Taste Dysfunction Research Articles

Taste Dysfunction and its Relationship to HbA1C Level and Disease Duration in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Autonomic Neuropathy

Background and Aim: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) effect quality of life very much and causes variouscomplications. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) is one of the common complications in diabetes. Thuspresent study was aimed at determining taste dysfunction in a population of T2DM subjects and its correlation with HbA1c level.Material and Methods: This was an observational cross sectional study which was carried over a period of one year in the department of medicine, Tertiary care institute of India. The 100 patients of T2DM with autonomicneuropathy and 100 healthy controls were taken for the study. Autonomic neuropathy was assessed clinically.Chemical taste test using four solutions of basic tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter) were done.Results: There was a significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of HbA1c (%) (p≤0.05), with the median HbA1c (%) being highest in the chemical taste dysfunction: sweet: yes group. Strength of association (Point- Biserial correlation)=0.49. There was a significant difference between the various groups in terms of distribution of chemical taste dysfunction: Sweet (p≤0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of duration of T2DM (years) (p>0.05).Conclusion: The study found a significant correlation between taste dysfunction and HbA1C level and bloodsugar fasting level in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Alteration in taste was mainly for sweet. Sour, and bitter did not show any difference in case groups compared to controls.

Persisting anosmia after COVID-19 infection: The continuing mystery

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on global health-care systems and economic stability. Smell and taste dysfunction is now recognized as one of the cardinal symptoms of COVID-19. Since the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 infection varies from place to place, this study was done to find out the prevalence of olfactory dysfunction in COVID-19 infection, and its persistence on follow-up in a tertiary care centre situated in Alappuzha (South India). Methods: The present study was a tertiary hospital based descriptive study. 150 patients with COVID-19 Infection who presented to the centre during a period of 6 months were selected, and their detailed history, clinical findings and investigation results were recorded in a proforma. Follow-up of the patients was done for a period of 2 years. Results: Among the 150 COVID-19 patients 114 (76%) of them had olfactory dysfunction. There were no significant difference in the gender or age distribution, for olfactory dysfunction. Among those with olfactory dysfunction, 88 patients (77.2%) had a faster recovery within 2 weeks. On follow-up, there was persistence of olfactory dysfunction in 2 patients even after 2 years. Conclusion: The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction seen among COVID-19 patients was much more than that described in studies from other places. The persistence of olfactory dysfunction for a long period in some patients is a matter that needs further research to bring out the causative factors. Keywords: COVID-19; Olfactory dysfunction; anosmia; prevalence; persistence

Incidence and prognosis of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron strain infection in mainland China: A national multicenter survey of 35,566 individuals

AbstractObjectiveThis cross‐sectional study aimed to determine the epidemiology of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to COVID‐19 in mainland China.MethodsThis study was conducted by 45 tertiary Grade‐A hospitals in mainland China. Online and offline questionnaire data were obtained from patients infected with COVID‐19 between December 28, 2022, and February 21, 2023. The collected information included basic demographics, medical history, smoking and drinking history, vaccination history, changes in olfactory and gustatory functions before and after infection, and other postinfection symptoms, as well as the duration and improvement status of olfactory and gustatory disorders.ResultsComplete questionnaires were obtained from 35,566 subjects. The overall incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunction was 67.75%. Being female or being a cigarette smoker increased the likelihood of developing olfactory and taste dysfunction. Having received four doses of the vaccine or having good oral health or being a alcohol drinker decreased the risk of such dysfunction. Before infection, the average olfactory and taste VAS scores were 8.41 and 8.51, respectively; after infection, they decreased to 3.69 and 4.29 and recovered to 5.83 and 6.55 by the time of the survey. The median duration of dysosmia and dysgeusia was 15 and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% of patients having symptoms lasting for more than 28 days. The overall self‐reported improvement rate was 59.16%. Recovery was higher in males, never smokers, those who received two or three vaccine doses, and those that had never experienced dental health issues, or chronic accompanying symptoms.ConclusionsThe incidence of dysosmia and dysgeusia following infection with the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus is high in mainland China. Incidence and prognosis are influenced by several factors, including sex, SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination, history of head‐facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking and drinking history, and the persistence of accompanying symptoms.

Taste dysfunction as a predictor of depression in schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between taste dysfunction and depression among patients with schizophrenia, to achieve early detection of depression in clinical practice. Following PRISMA guidance, a comprehensive literature search was conducted globally, covering papers published from 1961 to June 2023. A total of 17 manuscripts were selected through meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis after examining available materials from seven databases to determine the correlation between depression and taste dysfunction. The comparison of the 17 selected manuscripts revealed that individuals with gustatory dysfunction may be more likely to experience depressive symptoms (SMD, 0.51, 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.93, p = 0.02). Depression is associated with taste dysfunction in certain aspects, as indicated by the pleasantness ratings of sucrose solutions (SMD, -0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.11 to 0.05, p = 0.08), gustatory identification ability (SMD, 0.96, 95% CI, 0.03 to 1.89, p = 0.04), and the perception threshold of sweet taste (MD, 0.80, 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.81, p < 0.00001). Due to variations in the methods, designs, and selection criteria employed in the included studies, it is necessary to establish a feasible framework. Future research using detailed and targeted approaches can provide clearer and more unified conclusions on the relationship between taste dysfunction and depression. Moreover, further high-quality research is needed to obtain clearer conclusions and explore the potential of taste dysfunction as an effective tool for early screening of depression. This review has been registered in the PROSPERO on April 2022 with the identifier CRD42023400172.

Individuals who have been infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 remain with lowered taste and smell sensory‐processing sensitivity: A case study

AbstractThis research aimed to investigate the occurrence and prevalence of possible changes in the sensory perception of individuals who presented total or partial loss of smell or taste when infected by SARS‐CoV‐2, comparing the results with those of individuals who were not diagnosed with the disease and did not show typical symptoms of the infection. One hundred volunteers were recruited, of whom 50 were from the group of people who had COVID‐19 and had signs of smell or taste dysfunction (COVID group), and 50 were from the group of people who did not have the disease and did not show symptoms of the disease (Control group). Gustatory tests were performed to evaluate four primary tastes: sweet, salty, sour, and bitter, and olfactory tests were performed to assess odors: coffee, pineapple, lime, and cinnamon. To determine the detection and recognition thresholds, three‐alternative forced‐choice sessions of tastes and odors were carried out, and intensity scales were used to verify the sensory perception of the participants. Significant differences were confirmed between the groups (Control and COVID) for the detection and recognition thresholds for all tastes and odors. Sour taste was significantly affected in terms of detection and recognition, suggesting that COVID group shows lower sensitivity concerning this taste. Pineapple odor was the most difficult of being recognized by COVID group. The intensity attributed to the stimuli by the COVID group were lower than those of the Control group and differed statistically at the highest concentrations. Data show that individuals in COVID group remained with gustatory and olfactory alterations in sensitivity, detection, and recognition capacity.Practical ApplicationsThis research demonstrated the prevalence of symptoms of sensory‐processing disorders related to gustatory and/or olfactory functions in individuals who tested positive for COVID‐19, even after been cured of the infection. They had sensory alterations in terms of detection and recognition capacity, as well as sensitivity. In practice, several factors associated with quality of life are impaired due to sensory‐processing disorders, such as food, personal hygiene, safety, and physical or mental illnesses, which lead to a necessity of monitor these individuals as these factors are related to public health.

Persistent Olfactory and Taste Dysfunction after COVID-19.

(1) Background: One of the possible symptoms of COVID-19 is a sudden loss of smell and taste. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the severity of post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction (OD). A secondary aim was to assess the relationship between OD and gustatory (taste) dysfunction (GD). Margins: 2.5 cm (1 inch) at top, bottom, right, and left. (2) Methods: The study group consisted of 81 subjects (16 men and 65 women) aged between 12 and 73 years. All of the patients presented to a center for subjective OD associated with COVID-19. They were tested with a Sniffin' Sticks test (SST) for OD and a Taste Strip test (TS) for GD. (3) Anosmia was present in 18 participants (22%), hyposmia in 52 (64%), and normosmia in 11 (14%). Some 36% of the patients reported imaginary smells (phantosmia), but it did not correlate with olfactory sensitivity. Comparing the different parts of the SST showed that subjects scored lowest on the threshold part of the test. The results of the discrimination and identification parts of the test were better, implying that if the stimulus is intense enough, incorrect discrimination and identification of odors is less frequent. A sweet taste was the easiest to recognize (78% could do so), while the most difficult to recognize was salty (68%). There were weak and statistically non-significant correlations between olfactory and taste dysfunction. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction was more peripheral than central. Testing patients for the severity of post-COVID-19 OD may help clinicians treat the condition. Because there is no fully effective treatment, research on post-COVID-19 OD is needed.

Photobiomodulation in the Treatment of Dysgeusia in Patients with Long COVID: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate local and systemic photobiomodulation (PBM) in patients with COVID-19-related dysgeusia, with the expectation of improving taste dysfunction. Background: PBM has garnered attention as a potential therapy in long COVID, a condition characterized by many persistent symptoms following the acute phase of COVID-19. Among these symptoms, dysgeusia, or altered taste perception, can significantly affect patients' quality of life. Emerging research suggests that PBM may hold promise in ameliorating dysgeusia by modulating cellular processes and reducing inflammation. Further clinical studies and randomized controlled trials are essential to establish the efficacy and safety of PBM for the treatment of dysgeusia in long COVID, but initial evidence suggests that this noninvasive modality may offer a novel avenue for symptom management. Methods: Seventy patients experiencing dysgeusia were randomly assigned to receive active local and systemic PBM (n = 34) or simulated PBM (n = 36). Low-power laser (red wavelength) was used at 18 spots on the lateral borders of the tongue (3 J per spot), salivary glands (parotid, sublingual, and submandibular glands-3 J per spot), and over the carotid artery for 10 min (60 J). Alongside laser therapy, all patients in both groups received weekly olfactory therapy for up to 8 weeks. Results: Dysgeusia improved in both groups. At weeks 7 and 8, improvement scores were significantly higher in the PBM group than in the sham group (p = 0.048). Conclusions: Combined local and systemic PBM, as applied in this study, proved effective and could serve as a viable treatment option for alleviating dysgeusia in long-COVID patients. Clinical Trial Registration: RBR-2mfbkkk.

Structural and functional abnormalities of the tongue: An epidemiological study from a tertiary care center in India.

The tongue is a prominent muscular organ of the oral cavity and the integrity of the tongue mucosa frequently can reflect the overall health of an individual. Many notable structural and functional alterations can affect the tongue. These changes may be symptomatic or asymptomatic. Hence, the aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of structural and functional abnormalities of the tongue in a population reporting to a tertiary care center. We also assessed the prevalence of the normal variants and evaluated the normal tongue protrusion measurement in the study population. The cross-sectional study included 1,143 dental outpatients above 18 years of age who visited the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology between October 2021 to February 2022. Demographic details of the patients were noted. Participants were asked questions regarding any symptoms or abnormalities noticed on the tongue. The tongue was examined thoroughly for any structural/ functional abnormalities. The maximal tongue protrusion for each participant was measured by asking them to extend their tongue out. Medical history, drug history, and social history were recorded. The study included 564 male and 579 female participants; tongue lesions were positive in 66.5% of the study population. Coated tongue (26.2%) was the most frequent structural abnormality that was noted in the present study. Taste dysfunction (4.6%) was the most frequent functional abnormality. The lesions were mostly in the anterior two-thirds (4.2%) of the tongue. Functional abnormalities of the tongue were noted in 8.7% of the study participants. The results of the present study showed that structural and functional abnormalities of the tongue were present in 66.5% of the population. Careful and detailed evaluation of the tongue examination is mandated in routine dental checkups. This shall help in the prompt identification of various etiological factors causing structural and functional abnormalities of the tongue.

Evaluation of taste score and fungiform papillae quantification using digital image analysis in COVID-19 patients with smell and taste dysfunction

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic which is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has created a major global health crisis in recent years. Despite this, there have been few studies that have utilized reliable methods to assess changes in taste and smell perception. Therefore, our study aims at the number of fungiform papillae and objective measures of taste perception relationship among COVID-19 patients with olfactory and gustatory disorders. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional analytical study in which 57 COVID-19 patients were recruited who confirmed the dysfunction of taste and smell. Objective assessment of the sense of taste was evaluated using four different standardized solution preparations, and the scores were given according to the patient's statements. Digitalized quantification of fungiform papillae was counted. The data were analyzed with the Pearson's correlation coefficient using the SPSS version. 23 [Licensed JSSAHER, Mysuru, Karnataka, India], and the level of significance was set at &lt;0.001. Results: In terms of altered or reduced taste and smell, male patients exhibited a higher incidence compared to females. Compared to the sour taste, a substantial number of COVID-19 patients have displayed a notable decrease in their ability to taste sweet, salty, and bitter flavors. However, a statistically significant positive correlation was observed between taste scores and fungiform papillae density (r = 0.518, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Our Study demonstrated that the quantitative evaluation of taste perception and the count of fungiform papillae can serve as important indicators of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and could potentially help in the early detection and treatment of COVID-19 patients, as reduced taste function is a significant marker of the disease.

Quantitive Assessment of Gustatory Function and Its Association with Demographics, and Systemic Morbidity.

This study aimed to analyze the associations of gustatory dysfunction as measured by validated taste strips with demographics and co-morbidities. This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed records of patients who attended the Orofacial Chemosensory Center of Hadassah Medical Center between 2017 and 2020. Taste strips were used as a validated method to determine taste dysfunction. A total of 272 subjects were included, 137 (50.4%) women and 135 (49.6%) men, with a mean age of 53.5 ± 19.3 years and age range of 18-98 years. The total taste score among the study population was 8.53 ± 4.03 (scale range 0-16). Age had a significant negative correlation with the total taste score (p = 0.001), and men exhibited worse total (p < 0.001), salty (p = 0.003), and bitter (p < 0.001) scores. Major trauma was associated with worse total (p < 0.001) and specialized taste assessments (sweet (p = 0.001), sour (p = 0.002), salty (p = 0.016), and bitter (p < 0.001)). Chemotherapy was associated with reduced total (p < 0.001), salty (p = 0.003), and bitter (p = 0.001) taste scores. Zinc deficiency exhibited worse salty (p = 0.027) and total (p = 0.038) taste scores. Patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) showed higher salty scores (p = 0.017). Patients who experienced exposure to toxic chemicals exhibited worse salty scores (p = 0.024). We conclude that gustatory dysfunction is associated with older age, male sex, and co-morbidities of major trauma, current chemotherapy, zinc deficiency, BMS, and exposure to toxins. The study highlights the importance of systemic evaluation and quantitive gustatory dysfunction assessment as part of the diagnostic process of patients with subjective complaints of taste disorders.

A National Study of Olfactory Dysfunction among COVID-19 Patients in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Introduction: COVID-19 has different symptomatology reported in the literature, including olfactory and/or gustatory dysfunction. The evidence now points to smelling loss as one of the most common symptoms, and in some patient is the only symptom. The prevalence of smelling loss has various bases in the literature. Over time, many centers realized the potential of olfactory and/or gustatory dysfunction to be early symptoms of COVID-19. Recently, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention added smell or taste loss to symptoms that may appear after exposure to COVID-19. In this study, we are the first national project to report anosmia in COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is the first national cross-sectional study from the Saudi Ministry of Health’s database. Ethics and written approval from the Institutional Review Board was obtained from the King Abdullah Medical City Research Center, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Results: There were 5492 patients with a positive COVID-19 enrolled in this study. The most common comorbidity among positive COVID-19 patients is bronchial asthma (8.6%), followed by diabetes mellitus (7.5%). Approximately 30% had olfactory and taste dysfunction during the COVID-19 infection period. We found the presence of comorbidities, such as cognitive disorder (54.9%), immunodeficiency (46.8), and diabetes mellitus (23%), as significantly related to olfactory and taste dysfunction (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The olfactory and gustatory dysfunction may be the only presenting symptoms of COVID-19 in diabetic and immunocompromised patients, such that awareness of COVID-19 is crucial for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Prevalence of smell and taste dysfunction in different clinical severity groups of COVID-19 patients

BACKGROUND: Studies on the long-term prevalence of smell and taste impairment concerned with severe disease in the acute phase of COVID-19 are limited. The aim of our study was to assess and compare psychophysical testing and self-reported smell and taste disturbances and recovery between three patient groups suffering from critical, severe, or mild COVID-19 in a follow-up at six-months after the acute phase. METHODOLOGY: The prospective controlled study of 227 participants comprised 72 intensive-care-unit-treated (ICU-treated), 53 pulmonology- or infectious-diseases-ward-treated (WARD-treated), and 48 home-isolated patients (HOME) with preceding COVID-19, and 54 individuals with no history of COVID-19 (CONTROL). All participants visited a follow-up clinic for a sense-of-smell screening and underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain, olfactory bulbs and sinonasal area at six months after acute disease. Before the follow-up visit, the participants received a questionnaire concerning smell and taste function. We sent a supplementary questionnaire including questions about phantosmia and parosmia and taste recovery at a median of 502.5 days after the acute phase. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant differences between the groups in the incidence of smell and taste dysfunction, recovery, or the occurrence of parosmia or phantosmia. There were no statistically significant differences in semi-objective smell performance across the different study groups and controls. The olfactory bulb volume was normal in all patients and controls. Mucosal thickening in paranasal sinuses was rare. CONCLUSIONS: We found no difference in a six-month follow-up in the subjective or semi-objective senses of smell and taste between three severity groups of COVID-19 and controls.

COVID-19 associated anosmia in pediatric patients: subject publications review.

Aim: To review the publications subject to the problem of COVID-19 associated anosmia incidence in pediatric patients as well as its pathogenesis, diagnostics, treatment and recovery. The peculiarity of pediatric COVID-19 anosmia is due to children accounting for very low percentage of COVID-19 patients (comparing to one in adults), mostly with milder course of the disease. Awareness of anosmia and its proper diagnostics is crucial in children and adolescents, considering it can be the only manifestation in COVID-19 positive pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: In order to achieve this goal a meta-analysis of information from databases followed by statistical processing and generalisation of the obtained data was carried out. Conclusions: Publications on COVID-19 anosmia in children and adolescents are less numerous than those concerning adult patients, so it is important to use every single trustworthy one. Anosmia/ageusia may be the only symptom, early identifier and the strongest predictor of COVID-19 infection in pediatric patients. Prospects for further scientific researches. Further researches regarding differential diagnostics of COVID-19 and other infections, including seasonal influenza, manifesting with both olfactory and taste dysfunction as well as anosmia diagnostics in children and adolescents with autistic spectrum and different types of mental disorders are possible.

Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Mixed Chemosensory Disorder: a Case Study on Taste and Smell Dysfunction

Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Mixed Chemosensory Disorder: a Case Study on Taste and Smell Dysfunction

Taste dysfunction after COVID-19: Analysis with functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

&lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; According to official data, COVID-19 emerged in China in December 2019 and has spread worldwide since then.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; The aim of this study was to investigate differences in functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) recordings between convalescent COVID-19 patients and a healthy control group, which could help to clarify the pathomechanism of dysgeusia in COVID-19.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Material and methods:&lt;/b&gt; The study included 16 participants, comprised of 8 convalescent COVID-19 patients and 8 healthy controls. All participants were examined with fNIRS. The amplitude of changes in oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb) concentration in the cerebral cortex was analyzed statistically (for the test and control groups after stimulation with a taste stimulus - citric acid solution).&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The differences in the amplitude of changes in oxyHb concentration in the cerebral cortex were not statistically significant between the groups. Discussion: Using fNIRS, a strong stimulation of the visual cortex was discovered in response to the taste stimulus, consisting of large, repetitive changes in oxyHb concentration occurring in parallel with stimulation of areas of the taste cortex. This phenomenon has not, to our knowledge, been described previously in the scientific literature. The exact location of the primary taste cortex is controversial, but to date the occipital cortex has not been considered to be involved.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Conclusions: No difference was observed in the dynamics of changes in oxyHb in the examined areas of the cerebral cortex between convalescent COVID-19 patients and healthy controls. However, the determination of the role of the occipital cortex in the perception of taste requires further research.&lt;/br&gt.

Olfactory and taste dysfunctions caused by COVID-19: a nationwide study.

Olfactory dysfunctions (OD) and taste dysfunctions (TD) are widely recognized as characteristic symptoms of COVID-19; however, the frequency and mode of occurrence has varied depending on the viral mutation. The prevalence and characteristics of OD/TD in Japan have not been definitively investigated. The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence of OD/TD in Japan during the Alpha variant epidemic, and measure symptom prolongation at 6 months and 1 year later following initial infection. Patients treated for COVID-19 between February to May 2021 were evaluated for OD/TD symptoms and provided with a QOL questionnaire. Olfactory tests and taste tests were performed using Open Essence and Taste Strips, respectively. Among the 251 COVID-19 patients who participated, 119 underwent both olfactory and taste tests. Prevalence of subjective OD and TD at the time of survey was 57.8% and 40.2%, respectively. After 12 months, the prevalence fell to 5.8% for OD and 3.5% for TD. Among the OD/TD patients, 36.6% experienced parosmia, and 55.4% experienced parageusia. Prevalence of parosmia and parageusia was higher at 6 and 12 months than at the time of survey. Patients with long-lasting disease reported qualitative dysfunctions and scored significantly higher in food-related QOL problems. Most patients who were aware of their hyposmia had low scores on the olfactory test (83.1%). In contrast, only 26.7% of patients who were aware of their hypogeusia had low scores on the taste test. The prevalence of COVID-19-related OD and TD at the time of survey was 57.8% and 40.2%, respectively. Subjective symptoms of OD and TD persisted for one year in 5.8% and 3.5% of patients, respectively. More than half of the patients with OD or TD complained of qualitative dysfunction and a decrease in their QOL related to eating and drinking. Most patients with TD did not have true TD, but rather developed flavour disorders associated with OD. This conclusion is supported by the finding that patients with subjective OD had low scores on the olfactory test, whereas most patients with subjective TD had normal scores on the taste test.

Altered peripheral taste function in a mouse model of inflammatory bowel disease

Increased sugar intake and taste dysfunction have been reported in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a chronic disorder characterized by diarrhea, pain, weight loss and fatigue. It was previously unknown whether taste function changes in mouse models of IBD. Mice consumed dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) during three 7-day cycles to induce chronic colitis. DSS-treated mice displayed signs of disease, including significant weight loss, diarrhea, loss of colon architecture, and inflammation of the colon. After the last DSS cycle we assessed taste function by recording electrophysiological responses from the chorda tympani (CT) nerve, which transmits activity from lingual taste buds to the brain. DSS treatment significantly reduced neural taste responses to natural and artificial sweeteners. Responses to carbohydrate, salt, sour or bitter tastants were unaffected in mice with colitis, but umami responses were modestly elevated. DSS treatment modulated the expression of receptor subunits that transduce sweet and umami stimuli in oral taste buds as a substrate for functional changes. Dysregulated systemic cytokine responses or dysbiosis that occurs during chronic colitis may be upstream from changes in oral taste buds. We demonstrate for the first time that colitis alters taste input to the brain, which could exacerbate malnutrition in IBD patients.

Oral Manifestations in Diabetes Mellitus and Management Considerations: A Review

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder defined as an increase in sugar levels in the bloodstream brought onby either insufficient insulin secretion, resistance to insulin's effects, or both. All age groups are affected by the chronic conditionknown as diabetes mellitus. It is among the world's major causes of mortality and morbidity. Xerostomia, dental caries,periodontal disease, gingivitis, candidiasis, other oral infections, burning mouth syndrome, taste dysfunction, oral mucosalalterations, delayed wound healing, and localized osteitis are common oral manifestations of diabetes mellitus. Majorcomplications impacting a patient's quality of life include oral complications in diabetic individuals. Long-term oral problems inthese patients’ harm blood glucose regulation, making oral complications care and prevention important. The dental professionalshould be familiar with DM's oral manifestations to identify this disease complication. This article not only discusses the oralmanifestations but also discusses management considerations in diabetic patients which will help future dental professionals indental practice. This article aims to spread knowledge and awareness about the potential oral manifestations of diabetes mellitusand treatment considerations.Keywords: , , , , ,

Can MRI predict olfactory loss and improvement in posttraumatic olfactory dysfunction?

Although most patients with post-traumatic olfactory dysfunction (PTOD) undergo MRI, there is no consensus about its diagnostic or prognostic value. The aims were: 1) to classify the extent of post-traumatic neurodegeneration; 2) to determine its relationship with chemosensory dysfunction (smell, taste, trigeminal); and 3) to establish whether MRI can predict olfactory improvement. We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on a series of 56 patients with PTOD. All patients underwent validated psychophysical tests of their smell, taste, and trigeminal functions, otorhinolaryngologic evaluation, and MRI. An experienced radiologist blinded to patient data evaluated 40 chemosensory-relevant brain regions according to a four-point scale (0=no lesion to 3=large lesion). Follow up data after 4 years (on average) were available in 46 patients. The cluster analysis showed 4 brain lesion patterns that differed in lesion localization and severity. They are associated with diagnostic categories: anosmia, hyposmia and normosmia. Two clusters were highly specific for anosmia (100% specificity)and could accurately predict this condition (100% positive predictive value). No clusters were associated with trigeminal or taste dysfunction. Regarding improvement, 72.7% of patients in the cluster with mild lesions experienced subjective and measurable olfactory improvement whereas this was only the case in 21.7-37.5% of patients with larger lesions. The odds of subjective smell improvement were 5.9 times higher in patients within the milder cluster compared to larger ones. The analysis of brain lesions in PTOD allows corroboration of smell test results and prediction of subjective and measurable improvement.

Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Symptoms in Hospitalized Individuals with Confirmed COVID-19 Infection in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other lower respiratory tract-related symptoms, such as fever, coughing, dyspnea, and pressure in the chest, are the major symptoms of COVID-19. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Symptoms in Hospitalized Individuals with Confirmed COVID-19 Infection. Methods: This cross-section observational study was carried out in the Department of ENT, Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur, Bangladesh. The duration of the period from July 2020 to July 2021. A total of 125 patients were participate in the study. All included patients were diagnosed as having confirmed COVID-19 by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. After collection, the data were checked and cleaned, followed by editing, compiling, coding and categorizing according to the objectives and variable to detect errors and to maintain consistency, relevancy and quality control. Statistical evaluation of the results used to be obtained via the use of a window-based computer software program devised with Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS-24). Results: Mean ± SD age was 35 ± 0.9. Among all the patients 60% were female and 40% were male. Regarding comorbidity, 40% had DM, 48% had HTN, 20% had Thyroid related disease and 10% had CKD. Regarding ENT manifestation, 30% had Sore throat, 60% had Anosmia, 35% had Nasal congestion, 33% had nasal obstruction, 34% had Sneezing, 38% had headache, 30% had olfactory and taste dysfunction, 28% had Runny nose or rhinorrhea, 19% had Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (URTI), 10% had Tonsil enlargement and 8% had Allergic rhinitis. There was a significant relationship between age and Severity of COVID-19, Sex and Severity of COVID-19, -19, smoking and Severity of COVID-19. More severe cases were observed in female patients. Most severe COVID-19 cases were reported in patients with comorbidities. Conclusion: The most prevalent symptoms of COVID-19 are fever and cough, although ......