Adult Values Research Articles

Ontogeny of Hepatic Organic Cation Transporter-1 in Rat and Human.

The organic cation transporter (OCT)-1 mediates hepatic uptake of cationic endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. To date, limited information exists on how Oct1/OCT1 functionally develops with age in rat and human livers and how this would affect the pharmacokinetics of OCT substrates in children or juvenile animals. The functional ontogeny of rOct/hOCT was profiled in suspended rat (2-57 days old) and human hepatocytes (pediatric liver tissue donors: age 2-12 months) by determining uptake clearance of 4-[4-(dimethylamino)styryl]-N-methylpyridinium iodide (ASP+) as a known rOct/hOCT probe substrate. mRNA expression was determined in rat liver tissue corresponding to rat ages used in the functional studies, while hOCT1 mRNA expressions were determined in the same hepatocyte batches as those used for uptake studies. Maturation of rOct/hOCT activity and expression were evaluated by comparing values obtained at the various ages to the adult values. Relative to adult values (at 8 weeks), ASP+ uptake clearance in suspended rat hepatocytes aged 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks reached 26%, 29%, 33%, 37%, 72%, 63%, and 71%, respectively. Hepatic Oct1 mRNA expression was consistent with Oct activity (correlation coefficient of 0.92). In human hepatocytes, OCT1 activity was age dependent and also correlated with mRNA levels (correlation coefficient of 0.88). These data show that Oct1/OCT1 activities and expression mature gradually in rat/human liver, thereby mirroring the expression pattern of organic anion transporting polypeptide in rat. These high-resolution transporter ontogeny profiles will allow for more accurate prediction of the pharmacokinetics of OCT1/Oct1 substrates in pediatric populations and juvenile animals. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Organic cation transporter-1 (OCT1) represents a major drug uptake transporter in human liver. This study provides high-resolution data regarding the age-dependent function of OCT1 in the liver, based on in vitro experiments with rat and human hepatocytes obtained from donors between birth and adulthood. These ontogeny profiles will inform improved age-specific physiologically based pharmacokinetic models for OCT1 drug substrates in neonates, infants, children, and adults.

Adult Migrants’ Formal and Informal Language Learning Opportunities: Availability, Choice, and Social Integration

This study explores adult migrants’ formal and informal opportunities for learning their host country’s dominant language: specifically, the availability, accessibility, and effects of these opportunities on the migrants’ social integration. It prioritizes the migrants’ experience by reporting findings obtained from analyses of questionnaire data collected from 76 migrants in Canada, the United States, and Italy and from interview data collected from a subset of 18 of these migrants. The findings are supplemented by analyses of questionnaire data collected from 12 service providers at the same research sites. The findings show that across the three sites, adult migrants value both formal and informal learning opportunities; that in both learning contexts they prioritize the development of communicative competence, particularly speaking and listening skills; and that outside the classroom they prefer to interact with locals who do not share their home language, and find these interactions very useful in their social integration efforts. However, the findings also reveal that the migrants are not always able to choose freely to engage in the kinds of language learning opportunities that would help them meet their language learning or social integration goals because these opportunities may be unavailable, inaccessible, or insufficiently designed to meet their needs.

Groundwater quality in high-sulfur coal mining region of India: Spatial distribution, source control, and health risk assessment

The groundwater quality in the vicinity of the Makum coalfield, renowned for its high-sulfur coal deposits, was investigated. The oxidation of sulfur in the coal generates acid mine drainage (AMD), a global environmental challenge that contaminates natural resources. The region's high sulfur coal content intensifies AMD formation, necessitating a comprehensive assessment of its impact on human health and the environment. This study analyzes the water quality parameters such as pH, EC, TDS, Na+, Ca+2, Mg+2, K+, HCO3‐, SO4−2, F−, Cl -, and NO3− in groundwater, findings concerning low pH levels (5.8) and fluoride concentration (0.15 mg/L) compared to standards. Groundwater chemistry was analyzed to identify the sources controlling water composition through Gibbs diagrams, Piper diagrams, and saturation indices. The Gibbs diagram shows that rock weathering is the crucial factor controlling groundwater chemistry, while the Piper diagram indicates Ca-Cl as the Principal water type. Additionally, an in-depth analysis of groundwater chemistry reveals that carbonate dissolution primarily occurs due to minerals like calcite, dolomite, and gypsum, findings supported by saturation indices. The present study yielded an average water quality index of 40.19, indicating excellent to good water quality in 51 out of 52 samples analyzed. The average hazard index values for adults and children were 0.60 and 0.58, respectively, indicating that 49 of 52 samples pose negative non-carcinogenic risks associated with nitrate and fluoride contamination. The irrigation indices, graphical representations such as the Wilcox and Doneen classification, and the USSL diagram elucidate the suitability for irrigation purposes. Moreover, the Principal Component Analysis identified the sources of ions as originating from geogenic processes and mining activities. The study stresses environmental assessments, health risk management, and sustainable practices for groundwater in high-sulfur coal mining areas.

What is normal age-related thigh muscle composition among 45- to 84-year-old adults from the UK Biobank study.

A loss of skeletal muscle mass and an increase in intramuscular fat are known to occur as we enter middle and older age, but the expected changes or normative values have remained unknown. The primary reason for this is that imaging studies are difficult and expensive to conduct, and consequently, the sample sizes have remained small. The development of the UK Biobank which provides access to a large magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data set of more than 50,000 participants provides an opportunity to finally address this question of normative values for each age group. The study's primary aim was to determine the age-related changes in thigh muscle composition (e.g., thigh fat-free muscle volume and intramuscular fat) between the ages of 45 and 84years. The second aim was to analyse associations between thigh fat-free muscle volume and intramuscular fat with lifestyle behaviours (smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity), leg pain, and bone mineral density. Fifty thousand three hundred thirty-two participants were included in the study. Total fat-free thigh muscle declined between the ages of 45 and 84years, while intramuscular fat of the thigh continued to increase. The changes were stable between these age groups. The mean volume of fat-free muscle ranged from 11.16 (SD: 1.40) to 13.26 L (SD: 1.85) in adult males and 7.60 (SD: 0.97) to 8.80 L (SD 1.29) in females between the ages of 45 and 84years. For intramuscular fat, the change among women was from 6.94% (SD: 1.59) in the 45 to 54years age bracket to 8.83% (SD: 1.92) in the 75 to 84 age bracket, while for men, it was 5.83% (SD: 1.30) in the 45 to 54 age bracket to 7.85% (SD 1.89) in the 75 to 84 age bracket. The total fat-free muscle volume and intramuscular fat percentage provided can be used for the purpose of reference standards or normative values for adults in the age groups provided. Fat-free muscle and intramuscular fat were found to be associated with a range of health, activity, and leg pain outcomes, and these should be investigated in a follow-up longitudinal imaging study.

Evaluation of ground water quality using heavy metal pollution indices and estimation of health risk

ABSTRACT This paper presents the monitoring of heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), in the groundwater of the Byrnihat Industrial Area and Guwahati City, which is located in close proximity to the Byrnihat Industrial Area. A total of 20 water samples were collected at distances approximately 1–2 km apart from each other. The pH and the TDS of the collected samples were analysed immediately after collecting samples using a digital pH and TDS meters. The collected samples were analysed using a Flame type Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The highest observed values of Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu and Zn in mg/L were recorded to be 0.0526, 0.1438, 0.5175, 0.1060 and 0.0925, respectively. The average values of Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu and Zn were 0.0246 ± 0.0168 mg/L, 0.0282 ± 0.0421 mg/L, 0.4805 ± 0.0206 mg/L, 0.0653 ± 0.0276 mg/L, and 0.0642 ± 0.0098 mg/L, respectively. Cd and Pb concentrations were above the guideline values set by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) [WHO recommended values, Cd: 0.003 mg/L, Pb: 0.01 mg/L]. Though the average concentration of Cr was below the allowable limit, five samples within the Byrnihat industrial area were found to be above the limit. High values of pollution indices was observed for all the samples. The cumulative hazard index (HI) values for adults and children were found to be 8.56 and 9.37, respectively. The total cancer risk (TCR) was observed to be 7.87E-03 for adults and 8.54E-03 for children. The result obtained from the present investigation show significant contamination of ground water by heavy metals, particularly Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations. The observed high values of hazard index and cancer risks indicate significant health risks, necessitating the need for immediate regulatory action.

Advanced approach combines integrated weight water quality index and potential toxic elements for environmental and health risk assessment supported by simulation technique in Oued Souf, Algeria

The current research study evaluated the health and environmental risks issues associated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the complex terminal aquifer located in the Algerian desert. The methods used included principal component and cluster (dendrogram) analysis to estimate source of ions and contamination. Various indices such as the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Metal Index, hazard quotient, hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) were applied to assess both environmental and human health risks. Furthermore, the Monte Carlo method was applied for probabilistic assessment of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks through oral and dermal exposure routes in both adults and children. The results revealed that approximately 16% of the samples fell within the low pollution category (HPI < 100), indicating relatively lower levels of heavy metal contamination. However, the remaining 84% of the samples exhibited high pollution levels, indicating a significant presence of heavy metal pollutants in the northeastern part of the investigated area. The calculated average risk index (RI) for the collected samples was 18.99, with a range from 0.03 to 103.21. This indicates that a large portion, 82% of the samples, could cause low ecological risk (RI < 30), whereas the remaining 18% indicate a significant environmental pollution risk. The HI for oral ingestion showed that adults had HI values ranging from 0.231 to 1.54, while children exhibited higher values, ranging from 0.884 to 5.9 (Fig. 5a). For dermal exposure, HI values in adults ranged from 2.71E−07 to 8.74E−06 and in children, from 2.18E−06 to 7.03E−05. These findings highlight the potential non-carcinogenic risks associated with oral exposure to PTEs and underscore the increased vulnerability of children to metals such as Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cr. Most samples showed CR exceeding 1 × 10−4 for chromium (Cr) and lead (Pb), indicating a significant vulnerability to carcinogenic effects in both children and adults.

Critical appraisal of the “one-day-per-percent” rule - A register-based observational study

BackgroundThe ”one-day-per-percent” rule states that for burn patients, one day of hospital stay can be expected for each percentage of burned body surface. This study aimed to test the rule's predictive value. MethodsThe study is a register-based observational study on all burns treated in the Norwegian National Burn Center 2000–22. All children and adults admitted and actively treated in this period were included (2269 patients). Patients receiving palliative care were not included (55). Age when injured, sex, year of admittance, LOS (length of stay), %TBSA (total body surface area), discharged alive/dead, and palliative care: yes/no were extracted from the registry. Quantile regression was used to estimate the quantiles of LOS/%TBSA as a function of %TBSA. ResultsFor injuries < 15 %TBSA, the median LOS/%TBSA values were above 1.0, and the ratio increased as the injury size decreased. The median LOS/%TBSA values were close to 1.0 for patients with injuries ≥ 15 %TBSA (Table 2, Figure 2). The quantile regression analysis revealed a considerable spread in estimated values for both adults and children. Children had a lower median LOS/%TBSA than adults and a value below 1.0 for injuries 15–30 %TBSA. When survivors and non-survivors were compared, a higher median LOS/%TBSA was found for survivors with injuries > 60 %TBSA. DiscussionThe ”one-day-per-percent” rule does not seem applicable for injuries < 15 %TBSA. Even for more extensive injuries, the large spread in estimated values in different quantiles renders it poor at predicting length of hospital stay. There also seem to be many caveats when it is used to measure an institution's efficacy or when comparing different institutions. ConclusionThe predictive value of the “one-day-per-percent” rule is deficient when considering individual patients. It does not fit for injuries < 15 %TBSA, and the significant variation for patients with injuries of a similar extent renders it not viable as a forecasting tool.

EQ-5D Based Utility Values for Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Meta-Regression

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease that negatively affects health-related quality of life (QoL). Utility values, which measure QoL by weighting health states with societal preferences, are required for the cost-utility models that drive economic evaluations and policy decisions. Moayeri et al. published a systematic review and meta-analysis of utilities (EQ-5D) in COPD in June 2016. The current study investigated changes in mean utilities in more recent studies thereafter, exploring heterogeneity in utilities across diverse clinical and study characteristics. Systematic searches of databases, such as MEDLINE and Embase were undertaken from 1 July 2015 until 20 May 2024. A random-effects meta-analysis of utilities (EQ-5D) was performed which addressed inter-study heterogeneity and subgroup analyses. The pooled general mean (95% CI) utility value was 0.761 (0.726–0.795) from 43 studies, whereas Moayeri et al. reported 0.673 (0.653–0.693) from 32 studies. This improvement in mean utilities could be due to increased awareness, early detection, and better medical interventions over the past decade, but demonstrates that a general utility value should be approached with caution given significant heterogeneity. Four meta-regressions were performed on each subgroup: region, method of elicitation, reported comorbidities, and disease stage; of which, method of elicitation, disease stage, and region were found to be significant moderators of utilities. It is, therefore, important to use meta-analysed utilities for cost-utility analyses that reflect the context and patient population of the model. Moreover, these results provide additional evidence for the precision and sensitivity of EQ-5D-5L over EQ-5D-3L.

Reference values for heart rate variability in older adults: A systematic review.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is an early marker of risk for various health conditions, and its analysis serves as a valuable tool for assessing older adults. This study aimed to describe the reference values of HRV parameters in older adults through a systematic review of the literature. The review included searches in MEDLINE (via PubMed®), EMBASE, Latin American and Caribbean Health Literature, Scopus, and Web of Science (WOS). Studies presenting reference values for at least one HRV linear analysis measure in older adults were considered eligible. Out of 1618 studies identified, only 11 met the inclusion criteria. Sample sizes of older adults ranged from 21 to 6250 subjects. The HRV measures assessed (mean RR intervals, SDNN, RMSSD, PNN50, LF, HF, and LF/HF ratio) varied significantly between studies, with no standardized methods for HRV analysis. We concluded that reference values for HRV measures in older adults vary widely between studies. The scientific literature on HRV reference values in older adults is still limited, and future studies should standardize assessment methods for HRV measures in this population.

Values of peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness are different in children and adults

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance The detection of abnormal values of peripapillary nerve fibre layer (pRNFL) thickness measured with optical coherence tomography (OCT) is important for detecting optic nerve disease in children. Background To evaluate the level of agreement between the adult reference database supplied with an OCT device and the present paediatric study database for the measurement of pRNFL thickness in children. This study also aimed to provide reference values for pRNFL thickness according to the spherical equivalent in the paediatric population. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. One hundred and twenty-six healthy children were included, who had undergone a full ophthalmological examination including cycloplegic refraction and examination of pRNFL thickness using the Topcon 3D OCT 2000 device (Topcon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). Values equal to or below the fifth percentile (≤p5) and above the 95th percentile (>p95) were considered abnormal. Observed agreement and specific agreement were investigated between OCT measurements classified with paediatric and adult reference values for normality. Results Values ≤ p5 in the adult database were recorded for 2 of the 30 values (6.6%) of the pRNFL values by quadrants ≤p5 in the paediatric database and 17 of the 88 (19.3%) values by sectors ≤p5. For values >p95 in the adult database, 88% by quadrants and 72% by sectors would have been classified as being within the normal range using the paediatric database. Conclusion The use of adult reference values currently available in OCT devices can lead to classification errors concerning the normal range of pRNFL thickness in a large proportion of paediatric patients. The use of normative paediatric databases, such as the one discussed in this study, should be taken into consideration.

Heavy metals concentrations of traditional herbs consumed in Northwestern zone of Nigeria and associated health risks on humans

Herbal drugs have gained much popularity as alternative medicine among residents of the northern part of Nigeria, taking advantage of abundant medicinal plants in the region. This study therefore investigated the levels of some selected heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) in five identified herbal drugs sold in Andaza town, Kiyawa local Government area of Jigawa State. Preparation of the samples was done using a wet digestion method with HNO3 and HCl as digestion acids and the metals were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The health risk assessment (HRA) for adults and children was done by using the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), hazard index (HI) and target cancer risk (TCR). The concentrations of heavy metals on dry weight (dw) basis in this study fell within the range (mg/kg dw, mean±SD)): Cd (0.156-0.312, 0.221±0.065), Hg (8.58-16.7, 12.7±3.78), Ni (0.960-2.74, 1.67±0.698), Zn (4.26-10.1, 6.17±2.34) and Pb (0.876-1.91). Pb was not detected in two out of the five samples and therefore the mean±SD of Pb was not computed. A comparison of the results with the World Health Organisation (WHO) maximum permissible limit showed that Hg levels were far above the permissible limit in all the samples; two samples had Cd values above the maximum limit. The concentrations of Ni, Zn and Pb in all the samples were within the recommended levels of WHO. Results of HRA showed that THQ were less than 1 in the analyzed metals except for Hg with relatively high values in both adults (70 kg body weight) and children (24 kg body weight) categories and this may pose a potential health risk to consumers. Results of the percentage non-carcinogenic risk (NCR) of each metal showed that Hg contributed more than 95% to HI (the overall NCR) in each sample. TCR of Pb indicates moderate to high cancer risk whereas, that of CD showed high to very high cancer risk if the samples are consumed for a long period of time. It is therefore important that consumption of these medicines should be monitored and regulated in order for consumers to avoid future health challenges.

Quantitative source apportionment and health risk assessment of trace elements in surface soils around the Shazand chemical industrial district, northwestern of Iran

A comprehensive study aimed at measuring trace elements pollution in the Shazand chemical industrial district, located in northwestern Iran, was conducted. Employing principal component analysis (PCA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF), we identified sources of trace elements and assessed associated health risks for inhabitants. The results showed that the mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn, and As of 190 topsoil samples exceeded the background values, except for Cu. The total noncancer risk values for adults and children were 0.72 and 7.95, respectively, and the total carcinogenic risks were 8.46 E – 05 and 2.69 E – 04, respectively. The noncarcinogenic risk for children was above the threshold level, but low for adults. The total potential carcinogenic health risks for children exceeded the threshold of 1 E – 04 indicating a high carcinogenic risk for them, whereas the risk for adults was considered acceptable. Furthermore, As was the primary hazardous metal to human health, followed by Cd and Ni. According to the results of the PMF model, four factors were extracted for trace elements, including natural source, transportation sources, industrial sources, and agricultural sources, which contributed about 27.9%, 17.51%, 29.15%, and 25.44% to pollution of the area, respectively. Anthropogenic sources contributed far more to the potential health risks posed to inhabitants of the study area. These findings can assist governmental agencies in implementing targeted control strategies to prevent the contamination of heavy metals.

Delving into river health: unveiling microplastic intrusion and heavy metal contamination in freshwater

The persistent use of plastics in chemical and industrial procedures has resulted in the contamination of the environment and human health via microplastics (MPs). This study investigates heavy metals, MP, pH, conductivity, and turbidity levels in the Nida River in Poland. The Nida River exhibited the existence of diverse coloured MPs in several physical forms, including fibres, fragments, pellets, and foams. Differences in the number of MPs were noted at five selected locations, with values ranging from 215 to 280 MPs per litre. The mean number of MPs observed was 245 ± 21 per litre. The study of water samples using a scanning electron microscope indicates the existence of various MPs. The morphological study of these MPs revealed patterns of degradation. The energy-dispersive X-ray examination indicates the existence of several elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminium, silicon, phosphorus, and others. The water exhibited fluctuations in its levels of heavy metal content. The average zinc concentration in all samples was 96.86 ± 40.25 μg/L, which was the highest. It was followed by Pb 37.6 ± 31.9 μg/L concentration. The turbidity measurement was recorded as 46.38 ± 22.54, the pH level was 7.078 ± 0.33, and the conductivity value was determined to be 1338.8 ± 39.64. The HQ and HI values for adults and children in all age groups were less than one. The carcinogenic excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) exceeds the threshold value in most water samples. This study aims to fill the existing gap in understanding the precise measurement of MPs and heavy metals in freshwater sources in Poland. Health risk evaluations are the first step in developing pollution management, control, and water quality standards.Graphical

German adult population norm values of the short Warwick Edinburgh mental well-being scale (SWEMWBS)

PurposeThe Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale represents an internationally established inventory to assess population mental well-being. Particularly the short form (SWEMWBS) is recommended for use in Mental Health Surveillance. In the present study, we present normative data of the SWEMWBS for the German adult population.MethodsData from the telephone survey German Health Update (GEDA) in 2022 representative of the German adult population (48.9% women, 18–98 years) was processed to estimate SWEMWBS percentile norm values, T-values, z-values and internationally comparable logit-transformed raw scores for the total sample (N = 5,606) as well as stratified by sex, age group and sex with age group combinations.ResultsThe average mental well-being was comparable to that of other European countries at M = 27.3 (SD = 4.0; logit-transformed: M = 24.79, SD = 3.73). To provide a benchmark, the cut off for low well-being was set at the 15th percentile (raw score: 23; logit-transformed: 20.73), for high well-being at the 85th percentile (raw score: 32; logit-transformed: 29.31).ConclusionThe present study provides SWEMWBS norm values for the German adult population. The normative data can be used for national and international comparisons on a population level to initiate, plan and evaluate mental well-being promotion and prevention measures.

Groundwater quality and health risk assessment of nitrate and fluoride in Al Qaseem area, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Groundwater serves as the lifeline in arid regions, where aquifer overuse and climatic factors can substantially degrade its quality, posing significant challenges. The current study examines the drinking water quality in the Al Qaseem area and assesses the potential health risks from nitrate ( NO 3 − {\text{NO}}_{3}^{-} ) and fluoride (F−) exposure to infants, children, and adults. This evaluation employs parameters such as the daily water intake, hazard quotient, and non-carcinogenic hazard index. Groundwater samples from 38 wells and boreholes were analyzed for major cations and anions. The water quality index and multivariate tools were utilized. The average concentrations of SO 4 2 − {\text{SO}}_{4}^{2-} , Cl–, Ca+, Na+, Mg2+, and K+ exceeded acceptable limits. Among the 38 samples, 8 were unsuitable for drinking, with 5 categorized as very poor quality, 10 as poor, 14 as good, and 1 as excellent. Nitrate levels ranged from 1.30 to 108.00 mg/L, with a mean of 36.56 mg/L. Three wells exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines (50.00 mg/L). Fluoride ranged from 0.10 to 0.98 mg/L, with a mean of 0.71 mg/L and none surpassing WHO recommendations (1.5 mg/L). The HI values for adults, children, and infants were 0.993, 2.606, and 2.78, respectively. About 57.89% of the water samples exceeded the safety level of 1 for adults and 94.73% for both children and infants. Thus, the groundwater in the study area may pose non-carcinogenic health risks to infants, children, and adults when used as drinking water.

Mineral nutrient elements and their bioaccessibility in hulled organic and conventional lentils (Lens culinaris) sold in the UK

Lentils (Lens culinaris) are an accessible and cheap legume. Here, we report the findings from hulled organic and conventional products for their macro and micronutrient elements (NEs), phytic acid levels, bioaccessibility, and contribution to adult dietary reference values (DRVs). Raw and cooked samples were analysed for NEs using ICP-MS. SBET (Simplified Bioaccessibility Extraction Test) was used to assess the bioaccessibility of NEs, and phytic acid was analysed using the Megazyme method. Raw lentils were rich in macro (P, Mg, K and Ca) and micro (Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu) NEs. Mg, Zn and Cu were significantly higher in organic lentils, whereas K, Mo and Se were significantly higher in conventional lentils. Cooking significantly changed P, Mg, K, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn and Mo concentrations. Phytic acid concentrations ranged from 0.272 to 0.471 g 100 g–1. The bioaccessibility of Ca, Mg and K was >80 %, whereas it was >50 % for Fe, Cu, Mn and Zn. A serving size (80 g) of lentils contributed >25 % DRV of P, Fe, Cu, Mn and Mo. This highlights that including lentils as a regular dietary component is an affordable and accessible way to meet nutritional needs and prevent deficiencies.

Intracranial pressure following surgery of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm—a model for normal intracranial pressure in humans

ObjectiveOptimizing the treatment of several neurosurgical and neurological disorders relies on knowledge of the intracranial pressure (ICP). However, exploration of normal ICP and intracranial pressure pulse wave amplitude (PWA) values in healthy individuals poses ethical challenges, and thus the current documentation remains scarce. This study explores ICP and PWA values for healthy adults without intracranial pathology expected to influence ICP.MethodsAdult patients (age > 18 years) undergoing surgery for an unruptured intracranial aneurysm without any other neurological co-morbidities were included. Patients had a telemetric ICP sensor inserted, and ICP was measured in four different positions: supine, lateral recumbent, standing upright, and 45-degree sitting, at day 1, 14, 30, and 90 following the surgery.ResultsICP in each position did not change with time after surgery. Median ICP was 6.7 mmHg and median PWA 2.1 mmHg in the supine position, while in the upright standing position median ICP was − 3.4 mmHg and median PWA was 1.9 mmHg. After standardization of the measurements from the transducer site to the external acoustic meatus, the median ICPmidbrain was 8.3 mmHg in the supine position and 1.2 mmHg in the upright standing position.ConclusionOur study provides insights into normal ICP dynamics in healthy adults following a uncomplicated surgery for an unruptured aneurysm. These results suggest a slightly wider normal reference range for invasive intracranial pressure than previously suggested, and present the first normal values for PWA in different positions. Further studies are, however, essential to enhance our understanding of normal ICP.Trial registration The study was preregistered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03594136) (11 July 2018)

Critical re-evaluation of the identification of iron deficiency states and effective iron repletion strategies in patients with chronic heart failure.

According to current guidelines, iron deficiency is defined by a serum ferritin level <100 ng/ml or a transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20% if the serum ferritin level is 100-299 μg/L. These criteria were developed to encourage the use of intravenous iron as an adjunct to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in the treatment of renal anaemia. However, in patients with heart failure, these criteria are not supported by any pathophysiological or clinical evidence that they identify an absolute or functional iron deficiency state. A low baseline TSAT-but not serum ferritin level-appears to be a reliable indicator of the effect of intravenous iron to reduce major heart failure events. In randomized controlled trials, intravenous iron decreased the risk of cardiovascular death or total heart failure hospitalization in patients with a TSAT <20% (risk ratio 0.67 [0.49-0.92]) but not in patients with a TSAT ≥20% (risk ratio 0.99 [0.74-1.30]), with the magnitude of the risk reduction being proportional to the severity of hypoferraemia. Patients who were enrolled in clinical trials solely because they had a serum ferritin level <100 μg/L showed no significant benefit on heart failure outcomes, and it is noteworthy that serum ferritin levels of 20-300 μg/L lie entirely within the range of normal values for healthy adults. Current guidelines reflect the eligibility criteria of clinical trials, which inadvertently adopted unvalidated criteria to define iron deficiency. Reliance on these guidelines would lead to the treatment of many patients who are not iron deficient (serum ferritin level <100 μg/L but normal TSAT) and ignores the possibility of iron deficiency in patients with a low TSAT but with serum ferritin level of >300 μg/L. Importantly, analyses of benefit based on trial eligibility-driven guidelines substantially underestimate the magnitude of heart-failure-event risk reduction with intravenous iron in patients who are truly iron deficient. Based on all available data, we recommend a new mechanism-based and trial-tested approach that reflects the totality of evidence more faithfully than the historical process adopted by clinical investigators and by the guidelines. Until additional evidence is forthcoming, an iron deficiency state in patients with heart failure should be defined by a TSAT <20% (as long as the serum ferritin level is <400 μg/L), and furthermore, the use of a serum ferritin level <100 μg/L alone as a diagnostic criterion should be discarded.

Optimization of QuEChERS method for determination of pesticide residues in vegetables and health risk assessment.

The present study focused on the optimization of the QuEChERS extraction method for the determination of 61 pesticide residues and associated health risk assessment in 144 samples of commonly consumed vegetables, viz., eggplant, cabbage, green chilli, okra, and tomato. The samples were collected between January and April 2022 from three different districts within Gujarat, India. The QuEChERS method was optimized and utilized for the extraction of samples. The samples were analyzed by UHPLC-q-TOF/MS and GC-MS/MS. The modified QuEChERS method was successfully validated, and the obtained results were satisfactory as per the 2021 SANTE guidelines. The residue analysis of the vegetable samples showed that about 4% of total samples contained single pesticide residues. Pesticide residues below the quantitation limit (BQL) were observed in eggplant, cabbage, and okra samples. In total, 15.62% (n = 5) samples of green chilli showed the presence of pesticides such as azoxystrobin, bifenthrin, cypermethrin, fenpropathrin, and propargite whereas 3% (n = 1) tomato samples contained cyfluthrin. In total, 97.22% of the samples had residues that were below the European Union Maximum Residue Limit (EU MRL). Two samples of green chilli had pesticide residues above EU MRL. The Hazard Index (HI) and Hazard Quotient (HQ) were used to assess the health risks associated with green chilli and tomato consumption. The HI and HQ values for adolescents and adults were found to be less than 1. The modified QuEChERS method was found to be easy and effective and can be implemented for routine sample analysis. The study revealed the presence of pesticide residues in tomato and green chilli samples. Further, the outcome provided information pertaining to current pesticide status, concluding that consumption of these commodities is unlikely to pose any health risk, though long-term monitoring studies focusing on dietary health risk assessment must be initiated.

Two-Point Discrimination for Upper Extremity and Face in Healthy Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Aim: The threshold values of two-point discrimination (TPD) provide a numerical measure of tactile acuity. Normal reference values are needed to decide whether sensory variability is within normal sensorial limits. The study aimed to determine the upper extremity and face threshold values in healthy young adults. Materials and Methods: Static TPD thresholds of 67 healthy young adults aged 18–35 years were assessed. Eight skin areas in the face and upper extremity on the dominant side were assessed using a “method of limits” approach with an aesthesiometer. Differences between genders were examined with the Mann–Whitney U test. The Spearman correlation analysis investigated the relationship between age and TPD measurements. Results: TPD values ranged between 4.66 and 19.16 mm and 1.33-68.66 mm in the face and upper extremity, respectively, in the participants with a mean age of 23.83 ± 4.66 years. Fingertips and the area over the lateral mandibula showed the greatest sensitivity. The threshold values of TPD showed both interindividual and intraindividual variability. There was no statistical difference in the TPD values according to gender in any of the measured areas, and there was no relationship between age and TPD test values. Conclusions: The threshold values of TPD have clinical applicability in various diseases affecting the sensation of the upper extremity and/or face. These data may help the detection of early sensory loss.