Brain calcification is frequently detected by neuroimaging in patients with hereditary and nonhereditary disorders or in normal individuals with aging.Its prevalence ranges from approximately 1%in young people to over...Brain calcification is frequently detected by neuroimaging in patients with hereditary and nonhereditary disorders or in normal individuals with aging.Its prevalence ranges from approximately 1%in young people to over 20%in the elderly(Yamada et al.,2013),yet the underlying mechanisms of brain calcification remain poorly understood.Specifically,calcification in the basal ganglia is detected in approximately 5.5%-20%of CT scans in patients over 50 years old(Auffray-Calvier et al.,2020).展开更多
Vascular calcification is closely associated with cardiovascular-related mortality,particularly high-risk of occurring this disease is in patients suffering from hypertension.Vascular calcification involves the active...Vascular calcification is closely associated with cardiovascular-related mortality,particularly high-risk of occurring this disease is in patients suffering from hypertension.Vascular calcification involves the active deposition of calcium and other mineral substances in the vascular wall.In blood vessels,intimal calcification is related to atherosclerosis,whereas medial calcification is a non-occlusive process that increases vascular stiffness and reduces vascular compliance.In the valves,calcification of the leaflets can change the mechanical properties of the tissue and result in stenosis.Cardiovascular diseases are being lead significant health risk worldwide and its estimated 30%of deaths.Synthetic drugs can help in the treatment of cardiovascular disease but they have limited efficacy and carry substantial risks.High risk and narrow margin of safety of synthetic drugs growing our interest to explore the different plants with specific medicinal properties in treatment of different cardiovascular disorders including hypertension,atherosclerosis,cardiac arrest and heart failure.Plants like Daucus carota,Nerium oleander,Amaranthus,Terminalia arjuna,and Picrorhiza kurroa contain phytochemicals like tea flavonoids,polyphenols,plant sterols,and terpenoids that can prevent low density lipoprotein cholesterol oxidation,inhibit cholesterol synthesis and promote vasodilation.Researchers has identified many medicinal herbs and their chemical components that show potential in alleviating vascular calcification via antioxidant mechanisms.In this study,we briefly discuss the role of vascular calcification in the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases.Utilizing the efficacy of these natural molecules will lead to the development of new treatment methods for chronic heart disease associated with vascular calcification.展开更多
Resource utilization of metallurgical solid waste is vital for the sustainable development of the steel industry in the context of“dual carbon.”The calcification-carbothermal reduction method was employed to extract...Resource utilization of metallurgical solid waste is vital for the sustainable development of the steel industry in the context of“dual carbon.”The calcification-carbothermal reduction method was employed to extract zinc and iron from electric furnace dust effectively.In this process,calcium oxide reacts with zinc ferrite to form dicalcium ferrite and zinc oxide,which further promotes the effective separation of zinc and iron.However,the addition of pure calcium oxide increases production costs for steel companies.Herein,a new process for dust removal and zinc recovery in electric furnaces has been developed,using electric furnace slag as a calcium agent and mineral trough ash as a reducing agent.Large amounts of dicalcium ferrate phases were detected in the carbothermal reduction products by steel slag synergistic calcification.The reaction mechanism was determined as ZnFe_(2)O_(4)+CaO→Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5)+ZnO→Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5)+Zn(g).Such a two-step reaction path indicated that steel slag can effectively promote the reduction and volatilization of zinc.The experimental optimal roasting parameters were determined as roasting temperature of 1150℃,roasting time of 45 min,calcium to zinc molar ratio of 1.1,and carbon to oxygen molar ratio of 0.8.The mass percentage of added steel slag was recorded as 21.83%,while that of mineral trough ash was 21.85%.Under these conditions,the zinc removal rate above 99%and the metallization rate of pellets of about 75.31%were achieved.Overall,the proposed method looks promising for future efficient separation of zinc and iron in industrial steel slag.展开更多
Background Coronary artery calcification(CAC),a hallmark of atherosclerosis,paradoxically associates with reduced cardiovascular risk under statin therapy despite accelerated calcification progression,prompting this s...Background Coronary artery calcification(CAC),a hallmark of atherosclerosis,paradoxically associates with reduced cardiovascular risk under statin therapy despite accelerated calcification progression,prompting this study to explore CAC metrics as potential mediators between statin use and major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE).Methods Clinical data of 246 hospitalized patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from January 2023 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between statin use and CAC parameters.Multivariable Poisson regression models were applied to explore the associations of statin use and CAC parameters with MACE risk.A mediation analysis was performed to assess the role of CAC parameters in the statin-MACE relationship.Results Statin use was independently associated with increased calcification score(β=0.648,P<0.001),CAC volume(β=0.623,P<0.001),and calcified plaque proportion(β=0.606,P=0.002).Multivariable Poisson regression indicated that statin use significantly reduced MACE risk[incidence rate ratio(IRR):0.33,P=0.018],whereas calcification score(IRR:2.63,P=0.026)and CACvolume(IRR:2.66,P=0.044)were associated with elevated MACE risk;Calcified plaque proportion showed no significant association.Mediation analysis revealed that calcification score(β=0.035,P=0.021)and CAC volume(β=0.023,P=0.018)exerted masking effects,while calcified plaque proportion had no mediating role.Conclusions Calcification score and CACvolume demonstrated limited masking effects in the association between statin use and MACE.展开更多
A simplified CaO-V_(2)O_(5)-MnO_(2) system was established to qualitatively and quantitatively investigate the transformation behavior of vanadates.The results demonstrated dynamic transformations between calcium vana...A simplified CaO-V_(2)O_(5)-MnO_(2) system was established to qualitatively and quantitatively investigate the transformation behavior of vanadates.The results demonstrated dynamic transformations between calcium vanadate and manganese vanadate as n(CaO)/n(V_(2)O_(5))/n(MnO_(2))ratios and roasting temperatures varied.When MnO_(2) was incrementally added with n(CaO)/n(V_(2)O_(5))of 2,some Ca_(2)V_(2)O_(7) converted to Mn_(2)V_(2)O_(7).The mass of vanadium as calcium vanadate consistently exceeded that as manganese vanadate.Conversely,when CaO was gradually added with n(MnO_(2))/n(V_(2)O_(5))of 2,Mn_(2)V_(2)O_(7) tended to transform into Ca_(2)V_(2)O_(7) and Ca3V2O8.The affinity of vanadium for calcium was higher compared that of vanadium for manganese.The specific type of calcium vanadate formed depended on both n(CaO)/n(V_(2)O_(5))/n(MnO_(2))values and roasting temperatures,while manganese vanadate remained predominantly as Mn_(2)V_(2)O_(7).The influence of roasting temperature on the conversion between calcium vanadate and manganese vanadate was minimal.At n(CaO)/n(V_(2)O_(5))/n(MnO_(2))of 2/1/2 and temperatures ranging from 650 to 850°C,the mass ratio of vanadium present as calcium vanadate to manganese vanadate stabilized at approximately 2.展开更多
The effects of Ca-based additives on roasting properties of low-grade molybdenum concentrate were studied. The resultsshow that calcium-based additives can react with molybdenum concentrate to form CaSO4 and CaMoO4. T...The effects of Ca-based additives on roasting properties of low-grade molybdenum concentrate were studied. The resultsshow that calcium-based additives can react with molybdenum concentrate to form CaSO4 and CaMoO4. The initial oxidationtemperature of MoS2 is 450℃, while the formation of CaMoO4 and CaSO4 occurs above 500℃. The whole calcification reactionsare nearly completed between 600 and 650℃. However, raising the temperature further helps for the formation of CaMoO4 but isdisadvantageous to sulfur fixing rate and molybdenum retention rate. Calcification efficiency of Ca-based additives follows theorder： Ca（OH）2〉CaO〉CaCO3. With increasing the dosage of Ca（OH）2, the molybdenum retention rate and sulfur-fixing rate rise, butexcessive dosages would consume more acid during leaching process. The appropriate mass ratio of Ca（OH）2 to molybdenumconcentrate is 1：1. When roasted at 650 ℃ for 90 min, the molybdenum retention rate and the sulfur-fixing rate of low-grademolybdenum concentrate reach 100% and 92.92%, respectively, and the dissolution rate of molybdenum achieves 99.12% withcalcines being leached by sulphuric acid.展开更多
Vascular calcification(VC) is common among patientswith chronic kidney disease(CKD).The severity of VC is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.Risk factors for VC include traditional c...Vascular calcification(VC) is common among patientswith chronic kidney disease(CKD).The severity of VC is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.Risk factors for VC include traditional cardiovascular risk factors as well as CKD-related risk factors such as increased calcium and phosphate load.VC is observed in arteries of all sizes from small arterioles to aorta,both in the intima and the media of arterial wall.Several imaging techniques have been utilized in the evaluation of the extent and the severity of VC.Plain radiographs are simple and readily available but with the limitation of decreased sensitivity and subjective and semi-quantitative quantification methods.Mammography,especially useful among women,offers a unique way to study breast arterial calcification,which is largely a medial-type calcification.Ultrasonography is suitable for calcification in superficial arteries.Analyses of wall thickness and lumen size are also possible.Computed tomography(CT) scan,the gold standard,is the most sensitive technique for evaluation of VC.CT scan of coronary artery calcification is not only useful for cardiovascular risk stratification but also offers an accurate and an objective analysis of the severity and progression.展开更多
Calcification roasting–acid leaching of high-chromium vanadium slag(HCVS)was conducted to elucidate the roasting and leaching behaviors of vanadium and chromium.The effects of the purity of Ca O,molar ratio between C...Calcification roasting–acid leaching of high-chromium vanadium slag(HCVS)was conducted to elucidate the roasting and leaching behaviors of vanadium and chromium.The effects of the purity of Ca O,molar ratio between Ca O and V_2O_5(n(Ca O)/n(V_2O_5)),roasting temperature,holding time,and the heating rate used in the oxidation–calcification processes were investigated.The roasting process and mechanism were analyzed by X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry(TG–DSC).The results show that most of vanadium reacted with Ca O to generate calcium vanadates and transferred into the leaching liquid,whereas almost all of the chromium remained in the leaching residue in the form of(Fe_(0.6)Cr_(0.4))_2O_3.Variation trends of the vanadium and chromium leaching ratios were always opposite because of the competitive reactions of oxidation and calcification between vanadium and chromium with Ca O.Moreover,Ca O was more likely to combine with vanadium,as further confirmed by thermodynamic analysis.When the HCVS with Ca O added in an n(Ca O)/n(V_2O_5)ratio of 0.5 was roasted in an air atmosphere at a heating rate of 10°C/min from room temperature to 950°C and maintained at this temperature for 60 min,the leaching ratios of vanadium and chromium reached91.14%and 0.49%,respectively;thus,efficient extraction of vanadium from HCVS was achieved and the leaching residue could be used as a new raw material for the extraction of chromium.Furthermore,the oxidation and calcification reactions of the spinel phases occurred at 592and 630°C for n(Ca O)/n(V_2O_5)ratios of 0.5 and 5,respectively.展开更多
Background Coronary artery calcification （CAC） is a predictor of cardiovascular events and plaque burden and is closely associatedwith chronic inflammation. Intedeukin （IL）-37 is a newly discovered member of the I...Background Coronary artery calcification （CAC） is a predictor of cardiovascular events and plaque burden and is closely associatedwith chronic inflammation. Intedeukin （IL）-37 is a newly discovered member of the IL-1 family and is considered an anti-inflammatorycytokine. Our recent study on mice indicated that IL-37 could attenuate atherosclerosis and vascular calcification, which suggests that IL-37could be associated with the development of atherosclerosis and related diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate if IL-37 plays arole in the progression of CAC in patients. Methods Two hundred participants with suspected cardiovascular disease were recruited. Thelevels of plasma IL-37, osteoprotegerin （OPG）, hypersensitive C-reactive protein （hsCRP） together with other biochemical parameters weremeasured, and a coronary calcium assessment was carried out by multi-detector row CT. A score of 〈 10 AU （Agatston units） denotes anabsence of CAC, a score of 11-100 AU denotes mild CAC, 101-400 denotes moderate CAC, and 〉 400 AU denotes severe CAC. ResultsOur initial data showed that there were no apparent differences in plasma IL-37 levels among patients with or without mild or moderate CAC.However, IL-37 levels were significantly increased in patients with severe CAC （P 〈 0.001）. Similar results were observed for plasma OPGand hsCRP levels. When IL-37 levels in patients with severe calcification were compared with that in all of the other non-severe CAC groups,it became apparent that there was a significant positive correlation between IL-37 level and severe CAC （r = 0.360, P 〈 0.001; OR = 1.033）using Spearrnan＇s correlation and binary logistic regression analysis. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the anti-inflammatory cy-tokine IL-37 is associated with high coronary calcium levels, suggesting that IL-37 expression may be caused by the activation ofinf/amma-tion and that IL-37 might become a predictor of severe CAC in the future, which requires further investigation.展开更多
AIM: To examine the correlation between the severity of venous calcifications and the clinical symptoms of phlebosclerotic colitis.METHODS: This was a retrospective study.The data,including the numbers of episodes of ...AIM: To examine the correlation between the severity of venous calcifications and the clinical symptoms of phlebosclerotic colitis.METHODS: This was a retrospective study.The data,including the numbers of episodes of active disease,were collected from the medical records at Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Wei Gong Memorial Hospital in Taiwan between January 2005 and December 2014.All computed tomography images with or without contrast enhancement were obtained using a multiple detector computed tomography scanner.The scanning range reached from the dome of the diaphragm to the pelvis.The severity of calcification at the tributaries of the portal vein was measured using a four-grade scoring system of the calcification of phlebosclerotic colitis.The episodes of active disease were defined as symptoms of fever,abdominal pain,severe constipation,bowel obstruction,vomiting or diarrhea based on a review of the medical records.Spearman's correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation between the numbers of episodes of active disease and the severity of the calcification of the mesenteric veins.RESULTS: More than 3000 cases were reviewed from 2005 to 2014,and a total of 12 patients from Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Wei Gong Memorial Hospital were enrolled according to our inclusion criteria.Among these 12 patients,the mean age of the six males and the six females was 61.8 ± 11.5 years.All patients exhibited typical imaging characteristics,consisting of threadlike calcifications and colonic wall thickening in the standard radiographs and calcifications along the colonic and mesenteric vessels or associated with colonic wall thickening and adjacent fat stranding in the computed tomography images.The median score of the severity of the venous calcifications was 18 ± 13,and the median number of active disease episodes was 1 ± 1.75.Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the number of episodes of active phlebosclerotic colitis disease significantly positively correlated with the severity of the calcification of the mesenteric veins(r = 0.619,P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: The extent of mesenteric venous calcification is strongly associated with the number of episodes of active disease among patients with phlebosclerotic colitis.展开更多
Red mud produced in the Bayer process is a hazardous solid waste because of its high alkalinity; however, it is rich in valuable components such as titanium, iron, and aluminum. In this study, a novel calcification-ca...Red mud produced in the Bayer process is a hazardous solid waste because of its high alkalinity; however, it is rich in valuable components such as titanium, iron, and aluminum. In this study, a novel calcification-carbonation method was developed to recover alkali and alumina from Bayer red mud under mild reaction conditions. Batch experiments were performed to evaluate the potential effects of im- portant parameters such as temperature, amount of CaO added, and CO2 partial pressure on the recovery of alkali and alumina. The results showed that 95.2% alkali and 75.0% alumina were recovered from red mud with decreases in the mass ratios of Na2O to Fe2O3 and of Al2O3 to Fe2O3 from 0.42 and 0.89 to 0.02 and 0.22, respectively. The processed red mud with less than 0.5wt% Na2O can potentially be used as a construction material.展开更多
Coronary artery calcification （CAC） is highly prevalent in patients with coronary heart disease （CHD） and is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events. There are two recognized type of CAC--intimal and m...Coronary artery calcification （CAC） is highly prevalent in patients with coronary heart disease （CHD） and is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events. There are two recognized type of CAC--intimal and medial calcification, and each of them have specific risk factors. Several theories about the mechanism of vascular calcification have been put forward, and we currently believe that vascular calcification is an active, regulated process. CAC can usually be found in patients with severe CHD, and this asymptomatic phenomenon make early diagnosis of CAC important. Coronary computed tomographic angiography is the main noninvasive tool to detect calcified lesions. Measurement of coronary artery calcification by scoring is a reasonable metric for cardiovascular risk assessment in asymptomatic adults at intermediate risk. To date, effective medical treatment of CAC has not been identified. Several strategies of percutaneous coronary interven- tion have been applied to CHD patients with CAC, but with unsatisfactory results. Prognosis of CAC is still a major problem of CHD pa- tients. Thus, more details about the mechanisms of CAC need to be elucidated in order to improve the understanding and treatment of CAC.展开更多
Arterial calcification is a well-recognized complication of advanced atherosclerosis.Chronic kidney disease(CKD) is characterized by significantly more pronounced,dis-seminated and fast-progressing calcification of th...Arterial calcification is a well-recognized complication of advanced atherosclerosis.Chronic kidney disease(CKD) is characterized by significantly more pronounced,dis-seminated and fast-progressing calcification of the vascular system,including the coronary arteries.New computed tomography-based imaging techniques al-low for the noninvasive assessment and monitoring of calcification in different vascular sites.Coronary artery calcification(CAC) develops early in the course of CKD and is tightly associated with mineral and bone disor-ders,which include but are not limited to secondary hyperparathyroidism.In this review,recent data on the pathogenesis of CAC development and progression are discussed,with a special emphasis on fibroblast growth factor 23 and its co-receptor,klotho.The prevalence,progression and prognostic significance of CAC are reviewed separately for patients with end-stage renal disease treated with dialysis,kidney transplant recipi-ents and patients with earlier stages of CKD.In the last section,therapeutic considerations are discussed,with special attention paid to the importance of treatment that addresses mineral and bone disorders of CKD.展开更多
Background:Cholesterol gallstones account for over 80%of gallstones,and the pathogenesis of gallstone formation involves genetic and environmental factors.However,data on the evolution of cholesterol gallstones with v...Background:Cholesterol gallstones account for over 80%of gallstones,and the pathogenesis of gallstone formation involves genetic and environmental factors.However,data on the evolution of cholesterol gallstones with various densities are limited.This study aimed to determine the roles of microbiota and mucins on the formation of calcified cholesterol gallstones in patients with cholelithiasis.Methods:Paired gallbladder tissues and bile specimens were obtained from cholelithiasis patients who were categorized into the isodense group and calcified group according to the density of gallstones.The relative abundance of microbiota in gallbladder tissues was detected.Immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to detect the expression levels of MUC1,MUC2,MUC3a,MUC3b,MUC4,MUC5ac and MUC5b in gallbladder tissues and bile.The correlation of microbiota abundance with MUC4 expression was evaluated by linear regression.Results:A total of 23 patients with gallbladder stones were included.The density of gallstones in the isodense group was significantly lower than that of the calcified group(34.20±1.50 vs.109.40±3.84 HU,P<0.0001).Compared to the isodense group,the calcified group showed a higher abundance of gram-positive bacteria at the fundus,in the body and neck of gallbladder tissues.The concentrations of MUC1,MUC2,MUC3a,MUC3b,MUC5ac and MUC5b in the epithelial cells of gallbladder tissues showed no difference between the two groups,while the concentrations of MUC4 were significantly higher in the calcified group than that in the isodense group at the fundus(15.49±0.69 vs.10.23±0.54 ng/mL,P<0.05),in the body(14.54±0.94 vs.11.87±0.85 ng/mL,P<0.05)as well as in the neck(14.77±1.04 vs.10.85±0.72 ng/mL,P<0.05)of gallbladder tissues.Moreover,the abundance of bacteria was positively correlated with the expression of MUC4(r=0.569,P<0.05)in the calcified group.Conclusions:This study showed the potential clinical relevance among biliary microbiota,mucins and calcified gallstones in patients with gallstones.Gram-positive microbiota and MUC4 may be positively associated with the calcification of cholesterol gallstones.展开更多
Extracting rare earths from bastnaesite concentrate treated by calcification transition was studied through the single factor test and XRD patterns of bastnaesite after calcification and slags after leaching in HCl so...Extracting rare earths from bastnaesite concentrate treated by calcification transition was studied through the single factor test and XRD patterns of bastnaesite after calcification and slags after leaching in HCl solution. And the effects of the main calcified parameters such as temperature, liquid/solid and calcified time on transition performance of bastnaesite were investigated. It was found that under the optimal conditions of calcification temperature of 250 oC, liquid/solid of 20 mL/g, calcification time of 180 min, the highest leaching rate of rare earth were obtained, with the leaching ratio of rare earths 83.70% and Ce 77.01%, La 90.55%, Nd 92.03%, respectively; loss rates of fluorine with different calcification conditions were always less than 1% and XRD patterns of calcification slags and leaching slags showed that fluorine existed in the form of CaF2.展开更多
Prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications have a high incidence in elderly men. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic capabilities of susceptibility-weighted imaging in detecting prostate cancer and prostatic calc...Prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications have a high incidence in elderly men. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic capabilities of susceptibility-weighted imaging in detecting prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications. A total number of 156 men, including 34 with prostate cancer and 122 with benign prostate were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography, conventional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and susceptibility-weighted imaging were performed on all the patients. One hundred and twelve prostatic calcifications were detected in 87 patients. The sensitivities and specificities of the conventional magnetic resonance imaging, apparent diffusion coefficient, and susceptibility-filtered phase images in detecting prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications were calculated. McNemar＇s Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in sensitivities and specificities between the techniques. The results showed that the sensitivity and specificity of susceptibility-filtered phase images in detecting prostatic cancer were greater than that of conventional magnetic resonance imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient （P 〈 0.05）. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of susceptibility-filtered phase images in detecting prostatic calcifications were comparable to that of computed tomography and greater than that of conventional magnetic resonance imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient （P 〈 0.05）. Given the high incidence of susceptibility-weighted imaging （SWl） abnormality in prostate cancer, we conclude that susceptibility-weighted imaging is more sensitive and specific than conventional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and computed tomography in detecting prostate cancer. Furthermore, susceptibility-weighted imaging can identify prostatic calcifications similar to computed tomography, and it is much better than conventional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging.展开更多
Background Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein （COMP） is mainly found in the skeletal system and vascular smooth muscle cells. Recent researches showed that it had a protective function on blood vessels and could al...Background Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein （COMP） is mainly found in the skeletal system and vascular smooth muscle cells. Recent researches showed that it had a protective function on blood vessels and could also inhibit vascular calcification. We investigated the serum COMPs in coronary heart disease （CHD） patients, and the relationship between serum COMP and the calcification of coronary artery. Methods A total of 233 consecutive chest pain patients who first underwent coronary angiography followed by multi-slice computed to- mography （MSCT） within six months were recruited and divided into two groups according to the coronary angiography luminal diameter narrowing percentages： CHD group （diameter narrowing 〉 50%, n = 194） and control group （diameter narrowing 〈 50%, n = 39）. The Gen- sini score, Syntax score and coronary artery calcium score （CACs） were calculated. The serum COMP level was determined using ELISA. Results The levels of COMP were significantly higher in the CHD group than in the control group 155.7 （124.5-194.5） ng/mL vs. 128.4 （113.0-159.9） ng/mL, P = 0.019. There were no correlation between COMP, Gensini score, Syntax score, severity of coronary stenosis and the number of coronary artery with stenosis 〉 50%. The serum COMP was correlated with age （r = 0.294, P 〈 0.001）, fasting glucose （r = 0.163, P = 0.015）, HbAlc （r = 0.194, P = 0.015） and CACs （r = 0.137, P = 0.037）. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that COMP level and age were independent predictors of CACs in the CHD patients （fl = 0.402, t = 2.612, P = 0.015; fl = 0.472, t = 3.077, P = 0.005）. Performance of COMP for predicting CHD was shown as area under curve （AUC）： 0.632, 95% CI： 0.549-0.715 and upper tertile CACs was AUC： 0.602, 95% CI： 0.5264）.678 in receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis. Conclusion Calcification of coronary artery was an independent predictor of serum COMPs.展开更多
Background Coronary artery calcification(CAC)is common in end-stage renal disease(ESRD)patients,and the extent of CAC is closely related to cardiovascular outcomes in ESRD patients.Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(...Background Coronary artery calcification(CAC)is common in end-stage renal disease(ESRD)patients,and the extent of CAC is closely related to cardiovascular outcomes in ESRD patients.Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(COMP),as a component of the vascular matrix,has been found to be an inhibitor of arterial calcification in basic studies.However,there is no clinical research on the correlation between COMP and CAC in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients.The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between serum COMP levels and CAC and cardiovascular events in MHD patients.Methods Serum COMP levels were compared between 54 MHD patients and 66 healthy people.MHD patients were then divided into three groups according to the tertiles of the concentration of COMP level and were followed up for major adverse cardiac events(MACEs),which were defined as a combined end point of new onset angina pectoris,nonfatal myocardial infarction,heart failure,coronary artery revascularization,hospitalization due to angina pectoris and all-cause deaths.The CAC score was calculated based on computed tomography scans.Results The serum COMP level in MHD patients was significantly higher than that in the general population[984.23(248.43-1902.61)ng/mL vs.219.01(97.26-821.92)ng/mL,P<0.01].Serum COMP levels were positively correlated with CAC(r=0.313,P=0.021)and serum parathyroid hormone in MHD patients(r=0.359,P<0.01).Linear regression suggested that after adjusting for age,fasting blood glucose(Glu)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbAlc),CAC score was an independent predictor in the final model for COMP level(β=0.424,t=3.130,P<0.01).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve showed that COMP≥994 mg/mL had 68.0%sensitivity and 72.4%specificity for the prediction of severe CAC[area under the curve(AUC):0.674,P=0.030,95%CI:0.526-0.882].After a median follow-up of 16 months(8-24 months),there was no difference in the incidence rate of MACEs between the upper,middle and lower serum COMP groups.Conclusions Our study found that MHD patients have higher levels of circulating COMP than controls.The serum COMP level is positively correlated with CAC score and could be used as a biomarker of severe CAC in MHD patients.However,there is no obvious correlation between serum COMP levels and the incidence of cardiovascular events.展开更多
This study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the computed tomography（CT） histogram in thyroid benign solitary coarse calcification nodules（BSCNs）. A total of 89 thyroid solitary coarse calcification nodu...This study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the computed tomography（CT） histogram in thyroid benign solitary coarse calcification nodules（BSCNs）. A total of 89 thyroid solitary coarse calcification nodules（coarse calcification ≥5 mm, no definite soft tissue around calcification） confirmed either by surgery or histopathological examination in 86 cases enrolled from January 2009 to December 2015 were evaluated. These included 56 BSCNs and 33 malignant solitary coarse calcification nodules（MSCNs）. Overall, 27 cut-off values were calculated by N（4≤N≤30） times of 50 Hounsfield units（HU） in the range of 200 to 1500 HU, and each cut-off value and the differences in the corresponding area percentages in the CT histogram were recorded for BSCN and MSCN. The optimal cut-off value and the corresponding area percentage were established by receiver operating characteristic（ROC） curve analysis. In the 19 groups with an ROC area under curve（AUC） of more than 0.7, at a cut-off value of 800 HU and at an area percentage of no more than 93.8%, the ROC AUC reached the maximum of 0.79, and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 75.3%, 80.4%, and 66.7%, respectively. At a cut-off value of 1050 HU and at an area percentage of no more than 93.6%, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 71.9%, 60.7%, and 90.9%, respectively. At a cut-off of 1150 HU and area of no more than 98.4%, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 70.8%, 57.1%, and 93.9%, respectively. At a cut-off of 600 HU and area of no more than 12.1%, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 61.8%, 39.3%, and 100.0%, respectively. Compared with the cut-off value of 800 HU and an area percentage of no more than 93.8%, the sensitivity of cut-off values and minimum areas of 1050 HU and 93.6%, of 1150 HU and 98.4%, and of 600 HU and 12.1%, was gradually decreasing; however, their specificity was gradually increasing. This can provide an important basis for reducing the misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical trauma.展开更多
The risk of cardiovascular mortality among patientswith end-stage renal disease is several times higherthan general population. Arterial calcification, a markerof atherosclerosis and a predictor of cardiovascularmorta...The risk of cardiovascular mortality among patientswith end-stage renal disease is several times higherthan general population. Arterial calcification, a markerof atherosclerosis and a predictor of cardiovascularmortality, is common in chronic kidney disease(CKD).The presence of traditional cardiovascular risk factorssuch as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and ad-vanced age cannot fully explain the high prevalence ofatherosclerosis and arterial calcification. Other factorsspecific to CKD such as hyperphosphatemia, excess ofcalcium, high dose active vitamin D and prolonged di-alysis vintage play important roles in the developmentof arterial calcification. Due to the significant healthrisk, it is prudent to attempt to lower arterial calcifica-tion burden in CKD. Treatment of hyperlipidemia withstatin has failed to lower atherosclerotic and arteriacalcification burden. Data on diabetes and blood pres-sure controls as well as smoking cessation on cardio-vascular outcomes in CKD population are limited. Cur-rently available treatment options include non-calciumcontaining phosphate binders, low dose active vitamin D, calcimimetic agent and perhaps bisphosphonates, vitamin K and sodium thiosulfate. Preliminary data on bisphosphonates, vitamin K and sodium thiosulfate are encouraging but larger studies on efficacy and out-comes are needed.展开更多
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(32270663 and 31230045 to J.Y.L.)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2024M762007 and GZB20240453 to J.L.)Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Major Project(2018SHZDZX05 to J.Y.L.).
文摘Brain calcification is frequently detected by neuroimaging in patients with hereditary and nonhereditary disorders or in normal individuals with aging.Its prevalence ranges from approximately 1%in young people to over 20%in the elderly(Yamada et al.,2013),yet the underlying mechanisms of brain calcification remain poorly understood.Specifically,calcification in the basal ganglia is detected in approximately 5.5%-20%of CT scans in patients over 50 years old(Auffray-Calvier et al.,2020).
文摘Vascular calcification is closely associated with cardiovascular-related mortality,particularly high-risk of occurring this disease is in patients suffering from hypertension.Vascular calcification involves the active deposition of calcium and other mineral substances in the vascular wall.In blood vessels,intimal calcification is related to atherosclerosis,whereas medial calcification is a non-occlusive process that increases vascular stiffness and reduces vascular compliance.In the valves,calcification of the leaflets can change the mechanical properties of the tissue and result in stenosis.Cardiovascular diseases are being lead significant health risk worldwide and its estimated 30%of deaths.Synthetic drugs can help in the treatment of cardiovascular disease but they have limited efficacy and carry substantial risks.High risk and narrow margin of safety of synthetic drugs growing our interest to explore the different plants with specific medicinal properties in treatment of different cardiovascular disorders including hypertension,atherosclerosis,cardiac arrest and heart failure.Plants like Daucus carota,Nerium oleander,Amaranthus,Terminalia arjuna,and Picrorhiza kurroa contain phytochemicals like tea flavonoids,polyphenols,plant sterols,and terpenoids that can prevent low density lipoprotein cholesterol oxidation,inhibit cholesterol synthesis and promote vasodilation.Researchers has identified many medicinal herbs and their chemical components that show potential in alleviating vascular calcification via antioxidant mechanisms.In this study,we briefly discuss the role of vascular calcification in the pathophysiology of cardiac diseases.Utilizing the efficacy of these natural molecules will lead to the development of new treatment methods for chronic heart disease associated with vascular calcification.
基金the support from Graduate Student Scientific Research Innovation Projects in Jiangsu Province(KYCX22_3804)Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(No.BK20210888).
文摘Resource utilization of metallurgical solid waste is vital for the sustainable development of the steel industry in the context of“dual carbon.”The calcification-carbothermal reduction method was employed to extract zinc and iron from electric furnace dust effectively.In this process,calcium oxide reacts with zinc ferrite to form dicalcium ferrite and zinc oxide,which further promotes the effective separation of zinc and iron.However,the addition of pure calcium oxide increases production costs for steel companies.Herein,a new process for dust removal and zinc recovery in electric furnaces has been developed,using electric furnace slag as a calcium agent and mineral trough ash as a reducing agent.Large amounts of dicalcium ferrate phases were detected in the carbothermal reduction products by steel slag synergistic calcification.The reaction mechanism was determined as ZnFe_(2)O_(4)+CaO→Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5)+ZnO→Ca_(2)Fe_(2)O_(5)+Zn(g).Such a two-step reaction path indicated that steel slag can effectively promote the reduction and volatilization of zinc.The experimental optimal roasting parameters were determined as roasting temperature of 1150℃,roasting time of 45 min,calcium to zinc molar ratio of 1.1,and carbon to oxygen molar ratio of 0.8.The mass percentage of added steel slag was recorded as 21.83%,while that of mineral trough ash was 21.85%.Under these conditions,the zinc removal rate above 99%and the metallization rate of pellets of about 75.31%were achieved.Overall,the proposed method looks promising for future efficient separation of zinc and iron in industrial steel slag.
文摘Background Coronary artery calcification(CAC),a hallmark of atherosclerosis,paradoxically associates with reduced cardiovascular risk under statin therapy despite accelerated calcification progression,prompting this study to explore CAC metrics as potential mediators between statin use and major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE).Methods Clinical data of 246 hospitalized patients who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)at Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital from January 2023 to June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between statin use and CAC parameters.Multivariable Poisson regression models were applied to explore the associations of statin use and CAC parameters with MACE risk.A mediation analysis was performed to assess the role of CAC parameters in the statin-MACE relationship.Results Statin use was independently associated with increased calcification score(β=0.648,P<0.001),CAC volume(β=0.623,P<0.001),and calcified plaque proportion(β=0.606,P=0.002).Multivariable Poisson regression indicated that statin use significantly reduced MACE risk[incidence rate ratio(IRR):0.33,P=0.018],whereas calcification score(IRR:2.63,P=0.026)and CACvolume(IRR:2.66,P=0.044)were associated with elevated MACE risk;Calcified plaque proportion showed no significant association.Mediation analysis revealed that calcification score(β=0.035,P=0.021)and CAC volume(β=0.023,P=0.018)exerted masking effects,while calcified plaque proportion had no mediating role.Conclusions Calcification score and CACvolume demonstrated limited masking effects in the association between statin use and MACE.
基金finally supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.52204309,52174277,52374300)。
文摘A simplified CaO-V_(2)O_(5)-MnO_(2) system was established to qualitatively and quantitatively investigate the transformation behavior of vanadates.The results demonstrated dynamic transformations between calcium vanadate and manganese vanadate as n(CaO)/n(V_(2)O_(5))/n(MnO_(2))ratios and roasting temperatures varied.When MnO_(2) was incrementally added with n(CaO)/n(V_(2)O_(5))of 2,some Ca_(2)V_(2)O_(7) converted to Mn_(2)V_(2)O_(7).The mass of vanadium as calcium vanadate consistently exceeded that as manganese vanadate.Conversely,when CaO was gradually added with n(MnO_(2))/n(V_(2)O_(5))of 2,Mn_(2)V_(2)O_(7) tended to transform into Ca_(2)V_(2)O_(7) and Ca3V2O8.The affinity of vanadium for calcium was higher compared that of vanadium for manganese.The specific type of calcium vanadate formed depended on both n(CaO)/n(V_(2)O_(5))/n(MnO_(2))values and roasting temperatures,while manganese vanadate remained predominantly as Mn_(2)V_(2)O_(7).The influence of roasting temperature on the conversion between calcium vanadate and manganese vanadate was minimal.At n(CaO)/n(V_(2)O_(5))/n(MnO_(2))of 2/1/2 and temperatures ranging from 650 to 850°C,the mass ratio of vanadium present as calcium vanadate to manganese vanadate stabilized at approximately 2.
基金Project(51304245)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(2014T70691)supported by the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China+1 种基金Project(2015CX005)supported by the Innovation Driven Plan of Central South University,ChinaProject supported by the Hunan Provincial Co-innovation Center for Clean and Efficient Utilization of Strategic Metal Mineral Resources,China
文摘The effects of Ca-based additives on roasting properties of low-grade molybdenum concentrate were studied. The resultsshow that calcium-based additives can react with molybdenum concentrate to form CaSO4 and CaMoO4. The initial oxidationtemperature of MoS2 is 450℃, while the formation of CaMoO4 and CaSO4 occurs above 500℃. The whole calcification reactionsare nearly completed between 600 and 650℃. However, raising the temperature further helps for the formation of CaMoO4 but isdisadvantageous to sulfur fixing rate and molybdenum retention rate. Calcification efficiency of Ca-based additives follows theorder： Ca（OH）2〉CaO〉CaCO3. With increasing the dosage of Ca（OH）2, the molybdenum retention rate and sulfur-fixing rate rise, butexcessive dosages would consume more acid during leaching process. The appropriate mass ratio of Ca（OH）2 to molybdenumconcentrate is 1：1. When roasted at 650 ℃ for 90 min, the molybdenum retention rate and the sulfur-fixing rate of low-grademolybdenum concentrate reach 100% and 92.92%, respectively, and the dissolution rate of molybdenum achieves 99.12% withcalcines being leached by sulphuric acid.
文摘Vascular calcification(VC) is common among patientswith chronic kidney disease(CKD).The severity of VC is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.Risk factors for VC include traditional cardiovascular risk factors as well as CKD-related risk factors such as increased calcium and phosphate load.VC is observed in arteries of all sizes from small arterioles to aorta,both in the intima and the media of arterial wall.Several imaging techniques have been utilized in the evaluation of the extent and the severity of VC.Plain radiographs are simple and readily available but with the limitation of decreased sensitivity and subjective and semi-quantitative quantification methods.Mammography,especially useful among women,offers a unique way to study breast arterial calcification,which is largely a medial-type calcification.Ultrasonography is suitable for calcification in superficial arteries.Analyses of wall thickness and lumen size are also possible.Computed tomography(CT) scan,the gold standard,is the most sensitive technique for evaluation of VC.CT scan of coronary artery calcification is not only useful for cardiovascular risk stratification but also offers an accurate and an objective analysis of the severity and progression.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos.51604065 and 51574082)the National Basic Research Program of China (No.2013CB632603)the Fundamental Funds for the Central Universities (Nos.150203003 and 150202001)
文摘Calcification roasting–acid leaching of high-chromium vanadium slag(HCVS)was conducted to elucidate the roasting and leaching behaviors of vanadium and chromium.The effects of the purity of Ca O,molar ratio between Ca O and V_2O_5(n(Ca O)/n(V_2O_5)),roasting temperature,holding time,and the heating rate used in the oxidation–calcification processes were investigated.The roasting process and mechanism were analyzed by X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry(TG–DSC).The results show that most of vanadium reacted with Ca O to generate calcium vanadates and transferred into the leaching liquid,whereas almost all of the chromium remained in the leaching residue in the form of(Fe_(0.6)Cr_(0.4))_2O_3.Variation trends of the vanadium and chromium leaching ratios were always opposite because of the competitive reactions of oxidation and calcification between vanadium and chromium with Ca O.Moreover,Ca O was more likely to combine with vanadium,as further confirmed by thermodynamic analysis.When the HCVS with Ca O added in an n(Ca O)/n(V_2O_5)ratio of 0.5 was roasted in an air atmosphere at a heating rate of 10°C/min from room temperature to 950°C and maintained at this temperature for 60 min,the leaching ratios of vanadium and chromium reached91.14%and 0.49%,respectively;thus,efficient extraction of vanadium from HCVS was achieved and the leaching residue could be used as a new raw material for the extraction of chromium.Furthermore,the oxidation and calcification reactions of the spinel phases occurred at 592and 630°C for n(Ca O)/n(V_2O_5)ratios of 0.5 and 5,respectively.
文摘Background Coronary artery calcification （CAC） is a predictor of cardiovascular events and plaque burden and is closely associatedwith chronic inflammation. Intedeukin （IL）-37 is a newly discovered member of the IL-1 family and is considered an anti-inflammatorycytokine. Our recent study on mice indicated that IL-37 could attenuate atherosclerosis and vascular calcification, which suggests that IL-37could be associated with the development of atherosclerosis and related diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate if IL-37 plays arole in the progression of CAC in patients. Methods Two hundred participants with suspected cardiovascular disease were recruited. Thelevels of plasma IL-37, osteoprotegerin （OPG）, hypersensitive C-reactive protein （hsCRP） together with other biochemical parameters weremeasured, and a coronary calcium assessment was carried out by multi-detector row CT. A score of 〈 10 AU （Agatston units） denotes anabsence of CAC, a score of 11-100 AU denotes mild CAC, 101-400 denotes moderate CAC, and 〉 400 AU denotes severe CAC. ResultsOur initial data showed that there were no apparent differences in plasma IL-37 levels among patients with or without mild or moderate CAC.However, IL-37 levels were significantly increased in patients with severe CAC （P 〈 0.001）. Similar results were observed for plasma OPGand hsCRP levels. When IL-37 levels in patients with severe calcification were compared with that in all of the other non-severe CAC groups,it became apparent that there was a significant positive correlation between IL-37 level and severe CAC （r = 0.360, P 〈 0.001; OR = 1.033）using Spearrnan＇s correlation and binary logistic regression analysis. Conclusions This study demonstrates that the anti-inflammatory cy-tokine IL-37 is associated with high coronary calcium levels, suggesting that IL-37 expression may be caused by the activation ofinf/amma-tion and that IL-37 might become a predictor of severe CAC in the future, which requires further investigation.
文摘AIM: To examine the correlation between the severity of venous calcifications and the clinical symptoms of phlebosclerotic colitis.METHODS: This was a retrospective study.The data,including the numbers of episodes of active disease,were collected from the medical records at Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Wei Gong Memorial Hospital in Taiwan between January 2005 and December 2014.All computed tomography images with or without contrast enhancement were obtained using a multiple detector computed tomography scanner.The scanning range reached from the dome of the diaphragm to the pelvis.The severity of calcification at the tributaries of the portal vein was measured using a four-grade scoring system of the calcification of phlebosclerotic colitis.The episodes of active disease were defined as symptoms of fever,abdominal pain,severe constipation,bowel obstruction,vomiting or diarrhea based on a review of the medical records.Spearman's correlation analysis was used to examine the correlation between the numbers of episodes of active disease and the severity of the calcification of the mesenteric veins.RESULTS: More than 3000 cases were reviewed from 2005 to 2014,and a total of 12 patients from Taipei Veterans General Hospital and Wei Gong Memorial Hospital were enrolled according to our inclusion criteria.Among these 12 patients,the mean age of the six males and the six females was 61.8 ± 11.5 years.All patients exhibited typical imaging characteristics,consisting of threadlike calcifications and colonic wall thickening in the standard radiographs and calcifications along the colonic and mesenteric vessels or associated with colonic wall thickening and adjacent fat stranding in the computed tomography images.The median score of the severity of the venous calcifications was 18 ± 13,and the median number of active disease episodes was 1 ± 1.75.Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the number of episodes of active phlebosclerotic colitis disease significantly positively correlated with the severity of the calcification of the mesenteric veins(r = 0.619,P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: The extent of mesenteric venous calcification is strongly associated with the number of episodes of active disease among patients with phlebosclerotic colitis.
基金financially supported by the Joint Funds of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U1202274)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.51204040)+1 种基金the Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China(No.20120042110011)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.N140204015)
文摘Red mud produced in the Bayer process is a hazardous solid waste because of its high alkalinity; however, it is rich in valuable components such as titanium, iron, and aluminum. In this study, a novel calcification-carbonation method was developed to recover alkali and alumina from Bayer red mud under mild reaction conditions. Batch experiments were performed to evaluate the potential effects of im- portant parameters such as temperature, amount of CaO added, and CO2 partial pressure on the recovery of alkali and alumina. The results showed that 95.2% alkali and 75.0% alumina were recovered from red mud with decreases in the mass ratios of Na2O to Fe2O3 and of Al2O3 to Fe2O3 from 0.42 and 0.89 to 0.02 and 0.22, respectively. The processed red mud with less than 0.5wt% Na2O can potentially be used as a construction material.
基金This work were supported by the Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals Clinical Medicine Development of Special Funding Support （No. ZYLX201303）, the National Natural Science Foundation of China （No. 81470429, No.81270285）, and The capital health research and development of special （No 2011-2006-14）.
文摘Coronary artery calcification （CAC） is highly prevalent in patients with coronary heart disease （CHD） and is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events. There are two recognized type of CAC--intimal and medial calcification, and each of them have specific risk factors. Several theories about the mechanism of vascular calcification have been put forward, and we currently believe that vascular calcification is an active, regulated process. CAC can usually be found in patients with severe CHD, and this asymptomatic phenomenon make early diagnosis of CAC important. Coronary computed tomographic angiography is the main noninvasive tool to detect calcified lesions. Measurement of coronary artery calcification by scoring is a reasonable metric for cardiovascular risk assessment in asymptomatic adults at intermediate risk. To date, effective medical treatment of CAC has not been identified. Several strategies of percutaneous coronary interven- tion have been applied to CHD patients with CAC, but with unsatisfactory results. Prognosis of CAC is still a major problem of CHD pa- tients. Thus, more details about the mechanisms of CAC need to be elucidated in order to improve the understanding and treatment of CAC.
文摘Arterial calcification is a well-recognized complication of advanced atherosclerosis.Chronic kidney disease(CKD) is characterized by significantly more pronounced,dis-seminated and fast-progressing calcification of the vascular system,including the coronary arteries.New computed tomography-based imaging techniques al-low for the noninvasive assessment and monitoring of calcification in different vascular sites.Coronary artery calcification(CAC) develops early in the course of CKD and is tightly associated with mineral and bone disor-ders,which include but are not limited to secondary hyperparathyroidism.In this review,recent data on the pathogenesis of CAC development and progression are discussed,with a special emphasis on fibroblast growth factor 23 and its co-receptor,klotho.The prevalence,progression and prognostic significance of CAC are reviewed separately for patients with end-stage renal disease treated with dialysis,kidney transplant recipi-ents and patients with earlier stages of CKD.In the last section,therapeutic considerations are discussed,with special attention paid to the importance of treatment that addresses mineral and bone disorders of CKD.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81870433)the International Cooperation Project of Zhejiang Province Public Technology Research Program(LGJ18H030001).
文摘Background:Cholesterol gallstones account for over 80%of gallstones,and the pathogenesis of gallstone formation involves genetic and environmental factors.However,data on the evolution of cholesterol gallstones with various densities are limited.This study aimed to determine the roles of microbiota and mucins on the formation of calcified cholesterol gallstones in patients with cholelithiasis.Methods:Paired gallbladder tissues and bile specimens were obtained from cholelithiasis patients who were categorized into the isodense group and calcified group according to the density of gallstones.The relative abundance of microbiota in gallbladder tissues was detected.Immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were performed to detect the expression levels of MUC1,MUC2,MUC3a,MUC3b,MUC4,MUC5ac and MUC5b in gallbladder tissues and bile.The correlation of microbiota abundance with MUC4 expression was evaluated by linear regression.Results:A total of 23 patients with gallbladder stones were included.The density of gallstones in the isodense group was significantly lower than that of the calcified group(34.20±1.50 vs.109.40±3.84 HU,P<0.0001).Compared to the isodense group,the calcified group showed a higher abundance of gram-positive bacteria at the fundus,in the body and neck of gallbladder tissues.The concentrations of MUC1,MUC2,MUC3a,MUC3b,MUC5ac and MUC5b in the epithelial cells of gallbladder tissues showed no difference between the two groups,while the concentrations of MUC4 were significantly higher in the calcified group than that in the isodense group at the fundus(15.49±0.69 vs.10.23±0.54 ng/mL,P<0.05),in the body(14.54±0.94 vs.11.87±0.85 ng/mL,P<0.05)as well as in the neck(14.77±1.04 vs.10.85±0.72 ng/mL,P<0.05)of gallbladder tissues.Moreover,the abundance of bacteria was positively correlated with the expression of MUC4(r=0.569,P<0.05)in the calcified group.Conclusions:This study showed the potential clinical relevance among biliary microbiota,mucins and calcified gallstones in patients with gallstones.Gram-positive microbiota and MUC4 may be positively associated with the calcification of cholesterol gallstones.
基金Project supported by National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(2012CBA01205)
文摘Extracting rare earths from bastnaesite concentrate treated by calcification transition was studied through the single factor test and XRD patterns of bastnaesite after calcification and slags after leaching in HCl solution. And the effects of the main calcified parameters such as temperature, liquid/solid and calcified time on transition performance of bastnaesite were investigated. It was found that under the optimal conditions of calcification temperature of 250 oC, liquid/solid of 20 mL/g, calcification time of 180 min, the highest leaching rate of rare earth were obtained, with the leaching ratio of rare earths 83.70% and Ce 77.01%, La 90.55%, Nd 92.03%, respectively; loss rates of fluorine with different calcification conditions were always less than 1% and XRD patterns of calcification slags and leaching slags showed that fluorine existed in the form of CaF2.
文摘Prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications have a high incidence in elderly men. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic capabilities of susceptibility-weighted imaging in detecting prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications. A total number of 156 men, including 34 with prostate cancer and 122 with benign prostate were enrolled in this study. Computed tomography, conventional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and susceptibility-weighted imaging were performed on all the patients. One hundred and twelve prostatic calcifications were detected in 87 patients. The sensitivities and specificities of the conventional magnetic resonance imaging, apparent diffusion coefficient, and susceptibility-filtered phase images in detecting prostate cancer and prostatic calcifications were calculated. McNemar＇s Chi-square test was used to compare the differences in sensitivities and specificities between the techniques. The results showed that the sensitivity and specificity of susceptibility-filtered phase images in detecting prostatic cancer were greater than that of conventional magnetic resonance imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient （P 〈 0.05）. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity of susceptibility-filtered phase images in detecting prostatic calcifications were comparable to that of computed tomography and greater than that of conventional magnetic resonance imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient （P 〈 0.05）. Given the high incidence of susceptibility-weighted imaging （SWl） abnormality in prostate cancer, we conclude that susceptibility-weighted imaging is more sensitive and specific than conventional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and computed tomography in detecting prostate cancer. Furthermore, susceptibility-weighted imaging can identify prostatic calcifications similar to computed tomography, and it is much better than conventional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion-weighted imaging.
文摘Background Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein （COMP） is mainly found in the skeletal system and vascular smooth muscle cells. Recent researches showed that it had a protective function on blood vessels and could also inhibit vascular calcification. We investigated the serum COMPs in coronary heart disease （CHD） patients, and the relationship between serum COMP and the calcification of coronary artery. Methods A total of 233 consecutive chest pain patients who first underwent coronary angiography followed by multi-slice computed to- mography （MSCT） within six months were recruited and divided into two groups according to the coronary angiography luminal diameter narrowing percentages： CHD group （diameter narrowing 〉 50%, n = 194） and control group （diameter narrowing 〈 50%, n = 39）. The Gen- sini score, Syntax score and coronary artery calcium score （CACs） were calculated. The serum COMP level was determined using ELISA. Results The levels of COMP were significantly higher in the CHD group than in the control group 155.7 （124.5-194.5） ng/mL vs. 128.4 （113.0-159.9） ng/mL, P = 0.019. There were no correlation between COMP, Gensini score, Syntax score, severity of coronary stenosis and the number of coronary artery with stenosis 〉 50%. The serum COMP was correlated with age （r = 0.294, P 〈 0.001）, fasting glucose （r = 0.163, P = 0.015）, HbAlc （r = 0.194, P = 0.015） and CACs （r = 0.137, P = 0.037）. Stepwise linear regression analysis showed that COMP level and age were independent predictors of CACs in the CHD patients （fl = 0.402, t = 2.612, P = 0.015; fl = 0.472, t = 3.077, P = 0.005）. Performance of COMP for predicting CHD was shown as area under curve （AUC）： 0.632, 95% CI： 0.549-0.715 and upper tertile CACs was AUC： 0.602, 95% CI： 0.5264）.678 in receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve analysis. Conclusion Calcification of coronary artery was an independent predictor of serum COMPs.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81400262)the Backbone Fund of Peking University Third Hospital(Y72497-04)
文摘Background Coronary artery calcification(CAC)is common in end-stage renal disease(ESRD)patients,and the extent of CAC is closely related to cardiovascular outcomes in ESRD patients.Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(COMP),as a component of the vascular matrix,has been found to be an inhibitor of arterial calcification in basic studies.However,there is no clinical research on the correlation between COMP and CAC in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients.The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between serum COMP levels and CAC and cardiovascular events in MHD patients.Methods Serum COMP levels were compared between 54 MHD patients and 66 healthy people.MHD patients were then divided into three groups according to the tertiles of the concentration of COMP level and were followed up for major adverse cardiac events(MACEs),which were defined as a combined end point of new onset angina pectoris,nonfatal myocardial infarction,heart failure,coronary artery revascularization,hospitalization due to angina pectoris and all-cause deaths.The CAC score was calculated based on computed tomography scans.Results The serum COMP level in MHD patients was significantly higher than that in the general population[984.23(248.43-1902.61)ng/mL vs.219.01(97.26-821.92)ng/mL,P<0.01].Serum COMP levels were positively correlated with CAC(r=0.313,P=0.021)and serum parathyroid hormone in MHD patients(r=0.359,P<0.01).Linear regression suggested that after adjusting for age,fasting blood glucose(Glu)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbAlc),CAC score was an independent predictor in the final model for COMP level(β=0.424,t=3.130,P<0.01).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve showed that COMP≥994 mg/mL had 68.0%sensitivity and 72.4%specificity for the prediction of severe CAC[area under the curve(AUC):0.674,P=0.030,95%CI:0.526-0.882].After a median follow-up of 16 months(8-24 months),there was no difference in the incidence rate of MACEs between the upper,middle and lower serum COMP groups.Conclusions Our study found that MHD patients have higher levels of circulating COMP than controls.The serum COMP level is positively correlated with CAC score and could be used as a biomarker of severe CAC in MHD patients.However,there is no obvious correlation between serum COMP levels and the incidence of cardiovascular events.
文摘This study was to investigate the diagnostic value of the computed tomography（CT） histogram in thyroid benign solitary coarse calcification nodules（BSCNs）. A total of 89 thyroid solitary coarse calcification nodules（coarse calcification ≥5 mm, no definite soft tissue around calcification） confirmed either by surgery or histopathological examination in 86 cases enrolled from January 2009 to December 2015 were evaluated. These included 56 BSCNs and 33 malignant solitary coarse calcification nodules（MSCNs）. Overall, 27 cut-off values were calculated by N（4≤N≤30） times of 50 Hounsfield units（HU） in the range of 200 to 1500 HU, and each cut-off value and the differences in the corresponding area percentages in the CT histogram were recorded for BSCN and MSCN. The optimal cut-off value and the corresponding area percentage were established by receiver operating characteristic（ROC） curve analysis. In the 19 groups with an ROC area under curve（AUC） of more than 0.7, at a cut-off value of 800 HU and at an area percentage of no more than 93.8%, the ROC AUC reached the maximum of 0.79, and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 75.3%, 80.4%, and 66.7%, respectively. At a cut-off value of 1050 HU and at an area percentage of no more than 93.6%, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 71.9%, 60.7%, and 90.9%, respectively. At a cut-off of 1150 HU and area of no more than 98.4%, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 70.8%, 57.1%, and 93.9%, respectively. At a cut-off of 600 HU and area of no more than 12.1%, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 61.8%, 39.3%, and 100.0%, respectively. Compared with the cut-off value of 800 HU and an area percentage of no more than 93.8%, the sensitivity of cut-off values and minimum areas of 1050 HU and 93.6%, of 1150 HU and 98.4%, and of 600 HU and 12.1%, was gradually decreasing; however, their specificity was gradually increasing. This can provide an important basis for reducing the misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgical trauma.
文摘The risk of cardiovascular mortality among patientswith end-stage renal disease is several times higherthan general population. Arterial calcification, a markerof atherosclerosis and a predictor of cardiovascularmortality, is common in chronic kidney disease(CKD).The presence of traditional cardiovascular risk factorssuch as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and ad-vanced age cannot fully explain the high prevalence ofatherosclerosis and arterial calcification. Other factorsspecific to CKD such as hyperphosphatemia, excess ofcalcium, high dose active vitamin D and prolonged di-alysis vintage play important roles in the developmentof arterial calcification. Due to the significant healthrisk, it is prudent to attempt to lower arterial calcifica-tion burden in CKD. Treatment of hyperlipidemia withstatin has failed to lower atherosclerotic and arteriacalcification burden. Data on diabetes and blood pres-sure controls as well as smoking cessation on cardio-vascular outcomes in CKD population are limited. Cur-rently available treatment options include non-calciumcontaining phosphate binders, low dose active vitamin D, calcimimetic agent and perhaps bisphosphonates, vitamin K and sodium thiosulfate. Preliminary data on bisphosphonates, vitamin K and sodium thiosulfate are encouraging but larger studies on efficacy and out-comes are needed.
