RESUMEN Antecedentes: El pliegue del lóbulo de la oreja (PLO) se ha asociado con aterosclerosis coronaria. Recientemente, se ha asociado el PLO con hiperintensidades de la sustancia blanca (HSB) de presunto origen vascular. Sin embargo, los resultados son heterogéneos entre los estudios. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar si el PLO está asociado con la gravedad y la progresión de HSB en adultos mayores de una comunidad. Métodos: A los participantes del Proyecto Atahualpa se les realizó fotografías del lóbulo de la oreja y resonancias magnéticas (RM) del cerebro para evaluar la asociación entre la presencia del PLO y la gravedad las HSB, así como la relación entre el PLO y la progresión de las HSB usando modelos de regresión logística ordinal y de Poisson, respectivamente. Resultados: El componente transversal del estudio incluyó a 359 individuos de ≥ 60 años. El PLO estuvo presente en 175 sujetos. En estudios de RM, 107 participantes no tenían HSB, 174 tenían HSB leve, 56 moderado y 22 grave. Un modelo de regresión logística ordinal multivariante no mostró una asociación significativa entre las principales variables investigadas (OR: 0,72; IC 95%: 0,48 - 1,06). El componente longitudinal incluyó a 252 individuos, de los cuales 126 presentaron un PLO y 103 tenían progresión de HSB. Un modelo de regresión de Poisson, no mostró asociación entre el PLO y la progresión de HSB (IRR: 1,02; IC del 95 %: 0,69 - 1,51). Conclusiones: El PLO no está relacionado con la gravedad y progresión de las HSB en la población de estudio.

ABSTRACT Background: Earlobe crease (ELC) has been associated with coronary atherosclerosis. Recently, ELC has been associated with white matter hyperintensities (WMH) of presumed vascular origin. However, the results are heterogeneous among studies. We aimed to assess whether ELC is associated with WMH severity and progression in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: Atahualpa Project Cohort participants received earlobe photographs and brain MRIs to assess the association between ELC and WMH severity, as well as the relationship between ELC and WMH progression using ordinal logistic and Poisson regression models, respectively. Results: The cross-sectional component of the study included 359 individuals aged ≥60 years. ELC was present in 175 subjects. On MRI, 107 participants did not have WMH, 174 had mild, 56 had moderate, and 22 had severe WMH. A multivariate ordinal logistic regression model did not show a significant association between the main variables investigated (OR: 0.72; 95% C.I.: 0.48 - 1.06). The longitudinal component included 252 individuals, 126 of whom had ELC and 103 had WMH progression. A Poisson regression model showed no association between ELC and WMH progression (IRR: 1.02; 95% C.I.: 0.69 - 1.51). Conclusions: ELC is not related to WMH severity and progression in the study population.

Abstract Sport, football in particular, and the media have developed a complex, mutually advantageous relationship over several decades. However, to date, studies on this symbiotic relationship are still limited, noting an apparent lack of scientific support, especially concerning the effects that the media can have on professional football players. Thus, this narrative review aimed to contribute to a better understanding of this phenomenon. The literature on this matter focuses mainly on audiences, considered here as recipients of messages. However, essentially, studies indicate some difficulty in defining a specific communication model for sport, namely regarding the hypothetical cause/effect relationship (message/effect on the receiver). Furthermore, it should be considered that this media/sport symbiosis evolves over time in a self-feeding circuit, boosted by technology and the social and cultural context that surrounds sports. Although the consulted literature suggests the existence of an effect of the media in professional football, there does not seem to be solid evidence of this influence, for example, in the sports readiness of players and/or teams. In the opinion of the consulted authors, the subject requires a bio-behavioural approach in the sense of providing explanations for behavioural events but also of a psychophysiological nature associated with competitive stress. There will be a long way to go in understanding this issue, where the perspective of professional football players and coaches will appear as an immediate and fundamental contribution to leverage research in this area.

RESUMO O desporto, em particular o futebol, e os media desenvolveram ao longo de várias décadas uma relação de convivência complexa, mutuamente vantajosa. Contudo, até à data, os estudos sobre esta relação simbiótica são ainda reduzidos, notando-se uma clara escassez de suporte científico sobretudo no que diz respeito aos efeitos que os media podem provocar nos atletas de futebol profissional. Assim, foi objetivo da presente revisão narrativa contribuir para uma melhor compreensão deste fenómeno. A literatura sobre esta matéria foca-se sobretudo nas audiências, aqui considerada enquanto recetora das mensagens. Todavia, e no essencial, os estudos indicam alguma dificuldade em definir um modelo comunicacional específico ao desporto, nomeadamente sobre a hipotética relação causa/efeito (emissão de mensagem/efeito sobre o recetor). Para além disso, haverá que considerar que esta simbiose media/desporto evolui no tempo num circuito de autoalimentação, potenciado pela tecnologia e pelo contexto social e cultural que envolve o desporto. Embora a literatura consultada sugira a existência de um efeito dos media no futebol profissional, não parecem existir evidências sólidas dessa influência, por exemplo, na prontidão desportiva dos jogadores e/ou das equipas. Na opinião dos autores consultados, a temática exige uma abordagem bio comportamental, no sentido de proporcionar explicações para os eventos comportamentais mas também de carácter psicofisiológico associado ao stress competitivo. Haverá um longo caminho a percorrer na compreensão desta temática, onde a perspetiva dos jogadores e treinadores de futebol profissional se afigurará como um contributo imediato e fundamental para alavancar a investigação nesta área.

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to analyze the influence of the media in professional football by considering the perception of clubs’ coaches and communication advisors. The sample consisted of a group of five communication advisors and seven coaches from Portuguese football clubs, to whom a semi-structured interview from the first and second leagues was applied. The responses obtained were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis methodology. The results obtained show that the media are positioned as an important influencing factor in the players’ performance. The massification of information and sports content as well as the transformation process that sports communication goes through thus positioned them. Due to the unequivocal effect of the media, some coaches report an environment of tension around their players, which has led to the application of psychological and communicational strategies capable of motivating their athletes towards success. However, the interviewees’ perception of the importance of being continuously informed is relevant, causing a need for closer monitoring. The solution offered was internal training for professional football players and coaches in order to obtain a better communication efficiency for the clubs. We found, in short, that the media advisors and coaches interviewed consider the media to be a relevant factor of influence over professional football, with the potential to provoke teams, namely, lack of confidence, cohesion and tension.

RESUMO O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a influência dos media no futebol profissional considerando a perceção dos treinadores e dos assessores de comunicação dos clubes. A amostra foi constituída por um grupo de cinco assessores de comunicação e sete treinadores de clubes portugueses de futebol de primeira e segunda Liga, aos quais foram aplicadas entrevistas semiestruturadas. As respostas obtidas foram analisadas, utilizando uma metodologia qualitativa de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados obtidos mostram que os media posicionam-se como um importante fator de influência no desempenho dos jogadores dada não só, a massificação de informação e conteúdos desportivos como também, o processo de transformação que a comunicação desportiva atravessa. Por efeito inequívoco dos media, alguns treinadores relatam um ambiente de tensão em torno dos seus jogadores, o que tem conduzido à aplicação de estratégias psicológicas e comunicacionais capazes de motivar os seus atletas rumo à obtenção de sucesso. Contudo, é relevante a perceção dos entrevistados, sobre a importância de se manterem continuamente informados provocando, uma necessidade de um acompanhamento mais próximo. A realização de formação interna aos jogadores e treinadores de futebol profissional para obtenção de uma melhor eficácia da comunicação dos clubes foi uma solução apresentada. Constatamos, em suma, que os assessores de comunicação e os treinadores entrevistados consideram os media um fator relevante de influência sobre o futebol profissional, com potencial de provocar nas equipas, nomeadamente, estados de falta de confiança, coesão e tensão.

ABSTRACT Background/objective: Dawson’s fingers have been traditionally associated with multiple sclerosis. However, this imaging biomarker has also been linked to white matter hyperintensities related to cerebral small vessel disease. In the latter, Dawson’s fingers could represent damage of small venules in subjects with severe small vessel disease and could theoretically be associated with cognitive decline. In this study, we aimed to assess the association between Dawson’s fingers and cognitive performance in a population of older adults. Methods: Population-based study conducted in individuals aged 60 years or older, residing in three rural villages of coastal Ecuador (Atahualpa, El Tambo and Prosperidad). Of 712 older adults identified by means of a door-to-door survey, 590 underwent a brain MRI. Of them, 575 also had the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). We selected the 157 individuals with moderate-to-severe white matter hyperintensities to assess the presence of Dawson’s fingers. The independent association between Dawson’s fingers and cognitive performance (as the dependent variable) was assessed by means of a linear regression model, after adjusting for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and the other biomarkers of cerebral small vessel disease. Results: Of 157 individuals with moderate-to-severe White matter hyperintensities, 17 (11%) had Dawson’s fingers on MRI. The mean MoCA score in subjects with Dawson’s fingers was 14.5±6.4 points and that of those without this neuroimaging biomarker was 17.3±6.2 points. The association between Dawson’s fingers and the MoCA score was marginal in univariate models (p=0.082), but it completely vanished in a multivariate linear regression model adjusted for relevant covariates (β: -0.31; 95% C.I.: -3.23 - 2.60; p=0.833). A mediation model disclosed that 83.5% of the effect of Dawson’s finger on cognitive performance was mediated by age. Conclusion: Dawson’s fingers are not independently associated with cognitive performance in individuals with cerebral small vessel disease. Most of the effect of this association is mediated by age.

RESUMEN Antecedentes/objetivo: Los dedos de Dawson, tradicionalmente asociados con esclerosis múltiple, han sido - además - recientemente vinculados con hiperintensidades de sustancia blanca causadas por enfermedad de pequeño vaso cerebral. En este contexto, dichas lesiones corresponderían a daño venular, podrían representar estadíos avanzados de enfermedad de pequeño vaso y estarían teóricamente asociados con deterioro cognitivo. En el presente estudio se intentó determinar si los dedos de Dawson se asociaron con un peor desempeño cognitivo en adultos mayores. Métodos: Estudio poblacional realizado en personas de 60 años o más, residentes de tres poblados del litoral Ecuatoriano (Atahualpa, El Tambo y Prosperidad). De un total de 712 adultos mayores identificados mediante censos puerta-a-puerta, 590 fueron sometidos a IRM cerebral y de éstos, a 575 también se les realizó valoración cognitiva mediante la prueba de Montreal (MoCA). Se seleccionaron los 157 individuos con hiperintensidades de sustancia blanca de moderada a severa y se determinó la presencia de dedos de Dawson en dichos sujetos. La asociación independiente entre dedos de Dawson y desempeño cognitivo (como variable dependiente) fue evaluada mediante un modelo de regresión linear ajustado por factores demográficos y de riesgo cardiovascular, así como por los demás biomarcadores de enfermedad de pequeño vaso cerebral. Resultados: De los 157 individuos con hiperintensidades de sustancia blanca de moderada a severa, 17 (11%) presentaron dedos de Dawson en IRM. La puntuación promedio en el MoCA fue de 14.5±6.4 en sujetos con dedos de Dawson y de 17.3±6.2 en aquellos sin este biomarcador de neuroimagen. La asociación entre dedos de Dawson y puntaje en el MoCA fue marginal en el modelo univariado (p=0.082), mientras que dicha asociación se diluyó completamente luego de ajustar por las covariables de interés (β: -0.31; 95% I.C.: -3.23 - 2.60; p=0.833). El 83.5% del efecto de los dedos de Dawson en el desempeño cognitivo estuvo mediado por la edad. Conclusión: Los dedos de Dawson no se asocian independientemente con el desempeño cognitivo en individuos con enfermedad de pequeño vaso. La mayor parte de esta asociación se encuentra mediada por la edad.

ABSTRACT Background: Information on the association between tooth loss and intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is limited. Here, we aimed to assess whether non-traumatic severe tooth loss - as a surrogate for chronic inflammatory periodontal disease - is associated with ICAD in a cohort of older adults (aged ≥60 years) living in rural Ecuador. Methods: ICAD was identified by CT determinations of high calcium content in the carotid siphons or MRA findings of significant stenosis of intracranial arteries. An oral exam assessed the level of non-traumatic severe tooth loss (<10 remaining teeth). Logistic regression models were fitted to assess the independent association between severe tooth loss and ICAD, after adjusting for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors and MRI evidence of cerebrovascular damage. Results: Of 581 individuals, 269 (46%) had severe tooth loss and 205 (35%) had ICAD. Univariate analysis found a significant association between the two variables (p=0.002). Significance persisted when age and sex were added to the model (p=0.047), although it became non-significant in a logistic regression model including all confounders. Covariates with a significance p<0.1 included age, poor body mass index, high fasting glucose, the presence of >10 enlarged basal ganglia perivascular spaces, and both lacunar and non-lacunar strokes. After factoring in age partitioned by the median and other significant covariates, severe tooth loss remained significantly associated with ICAD. Conclusions: Severe tooth loss and age are both associated with ICAD in the study population. Some of the effect of severe tooth loss on ICAD is captured by age.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: La información sobre la asociación entre pérdida de dientes y enfermedad aterosclerótica intracraneal (EIAC) es limitada. En el presente estudio se evaluó si la pérdida de dientes severa, utilizada como sustituto de enfermedad periodontal inflamatoria crónica, está asociada con EIAC en adultos mayores que viven en pueblos rurales. Métodos: EIAC se identificó mediante la determinación de alto contenido de calcio en los sifones carotideos o mediante la presencia de estenosis de arterias intracraneales. Un examen oral evaluó el grado de pérdida de dientes severa (<10 dientes restantes). Se ajustaron modelos de regresión logística para evaluar la asociación independiente entre la pérdida de dientes y la EIAC, después de ajustar por variables tales como demografía, factores de riesgo cardiovascular y evidencia de MRI de daño cerebrovascular. Resultados: De 581 individuos, 269 (46%) tenían pérdida dental severa y 205 (35%) tenían EIAC. Los análisis univariados demostraron asociación significativa entre las dos variables (p=0.002). La significación persistió cuando edad y sexo se agregaron al modelo (p=0.047), aunque la significancia se redujo cuando se incluyeron todas las variables confusoras. Las covariables con una significación p <0.1 incluyeron edad, índice de masa corporal elevado, glucosa alta en ayunas, presencia de >10 espacios perivasculares en ganglios basales y accidentes cerebrovasculares. Al considerar la edad media y otras covariables de interés, la pérdida dental severa permaneció significativamente asociada con EIAC. Conclusiones: la pérdida dental y la edad están asociadas con EIAC en la población de estudio. Algunos de los efectos de la pérdida dental severa sobre la EIAC son capturados por la edad.

Abstract Traditionally a crease in the ear has been considered a visible marker of atherosclerosis. There is strong evidence of its association with coronary heart disease (CHD) revealed in several retrospective and prospective studies. However, the usefulness of the earlobe crease (ELC) as a marker of atherosclerotic diseases of other vascular beds, especially in the intracranial or extracranial carotid vasculature, is not clear. A non-systematic search of studies evaluating the association between ELC and atherosclerosis was performed. Observational studies that explored the association of ELC with atherosclerosis in many vascular beds were reviewed. Most studies presented methodological limitations, selection bias, and relatively small sample sizes. Discrepancies were found between studies, mainly due to the interaction of age in the association pathway. In a population cohort study, age was the main modifier of the effect of ELC with atherosclerosis in different vascular beds. The role of ELC as a marker of atherosclerosis remains unclear, at least for extra-coronary atherosclerosis.

Resumen: Tradicionalmente el pliegue del lóbulo de la oreja (PLO) ha sido considerado un marcador visible de aterosclerosis. Existe evidencia de su asociación con enfermedad coronaria, puesta de manifiesta en varios estudios tanto retrospectivos como prospectivos. Sin embargo, la utilidad del pliegue como marcador en enfermedades ateroscleróticas de otros lechos vasculares no es clara. Se realizó una búsqueda no sistemática de estudios que evalúen la asociación entre el PLO y aterosclerosis. Se encontraron estudios observacionales que exploraron la asociación de PLO con enfermedad aterosclerótica en varios lechos vasculares. La mayoría de estudios presentaron limitaciones metodológicas, sesgo de selección y tamaños muestrales relativamente pequeños. Se encontraron discrepancias entre los estudios, principalmente por la interacción de la edad en la vía de asociación. En un estudio de cohorte poblacional la edad fue el principal modificador del efecto del PLO con la aterosclerosis en los diferentes lechos vasculares. El rol del PLO como surrogado de aterosclerosis permanece sin dilucidarse, al menos para la aterosclerosis extra-coronaria.

Obesity represents a public health challenge, and dietary interventions to prevent or treat Obesity rely on the ability to accurately determine daily energy requirements - which are based on measures of total energy expenditure. Several prediction equations to estimate resting metabolic rate (RMR) have been developed, however, the validity of these equations is uncertain. The present study aims to determine the accuracy of four commonly used RMR prediction equations in normal weight, overweight and obese Portuguese women aged 18 to 64 years. RMR was measured in 156 women (age: 40.3 ± 10.2 years; Body Mass Index (BMI): 20.6 ± 6.8 kg/m²) using indirect calorimetry. The resulting values were compared with the predictive values from the Harris-Benedict, FAO/WHO/UNU, Schofield and Mifflin-St. Jeor equations across BMI categories. At an individual level, the equations with the highest percentage of accurate predictions were the Mifflin-St. Jeor equation in normal-weight women (41.9%) and the Harris-Benedict equation in overweight (55.4%) and obese (50.9%) women. The accuracy of the RMR prediction equations studied varied by weight status, and due to the low levels of accuracy reported, the present equations might have limited applicability for Portuguese women at an individual level.

ABSTRACT Objectives: We aimed to assess the association between arterial stiffness and nighttime sleep duration in community-dwelling older adults living in rural Ecuador. Methods: Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) determinations were used to assess arterial stiffness. Nighttime sleep duration was assessed by a single question. A generalized linear model - adjusted for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors and psychological distress - was fitted to assess the independent association between the aortic PWV and nighttime sleep duration (dependent variable). Results: A total of 303 individuals were enrolled. Univariate analysis showed a significant association between the aortic PWV and long sleep duration (p=0.034), which vanished in a multivariate linear model (p=0.524). The single covariable remaining significant was anxiety (p=0.013). Conclusion: Lack of independent association between arterial stiffness and nighttime sleep duration might be more likely related to lack of reliability of evaluation of sleep duration by means of a single question.

RESUMEN Objetivos: En el presente estudio se evaluó la asociación entre rigidez arterial y duración del sueño nocturno en adultos mayores que viven en la comunidad en una zona rural de la costa Ecuatoriana. Métodos: Se utilizaron determinaciones de velocidad de onda de pulso aórtico (PWV) para evaluar la rigidez arterial. La duración del sueño nocturno se evaluó mediante una sola pregunta. Un modelo lineal generalizado, ajustado por variables demográficas, factores de riesgo cardiovascular y distress psicológico, evaluó la asociación independiente entre el PWV aórtico y la duración del sueño nocturno (variable dependiente). Resultados: Se registraron un total de 303 individuos. El análisis univariado mostró una asociación significativa entre el PWV aórtico y larga duración del sueño (p=0.034), que desapareció en un modelo lineal multivariado (p=0.524). La única covariable que permaneció significativa fue la ansiedad (p=0.013). Conclusión: La falta de asociación independiente entre rigidez arterial y duración del sueño nocturno podría estar relacionada con la falta de confiabilidad de la evaluación de la duración del sueño mediante una sola pregunta.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo consistiu em analisar a relação entre os padrões neuromusculares e motores na técnica do nado de peito. Cinco nadadores masculinos de nível nacional realizaram 200 mnado peito na máxima intensidade.Foram registrados dados de Electromiografia do bicepsbrachii, deltoid anterior, pectoralis major etricepsbrachii. A duração relativa da fase ativa e não ativa e o valor médio retificado dos padrões neuromusculares foram analisados. Os percursos de nado foram gravados no plano sagital e analisados para detectar os padrões motores de cadanadador através do software THÉME software 5.0. Os padrões neuromusculares indicaram, por meio do valor médio retificado que a atividade dos músculos bíceps brachii e tríceps brachii aumentam no final do teste para o nadador 1 e 5, enquanto que o bíceps brachii. deltoid anterior. pectoralis major aumentam para o nadador 2 e 4. Diferentes padrões motores entre ciclos e entre nadadores foram observados, indicando que existem semelhanças entre eles, levando a um ajuste do estilo e modelo técnico de nado. A ausência de um padrão neuromuscular para todos os nadadores poderá estar relacionada com os diferentes modelos técnicos utilizados por cada nadador, como demonstrado nos padrões motores. Esses resultados sugerem que cada nadador adapta o seu padrão motor e muscular de uma forma única e distinta.

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the inter-temporal neuromuscular and motor patterns in breaststroke technique. Five national level male swimmers performed 200 m breaststroke at maximal effort. Electromyography data onbiceps brachii, deltoid anterior, pectoralis major and triceps brachiiwere analysed. The relative duration of active and non-active phase and the average rectified value for the neuromuscular patterns were recorded. The swim bouts were videotaped in sagittal plane with a pair of cameras and the Theme software 5.0 was used toanalyse the detected patterns in each swimmer. The neuromuscular pattern revealed that by the average rectified value the biceps brachiiand triceps brachiiwere increased at the end of the test for swimmers 1 and 5, while biceps brachii. deltoid anteriorand pectoralis majorwere increased for swimmers 2 and 4. Different motor patterns between cycles, and between swimmers were observed.We found similarities between the swimmers, adjusting their style to the technical model. The absence of a neuromuscular pattern for all swimmers could be related to different technical models used by each swimmer, as presented in the motor patterns. These findings suggested that each swimmers adapted their own motor and neuromuscular pattern in a unique and distinct way.

ABSTRACT Background: The earlobe crease (ELC) has been linked to coronary artery disease and other vascular conditions, but there is no information on its association with intracranial atherosclerosis. Objective: This study aimed to assess the association between high calcium content in the carotid siphons (as a surrogate of intracranial atherosclerosis) and ELC in community-dwelling adults living in rural Ecuador. Methods: Atahualpa residents aged ≥40 years underwent head CT to estimate calcium content in the carotid siphons, and visual inspection of both earlobes to evaluate the presence of ELC. The association between both variables was assessed by logistic regression models, after adjusting for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. Results: Of 651 enrolled individuals (mean age: 59.7±12.8 years; 54% women), 225 (35%) had ELC, and 143 (22%) had high calcium content in the carotid siphons. Univariate logistic regression showed a borderline (non-significant) association between high calcium content in the carotid siphons and ELC presence (OR: 1.44; 95% C.I.: 0.99 - 2.12; p=0.057), which disappeared when age (OR: 0.98; 95% C.I.: 0.65 - 1.48; p=0.923) and other covariables (OR: 0.97; 95% C.I.: 0.63 - 1.49; p=0.890) were added to the model. Conclusion: This population study shows no association between high calcium content in the carotid siphons and ELC presence.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: El pliegue auricular se ha relacionado con enfermedad coronaria y otras patologías vasculares, pero no hay información sobre su asociación con aterosclerosis intracraneal. Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la asociación entre el contenido de calcio en los sifones carotideos (como un sustituto de aterosclerosis intracraneal) y el pliegue auricular en adultos viven en zonas rurales de Ecuador. Métodos: Los residentes de Atahualpa de 40 años o más fueron sometidos a TC de cerebro para estimar el contenido de calcio en los sifones carotideos. Además, ambas orejas fueron examinadas para detectar la presencia de pliegues auriculares. La asociación entre ambas variables se evaluó mediante modelos de regresión logística, ajustados por factores demográficos y de riesgo cardiovascular. Resultados: De 651 individuos enrolados (edad media: 59,7±12,8 años, 54% mujeres), 225 (35%) tuvieron pliegues auriculares y 143 (22%) tuvieron alto contenido de calcio en los sifones carotideos. La regresión logística univariada mostró una asociación limítrofe (no significativa) entre el contenido de calcio en los sifones carotideos y la presencia de pliegue auricular (OR: 1.44, 95%IC: 0.99 - 2.12, p=0.057), que desapareció cuando la edad (OR: 0.98; 95% I.C.: 0,65 - 1,48; p=0,923) y otras covariables (OR: 0,97; 95% I.C.: 0,63 - 1,49; p=0,890) fueron agregadas al modelo estadístico. Conclusión: El presente estudio no mostró asociación entre el contenido de calcio en los sifones carotídeos y la presencia de pliegue auricular.