Branched Chain Amino Acids: Causal or Predictive of Type 2 Diabetes

Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAA) have been associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. However, there is not concrete understanding on whether BCAA is playing a causal factor or a predictive factor for type 2 diabetes. The aim of this review is to understand how Branched Chain Amino Acids act as a predictive biomarker of type 2 diabetes (T2D) or causal factor in insulin resistance. Two mechanisms have been proposed, but not enough studies have been done to prove which is true. There is still a lot of unknowns in BCAA mechanisms and how it affects metabolic disorders. Future study recommendations have been made to further understand BCAA pertaining to T2D and other metabolic disorders. After reviewing current studies, there is not enough evidence to confirm whether BCAAs are causative or predictive of T2D

Spontaneous muscle hematomas in a patient with Dengue hemorrhagic fever

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and Dengue shock syndrome manifest in various forms, ranging from petechial skin hemorrhage to life threatening cerebral, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and genitourinary hemorrhages. However it is very rare to have muscle hematomas in DHF. We report a rare case of spontaneous Iliopsoas hematoma complicating Dengue hemorrhagic fever

Student placements within LJMU IT Services: a win-win situation

IT Services have regularly employed student interns for several years. This presentation sets out primarily to highlight the benefits to the students, but also the benefits to IT Services in what we see as a win-win situation.   From the initial placement interview, students are supported throughout their placement working closely with their allocated team. During their placement, they are mentored by staff, which results in the students becoming integral members of their respective teams; additionally, staff develop coaching and mentoring skills.   In recent years, the contribution from students has included:   New Occupational Health system New Power BI reports showing Computer usage across the university and analysis of the Postgraduate Taught Survey results New See My Tutor booking system New Support Fund website Designed, procured, configured, and managed the networks in the Student Life and Education buildings and the proposed Law Practice Clinic   These real-world examples from the students themselves (past and present) demonstrates the experience that they have gained, how that complements their academic studies and enhances their employability in the future. As a result, IT Services have now employed four recent graduates, plus other previous placement students have secured employment with employers such as Very, and the University of Liverpool.   This session would be valuable to any staff or departments who are thinking of employing an LJMU student

Multiple cranial nerve palsies in an elderly diabetic

A 60-year-old man presented with multiple cranial nerve palsies on the right side. He was initiated on anti-tubercular treatment in view of lymphocytic pleocytosis on the cerebrospinal fluid study. Although he improved initially, later he worsened with cranial nerve involvement on the contralateral side. A diagnostic procedure was done, and the team reached a definitive diagnosis and patient responded to the targeted therapy