Role of dietary polyphenols on gut microbiota, their metabolites and health benefits.

Long QT Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature and Current Evidence.

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains a major cause of death and disability, especially for high-risk familial hypercholesterolemia individuals. PCSK9i (proprotein convertase s...

Effect of Access to Prescribed PCSK9 Inhibitors on Cardiovascular Outcomes.

The interest in cacao flavanols is still growing, as bioactive compounds with potential benefits in the prevention of chronic diseases associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolic disorders. Several analytical methodologies support that the flavanols in cacao-derived products can be absorbed, have bioactive properties, and thus can be responsible for their beneficial effects on human health. However, it must be considered that their biological actions and underlying molecular mechanisms will depend on the concentrations achieved in their target tissues. Based on the antioxidant properties of cacao flavanols, this review focuses on recent advances in research regarding their potential to improve metabolic syndrome risk factors. Additionally, it has included other secondary plant metabolites that have been investigated for their protective effects against metabolic syndrome. Studies using laboratory animals or human subjects represent strong available evidence for biological effects of cacao flavanols. Nevertheless, in vitro studies are also included to provide an overview of these phytochemical mechanisms of action. Further studies are needed to determine if the main cacao flavanols or their metabolites are responsible for the observed health benefits and which are their precise molecular mechanisms.

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/4/751/pdf

Cocoa Flavanols: Natural Agents with Attenuating Effects on Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors.

Experimental confounding factors affecting stability, transport and metabolism of flavanols and hydroxycinnamic acids in Caco-2 cells

Dietary changes are a major lifestyle factor that can influence the progression of chronic diseases such as diabetes. Recently, flavanols, a subgroup of plant-derived phytochemicals called flavonoids, have gained increasing attention, due to studies showing an inverse correlation between dietary intake of flavanols and incidence of diabetes. Flavanoids in the cocoa plant may ameliorate insulin resistance by improving endothelial function, altering glucose metabolism, and reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress has been proposed as the main culprit for insulin resistance. The well-established effects of cocoa on endothelial function also points to a possible effect on insulin sensitivity. The relationship between insulin resistance and endothelial function is a reciprocal one. Overall, the evidence from these studies suggests that cocoa may be useful in slowing the progression to type 2 diabetes and ameliorating insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome. Additionally, results from several small studies indicate that cocoa may also have therapeutic potential in preventing cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Studies highlighting the potential of cocoa-containing diets, in large-randomized controlled trials should be performed which might give us a better opportunity to analyze the potential health-care benefit for reducing the risk of complications in diabetic patients at molecular level.

/pdf/use-of-dark-chocolate-for-diabetic-patients-a-review-of-the-4jcs1p69uc.pdf

Use of dark chocolate for diabetic patients: a review of the literature and current evidence

Dear Sir,Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a protease that binds to the extracellular compartment of the LDL receptor, hence, targeting the LDL receptor to the lysosomal comp...

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/20009666.2017.1340732

Evolocumab to reduce cardiovascular events: results of the (FOURIER) multinational trial.

May-Thurner syndrome (MTS)/Iliac vein compression syndrome is characterized by left iliac vein stenosis secondary to compression by the right common iliac artery against the fifth-lumbar vertebra. It increases the incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). We had a 43-year-old female presenting with left leg swelling and was found to have extensive DVT provoked by a long history of travel. Because of the extension of her thrombus, a catheter-guided thrombectomy (CDT) was planned and findings of MTS were identified incidentally. She had an endovascular stent placed and was discharged on long-term anticoagulation.

/pdf/may-thurner-syndrome-a-suspicion-that-led-to-an-incidental-1vqvnbia.pdf

May-Thurner Syndrome: A Suspicion That Led to an Incidental Discovery

Caecal volvulus is an uncommon surgical condition affecting mostly females in their second and third decade of life. It is of vital importance that the general surgeon recognises, resuscitates, diagnoses, and effectively treats these cases in a timely manner to maximise the chance of a positive outcome for the patient. Whilst there are several types of caecal volvulus, the treatment involves, in most cases, surgical intervention. There is a wide variety of surgical interventions that can be performed, ranging from caecopexy or fixation to lateral wall to performing a right hemicolectomy with primary ileocolic anastomosis. There are several factors that influence this decision and can also be based on an individual surgeon's expertise and experience. We present a case of a 21-year-old female who presented to our Emergency Department with lower abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. She was diagnosed with caecal volvulus with the aid of CT imaging, following which she underwent laparotomy in which caecal volvulus was noted. She underwent appendicectomy and caecopexy and was discharged after an uneventful recovery on post-operative day five and remains well on follow-up.

/pdf/caecal-volvulus-untwisting-the-twisted-a-case-report-and-2mskvjj7.pdf

Caecal Volvulus, Untwisting the Twisted: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background: Insertion of chest drains is a commonly performed procedure for pneumothorax, haemothorax, pleural effusion and empyema. Daily chest X-rays (CXR) to confirm position, interval change and decide on removal are advised. Post-removal CXR should be performed and reviewed in a timely manner to ensure early detection of complications or recurrence. Current care bundles cover documentation for insertion and management of drain but do not specifically include removal. Our aims are to assess time interval between a CXR post chest drain removal being filmed and being reviewed at our institution and assess quality of documentation of chest drain care. 

AB110. SOH23ABS_004. Are chest X-rays being reviewed at an appropriate time following chest drain removal?—a single Irish centre experience and literature review

Ahmed Nabeel Kazi

Papers

Use of dark chocolate for diabetic patients: a review of the literature and current evidence

Evolocumab to reduce cardiovascular events: results of the (FOURIER) multinational trial.

May-Thurner Syndrome: A Suspicion That Led to an Incidental Discovery

Caecal Volvulus, Untwisting the Twisted: A Case Report and Literature Review

AB110. SOH23ABS_004. Are chest X-rays being reviewed at an appropriate time following chest drain removal?—a single Irish centre experience and literature review