Taste Impairment Research Articles

The taste of the pandemic-contemporary review on the current state of research on gustation in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Subjectively perceived impairment of taste is a common and distinct symptom of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Large meta‐analyses identified this symptom in approximately 50% of cases. However, this high prevalence is not supported by blinded and validated psychophysical gustatory testing, which showed a much lower prevalence in up to 26% of patients. This discrepancy may be due to misinterpretation of impaired retronasal olfaction as gustatory dysfunction. In addition, we hypothesized that COVID‐19–associated hyposmia is involved in the decrease of gustatory function, as found for hyposmia of different origin. This indirect mechanism would be based on the central‐nervous mutual amplification between the chemical senses, which fails in COVID‐19–associated olfactory loss. However, further research is necessary on how severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) may directly impair the gustatory pathway as well as its subjective perception.

Care need and dry mouth as risk indicators for impaired taste and smell

To identify whether reduced saliva secretion or xerostomia symptoms are risk indicators for impaired taste and smell, depending on age and care needs. This cross-sectional study evaluated taste and smell in patients categorized into different age groups (<65> years) and different care need, with and without dry mouth. Of the 185 patients included, 119 were classified as “dry mouth” and 66 as “without dry mouth”. Overall, 103 (55.7%) were female and 37 (20%) needed care. There was no difference between “dry mouth” and “without dry mouth” regarding identification of odors or tastes, but a difference in the number of correctly identified odors and tastes in favor of “without care need” patients (p < 0.05). The ability to identify smells and tastes was negatively influenced by age, number of medications, and number of comorbidities, but subjective dry mouth had no impact. According to our results, subjective dry mouth is not a risk factor for an impaired ability to recognize smells and tastes. However, care need representing age, the number of medications taken, and the number of chronic comorbidities is a risk indicator.

Long-term cardiopulmonary effects after Covid-19 infection

Abstract Introduction The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic of 2020 has an influence on people's lives worldwide, impacting global health and putting pressure on health care systems. Multiple studies have described acute effects of the Covid-19 infection on the heart, but little is known about the long-term cardiac effects and complications after recovery. The aim of this analysis was to deliver a comprehensive report of symptoms and long-term impairment after Covid-19 infection. Methods This study was a prospective, multicenter registry study. Patients with verified COVID-19 infection, who were treated at our dedicated COVID hospital (Klinik Favoriten), have been included in this study. In all patients, testing was performed approximately 6 months post discharge. During each study visit the following tests and investigations were performed: detailed patient history and clinical examination, transthoracic echocardiography, electrocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), pulmonary computed tomography (CT) scan, lung function test, spiroergometry and six-minute walk test (6MWT), and a comprehensive list of laboratory parameters including cardiac bio markers such as brain natriuretic peptide (NTpro BNP) and troponin T. Results In this interim analysis of an ongoing trial, the first 65 patients are presented. Baseline values are shown in table 1: 34 (59%) were male and the median age was 48.5 years (36.4–59.3). 86% of all patients included so far had an only mild to moderate course of disease and 14% of them had a severe course and were admitted to our intensive care unit. At the time of the study visit, the majority of patients still complained about symptoms: 40% presented with fatigue and weakness, 36% with exertional dyspnea, 21% with vertigo, 17% had an impaired taste or smell. Only 28% were completely asymptomatic (figure 1). From a cardiac perspective, the only abnormal findings noted in echocardiography studies were reduced left ventricular global longitudinal strain. Cardiac MRI revealed pericardial effusion in 19%, however, these were only minimal (≤9mm) and not visible in echocardiography. Furthermore, cardiac MRI showed positive late gadolinium enhancement in 11%. Pulmonary function tests were abnormal in 16%. Pulmonary CT scans showed post infectious residues like bilateral ground glass opacities and fibrosis in 45%. Exercise capacity as measured by the 6-minute walk test with BORG Dyspnea Score and by spiroergometry was reduced in almost 40% of our study participants. Conclusions This interim analysis showed that most previously hospitalized patients still suffer from chronic fatigue, exertional dyspnea and impaired cardiopulmonary function after Covid-19 infection. Furthermore, even though cardiac and pulmonary imaging revealed numerous pathologic findings, and exercise capacity was reduced, no correlations could be found with persisting symptoms. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Klink Favoriten and Medical University hospital Vienna

Frequency of Neurologic Manifestations in COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

One year after the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, we aimed to summarize the frequency of neurologic manifestations reported in patients with COVID-19 and to investigate the association of these manifestations with disease severity and mortality. We searched PubMed, Medline, Cochrane library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and EMBASE for studies from December 31, 2019, to December 15, 2020, enrolling consecutive patients with COVID-19 presenting with neurologic manifestations. Risk of bias was examined with the Joanna Briggs Institute scale. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for neurologic manifestations. Odds ratio (ORs) and 95% CIs were calculated to determine the association of neurologic manifestations with disease severity and mortality. Presence of heterogeneity was assessed with I 2, meta-regression, and subgroup analyses. Statistical analyses were conducted in R version 3.6.2. Of 2,455 citations, 350 studies were included in this review, providing data on 145,721 patients with COVID-19, 89% of whom were hospitalized. Forty-one neurologic manifestations (24 symptoms and 17 diagnoses) were identified. Pooled prevalence of the most common neurologic symptoms included fatigue (32%), myalgia (20%), taste impairment (21%), smell impairment (19%), and headache (13%). A low risk of bias was observed in 85% of studies; studies with higher risk of bias yielded higher prevalence estimates. Stroke was the most common neurologic diagnosis (pooled prevalence 2%). In patients with COVID-19 ≥60 years of age, the pooled prevalence of acute confusion/delirium was 34%, and the presence of any neurologic manifestations in this age group was associated with mortality (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.11-2.91). Up to one-third of patients with COVID-19 analyzed in this review experienced at least 1 neurologic manifestation. One in 50 patients experienced stroke. In those >60 years of age, more than one-third had acute confusion/delirium; the presence of neurologic manifestations in this group was associated with nearly a doubling of mortality. Results must be interpreted with the limitations of observational studies and associated bias in mind. PROSPERO CRD42020181867.

COVID-19 neurological manifestations: correlation of cerebral MRI imaging and lung imaging\u2014Observational study

BackgroundDuring the current pandemic, there is an increased incidence of neurologic/neuropsychiatric manifestations in patients with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Neurologic manifestations may be coincident or result of disease and its therapy. In the emergency department, orientation of the clinician with this issue is crucial for accurate decision making to limit the spread of infection during neurologic treatment. This study aimed to be familiar with MRI findings in patients with Neuro-COVID. Seventy patients presented with neurologic/neuropsychiatric manifestation either post COVID or during hospitalization underwent cerebral MRI from April 2020 to June 2021 (39 men and 31women; mean age 43.27, age range from 16 to 69 years).ResultsHeadache (80%), is the most prevalent neurological manifestations followed by smell and taste impairment (62.9%) and stroke symptoms (45.7%). Low mood and anxiety (17.1%), prolonged fatigue (14.3%) and depression (7.1%) are the most common psychiatric symptoms. Infarctions, hematoma and demyelinating disease are the most prevalent findings. There is a week positive correlation between MRI findings and CT chest finding but without statistical significance (P-value 0.2).ConclusionsCerebrovascular disease and demyelinating lesions are common manifestations of COVID 19. Familiarity of neurologists and radiologist in the emergency department and in-patient with this issue is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis and the spread of infection.

Comparative Evaluation of Altered Taste Perception among Oral Submucous Fibrosis Patients

Background:Taste perception is an important factor in sustaining human life. Impairment of taste is one of the important features of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), and it has not received much attention, owing to limited research work in the field. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine taste alteration in OSMF patients.Materials and Methods:A total of 200 participants, both males and females with the age range of 20 years to 55 years, were included in the study. Four basic tastants (i.e., sweet, salt, sour, and bitter) were prepared as follows: sucrose for sweet (0.1–1.0 mol/l), sodium chloride for salty (0.01–1.0 mol/l), citric acid for sour (0.320–0.032 mol/l), and quinine sulfate for bitter (0.01–1.0 mol/l) and full mouth rinse test was performed for a complete taste response examination, after which punch biopsy was taken from buccal mucosa to determine histopathological staging. The data obtained were tabulated and analyzed by the Pearson Chi-square test; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:The overall results suggested that there was a significant alteration of taste. The sweet taste was altered followed by salty and bitter was least affected.Conclusion:The study points out at the significance of alteration in taste perception is OSMF patients related to sweet, salt, sour, and bitter taste by using physiological stimuli tastants.

Trigeminal neuralgia post COVID-19: Preliminary report and clinical consideration

COVID-19 is a single RNA virus that enters the host cells after binding to the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). The symptomatic picture of SARS-CoV-2 is dominated by respiratory disease. However, the spread of the virus, is not circumscribed considering that ACE2 receptor expression is also detected in other tissues, including the CNS. Neurological impairment is more likely in patients with more severe infection, and the most frequently encountered neurological pathologies were acute cerebrovascular disease, impaired consciousness, and impaired taste and sense of smell.

The first year of neurology and COVID-19: The importance of understanding neurological and biopsychosocial symptoms in acute and post neurocovid disease

After the first year since its first reporting Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected nearly 120 million people and resulted in almost more than 2 million deaths globally. After one year from the first report of neurological symptoms in a Chinese patient, more than 55 countries to date have reported symptoms including impaired taste or smell, headache, dizziness, delirium, agitation, stroke, hypoxic ischaemic brain injury, seizures, coma, meningo-encephalitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, myalgia, amongst others. Consequences seen in the follow-up periods of COVID-19 infection are also becoming more and more apparent mostly with reports of persistent problems with smell or taste, cognitive impairment, headaches, confusion, difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbance. Recently more and more studies on long term consequences of acute COVID are being published, such as the Study NEXT, a longitudinal study done in a population of hospitalized patients in Brescia. First studies show that not only clinical but also biopsychosocial effects are becoming increasingly important as long as more data are collected. Although further research is needed to understand which patients are most vulnerable to neurological manifestations in the acute, long or post COVID-19 disease, however after this first year it is clear that neurological, biopsychosocial and mental health data need to be not only collected but also analysed in a manner that could help the understanding of characteristics, timing, and severity of neurological manifestations of COVID-19.

Nonlinear association between chemosensory dysfunction and body mass index

AbstractChemosensory (gustatory and olfactory) dysfunction contributes to obesity, but the association between body mass index (BMI) and chemosensory dysfunction are inconsistently reported. The present study included 4,390 subjects at a Smell and Taste Clinic. Results suggested that both the obesity class II group (BMI ≥ 35) and underweight group (BMI &lt; 18.5) exhibited impaired taste function compared with the normal weight group (p &lt; .05). Comparing with the other groups, the obesity class II group exhibited a higher proportion of impaired bitter identification (8.6%), and the underweight group showed a higher proportion of impaired salty identification (7.9%). When investigating differences for individual tastes, subjects with impaired bitter identification had higher BMI (t = 2.79, p = .005) and lower olfactory scores (p &lt; .05) compared with those with intact bitter identification. Finally, reduced taste scores are associated with an increased BMI (r = −.04, p = .022). This correlation becomes more pronounced with age (F = 1.42, p &lt; .001).Practical ApplicationThe nonlinear association between chemosensory dysfunction and BMI suggested that maintaining the gustatory and olfactory function is of significance for normal metabolism. In obesity regulating bitter taste appears to be more important than the other tastes.

Treatment-Related Dysgeusia in Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

Oral cancer is the most common tumor of the head and neck region. Its management is based on surgical and systemic therapies. Taste disorders represent the most common side effect of these treatments; indeed, dysgeusia is noted by 70% of oral cancer patients. Despite survival remaining the primary endpoint of cancer patients, taste impairments can cause psychological distress. This comprehensive review describes the last decade’s knowledge from the literature regarding taste alterations in patients with oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. A total of 26 articles in English, including prospective, cross-sectional, and case–control studies, and clinical trials were evaluated. Literature analysis shows that anti-cancer treatments can destroy taste cells, decrease and alter their receptors, and interrupt nerve transmission. Furthermore, the tumour itself can destroy the oral mucosal lining, which encloses the taste buds. Dysgeusia typically occurs in 3–4 weeks of treatments, and usually taste sensation is recovered within 3–12 months. However, some patients exhibit incomplete or no recovery, even several years later. Thus, dysgeusia can become a chronic issue and negatively influence patients’ quality of life, worsening their dysphagia and their nutritional status. Physicians should be focused on preventing oncological treatment-related symptoms, offering the most suitable personalized support during therapy.

Assessing biological stability in a\xa0porous groundwater aquifer of a\xa0riverbank filtration system: combining traditional cultivation-based and emerging cultivation-independent in situ and predictive methods

Riverbank filtration systems are important drinking water resources. Aquifers of riverbank filtration systems are subjected to considerable dynamics concerning the quantity and quality of the infiltrating water. The microbiological quality is mainly jeopardized by faecal contamination of the main river. Besides, water quality can be impacted by growth of natural water-borne bacteria due to the input of nutrients resulting in the proliferation of opportunistic pathogens, impairment of odour and taste or bio-corrosion. The occurrence of such phenomena indicates a biological instability. For highly dynamic riverbank filtration systems, it is thus of high relevance to assess the biological stability of the groundwater resource.In the present study, we applied a holistic, two-tiered concept of in situ and predictive methods to assess the biostability of the aquifer in a bank filtration system of the Danube River. We applied traditional cultivation-based and selected cultivation-independent methods—including cultivation on yeast extract and R2A agar, determination of total cell counts via fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry, leucine incorporation and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing—at critical control points along the infiltration path from the river to the abstraction well.The concentration of organic nutrients and the hydrological variability were the main controlling factors driving the biological stability of the groundwater body. Wells situated at greater distance displayed significantly lower dissolved organic carbon concentrations and a dampened hydrological influence in comparison to the well situated next to the river. Apparent discrepancies between the methods used indicated a different indicator function of the cultivation-based and cultivation-independent approaches. For complex systems, we thus recommend this new holistic concept for assessing biostability by combining in situ as well as predictive parameters and using cultivation-based and cultivation-independent methods.

Outbreak of oral ulcers (glossitis) among the students of three central schools under Tsirang district Bhutan, 2018

BackgroundNutritional deficiencies are common worldwide and is most notable in low and middle income countries. In the early weeks of September 2018, oral sores mostly affecting the tongue were reported in three central schools under Tsirang district, Bhutan. A total of 204 students were affected in the three central schools. All the affected students have been assessed on the outbreak and nutritional survey was conducted in the three schools.MethodsA total of 204 students who complained of different oral lesions in the affected three schools were screened by the dental surgeon for clinical assessment and administered questionnaire for nutritional assessment by the nutritionist. Twenty-one students randomly selected were sent for blood tests for micronutrient assays and complete blood count. 41 students were tested for Exfoliative cell cytology to test for fungal elements. The collected data was double entered and validated using Epi-Data version 3.1 and analysed using Stata 15 IC. The characteristics of the participants are presented as frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation (SD).ResultsAlmost all the affected students in all the three schools had complaints of Burning Sensation (n = 158) followed by Pain (n = 153), Impaired Taste Sensation (n = 100) and Intolerance to Spicy Food (n = 95). Nutritional assessment analysis suggested schools not meeting the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for all components of Vitamin B complexes and Iron.ConclusionClinical assessments and nutritional survey analysis found inadequate vitamin rich dietary intakes among all the three schools. Implementation of a strict school feeding program with a balanced diet has been suggested accordingly.

Olfactory dysfunction and coronavirus disease 2019 severity: a prospective cohort study

The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the association between olfactory dysfunction or taste impairment and disease severity and radiological findings in coronavirus disease-2019. The secondary goal was to assess the prevalence, severity and course of olfactory dysfunction or taste impairment in patients with coronavirus disease 2019. This prospective observational cohort study evaluated patients hospitalised with coronavirus disease 2019 between April 1 and 1 May 2020. Olfactory dysfunction and taste impairment were evaluated by two questionnaires. Chest computed tomography findings and coronavirus disease-2019 severity were assessed. Among 133 patients, 23.3 per cent and 30.8 per cent experienced olfactory dysfunction and taste impairment, respectively, and 17.2 per cent experienced both. The mean age was 56.03 years, and 64.7 per cent were male and 35.3 per cent were female. No statistically significant association was found between olfactory dysfunction (p = 0.706) and taste impairment (p = 0.35) with either disease severity or chest computed tomography grading. Olfactory dysfunction or taste impairment does not have prognostic importance in patients with coronavirus disease 2019.

Interplay Among the Oral Microbiome, Oral Cavity Conditions, the Host Immune Response, Diabetes Mellitus, and Its Associated-Risk Factors-An Overview.

This comprehensive review of the literature aimed to investigate the interplay between the oral microbiome, oral cavity conditions, and host immune response in Diabetes mellitus (DM). Moreover, this review also aimed to investigate how DM related risk factors, such as advanced age, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, obesity, hypertension and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), act in promoting or modifying specific mechanisms that could potentially perpetuate both altered systemic and oral conditions. We found that poorly controlled glycemic index may exert a negative effect on the immune system of affected individuals, leading to a deficient immune response or to an exacerbation of the inflammatory response exacerbating DM-related complications. Hyperglycemia induces alterations in the oral microbiome since poor glycemic control is associated with increased levels and frequencies of periodontal pathogens in the subgingival biofilm of individuals with DM. A bidirectional relationship between periodontal diseases and DM has been suggested: DM patients may have an exaggerated inflammatory response, poor repair and bone resorption that aggravates periodontal disease whereas the increased levels of systemic pro-inflammatory mediators found in individuals affected with periodontal disease exacerbates insulin resistance. SARS-CoV-2 infection may represent an aggravating factor for individuals with DM. Individuals with DM tend to have low salivary flow and a high prevalence of xerostomia, but the association between prevalence/experience of dental caries and DM is still unclear. DM has also been associated to the development of lesions in the oral mucosa, especially potentially malignant ones and those associated with fungal infections. Obesity plays an important role in the induction and progression of DM. Co-affected obese and DM individuals tend to present worse oral health conditions. A decrease in HDL and, an increase in triglycerides bloodstream levels seem to be associated with an increase on the load of periodontopathogens on oral cavity. Moreover, DM may increase the likelihood of halitosis. Prevalence of impaired taste perception and impaired smell recognition tend to be greater in DM patients. An important interplay among oral cavity microbiome, DM, obesity and hypertension has been proposed as the reduction of nitrate into nitrite, in addition to contribute to lowering of blood pressure, reduces oxidative stress and increases insulin secretion, being these effects desirable for the control of obesity and DM. Women with PCOS tend to present a distinct oral microbial composition and an elevated systemic response to selective members of this microbial community, but the association between oral microbiome, PCOS are DM is still unknown. The results of the studies presented in this review suggest the interplay among the oral microbiome, oral cavity conditions, host immune response and DM and some of the DM associated risk factors exist. DM individuals need to be encouraged and motivated for an adequate oral health care. In addition, these results show the importance of adopting multidisciplinary management of DM and of strengthening physicians-dentists relationship focusing on both systemic and on oral cavity conditions of DM patients.

Microbial, physiochemical and functional properties of probiotic yogurt containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum enriched by green tea aqueous extract.

In this study, the effect of aqueous extract of green tea on the viability of probiotic bacteria including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum and the sensory and physicochemical and functional properties of synbiotic yogurt was investigated during 4 weeks of storage. L. acidophilus and B. bifidum counts did not significantly change in yogurt containing 0.5% and 1% of the extract during storage. Also, the addition of the extract to yogurt highly increased the phenolic compounds, since the amount of phenolic compounds in yogurt containing 0.5% and 1% extract was 660 and 1,123 mg gallic acid/kg, respectively. In addition, a significant increase in the antioxidant activity of yogurt containing green tea extract was observed in comparison with the control. The amount of antioxidant activity increased during 4 weeks of storage, which reached to 4,193 and 7,337 mg BHT eq./kg in probiotic yogurt containing 0.5% and 1% extract, respectively. The acidity increased during 4 weeks of storage, while the pH decreased. Addition of the extract significantly increased the acidity of probiotic yogurt compared with the control (p < .05). In addition, in all studied groups, an increase in syneresis was observed during the study, and the syneresis was greater in yogurt containing aqueous extract of green tea, compared with the control group. Although adding the green tea extract to probiotic yogurt impaired taste, texture, and appearance compared with the plain yogurt, the overall acceptability of these samples was yet above the acceptable level. In conclusion, the results of the study showed that the addition of aqueous extract of green tea increased the antioxidant properties and the amount of phenolic compounds in yogurt, while the viability of probiotic bacteria was not changed. Therefore, the simultaneous use of green tea extract and probiotics in yogurt is recommended as an effective functional food formulation.

The Frequencies and Clinical Correlates of Neurological Symptoms in COVID-19

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may cause neurological impairments in addition to disorders of respiratory and gastrointestinal systems. We aimed to investigate the frequencies and clinical correlates of neurological symptoms in COVID-19. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 117 consecutive patients diagnosed as having COVID-19 in two designated centers assigned by the government to follow up the COVID-19 patients in Turkey. Results: The mean age was 53.08 ±15.63 years (range 18 to 89 years). Sixty-five (55.5%) mildly (non-complicated), 32 (27.4%) moderately (mild pneumonia), and 20 (17.1%) severely ill (severe pneumonia) patients are included. Seventy nine patients (67.5%) were detected to suffer from neurological complaints. The most common symptom was taste impairment seen in 36 (30.7%) patients. Other common complaints were smell impairment (25.6%), headache (24.7%), and dizziness (16.2%). Patients with neurological symptoms were younger, and more likely to have accompanying comorbidities. The patients with severe infection were also more likely to have coexisting comorbidities. Higher ferritin and LDH levels, and lower lymphocyte counts indicated the worse disease severity. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that more than half of the non-critically ill COVID-19 patients experiences neurological complaints. Clinicians should be aware of the neuroinvasive spread of the coronaviruses, and neurological symptoms should be questioned in particular the young patients with accompanying comorbidities.

Age-Associated Neurological Complications of COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The outbreak of the novel and highly infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in hundreds of millions of infections and millions of deaths globally. Infected individuals that progress to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) experience upper and lower respiratory complications that range in severity and may lead to wide-spread inflammation and generalized hypoxia or hypoxemia that impacts multiple organ systems, including the central and peripheral nervous systems. Since the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, multiple reports continue to emerge that detail neurological symptoms, ranging from relatively mild (e.g., impaired taste and/or smell) to severe (e.g., stroke), suggesting SARS-CoV-2 may be neurotropic and/or contribute to nervous system injury through direct and/or indirect mechanisms. To gain insight into the types of neurological complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and their possible relationship with age, sex, COVID-19 severity, and comorbidities, we performed a systematic review of case reports and series published in 2020 – April 4, 2021 of infected patients with neurological manifestations. Meta-analyses were conducted using individual patient data from reports where these data could be extracted. Here, we report neurological injury occurs across the lifespan in the context of infection, with and without known comorbidities, and with all disease severities, including asymptomatic patients. Older individuals, however, are more susceptible to developing life-threatening COVID-19 and cerebrovascular disease (CVD), such as stroke. A mild but inverse correlation with age was seen with CNS inflammatory diseases, such as encephalitis, as well as taste and/or smell disorders. When reported, increased age was also associated with comorbid cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and lipid disorders, but not with obesity. Obesity did correlate with development of critical COVID-19. Discussion into potential pathophysiological mechanisms by which neurological symptoms arise and long-term consequences of infection to the nervous system is also provided.

Exploring the neural mechanisms of aversion to bitter gourd phytochemicals in insects using Drosophila

• The mechanism by which bitter gourd repels insects is poorly known. • Drosophila – model to understand the neurophysiology of aversion to phyto-extracts. • Bitter gourd extract affects viability of developing flies, but not adults. • Bitter gourd extract – antifeedant sensed through bitter sensitive taste neurons. • Bitter gourd extract reinforces aversive memory (retained even after 24 h). Bitter gourd ( Momordica charantia L.) has compounds that repel insect pests. Unlike conventional pesticides, these compounds are eco-friendly and beneficial for human health. However the mechanisms by which these compounds repel insects and affect their physiology remains poorly known. Here we used Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen) to address these issues. We tested a wild strain, and a laboratory bred Canton S strain. Bitter gourd extract reduced the viability of developing flies, but did not affect survival in adults. Flies avoided bitter gourd extract in a food choice assay, and consumed a significantly low amount of food mixed with bitter gourd – indicating that it acts as an antifeedant. Transgenic flies with impaired aversive taste sensitive neurons showed a reduced aversion towards bitter gourd extract showing that these compounds act through the bitter sensitive gustatory neurons. Finally, flies also retained the memory of consuming bitter gourd extract for at least 24 hours, suggesting an additional cognitive mechanism for long term aversion. Our study provides the first evidence of bitter gourd compounds acting as antifeedants and also as potent reinforcers of aversive memory in drosophilids. We suggest that flies can be used to understand the physiological and neural mechanisms underlying the mode of action of other such phyto-extracts with the goal of developing potent but less harmful pest control formulations.

PH-0386 NTCP modeling for late radiation-associated taste impairment in oropharyngeal cancer patients

PH-0386 NTCP modeling for late radiation-associated taste impairment in oropharyngeal cancer patients

Influence of iron deficiency anemia on oral mucosa and tongue in pregnant women

Aim. To assess the effect of iron deficiency anemia on the state of the oral mucosa in pregnant women.Materials and methods. On the basis of the State Institution “NKI of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery” of the Ministry of Health and the SZN of the RT, a clinical assessment of the effect of moderate iron deficiency anemia (IDA) on the state of the oral cavity was given in 48 pregnant women, where the hemoglobin level was below 100 g / l. The nature and severity of lesions of the oral mucosa were determined. Disturbances of taste sensations were assessed, a quantitative assessment of the varieties of taste disturbances was made, the nature and tonality of the color of the tongue were established.Results and its discussion. In 48 examined women with IDA of moderate severity with hemoglobin below 100 g / l, local color changes were revealed on the anterior part of the tongue in the form of a bright red color. Paresthesia of the tongue was detected in 39.6% of women, for whom the most characteristic signs were burning sensations, tingling, tingling, and bursting. Sometimes these signs intensified with mechanical irritation - brushing teeth. The survey showed that 64.2% had a violation of taste sensations. The phenomenon of paresthesia of the tongue was in 39.6% of women; in 22.4% of women, a condition accompanied by a perversion of taste, dysgeusia, was recorded.Conclusion. Iron deficiency anemia in pregnant women leads to significant changes in the oral mucosa in the form of pallor of the oral mucosa, paresthesia, impaired taste sensations (hypogeusia, dysgeusia), thinning of the epithelial layer and papillae of the tongue, difficulty in swallowing due to dry mouth, as well as whitish color gums mainly in the projection of the roots of the teeth.