PVD, acetazolamide did not change 6MWD compared to placebo despite improved blood oxygenation. Some patients reported a tolerable increase in dyspnoea during acetazolamide treatment, related to hyperventilation, induced by the mild drug-induced metabolic acidosis. Our findings do not support the use of acetazolamide to improve exercise in patients with PVD at this dosing. ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT02755298

Bidens pilosa Linn.: Beautiful Weed for the Healthy Mouth – A Mini Review

Bidens pilosa L. can be found everywhere in warm and humid regions. The plant has been used as a food and drink supplement, and as medicinal herbs for a long time by people from various places. The assortment of activities of B. pilosa in treating diseases gives a remarkable possibility to explore and develop its utilization for various medicinal purposes. In this mini-review, we explored the application of B. spilosa as herbal medicine for mouth health, specifically mouthwash. Until now, there is no information about the application of this plant for mouthwash. The use of alcohol, cetyl pyridinium, chlorhexidine, and triclosan as active ingredients in mouthwash can control plaque. However, the long-term use of these compounds may show side effects, for instance, changes in taste, and teeth and oral stains. Based on the result, it can be concluded that the B. spilosa plant contains diverse groups of compounds, such as polyacetylenes, flavonoids, and tannins, which are responsible for its various activities. The B. spilosa extracts are non-toxic and have potential active compounds in mouthwash formulation, due to their antimicrobial action against a wide range of microbes, particularly oral microbes and it has additional activities such as anti-inflammation, analgesic, and antioxidant.

Non-Motor Symptoms Burden in Early Stages of Parkinson's Disease.

Non-motor symptoms (NMSs) in Parkinson's disease (PD) are often overlooked and thus can impede clinical management and significantly reduce the patient's quality of life. The study aimed to determine the burden of NMS in the early stages of PD. A 1-year observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, in 2019. The MDS-PD criteria were used to diagnose PD patients. The study included patients with Hoehn and Yahr (HY) stages 1-3. The frequency of NMSs was assessed using a non-motor symptom questionnaire (NMSQ), and the non-motor symptom scale (NMSS) score was derived using the NMSS. A total of 100 PD patients were enrolled in the study. Sixty-three (63%) were males and 37 (37%) were females. Their age ranged between 45 and 75 years with a mean ± SD of 57.46 ± 8.46. At least one NMS was reported by 84% of patients, with neuropsychiatric symptoms (68%) preponderant, followed by a change in taste and smell (64%). The mean NMSS score is 46.22 ± 22.098 (median 44) with a range from 0 to 88, with the trend being increasing score with the advancing stage. The use of the NMSQ and NMSS tools should be standard in clinical practice to identify the severity of the disease and commence appropriate care.

Outcomes of Editorial Intervention in Texts from National Library of Wales, Brogyntyn MS ii.1: Past, Present and Futur

In editing medieval manuscripts changes in tastes, needs, conventions and resources have resulted in edited texts so disparate that it is difficult to visualise the relative uniformity exhibited by a codex copyist. In this article I compare different editions of texts copied by one of the scribes of National Library of Wales, Brogyntyn MS ii.1, responsible for twenty-one entries in the manuscript. Each edition has been collated with the manuscript to establish the criteria adopted by each editor in their transcriptions. I focus on how editors address aspects such as expansion of abbreviations, normalisation and treatment of certain palaeographical peculiarities. The goal is to show how the work of the same scribe has been variously interpreted and how this variation disguises the essence of this copyist’s written language.