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The effect of nicotine on heart rate variability ( HRV) is controversial. Autonomic nervous system is the main regulator of heart rhythm, and heart rate variability is an appropriate index to assessment of the effects of the autonomic system on heart., In this study, the combination effect of nicotine and black tea consumption on sympatho-vagal balance and heart rate variability was investigated in rats., Male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups as control, tea (2.5 g/100 cc, daily), nicotine (2 mg/kg/d) and tea plus nicotine groups which treated for 28 days, and in the 29th day, their electrocardiograms (lead II) were recorded., The mean of high-frequency power ( HF) in tea, nicotine and tea plus nicotine groups was significantly more than control group ( P < .05), and low-frequency power/high-frequency power ( LF/ HF) ratio in the nicotine and tea + nicotine groups was significantly less than control group ( P < .05). LF values did not differ significantly among groups. Mean of standard deviation of normal RR intervals ( SDNN) and square root of the mean squared differences of successive RR intervals ( RMSSD) increased significantly in tea, nicotine and tea + nicotine groups in comparison with control group ( P < .05), Overall, 4-week administration of black tea, nicotine or their combination with dosages used in this study can increase the heart rate variability and improve the sympatho-vagal balance in rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study described the morphological features of the Persian leopard ( Panthera pardus saxicolor) tongue using light and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The keratinized filiform papillae were distributed all over the entire dorsal surface of the tongue and contained small processes. They were changed into a cylindrical shape in the body and conical shape in the root. The fungiform papillae were found on the apex and margin of the tongue. Few taste pores were observed on the dorsal surface of each papilla. The foliate papillae on the margins of the tongue were composed of several laminae and epithelial fissures. Taste buds were not seen within the non-keratinized epithelium. The vallate papillae were six in total and arranged in a 'V' shape just rostral to the root. Each papilla was surrounded by a groove and pad. Taste buds were seen within their lateral walls. Lyssa was visible on the ventral surface of the tongue tip and was found as cartilaginous tissue surrounded by thin connective tissue fibres. The core of the tongue was composed of lingual glands, skeletal muscle and connective tissue. These glands were confined to the posterior portion of the tongue and were composed of many serous cells and a few mucous cells. The results of this study contributed to the knowledge of the morphological characteristics of the tongue of wild mammals and provided data for the comparison with other mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major factor in long-term impairment is stroke. Patients with persistent stroke and severe functional disabilities have few therapy choices. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) may contribute to the regulation of the pathophysiologic processes of ischemic stroke as shown by altered expression of lncRNAs and microRNA (miRNAs) in blood samples of acute ischemic stroke patients. On the other hand, multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) increase neurogenesis, and angiogenesis, dampen neuroinflammation, and boost brain plasticity to improve functional recovery in experimental stroke models. MSCs can be procured from various sources such as the bone marrow, adipose tissue, and peripheral blood. Under the proper circumstances, MSCs can differentiate into a variety of mature cells, including neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Accordingly, the capability of MSCs to exert neuroprotection and also neurogenesis has recently attracted more attention. Nowadays, lncRNAs and miRNAs derived from MSCs have opened new avenues to alleviate stroke symptoms. Accordingly, in this review article, we examined various studies concerning the lncRNAs and miRNAs' role in stroke pathogenesis and delivered an overview of the therapeutic role of MSC-derived miRNAs and lncRNAs in stroke conditions., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background Methadone poisoning/overdose is a global public health problem. We aimed to determine whether methadone poisoning increased cardiac troponin and whether high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) levels predicted the need for intensive care unit admission, intubation, and mortality. Methods and Results This observational, prospective single-center study was done at Loghman-Hakim Hospital (Tehran, Iran) from June 2018 until February 2019. Patients aged >14 years admitted with a diagnosis of methadone exposure were included. Patients were excluded if they had coexisting conditions associated with elevated hs-cTnI levels. An ECG and hs-cTnI levels were obtained on emergency department presentation. Patients were followed up on their need for intubation, intensive care unit admission, and in-hospital mortality. Of 245 included patients (186 [75.9%] men; median age, 33 years), most referred to loss of consciousness (210 cases, 89%). Nineteen (7.7%) patients had hs-cTnI levels of >0.1 ng/mL (positive), and 41 (16.7%) had borderline levels of 0.019 to 0.1 ng/mL. Twenty-three (9.3%) cases were admitted to the intensive care unit, 21 (8.5%) needed intubation, and 5 (2%) died during hospitalization. An hs-cTnI cutoff value of 0.019 ng/mL independently predicted mortality. For optimal concomitant sensitivity and specificity, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted and showed that hs-cTnI had an independent significant association with mortality, with a cutoff value of 0.0365 ng/mL (odds ratio, 38.1; 95% CI, 2.3-641.9; P <0.001). Conclusions Methadone exposure/toxicity is a newly identified cause of elevated hs-cTnI. Values >0.019 ng/mL, and particularly >0.0365 ng/mL, of hs-cTnI predicted mortality in our sample. Future studies should measure troponin levels in methadone maintenance treatment clients to assess the risk of myocardial injury from long-term exposure.