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Neuroscience › Sensory Systems

Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies

Works Count: 75867

Description

This cluster of papers explores the various aspects of olfactory dysfunction, including its association with COVID-19, neurological implications, neural processing, and the impact on quality of life. It covers topics such as anosmia, olfactory receptors, pheromones, taste disorders, and the role of the olfactory system in health and disease.

Keywords

Olfactory Dysfunction; COVID-19; Olfactory System; Anosmia; Olfactory Receptors; Neural Processing; Pheromones; Taste Disorders; Neurological Implications; Quality of Life

How the olfactory system makes sense of scents

2001-09-01
Stuart Firestein

Handbook of Olfaction and Gustation

2003-03-27
Richard L. Doty
Part 1 Olfaction: Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology - Olfactory Mucosa: Composition, Enzymatic Localization and Metabolism, Anatomy of the Human Nasal Passages, Anatomy and Ultrastructure of the Human Olfactory Neuroepithelium, Functional … Part 1 Olfaction: Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology - Olfactory Mucosa: Composition, Enzymatic Localization and Metabolism, Anatomy of the Human Nasal Passages, Anatomy and Ultrastructure of the Human Olfactory Neuroepithelium, Functional Anatomy, Central Connections, and Neurochemistry of the Mammalian Olfactory Bulb, The Molecular Mechanisms of Olfactory Signal Transduction, Developmental Anatomy of the Olfactory System Human Psychophysics and Measurement of Odor-Induced Responses - Current Trends In the Measurement of Olfactory Function, Modern Approaches to Air Dilution Olfactometry, Olfactory Adaptation, Perception of Odor Mixtures, Olfaction and Development of Social Preferences in Neonatal Organisms, The Genetics of Olfactory Perception Clinical Applications and Perspectives - Clinical Disorders of Olfaction - A Review, Viruses and the Olfactory System, Evaluation of Olfactory Deficits by Medical Imaging, Rhinological Considerations and Upper Airway Physical Examination of Patients with Olfactory Disorders, Distorted Olfactory Perception, Deprivation and the Olfactory System, Nasal Airway Dynamics and Olfactory Function. Part 2 Gustation: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Development, Genetics, and Physiology - Saliva: Its Function and Disorders, Anatomy of the Peripheral Taste System, Central Taste Anatomy and Neurophysiology, Receptor Mechanisms in Gustation, Transduction of Taste Stimuli by Receptor Cells in the Gustatory System Human Psychophysics and Measurement of Testant-Induced Responses - Current Trends in Measuring Taste, Perception of Taste Mixtures, Ontogeny of Human Taste Perception clinical Applications and Perspectives - nutritional implications of Taste and Smell Disorders, Conditioned Flavour Aversions, Head Injury and Taste, Iatrogenic Causes of Taste Disturbances: Radiation Therapy, Surgery, Medication Other Chemosensory Systems. (Part Contents).

Structure and function of the brain serotonin system

1992-01-01
Barry L. Jacobs , Efrain C. Azmitia

A cyclic nucleotide-gated conductance in olfactory receptor cilia

1987-01-01
Tadashi Nakamura , Geoffrey H. Gold

A Spatial Map of Olfactory Receptor Expression in the Drosophila Antenna

1999-03-01
Leslie B. Vosshall , Hubert Amrein , Pavel Morozov +2 more
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Information coding in the olfactory system: Evidence for a stereotyped and highly organized epitope map in the olfactory bulb

1994-12-01
Kerry J. Ressler , Susan L. Sullivan , Linda B. Buck

Neurogenesis and neuron regeneration in the olfactory system of mammals. I. Morphological aspects of differentiation and structural organization of the olfactory sensory neurons

1979-02-01
P. P. C. Graziadei , G. A. Monti Graziadei

Emotion drives attention: Detecting the snake in the grass.

2001-01-01
Arne Öhman , Anders Flykt , Francisco Esteves
Participants searched for discrepant fear-relevant pictures (snakes or spiders) in grid-pattern arrays of fear-irrelevant pictures belonging to the same category (flowers or mushrooms) and vice versa. Fear-relevant pictures were found … Participants searched for discrepant fear-relevant pictures (snakes or spiders) in grid-pattern arrays of fear-irrelevant pictures belonging to the same category (flowers or mushrooms) and vice versa. Fear-relevant pictures were found more quickly than fear-irrelevant ones. Fear-relevant, but not fear-irrelevant, search was unaffected by the location of the target in the display and by the number of distractors, which suggests parallel search for fear-relevant targets and serial search for fear-irrelevant targets. Participants specifically fearful of snakes but not spiders (or vice versa) showed facilitated search for the feared objects but did not differ from controls in search for nonfeared fear-relevant or fear-irrelevant, targets. Thus, evolutionary relevant threatening stimuli were effective in capturing attention, and this effect was further facilitated if the stimulus was emotionally provocative.
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Relation of cue to consequence in avoidance learning

1966-01-01
John García , R. A. Koelling
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Evidence for the existence of monoamine neurons in the central nervous system

1965-01-01
Kjell Fuxé

Smell Identification Ability: Changes with Age

1984-12-21
Richard L. Doty , Paul Shaman , Steven L. Applebaum +3 more
Smell identification ability was measured in 1955 persons ranging in age from 5 to 99 years. On the average, women outperformed men at all ages, and nonsmokers outperformed smokers. Peak … Smell identification ability was measured in 1955 persons ranging in age from 5 to 99 years. On the average, women outperformed men at all ages, and nonsmokers outperformed smokers. Peak performance occurred in the third through fifth decades and declined markedly after the seventh. More than half of those 65 to 80 years old evidenced major olfactory impairment. After 80 years, more than three-quarters evidenced major impairment. Given these findings, it is not surprising that many elderly persons complain that food lacks flavor and that the elderly account for a disproportionate number of accidental gas poisoning cases each year.

Olfactory receptor responding to gut microbiota-derived signals plays a role in renin secretion and blood pressure regulation

2013-02-11
Jennifer L. Pluznick , Ryan J. Protzko , Haykanush Gevorgyan +7 more
Olfactory receptors are G protein-coupled receptors that mediate olfactory chemosensation and serve as chemosensors in other tissues. We find that Olfr78, an olfactory receptor expressed in the kidney, responds to … Olfactory receptors are G protein-coupled receptors that mediate olfactory chemosensation and serve as chemosensors in other tissues. We find that Olfr78, an olfactory receptor expressed in the kidney, responds to short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Olfr78 is expressed in the renal juxtaglomerular apparatus, where it mediates renin secretion in response to SCFAs. In addition, both Olfr78 and G protein-coupled receptor 41 (Gpr41), another SCFA receptor, are expressed in smooth muscle cells of small resistance vessels. Propionate, a SCFA shown to induce vasodilation ex vivo, produces an acute hypotensive response in wild-type mice. This effect is differentially modulated by disruption of Olfr78 and Gpr41 expression. SCFAs are end products of fermentation by the gut microbiota and are absorbed into the circulation. Antibiotic treatment reduces the biomass of the gut microbiota and elevates blood pressure in Olfr78 knockout mice. We conclude that SCFAs produced by the gut microbiota modulate blood pressure via Olfr78 and Gpr41.
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A link between the systems: functional differentiation and integration within the human insula revealed by meta-analysis

2010-05-28
Florian Kurth , Karl Zilles , Peter T. Fox +2 more

Topographic organization of sensory projections to the olfactory bulb

1994-12-01
Robert Vassar , Steve K. Chao , Raquel Sitcheran +3 more

Prevalence of Olfactory Impairment in Older Adults

2002-11-13
Claire Murphy
ContextOlder adults represent the fastest-growing segment of the US population, and prevalences of vision and hearing impairment have been extensively evaluated. However, despite the importance of sense of smell for … ContextOlder adults represent the fastest-growing segment of the US population, and prevalences of vision and hearing impairment have been extensively evaluated. However, despite the importance of sense of smell for nutrition and safety, the prevalence of olfactory impairment in older US adults has not been studied.ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of olfactory impairment in older adults.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA total of 2491 Beaver Dam, Wis, residents aged 53 to 97 years participating in the 5-year follow-up examination (1998-2000) for the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study, a population-based, cross-sectional study.Main Outcome MeasuresOlfactory impairment, assessed by the San Diego Odor Identification Test and self-report.ResultsThe mean (SD) prevalence of impaired olfaction was 24.5% (1.7%). The prevalence increased with age; 62.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 57.4%-67.7%) of 80- to 97-year-olds had olfactory impairment. Olfactory impairment was more prevalent among men (adjusted prevalence ratio, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.65-2.19). Current smoking, stroke, epilepsy, and nasal congestion or upper respiratory tract infection were also associated with increased prevalence of olfactory impairment. Self-reported olfactory impairment was low (9.5%) and this measure became less accurate with age. In the oldest group, aged 80 to 97 years, sensitivity of self-report was 12% for women and 18% for men.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that prevalence of olfactory impairment among older adults is high and increases with age. Self-report significantly underestimated prevalence rates obtained by olfaction testing. Physicians and caregivers should be particularly alert to the potential for olfactory impairment in the elderly population.

A novel family of genes encoding putative pheromone receptors in mammals

1995-10-01
Catherine Dulac , Richard Axel
In mammals, olfactory sensory perception is mediated by two anatomically and functionally distinct sensory organs: the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) and the vomeronasal organ (VNO). Pheromones activate the VNO and … In mammals, olfactory sensory perception is mediated by two anatomically and functionally distinct sensory organs: the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) and the vomeronasal organ (VNO). Pheromones activate the VNO and elicit a characteristic array of innate reproductive and social behaviors, along with dramatic neuroendocrine responses. Differential screening of cDNA libraries constructed from single sensory neurons from the rat VNO has led to the isolation of a family of about 30 putative receptor genes. Sequence analysis indicates that these genes comprise a novel family of seven transmembrane domain proteins unrelated to the receptors expressed in the MOE. Moreover, the expression of each member of the gene family is restricted to a small subpopulation of VNO neurons. These genes are likely to encode mammalian pheromone receptors.

The nature of feelings: evolutionary and neurobiological origins

2013-01-18
António R. Damásio , Gil B. Carvalho

Physiological Role of Pleasure

1971-09-17
Michel Cabanac
A given stimulus can induce a pleasant or unpleasant sensation depending on the subject's internal state. The word alliesthesia is proposed to describe this phenomenon. It is, in itself, an … A given stimulus can induce a pleasant or unpleasant sensation depending on the subject's internal state. The word alliesthesia is proposed to describe this phenomenon. It is, in itself, an adequate motivation for behavior such as food intake or thermoregulation. Therefore, negative regulatory feedback systems, based upon oropharingeal or cutaneous thermal signals are peripheral only in appearance, since the motivational component of the sensation is of internal origin. The internal signals seem to be complex and related to the set points of some regulated variables of the "milieu interieur," like set internal temperature in the case of thermal sensation. Alliesthesia can therefore explain the adaptation of these behaviors to their goals. Only three sensations have been studied— thermal, gustatory, and olfactory, but it is probable that alliesthesia also exists in such simple ways as in bringing a signal, usually ignored, to the subject's attention. For example, gastric contractions, not normally perceived, are felt in the state of hunger. Since alliesthesia relies on an internal input, it is possible that alliesthesia exists only with sensations related to some constants of the "milieu interieur" and therefore would not exist in visual or auditory sensations. As a matter of fact, luminous or auditory stimuli can be pleasing or displeasing in themselves, but there seems to be little variation of pleasure in these sensations, that is, no alliesthesia. There may be some esthetic value linked to these stimuli but it is a striking coincidence that they are in themselves rather neutral and that it is difficult to imagine a constant of the "milieu interieur" which could be possibly modified by a visual or an auditive stimulus—such as light of a certain wavelength or sound of a given frequency. In the light of this theory, it is possible to reconsider the nature of the whole conscious experience. The existence of alliesthesia implies the presence of internal signals modifying the conscious sensations aroused from peripheral receptors. It is therefore necessary to question the existence of sensations aroused by direct stimulation of central receptors, such as hypothalamic temperature detectors, osmoreceptors, and others. Does their excitation arouse sensations of their own, or does the sensation have to pass through peripheral senses? Only human experimentation could answer this question. In the same way, it is possible that self-stimulation of the brain is pleasant, not by giving a sensation in itself, but because the electrical stimulus, renders peripheral stimuli pleasant.

Encoding Predictive Reward Value in Human Amygdala and Orbitofrontal Cortex

2003-08-21
Jay A. Gottfried , John P. O’Doherty , Raymond J. Dolan
Adaptive behavior is optimized in organisms that maintain flexible representations of the value of sensory-predictive cues. To identify central representations of predictive reward value in humans, we used reinforcer devaluation … Adaptive behavior is optimized in organisms that maintain flexible representations of the value of sensory-predictive cues. To identify central representations of predictive reward value in humans, we used reinforcer devaluation while measuring neural activity with functional magnetic resonance imaging. We presented two arbitrary visual stimuli, both before and after olfactory devaluation, in a paradigm of appetitive conditioning. In amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex, responses evoked by a predictive target stimulus were decreased after devaluation, whereas responses to the nondevalued stimulus were maintained. Thus, differential activity in amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex encodes the current value of reward representations accessible to predictive cues.
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Smell and Taste Disorders, A Study of 750 Patients From the University of Pennsylvania Smell and Taste Center

1991-05-01
Daniel A. Deems , R. L. Doty , R. Gregg Settle +6 more
• Smell and taste disorders are common in the general population, yet little is known about their nature or cause. This article describes a study of 750 patients with complaints … • Smell and taste disorders are common in the general population, yet little is known about their nature or cause. This article describes a study of 750 patients with complaints of abnormal smell or taste perception from the University of Pennsylvania Smell and Taste Center, Philadelphia. Major findings suggest that: chemosensory dysfunction influences quality of life; complaints of taste loss usually reflect loss of smell function; upper respiratory infection, head trauma, and chronic nasal and paranasal sinus disease are the most common causes of the diminution of the sense of smell, with head trauma having the greatest loss; depression frequently accompanies chemosensory distortion; low body weight accompanies burning mouth syndrome; estrogens protect against loss of the sense of smell in postmenopausal women; zinc therapy may provide no benefit to patients with chemosensory dysfunction; and thyroid hormone function is associated with oral sensory distortion. The findings are discussed in relation to management of patients with chemosensory disturbances. (<i>Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg</i>. 1991; 117:519-528)

Normative data for the “Sniffin’ Sticks” including tests of odor identification, odor discrimination, and olfactory thresholds: an upgrade based on a group of more than 3,000 subjects

2006-09-23
Thomas Hummel , Gerd Kobal , H. Gudziol +1 more

An Olfactory Sensory Map in the Fly Brain

2000-07-01
Leslie B. Vosshall , Allan M. Wong , Richard Axel
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The validity and practicality of sun-reactive skin types I through VI

1988-06-01
Thomas B. Fitzpatrick
The concept of sun-reactive "skin typing" was created in 1975<sup>1</sup>for a specific need: to be able to classify persons<i>with white skin</i>in order to select the correct initial doses of ultraviolet … The concept of sun-reactive "skin typing" was created in 1975<sup>1</sup>for a specific need: to be able to classify persons<i>with white skin</i>in order to select the correct initial doses of ultraviolet A (UVA) (in joules per cubic centimeter) in the application of the then newly developed technique for the treatment of psoriasis—oral methoxsalen photochemotherapy (PUVA).<sup>2</sup>The need arose as a result of experience with several patients who were a "dark" phenotype (brown or even black hair, and some with brown eyes) but, to our surprise, developed severe phototoxic reactions following oral ingestion of 0.6 mg/kg of methoxsalen and then, two hours later, were exposed to 4 to 6 J/cm<sup>2</sup>. These initial doses were obviously too high, and it was then understood that the estimation of the white-skinned person's tolerance level to oral PUVA could not be based solely on the phenotype (hair and eye color).

Visualizing an Olfactory Sensory Map

1996-11-01
Peter Mombaerts , Fan Wang , Catherine Dulac +5 more
We have developed a genetic approach to visualize axons from olfactory sensory neurons expressing a given odorant receptor, as they project to the olfactory bulb. Neurons expressing a specific receptor … We have developed a genetic approach to visualize axons from olfactory sensory neurons expressing a given odorant receptor, as they project to the olfactory bulb. Neurons expressing a specific receptor project to only two topographically fixed loci among the 1800 glomeruli in the mouse olfactory bulb. Our data provide direct support for a model in which a topographic map of receptor activation encodes odor quality in the olfactory bulb. Receptor swap experiments suggest that the olfactory receptor plays an instructive role in the guidance process but cannot be the sole determinant in the establishment of this map. This genetic approach may be more broadly applied to visualize the development and plasticity of projections in the mammalian nervous system.
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Allelic inactivation regulates olfactory receptor gene expression

1994-09-01
Andrew Chess , Itamar Simon , Howard Cedar +1 more

Inactivation of the N-CAM gene in mice results in size reduction of the olfactory bulb and deficits in spatial learning

1994-02-01
Harold Cremer , Rita Lange , Annette Christoph +7 more

Development of the university of pennsylvania smell identification test: A standardized microencapsulated test of olfactory function

1984-03-01
Richard L. Doty , Paul Shaman , Michael S. Dann

Dissociated neural representations of intensity and valence in human olfaction

2003-01-21
Adam K. Anderson , Kalina Christoff , Iris Stappen +5 more

A zonal organization of odorant receptor gene expression in the olfactory epithelium

1993-05-01
Kerry J. Ressler , Susan L. Sullivan , Linda B. Buck

Pattern recognition computation using action potential timing for stimulus representation

1995-07-01
J. J. Hopfield

Coding of Odors by a Receptor Repertoire

2006-04-01
Elissa A. Hallem , John R. Carlson

A novel multigene family may encode odorant receptors: A molecular basis for odor recognition

1991-04-01
Linda B. Buck , Richard Axel

NECROPSY EVIDENCE OF CENTRAL CHOLINERGIC DEFICITS IN SENILE DEMENTIA

1977-01-01
ElaineK. Perry , RobertH. Perry , Gary Blessed +1 more

The affect system has parallel and integrative processing components: Form follows function.

1999-05-01
John T. Cacioppo , Wendi L. Gardner , Gary G. Berntson
The affect system has been shaped by the hammer and chisel of adaptation and natural selection such that form follows function. The characteristics of the system thus differ across the … The affect system has been shaped by the hammer and chisel of adaptation and natural selection such that form follows function. The characteristics of the system thus differ across the nervous system as a function of the unique constraints existent at each level. For instance, although physical limitations constrain behavioral expressions and incline behavioral predispositions toward a bipolar (good-bad, approach-withdraw) organization, these limiting conditions lose their power at the level of underlying mechanisms. According to the authors' model of evaluative space (J. T. Cacioppo & G. G. Berntson, 1994; J. T. Cacioppo, W. L. Gardner, & G. G. Berntson, 1997), the common metric governing approach-withdrawal is generally a single dimension at response stages that itself is the consequence of multiple operations, such as the activation function for positivity (appetition) and the activation function for negativity (aversion), at earlier affective processing stages.

The Orbitofrontal Cortex and Reward

2000-03-01
Edmund T. Rolls
The primate orbitofrontal cortex contains the secondary taste cortex, in which the reward value of taste is represented. It also contains the secondary and tertiary olfactory cortical areas, in which … The primate orbitofrontal cortex contains the secondary taste cortex, in which the reward value of taste is represented. It also contains the secondary and tertiary olfactory cortical areas, in which information about the identity and also about the reward value of odors is represented. The orbitofrontal cortex also receives information about the sight of objects and faces from the temporal lobe cortical visual areas, and neurons in it learn and reverse the visual stimulus to which they respond when the association of the visual stimulus with a primary reinforcing stimulus (such as a taste reward) is reversed. However, the orbitofrontal cortex is involved in representing negative reinforcers (punishers) too, such as aversive taste, and in rapid stimulus-reinforcement association learning for both positive and negative primary reinforcers. In complementary neuroimaging studies in humans it is being found that areas of the orbitofrontal cortex (and connected subgenual cingulate cortex) are activated by pleasant touch, by painful touch, by rewarding and aversive taste, and by odor. Damage to the orbitofrontal cortex in humans can impair the learning and reversal of stimulus- reinforcement associations, and thus the correction of behavioral responses when these are no longer appropriate because previous reinforcement contingencies change. This evidence thus shows that the orbitofrontal cortex is involved in decoding and representing some primary reinforcers such as taste and touch; in learning and reversing associations of visual and other stimuli to these primary reinforcers; and in controlling and correcting reward-related and punishment-related behavior, and thus in emotion.
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CATEGORY SPECIFIC SEMANTIC IMPAIRMENTS

1984-01-01
Elizabeth K. Warrington , Tim Shallice
We report a quantitative investigation of the visual identification and auditory comprehension deficits of 4 patients who had made a partial recovery from herpes simplex encephalitis. Clinical observations had suggested … We report a quantitative investigation of the visual identification and auditory comprehension deficits of 4 patients who had made a partial recovery from herpes simplex encephalitis. Clinical observations had suggested the selective impairment and selective preservation of certain categories of visual stimuli. In all 4 patients a significant discrepancy between their ability to identify inanimate objects and inability to identify living things and foods was demonstrated. In 2 patients it was possible to compare visual and verbal modalities and the same pattern of dissociation was observed in both. For 1 patient, comprehension of abstract words was significantly superior to comprehension of concrete words. Consistency of responses was recorded within a modality in contrast to a much lesser degree of consistency between modalities. We interpret our findings in terms of category specificity in the organization of meaning systems that are also modality specific semantic systems.
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Anatomical correlates of the distribution of the pathological changes in the neocortex in Alzheimer disease.

1985-07-01
R.C.A. Pearson , Margaret M. Esiri , R. W. Hiorns +2 more
The numbers and distribution of the neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques have been determined in several areas of the neocortex in brains affected by various degrees of severity of Alzheimer … The numbers and distribution of the neurofibrillary tangles and neuritic plaques have been determined in several areas of the neocortex in brains affected by various degrees of severity of Alzheimer disease. The homotypical cortex of the "association" areas of the temporal, parietal, and frontal lobes are severely involved, whereas the motor, somatic sensory, and primary visual areas are virtually unaffected. The neurofibrillary tangles are mainly in the supra- and infragranular layers, particularly in layers III and V. In all areas except area 18 in the occipital lobe, there are approximately twice as many tangles in layer V as in layer III. The tangles are arranged in definite clusters, and those in the supra- and infragranular layers are in register. The neuritic plaques occur in all layers but predominantly affect layers II and III and do not show clustering. These data on the severity of the pathological involvement in different areas of the neocortex and the laminar distribution and the clustering of the tangles support the suggestion that the pathological changes in Alzheimer disease affect regions that are interconnected by well-defined groups of connections and that the disease process may extend along the connecting fibers. The invariable and severe involvement of the olfactory areas of the brain in this disease is in striking contrast to the minimal changes in the somatic sensory and primary visual areas and raises the possibility that the olfactory pathway may be initially involved.
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‘Sniffin’ Sticks': Olfactory Performance Assessed by the Combined Testing of Odour Identification, Odor Discrimination and Olfactory Threshold

1997-01-01
Thomas Hummel , B. Sekinger , S. R. Wolf +2 more
'Sniffin' Sticks' is a new test of nasal chemosensory performance based on pen-like odor dispensing devices. It comprises three tests of olfactory function, namely tests for odor threshold (n-butanol, testing … 'Sniffin' Sticks' is a new test of nasal chemosensory performance based on pen-like odor dispensing devices. It comprises three tests of olfactory function, namely tests for odor threshold (n-butanol, testing by means of a single staircase), odor discrimination (16 pairs of odorants, triple forced choice) and odor identification (16 common odorants, multiple forced choice from four verbal items per test odorant). After extensive preliminary investigations the tests were applied to a group of 104 healthy volunteers (52 female, 52 male, mean age 49.5 years, range 18-84 years) in order to establish test-retest reliability and to compare them with an established measure of olfactory performance (the Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center Test, CCCRC). Performance decreased with increasing age of the subjects (P < 0.001). Coefficients of correlation between sessions 1 and 2 were 0.61 for thresholds, 0.54 for discrimination and 0.73 for identification. Butanol thresholds as obtained with the CCCRC increased as a function of age; this relation to the subjects' age was not found for the CCCRC odor identification task. The test-retest reliability for CCCRC thresholds was 0.36, for odor identification it was 0.60. It is concluded that 'Sniffin' Sticks' may be suited for the routine clinical assessment of olfactory performance.
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Combinatorial Receptor Codes for Odors

1999-03-01
Bettina Malnic , Junzo Hirono , Takaaki Sato +1 more
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Parental olfactory experience influences behavior and neural structure in subsequent generations

2013-12-01
Brian Dias , Kerry J. Ressler
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The functions of the orbitofrontal cortex

2004-04-03
Edmund T. Rolls

Essential oils used in aromatherapy: A systemic review

2015-07-10
Babar Ali , Naser Ali Al-Wabel , Saiba Shams +3 more
Nowadays, use of alternative and complementary therapies with mainstream medicine has gained the momentum. Aromatherapy is one of the complementary therapies which use essential oils as the major therapeutic agents … Nowadays, use of alternative and complementary therapies with mainstream medicine has gained the momentum. Aromatherapy is one of the complementary therapies which use essential oils as the major therapeutic agents to treat several diseases. The essential or volatile oils are extracted from the flowers, barks, stem, leaves, roots, fruits and other parts of the plant by various methods. It came into existence after the scientists deciphered the antiseptic and skin permeability properties of essential oils. Inhalation, local application and baths are the major methods used in aromatherapy that utilize these oils to penetrate the human skin surface with marked aura. Once the oils are in the system, they remodulate themselves and work in a friendly manner at the site of malfunction or at the affected area. This type of therapy utilizes various permutation and combinations to get relief from numerous ailments like depression, indigestion, headache, insomnia, muscular pain, respiratory problems, skin ailments, swollen joints, urine associated complications etc. The essential oils are found to be more beneficial when other aspects of life and diet are given due consideration. This review explores the information available in the literature regarding therapeutic, medical, cosmetic, psychological, olfactory, massage aromatherapy, safety issues and different plants used in aromatherapy. All the available information was compiled from electronic databases such as Academic Journals, Ethnobotany, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and library search.

Psychological Stress and Susceptibility to the Common Cold

1991-08-29
Sheldon Cohen , D. A. J. Tyrrell , Andrew Smith
It is not known whether psychological stress suppresses host resistance to infection. To investigate this issue, we prospectively studied the relation between psychological stress and the frequency of documented clinical … It is not known whether psychological stress suppresses host resistance to infection. To investigate this issue, we prospectively studied the relation between psychological stress and the frequency of documented clinical colds among subjects intentionally exposed to respiratory viruses.
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Self-reported Olfactory and Taste Disorders in Patients With Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus 2 Infection: A Cross-sectional Study

2020-03-24
Andrea Giacomelli , Laura Pezzati , Federico Conti +7 more
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Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions as a clinical presentation of mild-to-moderate forms of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19): a multicenter European study

2020-04-06
Jérôme R. Lechien , Carlos M. Chiesa‐Estomba , Daniele R. de Siati +7 more
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Non-neuronal expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry genes in the olfactory system suggests mechanisms underlying COVID-19-associated anosmia

2020-07-24
David H. Brann , Tatsuya Tsukahara , Caleb Weinreb +7 more
Abstract: Altered olfactory function is a common symptom of COVID-19, but its etiology is unknown. A key question is whether SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2) – the causal agent in COVID-19 – affects … Abstract: Altered olfactory function is a common symptom of COVID-19, but its etiology is unknown. A key question is whether SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2) – the causal agent in COVID-19 – affects olfaction directly, by infecting olfactory sensory neurons or their targets in the olfactory bulb, or indirectly, through perturbation of supporting cells. Here we identify cell types in the olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb that express SARS-CoV-2 cell entry molecules. Bulk sequencing demonstrated that mouse, non-human primate and human olfactory mucosa expresses two key genes involved in CoV-2 entry, ACE2 and TMPRSS2. However, single cell sequencing revealed that ACE2 is expressed in support cells, stem cells, and perivascular cells, rather than in neurons. Immunostaining confirmed these results and revealed pervasive expression of ACE2 protein in dorsally-located olfactory epithelial sustentacular cells and olfactory bulb pericytes in the mouse. These findings suggest that CoV-2 infection of non-neuronal cell types leads to anosmia and related disturbances in odor perception in COVID-19 patients.
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Olfactory transmucosal SARS-CoV-2 invasion as a port of central nervous system entry in individuals with COVID-19

2020-11-30
Jenny Meinhardt , Josefine Radke , Carsten Dittmayer +7 more
The newly identified severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a pandemic respiratory disease. Moreover, thromboembolic events throughout the body, including in the CNS, have been described. Given … The newly identified severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19, a pandemic respiratory disease. Moreover, thromboembolic events throughout the body, including in the CNS, have been described. Given the neurological symptoms observed in a large majority of individuals with COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 penetrance of the CNS is likely. By various means, we demonstrate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and protein in anatomically distinct regions of the nasopharynx and brain. Furthermore, we describe the morphological changes associated with infection such as thromboembolic ischemic infarction of the CNS and present evidence of SARS-CoV-2 neurotropism. SARS-CoV-2 can enter the nervous system by crossing the neural-mucosal interface in olfactory mucosa, exploiting the close vicinity of olfactory mucosal, endothelial and nervous tissue, including delicate olfactory and sensory nerve endings. Subsequently, SARS-CoV-2 appears to follow neuroanatomical structures, penetrating defined neuroanatomical areas including the primary respiratory and cardiovascular control center in the medulla oblongata.
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SARS-CoV-2 is associated with changes in brain structure in UK Biobank

2022-03-07
Gwenaëlle Douaud , Soojin Lee , Fidel Alfaro‐Almagro +7 more
There is strong evidence of brain-related abnormalities in COVID-19 There is strong evidence of brain-related abnormalities in COVID-19
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The Validity and Practicality of Sun-Reactive Skin Types I Through VI

1988-06-01
Thomas B. Fitzpatrick
The concept of sun-reactive "skin typing" was created in 1975<sup>1</sup>for a specific need: to be able to classify persons<i>with white skin</i>in order to select the correct initial doses of ultraviolet … The concept of sun-reactive "skin typing" was created in 1975<sup>1</sup>for a specific need: to be able to classify persons<i>with white skin</i>in order to select the correct initial doses of ultraviolet A (UVA) (in joules per cubic centimeter) in the application of the then newly developed technique for the treatment of psoriasis—oral methoxsalen photochemotherapy (PUVA).<sup>2</sup>The need arose as a result of experience with several patients who were a "dark" phenotype (brown or even black hair, and some with brown eyes) but, to our surprise, developed severe phototoxic reactions following oral ingestion of 0.6 mg/kg of methoxsalen and then, two hours later, were exposed to 4 to 6 J/cm<sup>2</sup>. These initial doses were obviously too high, and it was then understood that the estimation of the white-skinned person's tolerance level to oral PUVA could not be based solely on the phenotype (hair and eye color).

Smell and Taste in Health and Disease

1992-01-01
Thomas V. Getchell
The neuronal basis of smell and taste smell and taste experience - psychophysical integration chemosensory regulation of behavior introduction to clinical problems transport disorders - diagnosis and management sensorineural disorders … The neuronal basis of smell and taste smell and taste experience - psychophysical integration chemosensory regulation of behavior introduction to clinical problems transport disorders - diagnosis and management sensorineural disorders - diagnosis and management systemic conditions affecting smell and taste. (Part contents).

Distinct neural bases of subcomponents of the attentional blink

2025-06-24
Swagata Halder , Deepak Velgapuni Raya , Devarajan Sridharan | eLife
The attentional blink reflects a ubiquitous bottleneck with selecting and processing the second of two targets that occur in close temporal proximity. An extensive literature has examined the attention blink … The attentional blink reflects a ubiquitous bottleneck with selecting and processing the second of two targets that occur in close temporal proximity. An extensive literature has examined the attention blink as a unitary phenomenon. As a result, which specific component of attention – perceptual sensitivity, choice bias, or both – is compromised during the attentional blink, and their respective neural bases, remains unknown. Here, we address this question with a multialternative task and novel signal detection model, which decouples sensitivity from bias effects. We find that the attentional blink impairs specifically one component of attention – sensitivity – while leaving the other component – bias – unaffected. Distinct neural markers of the attentional blink were mapped onto distinct subcomponents of the sensitivity deficits. Parieto-occipital N2p and P3 potential amplitudes characterized target detection deficits, whereas long-range high-beta band (20–30 Hz) coherence between frontoparietal electrodes signaled target discrimination deficits. We synthesized these results with representational geometry analysis. The analysis revealed that detection and discrimination deficits were encoded along separable neural dimensions, whose configural distances robustly correlated with the neural markers of each. Overall, these findings provide detailed insights into the subcomponents of the attentional blink and reveal dissociable neural bases underlying its detection and discrimination bottlenecks.

The Smell of Disease

2025-06-24
| Yale University Press eBooks

Mountain-dwelling animals may have a worse sense of smell

2025-06-24
| AAAS Articles DO Group

History and Importance of Sensory Science

2025-06-24
Herbert Stone , Rebecca N. Bleibaum | CRC Press eBooks

Headache-specific hyperexcitation sensitises and habituates on different time scales: An event related potential study of pattern-glare

2025-06-24
C. Dogan , Claire E. Miller , Tom Jefferis +5 more | Neuroimage Reports

Saccadic omission revisited: What saccade-induced smear looks like.

2025-06-23
Richard Schweitzer , Mara Doering , Thomas Seel +2 more | Psychological Review
During active visual exploration, saccadic eye movements rapidly shift the visual image across the human retina. Although these high-speed shifts occur at a high rate and introduce considerable amounts of … During active visual exploration, saccadic eye movements rapidly shift the visual image across the human retina. Although these high-speed shifts occur at a high rate and introduce considerable amounts of motion smear during natural vision, our perceptual experience is oblivious to it-a phenomenon known as saccadic omission. Using tachistoscopic displays of natural scenes, we rendered saccade-induced smear highly conspicuous. By manipulating perisaccadic display durations, we studied the dynamics of smear in a time-resolved manner, assessing discrimination performance of smeared scenes, as well as smear amount and orientation. Both measures showed distinctive, U-shaped time courses throughout the saccade, indicating that generation and reduction of smear occurred during saccades. Moreover, low spatial frequencies and orientations parallel to the direction of the ongoing saccade were identified as the predominant visual features accessible in motion smear. We explain these findings using computational models that assume no more than saccadic velocity and human contrast sensitivity profiles and present a motion-filter model capable of predicting observers' perceived amount of smear based on their eyes' trajectories, suggesting a direct link between perceptual and saccade dynamics. Replays of the visual consequences of saccades during fixation led to virtually identical results as actively making saccades, whereas the additional simulation of perisaccadic contrast suppression heavily reduced this similarity, providing strong evidence that this suppression explained neither our findings nor the phenomenon of omission. Saccadic omission of motion smear may be understood as emerging naturally from the interplay of the retinal consequences of saccades and early visual processing. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Feelings on the tongue: Editorial focus on Tang et al., “Theta-burst stimulation over primary somatosensory cortex modulates the tactile acuity of the tongue”

2025-06-23
Jennifer Wheary , Tony Ro | Journal of Neurophysiology

Chronic exposure to milk odorant might ameliorate the depressive-like behavior of mice through gut-brain axis

2025-06-23
Yan Jin , Haitao Wang , Ziyao Zhang +5 more | npj Science of Food
Mental disorders are one of the leading causes of global health burden, while food flavors play a significant role in promoting the appetite and mood of people. This study aimed … Mental disorders are one of the leading causes of global health burden, while food flavors play a significant role in promoting the appetite and mood of people. This study aimed to investigate the intervention effects of two kinds of pleasant food odorants on depressed mice induced by reserpine. After 6-week exposure, beef odorant and milk odorant could effectively reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α), restored hippocampal structure, elevated neurotransmitters (5-HT, DA, NE), and upregulated BDNF/GFAP expression. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that both odorants could ameliorate the gut microbiota dysbiosis, increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and reducing Firmicutes. Overall, milk and beef odorants showed reletively positive effect on depressed mice through gut-brain axis, where milk odorant was more pronounced. GC-MS analysis identified oleic acid in milk odorant as a potential active component. These findings highlighted food-derived odors as promising nutritional interventions for depression through neuroinflammation modulation and microbiota-gut-brain axis regulation.

Olfactory, gustatory and trigeminal changes in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients: an exploratory prospective cohort study.

2025-06-22
Jip M. van Elst , Adriana Tami , María F. Vincenti‐González +6 more | medRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
Objectives This study aimed to longitudinally assess the prevalence and characteristics of olfactory, gustatory, and trigeminal changes, and the impact of these changes on daily life and quality of life … Objectives This study aimed to longitudinally assess the prevalence and characteristics of olfactory, gustatory, and trigeminal changes, and the impact of these changes on daily life and quality of life (QoL) in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods Three weeks after confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, non-hospitalized adult participants enrolled in the COVID HOME study consented to complete a questionnaire by phone on the presence, characteristics, and impact on daily life and QoL of olfactory, gustatory and/or trigeminal changes. Participants reporting taste and/or smell changes completed the same questionnaire at three months and, when still present, at six months. Results The questionnaire was completed by 94/117 participants included in this study three weeks after COVID-19 diagnosis. The 43 participants with smell and/or taste changes completed the questionnaire at three months, and 19 at six months. Of the 94 participants, 56% were female and the median age was 43 [IQR 29-55] years. At three weeks post-infection, olfactory, gustatory, and trigeminal changes were reported by 40 (43%), 37 (39%), and 8 (9%) participants, respectively. During follow-up, olfactory, gustatory, and trigeminal changes were reported by 17 (40%), 14 (33%), and 3 (7%) at three months, and 12 (63%), 9 (47%), and 1 (5%) participants at six months, respectively. Most patients reported an impact of sensory changes on daily life and QoL, mostly describing it as 'a bit' or 'quite a bit'. However, impact did not differ between time points and most participants reported taking no action to cope with these changes. Participants with reported sensory alterations were most interested in professional help at six months. Conclusions In non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the reported prevalence of olfactory, gustatory and trigeminal changes is higher three weeks after infection. Most patients report modest impact on daily life and QoL due to these sensory changes, and a subgroup reported a profound effect.

Exploring OR2H1-Mediated Sperm Chemotaxis: Development and Application of a Novel Microfluidic Device

2025-06-20
Fiorella Di Nicuolo , Emanuela Teveroni , Alessandro Devigili +6 more | Cells
Microfluidic platforms have emerged as critical technologies for exploring sperm chemotaxis, providing precise gradient control, and facilitating in-depth behavioral assessment. We designed a novel, user-friendly microfluidic device that is optimized … Microfluidic platforms have emerged as critical technologies for exploring sperm chemotaxis, providing precise gradient control, and facilitating in-depth behavioral assessment. We designed a novel, user-friendly microfluidic device that is optimized for human sperm morphology and motility. The device was validated using two well-established sperm chemoattractants, progesterone and bourgeonal, demonstrating its reliability and reproducibility. Given the key role of olfactory receptors (ORs) in mediating sperm chemotaxis, the newly developed device was employed to identify additional receptors that may contribute to sperm behavior. Using the Atlas database, we identified OR2H1 as a candidate receptor. It is enriched in testis-derived cells, particularly in early and late spermatids, and it is broadly expressed across human spermatozoa. We demonstrated that OR2H1’s ligand, methional, a sulfur-containing aldehyde naturally found in vaginal fluid and biosynthesized by Lactococcus lactis, significantly enhances sperm migration and progressive motility. Methional stimulation also triggered increased intracellular calcium levels, indicating receptor activation. Computer-assisted sperm analysis revealed that methional treatment improved sperm linearity, straightness, and wobble without affecting the average velocity, suggesting enhanced directional movement. These findings provide evidence that methional promotes sperm chemotaxis via OR2H1 and highlight the potential role of the vaginal microbiome in influencing human fertility.

Measuring emotions triggered by fragrance through behavioral paradigms

2025-06-20
Lv Y , Hua Sun , Hongyu Wu +1 more | Frontiers in Psychology
Intoduction Fragrance has a positive impact on various aspects of people’s emotions, experiences, and behaviors, such as product satisfaction, happiness, and comfort in daily life. While previous research has predominantly … Intoduction Fragrance has a positive impact on various aspects of people’s emotions, experiences, and behaviors, such as product satisfaction, happiness, and comfort in daily life. While previous research has predominantly utilized physiological measurements or subjective evaluations, behavioral methods have been underexplored. This study aims to explore the measurement of emotional responses to fragrance through behavioral paradigms. Methods In a self-controlled experiment, participants were instructed to smell various fragrances and assessed their emotional changes before and after exposure using EEG, emotion scales, and behavioral paradigms. Results The findings revealed that the emotional bias measured by the Go/No-go Association Task (GNAT) was consistent with the emotional valence results obtained from EEG measurements, and the trend of time perception measured by the time bisection task was consistent with the arousal index measured by EEG. After smelling the orange fragrance, the EEG valence of participants increased from 2.61 to 3.68 ( p = 0.017), the d value increased from −0.66 to 0.21 ( p = 0.071), the EEG arousal decreased from 0.97 to −0.30 ( p = 0.092), and the temporal dilation value increased from 57.24 to 67.51 ( p = 0.038). Discussion The results indicate that changes in emotional valence and arousal in response to fragrance can be effectively assessed through behavioral paradigms. These results contribute to the fragrance product development and provide insights for enhancing multisensory experiences.

Cholinergic feedback for modality- and context-specific modulation of sensory representations

2025-06-19
Bin Yu , Yuxuan Yue , Chi Ren +3 more | Science
The brain's ability to prioritize sensory information is crucial for adaptive behavior, yet its mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated basal forebrain cholinergic neurons modulating olfactory bulb (OB) circuits in mice. … The brain's ability to prioritize sensory information is crucial for adaptive behavior, yet its mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated basal forebrain cholinergic neurons modulating olfactory bulb (OB) circuits in mice. The activity of cholinergic feedback axons in OB correlated with orofacial movements, with little responses to passively experienced odors. When mice engaged in an olfactory task, OB cholinergic axons rapidly shifted their response patterns from movement correlated to odor aligned. This response shift was absent in cholinergic axons projecting to the dorsal cortex during olfactory task engagement, and in OB, during an auditory task. Inactivation of OB-projecting cholinergic neurons impaired olfactory task performance and reduced odor responses in OB granule cells. Thus, the cholinergic system dynamically modulates sensory processing in a modality-specific and context-dependent manner.

Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin-Induced Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Results in Derangement of the Primary Olfactory System in Male Wistar Rats

2025-06-19
Arina Gorskaya , O. V. Chistyakova , D. S. Vasiliev | Neuroscience and Behavioral Physiology

The importance of olfactory and trigeminal event-related potentials (OERPs/TERPs) in the assessment of olfactory function in subjects with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis

2025-06-19
Karla Janoušková , Oleksii Vorobiov , Kristýna Mamiňák +7 more | Journal of Applied Biomedicine

Anti-Anxiety Effects of Essential Oil Microemulsion in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Rats: Preparation, Characterization, and Mechanisms

2025-06-19
Wen‐Xia Tang , Jiang Pan , Ke Hu +7 more | Molecules
Anxiety disorders, as common neurological diseases in clinical practice, often coexist with depression. Epidemiological surveys indicate that approximately 85% of patients with depression exhibit significant anxiety symptoms. This comorbid state … Anxiety disorders, as common neurological diseases in clinical practice, often coexist with depression. Epidemiological surveys indicate that approximately 85% of patients with depression exhibit significant anxiety symptoms. This comorbid state not only exacerbates clinical symptoms but also leads to treatment resistance and prolonged disease duration. This study innovatively developed a compound aromatic plant essential oil (EO) formulation with remarkable anxiolytic and antidepressant effects and systematically elucidated its mechanism of action. The study found that the essential oil formulation, administered via inhalation, could significantly improve behavioral abnormalities in animals subjected to the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model, specifically manifesting as (1) the reversal of stress-induced weight gain retardation; (2) a significant increase in sucrose preference; (3) an increase in the total distance of spontaneous activity; and (4) the prolongation of exploration time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze. Neuropathological examinations confirmed that the formulation could effectively protect the structural integrity of hippocampal neurons and alleviate CUMS-induced neural damage. In terms of mechanism of action, the study revealed that the formulation regulates the neurotransmitter system through multiple targets: (1) the upregulation of serotonin (5-HT) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels; (2) the downregulation of glutamate (GLU) concentration; and (3) key targets identified via network pharmacological analysis, such as ESR1, STAT3, and PPARG. These findings provide molecular-level evidence for understanding the neuromodulatory effects of aromatic essential oils. Pharmaceutical formulation studies showed that the oil-in-water (O/W) type compound essential oil microemulsion, prepared using microemulsification technology, has a uniform particle size and excellent stability, maintaining stable physicochemical properties at room temperature for an extended period, thus laying a foundation for its clinical application. This study not only validates the practical value of traditional medicine but also provides new ideas for the development of novel anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs, achieving an organic integration of traditional experience and modern technology.

Memorable Technologies on Emulsions and Cosmetic Development

2025-06-19
Toshiyuki Suzuki | Journal of Society of Cosmetic Chemists of Japan

WITHDRAWN: Effects of Fixed Orthodontic Treatment on Taste Perception: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2025-06-19
Sinem KURU KAYGUN , Fatma Asli KONCA TASOVA | Research Square (Research Square)
<title>Abstract</title> The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors as it was submitted and made public without the full consent of all the authors. Therefore, the … <title>Abstract</title> The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors as it was submitted and made public without the full consent of all the authors. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.

A distinguished palate: taste discrimination and decision making during the Garcia-effect in the pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis

2025-06-19
Grace Pelé , Ken Lukowiak | Journal of Comparative Physiology A

The olfactory epithelium: a critical gateway for pathological tau propagation and a target for mitigating tauopathy in the central nervous system

2025-06-19
Marion Dourte , Esther Paître , Mongia Bouchoucha +7 more | Acta Neuropathologica

Spectrofluorimetric determination of cyclic guanosine monophosphate in human nasal secretions: evaluating levels in healthy individuals and patients with olfactory dysfunction

2025-06-19
Mohamed H. Abdelazim , Faisal Alsenani , Adnan Alharbi +5 more | BMC Chemistry

Evaluating the etiology of metallic taste during head and neck cancer treatments: a study of facial and glossopharyngeal nerve interactions

2025-06-19
Guillaume Buiret , Hélène Brignot , Chantal Septier +2 more | Neuroscience
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Liminoid Üzerine Kavramsal Bir İnceleme: Türkiye Turizm Literatürüne Dayalı Bir Derleme (A Conceptual Review on Liminoid: A Compilation Based on Tourism Literature in Türkiye)

2025-06-19
Yağmur Savaşkan , Şenol Çavuş | Journal of Tourism and Gastronomy Studies
Bu çalışmanın amacı, liminoid davranışla ilgili Türkiye turizm alanında yapılan çalışmalara dayanarak liminoid kavramını incelemektir. Bu amaçla verilerin daha hızlı toplanması, maliyetin minimuma indirilmesi için ücretsiz ve erişilebilir veri tabanları … Bu çalışmanın amacı, liminoid davranışla ilgili Türkiye turizm alanında yapılan çalışmalara dayanarak liminoid kavramını incelemektir. Bu amaçla verilerin daha hızlı toplanması, maliyetin minimuma indirilmesi için ücretsiz ve erişilebilir veri tabanları tercih edilmiştir. Erişilen çalışmalara ilişkin literatür bilgileri derlenmiş ve çalışmaların içerik açısından ayrıntılı özetleri sunulmuştur. İkincil verilere dayalı çalışma kapsamında Türkiye’de turizm sektöründe liminoid davranışlara ilişkin ilk çalışmaların 2013 yılı itibariyle yapıldığı görülmektedir. Yapılan çalışmaların toplamda 10 adet ve çoğunlukla makale olduğu belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca liminoid davranış üzerine yapılan çalışmaların sınırlı sayıda olduğu ve genellikle tatil döneminde sergilenen liminoid davranışların belirlenmesine odaklanıldığı görülmüştür. Bu nedenle kamp turizmi, ekolojik turizm gibi farklı turizm türlerinde liminoid davranışların ele alınması ve turist tipolojisi, kişilik tipleri gibi konularla liminoid davranışların incelenmesi bu alandaki literatürü çeşitlendirebilir.

Intra-nasal Disodium Orthophosphate Is Beneficial in Improving Olfactory Dysfunction Post COVID-19

2025-06-19
Mohamed S. Imam , Manal Abdullah Ali Alghamdi , Jasmine N. A. Albukhari +7 more | Annals of Otology Rhinology & Laryngology
Objectives: An association between COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction has been reported worldwide. It has been recognized that olfactory dysfunction may be the only sign of COVID-19. Reports demonstrate an increase … Objectives: An association between COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction has been reported worldwide. It has been recognized that olfactory dysfunction may be the only sign of COVID-19. Reports demonstrate an increase of the nasal calcium levels in the patients with olfactory dysfunction. Disodium orthophosphate is a calcium chelating agent which may be associated with improving olfactory function. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of intranasal disodium orthophosphate on reducing the increase of calcium in the mucus of patients with olfactory dysfunction post COVID-19, thereby improving the olfaction process. Methods: Fifty-two patients with a history of COVID-19 and olfactory dysfunction persisted more than 6 months were enrolled in prospective randomized blinded double controlled clinical trial. They received a nasal spray containing either 0.9% sodium chloride or 1% disodium orthophosphate. Olfactory function was assessed before treatment and 2 months later using the Sniffin’ Sticks test. Quantitative analysis of calcium level in the nasal secretions was performed using a prepared screen-printed ion-selective electrode. Results: Compared to sodium chloride, intranasal disodium orthophosphate resulted in a reduction in nasal calcium concentrations. Clinically, 81% of patients in this group demonstrated improvement in olfactory function, with a shift from anosmia to hyposmia based on TDI score classification. Conclusions: Intra-nasal disodium orthophosphate is beneficial in improving olfactory dysfunction post COVID-19.

A service evaluation of an online Cognitive Behaviour Therapy program for troublesome menopausal Hot Flushes and Night Sweats in work settings

2025-06-19
Evgenia Stefanopoulou , Sandrine Louchart , David H. Lewis +2 more | Post Reproductive Health
Objective The most frequently reported menopausal symptoms are hot flushes and night sweats (HFNS). This study evaluated the feasibility, and generated preliminary data on the efficacy, of a self-guided, internet-delivered … Objective The most frequently reported menopausal symptoms are hot flushes and night sweats (HFNS). This study evaluated the feasibility, and generated preliminary data on the efficacy, of a self-guided, internet-delivered Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (iCBT) program for HFNS in working menopausal women. Methods Participants were UK employees who accessed the iCBT program via an Employee Assistance Program. Adherence consisted of ‘non-starters’, ‘ended as planned (women who received at least 75% of support)’ and ‘completers’. Program usage, completion rates, user feedback and changes in outcome measures (HFNS frequency, problem-rating, anxiety, depression, work and social adjustment) were assessed. Results Program activation rate was 61%. 426 women accessed an introductory session, with 213 completing the first iCBT session and 62 completing the program. Attrition ranged from 50% to 21% between sessions. Upon completion, there was a significant reduction in all outcome measures. Higher rates of reliable improvement were gained by those with higher anxiety and depression scores at baseline. Most women found the program helpful and easy to use. Conclusions Findings suggest that an iCBT program for working women experiencing menopausal HFNS is feasible and promising in terms of efficacy. Further studies are needed to establish and implement effective retention strategies to improve compliance with and, thus, the efficacy of self-managed internet-based interventions.

Tasting opportunity

2025-06-19
Hannah M. Rowland , Eve R. Schneider | Science
How birds retuned sour perception to eat fruits How birds retuned sour perception to eat fruits

Comparative EEG study of neurodynamics upon olfactory stimulation in COVID-19 patients

2025-06-18
Mariia Chernykh , I. Zyma , Bohdan Vodianyk +4 more | Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
Cognitive disturbances following COVID-19 have been widely reported, yet the neural dynamics underpinning such phenomena remain incompletely understood. This exploratory study examined cortical neurodynamics using electroencephalographic (EEG) analysis in three … Cognitive disturbances following COVID-19 have been widely reported, yet the neural dynamics underpinning such phenomena remain incompletely understood. This exploratory study examined cortical neurodynamics using electroencephalographic (EEG) analysis in three groups: individuals with severe COVID-19 (Group S), individuals recovered from moderate COVID-19 (Group M), and healthy controls (Group H). EEG recordings were obtained during the resting state and exposure to three odorants—ammonia (trigeminal), isoamyl acetate (olfactory), and mountain pine (mixed)—to assess reactivity under different sensory conditions. Power Spectral Density (PSD) and detrended moving average (DMA) analyses were applied to quantify both spectral power and long-range temporal correlations, respectively. Group S showed consistently elevated β -band PSD and α -scaling exponent values across all conditions, indicative of globally rigid and hyperexcitable dynamics. Group M exhibited partially recovered oscillatory patterns, including α3 enhancements, without statistically significant stimulus-driven modulation. Group H maintained physiologically typical EEG responses with limited olfactory reactivity. While these results suggest differential patterns of neurodynamic adaptation and rigidity among groups, interpretations regarding cognitive status remain tentative due to the absence of behavioral or neuropsychological testing. The findings underscore the utility of DMA as a complementary EEG analysis tool and provide a basis for hypothesis-driven research on post-COVID cortical reorganization. Future studies incorporating direct cognitive measures are essential to validate EEG-based biomarkers of brain function.

In mice, discrete odors can selectively promote the neurogenesis of sensory neuron subtypes that they stimulate

2025-06-18
Kawsar Hossain , Madeline Smith , Karlin E Rufenacht +2 more | eLife
In mammals, olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) are born throughout life, ostensibly solely to replace neurons lost via turnover or injury. This assumption follows from the hypothesis that olfactory neurogenesis is … In mammals, olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) are born throughout life, ostensibly solely to replace neurons lost via turnover or injury. This assumption follows from the hypothesis that olfactory neurogenesis is stochastic with respect to neuron subtype, as defined by the single odorant receptor that each neural precursor stochastically chooses out of hundreds of possibilities. This assumption is challenged, however, by recent findings that the birthrates of a fraction of OSN subtypes are selectively reduced by olfactory deprivation. These findings raise questions about how, and why, olfactory stimuli are required to accelerate the neurogenesis rates of some subtypes, including whether the stimuli are specific (e.g. discrete odorants) or generic (e.g. broadly activating odors or mechanical stimuli). Based on previous findings that the exposure of mice to sex-specific odors can increase the representations of subtypes responsive to those odors, we hypothesized that the neurogenic stimuli comprise discrete odorants that selectively stimulate OSNs of the same subtypes whose birthrates are accelerated. In support of this, we have found, using scRNA-seq and subtype-specific OSN birthdating, that exposure to male and exogenous musk odors can accelerate the birthrates of subtypes responsive to those odors. These findings reveal that certain odor experiences can selectively ‘amplify’ specific OSN subtypes and suggest that persistent OSN neurogenesis serves, in part, an adaptive function.

Feasibility Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial of Aromatherapy Footbath for Stimulating Onset of Labor in Term Pregnant Women

2025-06-17
Yuriko TADOKORO , Kaori Takahata | International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
We evaluated the feasibility of a new research methodology designed for conducting a future, large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT). This future RCT is aimed at evaluating the effects of repeated … We evaluated the feasibility of a new research methodology designed for conducting a future, large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT). This future RCT is aimed at evaluating the effects of repeated aromatherapy footbaths on stimulating the onset of labor. Herein, we conducted a pilot RCT with two arms among low-risk pregnant women at or beyond 39 weeks of gestation before labor onset. These two arms consisted of a treatment group performing aromatherapy footbaths twice a day (n = 7) and a usual care group (n = 8). This study was prospectively registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of the University Hospital Medical Information Network in Japan (UMIN000037398). Feasibility was assessed across the domains of acceptability, demand, implementation, practicality, process, resources, and management using questionnaires, researcher records, and semi-structured interviews with the treatment group and midwives at the setting facility. The new research methodology was found to be feasible, although challenges were identified in the process and implementation. For process, the research participation rate was 55.5%. For implementation, the adherence rate among the multiparous participants in the treatment group ranged from 50% to 94%. An imbalance between both groups was found. Areas that need careful planning and methodological improvements include random allocation, treatment method, and participation criteria.

Age-related exacerbation in disease-associated olfactory disorders.

2025-06-17
Hiroaki Shimmura , Eri Mori , Rumi Sekine +2 more | PubMed
Both the physiological degeneration linked to aging and the pathological changes resulting from diseases can impact olfactory function in the patients with olfactory disorder (OD). However, the epidemiological literature addressing … Both the physiological degeneration linked to aging and the pathological changes resulting from diseases can impact olfactory function in the patients with olfactory disorder (OD). However, the epidemiological literature addressing the extent of aging's involvement to the diseases which causes OD is limited. Our study aimed to investigate how aging affects olfactory function in major causes of OD by employing psychophysical olfactory sensory testing. Non-eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (NECRS), eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS), post-infectious OD (PIOD), post-traumatic OD, and idiopathic OD were identified as major contributors to OD. Retrospective data from 1986 patients were collected from our smell clinic. We utilized T&T olfactometer thresholds to assess quantitative olfactory function. Patients were categorized into age groups spanning every 10 years from their 20s to 80s, and we analyzed potential differences between age groups and diseases. Additionally, the odds ratio of severe OD was analyzed with respect to gender and age, categorizing patients into two groups: lower than 60 and over or equal to 60. A significant odds ratio was observed for elevated T&T average threshold with respect to age in the detection and recognition thresholds of patients diagnosed with NECRS, PIOD and idiopathic OD. In contrast, no significant odds ratio was observed in patients with ECRS or post-traumatic OD, regardless of age. Analysis of disease-specific OD revealed varying degrees of age-related physiological and disease-pathological across different conditions. These findings underscore the importance for clinicians to consider both age-related physiological changes and the specific disease pathology of the disease when diagnosing and managing OD, particularly in elderly patients.

Analysis of consumer purchase intentions using functional near-infrared spectroscopy(fNIRS): A neuromarketing study on the aesthetic packaging of Korean red ginseng products

2025-06-17
SuJin Bak , Jaeyoung Shin , D. Kim +1 more | PLoS ONE
Purpose This study investigates the consumer behavior patterns for Korean red ginseng products using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a neuroimaging device. By measuring brain activities, we aim to develop neuromarketing … Purpose This study investigates the consumer behavior patterns for Korean red ginseng products using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), a neuroimaging device. By measuring brain activities, we aim to develop neuromarketing techniques and provide insights into consumer purchasing decisions influenced by the aesthetic features of product packaging. Methods Using an fNIRS device, we measured the hemodynamic responses of 50 healthy participants within the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during virtual purchase-response paradigm experiments. These experiments consisted of two scenarios depending on the purpose of purchasing red ginseng products; purchasing for self-consumption and purchasing as gifts for others. These two purchase scenarios were designed to elucidate the relationship between two purchasing scenarios and aesthetic product packaging. Results We observed distinct differences in purchasing behavior between the two scenarios influenced by the packaging of red ginseng products. We found significantly higher prefrontal ∆HbO activation during the gift-giving condition (Task 1) compared to self-consumption (Task 2). Survey results also indicated greater purchase intention (M = 4.35) and great packaging satisfaction (M = 4.18) in Task 1 ( p &lt; 0.01) compared to Task 2. No significant differences were observed across gender or age groups. These findings suggest that packaging has a differentiated effect depending on the purchasing context. Conclusions Our findings highlight the need for customized marketing strategies while proposing separate packaging designs for self-consumption and gifts. This study demonstrates the potential of neuromarketing technology based on fNIRS in predicting consumer behavior and improving marketing strategies. Significance Understanding the neural mechanisms of purchasing decisions enables Korean health functional food companies to align their marketing strategies with consumer preferences, thereby enhancing both sales performance and customer satisfaction.

Persistent smell and taste disorders following COVID-19 vaccination: A report of three cases and review of the literature

2025-06-17
Sherifa A. Hamed , Ahmed E. Ahmed , Mohamed Azzam Abdel-Razek Ahmed | INNOSC Theranostics and Pharmacological Sciences
Persistent smell and taste disorders following COVID-19 vaccination are rare adverse effects. Herein, we reported three cases in which patients developed smell and taste disorders 9 &amp;ndash; 20 days after … Persistent smell and taste disorders following COVID-19 vaccination are rare adverse effects. Herein, we reported three cases in which patients developed smell and taste disorders 9 &amp;ndash; 20 days after receiving their second dose of the AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine in 2021. These symptoms persisted for 1 &amp;ndash; 3 years. All patients underwent nasal endoscopy, imaging of the nasal and olfactory structures, as well as Sniffin&amp;rsquo; Odor along with flavor and taste identification tests. Case 1 was a 37-year-old male who presented in December 2022 with persistent dysgeusia for 18 months. Case 2 was a 40-year-old male who presented in February 2023 with persistent anosmia and parosmia for 20 months. Case 3 was a 48-year-old male who presented in August 2024 with persistent hyposmia for 3 years. These persistent disorders may be due to immune responses triggered by the vaccine, potentially affecting the olfactory neuroepithelium. Recognition and reporting of such adverse effects are important to acknowledge among physicians and for future studies and treatment trials targeting related disorders.

Measuring Multisensory Integration in Clinical Settings: Comparing an Established Laboratory Method with a Novel Digital Health App

2025-06-17
Valerie Nunez , James Gordon , Mooyeon Oh‐Park +4 more | Brain Sciences
Background/Objectives: Recent research has correlated an inability to integrate sensory information with several adverse clinical outcomes, including slow gait, poor balance, and falls. For this reason, a digital health iPhone … Background/Objectives: Recent research has correlated an inability to integrate sensory information with several adverse clinical outcomes, including slow gait, poor balance, and falls. For this reason, a digital health iPhone app (CatchU® v3.1.2) has been strategically designed to bring the measurement of visual-somatosensory integration into clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to determine whether CatchU could reliably capture the phenomenon of multisensory integration compared to a validated piece of laboratory apparatus ("tristimulator"). Methods: Using both the established tristimulator and CatchU, 50 participants (76.5 ± 6.2 years of age, 60% female) completed a simple reaction time test in response to visual, somatosensory, and combined visual-somatosensory stimulation. A reaction time cumulative distribution frequency (CDF) curve was calculated for each stimulus condition, and together these were used to calculate the CDF difference function (the multisensory visual-somatosensory CDF minus a magnitude-limited sum of the unisensory visual and somatosensory CDFs). From this, the magnitude of visual-somatosensory integration (VSI) was obtained. Results: CatchU captured multisensory integration in both average reaction times and the CDF difference function. It also produced a similar magnitude of VSI and showed no systematic bias compared to the laboratory stimulator. Additionally, CatchU responses were significantly less variable than responses recorded using the tristimulator. Conclusions: Despite using different forms of stimulation and different methods to record responses, these results reveal that CatchU can be used to produce the same inferences as laboratory apparatus. This confirms the ability of CatchU to reliably capture VSI.

Photobiomodulation in the management of persistent olfactory and gustatory dysfunction post-COVID-19: a systematic review

2025-06-16
Gabriel de Toledo Telles-Araújo , Kettelyn Macêdo da Cruz , Kaique Alberto Preto +5 more | Lasers in Medical Science

Assessing Sensory Acceptability of Ginger-Turmeric based Functional Beverage by Fuzzy Logic Approach

2025-06-16
Ram Kumar Sahu , D. Khokhar , Nirmith Kumar Mishra +1 more | European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety
Increasing health consciousness among consumers, particularly regarding the prevention and management of chronic diseases, catalyzed innovations in the development of functional beverages. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), known as Adrak in … Increasing health consciousness among consumers, particularly regarding the prevention and management of chronic diseases, catalyzed innovations in the development of functional beverages. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), known as Adrak in Ayurveda, was believed to possess extensive medicinal properties and comprised over 400 bioactive compounds, including significant phenolic acids like 6-gingerol. Similarly, turmeric (Curcuma longa Linnaeus), referred to as Haridra, had a rich historical background in Southeast Asia and was recognized for its bioactive constituents, chiefly curcumin. Both ingredients offered considerable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits and were abundant in essential minerals. This study focused on the development of a functional beverage incorporating ginger and turmeric juice, aligning traditional knowledge with modern wellness demands. Sensory evaluation was crucial in the formulation of functional beverages; however, traditional sensory evaluation was hindered by inherent subjectivity, as it heavily relied on the individual preferences of the evaluators. To mitigate this subjectivity, a fuzzy logic analysis was employed. Fuzzy logic served to mathematically refine the linguistic preferences assigned to each sensory parameter, such as color, aroma, mouthfeel, and taste, resulting in comparable quantitative scores. This approach facilitated the objective optimization of the beverage formulation. The optimal ingredient ratio was determined to be 10.61% ginger juice, 9.46% turmeric juice, and 69.93% distilled water, which achieved the highest sensory acceptability. The practical implication of this formulation was the creation of a clean-label, plant-based beverage that offered both functional health benefits and improved palatability attributes that were highly sought after in the contemporary food and wellness industry.

Rare Variation of Chorda Tympani Nerve During an Endoscopic Tympanoplasty

2025-06-16
Karthikeyan Ramasamy , A. Gopalakrishnan , Vignesh Karunakaran +1 more | Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery

Exploring Linear <i>mono</i>-, <i>bis</i>- and <i>tris</i>-Acetylene Containing Agonists of the Human Olfactory Receptor OR1A1

2025-06-16
Weihong Liu , Luca S. Dobson , Chen Zhang +5 more | Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Structure-activity relationship studies on olfactory receptors such as OR1A1 enhance an understanding of the molecular mechanism of olfactory perception. Such receptors are considered to be important in regulating physiological roles … Structure-activity relationship studies on olfactory receptors such as OR1A1 enhance an understanding of the molecular mechanism of olfactory perception. Such receptors are considered to be important in regulating physiological roles beyond olfactory perception. Here a series of linearized ketones, alcohols, and a cyclic ether, extended between the oxygen functionality and a terminal tert-butyl group with either mono-, bis-, or tris-acetylene spacers, was prepared to explore the response of human olfactory receptor OR1A1. The best agonists were bis-acetylene rods combined with an aryl spacer, including the bis-acetylene ketones 13 and 14, as well as the primary aryl-bis-acetylene alcohol 20 and the corresponding secondary alcohol 21. In the latter case, there was a clear stimulatory preference for the (R)-21 enantiomer. The experimental data were supported by molecular docking of the various ligands on the OR1A1 homology model. Further molecular dynamics simulations revealed atomic details in the OR1A1 binding pocket.

Olfactory receptor OR51B5 suppressed esophageal cancer progression through activates Calcium / N-Ras signaling

2025-06-16
Fan Yang , Jiaqi Yang , Chengbo Zhu +3 more | Cell Death and Disease
Abstract The transcriptional regulation of olfactory receptors (ORs) plays a critical role in various biological processes, and has recently been considered a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Esophageal cancer … Abstract The transcriptional regulation of olfactory receptors (ORs) plays a critical role in various biological processes, and has recently been considered a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly invasive neoplasm with dismal prognosis, but the specific roles of ORs in EC remain largely unexplored. Here, we developed a comprehensive workflow to identify potential functional olfactory receptor family 51 subfamily B member 5 ( OR51B5 ) and demonstrated that OR51B5 locus acted as a key spatial element contributing to the progression of esophageal cancer. Moreover, we showed that the CTCF-EZH2 enhanced the trimethylation of lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3) and increased repressive and closed chromatin state at the OR51B5 promoter region. Subsequently we demonstrated that closed chromatin impaired the entry of RNA polymerase II and inhibited the transcription of OR51B5 , thereby causing N-Ras activation and promoting tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Our study provides an alternative workflow for discovering critical regulatory sites for control tumorigenesis, and reveals a novel OR51B5 triggering mechanism underlying esophageal cancer progression.

Tailoring Evaluations of Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Understanding Sleep and Its Effect on Memory Through Actigraphy

2025-06-14
Donyea L Moore , R. Nolte , Yitong Huang +4 more | Journal of Personalized Medicine
Background/Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a persistent inflammatory condition of the sinonasal mucosa lasting for at least three months. For patients, CRS-related sleep disturbances can significantly disrupt circadian rhythms, leading … Background/Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a persistent inflammatory condition of the sinonasal mucosa lasting for at least three months. For patients, CRS-related sleep disturbances can significantly disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to further health complications such as cognitive impairment. Despite the well-documented sleep disturbances associated with CRS, there is limited research on objective assessment methods. Additionally, the severity of these issues can vary among patients. This study aims to assess sleep quality and timing in CRS patients and investigate their impact on cognition, providing guidance for personalized and tailored assessment and management of CRS. Methods: Our case-control study compares sleep patterns and cognitive function between CRS patients and healthy controls utilizing actigraphy, a non-invasive device for measuring sleep-wake cycles and circadian rhythms. The actigraphy-derived sleep variables include inter-daily variability, intra-daily variability, highest 10 h activity (M10), lowest 5 h activity (L5), relative amplitude (RA), sleep onset latency, sleep efficiency, sleep and wake time, time spent in bed, total sleep time, and wakefulness after sleep onset. We also used a standard questionnaire assessing sleep quality, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: Our study enrolled 44 CRS and 43 control participants. Our findings indicate that the actigraphy-derived sleep variables were comparable between groups, all with a p-value > 0.05. However, CRS patients exhibited greater early morning activity and significantly lower PSQI-reported sleep quality compared to controls (8.78 ± 3.45, 4.71 ± 2.96, respectively; adjusted p < 0.001). Actigraphy-derived sleep variables showed trends towards significance in association with episodic memory (p = 0.051) and executive function (p = 0.15). Conclusions: Actigraphy-derived sleep outcomes revealed associations with episodic and executive function, underscoring the potential of actigraphy in understanding the individualized sleep-related cognitive impacts in CRS patients. This highlights the importance of personalized assessment and management strategies to address the unique sleep and cognitive challenges faced by each patient.

Transcranial High Frequency Terahertz Stimulation Alleviates Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice via a Non-Invasive approach

2025-06-13
Pan Wang , Chaoyang Tan , Wenyu Peng +7 more | Research

A missing link between smell and reproduction is provided by a novel neuroendocrine subsystem in the olfactory bulb

2025-06-13
Debajyoti Das , Ulrich Boehm | Endocrinology
Abstract The sense of smell has long been known to exert a profound influence on the reproductive axis in both male and female rodents, yet despite intensive research over the … Abstract The sense of smell has long been known to exert a profound influence on the reproductive axis in both male and female rodents, yet despite intensive research over the past decades, the neural circuits and individual neurons linking olfaction with reproduction are still incompletely understood. A recent study by Decoster and colleagues uncovered a direct link between cells producing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the master molecule of reproduction, and the two major chemosensory epithelia in the murine nose. This hitherto undescribed GnRH subsystem, which is located in the olfactory bulb of mice as well as humans may represent an evolutionarily ancient part of the neural circuits linking the olfactory system with the reproductive axis through the previously described classical GnRH system in the mediobasal hypothalamus. Here, we put these seminal new findings into perspective, highlighting their potential implications and their contribution to our current understanding of the neuroendocrine control of reproductive/sexual behavior by olfaction.

Allergic Rhinorrhea: Prevalence, Severity, and Risk Factors among Students at University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus

2025-06-13
Okafor K. Oluchi , Charles C. Nwafor , Ifedi I. Charles +2 more | Scholars Journal of Medical Case Reports
Epidemiological surveys around the world show an increase in allergy disorders. Globalization and urbanization have caused major environmental changes and an increase in allergies in developing countries. Nevertheless, there aren't … Epidemiological surveys around the world show an increase in allergy disorders. Globalization and urbanization have caused major environmental changes and an increase in allergies in developing countries. Nevertheless, there aren't many studies on Nigerian young adults. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of allergic rhinitis among students at the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus using a prospective cross-sectional design. A self-administered structured questionnaire that was adapted from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey served as the research tool for gathering data. To assess the acquired symptoms and demographic information, SPSS version 29.0 was utilised. 200 students between the ages of 18 and 30 participated in the study. There were 110 males and 90 females. The percentage of cases with a doctor's diagnosis was 7.5%, and the prevalence of symptoms of allergic rhinitis during the past 12 months was 37.5% for this patient group. Forty-five percent of people had allergic rhinitis overall. Dust emerged as the most important trigger of symptoms, and environmental factors and family history related to allergies were found to be strongly associated with allergic rhinitis. This study found a significant moderate prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the study population. Mild and intermittent symptoms were more common in cases of allergic rhinitis than severe and chronic symptoms. There was strong evidence that a family history of allergies was associated with allergic rhinitis.

Olfactory impairment associated with reduced physical capacity 24 months after COVID-19

2025-06-13
Christoffer Granvik , Alicia Lind , Guilherme W. F. Barros +4 more | Brain Behavior & Immunity - Health