Assessment of titanium and cobalt urinary release from dental implants by ICP-MS: A case-control study

Introduction: Dental implants are medical devices designed to replace missing teeth. They are usually made of titanium and cobalt. The present study aimed to evaluate the systematic release of cobalt and titanium in patients with dental implants. Materials and methods: The present case-control study was conducted in dentistry establishments of the region of Chlef and included 24 patients with dental implants (group P) and 24 control subjects (group C). Titanium and cobalt urinary evels were quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The Shapiro–Wilk and Mann-whitney statistical tests were performed using R software. Results: Assessed levels ranged from 0.001 to 0.025 and 0.020–3.900 ug.g − 1 of creatinine for titanium and cobalt respectively. No statistically significant differences in titanium and cobalt urinary concentrations were found between the Group P and C (p = 0.521 and p = 0.577 for titanium and cobalt respectively). No statistically significant difference in titanium urinary levels was found between the smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.137). However, a statistically significant difference in cobalt urinary levels was found between the smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.002). In addition, a statistically significant difference in titanium and cobalt urinary levels was found between the subjects with and without orthopaedic implant (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The results revealed that there was no significant release of titanium and cobalt through dental implants in the studied population. Further studies with multidisciplinary approach, long-term follow-up and larger sample are required to evaluate other metals release from dental and orthopaedic implants

Monitoring of iodine supplementation in table salts by ICP-MS and possible health risks of iodine deficiency in Algeria

Introduction: Iodine deficiency can cause several diseases in children and adults. Therefore, it is important to monitor iodine supplementation. The present study aimed to evaluate the Iodine levels in table salts consumed in Algeria. Materials and method: A total of 81 salt samples were purchased from different retailers. Iodine levels were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry after digestion procedure. Statistical analysis and data visualization were performed using Rstudio 4.2.2 software. Results and discussion: In total, 11 products mentioned the iodine content in their packaging, 05 products mentioned an iodine level which did not in accordance with the Algerian regulations (50.55–84.25 mg/kg). In addition, iodine content varied in the samples of the same brand, indicating a poor reproducibility in the process of iodination. Additionally, 26 samples were free of iodine and only 03 products respected the recommendation of the World Health Organization regarding iodine content in table salts (20–40 mg/kg). Conclusion: The analysed table salt samples were not compliant to national and/or international regulations, exposing to an iodine deficiency that could impacts negatively consumers’ health. Thus, it is essential to strengthen the quality control of dietary salts and to set up a nutrivigilance system

Pitfalls to Avoid while Interpreting Cholinesterase Activity Levels in Cholinesterase Inhibitor Pesticides Poisoning

The cholinesterase activity (AcCh) assay finds an important place in the diagnosis of acute poisoning by cholinesterase inhibitor pesticides, allowing the indication and the efficacy evaluation of antidote treatment with atropine and oximes. AcCh is also a biomarker of effect in occupational exposure to cholinesterase inhibitor pesticides. However, some factors may disrupt AcCh levels and distort the interpretation of the assay results. Hence, the present review aimed to summarize the factors and the variations that may have an impact on the interpretation of AcCh. Indeed, butyrylcholinesterase and acetylcholinesterase are subject to wide physiological individual variations, such as to age, weight and height. Genetic and pathological state may also be factors influencing AcCh levels. The consumption of drugs and daily exposure to some toxicants may also disrupt the AcCh levels, either by direct action on the enzyme or by disrupting its synthesis. In addition, analytical variations and interferences are to be considered while interpreting the results. These variations could induce an underestimation or an overestimation of the cholinesterase activity levels and could lead to diagnostic errors. To conclude, the dosage of cholinesterase activity constitutes an important biomarker of effect in clinical and occupational toxicology. Its interpretation has to be done delicately, taking into consideration all the factors and variations that may influence it