Left ventricular volume: an optimal parameter to detect systolic dysfunction on prospectively triggered 64-multidetector row computed tomography: another step towards reducing radiation exposure

In this study, we define the correlation between LV volumes (both LV end-diastolic volume [LVEDV] and LV end-systolic volume [LVESV]) and ejection fraction (EF) on 64 slice multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT). We also determine the accuracy of all the LV volume (LVV) parameters to detect LV systolic dysfunction (LVSD) and investigate the feasibility of using LVV as a surrogate of LVSD on prospectively gated imaging to prevent the radiation exposure of retrospective imaging. 568 patients undergoing 64-detector MDCT were divided into 2 groups: Group 1—subjects without any heart disease and LVEF ≥ 50%; and Group 2—patients with coronary artery disease and LVEF < 50% (defined as LVSD). The LVV (LV cavity only) and Total LV volume (cavity + LV mass) at end-systole and end-diastole (LVESV, Total LVESV, LVEDV and Total LVEDV) were measured. The upper limit values (mean + 2 SD) of all LVV parameters in Group 1 were used as the reference criterion to diagnose LVSD in Group 2. An exponential correlation was found between LVEF and all the LVV parameters. The specificity to detect LVSD in Group 2 was >90% and the sensitivity was 88.9, 83.3, 61.3 and 74.9% by using LVESV, Total LVESV, LVEDV and Total LVEDV, respectively. Systolic and diastolic LV volumes had a high correlation with LVEF and a high accuracy to detect LVSD. Thus, on prospectively triggered imaging, ventricular volumes can predict patients with reduced LVEF, and appropriate referrals can be made

Erratum: Global, regional, and national comparative risk assessment of 84 behavioural, environmental and occupational, and metabolic risks or clusters of risks for 195 countries and territories, 1990–2017: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017

Interpretation: By quantifying levels and trends in exposures to risk factors and the resulting disease burden, this assessment offers insight into where past policy and programme efforts might have been successful and highlights current priorities for public health action. Decreases in behavioural, environmental, and occupational risks have largely offset the effects of population growth and ageing, in relation to trends in absolute burden. Conversely, the combination of increasing metabolic risks and population ageing will probably continue to drive the increasing trends in non-communicable diseases at the global level, which presents both a public health challenge and opportunity. We see considerable spatiotemporal heterogeneity in levels of risk exposure and risk-attributable burden. Although levels of development underlie some of this heterogeneity, O/E ratios show risks for which countries are overperforming or underperforming relative to their level of development. As such, these ratios provide a benchmarking tool to help to focus local decision making. Our findings reinforce the importance of both risk exposure monitoring and epidemiological research to assess causal connections between risks and health outcomes, and they highlight the usefulness of the GBD study in synthesising data to draw comprehensive and robust conclusions that help to inform good policy and strategic health planning

Relationship between the serum B-HCG and preeclempsia and itsseverity

Background and purpose: Preeclampsia as the most common complication of pregnancies has unknown physiopathology. Because the role of serum Beta-human Chorionic Gonadotropin (B-hCG) in pathophysiology of preeclampsia is not well known, we decided to determine the correlation between serum concentration of B-HCG and preeclampsia .Materials and Methods: This case-control study performed on two groups of 40 preeclamptic nulliparous and 40 healthy term pregnant women at obstetrics and gynecology ward of Sh. Yahyanejhad Hospital in Babol during 2003-4 . Serum B- hCG concentration was measured in all patients. Patients with chronic hyprtension, diabetes, multiple pregnancies or medial diseases were excluded. The data were analyzed using Chi-square, T-Test and ANOVA, Mann-Whitney and Kruskall-Wallis tests.Results: The maternal serum Beta hCG levels in patients with preeclampsia were (39840±24630) IU/L which is higher in comparison with healthy ones (27460±25862) IU/L (P=0.031). The mean of serum beta hCG levels were 31991±16758 and 84312±9257 in mild and severe preeclampsia (P<0/0001).Conclusion: Serum Beta hCG level is higher in preeclamptic women than normal pregnancies. It is also noticed that the higher the levels of serum Beta hCG the more severe the preeclampsia. This finding, in turn, reinforces the association between elevated HCG concentrations and placental damage

The effect of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Salvia officinalis on serum levels of FSH, LH, testosterone and testicular tissue in rats

Background: Since there is relatively little information pertaining to the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Salvia officinalis on the reproductive system of animals, this study was carried out to examine the effect of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Salvia officinalis on serum levels of LH, FSH, testosterone and testicular tissue in male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 31 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups: the control, normal saline and Salvia officinalis extract (100, 150 and 200 mg/kg/body weight) receiving groups. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with Salvia officinalis extract once daily (at 10 a.m.) for 30 days. Blood samples were collected using a cardiac puncture method and the hormone levels were measured using the radioimmunoassay. Moreover, testes were removed and after fixation, sections were cut and stained for histological studies. Results: The results indicated that Salvia officinalis extract (150 and 200 mg/kg) increased the serum testosterone level (