Assessment of material identification and quantification in the presence of metals using spectral photon counting CT.

Spectral Photon Counting Computed Tomography (SPCCT), a ground-breaking development in CT technology, has immense potential to address the persistent problem of metal artefacts in CT images. This study aims to evaluate the potential of Mars photon-counting CT technology in reducing metal artefacts. It focuses on identifying and quantifying clinically significant materials in the presence of metal objects. A multi-material phantom was used, containing inserts of varying concentrations of hydroxyapatite (a mineral present in teeth, bones, and calcified plaque), iodine (used as a contrast agent), CT water (to mimic soft tissue), and adipose (as a fat substitute). Three sets of scans were acquired: with aluminium, with stainless steel, and without a metal insert as a reference dataset. Data acquisition was performed using a Mars SPCCT scanner (Microlab 5×120); operated at 118 kVp and 80 µA. The images were subsequently reconstructed into five energy bins: 7-40, 40-50, 50-60, 60-79, and 79-118 keV. Evaluation metrics including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), linearity of attenuation profiles, root mean square error (RMSE), and area under the curve (AUC) were employed to assess the energy and material-density images with and without metal inserts. Results show decreased metal artefacts and a better signal-to-noise ratio (up to 25%) with increased energy bins as compared to reference data. The attenuation profile also demonstrated high linearity (R2 >0.95) and lower RMSE across all material concentrations, even in the presence of aluminium and steel. Material identification accuracy for iodine and hydroxyapatite (with and without metal inserts) remained consistent, minimally impacting AUC values. For demonstration purposes, the biological sample was also scanned with the stainless steel volar implant and cortical bone screw, and the images were objectively assessed to indicate the potential effectiveness of SPCCT in replicating real-world clinical scenarios.

The correlation between the thyroid function and urinary iodine/creatinine ratio of pregnant women attending a tertiary hospital in Beijing, China, during different trimesters.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the correlation between thyroid function and urinary iodine/creatinine ratio (UI/Cr) in pregnant women during different trimesters and explored potential influencing factors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and UI/Cr were measured in 450 pregnant women. Correlations were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression. Subgroup analyses were performed based on age, body mass index (BMI), parity, gestational age, education, occupation, and family history of thyroid disorders. RESULTS: UI/Cr was positively correlated with FT4 levels in the first and second trimesters, particularly in women with older age, higher BMI, multiparity, higher education, and employment. No significant correlations were found between UI/Cr and TSH or FT3 levels. CONCLUSION: UI/Cr is positively correlated with FT4 levels in early pregnancy, especially in women with certain risk factors. Regular monitoring of iodine status and thyroid function is recommended for pregnant women to ensure optimal maternal and fetal health.

Experimental assessment of diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography (diceCT) protocols.

Diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography (diceCT) is an increasingly used digital complement, supplement, or alternative to traditional dissection-based anatomical research. The diceCT protocol, which has evolved and expanded over the past decade, employs passive diffusion of Lugol's iodine (KI3) to increase soft tissue radiodensity and improve structure contrast in the CT or microCT imaging of specimens. The development and application of diceCT has focused largely on specimens under 1 kg, and the varying reporting of methods on studies of both small and large specimens has initiated, but not yet established, an effective diceCT protocol for larger specimens based on monitored experiments of several fundamental variables (e.g., Lugol's iodine concentration, duration, and impacts of Lugol's iodine on tissues). In this study, we have experimentally assessed the efficacy of diceCT protocols for imaging whole-body specimens of the 1-4.5 kg Australian brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) using sequential CT imaging assessment across experimental conditions. We assessed the impact of varying Lugol's iodine concentration, the presence/absence of skin, solution volume and agitation on tissue radiodensity changes through weekly CT-based monitoring of tissue radiodensities over an 8-week experimental period. We have also quantified tissue volumetric changes across our experiment to assess the impact of diceCT applications on subsequent analyses of imaging datasets. Our results indicate that substantial changes in both soft-tissue radiodensity and soft-tissue volume occur within the first 28 days of Lugol's iodine treatment, followed by a slower rate of progressive soft-tissue radiodensity and volume changes across the experiment duration. Our results demonstrate the negligible benefit of skinning larger specimens to improve solution diffusion, and document significant soft-tissue volumetric changes with high concentration solutions (e.g., 10%) and long-duration exposure (e.g., beyond 5 weeks) that should guide individual diceCT protocol design and/or quantification and analysis for mammal specimens above 1 kg.

Construction of thyroid cancer classification and iodine metabolism related diagnostic model using thyroid differentiation score and bioinformation.

To more accurately diagnose and treat patients with different subtypes of thyroid cancer, we constructed a diagnostic model related to the iodine metabolism of THCA subtypes. THCA expression profiles, corresponding clinicopathological information, and single-cell RNA-seq were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. Genes related to thyroid differentiation score were obtained by GSVA. Through logistic analyses, the diagnostic model was finally constructed. DCA curve, ROC curve, machine learning, and K-M analysis were used to verify the accuracy of the model. qRT-PCR was used to verify the expression of hub genes in vitro. There were 104 crossover genes between different TDS and THCA subtypes. Finally, 5 genes (ABAT, CHEK1, GPX3, NME5, and PRKCQ) that could independently predict the TDS subpopulation were obtained, and a diagnostic model was constructed. ROC, DCA, and RCS curves exhibited that the model has accurate prediction ability. K-M and subgroup analysis results showed that low model scores were strongly associated with poor PFI in THCA patients. The model score was significantly negatively correlated with T cell follicular helper. In addition, the diagnostic model was significantly negatively correlated with immune scores. Finally, the results of qRT-PCR corresponded with bioinformatics results. This diagnostic model has good diagnostic and prognostic value for THCA patients, and can be used as an independent prognostic indicator for THCA patients.

The Impact of Exposure to Iodine and Fluorine in Drinking Water on Thyroid Health and Intelligence in School-Age Children: A Cross-Sectional Investigation.

Iodine and fluorine, as halogen elements, are often coexisting in water environments, with nearly 200 million people suffering from fluorosis globally, and, in 11 countries and territories, adolescents have iodine intakes higher than that required for the prevention of iodine deficiency disorders. It has been suggested that excess iodine and/or fluorine can affect thyroid health and intellectual development, especially in children, but their combined effect has been less studied in this population. This study investigated 399 school-age children in Tianjin, China, collected drinking water samples from areas where the school-age children lived, and grouped the respondents according to iodine and fluorine levels. Thyroid health was measured using thyroid hormone levels, thyroid volume, and the presence of thyroid nodules; intelligence quotient (IQ) was assessed using the Raven's Progressive Matrices (CRT) test; and monoamine neurotransmitter levels were used to explore the potential relationship between thyroid health and intelligence. Multiple linear regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analyses showed that iodine and fluorine were positively correlated with thyroid volume and the incidence of thyroid nodules in school-age children, and negatively correlated with IQ; similar results were obtained in the secondary subgroups based on urinary iodine and urinary fluoride levels. Interaction analyses revealed a synergistic effect of iodine and fluorine. A pathway analysis showed that iodine and fluorine were negatively associated with the secretion of free triiodothyronine (FT3) and free tetraiodothyronine (FT4), which in turn were negatively associated with the secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Iodine and fluorine may affect IQ in school-aged children through the above pathways that affect thyroid hormone secretion; of these, FT3 and TSH were negatively correlated with IQ, whereas FT4 was positively correlated with IQ. The relationship between thyroid hormones and monoamine neurotransmitters may involve the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, with FT4 hormone concentrations positively correlating with dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HT) concentrations, and FT3 hormone concentrations positively correlating with DA concentrations. Monoamine neurotransmitters may play a mediating role in the effects of iodine and fluoride on intelligence in schoolchildren. However, this study has some limitations, as the data were derived from a cross-sectional study in Tianjin, China, and no attention was paid to the reciprocal effects of iodine and fluorine at different doses on thyroid health and intelligence in schoolchildren in other regions.

Role of Iodine Status and Lifestyle Behaviors on Goiter among Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study in Zhejiang Province, China.

BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiency is a well-established cause of goiter, while the impact of lifestyle factors on goiter development remains underexplored. The study aims to explore the associations between iodine status, lifestyle factors, and the prevalence of goiter among children and adolescents in Zhejiang Province, China. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022 using a stratified multistage sampling, involving 2261 children aged 6-17. Among these 1562 participants underwent both urinalysis and thyroid ultrasound. Lifestyle factors were assessed through self-reported questionnaires. RESULTS: The prevalence of goiter in the study population was 10.8%. A high urinary iodine concentration (UIC) (>300 µg/L) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of goiter (OR = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.27-0.88). Excessive recreational screen time and a high frequency of dining out were associated with an increased Tvol, while adequate physical activity and sleep were inversely associated with goiter risk, while the combined effect of high UIC and healthy lifestyle showed a protective effect against goiter. CONCLUSION: Ensuring adequate iodine status and promoting healthy lifestyles are crucial for preventing goiter and enhancing thyroid health in children and adolescents, suggesting that public health strategies should integrate nutritional and lifestyle interventions.

Structural Modification and Characteristics of Lappaconitine Alkaloid for the Discovery of Bioactive Components by Hypervalent Iodine Reagent.

Lappaconitine, a diterpene alkaloid isolated from Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai, exhibits a wide range of biological activities, making it a promising candidate for the development of novel derivatives with therapeutic potential. In our research, we executed a two-step transformation via oxidative cleavage of lappaconitine's vicinal diol using the hypervalent iodine reagent PhI(OAc)2, followed by strong alkaline hydrolysis. This approach yielded four new unanticipated compounds, whose structures were identified by spectroscopic methods and/or X-ray crystallography. Thus, we proposed plausible reaction mechanisms for their formations and particularly investigated the remarkable diastereoselectivity for the formation of single stereoisomer 8 observed during the alkaline hydrolysis step. Among them, compound 8 (code name: QG3030) demonstrated both enhanced osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells and significant osteogenic effect in an ovariectomized rat model with no acute oral toxicity.

A review of groundwater iodine mobilization, and application of isotopes in high iodine groundwater.

Excessive intake of iodine will do harm to human health. In recent years, high iodine groundwater has become a global concern after high arsenic and high fluorine groundwater. A deep understanding of the environmental factors affecting iodine accumulation in groundwater and the mechanism of migration and transformation is the scientific prerequisite for effective prevention and control of iodine pollution in groundwater. The paper comprehensively investigated the relevant literature on iodine pollution of groundwater and summarized the present spatial distribution and hydrochemical characteristics of iodine-enriched groundwater. Environmental factors and hydrogeological conditions affecting iodine enrichment in aquifers are systematically summarized. An in-depth analysis of the hydrologic geochemistry, physical chemistry, biogeochemistry and human impacts of iodine transport and transformation in the surface environment was conducted, the results and conclusions in the field of high iodine groundwater research are summarized comprehensively and systematically. Stable isotope can be used as a powerful tool to track the sources of hydrochemical components, biogeochemistry processes, recharge sources and flow paths of groundwater in hydrogeological systems, to provide effective research methods and means for the study of high iodine groundwater system, and deepen the understanding of the formation mechanism of high iodine groundwater, the application of isotopic technique in high iodine groundwater is also systematically summarized, which enriches the method and theory of high iodine groundwater research. This paper provides more scientific basis for the prevention and control of groundwater iodine pollution and the management of groundwater resources in water-scarce areas.

Three-dimensional iodine mapping quantified by dual-energy CT for predicting programmed death-ligand 1 expression in invasive pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

We examined the association between texture features using three-dimensional (3D) io-dine density histogram on delayed phase of dual-energy CT (DECT) and expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) using immunostaining methods in non-small cell lung cancer. Consecutive 37 patients were scanned by DECT. Unenhanced and enhanced (3 min delay) images were obtained. 3D texture analysis was performed for each nodule to obtain 7 features (max, min, median, mean, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) from iodine density mapping and extracellular volume (ECV). A pathologist evaluated a tumor proportion score (TPS, %) using PD-L1 immunostaining: PD-L1 high (TPS ≥ 50%) and low or negative expression (TPS < 50%). Associations between PD-L1 expression and each 8 parameter were evaluated using logistic regression analysis. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that skewness and ECV were independent indicators associated with high PD-L1 expression (skewness: odds ratio [OR] 7.1 [95% CI 1.1, 45.6], p = 0.039; ECV: OR 6.6 [95% CI 1.1, 38.4], p = 0.037). In the receiver-operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve of the combination of skewness and ECV was 0.83 (95% CI 0.67, 0.93) with sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 96%. Skewness from 3D iodine density histogram and ECV on dual energy CT were significant factors for predicting PD-L1 expression.

Salt Reduction and Iodine Fortification Policies Are Compatible: Perspectives for Public Health Advocacy.

Cardiovascular diseases account for almost 18 million deaths annually, the most of all non-communicable diseases. The reduction of dietary salt consumption is a modifiable risk factor. The WHO recommends a daily sodium intake of <2000 mg but average consumption exceeds this in many countries globally. Strategies proposed to aid effective salt reduction policy include product reformulation, front of pack labelling, behavioural change campaigns and establishing a low-sodium-supportive environment. Yet, salt for household and processed food use is, in countries wholly or partially adopting a universal salt iodisation policy, the principal vehicle for population-wide iodine fortification. With salt reduction policies in place, there is concern that iodine deficiency disorders may re-emerge. Recognising the urgency to tackle the rising prevalence of NCDs yet not risk the re-emergence and detrimental effect of inadequate iodine intakes, this review lays out the feasibility of integrating both salt reduction and salt iodine fortification strategies. Reducing the burden of health risks associated with an excessive sodium intake or inadequate iodine through population-tailored, cost-effective strategies involving salt is both feasible and achievable, and represents an opportunity to improve outcomes in public health.

Effects of Iodinated Contrast-enhanced CT on Urinary Iodine Levels in Postoperative Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

AIMS: This study aims to observe the fluctuating urine iodine levels in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) following iodinated contrastenhanced computed tomography (eCT) scans. BACKGROUND: The presence of iodine in iodinated contrast agents (ICAs) can impede the effectiveness of radioactive iodine treatment (RAIT) and diagnostic scans in individuals diagnosed with DTC, as it can engage in competitive interactions with 131I. According to established guidelines, it is recommended to postpone RAIT for a period of three to four months in individuals who have had prior exposure to ICAS. The measurement of spot urine iodine concentration is a valuable indicator for assessing the overall iodine content throughout the body. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to identify the optimal timing for administering postoperative RAIT in DTC patients. METHODS: At various time points after surgery, a cohort of 467 random urine samples (126 male samples, 341 female samples, age (45±12 years)) was obtained from 269 DTC patients. The samples were analyzed for urinary iodine and urinary creatinine levels, and the urinary iodine/urine creatinine ratio (I/Cr) was computed. All samples were divided into two groups according to whether eCT before operation: the non-enhanced CT (eCT-) group and the enhanced CT (eCT+) group. The urine samples in the eCT- group were categorized into four subgroups according to the duration of strict low iodine diet (LID): (eCT-I+) no LID; (eCT-I-2W) 2 weeks of LID; (eCT-I-4W) 4 weeks of LID; and (eCT-I-6W) 6 weeks of LID. The last three groups were merged into the eCT- and effective LID group (eCT- I-). The urine samples from the eCT+ group were categorized into five subgroups: (0.5M eCT+)0.5 month after eCT+; (1M eCT+)1 month after eCT+; (2M eCT+) 2 months after eCT+; (3M eCT+) 3 months after eCT+; (≥4M eCT+) ≥4 months after eCT+. In addition, the patients within 2 months after eCT+ were divided into 2 groups according to their LID: no effective LID group (eCT+ I+) and effective LID group (eCT+ I-). Utilizing the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U rank sum tests, the differences in I/Cr between groups were compared. RESULTS: In the eCT-group, the I/Cr ratios of eCT-I-2W, eCT-I-4W, and eCT-I-6W were significantly lower than those of eCT-I+ (χ2 values: 4.607.99, all P 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in I/Cr between eCT-I-2W, eCT- I-4W, and eCT-I-6W (2 values: 0.591.31, all P > 0.05). Significantly higher I/Cr values were observed in 0.5M eCT+ and 1M eCT+ than in eCT-I+ (χ2 values: 3.22 and 2.18, respectively, all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in I/Cr between 2M eCT+ and eCT-I+ (χ2 = 0.76, P = 0.447). The I/Cr rations of 3M eCT+, ≥4M eCT+ were not significantly different with eCT-I- (χ2 values: 1.76; 0.58; all P > 0.05). However, they were considerably lower than eCT-I+ (χ2 values: 7.03; 5.22; all P<0.05). The I/Cr for patients who underwent eCT within two months (eCT+ I-, eCT+ I+) did not differ significantly (χ2 = 1.79, P = 0.073). CONCLUSION: For patients who are considering receiving radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT) following a diagnosis of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), it is recommended that the interval between RAIT treatment and enhanced computed tomography [eCT] scans be conducted at least three months.

Synthesis of Natural and Sugar-Modified Nucleosides Using the Iodine/Triethylsilane System as N-Glycosidation Promoter.

The reagent system based on the combined use of Et3SiH/I2 acts as an efficient N-glycosidation promoter for the synthesis of natural and sugar-modified nucleosides. An analysis of reaction stereoselectivity in the absence of C2-positioned stereodirecting groups revealed high selectivity with six-membered substrates, depending on the nucleophilic character of the nucleobase or based on anomerization reactions. The synthetic utility of the Et3SiH/I2-mediated N-glycosidation reaction was highlighted by its use in the synthesis of the investigational drug apricitabine.

Effectiveness of silver and iodine dressings on wound healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of silver and iodine dressings on healing time, healing rate, exudate amount, pain and anti-infective efficacy. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: Databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL were surveyed up to May 2024. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing silver and iodine dressings on wound healing in humans. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Evidence certainty was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Data extraction was done independently by two reviewers, with the risk of bias assessed using the Cochrane tool. Narrative synthesis was performed to evaluate the effects of silver and iodine dressings on healing time, healing rate, pain, exudate amount and anti-infective efficacy. Meta-analysis using Review Manager V.5.4 calculated standardised mean differences for healing time and relative risks for rate to quantify the impacts of the treatments. RESULTS: 17 studies (18 articles) were included. The meta-analysis indicated that silver dressings significantly reduced healing time compared with iodine dressings (SMD=-0.95, 95% CI -1.62 to -0.28, I2=92%, p=0.005, moderate-quality evidence), with no significant difference in enhancing healing rate (RR=1.29, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.85, I2=91%, p=0.16, low-quality evidence). Based on low-quality evidence, for exudate amount (3/17), 66.7% (2/3) of the studies favoured silver dressings over iodine in reducing exudate volume. For pain (7/17), 57.1% (4/7) of the studies reported no significant difference between silver and iodine dressings, while 42.9% (3/7) studies indicated superior pain relief with silver dressings. For anti-infective efficacy (11/13), 54.5% (6/11) of the studies showed equivalence between silver and iodine dressings, while 36.4% (4/11) suggested greater antibacterial efficacy for silver. CONCLUSION: Silver dressings, demonstrating a comparable healing rate to iodine dressings, significantly reduce healing time, suggesting their potential as a superior adjunct in wound care. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42020199602.

Computed tomography numbers obtained for varying iodine contrast concentrations by different-generation dual-energy computed tomography scanners.

We compared the computed tomography (CT) numbers from monochromatic images obtained using the first-generation (Discovery CT750 HD: GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI) and second-generation (Revolution CT: GE HealthCare) dual-energy CT (first and second DECT) scanners in phantom and clinical studies. In a polypropylene phantom, eight polypropylene tubes containing iodine at various concentrations (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 12, 20, 30 mg I per ml) were arranged in an outer circle. The iodine densities and CT numbers obtained after imaging with different-generation DECT scanners were analyzed. The CT numbers from images obtained from 61 consecutive patients with aortic disease who underwent CT with different-generation DECT scanners were compared during the arterial and delayed phases. The iodine concentration obtained from second DECT was more accurate than that from the first DECT in the phantom study. A significantly higher contrast enhancement was observed with the second DECT compared with the first DECT during the arterial phase in the clinical study. Contrast enhancement was higher with the second DECT than with the first DECT, and the second DECT was effective in minimizing the use of contrast materials.

Iodine identification in major edible seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii and establishment of an iodine reduction method for its protein extract for utilization as a protein source.

Kappaphycus alvarezii is the most widely cultivated seaweed globally. The use of the protein contained in K. alvarezii as an alternative protein source seems to be an effective countermeasure against the protein crisis. Here, we identified the iodine chemical species in K. alvarezii and developed an iodine reduction method. We used various fractionation methods and showed that almost all the iodine in the K. alvarezii alkali extract is present as an iodinated protein, and reducing the amount of iodine per protein was difficult. Subsequently, an iodine reduction method was established to cleave the covalent bonds between the protein and iodine, and we could successfully reduce the amount of iodine per protein by approximately half.

Chewing shrews: Examining the morphology and function of the masticatory musculature in Soricidae via diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography.

Essential for sustaining a high metabolic rate is the efficient fragmentation of food, which is determined by molar morphology and the movement of the jaw. The latter is related to the jaw morphology and the arrangement of the masticatory muscles. Soricid jaw apparatuses are unique among mammals, as the articulation facet on the condylar process is separated into a dorsal and a ventral part, which has often been linked to more differentiated jaw motions. Soricidae also possess a remarkably elongated angular process. However, the precise function of the unique morphology of soricid jaw apparatuses has not been fully understood yet. By digitally reconstructing the masticatory musculature via the diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography technique, we show how the unique jaw morphology is reflected in the spatial organization as well as the inner architecture and respective fascicle orientations of the muscles. From the lines of action of the m. masseter and the m. pterygoideus internus, both muscles inserting on the lateral and medial side of the angular process, respectively, we infer that the angular process is substantial for roll and yaw rotations of the mandible. The m. masseter is subdivided into four and the m. pterygoideus internus into five subunits, each exhibiting a slightly different line of action and torque. This enables Soricidae to adjust and adapt these rotational movements according to the properties of the ingested food, allowing for more efficient fragmentation. Additionally, those guided rotational motions allow for precise occlusion despite tooth wear. The temporalis is the largest of the adductor muscles and is mainly responsible for exerting the bite force. Overall, the unique jaw bone morphology in conjunction with the complex muscle arrangement may contribute towards a more efficient energy gain and the maintenance of a high metabolic rate, which is crucial for small-bodied mammals such as shrews.

Stickiness of 7 types of iodinated contrast media used during interventional radiology and interventional cardiology procedures.

INTRODUCTION: During Interventional Cardiology (IC) and Interventional Radiology (IR) procedures operators' gloves, guide wires and catheters may stick together due to the inherent stickiness of Iodine Containing Contrast Media (ICCM). This may result in displacement of materials, compromising technical success. In this study we compare the stickiness of seven frequently used types of ICCM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Xenetix 300, Hexabrix 320 (Guerbet, Villepinte, France), Ultravist 300 (Bayer, Leverkusen, Germany), Visipaque 270, Omnipaque 300, Visipaque 320 (GE, Wauwatosa, WI) and Iomeron300 (Bracco, Milano, Italy) are compared using a probe-tack test. Pieces of surgical gloves are put together with 0.1 ml of of ICCM in between, and subsequently pulled apart under computer control. Stickiness is measured as the work needed to separate the probes. RESULTS: From least to most sticky results were: Hexabrix 320 (mean Work (mJ); range: 0.70; 0.16-1.23), Visipaque 270 (1.18; 0.47-1.89), Visipaque 320 (1.70; 0.59-2.81), Iomeron 300 (3.01; 1.82-4.20), Xenetix 300 (5.83; 3.96-7.69), Ultravist 300 (5.83; 2.83-8.84), Omnipaque 300 (8.14; 6.95-9.33). The four least sticky ICCM differ statistically significantly (p = 0.000-0.004) from the remaining. In this research Omnipaque 300, Ultravist 300 and Xenetix 300 are the stickiest and may hence pose the greatest practical problems during procedures; in contrast, Hexabrix 320, Visipaque 270 and Visipaque 320 are the least sticky in this research and may therefore aid in constraining complications caused by stickiness. CONCLUSION: A significant and reproducible difference in stickiness exists between commercially available ICCM, Hexabrix 320, Visipaque 270, Visipaque 320 and Iomeron 300, being least sticky.

Assessment of Salt, Potassium, and Iodine Intake in the Croatian Adult Population Using 24 h Urinary Collection: The EH-UH 2 Study.

Cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death in Croatia, are linked to the high prevalence of hypertension. Both are associated with high salt intake, which was determined almost two decades ago when Croatian Action on Salt and Health (CRASH) was launched. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate salt, potassium, and iodine intake using a single 24 h urine sample in a random sample of the adult Croatian population and to analyse trends in salt consumption after the CRASH was intensively started. METHODS: In this study, we analysed data on 1067 adult participants (mean age 57.12 (SD 13.9), men 35%). RESULTS: Mean salt and potassium intakes were 8.6 g/day (IQR 6.2-11.2) and 2.8 g/day (IQR 2.1-3.5), respectively, with a sodium-to-potassium ratio of 2.6 (IQR 1.8-3.3). We detected a decrease of 17.6% (2 g/day less) in salt consumption compared with our previous salt-mapping study. However, only 13.7% and 8.9% met the WHO salt and potassium recommended targets of 5 g/day and 3.5 g/day, respectively. Salt intake was higher, and potassium ingestion was lower, in rural vs. urban regions and in continental vs. Mediterranean parts of Croatia. Moderate to severe iodine insufficiency was determined in only 3% of the adult participants. CONCLUSION: In the last fifteen years, salt consumption has been significantly reduced in the Croatian adult population because of the intensive and broad CRASH program. However, salt intake is still too high, and potassium ingestion is too low. Salt reduction programs are the most cost-effective methods of cardiovascular disease prevention and merit greater consideration by the government and health policy makers.