Zaid Ammari

Role of closed loop stimulation pacing (CLS) in vasovagal syncope: RUZIEH et al.

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) or neurocardiogenic syncope is defined by transient loss of consciousness with spontaneous and rapid recovery. Recently, a closed loop stimulation (CLS) pacing system has emerged as a new strategy which appears superior to conventional pacing for patients with refractory syncope. However, its efficacy remains of considerable debate and large randomized controlled clinical trials are needed. Between 2002 and 2017, 12 total studies evaluated the use of CLS pacing in patients with refractory VVS, and are summarized in this article.

Characterization of phenolic compounds extracted from wheat protein fractions using high-performance liquid chromatography/liquid chromatography mass spectrometry in relation to anti-allergenic, anti-oxidant, anti-hypertension, and anti-diabetic properties

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to identify novel natural bioactive phenolic compounds with anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-diabetic properties in wheat protein fractions. Free and bound phenolic compounds were isolated from the albumin, glutelin-1, glutelin-2, prolamin, and globulin wheat protein fractions. The biological properties of the extracted phenolics were analyzed in vitro using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, angiotensin-1 converting enzyme assays, and α-amylase assays. The free and bound phenolic compounds were identified using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry methods. The aromatic rings in globulin were the highest in both before and after the removal of phenolic compounds (1.13 and 1.05 mg/g). The highest values of angiotensin-1 converting enzyme inhibitory and α-amylase inhibition (%) were obtained in glutelin-1 (73.17 and 96.41%, respectively) before removal phenolic compounds. The biological activity was affected by the presence or absence of phenolic compounds. Allergenicity was minimized in the presence of phenolic compounds. Correlation coefficients between wheat protein fractions and biological properties are described.

Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma with Unusual Cardiac Metastasis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Alveolar soft part sarcoma is a very uncommon soft tissue malignancy which accounts for <1% of soft tissue sarcoma. It is a malignant and highly vascular tumor arising most commonly in the musculature of the lower extremities, with metastasis primarily to the lungs, bones, and brain. Cardiac metastasis is very rare and only 5 cases have been reported in the literature so far. We report a case of a young woman with a history of surgically resected alveolar soft part sarcoma of left thigh who presented with persistent dry cough and was found to have a cardiac mass, which on biopsy proved to be alveolar soft part sarcoma.

STEROID-INDUCED DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS IN A PATIENT WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

ABSTRACT Objective: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is usually associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus; however, it is increasingly being recognized in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Triggering factors usually involve infections and poor medication adherence. Other potential triggers are myocardial infarction, antipsychotic drug usage, malignancy, and cerebrovascular accidents. No case of steroid-induced DKA in a patient with T2DM has been reported in the literature. Methods: Clinical and laboratory data are presented. Results: We present a case of a middle-aged patient with a history of well-controlled T2DM via metformin. The patient was started on oral prednisone for lumbar disc herniation, and then presented with acute DKA. No other trigger for DKA but steroid initiation was found. Conclusion: We conclude that patients with diabetes who receive glucocorticoids should be monitored carefully, as steroids can precipitate DKA. This may occur in the absence of any other triggering factor, and e...