background : the liver is a vital organ that plays an important role in the metabolism of nutritional agents, drugs and hormones,synthesis of various proteins, coagulation factors and maintenance of hemostasis between calcium,and phosphorous. biochemical changes in the skeletal system such as osteopenia and pathologic fractures may follow hepatic failure. this researchevaluates metabolic bone c...

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine if electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) has potential as a cost-effective approach to diagnosis of obstructive coronary disease. BACKGROUND Coronary calcification quantified by EBCT is closely related to the extent of atherosclerosis. METHODS A model based upon published sensitivities (Se)/specificities (Sp) for diagnosis in an ambul...

BACKGROUND We previously have demonstrated that children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) are at risk of metabolic bone disease (MBD). In this study, we report the longitudinal follow-up of these children and the role of calcium and vitamin D supplements. METHODS We prospectively studied 100 consecutive children with INS. They were treated with prednisone. All were subjected to a base...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of the study was to determine whether the Agatston calcium score might be applied as a useful tool for evaluation of carotid stenosis. METHODS A total of 124 carotid bifurcations were examined with multidetector row CT. Calcium scores were determined according to the method described by Agatston et al. RESULTS Agatston scores generally appear appropriate for e...

Most incident coronary disease occurs in previously asymptomatic individuals who were considered to be at a lower risk by traditional screening methods. There is a definite advantage if these individuals could be reclassified into a higher risk category, thereby impacting disease outcomes favorably. Coronary artery calcium scores have been recognized as an independent marker for adverse prognos...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Recent research showed a strong correlation of calcium volume scores with degree of stenosis, suggesting that calcium volume could be used in the diagnosis of carotid artery stenosis. We investigated the accuracy of the use of calcium volume scores to diagnose carotid artery stenosis in our target population of recently symptomatic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ninety...

OBJECTIVE The South Bay Heart Watch is a cohort study designed to determine the significance of coronary calcium in high-risk asymptomatic patients. This is a report of the relative risk (RR) for outcomes of coronary artery calcium in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 1312 diabetic and nondiabetic subjects underwent risk factor screening and computed to...

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The arterial wall calcium score and circulating free DNA levels are now used in clinical practice as biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. Calcium phosphate apatite retention in the arterial wall necessitates precipitation on an anionic platform. Here, we explore the role of tissue-free DNA as such a platform. METHODS The first step consisted of histological observation of sa...

BACKGROUND We have shown previously that some calcium antagonists inhibit hyaluronan export, loss of proteoglycans, and degradation of collagen from osteoarthritic cartilage. Clinically approved calcium antagonists normally are prescribed for cardiac arrhythmia. In the present study, we compared the effect of these drugs on osteoarthritic patients which had received no medication and patients w...

BACKGROUND Prediction of severity or complexity of coronary artery disease (CAD) is valuable owing to increased risk for cardiovascular events. Although the association between total coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and severity of CAD, Gensini score was not used, it has been previously demonstrated. There is no information about the association between total CAC score and complexity of CAD....