In the brain, brief episodes of ischemia induce tolerance against a subsequent severe episode of ischemia. This phenomenon of endogenous neuroprotection is known as preconditioning-induced ischemic tolerance. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge about mechanisms and potential applications of cerebral preconditioning and ischemic tolerance. Articles related to the terms ischemic preconditioning and ischemic tolerance were systematically searched via MEDLINE/PubMed, and articles published in English related to the nervous system were selected and analyzed. The past two decades have provided interesting insights into the molecular mechanisms of this neuroprotective phenomenon. Although both rapid and delayed types of tolerance have been documented in experimental settings, the delayed type has been found to be more prominent in the case of neuronal ischemic tolerance. Many intracellular signaling pathways have been implicated regarding ischemic preconditioning. Most of these are associated with membrane receptors, kinase cascades, and transcription factors. Moreover, ischemic tolerance can be induced by exposing animals or cells to diverse types of endogenous and exogenous stimuli that are not necessarily hypoxic or ischemic in nature. These cross-tolerances raise the hope that, in the future, it will be possible to pharmacologically activate or mimic ischemic tolerance in the human brain. Another promising approach is remote preconditioning in which preconditioning of one organ or system leads to the protection of a different (remote) organ that is difficult to target, such as the brain. The preconditioning strategy and related interventions can confer neuroprotection in experimental ischemia, and, thus, have promise for practical applications in cases of vascular neurosurgery and endo-vascular therapy.
Animals ; Brain ; Brain Ischemia ; Humans ; Hydrazines ; Ischemia ; Ischemic Preconditioning ; Membranes ; Nervous System ; Neurons ; Neurosurgery ; Phosphotransferases ; Transcription Factors

Purpose: Residents’ gender, residency level, and hospital types might influence their attitudes towards clinical supervision (CS); however, reports of its impact on cardiology residency are nonexistent. We explore the effect of gender, residency level, and hospital location’s effect on Indonesian cardiology trainees’ attitudes towards CS. Methods: A multi-centered, cross-sectional study was conducted. We invited 490 Indonesian cardiology residents in September– October 2019 to complete the Cardiology CS Scale. Residents’ attitudes, gender, university, and residency year were expressed using descriptive statistics. A Mann-Whitney test analyzed the gender and university location effect on residents’ attitudes. Training year and university’s impact were subjected to the Kruskal-Wallis test; a p-value of <0.05 reflected a significant result. Results: A total of 388 residents agreed to participate (response rate=79.18%). Most of them were male (n=229 [59,02%]), attended universities in Java Island (n=262 [67,52%]), and were in their 2nd–3rd year of training (n=95 [24.48%], each). There were no significant differences in residents’ attitudes between genders (U [Nmale=229, Nfemale=159]=17,908.50, z=-0.27, p=0.78). Generally, their attitudes were significantly affected by the university (H(7)=47.38, p<0.01). However, the university location (located in Java Island or outside Java Island) does not affect residents’ attitude towards CS (U [NJava=262, Nnon-Java=126]=15,237.00, z=-1.23, p=0.22). In addition, the residents’ training year also affected the residents’ response (H(2)=14.278, p<0.01). Conclusion Cardiology residents’ attitudes towards CS are significantly influenced by training year and university but not gender or university location. The results might provide insightful information for further improvement of CS in cardiology training and guide further evaluation.

Background/Aims: Amitriptyline is prescribed off-label for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We conducted a meta-analysis to assess its efficacy. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted until November 10, 2023, using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to study the efficacy of amitriptyline in patients with IBS. We included all randomized controlled trials that compared amitriptyline to placebo. Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of studies. Meta-analyses were performed using a bivariate random-effects model. Statistical analyses were performed using R Software 4.2.3 and heterogeneity was assessed with I 2 statistics. Results: Seven trials were included with 796 patients (61% female). Amitriptyline was associated with better treatment response (OR, 5.30; 95% CI, 2.47 to 11.39; P < 0.001), reduced Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scores (MD, –50.72; 95% CI, –94.23 to –7.20; P = 0.020) and improved diarrhea (OR, 10.55; 95% CI, 2.90 to 38.41; P < 0.001). No significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the adverse effects was observed. Three trials showed an overall low risk of bias, 2 trials showed an overall high risk of bias due to randomization and missing data, and 2 trials had some concerns regarding missing data. Conclusions Amitriptyline was found to be well-tolerated and effective in treating IBS compared to placebo. These findings support the use of amitriptyline for the management of IBS, particularly among patients with the IBS diarrhea subtype. Future research should focus on the dose-dependent effects of amitriptyline in IBS to better guide clinicians in personalized titration regimens.

Background/Aims: Amitriptyline is prescribed off-label for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We conducted a meta-analysis to assess its efficacy. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted until November 10, 2023, using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to study the efficacy of amitriptyline in patients with IBS. We included all randomized controlled trials that compared amitriptyline to placebo. Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of studies. Meta-analyses were performed using a bivariate random-effects model. Statistical analyses were performed using R Software 4.2.3 and heterogeneity was assessed with I 2 statistics. Results: Seven trials were included with 796 patients (61% female). Amitriptyline was associated with better treatment response (OR, 5.30; 95% CI, 2.47 to 11.39; P < 0.001), reduced Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scores (MD, –50.72; 95% CI, –94.23 to –7.20; P = 0.020) and improved diarrhea (OR, 10.55; 95% CI, 2.90 to 38.41; P < 0.001). No significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the adverse effects was observed. Three trials showed an overall low risk of bias, 2 trials showed an overall high risk of bias due to randomization and missing data, and 2 trials had some concerns regarding missing data. Conclusions Amitriptyline was found to be well-tolerated and effective in treating IBS compared to placebo. These findings support the use of amitriptyline for the management of IBS, particularly among patients with the IBS diarrhea subtype. Future research should focus on the dose-dependent effects of amitriptyline in IBS to better guide clinicians in personalized titration regimens.

Background/Aims: Amitriptyline is prescribed off-label for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We conducted a meta-analysis to assess its efficacy. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted until November 10, 2023, using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to study the efficacy of amitriptyline in patients with IBS. We included all randomized controlled trials that compared amitriptyline to placebo. Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the quality of studies. Meta-analyses were performed using a bivariate random-effects model. Statistical analyses were performed using R Software 4.2.3 and heterogeneity was assessed with I 2 statistics. Results: Seven trials were included with 796 patients (61% female). Amitriptyline was associated with better treatment response (OR, 5.30; 95% CI, 2.47 to 11.39; P < 0.001), reduced Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptom Severity Scores (MD, –50.72; 95% CI, –94.23 to –7.20; P = 0.020) and improved diarrhea (OR, 10.55; 95% CI, 2.90 to 38.41; P < 0.001). No significant difference between the 2 groups regarding the adverse effects was observed. Three trials showed an overall low risk of bias, 2 trials showed an overall high risk of bias due to randomization and missing data, and 2 trials had some concerns regarding missing data. Conclusions Amitriptyline was found to be well-tolerated and effective in treating IBS compared to placebo. These findings support the use of amitriptyline for the management of IBS, particularly among patients with the IBS diarrhea subtype. Future research should focus on the dose-dependent effects of amitriptyline in IBS to better guide clinicians in personalized titration regimens.

Seeds of a Chinese traditional medicine plant, Cochinchina momordica were used in the present study for the improvement of influenza vaccine (H5N1) in chicken. Crude extraction from Cochinchina momordica seed (ECMS) was obtained by ethanol extraction method. In experiment No. 1, two weeks old chickens were immunized with influenza vaccine (H5N1) alone or combined with ECMS (5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 microg/dose). Serum IgG antibody levels (by ELISA) as well as effects on daily weight gain were measured on 0, 7, 14 and 28th day after immunization. Results revealed that all ECMS groups numerically increased the antibody levels while 10 and 20 microg/dose groups significantly (P<0.05) enhanced total IgG antibody on day 28, when compared with control. Average daily weight gain was also significantly higher in 20 microg/dose ECMS group. Adjuvant effect was also confirmed in experiment No. 2 when chickens were immunized with 20 microg/dose ECMS and antibody titer was measured through hemagglutination inhibition (HI). It is concluded that ECMS has potential to improve the immune responses and deserve further study as an adjuvant.
Agriculture ; methods ; Animals ; Chickens ; Drug Combinations ; Drug Synergism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; drug effects ; Influenza Vaccines ; administration & dosage ; Influenza in Birds ; prevention & control ; Magnoliopsida ; chemistry ; Poultry Diseases ; prevention & control ; Seeds ; chemistry ; Treatment Outcome ; Vaccination ; methods

Environmental pollution affects the quality of pedosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere and biosphere. Great efforts have been made in the last two decades to reduce pollution sources and remedy the polluted soil and water resources. Phytoremediation, being more cost-effective and fewer side effects than physical and chemical approaches, has gained increasing popularity in both academic and practical circles. More than 400 plant species have been identified to have potential for soil and water remediation. Among them, Thlaspi, Brassica, Sedum alfredii H., and Arabidopsis species have been mostly studied. It is also expected that recent advances in biotechnology will play a promising role in the development of new hyperaccumulators by transferring metal hyperaccumulating genes from low biomass wild species to the higher biomass producing cultivated species in the times to come. This paper attempted to provide a brief review on recent progresses in research and practical applications of phytoremediation for soil and water resources.
Biodegradation, Environmental ; Metals, Heavy ; metabolism ; Soil Pollutants ; metabolism ; Water Pollutants, Chemical ; metabolism

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and characteristics of second primary malignancy (SPM) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treated at a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 221 patients who underwent surgery with or without adjuvant treatment for head and neck cancer from 2000 to 2002. Data of age, sex, risk factors, sites of primary and SPM, TNM stage of primary tumor, incidence of SPM, and survival were collected from medical charts. RESULTS: Eighteen patients developed SPM during a median follow-up of 67 months, with an overall incidence of 8.14%. In addition, 77.7% of SPMs occurred in the oral cavity, followed by 11% in the lungs. The 5-year overall survival after the diagnosis of SPM in the head or neck was 70%, compared to 30% for SPM in other body regions. CONCLUSION: Considering a high incidence of SPM, i.e., 8.14%, in a mean follow-up period of 67 months suggests the need for long-term follow-up. Since treatment of SPM has shown an acceptable survival rate, early detection and curative therapy should be emphasized.
Body Regions ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Diagnosis ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Head and Neck Neoplasms* ; Head* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lung ; Medical Records ; Mouth ; Neck ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate ; Tertiary Healthcare

Hypertension is one of the most prevalent diseases in the developed and developing countries. Based on the long historical association and the provocative findings of blood pressure effects at low level of lead exposure a study was carried out to determine if an association existed between low blood lead concentration and hypertension. In this study the effects of low-level exposure to lead on blood pressure were examined among 244 adults using atomic absorption spectrometer. For quality assurance purpose certified reference materials i.e., Animal blood A-13, Bovine liver 1577 and cotton cellulose V-9 from IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and NIST (National Institute of Standard Technology) were analyzed under identical experimental conditions. The mean age of hypertensive adults was 52 years (range 43 - 66). The mean values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were (209+/-11.7) (range 170 - 250) and (117+/-3.9) (range 105 - 140) mmHg respectively. Blood lead concentration ranged from 78 - 201 microg/L with a mean of 139 microg/L and 165 - 497 microg/L with a mean of 255 microg/L in normal and hypertensive adults respectively. Increase in systolic blood pressure was significantly predictive with increase in blood lead levels. Body mass index (BMI) and lipid profile including total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride correlated with blood pressure.
Adult ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Environmental Exposure ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; chemically induced ; Lead ; blood ; toxicity ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Exposure

The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a strong candidate gene for myocardial infarction (MI). Insertion-deletion dimorphism in intron 16 of this gene has been inconclusively found to be associated with it. Several new polymorphisms in the ACE gene have been identified and among these, a dimorphism in exon 17, ACE G2350A, has a significant effect on plasma ACE concentrations. To assess the value of genotyping the ACE G2350A dimorphism in a genetically homogeneous population, we carried out a case-control study of dimorphism G2350A for a putative association with MI among Pakistani nationals. We investigated a sample population of 370 Pakistanis, comprising 163 controls, and 207 patients with clinical diagnosis of acute MI (AMI). ACE G2350A alleles were visualized by assays based on polymerase chain reaction and restriction endonuclease analysis. Frequencies of G alleles were 0.68 among controls and 0.72 among AMI patients. The ACE G2350A dimorphism showed no significant association with MI (c2=0.90, 2 df, P=0.64), plasma levels of homocysteine (P=0.52) or with serum levels of folate (P=0.299). The results indicate that ACE G2350A polymorphism is not associated with risk of myocardial infarction in the Pakistani population investigated here.
Adult ; Aged ; Exons/*genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genetics, Population ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Mutation ; Myocardial Infarction/blood/*genetics ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/blood/*genetics ; *Polymorphism, Genetic ; Predictive Value of Tests