DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) dietary pattern and maternal blood pressure in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: High blood pressure (BP) in pregnancy is associated with significant adverse outcomes. In nonpregnant populations, the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is associated with reductions in blood pressure. The present study investigated the relationship between the DASH dietary pattern and maternal BP in pregnancy. METHODS: This is an observational study of 511 women who participated in the ROLO study (Randomized cOntrol trial of LOw glycaemic index diet for the prevention of recurrence of macrosomia), 2007-2011, Dublin, Ireland. Auscultatory blood pressure, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) measurements were taken. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was calculated. Dietary intakes were recorded using 3-day food diaries in each trimester. DASH scoring criteria were used to score and rank participants from low to high intakes of foods recommended in the DASH diet. Statistical analysis using analysis of variance and multiple linear regression were used to determine the relationship between maternal BP and DASH scores. RESULTS: Dietary intake more closely resembling the DASH dietary recommendations throughout pregnancy was associated with a lower DBP (mmHg) in trimesters 1 [B: -0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.21 to -0.18] and 3 (B: -0.68; 95% CI = -1.19 to -0.17), as well as lower MAP (mmHg) in trimesters 1 (B: -0.78; 95% CI = -1.33 to -0.25) and 3 (B: -0.54; 95% CI = -1.04 to -0.04), controlling for body mass index, age, education, energy intake and intervention grouping. CONCLUSIONS: The DASH dietary pattern was associated with lower maternal BP in pregnancy among healthy women without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Despite the observational nature of these findings, the results demonstrate the potential for healthcare professionals to intervene to promote cardiovascular health in pregnancy.

Neurosarcoidosis: evaluation using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Two patients with unusual central nervous system sarcoid were investigated using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as other x-ray studies. A patient with intramedullary involvement of the spinal cord as well as nerve root involvement was examined. Follow-up examination after treatment with steroids showed a return to normal. The second patient had optic nerve involvement as well as two intracranial parenchymal lesions and granulomatous arachnoiditis. In this patient magnetic resonance imaging offered no advantages over computed tomography in the orbit but was significantly more accurate intracranially.

Accessory cardiac bronchus: demonstration by computed tomography.

Distinctive computed tomography features of the accessory cardiac bronchus are illustrated. Bronchial anomalies, while rare, are important to recognize, especially if bronchoscopy or surgery is anticipated. Related clinical symptoms are thought to be secondary to retained secretions.

Cardiac herniation and volvulus: radiographic findings.

Cardiac herniation with volvulus is a catastrophic complication of right intrapericardial pneumonectomy. This case illustrates diagnostic radiographic findings that may be essential for early diagnosis and survival, since the clinical signs are nonspecific.

Flank mass and pain in a 72-year-old man.

This patient had retroperitoneal multiseptated masses, which extensively invaded the right flank and thigh musculature. The radiologic, pathologic, and clinical findings were consistent with a retroperitoneal pseudomyxoma from an appendiceal mucocele.

Contamination of bar soaps under "in-use" conditions.

Bar and liquid soaps from 26 public lavatories were investigated for microbial colonies. Of 84 samples obtained from bar soaps, 100% yielded positive cultures; liquid soaps were essentially negative (3/39). Where quantitative data were gathered, bar soaps were found to contain as few as 100-200 CFU/ml but ranged to a high of greater than 6000 CFU/ml. Although laboratory-challenged bar soaps showed a quick loss of microorganisms (less than 6 hours), "in-use" bars continued to contain high levels of organisms, even after more than 48 hours. Qualitatively, bar soaps were found to harbour 2 to 9 different genera of organisms per bar. The microbial population obtained from bar soap represented over 16 different genera. The discovery of so many and such different microorganisms on bar soaps indicates that this form of soap may be a potential reservoir for the spread of cross-infection in public institutions.