Preferential association of PBDEs and PAHs with mineral particles vs. dissolved organic carbon: Implications for groundwater contamination at e-waste sites.

Polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are commonly detected contaminants at e-waste recycling sites. Against the conventional wisdom that PBDEs and PAHs are highly immobile and persist primarily in shallow surface soils, increasing evidence shows that these compounds can leach into the groundwater. Herein, we compare the leachabilities of PBDEs vs. PAHs from contaminated soils collected at an e-waste recycling site in Tianjin, China. Considerable amounts of BDE-209 (0.3-2 ng/L) and phenanthrene (42-106 ng/L), the most abundant PBDE and PAH at the site, are detected in the effluents of columns packed with contaminated soils, with the specific concentrations varying with hydrodynamic and solution chemistry conditions. Interestingly, the leaching potential of BDE-209 appears to be closely related to the release of colloidal mineral particles, whereas the leachability of phenanthrene correlates well with the concentration of dissolved organic carbon in the effluent, but showing essentially no correlation with the concentration of mineral particles. The surprisingly different trends of the leachability observed between BDE-209 and phenanthrene is counterintuitive, as PBDEs and PAHs often co-exist at e-waste recycling sites (particularly at the sites wherein incineration is being practiced) and share many similarities in terms of physicochemical properties. One possible explanation is that due to its extremely low solubility, BDE-209 predominantly exists in free-phase (i.e., as solid (nano)particles), whereas the more soluble phenanthrene is mainly sorbed to soil organic matter. Findings in this study underscore the need to better understand the mobility of highly hydrophobic organic contaminants at contaminated sites for improved risk management.

Role of urea in the retention of DON in soil by clay minerals: Analysis based upon molecular weight.

As a widely used fertilizer, urea significantly promotes the leaching of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in soils and aggravates nitrogen contamination in groundwater. Clay minerals are considered the most important factor in retaining DON. However, the effect of urea on the retention of DON with different molecular weights by clay minerals is unknown. In this study, the retention of both low-molecular weight DON (LMWD) and high-molecular weight DON (HMWD) by clay minerals in the presence of urea was investigated. For this purpose, batch adsorption and soil column leaching experiments, characterization analysis (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), and molecular dynamics simulations were carried out. Urea had a positive effect on the adsorption of LMWD, whereas a competitive effect existed for the adsorption of HMWD. The dominant interactions among DON, urea, and clay minerals included H-bonding, ligand exchange, and cation exchange. The urea was preferentially adsorbed on clay minerals and formed a complex, which provided more adsorption sites to LMWD and only a few to HMWD. The presence of urea increased the retention of LMWD and decreased the retention of HMWD in clay minerals. The retention capacity of LMWD increased by 6.9%-12.8%, while that of HMWD decreased by 6.7%-53.1%. These findings suggest that LMWD tended to be trapped in soils, while HMWD was prone to be leached into groundwater, which can be used to evaluate the leaching of DON from soil to groundwater.

Long-term follow-up of bone density changes in total hip arthroplasty: comparative analysis from a randomized controlled trial of a porous titanium construct shell vs. a porous coated shell.

PURPOSE: Periacetabular bone loss poses a considerable challenge in the longevity and stability of acetabular implants used in total hip arthroplasty (THA). Innovations in implant design, specifically the introduction of three-dimensional (3D) porous titanium constructs, might reduce bone resorption. The purpose of this study was to build upon our previous randomized controlled trial, which found no change in periacetabular bone loss between a 3D porous none-hydroxyapatite coated titanium cup and a standard porous hydroxyapatite coated cup over a two year follow-up period by extending the follow-up duration to ten years post-surgery. METHODS: This was a single-centre, long-term follow-up study conducted over a ten year period in patients who had previously participated in a randomized controlled trial comparing a 3D porous titanium construct shell (PTC group) with a standard porous hydroxyapatite coated titanium shell (PC-group). The primary outcome measured was the change in bone mineral density (BMD) within four specific periacetabular zones, alongside overall bone loss, which was assessed through BMD in the lumbar spine at two, six and ten years postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included clinical outcome measures. RESULTS: In total, 18 in the PTC and 20 in the PC group were analysed for the primary endpoint up to ten years. The mean bone mineral density in zones 1-4 was 3.7% higher in the PTC group than in the PC group at six years postoperatively and 12.0% higher at ten years. Clinical outcomes, and the frequency of adverse events did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The PTC group displayed superior long-term bone preservation compared to the PC group while maintaining similar clinical outcomes up to ten years postoperatively. Although with a small sample size, our findings suggest that porous titanium cups have the potential to minimize BMD loss around the cup which could contribute to improving THA outcomes and implant durability.

Preliminary study on the effect of lumbar axial rotation on bone mineral density measured by DXA and QCT.

Currently, the relationship between axial rotation of the vertebrae and bone mineral density (BMD) measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) remains controversial. The aim of this study is to quantitatively assess the effect of vertebral rotation on volumetric bone mineral density (v-BMD) and areal bone mineral density (a-BMD), further to propose the corrected strategies. To achieve this, a phantom, which was rotated from 0° to 25° in 5° increments, was utilized. Bone mineral content (BMC), a-BMD, v-BMD, and projected area (p-AREA) were measured. The Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test or one-way ANOVA was used to examine the differences in variables between the different groups. The Pearson and Spearman correlation was used to test the relationships between quantitative parameters and rotated angles. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between angles and quantitative parameters. The findings indicate that, as the angle increased, a-BMD and v-BMD decreased (P < 0.001) , and the p-AREA increased (P < 0.001), but the BMC stays constant. The rotated angle was negative correlated (r = - 0.925, P < 0.001) with a-BMD and v-BMD (r = - 0.880, P < 0.001), positive (r = 0.930, P = < 0.001) correlated with p-AREA. The linear regression analysis showed that a-BMD = 0.808-0.01 × Angle and v-BMD = 151.808-1.588 × Angle. This study showed that, axial rotation might lead to a lower measured for a-BMD and v-BMD, it should be modified. This gives clinicians some insights into how to deal with osteoporosis in scoliosis patients. It's essential for clinicians to incorporate these findings into their diagnostic processes to prevent potential misdiagnosis and over-treatment of osteoporosis.

Impact of bisphosphonate treatment on bone mineral density after kidney transplant.

BACKGROUND: Mineral bone disease is associated with chronic kidney disease and persists after kidney transplantation. Immunosuppressive treatment contributes to the pathogenesis of this disease. Bisphosphonate treatments have shown positive but indefinite results. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of bisphosphonate treatment on post kidney transplantation bone mineral density (BMD). METHODS: We included kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) whose BMD was measured after the operation but before the initiation of treatment and their BMD was measured at least one year later. We also evaluated the BMD of KTRs using two valid measurements after transplantation who received no treatment (control group). RESULTS: Out of 254 KTRs, 62 (39 men) were included in the study. Bisphosphonates were initiated in 35 KTRs in total (20 men), 1.1 ± 2.4 years after operation and for a period of 3.9 ± 2.3 years while 27 (19 men) received no treatment. BMD improved significantly in KTRs who received bisphosphonate treatments (from -2.29 ± 1.07 to -1.66 ± 1.09, P < 0.0001). The control group showed a non-significant decrease in BMD after 4.2 ± 1.4 years of follow-up after surgery. Kidney function was not affected by bisphosphonate treatment. In KTRs with established osteoporosis, active treatment had a similar and significant effect on those with osteopenia or normal bone mass. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study of KTRs receiving bisphosphonate treatment, we showed that active treatment is effective in preventing bone loss irrespective of baseline BMD.

Preliminary study on the geographical origin of Chinese 'Cuiguan' pears using integrated stable isotope and multi-element analyses.

Distinguish the geographical origin of the pear is important due to the increasingly valued brand protection and reducing the potential food safety risks. In this study, the profiles of stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H, δ18O) and the contents of 16 elements in pear peer from four production areas were analyzed. The δ13C, δ15N, δ2H, δ18O and 12 elements were significantly different (p < 0.05) in the four production areas. Chemometrics analysis including principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were exploited for geographical origin classification of samples. OPLS-DA analysis showed that crucial variables (δ13C, δ18O, δ2H, Ni, Cd, Ca, δ15N, Sr and Ga) are more relevant for the discrimination of the samples. OPLS-DA achieved pear origin accuracy rates of 87.76 % by combining stable isotope ratios and elemental contents. LDA had a higher accuracy rate than OPLS-DA, and the LDA analysis showed that the original discrimination rate reached to 100 %, while the cross-validated rate reached to 95.7 %. These studies indicated that this method could be used to assess the geographical discrimination of pear from different producing areas and could potentially control the fair trade of pear in fruit markets.

Two Cases of Improved Bone Mineral Density Following Treatment of Hypophosphatemic Osteomalacia Due to FGF23 Excess.

Excess fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) causes renal phosphorous wasting and impaired activation of vitamin D leading to osteomalacia. Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare cause of FGF23-mediated hypophosphatemia. We present 2 patients with FGF23-mediated hypophosphatemia who had low bone mineral density (BMD) at diagnosis and remarkable improvements in BMD with treatment. Patient 1 is a 43-year-old man who had years of progressive pain, difficulty ambulating, and multiple fractures. Patient 2 is a 48-year-old nonverbal man with autism and intellectual disability who had months of progressively declining mobility, presumed pain, and multiple fractures. Workup in both cases revealed hypophosphatemia, evidence of renal phosphorous wasting, and elevated FGF23. Patient 1 was diagnosed with TIO when imaging identified a subcutaneous left flank mass and excision resulted in rapid symptom improvement; he experienced a 96% increase in lumbar spine (LS) BMD after surgery. Patient 2 has had multiple scans over several years, but no FGF23-secreting tumor has been identified. He has been maintained on medical treatment with phosphorous and calcitriol with improvement in functioning and 48% increase in LS BMD. Both patients had improvements in BMD with treatment, with more pronounced improvement in the patient with TIO managed surgically.

Romosuzumab used to treat a 29-year-old patient with anorexia nervosa related osteoporosis - A case report.

Osteoporosis and decreased bone density is a frequent complication of anorexia nervosa (AN). As of yet, there have been no studies of accomplished treatment of AN-related osteoporosis with romosuzumab, a monoclonal antibody to sclerostin. We report the first case of a premenopausal, 29-year old patient in Switzerland with decreased bone density and osteoporotic fractures due to anorexia nervosa, who completed the treatment with romosuzumab. There was a significant increase in bone mineral density (BMD) after 12 months of therapy. No serious side effects were reported. To date, only bisphosphonates, denosumab and teriparatide have been evaluated in treatment of AN-related osteoporosis in adolescents and premenopausal individuals respectively. Our report demonstrates that romosuzumab might be an alternative treatment option in patients with anorexia nervosa who are at high risk for osteoporotic fractures. To assess the efficacy and safety of romosuzumab in individuals with AN further studies are needed.

Innovative salt replacement for green Spanish-style olives using potassium, calcium, and magnesium chlorides during packaging.

This work aimed to enhance green Spanish-style Manzanilla table olives by replacing salt with K, Ca, and Mg chlorides in innovative packaging, utilising Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Both the added replacers and naturally occurring minerals were considered. RSM allowed the development of predictive models for K, Ca, Mg, and Mn (initially present) in olive flesh and their contributions to Reference Daily Intakes (RDI) based on the added salts. The sodium content in the new products decreased from 1.4 g/100 g flesh to 0.68 g/100 g flesh, while K, Ca, and Mg concentrations could increase up to 0.50, 0.45 and 0.15 g/100 g flesh, respectively. Added salt contributions to RDI could reach 25, 60, and 44 % for K, Ca, and Mg. Minimal differences between analytical data-derived minerals and predicted values were minimal, suggesting reliable model performance for nutrition labelling. Results assist the industry in creating nutritionally enhanced table olive products.

Femoral bone mineral density as a tool of personalized medicine for rheumatoid arthritis: Interleukin-6 inhibitors for patients with low density whereas tumor necrosis factor inhibitor for patients with preserved density?

Objectives: There is a lack of indicators to distinguish between interleukin-6 inhibitors responders and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors responders in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoporosis is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis and is closely related to inflammatory pathology. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether bone mineral density can distinguish interleukin-6 inhibitors responders from tumor necrosis factor inhibitors responders in rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Either interleukin-6 inhibitors or tumor necrosis factor inhibitors was introduced as the first biologics to patients naïve to both corticosteroid and osteoporosis treatment. Correlations between baseline bone mineral density and Clinical Disease Activity Index after 3 months were analyzed. Results: The subjects were 26 rheumatoid arthritis patients with a median age of 60 years old, disease duration of 1.4 years, Clinical Disease Activity Index of 13.7, and C-reactive protein of 1.69 mg/dL. The subjects were divided into two groups (high (H) and low (L)) according to their femoral bone mineral density with a cutoff of young adult mean of 80%. Six in group H and 11 in group L received interleukin-6 inhibitors, and nine in group H received tumor necrosis factor inhibitors. Clinical Disease Activity Index remission rate by interleukin-6 inhibitors was significantly greater in group L (8/11 (72.7%)) than in group H (1/6 (16.7%); p < 0.05). In the whole group H, significantly more patients obtained Clinical Disease Activity Index remission by tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (7/9, 77.8%) than by interleukin-6 inhibitors (1/6 (16.7%); p = 0.04). Conclusions: In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, interleukin-6 inhibitors may be more beneficial for patients with low femoral bone mineral density, whereas tumor necrosis factor inhibitors may be advantageous for those with preserved bone mineral density.

Multidisciplinary team approach for CKD-associated osteoporosis.

Chronic kidney disease mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) contributes substantially to the burden of cardiovascular disease and fractures in patients with CKD. An increasing arsenal of diagnostic tools, including bone turnover markers and bone imaging, is available to support clinicians in the management of CKD-associated osteoporosis. Although not mandatory, a bone biopsy remains useful in the diagnostic workup of complex cases. In this special report, the European Renal Osteodystrophy (EUROD) initiative introduces the concept of a kidney-bone multidisciplinary team (MDT) for the diagnosis and clinical management of challenging cases of CKD-associated osteoporosis. In 2021, the EUROD initiative launched virtual clinical-pathological case-conferences to discuss challenging cases of patients with CKD-associated osteoporosis, in whom a bone biopsy was useful in the diagnostic workup. Out of these, we selected 4 representative cases and asked a kidney-bone MDT consisting of a nephrologist, an endocrinologist and a rheumatologist to provide comments on the diagnostic and therapeutic choices. These cases covered a broad spectrum of CKD-associated osteoporosis, including bone fracture in CKDG5D, post-transplant bone disease, disturbed bone mineralization, severely suppressed bone turnover, and severe hyperparathyroidism. Comments from the MDT were, in most cases, complementary to each other and additive to the presented approach in the cases. The MDT approach may thus set the stage for improved diagnostics and tailored therapies in the field of CKD-associated osteoporosis. We demonstrate the clinical utility of a kidney-bone MDT for the management of patients with CKD-MBD and recommend their establishment at local, national, and international levels.

Psoas muscle cross sectional area relates to bone density and microarchitecture in candidates for spine fusion surgery.

Prior studies demonstrate that muscle and bone health are integrally related, and both independently impact orthopedic surgery outcomes. However, relationships between bone density, in vivo microarchitecture, and muscle area have not been previously investigated in orthopedic surgery patients. This study assessed associations between psoas cross sectional area (CSA), bone mineral density (BMD), and microstructure in a cohort undergoing spine fusion. Pre-operatively, bilateral psoas CSA was measured on axial lumbar spine CT in the L3-L4 disc space. To adjust for body size, Psoas Muscle Index (PMI) was calculated (CSA divided by the square of patient height). High resolution peripheral quantitative CT (HR-pQCT, XtremeCT2) assessed volumetric BMD (vBMD), cortical (Ct) and trabecular (Tb) microarchitecture at the distal radius and tibia. Areal BMD (aBMD) was measured by DXA at the lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH), femoral neck (FN), and the 1/3 radius (1/3R). Pearson correlations related psoas CSA and bone imaging parameters before and after correcting for height and weight. Among 88 patients included, mean age was 63 ± 12 years, BMI was 28 ± 7 kg/m2, 47 (53 %) were female. Larger psoas CSA was associated with higher vBMD, greater Ct thickness and better Tb microarchitecture (higher Tb number and lower Tb separation) at the tibia and radius. Larger psoas CSA was also associated with greater aBMD at TH and FN bilaterally and 1/3R (r 0.33 to 0.61; p < 0.002 for all comparisons). Psoas CSA was not associated with aBMD at the LS. Similar results were observed when relating PMI, and adjusting for age, height and weight to HR-pQCT and DXA measurements. Investigation of subgroups by sex demonstrated that relationships were similar magnitude among women but not the men. Patients who underwent primary compared to revision spine surgery had similar associations. Our results demonstrate a link between psoas muscle size and peripheral bone microarchitecture among patients undergoing posterior lumbar spinal fusion. Given the importance of both muscle and skeletal integrity to the success of spine surgery, further study regarding the associations between measurements of psoas muscle, bone microarchitecture, and surgical outcomes is warranted.

Coexisting ferrihydrite-enhanced contaminant degradation during pyrite oxygenation.

Oxygenation of pyrite (Py) is known to mediate generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with these species capable of inducing contaminants degradation, whereas the possible participation of coexisting Fe(III) minerals in these processes is still unclear. This study finds that freshly formed ferrihydrite (Fh) significantly enhances the Py-mediated sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation process. Through the 56Fe isotope tracer experiment and a series of control experiments, Fh is found to be reduced by Py to form secondary solid-phase Fe(II) species (Fe(II)RF) which in turn facilitates generation of H2O2 from the O2 reduction pathway. However, Py was found to mediate rapid structural transformation of Fh to form more thermodynamically stable goethite and hematite with these less redox active minerals unable to sustainably promote the Py-mediated SMX degradation process. Therefore, the improvement of Fh on Py-mediated SMX degradation process is not readily observable in reaction systems with low concentrations of coexisting Fh. In comparison, continuing input of 10 mM Fh increased the degradation efficiency of SMX by 60 % over three days. Our results demonstrate that the oxidative degradation of organic contaminants over the oxygenation of Py when coexisting with Fh can be more significant but currently underestimated.

Influence of zwitterionic amphiphilic copolymers on heterogeneous gypsum formation: A promising approach for scaling resistance.

This study aims to investigate the influence of zwitterionic amphiphilic copolymers (ZACs) in the nucleation and growth of heterogeneous CaSO4 at the zwitterion-water interface, which is crucial for the prevention of mineral scaling and consequent downtime or suboptimal performance in industries like membrane desalination, heat exchangers, and pipeline transportation. In situ grazing incidence small angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS), and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) techniques were used to analyze the evolution of CaSO4 particles on two new ZAC coatings: poly-(trifluoroethyl methacrylate-random-sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PTFEMA-r-SBMA, or PT:SBMA) and poly(trifluoroethyl methacrylate-random-2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PTFEMA-r-MPC, or PT:MPC). The results showed that PT:MPC coatings promoted nucleation but inhibited crystal growth, resulting in slower overall reaction kinetics on PT:MPC coatings compared to PT:SBMA coatings. Interfacial interactions involving the substrates, sulfate minerals, and ions were examined, revealing that calcium ion adsorption, primarily governed by electrostatic attraction, played a crucial role in the nucleation and growth processes on both ZAC coatings. The crystal characterization revealed a phase transition from bassanite to gypsum on both ZAC coatings, suggesting that these zwitterionic materials can influence the mineral phase of heterogeneously formed CaSO4 crystals. These findings enhance our understanding of the fundamental mechanisms underlying heterogeneous CaSO4 scaling in the presence of zwitterionic materials.

Unraveling immobilization mechanisms of Cd in soil by MgO-modified palygorskite/biochar composite: DFT calculation and combined-artificial aging.

In this study, a combination method of freeze-thaw cycle, dry-wet cycle, and chemical agings was used to investigate the aging effect of MgO-modified palygorskite/biochar composite (MPBC) in soil, and its immobilization capacity on Cd under aging. The immobilization mechanisms of MPBC for Cd were explored through several characterizations and DFT calculations. The results showed that MPBC effectively reduced the activate state of Cd by 56.63% at 8 mg/kg Cd concentration. Additionally, MPBC treatment improved physicochemical properties of soil, notably increasing soil pH by 0.26-0.64 units, thereby facilitating Cd immobilization. The predominant mechanism underlying Cd immobilization by MPBC involved the Cd-π complexation, ions exchange, precipitation, and complexation of surface functional groups, including C-O and C=O, with Cd. The citric acid emerged as a milder oxidizing agent combined with freeze-thaw and dry-wet aging conducive to studying the aging effect of MPBC. The dynamic calculation showed that MgO played an important role in the Cd adsorption, with a maximum probability function of 18.35 for Cd. Moreover, within the temperature range of 20 °C-30 °C, the distance between MPBC and Cd was the closest. This study provides a new idea for artificial aging of biochar and a practical method for the remediation of Cd pollution in soil.

Estimating the prevalence of osteoporosis using ranked-based methodologies and Manitoba's population-based BMD registry.

Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disorder that is characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and deterioration of bone microarchitecture. Osteoporosis is highly prevalent among women over 50, leading to skeletal fragility and risk of fracture. Early diagnosis and treatment of those at high risk for fracture is very important in order to avoid morbidity, mortality and economic burden from preventable fractures. The province of Manitoba established a BMD testing program in 1997. The Manitoba BMD registry is now the largest population-based BMD registry in the world, and has detailed information on fracture outcomes and other covariates for over 160,000 BMD assessments. In this paper, we develop a number of methodologies based on ranked-set type sampling designs to estimate the prevalence of osteoporosis among women of age 50 and older in the province of Manitoba. We use a parametric approach based on finite mixture models, as well as the usual approaches using simple random and stratified sampling designs. Results are obtained under perfect and imperfect ranking scenarios while the sampling and ranking costs are incorporated into the study. We observe that rank-based methodologies can be used as cost-efficient methods to monitor the prevalence of osteoporosis.

Coffee and mineral oil hydrocarbons: potential dietary intake.

Levels of mineral oil hydrocarbons were measured in a large range of green and roasted coffee beans or ground powder. To better understand the consumer exposure to mineral oil hydrocarbons, the transfer to the brewed coffee was assessed under three different preparations. As a result, less than 5% of mineral oil hydrocarbons were transferred to the cup. With this low transfer rate, the coffee contribution to the mineral oils daily intake can be assessed to be very low, below 0.8% of the total exposure.

Association of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase rs1801133 Polymorphism with osteoporosis and fracture risk in Taiwan.

Introduction: Osteoporosis is a prevalent skeletal disorder influenced by age, hormonal changes, medication use, nutrition, and genetics. The relationship between MTHFR and osteoporosis remains unclear, especially in Asians. The aim of our study was to elucidate the impact of MTHFR on osteoporosis and fracture risk. Materials and Methods: Participants were recruited from the Taiwan Precision Medicine Initiative at Taichung Veterans General Hospital. A total of 3,503 subjects with available bone mineral density measurements were selected. Using the Axiom Genome-Wide TWB 2.0 Array, we identified the MTHFR rs1801133 variant. Among these subjects, 1,624 patients carrying the variant were included in the case group, while the remaining 1,879 patients without the variant served as the control group. Results: Overall, individuals carrying the MTHFR rs1801133 variant exhibited a significantly elevated risk of developing osteoporosis. Stratified analysis by different genotypes, the results revealed a statistically significant association between the heterozygous genotype of MTHFR rs1801133 and osteoporosis. However, there was no significant correlation between MTHFR genotypes and fracture risk. Furthermore, subgroup analysis of female patients revealed age, a known risk factor, was associated with both osteoporosis and fractures. Interestingly, the presence of the MTHFR rs1801133 variant did not confer an increased risk of osteoporosis or fractures in females. Conclusion: Our study revealed a notable increase in the prevalence of osteoporosis among individuals carrying the MTHFR rs1801133 variant. Nevertheless, these individuals did not exhibit a heightened risk of major or hip fractures compared to non-carriers. Our findings could be of value in raising awareness of the increased risk of osteoporosis among individuals with this genetic variant.

Comparative Analysis of Antimicrobial Properties and Physical Properties of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Mixed With Distilled Water, Chlorhexidine, and Sodium Hypochlorite Solutions: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND:  Endodontics widely uses mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) because of its excellent sealing ability, biocompatibility, and capacity to promote healing. However, the effectiveness of MTA can vary depending on the blending solution used. Endodontics commonly employ chlorhexidine (CHX) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), but their impact on MTA's properties necessitates further investigation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We blended MTA with the specified solutions and prepared it for testing according to the manufacturer's instructions. The study was divided into four groups: group 1 involved MTA blended with distilled water, group 2 consisted of MTA blended with 0.12% CHX solution (PerioGard, Colgate-Palmolive, Osasco, Brazil), group 3 included MTA blended with 0.2% CHX solution (Corsodyl, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, England, UK), and group 4 comprised MTA blended with 5% NaOCl (Azure Research Lab Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India). The antimicrobial activity of each group was assessed using the agar diffusion method against Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Streptococcus mutans. We measured the compressive strength at 1, 3, 7, and 21 days using an Instron universal testing machine (Hounsfield Test Equipment, Redhill, UK). Statistical significance was evaluated through one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with p values <0.05 considered significant. RESULTS:  Group 3 (MTA blended with 0.2% CHX) exhibited the highest antimicrobial efficacy, with significantly larger inhibition zones against Enterococcus faecalis (25.25 ± 0.21 mm vs. 13.33 ± 0.12 mm, p = 0.011), Candida albicans (29.58 ± 0.24 mm vs. 16.97 ± 0.16 mm, p = 0.004), and S. mutans (26.37 ± 0.15 mm vs. 14.55 ± 0.25 mm, p = 0.027). Group 4 (MTA blended with 5% NaOCl) showed the highest compressive strength at one and three days (p = 0.032 and p = 0.021, respectively), but by 21 days, group 2 demonstrated the greatest compressive strength (p = 0.044). CONCLUSION:  MTA mixed with 0.2% CHX provides superior antimicrobial properties, making it suitable for enhanced microbial control in endodontic treatments. Conversely, MTA mixed with 0.12% CHX offers optimal long-term compressive strength. These findings guide selecting MTA formulations to maximize performance based on clinical needs.

Trends of bone mineral density and bone quality in a paediatric kidney transplant recipient: A case report.

Kidney transplant (KT) requires long-term glucocorticoid (GC) treatment against acute and/or chronic rejection. Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) is one of the major concerns in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Therefore, it is essential to accumulate GIOP data from paediatric KTRs to aid in their healthy growth. A serial observational study of bone strength was carried out in an 8-year-old girl with bilateral hypoplastic kidney who underwent ABO-compatible living-donor KT and GC treatment over 2 years. Bone strength was evaluated by bone mineral density (BMD) and serum bone turnover markers (BTMs), including serum alkaline phosphatase (S-ALP), serum tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b (S-TRACP-5b), and serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin (S-ucOC). All the levels of BTMs and BMD from 1 M to 4 M remained lower than the levels at 0 months (0 M: baseline). After gradual reduction of GC dose (4 M-24 M), S-ALP levels increased from baseline and S-TRACP-5b levels remained lower than the baseline level, but BMD recovered to baseline and increased. The S-ucOC levels did not increase from baseline. The patient's height growth velocity SDS was +3.99 for 23 months, and no fracture occurred during this observation period. A consistent, predominantly formative state of bone, which maintained higher S-ALP levels and lower S-TRACP-5b levels compared to baseline, could contribute to increased BMD. In addition, no increase in S-ucOC levels from baseline could be associated with no deterioration of bone strength. This case suggests that measurement of BMD and, S-ALP, TRACP-5b and ucOC could be useful for evaluating the trend on bone strength in a paediatric KTR.