Linear Calcification Research Articles

Relationships between linear extension, calcification rate, skeletal density, and nutrients with coral bioerosion: A case study in the Persian Gulf

The balance between reef growth and physical and biological erosion that underlies the coral reef framework can be disrupted by environmental disturbances. The variation in macroborer assemblages and the bioerosion intensity in four scleractinian corals (Porites harrisoni, Platygyra daedalea, Cyphastrea microphtalma and Dipsastraea pallida) were investigated at Kharg and Khargo islands in the northern Persian Gulf. Macroborers in five-mm-thick sections of the longest central axis of each coral colony in each species were identified and counted. Five groups of macroborers were identified including bivalves, polychaetes, sponges, barnacles and vermetid snails. Boring bivalves accounting for 63.3% of the total internal macrobioerosion and were the most abundant macrobioeroder group in all coral species. There were significant differences in macrobioerosion intensity among coral species and locations (P≤0.05). Barnacles were only detected in P. daedalea. Boring sponges were marginally found in P. harrisoni, C. microphtalama and D. pallida. Polychaetes were the second-most important macroborers after bivalves, particularly in C. microphtalma and P. harrisoni. Vermetid snails were recorded from all four coral species but to lesser extend in P. harrisoni. Higher linear extension rate was positively correlated to higher bioerosion intensity, but was significant only in C. microphthalma. We detected no significant correlation between coral calcification rate and macrobioerosion intensity. Skeletal density was negatively correlated with the bioerosion intensity in all coral species. Macrobioerosion was most abundant at the site with highest pollution levels and increased with nutrients. Nutrients and skeletal density were the most important factors influencing macrobioerosion intensity. We found that northwestern part of the Persian Gulf experienced high bioerosion intensity compared to other parts. We concluded that Khargo Island possessed higher water quality compared to Kharg Island.

Fetal premature excess vertebral linear calcification: a case series.

During embryogenesis, the vertebrae begin development during the 6th week of gestation via two lateral chondrification centers per segment. It was assumed that when disruptions occur in the process of somitogenesis during membranous vertebral body formation, chondrification and ossification will follow the anomalous membranous vertebral body scaffolding, resulting in an anomalous vertebral formation, such as a hemivertebra. Another hypothesis is that hemivertebra may result from anomalous distribution of intersegmental arteries of the vertebral column. There is no description in the medical literature of "excess linear calcifications" of part of the fetal vertebra, characterized by the presence of linear calcifications in the vertebrae of a developing fetus. In the first two trimesters of pregnancy, the fetal vertebrae usually show three calcified points in an axial section: the vertebral body and two transverse processes. Premature linear vertebral calcification was defined as an anterior or posterior echogenic connection between two of the points (Fig. 1). In this study, we describe seven cases of premature fetal linear vertebral calcification.

Hurricane Irma Linked to Coral Skeletal Density Shifts on the Florida Keys Reef Tract.

Coral reefs are at risk due to various global and local anthropogenic stressors that impact the health of reef ecosystems worldwide. The most recent climate models predict that climate change will increase the frequency and intensity of tropical storms. This increased storm occurrence and strength will likely compromise coral reef structures and habitats for reef-dwelling organisms, including across the Florida Keys Reef Tract (FKRT), the most extensive tropical reef system along the US coast. While several recent studies reveal the chronic impacts of tropical storms on corals, relatively little is known about the effects of major storm events on coral growth and how these effects vary over spatiotemporal scales. Here, I characterize the skeletal growth of two common Caribbean reef-building coral species, Siderastrea siderea and Pseudodiploria strigosa, before and after Hurricane Irma to investigate the storm's impact on coral skeletal growth on inner and outer reefs of the FKRT. Coral cores were extracted from both species at four inner and four outer reef sites in May 2015, before Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys in September 2017. Subsequently, 33 micro-cores were collected in May 2019, two years after the storm traversed our previously cored coral colonies. A three-way ANOVA model with storm, species, and reef location as the three factors was used to assess the impact of the storm on each of three growth parameters: skeletal density, linear extension, and calcification rates. Results reveal no difference in the coral annual skeletal growth parameters pre- and post-Hurricane Irma, although previously quantified differences in these growth parameters across species and location were observed. However, analysis of the "yearly" change in annual skeletal growth parameters showed significant differences in skeletal density across groups before and after Hurricane Irma, but not for linear extension and calcification rates. Our findings improve an understanding of the impacts of tropical storms on coral skeletal growth and offer new insights into how we can employ corals' innate growth capacities to help conserve coral reefs under climate change.

Mammography of suspicious calcifications among ductal carcinoma in situ and benign breast disease.

Most ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions manifest early as calcifications, which could be benign or malignant. The classified group of suspicious calcifications among DCIS and benign breast disease is clinically important to early evaluate patient risk factors and plan treatment options. To compare imaging features of suspicious calcifications between DCIS and benign breast disease. A retrospective study of 101 suspicious calcifications was performed at Thammasat University Hospital from June 2011 to October 2020. The calcifications were surgically excised by mammography-guided wire localisation. The mammographic features of the suspicious calcifications were reviewed according to the fifth edition of the American College of Radiology Breast Imaging-Reporting and Data System lexicon. For comparing between two groups, the student t-test, Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analyses. The logistic regression analysis was calculated for DCIS prediction. The pathologic results of all 101 suspicious calcifications were DCIS (30 cases) and benign breast disease (71 cases). Linear morphology and segmental distribution correlated significantly with DCIS (p = 0.003 and p = 0.024, respectively). After multivariable analysis, fine linear calcification still significantly elevated the risk of DCIS (odd ratios, 51.72 [95% confidence interval: 2.61, 1022.89], p-value of 0.01), however, the odds of predicting DCIS was not statistically significant different among any distribution. Ductal carcinoma in situ calcification has contrasting morphology and distribution features compared to benign breast disease. The calcification descriptor is considered an important implement for early diagnosis and distinguishes DCIS from other benign breast conditions. Calcification descriptor is considered an important implement for early diagnosis and distinguishment of DCIS from other benign breast conditions.

Millennial calcification trends in Porites corals: Resilient skeletal density and vulnerable linear extension in response to environmental change

Global coral reefs are currently facing widespread declines in calcification rates, a trend that underscores the need to understand variations between calcification in contemporary and ancient corals. This study investigates the changes in coral calcification over the last millennium by analyzing 21 subfossil and 11 modern coral samples from a marginal reef in the northern South China Sea. Our results reveal that although coral skeletal density has remained relatively stable, significant differences are evident in linear extension rates between the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA, 900–1300 CE) and the Little Ice Age (LIA, 1550–1850 CE), as well as between the pre- and post-industrial periods. This finding suggests that inshore Porites corals have greater resilience in their skeletal density compared to linear extension rates when responding to environmental changes. Our analysis indicates that sea surface temperature (SST) is the primary environmental driver influencing coral calcification, with a positive correlation observed between SST and both modern coral linear extension and calcification rates. In contrast, factors such as seawater pH, salinity, and total solar irradiance appear to have minimal impact on coral skeletal growth. Therefore, the lower linear extension and calcification rates observed in the LIA corals, as compared to the MCA corals, are likely due to the cooler temperatures during the LIA. We also hypothesize that the extended period of cold SST from the LIA to the early 20th century may have led to the reduced linear extension and calcification rates in modern corals, with recent warming insufficient to facilitate a return to the optimal skeletal growth observed during the MCA.

Histological Findings in the Eyes of Abcc6 Knockout Rat Model of Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum.

To describe the ocular findings of murine pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) models with ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 6 (Abcc6) gene knockout. This experiment was conducted in four Abcc6-/- rats and compared with six wild-type Abcc6+/+ control rats. The animals underwent necropsy at 6 months of age. Histological examination of the eyes was performed. Histological examination of eight eyes from four Abcc6-/- rats revealed multiple nodular foci of calcification in the uvea, sclera, and conjunctiva, focally in perivascular distribution, as well as linear and nodular calcification of Bruch's membrane. Calcific foci were not associated with inflammation in the knockout rats. There was no evidence of calcification in control eyes. The Abcc6-/- rat model shows that PXE can affect multiple ocular tissues beyond the calcification in Bruch's membrane noted in human eyes. Nodular calcific foci probably correspond to comet lesions seen in patients with PXE. The presence of ectopic calcium without inflammation distinguishes it from inflammatory calcium deposition in atherosclerosis. Further studies are needed to determine why PXE does not cause inflammatory infiltration. The Abcc6-/- murine model may be suitable for studying ocular PXE pathophysiology and ectopic calcification and developing effective therapies.

Uretero-Pelvic Junction Obstruction with Calcification of Renal Pelvis Wall

A 45-year-old male presented with dull pain in right lumber region. On ultra-sonography, he had severely hydro- nephrotic right kidney with thinned out parenchyma and markedly dilated renal pelvis. On Computed Tomography, there was severe right hydronephrosis and linear calcification on the medial wall of renal pelvis confirmed further on DTPA Renal scan. It was a non-functioning kidney with a normal functioning contra-lateral kidney. The right nephrectomy was performed and a 7 x 7 cm rounded disc like calcification was seen in the medial pelvic wall. Upon histopathology, it was a dystrophic calcification of renal pelvis wall which is a rare finding.

Linear extension and calcification rates in a cold‐water, crustose coralline alga are modulated by temperature, light, and salinity

AbstractLong‐lived crustose coralline algae are important ecosystem engineers and environmental archives in regions where observations of climate variability are sparse. Clathromorphum compactum is a cold‐water alga that precipitates calcite that serve as archives of change at annual to sub‐annual resolution. Understanding how environmental variability impacts the growth of this species is imperative for application in paleoclimate research, and for evaluating its vulnerability to change. Here, we present the results of the first, to‐our‐knowledge, controlled laboratory experiment isolating the effects of light, temperature, and salinity on calcification rates of C. compactum. Algal calcification rates were modulated by a combination of light exposure, salinity, and temperature, where temperature and salinity were positively correlated, and light level was negatively correlated with calcification rate. Linear extension of the skeleton also varied with treatment conditions, with the epithallial and perithallial layers of skeleton responding differently. Epithallial extension increased with salinity, while perithallial extension was governed only by a positive parabolic relationship with temperature. These results suggest that C. compactum growth will be impacted by environmental changes predicted for the Arctic over the coming decades. While increased temperature in the region may facilitate calcification in the algae, reductions in salinity associated with increased sea ice melt, and potentially increased light levels, may counteract this effect. The negative impact of increased light levels on algal calcification observed may not reflect the true impact of light availability on growth associated with a lengthening of the growing season (not evaluated in this study) accompanying reductions in annual sea‐ice.

Conjoint analysis of clinical, imaging, and pathological features of schistosomiasis and colorectal cancer

This study aims to examine and compare clinical, radiological, and pathological data between colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with and without schistosomiasis and uncover distinctive CRC characteristics when accompanied by schistosomiasis. This retrospective study is based on data collected from 341 patients diagnosed with CRC post-surgery and pathology. Of these patients, 101 (Group A) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer co-occurring with schistosomiasis (CRC-S), while 240 patients (Group B) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer without concurrent schistosomiasis (CRC-NS). Both groups were compared and analyzed based on their clinical data, imaging-based TNM staging, lymph node metastasis, nerve invasion, vascular cancer thrombus, and histopathological differentiation. A Chi-squared test revealed a significant difference in gender distribution between the patients with CRC-S (Group A) and CRC-NS (Group B), with a p -value of 0.043 and χ2 = 4.115. Specifically, a higher incidence rate was observed among males in Group A. There was a difference in the overall distribution of TNM staging between the two groups (p = 0.034, χ2 = 6.764). After pairwise comparison, a statistically significant difference was observed in the T3 stage (p <0.05). The proportion of the T3 stage in Group A was significantly higher than that in Group B, indicating certain advantages. There was a difference in postoperative histopathological grading between the two groups (p = 0.005, χ2 = 10.626). After pairwise comparison, a statistically significant difference was observed between the well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and the moderately and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (p <0.05), with a higher proportion of welldifferentiated patients in Group A compared to Group B. There was no significant difference in age, lymph node metastasis, nerve invasion, and vascular invasion between the two groups of patients (p > 0.05). Among the 101 patients with CRC-S, 87 (86%) showed linear calcification on CT imaging. Patients with CRC-S are mainly male, with tumor staging mostly in the middle stage, high tumor differentiation, and low malignancy. CT imaging can help identify the presence of lumps and linear calcification indicative of schistosome deposits. MRI can early clarify TNM staging and determine the presence of lymph node metastasis and nerve and vascular invasion.

Reef‐wide and long‐term skeletal growth records of the mountainous star coral (Orbicella faveolata) from Belize barrier and atoll reefs (Central America)

AbstractCoral reefs are vulnerable marine ecosystems and reef‐building corals are especially sensitive to the impacts of environmental change. Skeletal growth records of corals (Scleractinia) can be used as archives of ecological and climatological change. This study focusses on massive Orbicella faveolata coral skeletons from the Belize barrier and atoll reefs. In total, 11 drill cores from 10 coral colonies were studied. Their skeletal growth records range from 17 to 186 years and span time windows from the early 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century. Based on these records, master chronologies have been compiled for the entire 20th century. The data indicate uniform skeletal growth across the various reef environments of offshore Belize. Skeletal density is increasing reef‐wide, whereas linear extension is declining, accompanied by a slightly declining calcification rate. Apparently, a more densely packed coral skeleton does not compensate for the reduced linear growth and calcification sufficiently in O. faveolata populations across the Belize reefs. The longest analysed coral sample contains >186 years of skeletal growth, which exhibits periodicities of 40–80 years. Such cycle lengths likely reflect the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, lending further support to coral skeletal records being valuable archives for long‐term oceanographic change.

A rare case of ulnar nerve calcification in a patient without Hansen’s disease

<p>Ulnar nerve calcification is rarely seen without association with Hansen’s disease. Ulnar nerve arises from brachial plexus within the axilla and is a major peripheral nerve of the upper limb. Its root value is C8-T1. It is one of the superficial nerves and is the most commonly affected nerve in leprosy. Our patient 52 years old female, came to Dr. D. Y. Patil hospital, Nerul casualty with a history of fall in bathroom and complaining of pain in right elbow with no neurological deficit. The radiological investigations confirmed a severely comminuted intra-articular humeral condylar fracture of the right side with a linear calcification seen in soft tissues near the ulnar nerve. It is an idiopathic ulnar nerve calcification of the right side. Hence, ulnar nerve calcification can also be seen in patients without Hansen’s disease.</p>

Structure-from-motion photogrammetry demonstrates variability in coral growth within colonies and across habitats.

Coral growth is an important metric of coral health and underpins reef-scale functional attributes such as structural complexity and calcium carbonate production. There persists, however, a paucity of growth data for most reef-building regions, especially for coral species whose skeletal architecture prevents the use of traditional methods such as coring and Alizarin staining. We used structure-from-motion photogrammetry to quantify a range of colony-scale growth metrics for six coral species in the Mexican Caribbean and present a newly developed workflow to measure colony volume change over time. Our results provide the first growth metrics for two species that are now major space occupiers on Caribbean reefs, Agaricia agaricites and Agaricia tenuifolia. We also document higher linear extension, volume increase and calcification rates within back reef compared to fore reef environments for four other common species: Orbicella faveolata, Porites astreoides, Siderastrea siderea and Pseudodiploria strigosa. Linear extension rates in our study were lower than those obtained via computed tomography (CT) scans of coral cores from the same sites, as the photogrammetry method averages growth in all dimensions, while the CT method depicts growth only along the main growth axis (upwards). The comparison of direct volume change versus potential volume increase calculated from linear extension emphasizes the importance of assessing whole colony growth to improve calcification estimates. The method presented here provides an approach that can generate accurate calcification estimates alongside a range of other whole-colony growth metrics in a non-invasive way.

A rare case of disseminated pulmonary ossification associated with fibrotic lung disease

Abstract Disseminated pulmonary ossification (DPO) is a rare disease characterised by diffuse calcification/ossification of lung parenchyma. Most of the cases are idiopathic, while rest of the cause may have underlying cause like lung congestion, lung injury, lung amyloidosis and interstitial lung disease (ILD). We present a rare case of 58-year-old women with progressive dyspnoea and dry cough. On CT, there were extensive confluent nodular and linear calcification of bilateral lung parenchyma associated with lung fibrosis. Imaging findings lead to diagnosis of DPO associated with idiopathic lung fibrosis. Development of such calcification in ILD is very unusual, therefore knowledge of imaging features of DPO is very crucial for its diagnosis.

Impact of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) enrichment and skewed N:P stoichiometry on the skeletal formation and microstructure of symbiotic reef corals

Reported divergent responses of coral growth and skeletal microstructure to the nutrient environment complicate knowledge-based management of water quality in coral reefs. By re-evaluating published results considering the taxonomy of the studied corals and the N:P stoichiometry of their nutrient environment, we could resolve some of the major apparent contradictions. Our analysis suggests that Acroporids behave differently to several other common genera and show distinct responses to specific nutrient treatments. We hypothesised that both the concentrations of dissolved inorganic N and P in the water and their stoichiometry shape skeletal growth and microstructure. We tested this hypothesis by exposing Acropora polystoma fragments to four nutrient treatments for > 10 weeks: high nitrate/high phosphate (HNHP), high nitrate/low phosphate (HNLP), low nitrate/high phosphate (LNHP) and low nitrate/low phosphate (LNLP). HNHP corals retained high zooxanthellae densities and their linear extension and calcification rates were up to ten times higher than in the other treatments. HNLP and LNLP corals bleached through loss of symbionts. The photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) of residual symbionts in HNLP corals was significantly reduced, indicating P-starvation. Micro-computed tomography (µCT) of the skeletal microstructure revealed that reduced linear extension in nutrient limited or nutrient starved conditions (HNLP, LNHP, LNLP) was associated with significant thickening of skeletal elements and reduced porosity. These changes can be explained by the strongly reduced linear extension rate in combination with a smaller reduction in the calcification rate. Studies using increased skeletal density as a proxy for past thermal bleaching events should consider that such an increase in density may also be associated with temperature-independent response to the nutrient environment. Furthermore, the taxonomy of corals and seawater N:P stoichiometry should be considered when analysing and managing the impacts of nutrient pollution.

Abstract P1-22-01: Predictors of inaccurate pre-operative size assessment of screen detected DCIS and impact on recurrence rates

Abstract Background: Disparity between mammographic and pathological sizing of DCIS can lead to surgical overtreatment, with poor cosmetic outcomes of breast conservation surgery (BCS) or inappropriate mastectomy versus undertreatment, with subsequent need for re-excision. In addition, where mammographic size is smaller than pathological size, this may reflect an increased risk of mammographically occult residual disease post surgery; where pathological size is smaller than mammographic size there is a possibility of pathological underestimation or missed positive margins, with both scenarios resulting in increased risk of recurrence. Methods: The Sloane Project, within the UK NHS Breast Screening Programme, is a prospective cohort study of screen detected DCIS (2003-2012), with recurrence data for a median follow-up of 9 years. The NHS Breast Screening Programme screens women from age 50-70. We assessed factors associated with mammographic/pathology disparity, leading to i) 'downsizing' from pre-operative mammographic size estimation to final surgically resected pathological size or ii) 'upsizing' from pre-operative mammographic size to surgically resected pathological size. We defined 'downsizing' as pathological size <10mm or <5mm (largest diameter) smaller than mammographic size and 'upsizing' as pathological size >10mm or >5mm larger than mammographic size. Ipsilateral recurrence rates were determined in patients with mammographic/pathology disparity (downsized or upsized) compared to those with accurate preoperative sizing. Results: Using a 10mm size disparity, among 10829 patients, DCIS was downsized (pathological size smaller than mammographic size) in 26%, upsized in 19% and similar in 54%. Mastectomy was associated with marked mammographic/pathology disparity, with a 3.90RR of downsizing (p<0.0001, 95% C.I 3.52,4.31) and a 4.72RR of upsizing (p<0.0001,95% C.I 4.23, 5.27). Presence of microcalcification was associated with mammographic/pathology disparity, yielding a 1.29 RR of downsizing (p=0.0034, 95% C.I. 1.09,1.54) and 1.53 RR of upsizing (p<0.0001, 95% C.I. 1.25,1.88). Casting or linear calcification (compared to granular or punctate) was associated with a 2-fold RR of downsizing. For each 1mm increase in mammographic size, the relative risk (RR) of downsizing increased by 1.07 times (p<0.0001, 95% CI 1.073,1.080). A 1.01 RR of downsizing for every 1 year younger (p=0.0002, 95% CI 1.01,1.02), contrasted with a 1.44 RR of upsizing with high mammographic density. The results remained similar when patients prescribed endocrine therapy or radiotherapy were excluded. Re-excision (but not completion mastectomy) is associated with increased recurrence, with recurrence occurring in 237 of 5157 not requiring re-excision but 99 of 1488 requiring re-excision; RR: 1.45 (1.15-1.82). Conclusion: Large mammographic size, microcalcification casting features and young age (size overestimation) versus microcalcification and high density (size underestimation) should be considered in selecting surgery for DCIS. Mammographic/pathology disparity of only 5mm, whether this leads to downsizing or upsizing, is associated with an increased risk of ipsilateral recurrence after breast conservation. Table 1.In patients undergoing breast conservation, impact of 10mm and 5 mm mammographic/pathology disparity on ipsilateral recurrence rateTotalIpsilateral recurrence, n (%)RR (CI)Change in size of >10mmNo change3062158 (5.2%)1downsized111666 (5.9%)1.15 (0.87-1.51)upsized52036 (6.9%)1.34 (0.95-1.90)unknown19112 (6.3%)1.22 (0.69-2.15)TOTAL4889272 (5.6%)Change in size of >5mmNo change2783118 (4.2%)1downsized1953115 (5.9%)1.39 (1.08-1.78)upsized139580 (5.7%)1.35 (1.03-1.78)unknown23814 (5.9%)1.39 (0.81-2.38)TOTAL6369327 (5.1%) Citation Format: Cliona Clare Kirwan, Bridget Hilton, Karen Clements, Hilary Stobart, Matthew Wallis, Senthurun Mylvaganam, Elena Provenzano, Anthony Maxwell, Nisha Sharma, Abeer Shaaban, David Dodwell, Joanne Dulson-Cox, Elinor Sawyer, Olive Kearins, Samantha Brace-McDonnell, Sarah Pinder, Alastair M Thompson. Predictors of inaccurate pre-operative size assessment of screen detected DCIS and impact on recurrence rates [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2021 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2021 Dec 7-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-22-01.

Growth Patterns and AMS-14C Age Dates of Fossil Corals from Northwest Pacific

This study aims to evaluate the controlling factor/s of coral growth in the northwest Pacific during the Holocene. Here, we present newly acquired growth data and radiocarbon age dates of fossil Porites corals collected from Holocene uplifted marine terraces in Kikaijima, southern Japan and northwest Luzon, Philippines. Carbonate mineral identification using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) was conducted to screen for any diagenetic alteration in the fossil corals. We used accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) – 14C dating to determine the absolute age dates of the fossil corals. Well-preserved fossil corals yielded radiocarbon age dates of 3235 ± 20 and 5712 ± 24 cal. yr BP for Kikaijima and 6285 ± 79, 6144 ± 77, 4336 ± 21, 4277 ± 19, 4200 ± 20, and 2972 ± 70 cal. yr BP for northwest Luzon. X-ray imaging of a 5-mm thick coral slab was utilized to measure growth variables. Linear extension rate, skeletal density, and calcification rate of Kikaijima corals are 3.77–8.72 mm/ yr, 1.71–1.87 g/cm3, and 0.70–1.56 g/cm2yr, respectively. Linear extension rate, skeletal density, and calcification rate from northwest Luzon corals are 10.17–17.6 mm/yr, 0.66–1.67 g/cm3, and 0.91–2.81 g/cm2yr, respectively. Average linear extension rate from both sites was significantly and positively related to average calcification rate (r = 0.72, p = 0.019, n = 10). Skeletal density and linear extension rate measured from both sites were inversely related with each other (r = –0.56, p = 0.09, n = 10). Our data suggest that the variations in linear extension rates of fossil corals were influenced by the sea surface temperature (SST) difference between the study sites. However, data from modern corals are still needed to establish the local linear extension rate- SST relationship and to quantitatively evaluate how coral growth changes with respect to SST. Geomorphological, sedimentological, and geochronological studies of Holocene uplifted marine terraces should be conducted to provide the timing of emergence and coral reef development during Holocene.

A case of hepatic hydatid disease and imaging findings

A 45-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital due to a space-occupying lesion which was found in a physical examination. Slight tenderness was found in her right lower abdomen for 1 month. On computed tomography (CT) imaging, a round, low-density lesion was observed in the liver. Several round cysts with lower density and thin wall were scattered in the center of the lesion. Linear calcification could be found in partial cystic wall. No significant enhancement was found in the lesion on contrast-enhanced CT imaging. A laparotomy was performed to remove the mass, which was sent to a pathological examination and hepatic cystic echinococcosis was diagnosed.

Skeletal Growth Rates in Porites lutea Corals from Pulau Tinggi, Malaysia

Skeletal records of massive Porites lutea corals sampled from reefs around Malaysia have previously shown average decadal declines in growth rates associated with sea warming. However, there was a variability in growth declines between sites that warrant the need for investigations into more site-specific variations. This study analyzed decade-long (December 2004–November 2014) annual growth records (annual linear extension rate, skeletal bulk density, calcification rate) reconstructed from five massive P. lutea colonies from Pulau Tinggi, Malaysia. Significant non-linear changes in inter-annual trends of linear extension and calcification rates were found, with notable decreases that corresponded to the 2010 El Niño thermal stress episode and a pan-tropical mass coral bleaching event. Coral linear extension and calcification were observed to return to pre-2010 rates by 2012, suggesting the post-stress recovery of P. lutea corals at the study site within 2 years. Although no long-term declines in linear extension and calcification rates were detected, a linear decrease in annual skeletal bulk density by ≈9.5% over the 10-year study period was found. This suggests that although coral calcification rates are retained, the skeletal integrity of P. lutea corals may be compromised with potential implications for the strength of the overall reef carbonate framework. The correlation of coral calcification rates with sea surface temperature also demonstrated site-specific thermal threshold at 29 °C, which is comparable to the regional thermal threshold previously found for the Thai-Malay Peninsula.

Intraocular osseous metaplasia presenting as a solid mass in chronic retinal detachment: a case report

BackgroundIntraocular osseous metaplasia is a rare histological finding associated with benign cellular transformation. Its development requires inflammatory cytokines and the process takes many years. Previous case reports of intraocular ossification manifested as linear calcification or white plaques. In contrast, our case presented with a tumor-like solid mass, in which a long-standing chronic inflammatory stimulation may contribute to the stunning appearance.Case presentationThis is a 48-year-old woman with past history of advanced Coat’s-like retinopathy and chronic retinal detachment in the left eye for 12 years. She underwent vitreoretinal surgery to prevent phthisis bulbi. During the operation, a 9 mm solid mass was found embedded within the proliferative tissue above the retina and was removed. Pathological findings revealed bone formation in the center of the mass surrounded by fibrous metaplasia and focal gliotic changes. Layers of cohesive cells were found lining on the external side of the mass, and further immuno-histochemical study suggested them retinal pigment epithelial cells. Postoperatively, the retina was attached with stable visual acuity and normal intraocular pressure.ConclusionTo our knowledge, the appearance of a tumor-like mass representing intraocular osseous metaplasia in eyes with chronic inflammation or retinal detachment has not been reported in previous case reports. This case emphasizes the importance of considering osseous metaplasia as one of the differential diagnoses of an unknown intraocular mass, especially in eyes with great severity of chronic inflammation. Also, our immuno-histochemical study provided more evidence on the pathological role of retinal pigment epithelial cells in developing ossification.

Breast Lesions Diagnosed as Ductal Carcinoma In Situ by Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsy: Risk Predictors for Concomitant Invasive Carcinoma and Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis.

BackgroundThe major concern over preoperatively diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of breast via ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (US-CNB) is the risk of missing concomitant invasive carcinoma. It is crucial to identify risk predictors for such a phenomenon and evaluate its impact on axillary conditions to help surgeons determine which patients should receive appropriate axillary lymph node management.MethodsMedical records of 260 patients preoperatively diagnosed with DCIS via 14-gauge CNB were retrospectively analyzed. All of them underwent subsequent surgery at our institution and were successively divided into invasive and non-invasive groups, and metastatic and non-metastatic groups according to pathology of resected specimens and metastasis of axillary lymph nodes (ALNs). Predictive value of preoperative physical examinations, imaging findings, histopathological findings, and hematological indexes for pathological underestimation and metastasis of ALN was assessed by logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe concomitant invasive carcinoma was overlooked in 75 out of 260 patients (29.3%). Multivariate analysis revealed that presence of microinvasion, presence of abnormal lymph node on ultrasound, and absent linear or segmental distributed calcification on mammography were independent risk predictors for invasive carcinoma. Fourteen patients had lymph node metastasis, and five of them were in the non-invasive group. The presence of abnormal lymph node on ultrasound and increased ratio of platelet distribution width to platelet crit (PDW/PCT) (>52.85) were identified as independent risk predictors for ALN metastasis.ConclusionFor patients diagnosed with DCIS preoperatively, appropriate ALN management is necessary if they have risk predictors for concomitant invasive carcinoma and ALN metastasis.