Incidental Indeterminate Renal Lesions: Distinguishing Non-Enhancing from Potential Enhancing Renal Lesions Using Iodine Quantification on Portal Venous Dual-Layer Spectral CT

The purpose of our study is to determine a threshold for iodine quantification to distinguish definitely non-enhancing benign renal lesions from potential enhancing masses on portal venous dual-layer spectral computed tomography (CT) to reduce the need for additional multiphase CT. In this single-center retrospective study, patients (≥18 years) scanned between April 2021 and January 2023 following the local renal CT protocol were included. Exclusion criteria were patients without renal lesions, lesions smaller than 10 mm, only fat-containing lesions, abscesses or infarction, follow-up after radiofrequent ablation, wrong scan protocol, or artefacts. Scans were performed on a dual layer detector-based spectral CT (CT 7500, Philips Healthcare, Best, The Netherlands). Iodine concentration (mgI/mL) in renal lesions was determined using spectral data. Analyses were performed for all lesions and for lesions of >30 HU on portal venous CT. Enhancement on multiphase CT (≥20 ΔHU from true unenhanced (TUE) to portal venous phase (PVP) CT) was used as reference standard. To determine thresholds for iodine concentration receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. To obtain thresholds for definite (non-)enhancement, 100% sensitivity with maximum specificity and 100% specificity with maximum sensitivity were noted. Data were measured using one reader. To assess interobserver agreement, a second reader performed measurements on the PVP CT scans. A total of 103 patients (62 years ± 14, 68 men) were included. We measured 328 renal lesions, 56 enhancing lesions (17%) in 38 patients and 272 non-enhancing lesions (83%) in 86 patients. The threshold for non-enhancing lesions was 0.76 mgI/mL or lower (100% sensitivity, 76% specificity). The threshold for a definite enhancing mass was 1.69 mgI/mL or higher (100% specificity, 78% sensitivity). A total of 77% of indeterminate lesions (>30 HU on PVP CT) in our study could be definitely characterized. Renal lesions can be definitively classified as non-enhancing or enhancing on PVP spectral CT using thresholds of 0.76 mgI/mL or 1.69 mgI/mL, respectively, eliminating the need for multiphase imaging.

Antibacterial Effect and Therapy of Chronic Skin Defects Using the Composite Bioscaffold Polycaprolactone/GelitaSpon/Povidone-Iodine in Domestic Dogs

Chronic wounds and the failure of conventional treatment are relatively common in veterinary medicine. Recently, there has been a growing interest in alternative therapeutic approaches and the utilization of biodegradable materials. Their potential application in wound therapy may offer a novel and more suitable option compared to conventional treatment methods. Biodegradable materials can be classified into two main categories: natural, synthetic, and a combination of both, which have the potential to have synergistically enhanced properties. In this study, four domestic dogs with clinical symptoms of chronic wounds were enrolled. These wounds underwent treatment utilizing a novel biodegradable composite material composed of gelatin sponge combined with two electrospun layers of polycaprolactone (PCL) along with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) fibers containing povidone-iodine complex (PVP-I). The initial phase of the study was dedicated to evaluating the antibacterial properties of iodine against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. On average, wound healing in domestic dogs took 22 days from the initial treatment, and iodine concentrations demonstrated a significant antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Based on the favorable outcomes observed in wound management, we believe that the utilization of a blend of natural and synthetic biodegradable materials holds promise as an effective wound therapy option.

A Multifunctional Covalent Organic Framework Nanozyme for Promoting Ferroptotic Radiotherapy against Esophageal Cancer

Radiotherapy is inevitably accompanied by some degree of radiation resistance, which leads to local recurrence and even therapeutic failure. To overcome this limitation, herein, we report the room-temperature synthesis of an iodine- and ferrocene-loaded covalent organic framework (COF) nanozyme, termed TADI-COF-Fc, for the enhancement of radiotherapeutic efficacy in the treatment of radioresistant esophageal cancer. The iodine atoms on the COF framework not only exerted a direct effect on radiotherapy, increasing its efficacy by increasing X-ray absorption, but also promoted the radiolysis of water, which increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, the ferrocene surface decoration disrupted redox homeostasis by increasing the levels of hydroxyl and lipid peroxide radicals and depleting intracellular antioxidants. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments substantiated the excellent radiotherapeutic response of TADI-COF-Fc. This study demonstrates the potential of COF-based multinanozymes as radiosensitizers and suggests a possible treatment integration strategy for combination oncotherapy.

Maternal Urinary Iodine Concentration during Pregnancy and Its Impact on Child Growth and Neurodevelopment: An 11-Year Follow-Up Study

Mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy is prevalent worldwide, but its consequences for maternal and child health are not clear. We aimed to investigate the impact of maternal iodine intake during pregnancy on the child's growth and neurodevelopment. This study involved a cohort of 11-year-old children (n = 70) whose mothers had participated in an iodine intake survey during pregnancy. Gestational, neonatal, anthropometric, intelligence quotient (IQ), and socioeconomic parameters were analyzed according to maternal urinary iodine concentration (UIC). There was a positive linear trend of current height Z-score, full-scale IQ, verbal IQ, family income, maternal education, and a negative trend of neonatal TSH levels with increasing maternal UIC levels. However, regression analysis indicated that maternal UIC was not an independent predictor of any gestational, neonatal, or childhood development parameter. Only maternal school education was positively associated with child height and IQ. In conclusion, we did not find any evidence of a direct effect of maternal iodine intake during pregnancy on the long-term growth and neurodevelopment of children. The results suggest that socioeconomic factors are important confounding factors that affect both maternal iodine intake and child development and must be considered when investigating the association between maternal iodine intake and child outcomes.

Iodine-Induced Hypothyroidism and Long-Term Risks of Incident Heart Failure

Background Although most individuals can adapt to a large iodine load and remain euthyroid, hypothyroidism can develop after iodine exposure. Hypothyroidism is associated with adverse cardiovascular consequences, including heart failure. This study was performed to investigate the relationships between iodine-induced hypothyroidism and incident heart failure. Methods and Results This cohort study of the US Veterans Health Administration (1998-2021) included adults aged ≥18 years with a serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (thyrotropin) <60 days of iodine contrast administration, and <1 year of a baseline normal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone. Cox proportional hazards regression ascertained risk of incident heart failure following iodine-induced hypothyroidism, adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, body mass index, and history of coronary heart disease, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and hypertension. Of 45 470 veterans (mean±SD age, 61.1±14.1 years; 88% men), 3361 (7.4%) developed iodine-induced hypothyroidism. Heart failure developed in 5685 (12.5%) individuals over a median follow-up of 3.6 years (interquartile range, 1.9-7.2 years). Adjusted for risk factors, iodine-induced hypothyroidism was associated with increased risk of heart failure, compared with those who remained euthyroid after iodine exposure (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.11 [95% CI, 1.01-1.22]). Women were at greater risk than men (adjusted HR: women, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.13-2.40]; men, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.98-1.19]; P for interaction, 0.02). Conclusions In the largest US study of this topic, hypothyroidism following iodine exposure was associated with an increased risk of incident heart failure, particularly in women. These findings support the need for further research to address the clinical significance of this issue, including the possible sex-specific risks of incident heart failure in more diverse data sets and study populations.

Spontaneous Iodide Activation at the Air-Water Interface of Aqueous Droplets

We present experimental evidence that atomic and molecular iodine, I and I2, are produced spontaneously in the dark at the air-water interface of iodide-containing droplets without any added catalysts, oxidants, or irradiation. Specifically, we observe I3- formation within droplets, and I2 emission into the gas phase from NaI-containing droplets over a range of droplet sizes. The formation of both products is enhanced in the presence of electron scavengers, either in the gas phase or in solution, and it clearly follows a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism, suggesting an interfacial process. These observations are consistent with iodide oxidation at the interface, possibly initiated by the strong intrinsic electric field present there, followed by well-known solution-phase reactions of the iodine atom. This interfacial chemistry could be important in many contexts, including atmospheric aerosols.

Preventive Effect of Molecular Iodine in Pancreatic Disorders from Hypothyroid Rabbits

Pancreatic alterations such as inflammation and insulin resistance accompany hypothyroidism. Molecular iodine (I2) exerts antioxidant and differentiation actions in several tissues, and the pancreas is an iodine-uptake tissue. We analyzed the effect of two oral I2 doses on pancreatic disorders in a model of hypothyroidism for 30 days. Adult female rabbits were divided into the following groups: control, moderate oral dose of I2 (0.2 mg/kg, M-I2), high oral dose of I2 (2.0 mg/kg, H-I2), oral dose of methimazole (MMI; 10 mg/kg), MMI + M-I2,, and MMI + H-I2. Moderate or high I2 supplementation did not modify circulating metabolites or pancreatic morphology. The MMI group showed reductions of circulating thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), moderate glucose increments, and significant increases in cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins. Acinar fibrosis, high insulin content, lipoperoxidation, and overexpression of GLUT4 were observed in the pancreas of this group. M-I2 supplementation normalized the T4 and cholesterol, but T3 remained low. Pancreatic alterations were prevented, and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), antioxidant enzymes, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) maintained their basal values. In MMI + H-I2, hypothyroidism was avoided, but pancreatic alterations and low PPARG expression remained. In conclusion, M-I2 supplementation reestablishes thyronine synthesis and diminishes pancreatic alterations, possibly related to Nrf2 and PPARG activation.

Alleviative Effect of Iodine Pretreatment on the Stress of Saccharina japonica (Phaeophyceae, Laminariales) Caused by Cadmium and Its Molecular Basis Revealed by Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis

Iodide is accumulated by the brown alga Saccharina japonica at a high concentration and has been proven to be an inorganic antioxidant that plays an important role in oxidative metabolism. Vanadium-dependent bromoperoxidases (vBPOs) and iodoperoxidases (vIPOs), which catalyze the oxidation of iodide, are essential for iodine accumulation and metabolism. Heavy metal pollutant cadmium (Cd) from anthropogenic activities can cause damage to algae mainly by producing oxidative stress. Here, the effects of iodine pretreatment on the stress of S. japonica caused by cadmium were analyzed. The growth experiment showed that iodine pretreatment could reduce the damage of low concentration cadmium on S. japonica young thalli. At the transcriptomic level, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis confirmed that cadmium stress could cause a peroxidation reaction in S. japonica. However, the most significant GO term was "photosystem I" in the series with iodine pretreatment. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) indicated that iodine pretreatment alleviated cadmium stress responses of S. japonica by affecting the photosynthesis process. Analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that five enzymes from the vBPO family and 13 enzymes from the vIPO family might play crucial roles in this process.

Effect of dietary seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) supplementation on milk mineral concentrations, transfer efficiency, and hematological parameters in lactating Holstein cows

This study investigated the effect of feeding seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) to dairy cows on milk mineral concentrations, feed-to-milk mineral transfer efficiencies, and hematological parameters. Lactating Holstein cows (n = 46) were allocated to 1 of 2 diets (n = 23 each): (1) control (CON; without seaweed) and (2) seaweed (SWD; replacing 330 g/d of dried corn meal in CON with 330 g/d dried A. nodosum). All cows were fed the CON diet for 4 wk before the experiment (adaptation period), and animals were then fed the experimental diets for 9 wk. Samples included sequential 3-wk composite feed samples, a composite milk sample on the last day of each week, and a blood sample at the end of the study. Data were statistically analyzed using a linear mixed effects model with diet, week, and their interaction as fixed factors; cow (nested within diet) as a random factor; and data collected on the last day of the adaptation period as covariates. Feeding SWD increased milk concentrations of Mg (+6.6 mg/kg), P (+56 mg/kg), and I (+1,720 μg/kg). It also reduced transfer efficiency of Ca, Mg, P, K, Mn, and Zn, and increased transfer efficiency of Mo. Feeding SWD marginally reduced milk protein concentrations, whereas there was no effect of SWD feeding on cows' hematological parameters. Feeding A. nodosum increased milk I concentrations, which can be beneficial when feed I concentration is limited or in demographics or populations with increased risk of I deficiency (e.g., female adolescents, pregnant women, nursing mothers). However, care should also be taken when feeding SWD to dairy cows because, in the present study, milk I concentrations were particularly high and could result in I intakes that pose a health risk for children consuming milk.

Early detection of hypervascularization in hepatocellular carcinoma (≤2 cm) on hepatic arterial phase with virtual monochromatic imaging: Comparison with low-tube voltage CT

This study aims to assess the diagnostic value of virtual monochromatic image (VMI) at low keV energy for early detection of small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatic arterial phase compared with low-tube voltage (80 kVp) CT generated from dual-energy CT (DE-CT). A total of 107 patients with 114 hypervascular HCCs (≤2 cm) underwent DE-CT, 140 kVp, blended 120 kVp, and 80 kVp images were generated, as well as 40 and 50 keV. CT numbers of HCCs and the standard deviation as image noise on psoas muscle were measured. The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) of HCC were compared among all techniques. Overall image quality and sensitivity for detecting HCC hypervascularity were qualitatively assessed by three readers. The mean CT numbers, CNR, and image noise were highest at 40 keV followed by 50 keV, 80 kVp, blended 120 kVp, and 140 kVp. Significant differences were found in all evaluating endpoints except for mean image noise of 50 keV and 80 kVp. Image quality of 40 keV was the lowest, but still it was considered acceptable for diagnostic purposes. The mean sensitivity for detecting lesion hypervascularity with 40 keV (92%) and 50 keV (84%) was higher than those with 80 kVp (56%). Low keV energy images were superior to 80 kVp in detecting hypervascularization of early HCC.

Iodized Salt May Not Be Sufficient to Guarantee an Adequate Iodine Intake in Pregnant Women

Adequate iodine intake is of crucial importance in pregnancy to meet the thyroid hormone needs of both mother and fetus. In the present study, undertaken as a part of the surveillance actions following the introduction in Italy of a national salt iodination program in 2005, the iodine intake was investigated in 123 pregnant women and 49 control women living in the same area of central Italy. All the participants were screened for urinary iodine concentration (UIC), serum level of thyrotropin, free-thyroxine, free-triiodothyronine, and thyroid volume. Moreover, they were provided with a questionnaire on the use of iodine-containing salt or supplements. Control women had a median UIC of 102 µg/L, consistent with an iodine sufficiency, while in pregnant women the median UIC value was 108 µg/L, lower than the endorsed UIC of 150 µg/L. In addition, pregnant women showed a significantly increased median thyroid volume compared to controls. Interestingly, the median UIC did not differ between pregnant women not using iodine-containing salt or supplements and those regularly consuming iodized salt alone, while pregnant women with a daily intake of iodine-containing supplements had an adequate median UIC (168 µg/L). In conclusion, the data reported here showed that pregnant women and their fetuses are still exposed to the detrimental effects of iodine deficiency and that the consumption of iodine-containing supplements should be recommended in pregnancy.

Iodine Concentration in the Breast Milk and Urine as Biomarkers of Iodine Nutritional Status of Lactating Women and Breastfed Infants in Taiwan

Breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC) can be different when median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) is similar. The BMIC, UIC/creatinine (Cr), estimated 24-h urinary iodine excretion (24-h UIE) of lactating women in Taiwan is unknown. This study enrolled lactating women from Taipei Veterans General Hospital (August 2021-February 2023). Each participant provided a random spot urine sample, two breast milk samples, a blood sample, and completed a food frequency questionnaire on the same day. Iodine measurement was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The median UIC of the enrolled 71 women was 91.1 μg/L, indicating insufficient iodine status; however, the median BMIC was 166.6 μg/L and this suggested that the amount of iodine delivered through breast milk was adequate for the breastfed infants. BMIC was correlated with UIC/Cr and 24-h UIE (both rs = 0.49) but not with UIC (rs = 0.18) or thyroid stimulating hormone (rs = 0.07). Women who did not consume dairy products (adjusted odds ratio: 24.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.26-471.2) and multivitamins (adjusted odds ratio: 8.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.76-38.79) were at increased odds for having lower BMIC. The results suggest that measuring maternal UIC alone may not be sufficient, as BMIC, UIC/Cr, and 24-h UIE are all important biomarkers. Ingestion of dairy products and multivitamins were independently associated with BMIC.

Application of Iodine as a Catalyst in Aerobic Oxidations: A Sustainable Approach for Thiol Oxidations

Iodine is a well-known oxidant that is widely used in organic syntheses. Thiol oxidation by stoichiometric iodine is one of the most commonly employed strategies for the synthesis of valuable disulfides. While recent advancements in catalytic aerobic oxidation conditions have eliminated the need for stoichiometric oxidants, concerns persist regarding the use of toxic or expensive catalysts. In this study, we discovered that iodine can be used as a cheap, low-toxicity catalyst in the aerobic oxidation of thiols. In the catalytic cycle, iodine can be regenerated via HI oxidation by O2 at 70 °C in EtOAc. This protocol harnesses sustainable oxygen as the terminal oxidant, enabling the conversion of primary and secondary thiols with remarkable efficiency. Notably, all 26 tested thiols, encompassing various sensitive functional groups, were successfully converted into their corresponding disulfides with yields ranging from >66% to 98% at a catalyst loading of 5 mol%.

Iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction: a scientometric study and visualization analysis

Objective

Iodine is essential in thyroid hormone production. Iodine deficiency is associated with serious complications (i.e miscarriage and stillbirth), whereas excess can cause thyroid dysfunction (i.e hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid autoimmunity). We conducted this scientometric study to visualize hot spots and trends in iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction over past two decades. The aim of this paper was to help scholars quickly understand the development and potential trend in this field, and guide future research directions.

Methods

Articles on iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction from 2000 to 2022 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) using the following search terms: (((((TS=(hypothyroid*)) OR TS=(hyperthyroid*)) OR TS= ("TSH deficiency")) OR TS= ("thyroid stimulating hormone deficiency")) AND TS=(Iodine)) NOT TS=(radioiodine). Only publications in English were selected. CiteSpace, VOSviewer, Tableau, Carrot2, and R software were used to analyze the contribution and co-occurrence relationships of different countries, institutes, keywords, references, and journals.

Results

A total of 2986 publications from 115 countries and 3412 research institutions were included. From 2000 to 2022, research on iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction progressed over a three-stage development period: initial development (2000-2009), stable development (2010-2016), and rapid development (2016-2022) period. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism had the most co-citations followed and China Medical University (n=76) had the most publications. The top three clusters of co-citation references were isolated maternal hypothyroxinemia, subclinical hyperthyroidism, and brain development. Various scientific methods were applied to reveal acknowledge structure, development trend and research hotspots in iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction.

Conclusion

Our scientometric analysis shows that investigations related to pregnant women, epidemiology surveys, and iodine deficiency are promising topics for future iodine-induced thyroid dysfunction research and highlights the important role of iodine on thyroid function.

Selected adjuvants increase the efficacy of foliar biofortification of iodine in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain

Agronomic biofortification of crops is a promising approach that can improve the nutritional value of staple foods by alleviating dietary micronutrient deficiencies. Iodine deficiency is prevalent in many countries, including Australia, but it is not clear what foliar application strategies will be effective for iodine fortification of grain. This study hypothesised that combining adjuvants with iodine in foliar sprays would improve iodine penetration in wheat, leading to more efficient biofortification of grains. The glasshouse experiment included a total of nine treatments, including three reference controls: 1) Water; 2) potassium iodate (KIO3) and 3) potassium chloride (KCl); and a series of six different non-ionic surfactant or oil-based adjuvants: 4) KIO3 + BS1000; 5) KIO3 + Pulse® Penetrant; 6) KIO3 + Uptake®; 7) KIO3 + Hot-Up®; 8) KIO3 + Hasten® and 9) KIO3 + Synerterol® Horti Oil. Wheat was treated at heading, and again during the early milk growth stage. Adding the organosilicon-based adjuvant (Pulse®) to the spray formulation resulted in a significant increase in grain loading of iodine to 1269 µg/kg compared to the non-adjuvant KIO3 control at 231µg/kg, and the water and KCl controls (both 51µg/kg). The second most effective adjuvant was Synerterol® Horti Oil, which increased grain iodine significantly to 450µg/kg. The Uptake®, BS1000, Hasten®, and Hot-Up® adjuvants did not affect grain iodine concentrations relative to the KIO3 control. Importantly, iodine application and the subsequent increase in grain iodine had no significant effects on biomass production and grain yield relative to the controls. These results indicate that adjuvants can play an important role in agronomic biofortification practices, and organosilicon-based products have a great potential to enhance foliar penetration resulting in a higher translocation rate of foliar-applied iodine to grains, which is required to increase the iodine density of staple grains effectively.

Iodine-Induced Hyperthyroidism and Long-term Risks of Incident Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter

CONTEXT

Although iodine-induced hyperthyroidism is a potential consequence of iodinated radiologic contrast administration, its association with long-term cardiovascular outcomes has not been previously studied.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationships between hyperthyroidism observed after iodine contrast administration and incident atrial fibrillation/flutter.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (1998-2021) of patients age ≥18 years with a normal baseline serum thyrotropin (TSH) concentration, subsequent TSH <1 year, and receipt of iodine contrast <60 days before the subsequent TSH. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to ascertain the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI of incident atrial fibrillation/flutter following iodine-induced hyperthyroidism, compared with iodine-induced euthyroidism.

RESULTS

Iodine-induced hyperthyroidism was observed in 2500 (5.6%) of 44 607 Veterans (mean ± SD age, 60.9 ± 14.1 years; 88% men) and atrial fibrillation/flutter in 10.4% over a median follow-up of 3.7 years (interquartile range 1.9-7.4). Adjusted for sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors, iodine-induced hyperthyroidism was associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation/flutter compared with those who remained euthyroid after iodine exposure (adjusted HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.06-1.33). Females were at greater risk for incident atrial fibrillation/flutter than males (females, HR 1.81, 95% CI 1.12-2.92; males, HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03-1.30; P for interaction = .04).

CONCLUSION

Hyperthyroidism following a high iodine load was associated with an increased risk of incident atrial fibrillation/flutter, particularly among females. The observed sex-based differences should be confirmed in a more sex-diverse study sample, and the cost-benefit analysis of long-term monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias following iodine-induced hyperthyroidism should be evaluated.

Clinical Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid with Iodine in Hard-to-Heal Wounds

Hard-to-heal wounds do not heal spontaneously and need long-term care provided by specialists. That burdens the patients as well as the healthcare systems. Such wounds arise from several pathologies, which result in venous leg ulcers (VLU), diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), pressure ulcers (PU), or ulcers originating from post-surgical wounds (pSW). Given the complex nature of hard-to-heal wounds, novel treatments are sought to enable wound healing. We tested the clinical efficacy and applicability of fluid comprising hyaluronic acid and iodine complex (HA-I) in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds. Patients (n = 56) with VLU, DFU, PU, or pSW hospitalised in multiple wound-care centres in the Czech Republic were treated with HA-I. Wound size, classically visible signs of infection, exudation, pain, and wound bed appearance were monitored for 12 weeks. The highest healing rate was in DFU (71.4%), followed by pSW (62.5%), VLU (55.6%), and PU (44.4%). Classical visible signs of infection were resolved within 8 weeks in all types of wounds. Wound bed appearance improved most noticeably in pSW and then in VLU. Exudation was lowered most significantly in DFU and pSW. The highest decrease in pain was in pSW and DFU. The treatment with HA-I successfully led to either complete closure or significant improvement in the wound's healing. Therefore, the complex of hyaluronic acid and iodine is suitable for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds of various aetiologies.

High-Pitch Multienergy Coronary CT Angiography in Dual-Source Photon-Counting Detector CT Scanner at Low Iodinated Contrast Dose

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the high-helical pitch, multienergy (ME) scanning mode of a clinical dual-source photon-counting detector (PCD) computed tomography (CT) and the benefit of virtual monoenergetic images (VMIs) for low-contrast-dose coronary CT angiography (CTA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

High-pitch (3.2) ME coronary CTA was performed in PCD-CT in 27 patients using low contrast dose (30 mL of iohexol 350 mg/mL) and in 26 patients at routine contrast dose (60 mL). Low-energy-threshold 120 kV images (also known as T3D images) and 50 kiloelectron volts (50 keV) and 100 kiloelectron volts (100 keV) VMIs were reconstructed using a 1024 × 1024 matrix and 0.6-mm slices. The CT numbers, noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured in the ascending aorta (AA), left main coronary artery (LMCA), and distal left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Confidence in grading luminal stenosis with calcific plaque, noncalcific plaque, and stent was evaluated by 2 independent readers on a 0-100 scale (0 the lowest), and a CAD-RADS score was assigned. Image contrast enhancement, sharpness, noise, artifacts, and overall image quality were rated using a 5-point ordinal scale (1 the lowest).

RESULTS

The radiation doses (CTDI) in low- and routine-contrast cohorts were 2.5 ± 0.6 mGy and 3.1 ± 1.7 mGy, respectively ( P = 0.12). At all measured locations, the mean CT number was >300 HU in 120 kV (LMCA 382.9 ± 76.2, distal LAD 341.0 ± 53.9, AA 399.5 ± 76.1) and 50 keV images (LMCA 667.5 ± 139.9, distal LAD 578.1 ± 121.5, AA 700.8 ± 142.5) in the low-contrast cohort, with a 96% increase in CT numbers for 50 keV over 120 kV. The CT numbers were significantly higher ( P < 0.0001) in 50 keV than 120 kV and 100 keV VMI. The CNR was also significantly ( P < 0.0001) higher in 50 keV than 120 kV and 100 keV images in all vessels. Confidence in the assessment of luminal stenosis in the presence of calcific plaque was significantly higher ( P = 0.001) with the addition of 100 keV VMI (median score, 100) than using 50 keV alone (median score, 70) and 120 kV (median score, 70) for reader 1, but no significant differences were seen for reader 2 who had same median scores of 100 for all image types. The confidence in the assessment of luminal stenosis within a stent improved with the use of 100 keV images for both readers (reader 1: median scores for 50 + 100 keV = 100, 50 keV = 82.5, 120 kV = 82.5; reader 2: 50 + 100 keV = 100, 50 keV = 90, 120 kV = 90). There were no significant differences in confidence scores for assessment of luminal stenosis from noncalcific plaques for both readers. The reader-averaged qualitative scores for vascular enhancement and overall image quality were significantly higher for 50 keV VMI than for 120 kV images in both low- and routine-contrast dose cohorts. The image sharpness was nonsignificantly higher at 50 keV VMI than 120 kV images, and the artifact score was comparable for 50 keV VMI and 120 kV images. The noise was higher in 50 keV VMI than in 120 kV images.

CONCLUSIONS

High-pitch ME PCD-CT mode produced diagnostic quality coronary CTA images at low radiation and iodinated contrast doses. The availability of ME VMIs significantly improved the CNR, overall image quality, and confidence in assessment of luminal stenosis in the presence of calcific plaques and stents, and resulted in change of CAD-RADS categories in 9 patients.

Adherence to recommendations for nutrient supplementation related to pregnancy in Germany

Supplementation of certain micronutrients is recommended to ensure their adequate supply during pregnancy and lactation. In Germany, this applies particularly to folic acid and iodine. There is no nationwide data on adherence to the supplementation guidelines. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of the recommended supplementation of both folic acid and iodine in mothers of a nationwide birth cohort. Data on supplementation, before, during, and shortly after pregnancy, were collected retrospectively 14 days postpartum in a sample of 962 mother-infant pairs participating in the second nationwide study on breastfeeding and infant nutrition in Germany, called "SuSe II" (2017-2019). Folic acid and iodine supplementation were classified as recommended according to the German guidelines if supplementation was provided for both essential periods: for folic acid before and during pregnancy and for iodine during pregnancy and lactation. Univariable tests and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed. The vast majority of mothers did not adhere to the recommendations, with only 36.2% supplementing folic acid and 31.9% supplementing iodine during the recommended periods, and only 15.2% adhering to the recommendations for both nutrients. Main predictors of adherence to recommendations of both nutrients were lifestyle attributes and nutrition-related intentions like previous breastfeeding experience and breastfeeding intentions, but not common sociodemographic characteristics. The data suggest widespread dissemination of the time-specific recommendations covering the entire period from preconception to lactation that could help to sensitize women and healthcare providers.

National monitoring of iodine, sodium, and vitamin D status in toddlers and women of childbearing age - results and lessons learned from a pilot study in Norway

Background

Norway is lacking a population-based national monitoring program for iodine, sodium, and vitamin D status.

Objective

The aim of this study was to pilot-test a study design for collecting biological samples from a country-representative sample of 2-year-old children and their mothers and to report results for iodine, salt, and vitamin D at baseline, before initiation of salt iodization in Norway.

Design

In a cross-sectional study, we recruited 2-year-old children and their mothers during the routine 2-year check-up through 38 randomly selected health clinics in 2021. Spot urine samples were analyzed for iodine, creatinine, and sodium, and dried blood spots from the mothers were analyzed for thyroglobulin (Tg) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D).

Results

We aimed at including 400 mother-child pairs but recruited only 55 pairs. Major challenges were closed health clinics due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lack of motivation of the health personnel to prioritize recruiting, missing information about non-participation, and high workload for participants. The median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was 123 (95% CI: 76, 228) µg/L in the toddlers and 83 (95% CI: 72, 99) µg/L in the mothers. The median urinary sodium concentration (UNaC) was 62 (95% CI: 37, 91) mmol/L in the toddlers and 93 (95% CI: 77, 107) mmol/L in the mothers. Of the mothers, 18% had levels of 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L (suboptimal status).

Discussion and conclusion

Lessons learned from the pilot study will be used to design a national monitoring program for toddlers and women of childbearing age in Norway. The results indicate that 2-year-old children and women of childbearing age in Norway may have inadequate iodine intakes at the group level, while for vitamin D, most of the mothers had adequate status.

Association between iodine nutrition and cervical lymph node metastasis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma

We aimed to investigate the association between iodine intake and nodal metastasis stratified by central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) and lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and clinicopathological characteristics were used to identify factors associated with CLNM and LLNM using logistic regression analysis. A sum of 3,858 PTMC patients were enrolled. The median UIC (MUI) of patients with CLNM or LLNM was not statistically different from those without nodal metastasis. Male patients had a higher MUI than females (183.4 μg/L vs. 173.6 μg/L). Female patients with extracapsular extension had a higher MUI than those without it (210.0 μg/L vs. 172.1 μg/L). Male patients with LLNM had a significantly lower MUI than those without LLNM (134.7 μg/L vs. 187.9 μg/L). Female patients with more than adequate iodine intake were more likely to present with CLNM and extrathyroidal extension than those with adequate iodine intake with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.23 (1.01-1.51) and 1.59 (1.09-2.32) after adjustment. Iodine nutrition was not found to be associated with LLNM. In addition, patients with a younger age, larger tumors, extrathyroidal extension, and intrathyroidal spread were more likely to be CLNM, whereas nodular goiter presented with a protective factor; CLNM was the only factor associated with LLNM of PTMC in both genders. In conclusion, iodine nutrition has a much closer association with female than male patients, and high iodine intake may be associated with CLNM and extrathyroidal extension in female PTMC patients.

Thyroid hormones and minerals in immunocorrection of disorders in autoimmune thyroid diseases

Thyroid hormones and essential elements iodine (I), selenium (Se), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), etc. play an important role in the work of many organs and systems of the body, including the immune system and the thyroid gland, and a violation of their supply can be the cause of pathological changes in them. In pathology, the interaction between thyroid hormones (TG), minerals and the immune system is disturbed. The review of the literature examines the immunomodulatory role of TG, minerals, their properties, and their participation in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD). The study of the relationship between the excess or deficiency of minerals and AITD is described. The basis of the development of AITD - Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), Graves' disease (GD), Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) is the loss of immune tolerance to thyroid antigens - thyroid peroxidase (TPO), thyroglobulin (Tg) and thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSH-R). Immune-mediated mechanisms - production of autoantibodies to thyroid antigens and lymphocytic thyroid infiltration - are involved in the pathogenesis of AITD. Insufficiency of regulatory T cells (Treg) and regulatory B cells (Breg), imbalance between Th17-lymphocytes and Treg-lymphocytes, abnormal production of pro-inflammatory cytokines has a significant influence on the progression of AITD. With AITD, the balance between oxidants and antioxidants is disturbed and oxidative stress (OS) occurs. The lack of modern effective pharmacological therapy of AITD prompted us to consider the mechanisms of influence, possibilities of immunocorrection of pathogenetic factors using TG, micro/macronutrients. In order to develop a more effective treatment strategy, as well as approaches to prevention, a critical analysis of the ways of immunotherapeutic use of dietary supplements of I, Se, Zn, Mg and other minerals in AITD was carried out.

An Interference-Free Voltammetric Method for the Detection of Sulfur Dioxide in Wine Based on a Boron-Doped Diamond Electrode and Reaction Electrochemistry

This paper describes a new, simple, and highly selective analytical technique for the detection of sulfur dioxide in wine, as a real sample with a relatively complicated matrix. The detection of the above analyte was based on the electrogeneration of iodine from iodide on a boron-doped diamond electrode, without modifications, in the presence of 0.1 mol dm-3 HClO4 as a supporting electrolyte. The electrogenerated iodine reacted with sulfur dioxide, forming iodide ions and sulfuric acid (i.e., a Bunsen reaction). The product of this reaction, the iodide ion, diffused back to the surface of the boron-doped diamond electrode and oxidized itself again. This chemical redox cycling enhanced the voltammetric response of the boron-doped diamond electrode. The selectivity of the determination was assured using NaOH and formaldehyde during sample preparation, and a blank was also measured and taken into account. The detection limit was estimated to be 10-6-10-7 mol dm-3. However, the content of sulfur dioxide in wine is significantly higher, which can lead to more accurate and reliable results.

The Joint Effects of Bisphenols and Iodine Exposure on Thyroid during Pregnancy

The aim of this research was to study the combined effects of bisphenols and iodine exposure on the thyroid gland during pregnancy. We included 162 pregnant women from a cohort established in Shanghai. Urinary concentrations of bisphenol A, bisphenol B(BPB), bisphenol C(BPC), bisphenol F, bisphenol S, and bisphenol AF(BPAF) were examined. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile g-computation models were used. The geometric means of BPA, BPB, BPC, BPF, BPS, BPAF, and ΣBPs levels in urine were 3.03, 0.24, 2.66, 0.36, 0.26, 0.72, and 7.55 μg/g creatinine, respectively. We observed a positive trend in the cumulative effects of BPs and iodine on serum triiodothyronine (FT3) and free thyroxine (FT4), as well as a U-shaped dose-response relationship between BPs and the probability of occurrence of thyroperoxidase autoantibody positivity in women with low urinary iodine concentration. In addition, a synergistic effect on the probability of occurrence of thyroid autoantibody positivity was observed between BPF and BPB, as well as between BPC and BPAF in this study. There were adverse health effects on the thyroid after co-exposure to BPs and iodine. Even if pregnant women were exposed to lower levels of BPs, women with iodine deficiency remained vulnerable to thyroid autoimmune disease.

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Nutritional Composition of Plant-Based Drinks and Yogurt Alternatives in Europe

Concerns for human and planetary health have led to a shift towards healthier plant-based diets. Plant-based dairy alternatives (PBDA) have experienced exponential market growth due to their lower environmental impact compared to dairy products. However, questions have arisen regarding their suitability as dairy substitutes and their role in food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG). Our study aimed to analyse the nutritional profiles of leading PBDA across Europe and compare them with their dairy counterparts. We examined the nutritional profiles of 309 unflavoured PBDA representing the European market leaders, including 249 plant-based drinks (PBD) and 52 plant-based alternatives to yogurt (PBAY). PBD and PBAY, excluding coconut varieties, were low in saturated fat (<1 g per serving). Seventy percent of PBDA were unsweetened, and most had sugar levels comparable to dairy. Except for soya varieties, PBDA protein levels were lower than dairy. Organic PBDA lacked micronutrients due to legal restrictions on fortification. Among non-organic PBDA, 76% were fortified with calcium, 66% with vitamin D, and 60% with vitamin B12. Less than half were fortified with vitamin B2, and a few with iodine (11%) and vitamin A (6%). PBAY were less frequently fortified compared to PBD. PBDA displayed a favourable macronutrient profile despite lower protein levels, which would be compensated for by other protein-dense foods in a usual mixed diet. Enhancing fortification consistency with dairy-associated micronutrients would address concerns regarding PBDA's integration into FBDG. Our analysis supports the inclusion of fortified PBDA in environmentally sustainable FBDG for healthy populations.

Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives Contribute to a Healthy and Sustainable Diet

Plant-based foods are increasing in popularity as more and more people are concerned about personal and planetary health. The consumption of plant-based dairy alternatives (PBDAs) has assumed a more significant dietary role in populations shifting to more sustainable eating habits. Plant-based drinks (PBDs) made from soya and other legumes have ample protein levels. PBDs that are appropriately fortified have adequate levels of important vitamins and minerals comparable to dairy milk. For the PBDs examined, the greenhouse gas emissions were diminished by 59-71% per 250 mL, and the land use and eutrophication impact was markedly less than the levels displayed by dairy milk. The water usage for the oat and soya drinks, but not rice drinks, was substantially lower compared to dairy milk. When one substitutes the 250 mL serving of dairy milk allowed within the EAT Lancet Planetary Health Diet for a fortified plant-based drink, we found that the nutritional status is not compromised but the environmental footprint is reduced. Combining a nutrient density score with an environmental index can easily lead to a misclassification of food when the full nutrition profile is not utilized or only a selection of environmental factors is used. Many PBDAs have been categorized as ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Such a classification, with the implied adverse nutritional and health associations, is inconsistent with current findings regarding the nutritional quality of such products and may discourage people from transitioning to a plant-based diet with its health and environmental advantages.

Wiggers Coll.) with the Use of Inorganic and Organic Iodine Compounds

Iodine is a crucial microelement necessary for the proper functioning of human and animal organisms. Plant biofortification has been proposed as a method of improving the iodine status of the population. Recent studies in that field have revealed that iodine may also act as a beneficial element for higher plants. The aim of the work was to evaluate the efficiency of the uptake and accumulation of iodine in the plants of dandelion grown in a pot experiment. During cultivation, iodine was applied through fertigation in inorganic (KI, KIO3) and organic forms (5-iodosalicylic acid, 5-ISA; 3,5-diiodosalicylic acid, 3,5-diISA) at two concentrations (10 and 50 µM). The contents of total iodine and iodosalicylic acids, as well the plant biomass and antioxidant capacity of dandelion leaves and roots, were analyzed. The uptake of inorganic and organic forms by dandelion plants was confirmed with no negative effect on plant growth. The highest efficiency of improving iodine content in dandelion leaves and roots was noted for 50 µM KI. The applicability of iodosalicylates, especially 5-ISA, for plant biofortification purposes was confirmed, particularly as the increase in the iodine content after the application of 5-ISA was higher as compared to that with commonly used KIO3. The chemical analyses have revealed that iodosalicylates are endogenous compounds of dandelion plants.

Large Iodine Variability in Retail Cows' Milk in the U.S.: A Follow-Up Study among Different Retail Outlets

In a previous study, large variability in iodine content was found among samples of store brand retail milk at a single time point in a sampling taken from 24 nationwide U.S. locations for the USDA FoodData Central database, but the sampling plan was not designed to detect differences among locations. This follow-up study was carried out to evaluate iodine levels in retail milk across the U.S. over time. Milk samples (2% fat) were collected bimonthly in fourteen locations for one year and analyzed in duplicate. Control materials were used to support accuracy of results and ensure precision across analytical batches. The overall mean and standard error (SE) for iodine concentration were 82.5 (7.0) µg/240 mL serving, which was comparable to the previous national mean [85.0 (5.5) µg/240 mL]. A similar wide range among individual samples was detected (27.9-282 µg/240 mL). For some locations, the mean iodine concentration differed significantly from others, and differed from the national average by amounts ranging from -47 µg to +37 µg per serving. The between-sample range within location was large for some (up to 229 µg/serving) and minimal for others (as little as 13.2 µg/serving). These findings suggest iodine intake from some retail milk supplies could be over- or underestimated relative to the national average, even if the national average is suitable for population-wide intake estimates.

Soybean Plants Exposed to Low Concentrations of Potassium Iodide Have Better Tolerance to Water Deficit through the Antioxidant Enzymatic System and Photosynthesis Modulation

Water deficit inhibits plant growth by affecting several physiological processes, which leads to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may cause oxidative stress. In this regard, iodine (I) is already known to possibly enhance the antioxidant defense system of plants and promote photosynthetic improvements under adverse conditions. However, its direct effect on water deficit responses has not yet been demonstrated. To verify the efficiency of I concerning plant tolerance to water deficit, we exposed soybean plants to different concentrations of potassium iodide (KI) fed to pots with a nutrient solution and subsequently submitted them to water deficit. A decline in biomass accumulation was observed in plants under water deficit, while exposure to KI (10 and 20 μmol L^-1) increased plant biomass by an average of 40%. Furthermore, exposure to KI concentrations of up to 20 μM improved gas exchange (~71%) and reduced lipid peroxidation. This is related to the higher enzymatic antioxidant activities found at 10 and 20 μM KI concentrations. However, when soybean plants were properly irrigated, KI concentrations greater than 10 μM promoted negative changes in photosynthetic efficiency, as well as in biomass accumulation and partition. In sum, exposure of soybean plants to 10 μM KI improved tolerance to water deficit, and up to this concentration, there is no evidence of phytotoxicity in plants grown under adequate irrigation.

[Assessing of iodine consumption with iodized salt in organized nutrition of children of preschool and school age in the Tyumen region]

The territory of the Tyumen region is an endemic region with insufficient iodine content in the environment, in which, since the early 1990s, active preventive measures have been taken to increase the use of iodized salt (IS) in households, catering and the food industry. The purpose of the research was to assess the consumption of iodine with IS used in the organized nutrition of children in the Tyumen region. Material and methods. The assessment of iodine intake was carried out in preschool institutions and schools randomly selected the city of Tyumen and rural areas (village of Isetskoye). Modeling of iodine consumption in organized groups was carried out for children aged 1-3, 3-7, 7-11 and 12 years and older in urban and rural areas, respectively, using a standard menu and a technological map of dishes. Iodine intake was estimated based on the content of 40 μg of iodine in 1 g of salt and its 30% loss during cooking. Model 1 assumed the mandatory use of IS in the preparation of all salt-containing meals for preschoolers and schoolchildren. Model 2, in addition to the mandatory use of IS in school and preschool meals accounted the consumption of iodine with bakery products (BP) produced with IS. Results. The modeling showed that the average intake of iodine with meals (model 1) in preschool institutions in Tyumen was 89±16 μg/day for children aged 1-3 years. When BP with IS were included in the menu (model 2), iodine intake increased to 101±14 μg/day. In children aged 4-7 years iodine intake was 115±18 and 126±18 μg/day, respectively. In rural areas, iodine intake was lower: in children aged 1-3 years, under model 1, iodine intake was 66±3 μg/day, under model 2 - 76±4 μg/day. In children aged 4-7 years, these figures were 83±3 and 92±4 μg/day, respectively. Iodine consumption in a school in Tyumen under model 1 in children 7-11 years old was 24±5 μg/day, and in children 12 years and older - 27±6 μg/day. When BP with IS were included in the menu (model 2), iodine intake increased to 32±5 μg/day in children 7-11 years old and to 39±6 μg/day in children 12 years of age and older. In rural areas, when using model 1, iodine intake in children aged 7-11 years was 37±15 μg/day, in children aged 12 and over 40±21 μg/day. When BP with IS were included in the menu (model 2), iodine intake increased to 44±15 μg/day in children aged 7-11 years and to 50±21 μg/day in children 12 years of age and older. Conclusion. The use of IS in the preparation of salt-containing meals in preschool educational institutions of the Tyumen region fully covered the iodine requirements of preschool children, which confirms the effectiveness of the chosen strategy for the prevention of iodine deficiency and can be considered as an important part of the concept of universal salt iodization. The use of IS in preparation of school breakfast meals provides 23.5-36.9% of the recommended nutrient intake for iodine in rural schools and 15.4-26.4% of the recommended nutrient intake in urban schools, which can be a significant contribution to the total intake of this micronutrient.

[Insufficient elevation of TSH before therapy with I131 in a patient with metastatic differentiated thyroid carcinoma]

Guidelines suggest a thyrotropin (TSH) stimulation level ≥30 mIU/l for the administration of 131-iodine (I131) in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). We present a patient with follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), with spinal metastasis as the initial manifestation, who after 6 weeks without levothyroxine did not present an elevation of ≥30 mIU/l of TSH. This situation was interpreted as secondary to the presence of functioning metastases and it was decided, regardless of the TSH level, to administer a therapeutic dose of I131, with iodine-uptake lesions in the liver and spine being confirmed.

The Effect of Three Complexes of Iodine with Amino Acids on Gene Expression of Model Antibiotic Resistant Microorganisms Escherichia coli ATCC BAA-196 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC BAA-39

1.

BACKGROUND

Iodine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial disinfectant for topical application. Recent studies have shown promising results on the applicability of an iodine-containing complex, FS-1, against antibiotic-resistant pathogens. It was hypothesized that the antimicrobial activity of iodine-containing complexes may be modulated by the organic moiety of the complex, i.e., amino acids. 2.

METHODS

Gene regulation and metabolic alterations were studied in two model multidrug-resistant microorganisms, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC BAA-39, and Escherichia coli ATCC BAA-196, treated with three complexes containing iodine and three different amino acids: glycine, L-alanine, and L-isoleucine. The bacterial cultures were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of the complexes in the lagging and logarithmic growth phases. Gene regulation was studied by total RNA sequencing and differential gene expression analysis. 3.

RESULTS

The central metabolism of the treated bacteria was affected. An analysis of the regulation of genes involved in stress responses suggested the disruption of cell wall integrity, DNA damage, and oxidative stress in the treated bacteria. 4.

CONCLUSIONS

Previous studies showed that the application of iodine-containing complexes, such as FS-1, serves as a supplement to common antibiotics and can be a promising way to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Current results shed light on possible mechanisms of this action by disrupting the cell wall barriers and imposing oxidative stress. It was also found that the effect of the complexes on metabolic pathways varied in the tested microorganisms depending on the organic moiety of the complexes and the growth phase when the complexes had been applied.

Thermal-Responsive Conjugated Micropore Polymers for Smart Capture of Volatile Iodine

The capture of radioiodine is crucial for nuclear security and environmental protection due to its volatility and superior environmental fluidity. Herein, we propose a strategy of "temperature-dependent gate" based on a swellable conjugated microporous polymer (SCMP) to significantly improve the capture of volatile iodine. The SCMP is constructed via the Buchwald-Hartwig coupling reaction of building monomers containing amines. It possesses a hierarchical pore structure with restricted pores, which can be "opened" and "closed" by changing the temperature. By virtue of the thermal-responsive pore structure, it reaches adsorption equilibrium for iodine in 2 h with a capacity of 4.3 g g^-1 at 90 °C and retains 92.8% adsorbed iodine at room temperature. The SCMP also exhibits a high adsorption capacity up to 3.5 g g^-1 for dissolved iodine within 10 min, as well as good radiation resistance and high selectivity for iodine against moisture, VOCs, and HNO₃ vapor. The mechanism is clarified for effective iodine capture and caging based on the relationship between temperature and the pore structure. This work develops not only a strategy to enhance the capture of gaseous and dissolved iodine but also a new adsorption mechanism for iodine capture, which can be extended to the separation and caging of resources or volatile pollutants in other fields.

Iodine deficiency and real-life supplementation ineffectiveness in Polish pregnant women and its impact on thyroid metabolism

Introduction

Iodine is a pivotal component of thyroid hormones, and its deficiency leads to negative pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, during gestation, additional iodine supplementation is recommended.

Objectives

By evaluating a group of women from western Poland, the study updated on iodine status during pregnancy and the effectiveness of iodine supplementation in relation to the maternal and neonatal thyroid function.

Patients and methods

A total of 91 women were recruited before the delivery between 2019 and 2021. During the medical interview, the patients declared their dietary supplements intake. Thyroid parameters (TSH, ft3, ft4, a-TPO, a-Tg, and TRAb) were measured in the serum of mothers and in the cord blood of newborns after birth. Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and urine/creatinine (UIC/crea) ratio were assessed in single urine samples using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV). Neonatal TSH screening from dried blood spot was analyzed.

Results

Pregnant women showed a median (interquartile range) UIC of 106 (69-156) µg/liter and UIC/crea ratio of 104 (62-221) µg/g, whereas approximately 20% had UIC/crea below 50 µg/g, indicating iodine deficiency. The iodine supplementation ratio was 68%. No significant differences in UIC, UIC/crea and thyroid parameters were found between iodine supplemented and non-supplemented groups; however, the highest ioduria was detected when iodine was supplemented in addition to levothyroxine in comparison with both substances administered separately. Patients with UIC/crea within 150-249 µg/g demonstrated the lowest TSH and a-TPO levels. Screening TSH was above 5 mIU/liter in 6% of children.

Conclusions

Despite the national salt iodization and the recommendation to supplement iodine during gestation, the status of the abovementioned microelement and real-life intake revealed the ineffectiveness of the current iodine-deficiency prophylaxis model in pregnancy.

Electron-Donor Functional Groups, Band Gap Tailoring, and Efficient Charge Separation: Three Keys To Improve the Gaseous Iodine Uptake in MOF Materials

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been largely investigated worldwide for their use in the capture of radioactive iodine due to its potential release during nuclear accident events and reprocessing of nuclear fuel. The present work deals with the capture of gaseous I₂ under a continuous flow and its subsequent transformation into I₃^- within the porous structures of three distinct, yet structurally related, terephthalate-based MOFs: MIL-125(Ti), MIL-125(Ti)_NH₂, and CAU-1(Al)_NH₂. The synthesized materials exhibited specific surface areas (SSAs) with similar order of magnitude: 1207, 1099, and 1110 m² g^-1 for MIL-125(Ti), MIL-125(Ti)_NH₂, and CAU-1(Al)_NH₂, respectively. Because of that, it was possible to evaluate the influence of other variables over the iodine uptake capacity─such as band gap energies, functional groups, and charge transfer complexes (CTC). After 72 h of contact with the I₂ gas flow, MIL-125(Ti)_NH₂ was able to trap 11.0 mol mol^-1 of I₂, followed by MIL-125(Ti) (8.7 mol mol^-1), and by CAU-1(Al)_NH₂ (4.2 mol mol^-1). The enhanced ability to retain I₂ in the MIL-125(Ti)_NH₂ was associated with a combined effect between its amino group (which has a great affinity toward iodine), its smaller band gap (2.5 eV against 2.6 and 3.8 eV for CAU-1(Al)_NH₂ and MIL-125(Ti), respectively), and its efficient charge separation. In fact, the presence of a linker-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) mechanism in MIL-125(Ti) compounds separates the photogenerated electrons and holes into the two distinct moieties of the MOF: the organic linker (which stabilizes the holes) and the oxy/hydroxy inorganic cluster (which stabilizes the electrons). This effect was observed using EPR spectroscopy, whereas the reduction of the Ti⁴⁺ cations into the paramagnetic Ti³⁺ species was evidenced after irradiation of the pristine Ti-based MOFs with UV light (<420 nm). In contrast, because CAU-1(Al)_NH₂ exhibits a purely linker-based transition (LBT)─with no EPR signals related to Al paramagnetic species─it tends to exhibit faster recombination of the photogenerated charge carriers as, in this case, both electrons and holes are located over the organic linker. Furthermore, the transformation of the gaseous I₂ into I_n^- [n = 5, 7, 9, ...] intermediates and then into I₃^- species was evaluated using Raman spectroscopy by following the evolution of their respective bands at about 198, 180, and 113 cm^-1. This conversion─which is favored by an effective charge separation and smaller band gaps─increases the I₂ uptake capacity of the compounds by creating specific adsorption sites for these anionic species. In fact, because the -NH₂ groups act as an antenna to stabilize the photogenerated holes, both I_n^- and I₃^- are adsorbed into the organic linker via an electrostatic interaction with these positively charged entities. Finally, changes regarding the EPR spectra before and after the iodine loading were considered to propose a mechanism for the electron transfer from the MOFs structure to the I₂ molecules considering their different characteristics.

Preprocedural Viral Load Effects of Oral Antiseptics on SARS-CoV-2 in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review

(1) There are limited clinical trials to support the effectiveness of mouth rinses when used as a preprocedural rinse against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of antiseptic mouth rinses as a preprocedural rinse in reducing SARS-CoV-2 oral viral load in-vivo. (2) Methods: A literature search was conducted through November 2022 for the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The evaluated outcomes were quantitative changes in viral load and the statistical significance of that change after using antiseptic mouth rinses. (3) Results: 14 randomized controlled trials (RCT) were selected for risk of bias assessment and data extraction. (4) Conclusion: Within the limits of this systematic review, preprocedural mouth rinses may significantly reduce SARS-CoV-2 in the mouth, thus, reducing the viral particles available for airborne dispersion. Preprocedural mouth rinses may be an effective strategy for reducing airborne SARS-CoV-2 dispersion in the environment. Their use may be a preventive strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in selected medical and healthcare facilities, including dental clinics. Potential preprocedural mouth rinses are identified for use as an integral part of safe practice for healthcare protocols. This systematic review was registered with the National Institute for Health Research, international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42022315177.

Iodine-Biofortified Lettuce Can Promote Mitochondrial Dependent Pathway of Apoptosis in Human Gastrointestinal Cancer Cells

Previously, our research provided evidence that exposure of gastric and colon cancer cells to extracts from iodine-biofortified lettuce leads to a reduction of cell viability and proliferation through cell cycle arrest and upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes. The aim of the present study was to determine the potential cellular mechanisms of induction of cell death in human gastrointestinal cancer cell lines after treatment with iodine-biofortified lettuce. We demonstrated that extracts from lettuce enriched with iodine induce apoptosis in gastric AGS and colon HT-29 cancer cells and the mechanism of programmed cell death may be triggered and executed through different signaling pathways, depending on the type of cells. Western blot analysis revealed that iodine-fortified lettuce leads to cell death through the release of cytochrome c to the cytosolic fraction and activation of the primary drivers of apoptosis: caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-9. Furthermore, we have reported that apoptotic effects of lettuce extracts may be mediated by poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and activation of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins such as Bad, Bax, and BID. We also observed mitochondrial dysfunction with the dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential in cells exposed to lettuce extracts. Taken together, these results indicate that the organic form of iodine such as 5-ISA and 3,5-diISA is an important factor in the activation of intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in AGS and HT-29 cancer cells in a p53-independent manner.

Early post-endovascular treatment contrast extravasation on dual-energy CT is associated with clinical and radiological stroke outcomes: A 10-year single-centre experience

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between early post-endovascular treatment (EVT) contrast extravasation (CE) on dual-energy CT (DECT) and stroke outcomes.

METHODS

EVT records in 2010-2019 were screened. Exclusion criteria included the occurrence of immediate post-procedural intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). Hyperdense areas on iodine overlay maps were scored according to the Alberta Stroke Programme Early CT Score (ASPECTS), thus forming a CE-ASPECTS. Maximum parenchymal iodine concentration and maximum iodine concentration relative to the torcula were recorded. Follow-up imaging was reviewed for ICH. The primary outcome measure was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 90 days.

RESULTS

Out of 651 records, 402 patients were included. CE was found in 318 patients (79%). Thirty-five patients developed ICH on follow-up imaging. Fourteen ICHs were symptomatic. Stroke progression occurred in 59 patients. Multivariable regression showed a significant association between decreasing CE-ASPECTS and the mRS at 90 days (adjusted (a)cOR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.03-1.18), NIHSS at 24-48 h (aβ: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.29-0.84), stroke progression (aOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03-1.26) and ICH (aOR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06-1.39), but not symptomatic ICH (aOR 1.19, 95% CI: 0.95-1.38). Iodine concentration was significantly associated with the mRS (acOR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.06-1.32), NIHSS (aβ: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.30-1.06), ICH (aOR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.04-1.81) and symptomatic ICH (aOR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.02-1.38), but not stroke progression (aOR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.86-1.15). Results of the analyses with relative iodine concentration were similar and did not improve prediction.

CONCLUSIONS

CE-ASPECTS and iodine concentration are both associated with short- and long-term stroke outcomes. CE-ASPECTS is likely a better predictor for stroke progression.

Estimating habitual iodine intake and prevalence of inadequacy from spot urine in cross-sectional studies: a modeling analysis to determine the required sample size

BACKGROUND

The habitual/usual iodine intake and the prevalence of iodine inadequacy may be estimated from spot urinary iodine concentrations in cross-sectional studies by collecting a repeat spot urine in a subgroup of the study population and accounting for within-person variability in iodine intake. However, guidance on the required overall sample size (N) and the replicate rate (n) is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the sample size (N) and replicate rate (n) needed to estimate the prevalence of iodine inadequacy in cross-sectional studies.

METHODS

We used data from local observational studies conducted in women 17-49 y old in Switzerland (N = 308), South Africa (N = 154), and Tanzania (N = 190). All participants collected 2 spot urine samples. We calculated the iodine intake using urinary iodine concentrations and accounted for urine volume using urinary creatinine concentration. For each study population, we estimated the habitual iodine intake distribution and determined the prevalence of iodine intake below the average requirement using the Statistical Program to Assess habitual Dietary Exposure (SPADE). We used the obtained model parameters in power analyzes and estimated the prevalence of iodine inadequacy for different sample sizes (N = 400, 600, and 900) and replicate rates (n = 50, 100, 200, 400, 600, and 900).

RESULTS

The estimated prevalence (95% CI) of inadequate iodine intake was 21% (15, 28%), 5.1% (1.3, 8.7%), and 8.2% (3.4, 13%) for Swiss, South African, and Tanzanian women, respectively. An N of 400 women, with a repeated measure (n) in 100 women, achieved a satisfactory precision of the prevalence estimate in all study populations. Increasing the replicate rate (n) improved the precision more effectively than increasing the N of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The sample size for cross-sectional studies aiming to assess the prevalence of inadequate iodine intake depend on the expected prevalence, the overall variance in intake, and the study design. However, an N of 400 participants with a repeated measure of 25% may be used as guidance when planning observational studies applying simple random sampling. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03731312.

Physiological iodine uptake of the spine's bone marrow in dual-energy computed tomography - using artificial intelligence to define reference values based on 678 CT examinations of 189 individuals

Purpose

The bone marrow's iodine uptake in dual-energy CT (DECT) is elevated in malignant disease. We aimed to investigate the physiological range of bone marrow iodine uptake after intravenous contrast application, and examine its dependence on vBMD, iodine blood pool, patient age, and sex.

Method

Retrospective analysis of oncological patients without evidence of metastatic disease. DECT examinations were performed on a spectral detector CT scanner in portal venous contrast phase. The thoracic and lumbar spine were segmented by a pre-trained neural network, obtaining volumetric iodine concentration data [mg/ml]. vBMD was assessed using a phantomless, CE-certified software [mg/cm3]. The iodine blood pool was estimated by ROI-based measurements in the great abdominal vessels. A multivariate regression model was fit with the dependent variable "median bone marrow iodine uptake". Standardized regression coefficients (β) were calculated to assess the impact of each covariate.

Results

678 consecutive DECT exams of 189 individuals (93 female, age 61.4 ± 16.0 years) were evaluated. AI-based segmentation provided volumetric data of 97.9% of the included vertebrae (n=11,286). The 95^th percentile of bone marrow iodine uptake, as a surrogate for the upper margin of the physiological distribution, ranged between 4.7-6.4 mg/ml. vBMD (p <0.001, mean β=0.50) and portal vein iodine blood pool (p <0.001, mean β=0.43) mediated the strongest impact. Based thereon, adjusted reference values were calculated.

Conclusion

The bone marrow iodine uptake demonstrates a distinct profile depending on vBMD, iodine blood pool, patient age, and sex. This study is the first to provide the adjusted reference values.

Dietary Iodine Intake and Related Factors among Secondary School Students in Macao

Iodine is a crucial micronutrient that is indispensable for optimal physical growth and cognitive maturation. However, the dietary iodine intake status of Macao's population is unknown. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the dietary iodine intake of Macao secondary school students. Four hundred and twenty-four students filled in a self-developed, 61-item, iodine-specific food frequency questionnaire (I-FFQ). The dietary iodine intake was calculated based on the I-FFQ and food composition database. The median daily iodine intake of the students was 74.4 µg, which is lower than the 150 µg recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The intake frequency of dried seaweed and kelp was also low, with 49.3% and 64.2% of students consuming these foods infrequently over a month. In conclusion, the dietary iodine intake of secondary school students in Macao was inadequate. It is recommended that individuals should take the initiative to gain iodine-related knowledge. Students are advised to eat a variety of iodine-rich foods, such as seaweed and seafood, as part of a healthy, balanced diet to ensure sufficient iodine intake. Furthermore, it will be necessary to measure urinary iodine for the iodine status assessment of the Macao population in future.

Associations between urinary iodine concentration and the prevalence of metabolic disorders: a cross-sectional study

Background

Few studies have examined the role of iodine in extrathyroidal function. Recent research has shown an association between iodine and metabolic syndromes (MetS) in Chinese and Korean populations, but the link in the American participants remains unknown.

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the relationship between iodine status and metabolic disorders, including components associated with metabolic syndrome, hypertension, hyperglycemia, central obesity, triglyceride abnormalities, and low HDL.

Methods

The study included 11,545 adults aged ≥ 18 years from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2018). Participants were divided into four groups based on their iodine nutritional status(ug/L), as recommended by the World Health Organization: low UIC, < 100; normal UIC, 100-299; high UIC, 300-399; and very high, ≥ 400. The Odds ratio (OR) for MetS basing the UIC group was estimated using logistic regression models for our overall population and subgroups.

Results

Iodine status was positively associated with the prevalence of MetS in US adults. The risk of MetS was significantly higher in those with high UIC than in those with normal UIC [OR: 1.25; 95% confidence intervals (CI),1.016-1.539; p = 0.035). The risk of MetS was lower in the low UIC group (OR,0.82; 95% CI: 0.708-0.946; p = 0.007). There was a significant nonlinear trend between UIC and the risk of MetS, diabetes, and obesity in overall participants. Participants with high UIC had significantly increased TG elevation (OR, 1.24; 95% CI: 1.002-1.533; P = 0.048) and participants with very high UIC had significantly decreased risk of diabetes (OR, 0.83; 95% CI: 0.731-0.945, p = 0.005). Moreover, subgroup analysis revealed an interaction between UIC and MetS in participants aged < 60 years and ≥ 60 years, and no association between UIC and MetS in older participants aged ≥ 60 years.

Conclusion

Our study validated the relationship between UIC and MetS and their components in US adults. This association may provide further dietary control strategies for the management of patients with metabolic disorders.

Iodine concentration in tap water, mineral water, and coffee

Background

Sufficient iodine intake is important for thyroid function and, particularly, among women of reproductive age. Water is a universal component of the diet and could be an important source of iodine. Iodine concentration in drinking water varies geographically. It is therefore of nutritional interest to explore the variation and the contribution of iodine from water and beverages.

Objective

To analyze the iodine concentrations in tap water, mineral waters, and coffee from different regions of Norway.

Design

Samples of tap water were obtained from different regions of Norway. Six brands of mineral water and several samples of coffee brews were sampled. The iodine concentration was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Results

Iodine concentration in tap water varied from below Limit of Quantification to 0.8 μg/100 mL. Five out of six brands of mineral water had low concentrations of iodine, and one brand had a concentration of 38 μg/100 mL. Iodine concentrations in black coffee brews were similar to the tap water. Adding milk or plant-based milk alternatives increased the iodine concentration.

Discussion

Overall, iodine concentrations in tap water were generally low; however, variations were observed both for inland and coastal regions. A trend was seen for higher iodine concentrations in coastal region compared with inland region. For the average habitual iodine intake in Norway, tap water may not contribute significantly. One brand of mineral water could have considerable impact on iodine intake. Coffee does not contribute substantially more to iodine intake than tap water, unless the brew is added with milk or plant-based milk alternatives that contain iodine.

Conclusion

This study adds new information about iodine dietary sources in Norway. While tap water and black coffee have limited impact due to generally low concentrations, one mineral water brand may contribute significantly to iodine intake.

Iodine and Thyroid Maternal and Fetal Metabolism during Pregnancy

Thyroid hormones and iodine are required to increase basal metabolic rate and to regulate protein synthesis, long bone growth and neuronal maturation. They are also essential for protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism regulation. Imbalances in thyroid and iodine metabolism can negatively affect these vital functions. Pregnant women are at risk of hypo or hyperthyroidism, in relation to or regardless of their medical history, with potential dramatic outcomes. Fetal development highly relies on thyroid and iodine metabolism and can be compromised if they malfunction. As the interface between the fetus and the mother, the placenta plays a crucial role in thyroid and iodine metabolism during pregnancy. This narrative review aims to provide an update on current knowledge of thyroid and iodine metabolism in normal and pathological pregnancies. After a brief description of general thyroid and iodine metabolism, their main modifications during normal pregnancies and the placental molecular actors are described. We then discuss the most frequent pathologies to illustrate the upmost importance of iodine and thyroid for both the mother and the fetus.

An ultrasound assisted, ionic liquid-molecular iodine synergy driven efficient green synthesis of pyrrolobenzodiazepine-triazole hybrids as potential anticancer agents

Herein, we report an efficient and eco-friendly, ultrasound assisted synthetic strategy for the construction of diversified pyrrolobenzodiazepine-triazole hybrids, which are potentially pharmaceutically important scaffolds, via a domino reaction involving intermolecular electrophilic substitution followed by intramolecular Huisgen 1,3-dipolar azide-alkyne cycloaddition. The USP of the reported protocol is the use of benign and inexpensive, recyclable molecular iodine-ionic liquid synergistic catalytic system cum reaction media for achieving the synthesis. The other salient features of this method are the use of mild reaction conditions, high yield and atom economy, operational simplicity, broad substrate scope and easy workup and purification. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated for in vitro anti-proliferative activity against various cancer cell lines. From among the synthesized title compounds, 9,9-dimethyl-8-phenyl-9H-benzo [b]pyrrolo [1,2-d][1,2,3]triazolo[5,1-g][1,4]diazepine (7) was found most to be the most active compound exhibiting IC₅₀ value of 6.60, 5.45, 7.85, 11.21, 12.24, 10.12, and 11.32 µM against MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, HeLa, SKOV-3, A549, HCT-116 and DLD-1 cell lines, respectively. Further the compounds were found to be non-toxic against normal human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cell line.

Synthesis of N-Monosubstituted Sulfondiimines by Metal-free Iminations of Sulfiliminium Salts

Sulfondiimines are marginalized entities among nitrogencontaining organosulfur compounds, despite offering promising properties for applications in various fields including medicinal and agrochemical. Herein, we present a metal-free and rapid synthetic procedure for the synthesis of N-monosubstituted sulfondiimines that overcomes current limitations in their synthetic accessibility. Particularly, S,S-dialkyl substrates, which are commonly difficult to convert by existing methods, react well with a combination of iodine, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-en (DBU), and iminoiodanes (PhINR) in acetonitrile (MeCN) to furnish the corresponding sulfondiimines in yields up to 85% (25 examples). Valuable "free" NH-N'Hsulfondiimines can then be accessed by N-deprotection under mild reaction conditions. Several experimental observations suggest a mechanistic pathway diverging from the common radical-based iodine/iminoiodane mechanism. Based on the experimental results in combination with data obtained by 1H-NMR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry, and crystallographic analysis we propose a direct amination from PhINNs and a reaction path via a cationic iodonitrene.

Landmark Discoveries in Maternal-Fetal Thyroid Disease Over the Past Century

There have been significant advancements in the understanding of maternal-fetal disease over the past century. This narrative review summarizes the landmark studies that have advanced the understanding of thyroid pathophysiology and thyroid disease during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum, written to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the founding of the American Thyroid Association.

Multi-Element Assessment of Potentially Toxic and Essential Elements in New and Traditional Food Varieties in Sweden

With the global movement toward the consumption of a more sustainable diet that includes a higher proportion of plant-based foods, it is important to determine how such a change could alter the intake of cadmium and other elements, both essential and toxic. In this study, we report on the levels of a wide range of elements in foodstuffs that are both traditional and "new" to the Swedish market. The data were obtained using analytical methods providing very low detection limits and include market basket data for different food groups to provide the general levels in foods consumed in Sweden and to facilitate comparisons among traditional and "new" food items. This dataset could be used to estimate changes in nutritional intake as well as exposure associated with a change in diet. The concentrations of known toxic and essential elements are provided for all the food matrices studied. Moreover, the concentrations of less routinely analyzed elements are available in some matrices. Depending on the food variety, the dataset includes the concentrations of inorganic arsenic and up to 74 elements (Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ge, Hf, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nb, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sn, Sr, Ta, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, U, W, V, Y, Zn, Zr, rare Earth elements (REEs) (Ce, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, Ho, La, Lu, Nd, Pr, Sm, Tb, Tm, and Yb), platinum group elements (PGEs) (Ir, Os, Pd, Pr, Pt, Re, Rh, Ru, and Pr), and halogens (Br, Cl, and I)). The main focus (and thus the most detailed information on variation within a given food group) is on foods that are currently the largest contributors to dietary cadmium exposure in Sweden, such as pasta, rice, potato products, and different sorts of bread. Additionally, elemental concentrations in selected food varieties regarded as relatively new or "novel" to the Swedish market are provided, including teff flour, chia seeds, algae products, and gluten-free products.