Conclusions-SCS is eVective in preventing hospital admissions in patients with refractory angina, without masking serious ischaemic symptoms or leading to silent infarction. (Heart 1999;82:89-92)

Objective: The present study investigated the effects of consuming chocolate on electroencephalograph (EEG) frequencies and localization and on blood pressure. Method: Across six conditions, 122 participants consumed either higher (60%) cacao chocolate, low (0%) cacao chocolate, higher cacao chocolate + L-theanine, high sugar water, low sugar water, or water. EEGs, blood pressure, and mood were measured before and after a 60-min digestion period. Results: Analyses indicated a decrease in frontal, parietal, and temporal theta and an increase in occipital beta EEG following the consumption of a 60% cacao confection compared with control conditions. Diastolic blood pressure increased with the consumption of higher cacao chocolate when compared to water alone and to higher cacao chocolate + L-theanine. Diastolic and systolic blood pressure decreased following consumption of higher cacao + L-theanine chocolate, averaging 4-8 mmHg. No condition-specific mood changes or gender differences were found. Conclusions: This study suggests an acute stimulating effect of cacao on the human brain and vasoconstrictive effects on peripheral vasculature, the latter of which appear to be offset by an L-theanine additive. Significance: This is the first known study to investigate acute EEG effects of consuming chocolate and suggests a potential attention-enhancing effect.

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Small bowel obstruction (SBO) in adults is most commonly caused by postoperative adhesions, hernias or neoplasms. Here, we report a unique case of SBO caused by a bifid omental band in a 65-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Abdominal and pelvic computed tomography showed dilation of mid-small bowel suggestive of partial SBO. An abdominal x-ray and small bowel series confirmed a high grade SBO. When initial conservative treatment failed, exploratory laparoscopy was performed and it was discovered that the patient had a bifid omental band encircling the small bowel, resulting in obstruction. Following resection of the band, she had an uneventful post-surgical recovery.