Deterministic and probabilistic human health risk assessment for fluorides in drinking groundwater from Lukavac, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Maida ?ljivi? Husejnovi?,Almina Turki?,Arnela Halil?evi?,Nermina Had?i?,Halida Mahmutbegovi? 환경독성보건학회 2022 환경독성보건학회지 Vol.37 No.2

Although fluorides are essential for dental health, there are growing health concerns regarding the risk-benefit ratio of fluoride exposure. The objectives of the study were to obtain data on the amount and human health risks of fluoride in drinking groundwater, as well as to compare and evaluate the differences in the outputs obtained by two different approaches in health risk assessment (deterministic vs probabilistic). From a densely populated industrial area of north-eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, a total of 54 groundwater samples were collected. Fluoride concentrations varied from 1.69 to 3.52 mg/L. The WHOs threshold value for fluoride in drinking water was exceeded in all the samples analysed, indicating an increased daily intake of fluoride from groundwater. Deterministic and semi-probabilistic techniques were used for exposure assessment and health risk quantification. Generally, the deterministic approach resulted in acceptable health risks in most adult exposure scenarios. However, the Monte Carlo simulation revealed that 20.6, 20.8, and 99.8% of adult males, females, and children, respectively, were above the tolerable upper intake level, indicating that both adults and children face a significant health risk. Nevertheless, small children are more vulnerable to environmental hazards than youth and adults. Hence, a more in-depth risk-benefit analysis is required to reduce/or optimize fluoride content in drinking water to prevent tooth decay and fluorosis at all ages. Considering that optimal daily intake of fluorides is a crucial factor for preserving human health, decision-makers should take steps to emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring of fluoride concentrations in drinking water.

Improvement on p-type CVD diamond semiconducting properties by fabricating thin heavily-boron-doped multi-layer clusters isolated each other

Osamu MAIDA,Tomohiro TABUCHI,Toshimichi ITO 한국진공학회 2016 한국진공학회 학술발표회초록집 Vol.2016 No.8

Comment on “Risk factors for intensive care unit readmission after lung transplantation: a retrospective cohort study”

Qazi Maida,Amin Mahnoor 대한중환자의학회 2023 Acute and Critical Care Vol.38 No.2

The Natural History of Peyronie's Disease

Di Maida Fabrizio,Cito Gianmartin,Lambertini Luca,Valastro Francesca,Morelli Girolamo,Mari Andrea,Carini Marco,Minervini Andrea,Cocci Andrea 대한남성과학회 2021 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.39 No.3

Peyronie’s disease (PD), a fibrotic disorder of the tunica albuginea fully described in 1793 by French physician Francois de la Peyronie, is characterized by pain, plaque formation, penile deformity, and ultimately sexual function decline. The epidemio-logical data on PD vary considerably across previous studies, with recent evidence reporting a prevalence of up to 9%. PD is generally divided into two different phases: active or acute and stable or chronic. Plaque formation generally occurs during the acute phase, while during chronic phase pain usually tends to complete resolution and penile deformity stabilizes. PD’s pathophysiology is still subject of great discussion. Tunical mechanical stress and microvascular trauma are major contribu-tory factors. However, better understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of this condition remains paramount towards an in-depth comprehension of the disorder and the development of newer and more effective disease-targeted interventions. In this review we provide a detailed overview of natural history of PD, specifically focusing on clinical manifestations and the underlying molecular regulation patterns.

Comparison of Intralesional Hyaluronic Acid vs. Verapamil for the Treatment of Acute Phase Peyronie's Disease: A Prospective, Open-Label Non-Randomized Clinical Study

Cocci Andrea,Di Maida Fabrizio,Cito Gianmartin,Verrienti Pierangelo,Laruccia Nicola,Campi Riccardo,Mari Andrea,Di Mauro Marina,Falcone Marco,Cacciamani Giovanni E.,Garaffa Giulio,Minervini Andrea,Russ 대한남성과학회 2021 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.39 No.2

Purpose: To compare the efficacy and safety of intralesional hyaluronic acid (HA) as compared with verapamil injection in patients with Peyronie’s disease (PD). Materials and Methods: Between January 2015 and December 2018, men in PD acute phase were prospectively recruited. This open-label, prospective study included 2 different protocols. Group A: 8-week cycle of weekly intraplaque injections with HA; Group B: 8-week cycle of weekly intraplaque injections with verapamil. Penile curvature, plaque size, International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were assessed at baseline and after 3 months. Results: Two-hundred forty-four patients were enrolled. Of these, 125 received intralesional HA (Group A), 119 received intralesional verapamil (Group B). At enrollment, median age was 56.0 years (interquartile range [IQR]=47.0–63.0 years), median curvature 35.0° (IQR=25.0°–45.0°), median IIEF-15 score 19.0 (IQR=16.0–23.0), median VAS 4.0 (IQR=4.0–5.0). Median difference for IIEF-15 was 1.0 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.12–1.94) in Group A and 0.0 (95% CI=-0.04–0.14) in Group B (p<0.05) and median difference for VAS score was -4.0 (95% CI=-4.11–-3.65) in Group A and -1.0 (95% CI=-0.50–2.01) in Group B (p<0.05). Plaque size decreased by -1.50 mm (IQR=1.60–2.10 mm) in Group A and -1.20 in Group B (p=0.10), while penile curvature decreased by -9.50° (IQR=4.50°–13.00°) in group A and -4.50 (IQR=2.50–7.50) in Group B (p<0.01). Conclusions: Intralesional HA injections could represent a reliable treatment option for the conservative management of patients with acute phase of PD.

Follow up of Atypical Squamous Cell Pap Smears in Iraqi Women

Pity, Intisar S.,Shamdeen, Maida Y.,Wais, Shawnim A. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.7

Objectives: To report the prevalence of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high squamous intraepithelial lesions and to determine the possible association of Pap test results with high-risk human papillomavirus and high squamous intraepithelial lesions in women from Duhok, Iraq. Design: A prospective, observational study was conducted between January 2005 and December 2011. Overall, 596 women with a cervicovaginal Pap test showing atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and 93 atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high squamous intraepithelial lesion for whom pathologic follow-up was available were studied. Follow-up consisted of repeat cytology, colposcopy and histology. High risk human papillomavirus DNA testing was performed on exfoliated cervical cells from 106 women, using conventional PCR after at least 36 months from the initial Pap smear. Results: Significantly high proportions of both atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (87.9%) and atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high squamous intraepithelial lesion (62.4%) demonstrated no significant lesion on subsequent follow up. Low squamous intraepithelial lesions were observed in 1.7% of cases of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and in 5.4% of atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high squamous intraepithelial lesion. High squamous intraepithelial lesion was demonstrated in 0.8% and 16.1% respectively. In the latter there was also one case of invasive carcinoma. High-risk HPV DNA was demonstrated in 40% of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and 57.1% of atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high squamous intraepithelial lesions. Conclusions: Since both atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high squamous intraepithelial lesion identify patients who are at an increased risk for the development of high squamous intraepithelial lesions and a considerable percentage harbor high risk-HPV, both should be retained as diagnostic categories and patients warrant a diligent follow up and testing for high risk-HPV DNA. Colposcopic evaluation and biopsy, when indicated, are a must.

How Atypical Penile Curvature Influence Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Peyronie’s Disease Receiving Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum Therapy?

Andrea Cocci,Fabrizio Di Maida,Giorgio Ivan Russo,Marina di Mauro,Gianmartin Cito,Marco Falcone,Andrea Minervini,Giovanni Cacciamani,Riccardo Campi,Andrea Mari,Francesco Sessa,Nicola Mondaini 대한남성과학회 2020 The World Journal of Men's Health Vol.38 No.1

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) in patients with Peyronie’s disease (PD) suffering from atypical deformities. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected data of patients with atypical penile curvature (PC) secondary to PD. All patients underwent a modified treatment protocol, consisting of 3 intralesional injections of 0.9 mg of CCH performed at 4-week intervals at the point of maximum PC. Patients were instructed to follow a strict routine, involving daily modeling of erect penis and stretching at the urinary toilette time, two minutes each. Success was defined as a decrease in PC of ≥20° from baseline. Results: Sixty-five patients were included in the analysis. Median age was 59.0 years (interquartile range [IQR], 53.0 to 63.0 years), median curvature 40.0° (IQR, 30.0° to 45.0°) median duration of the disease 12.0 years (IQR, 6.5 to 24.0 years). Fiftythree patients (81.54%) had ventral PC, 7 (10.77%) hourglass PC, and 5 (7.69%) shortening PC. Median changes of PC were -20.0 (IQR, -20.0 to -10.0; p<0.01) in ventral PC, -20.0 (IQR, -20.0 to 0; p<0.01) in hourglass and -15.0 (IQR, -15.0 to -15.0; p<0.01) in shortening PC. At Kruscal–Wallis test, significant differences between groups were not found. The rate of PC success was 56.60% (30/53) in ventral PC, 57.14% (4/7) in hourglass and 20.00% (1/5) in shortening PC (p=0.29). Treatment success was not influenced by characteristics of curvature (odds ratio=0.66; p=0.20). Conclusions: CCH intralesional injections could represent an effective therapeutic option for the conservative management of patients with atypical PC.

The impact of COVID-19 on the male genital tract: A qualitative literature review of sexual transmission and fertility implications

Verrienti, Pierangelo,Cito, Gianmartin,Maida, Fabrizio Di,Tellini, Riccardo,Cocci, Andrea,Minervini, Andrea,Natali, Alessandro The Korean Society for Reproductive Medicine 2022 Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine Vol.49 No.1

The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2) appears to be widely expressed in cells in the testes, predominantly in spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells, and its co-expression with transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) is essential for the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). For this reason, the male reproductive system could be considered a potential target for SARS-CoV-2, as well as a possible reservoir of infection. However, to date, there is very little evidence about the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen and testicular samples. The aim of this paper was to review the current evidence regarding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on male fertility and sexual health, with a particular focus on reproductive hormones, the presence of the virus in seminal fluid and testis, and its impact on fertility parameters. We found very limited evidence reporting the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in semen and testicular samples, and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on reproductive hormones and fertility parameters is unclear. The quality of the examined studies was poor due to the small sample size and several selection biases, precluding definitive conclusions. Hence, future well-designed prospective studies are needed to assess the real impact of SARS-CoV-2 on male reproductive function.

Time varying LQR-based optimal control of geometrically exact Reissner's beam model

Suljo Ljukovac,Adnan Ibrahimbegovic,Maida Cohodar-Husic Techno-Press 2024 Coupled systems mechanics Vol.13 No.1

In this work, we propose combining an advanced optimal control algorithm with a geometrically exact beam model. For simplicity, the 2D Reissner beam model is chosen to represent large displacements and rotations. The difficulty pertains to the nonlinear nature of beam kinematics affecting the tangent stiffness matrix, making it non-constant, which compromises direct use of optimal control methods for linear problems. Thus, we seek to accommodate a time varying control using linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) algorithm with the proposed geometrically nonlinear beam model. We provide a detailed theoretical formulation and its numerical implementation in a variational format form. Several illustrative numerical examples are provided to confirm an excellent performance of the proposed methodology.

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery in the elderly: Current status

Davide Papis,Alessio Vagliasindi,Pietro Maida 한국간담췌외과학회 2020 Annals of hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery Vol.24 No.1

Hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) surgery includes major hepatic resection and pancreatic surgery, both procedures are complex and have a potentially high complication rate. The presence of centers of excellence with a high patients volume has lowered the complication and increased the resection rate. Increased life expectancy and improved general health status have increased the number of elderly patients eligible for major surgery. Since old patients have more co-morbidities and decreased life expectancy, the benefit of these procedures need to be critically evaluated in this group. Analysis of the literature related to this argument demonstrated that pancreatoduodenectomy can be performed safely in selected elderly patients (70 years of age or older), with morbidity and mortality rates comparable those observed in younger patients. This aspect was also confirmed by cost analysis studies that reported similar data in both groups. Similar findings are also reported for major hepatic resection in elderly patients with either hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Klatskin tumor or gallbladder carcinoma. More studies are needed regarding the subgroup of very elderly patients (80 years or older). Nevertheless, those elderly patients who will benefit from surgery must be adequatelly selected.