Physiological resilience of intertidal chitons in a persistent upwelling coastal region.

Current climate projections for mid-latitude regions globally indicate an intensification of wind-driven coastal upwelling due to warming conditions. The dynamics of mid-latitude coastal upwelling are marked by environmental variability across temporal scales, which affect key physiological processes in marine calcifying organisms and can impact their large-scale distribution patterns. In this context, marine invertebrates often exhibit phenotypic plasticity, enabling them to adapt to environmental change. In this study, we examined the physiological performance (i.e., metabolism, Thermal Performance Curves, and biomass and calcification rates) of individuals of the intertidal mollusk Chiton granosus, a chiton found from northern Peru to Cape Horn (5° to 55°S). Our spatial study design indicated a pattern of contrasting conditions among locations. The Talcaruca site, characterized by persistent upwelling and serving as a biogeographic break, exhibited lower pH and carbonate saturation states, along with higher pCO2, compared to the sites located to the north and south of this location (Huasco and Los Molles, respectively). In agreement with the spatial pattern in carbonate system parameters, long-term temperature records showed lower temperatures that changed faster over synoptic scales (1-15 days) at Talcaruca, in contrast to the more stable conditions at the sites outside the break. Physiological performance traits from individuals from the Talcaruca population exhibited higher values and more significant variability, along with significantly broader and greater warming tolerance than chitons from the Huasco and Los Molles populations. Moreover, marked changes in local abundance patterns over three years suggested population-level responses to the challenging environmental conditions at the biogeographic break. Thus, C. granosus from the Talcaruca upwelling zone represents a local population with wide tolerance ranges that may be capable of withstanding future upwelling intensification on the Southern Eastern Pacific coast and likely serving as a source of propagules for less adapted populations.

Lower Extremity Arterial Calcification Predicts Referral to a Closed Unit After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the association between lower extremity arterial calcification (LEAC) and referral to a closed unit (CU), length of stay, 90-day readmissions, and 1-year mortality in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 705 patients who underwent primary THA, identifying 64 patients (9.13%) who had LEAC and 641 who did not have LEAC. Patients who had LEAC were older (77 ± 10.0 versus 67 ± 11.5 years; P < 0.001) and had more comorbidities, except for a history of thromboembolic and oncologic diseases (P > 0.05). A preoperative antero-posterior pelvic radiograph was used to assess the presence of LEAC. Admission to CU, length of stay, 90-day readmissions, and 1-year mortality were recorded. A logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for referral to CU. RESULTS: Patients who had LEAC had a higher incidence of admission to the intensive care unit (8 of 64 [12.5%] versus 8 of 641 [1.09%]; P < 0.001), a longer hospital stay (4.7 ± 1.8 versus 4.2 ± 1.3 days; P = 0.006), more readmissions (16 of 64 [25%] versus 33 of 641 [5.15%]; P < 0.001), and a higher 1-year mortality rate (6 of 64 [9.3%] versus 0 of 641 [0%]; P < 0.001) than patients who did not have LEAC. Of the patients who had LEAC admitted to CU, only 3 of 8 had a previous indication to do so in the preoperative assessment performed by the Department of Anesthesiology, while all non-LEAC ones referred to CU did so. Logistic regression analysis showed that LEAC was a risk factor for admission to CU (odds ratio = 4.77; 95% confidence interval: 1.12 to 20.25; P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of LEAC was a risk factor for transfer to CU, longer in-hospital stays, more readmissions, and a higher 1-year mortality rate. Identifying patients who have LEAC can aid in the preoperative assessment and risk stratification of patients planned for primary THA.

Guided Endodontic Treatment of Mandibular Incisor with Pulp Canal Obliteration following Dental Trauma: A Case Report.

Root canal obliteration is caused by hard tissue apposition and is often associated with teeth with a history of trauma, orthodontic movement, caries reaction, restorative procedures near the pulp chamber, and teeth of elderly patients. Preoperative planning of root canal treatment should be thorough and include an assessment of the patient's signs and symptoms in addition to the evaluation of complementary examinations. In a 27-year-old patient with dyschromia of the lower central incisor, a history of dental trauma, and a positive response to vertical percussion, an initial periapical radiograph was obtained that showed calcification of the canal and presence of a periapical lesion. The patient presented with pain on chewing, a positive response to palpation and a vertical percussion test. The diagnosis was symptomatic apical periodontitis. A cone-beam computed tomography scan was requested and a surface scan was performed to establish a static guide. The root canal was accessed in the middle third of the root and the canal was located using a minimally invasive approach. The root canal was treated conventionally. Results obtained showed the success of the treatment after a 3-year clinical and radiographic follow-up. Therefore, the use of an endodontic guide in cases of calcified canals significantly reduces the clinician's working time and offers a more predictable approach to the treatment of these pathologies.

Correlation of serum Klotho, fetuin-A, and MGP levels with coronary artery calcification in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study was to investigate the role of serum Klotho, fetuin-A, and Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) in Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) in patients with Maintenance Hemodialysis (MHD) and their predictive value for CAC. METHODS: 100 patients receiving MHD were selected. Serum Klotho, fetuin-A, and MGP levels were detected by ELISA. CAC scores were assessed by coronary CT scan. Multifactor analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors affecting CAC. The ability of serum Klotho, fetuin-A, and MGP levels to diagnose CAC was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS: Serum Klotho, fetuin-A, and MGP were independent risk factors for CAC. Serum Klotho, fetuin-A, and MGP were valuable in the diagnosis of CAC in MHD patients. CONCLUSION: There is a close relationship between Klotho, fetuin-A, and MGP levels in MHD patients and CAC.

Caracterización del tejido miocárdico a través de imágenes de densidad electrónica: relación con el sexo y factores de riesgo cardiovascular / Myocardial Tissue Characterization Using Electron Density Imaging: Relationship with Sex and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

RESUMEN Introducción. Las imágenes de densidad electrónica (DE) podrían detectar diferencias miocárdicas tisulares no distinguibles mediante la tomografía computarizada (TC) convencional sin contraste. Objetivos. Evaluar si existen diferencias de DE miocárdica asociadas al sexo, y de estar presentes, su relación con factores de riesgo cardiovascular o calcificación coronaria. Material y métodos. Los pacientes pertenecían a un estudio prospectivo observacional de centro único que incluyó sujetos asintomáticos entre 50 y 75 años, derivados para realizar una TC de tórax de baja dosis. Todas las imágenes se obtuvieron mediante un equipo de TC espectral dual, y fueron evaluadas utilizando imágenes de TC convencional (120 kVp) y de DE. Resultados. Se incluyó un total de 171 pacientes. La atenuación miocárdica no estuvo relacionada con el sexo o factores de riesgo coronarios (todos con p >0,05), mientras que el porcentaje de densidad electrónica respecto del agua (%EDW, por su sigla en inglés) fue significativamente mayor en la población masculina (p<0,0001), y en los pacientes con diabetes (p=0,007), hipertensión (p=0,004) y obesidad (p=0,004). La extensión de la calcificación coronaria no estuvo relacionada ni con la ate nuación ni con la DE miocárdicas. En el análisis univariado, el sexo masculino fue la única variable asociada a un %EDW elevado (p=0,011), mientras que la edad, la diabetes, la obesidad, el tabaquismo, la hipertensión y el score CACSIS (score de calcificación de las arterias coronarias), no. Un modelo de regresión logística que incluyó sexo, obesidad, diabetes e hipertensión, identificó al sexo masculino como el único predictor independiente de %EDW elevado (OR 2,51, IC 95% 1,23-5,34, p=0,016). Conclusiones. En este estudio, las imágenes de DE identificaron diferencias en el tejido miocárdico que la TC convencional fue incapaz de discriminar, con un mayor %EDW en hombres y en pacientes con factores de riesgo cardiovascular. El sexo masculino fue el único predictor independiente de %EDW elevado.

ABSTRACT Background. Electron density (ED) imaging might be able to detect myocardial tissue differences indistinguishable for con ventional non-contrast computed tomography (CT). Objectives. To evaluate whether there are differences in myocardial ED associated with sex, and if present, their relationship with cardiovascular risk factors or coronary calcification. Methods. Patients were participants of a prospective single center observational study comprising asymptomatic subjects between 50 and 75 years old, referred for a low-dose chest CT. All images were obtained using a dual-layer detector spectral CT, and evaluated using conventional CT (120 kVp) and ED images. Results. A total of 171 patients were included. Myocardial attenuation was not related to sex or coronary risk factors (all p >0.05), whereas the percent electron density relative to water (%EDW) was significantly higher among males (p <0.0001), and patients with diabetes (p = 0.007), hypertension (p = 0.004), and obesity (p = 0.004). The extent of coronary artery calcification was unrelated to neither the myocardial attenuation, nor the myocardial ED. At univariate analysis, male sex was the only variable associated with a high %EDW (p = 0.011), whereas age, diabetes, obesity, smoking, hypertension, and CACSIS (coronary artery calcification segment involvement score), were not. Logistic regression analysis including sex, obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in the model, identified male sex as the only independent predictor of a high %EDW (OR 2.51, 95%CI 1.23-5.34, p=0.016). Conclusions. In this study, ED imaging identified myocardial tissue differences that conventional CT was unable to discriminate, with a higher %EDW in men and in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. Male sex was the only independent predictor of a high %EDW

Coronary Artery Calcification Progression in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and associated risk factors in a systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cohort. METHODS: We reassessed the presence of CAC in patients with SLE who were screened 9 years before, using multidetector computed tomography. Clinical variables (cumulated disease activity and damage accrual), antiphospholipid syndrome and SLE serology, and cardiovascular (CV) risk factors (hypertension, BMI [kg/m2], modified Framingham risk score, lipid profile, menopausal status) were assessed longitudinally. RESULTS: We included 104 patients from the parent study. Most of them were women (94.2%), with a mean age of 41.0 (SD 8.3) years and mean disease duration of 14.8 (SD 2.9) years. We documented CAC in 17 patients (16.3%). Seven cases were from the parent study and 10 were incident cases. The cumulative incidence of CAC was 9% and the incidence density was 1 per 100 person-years. CAC occurred more frequently in the age groups 30-39 years and 40-44 years. All patients with previous CAC had worsening of their calcium indexes, and none developed clinical CV events. When comparing prevalent CAC cases (n = 17) vs patients without calcification (n = 87), both groups were similar in traditional CV risk factors, disease duration, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) area under the curve (AUC), and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) score, but were more likely to be postmenopausal and have higher apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels. Patients with previous CAC had higher apoB levels, SLEDAI-2K AUC scores, and anticardiolipin IgG antibodies than incident cases. CONCLUSION: CAC in patients with SLE progressed over time but was not associated with adverse CV events during the first 9 years of follow-up. ApoB levels and postmenopausal status might be associated with this progression.

Sea butterflies in a pickle: reliable biomarkers and seasonal sensitivity of Limacina retroversa to ocean acidification in the Gulf of Maine.

The passive dissolution of anthropogenically produced CO2 into the ocean system is reducing ocean pH and changing a suite of chemical equilibria, with negative consequences for some marine organisms, in particular those that bear calcium carbonate shells. Although our monitoring of these chemical changes has improved, we have not developed effective tools to translate observations, which are typically of the pH and carbonate saturation state, into ecologically relevant predictions of biological risks. One potential solution is to develop bioindicators: biological variables with a clear relationship to environmental risk factors that can be used for assessment and management. Thecosomatous pteropods are a group of pelagic shelled marine gastropods, whose biological responses to CO2 have been suggested as potential bioindicators of ocean acidification owing to their sensitivity to acidification in both the laboratory and the natural environment. Using five CO2 exposure experiments, occurring across four seasons and running for up to 15 days, we describe a consistent relationship between saturation state, shell transparency and duration of exposure, as well as identify a suite of genes that could be used for biological monitoring with further study. We clarify variations in thecosome responses due to seasonality, resolving prior uncertainties and demonstrating the range of their phenotypic plasticity. These biomarkers of acidification stress can be implemented into ecosystem models and monitoring programmes in regions where pteropods are found, whilst the approach will serve as an example for other regions on how to bridge the gap between point-based chemical monitoring and biologically relevant assessments of ecosystem health.

Progression of valve heart disease in a cohort of patients undergoing renal replacement therapy / Progressão da doença cardíaca valvar em coorte de doentes em terapia renal substitutiva

Abstract Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of death among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Valve calcification is a predictor of cardiovascular mortality and coronary artery disease. Objective: To assess heart valve disease frequency, associated factors, and progression in CKD patients. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study on 291 CKD patients at Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco. Inclusion criteria were age ≥ 18 with CKD and valve disease, while those on conservative management or with missing data were excluded. Clinical and laboratory variables were compared, and patients were categorized by dialysis duration (<5 years; 5-10 years; >10 years). Statistical tests, including chi-square, Fisher's exact, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis, were employed as needed. Simple and multivariate binary regression models were used to analyze valve disease associations with dialysis duration. Significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results: Mitral valve disease was present in 82.5% (240) of patients, followed by aortic valve disease (65.6%; 86). Over time, 106 (36.4%) patients developed valve disease. No significant association was found between aortic, pulmonary, mitral, or tricuspid valve disease and dialysis duration. Secondary hyperparathyroidism was the sole statistically significant factor for mitral valve disease in the regression model (OR 2.59 [95% CI: 1.09-6.18]; p = 0.031). Conclusion: CKD patients on renal replacement therapy exhibit a high frequency of valve disease, particularly mitral and aortic valve disease. However, no link was established between dialysis duration and valve disease occurrence or progression.

Resumo Introdução: Doenças cardiovasculares são uma causa significativa de morte em pacientes com Doença Renal Crônica (DRC). A calcificação valvar é preditor de mortalidade cardiovascular e doença arterial coronariana. Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência, fatores associados e progressão de valvopatias em pacientes com DRC. Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva com 291 pacientes ambulatoriais no Hospital das Clínicas de Pernambuco. Inclusão: ≥18 anos com DRC e valvopatia; exclusão: tratamento conservador ou dados incompletos. Variáveis clínicas e laboratoriais foram comparadas e categorizadas por tempo de terapia dialítica (TTD): <5 anos, 5-10 anos, >10 anos. Foram aplicados os testes Qui-quadrado, exato de Fisher, ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis. Associação entre valvopatia e TTD foi avaliada por regressão binária. Significância foi definida como p < 0,05. Resultados: A valvopatia mitral foi encontrada em 82,5% (240) dos casos, seguida da aórtica (65,6%; 86). Houve progressão da doença valvar em 106 (36,4%) pacientes. Não houve associação entre valvopatias aórtica, pulmonar, mitral ou tricúspide e TTD. Hiperparatireoidismo secundário foi a única variável explicativa significativa na regressão para valvopatia mitral (OR 2,59 [IC95%: 1,09-6,18]; p = 0,031). Conclusão: Encontramos alta frequência de valvopatias, especialmente mitral e aórtica, aem pacientes com DRC. Não houve associação entre TTD e valvopatia.

Correlación entre la edad cronológica y dental con los estadios de maduración vertebral / Correlation between chronological and dental age with vertebral maturation stages

Introducción: el desarrollo esquelético y dental es una condición determinante como factor principal de mala oclusión e influye en la evaluación, diagnóstico y planificación de los tratamientos de ortodoncia. Objetivo: estimar la correlación entre la edad cronológica y dental con los estadios de maduración vertebral. Material y métodos: la edad cronológica y dental se estimó por los métodos de Baccetti y el de Demirjian, con la lectura de 400 radiografías panorámicas y laterales de cráneo de 205 mujeres y 195 varones, con edades entre 4 y 17 años. La significancia estadística se estableció con el valor p < 0.05 del coeficiente de correlación de Pearson utilizando el programa SPSS v.24. Resultados: se observó un mayor porcentaje entre el estadio D de Demirjian con el estadio I de madurez de las vértebras cervicales (CVM) de Baccetti, seguido del estadio de calcificación dentaria E con el estadio CVM II. Además, existió una correlación moderada entre el método de Baccetti y el método de Demirjian en la pieza 37 (R2 = 0.3741) para la apreciación de la edad cronológica de un individuo. Conclusión: existe una buena correlación entre la edad cronológica y dental con los estadios de la maduración vertebral cervical, sin existir diferencias significativas por el sexo del individuo (AU)

Introduction: skeletal and dental development is a determining condition as the main factor of malocclusion and influences the evaluation, diagnosis, and planning of orthodontic treatments. Objective: to estimate the correlation between chronological and dental age with vertebral maturation stages. Material and methods: chronological and dental age was estimated by the Baccetti and Demirjian methods, with the reading of 400 panoramic and lateral skull radiographs of 205 women, and 195 men, aged between 4 and 17 years. Statistical significance was established with the value p < 0.05 of the Pearson correlation coefficient using the SPSS v.24 program. Results: a higher percentage was observed between Demirjian stage D with Baccetti cervical vertebral maturation (MVC) stage I, followed by dental calcification stage E with MVC stage II. In addition, there was a moderate correlation between the Baccetti method and the Demirjian method in piece 37 (R2 = 0.3741) for the assessment of the CD of an individual. Conclusion: there is a good correlation between chronological and dental age with the stages of cervical vertebral maturation, without significant differences due to the sex of the individual (AU)

Association between pulp stones and systemic diseases: a case-control study / Associação entre nódulos pulpares e doenças sistêmicas: um estudo caso-controle

INTRODUCTION: Pulp stones (PS) are calcifications commonly found in the pulp tissue that may be associated with systemic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between PS and systemic diseases. METHODS: A case-control study with the inclusion of individuals from 18 to 65 years of age, of both sexes. Analysis was made of 1047 digital panoramic radiographs. The controls could not have any teeth with PS; the cases were the contrary. A questionnaire comprising demographic, habit, and general health (diabetes, problems with blood vessels, altered cholesterol level, heart attack, kidney or gallbladder stone, arthritis, or autoimmune disease, and for women, endometriosis, and ovarian cyst). Data were submitted to the Student's t-test to identify differences between groups about sex and age. The Chi-square test was applied to the cross-tabulation. The analyses were performed using SPSS®, version 25.0, with a 5% significance level. RESULTS: 490 patients participated (242 cases and 248 controls). There was no difference between groups for the sex (p=0.966) and age (p=0.186). Only "kidney stone" was associated with the case group (p=0.001), being almost three times higher when compared to the control group. No significant differences were found in females about the presence or absence of PS (p>0.05). CONCLUSÃO: In this research, it is suggested the existence of an association between kidney stones and the presence of pulp stones.

INTRODUÇÃO: Nódulos pulpares (NP) são calcificações comumente encontradas no tecido pulpar que podem estar associadas a doenças sistêmicas. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a associação entre NP e doenças sistêmicas. MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle com inclusão de indivíduos de 18 a 65 anos de idade, de ambos os sexos. Foram analisadas 1047 radiografias panorâmicas digitais. Os controles não poderiam ter dentes com NP; os casos foram o contrário. Foi aplicado um questionário aos participantes, contendo variáveis demográficas, de hábitos e de saúde geral (diabetes, problemas com vasos sanguíneos, nível de colesterol alterado, ataque cardíaco, cálculo renal ou biliar, artrite ou doença autoimune, e para as mulheres, endometrioses e cisto no ovário). Os dados foram submetidos ao teste t de Student para identificar diferenças entre os grupos em relação ao sexo e à idade. O teste Qui-quadrado foi aplicado para a tabulação cruzada. As análises foram realizadas no SPSS®, versão 25.0, com nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: Participaram 490 pacientes (242 casos e 248 controles). Não houve diferença entre os grupos para sexo (p=0,966) e idade (p=0,186). Apenas "cálculo renal" associou-se ao grupo caso (p=0,001), sendo quase três vezes maior quando comparado ao grupo controle. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas no sexo feminino em relação à presença ou ausência de PS (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Nesta pesquisa, sugere-se a existência de uma associação entre cálculos renais e presença de Nódulos pulpares.

Exploring the Biological Overlapping Between Brain Calcifications and Tumorgenesis.

This article discusses a rare case of coexistent meningiomas and Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC). PFBC is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by brain calcifications and a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms and signs, with pathogenic variants in specific genes. The study explores the potential link between PFBC and meningiomas, highlighting shared features like intralesional calcifications and common genes such as MEA6. The article also revisits PFBC patients developing other brain tumors, particularly gliomas, emphasizing the intersection of oncogenes like PDGFB and PDGFRB in both calcifications and tumor progression. In recent investigations, attention has extended beyond brain tumors to breast cancer metastasis, unveiling a noteworthy connection. These findings suggest a broader connection between brain calcifications and tumors, encouraging a reevaluation of therapeutic approaches for PFBC.

Acute left anterior descending artery occlusion after IVUS leading to urgent percutaneous coronary intervention complicated with coronary perforation: Case report.

Background: Intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) has become an important complementary tool in interventional cardiology, both for preprocedural planning and for optimizing the performance of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, this tool is not free of potential complications, because of that it is essential to be aware of them and their management. Over time, new uses of IVUS have emerged, and it is currently a potential tool for predicting the risk of coronary perforation. Case report: We present the clinical case of a 51-year-old male patient who was admitted in the context of post-infarction angina. During coronary angiography, the patient presented with two acute complications, one of them associated with IVUS and the other associated with severe coronary calcification that predisposed to coronary perforation. Both complications were successfully treated. Conclusion: IVUS, although a very useful imaging tool before and during PCI, is not without risk. The overall rate of complications with certain or possible relation to IVUS is 3.9%. Vascular spasm is the most frequent complication and acute vascular occlusion, with the need for emergency coronary artery by-pass grafting, the least frequent. On the other hand, IVUS can predict the risk of developing other complications, such as coronary perforation, by means of the C-CAT sign. Knowledge of the possible complications during PCI and the rapid procedure of the hemodynamic team allows adequate management of these potentially fatal complications.

Correlation of 18F-sodium fluoride uptake and radiodensity in extraosseous metastases of medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Objective: Although 18F-sodium fluoride (18F-NaF) uptake is frequently observed in extraosseous metastases of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) with calcification, itcan also occur in metastatic sites without visible calcium deposition, leading to the hypothesis that visually undetectable calcium accumulation may be responsible for this uptake. The aim of this study was to indirectly support this hypothesis by analyzing the correlation between the degree of 18F-NaF uptake and radiodensity in extraosseous MTC metastases, since calcium deposition can increase attenuation even when not visually detectable. Subjects and methods: Extraosseous metastatic lesions of 15 patients with MTC were evaluated using 18F-NaF positron-emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)and segmented by levels of standardized uptake value (SUV). The correlation between mean SUV and mean Hounsfield unit (HU) values was assessed for the entire group of segments and for two subgroups with different mean HU values. Results: Very high correlations were observed between mean SUV and mean HU values for both the entire group of segments and the subgroup with a mean HU value greater than 130 (p = 0.92 and p = 0.95, respectively; p < 0.01). High correlation (p = 0.71) was also observed in the subgroup with mean HU values ranging from 20 to 130 (p < 0.01). Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that there is an association between 18F-NaF uptake and calcium deposition in extraosseous metastasesof MTC, supporting the hypothesis that visually undetectable calcium accumulation may be responsible for 18F-NaF uptake in regions without visible calcium deposition.

Automatic thoracic aorta calcium quantification using deep learning in non-contrast ECG-gated CT images.

Thoracic aorta calcium (TAC) can be assessed from cardiac computed tomography (CT) studies to improve cardiovascular risk prediction. The aim of this study was to develop a fully automatic system to detect TAC and to evaluate its performance for classifying the patients into four TAC risk categories. The method started by segmenting the thoracic aorta, combining three UNets trained with axial, sagittal and coronal CT images. Afterwards, the surrounding lesion candidates were classified using three combined convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained with orthogonal patches. Image datasets included 1190 non-enhanced ECG-gated cardiac CT studies from a cohort of cardiovascular patients (age 57 ± 9 years, 80% men, 65% TAC > 0). In the test set (N = 119), the combination of UNets was able to successfully segment the thoracic aorta with a mean volume difference of 0.3 ± 11.7 ml (<6%) and a median Dice coefficient of 0.947. The combined CNNs accurately classified the lesion candidates and 87% of the patients (N = 104) were accurately placed in their corresponding risk categories (Kappa = 0.826, ICC = 0.9915). TAC measurement can be estimated automatically from cardiac CT images using UNets to isolate the thoracic aorta and CNNs to classify calcified lesions.

Investigation of polymorphisms in BMP2, BMP4, SMAD6 and RUNX2 genes and pulp stones.

This study aimed to assess the association between genetic polymorphisms in BMP2 (rs1005464 and rs235768), BMP4 (rs17563), SMAD6 (rs2119261 and rs3934908) and RUNX2 (rs59983488 and rs1200425) and pulp stones (PS). A total of 117 participants, consisting of 63 individuals with PS and 54 without PS, were included. Digital radiographs and a demographic/clinical questionnaire were used. Genomic DNA from salivary cells was genotyped via real-time polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analyses, including Chi-Square, Fisher's exact tests, Poisson regression and dimensionality reduction, were conducted. The rs2119261 polymorphism in the SMAD6 gene showed an association with genotype distribution in the recessive model (p = 0.049). The T-T haplotype in the SMAD6 gene (rs2119261 and rs3934908) was more prevalent in the control group and significantly linked with PS (p = 0.029). No associations were found between PS risk and genetic polymorphisms in BMP2, BMP4 and RUNX2. Polymorphisms in the SMAD6 gene were associated with PS.

Calcified cerebral toxoplasmosis associated with recurrent perilesional edema causing neurological manifestations in an HIV-infected individual: case report with a decade-long follow-up

Four cases of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) with calcified cerebral toxoplasmosis associated with perilesional edema causing a single episode of neurological manifestations have recently been reported. Here, we describe the first detailed description of perilesional edema associated with calcified cerebral toxoplasmosis causing three episodes of neurological manifestations in a PLWHA, including seizures in two of them. These recurrences occurred over approximately a decade. Throughout this period, the patient showed immunological and virological control of the HIV infection, while using antiretroviral therapy regularly. This case broadens the spectrum of an emerging presentation of calcified cerebral toxoplasmosis, mimicking a well-described finding of neurocysticercosis in immunocompetent hosts.

Asociación entre Calcificaciones del Complejo Estilohioideo y Síntomas Clínicos en Pacientes Atendidos en el Centro de Salud de la Universidad San Sebastián, Sede Santiago, Chile

Hoy en día es común recibir pacientes en la clínica odontológica relatando dolor uni o bilateral en la zona lateral de la cara, más específicamente en la zona de las ramas mandibulares. Este dolor puede ser muchas veces de origen dental, muscular masticatorio, de las articulaciones temporomandibulares, o incluso tonsilar. Debido a que las anteriores son patologías más frecuentes, muchas veces el clínico no considera que la causa de estos dolores podría estar asociada al síndrome de Eagle. Esta investigación se fundamentó en la necesidad de utilizar las radiografías panorámicas como herramienta para asociar dolores que no remiten a tratamientos convencionales a calcificaciones del complejo estilohioideo, muchas veces hallazgos radiográficos que no son comúnmente tomados en consideración por el clínico. El objetivo del estudio fue eterminar la asociación entre calcificaciones del complejo estilohioideo en radiografías panorámicas y sintomatología clínica dolorosa en pacientes del centro de salud de la Universidad San Sebastián, sede Santiago, Chile. Se realizó un estudio correlacional, analítico y retrospectivo en el Centro de Salud de la Universidad San Sebastián. Se tomó una muestra aleatoria de 815 radiografías y fichas clínicas asociadas, en las cuáles se analizó la presencia, tipo y ubicación de calcificaciones del complejo estilohioideo, así como, si los pacientes relataron sintomatología dolorosa asociable al Síndrome de Eagle. Posteriormente se realizó un análisis descriptivo, exploratorio e inferencial de asociación entre variables. El porcentaje de pacientes que presentó calcificaciones del complejo estilohioideo alcanzó un 85,4%, siendo la mayoría de tipo elongado (70,98%), seguida del tipo segmentado (26,72%) y muy por debajo el tipo pseudoarticulado (2,3%). Con respecto a la prevalencia de sintomatología la gran mayoría de los pacientes no presentó (96,32%), sin verse diferencias según sexo o edad. Por último, al realizar el análisis de asociación el valor de X 2 calculado fue de 3,171, menor al valor de X2 crítico tabulado de 3,841. Al obtener un X2 calculado menor a un X2 crítico tabulado se demostró que no existe una asociación entre la presencia de calcificaciones del complejo estilohioideo y sintomatología clínica asociada. Además, las prevalencias de calcificaciones y sus tipos no variaron según la edad o género, lo que no nos permitió establecer una relación causal entre las variables.

Nowadays it is very common to receive patients in the dental clinic reporting unilateral or bilateral pain in the lateral area of the face, more specifically in the mandibular rami area. The origin of this pain can often be dental, muscular, from the temporomandibular joint or even tonsillar. Because the named pathologies are more frequent, many times the clinician does not consider that the cause of this pain could be associated with Eagle syndrome. This research was based on the need to use panoramic radiographs as a tool to associate pain that does not refer to conventional treatments with calcifications of the stylohyoid complex, many times radiographic findings that are not commonly considered by the clinician. This correlational cross analytical study was carried out at San Sebastián University Health Center. A random sample of 815 radiographs and associated clinical records was taken, in which the presence, type and location of calcifications of the stylohyoid complex were analyzed, as well as whether the patients reported painful symptoms associated with Eagle syndrome. Subsequently, a descriptive, exploratory, and inferential analysis of association between variables was conducted. The percentage of patients who presented calcifications of the stylohyoid complex reached 85.4%, being the majority the elongated type (70.98%), followed by the segmented type (26.72%) and far below the pseudoarticulated type (2.3%). Regarding the prevalence of symptoms, the vast majority of patients did not present (96.32%), without seeing differences according to gender or age. Finally, when performing the association analysis, the calculated X2 value was 3.171, lower than the critical tabulated X2 value of 3.841. Obtaining a calculated X2 lower than a critical tabulated X2 showed that there is no association between the presence of calcifications of the stylohyoid complex and associated clinical symptoms. In addition, the prevalence of calcifications and their types did not vary according to age or gender, which did not allow us to establish a causal relationship between the variables.

Abdominal aortic calcium and geometry in patients with essential hypertension.

PURPOSE: Abdominal aorta calcium (AAC) burden and dilatation are associated with an increased risk of mortality. The purpose of this study was to investigate determinants of AAC and abdominal aorta size in patients with essential hypertension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with uncomplicated essential hypertension who had undergone non-enhanced abdominal CT to rule out secondary hypertension in addition to biological test were recruited between 2010 and 2018. A semi-automatic system was designed to estimate the aortic size (diameter, length, volume) and quantify the AAC from mesenteric artery to bifurcation using the Agatston score. Determinants of aortic size and those related to AAC were searched for using uni- and multivariables analyses. RESULTS: Among 293 randomly selected patients with hypertension (age 52 ± 11 [SD] years) included, 23% had resistant hypertension. Mean abdominal aorta diameter was 20.1 ± 2.1 (SD) mm. Eight (3%) patients had abdominal aorta aneurysm ≥ 30 mm and 58 (20%) had dilated abdominal aorta ≥ 27 mm. Median AAC score was 38 and calcifications were detected in the infra- and supra-renal abdominal aortic portions in 59% and 26% of the patients, respectively. After adjustment for age, male sex and body surface area, abdominal aorta diameter was positively associated with diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.0019). Smoking was the single variable associated with calcified abdominal aorta (P < 0.001) after adjustment for cofactors. In patients with calcifications of abdominal aorta, the score increased with smoking history (P < 0.001), statins treatment (P < 0.01), greater number of anti-hypertensive drugs (P < 0.01), larger abdominal aorta (P < 0.05) and greater systolic blood pressure (P < 0.05). Patients with resistant hypertension had more AAC in the supra-renal abdominal aorta portion than those without resistant hypertension (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In patients with essential hypertension, abdominal aorta dilation is related with diastolic blood pressure while AAC is associated with smoking history and resistant hypertension when located to the supra-renal abdominal aorta portion.

Enzymatic activity of bone markers on Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802) growth during the ossification process / Atividade enzimática de marcadores ósseos no crescimento de Lithobates catesbeianus (Shaw, 1802) durante o processo de ossificação

Abstract In order to better understand the ossification processes in anurans our study was carried out on tadpoles and adults of Lithobates catesbeianus. In this sense, we characterized the kinetic properties of alkaline phosphatase with p-nitrophenylphosphatase (pNPP) and pyrophosphate (PPi) and evaluated the activities of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and acid phosphatase. The enzyme extracts were obtained from tadpoles and adult femurs, which were divided into epiphysis and diaphysis. After homogenization, the samples were submitted to differential centrifugation to obtain cell membranes and, further, to phospholipase C (PIPLC) treatment, to remove membrane-bound proteins anchored by phosphatidylinositol. The average of specific activity for pNPP hydrolysis (at pH 10.5) by alkaline phosphatase released by phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PIPLC) from Bacillus cereus among different bone regions at different animal ages was 1,142.57 U.mg-1, while for PPi hydrolysis (at pH 8.0), it was 1,433.82 U.mg-1. Among the compounds tested for enzymatic activity, the one that influenced the most was EDTA, with approximately 67% of inhibition for pNPPase activity and 77% for PPase activity. In the case of kinetic parameters, the enzyme showed a "Michaelian" behavior for pNPP and PPi hydrolysis. The Km value was around 0.6mM for pNPPase activity and ranged from 0.01 to 0.11mM for PPase activity, indicating that the enzyme has a higher affinity for this substrate. The study of pNPP and PPi hydrolysis by the enzyme revealed that the optimum pH of actuation for pNPP was 10.5, while for PPi, which is considered the true substrate of alkaline phosphatase, was 8.0, close to the physiological value. The results show that regardless of the ossification type that occurs, the same enzyme or isoenzymes act on the different bone regions and different life stages of anurans. The similarity of the results of studies with other vertebrates shows that anurans can be considered excellent animal models for the study of biological calcification.

Resumo Para melhor compreender o processo de ossificação em anuros, nosso estudo foi conduzido em girinos e adultos de Lithobates catesbeianus. Nesse sentido, as propriedades cinéticas da fosfatase alcalina com p-nitrofenilfosfato (pNPP) e pirofosfato (PPi) foram caracterizadas, e as atividades enzimáticas das fosfatases ácida e ácida tartarato resistente foram avaliadas. Os extratos enzimáticos foram obtidos de fêmur de girinos e adultos, divididos em epífise e diáfise. Após a homogeneização as amostras foram submetidas à centrifugação diferencial para obter membrana celular e, em seguida, ao tratamento com fosfolipase C (PIPLC), para remover as proteínas de membrana ancoradas por fosfatidilinositol. A média da atividade específica da fosfatase alcalina, liberada pela PIPLC de Bacillus cereus, para a hidrólise de pNPP (pH 10,5) nas diferentes regiões do fêmur e idades dos animais foi de 1.142,57 U.mg-1, enquanto para a hidrólise do PPi (pH 8,0) foi de 1.433,82 U.mg-1. Entre os compostos testados para a atividade enzimática, o de maior influência foi o EDTA, inibindo aproximadamente 67% e 77% das atividades de pNPPase e PPase, respectivamente. Quanto aos parâmetros cinéticos, a enzima apresentou comportamento Michaeliano para a hidrólise dos dois substratos. O valor de Km foi de 0,6 mM para a atividade de pNPPase e variou de 0,01 a 0,11 para a atividade de PPase, indicando uma maior afinidade por esse substrato. O estudo da hidrólise de pNPP e PPi revelou que o pH ótimo aparente de atuação foi de 10,5 para o pNPP e 8,0 para o PPi, próximo ao fisiológico, sendo que esse é considerado o substrato natural da fosfatase alcalina. Os resultados demonstram que, apesar do tipo de ossificação que ocorre, a mesma enzima ou isoenzimas, atuam nos diferentes locais do osso e estágios de vida dos anuros. A similaridade dos estudos com os realizados com outros vertebrados apontam que os anuros podem ser considerados excelentes modelos animais para o estudo da calcificação biológica.

Calcified cerebral toxoplasmosis associated with recurrent perilesional edema causing neurological manifestations in an HIV-infected individual: case report with a decade-long follow-up

ABSTRACT Four cases of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) with calcified cerebral toxoplasmosis associated with perilesional edema causing a single episode of neurological manifestations have recently been reported. Here, we describe the first detailed description of perilesional edema associated with calcified cerebral toxoplasmosis causing three episodes of neurological manifestations in a PLWHA, including seizures in two of them. These recurrences occurred over approximately a decade. Throughout this period, the patient showed immunological and virological control of the HIV infection, while using antiretroviral therapy regularly. This case broadens the spectrum of an emerging presentation of calcified cerebral toxoplasmosis, mimicking a well-described finding of neurocysticercosis in immunocompetent hosts.