bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NADPH diaphorase‐positive neurons in the lizard hippocampus: A distinct subpopulation of GABAergic interneurons
Authors: Dávila José C. , Megías Manuel , Andreu Manuel J. , Real María A. , Guirado Salvador
Published: May 2005

We analyzed the distribution and light‐microscopic features of the NADPH diaphorase‐containing structures in the lizard hippocampus, likely to correspond to nitric oxide. We also studied co‐localization of NADPH diaphorase with the neurotransmitter GABA, the calcium‐binding protein parvalbumin, and the neuropeptide somatostatin, in order to examine whether putative nitric oxide‐synthesizing neurons represent a different subpopulation of GABA cells, on which the authors recently reported in lizards. We also studied co‐localization of NADPH diaphorase with parvalbumin or somatostatin in mice to ascertain whether the characteristics of this population in reptiles parallel the situation in mammals. Most of the positive NADPH diaphorase neurons were stained in a Golgi‐like manner and were in the plexiform layers of the lizard hippocampus with morphologies ranging from bipolar to multipolar. Co‐localization with GABA was 100%, and NADPH diaphorase‐positive neurons in the lizard hippocampus did not contain parvalbumin or somatostatin. The results indicate that putative nitric oxide‐synthesizing neurons represent a distinct subpopulation of GABA interneurons in the lizard hippocampus. Two different types of fibers were described in the plexiform layers: one type bearing thick varicosities, and the other thinner ones. We discuss the possibility that at least part of the positive fibers arise from a hypothalamic aminergic nucleus containing the third ventricle, the periventricular hypothalamic organ. Most radial glia were stained almost completely and formed typical end‐feet both at the pia and around capillaries. The results of this study confirm that the capacity for synthesizing nitric oxide is linked to a determined set of neuronal markers depending on the specific brain region, and they provide new resemblances between hippocampal regions in different classes of vertebrates. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Configural association theory and the hippocampal formation: An appraisal and reconfiguration
Authors: Rudy Jerry W. , Sutherland Robert J.
Published: May 2005

Sutherland and Rudy ([1989] Psychobiology 17:129–144) proposed that the hippocampal system is critical to normal learning and memory because of its function as the central part of a configural association system. This system constructs a unique representation of the joint occurrence of the independent elements of a compund. There is evidence consistent with the theory's predictions, however, there also are data that unambiguously demonstrate that, under some conditions, animals lacking an intact hippocampal system acquire configural associations. Thus, Sutherland and Rudy's fundamental assumption cannot be correct. To integrate the supporting and contradictory data, we propose two simple modifications of our position: (1) The critical neural system for configural associations is in cortical circuitry outside the hippocampus, and (2) the output from the hippocampal formation contributes to configural processing by selectively enhancing, thereby making more salient, cortical units representing stimulus conjunctions. This enhancement has two important effects: (1) It decreases the similarity between the configural units representing the co‐occurrence of cues and the units representing the cues, and (2) it increases the rate at which the configural units can acquire associative strength. The modified theory explains why damage to the hippocampal formation only impairs learning on a subset of nonlinear discrimination problems. It also integrates recent data on the effects of hippocampal formation damage on conditioning involving context cues and makes novel predictions about performance on nonlinear discrimination problems and place learning. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
View‐responsive neurons in the primate hippocampal complex
Authors: Rolls Edmund T. , O'Mara Shane M.
Published: May 2005

Recordings were made from single neurons in the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus while macaques were moved on a platform mounted on a free‐moving robot or on wheels in a cue‐controlled 2 m × 2 m × 2 m environment, in order to investigate the representation of space and of spatial memory in the primate hippocampus. The test conditions allowed factors that might account for spatial firing of the cells, including the spatial location where the monkey looked, the place were the monkey was, and the head direction of the monkey, to be identified. The responses of some (“view”) neurons depended on where the monkey was looking in the enviornment, but not on the place of the monkey in the environment. The responses of one other neuron depended on a combination of where the monkey was facing and his place in the test chamber. The response of view‐dependent neurons was affected by occlusion of the visual field. It was possible to show for one neuron that its “view” response rotated with rotation of the test chamber. Some neurons responded to a combination of whole‐body motion and view or place, and one neuron responded in relation to whole‐body movement to a particular place. One neuron responded depending on the place where the monkey was in the environment and relatively independently of view.

The representations of space provided by hippocampal view‐responsive neurons may be useful in forming memories of spatial environments (for example, of where an object has been seen and of where the monkey is as defined by seen views) and, together with whole‐body motion cells, in remembering trajectories through environments, which is of use, for example, in short range spatial navigation. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative morphological analysis of subicular terminals in the rat entorhinal cortex
Authors: van Haeften Theo , Jorritsma‐Byham Barbara , Witter Menno P.
Published: May 2005

In the present report, we describe a morphological and quantitative analysis of subicular synapses in layer V of the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEA) of the rat. Projections from the dorsal subiculum were labeled anterogradely, and areas in LEA showing high terminal density were randomly selected for ultrathin sectioning. More than 400 terminals in LEA were photographed in the electron microscope, and synapse types and postsynaptic targets were identified and, subsequently, quantified with the unbiased disector method. Most subicular terminals appeared to form asymmetrical synapses. A majority of asymmetrical synapses terminated on spines (67.5%), whereas a smaller fraction of asymmetrical synapses (23.5%) terminated on dendritic shafts. A small fraction of the terminals (7%) had symmetrical features. These symmetrical synapses had an almost equal percentage of spines and dendritic shafts as postsynaptic elements. Labeled synapses on somata or axons were never observed. The findings of this study in conjunction with relevant electrophysiological observations (Jones [1987] Neurosci Lett 81:209–214) leads to the conclusion that the subiculo‐entorhinal pathway comprises a large excitatory and a smaller inhibitory projection, both making synaptic contacts with presumed principal neurons and interneurons in the entorhinal cortex. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
L‐Tryptophan and prolactin release: Evidence for interaction between 5‐HT1 and 5‐HT2 receptors
Authors: Charig E. M. , Anderson I. M. , Robinson Sen J. M. , Nutt D. J. , Cowen P. J.
Published: May 2005

The effects of the selective 5‐HT2 receptor antagonist, ritanserin, on the growth hormone (GH) and prolactin (PRL) responses to intravenous L‐tryptophan (LTP) were assessed in 8 normal volunteers. Administration of ritanserin (40 mg orally) prior to infusion of LTP (5 g) significantly enhanced the PRL responses but not those of GH. The results are consistent with previous proposals that the endocrine responses to LTP are mediated by 5‐HT1 rather than 5‐HT2 receptors and also suggest that 5‐HT2 receptor antagonists may increase certain 5‐HT1 mediated responses in the human brain.
High levels of tyramine in some Chinese foodstuffs
Authors: Sung S. K. , Lee C. M. , Young J. D. , Chen C. N.
Published: May 2005

There are many reports regarding the risk of hypertensive crisis when tyramine‐containing food is taken together with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Thus, psychiatric patients taking MAOIs are routinely given dietary warning cards. However, most of these cards have been prepared according to assays of tyramine in Western food samples. We now report the detection of high levels of tyramine (ranging from 0.02 to 43.0 μmol/g) in some common Chinese foods, including fermented bean curd, soy sauce and fermented soya bean.
The lack of CNS effects of nizatidine, with and without alcohol, on psychomotor ability and cognitive function
Authors: Hindmarch I. , Gilburt S.
Published: May 2005

The aim of the study was to measure the effects of nizatidine (150 mg, 300 mg, and 600 mg), with and without alcohol (0.5 g/kg body weight) on a battery of test of psychomotor functioning, short‐term memory and subjective rating of sedation. A placebo and positive internal control (lorazepam 1 mg) crossover design was used, with each subject acting as her own control. The study population consisted of 10 healthy female volunteers with an age range of 20–50 years. The results show that nitatidine, at the range of doses studied, has no demonstrable effect on any of the measures of CNS activity and psychomotor performance. This lack of CNS effect was demonstrated in a study where the verum showed a consistent impairment of CNS activity. Furthermore there was no potentiation of the effects of alcohol by any of the doses of nizatidine used.
Some factors related to the use of psychoactive drugs, in an institution for adults with mental handicap
Authors: Harlow P. , Morton S. , Wright E.
Published: May 2005

A 1‐day audit (on 11 March 1985) of the psychotropic drugs prescribed for 1084 institutionalized adults with mental handicap in a long‐stay hospital is reported. The relevance of staffing levels, chronological age, sex and mental level is considered. Of the 1084 patients, 35 per cent were 17–44 years old and 65 per cent were 45 years or older; 51 per cent were severely and 40 per cent were profoundly mentally retarded; 23 per cent received antiepileptic drugs; 22 per cent received antipsychotic drugs. The hospital's nurse:patient ratio was nationally recognized as among the worst in England. There was no evidence that a low staffing level was associated with a high level of antipsychotic drug use, but there was an inverse relationship to age, and to mental level. Significantly more women than men received antipsychotics/anxiolytics, antidepressants or hypnotics/sedatives.
The comparative cognitive side‐effects of lithium, carbamazepine and combined lithium‐‐carbamazepine in patients treated for affective disorders
Authors: Andrewes D. G. , Schweitzer I. , Marshall N.
Published: May 2005

The cognitive side‐effects of lithium, carbamazepine (CBZ) and combination CBZ and lithium were compared in a crossover double‐blind study. The CBZ range was 17–26 Mmol/1 and the lithium range 0·41–1·10 mmol/1. Twelve subjects (seven females, five males), five with bipolar and seven with unipolar affective disorders, were randomly distributed to one of three group; the order of the conditions was different for each group, whereby each condition was tested in each of the three time phases of the study. The group varied according to the order of the three drug conditions. From measures of memory, attention and perceptuomotor functioning two measures showed significant differences between drug conditions. A tracking task showed impairment in the combined CBZ‐‐lithium condition compared to the single administration of either drug. A memory task testing cued recall for prose was performed better in the CBZ group; results were not confounded by correlations with self‐ratings of mood.
Computer‐analysed EEG and psychometric assessment of two new non‐benzodiazepine tranquillizers in healthy volunteers
Authors: Patat A. , Klen M. J. , Hucher M. , Granier J.
Published: May 2005

The effects on CEEG, psychomotor performance and attention of diazepam 10 mg, RU 43028 100 mg, RU 32698 100 mg and placebo administered orally have been investigated in 12 healthy subjects in a double‐blind controlled study. The effects of the compounds were evaluated by objective tests (CEEG, measurement of body sway, critical flicker fusion, visual reaction time, tapping test, arithmetical calculation) and subjective measurements (visual analogue scales and side‐effects questionnaire). Measurements were taken before treatment and after 30 min, 2 h, 3.5 h and 6.5 h. Placebo and RU 43028 did not affect any of the tests used. Diazepam induced an increase in beta rhythms and a decrease in theta and alpha rhythms on CEEG. These expected patterns were correlated with plasma concentrations. It also induced sedative side‐effects characterized by an increase of body sway and reaction time and a decrease of CFF and arithmetical calculation. RU 32698 displayed on atypical profile on CEEG with a reduction of alpha and theta rhythms without changes in beta and delta rhythms. It did not have any psychometric incapacitating effect.
The effects of diazepam on cognitive processing
Authors: Golombok S. , Mathews A. , Macleod C. , Lader M.
Published: May 2005

The study was designed to investigate the effects of diazepam on cognitive processing, and in particular to look at whether or not the drug reduces the bias towards the processing of threatening information shown by anxious subjects. Forty anxious female subjects were randomly and blindly allocated to two treatment groups; 10 mg diazepam or a placebo. Each subject was tested before and after treatment on a colour‐naming task designed to measure selective attention towards both stressor‐related and generally threatening material. It was found that the subjects showed a cognitive bias favouring the processing of threatening information, but that diazepam did not reduce this interference effect. This suggests that diazepam does not have a direct effect on cognitive aspects of anxiety.
Effects of an alpha‐2 adrenoceptor antagonist, Org 3770, upon the autonomic function of the pupil
Authors: Palazidou E. , Sitsen J. M. A. , Checkley S. A.
Published: May 2005

The effects of a single oral dose of an alpha‐2 adrenoceptor antagonist, Org 3770 (30 mg), upon the autonomic function of the human pupil have been investigated in six volunteers. Org 3770 reduced pupil diameter, possibly as a result of its alpha‐2 adrenoceptor blocking activity. Org 3770 did not reduce the mydriatric effect of phenylephrine and tyramine, nor was the miotic response to pilocarpine affected. These results are consistent with a blockade by Org 3770 of central alpha‐2 adrenoceptors.
Study of the potential pharmacodynamic antagonism of RU 41 656 on scopolamine and triazolam impairment in healthy subjects
Authors: Patat A. , Klein M. J. , Surjus A. , Hucher M. , Granier J.
Published: May 2005

The potential improvement on attention and memory of a single oral does of RU 41 656, and the potential antagonism of the deficits of these functions induced by oral administration of scopolamine 1 mg and triazolam 0.5 mg, have been investigated in a six‐period, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover study involving 12 healthy young volunteers. The effects of the compounds were evaluated by objective test (Buschke selective reminding test, CFF, simple and multiple‐choice reaction time, tapping, arithmetical calculation, DSST) and subjective measurements (visual analogue scale, side‐effects questionnaire). Measurements were taken before treatment and 2, 4 and 7h after RU 41 656 intake. Neither placebo alone nor RU 41 656 alone modified the performances of these subjects. Under the experimental conditions of the trial, scopolamine given orally did not cause the disturbances of attention and memory usually described. On the contrary, triazolam caused a pronounced impairment of vigilance and memory. RU 41 656 did not antagonize the sedative effects of triazolam, but partially attenuated its amnesic effects.
Antidepressants and memory: A review
Authors: Thompson P. J.
Published: May 2005

Antidepressant medications have been in general use since the late 1950s. Many patients are treated as outpatients and often continue with their normal routines during treatment. Individuals may undertake activities where any change in memory functioning, negative or positive, might have important consequences. Furthermore, many antidepressants have similar efficacy. Information about differential effects upon memory would seem valuable information for the clinician to have at his or her disposal. This paper reviews available evidence on the effects of antidepressants on human memory. Many studies have involved the single or short‐term administration of antidepressants to healthy volunteers, thereby not acknowledging that depression per se has a negative impact on memory processes. Even in the studies on patient samples, groups very with regard to type and severity of depression, dosage and duration of treatment. Limited evidence, however, does suggest that antidepressants may exert differential effects upon memory functioning which could be predicted from their action on specific neurotransmitter system.
Performance tests in human psychopharmacology (2): Content validity, criterion validity, and face validity
Authors: Parrott A. C.
Published: May 2005

The four traditional aspects of validity comprise: criterion, content, face and construct. Criterion validity is assessed by calculating the degree of correlation between test score and external criterion (e.g. driving ability of flying skill). While this form of evidence is rare, it has been demonstrated in a few psychopharmacology studies, especially with psychomotor tasks (e.g. target tracking). Content validity is an index of the appropriateness of test selection. Many test batteries cover a wide range of psychological functions, and thus display a degree of content validity. However, the functions being assessed often differ, reflecting the absence of agreement over what ‘human performance’ should comprise. Most test batteries also contain a preponderance of simple tasks, and content validity could be improved through the inclusion of ‘higher cognitive’ tasks. The difficulties of assessing performance using a single test are also critically examined. Face validity is not a true index of validity, but a reflection of whether the test looks right. It can often be misleading, although it does have positive functions (e.g. for subject motivation). Sensitivity to psychoactive drug effect is also a prerequisite for tests in this area, although it is not in itself an index of validity. The construct validity of human performance tests, together with an overview of test meaning and interpretation, are examined in the final paper of this series.
ECT‐induced prolactin release: Effect of sex, electrode placement and serotonin uptake inhibition
Authors: Zis A. P. , Goumeniouk A. D. , Clark C. M. , Grant B. E. K. , Remick R. A. , Lam R. W. , Garland E. J.
Published: May 2005

We and others have previously reported that the non‐specific serotonin receptor antagonist methysergide inhibits the PRL response to ECT wheras the 5HT‐2 antagonists ketanserin and ritanserin have no effect. In the present study the effect of serotonin uptake inhibition on this neuroendocrine response was examined in two separate placebo‐controlled experiments. According to our results neither clomipramine (25 mg orally) nor fluoxetine (20 mg orally) affected the PRL response to ECT. An analysis of the placebo day data from 32 subjects indicates that a high PRL response to ECT is associated with female sex and bilateral electrode placement.
The release of oxytocin, vasopressin and associated neurophysins after electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Scott Allan I. F. , Shering P. Anne , Lightman Stafford L. , Legros Jean‐Jacques , Whalley Lawrence J.
Published: May 2005

Blood concentrations of oxytocin (OT), vasopressin (VP) and their associated neurophysins were measured before and after the first electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) given to 12 depressed patients. The maximum concentrations of all four peptides coincided at +2 min, but the increases in OT and VP were about four‐fold greater than their associated neurophysins. None of the peptide increases correlated with spike‐wave or total cerebral seizure activity as measured by electroencephalogram.
A pharmacodynamic study of quazepam and triazolam
Authors: Casucci G. , di Costanzo A. , Riva R. , Allocca S. , Tedeschi G.
Published: May 2005

A double‐blind single oral dose study in 10 healthy volunteers was performed during the day to compare the diurnal effects of quazepam (15 mg) and triazolam (0.25 mg) on psychomotor performance. The central effect of the two benzodiazepines was assessed by means of a computer analysis of visually guided saccadic eye movements (SEM), critical flicker fusion threshold (CFFT), and choice reaction time (CRT). The results obtained suggest that: computer analysis of SEM is more sensitive than CRT and CFFT to detect sedative drug effects at a subclinical level; the presumed equipotent doses of quazepam and triazolam tested do not show the same sedative activity; the minimal impairment produced by quazepam on CNS function does not seem to be related to the property to bind to BZ1 receptors; the pharmacodynamic profile of quazepam seems to be characteristic of a “non‐sedative” agent, while triazolam behaves as a “sedative” benzodiazepine.
Cigarette smoking: Habit or nicotine maintenance? effects of short‐term smoking abstinence and oversmoking
Authors: Jacober Albert , Hasenfratz Markus , Bättig Karl
Published: May 2005

Cigarette consumption, craving to smoke and smoking pleasure, subjective reasons for smoking, heart rate, motor activity, and nutrient intake were continuously assessed in 22 subjects. After ad lib smoking on the first experimental day, subjects had to abstain between 12:30 h and 17:30 h on the second day and to smoke twice the habituated number of cigarettes during the same period of the third day. Craving and smoking pleasure decreased during oversmoking and increased for the first cigarettes after abstinence. Activity adjusted heart rates decreased by about 5 bpm during abstinence. In the evenings, however, these parameters as well as smoking rates, subjective reasons for smoking, and nutrient intake remained completely unaffected by the previous manipulations. Also cardiac nicotine tolerance, as assessed by the increases of the averaged activity‐adjusted heart rates after cigarette lighting, was identical for all three evenings, irrespective of the afternoon smoking condition. Furthermore, none of the subjective effects of the afternoon abstinence was observed for the longer lasting overnight deprivation. These results suggest that habituated temporal patterns play a role in cigarette smoking which is perhaps even more important than the need to maintain a constant plasma nicotine level.
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors reverse the impairments in behaviour, neurotransmitter and immune functions in the olfactory bulbectomized rat
Authors: Song Cai , Leonard B. E.
Published: May 2005

This experiment investigated the effects of chronic treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors, fluvoxamine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and sertraline (10 mg/kg, i.p.), for 20 days on the behaviour, neurotransmitter concentrations and immune functions in the olfactory bulbectomized (OB) rat model of depression. Following fluvoxamine and sertraline administration, the hyperactive behaviour of the OB rat in the ‘open field’ was significantly attenuated. In the elevated plus‐maze, an increase in the number of entries into the open arms and a decrease in the time spent on the closed arms were also largely reversed in the OB rat after fluvoxamine and sertraline treatment. Fluvoxamine and sertraline treatments reversed the decrease in the brain concentrations of noradrenaline (NA) of the OB rat and the increase in the 5‐hydroxyindole‐3‐acetic acid (5‐HIAA) concentration. Fluvoxamine and sertraline treatment also significantly reversed the suppression of lymphocyte proliferation in the OB rat. However, only the chronic administration of fluvoxamine significantly improved depressed neutrophil phagocytosis, sertraline being without effect on this immune parameter.
The efficacy of EGb 761 in patients with senile dementia of the alzheimer type, a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study on different levels of investigation
Authors: Hofferberth B.
Published: May 2005

Forty patients diagnosed as suffering from senile dementia of the Alzheimer type received either 80 mg Ginkgo biloba special extract (GBE)* or matching placebo t.i.d. for three months in a randomized, double blind study of the efficacy and tolerance of GBE. The patients were assessed using a test battery at baseline and at 1, 2 and 3 months. The test battery included the SKT (a brief test of cognitive function, memory and attention), the Sandoz Clinical Assessment Geriatric Scale, choice reaction time, saccadic eye movements and EEG. Memory and attention, as measured by the SKT, improved significantly in the active treatment group after one month, as did psychopathology, psychomotor performance, functional dynamics and neurophysiology as measured by the above tests. The drug was well tolerated and no adverse drug reactions were recorded during the trial.
Overlap of buspirone with lorazepam, diazepam and bromazepam in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: Findings from a controlled, multicentre, double‐blind study
Authors: Sacchetti Emilio , Zerbini O. , Banfi F. , Tansella M.
Published: May 2005

In a controlled, randomized, multicenter, double‐blind study involving 335 patients with generalized anxiety disorder, buspirone (Busp) was compared to lorazepam, diazepam or bromazepam in order to test its global efficacy, preferential effectiveness in defined subgroups of patients or symptoms, latency of action and safety and tolerability. Apart from minor differences, the dropout rate, the number of subjects for whom the dose was increased, the number of capsules taken daily, the modifications of HRSA, VAS 100 mm, CGIS and CGSRS, the curves of improvement over time, the effectiveness on the somatic and psychic factors of the HRSA, the responsiveness of depressed and non‐depressed anxious patients, and the profiles of adverse events indicated clinical equivalence between the azaspirodecanedione and the comparison benzodiazepines.
The clinical characteristics of schizophrenic patients consenting or not consenting to a placebo controlled trial of antipsychotic medication
Authors: Bowen J. T. , Barnes T. R. E.
Published: May 2005

Sixty‐seven patients meeting DSM‐III‐R criteria for schizophrenia who had been eligible for a placebo controlled trial of an antipsychotic preparation were followed up at 9 months to examine whether a variety of socio‐demographic, illness, treatment and compliance variables were associated with consent to participate in the treatment trial. A survey of subjective appraisals concerning the trial and attitudes to medication of trial participants was also carried out.

The data revealed that the non‐consenting patients had similar lengths of illness histories to those consenting but had experienced fewer previous psychiatric hospital admissions. The non‐consenting group had been less compliant with their overall treatment in the follow‐up period. More consenting patients were inpatients or day patients (rather than outpatients) at follow‐up and as a group, they were receiving significantly more medication than non‐consenting patients. They also exhibited more extrapyramidal and abnormal involuntary movements than the non‐consenting group.

Our results do not support a direct relationship between severity of illness and the likelihood to consent to this type of research. The highly selective nature of samples of patients entering research is highlighted and the generalizability of results of similar drug studies may therefore be questioned.
Worsening of parkinsonism with fluvoxamine—two cases
Authors: Meco Giuseppe , Bonifati Vincenzo , Fabrizio Edito , Vanacore Nicola
Published: May 2005

We describe two patients with parkinsonism and depressive symptoms who experienced a worsening of their motor disturbances following use of fluvoxamine, a serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor. The possible role of this drug in causing these adverse effects is discussed in the light of the complex serotonin‐dopamine interactions in the brain.
Central effects of nifedipine versus placebo following repeated application—influence of motivation and personality
Authors: Meyer F. P.
Published: May 2005

Out of 92 medical students, five success‐motivated and five failure‐motivated subjects were selected for a study of the central effects of nifedipine. In a cross‐over design and under double‐blind conditions, the subjects were administered 10 mg nifedipine or placebo twice daily over a five‐day period. A general evaluation of the results did not reveal any influence of nifedipine on vigilance (CFF), detail discrimination capacity (d2‐test), responsiveness (tracking test), and subjective feelings. However, success‐motivated and emotionally stable subjects were markedly impaired by nifedipine (CFF and d2‐test, quantitative performance), whereas failure‐motivated, emotionally unstable and introverted subjects under nifedipine exhibited less errors in the tests (d2‐test, qualitative performance) compared to those who were given placebo.
Basal serum cortisol and dexamethasone‐induced growth hormone release in the alcohol dependence syndrome
Authors: Farren Conor K. , Clare Anthony W. , Dinan Timothy G.
Published: May 2005

We assessed the basal serum cortisol and the growth hormone (GH) response to dexamethasone in a group of completely detoxified male alcoholics and a group of healthy controls. There was a significant baseline elevation of serum cortisol in the alcoholics relative to the controls, and in the type 2 alcoholics relative to the type 1 alcoholics. There was no difference found in GH response to dexamethasone between the alcoholics and controls or between the types of alcoholics. There was no relationship found between the age of subject, length of abstinence from alcohol or severity of alcohol dependence and GH response. There was a significant relationship between severity of alcohol dependence and type of alcohol abuser. This may indicate a subtle impairment of the HPA in post withdrawal alcoholics, and between types of alcoholics, which does not appear to be at the pituatary or hypothalamic level.
A multicentre, double‐blind, clomipramine‐controlled efficacy and safety study of org 3770
Authors: Richou H. , Ruimy P. , Charbaut J. , Delisle J. P. , Brunner H. , Patris M. , Zivkov M.
Published: May 2005

The efficacy and tolerability of the new antidepressant Org 3770 were evaluated in a multicentre, double‐blind, clomipramine‐controlled trial. In total, 174 patients (126 women and 48 men), aged 18‐75 years, who were suffering from a moderate or severe major depressive episode, were randomly assigned to 6 weeks of treatment with either Org 3770, 20–80 mg/day, or clomipramine, 50–200 mg/day. All patients were hospitalized at the time of the trial. Depressive symptoms, assessed by 21‐item HPRSD, MADRS, BPRS and GAS, improved significantly in both groups of patients after 6 weeks of treatment. Org 3770 was comparable to clomipramine with respect to improvements assessed by all the primary efficacy variables, both in moderately and severely depressed patients. Adverse clinical experiences, such as dry mouth, constipation, tremor, vertigo/dizziness, faintness on rising, and nausea, were reported by fewer patients in the Org 3770‐treated group than in the clomipramine‐treated group. These differences were particularly pronounced during the first 3 weeks of treatment. With respect to tremor, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p2‐sided = 0.03) after both 3 and 6 weeks of treatment. This study shows that Org 3770 is as effective as clomipramine in treating moderate or severe depression, while being better tolerated.
Plasma inositol levels in lithium‐treated manic‐depressives, schizophrenics and controls
Authors: Agam Galila , Belfair Nadav , Shapiro Joseph , Shimon Hady , Belmaker R. H.
Published: May 2005

Plasma inositol levels of lithium‐treated manic‐depressives (LTMD), schizophrenics and healthy volunteers have been studied. In contrast with the findings of Allison and Stewart, that Li treatment raises rat plasma inositol while lowering brain inositol, but in agreement with a previous report of our group of no effect of lithium on CSF inositol levels, we now show no significant difference in plasma inositol concentrations of LTMD as compared with those of control subjects. Plasma inositol levels of the schizophrenics in the present study are slightly but significantly decreased from those of controls.
[3H]Imipramine binding in type I and type II alcoholism
Authors: Patkar A. A. , Naik P. C. , Mardsen C. A. , McKlean P. C. , Kendall D. A. , Al‐Chalabi T.
Published: May 2005

Platelet [3H]‐imipramine binding was measured in 29 male alcohol dependents (DSM III‐R) serially over 14 days of withdrawal. 29 male abstainers and 20 healthy volunteers. [3H]‐Imipramine binding was significantly greater in alcohol dependents and abstainers when compared with controls. On further grouping, type II alcoholism was specifically associated with the raised imipramine binding and this occurred irrespective of the duration or severity of drinking or the length of abstinence. The result indicates that platelet [3H]‐imipramine binding could be a biological marker of type II alcoholism.
Involvement of mesial‐temporal structures in rapid cycling mood disorders?
Authors: Klemm Edzard , Roth Angela , Möller Hans‐Jürgen , Biersack Hans‐Jürgen , Kasper Siegfried
Published: May 2005

Temporal lobe dysfunction has been postulated in affective disorders by different brain imaging techniques. To further elucidate the possible relationship between electrophysiological variables in rapid cycling mood disorders (RCMD) and temporal lobe dysfunction we firstly recorded sphenoidal EEGs in addition to surface EEGs and 99m Tc‐HMPAO‐SPECT in three patients with RCMD. As compared to surface recordings the sphenoidal electrodes record more specifically the electrical activity arising within the mesio‐basal temporal lobe. The preliminary results indicate that there is a dysrhythmia and/or rhythmic delta activity in RCMD which was predominantly apparent in the left temporo‐mesial region in two cases. Furthermore, there was a hypoperfusion in the left temporal and temporo‐parietal region using 99m Tc‐HMPAO‐SPECT technique in two patients, respectively. This pilot study suggests that temporal lobe structures might be of particular relevance in RCMD and thus provides further evidence suggestive of temporal lobe involvement in affective disorders. Our findings indicate that electrophysiological recordings and brain imaging techniques could be helpful in further elucidating the pathophysiology underlying rapid cycling mood disorders.
Patent literature as a source of information for research and development: An investigation on calcium phosphate‐containing biomaterials, Part III
Authors: Wüstefeld M. , De Groot K.
Published: May 2005

The statistics and contents of patent and non‐patent literature on calcium phosphate‐containing biomaterials have been compared with each other. This was done by means of patent documents and scientific articles which have been published by the same author respectively on the same specific topic: prostheses coated with calcium phosphate‐containing biomaterials. It was found that 765 articles in periodicals and 624 patents were brought out between 1975 and 1987. Both figures refer to calcium phosphate‐containing biomaterials; the volume concerning the selected coating topic amounts to 40 articles and 83 patents. About 20% of the inventors publish also in periodicals but rarely about the subjects of their patents. The time lag between the disclosure of a patent and the publication of the corresponding article in a periodical comes to about one year but it is also possible that the article appears earlier than the patent. Patents preferably report on technical facts in detail (sintering processes, coating methods, components), periodicals much more on biological aspects (animal tests, histological investigations). The contents of patent and non‐patent and non‐patent literature do not overlap, but complete each other, so that studying patents should not be neglected to get an extensive survey on the progress of research. Volume, style, and formulation still provide an obstacle to patent documents for many research workers. New ways of excerpting patents are proposed for an efficient use.
Applied biomaterials standards report
Authors: “Dan” Daniels A. U.
Published: May 2005

The purpose of my column is to provide readers with current information on biomaterials‐related standards produced by both private groups and government agencies, and standards‐related activities. Standards are descriptive documents given official status by their producers, and in the case of biomaterials, they are generally intended to provide formalized descriptions of (a) materials used in the construction of medical devices, (b) materials used directly in surgical repairs, (c) test methods to evaluate materials for such applications, and (d) methods for handling or processing such materials.

Please consider this column not only a place to obtain biomaterials standards information, but also a place to submit news of biomaterials standards developments in order to get the information before the public. This invitation extends to members of all professional organizations and government agencies in the United States and abroad who are active in standards development and would like specific activities or standards publicized. I will present the information in this column to the extent that allotted space allows.

And last, a caveat—since this is a column, it contains both factual information and opinions. I will make every effort to make it clear which is which. Also, as a frame of reference, please note that this column was written and submitted in November 1990.
Examination of porous‐coated patellar components and analysis of the reasons for their retrieval
Authors: Collier J. P. , Mayor M. B. , Surprenant V. A. , Surprenant H. P. , Jensen R. E.
Published: May 2005

One‐hundred‐fifteen retrieved, porous‐coated, uncemented patellar knee components of a wide variety of designs were examined for type and amount of tissue ingrowth and for wear and creep of the polyethylene‐articulating surface. Examples of well‐fixed patellar components of all designs presented regions of bone ingrowth independent of pore size, number of fixation pegs, and the presence or absence of coating on the pegs. Polyethylene breakdown, including delamination, pitting, subsurface cracking, and separation from the metal backing, was common. Comparative analysis indicates that solutions exist and include increasing congruency and polyethylene thickness and eliminating metal fixation buttons.
Laser‐drilled cardiovascular surgical needles
Authors: Towler Michael A. , Clapp Cynthia G. , McGregor Walter , Morgan Raymond F. , Edlich Richard F.
Published: May 2005

Surgical sutures that are directly attached to the surgical needle ends are called swaged sutures. A forming tool has been used to split one‐half of the wire diameter of cardiovascular needles that forms a channel or receptacle for the suture. With the advent of lasers, uniform holes can now be produced in the ends of small‐diameter cardiovascular needles. An advantage of the laser‐produced hole is that its outer circumference is smooth; the channel swage has a linear slit that interrupts its smooth outer circumference. A standardized reproducible test has been developed that quantitates the force required to pull the needle end through a synthetic membrane that simulates vascular tissue. A swage produced by a laser encountered significantly less drag forces than that noted with a comparable size channel swage of cardiovascular needles.
Bone graft and bone graft substitutes: A review of current technology and applications
Authors: Damien Christopher J. , Parsons J. Russell
Published: May 2005

The morbidity associated with autogenous bone graft harvest and the recent concern regarding the transmission of live virus through use of allografts, have been the impetus for research into a variety of materials that could take the place of these standard materials for bone grafting. The positive results reported with various ceramics and/or bone derivatives suggest the possibility of a material with osteoconductive and/or osteoinductive properties for use with or in place of bone graft. This review discusses a variety of bone graft and bone graft substitute materials. Among the osteoconductive materials outlined are the hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate ceramics as well as some reportedly osteoactive polymers. While osteoconduction is a favorable quality, much interest has focussed on the use of osteoinductive or osteogenic materials such as demineralized bone matrix or bone derivatives,that is, BMP, osteogenin, etc. It is increasingly apparent that these materials require a carrier vehicle for optimal expression of osteoactivity. Therefore, the review finishes with a comparison of the various materials suggested for use as carriers.
Electrochemical behavior of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy in static biosimulating solutions
Authors: Lewis Gladius , Daigle Kenneth
Published: May 2005

The static general corrosion behavior of Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy specimens in three lactated Ringer's‐based solutions was investigated using d.c. potentiodynamic, d.c. linear polarization resistance, and a.c. impedance techniques. A critical appraisal of the use of these techniques for the estimation of the corrosion rate of the material is presented. Whence it was shown that the presence of bovine serum in or decreasing the pH level of (to about 1) lactated Ringer's solution leads to an increase in the corrosion rate of the alloy (relative to that in lactated Ringer's solution, pH 6.25). © 1993 John Wiley ' Sons, Inc.
Histologic identification of polyethylene wear debris using Oil Red O stain
Authors: Schmalzried Thomas P. , Jasty Murali , Rosenberg Andrew , Harris William H.
Published: May 2005

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) wear particles are frequently implicated in causing failure of total joint arthroplasties by eliciting a foreign body reaction. The majority of these particles are subcellular and many are submicron in size. Identification of these small particles of UHMWPE by conventional histologic techniques is difficult. We have therefore investigated the utility of Oil Red O (ORO) stain to identify UHMWPE on histologic sections.

A wide variety of specimens was studied including an experimental rabbit model with subcutaneous implantation of polyethylene particles as well as specimens from clinical cases with joint arthroplasties. The sensitivity and specificity of ORO stain was compared to conventional polarized light microscopy for the identification of particulate UHMWPE debris. The ORO stain was found to be as sensitive in identifying particulate UHMWPE debris as polarized light microscopy. However, ORO stain was less specific: two specimens that did not contain any UHMWPE also stained with ORO. Careful examination of standard hematoxylin and eosin stained sections with polarized light was therefore more specific for the identification of particulate UHMWPE. As a single test, the ORO stain does not appear to offer any clear advantage specifically for the identification of UHMWPE. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A comparison between 51chromium release and LDH release to measure cell membrane integrity: Interest for cytocompatibility studies with biomaterials
Authors: Bordenave Laurence , Bareille Reine , Lefebvre Françoise , Baquey Charles
Published: May 2005

A variety of methods have been recorded for the assessment of altered cellular functions caused by biomaterials. Cell membrane integrity can be determined by different tests depending upon the cell membrane permeability to various markers. To measure the degree of cell damage, we have chosen to compare the release of two markers in the supernatants: enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, which we wanted to compare to that of radioactive chromium preincorporated in cells, the latter being validated by a standard), from three cell types: cells from a fibroblastic cell line (3T3 Balb/c) and human differentiated endothelial cells and osteoblasts, exposed to injurious agents and to biomaterials of classical use. The labeling procedure as well as the incubation periods performed, were carried out according to a standard. Celllabeling efficiency ranged from 4 to 10%. The biomaterials tested provoked no or slight cell membrane damage. After linear regression analysis, we found high coefficients between chromium release and LDH release.

Thus, the determination of LDH activity, which is easy to manipulate, could be a satisfactory test to evaluate cell membrane integrity in contact with biomaterials and a prerequisite stage before the more sophisticated 51chromium release test. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of hydroxyapatite coating on bone growth into porous titanium alloy implants under loaded conditions
Authors: Oonishi Hironobu , Noda Tomohiro , Ito Seiichi , Kohda Akira , Ishimaru Hiroshi , Yamamoto Mitsumasa , Tsuji Eiji
Published: May 2005

Titanium alloy tibial segmented defect repair devices whose stems were coated with two layers of titanium alloy beads (Ti‐6A1‐4V, bead diameter c. 750 μm) were implanted in six beagle dogs. In four of the animals stems had been plasma‐sprayed with hydroxyapatite (HA); the other two animals received devices with uncoated stems. Devices intended for 6‐month and 3‐month evaluation were implanted in right and left tibiae, respectively. Because the amount of bone ingrowth into pore spaces was greater in cortical bone than in cancellous bone, stems were more stable and firmer in the cortical bone. In stems coated with HA, new bone tissue came into contact with the surface of beads in the superficial layer of the stem faster than in stems not so coated. Furthermore, new bone tissue entered into pore spaces in these stems earlier, in larger amounts, and reached more deeply, binding directly to the beads. Rate and quality of bone ingrowth did not differ between the 3‐month and 6‐month tibiae; in other words, optimal bone ingrowth was attained within 3 months postimplantation. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Behaviour of endothelial cells cultured in the presence of polymers impregnated with adsorbable proteins
Authors: Cenni Elisabetta , Ciapetti Gabriela , Arciola Carla Renata , Di Leo Alessandro , Falsone Giuseppina , Pizzoferrato Arturo
Published: May 2005

The aim of this study is the in vitro evaluation of the functional modifications of human endothelial cells in the presence of Dacron® impregnated with resorbable proteins. For this purpose, human endothelial cells isolated from the umbilical vein have been put in contact for 48 h with knitted Dacron® impregnated with collagen or gelatin and with nonimpregnated knitted Dacron® and double velour Dacron®. As control, endothelial cells cultured in the absence of material were used. After the contact time, cell counts were performed. In addition, the concentrations of two proteins synthesized by endothelium, tissue plasminogen activator (t‐PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI‐1), were evaluated on the supernatants. In the cultures in contact with Dacron® impregnated with collagen or gelatin and in those in contact with knitted Dacron®, we have observed a smaller cell growth than that observed in cultures without materials. The synthesis of t‐PA showed some significant variations between the control cultures and those in contact with the materials. PAI‐1 production was significantly reduced in the cultures in contact with gelatin impregnated Dacron® and with knitted Dacron®. Double velour Dacron® caused no significant variation in any of the examined parameters. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.