Ischemic preconditioning-induced neuroprotection is associated with differential expression of IL-1beta and IL-1 receptor antagonist in the ischemic cortex.

Ischemic preconditioning (IP) is a phenomenon that organs develop a tolerance toward subsequent lethal ischemic insults. Among the factors that are involved in IP, IL-1beta and its endogenous receptor antagonist IL-1ra have been identified as important players in the induction of IP. The present study investigated whether IP affects the levels of these two antagonistic proteins during tolerance and reperfusion periods after ischemic stroke.

Nematicidal activity of plant essential oils and components from coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis), and valerian (Valeriana wallichii) essential oils against pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus).

Commercial essential oils from 28 plant species were tested for their nematicidal activities against the pine wood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus. Good nematicidal activity against B. xylophilus was achieved with essential oils of coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis), and valerian (Valeriana wallichii).