scholarly journals Cacao as a Globalised Functional Food: Review on Cardiovascular Effects of Chocolate Consumption

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-51
Author(s):  
Marco Valussi ◽  
Clara Minto
Keyword(s):  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Health Benefits ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Cardiometabolic Health ◽  
Vascular Endothelial ◽  
Medicinal Uses ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
History Of ◽  
Cacao Plant

Polyphenols have increasingly been studied for their influence on cardiometabolic health. Since cacao and chocolate can be a rich source of polyphenols, they too have been investigated for their supposed health benefits. In the first part of this paper the history of the food and medicinal uses of the cacao plant was briefly examined. A particular emphasis has been placed on the analysis of the process of transformation of the cacao seed into chocolate, since many of the processing steps involved have important consequences on the final product’s content in polyphenols and flavanols, and hence on the purported beneficial activity of chocolate. This evaluation is also of great importance in interpreting the results of the epidemiological and clinical studies. The relevant literature was surveyed in the second part of the paper, and the results for the consumption of polyphenol-rich chocolate are that it is well correlated to a reduction of the overall cardiovascular risk, and of arterial blood pressure in hypertensive subjects. Less corroborated are the positive effects on vascular endothelial health, on blood lipids and on lipid peroxidation. There are also preliminary but promising results for a positive action on insulin sensitivity, platelet function and inflammation. It remains to be seen whether and how these results can be translated into pragmatic guidelines on the health benefits of the consumption of commercial chocolate bars or products.

scholarly journals Phytochemical, Antioxidant and Toxicological Investigation of Morinda citrifolia L. Blossoms

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shixin Deng ◽  
Brett J. West ◽  
'Afa K. Palu ◽  
C. Jarakae Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Activity ◽  
Iridoid Glycosides ◽  
Radical Scavenging ◽  
Morinda Citrifolia ◽  
Preliminary Evaluation ◽  
Medicinal Uses ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
History Of ◽  
Toxicological Investigation ◽  
Phytochemical Components

Noni blossoms have a long history of medicinal uses in tropical areas. This study was conducted to investigate the major phytochemical components, toxicological properties, and antioxidant activity of noni blossoms. An HPLC-PDA method was developed and validated for the identification and quantification of major components. The major phytochemicals were iridoid glycosides, deacetylasperulosidic acid and asperulosidic acid, and flavonoids, quercetin-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside and kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside, each present at 3.764, 3.576, 1.513, and 3.096 mg/g, respectively. The aqueous extract of noni blossoms, at 500 μg/mL, exhibited greater antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay than green tea (88.11 ± 0.01% versus 76.60 ± 0.05%). A primary DNA damage test in E. coli PQ37 (SOS-chromotest) and a twenty-four hour brine shrimp toxicity test did not reveal any genotoxic or cytotoxic activity. These results provide a useful reference for the identification of noni blossoms as well as preliminary evaluation of safety and efficacy. Further evaluation of the potential applications of noni blossoms is warranted.

Nivolumab-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus as an immune-related adverse event

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 236-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mesut Yilmaz
Keyword(s):  
Immune Checkpoint ◽  
Pancreatic Beta Cells ◽  
Checkpoint Inhibitors ◽  
Islet Cell Antibodies ◽  
Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection ◽  
Acid Decarboxylase ◽  
Family History Of Diabetes ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
History Of ◽  
Fulminant Diabetes

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors are medications that activate anti-tumor responses by disrupting the inhibitory signaling to T cells. Nivolumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that selectively blocks the programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). Anti-PD-1 agents can breach immunologic tolerance. Fulminant diabetes is an immune endocrinopathy that results from a violent immune attack leading to complete destruction of pancreatic beta cells. We present a rare case of fulminant diabetes precipitated by anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Case A 49-year-old male with a body mass index of 26.4 kg/m2, a history of Dandy–Walker syndrome and epilepsy, and no personal or family history of diabetes underwent left radical nephrectomy and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for stage IV metastatic renal cell carcinoma (metastases to lungs). He received first-line sunitinib treatment for three months. He developed new hepatic metastasis, and a second-line treatment with nivolumab 3 mg/kg every two weeks was introduced. At 10 months of nivolumab, before the 22nd infusion, the patient suddenly complained of severe asthenia, somnolence, weight loss, polydipsia, and polyuria. Laboratory tests revealed potassium 4.2 mmol/L, sodium 138 mmol/L, bicarbonate 17.8 mmol/L, blood glucose 801 mg/dL, and arterial blood pH 7.27. He was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis. Hemoglobin A1C was 10.9%. C-peptide was so low as 0.24. Glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies, insulin autoantibodies and islet cell antibodies were all negative. Conclusion Anti-PD-1 immunotherapy is effective in the treatment of cancers. These agents can precipitate autoimmune disorders. As the use of anti-PD-1 agents is expected to rise, physicians should be educated about the potential side effects.

Testing the Theory of Communication and Uncertainty Management in the Context of Digital Transformation with Transformational Leadership as a Moderator

2021 ◽  
pp. 232948842110239
Author(s):  
Masaki Matsunaga
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Transformational Leadership ◽  
Job Performance ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Uncertainty Management ◽  
Digital Transformation ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Impact

Digital transformation provokes a great deal of uncertainty among employees. To gain insights into how employees manage the uncertainty driven by digital transformation and also how leaders can support them, this study has drawn on the theory of communication and uncertainty management (TCUM), which posits that the impact of uncertainty varies by how individuals appraise it and social support enhances positive appraisal. Based on those tenets, the current study advanced the following hypotheses: (a) uncertainty has direct and indirect negative effects on employees’ appraisal of digital transformation, self-efficacy, and job performance; (b) in contrast, direct supervisors’ transformational leadership has direct and indirect positive effects on appraisal, self-efficacy, and job performance; and also (c) transformational leadership moderates the impact of uncertainty. SEM with 4-wave time-separated data ( N = 873 employee-supervisor dyads in Japan) found support for these hypotheses. The obtained findings are discussed with reference to TCUM, transformational leadership, and other relevant literature.

Cardiovascular effects of opioid antagonist naloxone in rostral ventrolateral medulla of rabbits

1990 ◽  
Vol 258 (2) ◽  
pp. R325-R331 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. Morilak ◽  
G. Drolet ◽  
J. Chalmers
Keyword(s):  
Pressor Response ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla ◽  
Endogenous Opioids ◽  
Opioid Antagonist ◽  
Ventrolateral Medulla ◽  
Inhibitory Influence ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Depressor Effect

We have examined the influence of endogenous opioids on the basal and reflex control of arterial blood pressure in the pressor region of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) of chloralose-anesthetized rabbits. We tested basal effects both in intact animals and after hypotensive hemorrhage. Bilateral administration of the opiod antagonist naloxone (20 nmol, 100 nl) directly into the RVLM induced a gradual and prolonged increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) (+17 +/- 2 mmHg). This was preceded by a brief and mild depressor effect (-9 +/- 3 mmHg), which was attributable to a transient reduction in excitability immediately after naloxone injection. When naloxone was administered into the RVLM after hemorrhage (20 ml/kg), it improved recovery of MAP relative to saline controls, again producing a gradual, prolonged pressor response (+29 +/- 5 mmHg). The effect of naloxone on a baroreflex in intact animals was only transient, with a brief, nonsignificant attenuation of the reflex depressor response to aortic nerve stimulation. We conclude that endogenous opioids exert a tonic inhibitory influence on RVLM pressor neurons and that this input remains active after hemorrhage. The RVLM may thus be one site for the beneficial effects of naloxone in preventing circulatory decompensation after hemorrhage. In contrast, opioid neurons are not an essential component of baroreflex-mediated sympathoinhibition in the RVLM.

scholarly journals Cannabinoids on the Brain

2002 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 632-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. Irving ◽  
Mark G. Rae ◽  
Angela A. Coutts
Keyword(s):  
Cannabinoid Receptor ◽  
Endocannabinoid System ◽  
Medicinal Uses ◽  
Cellular Targets ◽  
Analgesic Effects ◽  
Current State ◽  
History Of ◽  
New Type ◽  
Reward Pathways ◽  
The Brain

Cannabis has a long history of consumption both for recreational and medicinal uses. Recently there have been significant advances in our understanding of how cannabis and related compounds (cannabinoids) affect the brain and this review addresses the current state of knowledge of these effects. Cannabinoids act primarily via two types of receptor, CB1and CB2, with CB1receptors mediating most of the central actions of cannabinoids. The presence of a new type of brain cannabinoid receptor is also indicated. Important advances have been made in our understanding of cannabinoid receptor signaling pathways, their modulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity, the cellular targets of cannabinoids in different central nervous system (CNS) regions and, in particular, the role of the endogenous brain cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) system. Cannabinoids have widespread actions in the brain: in the hippocampus they influence learning and memory; in the basal ganglia they modulate locomotor activity and reward pathways; in the hypothalamus they have a role in the control of appetite. Cannabinoids may also be protective against neurodegeneration and brain damage and exhibit anticonvulsant activity. Some of the analgesic effects of cannabinoids also appear to involve sites within the brain. These advances in our understanding of the actions of cannabinoids and the brain endocannabinoid system have led to important new insights into neuronal function which are likely to result in the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of a number of key CNS disorders.

scholarly journals Cardiovascular effects of lumbar epidural anaesthesia in isoflurane-anaesthetised pigs during surgical removal of the liver

2009 ◽  
Vol 80 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
G.F. Stegmann
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Abdominal Surgery ◽  
Epidural Anaesthesia ◽  
Cardiovascular Effects ◽  
Surgical Removal ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
Combined Administration ◽  
Lumbar Epidural Anaesthesia ◽  
Surgical Preparation

In humans the combined administration of epidural anaesthesia and inhalation anaesthesia may result in cardiovascular instability associated with decreases in heart rate and blood pressure. Anaesthesia was induced with a combination of midazolam / ketamine in 18 female pigs with a mean body weight of 24.9±5.9 kg scheduled for surgical removal of the liver. After tracheal intubation, anaesthesia was maintained on a circle rebreathing circuit with isoflurane. Epidural anaesthesia was administered with ropivacaine (AL-group, n=8) at 0.2 mℓ / kg of a 7.5 mg / mℓ solution to the anaesthetised animals. The A-group (n = 10) received isoflurane anaesthesia only. The vaporiser was set at 2.5 % for the A-group and 1.5 % for the AL-group. Heart rate, invasive systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure were monitored. Comparisons were made between treatments and within treatments comparing variables during surgical preparation and abdominal surgery. Differences between treatments were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) during surgical preparation or during abdominal surgery. For within treatment groups, the differences between surgical preparation and abdominal surgery were statistically significant (P < 0.05) for heart rate in the A-group, but not statistically significant (P > 0.05) for the other variables. It is concluded that abdominal surgery may be associated with statistically significant changes in heart rate in isoflurane-anaesthetised pigs and that the combined administration of epidural ropivacaine may prevent statistically significant changes in HR during abdominal surgery.

scholarly journals A Review of Medicinal Uses and Pharmacological Activities of Tridax Procumbens (L.)

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Beck ◽  
Heather Mathison ◽  
Toma Todorov ◽  
Esli-Armando Calderon-Juarez ◽  
Olga R. Kopp
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Metabolites ◽  
Preventive Treatment ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Medicinal Uses ◽  
Open Access Journals ◽  
Tridax Procumbens ◽  
History Of ◽  
Tropical Areas ◽  
Phytochemical Components

Tridax procumbens is a very promising species that produces secondary metabolites reported to have a variety of medicinal uses including among others, anti-anemic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anesthetic properties. This species has a long history of traditional use by different communities. This study aimed to review the scientific literature regarding the medicinal properties, biological activity and phytochemical components of T. procumbens, a member of the Asteraceae family that originated in Central and South America. An extensive literature review was done using Metadatabase EDS, MedLine (PubMed), Science Direct, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, Scielo, DOAJ Directory of Open Access Journals, JSTOR, and other sources to find information relevant to the medicinal uses of T. procumbens. At total of 130 studies were found that contained information about T. procumbens. Some of the papers were not included because of the relevance to this study, ending with a total of 111 relevant citations reported here. This review shows the importance of more studies to understand the potential of T. procumbens’ secondary metabolites for medicinal or preventive treatment, making it a promising ethnobotanical resource. This review provides important information of this species and indicates that this species could be an effective, safe and affordable treatment for some ailments, especially in tropical areas where this plant is native and widely distributed.

scholarly journals The effects of a history of seizures during pregnancy on umbilical arterial blood gas values in pregnant women with epilepsy

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ozhan Ozdemir ◽  
Mustafa Erkan Sari ◽  
Funda Arpaci Ertugrul ◽  
Aslihan Kurt ◽  
Vefa Selimova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Blood Gas ◽  
Arterial Blood Gas ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
History Of

scholarly journals Impact of oxygen therapy to ameliorate contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing emergency angiography; a double-blinded clinical trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 283-288
Author(s):  
Tahere Zarouk Ahimahalle ◽  
Abdollah Amirfarhangi ◽  
Mosadegh Jabbari ◽  
Aria Jenabi ◽  
Hadia Bagherzadegan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Acute Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Serum Creatinine ◽  
Oxygen Therapy ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Contrast Induced Nephropathy ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
Arterial Blood ◽  
History Of ◽  
Double Blinded

Introduction: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is one of the major causes of acute kidney injury. Objectives: Regarding an increase in mortality and morbidity in patients with CIN, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of oxygen therapy in prevention of the CIN in individuals with acute coronary syndrome undergoing emergent angiography. Patients and Methods: This study was a double-blinded clinical trial with control group (parallel design), randomized, and with a sample size of 204 individuals conducted on male or female patients over 35 years old and suspected of coronary artery disease undergoing emergent angiography refereed to Rasoul Akram hospital in 2018. Participants were divided into 2 groups (supplementary oxygen and oxygen-free groups). The first group received two to three liters of oxygen per minute from 10 minutes before the start of the procedure until the end of the procedure, and the second group inhaled the oxygen in the room air. Arterial blood gas (ABG) was taken prior to receiving oxygen and at the end of the procedure. Serum creatinine level was tested for all individuals before and 48 hours after the procedure. Results: The mean age in intervention and control groups was 61.66 ± 14.64 years and 60.49 ± 11.59 years, respectively (P=0.54). Mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and serum creatinine before and after angiography was not significantly different (P>0.05). There was a significant difference between the two genders regarding the development of CIN (P=0.002), which was higher in women from that of men. Female gender was a strong risk factor and approximately increased four times the risk of CIN (OR = 4.1; (P=0.001). History of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hypertension (HTN) also produced such a situation (OR = 22.37; P=0.007). Conclusion: According to the results, oxygen therapy has no effect on the occurrence of CIN. It is also found that female gender, history of CKD and hypertension are risk factors for CIN.

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