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Graves' Disease Exacerbation with Impending Thyroid Storm After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report.The American Journal of Case Reports Jan 2024BACKGROUND Since the COVID-19 pandemic, several cases of COVID-19 have been linked to the development of autoimmune disorders, including of the thyroid. Graves' disease...
BACKGROUND Since the COVID-19 pandemic, several cases of COVID-19 have been linked to the development of autoimmune disorders, including of the thyroid. Graves' disease (GD) is a rare complication that can occur following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Reports have linked COVID-19 to new onset and exacerbation of GD. We present a case of a 42-year-old woman with a history of GD presenting with impending thyroid storm 3 weeks following a diagnosis of COVID-19. CASE REPORT A 42-year-old woman with a history of GD presented to the Emergency Department (ED) for an acute exacerbation of hyperthyroidism 3 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection was diagnosed on a home test. Symptoms included daily headaches, increased bilateral eye pressure, fatigue, muscle weakness, episodes of confusion and agitation, persistent heart palpitations, and goiter. Elevated free T4 of 5.57, free T3 of 15.68, total T3 of 4.43, and near-absent thyroid stimulating hormone were noted. The Burch-Wartofsky scale was 40, which was concerning for an impending thyroid storm; however, at the time of admission, she was not in a thyroid storm. Treatment included propylthiouracil, potassium iodide oral solution, and propranolol, with symptom improvement. Due to prior history of intolerance to antithyroid medications and recent exacerbation, a thyroidectomy was performed once she was in a euthyroid state. CONCLUSIONS Our case demonstrates the importance of recognizing COVID-19 as an etiology or a trigger for new onset or exacerbation of GD. Our case highlights that being vigilant to recognize the association between COVID-19 and thyroid abnormalities for early diagnosis and treatment is imperative.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Thyroid Crisis; Pandemics; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Graves Disease
PubMed: 38184779
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.941311 -
Heliyon Jan 2024The extent of microplastics in African freshwater systems remains less investigated. In Sudan, there is no single study reporting microplastics in water bodies. This...
The extent of microplastics in African freshwater systems remains less investigated. In Sudan, there is no single study reporting microplastics in water bodies. This scoping study aimed to investigate the presence and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in Nile Tilapia fish from the River Nile in Khartoum, Sudan. The digestive tracts of the fish were digested using 10% potassium hydroxide, and microplastic particles were extracted by density separation using sodium iodide. 567 particles of different sizes (0.04-4.94 mm), shapes (fibers, fragments, films, foams, and pellets), and colours (mostly green, black, blue, and grey) were identified as microplastics. The average abundance of microplastics was 72.02 ± 62.06 particles/kg, and the average intensity was 18.90 ± 9.17 MPs/fish. Small-sized (<1 mm), fibrous-shaped, and coloured microplastics were most abundant in all samples, representing 56%, 85%, and 84%, respectively. Surface examination by SEM showed signs of fragmentation such as cracks, pits, and pores. Two polymer types (high-density polyethylene and polypropylene) were identified by Raman spectroscopy. The predominance of fibers and fragments (94.5%) over pellets (0.35%) and the apparent signs of fragmentation may indicate that MPs are mostly secondary MPs. Wastewater effluent, domestic discharge, and recreational activities are the potential sources. This scoping investigation provided the first data on microplastic presence in the River Nile in Khartoum, and it could be used to guide future studies to fill research gaps in the region.
PubMed: 38163211
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23393 -
Tissue & Cell Feb 2024Silver fluoride (SF) is a preventive and therapeutic option for dental pathological processes involving structural alterations of the hard tissues, either during their...
OBJECTIVES
Silver fluoride (SF) is a preventive and therapeutic option for dental pathological processes involving structural alterations of the hard tissues, either during their formation or those caused by caries or other pathological reasons. This study aimed to compare the biological properties of two commercial SF products, one of them with ammonium (Riva Star; SDF) and the other ammonium-free (Riva Star Aqua; AgF), both with or without potassium iodide (KI), by the assessment of the cytotoxicity of the materials' eluates.
METHODS
Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were obtained from healthy 18-23-year-old donors. Three dilutions were prepared for the tested materials (0.005%, 0.0005%, and 0.0001%). The following groups were assessed: (AgF, AgF+KI, SDF, SDF+KI, KI, negative control). A series of cytocompatibility assays were performed: MTT assay, IC50 assay, wound healing (migration) assay, cell cytoskeleton staining, analysis of cell apoptosis and necrosis, and reactive oxygen species production. The normality in the distribution of the data was previously confirmed via a Q-Q plot. Statistical significance was tested using one way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test.
RESULTS
The incorporation of KI improved the cytocompatibility of both SF products in terms of viability, migration, morphology, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species production. This difference was higher in the AgF group. The lowest dilutions of SF+KI and AgF+KI showed a similar cytocompatibility to that of the control group (MTT assay (p > 0.05 after 24, 48, and 72 h of culture); migration assay (p > 0.05 after 24, 48, and 72 h of culture); reactive oxygen species production (p > 0.05 after 72 h of culture).
SIGNIFICANCE
Riva Star Aqua shows lower cytotoxicity than Riva Star on hDPSCs. It can be considered as a good alternative in the conservative treatment of dental caries and in the preservation and remineralisation of viable dentine tissue.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Dental Caries; Dental Pulp; Reactive Oxygen Species; Dentin; Potassium Iodide; Stem Cells; Fluorides; Silver Compounds
PubMed: 38113650
DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102283 -
Food Science & Nutrition Dec 2023The consumption of seaweed is on the rise in the Western world. Seaweeds may contain substantial amounts of iodine, and some species could serve as a potential dietary...
The consumption of seaweed is on the rise in the Western world. Seaweeds may contain substantial amounts of iodine, and some species could serve as a potential dietary iodine source. However, limited data on the iodine content and in vivo bioavailability of iodine from seaweeds exist. The objective was to assess whether iodine from a meal consisting of sushi with nori, ( spp) and a wakame seaweed salad () had similar bioavailability as a potassium iodide reference supplement of similar iodine content. A randomized 2 × 2 crossover trial (AB/BA model) was conducted in 20 healthy young women. One intervention arm consisted of a meal with sushi and wakame salad (231 μg iodine), and the other of potassium iodide (KI) supplement (225 μg iodine). Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was measured at 11 different time points for 48 h after the interventions. The UIC increased after consumption of both the sushi and wakame meal and the KI supplement, but the median UIC was higher after ingestion of the KI supplement. The estimated bioavailability of iodine during the first 24 h was 75% from sushi with wakame and 97% from the KI supplement. The bioequivalence analyses confirmed that the KI supplement had higher estimated bioavailability than the sushi and wakame meal, however, with small margins. Our findings on iodine bioavailability imply that sushi and wakame could be potential iodine sources in the diet, which may be favorable for population groups at risk for iodine deficiency. However, further research is needed to account for the variability of iodine content in seaweeds by different locations and degree of processing, to assure that the iodine levels are stable and predictable for the consumers.
PubMed: 38107121
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3689 -
Contemporary Clinical Dentistry 2023The necessity to modify silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to make it esthetically acceptable without affecting its beneficial properties keeps the research in this field...
BACKGROUND
The necessity to modify silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to make it esthetically acceptable without affecting its beneficial properties keeps the research in this field pertinent.
AIM
This study aims to comparatively evaluate the efficacy of Glutathione (GSH) in reducing tooth discoloration associated with SDF.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This split-mouth study was conducted on 20 children aged 3-8 years having a minimum of 3 active carious primary teeth. The three teeth in each patient were randomly divided into Group I - 38% SDF; Group II - 38% SDF followed by application of potassium iodide; and Group III - 38% SDF mixed with 20% GSH. Standardized photographs were taken immediately after application and after 6 months, which were analyzed using Image J software. The carious lesions were clinically classified as active or arrested after 6 months.
RESULTS
When mean gray values of three groups were compared postoperative, the highest value (lighter shade) was observed for group II and least (darker shade) for group I, whereas, during the 6-month follow-up, the highest value was seen for group III and least for group I. The color change from preoperative to 6 months' follow-up was compared, and a statistically significant difference was observed between groups I and II ( = 0.003) and groups I and III ( = 0.001). When caries arresting effectiveness was analyzed, there was no significant difference found between any of the groups ( = 1).
CONCLUSION
Mixing 20% GSH with 38% SDF was an effective measure in reducing the tooth discoloration associated with SDF, without affecting caries arresting the efficiency of the latter.
PubMed: 38075536
DOI: 10.4103/ccd.ccd_100_23 -
Plants (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023A water deficit can negatively impact fruit yield and quality, affecting critical physiological processes. Strategies to mitigate water deficits are crucial to global...
KI Increases Tomato Fruit Quality and Water Deficit Tolerance by Improving Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Amino Acid Accumulation: A Priming Effect or Relief during Stress?
A water deficit can negatively impact fruit yield and quality, affecting critical physiological processes. Strategies to mitigate water deficits are crucial to global food security. Iodine (I) may increase the efficiency of the antioxidant system of plants, but its role against water deficits is poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of I in attenuating water deficits and improving fruit quality, investigating whether metabolic responses are derived from a "priming effect" or stress relief during water deficits. Tomato plants were exposed to different concentrations of potassium iodide (KI) via a nutrient solution and subjected to a water deficit. A water deficit in tomatoes without KI reduced their yield by 98%. However, a concentration of 100 μM of KI increased the yield under a water deficit by 28%. This condition is correlated with increased antioxidant activity, photosynthetic efficiency improvement, and malondialdehyde reduction. In addition, the concentration of 100 μM of KI promoted better fruit quality through antioxidant capacity and a decline in the maturation index. Therefore, KI can be an alternative for attenuating water deficits in tomatoes, inducing positive responses during the water deficit period while at the same time improving fruit quality.
PubMed: 38068658
DOI: 10.3390/plants12234023 -
Journal of the American Chemical Society Dec 2023Despite their hydrophobic surfaces with localized π-holes and rigid well-defined architectures providing a scaffold for preorganizing binding motifs, fullerenes remain...
Despite their hydrophobic surfaces with localized π-holes and rigid well-defined architectures providing a scaffold for preorganizing binding motifs, fullerenes remain unexplored as potential supramolecular host platforms for the recognition of anions. Herein, we present the first example of the rational design, synthesis, and unique recognition properties of novel fullerene-functionalized halogen-bonding (XB) heteroditopic ion-pair receptors containing cation and anion binding domains spatially separated by C. Fullerene spatial separation of the XB donors and the crown ether complexed potassium cation resulted in a rare example of an artificial receptor containing two anion binding sites with opposing preferences for hard and soft halides. Importantly, the incorporation of the C motif into the heteroditopic receptor structure has a significant effect on the halide binding selectivity, which is further amplified upon K cation binding. The potassium cation complexed fullerene-based receptors exhibit enhanced selectivity for the soft polarizable iodide ion which is assisted by the C scaffold preorganizing the potent XB-based binding domains, anion-π interactions, and the exceptional polarizability of the fullerene moiety, as evidenced from DFT calculations. These observations serve to highlight the unique properties of fullerene surfaces for proximal charged guest binding with potential applications in construction of selective molecular sensors and modulating the properties of solar cell devices.
PubMed: 38060428
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c07774 -
Organic Letters Dec 2023The reduction of nitroarenes using KBH and I is described. BI is generated in situ and was shown to be the active reductant. Conditions were optimized for BI generation...
The reduction of nitroarenes using KBH and I is described. BI is generated in situ and was shown to be the active reductant. Conditions were optimized for BI generation and then applied to a wide range of nitroarenes, including traditionally challenging substrates. The method constitutes a practical reduction option which produces low-toxicity boric acid and potassium iodide upon workup.
PubMed: 38052021
DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c03257 -
ChemistryOpen Apr 2024In search of new possible uses of cheap lignite from the Kosova Bassin, the surface of lignite powders is modified with alkyl or mixed alkyl-aryl layers. Modification is...
Surface Modification of Lignite with Alkyl and Mixed Alkyl-Aryl Films Generated from an Aryl Diazonium Salt and Alkyl Halides: Experimental Results and Theoretical Analyses.
In search of new possible uses of cheap lignite from the Kosova Bassin, the surface of lignite powders is modified with alkyl or mixed alkyl-aryl layers. Modification is performed in aqueous acid solution containing an aryl diazonium salt and an alkyl halide compound in millimolar concentration, in the presence of potassium iodide as a reducing agent at equimolar concentration. Attachment of alkyl films substituted with carboxylic groups and aryl films with nitro or bis-trifluoromethyl groups is characterized by IRATR and XPS spectroscopy. The formation of a stable interface during the grafting reactions of alkyl and aryl moieties with lignite surface has been confirmed by theoretical calculations. Aryl diazonium salts once chemically or spontaneously reduced are a source of aryl radicals, able to attach chemically to the material surface or to react with alkyl halides by abstracting the halogen atom. If the aryl diazonium salts are unable to graft to the coal surface due to steric hindrance, they can, nevertheless, abstract an iodine or bromine atom to generate alkyl radicals that react with the material surface.
PubMed: 38051924
DOI: 10.1002/open.202300134 -
Cureus Nov 2023Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by thyroid-stimulating antibodies that can potentially lead to thyrotoxicosis, goiter, skin disease, and eye... (Review)
Review
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by thyroid-stimulating antibodies that can potentially lead to thyrotoxicosis, goiter, skin disease, and eye disease. Available treatment options for Graves' disease include management with antithyroid drugs (ATDs), thyroid ablation with radioactive iodine (RAI), and surgical thyroid gland removal. For individuals unable to reach a normal thyroid hormone level, promptly considering a thyroidectomy is essential. Preoperative strategies to achieve a euthyroid state prevent thyroid storms and minimize postoperative complications and are therefore crucial. While variations in professional guidance exist, this review focuses on standard medical interventions as well as compares respective guidelines set forth by the American Thyroid Association, the European Thyroid Association, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, and the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons. There is consensus among these organizations underscoring the importance of rendering patients euthyroid prior to surgery and the use of ATDs. Most guidelines recommend screening for vitamin D deficiency as well as endorse thyroidectomy as the preferred treatment option for hyperthyroidism with skilled surgeons. Nevertheless, discrepancies do become apparent in aspects such as potassium iodide (SSKI) course duration and preoperative dexamethasone administration. By understanding these differing approaches, healthcare professionals can more effectively manage Graves' disease prior to surgery, resulting in improved patient outcomes and enhanced surgical success.
PubMed: 38046703
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.48156