Why is calcium important in dogs?4 answersCalcium is important in dogs because it plays a key role in maintaining normal organ, cell, and tissue function. It is particularly important for bone metabolism, but it also has implications for renal health, urinary tract disease, and other organ systems. High calcium intake in adult dogs has been studied, and it has been found that intakes of up to 7.1 g/4184 kJ (1000 kcal) are well tolerated over a period of 40 weeks, with no adverse effects. Calcium deficiency can have negative consequences on skeletal health, as seen in cases where dogs were fed unbalanced diets without mineral supplementation. Excess calcium intake can also affect nutrient digestibility in different breeds of dogs, with apparent energy digestibility being impaired. Overall, calcium is important for various aspects of a dog's health, including bone health and overall organ function.
What is the significance of calcium score in coronary CT?5 answersThe calcium score in coronary CT is significant for risk stratification and diagnosis of coronary artery disease. It correlates with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis and is a strong predictor of long-term cardiovascular risk. The presence of any calcium in the coronary tree, indicated by a calcium score ≥1, is predictive of risk in a high-risk population. Calcium scoring can be used to identify individuals who are likely to benefit from treatment to reduce cardiovascular risk. A calcium score of zero has a very low 10-year risk, making it a good negative predictive value. Calcium scores ≥1000 have a good positive predictive value. While exact scores ranging from 1-1000 offer limited additional value in terms of risk stratification. Overall, the calcium score provides valuable information for risk assessment and management in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease.
Does serum calcium predict the risk of glomerulosclerosis?4 answersSerum calcium levels have been studied in relation to renal outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Low serum calcium levels were found to be associated with an increased risk of rapid renal function progression and the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) in CKD stage 3-4 patients. However, the relationship between serum calcium levels and glomerulosclerosis specifically was not addressed in the abstracts provided.
What are the different methods for estimating concrete quantities?5 answersThere are several methods for estimating concrete quantities. One method involves using simplified design methods stated in most reinforced concrete design codes to determine the required quantities of concrete and reinforcement steel for different structural elements and types. Another method involves using machine learning algorithms such as general regression neural networks and classification and regression trees to estimate concrete quantities based on training data. Additionally, there are methods for estimating specific properties of concrete, such as water vapor emissions, slump, and volume yield, by calibrating concrete recipes and taking corrective measurements. Finally, a method for measuring concrete deterioration without using a spectrometer is described, which involves emitting near infrared light towards the concrete and analyzing the reflected light to estimate the neutralization by calcium hydroxide and chloride ion concentration.
How can calcium intensity be measured using Image J?5 answersCalcium intensity can be measured using ImageJ by utilizing a novel motion-correction algorithm that uses a Fourier-transform approach and downsampling to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, the long-wavelength Ca2+ indicators, Calcium Green, Orange, and Crimson, can be used for calcium imaging with ImageJ. These indicators display changes in lifetime in response to calcium, allowing for imaging with excitation wavelengths ranging from 488 to as long as 620 nm. Furthermore, a new family of genetically encoded ratiometric calcium indicators optimized for in vivo imaging exhibits near-linear fluorescence dynamics and minimizes artifacts caused by movement. By implementing these techniques and indicators in ImageJ, researchers can accurately measure calcium intensity in various biological contexts.
Can Calcium Score be measured in a mamography?5 answersCalcium score can be measured in mammography. Grass and Erhard developed a method to determine calcifications in mammography image data and calculate a mammography calcium score based on various calcification features. Brook et al. assessed the intervendor variability of calcium score measurement using semiautomatic software provided by the scanner vendor and unrelated vendors, as well as fully automatic software, and found strong agreement between the measurements obtained by different vendors. Groen and Greuter discussed the influence of different parameters on calcium scoring outcomes, including slice thickness, and found that smaller slice thicknesses increased calcium scores and reduced variability. Darabian et al. established the strong correlation between calcium score and coronary artery disease and highlighted the role of calcium scoring in early identification and intervention for heart disease. Kumar et al. validated coronary calcium quantification using dual-energy computed tomography, which could be considered for additional tissue characterizations in cardiac protocols.