Evaluation of bone-related mechanical properties in female patients with long-term remission of Cushing's syndrome using quantitative computed tomography-based finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hypercortisolism in Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with bone loss, skeletal fragility, and altered bone quality. No studies evaluated bone geometric and strain-stress values in CS patients after remission thus far. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-two women with CS in remission (mean age [±SD] 51 ± 11; body mass index [BMI], 27 ± 4 kg/m2; mean time of remission, 120 ± 90 months) and 32 age-, BMI-, and gonadal status-matched female controls. Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) was used to assess volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and buckling ratio, cross-sectional area, and average cortical thickness at the level of the proximal femur. Finite element (FE) models were generated from QCT to calculate strain and stress values (maximum principal strain [MPE], maximum strain energy density [SED], maximum Von Mises [VM], and maximum principal stress [MPS]). Areal BMD (aBMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (2D DXA). RESULTS: Trabecular vBMD at total hip and trochanter were lower in CS as compared with controls (P < .05). Average cortical thickness was lower, and buckling ratio was greater in CS vs controls (P < .01). All strain and stress values were higher in CS patients vs controls (P < .05). 2D DXA-derived measures were similar between patients and controls (P > .05). Prior hypercortisolism predicted both VM (ß .30, P = .014) and MPS (ß .30, P = .015), after adjusting for age, BMI, menopause, delay to diagnosis, and duration of remission. CONCLUSIONS: Women with prior hypercortisolism have reduced trabecular vBMD and impaired bone geometrical and mechanical properties, which may contribute to an elevated fracture risk despite long-term remission.

Numerical modeling of bare and polymer-covered braided stents using torsional and tensile springs connectors.

Computational modeling of braided stents using the finite element (FE) method has become an essential tool in the design and development of these medical devices. One of the most challenging issues in such a task is representing in an accurate manner the interaction between the interlacing wires. With the goal of achieving a compromise between accuracy and computational affordability, we propose a new approach consisting in using 1D FE formulations equipped with torsional springs at the crossover points of the wires. In the case of covered braided stents, the model is enriched with a set of tensile springs (defined in the longitudinal direction), aimed at capturing the stiffening effect of the polymeric membrane. The predictive capabilities of the proposed model are evaluated using data of our own experimental tests, as well as data from other tests in the literature. The simulations demonstrate that the proposed model is able to predict the (markedly nonlinear) behavior of stents when subjected to radial and axial cycle loads, with errors at the end of the compression stage ranging from 0.5% to 10% in all cases.

Clinical case of cerebral amebiasis caused by E. histolytica.

Although amebic brain abscess is a rare form of invasive amebiasis, when present, it is frequently lethal. This disorder always begins with the infection of the colon by Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites, which then travel to extra-intestinal tissues through the bloodstream. Amebic brain abscesses are produced when trophozoites invade the central nervous system. Computerized axial tomography scans can be used to diagnose the presence or absence of a brain abscess with a certainty of 100%. However, this diagnostic tool does not reveal the etiological agent of disease. By analyzing the clinical case of a patient that died due to untimely treatment of this malady, the present study aims to identify a diagnostic tool that can give a precise determination of the etiological agent and therefore permit adequate and opportune treatment. Currently, diagnosis of amebic brain abscess is often done by identification of the ameba in a biopsy or autopsy. By immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence with specific antibodies, we identified the existence of E. histolytica, which presents proteins similar to Naegleria fowleri in its membrane.