UNASSIGNED: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the presence of calcium deposits (CDs) around the dens axis and patients\' age, gender, and systemic diseases.
UNASSIGNED: This retrospective study was carried out by examining CBCT. Basic descriptive statistical analyses and normality tests were performed on all variables. The assumption of normality was checked using the Shapiro-Wilk method. The statistical significance level was accepted as a p-value less than 0.05.
UNASSIGNED: CDs were observed in a total of 99 (21.9%) individuals. The incidence of CDs statistically significantly increased with age (p < .01),while it didn\'t statistically significantly differ between genders (p = .47). 13% were systemically healthy, while 55% had hypertension. The incidence of CDs was statistically significantly higher in individuals with hypertension.
UNASSIGNED: In the presence of CDs, the patient should be referred to a medical doctor to confirm the diagnosis of CDS and prevent possible complications.

BACKGROUND: To perform a detailed morphological analysis of the inorganic portion of two different clinical presentations of calcium-based deposits retrieved from subjects with SSc and identify a chemical dissolution of these deposits suitable for clinical use.
METHODS: Chemical analysis using Fourier Transform IR spectroscopy (\'FTIR\'), Raman microscopy, Powder X-Ray Diffraction (\'PXRD\'), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (\'TEM\') was undertaken of two distinct types of calcinosis deposits: paste and stone. Calcinosis sample titration with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (\'EDTA\') assessed the concentration at which the EDTA dissolved the calcinosis deposits in vitro.
RESULTS: FTIR spectra of the samples displayed peaks characteristic of hydroxyapatite, where signals attributable to the phosphate and carbonate ions were all identified. Polymorph characterization using Raman spectra were identical to a hydroxyapatite reference while the PXRD and electron diffraction patterns conclusively identified the mineral present as hydroxyapatite. TEM analysis showed differences of morphology between the samples. Rounded particles from stone samples were up to a few micron in size, while needle-like crystals from paste samples reached up to 0.5 µm in length. Calcium phosphate deposits were effectively dissolved with 3% aqueous solutions of EDTA, in vitro. Complete dissolution of both types of deposit was achieved in approximately 30 min using a molar ratio of EDTA/HAp of ≈ 300.
CONCLUSIONS: Stone and paste calcium-based deposits both comprise hydroxyapatite, but the constituent crystals vary in size and morphology. Hydroxyapatite is the only crystalline polymorph present in the SSc-related calcinosis deposits. Hydroxyapatite can be dissolved in vitro using a dosage of EDTA considered safe for clinical application. Further research is required to establish the optimal medium to develop the medical product, determine the protocol for clinical application, and to assess the effectiveness of EDTA for local treatment of dystrophic calcinosis.

Idiopathic basal ganglia calcification (IBGC), also known as Fahr\'s disease, is a rare neurological disorder characterized by metabolic, biochemical, neuroradiological, and neuropsychiatric alterations resulting from symmetrical and bilateral intracranial calcifications. In most cases, an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and genetic heterogeneity is observed. Neuropsychiatric symptoms with movement disorders account for 55% of the manifestations of this disease. In this report, we present the case of a 42-year-old Pakistani male who presented to the emergency department with a sudden onset of generalized tonic muscle contractions. His medical history revealed progressive cognitive impairment, and he had a history of taking oral calcium supplements. Initial laboratory investigations showed hypocalcemia with normal magnesium and phosphate levels, while his parathyroid hormone levels were low. The interictal electroencephalogram was normal, and CT imaging of the brain without contrast revealed bilateral symmetrical dense calcifications in the basal ganglia, thalami, periventricular area, corona radiata, centrum semiovale, and dentate nucleus of the cerebellum, suggestive of Fahr disease. Intravenous calcium gluconate was administered in the emergency department, leading to an improvement in the patient\'s symptoms. The diagnosis of IBGC with relevant symptoms was confirmed through laboratory values and characteristic features observed in the CT examination.

OBJECTIVE: Calcific tendinitis (TC) is a common-usually self-limiting-musculoskeletal disease, histopathologically characterized by both deposition and subsequent inflammatory breakdown of calcium crystals in tendons. The disease can cause acute, sometimes excruciating pain and restricted movement in the shoulder joint. Furthermore, 10-30% of patients have a complicated course of the disease.
METHODS: Imaging-based assessment by X‑ray and ultrasound is required to establish the initial diagnosis and differential diagnosis as well as for follow-up.
UNASSIGNED: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, to a lesser degree, computed tomography (CT) complete the imaging work-up for establishing differential diagnoses and detecting complications.
CONCLUSIONS: The combined evaluation of clinical symptoms and imaging findings is crucial to assess prognosis, plan therapy and detect potential complications. This article provides an overview of imaging-based morphology as related to the different stages of TC, relevant complications and potential pitfalls with respect to comorbidities and differential diagnoses.
UNASSIGNED: KLINISCHES PROBLEM: Die Tendinosis calcarea (TC) ist eine häufige – in der Regel selbstlimitierende –muskuloskelettale Erkrankung, die histopathologisch sowohl durch die Ablagerung als auch den nachfolgenden entzündlichen Abbau von Kalziumkristallen in Sehnen charakterisiert wird. Sie kann im Schultergelenk zu stärksten Schmerzen und Bewegungseinschränkungen führen. 10–30 % der Patienten haben einen komplizierten Krankheitsverlauf.
UNASSIGNED: Die Bildgebung mittels Röntgenaufnahme und Ultraschall ist essenziell für die initiale Diagnostik und Differenzialdiagnostik sowie die Verlaufskontrolle.
UNASSIGNED: Die Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT), im Einzelfall auch die Computertomographie (CT), ergänzen die Basisdiagnostik für die Beurteilung von Komplikationen und zur Abgrenzung möglicher Differenzialdiagnosen. EMPFEHLUNG FüR DIE PRAXIS: Die gemeinsame Beurteilung von klinischer Beschwerdelast und Bildgebung ist ausschlaggebend für Prognoseabschätzung, Therapieplanung und Beurteilung von Komplikationen. Diese Arbeit liefert eine Übersicht über die bildmorphologische Darstellung der stadienhaft verlaufenden TC, relevante Komplikationen und mögliche Fallstricke in Hinsicht auf Komorbiditäten und Differenzialdiagnosen.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the neointima structure in conduits for coronary bypass grafting, bioprosthetic heart valves, tissue-engineered vascular grafts, and metal stents.
METHODS: The objects of the study were the fragments of the human internal thoracic artery, experimental biodegradable vascular prostheses, leaflets of xenopericardial bioprostheses of heart valves, and fragments of stented vessels. Tissue samples were fixed in formalin and post-fixed in osmium tetroxide. After dehydration and epoxy resin embedding, the samples were ground and polished. Samples were counterstained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate and visualized by means of backscattered scanning electron microscopy.
RESULTS: Neointimal pattern in all samples was similar. Neointima was comprised of endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and the extracellular matrix. Endothelial cells showed significant diversity both between different elements of the circulatory system and within the same tissue, having either elongated or polygonal shape. Adhesion of leukocytes testified to the endothelial cell activation. In the absence of inflammation in the superficial layer of the neointima, the arrangement of smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix fibers was parallel to the endothelium. Clusters of foam cells were frequently detected around the neointimal layers with solid inclusions (metal stents or calcium deposits). Thickening of the neointima was accompanied by the presence of capillaries and capillary-like structures.
CONCLUSIONS: Neointima formation is a typical response to the damage inflicted to the elements of the circulatory system. Neointima underwent a constant remodeling characterized by an altered cellular composition, macrophage invasion, neovascularization, and calcification.
UNASSIGNED: Выполнить сравнительную оценку строения неоинтимы кондуитов для коронарного шунтирования, биопротезов клапанов сердца и искусственно созданных сосудистых протезов и металлических стентов.
UNASSIGNED: Объектами исследования послужили участки внутренней грудной артерии человека, экспериментальные биодеградируемые сосудистые протезы, створки ксеноперикардиальных биопротезов клапанов сердца и фрагменты стентированных сосудов. Образцы фиксировали в формалине и постфиксировали в тетраокиси осмия. После обезвоживания в спиртах и ацетоне, заключения в эпоксидную смолу образцы шлифовали и полировали до нужной глубины. Образцы контрастировали уранилацетатом и цитратом свинца и просматривали в сканирующем электронном микроскопе в режиме обратно рассеянных электронов.
UNASSIGNED: Во всех образцах обнаружили наличие неоинтимы сходного строения, состоящей из эндотелия, гладкомышечных клеток, фибробластов и внеклеточного матрикса. Эндотелиальный слой демонстрировал большое разнообразие как в составе различных элементов системы кровообращения, так и в пределах одной и той же анатомической структуры. Клетки могли иметь уплощенную либо более округлую форму. Встречались участки эндотелия с адгезированными лейкоцитами. При отсутствии воспаления в поверхностном слое неоинтимы гладкомышечные клетки и волокна были расположены параллельно эндотелию. Кроме гладкомышечных клеток в этом слое присутствовали клетки фибробластического ряда. Вблизи слоев неоинтимы, содержащих твердые включения (металлические стенты или кальциевые депозиты), встречались скопления пенистых клеток. В образцах с утолщенной неоинтимой наблюдали капилляроподобные структуры и настоящие капилляры.
UNASSIGNED: Образование неоинтимы является универсальной реакцией организма на повреждение участков элементов кровеносной системы. Сформировавшаяся неоинтима находится в постоянном процессе ремоделирования: изменяется клеточный состав, появляются макрофаги, образуются капилляры и кальциевые депозиты.

The neem tree (Azadirachta indica A.Juss.) contains a range of biologically active compounds-mainly triterpenoids produced in single secretory cells, which are distributed among all plant parts. Neem secretions are toxic to animal cells, triggering autolytic mechanisms that culminate in cell disruption. However, little is known about the self-toxicity of these secretions to the cells that produce them. We carried out an anatomical, histochemical, and ultrastructural investigation of neem\'s single secretory cells in the shoot apex and in young leaves. We evaluated the morphological changes as possible evidences of stress reactions to their own secretions. The subcellular apparatus involved in synthesis and compartmentation was consistent with hydrophilic and lipophilic secretions. Polymorphic plastids devoid of thylakoids and abundant smooth endoplasmic reticulum in the later stages of differentiation are comparable with previous reports on neem cotyledons with regard to terpenoid synthesis. However, secretions were compartmentalized within autophagic vacuoles and periplasmic spaces instead of in terpenoid vesicles. Cellular swelling, increased vesiculation, dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, mitochondrial hypertrophy in the cristolysis process, autolytic vacuoles, and vacuolar degeneration culminating in protoplast autolysis are all consistent with early indications of autotoxicity. The signaling stress reaction mechanism was expressed as cytoplasmic deposits of calcium salt and by the expression of a 70-kDa heat-shock protein. The morphological and histochemical changes in the secreting cells are comparable with those described in animal cells exposed to neem oil. Our data provide evidence of cell damage and signaling reactions linked to these cells\' own secretions before autolysis.

The purpose of this case study is to describe the surgical treatment of idiopathic ulcerative cutaneous calcinosis or calcinosis cutis of the lower extremity. A 77-year-old Latin American female who reported no significant past medical history presented to our hospital\'s emergency department from her home complaining of worsening right lower extremity erythema, edema, increased temperature, and pain. It was noted that the patient presented with multiple cutaneous calcified nodules to bilateral lower extremities, which she stated has been present for approximately 40 years. At the time of evaluation, 1 of the nodules on the lateral aspect of the right lower extremity ulcerated and became infected with unknown etiology, which lead to cellulitis of this limb. Radiographic imaging studies of the bilateral lower extremities showed extensive sheetlike soft tissue calcification overlying the middle to distal lower extremities. Serology reports showed the patient was positive for rheumatoid factor, antinuclear antibodies, SS-A/Ro antibody, and SS-B/La antibody. Because of the evidence of frank purulence and cellulitic changes to the infected nodule, the patient was taken to surgery the following day for sharp debridement and biopsy of the site. Postoperatively, there were minimal signs of improved healing to the wound base, although there was evidence of decreased erythema and edema to the extremity after the initial debridement and biopsy. Four days after the initial surgical invention, the patient was taken for a second operative procedure, which included a wide excisional biopsy with application of acellular dermal matrix and negative-pressure therapy. It was during this secondary debridement that further calcified deposits were encountered and specimens were submitted to pathology. Pathologic examination diagnosed the submitted specimen as cutaneous calcinosis. At this time, the patient is currently undergoing local wound care of the soft tissue deficient to her right lower extremity with the assistance of negative-pressure wound therapy with biweekly clinical follow-up.

Postoperative opacification of a hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) is an uncommon complication. A 57-year-old diabetic female who had undergone phacoemulsification with IOL implantation in her right eye 16 years back presented with diminution of vision in the same eye for 3 years. Significant IOL opacification was observed clinically and anterior segment optical coherence tomography clearly delineated the intraoptic deposits, sparing the haptics, and edges of the optic. IOL explant and exchange was performed leading to restoration of visual acuity to 6/9. Histochemical evaluation of the IOL confirmed that the hydrophilic acrylic IOL optic had calcium deposits.

Calcinosis cutis is a rare presentation and not many cases have been reported especially of idiopathic type. We are reporting a case of idiopathic calcinosis cutis of lower limbs in a 33-year old female who presented to our clinic for multiple painless swellings over her lower limbs for the past six months, without any history of trauma or infection. We have decided to observe her condition on regular follow-up and conservative management.

The aim of the work was to present current concept of the pathogenesis of urolithiasis. Treatment and prevention of this disease a challenging issue. The article presents basic information about Randalls plaques that are described as calcium salt deposits on the surface of the transitional cell epithelium. The cause of Randalls plaques was the subject of many studies and is still not completely clear. To date, we can state that the deposit formation starts in the pelvicalyceal system and is directly linked to recurrent urolithiasis. The discovery of Randall plaques in the 1940s transformed the conception of stone formation, but there are even more questions about the pathogenesis of urolithiasis. In that respect, we consider it important to analyze the studies on Randalls plaques.