Improved identification of left atrial enlargement in patients with obesity.

Accurate standardization of left atrium volume (LAV) in patients with obesity is challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate and to examine the relation between LAV indexed to height and left atrial function in patients with moderate to severe obesity. Echocardiograms of patients with moderate to severe obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m) without known cardiac disease were analyzed.

Association between epicardial adipose tissue and cardiac dysfunction in subjects with severe obesity.

Aim: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) plays a role in obesity-related heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. However, the association of EAT thickness with the development of cardiac dysfunction in subjects with severe obesity without known cardiovascular disease is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the association between EAT thickness and cardiac dysfunction and describe the potential value of EAT as an early marker of cardiac dysfunction.

Potential role of left atrial strain in estimation of left atrial pressure in patients with chronic heart failure.

Aims: In a large proportion of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients, echocardiographic estimation of left atrial pressure (LAP) is not possible when the ratio of the peak early left ventricular filling velocity over the late filling velocity (E/A ratio) is not available, which may occur due to several potential causes. Left atrial reservoir strain (LASr) is correlated with LV filling pressures and may serve as an alternative parameter in these patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether LASr can be used to estimate LAP in HFrEF patients in whom E/A ratio is not available.

The Beneficial Effect of Praeruptorin C on Osteoporotic Bone in Ovariectomized Mice via Suppression of Osteoclast Formation and Bone Resorption.

Being a highly prevalent disease, osteoporosis causes metabolism defects. Low bone density, compromised bone strength, and an increased danger of fragility fracture are its main characteristics. Natural compounds have been considered as potential alternative therapeutic agents for treating osteoporosis.

The use of molecular analyses in voided urine for the assessment of patients with hematuria.

Introduction: Patients presenting with painless hematuria form a large part of the urological patient population. In many cases, especially in younger patients, the cause of hematuria is harmless. Nonetheless, hematuria could be a symptom of malignant disease and hence most patients will be subject to cystoscopy.