A study of taste alterations in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with a good glycemic control

Background: The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications pose a challenge to healthcare systems today, with a paucity of research examining the impact of T2DM on gustatory functions, especially in India. Aim and Objective: The objective of this study was to assess gustatory function in T2DM patients with good glycemic control and a disease duration ?5 years and compare it with the findings in normal individuals. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with a sample size of 40, including patients and controls, aged 25–50 years. The Institute’s Ethics Committee clearance was taken, and written informed consent was obtained from the subjects. The evaluation of gustatory function was done using the triple drop test. Different concentrations of tastants were presented to the subjects. Scoring was done on the identification of increasing concentrations from “5” to “1.” Results: Taste scores for sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastants were lesser in diabetic patients. This was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Taste impairment seems to affect diabetic patients relative to healthy controls. This could be an indication of central diabetic neuropathy. Hypogeusia in type 2 diabetic patients may influence the choice of nutrients such as an increased preference for sweet-tasting or salty foods, thus imposing health risks and affecting the quality of life.

Incidence of Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunctions in the Early Stages of COVID-19: An Objective Evaluation

Abstract Introduction Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a dangerous infectious disease caused by a newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that has various clinical presentations. Numerable cases with non-specific olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions in COVID-19 have been reported from all over the globe. This is important as awareness will let people to self-isolate and help in limiting disease spread. Objective To objectively evaluate the frequency of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction, which may occur independently or with other symptoms, in laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients at an early stage of the disease. Methods Objective evaluation of olfactory and gustatory function of 322 COVID-19 patients treated at our hospital, (SMGS, Government Medical College, Jammu), from August 2020 until November 2020. Results Our study population included 127 (39.4%) males and 195 (60.6%) females. Two hundred and twenty-six (70.2%) COVID-19 patients experienced olfactory and gustatory disorders. One hundred and sixty-five (51.2%) cases experienced both olfactory and gustatory disorders. Isolated olfactory dysfunction was reported in 34 (10.6%) patients, while 27 (8.4%) patients experienced only gustatory dysfunction. Conclusion The olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions, without any nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea, are significant symptoms in the clinical presentation of early COVID-19 patients. This presentation can be recognized at the earliest one, and it can reduce the high communicability of the COVID-19 disease.

Transconjunctival botulinum toxin injection into the lacrimal gland in crocodile tears syndrome

Purpose: To determine the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin injection into the lacrimal gland as a symptomatic treatment of crocodile tear syndrome (CTS). Methods: Our study included six patients of unilateral gustatory hyper lacrimation following either an episode of facial paralysis or post trauma or any related surgery that posed a risk of damaging the facial nerve. Detailed history regarding previous trauma, duration of facial paralysis, previous significant surgery, and duration of steroid use following facial paralysis was noted. Schirmer抯 test was done at baseline and 3 months follow?up. Patients� consent was taken prior to treatment with botulinum toxin injection in the lacrimal gland. Repeat injection of 5 U botulinum toxin (type A) was administered into the lacrimal gland of all patients transconjunctivally within an interval of 1 week. All patients were followed up with Schirmer抯 test at 6 weeks and 3 months. Any complications during treatment were recorded. Results: All six patients showed complete or partial disappearance of reflex lacrimation while chewing following botulinum injection measured by a significant reduction in Schirmer抯 value. When comparing Schirmer test values before (27.8 � 3.58 mm) and after (11.6 � 2.28 mm) BTX?A injection, the differences observed (P = 0.002) were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Only two patients developed mild transitory ptosis. No other complications were noted. Conclusion: Transconjunctival botulinum toxin injection into the lacrimal gland is an effective and safe method to decrease reflex lacrimation during eating or chewing in CTS or gustatory hyper?lacrimation syndrome.

Coronavirus disease-19 vaccination and chemosensory dysfunction

Background: Chemosensory disturbances such as altered smell and taste sensations have a strong impact on health and quality of life. The lack of awareness of these chemosensory symptoms post-coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 vaccination has led to apprehension. When adequately addressed, it can encourage people to take vaccines which are a life-saving tool in this pandemic. Aims and Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence and duration of altered smell and taste post-COVID-19 vaccination. Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted during January–August 2021. The Institutional Ethical Committee clearance was obtained. Data was collected from 242 COVID-19 vaccine beneficiaries majority of them being health care workers by online and offline survey questionnaires. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS 21. Results: Out of 250 respondents, 242 completed the study. About 95% of them received CoviShield, 3.8% Covaxin, and 1.3% Pfizer. Perception of altered smell (olfactory dysfunction), taste (gustatory dysfunction), and both smell and taste was reported by 5.8%, 8.27%, and 2.61% of study participants. The mean duration was 3.43 ± 2.03 and 4 ± 1.64 days for altered smell and taste, respectively, with complete recovery. Conclusion: Chemosensory disturbances were reported in a small percentage of vaccine beneficiaries and all of them recovered within a few days completely without any medications. Vaccines are a critical tool in the battle against COVID-19 and we should emphasize on its health and lifesaving benefits and reassure those chemosensory disturbances have complete recovery.

Potential application of Gustatory Receptor 1 (CmegGr1) gene as a molecular marker for identification of Chrysomya megacephala (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

@#Chrysomya megacephala larvae can easily be identified using cheap traditional microscopy techniques. Nevertheless, identification using taxonomy keys may be hampered, if the morphological characteristics of the larvae are incomplete, or immature for microscopic identification. To overcome the difficulty of species determination, molecular identification has gained relevance and is applied in forensic investigations. This study aimed to identify a novel target gene, known as the gustatory receptor 1 gene (CmegGr1), which has never been used for identification. The third instar larvae of Ch. megacephala (n = 30) and eight other forensically important fly species were obtained from two sources; rabbit carcasses and the Forensic Entomology Unit collection. Their DNAs were extracted and the CmegGr1 gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The resulting sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis. A 209 bp fragment of the CmegGr1 gene was successfully amplified in 80% (24/30) of Ch. megacephala samples, while all of the non-Ch. megacephala species were not amplified. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the evolutionary tree of CmegGr1 shares many traits with the 21a gustatory receptors of Calliphora stygia and Lucilia cuprina (Gr21a), which are also classified as necrophagous fly species. The high specificity of species identification was demonstrated in the present study using DNA barcoding, which led to the conclusion that the CmegGr1 gene could serve as an alternative marker for identifying Ch. megacephala.

Manifestaciones orales y disfunción olfativa y gustativa en el síndrome respiratorio agudo severo por corona virus 2 (VIRUS SARS-COV-2): una revisión sistemáticaA / Oral Manifestations and Olfactory and Gustatory Dysfunction in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARSCov-2 Virus) Disease: A Systematic Review

La enfermedad del corona virus 2 del síndrome respiratorio agudo severo (virus SARS-CoV-2) apareció por primera vez en diciembre de 2019 en Wuhan, China, y desde entonces se ha extendido rápidamente por todo el mundo. Desde entonces, el brote de esta grave enfermedad viral se ha convertido en una amenaza global para la humanidad. El diagnóstico precoz y el aislamiento son las medidas más importantes necesarias para prevenir su propagación. La evidencia anecdótica reciente ha sugerido manifestaciones orales con o sin deterioro olfativo y gustativo en asociación con la enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19). La enzima convertidora de angiotensina-2 (ECA-2) se expresa en la mucosa oral en grandes cantidades y, por tanto, puede contribuir a las primeras manifestaciones de esta enfermedad viral mortal. Las manifestaciones bucales de la enfermedad por coronavirus pueden presentarse en forma de lesiones ulcerativas irregulares en relación con diferentes partes de la cavidad oral y, en particular, en relación con la mucosa adherida en la región del paladar duro, así como inflamación y posterior atrofia de las diversas papilas de la lengua. La disfunción olfativa y gustativa asociada también puede conducir a una pérdida parcial y / o incluso completa de la capacidad para oler y saborear en las primeras etapas del inicio de la enfermedad. La evidencia también ha sugerido la presencia de ácido nucleico del SARS-CoV-2 en la saliva humana, lo que la convierte en portadora de la enfermedad viral infecciosa y ayuda en su diagnóstico. Hemos buscado sistemáticamente la base de datos médica para el mismo y hemos revisado toda la literatura disponible hasta el 29 de junio de 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) disease had first appeared in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and has been spreading quickly throughout the world since then. Since then, the outbreak of this severe viral disease has become a global threat to humanity. An early diagnosis and isolation are the most significant measures required to prevent its spread. Recent anecdotal evidence has suggested oral manifestations with or, without olfactory and gustatory impairment in association with corona virus disease (COVID-19). Angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) is expressed in oral mucosa in large amounts and can, thus, contribute in the early manifestations of this deadly viral disease. The oral manifestations of corona virus disease can occur in the form of irregular ulcerative lesions in relation to different parts of the oral cavity and particularly, in relation to the attached mucosa in the hard palate region as well as inflammation and subsequent, atrophy of the various tongue papilla. The associated olfactory and gustatory dysfunction can, also, lead to partial and/or, even a complete loss of the ability to smell and taste in the early stages of the disease onset. Evidence has, also, suggested the presence of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in human saliva making it the carrier of the infectious viral disease as well as aiding in its diagnosis. We have systemically searched medical database for the same and have reviewed all the literature available up to 29th of June 2020.

Salivary pH and Taste Sensitivity among Geriatric and Non-Geriatric Patients in a Tertiary Hospital: A Cross Sectional Study

@#<p><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>To evaluate the association of salivary pH and taste sensitivity among geriatric and non-geriatric patients in an otorhinolaryngology - head and neck surgery out-patient clinic.</p><p><strong>METHODS:</strong></p><p><strong>Design:           </strong>Cross-Sectional Study</p><p><strong>Setting:           </strong>Tertiary Government Training Hospital</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>40 otorhinolaryngology out-patients</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Of the 40 patients aged 24 to 92-years-old (mean age 59.8 years), 21 were geriatric and 19 were non-geriatric. The mean salivary pH was 6.66 (range 5 to 8) and 6.63 (range 5 to 7) for geriatric and non-geriatric groups; the difference in mean salivary pH was not statistically significant (p = .87). The salivary pH in the geriatric group showed a negative correlation with age (r=0.06), while the salivary pH in the non-geriatric group had a positive correlation with age (r=0.14). Overall, increases in age among the non-geriatric group were correlated with increase in salivary pH which were not observed in the geriatric patients. In the geriatric group, among the 4 tastants, the strongest correlation between taste sensitivity and salivary pH was observed for quinine followed by sucrose and NaCl, but no correlation for citric acid. In the non-geriatric group, the strongest correlation between taste sensitivity and salivary pH was observed for NaCl, followed by quinine, citric acid and sucrose.</p><p><strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>There was no significant difference between the mean salivary pH of geriatric and non-geriatric patients, and both means were within normal. There was a negative correlation between age and salivary pH in the geriatric group, and a positive correlation in the non-geriatric group.  Salivary pH had the strongest correlation with taste sensitivity for quinine and NaCl among geriatric and non-geriatric participants, respectively, but the reasons for, and significance of this cannot be inferred from the present study.</p><p><strong>KEYWORDS:</strong> salivary pH; taste sensitivity; gustatory function; geriatric</p>

Acellular dermal matrix (Insuregraf) in the prevention of Frey’s syndrome and surgical site depression after parotidectomy

BACKGROUND: Parotidectomy is the treatment of choice in many parotid tumors. Due to the extensive nature of the procedure, unfavorable complications such as gustatory sweating, surgical site depression are common. Various techniques using fascia, muscle or AlloDerm have been developed but debate still remains regarding its availability and affordability. We applied a newly developed acellular dermal matrix (Insuregraf) to the parotidectomy field to act as a physical barrier and to provide adequate filling effect for prevention of functional and aesthetic complications. METHODS: From March 2010 to March 2017, 30 patients with parotid tumors underwent superficial parotidectomy. Twenty patients underwent only superficial parotidectomy. Ten patients had Insuregraf applied to the surgical site after superficial parotidectomy. We evaluated the incidence of Frey’s syndrome, surgical site depression, and patient satisfaction rate in both groups. RESULTS: The incidence of Frey’s syndrome was lower in the Insuregraf group (0 vs. 2). Surgical site depression was also lower in the Insuregraf group (2 vs. 20). Satisfaction score for facial contour in Insuregraf group was 9.2 out of 10, which was comparable to 6.2 out of 10 in the control group. CONCLUSION: Application of Insuregraf after superficial parotidectomy is an effective surgical procedure to prevent complications such as Frey’s syndrome and surgical site depression. This technique is affordable and safe with no immune reactions. Above all this surgical method should be considered as an option for patients who are concerned about the contour of the face after surgery.

Retro-and orthonasal olfactory function in relation to olfactory bulb volume in patients with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism / Função olfativa retro e ortonasal em relação ao volume do bulbo olfatório em pacientes com hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico

Abstract Introduction: Idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism with an olfactory deficit is defined as Kallmann syndrome and is distinct from normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Objective: Because olfactory perception not only consists of orthonasally gained impressions but also involves retronasal olfactory function, in this study we decided to comprehensively evaluate both retronasal and orthonasal olfaction in patients with idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Methods: This case-control study included 31 controls and 45 idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism patients. All participants whose olfactory and taste functions were evaluated with orthonasal olfaction (discrimination, identification and threshold), retronasal olfaction, taste function and olfactory bulb volume measurement. The patients were separated into three groups according to orthonasal olfaction: anosmic idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, hyposmic idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Results: Discrimination, identification and threshold scores of patients with Kallmann syndrome were significantly lower than controls. Threshold scores of patients with normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. were significantly lower than those of controls, but discrimination and identification scores were not significantly different. Retronasal olfaction was reduced only in the anosmic idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism group compared to controls. Identification of bitter, sweet, sour, and salty tastes was not significantly different when compared between the anosmic, hyposmic, and normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism groups and controls. Olfactory bulb volume was lower bilaterally in all patient groups when compared with controls. The olfactory bulb volume of both sides was found to be significantly correlated with threshold, discrimination and identification scores in idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism patients. Conclusion: 1) There were no significant differences in gustatory function between controls and idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism patients; 2) retronasal olfaction was reduced only in anosmic patients but not in orthonasally hyposmic participants, possibly indicating presence of effective compensatory mechanisms; 3) olfactory bulb volumes were highly correlated with olfaction scores in the hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism group. The current results indicate a continuum from anosmia to normosmia in idiopathic hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism patients.

Resumo Introdução: O hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico idiopático com déficit olfatório é definido como síndrome de Kallmann e é distinto de hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico idiopático normósmico. Objetivo: Pelo fato de a percepção olfativa não apenas consistir em impressões obtidas ortonasalmente, mas também envolver a função olfativa retronasal, neste estudo decidimos avaliar de maneira abrangente o olfato retronasal e ortonasal em pacientes com hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico idiopático. Método: Este estudo caso-controle incluiu 31 controles e 45 pacientes com hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico idiopático. Todos os participantes tiveram as funções olfativas e de paladar avaliadas com olfação ortonasal (discriminação, identificação e limiar), olfação retronasal, função do paladar e medida do volume do bulbo olfatório. Os pacientes foram separados em três grupos de acordo com a olfação ortonasal: hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico idiopático anósmico, hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico idiopático hipósmico e hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico idiopático normósmico. Resultados: Os escores de discriminação, identificação e limiar de pacientes com síndrome de Kallmann foram significativamente menores do que os controles. Os escores dos limiares de pacientes com hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico idiopático normósmico foram significativamente menores do que os dos controles, mas os escores de discriminação e identificação não foram significativamente diferentes. A olfação retronasal foi reduzida apenas no grupo hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico idiopático anósmico em comparação com os controles. A identificação de gostos amargos, doces, azedos e salgados não foi significativamente diferente quando comparada entre os grupos e controles de hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico idiopático anósmicos, hipósmicos e normósmicos. O volume do bulbo olfatório foi menor bilateralmente em todos os grupos de pacientes quando comparado com os controles. O volume do bulbo olfatório de ambos os lados foi significativamente correlacionado com os escores de limiar, discriminação, identificação em pacientes com hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico idiopático. Conclusão: 1) Não houve diferenças significativas na função gustativa entre controles e pacientes com hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico idiopático; 2) A olfação retronasal foi reduzida apenas em pacientes anosmáticos, mas não em participantes ortonasalmente hipósmicos, possivelmente indicou presença de mecanismos compensatórios efetivos; 3) Os volumes do bulbo olfatório foram altamente correlacionados com os escores de olfação no grupo hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico. Os resultados atuais indicam um contínuo da anosmia à normosmia em pacientes com hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico idiopático.

Influences of weight, age, gender, genetics, diseases, and ethnicity on bitterness perception: a narrative review of current methodological aspects

BACKGROUND: Bitterness perception seems to be related to an enhanced intake of dietary fat and to a tendency to the development of diseases such as obesity. However, the exact factors for this possible contribution still need to be better investigated. So, gustatory perception of the bitter taste is a promising area of study because of its importance regarding food choices and consequently feeding behavior. Therefore, this short review focused on recent papers reporting correlations between bitter taste, anthropometric variables, obesity and other chronic diseases, age, gender, ethnicity, and genetics. METHODS: A survey was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Scielo from September 2015 to January 2017.Only review articles, observational studies and clinical trials published in English and Portuguese over the last15 years which met the objectives of the present study were considered. A total of 40 papers were evaluated. RESULTS: Two papers showed a positive correlation between bitter taste and obesity, one indicated that this correlation is influenced by the subject's age, one suggested a negative correlation, and two found no association. Age seems to be negatively correlated with the bitterness perceived, and female gender was associated with a stronger perception of bitterness. Genetics, mostly due to differences in TAS2R38 expression, influences sensitivity to the bitter taste, feeding behavior and also alcohol intake. Ethnicity, not only the subject's phenotypic or genotypic characteristics, seems to play a role in taste perception and nutritional diseases. CONCLUSIONS: Age, gender, genetics and ethnicity seem to play a role in bitterness perception. Data about associations between bitterness perception and anthropometrics are conflicting.

Development and homeostasis of taste buds in mammals / 华西口腔医学杂志

Taste is mediated by multicellular taste buds distributed throughout the oral and pharyngeal cavities. The taste buds can detect five basic tastes: sour, sweet, bitter, salty and umami, allowing mammals to select nutritious foods and avoid the ingestion of toxic and rotten foods. Once developed, the taste buds undergo continuous renewal throughout the adult life. In the past decade, significant progress has been achived in delineating the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing taste buds development and homeostasis. With this knowledges and in-depth investigations in the future, we can achieve the precise management of taste dysfunctions such as dysgeusia and ageusia.

Mixed Tumor in Deep Lobe and Versatility of Acellular Dermal Matrix

Frey's syndrome and infra-auricular depressed deformities are the ones of the most common complications that can occur after total parotidectomy. We report 1 case of pleomorphic adenoma occurred in the deep lobe that obtained good results from using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) after total parotidectomy. A 24-year-old man visited the hospital with oval shape mass in right mandibular angle which of 4 cm in size was found in the deep lobe of right parotid gland from Magnetic resonance imaging scanning and a pleomorphic adenoma was suspected. A total parotidectomy was performed while preserving the facial nerve. The material known as ADM were placed in the depressed part from where the mass was removed, and the site was sutured. The surgery site was healed well without any complications such as Frey's syndrome or infra-auricular depressed deformities. The pathological result was confirmed as pleomorphic adenoma. In addition to these advantages, it does not have little potential of deformation by the gravity after the surgery, and there is no restraint on circulation, which makes fabrication free and each deformation into various shapes can be described as another advantage of the reconstruction using the ADM.

Mixed Tumor in Deep Lobe and Versatility of Acellular Dermal Matrix

Frey's syndrome and infra-auricular depressed deformities are the ones of the most common complications that can occur after total parotidectomy. We report 1 case of pleomorphic adenoma occurred in the deep lobe that obtained good results from using acellular dermal matrix (ADM) after total parotidectomy. A 24-year-old man visited the hospital with oval shape mass in right mandibular angle which of 4 cm in size was found in the deep lobe of right parotid gland from Magnetic resonance imaging scanning and a pleomorphic adenoma was suspected. A total parotidectomy was performed while preserving the facial nerve. The material known as ADM were placed in the depressed part from where the mass was removed, and the site was sutured. The surgery site was healed well without any complications such as Frey's syndrome or infra-auricular depressed deformities. The pathological result was confirmed as pleomorphic adenoma. In addition to these advantages, it does not have little potential of deformation by the gravity after the surgery, and there is no restraint on circulation, which makes fabrication free and each deformation into various shapes can be described as another advantage of the reconstruction using the ADM.

Avaliação da percepção gustativa em idosos para os gostos básicos, doce e salgado, em comparação a jovens adultos / Evaluation of taste perception in the elderly for basic, sweet and salty tastes, compared to young adults

Objetivo ­ Avaliar a percepção gustativa em idosos para os gostos básicos, doce e salgado, em comparação com adultos jovens. A redução da taxa de mortalidade e natalidade ocorrida nas últimas décadas no Brasil, como parte do fenômeno da transição demográfica, ocasionou o aumento do número de idosos. O envelhecimento apesar de ser um processo natural submete o organismo a diversas alterações anatômicas e funcionais, principalmente, relacionadas ao paladar e olfato. Métodos ­ Para tanto foi realizado um estudo prospectivo, qualitativo, caso controle composto por uma amostra de 40 sujeitos, sendo 20 adultos de 18 a 25 anos e 20 idosos de 60 a 85 anos de ambos os sexos. O instrumento para avaliação gustativa utilizado foi o teste de descrição de atributos para detecção do sabor das concentrações doce e salgada. Resultados ­ Os resultados demonstraram que os idosos avaliados precisaram de aproximadamente oito vezes mais sal (cloreto de sódio) do que os adultos para detectar a presença deste componente e de aproximadamente quatro vezes mais açúcar do que os adultos para detectar a presença desta substância. Conclusão ­ Concluiu-se que ocorrem alterações significativas na sensibilidade gustativa para os gostos básicos, doce e salgado, nos idosos quando comparados com os adultos.

Objective ­ To evaluate the taste perception in the elderly for the basic tastes, sweet, salty, compared with younge adults. The reduction in mortality and birth occurred in recent decades in Brazil, as part of the phenomenon of demographic transition, led to an increase in the number of elderly. The aging despite being a natural process the body undergoes various anatomical and functional changes, mainly related to taste and smell. Methods ­ Therefore we conducted a prospective, qualitative, case-control consists of a sample of 40 subjects, 20 adults 18-25 years and 20 aged 60-85 years of both sexes. The instrument was used to assess gustatory test description attributes to detect the taste of fresh and salt concentrations. Results ­ The results showed that the elderly subjects had to approximately eight times more salt (sodium chloride) than adults to detect the presence of this component is about four times more sugar than adults to detect the presence of the substance. Conclusion­ t was concluded that major changes in taste sensitivity for basic tastes, sweet and salty, the elderly compared with adults.

Expression of sweet-taste of Chinese materia medica and its application in clinical compatibility / 中草药

The connotation of traditional Chinese medicine and base resource of sweet-taste herbs were summarized. At the same time, the distribution between sweet-taste herbs and four properties, meridian entry, and other herb property theory was analyzed. Then, the gustatory receptor, taste representation, and research on material basis of sweet-taste herbs were elaborated. Finally, the clinical applications of compatibility methods of sweet herbs were described, which will provide the references to guide clinical applications of the theory of bitter-taste herbs better.

The study of prevention the gustatory sweating syndrome and facial contour deformity with sternocleidomastoid muscle flaps in the parotidectomy / 临床耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

Objective:To assess the outcome for prevention the gustatory sweating syndrome and facial contour deformity with sternocleidomastoid muscle flaps in the parotidectomy. Method:It was a prospective study. Eighty-one patients who underwent parotidectomy were randomly divided into 2 groups, sternocleidomastoid muscle flaps group and control group. They were tested with the subjective and objective function testing in 3, 6, 9, 12 months after operation. We assessed the result. Result:All of the result of the sternocleidomastoid muscle flaps group was obviously better than the control group. There was significant difference between the 2 groups (P<0.05). Conclusion:It effectively prevented the gustatory sweating syndrome and facial contour deformity that we used the sternocleidomastoid muscle flaps to fill the cavity in the parotidectomy.

Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Flap after Parotidectomy

Introduction Most patients after either superficial or total parotidectomy develop facial deformity and Frey syndrome, which leads to a significant degree of patient dissatisfaction. Objective Assess the functional outcome and esthetic results of the superiorly based sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) flap after superficial or total parotidectomy. Methods A prospective cohort study for 11 patients subjected to parotidectomy using a partial-thickness superiorly based SCM flap. The functional outcome (Frey syndrome, facial nerve involvement, and ear lobule sensation) and the esthetic results were evaluated subjectively and objectively. Results Facial nerve palsy occurred in 5 cases (45%), and all of them recovered completely within 6 months. The Minor starch iodine test was positive in 3 patients (27%), although only 1 (9%) subjectively complained of gustatory sweating. The designed visual analog score completed by the patients themselves ranged from 0 to 3 with amean of 1.55 _ 0.93; the scores fromthe blinded evaluators ranged from1 to 3 with a mean 1.64 _ 0.67. Conclusion The partial-thickness superiorly based SCM flap offers a reasonable cosmetic option for reconstruction following either superficial or total parotidectomy by improving the facial deformity. The flap also lowers the incidence of Frey syndrome objectively and subjectively with no reported hazard of the spinal accessory nerve.(AU)

Effects of the modified operation combined with secondry disc method of benign tumor in parotid gland on the prevention of Frey syndrome / 中国基层医药

Objective To evaluate the effects of the modified opration of benign tumor in parotid gland on the prevention of Frey syndrome.Methods the Parotid benign tumor resection in 28 cases were selected,according to the different treatment methods were divided into observation group of 12 cases,16 cases of the control group.The modified surgical patients in the observation group,two flap method,preservation,preservation of parotid masseter fascia in the branches of the great auricular nerve and parotid region resection,the control group was treated by routine tumors of the parotid gland and parotid superficial lobectomy or resection.Patients were followed up for 6 months to 1 years,underwent minor test,the incidence of Frey syndrome in 2 cases were recorded,postoperative incidence of Frey syndrome were compared.Results The incidence of Frey syndrome in the observation group was significantly reduced compared with the control group.The difference was statistically significant (χ2 =7.479,P <0.05 ). Conclusion The effects of modified opetation combined with secondry disc method in benign tumor of parotid gland on the prevention of Frey syndrome has obvious advantages comparing with the control.

Taste Sensation in Drosophila melanoganster / 한양의대학술지

Animals find nutritious foods to survive, while avoiding aversive and toxic chemicals through the chemosensory faculties of olfaction and taste. The olfaction is comparatively well characterized, but the studies of taste are only recently developing since after 2000. Genetic, immunohistochemistry, and electrophysiological studies with knock-out transgenic mice opened up the taste field in mammals. Taste in insects has been only recently been studied after mammalian taste receptors were identified. Flies also discriminate the differences of sweet, salty and sour food, while being able to detect and reject potential foods contaminated with toxins or detrimental chemicals. These discriminatory abilities indicate that flies house basic taste receptors in their taste organs like humans. For the last decade, the sweet and bitter gustatory receptors in Drosophila have been characterized. In this review, we compare the taste anatomy between humans and insects. We also introduce five canonical taste sensations in Drosophila. In addition, we introduce new taste repertoires, that fruit flies can sense water and fatty acids as well as the carbonation buffer in beverage. These studies on simple model organisms will open up a new potential for scientists to further investigate these characteristics in vertebrates.

Comparisons of Three Indicators for Frey's Syndrome: Subjective Symptoms, Minor's Starch Iodine Test, and Infrared Thermography

OBJECTIVES: To correlate Frey's syndrome with subjective symptoms, Minor's starch iodine test results, and infrared thermography measurements, and to discuss the utility of thermography as a quantitative diagnostic method. METHODS: This study included 59 patients who underwent unilateral parotidectomy. A subjective clinical questionnaire and an objective Minor's starch iodine test were performed to evaluate the incidence of Frey's syndrome. Infrared thermography was performed, and the subjects were divided into seven groups according to the temperature differences between operated and unoperated sites. The thermal differences were correlated with the results from Minor's starch iodine test and the subjective symptoms questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 59 patients, 20 patients (33.9%) reported subjective symptoms after eating; 30 patients (50.8%) tested positive for Minor's starch iodine test, 19 patients (63.3%) of which reported subjective symptoms. Of the 29 patients who were negative for the iodine test, 2 patients (6.9%) reported subjective symptoms. Thus, subjective symptoms were well correlated with Minor's starch iodine test (r=0.589, P<0.001). As the thermal differences with infrared thermography increased, the number of patients with subjective symptoms increased (chi2=22.5, P<0.001). Using infrared thermography, the mean temperature difference in the positive group for the iodine test was 0.82degrees C+/-0.26degrees C, and that in the negative group was 0.10degrees C+/-0.47degrees C. With increased thermal differences, more patients showed positivity in the iodine test (chi2=29.9, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Subjective symptoms, Minor's starch iodine test, and infrared thermography are well correlated with one another. Quantitative thermography provides clues for the wide variation in the incidence of Frey's syndrome, and could be a useful method for diagnosing and studying Frey's syndrome.