The GRB221009A gamma-ray burst as revealed by the gamma-ray spectrometer onboard the KPLO (Danuri).

The strongest gamma-ray burst (GRB) of the century, GRB20221009A, has been detected by the Korean Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter Gamma-ray Spectrometer (KGRS) instrument onboard the Korean Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO). KGRS uses a LaBr3 detector to measure GRB counts with five energy bins in the energy range from 30 keV to 12 MeV. KGRS detected GRB221009A at a distance of 1.508 million kilometers from the Earth. The full duration of the main burst was recorded between 13:20 and 13:26 on October 9, 2022 with peak counts of over 1000 times background. The dead time of KGRS reached as high as 50%, and the intrinsic gamma-ray spectrum of LaBr3 was significantly altered.

Enhancing Qualitative and Quantitative Data Linkages in Complex Mixed Methods Designs: Illustrations from a Multi-Phase Healthcare Delivery Study.

While mixed methods research is increasingly used to examine determinants of unwarranted variability in healthcare delivery and outcomes, novel integrative approaches are required to meet the needs of mixed methods healthcare delivery research. This article describes novel refining strategies that enhance the linkage between qualitative and quantitative dimensions of a mixed methods healthcare delivery research study. Leveraging our study experiences, this paper demonstrates several refining strategies: (1) using mediated allocation concealment to facilitate qualitative sampling; (2) informing qualitative inquiry through quantitative analytics; and (3) training and immersing multidisciplinary researchers in qualitative data collection and analysis. Developing and implementing strategies in mixed methods healthcare delivery research could advance methodological rigor and strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration.

Efficacy of first-line ART regimens based on tenofovir in HIV-infected patients with pre-existing A62V mutation in reverse transcriptase.

INTRODUCTION: The amino acid substitution A62V in reverse transcriptase was identified as a mutation correlated with virologic failure in patients on first-line therapy including tenofovir (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF). A62V is a typically polymorphic mutation in HIV-1 sub-subtype A6, which is the most widespread virus variant in Russia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The European EuResist (EIDB) database was queried to form two equivalent groups of patients: group 1 ‒ patients with A62V at baseline treated with TDF or TAF on the first-line therapy, group 2 ‒ patients without A62V at baseline treated with TDF or TAF on the first-line therapy. Each group included 23 patients. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between the two groups in virologic efficacy in 4, 12, and 24 weeks after the start of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and in the frequency of virologic failures. CONCLUSION: This study has some limitations, and the exact role of A62V in the efficacy of the first-line ART based on tenofovir deserves further investigation.

Virtual fit assessment of U.S. army body armor using NASA spacesuit techniques.

Fit and accommodation are critical design goals for a body armor system to maximize Soldiers' protection, comfort, mobility, and performance. The aim of this study is to assess fit and accommodation of body armor plates for the US Army. A virtual fit assessment technique, developed, validated, and deployed by NASA for spacesuit design, was adopted for this work. Specifically, 3D manikins of the Soldier population were overlaid virtually with geometrically similar surrogates of the armor plates. Trained subject matter experts with the US Army and NASA manually assessed the fit of the armor plates to manikins using a computer visualization tool and selected the appropriate plate size and position. A prediction model was built from the assessment data to predict the plate size from an arbitrary body shape and the resultant patterns of body-to-plate contact were quantified. The outcome indicated a unique trend of the plate sizes covarying with anthropometry. More pronouncedly, when the overlap between the body tissue and armor plate was quantified, female Soldiers are likely to experience a 25 times larger body-to-plate contact volume and 6.5 times larger contact depth than males on average, due to sex-based anthropometric differences. Overall, the prediction model and contact patterns provided key metrics for virtual body armor fit assessments, of which the locations, patterns, and magnitudes can help to improve sizing and fit of body armor systems, as previously demonstrated for NASA spacesuit design.

The role of multimodality imaging in the selection and management of patients treated with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the mainstay of potentially curative surgical treatment for malignancies that have spread to peritoneal surfaces. This surgical procedure is however associated with high morbidity and appropriate patient selection and planning is therefore essential. Available multimodality imaging techniques include CT with oral and intravenous contrast, MRI including use of dedicated peritoneal protocol and FDG-PET/CT. These used with the correct technique, read by specialist radiologists and discussed under the auspices of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, can help to improve outcomes. We demonstrate that imaging not only provides information about peritoneal disease burden but more importantly want to shift the reader's focus to disease distribution. Our examples highlight how imaging helps avoid futile surgery by identifying patients with disease in unfavourable sites and show the strength and limitations of the various imaging modalities. We share how MR imaging can help identify multifocal and often occult sites including widespread miliary disease. Our examples provide a comprehensive overview demonstrating how imaging can help plan surgery by identifying patients who may need splenic vaccinations, counselling for stoma, egg harvesting and input from surgeons with other specialist expertise greatly increasing likelihood of achieving complete cytoreduction.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in a Schapendoes dog is caused by a missense variant in CLN6.

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders that occur in humans, dogs, and several other species. NCL is characterised clinically by progressive deterioration of cognitive and motor function, epileptic seizures, and visual impairment. Most forms present early in life and eventually lead to premature death. Typical pathological changes include neuronal accumulation of autofluorescent, periodic acid-Schiff- and Sudan black B-positive lipopigments, as well as marked loss of neurons in the central nervous system. Here, we describe a 19-month-old Schapendoes dog, where clinical signs were indicative of lysosomal storage disease, which was corroborated by pathological findings consistent with NCL. Whole genome sequencing of the affected dog and both parents, followed by variant calling and visual inspection of known NCL genes, identified a missense variant in CLN6 (c.386T>C). The variant is located in a highly conserved region of the gene and predicted to be harmful, which supports a causal relationship. The identification of this novel CLN6 variant enables pre-breeding DNA-testing to prevent future cases of NCL6 in the Schapendoes breed, and presents a potential natural model for NCL6 in humans.

CI:Mor interactions in the lysogeny switches of Lactococcus lactis TP901-1 and Staphylococcus aureus φ13 bacteriophages.

Aim: To structurally characterize in detail the interactions between the phage repressor (CI) and the antirepressor (Mor) in the lysis-lysogeny switches of two Gram-positive bacteriophages, the lactococcal TP901-1 and staphylococcal φ13. Methods: We use crystallographic structure determination, computational structural modeling, and analysis, as well as biochemical methods, to elucidate similarities and differences in the CI:Mor interactions for the two genetic switches. Results: By comparing a newly determined and other available crystal structures for the N-terminal domain of CI (CI-NTD), we show that the CI interface involved in Mor binding undergoes structural changes upon binding in TP901-1. Most importantly, we show experimentally for the first time the direct interaction between CI and Mor for φ13, and model computationally the interaction interface. The computational modeling supports similar side chain rearrangements in TP901-1 and φ13. Conclusion: This study ascertains experimentally that, like in the TP901-1 lysogeny switch, staphylococcal φ13 CI and Mor interact with each other. The structural basis of the interaction of φ13 CI and Mor was computationally modeled and is similar to the interaction demonstrated experimentally between TP901-1 CI-NTD and Mor, likely involving similar rearrangement of residue side chains during the formation of the complex. The study identifies one CI residue, Glu69, which unusually interacts primarily through its aliphatic chain with an aromatic residue on Mor after changing its conformation compared to the un-complexed structure. This and other residues at the interface are suggested for investigation in future studies.

WILDbase: towards a common database to improve wildlife disease surveillance in Europe.

BackgroundTo be better prepared for emerging wildlife-borne zoonoses, we need to strengthen wildlife disease surveillance.AimThe aim of this study was to create a topical overview of zoonotic pathogens in wildlife species to identify knowledge gaps and opportunities for improvement of wildlife disease surveillance.MethodsWe created a database, which is based on a systematic literature review in Embase focused on zoonotic pathogens in 10 common urban wildlife mammals in Europe, namely brown rats, house mice, wood mice, common voles, red squirrels, European rabbits, European hedgehogs, European moles, stone martens and red foxes. In total, we retrieved 6,305 unique articles of which 882 were included.ResultsIn total, 186 zoonotic pathogen species were described, including 90 bacteria, 42 helminths, 19 protozoa, 22 viruses and 15 fungi. Most of these pathogens were only studied in one single animal species. Even considering that some pathogens are relatively species-specific, many European countries have no (accessible) data on zoonotic pathogens in these relevant animal species. We used the Netherlands as an example to show how this database can be used by other countries to identify wildlife disease surveillance gaps on a national level. Only 4% of all potential host-pathogen combinations have been studied in the Netherlands.ConclusionsThis database comprises a comprehensive overview that can guide future research on wildlife-borne zoonotic diseases both on a European and national scale. Sharing and expanding this database provides a solid starting point for future European-wide collaborations to improve wildlife disease surveillance.

Dyslipidemia management in women of reproductive potential: An expert clinical consensus from the national lipid association.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women and its incidence has been increasing recently, particularly among younger women. Across major professional society guidelines, dyslipidemia management remains a central tenet for atherosclerotic CVD prevention for both women and men. Despite this, women, particularly young women, who are candidates for statin therapy are less likely to be treated and less likely to achieve their recommended therapeutic objectives for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Elevated LDL-C and triglycerides are the two most common dyslipidemias that should be addressed during pregnancy due to the increased risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and pre-term delivery, as well as pancreatitis in the presence of severe hypertriglyceridemia. In this National Lipid Association Expert Clinical Consensus, we review the roles of nutrition, physical activity, and pharmacotherapy as strategies to address elevated levels of LDL-C and/or triglycerides among women of reproductive age. We include a special focus on points to consider during the shared decision-making discussion regarding pharmacotherapy for dyslipidemia during preconception planning, pregnancy, and lactation.

3-carene supresses inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4, interleukin-5 and interleukin-13 in a murine model of asthma.

Asthma is a common airway disease associated with allergic inflammation. Environmental factors, such as pollens, pollution, insect-borne antigens, or commercial chemicals, cause this disease. The common symptoms of this airway allergic reaction are increasing mucus, narrowing of the airway wall, coughing, and chest tightness. Medications, such as steroids, alleviate the disease but with severe side effects. Several studies have reported the anti-inflammatory effects of tree-based essential oil components, particularly 3-carene. Therefore, this study used 3-carene to determine if it alleviates asthmatic symptoms in the murine model. First, BALB/c mice were sensitized to an ovalbumin and aluminium hydroxide mixture on day 7th and 14th. From days 21st to 23rd, the mice were challenged with 3-carene and budesonide. The lung trachea, plasma, and bronchiolar lavage fluid (BAL fluid) were collected on day 24. The 3-carene treatment suppressed the cytokine gene expression, such as interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-13, reducing the lung epithelial cell thickness in the asthmatic model. These results suggest that essential oil 3-carene has an anti-asthmatic effect.

Search for Antideuterons of Cosmic Origin Using the BESS-Polar II Magnetic-Rigidity Spectrometer.

We searched for antideuterons (d[over ¯]'s) in the 4.7×10^{9} cosmic-ray events observed during the BESS-Polar II flight at solar minimum in 2007-2008 but found no candidates. The resulting 95% C.L. upper limit on the d[over ¯] flux is 6.7×10^{-5} (m^{2} s sr GeV/n)^{-1} in an energy range from 0.163 to 1.100 GeV/n. The result has improved by more than a factor of 14 from the upper limit of BESS97, which had a potential comparable to that of BESS-Polar II in the search for cosmic-origin d[over ¯]'s and was conducted during the former solar minimum. The upper limit of d[over ¯] flux from BESS-Polar II is the first result achieving the sensitivity to constrain the latest theoretical predictions.

Metabolomic profiles of ovariectomized mice and their associations with body composition and frailty-related parameters in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Menopause, a dramatical estrogen-deficient condition, is considered the most significant milestone in women's health. PURPOSE: To investigate the metabolite changes attributed to estrogen deficiency using random forest (RF)-based machine learning (ML) modeling strategy in ovariectomized (OVX) mice as well as determine the clinical relevance of selected metabolites in older women. METHODS AND RESULTS: Untargeted and targeted metabolomic analyses revealed that metabolites related to TCA cycle, sphingolipids, phospholipids, fatty acids, and amino acids, were significantly changed in the plasma and/or muscle of OVX mice. Subsequent ML classifiers based on RF algorithm selected alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG), arginine, carnosine, ceramide C24, phosphatidylcholine (PC) aa C36:6, and PC ae C42:3 in plasma as well as PC aa 34:1, PC aa C34:3, PC aa C36:5, PC aa C32:1, PC aa C36:2, and sphingosine in muscle as top featured metabolites that differentiate the OVX mice from the sham-operated group. When circulating levels of AKG, arginine, and carnosine, which showed the most significant changes in OVX mice blood, were measured in postmenopausal women, higher plasma AKG levels were associated with lower bone mass, weak grip strength, poor physical performance, and increased frailty risk. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolomics- and ML-based methods identified the key metabolites of blood and muscle that were significantly changed after ovariectomy in mice, and the clinical implication of several metabolites was investigated by looking at their correlation with body composition and frailty-related parameters in postmenopausal women. These findings provide crucial context for understanding the diverse physiological alterations caused by estrogen deficiency in women.

In a novel autoimmune and high-pressure glaucoma model a complex immune response is induced.

Background: The neurodegenerative processes leading to glaucoma are complex. In addition to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), an involvement of immunological mechanisms is most likely. In the new multifactorial glaucoma model, a combination of high IOP and optic nerve antigen (ONA) immunization leads to an enhanced loss of retinal ganglion cells accompanied by a higher number of microglia/macrophages in the inner retina. Here, we aimed to evaluate the immune response in this new model, especially the complement activation and the number of T-cells, for the first time. Further, the microglia/macrophage response was examined in more detail. Methods: Six-week-old wildtype (WT+ONA) and ßB1-connective tissue growth factor high-pressure mice (CTGF+ONA) were immunized with 1 mg ONA. A wildtype control (WT) and a CTGF group (CTGF) received NaCl instead. Six weeks after immunization, retinae from all four groups were processed for immunohistology, RT-qPCR, and flow cytometry, while serum was used for microarray analyses. Results: We noticed elevated numbers of C1q+ cells (classical complement pathway) in CTGF and CTGF+ONA retinae as well as an upregulation of C1qa, C1qb, and C1qc mRNA levels in these groups. While the complement C3 was only increased in CTGF and CTGF+ONA retinae, enhanced numbers of the terminal membrane attack complex were noted in all three glaucoma groups. Flow cytometry and RT-qPCR analyses revealed an enhancement of different microglia/macrophages markers, including CD11b, especially in CTGF and CTGF+ONA retinae. Interestingly, increased retinal mRNA as well as serum levels of the tumor necrosis factor α were found throughout the different glaucoma groups. Lastly, more T-cells could be observed in the ganglion cell layer of the new CTGF+ONA model. Conclusion: These results emphasize an involvement of the complement system, microglia/macrophages, and T-cells in glaucomatous disease. Moreover, in the new multifactorial glaucoma model, increased IOP in combination with autoimmune processes seem to enforce an additional T-cell response, leading to a more persistent pathology. Hence, this new model mimics the pathomechanisms occurring in human glaucoma more accurately and could therefore be a helpful tool to find new therapeutic approaches for patients in the future.

How Successful Are Veterinary Weight Management Plans for Canine Patients Experiencing Poor Welfare Due to Being Overweight and Obese?

Overweight and obesity is one of the most significant health and welfare issues affecting companion animals and are linked to several serious medical conditions, reduced welfare, and shortened lifespan. The number of overweight and obese pets increases every year. Overweight and obesity are associated with multiple chronic diseases. Underlying causes include human-related and animal-related factors. Veterinarians encounter overweight and obese canine patients in daily practice and they play an important role in weight management. This research examines the level of veterinary engagement and the success of veterinary management plans for overweight and obese canines over a five-year period. Electronic medical records (EMRs) were collected for 500 canine patients assessed as either overweight or obese and statistically analyzed for level of veterinary engagement (VE), weight loss success, prescription weight loss diet (RX) use, and comorbidities. The average age at the beginning of the study was 61.5 months. A starting Body Condition Score (BCS) of 6 or 7 was most common (87.2%). Twelve different small and large dog breeds were most highly represented (61.1%). Average weight loss rates were low and more dogs gained rather than lost weight (56.5% vs. 43.5%). While VE is important, this study suggests current VE levels are not adequate to successfully combat overweight and obesity or result in improved animal welfare.

A Systematic Review of Psycho-Spiritual Interventions in the NICU: Supporting Parents' Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being.

BACKGROUND: The presence of psychospiritual supports and interventions for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) parents is unclear. PURPOSE: This systematic review examines the psychological and medical literature for psychospiritual interventions designed to support parents' mental health and psychological well-being during or after the NICU experience. DATA SOURCES: Data sources include PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) with peer-reviewed studies published between 2013 and 2023. STUDY SELECTION: Peer-reviewed studies that included spiritual and psychological intervention components focused on supporting parents during or after the NICU were included for this systematic review. There were 42 records located in 3 databases ultimately yielding 4 peer-reviewed studies that met inclusion criteria. Articles must have been written in English and evaluate parents'/caregivers' mental health/psychological well-being in relation to a psychospiritual intervention. DATA EXTRACTION: Because of the small number of studies, article summaries are provided within the results section and were written by the first author with approval by the second and third authors. RESULTS: Results indicated that when psychological (focus on coping) and spiritual components were included psychological and well-being outcomes were better for NICU parents. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: The inclusion of psychological and spiritual aspects of coping and supportive care is necessary for the best family-centered NICU care. More work needs to be done to develop psychospiritual supports and include fathers in these endeavors as most work occurs with mothers. Nurses need support and training to facilitate family-centered care with a focus on parents' psychospiritual needs.

Bisphosphonate treatment for skeletal complications in paediatric cancer-Experience from a single tertiary centre.

AIMS: The aim was to analyse the use and safety of bisphosphonate treatment for metabolic bone complications in paediatric cancer patients. METHODS: We retrospectively describe our experience with bisphosphonate treatment in 25 childhood cancer patients (aged <18 years) in a single tertiary hospital between 1999 and 2020. RESULTS: The most common primary diagnosis was acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (n = 16) and Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 3). Eleven patients (44%) had received allogeneic stem cell transplantation and two patients autologous stem cell transplantation. Sixteen patients (64%) had been treated with radiotherapy, either total-body (n = 11) or local (n = 5). The main indication for bisphosphonates was osteoporosis with vertebral compression fractures in 13/25, osteonecrosis in 6/25 and hypercalcaemia in 2/25. The bisphosphonate treatment was started on average 13 (range 0-76) months after the diagnosis of the bone complication. Bisphosphonate treatment lasted between weeks (hypercalcaemia) to 5 years (severe osteoporosis). Mild, non-symptomatic hypophosphatemia (n = 8), hypocalcaemia (n = 6) and moderate, transient pain (n = 6) were the most common adverse effects. No severe side effects were observed even when bisphosphonates were administered concomitantly with chemotherapy. Bone mineral density significantly improved with the bisphosphonate treatment (mean lumbar spine Z-score -1.17 vs. -0.07, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Bisphosphonate treatment was well tolerated in this paediatric patient cohort.

Nightshift work and irregular menstrual cycle: 8-year follow-up cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Irregular menstruation is a major health problem among women, although its association with nightshift work remains controversial. AIMS: To study the association between nightshift work and irregular menstrual cycle among female workers and investigate any differences according to sleep quality, working hours or obesity. METHODS: This study included female workers who underwent health examinations from 2012 to 2019. Nightshift work, working hours, sleep quality and menstrual cycles were assessed using self-administered questionnaires. Irregular menstrual cycle was defined as self-reported irregular or ≥36 days. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by multivariable logistic regression; adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for incident irregular menstrual cycle were calculated by Cox proportional hazard models with time-dependent analysis. RESULTS: The study participants were 87 147 in the cross-sectional study and 41 516 in the longitudinal study. After adjusting for all covariates in the cross-sectional analyses, the odds ratio for prevalent irregular menstrual cycle among female nightshift workers versus the reference was 1.26 (95% CI 1.2-1.33). In the cohort study, the adjusted hazard ratio for incident irregular menstrual cycle among nightshift workers was 1.95 (95% CI 1.61-2.35) in the period after 6 years. No significant differences were observed among subgroups stratified by sleep quality, working hours or obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Nightshift work is associated with an increased risk of both prevalent and incident irregular menstrual cycle in female workers without significant interactions by sleep quality, working hours or obesity.

Associations Between Physical Activity and Gastrointestinal Transit Times in People with Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Rapid gastric emptying is associated with obesity and overeating, whereas delayed gastric emptying is associated with anorexia. Acute effects of exercise on gastric emptying have been investigated extensively, but the influence of habitual physical activity on gastric emptying and transit time in other regions of the gastrointestinal tract is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to investigate associations between objectively measured habitual physical activity and gastrointestinal transit times in adults with varying degrees of adiposity. METHODS: 50 adults (58% women) were included in this cross-sectional study. Physical activity was measured by an accelerometer placed on the lower back for 7 d. Gastric emptying time, small bowel transit time, colonic transit time, and whole gut transit time were simultaneously evaluated by a wireless motility capsule, which was ingested together with a standardized mixed meal. Linear regression models were applied to assess the associations of total activity counts and time spent at different intensities-sedentary activity (0-100 counts/min), low light activity (101-759 counts/min), high light activity (760-1951 counts/min); moderate and vigorous activity (≥1952 counts/min)) with gastrointestinal transit times. RESULTS: Median [Q1; Q3] age was 56.5 [46.6-65.5] y, and body mass index (BMI) was 32.1 [28.5-35.1] kg/m2. For every additional hour spent performing high light intensity physical activity, colonic transit time was 25.5 % [95% CI: 3.10, 42.7] more rapid (P = 0.028), and whole gut transit time was 16.2 % [95% CI: 1.84, 28.4] more rapid (P = 0.028) when adjusted for sex, age, and body fat. No other associations were observed. CONCLUSIONS: More time spent on physical activity at high light intensity was associated with more rapid colonic and whole gut transit time, independent of age, sex, and body fat, whereas other intensities of physical activity and gastrointestinal transit times were not associated. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov IDs (NCT03894670, NCT03854656).

Association of gustatory dysfunction and Alzheimer.

BACKGROUND: Chemosensory dysfunction has been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Compared with olfaction, gustatory dysfunction in AD has not been evaluated in depth. We reviewed previously published studies regarding gustatory dysfunction in patients with AD compared with healthy controls. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted by searching the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, and PubMed databases covering publications from January 2000 to February 2023. The search was performed using the keyword "Alzheimer* AND (gustatory OR taste OR gustation)." Only studies that performed gustatory function testing and compared the results between patients with AD and healthy controls were included. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: Twelve articles were finally included, and various gustatory tests including taste strips, the taste disk test, taste solutions, and subjective questionnaires were applied. Overall gustatory function based on the taste strip test was significantly decreased in patients with AD compared with controls in two out of three papers. The overall gustatory function of patients with AD was significantly decreased in all studies based on the taste disk and taste solution tests. We also found that the sweet taste test showed low heterogeneity across all the included studies, and there was low publication bias. In studies using subjective questionnaires, gustatory function was not significantly different between patients with AD and healthy controls in the meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these studies, gustatory dysfunction diagnosed by gustatory function testing was closely related to AD. However, the results of subjective questionnaires were not significantly different between patients with AD and healthy controls in the current meta-analysis. As the number of studies and enrolled subjects was limited and unified gustatory function testing was lacking, further studies are needed to confirm this relationship.