1
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangming Meng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wuxi Huishan District People's Hospital, Luoshe Town, Huishan District, Wuxi, P.R. China
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2
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Schmidt F, Azar C, Goektas O. Treatment of Olfactory Disorders After SARS - CoViD 2 Virus Infection. EAR, NOSE & THROAT JOURNAL 2024; 103:48S-53S. [PMID: 36976171 PMCID: PMC10051008 DOI: 10.1177/01455613231168487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The benefit of a nasal corticosteroid in the treatment of persistent post-infectious smell disorders is not as clear in previous studies as is assumed for olfactory training. This study would therefore like to describe the treatment strategies using the example of a persistent olfactory dysfunction as a result of a proven infection with SARS-CoViD-2-virus. METHODS Twenty patients (average age of 33.9 ± 11.9 years) with hyposmia were included in this study from December 2020 to July 2021. Every second patient received additionally a nasal corticosteroid. The two resulting randomized groups of equal size were screened with the TDI test, a 20-item taste powder test for the assessment of retronasal olfaction and otorhinolaryngological examination. The patients were asked to train twice daily using a standardized odor training kit and followed up after 2 months and 3 months, respectively. RESULTS We documented a significant overall improvement in olfactory ability over the investigation period in both groups. While the TDI score steadily increased on average under the combination therapy, the rise under olfactory training alone was initially steeper. This short-term interaction effect over mean two months was not statistically significant. According to Cohen, however, a moderate effect (eta2 = 0.055, Cohen`s d = 0.5) can still be assumed. This effect could be explained by a possibly higher compliance at the beginning of the sole olfactory training due to the lack of further drug treatment offers. When the training intensity decreases, the recovery of the sense of smell stagnates. Adjunctive therapy ultimately outweighs this short-term benefit. CONCLUSIONS The results reinforce the recommendation of early and consistent olfactory training on patients with dysosmia due to COVID-19. For continuous improvement of the sense of smell, an accompanying topical treatment seems at least to be worth consideration. The results should be optimized with larger cohorts and using new objective olfactometric methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Schmidt
- Departement of ENT Practice, ENT Center, HNO Zentrum am Kudamm, Berlin, Germany
| | - C. Azar
- Departement of ENT Practice, ENT Center, HNO Zentrum am Kudamm, Berlin, Germany
| | - O. Goektas
- Departement of ENT Practice, ENT Center, HNO Zentrum am Kudamm, Berlin, Germany
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3
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Lu F, Wang Y, Miao F, Han C, Meng X. Rising Incidence of Acute Epiglottitis in Eastern China: An Eight-Year Retrospective Study and Its Association with the 24 Solar Terms. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:1665-1676. [PMID: 38706753 PMCID: PMC11068044 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s458019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of acute epiglottitis (AE) patients in East China and examine the correlation between the incidence of AE and the 24 solar terms (24 STs). Methods A retrospective, observational study was conducted on patients diagnosed with AE between January 2014 and December 2021 at a single-center medical institution in East China. The clinical characteristics of patients with AE and their correlation with the 24 STs were investigated. Results A total of 287 patients with AE were included in this study, among which there were 179 males (62.37%) and 108 females (37.63%), with a mean age of 47.79 ± 13.83 years (range 16-87 years). Of these patients, 100 (34.84%) had at least one comorbidity and the most common comorbidities were hypertension, smoking and type 2 diabetes. The duration of hospitalization was 3 days (IQR, 1-16 days). All patients, except for one who required tracheal intubation, were cured with intravenous antibiotic administration and the combined use of corticosteroids. The incidence of AE showed significant fluctuations between the 24 STs and the highest number of cases occurred during the Summer solstice (24 cases, 8.36%). Conclusion The incidence of AE was seen to increase annually in this study. The main features of AE are sore throat, dysphagia, odynophagia and fever, which may be accompanied by inflammation in surrounding areas. A clear correlation exists between the incidence of AE and the fluctuations within the 24 STs, notably with the peak incidence observed during the Summer solstice, which approximately corresponds to June 21 to July 7 in the Gregorian calendar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Lu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Affiliated Huishan Hospital of Xinglin College, Nantong University, Wuxi Huishan District People’s Hospital, Wuxi, 214187, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Huishan Hospital of Xinglin College, Nantong University, Wuxi Huishan District People’s Hospital, Wuxi, 214187, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fangyu Miao
- Information Centre, Affiliated Huishan Hospital of Xinglin College, Nantong University, Wuxi Huishan District People’s Hospital, Wuxi, 214187, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chengzhou Han
- Department of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Huishan Hospital of Xinglin College, Nantong University, Wuxi Huishan District People’s Hospital, Wuxi, 214187, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiangming Meng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Huishan Hospital of Xinglin College, Nantong University, Wuxi Huishan District People’s Hospital, Wuxi, 214187, People’s Republic of China
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Kovacevich A, Weleff J, Claytor B, Barnett BS. Three Cases of Reported Improvement in Microsmia and Anosmia Following Naturalistic Use of Psilocybin and LSD. J Psychoactive Drugs 2023; 55:672-679. [PMID: 37650700 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2253538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Cultural awareness of anosmia and microsmia has recently increased due to their association with COVID-19, though treatment for these conditions is limited. A growing body of online media claims that individuals have noticed improvement in anosmia and microsmia following classic psychedelic use. We report what we believe to be the first three cases recorded in the academic literature of improvement in olfactory impairment after psychedelic use. In the first case, a man who developed microsmia after a respiratory infection experienced improvement in smell after the use of 6 g of psilocybin containing mushrooms. In the second case, a woman with anosmia since childhood reported olfactory improvement after ingestion of 100 µg of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). In the third case, a woman with COVID-19-related anosmia reported olfactory improvement after microdosing 0.1 g of psilocybin mushrooms three times. Following a discussion of these cases, we explore potential mechanisms for psychedelic-facilitated improvement in olfactory impairment, including serotonergic effects, increased neuroplasticity, and anti-inflammatory effects. Given the need for novel treatments for olfactory dysfunction, increasing reports describing improvement in these conditions following psychedelic use and potential biological plausibility, we believe that the possible therapeutic benefits of psychedelics for these conditions deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeremy Weleff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, Cleveland, USA
| | | | - Brian S Barnett
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, USA
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5
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Tsukahara T, Brann DH, Datta SR. Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2-associated anosmia. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2759-2766. [PMID: 37342077 PMCID: PMC10625840 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00012.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Anosmia, the loss of the sense of smell, is one of the main neurological manifestations of COVID-19. Although the SARS-CoV-2 virus targets the nasal olfactory epithelium, current evidence suggests that neuronal infection is extremely rare in both the olfactory periphery and the brain, prompting the need for mechanistic models that can explain the widespread anosmia in COVID-19 patients. Starting from work identifying the non-neuronal cell types that are infected by SARS-CoV-2 in the olfactory system, we review the effects of infection of these supportive cells in the olfactory epithelium and in the brain and posit the downstream mechanisms through which sense of smell is impaired in COVID-19 patients. We propose that indirect mechanisms contribute to altered olfactory system function in COVID-19-associated anosmia, as opposed to neuronal infection or neuroinvasion into the brain. Such indirect mechanisms include tissue damage, inflammatory responses through immune cell infiltration or systemic circulation of cytokines, and downregulation of odorant receptor genes in olfactory sensory neurons in response to local and systemic signals. We also highlight key unresolved questions raised by recent findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Tsukahara
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - David H Brann
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sandeep Robert Datta
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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6
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Zabidi NZ, Liew HL, Farouk IA, Puniyamurti A, Yip AJW, Wijesinghe VN, Low ZY, Tang JW, Chow VTK, Lal SK. Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 Variants: Implications on Immune Escape, Vaccination, Therapeutic and Diagnostic Strategies. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040944. [PMID: 37112923 PMCID: PMC10145020 DOI: 10.3390/v15040944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a lower fatality rate than its SARS and MERS counterparts. However, the rapid evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has given rise to multiple variants with varying pathogenicity and transmissibility, such as the Delta and Omicron variants. Individuals with advanced age or underlying comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, are at a higher risk of increased disease severity. Hence, this has resulted in an urgent need for the development of better therapeutic and preventive approaches. This review describes the origin and evolution of human coronaviruses, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and its variants as well as sub-variants. Risk factors that contribute to disease severity and the implications of co-infections are also considered. In addition, various antiviral strategies against COVID-19, including novel and repurposed antiviral drugs targeting viral and host proteins, as well as immunotherapeutic strategies, are discussed. We critically evaluate strategies of current and emerging vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 and their efficacy, including immune evasion by new variants and sub-variants. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 evolution on COVID-19 diagnostic testing is also examined. Collectively, global research and public health authorities, along with all sectors of society, need to better prepare against upcoming variants and future coronavirus outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Zawanah Zabidi
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hern Liang Liew
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Isra Ahmad Farouk
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ashwini Puniyamurti
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ashley Jia Wen Yip
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Zheng Yao Low
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Julian W Tang
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Vincent T K Chow
- Infectious Diseases Translational Research Program, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117545, Singapore
| | - Sunil K Lal
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Tropical Medicine & Biology Platform, Monash University, Subang Jaya 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
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7
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Autoimmunity, COVID-19 Omicron Variant, and Olfactory Dysfunction: A Literature Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13040641. [PMID: 36832129 PMCID: PMC9955947 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13040641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Smelling is a critical sense utilized daily. Consequently, smelling impairment or anosmia may lead to a reduction in life quality. Systemic diseases and particular autoimmune conditions can impair olfactory function; among others are Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjögren Syndrome, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Interactions between the olfactory process and the immune systems cause this phenomenon. Alongside autoimmune conditions, in the recent COVID-19 pandemic, anosmia was also described as a prevalent infection symptom. Nevertheless, the occurrence of anosmia is significantly less common in Omicron-infected patients. Several theories have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. One possibility is that the Omicron variant preferentially enters host cells via endocytosis, rather than plasma cell membrane fusion. This endosomal pathway is less dependent on the activation of Transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), expressed at the olfactory epithelium. As a result, the Omicron variant may have reduced efficiency in penetrating the olfactory epithelium, leading to a lower prevalence of anosmia. Furthermore, olfactory changes are known to be associated with inflammatory conditions. The Omicron variant elicits a less robust autoimmune and inflammatory response, believed to reduce the probability of anosmia. This review elaborates on the commonalities and differences in autoimmune and COVID-19 omicron-associated anosmia.
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Braga-Paz I, Ferreira de Araújo JL, Alves HJ, de Ávila RE, Resende GG, Teixeira MM, de Aguiar RS, de Souza RP, Bahia D. Negative correlation between ACE2 gene expression levels and loss of taste in a cohort of COVID-19 hospitalized patients: New clues to long-term cognitive disorders. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:905757. [PMID: 36250059 PMCID: PMC9556632 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.905757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In early 2020, one of the most prevalent symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection was the loss of smell (anosmia), found in 60-70% of all cases. Anosmia used to occur early, concomitantly with other symptoms, and often persisted after recovery for an extended period, sometimes for months. In addition to smell disturbance, COVID-19 has also been associated with loss of taste (ageusia). The latest research suggests that SARS-CoV-2 could spread from the respiratory system to the brain through receptors in sustentacular cells localized to the olfactory epithelium. The virus invades human cells via the obligatory receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme II (ACE2), and a priming protease, TMPRSS2, facilitating viral penetration. There is an abundant expression of both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in sustentacular cells. In this study, we evaluated 102 COVID-19 hospitalized patients, of which 17.60% presented anosmia and 9.80% ageusia. ACE1, ACE2, and TMPRSS2 gene expression levels in nasopharyngeal tissue were obtained by RT-qPCR and measured using ΔCT analysis. ACE1 Alu287bp association was also evaluated. Logistic regression models were generated to estimate the effects of variables on ageusia and anosmia Association of ACE2 expression levels with ageusia. was observed (OR: 1.35; 95% CI: 1.098-1.775); however, no association was observed between TMPRSS2 and ACE1 expression levels and ageusia. No association was observed among the three genes and anosmia, and the Alu287bp polymorphism was not associated with any of the outcomes. Lastly, we discuss whetherthere is a bridge linking these initial symptoms, including molecular factors, to long-term COVID-19 health consequences such as cognitive dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Braga-Paz
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - João Locke Ferreira de Araújo
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Hugo José Alves
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Gomes Resende
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (HC-UFMG/EBSERH), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Departamento de Bioquimica e imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Renato Santana de Aguiar
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Instituto D’Or de Pesquisa e Ensino, Instituto D'OR (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Renan Pedra de Souza
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Renan Pedra de Souza, ; Diana Bahia,
| | - Diana Bahia
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Renan Pedra de Souza, ; Diana Bahia,
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Meshkov A, Khafizov A, Buzmakov A, Bukreeva I, Junemann O, Fratini M, Cedola A, Chukalina M, Yamaev A, Gigli G, Wilde F, Longo E, Asadchikov V, Saveliev S, Nikolaev D. Deep Learning-Based Segmentation of Post-Mortem Human’s Olfactory Bulb Structures in X-ray Phase-Contrast Tomography. Tomography 2022; 8:1854-1868. [PMID: 35894021 PMCID: PMC9331385 DOI: 10.3390/tomography8040156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The human olfactory bulb (OB) has a laminar structure. The segregation of cell populations in the OB image poses a significant challenge because of indistinct boundaries of the layers. Standard 3D visualization tools usually have a low resolution and cannot provide the high accuracy required for morphometric analysis. X-ray phase contrast tomography (XPCT) offers sufficient resolution and contrast to identify single cells in large volumes of the brain. The numerous microanatomical structures detectable in XPCT image of the OB, however, greatly complicate the manual delineation of OB neuronal cell layers. To address the challenging problem of fully automated segmentation of XPCT images of human OB morphological layers, we propose a new pipeline for tomographic data processing. Convolutional neural networks (CNN) were used to segment XPCT image of native unstained human OB. Virtual segmentation of the whole OB and an accurate delineation of each layer in a healthy non-demented OB is mandatory as the first step for assessing OB morphological changes in smell impairment research. In this framework, we proposed an effective tool that could help to shed light on OB layer-specific degeneration in patients with olfactory disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr Meshkov
- The Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 9 Institutskiy per., 141701 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Anvar Khafizov
- FSRC «Crystallography and Photonics» RAS, Leninskiy pr. 59, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (A.B.); (V.A.)
- Croc Inc. Company, Volochayevskaya Ulitsa 5/3, 111033 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Buzmakov
- FSRC «Crystallography and Photonics» RAS, Leninskiy pr. 59, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (A.B.); (V.A.)
- Federal Research Center “Computer Science and Control” of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova Str. 44b2, 119333 Moscow, Russia
| | - Inna Bukreeva
- Institute of Nanotechnology—CNR, c/o Department of Physics, La Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.B.); (M.F.); (A.C.)
- P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute, RAS, Leninskiy pr. 53, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Junemann
- FSSI Research Institute of Human Morphology, Tsyurupy Str. 3, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (O.J.); (S.S.)
| | - Michela Fratini
- Institute of Nanotechnology—CNR, c/o Department of Physics, La Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.B.); (M.F.); (A.C.)
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via Ardeatina 306/354, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Cedola
- Institute of Nanotechnology—CNR, c/o Department of Physics, La Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (I.B.); (M.F.); (A.C.)
| | - Marina Chukalina
- FSRC «Crystallography and Photonics» RAS, Leninskiy pr. 59, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (A.B.); (V.A.)
- Smart Engines Service LLC, 60-Letiya Oktyabrya pr. 9, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (A.Y.); (D.N.)
- Institute for Information Transmission Problems of Russian Academy of Sciences (Kharkevich Institute), Bol’shoi Karetnii per. 19 Str. 1, 127051 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrei Yamaev
- Smart Engines Service LLC, 60-Letiya Oktyabrya pr. 9, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (A.Y.); (D.N.)
| | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Institute of Nanotechnology—CNR, c/o Campus Ecotekne—Universita del Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Fabian Wilde
- Institute of Materials Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany;
| | - Elena Longo
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Victor Asadchikov
- FSRC «Crystallography and Photonics» RAS, Leninskiy pr. 59, 119333 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (A.B.); (V.A.)
| | - Sergey Saveliev
- FSSI Research Institute of Human Morphology, Tsyurupy Str. 3, 117418 Moscow, Russia; (O.J.); (S.S.)
| | - Dmitry Nikolaev
- Smart Engines Service LLC, 60-Letiya Oktyabrya pr. 9, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (A.Y.); (D.N.)
- Institute for Information Transmission Problems of Russian Academy of Sciences (Kharkevich Institute), Bol’shoi Karetnii per. 19 Str. 1, 127051 Moscow, Russia
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Meng X, Dai Z, Wang Y, Hua X, Gu X, Guo J, Wang Y, Hang C, Jiang Y. Application of Smartphone Otoscope in Telemedicine in Rural Medical Consortium in Eastern China in the COVID-19 Era. Front Public Health 2022; 10:879410. [PMID: 35664106 PMCID: PMC9157766 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.879410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of smartphone otoscope telemedicine in the rural medical consortium in East China in the COVID-19 era. Methods This prospective study was conducted within a rural medical consortium that provides health care services by integrating medical resources in the same area. When a patient visited primary health care (PHC) for ear diseases, the PHC provider used a smartphone otoscope to examine the patient's external ear canal and eardrum, and then sent photos or videos of the patient's ear to the otolaryngologist at the lead hospital via WeChat group. The otolaryngologist provided remote diagnosis and management recommendations to the PHC provider. The following data were recorded: age and gender, outpatient diagnosis, disease duration, sides, duration of treatment, telemedicine visits, treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction, and PHC providers' self-evaluation score. Results A total of 83 patients were included in the study, including 43 males and 40 females, with a mean age of 44.6 ± 19.7 years (range 3–83 years). The duration of treatment for these patients was 14.0 (7,14) days. PHC visits were 2.2 ± 1.1 times (range: 1–7 times). Telemedicine visits ranged from 1 to 5, with a mean of 1.8 ± 0.9. Among of patients, 62 (74.7%) were cured, 21 (25.3%) improved, and 0 (0%) were ineffective. Sixty-five patients (78.3%) were very satisfied, 16 (19.3%) patients were somewhat satisfied, and two patients (2.4%) were dissatisfied. Based on the self-reported helpfulness, the primary health care providers assessed telemedicine as very helpful (n = 63, 75.9%), helpful (n = 20, 24.1%), and unhelpful (n = 0, 0%). Conclusions Smartphone otoscope telemedicine in the medical consortium can effectively improve the ability of rural PHC providers to diagnose and treat ear diseases, save time and costs for patients, and improve patient satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangming Meng
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wuxi Huishan District People's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhiyong Dai
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wuxi Huishan District People's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Wuxi Huishan District Qianqiao Street Community Health Service Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiang Hua
- Wuxi Huishan District Luoshe Town Shitangwan Health Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaobo Gu
- Wuxi Huishan District Qianqiao Street Community Health Service Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Jianxun Guo
- Wuxi Huishan District Qianqiao Street Community Health Service Center, Wuxi, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wuxi Huishan District People's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Chao Hang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wuxi Huishan District People's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Yuting Jiang
- Wuxi Huishan District Qianqiao Street Community Health Service Center, Wuxi, China
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11
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Meng X, Zhu K, Wang J, Liu P. Can SARS-CoV-2 positive pregnant women affect the hearing of their newborns: A systematic review. Am J Otolaryngol 2022; 43:103523. [PMID: 35691051 PMCID: PMC9161687 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2022.103523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused over 500 million confirmed cases (including pregnant women) worldwide. Recently, hearing status in newborns born to mothers with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has received attention. This systematic review outlines the current knowledge regarding the effects of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy on newborn hearing. Intrauterine SARS-CoV-2 infection has the potential to affect the auditory system of the newborn due to intrauterine hypoxia and vertical transmission. SARS-CoV-2 might have a greater influence on hearing loss (HL) in newborns during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Therefore, all newborns whose mothers had COVID-19 during pregnancy should be evaluated for cochlear function, regardless of whether their mothers were symptomatic at the time of the disease. However, the understanding of this issue is not consistent and remains controversial. Since early identification and intervention of congenital HL are crucial to the language development of newborns, newborns should be provided with audiological evaluation by various approaches, including Tele-audiology, in the COVID-19 era.
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Rodriguez-Sevilla JJ, Güerri-Fernádez R, Bertran Recasens B. Is There Less Alteration of Smell Sensation in Patients With Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variant Infection? Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:852998. [PMID: 35492353 PMCID: PMC9039252 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.852998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a matter of global concern in terms of public health Within the symptoms secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection, hyposmia and anosmia have emerged as characteristic symptoms during the onset of the pandemic. Although many researchers have investigated the etiopathogenesis of this phenomenon, the main cause is not clear. The appearance of the new variant of concern Omicron has meant a breakthrough in the chronology of this pandemic, presenting greater transmissibility and less severity, according to the first reports. We have been impressed by the decrease in anosmia reported with this new variant and in patients reinfected or who had received vaccination before becoming infected. Based on the literature published to date, this review proposes different hypotheses to explain this possible lesser affectation of smell. On the one hand, modifications in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein could produce changes in cell tropism and interaction with proteins that promote virus uptake (ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and TMEM16F). These proteins can be found in the sustentacular cells and glandular cells of the olfactory epithelium. Second, due to the characteristics of the virus or previous immunity (infection or vaccination), there could be less systemic or local inflammation that would generate less cell damage in the olfactory epithelium and/or in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Roberto Güerri-Fernádez
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital del Mar Institute of Medical Research (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.,Facultad de Medicina y Ciencias de la Vida (MELIS), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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Roushdy T. SARS-CoV-2 and monkeypox: what is common and what is not in a present pandemic versus a potential one—a neuropsychiatric narrative review. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2022; 58:127. [PMID: 36408294 PMCID: PMC9641303 DOI: 10.1186/s41983-022-00563-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Pandemic represents challenging medical emergency as it is usually associated with high rates of mortalities and morbidities. Along the last 2 and half years the world has faced the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 pandemic that caught medical agencies and health authorities by surprise and costed more than half billion morbidities and 6 million mortalities. Unfortunately, the way developed countries contained the novel corona virus was unsatisfactory in means of early quarantines as well as obtaining and distributing an effective vaccine. This failure in management might have been responsible for the emergence of a new potential pandemic caused by monkeypox virus. Along the current review article, a detailed comparison is presented between corona virus and monkeypox virus based on virological characteristics, role of corona virus in monkeypox spread, pathogenesis, neuropsychiatric manifestations, and treatment and management. It is obvious that both viruses have a major role in causing various neuropsychiatric manifestations. Neurological manifestations are either bound directly to the virus spread to central and peripheral nervous system or secondary to triggering an immune reaction. Psychiatric ones are mostly related to stigmatization, isolation as well as changes that takes place in neurotransmitters and their metabolites within the nervous system. Dealing properly with monkeypox virus spread through previously learned lessons from corona virus might protect the world from a new pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Roushdy
- grid.7269.a0000 0004 0621 1570Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, 38 Abbasia, Cairo, 11591 Egypt
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