Moderate Deficiency Research Articles

Does vitamin D deficiency exacerbate hidradenitis suppurativa?

In this study, we aimed to compare vitamin D (25 Hydroxy Vitamin D (25 OH D)) levels in Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) patients with healthy control groups, and to investigate its possible relationship with disease severity. Our study is a retrospective cross-sectional study. A total of 36 patients diagnosed with HS who presented to our Dermatology clinic between January 2019 and December 2022 were included. Vitamin D levels were recorded by reviewing the patients' files and compared with healthy control groups. The relationship between the patients' 25 OH D levels and disease severity score was determined. The median age of the patient group was 33.5 (IQR; 25.2-42) years, and 30 (83.3%) were male. The median age of the healthy control group was 34.5 (IQR; 24-42), and 21 (58.3%) were male. In patients with severe 25 OH D deficiency, statistically significant findings were observed with a higher frequency of Hurley-3 disease severity score, whereas patients with mild to moderate deficiency or normal 25 OH D levels showed a higher frequency of disease severity classified as Hurley-1. (p=0.022). Additionally, patients with severe vitamin D deficiency had significantly higher C-reactive protein levels and body mass index (p=0.036 and p=0.044, respectively). Among patients with active lesions such as abscesses, nodules, and fistula, significantly lower vitamin D levels were observed compared to those without such lesions (p=0.020, p=0.032, and p=0.017, respectively). Vitamin D level in patients with HS (13.42 ng/mL (IQR: 8.00-18.65)) compared to the healthy control group (18.00 ng/mL (IQR: 14.12-22.87)) was statistically significant. was significantly lower (p=0.001). Vitamin D levels of HS patients are lower than healthy control groups. Inflammatory lesions are more common in patients with severe vitamin D deficiency and the disease tends to be more severe.

ANEMIA IN CHILDREN AGED 12-59 MONTHS PRESENTING WITH HISTORY OF PICA

Background: Anemia, being a major public health problem has affected both developed and underdeveloped countries. Pica is common presentation of iron deficiency anemia.
 Objective: To determine the frequency of iron deficiency anemia in children with pica
 Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted at RHC Kot Qazi, Tehsil Lawa, District Chakwal, Punjab, and Pediatrics department, Sahara Medical College, Narowal over a 4-month period. After taking ethical approval, sample size of 277 children aged up to 59 months were enrolled. Preschoolers and school going children of either gender coming to outdoor patient department of Rural Health Centre, Kot Qazi and Pediatrics department, Sahara Medical College, Narowal with history of pica were included. Information gathered included duration of pica, substances consumed and perceived as pica, a detailed dietary history inclusive of age at the time of weaning and amount of milk consumed per day. One cc of heparinized blood sample was collected and sent to laboratory for complete blood count. Data was entered in SPSS and presented as frequency and percentages.
 Results: Of the 277 children with history of pica, 153 (55.2%) were male and 124 (44.82%) were females. The overall mean age of the sample was 47.23 ± 6.169 months. Out of 219 children, 76 (35.15 %) were mildly anemic, 99 (45.60%) were moderately anemic, 32 (14.86%) were severely anemic, while 12 (4.39%) were non anemic. 58 (21.48%) patients didn’t show up with their Hb results.
 Conclusion: Moderate Iron deficiency anemia is found in pre-school children with history of pica.

Association between Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations and Respiratory Infection among United States Adults

BackgroundVitamin D plays an essential role in immune responses to infections. However, the association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and respiratory infection remains unclear. ObjectivesThe current study aimed to examine the association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and respiratory infection among the United States adults. MethodsThis cross-sectional study used data from the NHANES 2001–2014. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay or liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and were classified as ≥75.0 nmol/L (sufficiency), 50.0–74.9 nmol/L (insufficiency), 30.0–49.9 nmol/L (moderate deficiency), and <30 nmol/L (severe deficiency). The respiratory infections included self-reported head or chest cold as well as influenza, pneumonia, or ear infection within the last 30 d. The associations between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and respiratory infections were examined using weighted logistic regression models. Data are presented as ORs and 95% CIs. ResultsThis study included 31,466 United States adults ≥20 y of age (47.1 y, 55.5% women) with a mean serum 25(OH)D concentration of 66.2 nmol/L. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, season of examination, lifestyle and dietary factors, and body mass index, compared with participants with a serum 25(OH)D concentration ≥75.0 nmol/L, those with a serum 25(OH)D concentration <30 nmol/L had higher risk of head or chest cold (OR: 1.17; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.36) and other respiratory diseases, including influenza, pneumonia, and ear infections (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.35, 2.51). In the stratification analyses, lower serum 25(OH)D concentrations were associated with a higher risk of head or chest cold in obese adults but not in nonobese adults. ConclusionsSerum 25(OH)D concentrations are inversely associated with respiratory infection occurrence among United States adults. This finding may shed light on the protective effect of vitamin D on the respiratory health.

Abstract #1325538: Does Pregnancy Worsen the Prognosis of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid nodules are 3 to 5 times more common in women than in men. The prevalence of thyroid nodules during pregnancy is estimated at 3% to 21% of populations with mild to moderate iodine deficiency and at 30% of populations with severe iodine deficiency. Thus, the risk of thyroid cancer is 3 times higher for women compared with men. Pregnancy was identified as a risk factor of thyroid carcinoma and multiparous women should be closely followed-up to detect the disease early. The aim of our study is to assess the impact of pregnancy on the follow-up of differentiated thyroid carcinoma.

Vitamin D Status in Patients with Proximal Muscle Weakness

Vitamin D deficiency has emerged as a concerning public health issue, and almost 25-50% of patients with proximal muscle weakness suffer for this deficiency. It has been documented that myopathy could be a presentation of hypovitaminosis D. Most often, it remains unnoticed or undiagnosed because muscle weakness develops gradually over the years. As fewer studies are available on this topic, the study was designed to assess the vitamin D status in patients presenting with proximal muscle weakness. This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Inpatient and outpatient Department of Medicine of Dhaka Medical College Hospital for 6 months following approval of this protocol. The Ethical Review Committee approved the protocol, and informed written consent was obtained from all the patients. The patients were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria with the purposive sampling method. Data were collected by a preformed semi-structured questionnaire. Total 50 patients were included in the final analysis. Collected data were analyzed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version-22 (SPSS). Among 50 patients, 70% were females and mean age was 58.92 ± 12.3 years with a frequent age group&gt; 65 years (46%), where more than two third (68%) of the respondents were from urban area. Among the study subjects, the majority of them had involvement of the lower limb muscles (54%) and one-fifth of them (20%) had both upper and lower limb involvement, whereas more than one-fourth (26%) had only upper limb involvement. The mean duration of illness was 8. 6 ± 3.4 months. The study found more than three fourth, (78%) had hypovitaminosis D the and mean value of serum 25(0H) D was 22.3 ± 7.7 ng/ml. Among them 36% had mild insufficiency, 30% had a moderate deficiency, and 12% had severe deficiency. About two-thirds of proximal myopathy patients had hypovitaminosis D. Difficulties in walking, standing from sitting, climbing, raising hands above the head, bone and joint pain were significantly associated with the severity of vitamin D deficiency (P-value &lt; 0.05). The severity of muscle weakness was strongly associated with the severity of vitamin D deficiency (P-value &lt;0.05). Females were comparatively more affected than males, it was not statistically significant. However, further large-scale analytical studies are needed to find the association of this hypovitaminosis with the disease process.&#x0D; Bangladesh Med J. 2021 Sept; 50(3): 7-13

Relationship of Vitamin D Deficiency with Cervical Vertebral Maturation and Dental Age in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Considering the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its effect on growth and development, the assessment of the dental age and skeletal age with regard to vitamin D deficiency status could influence the treatment planning of growth modification treatment. This study aimed to assess the relationship between vitamin D deficiency, cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) as an indicator of skeletal age, and dental age in adolescent patients. In this cross-sectional study, the chronological age of 52 orthodontic patients aged between 10 and 14 years was recorded, and their serum level of vitamin D was determined using a radioimmunoassay test. The patients were then divided into three groups based on their serum vitamin D level: severe deficiency, moderate deficiency, and the control group with normal vitamin D. The panoramic radiographs of patients were assessed to determine their dental age using Demirjian's method. CVM was determined on lateral cephalograms using Baccetti's classification to specify the skeletal age. Data were analyzed using a t-test, linear regression, ordinal logistic regression, and Pearson's correlation coefficient (at P < 0.05, confidence interval = 95%). Skeletal age showed a significant difference between the group with severe vitamin D deficiency and the control group (P=0.01); however, such difference was not observed between the group with moderate vitamin D deficiency and the control group (P=0.12). Dental age was not significantly different between the groups with vitamin D deficiency and the control group (P=0.26 for severe, and P=0.39 for moderate deficiency). A less advanced skeletal maturation was observed in adolescents with severe vitamin D deficiency; however, dental development was not affected by this deficiency. Vitamin D status is better to be considered in decision-making for the initiation of growth modification orthodontic treatments.

Obesity-Associated Vitamin D Deficiency Correlates with Adipose Tissue DNA Hypomethylation, Inflammation, and Vascular Dysfunction.

Vitamin D (VD) deficiency is a hallmark of obesity and vascular dysfunction. We sought to test the hypothesis that VD deficiency may contribute to obesity-related vascular dysfunction by inducing adipokine hypomethylation and augmented expression. To this end, we collected blood and adipose tissues (ATs) from a cohort of 77 obese participants who were classified as having mild, moderate, or severe VD deficiency. The body composition, vascular reactivity, cardiometabolic profiles, and DNA methylation of 94 inflammation-related adipokines were measured. Our results show that higher degrees of VD deficiency were associated with lower DNA methylation and induced the expression of inflammatory adipokines such as B-cell lymphoma 6 (BCL6), C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 8 (CXCL8), histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5), interleukin 12A (IL12A), and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) in the ATs. They were also associated with higher BMI and total and visceral fat mass, impaired insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles, AT hypoxia, and higher concentrations of circulating inflammatory markers. Moderate and severe VD deficiency correlated with impaired vasoreactivity of the brachial artery and AT-isolated arterioles, reduced nitric oxide generation, and increased arterial stiffness. In a multivariate regression analysis, the VD deficiency level strongly predicted the adipokine methylation score, systemic inflammation, and microvascular dysfunction. In conclusion, our findings suggest that VD deficiency is a possible contributor to obesity-related adipokine hypomethylation, inflammation, and vascular dysfunction.

Specific antibody deficiency to pneumococcal polysaccharide in a young adult with recurrent respiratory infections: a case report.

Specific antibody deficiency against pneumococcal serotypes was detected in a patient with recurrent episodes of fever. A 21-year-old man presented with a two-month history of recurrent episodes of fever and shaking chills. He was diagnosed with recurrent episodes of pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A and treated with amoxicillin. Serotype-specific antibodies were not produced against most of the serotypes, which were consistent with moderate specific antibody deficiency. After pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccination and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination, he adequately responded to the infecting serotype with an antibody titer of 1.1 µg/mL. There were eventually no recurrent episodes of fever with pneumonia.

Prevalence of Vitamin C Deficiency and Bleeding at a Tertiary Care Center: Mayo Clinic Florida (MCF) Experience

Background: Ascorbic acid (AA, vitamin C) deficiency is easily overlooked in the differential of patients with bruising and bleeding. While studies suggest that the incidence may be declining in the U.S in recent years, we recognized this entity clinically in the work-up of patients with unexplained bleeding or nutritional deficiencies. We analyzed AA testing and deficiency at a single institution to determine its relative incidence and associated clinical phenotype across moderate and severe deficiency. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of MCF patients from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2019 who underwent AA testing in a CLIA-certified standard of care laboratory following IRB approval. Deficiency was defined as an AA level ≤0.3 mg/dL. Patients were evaluated with a systematic EMR review including demographic information, presence of associated symptoms (i.e., clinical bleeding or "easy bruising or bleeding" reported on the electronic review of systems), and markers of malnutrition/malabsorption. History of hematologic disorder (e.g. sickle cell disease, thalassemia, hematologic malignancy); hematologic complications of renal disease, liver disease, solid tumor, or scleroderma; multivitamin or proton pump inhibitor use; and associated gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (i.e. inflammatory bowel disease) and gastric bypass surgery were included. Continuous variables were summarized with the sample median and range and categorical variables with number and percentage of patients. The proportion of patients with AA deficiency was estimated along with a 95% confidence interval (CI). AA deficient patient characteristics were compared according to AA level (i.e., 0.1 mg/dL vs. 0.2 or 0.3 mg/dL) using a Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test or Fisher's exact test. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. All tests were two-sided. Statistical analysis was performed using R Statistical Software. Results: We identified 1,124 patients who underwent AA testing over 24 months, and n=245 (21.8%, 95% CI: 19.5% - 24.3%) were deficient. Of those, n=23 (9.4 %) reported symptoms of mucocutaneous bleeding (predominantly ecchymosis, easy bruising or epistaxis) and n=19 (7.8%) had GI or genitourinary (GU) bleeding. There were 42 bleeding events among 39 patients (15.9%), 3 of whom had combined mucocutaneous and GU bleeding. 100 of the deficient patients (40.8%) were taking an oral multivitamin. 171 patients (69.8%) underwent prior bariatric surgery. 79 of these (46.2%) were AA deficient before surgery. Patients were analyzed according to the degree of AA deficiency (i.e., 0.1 mg/dL vs. 0.2 mg/dL or 0.3 mg/dL, respectively) to determine the clinical characteristics associated with profound deficiency; Table 1. Significant associations were observed for ethnicity (Hispanic or Latino: 1.8% vs. 2.2% vs. 10.0%, p=0.036), reported marijuana or illicit drug use (5.2% vs. 10.9% vs. 2.2%, p=0.049), and history of underlying hematologic diagnosis, specifically predisposition to "iron overload" (19% vs. 23.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.039). Eating disorder/restrictive diet, alcohol, gastric bypass surgery, PPI use, degree of hematologic abnormality on CBC, and other markers of nutritional deficiency were not associated with the degree of AA deficiency. Conclusion: AA deficiency is surprisingly common but underappreciated in current practice. Nearly 22% of patients tested were deficient despite 41% of them reporting multivitamin use, and they often endorsed bleeding symptoms. We identified clinically relevant characteristics associated with the degree of AA deficiency, including drug use, hematologic disorder, and ethnicity. We found no association with risk factors like eating disorders, PPI use, and gastric bypass. While the etiology of bleeding dysfunction in this population may be multifactorial, AA deficiency likely contributes and represents a reversible cause. AA deficiency is easily confirmed and should be considered in the work-up of unexplained or easy bruising/bleeding in the absence of other clear etiologies. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Prevalence and Cardiovascular Risk Factors Associated with Obesity/ Overweight in Adult Patients Living with HIV/AIDS: Case of the Makokou Outpatient Treatment Center, Ogooué-Ivindo, North-Eastern Gabon

Background: Designed to fight HIV/AIDS, antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) may be responsible for certain cardiometabolic abnormalities in people living with HIV (PLWHIV). To this end, the present study evaluates the prevalence and impact of obesity/overweight on the development of cardiovascular risk factors in patients at the outpatient treatment center (CTA) of Makokou, in the Ogooué-Ivindo region, North-eastern Gabon.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study, based on a retrospective analysis of the records of patients followed at the HIV/AIDS outpatient treatment center of Makokou from December 2015 to December 2020. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data such as age, gender, socio-economic level, daily habits such as alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption, and physical exercise. Other epidemiological parameters such as body mass index (BMI), and CD4 count were measured.&#x0D; Results: A total of 165 people living with HIV (PLHIV), the majority of whom were between 41 and 60 years of age (60.60%). treated with antiretrovirals from December 2016 to December 2021 were collected for this study. With a sex ratio (F/M) of 3.58, women (78.2%) were in the majority compared to men. The mean age was 51 ± 13 years. While 95.8% of the patients were from the different departments of the province of Ogooué-Ivindo, the remaining patients (4.8%) were from other provinces such as Estuaire, Haut-Ogooué or Ogooué-Lolo. Civil servants represented 21%. The self-employed represented 29%, and the unemployed represented 50%. Only 34% of the participants in the study, the majority of whom were women, engaged in regular physical activity. 5.4% of the patients, mostly men, were active smokers. 34%, especially women, consumed alcohol. 20% of the PLWHIV had a medical history of type 2 diabetes mellitus or hypertension (HTA), and the majority were female. 5.4% of the declared hypertensives were on treatment. 7.8% of the hypertensive patients were discovered in consultation. The remainder were normotensive (86.8%). A significant difference in hypertension was observed in patients aged between 41 and 60 years ( p= 0.0029*). The data revealed a positive correlation index (r=0.19) between BMI and hypertension. All the therapeutic combinations with which the patients were treated contained NRTIs, of which the most used were tenofovir disoproxil (TDF) 66.67% and lamivudine (3TC) 33.33% and finally the most used NRTI was Efavirenz (EFV) 76.36%. After 5 years of treatment, 89 PLWHIV ( 53.93%), had CD4 count ≥ 500 cells/mm3. 53 PLWHIV (32%) had CD4 count ranging from 200 - 499 mm3 and thus moderate immune deficiency and with CD4 count &lt; 200 cell /mm3, 23 PLWHIV (14%) had severe immune deficiency. HIV-infected patients under 40 years of age had a mean CD4 count of 412 cell/mm3, which was lower than that of patients 40 years of age and older, which was 556 cell/mm3. It was noted that after 5 years, treatment with ARVs was significantly associated with an increase in BMI among PLHIV, (P=0.0210). It was indicated that the increase or decrease of CD4 count in PLWHIV, depended on BMI, after 5 years of ARV treatment.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study confirms the existence of an increase in overweight and obesity in people living with HIV/AIDS under antiretroviral treatment. It also shows that obesity had an impact on the development of certain cardiovascular risk factors in these people, which require careful vigilance of the health personnel on their weight gain, due to lipidic parameters such as cholesterol, HDL, Triglycerides.

Impact of Ocular Conditions and Improvements After Refractive Surgery in Quality of Life for Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders

This study aims to characterize the eye-related quality of life of children with neurodevelopmental and ocular disorders at baseline and after refractive surgery. Prospective interventional case series. We enrolled children and adolescents 5 to 18 of age with neurodevelopmental disorders undergoing refractive surgery (6 for pre-/postsurgical assessment and 14 for baseline analysis). Eye-related quality of life was measured using the Pediatric Eye Questionnaire (PedEyeQ). Baseline levels of adaptive functioning and social behaviors were measured using the Adaptive Behavioral Assessment System (ABAS-3) and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2). We assessed the correlation between baseline PedEyeQ scores, number of ocular comorbidities, magnitude of refractive error, and ABAS-3 and SRS-2 scores. At baseline, 14 patients demonstrated decreased median eye-related quality of life (<60/100) in 5 of 9 PedEyeQ domains, moderate deficiencies in social behaviors (SRS-2 median 71, range 49-90), and low adaptive functioning (ABAS-3 median percentile for age of 0.100). Baseline PedEyeQ scores did not correlate with magnitude of refractive error or adaptive functioning scores but did correlate with number of ocular comorbidities and social behavior scores. Six patients have undergone refractive surgery without complication. Postoperatively, 11 of 11 eyes were within ±1.5 diopters spherical equivalent. Four of 6 patients exhibited clinically significant improvements in PedEyeQ scores after surgery. Even in the presence of significant social and adaptive impairments, quality of life in children with neurodevelopmental disorders is decreased by ocular disorders. Refractive surgery is associated with clinically significant improvements in eye-related quality of life.

Iodine Intake and Related Cognitive Function Impairments in Elementary Schoolchildren.

Simple SummaryThis is the first survey to show throughout the application of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children complete form, how the adverse effects of moderate iodine-deficiency negatively impair cognitive function in schoolchildren. The results obtained suggest differences in the cognitive profile of the children with moderate iodine-deficiency, denouncing several changes in specific mental functions which could attaining their full intellectual potential, resulting in a differentiated profile of intellectual development and may have some clinical value. Working memory, in our study seriously compromised in moderate iodine-deficient schoolchildren, is used to process, and store information during complex and demanding activities and it supports many activities that iodine-deficient children usually engage in at school. Given the heavy working memory demands of classroom instructions and daily activities, it is perhaps unsurprising that one of the key characteristics of the schoolchildren with moderate iodine-deficiency is poor educational attainment, thereby; iodine deficiency represents a significant risk factor for poor educational progress. For policy makers and governments, it is imperative to act against this iodine-deficiency epidemiology in the most urgent terms. Cognitive impairments represent huge costs for the region, affecting local productivity, economy, and the region´s development and economic potential.Iodine deficiency, the most common cause of preventable mental impairment worldwide, has been linked to poorer intellectual function in several studies. However, to our knowledge, no studies have been performed in moderate iodine-deficient schoolchildren using the complete form of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III; Portuguese version). The main purpose of this study was to ascertain whether moderate iodine deficiency would affect the cognitive function of schoolchildren (7–11 years old; 3rd and 4th grades). Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM; Portuguese version) were used for measuring the intelligence quotient (IQ) of the total population (n = 256; median UIC = 66.2 μg/L), and the WISC-III was used to study two selected subgroups: one moderately iodine-deficient (n = 30) and the other with adequate iodine intake (n = 30). WISC-III was shown to be the prime instrument for cognitive function assessment among moderate iodine-deficient schoolchildren; this subgroup had a Full-Scale IQ 15.13 points lower than the adequate iodine intake subgroup, with a magnitude effect of d = 0.7 (p = 0.013). Significant differences were also registered in 6 of the 13 Verbal-Performance IQ subtests. Moderate iodine deficiency has a substantial impact on mental development and cognitive functioning of schoolchildren, with significant impairment in both Performance IQ and Verbal IQ spectrum, adversely impacting their educational performance.

Formulation and Evaluation of Nutritional and Bioactive Compounds in a Probiotic Beverage Containing &lt;i&gt;Ulva Lactuca&lt;/i&gt;

Edible seaweeds are marine algae and are an active part of various cuisines all over the world. These under-exploited food sources are known as a reserve of micronutrients and bioactive compounds of biological importance. Regarding food production, there is an increasing interest in developing novel functional foods which cater to multi-faceted health benefits and are easily accessible to people. The aim of this study was to formulate and standardise the probiotic beverages with Ulva lactuca and assess the nutritional and bioactive compounds present in the probiotic beverage containing seaweed Ulva lactuca. Whey extracted from cow’s milk was the natural source of lactic acid bacteria. Nutritional composition, mineral content, total phenolics, flavonoids and DPPH inhibition activity were estimated, along with sensory evaluation using 9-point hedonic scale rating. The novel probiotic beverage exhibited significant iron content (12.8±0.07 mg/100 ml), which is approximately one-third of RDA suggested by ICMR (2020). Hence, it is considered as a potential supplement for mild to moderate Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) for women of reproductive age (18-27 years). Substantial amount of phytocehmicals like phenols, flavonoids and antioxidants were reported per 10 ml of beverage, affirming it to be a good source of nutritional components.

Two Fe mining sub-products and three thiol compounds alleviate Fe deficiency in soybean (Glycine max L.) grown in a calcareous soil in greenhouse conditions

PurposeThe aim of this work was to test the hypothesis that Fe mining sub-products and thiols can alleviate a moderate Fe-deficiency in the Strategy I species soybean (Glycine max) grown in a calcareous soil in greenhouse conditions.MethodsCombinations of three Fe sources [Fe(III)-EDDHA and two Fe mining sub-products, one containing Fe oxides and FeS2 and the other Fe oxides], and three thiols (glutathione, dithiothreitol and thiophenol) were applied in solution to the soil, three times in a 55 day period, and different parameters related to Fe deficiency were measured. The thiol-mediated solubilization of Fe from the Fe mining sub-products was assessed by measuring in the solution total Fe and the reducible Fe pool using an Fe(II) chelator.ResultsApplication of Fe-EDDHA, the two Fe mining sub-products and the three thiols relieved the Fe deficiency symptoms to different extents, increased the Fe concentrations and contents throughout the plant and changed the redox state of leaves and roots, as judged from the changes in reduced and oxidized glutathione, ascorbate and antioxidant enzymes. When using Fe(III)-EDDHA, the addition of thiols led to a better leaf regreening. However, the addition of thiols did not cause further regreening in the case of the Fe mining sub-products, in spite of being able to solubilize Fe from them.ConclusionApplication of Fe-mining sub-products, thiols and the combination of Fe(III)-EDDHA and thiols could be used to alleviate moderate Fe deficiency in G. max grown in a calcareous soil.

Prevalence, trend, and predictor analyses of vitamin D deficiency in the US population, 2001-2018.

BackgroundThe National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) collect and release data to the public every 2 years. The latest NHANES study on the vitamin D status of Americans was based on data from 2001 to 2014, and the latest data (2015–2016 and 2017–2018) have not been studied yet. Thus, we extracted all the available data from NHANES (2001–2018), aiming to analyze the prevalence and trends of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in the US population to bridge the research gap.MethodsAccording to previous studies and nutritional guidelines for vitamin D, severe VDD was defined as serum 25(OH)D levels of <25 nmol/L, moderate deficiency as 25–50 nmol/L, insufficiency as 50–75 nmol/L, and sufficiency as >75 nmol/L. We comprehensively estimated the prevalence of serum 25(OH)D levels of <25, 25–50, 50–75, and >75 nmol/L in Americans and described trends in vitamin D status from 2001 to 2018. Weighted multivariate linear regression models were used to explore the predictors of VDD. All analyses and the data were adjusted for the complex sampling design of NHANES using Mobile Examination Center (MEC) weights.ResultsBased on the most recent data of 71,685 participants, our study showed that the weighted prevalence of severe and moderate VDD was 2.6% and 22.0%, and the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (VDI) and sufficiency was 40.9% and 34.5%. The prevalence of severe and moderate VDD was higher in women, non-Hispanic black Americans, people aged 20–29 years, and during the season of winter. From 2001 to 2018, we found a slight linear decrease in the prevalence of moderate VDD (coefficient = −0.847; P = 0.009) and VDI (coefficient = −0.810; P = 0.014). We also found a slight linear increase in vitamin D sufficient (coefficient = 1.693; P = 0.004). However, no trend change was observed in severe VDD (coefficient = −0.037; P = 0.698). Age, sex, ethnicity, season, sun-protective behaviors, lower BMI, lower socioeconomic status (SES), drinking, and lower milk consumption were predictors of severe VDD.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency is still prevalent in the United States, especially in non-Hispanic black Americans, women, individuals aged 20–29, and during winter. Therefore, individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers should take public health measures to develop and implement prevention strategies to deal with VDD.

Assessing the trend of iodine deficiency among antenatal patients of the university of Port Harcourt teaching hospital

Background: Iodine deficiency is a global health problem of public health significance; it is the leading cause of preventable neurodevelopmental impairment in children globally. This deficiency can occur in pregnancy leading to various degree of morbidity. Aims and objective: This study was aimed at determining the pattern and severity of iodine deficiency amongst pregnant women in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital. Methodology: This study was a hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study that measured the urinary iodine concentration in two subgroups of the population; pregnant women and non- pregnant women of reproductive age. Structured questionnaires were administered to and urine samples were obtained from the participants. The urinary iodine concentration was measured using the Sandell-Kolthoff reaction. The data from the structured questionnaire was entered into a spreadsheet and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences 25.0 software package (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The mean age for the pregnant study group was 32.15±5.2, the median and modal age was 31 years, with a range of 23 to 43 years. Mild iodine deficiency was seen in 57.1% of the non-pregnant respondents and 34.4% of the pregnant respondents. Moderate iodine deficiency was seen in 42.9% of non-pregnant respondents and 56.2% of pregnant respondents. Severe Iodine deficiency was observed only among the pregnant respondents (9.4%) The median urinary iodine concentration (Median UIC) among pregnant women was 42.87ug/l, while the median UIC among non-pregnant women was 52.33ug/l. A Mann-Whitney U test indicated that this difference was statistically significant, U (NPregnant=66, Nnon-pregnant =63) =1234.5, z= -3.98, p≤ 0.001). Conclusion: This study found that iodine deficiency was prevalent among women in the study population (pregnant and non-pregnant women), however, it was more severe in pregnant women. Based on the results of our study there is an urgent need for iodine supplementation in our pregnant women.

Intracellular energy controls dynamics of stress-induced ribonucleoprotein granules

Energy metabolism and membraneless organelles have been implicated in human diseases including neurodegeneration. How energy deficiency regulates ribonucleoprotein particles such as stress granules (SGs) is still unclear. Here we identified a unique type of granules induced by energy deficiency under physiological conditions and uncovered the mechanisms by which the dynamics of diverse stress-induced granules are regulated. Severe energy deficiency induced the rapid formation of energy deficiency-induced stress granules (eSGs) independently of eIF2α phosphorylation, whereas moderate energy deficiency delayed the clearance of conventional SGs. The formation of eSGs or the clearance of SGs was regulated by the mTOR-4EBP1-eIF4E pathway or eIF4A1, involving assembly of the eIF4F complex or RNA condensation, respectively. In neurons or brain organoids derived from patients carrying the C9orf72 repeat expansion associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD), the eSG formation was enhanced, and the clearance of conventional SGs was impaired. These results reveal a critical role for intracellular energy in the regulation of diverse granules and suggest that disruptions in energy-controlled granule dynamics may contribute to the pathogenesis of relevant diseases.

Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase 28 Maintains Potato Photosynthesis and Its Tolerance under Water Deficiency and Osmotic Stress.

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPK) are implicated in signaling transduction in eukaryotic organisms. It is largely unknown whether StCDPK28 plays a role in the response to water deficiency and osmotic stress in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.). Potato cv. Zihuabai was cultivated under natural, moderate, and severe water deficiency conditions; to induce osmotic stress, potato plants were treated with 10% or 20% PEG. StCDPK28-overexpression and StCDPK28-knockdown plants were constructed. StCDPKs were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The subcellular location of the StCDPK28 protein was observed with confocal scanning laser microscopy. Phenotypic changes were indicated by photosynthetic activity, the contents of H2O2, MDA and proline, and the activities of CAT, SOD and POD. Results showed water deficiency and osmotic stress altered StCDPK expression patterns. StCDPK28 exhibited a membrane, cytosolic and nuclear localization. Water deficiency and osmotic stress induced StCDPK28 upregulation. Photosynthetic activity was enhanced by StCDPK28 overexpression, while decreased by StCDPK2 knockdown under water deficiency and osmotic stress. StCDPK28 overexpression decreased H2O2 and MDA, and increased proline, while StCDPK28 knockdown showed reverse results, compared with the wild type, in response to water deficiency and osmotic stress. StCDPK28 overexpression increased the activities of CAT, SOD and POD, while StCDPK28-knockdown plants indicated the reverse trend under water deficiency and osmotic stress conditions. Regulation of StCDPK28 expression could be a promising approach to improve the tolerance ability of potato plants in response to drought or high salt media.

Clinical and epidemiological characterization of visually impaired patients due to neuro-ophthalmologic alterations

BackgroundSeveral neurological pathologies affect visual functions (transitorily or permanently). However, the magnitude and epidemiological behavior of these as potential causes of low vision and blindness are unknown. This study aims to characterize patients clinically and epidemiologically with visual impairment secondary to neuro-ophthalmologic alterations treated in neuro-ophthalmologic consultation in a reference center in Medellín. MethodologyA retrospective cross-disciplinary study that assesses the patients with visual impairment secondary to neuro-ophthalmologic alterations treated in neuro-ophthalmologic consultation between 2015 and 2018. ResultsOf 3313 clinical records reviewed, 140 patients met the eligibility criteria. Median age of diagnosis was 47 years of age (RI: 37.5–45.7) due to its heterogeneous distribution it was determined to group them into those under 18 years of age (35/140; 25%) and adults (105/140; 75%). 108/140 (77.1%) patients had non-ophthalmologic comorbidities, being the cardiovascular disease the most frequent. The main and more prevalent neuro-ophthalmologic diagnosis was optic atrophy (112/140; 80%). According to the visual deficiency category, the majority (61/140; 43.6%) presented a moderate visual deficiency. In adults, moderate visual deficiency was the most frequent, while in the group under 18 years of age, it was blindness. 41/140 (29.3%) were on a visual rehabilitation process and only 3/140 (2.1%) of them had disability certificates. ConclusionIn this cohort, it is observed that neurological alterations are etiologies of permanent visual deficiencies leading to visual impairment, being optic atrophy, the main neuro-ophthalmologic cause identified, causing in most cases, moderate visual deficiency in adults and blindness in individuals under 18 years of age.

Magnesium Supplementation with Special Reference to Alcohol-Related Conditions: Experience from Russia

Intravenous infusions of magnesium-containing solutions were routinely applied in Russia as treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome and other alcohol-related conditions. However, this indiscriminate approach is unfounded and may cause more harm than benefit. Magnesium deficiency is associated with certain circulatory, neuropsychiatric and metabolic conditions. The frequency of hypomagnesemia is enhanced in cases of chronic alcoholism. However, moderate deficiency does not necessarily require parenteral magnesium supplementation. Iatrogenic hypermagnesemia is associated with adverse effects. Endovascular manipulations in conditions of suboptimal procedural quality assurance can cause transmission of viral hepatitis. To decide if an intravenous magnesium supplementation is indicated, it should first be determined whether there is a deficiency and, if so, whether it can be compensated by diet or by oral intake of magnesium-containing drugs.