Induction of calcification by serum depletion in cell culture: a model for focal calcification in aortas related to atherosclerosis

Background  

Since aortic calcification has been shown to initiate in the lower zone of well-thickened plaques (LZP) adjacent to the aortic media of rabbits fed supplemental cholesterol diets, a restricted supply of serum to vascular cells could play a role in vascular calcification. This study was designed to use a cell culture model to support this hypothesis.     

Accumulation of low density lipoprotein associated cholesterol in calcifying vesicle fractions correlates with intimal thickening in thoracic aortas of juvenile rabbits fed a supplemental cholesterol diet

Background  

It has been shown that calcifying vesicles play an important role in aortic calcification and that cholesterol content in the isolated vesicle fraction is increased when rabbits are fed supplemental cholesterol diets. Whether lipoprotein-associated cholesterols and other lipids are also increased in the vesicle fraction and whether the increase correlates with atherosclerosis remain unknown.     

Self-reported racial discrimination,response to unfair treatment,and coronary calcification in asymptomatic adults - the North Texas Healthy Heart study

Background  

Accruing evidence supports the hypothesis that psychosocial factors are related to cardiovascular disease. However, a limited number of studies have investigated the pathophysiologic pathways through which these associations occur. The purpose of this study was to assess whether experiences of self-reported racial discrimination and reactions to unfair treatment were associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC), an indicator of subclinical coronary heart disease (CHD).     

Influence of thoracic aortic inflammation and calcifications on arterial stiffness and cardiac function in older subjects

Background

Vascular aging is accompanied by gradual remodeling affecting both arterial and cardiac structure and mechanical properties. Hypertension is suggested to exert pro-inflammatory actions enhancing arterial stiffness.

Objectives

To determine the influence of thoracic aortic inflammation and calcifications on arterial stiffness and cardiac function in hypertensive and normotensive older subjects.

Design

A prospective study.

Setting

An acute geriatrics ward of the University Hospital of Nancy in France.

Subjects

Thirty individuals ≥ 65 years were examined, including 15 hypertensive subjects and 15 controls well-matched for age and sex.

Measurements

Applanation tonometry was used to measure aortic pulse wave velocity (AoPWV) and carotid/brachial pulse pressure amplification (PPA). Left ventricular parameters were measured with magnetic resonance imaging. Local thoracic aortic inflammation and calcification were measured by 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging. Biomarkers of low-grade inflammation were also quantified.

Results

AoPWV was higher in elderly hypertensive subjects comparatively to normotensive controls (15.5±5.3 vs. 11.9±2.5, p=0.046), and hypertensives had a higher calcification volume. In the overall population, calcifications of the thoracic descending aorta and inflammation of the ascending aorta accounted for respectively 18.1% (p=0.01) and 9.6% (p=0.07) of AoPWV variation. Individuals with high levels of calcifications and/or inflammation had higher AoPWV (p=0.003). Inflammation had a negative effect on PPA explaining 13.8% of its variation (p<0.05).

Conclusions

This study highlights the importance of local ascending aortic inflammation as a potential major actor in the determination of PPA while calcifications and hypertension are more linked to AoPWV. Assessment of PPA in the very elderly could provide complementary information to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeting ascending aortic inflammation.

     

The Largest Reported Dissecting Aneurysm of Ascending Aorta Following Aortic Valve Replacement Accompanied by Superior Vena Cava Syndrome

Background

Ascending aortic dissection (AAD) is a rare and serious complication of aortic valve replacement. Multiple risk factors such as connective tissue disease, aortic wall thinning, aortic diameter, calcification of wall, structural features of aortic wall and associated diseases have been considered as a predisposing factor for the occurrences of AAD. Preoperative recognition of these variables with proper intra intra operative logic judgment may decrease tehe incidence of this complication.

Case Details

We herein present a huge ascending aorta with dissecting aneurysm (AAD) with a largeintra-operative diameter (15cm) that has not been recorded in the medical literature so far. He presented with dyspnea, chest pain and amazing symptom of superior vena cava syndrome. The patient underwent open heart surgery with resection of ascending aorta aneurysm with classic Bentall operation. The post-operative period was associated with uneventful course and the patient was discharged with good condition on 12^th post-operative day.

Conclusion

A six months'' follow-up revealed abolishment of chest pain and superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome and good prosthetic composite graft function with no recurrence of pseudo aneurysm or dissection.     

Effects of Mediterranean diets with low and high proportions of phytate-rich foods on the urinary phytate excretion

Background  

Important health benefits have been reported recently to phytate intake. This includes the prevention of pathological calcifications such as renal calculi, dental calculi and cardiovascular calcification, due its action as crystallization inhibitor of calcium salts, and as preventive of cancer.     

Low bone mineral density is related to atherosclerosis in postmenopausal Moroccan women

Background  

Some studies have implicated several possible metabolic linkages between osteoporosis and vascular calcification, including estrogen deficiency, vitamin D excess, vitamin K deficiency and lipid oxidation products. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether osteoporosis and atherosclerosis are related to each other or are independent processes, both related to aging. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the correlation between arterial thickening and bone status in a sample of apparently healthy Moroccan women.     

Cardiac and vascular changes in elderly atherosclerotic mice: the influence of gender

Background  

Although advanced age is considered a risk factor for several diseases, the impact of gender on age-associated cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerotic processes and valvular diseases, remains not completely clarified. The present study was designed to assess aortic valve morphology and function and vascular damage in elderly using the apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE KO) mouse. Our hypothesis was that advanced age-related cardiovascular changes are aggravated in atherosclerotic male mice.     

Prevalence of arterial calcification and related risk factors. The multicenter population-based ARTPER study

Objective

To determine the prevalence of arterial calcification (ankle-brachial index ≥1.4) and its related factors among the general population aged >49 years.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study of 3,786 people randomly selected from 28 centers. To assess the factors associated with arterial calcification using a multivariate logistic model, the whole sample was used to compute prevalence, excluding persons with peripheral arterial disease (ankle-brachial index <0.9).

Results

Arterial calcification was found in 235 persons (prevalence: 6.2%; 95% CI: 5.6-7.0), and was twice as frequent in men as in women. Patients with arterial calcification were older, had more previous cardiovascular events, diabetes and obesity, and were less able to perform physical activity than persons with a healthy ankle-brachial index.

Conclusions

We recommend measurement of the ankle-brachial index in primary care centers to detect arterial calcification among men, persons with diabetes, overweight, obesity or difficulty in performing physical activity, and in those with left ventricular hypertrophy.     

Heated indoor swimming pools, infants, and the pathogenesis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a neurogenic hypothesis

Background

Exposure to cadmium has been associated with osteoporosis and fracture risk in women and elderly, but studies in children are lacking. In the present study we investigate the association between markers of bone demineralization [urinary calcium (Ca) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) excretion] and urinary cadmium (Cd) excretion (as an index of lifetime body burden).

Methods

155 schoolchildren from 2 elementary schools in Lahore, Pakistan were included. Urinary Cd was measured as an index of lifetime exposure. We assessed the multivariate-adjusted association of exposure with markers of bone resorption, urinary DPD as well as with Ca excretion.

Results

Urinary Cd averaged 0.50 nmol/mmol creatinine and was not influenced by age, height, weight and socio-economic status (SES). Independent of gender, age, height, weight and SES a doubling of urinary Cd was associated with a 1.72 times (p < 0.0001) increase in urinary DPD and, a 1.21 times (p = 0.02) increase in urinary Ca. Additional adjustment for urinary Ca revealed still significant associations between urinary Cd and urinary DPD. The shape of the association was linear without evidence of a threshold.

Conclusions

Even in young children, low-level environmental exposure to cadmium is associated with evidence of bone resorption, suggesting a direct osteotoxic effect with increased calciuria. These findings might have clinical relevance at older age.     

Promotive effects of resistant maltodextrin on apparent absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc in rats

Background

It has been reported that low-viscous and fermentable dietary fiber and nondigestible oligosaccharides enhance mineral absorption. Resistant maltodextrin, nonviscous, fermentable and soluble source of dietary fiber, has several physiological functions. However, influence of resistant maltodextrin on mineral absorption is unclear.

Aim of the study

We conducted balance studies in rats to investigate effects of resistant maltodextrin and hydrogenated resistant maltodextrin on apparent mineral absorption.

Methods

In experiment 1 (Exp. 1), 40 rats were fed test diets based on AIN-93G with or without resistant maltodextrin or hydrogenated resistant maltodextrin for 2 weeks. In experiment 2 (Exp. 2), 32 rats were cecectomized (CX) or sham-operated (Sham) and fed diets with or without hydrogenated resistant maltodextrin for 1 week.

Results

In Exp. 1, ingestion of resistant maltodextrin and hydrogenated resistant maltodextrin dose-dependently enhanced apparent absorption rates of Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn, and increased cecal fermentation with cecal expansion. In Exp. 2, the absorption rates of Ca and Mg were significantly enhanced by ingestion of hydrogenated resistant maltodextrin in Sham group but not in CX group. The promotion of Fe and Zn absorption was not affected by cecectomy.

Conclusion

Ingestion of resistant maltodextrin and hydrogenated resistant maltodextrin increased apparent Ca and Mg absorptions dependent on cecal fermentation, while other mechanisms may also be involved in promotion of apparent Fe and Zn absorption by resistant maltodextrin.     

The changes in various hydroxyproline fractions in aortic tissue of rabbits are closely related to the progression of atherosclerosis

Background  

The most important function of collagen and elastin is to induce several mechanical parameters which are known to play a dominant role in governing mechanical properties of the blood vessels. The aortic tissue of rabbit is one of the important sources of collagen and elastin. The effects of high fat diet (HFD) on the hydroxyproline (Hyp) fractions in serum and aortic tissues of rabbits and collagen content in the aortic tissues of rabbits have not been documented before. The present study was undertaken to investigate the changes in Hyp fractions in serum and aortic tissues of rabbits and collagen content in the aortic tissues of rabbits during the progression of atherosclerosis. The atherosclerotic model used in this study was the New Zealand white rabbit (male; 12 weeks old). Twenty five rabbits were individually caged, and divided into control group (NOR; n = 10) and HFD group (CHO; n = 15). The control group was fed (100 g/day) of normal (NOR) diet for a period of 15 weeks. The HFD group was fed normal diet supplemented with 1.0% cholesterol plus 1.0% olive oil (100 g/day) for the same period of time.     

Smoking differences between university faculties in Tartu, Estonia, and Oulu, Finland, after the disruption of communism

Objectives  

To provide information on smoking differences between university faculties.     

Participation of children on the autism spectrum in home,school, and community

Background

Children on the autism spectrum participate less frequently, and in a narrower range of activities, than their nonautistic peers, but little is known about exact participation patterns across contexts or how this is perceived by caregivers. This study aimed to document patterns of participation and caregiver views with regard to frequency and intensity of activities.

Method

Caregivers of children on the spectrum aged 5 (n = 90) and 9–10 years (n = 128) completed the Participation and Environment Measure for Children and Youth for home, school, and community. Caregivers reported on frequency of child's participation, level of involvement, and caregivers' desire for change in participation patterns.

Results

Item‐level analyses revealed similar patterns of participation across home, school, and community for both cohorts with some small age‐appropriate differences. Caregivers generally desired increased diversity, frequency, and involvement in activities but a decreased use of electronics (computers, games, TV, and DVDs).

Conclusion

The possibility of autism‐specific participation patterns could inform future interventions aimed at enhancing social inclusion. This warrants further investigation through multiinformant designs that seek the perspectives of the child and caregivers.     

The Pregnancy,Arsenic, and Immune Response (PAIR) Study in rural northern Bangladesh

Background

Arsenic exposure and micronutrient deficiencies may alter immune reactivity to influenza vaccination in pregnant women, transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies to the foetus, and maternal and infant acute morbidity.

Objectives

The Pregnancy, Arsenic, and Immune Response (PAIR) Study was designed to assess whether arsenic exposure and micronutrient deficiencies alter maternal and newborn immunity and acute morbidity following maternal seasonal influenza vaccination during pregnancy.

Population

The PAIR Study recruited pregnant women across a large rural study area in Gaibandha District, northern Bangladesh, 2018–2019.

Design

Prospective, longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort.

Methods

We conducted home visits to enrol pregnant women in the late first or early second trimester (11–17 weeks of gestational age). Women received a quadrivalent seasonal inactivated influenza vaccine at enrolment. Follow-up included up to 13 visits between enrolment and 3 months postpartum. Arsenic was measured in drinking water and maternal urine. Micronutrient deficiencies were assessed using plasma biomarkers. Vaccine-specific antibody titres were measured in maternal and infant serum. Weekly telephone surveillance ascertained acute morbidity symptoms in women and infants.

Preliminary Results

We enrolled 784 pregnant women between October 2018 and March 2019. Of 784 women who enrolled, 736 (93.9%) delivered live births and 551 (70.3%) completed follow-up visits to 3 months postpartum. Arsenic was detected (≥0.02 μg/L) in 99.7% of water specimens collected from participants at enrolment. The medians (interquartile ranges) of water and urinary arsenic at enrolment were 5.1 (0.5, 25.1) μg/L and 33.1 (19.6, 56.5) μg/L, respectively. Water and urinary arsenic were strongly correlated (Spearman's ⍴ = 0.72) among women with water arsenic ≥ median but weakly correlated (⍴ = 0.17) among women with water arsenic < median.

Conclusions

The PAIR Study is well positioned to examine the effects of low-moderate arsenic exposure and micronutrient deficiencies on immune outcomes in women and infants. Registration : NCT03930017.     

Socioeconomic,health, and dietary determinants of multivitamin supplements use in Belgium

Objective  

This study aimed at investigating the use of multivitamin supplements in relationship to dietary pattern, socio-economic conditions and some health indicators.     

Use of television, videogames, and computer among children and adolescents in Italy

Background  

This survey determined the practices about television (video inclusive), videogames, and computer use in children and adolescents in Italy.     

Paediatricians knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding immunizations for infants in Italy

Background  

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether paediatricians have appropriate knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding vaccinations for infants in Italy.     

Associations between psychological distress, workplace accidents, workplace failures and workplace successes

Purpose  

This study investigates associations between psychological distress and workplace accidents, workplace failures and workplace successes.     

Patterns, distribution, and determinants of under- and overnutrition among women in Nigeria: a population-based analysis

Objective  

To determine the patterns and determinants of nutritional status among women in Nigeria.