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Hypothyroidism, the deficiency of thyroid hormone, is a common condition worldwide. It affects almost all body systems and has a wide variety of clinical presentations from being asymptomatic to, in rare cases, life threatening. The classic symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, lethargy, weight gain, and cold intolerance; however, these symptoms are non-specific and the diagnosis is typically made on biochemical grounds through serum thyroid function tests. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), although other causes, including drugs (such as amiodarone, lithium, and immune checkpoint inhibitors), radioactive-iodine treatment, and thyroid surgery, are frequent. Historically, severe iodine deficiency was the most common cause. Reference ranges for thyroid function tests are based on fixed percentiles of the population distribution, but there is increasing awareness of the need for more individualised reference intervals based on key factors such as age, sex, and special circumstances such as pregnancy. Levothyroxine monotherapy is the standard treatment for hypothyroidism; it is safe and inexpensive, restores thyroid function tests to within the reference range, and improves symptoms in the majority of patients. However, 10% of patients have persistent symptoms of ill health despite normalisation of thyroid function tests biochemically and a substantial proportion of patients on levothyroxine have thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations outside the reference range. Ongoing symptoms despite levothyroxine treatment has led to some patients using liothyronine or desiccated thyroid extract. Taken together, these factors have led to intense debate around the treatment thresholds and treatment strategies for hypothyroidism. In this Seminar, we review the epidemiology, genetic determinants, causes, and presentation of hypothyroidism; highlight key considerations and controversies in its diagnosis and management; and provide future directions for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although almost a third of the world's population is exposed to iodine deficiency (ID), and supplementation programs such as enriching table salt have been carried out or are being carried out at the global and national level, in many regions of the world, people are facing an increase in iodine intake, which is mainly due to the presence of large amounts of iodine in water, soil, agricultural products, or high consumption of seafood. Published articles were indexed in the Scopus database (from 2000 to 1 April 2023) were reviewed and analyzed by VOSviewer software. The results showed the growing interest of researchers over the last 20 years in environmental iodine intake. The results of this study can have a significant impact on the planning and policy-making of relevant officials and communities to supply the needed iodine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is widely used for evaluating the fallopian tubes; however, controversies regarding the use of water- or oil-based iodine-based contrast media (CM) remain. The aim of this work was (1) to discuss reported pregnancy rates related to the CM type used, (2) to validate the used CM in published literature, (3) to discuss possible complications and side effects of CM in HSG, and (4) to develop guidelines on the use of oil-based CM in HSG. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted for original RCT studies or review/meta-analyses on using water-based and oil-based CM in HSG with fertility outcomes and complications. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 10 reviews/meta-analyses were analyzed. Grading of the literature was performed based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) 2011 classification. Results: An approximately 10% higher pregnancy rate is reported for oil-based CM. Side effects are rare, but oil-based CM have potentially more side effects on the maternal thyroid function and the peritoneum. Conclusions: 1. HSG with oil-based CM gives approximately 10% higher pregnancy rates. 2. External validity is limited, as in five of nine RCTs, the CM used is no longer on the market. 3. Oil-based CM have potentially more side effects on the maternal thyroid function and on the peritoneum. 4. Guideline: Maternal thyroid function should be tested before HSG with oil-based CM and monitored for 6 months after. Clinical relevance statement: Oil-based CM is associated with an approximately 10% higher chance of pregnancy compared to water-based CM after HSG. Although side effects are rare, higher iodine concentration and slower clearance of oil-based CM may induce maternal thyroid function disturbance and peritoneal inflammation and granuloma formation. Key Points: • It is unknown which type of contrast medium, oil-based or water-based, is the optimal for HSG. • Oil-based contrast media give a 10% higher chance of pregnancy after HSG, compared to water-based contrast media. • From the safety perspective, oil-based CM can cause thyroid dysfunction and an intra-abdominal inflammatory response in the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thyroid nodules are a common, benign condition with a higher prevalence in women, individuals with iodine deficiency, and radiation exposure. Treatment options for benign thyroid nodules include pharmaceutical therapy, thyroidectomy, and thermal ablation (TA). TA, including laser ablation (LA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and microwave ablation (MWA), is a procedure that uses heat to cause tissue necrosis. It is commonly used for large, firm, benign, non-functioning thyroid nodules that cause severe symptoms or pain when surgery is not recommended or desired. When thyroid nodules do not respond to TA, they undergo surgery to resolve the symptoms and clarify the diagnosis. This study aims to analyze the histological alterations found in surgically excised TA-treated thyroid nodules and to evaluate the morphological criteria of differential diagnosis between benign and malignant nodules, establishing whether the alterations observed on the histological sample are a consequence of TA or indicative of neoplastic disease. For this purpose, the adoption of ancillary methods, such as immunohistochemistry, is fundamental to distinguish the artifacts induced by TA from the typical morphological characteristics of malignant neoplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Bi 2 O 3 /BiO 1.3 I 0.4 /persulfate system could effectively degrade propranolol. • The system maintained high degradation ability under neutral and alkaline conditions. • NO 3 − had almost no effect on the degradation of propranolol. • 1O 2 and h+ played important role in propranolol degradation. Non-radical activation of persulfate (PS) by photocatalysts is an effective approach for removing organic pollutants from aqueous environments. In this study, a novel Bi 2 O 3 /BiO 1.3 I 0.4 heterojunction was synthesized using a facile solvothermal approach and used for the first time for non-radical activation of PS to degrade propranolol (PRO) in the presence of visible light. The findings found that the degradation rate of PRO in the Bi 2 O 3 /BiO 1.3 I 0.4 /PS system was significantly increased from 19% to more than 90% within 90 min compared to the Bi 2 O 3 /BiO 1.3 I 0.4 system. This indicated that the composite system exerted an excellent synergistic effect between the photocatalyst and the persulfate-based oxygenation. Quenching tests and electron paramagnetic resonance demonstrated that the non-radical pathway with singlet oxygen as the active species played a major role in the photocatalytic process. The existence of photo-generated holes during the reaction could also be directly involved in the oxidation of pollutants. Meanwhile, a possible PRO degradation pathway was also proposed. Furthermore, the impacts of pH, humic acid and common anions on the PRO degradation by the Bi 2 O 3 /BiO 1.3 I 0.4 /PS were explored, and the system's stability and reusability were also studied. This study exhibits a highly productive catalyst for PS activation via a non-radical pathway and provides a new idea for the degradation of PRO. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objectives: Iodine deficiency is considered as a global challenge, even after decades of efforts to solve the issue. Our objective was to assess the iodine deficiency status and associated prevalence of goiter in population groups (school-age children and women) from rural areas of District Poonch, and to assess the determinants of iodine deficiency in the area. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted in District Poonch Azad Jammu and Kashmir from 25 April 2022 to 30 June 2023. A total of 150 goiter patients from different villages of the District Poonch was included. Their urinary iodine concentration and goiter prevalence was assessed. Using palpation techniques, a trained and experienced public health officer assessed the presence of goiters based on WHO/ UNICEF/ICCIDD criteria. Descriptive statistics were computed for continuous variables and presented in frequency and percentage, based on the distributional characteristics of the data. chi-square was used to check association between socio-demographic factors and goiter. It was a HEC Project No.: 20-16988/NRPU/R&D/HEC/2021. Results: Iodine status and associated goiter prevalence was high and 59.3% of them were severely iodine deficient. Within the district, the highest severe iodine deficiency was observed in 81.1% goiter patients of the Rawalakot subdivision, Hajira and Abbaspur subdivisions. Regarding goiter status 40% of the patients were classified with palpablevisible goiter and 56% were characterized with visible but nodular goiter. Conclusion: Study showed that there was a severe iodine deficiency and associated goiter prevalence in the area. Policymakers should take actions for future to overcome iodine deficiency in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the importance and complexity of reference intervals for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. Reference intervals are established based on a sample of healthy individuals and are used to determine whether an individual's TSH levels are within the normal range. However, factors such as age, ethnicity, sex, iodine status, and pregnancy can affect the reference intervals for TSH. The article also highlights the impact of genetic factors on TSH reference intervals and suggests that personalized treatment based on more accurate reference intervals may improve patient outcomes. However, further research is needed to explore these possibilities. [Extracted from the article]

AbstractBoth insufficient and excessive iodine intake can lead to thyroid-related disorders. Although China has made progress in eliminating iodine deficiency over the past few decades, the incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing. Currently, there is a lack of relevant research on the tradeoff between the benefits and risks of salt iodization in China. In this study, we developed a method that combines the total probability algorithm and disease burden to evaluate the appropriate amount of salt iodization. Following the principle of minimizing the comprehensive disease burden and using the metabolic model of human iodine nutrition. Based on the average national iodine level in water, the optimal iodine content in Chinese salt is determined to be 17 mg/kg. However, iodine content in water is not evenly distributed in China. Approximately 3.23% of administrative villages have water iodine concentrations exceeding 80 ug/L, eliminating the need for iodine fortification in salt. Approximately 83.51% of administrative villages need to continue implementing the salt iodization policy, with the optimal iodine content in salt ranging from 15 to 18 mg/kg. In 13.16% of administrative villages, the iodine content in salt is determined based on the local water iodine concentration, ranging from 0 to 15 mg/kg. Our study cracks open a window of insight suggesting that the optimal iodine content for salt is lower than the existing benchmark dictated by the prevailing policy in China. Hence, there is an urgent need to refine and advance the iodine supplementation strategy in salt to pave the way for precision medicine and health-centric iodine supplementation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iodine is a micronutrient that is essential for thyroid hormone production. Adequate iodine intake is especially important during pregnancy and early life, when brain development is dependent on thyroid hormones. Iodine intake recommendations vary around the world, but most recommendations generally reflect the increased requirements during pregnancy and lactation, although adequate iodine intake before pregnancy is also important. Tremendous progress has been made in improving iodine intake across the world over the past 30 years, mainly through salt-iodization programmes. However, in countries without strong iodine fortification programmes, and with shifts in dietary patterns, a need has arisen for health organizations, governments and clinicians to ensure that adequate iodine is consumed by everyone in the population. For example, in countries in which adequate iodine intake depends on individual food choice, particularly of iodine-rich milk and dairy products, intake can be highly variable and is also vulnerable to changing dietary patterns. In this Review, iodine is considered in the wider context of the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, the dietary trends for salt restriction for cardiovascular health and the increasing uptake of plant-based diets. This Review discusses the importance of adequate iodine intake for thyroid function, outlining the varying global intake recommendations. Iodine is also considered in the context of the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity, as well as dietary trends such as cardioprotective salt restriction and plant-based diets. Key points: Despite progress since the 1990s, iodine deficiency remains a public health concern across the world, particularly in pregnancy and early life. Severe iodine deficiency is now less common than in the past, but mild-to-moderate deficiency during pregnancy might have consequences for the developing fetus, including on neurodevelopmental outcomes. Iodized salt programmes have been a successful way of improving iodine intake in many countries, but with a focus on salt-reduction campaigns, there is potential for reduced intake of iodized salt, and so reduced iodine intake, although both policies can work together. Animal foods, such as milk and dairy products, provide a considerable proportion of iodine intake in many countries, but with a shift towards a predominantly plant-based diet, iodine intake might be compromised unless consideration is given to ensure adequate iodine intake from suitable sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of stable iodine and humus in the upper horizon (0–20 cm) of various types of soils of the Bryansk and Oryol regions used as pastures has been studied. Soil sampling was carried out with a hand stick drill in layers in the depth interval: 0–5 cm, 5-10 cm and 10–20 cm. Iodine content was determined by kinetic rhodanide-nitrite method. Corg content was determined by the bichromate method of Tyurin. The work includes data from both long-term studies of the iodine content in the soil cover of the Bryansk region (2008–2020) and new data from expeditionary studies in the Oryol region (2022). It is shown that the soils of the Bryansk pastures are depleted of iodine and organic carbon (OC) in comparison with the Oryol region, which corresponds to the change of soil cover composition from west to east. The humus content in soils was determined and statistically significant correlation between iodine and C org. content in pasture soils were obtained (from r = 0.28 in Chernozems to r = 0.49 in Haplic Albeluvisols; in addition, for the whole sample (n = 48) the correlation coefficient ranged from 0.31 in the 0–5 cm layer to 0.43 in the 10–20 cm layer). The dependence of iodine accumulation on the OC content in different types of soils (Chernozems, Grey-Luvic Phaeozems, Umbric Albeluvisols, Haplic Albeluvisols) and their hydromorphism has been established. The identified differences in soil iodine fixation should be considered as they may influence iodine intake levels in pasture animal milk and local rations.

Abstract Introduction Double malnutrition (co-existing overnutrition and undernutrition) is increasingly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa due to rapid epidemiological and nutritional transitions. In this region, studies of double malnutrition have largely been conducted at country and household level, with individual-level studies primarily limited to children and women of reproductive age. We investigated the prevalence and determinants of individual-level double malnutrition in middle-aged and older adults who constitute an increasing proportion of the sub-Saharan African population. Methods 250 individuals aged 40–70 years (50% women) and resident in the Agincourt Health and socio-Demographic Surveillance System in rural Mpumalanga province, South Africa, were randomly selected. Double malnutrition was defined as overweight/obesity and anaemia only, overweight/obesity and iodine insufficiency, or overweight/obesity and any micronutrient deficiency (anaemia and/or iodine insufficiency). The Chi-squared goodness of fit test was used to compare the expected and observed numbers of individuals with the type of double malnutrition. Logistic regression was used to investigate determinants of each type of double malnutrition. Results Double malnutrition was present in 22–36% of participants, depending on the definition used. All types of double malnutrition were more common in women than in men (overweight/obesity and anaemia: 34% vs. 10.2%, p

Abstract Background Currently, iodine deficiency has become a significant burden globally; where 2 billion people and 29.8% of school-age children are iodine deficient. It is a leading cause of preventable brain damage among children, resulting in impaired cognitive and motor development. Even though salt iodization was started to be implemented to alleviate this burden in Ethiopia, primary studies assessing iodine deficiency in the country show highly variable findings, and no systematic review was conducted to determine the pooled prevalence of the problem which makes it difficult to assess the effect of the intervention as well as to design appropriate and timely measures. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of iodine deficiency and the common factors affecting its occurrence among school-age children in Ethiopia. Method To obtain the eligible studies, databases (EMBASE, Scopus, Hinari, and PubMed), websites (Google and Google Scholar), and references of the eligible studies were searched systematically. Data were extracted using an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using the STATA 17 version. The I 2 test was used to assess heterogeneity between the studies. A DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and pooled odds ratio. A funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to detect publication bias. Result A total of 15 eligible studies, representing 15,611 school-age children, were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of iodine deficiency among school-age children in Ethiopia was found to be 58% (95%CI 44.00–77.00), while the highest prevalence was recorded in the Oromia Region, which was 64% (95% CI 49–79). Goitrogenic food consumption (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.93, 95% CI 1.60–5.35) and being female (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.87, 95% CI 1.43–2.44) showed a significant association with the prevalence of iodine deficiency. Conclusion Iodine deficiency among school-age children in Ethiopia was noticeably high. Goitrogenic food consumption and the sex of the child were determinant factors for the occurrence of iodine deficiency among the children. Therefore, appropriate advice should be given to households to limit goitrogenic foods in the diet of their children by giving due attention to their female children.

Background Insufficient and above WHO-recommended levels of iodine intake during pregnancy can lead to serious health outcomes. This study aimed to assess median urine iodine concentration and its associated risk factors among pregnant women in the Mbeya region, Tanzania. Method A cross sectional survey involving 420 pregnant women (n=420) aged 15-49, registered in Reproductive and Child Health Clinics was conducted. Socio-demographic and dietary factors were assessed by structured questionnaire and the urine samples were analyzed using the ammonium persulfate digestion method. Results Median urinary iodine concentration (mUIC) was 279.4μg/L and it ranged from 26.1 to 1915μg/L. Insufficient mUIC (below 150μg/L) was observed in 17.14% of participants, sufficient mUIC was 24.29% and 58.57% had mUIC above the recommended level (>250μg/L). Sample women who reported consuming fish in the last 24 hours had an increased risk of insufficient mUIC [Adjusted OR= 2.60 (95%CI 1.31-5.15)] while the risk was lower for those who attended at least primary education [AOR= 0.29 (CI 0.08-0.99)]. Further, sample women resident in Mbarali district, in the oldest age group (35-49) and having a higher socio-economic status were associated with an increased risk of having MUIC above recommended level [AOR=4.09 (CI 1.85-9.010], [AOR=2.51 (CI 0.99-6.330] and, [AOR=2.08 (CI 0.91-4.71) respectively. Conclusion This study demonstrated a significant association between geographical, age and socio-economic factors and median urine iodine concentration above the WHO-recommended level. Further, this study found association between inadequate iodine in diet and insufficient median urine iodine concentration. Therefore, educational programs on iodine intake should be strengthened.

Objective The evaluation of lymph node properties before lung cancer surgery has a great impact with the choice of surgical methods. Although there are various examination methods, many methods have invasive or accuracy problems. In order to improve the accuracy of diagnosis, we mainly discuss the value of wide- body spectral CT in the differential diagnosis of mediastinal metastatic lymph nodes, non-metastatic lymph nodes in lung cancer patients and reactive hyperplastic lymph nodes. Methods The clinical and imaging data of 64 patients with lung cancer and 28 patients with pulmonary inflammatory lesions were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent plain scan and enhanced dual-phase spectral CT scan. The size, density, three-phase IC, NIC, and λHU of lymph nodes in metastatic, non-metastatic and inflammatory reactive hyperplasia groups were measured on 70 keV single-energy images and iodine-based images, respectively. The single-factor variance and Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum test were used to analyze and compare the differences. Results The short diameter of metastatic lymph nodes was larger than that of non-metastatic lymph nodes and reactive hyperplastic lymph nodes (P < 0.001) . The plain scan density of reactive hyperplastic lymph nodes was higher than that of metastatic lymph nodes (P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between non-metastatic lymph nodes (P = 0.325) . The CT values of reactive hyperplastic lymph nodes in arterial phase and venous phase were higher than those of metastatic and non-metastatic lymph nodes (P < 0.05) . Except for NIC in arterial phase, IC, NIC and λHU in plain scan, IC and λHU in arterial phase, IC, NIC and λHU in venous phase of reactive hyperplastic lymph nodes and metastatic lymph nodes were statistically significant (all P < 0.05) . There was no significant difference in IC, NIC and λHU between reactive hyperplastic lymph nodes and non-metastatic lymph nodes in plain scan, arterial phase and venous phase (all P > 0.05) . Conclusion The quantitative and spectral curve slope of iodine in mediastinal metastatic lymph nodes of lung cancer were basically lower than those in reactive hyperplastic lymph nodes. The quantitative parameters of spectral CT had certain diagnostic efficacy in differentiating metastatic lymph nodes and reactive hyperplastic lymph nodes, while the spectral parameters of non-metastatic lymph nodes and reactive hyperplastic lymph nodes were not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this article is to characterize the value of centralized iodization facilities (CIFs) to advance Ethiopia's salt iodization programme and its impact on the population iodine status. The analysis is based on a review of publications relating to salt iodization and iodine deficiency control efforts in Ethiopia. The country has made remarkable progress in improving iodized salt coverage, leading to improved iodine intake across its population that would otherwise be at high risk of iodine deficiency disorders. Establishment of central processing facilities, more frequent monitoring and generation of data and encouraging private sector investment have been instrumental in this achievement. Ethiopia has thus achieved and sustained greater than 89% HH iodized salt coverage from its lowest point of 15% coverage and subsequently improved iodine intake across its population. Iodine intake sufficiency in a population is assessed by median urinary iodine concentration (MUIC). The lessons learned and the experience with CIFs have applicability in several other countries where fragmented salt production continues to create barriers to achieve higher iodized salt coverage. Key messages: Iodized salt access in Ethiopia has improved remarkably and correlates with improved iodine nutrition among the population.The establishment of centralized iodization facilities (CIFs) have been instrumental in improving iodized salt coverage and access.Development partner support and Government commitment and efforts on enforcement have created the right enabling environment to attract investments in salt processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Thyroid nodules (TN) are more frequent in the iodine-deficient region and the proportion of benign nodules is higher compared to areas with sufficient iodine intake. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with malignant TN specially the EU-TIRADS ultrasound score in a Moroccan population with a high prevalence of iodine deficiency. Methods: In a prospective cross-sectional study, we enrolled outpatients referred for TN with fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) according to EU-TIRADS 2017 classification. Malignancy of TN was defined by histological results indicating a thyroid malignancy on thyroid micro-biopsy or after surgical resection if indicated. Results: 225 participants with TN were enrolled. The median age was 54 (42.5 to 62) years-old. The prevalence of malignant TN was 8.9%. Malignant TN were significantly smaller than non-malignant ones (p = 0.008) and sub-centimetric TN were more frequent in malignant TN (25% vs 1.5%; p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, male gender (OR : 9.33 ; 95% CI [2.02 ; 43.01]; p = 0,004) and EU-TIRADS score of 5 (OR : 55.6 ; 95% CI [9.34 ; 327.91] ; p < 0.001) were independent factors associated with malignant TN. The EU-TIRADS score of 4 was not associated to malignant TN. Conclusion: Our data suggest a trend of over-diagnosing indolent thyroid cancer. The EU-TIRADS score of 4 was not associated with TN malignancy. Considering clinical, accessory sonographic features, and size threshold for FNAB in EU-TIRADS 4 score TN may refine the diagnosis performance of this score in our population [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While dietary salt intake has been linked with gastric cancer risk in Asian studies, findings from Western populations are sparse and limited to case—control studies. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency of adding salt to food at table in relation to gastric cancer risk among UK adults. Methods: We evaluated associations between the frequency of adding salt to food and the risk of gastric cancer in the UK Biobank (N = 471,144) using multivariable Cox regression. Frequency of adding salt to food was obtained from a touchscreen questionnaire completed at baseline (2006–2010). 24-h urinary sodium excretion was estimated using INTERSALT formulae. Cancer incidence was obtained by linkage to national cancer registries. Results: During a median follow-up period of 10.9 years, 640 gastric cancer cases were recorded. In multivariable models, the gastric cancer risk among participants reporting adding salt to food at table "always" compared to those who responded "never/rarely" was HR = 1.41 (95% CI: 1.04, 1.90). There was a positive linear association between estimated 24-h urinary sodium levels and the frequency of adding salt to food (p-trend <0.001). However, no significant association between estimated 24-h urinary sodium with gastric cancer was observed (HR = 1.19 (95% CI: 0.87, 1.61)). Conclusions: "Always adding salt to food" at table was associated with a higher gastric cancer risk in a large sample of UK adults. High frequency of adding salt to food at table can potentially serve as a useful indicator of salt intake for surveillance purposes and a basis for devising easy-to-understand public health messages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iodine is a micronutrient required for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and neurodevelopment. Iodine deficiency among adolescents and young adults is a major global health issue. We analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 database to calculate the prevalence, incidence, and disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) rates of iodine deficiency among adolescents and young adults. We explored the specific year with the most substantial changes in the trends of iodine deficiency among adolescents with annual percentage change (APC) by Joinpoint Regression analysis. Descriptive analyses were conducted to characterize the iodine deficiency burden according to age, sex, location, and sociodemographic index (SDI) quintiles. All measures are listed with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs), and all rates are reported per 100,000 individuals. From 1990 to 2019, the iodine deficiency prevalence rate among adolescents decreased from 3082.43 (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 2473.01–3855.86) to 2190.84 (95% [UI], 1729.18–2776.16) per 100,000 population, with an AAPC of -1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.29 to -1.02). Regarding the SDI in 2019, the highest prevalence and DALY rates of iodine deficiency were reported in low-SDI countries. In 1990, Southeast Asia had the highest prevalence and DALYs rates for iodine deficiency among adolescents, while in 2019, Africa had the highest prevalence rate (3330.12). Conclusion: Globally, the iodine deficiency burden among adolescents has substantially decreased since 1990; however, low-SDI countries still bear a great burden. Implementation measures and monitoring systems should be strengthened to reduce the iodine deficiency burden, especially among adolescents. What is Known: • Iodine deficiency can cause severe or irreversible developmental disorders, particularly in adolescents and young adults. • Universal Salt Iodization was implemented for ensuring appropriate iodine intake. What is New: • We found substantial declines in the prevalence rates of iodine deficiency among adolescents during the past three decades. Globally, the disability-adjusted life-year rate of iodine deficiency among adolescents decreased from 56.17 in 1990 to 35.38 in 2019. • Iodine deficiency among adolescents in low- sociodemographic index countries still bear a great burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Iodine is an essential mineral for fetal growth and brain development. The aim of this research was to evaluate goiter, iodine deficiency and intrauterine growth restriction in pregnant women of minority ethnic groups in Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in six nonmetropolitan areas of Colombia. Results: A total of 318 Indigenous and Afro-descendant pregnant women were invited to participate: 248 (83.2%) Indigenous and 50 (16.8%) Afro-descendants were studied. The mean age was 24 years (range 13-44 years). Of the women, 130 (43.5%) were from the department of Cauca, 72 (24.1%) were from Córdoba, 28 (9.4%) were from Guajira, 26 (8.8%) were from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, 22 (7.4%) were from Amazonas, 16 (5.4%) were from Meta and 4 (1.3%) were from the department of Cesar. A total of 244 (81.8%) were illiterate and 291 (97.7%) were of very low socioeconomic level. Goiter was observed in 69 (23.3%) pregnant women (38 (41.7%) from the department of Cauca, 10 (35.7%) from Guajira, 5 (31.2%) from Meta, 6 (27.2%) from Amazonas and 10 (13.8%) from Córdoba). Iodine deficiency (<100 µg/L) was observed in 42 (14.9%) pregnant women (16 (11.6%) mild (50-99 µg/L), 19 (13.8%) moderate (20--49 µg/L) and 7 (5.1%) severe (<20 µg/L)). Being literate was a protective factor for iodine deficiency (odds ratio (OR)=0.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04-0.84, p=0.016). Being illiterate and iodine deficient was only a risk factor for goiter (OR=6.72, 95%CI 3.9-9.5, p=0.038) in the department of Cauca. Conclusion: A high prevalence of goiter, iodine deficiency and intrauterine growth restriction was observed in minority ethnic groups of Colombia. The highest prevalence and risk was observed in the department of Cauca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rabies is known as acute, highly fatal, hydrophobic viral disease of CNS system. Majority (99%) spread by Dog bite which is major public health problem in rural than urban area. In India17.4 million cases and 24,000 deaths occur every year, each second there is one dog bite. It is 100% preventable disease if all efforts must be made by the health system to prevent even a single case of rabies, by make plans and policies for its prevention under rabies control program. To look into socio-demographic profile, knowledge and practice among dog bite patients registered at PHC-Hiresavalagi, Hence the current study was taken. Objectives: 1. To find the socio-demographic profile of dog bite patients. 2. To assess the Knowledge and Practice of dog bite wound management among dog bite patients. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among all dog bite patients at rural health training centre, Hiresavalagi for period of 7 months by census sampling method. The data was collected by using a predesigned and pretested questionnaire A contact number was obtained from dog bite register, we conducted interview through telephone and who are not respondents to telephone we were approached directly.the data was entered into Microsoft Excel sheet and will be analysed using software SPSS version 16.0. Results and Conclusion: Our study found that 106(93.8%),7(6.2%) was inadequate & adequate knowledge and 82(72.6%), 31(27.4%) was inadequate & adequate practice respectively. Majority 76(67.2%) Patients completed course of treatment, 36(31.9%) was lost to treatment and follow up due to work load, out of station and 1(0.9%) developed new symptoms during the course of treatment. Various control and preventive measures are taken under rabies control program along with health education and promotion, among population by using mass medias, advertisements, role plays & skits at community level. To complete course of treatment strict guidelines should follow at all Health training centre, hospitals & peoples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Risk factors that directly influence the incidence of stunting are the level of macronutrient and micronutrient intake. Micronutrient deficiencies cause about 1.1 million of the 3.1 million annual child deaths. This condition leads to hidden hunger, a condition of insufficient intake of micronutrients (especially iron, zinc, and iodine deficiencies). This study aimed to analyze hidden hunger in stunted and non-stunting toddlers with a multivariate model. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study. A total of 71 toddlers were taken as respondents for the stunting group and 71 toddlers for the non-stunting group. The study used data collection was 2 x 24-hour food recall, FFQ, and blood serum collection to check zinc deficiency, iodine, hemoglobin, and urine tests. For data analysis, multivariate logistic regression and then bivariate analysis were used. The regression method used is “backward”. Data was considered statistically significant with a p-value of <0.05. Results: Toddlers with stunting were much more likely to have inadequate iron (92.95%) and zinc intake (91.54%) compared to the non-stunting group (78.87% and 77.46% respectively). A significantly higher proportion of the stunting group (40.84%) had anemia compared to the non-stunting group (5.63%). Unlike iron, zinc, and anemia, there wasn’t a statistically significant relationship between iodine deficiency (p = 0.459) or hidden hunger (p = 0.058) and stunting. The results of the multivariate analysis suggest that iron intake, anemia status, and zinc deficiency are all important risk factors for stunting in toddlers. The anemia status variable was the most dominant cause of stunting because it had the highest OR value of 41.733. Conclusion: Toddlers with stunting are significantly more likely to have inadequate iron and zinc intake and suffer from anemia compared to non-stunted toddlers, with anemia being the most dominant risk factor for stunting, evidenced by the highest OR value of 41.733. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iodine deficiency in the diet globally continues to be a cause of many diseases and disabilities. Kale is a vegetable that has health-promoting potential because of many nutrients and bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid, carotenoids, glucosinolates and phenolic compounds). Brassica vegetables, including kale, have been strongly recommended as dietary adjuvants for improving health. The nutrient and health-promoting compounds in kale are significantly affected by thermal treatments. Changes in phytochemicals upon such activities may result from two contrary phenomena: breakdown of nutrients and bioactive compounds and a matrix softening effect, which increases the extractability of phytochemicals, which may be especially significant in the case of iodine-fortified kale. This study investigated changes of basic composition, iodine, vitamin C, total carotenoids and polyphenols contents as well as antioxidant activity caused by steaming, blanching and boiling processes in the levels of two cultivars of kale (green and red) non-biofortified and biofortified via the application to nutrient solutions in hydroponic of two iodoquinolines [8-hydroxy-7-iodo-5-quinolinesulfonic acid (8-OH-7-I-5QSA) and 5-chloro-7-iodo-8-quinoline (5-Cl-7-I-8-Q)] and KIO3. Thermal processes generally significantly reduced the content of the components in question and the antioxidant activity of kale, regardless of cultivar and enrichment. It was observed that the red cultivar of kale had a greater ability to accumulate and reduce iodine losses during the culinary processes. 8-hydroxy-7-iodo-5-quinolinesulfonic acid showed a protective effect against the treatments used, compared to other enrichments, thus contributing to the preservation of high iodine content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Double malnutrition (co-existing overnutrition and undernutrition) is increasingly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa due to rapid epidemiological and nutritional transitions. In this region, studies of double malnutrition have largely been conducted at country and household level, with individual-level studies primarily limited to children and women of reproductive age. We investigated the prevalence and determinants of individual-level double malnutrition in middle-aged and older adults who constitute an increasing proportion of the sub-Saharan African population. Methods: 250 individuals aged 40–70 years (50% women) and resident in the Agincourt Health and socio-Demographic Surveillance System in rural Mpumalanga province, South Africa, were randomly selected. Double malnutrition was defined as overweight/obesity and anaemia only, overweight/obesity and iodine insufficiency, or overweight/obesity and any micronutrient deficiency (anaemia and/or iodine insufficiency). The Chi-squared goodness of fit test was used to compare the expected and observed numbers of individuals with the type of double malnutrition. Logistic regression was used to investigate determinants of each type of double malnutrition. Results: Double malnutrition was present in 22–36% of participants, depending on the definition used. All types of double malnutrition were more common in women than in men (overweight/obesity and anaemia: 34% vs. 10.2%, p < 0.01; overweight/obesity and iodine insufficiency: 32% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.01 and overweight/obesity and any micronutrient deficiency: 50.5% vs. 20.4%, p < 0.01). There were no differences between the overall expected and observed numbers of individuals with combinations of overweight and micronutrient deficiencies [overweight/obesity and anaemia (p = 0.28), overweight/obesity and iodine insufficiency (p = 0.27) or overweight/obesity and any micronutrient deficiency (p = 0.99)]. In models adjusted for socio-demographic factors, HIV and antiretroviral drug status, and food security or dietary diversity, men were 84–85% less likely than women to have overweight/obesity and anaemia, 65% less likely to have overweight/obesity and iodine insufficiency and 74% less likely to have overweight/obesity and any micronutrient deficiency. Conclusions: Individual-level double malnutrition is prevalent in middle-aged and older adults in a rural sub-Saharan African community. Interventions to improve nutrition in similar settings should target individuals throughout the life course and a focus on women may be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Graves' disease is the commonest cause of hyperthyroidism in iodine replete areas. Following universal salt iodization, most Egyptians are considered iodine sufficient. The present study aims to report a survey of real-life practices in the management of graves' disease among Egyptian physicians and compare them to other similar reports. Methods: An online survey was sent to members and affiliates of Alexandria thyroid association. Egyptian physicians were surveyed about initial diagnostics workup, management of an index case of uncomplicated graves' disease not desiring pregnancy. Two modified scenarios were proposed to the index case to survey the impact on treatment preferences. Anonymous responses were collected, analyzed, presented, and compared to other published similar reports. Results: Sixty-eight participated out of 120 invited physicians (56.67%). Initial workup included TSH receptor antibodies 46/68 (67. 6%), thyroid ultrasound 45/68 (66.2%), and thyroid scintigraphy 25/68 (36.8%). Treatment preferences in the index case were antithyroid drugs (ATD's) 52/68 (76.5%), radioiodine 12/68 (17.5%), and surgery 4/68 (6%). Compared to other reports, treatment preferences were almost identical to Italian ones, ATD's (77.1%), radioiodine (16.2%), and surgery (4.5%). If the patient is complicated with graves' orbitopathy, treatment preferences would change into ATD's 37/67 (55%), radioiodine 1/67 (2%), radioiodine with corticosteroids 14/67 (21%), and surgery 15/67 (22%). If the patient is desiring pregnancy, treatment preferences would be ATD's 32/68 (47%), radioiodine 5/68 (7.4%), and surgery 31/68 (45.6%). Conclusion: A high participation rate was observed. Similar to other reports, medical treatment is the preferred modality of treatment in graves' disease and surgery is the least utilized modality. Similar treatment preferences to Italians were observed in the index case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adequate iodine status is critical for thyroid hormone synthesis, which is essential for foetal brain development. Suboptimal iodine status has been reported in young women across Europe. Although urinary iodine concentration (UIC) is a good indicator of recent exposure, it does not reflect habitual iodine intake. This study aimed to develop and validate an iodine‐specific food frequency questionnaire (I‐FFQ) to assess habitual intake in Irish women aged 18−50 years. Methods: A 47‐item interviewer‐administered I‐FFQ, informed by national food consumption data on Irish women aged 18–35 years, was developed and validated in a study of 100 nonpregnant women using a 4‐day weighed food diary (FD) and UIC as the reference methods. Correlation, cross‐classification and Bland–Altman analyses were used to assess agreement and bias between the I‐FFQ and FD. Validity coefficients were calculated using the method of triads. Results: Median (interquartile range [IQR]) UIC was 82 (49, 139) µg/L. Median (IQR) intakes were 161 (106, 217) and 133 (98, 182) µg/day for the I‐FFQ and FD, respectively (p = 0.001). Estimates were moderately correlated (r = 0.434), and the I‐FFQ classified 89% of participants into the same or adjacent tertile of intake as the FD. Validity coefficients for the I‐FFQ, FD and UIC were 0.542, 0.800 and 0.228, respectively. Though repeatability analyses 10 weeks later (n = 69) showed slight differences in estimates of intake (I‐FFQ1: 164 (104, 210) µg/day; I‐FFQ2: 132 (67, 237) µg/day), intakes were highly correlated between administrations (r = 0.627, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The I‐FFQ provides a reasonable estimate of habitual iodine intake in young women. Key points: A food frequency questionnaire to measure habitual iodine intake (I‐FFQ [iodine‐specific food frequency questionnaire]) in Irish women of childbearing age was developed and validated in an online study against a 4‐day weighed food diary (FD) and urinary iodine concentration.Although I‐FFQ intake estimates were higher than the FD (mean (SD [standard deviation]) difference = 13 (72) µg/day), there was good agreement between the methods. The I‐FFQ demonstrated reasonable validity (ρQT = 0.54) and good repeatability (r = 0.63), highlighting potential applications in clinical research.One in five women in this study had inadequate iodine intakes, and median UIC was low in the cohort (84 µg/L), indicating the need for future studies of iodine intake and status in Irish women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salt has major importance as a basic necessity in households, feedstock for various kinds of industry, and a means of fortification to prevent diseases attributed to iodine deficiency. However, the amount of salt produced in Indonesia has yet to meet the national demand, hence warranting the necessity of salt yield improvement. This research set out to evaluate the hydrological and climatological states of the coastal area of Gunungkidul Regency for potential salt farms. The hydrological analysis identified underground rivers, springs, and surface rivers emptying into the study area, whereas the hydrochemical analysis observed major elements of seawater and salinity and determined the effects of hydrological characteristics on seawater. The climatological evaluation involved analyzing rain, temperature, humidity, and daily wind data from 1979-2013. All of these details were matched against the suitability parameters for salt farms. The results showed that the hydrological and geological conditions were closely related and that the underground rivers, springs, and surface rivers decreased salinity and sodium and chloride contents of seawater. Based on salinity levels, several beaches were highly suitable (S1) for salt farms, but climatologically, the study area was slightly suitable (S3) and suitable (S2) for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even though iodine is not an essential micronutrient for the plant, it is very much needed for a person's mental and physical development. Due to the presence of negative charge on iodine it is highly susceptible to leaching. Further iodine is also highly prone to volatilization loss due to biochemical and physiochemical properties of soil leading to iodine deficiency. Agronomic biofortification of iodine is one of the ways to address iodine deficiency globally. Numerous studies have focused on the process by which plants absorb iodine from the soil, but there is still paucity of knowledge on stability of biofortified iodine in fruits. Methods: In our work, we assessed iodine bioavailability (cooking, soaking and digestion) in tomato fruit from different sources of chitosan and potassium iodate alone and combinations using main and residual crop trials. The field experiment was carried out in Thondamuthur block of Viraliyur village at Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu in 2021. Potassium iodate and chitosan were applied in the form of soil, foliar and chitosan iodate complex at different stages of plant growth. Result: The results suggested that combination and potassium iodate and chitosan complex has increased the iodine stability in fruits of main crop and also retained the iodine in residual crop. As electrostatic interaction between chitosan and iodate prevents volatilization and gradually stabilizes the bioavailability of iodine in fruits. Our findings offer more details on iodine mobility and behaviour in fruits when it is used alone and combination with chitosan at different rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, LB) is an important aquaculture and fishing species in the world. LB has been introduced into China since 1983, and its aquaculture production has increased year by year. The total yield of LB in China reached 802,486 tons in 2022, ranking seventh in China's freshwater fish aquaculture. However, the LB is facing threats such as degradation of germplasm resources and disease susceptibility due to limitations in the scale of introduction, coupled with the effects of high-density aquaculture, inbreeding, and species hybridization. This paper summarizes the current status of LB germplasm resources, variety genetic improvement, nutrition and fodder, aquaculture mode and diseases, and circulation and processing. This paper also provides recommendations on how to fully explore and utilize the existing germplasm resources of LB; culture new LB germplasm that combines excellent resistance and growth characteristics through innovations in breeding techniques; reduce the morbidity rate and improve the efficiency of cultured LB through the optimization of fodder formulations and innovation of aquaculture modes; and shift the processing of LB toward standardization, efficient nutrition and safety through the integration of high-tech and large-scale production. This paper provides a reference for the sustainable and healthy development of the LB industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) of school-aged children has been commonly used as a surrogate to assess iodine status of a population including pregnant women. However, pregnant women have higher iodine requirements than children due to increased production of thyroid hormones. The aim of the study was to evaluate the iodine status of pregnant women and children as well as their household salt iodine concentration (SIC) in Quzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. Eligible pregnant women and children from all six counties of Quzhou in 2021 were recruited into the study. They were asked to complete a socio-demographic questionnaire and provide both a spot urine and a household table salt sample for the determination of UIC and SIC. A total of 629 pregnant women (mean age and gestation weeks of 29.6 years and 21.6 weeks, respectively) and 1273 school-aged children (mean age of 9 years and 49.8% of them were females) were included in the study. The overall median UIC of pregnant women and children in our sample was 127 (82, 193) μg/L and 222 (147, 327) μg/L, respectively, indicating sufficient iodine status in children but a risk of mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency in pregnant women. Distribution of iodine nutrition in children varied significantly according to their sex and age (P < 0.05). The rate of adequately household iodised salt samples (18–33 mg/kg) provided by pregnant women and children was 92.4% and 90.6%, respectively. In conclusion, our results indicated a risk of insufficient iodine status in pregnant population of China, but iodine sufficiency in school-aged children. Our data also suggested that median UIC of children may not be used as a surrogate to assess iodine status in pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, iodine deficiency has become a significant burden globally; where 2 billion people and 29.8% of school-age children are iodine deficient. It is a leading cause of preventable brain damage among children, resulting in impaired cognitive and motor development. Even though salt iodization was started to be implemented to alleviate this burden in Ethiopia, primary studies assessing iodine deficiency in the country show highly variable findings, and no systematic review was conducted to determine the pooled prevalence of the problem which makes it difficult to assess the effect of the intervention as well as to design appropriate and timely measures. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of iodine deficiency and the common factors affecting its occurrence among school-age children in Ethiopia. Method: To obtain the eligible studies, databases (EMBASE, Scopus, Hinari, and PubMed), websites (Google and Google Scholar), and references of the eligible studies were searched systematically. Data were extracted using an Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using the STATA 17 version. The I2 test was used to assess heterogeneity between the studies. A DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence and pooled odds ratio. A funnel plot and Egger's test were used to detect publication bias. Result: A total of 15 eligible studies, representing 15,611 school-age children, were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of iodine deficiency among school-age children in Ethiopia was found to be 58% (95%CI 44.00–77.00), while the highest prevalence was recorded in the Oromia Region, which was 64% (95% CI 49–79). Goitrogenic food consumption (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.93, 95% CI 1.60–5.35) and being female (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.87, 95% CI 1.43–2.44) showed a significant association with the prevalence of iodine deficiency. Conclusion: Iodine deficiency among school-age children in Ethiopia was noticeably high. Goitrogenic food consumption and the sex of the child were determinant factors for the occurrence of iodine deficiency among the children. Therefore, appropriate advice should be given to households to limit goitrogenic foods in the diet of their children by giving due attention to their female children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australia. Surgeons play a crucial role in identifying and reporting cases of Buruli Ulcer to public health authorities to facilitate early detection and intervention. The text emphasizes the importance of collaboration between surgeons and public health agencies to effectively manage and prevent the spread of the disease. [Extracted from the article]

Cross‐over designs are commonly used in randomized clinical trials to estimate efficacy of a new treatment. They have received a lot of attention, particularly in connection with regulatory requirements for new drugs. The main advantage of using cross‐over designs over conventional parallel designs is increased precision, thanks to within‐subject comparisons. In the statistical literature, more recent developments are discussed in the analysis of cross‐over trials, in particular regarding repeated measures. A piecewise linear model within the framework of mixed effects has been proposed in the analysis of cross‐over trials. In this article, we report on a simulation study comparing performance of a piecewise linear mixed‐effects (PLME) model against two commonly cited models—Grizzle's mixed‐effects (GME) and Jones & Kenward's mixed‐effects (JKME) models—used in the analysis of cross‐over trials. Our simulation study tried to mirror real‐life situation by deriving true underlying parameters from empirical data. The findings from real‐life data confirmed the original hypothesis that high‐dose iodine salt have significantly lowering effect on diastolic blood pressure (DBP). We further sought to evaluate the performance of PLME model against GME and JKME models, within univariate modeling framework through a simulation study mimicking a 2 × 2 cross‐over design. The fixed‐effects, random‐effects and residual error parameters used in the simulation process were estimated from DBP data, using a PLME model. The initial results with full specification of random intercept and slope(s), showed that the univariate PLME model performed better than the GME and JKME models in estimation of variance–covariance matrix (G) governing the random effects, allowing satisfactory model convergence during estimation. When a hierarchical view‐point is adopted, in the sense that outcomes are specified conditionally upon random effects, the variance–covariance matrix of the random effects must be positive‐definite. The PLME model is preferred especially in modeling an increased number of random effects, compared to the GME and JKME models that work equally well with random intercepts only. In some cases, additional random effects could explain much variability in the data, thus improving precision in estimation of the estimands (effect size) parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the iodine intake in the resident population in Xi'an and analyze the relationship between iodine nutritional status and the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid nodules (TNs). A total of 2507 people were enrolled in Xi'an. Venous serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb), urinary iodine concentration (UIC), and thyroid ultrasonography were collected. Patients with abnormal TSH were checked for free thyroxine (FT4) and triiodothyronine (FT3). Adults in Xi'an had median UICs of 220.80 μg/L and 178.56 μg/l, respectively. A sum of 16.78% of people had subclinical hypothyroidism. Both iodine excess and iodine deficit increased the frequency of subclinical hypothyroidism. The lowest was around 15.09% in females with urine iodine levels between 200 and 299 μg/l. With a rate of 10.69%, the lowest prevalence range for males was 100–199 μg/l. In Xi'an, 11.37% of people have TNs. In comparison to other UIC categories, TN occurrences were higher in females (18.5%) and males (12%) when UIC were below 100 μg/l. In conclusion, iodine intake was sufficient in the Xi'an area, while the adults' UIC remains slightly higher than the criteria. Iodine excess or deficiency can lead to an increase in the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism. Patients with iodine deficiency are more likely to develop TNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Iodine fortification (IF) induces an initial increase followed by a decrease in the incidence of hyperthyroidism in the general population. Within the population of hyperthyroid patients, the sex‐, age‐ and subtype distribution changes after IF. The risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) in hyperthyroid patients may be influenced by these factors. Therefore, we aimed to examine how the association between incident hyperthyroidism and AF was affected by IF increasing the population iodine intake from moderate‐mild iodine deficiency to low adequacy. Design, Patients and Measurements: Incident hyperthyroid patients were included at the date of first inpatient or outpatient diagnosis, and AF diagnoses within 3 months before to 6 months after the index date were identified in Danish nationwide registers, 1997–2018. The relative risk (RR) of AF each calendar year (reference: 1997; IF introduced: 2000) was analyzed in Poisson regression models adjusted for age, sex, educational level, geographic region, and comorbidities. Results: Overall, in 62,201 patients with incident hyperthyroidism 7.9% were diagnosed with AF. There was a minor nonsignificantly increased risk of AF during the first years after IF followed by a gradual decrease to RR 0.76 (0.62–0.94) in 2017. There were no statistically significant differences in the development in the risk of AF by sex, age group, or geographic region. Conclusions: Results indicate that IF may reduce the risk of concomitant AF in hyperthyroid patients. If these results are confirmed, IF may not only reduce the population incidence of hyperthyroidism but also reduce the burden of morbidity in the remaining hyperthyroid patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among non-infectious diseases in humans and animals, iodine deficiency pathology is a significant problem worldwide due to its high prevalence and broad spectrum of clinical signs and consequences. Increasing anthropogenic pressure on the natural environment has led to an ecological crisis. The situation is complicated in the biogeochemical zones of Ukraine, where insufficient or excessive content of mobile forms of microelements in soils and water sources determines the biological reaction of local flora and fauna. In animals, this is manifested by endemic diseases, including hypothyroidism. Mineral elements, including iodine, are a structural material in the body of animals; they participate in the processes of digestion and absorption in the digestive tract, synthesis, splitting, and excretion of metabolic products, creating the necessary conditions for the normal functioning of enzymes, hormones, vitamins, stabilize acidic-alkaline balance and osmotic pressure. Of all the organs of the endocrine system, the thyroid gland is the most closely related to the environment since its structure and function largely depend on the supply of iodine from the outside. The authors describe in detail the role of synergists of iodine (selenium, iron, copper, zinc, cobalt) and antagonists, the imbalance of trace elements, the influence of ionizing radiation, and the nature of feeding. It is substantiated that the action of environmental elements and anthropogenic factors determines the appearance and risk of developing thyroid pathology in cows. The article presents materials from a complex study of the clinical course of iodine deficiency, as well as morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood of cows. The object of research is clinically healthy and sick animals – cattle. Diagnosis of thyroid pathology was carried out with the help of clinical and laboratory tests. The clinical examination of cows was carried out according to the generally accepted scheme, taking into account the results of the general condition and studies of individual organs and systems. The research was conducted in three districts of the Zhytomyr region (Korostenskyi, Narodytskyi, and Popilnianskyi). During the external examination of the animals, swelling in the intermaxillary space (Myxedema) was observed, which was found only in 5 out of 90 dairy cows (5.6 %), mainly from Narodytsky district (8.9 %), compared to 2.2 % in Korosten district. It was observed that goiter was established in only three cows out of 90 (3.35%); all were in Narodytsky district (6.7 %). Enophthalmos was detected in 24 out of 90 dairy cows (26.7 %), including 16 out of 45 cows (35.4 %) in the Narodytsky District, while this symptom was not detected in the Popilnya District dairy cows. It was established that the content of thyroxine in dairy cows of Narodytskyi and Korostensky districts ranged from 2.2 to 4.25 μg/100 ml (28.3–54.7 nmol/l), respectively, and was on average 3.4 ± 0.21 μg/100 ml (43.8 ± 2.70 nmol/l, in cows from the conditionally clean territory (Popelnyan district) – 5.3 ± 0.65 nmol/l. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Goiter is a major source of morbidity in the world, especially in the developing world, where dietary iodine deficiency, a known cause of this condition, is endemic. The diagnosis is mostly by ultrasonography (USG) scan, which can give anatomical, pathological, and functional information for the management of goiter. This study aimed to determine the commonest ultrasound findings of goiter in Ghana. Method: The records of all 213 patients with goiter diagnosed by USG scan over a 5‐year period were retrieved. Data collected were sociodemographics, ultrasound features, thyroid nodules diameter, and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI‐RADS) scores, which were analyzed using GNU PSPP, version 1.2.0‐3. χ2 and two‐tailed independent samples t‐test were also employed, with p ≤ 0.05. Results: A total of 213 patients with goiter diagnosed by USG scan were obtained over the study period. The mean age of the participants was 50.01 ± 17.27 years, with an age range of 16−92 years and females constituting the majority (82.16%). The commonest ultrasound features were well‐defined solid nodules. The lesion sites for most patients were the whole thyroid (28.17%), both lobes (24.41%), and the right lobe (20.19%). The mean difference in sizes of cysts and solid nodules among genders was 0.26 (CI: −0.14 to 0.67, p = 0.20) and 0.12 (CI: −0.43 to 0.66, p = 0.67), respectively. The TI‐RADS score featured TI‐RADS 4 (36.62%), TI‐RADS 1 (28.17%), TI‐RADS 3 (25.82%), TI‐RADS 5 (5.16%), and TI‐RADS 2 (4.23%). Solid nodules (49.32%, p = 0.001) and cysts (35.71%, p = 0.003) were more common within 41−60 years and less frequent in those <21 years. A p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant in this study. Conclusion: The predominant ultrasound features were well‐defined solid nodules, simple cysts, and solid nodules with cystic changes, mostly located in the entire thyroid gland and least located in the isthmus only. Cysts and solid nodules were mostly seen in the 41−60 years age group. Key points: What is known about this topic Well‐defined solid nodules, simple cysts, and solid nodules with cystic changes were some of the ultrasound features of an enlarged thyroid gland.Lesion sites of an enlarged thyroid gland included the isthmus, left, and right lobes. What this study adds Most patients presenting with enlarged thyroid glands had lesions in the entire thyroid.Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI‐RADS 4) was the most predominant TI‐RADS score, and TI‐RADS 2 was the least.Few patients presented with lesions in the isthmus only, and the majority in the entire thyroid gland.Cysts and solid nodules were mostly seen in those 41−60 years and least in those <21 years. Clinical implications of this study Knowing the locations, types, and sizes of thyroid lesions will aid clinicians in planning appropriate management for the patient.Radiologists should adopt the TI‐RADS lexicon in their reporting of thyroid imaging to enable proper communication amongst themselves and with the clinicians once they are familiar with the TI‐RADS lexicon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Iodine is an essential mineral for fetal growth and brain development. The aim of this research was to evaluate goiter, iodine deficiency and intrauterine growth restriction in pregnant women of minority ethnic groups in Colombia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in six non-metropolitan areas of Colombia. Results: A total of 318 Indigenous and Afro-descendant pregnant women were invited to participate: 248 (83.2%) Indigenous and 50 (16.8%) Afro-descendants were studied. The mean age was 24 years (range 13-44 years). Of the women, 130 (43.5%) were from the department of Cauca, 72 (24.1%) were from Córdoba, 28 (9.4%) were from Guajira, 26 (8.8%) were from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, 22 (7.4%) were from Amazonas, 16 (5.4%) were from Meta and 4 (1.3%) were from the department of Cesar. A total of 244 (81.8%) were illiterate and 291 (97.7%) were of very low socioeconomic level. Goiter was observed in 69 (23.3%) pregnant women (38 (41.7%) from the department of Cauca, 10 (35.7%) from Guajira, 5 (31.2%) from Meta, 6 (27.2%) from Amazonas and 10 (13.8%) from Córdoba). Iodine deficiency (

Abstract Objectives: to investigate the association of nutritional status with urinary iodine deficiency in pregnant women attending the Basic Health Units in the city of São Luís - Maranhão. Methods: cross-sectional study carried out with 261 pregnant women. Urine samples were collected for analysis of determination of urinary iodine. Iodine deficiency was considered as

Background Insufficient and above WHO-recommended levels of iodine intake during pregnancy can lead to serious health outcomes. This study aimed to assess median urine iodine concentration and its associated risk factors among pregnant women in the Mbeya region, Tanzania. Method A cross sectional survey involving 420 pregnant women (n=420) aged 15-49, registered in Reproductive and Child Health Clinics was conducted. Socio-demographic and dietary factors were assessed by structured questionnaire and the urine samples were analyzed using the ammonium persulfate digestion method. Results Median urinary iodine concentration (mUIC) was 279.4μg/L and it ranged from 26.1 to 1915μg/L. Insufficient mUIC (below 150μg/L) was observed in 17.14% of participants, sufficient mUIC was 24.29% and 58.57% had mUIC above the recommended level (>250μg/L). Sample women who reported consuming fish in the last 24 hours had an increased risk of insufficient mUIC [Adjusted OR= 2.60 (95%CI 1.31-5.15)] while the risk was lower for those who attended at least primary education [AOR= 0.29 (CI 0.08-0.99)]. Further, sample women resident in Mbarali district, in the oldest age group (35-49) and having a higher socio-economic status were associated with an increased risk of having MUIC above recommended level [AOR=4.09 (CI 1.85-9.010], [AOR=2.51 (CI 0.99-6.330] and, [AOR=2.08 (CI 0.91-4.71) respectively. Conclusion This study demonstrated a significant association between geographical, age and socio-economic factors and median urine iodine concentration above the WHO-recommended level. Further, this study found association between inadequate iodine in diet and insufficient median urine iodine concentration. Therefore, educational programs on iodine intake should be strengthened.

Iodine is a trace element with an important role in human health. Iodine deficiency is a global health problem that can provoke iodine-deficiency-related thyroid disorders, such as endemic goitre, hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, etc. Study of iodine in the soils and vegetation was conducted from 2008 to 2022 in the Bryansk and Oryol regions of Russia. These regions are known to exhibit natural iodine deficiency and have been affected by radioactive contamination following the Chernobyl accident in 1986. Soil and grassland vegetation samples were collected from local pastures near rural settlements. The soil core was divided into layers at the following depths: 0–5 cm, 5–10 cm, 10–20 cm. The iodine content in all selected samples was determined in the GEOKHI RAS using the kinetic rhodanide–nitrite method. The information in the dataset could be used to assess the iodine deficiency in the environment of other regions situated on similar soils.

The work shows that currently diseases associated with iodine deficiency in the diet are one of the most common non-communicable human diseases. Iodine deficiency contributes to a decrease in the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones, during pregnancy leads to the formation of the neuropsychiatric status of the fetus. Thyroid pathology is more common in women than in men. During pregnancy, thyroid pathology increases dramatically – pregnancy itself is a provoking factor. One of the important reasons is the deterioration of the environmental and radiation situation, the changing nature of the population's diet. The impact of the ecosystem on the health of the population can be determined based on data on the incidence of thyroid diseases in women of reproductive age in rural areas with iodine deficiency. The article presents data on the examination and treatment of 120 pregnant women (First Trimester of pregnancy) aged 20–40 years who are registered in the women's clinic of the Akhtyn regional hospital.

Delandistrogene moxeparvovec is a gene transfer therapy approved in the United States, United Arab Emirates, and Qatar for the treatment of ambulatory patients aged four through five years with a confirmed Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)-causing mutation in the DMD gene. This therapy was developed to address the underlying cause of DMD through targeted skeletal, respiratory, and cardiac muscle expression of delandistrogene moxeparvovec micro-dystrophin, an engineered, functional dystrophin protein. Drawing on clinical trial experience from Study 101 (NCT03375164), Study 102 (NCT03769116), and ENDEAVOR (Study 103; NCT04626674), we outline practical considerations for delandistrogene moxeparvovec treatment. Before infusion, the following are recommended: (1) screen for anti-adeno-associated virus rhesus isolate serotype 74 total binding antibody titers <1:400; (2) assess liver function, platelet count, and troponin-I; (3) ensure patients are up to date with vaccinations and avoid vaccine coadministration with infusion; (4) administer additional corticosteroids starting one day preinfusion (for patients already on corticosteroids); and (5) postpone dosing patients with any infection or acute liver disease until event resolution. Postinfusion, the following are recommended: (1) monitor liver function weekly (three months postinfusion) and, if indicated, continue until results are unremarkable; (2) monitor troponin-I levels weekly (first month postinfusion, continuing if indicated); (3) obtain platelet counts weekly (two weeks postinfusion), continuing if indicated; and (4) maintain the corticosteroid regimen for at least 60 days postinfusion, unless earlier tapering is indicated. Although the clinical safety profile of delandistrogene moxeparvovec has been consistent, monitorable, and manageable, these practical considerations may mitigate potential risks in a real-world clinical practice setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The awareness of the importance of following dietary recommendations that meet specific biological requirements related to an individual's health status has significantly increased interest in personalized nutrition. The aim of this research was to test agronomic protocols based on soilless cultivation for providing consumers with new dietary sources of iodine (I), as well as alternative vegetable products to limit dietary potassium (K) intake; proposed cultivation techniques were evaluated according to their suitability to obtain such products without compromising agronomic performance. RESULTS: Two independent experiments, focused on I and K respectively, were conducted in a commercial greenhouse specializing in soilless production. Four different species were cultivated using three distinct concentrations of I (0, 1.5 and 3 mg L−1) and K (0, 60 and 120 mg L−1). Microgreens grown in I‐rich nutrient solution accumulate more I, and the increase is dose‐dependent. Compared to unbiofortified microgreens, the treatments with 1.5 and 3 mg L−1 of I resulted in 4.5 and 14 times higher I levels, respectively. Swiss chard has the highest levels of K (14 096 mg kg−1 of FW), followed by rocket, pea and radish. In radish, rocket and Swiss chard, a total reduction of K content in the nutrient solution (0 mg L−1) resulted in an average reduction of 45% in K content. CONCLUSION: It is possible to produce I‐biofortified microgreens to address I deficiency, and K‐reduced microgreens for chronic kidney disease‐affected people. Species selection is crucial to customize nutritional profiles according to specific dietary requirements due to substantial mineral content variations across different species. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brassica vegetables are widely consumed all over the world, especially in North America, Asia, and Europe. They are a rich source of sulfur compounds, such as glucosinolates (GLSs) and isothiocyanates (ITCs), which provide health benefits but are also suspected of having a goitrogenic effect. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review to assess the impact of dietary interventions on thyroid function, in terms of the potential risk for people with thyroid dysfunctions. We analyzed the results of 123 articles of in vitro, animal, and human studies, describing the impact of brassica plants and extracts on thyroid mass and histology, blood levels of TSH, T3, T4, iodine uptake, and the effect on thyroid cancer cells. We also presented the mechanisms of the goitrogenic potential of GLSs and ITCs, the limitations of the studies included, as well as further research directions. The vast majority of the results cast doubt on previous assumptions claiming that brassica plants have antithyroid effects in humans. Instead, they indicate that including brassica vegetables in the daily diet, particularly when accompanied by adequate iodine intake, poses no adverse effects on thyroid function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) being major public health problems in India, including West Bengal needs to be continuously monitored through recommended methods and indicators. Present study is aiming to assess the total goiter rate, urinary iodine excretion, iodine content of salts at households’ level among primary school children and to find association with the socio-demographic characteristics of the study population. Method: A school-based, cross-sectional study was conducted during March 2019 to August 2019 among 540 schoolchildren of class three and four. Goiter was assessed by standard palpation technique, urinary iodine excretion (UIE) was analyzed by wet digestion method and salt samples were tested by spot iodine testing kits. The total goiter rate (TGR) was 10.56 %. About 97.22 % of the salt samples tested were adequately iodized. Though consumption of iodized salt was adequate irrespective of socio demographic characteristics; goiter prevalence was significantly different with respect to mother’s education level. Median urinary iodine excretion was found to be with in normal range. Lastly, a comparison is made between indicators of IDD over years which showed significant fall of TGR % of North 24 Pgs and a significant increase of adequately iodized salt consumption from 2004 to 2019. Conclucion: 2019 resurvey of North 24 parganas indicates that the district achieved close to the goal of NIDDCP i.e. prevalence of IDD should be below 10%. It also proved that universal salt iodinization program has increased the household’s iodine consumption above national goal of 91.2%. Goiter prevalence is found to be less in children whose mother attend the education upto 12th standard and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDDs) remain a significant global public health challenge, with severe consequences ranging from congenital anomalies, Goitre to mental deficiency. Preventing these disorders through iodized salt consumption is cost-effective and efficient. Aims/ objective: To assess the prevalence of goitre and the proportion of households using adequately iodized salt in selected four districts (Saran, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Patna) of Bihar (a state in eastern India) using WHO/ UNICEF/ICCIDD criteria. Materials and Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among children aged 6-12 years. A multi-stage sampling method was employed, and iodine content in household salt samples were analysed. Results: The results showed that the prevalence of goitre ranged from 0.9% to 4.63% across districts, indicating that goitre is not a public health problem. Adequate iodized salt consumption varied from 71.95% to 86.72%, falling short of the 90% USI goal. Urinary iodine excretion data were not available due to ongoing laboratory setup in PMCH, Patna. Conclusion: The study underscores the need for strengthened monitoring and evaluation to ensure the sustainability of IDD control activities for achieving sustainable elimination of IDD in Bihar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on nutrition, particularly macronutrients, micronutrients, and dietary modification for managing malnutrition and chronic diseases. It provides guidance on healthy eating patterns, emphasizing minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods, and discusses the importance of nutrition labels in making informed food choices.

Iodine deficiency and excessive salt intake have adverse health effects. This study evaluated the iodine level and salt intake in Chinese adults aged 18–59 years after implementing the salt reduction program and compared with both the World Health Organization (WHO) and Chinese recommendations. Adults aged 18–59 years were randomly selected using multi-stage stratified random sampling in coastal urban area (CUA), non-coastal urban area (Non-CUA), coastal rural area (CRA), and non-coastal rural area (Non-CRA) of Fujian Province, China. Iodine, sodium, and creatinine concentrations in spot urine samples were measured. Knudsen equation was used to determine 24-h urinary iodine and sodium excretion. The median urinary iodine concentration (mUIC) and urinary sodium concentration (mUNaC) among adults (n = 3513) were 132.0 μg/L and 4.0 g/d, respectively. The mUIC and median daily iodine intake in CUA, Non-CUA, CRA and Non-CRA were 112.1, 127.5, 128.5, 167.5 μg/L and 189.6, 182.5, 199.4, 236.0 μg/d, respectively. The mUNaC and median daily salt intake (mDSI) in these four areas were 2.4, 2.8, 2.9, 2.9 g/L and 9.8, 10.4, 10.4, 10.6 g/d, respectively. The mUIC and DII of residents were higher in the Non-CRA than in the other three areas (P < 0.05). The UNaC and DSI of residents were lower in the CUA than in the other three areas (P < 0.05). The logistic regression demonstrated that the people living in CUA and Non-CUA consumed less salt compared with those in Non-CRA. Except for Non-CUA, the DII was lower (< 150 μg/d) among women of childbearing age in the low–salt intake group (< 5 g/d) compared with the high–salt intake group (≥ 5 g/d) (P < 0.05). Iodine nutrition in Chinese adults aged 18–59 years was sufficient, but the salt intake was substantially higher than the WHO and Chinese recommendations. Further policy implementation is needed to reduce salt intake and improve the monitoring of iodine levels in Chinese adults, especially in women of childbearing age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multidrug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus continues to influence treatment complications in clinical settings globally. Multidrug-resistant-S. aureus (MDR-SA) is often genetically driven by resistance markers transferable in pathogenic strains. This study aimed to determine the distribution of resistance markers in clinical isolates of S. aureus in Nsukka, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 154 clinical samples were cultured on mannitol salt agar. Isolates were characterized using conventional cultural techniques and confirmed by PCR detection of S. aureus-specific nuc gene. Antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates were determined against selected antibiotics using the disk-diffusion method, while screening for antibiotic resistance genes (Mec A, Erm A, Erm B, Erm C, Van A, and Van B) was by PCR. Results: A total of 98 isolates were identified as S. aureus by conventional methods. Of these, 70 (71.43%) were confirmed by PCR. Phenotypically, the isolates exhibited high degrees of resistance to oxacillin (95.72%), erythromycin (81.63%), and ertapenem (78.57%) and 75.51% and 47.30% against methicillin and vancomycin, respectively. Multiple antibiotic resistance indexes of the isolates ranged from 0.3 to 1, and the most prevalent pattern of resistance was oxacillin-ertapenem-vancomycin-erythromycin-azithromycin-clarithromycin-ciprofloxacin- cefoxitin-amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. PCR screening confirmed the existence of various antibiotic resistance makers among the strains, with the most common resistance genes found in the isolates being Mec A (32.14%), Van A (21.43%), Van B (10.71%), Erm B (10.71%), and Erm C (17.86%). None possessed the Erm A gene. Conclusion: The study supports the need for necessary action, including rational drug use, continuous surveillance, and deployment of adequate preventive and curative policies and actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]