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Abstract Background The increase in life expectancy and long-lived individuals is a challenge for public health and provides an opportunity to understand the determinants of longevity. However, few studies have addressed the factors associated with the health status and quality of life in a long-lived individual population. We described the perceived health, clinical status, quality of life, and dependency for activities of daily living in a representative population in Castile and Leon, Spain. Methods A sample of 759 long-lived individuals aged 95 years and older was studied by the Health Sentinel Network of Castile and Leon (Spain) through a health examination and a structured questionnaire covering quality of life (EQ-5D-3), lifestyle habits, diet, working life and family health. A blood sample was taken for the study of biological and genetic markers. Chi Square and logistic regression OR with 95% confidence intervals were used to analyze the determinants of the long-lived individuals’ health status. The significant level for the bivariate analysis was established at 0.05. Results Perceived health was good, very good or excellent in 64.2%, while only 46.0% had a quality-of-life index above 0.5 (ranging from 0 to 1) and 44.1% maintained acceptable independence for activities of daily living. Quality-of-life index was higher in the oldest, (OR 7.98 [2,32-27.41]) above 100 years compared to those under 98, and men had better values for independence than women (OR 2.43 [1.40–4.29]). Cardiovascular diseases were the most prevalent (85.5%), but neurological and mental diseases and vision problems had the highest impact on quality of life and independence. Conclusion The long-lived individuals of Castile and Leon have a relatively well-preserved health status, although the perception of health is higher than that describing their quality of life and dependence. The quality of life was higher in the oldest age group and showed differences according to sex, with a better quality of life in men. Public health policies and programs should take in account the differences by sex and age as well as the prevention and control of the main conditions related with poor quality of life or dependence. Future research must include the interaction among genetic, socioeconomic, environmental, and other clinical factors in the quality of life and disability of long-lived individuals.

Tick-borne rickettsioses (TBRs) are distributed worldwide and are recognized as important emerging vector-borne zoonotic diseases in Europe. The aim of this study was to identify tick-associated Rickettsia among ticks removed from humans, and to track how tick populations and their associated pathogens have changed over the years. For this purpose, we conducted a tick surveillance study in northwestern Spain between 2018 and 2022. Ticks were morphologically identified and analyzed for the presence of rickettsial pathogens through the amplification of the citrate synthase (gltA) and the outer membrane protein A (ompA) genes. PCR products were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analyses. We collected 7397 ticks, with Ixodes ricinus being the species most frequently isolated. Based on the PCR results, Rickettsia DNA was detected in 1177 (15.91%) ticks, and 10 members of Rickettsia were identified: R. aeschlimannii, R. conorii subsp. conorii, R. conorii subsp. raoultii, R. massiliae, R. monacensis, R. sibirica subsp. mongolitimonae, R. slovaca, R. helvetica, Candidatus R. barbariae, and Candidatus R. rioja. Some of these Rickettsia have gone previously undetected in the study region. There is clear geographic and seasonal expansion not only of tick populations, but also of the associated Rickettsia. The comparison of our data with those obtained years ago provides a clear idea of how the spatiotemporal distributions of ticks and their associated Rickettsiae have changed over the years.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to describe incidence, incidence trends and survival patterns of lymphoid neoplasms (LNs) and its subtypes in Spain in the period 2002-2013 using data from the Spanish Network of Cancer Registries (REDECAN).Materials and MethodsData were extracted from 13 Spanish population-based cancer registries. LNs incident cases were codified using the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, third edition (ICD-O-3) and grouped according to the WHO 2008 classification. Age-standardized incidence rates to the 2013 European standard population (ASIRe) were obtained. Poisson regression models were used to analyze trends in incidence rates and estimate the annual percentage change (APC) for each subtype. The number of cases in Spain for 2023 was estimated by applying the estimated age-specific rates for the year 2023 to the 2023 Spanish population. Observed survival (OS) was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and net survival (NS) by the Pohar-Perme method. Sex- and age-specific estimates of 5-year NS were calculated, as well as its changes according to two periods of diagnosis (2002-2007 and 2008-2013).ResultsLNs accounted for 69% (n=39,156) of all hematological malignancies (n=56,751) diagnosed during the period of study. Median age at diagnosis was 67 years (interquartile range (IQR) = 52-77). The overall ASIRe was 34.23 (95% confidence interval (CI): 33.89, 34.57) and showed a marked male predominance in almost all subtypes (global sex ratio = 1.45). During the study period, incidence trends of LNs remained stable (APC: 0.3; 95% CI: -0.1, 0.6), nevertheless some subtypes showed statistically significant variations, such as LNs NOS category (APC: -5.6; 95% CI: -6.8, -4.3). Around 17,926 new cases of LNs will be diagnosed in 2023 in Spain. Survival rates differed considerably across age-groups, while they were similar between men and women. Five- year NS was 62.81% (95% CI: 62.1, 63.52) for all LNs, and varied widely across LNs subtypes, ranging from 39.21% to 90.25%. NS for all LNs improved from the first period of diagnosis to the second one, being 61.57% (95% CI: 60.56, 62.61) in 2002-2007 and 64.17% (95% CI: 63.29, 65.07) in 2008-2013.ConclusionsThis study presents the first complete and extensive population-based analysis of LNs incidence and survival in Spain. These population-based data provide relevant information to better understand the epidemiology of LNs in Southern Europe and it features some useful points for public health authorities and clinicians. However, additional improvements regarding the registration of these hematological neoplasms can be implemented.

Abstract In several species, rank predicts access to food, and subordinates may need specific behavioural strategies to get a share of resources. This may be especially important in despotic species, where resources are strongly biased in favour of dominants and subordinates may more strongly rely on specific tactics to maximize food intake. Here, we compared three macaque species with an experimental set-up reproducing feeding competition contest. Following our predictions, more tolerant species mostly retrieved food in the presence of others and were less dependent on specific tactics. Contrarily, subordinates in more despotic species more likely collected food (1) when dominants could not see food or (2) were attacking others, (3) while “dissimulating”, or (4) “storing food”. Our study reveals that dominance styles reliably predict the probability of using specific food retrieval tactics and provides important insights on the social conditions that might have led to the emergence of tactical deception.

La relación entre seres humanos y otros anymales (anymals) (Kemmerer, 2006) es, por definición, asimétrica. A lo largo de la historia se han esgrimido múltiples argumentos para justificar un supuesto excepcionalismo humano (excepcionalism), desde la atribución de derechos divinos a una mayor inteligencia, legitimando así un sistema de explotación denominado dominación (domination) (Manfredo et al. 2019). Las relaciones entre especies y cómo se conciben son un tema difícil. Hay muchos modos de enfocar las relaciones entre el humano y los anymales, desde la adoración religiosa (vacas en la India) a la explotación (investigación biomédica). Además en Occidente surgen formas alternativas de ver y entender estas relaciones (por ejemplo, la relación con animales domésticos). La pertenencia a una u otra especie es un factor fundamental que influye en la posición que cada animal tiene en estas jerarquías asimétricas. Sin embargo, se deben considerar otros elementos relevantes, como los vínculos entre individuos, de la misma manera que el afecto por otras personas depende en líneas generales del tipo de vínculo que tengamos con ellas (por ejemplo, la relaciones familiares o de amistad).

Arthropod vectors and parasites are identified morphologically or, more recently, by molecular methods. Both methods are time consuming and require expertise and, in the case of molecular methods, specific devices. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) identification of bacteria has meant a major change in clinical microbiology laboratories because of its simplicity, speed and specificity, and its capacity to identify microorganisms, in some cases, directly from the sample (urine cultures, blood cultures). Recently, MALDI-TOF MS has been shown as useful for the identification of some parasites. On the other hand, the identification of vector arthropods and the control of their populations is essential for the control of diseases transmitted by arthropods, and in this aspect, it is crucial to have fast, simple and reliable methods for their identification. Ticks are blood-sucking arthropods with a worldwide distribution, that behave as efficient vectors of a wide group of human and animal pathogens, including bacteria, protozoa, viruses, and even helminths. They are capable of parasitizing numerous species of mammals, birds and reptiles. They constitute the second group of vectors of human diseases, after mosquitoes. MALDI-TOF MS has been shown as useful for the identification of different tick species, such as Ixodes, Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma. Some studies even suggest the possibility of being able to determine, through MALDI-TOF MS, if the arthropod is a carrier of certain microorganisms. Regarding mosquitoes, the main group of vector arthropods, the possibility of using MALDI-TOF MS for the identification of different species of Aedes and Anopheles has also been demonstrated. In this review, we address the possibilities of this technology for the identification of parasites and arthropod vectors, its characteristics, advantages and possible limitations.

Aim was to evaluate acceptability and iron bioavailability of enriched sorghum cookies with biofortified sweet potato carotenoids. Acceptability and chemical composition were analyzed in four formulations with dry or extruded sorghum and its combination with high carotenoid sweet potato. Enriched cookies presented the highest acceptance as well as nutritional quality, and they were used to measure iron bioavailability by depletion/repletion. The animals fed with Fe-free diet during three weeks were divided in three groups for two weeks: ferrous sulphate control and two tests with the enriched cookies (DEC-D, EEC-D). Hemoglobin were similar among experimental groups and the enzymes expression related to iron metabolism increased in the duodenum of EEC-D. TAC in plasma was similar between test groups and higher when compared to the control. Therefore, biofortified sweet potato carotenoids increased nutritional and sensory quality of the cookies allowing potential action as functional food to reduce risk of iron deficiency anemia.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate self-reported visual function in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients with and without cystoid macular edema (CME) and to explore associations between cystoid spaces (CS), retinal morphometric parameters, and clinical data using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT). Methods In this cross-sectional case-control study (1:3) conducted at an Inherited Retinal Degenerations referral center in Portugal, RP patients with and without CME (matched for age and gender) completed the Michigan Retinal Degeneration Questionnaire (MRDQ) and underwent SS-OCT. Morphometric analysis, including ellipsoid zone area (EZA), was performed by two independent graders. In the CME group, detailed CS analysis was conducted. Correlations between clinical data - age, gender, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) - and MRDQ domains were evaluated. Results The study included 23 RP patients with CME (60.87% male, mean age 44.65 ± 13.58 years) and 69 without CME (49.28% male, mean age 47.94 ± 14.39 years). No significant differences were found between groups in almost all MRDQ domains, BCVA, or EZA. Age positively correlated with 4 MRDQ domains in both groups. BCVA negatively correlated with nearly all MRDQ domains. While EZA showed a negative correlation in both groups, it was significant only in RP without CME. In the CME group, centrally located, outer nuclear layer-involving and large CS were associated with worse BCVA but better EZA. Conclusion MRDQ responses strongly correlated with clinical parameters. CME does not seem to affect self-reported visual function in RP patients, and CS may not worsen visual function. Thus, aggressive treatment of CME in RP may not be necessary.

Resumo Introdução: Os desafios inerentes do início da vida adulta, somados às pressões advindas da graduação, podem predispor os universitários a problemas mentais, tais como a depressão. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre indicativo de depressão e variáveis sociodemográficas, acadêmicas e de hábitos de vida em universitários. Método: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, realizado com graduandos da Universidade Estadual de Londrina. A coleta de dados ocorreu no período de abril a junho de 2019, por meio de um questionário online. O desfecho, indicativo de depressão, foi definido como escore≥9 mensurado pelo Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Para verificar os fatores associados, realizou-se a regressão de Poisson ajustada com variância robusta, considerando-se estatisticamente significativo p

Este artigo objetiva analisar o estabelecimento de um padrão sucessório das famílias camponesas, alicerçado na permanência dos jovens camponeses e no desenvolvimento do “ofício de agricultor”. A metodologia empregada pautou-se no estudo de caso. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida no município de Pedro Velho, estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Nordeste do Brasil. A amostra correspondeu a 16% dos agricultores familiares camponeses e os dados foram coletados através da aplicação de questionários com 28 famílias rurais (pais/mães, filhos/as, totalizando 56 respondentes). O trabalho mostra a problemática da sucessão do ofício de agricultor, bem como expõe limitações e anseios dos agricultores familiares camponeses e filhos(as) que tentam permanecer na atividade agropecuária. Embora sem padrão sucessório definido, grande parte dos(as) jovens expressou desejo de continuar o ofício de agricultor(a). Entretanto, seus projetos de vida são frustrados pela sua limitada capacidade produtiva e pela carência e descontinuidade das políticas públicas de desenvolvimento rural, especialmente o acesso a terra.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the effects of autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (LAB) as probiotic additives for Muscovy ducks on performance, carcass traits, and serum biochemical parameters. LAB were isolated from the intestinal content of 12 Muscovy ducks, and three promising strains were identified: Enterococcus lactis, Enterococcus ratti, and Enterococcus faecium. Ninety-six male Muscovy ducks with eight days of age (weight = 158.56±2.17) were distributed in a completely randomized design, where the treatments comprised a control group and three experimental groups subjected to autochthonous LAB as a probiotic (E. lactis, E. ratti, and E. faecium) administered orally to the Muscovy ducks, with three replicates of eight birds each. Birds were monitored over 90 days, divided into starter, grower, and finisher stages. Blood was collected at 91 days of age for analysis, and at 91 days birds were slaughtered to evaluate carcass traits. Results indicated no significant effect (p>0.05) in feed intake and weight gain during the starter stage, though feed conversion ratio worsened (p

O ensino de Probabilidade apresenta várias lacunas, dentre elas, a má compreensão dos seus conceitos e a falta de formação no que diz respeito às estratégias didáticas que contemple suas aplicações em contextos reais. Muitas dessas lacunas podem ser investigadas à luz dos obstáculos de origem epistemológica estudados pelo filósofo Gaston Bachelard, que se referem a conhecimentos que, em certos contextos, mostraram-se satisfatórios, mas que em outros, representam entraves para o avanço do conhecimento científico. À vista disso, este artigo analisa os obstáculos existentes em relação à compreensão do conceito de probabilidade de um grupo de professores dos Anos Finais do Ensino Fundamental, de forma a reconhecer os elementos retardadores, caracterizar sua natureza epistemológica e identificar em que medida podem se configurar em obstáculos didáticos. Trata-se de um estudo de caso educacional envolvendo um grupo de dez professores licenciados em Matemática, cuja presença enraizada de concepções conservadoras da Matemática como ciência exata e determinística dificulta algumas compreensões, como, por exemplo, o estudo de fenômenos aleatórios em Probabilidade. No que se refere a classificação bachelardiana quanto a natureza epistemológica dos obstáculos, identificamos na pesquisa em pauta, a presença de obstáculos oriundos da experiência primeira, da generalização prematura, do conhecimento unitário e pragmático, e dos obstáculos verbais. Portanto, tais noções que se configuram em termos de obstáculos epistemológicos podem influenciar nas escolhas estratégicas do docente e, repercutir em possíveis erros dos alunos. Dessa forma, este estudo revela a importância de refletir sobre a abordagem da Probabilidade nos cursos de formação de professores, e, consequentemente, na Educação Básica, com o intuito de sanar dificuldades que perduram por anos e que levam a erros de compreensão.

Objetivos: Estimar la proporción de personas que precisan cuidados paliativos y de soporte de atención primaria en su domicilio y describir sus características. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo de las Redes Centinelas Sanitarias de cinco comunidades autónomas, entre octubre de 2007 y marzo de 2008, en 282.216 personas atendidas por 218 profesionales de atención primaria. Se incluyeron pacientes que recibían en el domicilio un cuidado integral, activo y continuado, en quienes la expectativa médica no era prolongar la supervivencia sino conseguir la más alta calidad de vida para el paciente, la familia y el entorno de cuidadores. En un cuestionario estándar se recogieron la edad, el sexo, el tipo de paciente, la enfermedad subyacente y otras variables relacionadas con el proceso. Se estimaron las prevalencia crudas y ajustadas por edad. Resultados: De los 400 hombres y las 792 mujeres que cumplían los criterios de inclusión, el 12,5% eran terminales en sentido estricto. La media de edad fue de 82,4 años, mayor en los pacientes con incapacidad funcional (82,9 años) que los terminales (78,9 años) (pObjectives: To estimate the proportion of people requiring palliative and support care at home in primary care and to describe their characteristics. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out by five Spanish sentinel networks between October 2007 and March 2008 in 282,216 people attended by 218 general practitioners and nurses. Patients receiving comprehensive, active and continued care at home were included if the aim was not to prolong life but to achieve the best quality of life for the patient, the family and the carers. A standard form was used to collect data on age, sex, type of patient, underlying diseases and other variables related to the process. Crude and age-adjusted rates were estimated. Results: Of the 400 men and 792 women registered, 12% were strictly terminal. The mean age was 82.4years and was higher in patients with functional disability (82.9years) than in terminally-ill patients (78.9 years) (p

Objetivo: La hipercolesterolemia es uno de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular más sensible a las medidas de prevención y control. Este estudio pretende conocer las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de las personas dislipidémicas en Castilla y León. Métodos: Se realizó un muestreo bietápico-estratificado y se obtuvieron datos de 4.013 personas, representativas de la población de 15 o más años de edad en Castilla y León. Se recogieron las variables relacionadas con la enfermedad cardiovascular de la historia clínica, la anamnesis y la exploración. Se determinaron el colesterol total y las distintas fracciones lipídicas (c-HDL, c-LDL y triglicéridos). Resultados: El colesterol total, el c-HDL, el c-LDL y los triglicéridos aumentan con la edad, y todos excepto el primero presentan diferencias según el sexo. El c-LDL y los triglicéridos están más elevados en los hombres que en las mujeres hasta los 60 años de edad, pero luego el patrón se invierte, mientras que el c-HDL siempre es más alto en las mujeres. El 14,6% de la población tiene un colesterol total >250mg/dl y un 56,3% lo tiene >200mg/dl. Sólo el 49,6% de las personas con >250mg/dl tenían antecedentes en su historia clínica, y únicamente un 15,2% recibían tratamiento. El colesterol total ajustado por la edad se correlacionaba positivamente con todos los demás factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Además, más del 70% de la población presenta al menos un factor de riesgo cardiovascular. Conclusiones: Destacan los altos valores de colesterol total y c-LDL, así como los bajos de c-HDL en los hombres, y el infradiagnóstico en las historias clínicas. La asociación de hipercolesterolemia con otros factores de riesgo cardiovascular es similar a la observada en otros estudios.Objective: Hypercholesterolemia is one of the cardiovascular risk factors more sensitive to preventive and control interventions. This study aims to determine the epidemiological pattern of dyslipidemic people in Castilla y Leon. Methods: A representative stratified two-stage sample of the population resident in Castilla y León (Spain) was obtained. A total of 4,013 people age 15 years and older were interviewed. Cardiovascular disease related variables were gathered from clinical records and medical examination. Total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides were measured. Results: Total cholesterol, HDL-c, LDL-c and triglycerides increase with age and, all but total cholesterol present gender differences. LDL-c and triglycerides are higher in men than in women under the age of 60, and lower from that age on, while HDL-c is always higher in women. Total cholesterol was >250mg/dl in 14.6% of the sample and >200mg/dl in the 56.3%. Only 49.6% of people with total cholesterol >250mg/dl had been diagnosed and only 15.2% were under treatment. Age-adjusted total cholesterol was positively correlated with all cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, over 70% of the population presented, at least, one cardiovascular risk factor. Conclusions: The results above shows high levels of total cholesterol and LDL-c, low levels of HDL-c in males and the under diagnosis in clinical records. The association between hypercholesterolemia and other cardiovascular risk factors is similar to previous studies.

Objetivo: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares causan una de cada 3 defunciones en España. La hipertensión arterial está implicada en la enfermedad isquémica cardíaca y en otras afecciones de alta morbilidad y mortalidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la prevalencia y otros indicadores de la presión arterial en Castilla y León en 2004. Métodos: Estudio transversal en una muestra aleatoria de 4.012 personas ≥15 años de edad extraída de un diseño bietápico y estratificado. Se revisó la historia clínica, se realizó una anamnesis y una exploración de la presión arterial sistólica y diastólica. Se consideró a una persona como hipertensa cuando era hipertensa conocido (en su historia clínica constaba como tal o recibía tratamiento con antihipertensivos) o presentaba una cifra de presión arterial sistólica ≥140 mmHg o una presión arterial diastólica ≥90 mmHg. Resultados: La prevalencia de hipertensión arterial en la población fue de 38,7% (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 36,5-40,9). Los hombres presentaron un mayor porcentaje, 40,4% (IC del 95%: 37,4-43,4), que las mujeres, 37,4% (IC del 95%: 34,7-40). El 22,2% estaba ya diagnosticado, lo que representa el 57,4% de los hipertensos. En el resto de la muestra, el 44% estaba en un estadio prehipertensivo, el 17,5% en estadio I y el 4% en estadio II de la clasificación del séptimo informe del Joint National Committee sobre Prevención, Detección, Evaluación y Tratamiento de la Hipertensión Arterial. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de la hipertensión arterial en la población estudiada es consistente con otros estudios españoles. Una gran proporción de hipertensos no sabe que lo es, y otra gran parte se encuentra en estadios prehipertensivos, con el riesgo cardiovascular que conlleva esta situación.Objective: Cardiovascular disease causes one out of 3 deaths in Spain. Hypertension is involved in ischemic heart disease and in other diseases provoking high morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence of hypertension and other indicators of this disorder in Castile-Leon in 2004. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in a random sample of 4,012 persons aged 15 years old or above, extracted through a two-stage, stratified design. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured, a history was taken and clinical records were reviewed. A person was considered to be hypertensive when there was known hypertension (hyper-tension was recorded in the clinical records or the person was receiving treatment for hypertension) or when systolic blood pressure was 140 mmHg or more and diastolic blood pressure was 90 mmHg or more. Results: The prevalence of hypertension in the population was 38.7% (95%CI: 36.5-40.9). The prevalence was higher in men (40.4% [95%CI: 37.4-43.4]) than in women (37.4% [95%CI: 34.7-40]). Hypertension was already known in 22.2%, representing 57.4% of all hypertensive individuals. In the remainder of the sample, 44% had prehypertension, 17.5% had stage 1 hypertension and 4% had stage II hypertension, according to the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. Conclusions: The prevalence of hypertension in the population studied was consistent with that reported in other Spanish studies. A substantial proportion of hypertensive individuals were unaware of their status as such. Equally, a large proportion had prehypertension, which carries a high risk of cardiovascular disease.

Se describe el diseño y los indicadores de respuesta de un estudio transversal para estimar diferentes parámetros del riesgo cardiovascular en la población de Castilla y León. Se obtuvo una muestra de 4.950 personas de 15 y más años de edad en dos etapas: en la primera etapa se eligieron 198 médicos de atención primaria, y en la segunda se seleccionó una muestra de 25 personas del cupo de cada médico. Las tasas de respuesta de los médicos alcanzaron el 98%, y las de la población superaron el 80%. Se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la distribución por edad del marco muestral y la muestra definitiva. Después de realizar las ponderaciones derivadas del diseño, sólo el grupo de edad de 35-64 años se encuentra significativamente sobredimensionado. El acceso a la población general en atención primaria es un procedimiento factible y eficaz. La alta tasa de respuesta contribuye a la validez de la información.We describe the design and the response indicators in a cross sectional study to estimate several factors associated with cardiovascular risk in the population of Castile and Leon. A sample of 4,950 individuals aged 15 years and above was obtained in two stages: in the first stage, 198 primary care physicians were selected and in the second stage a sample of 25 persons from each primary care physician's list was obtained. The response rate was 98% among primary care physicians and 80% among the population. Statistically significant differences were found in age distribution between the frame sample and the definitive sample. After applying design adjustments, only the group aged 35-64 years was significantly overdimensioned. Access to the general population in primary health care is a feasible and effective procedure. A high response rate contributes to the validity of the information.

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of chronic calcitonin deficiency on bone mass development. The results of 11 patients with thyroid dysgenesis (TD) were compared to those of 17 normal individuals (C) and of 9 patients with other forms of hypothyroidism (OH): 4 with hypothyroidism due to inborn errors of thyroid hormone synthesis and 5 with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The subjects received an intravenous calcium stimulus and blood was collected for the determination of ionized calcium (Ca2+), calcitonin, and intact parathyroid hormone. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. After calcium administration the levels of Ca2+ in the two groups of hypothyroidism were significantly higher than in the normal control group (10 min after starting calcium infusion: C = 1.29 ± 0.08 vs TD = 1.34 ± 0.03 vs OH = 1.34 ± 0.02 mmol/l; P < 0.05), and only the TD group showed no calcitonin response (5 min after starting calcium infusion: C = 27.9 ± 5.8 vs TD = 6.6 ± 0.3 vs OH = 43.0 ± 13.4 ng/l). BMD values did not differ significantly between groups (L2-L4: C = 1.116 ± 0.02 vs TD = 1.109 ± 0.03 vs OH = 1.050 ± 0.04 g/cm²). These results indicate that early deficiency of calcitonin secretion has no detrimental effect on bone mass development. Furthermore, the increased calcitonin secretion observed in patients with inborn errors of thyroid hormone biosynthesis does not confer any advantage in terms of BMD.