Potential roles of chromium on inflammatory biomarkers in diabetes: A Systematic

Diabetes, as a low‐grade chronic inflammatory disease, causes disruption in proper function of immune and metabolic system. Chromium is an important element required for normal lipid and glucose metabolism. Chromium deficiency is correlated with elevation in cardiometabolic risk, which results from increased inflammation. This systematic review was conducted to discover the potential roles of chromium on inflammatory biomarkers. Eligible studies were all in vitro, animal and human studies published in English‐language journals from inception until October 2018. PubMed, Scopus, Embase, ProQuest and Google Scholar databases were searched to fined interventional studies from the effects of chromium on inflammatory biomarkers such as tumour necrosis factor a (TNF‐a), C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukins, monocyte chemoattractant protein–1 (MCP‐1), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and adipocytokines in hyperglycaemia and diabetes. Out of 647 articles found in the search, only 14 articles were eligible for analysis, three in vitro studies, eight animal studies and three human studies. Twelve of the 14 studies included in this review, chromium significantly decreased inflammatory factors. The findings of this review indicate, based on in vitro and in vivo studies, that chromium might have potential anti‐inflammatory properties, but some of the studies did not show anti‐inflammatory effects for chromium (two studies). There are only three studies in humans with controversial results. Therefore, more consistent randomized double‐blind controlled trials are needed to reach relevant clinical recommendations, as well as to determine the precise mechanism, of chromium on inflammation in diabetes.     

The prevalence of chromium allergy in Denmark is currently increasing as a result of leather exposure

Background Chromium allergy has traditionally been caused by occupational skin contact with cement. In 1983, Danish legislation made the addition of ferrous sulphate compulsory in cement to reduce the water‐soluble chromium content to not more than 2 ppm. An effect from this intervention has previously been demonstrated among Danish construction workers. Objectives To investigate the development of chromium allergy among patients with dermatitis tested between 1985 and 2007 in Denmark. Furthermore, to determine causative exposures in patients with chromium allergy. Patients and methods A retrospective analysis of patch test data was performed (n = 16 228) and charts from patients with chromium allergy were reviewed. Comparisons were made using a χ² test. Logistic regression analyses were used to test for associations. Results The prevalence of chromium allergy decreased significantly from 3·6% in 1985 to 1% in 1995 (P_trend < 0·001) but increased to 3·3% in 2007 (P_trend < 0·001). The frequency of clinically relevant cement exposure decreased significantly among patients with chromium allergy from 12·7% in 1989–1994 to 3·0% (P < 0·01) in 1995–2007, whereas the frequency of relevant leather exposure increased significantly from 24·1% during 1989–1994 to 45·5% during 1995–2007 (P < 0·02). Conclusions Chromium allergy is currently increasing in Denmark due to leather exposure.     

Water imbibition in the rat prostate during castration-induced regression

The present study was conducted to examine changes in water concentration in the ventral prostate of adult rats at different intervals following castration. The prostatic dry weight was obtained by drying the fresh prostate at 70 degrees C for at least 110 hr and the prostatic water content was calculated from its wet and dry weight. Under normal conditions, the prostatic water concentration ranges from 81.9 to 82.7% in uncastrated rats. The prostatic water concentration started to increase at 8 hr postcastration (83.1%) but this increase was not statistically significant. By 16 hr postcastration, the prostatic water concentration (83.8%) became significantly higher than that of the uncastrated animals. In rats of day 1 to day 10 postcastration, the prostate contained significantly more water (84.4%-84.7%) than those in uncastrated animals. By day 21 postcastration, the prostatic water concentration (81.5%) was not significantly different from that of uncastrated rats. Unlike the prostate, the skeletal muscle did not significantly change the water concentration following castration. The 51Cr-EDTA space in the prostate was not significantly different in rats before and after castration. These results indicate that water imbibition in the rat prostate is associated with an active period of prostatic regression and that the change in the 51Cr-EDTA space during prostatic regression is not the major cause of water imbibition in the tissue. Therefore, the present findings suggest that castration-induced water imbibition in the rat prostate is caused by an increase in the intracellular water space.     

食品中铬元素的含量分析

目的：了解常见食品中铬的含量，指导人群合理摄取铬元素，对糖尿病、动脉粥样硬化、冠心病患者的合理膳食提供理论依据。方法：用石墨炉原子吸收分光光度法测定25种食品中铬含量。选用357．9μm波长，采用二步干燥。测定回收率为92．6％--98．1％，相关系数r＝0．9987，回归方程Y＝0．0l19C 0．0766。结果：肉、蛋类中铬含量在102—532μg/kg之间，谷、豆和坚果类铬含量在104．1—355μg/kg之间，蔬菜、水果类铬合量在35．8—214．7μg/kg之间。结论：铬含量以动物性食品最高，谷类食物居中，蔬菜、水果较低。     

Nasal septum lesions caused by chromium exposure among chromium electroplating workers

A chromium electroplating worker, suffering from epistaxis during work, was found to have nasal septum perforation. To determine the etiology and prevalence of nasal septum lesions, we conducted a survey of seven chromium electroplating factories and examined 79 workers. Forty workers from three aluminum electroplating factories were also enrolled as the reference group. Subjects were thoroughly examined by an otolaryngologist and each of them provided a blood and urine sample. A questionnaire interview regarding symptoms of the upper respiratory tract, past medical history, life style, and work history was also conducted. Air chromium concentrations were measured by taking area samples for 4–6 hours. Based on field observation and chromium measurements, we divided chromium electroplating into three different exposure zones: workers directly dealing with electroplating tanks (n = 31), other process workers (n = 29), and office workers and drivers (n = 19). Among the 79 chromium electroplating workers, there were 16 cases of nasal septum perforation, and 42 with either scar formation or ulceration; 10 chromium electroplating workers developed skin ulcers after performing chrome plating. No workers from aluminum electroplating factories had any nasal septum or skin abnormalities. There was a consistent trend between the degree of chromium exposure and the signs and symptoms related to the nose, throat, and skin. Immediate improvement of occupational hygiene is warranted.     

Is a Titanium Implant for Total Knee Arthroplasty Better? A Randomized Controlled Study

BackgroundLighter weight and lower modulus are potential advantages of titanium (Ti) implants over cobalt chrome (CoCr) implants in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study was conducted to determine whether Ti implants in TKA resulted in better clinical outcomes and radiologic results.MethodsOne hundred and eight patients (216 knees) with knee arthritis warranting bilateral primary TKA were randomly allocated to undergo Ti rotating-platform TKA in one knee and CoCr rotating-platform TKA in the contralateral knee. The mean follow-up period was 5.3 years (range, 1-7 years). The weight of Ti implants was one-third lighter than that of CoCr implants (133.9 g vs 390.1 g, P < .01). Clinical outcomes were evaluated using clinical scores, patient preferences (lightness, comfort, naturalness, and satisfaction), gait analysis (kinetic and kinematic data), range of motion, and degree of pain. Radiologic results were evaluated based on the radiolucent line (RLL), degree of medial tibial bone loss, and loosening as seen on X-ray.ResultsNo significant differences were observed in clinical scores or patient preference. Regarding implant weight, approximately 70% of patients did not perceive the Ti implant as lighter. No significant differences were observed in gait analysis, range of motion, or degree of pain. The RLL was seen in 9% of the Ti implant group and 19% of the CoCr implant group.ConclusionThe lighter Ti implant did not show any clinical benefit over CoCr implants. The lightness of the Ti implant is not sufficient to matter or be noticeable. However, the Ti implant showed lower rate of RLL than the CoCr implant.Level of Evidencelevel I, randomized controlled trial.     

山区农村散居80岁及以上老年人营养调查

对象与方法：在沂蒙山区对４个乡镇的散居高龄老人１２１人进行营养调查（男５５,女６６）,年龄最高男９６岁,女９２岁;最低男女均为８０岁。以称重法与五日询问回忆法相结合,进行四季动态的膳食调查。结果：其膳食构成以谷类（占总重量６１％～７１％）及蔬菜（１２％～１６％）为主,配有少量豆类（１．８％～４．６％）与动物性食品（６．２％～１２．０％）。按中国营养学会８０岁以上老人ＲＤＡ计算,四季能量摄入男性达到ＲＤＡ的８１％～９１％,女性达到７５％～８４％,蛋白质男性仅达到６７％～７５％,女性５５％～６７％,动物和豆类蛋白质来源不足,低于蛋白质总量的３０％～５０％。钙摄入量只有ＲＤＡ的２０％左右,锌、硒、维生素Ａ、Ｂ１、Ｂ２、Ｃ均明显不足。三大营养素所占能量比例合理,脂肪来源以植物油为主,符合老年人营养要求。营养缺乏病检查发现有维生素不足症状,如皮肤干燥鳞皮占４．１％,口角湿白厚２８．９％,舌腥红２２．３％,味蕾肥大８１．０％,膝反射消失１２．４％等。临界高血压患病率为１６．１％,高血压患病率１４．３％。生化检查：血红蛋白检测１１４人,低于１２０ｇ／Ｌ者１６．７％;血糖检测１１６人,高于正常的占６．９％,低于正常的占４７?     

铬酵母中铬的含量测定

目的 研究铬酵母中铬的含量测定方法。方法 采用氧化－光度法。结果 铬的平均回收率及相对标准偏差分别为１００．３％、２．７％（ｎ＝５）。结论 本方法可用于测定铬酵母中铬的含量,方法简便,易行。