bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rationalizing Government Programs
Authors: Skaburskis Andrejs
Published: March 2007

The theoretical economic rationale jor public sector intervention into markets no longer develops a sufficient justification for implementing programs. If the "rationale issue "is to be resolved in program evaluations, it should be raised in the context of a debate informed by empirical attempts to assess the cost of the market failures that give rise to the policy concern and the losses that will be created by expanding the public sector and interfering in market processes. Rationale assessments based only on theoretical arguments will yield questionable rationalizations of programs and policy directions. These conclusions are developed by examining the rationale assessment carried out by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program.
Identifying Hispanics in Existing Databases
Authors: Sorenson Susan B.
Published: March 2007

This study compares death certificate designations to other methods of identifying Hispanics. Three methods of identifying Hispanics—death certificate, U.S. census Spanish-surname list, and a revised surname list—were applied to death certificates of the 1,516,465 White Califor nians who died during 1987 through 1994. Data were compared using frequencies, rates, and rate ratios (RR). Whether death certificate designation or the revised Spanish-surname list identifies the most Hispanics depends on age, gender, and cause of death. RRs comparing Hispanic and non-Hispanic Whites produce conflicting results for some groups. The most discrepant RRs were for homicides of 15- to 34-year-old males. These findings illustrate how ethnic differences in mortality are shaped by the method used to identify ethnicity. In the absence of a gold standard for identifying persons of Hispanic ethnicity in official government records, intermittent if not ongoing comparison of the available identification methods merits serious consideration.
Aesthetics and Education: An ill-matched couple?
Authors: Sundin Bertil
Published: March 2007

Not too long ago the concept of aesthetics was restricted to the fine arts. The cleavage between ‘high’ (or ‘fine’) and ‘low’ (or ‘popular’) culture was obvious, as was the gulf between on the one hand, verbalised aesthetic values within the cultural establishment, and on the other hand popular taste and implicit/acted out ‘aesthetic’ preferences within most youth cultures.

Since then we have seen and heard frequent rapprochements and mixings of ‘serious’ and ‘popular’ art forms. The concept of aesthetics has broadened, as it is dependent on societal changes and on our definitions of culture and art. If the concept once ‘belonged’ exclusively to philosophers and art scholars, today authors from various disciplines write about the subject, sometimes so far from the fine arts as the aesthetics of soccer and other sport games, body aesthetics (tatooing, piercing etc) and (mostly spelled without an ‘a’), esthetic surgery or dentistry. Some attempts to discuss the concept and its definitions might therefore be appropriate in this current issue of IJME.
Music Education Six Months After the Turn of the Century
Authors: Eisner Elliot
Published: March 2007

This paper puts music education in its current social and education context, a context that has required music educators to reflect upon their aims. Some of the aims for music education that have been proposed emphasize the instrumental value of music in our schools. Some music educators justify music education by their contributions to extra-musical outcomes. This paper argues that the distinctive contributions of music education pertain to both the generation of musical experience and the cultivation of forms of thinking that are distinctive to music itself. It urges music educators to embrace a conception of music education that emphasized its distinctive educational contributions for it is these contributions that provide the most secure foundation for music in our schools.
To Pamwe or to Play: the Role of Play in Arts Education in Africa
Authors: Mans Minette
Published: March 2007

Based on ongoing field research into Namibian music and dance, this article deliberates on play as an important component of childhood and an important element of Namibian performance. Considering that socialization is often described as the fundamental goal of African education, and that play is central to Namibian musical performances, this article investigates traditional functions of music as a means of socialization. Because play reflects and responds to societal value systems, the meaning of play is briefly explored, and the characteristics of play in Namibia are described in detail. The paper then proposes the increased use of play in African music education and advances the proposition in terms of the construction of a musical world and identity. The construction of a person's musical world is described in terms of the mental templates formed by a specific cultural group and by the environmental rules of play, which establish the meta-communicative frame. The article concludes with a summary of general contributions play, as a means of learning, being, and expressing can make to music education.
The role of ISME in the promotion of multicultural music education, 1953-96
Authors: Mccarthy Marie
Published: March 2007

This paper is the third in a sequence of studies that address the history of internationalism in music education, the first and second papers presented at ISME Conferences in Seoul (1992) and Tampa (1994). The study focuses on the role that ISME played in promoting the cultural dimensions of music in education, and in including diverse musical practices in the curriculum across cultures. Evidence is gathered from ISME archival materials housed at the University of Maryland at College Park – presidential papers, policy statements, journals, yearbooks, conference proceedings, to name some sources. This study provides an international context for furthering dialogue on world musics in education.
Children's idiomatic expressions of cultural knowledge
Authors: Addo Akosua Obuo
Published: March 2007

The process of teaching and learning music from many cultures is important for imparting cultural knowledge. Analysis of folklore provides information on cultural knowledge structures for educational practice in general and curriculum content in particular. Children develop patterns of culturally accepted human actions and relations, based on cultural knowledge structures as they are enculturated into society. This paper includes (a) a discussion of my theoretical position on culturally relevant teaching and learning styles and (b) a description of children's idiomatic expressions of cultural knowledge in their ways of knowing demonstrated in three teaching scenarios.
An investigation of undergraduate music education curriculum content in primary teacher education programmes in Australia
Authors: Temmerman Nita
Published: March 2007

Primary school music experiences have been shown to impact not only on future adult attitudes to, but also interest and participation in music. Unfortunately, the current policy and practice of music in primary schools is still perceived to be unsatisfactory. According to teachers this can be attributed in the main to their undergraduate university training in music education. Music educators have a key role to play in breaking the apparent current cycle of unsatisfactory (or no) music practice at the primary school level.

This paper investigates what curriculum content is currently included in compulsory undergraduate university music education programmes. It asks teacher educators, in light of recent research, to reflect critically on the adequacy of their current curriculum to prepare beginning teachers to teach primary school music.
Learning together through research method
Authors: Tafuri Johannella
Published: March 2007

Learning is one of the most studied subjects and among several definitions, one of the most widely accepted is &… acquired and relatively stable modifications of behaviou’. We would like to widen this perspective considering educational situations in which the interaction occurs between several behaviours.

Teachers can use different methods according to their own point of view about the essence of the teaching/learning process: if they are convinced of the importance of promoting co-operation, solidarity and mutual help between individuals, research, particularly group research, can be one of the most suitable methods.

Communicating a research spirit lets everyone participate critically in the production of knowledge and allows the acquisition of research instruments. This will be useful in future both for individuals and for a more humane community.
Music curriculum development and evaluation based on Swanwick's theory
Authors: Hentschke Liane , Oliveira Alda
Published: March 2007

The aim of this article is to describe the study that investigated the possibility of using Swanwick's theory as a theoretical framework to develop and evaluate a music curriculum proposal for primary schools. This project was created based on the existing evidences that the spiral theory and model could be used to assess children's musical products through composing, performing and listening. This study offers some theoretical and practical contributions for music education, especially to Brazilian schools and other countries that have such sharp differences between state and private education sectors. It raises the question of the adequacy of having one curriculum model that can attend such different realities, different ways of experiencing music outside schools that will reflect the way children relate to music, and their preference to one or more musical parameters.
Attitudes Toward Younger and Older Adult Speakers: Effects of Varying Speech Rates
Authors: Stewart Mark A. , Ryan Ellen Bouchard
Published: March 2007

Undergraduates listened to tape recorded voices of either younger (20-22 years) or older (60-65 years) male speakers who varied in their rate of speech (slow, medium, and fast). The listeners evaluated the speakers on various personality and social characteristics, made causal attributions for success or failure of the speakers in hypothetical situations, estimated speaker ages, and rated the voices on several speech parameters. Overall, faster speakers were evaluated more favourably than slower speakers, and older speakers were evaluated less favourably than younger speakers. As predicted, the estimated age of older speakers was elevated when they spoke slowly, but the strong evaluative effects predicted for rate among old speakers were not observed. The prediction that disconfirmation of expectations would lead to especially negative attitudes toward the slow-speaking younger speakers was confirmed, while the predicted favourable impact of fast speech for the older speakers received only slight support. Causal attributions were generally consistent with the other evaluations, with larger effects for speech rate than for age. The complex differences in attributions across the three situations examined suggest that the causal attribution paradigm provides a valuable framework within which to examine the situational determinants of effects for speaker age and rate of speech.
Working with the Discharged Prisoner
Authors: Crow Iain
Published: March 2007

Co-operation between NACRO and the Inner London Probation and After-care Service has resulted in the setting up of an after-care hostel project. In tackling the related needs of accommodation and unemployment it appears to be having some success. A regime under which residents are actively engaged in seeking their own solutions may account for this.
Behavioural Methods for the Probation Service?
Authors: Remington Bob , Trusler Peter
Published: March 2007

The authors argue that the Probation Service could benefit greatly by adopting behaviour modification as a basic working method. They believe that its underlying psychological assumptions are more tenable than those of methods currently espoused by the Service, and that, in practice, the approach has already proved successful in tackling many problems commonly encountered in probation case work. They report that where behavioural programmes have been implemented within the Probation Service, the results have been both stimulating and highly encouraging.
Acquisition of Scientific Literature in Developing Countries
Authors: Nazim Ali S.
Published: March 2007

The fifth of a series of articles on the acquisition of scientific literature by libraries in developing countries. Deals with the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, namely, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Presents the background to these countries and summarizes the development of science and technology in the region. Discusses collection building in the libraries of the region and problems of censorship and finance. Describes methods for the purchase of monographs, journals and continuations, publications of international agencies and nonprint media, including vendor selection and ordering and receipt procedures. The present situation with regard to the use of automation in acquisitions work and the need for centralized and cooperative purchasing are described. Reviews the major problems and suggests possible solutions.
A National Cataloguing Service for Nigeria
Authors: Chijioke Mary Ellen
Published: March 2007

Access to the holdings of most libraries in Africa is still through the card catalogue. In Nigeria, as elsewhere in Africa, attempts to introduce library automation have been limited by various factors. However, Nigeria has sufficient resources to make automation both appropiate and desirable. It is proposed that a Nigerian National Cataloguing Service, based on microcomputer and CD-ROM technology, be developed at the National Library of Nigera. Outlines the system requirements, and discusses choice of product, record presentation and manipulation, system configuration and costing and staffing requirements. Recommends the adoption of the SuperCat system produced by Gaylord Automation in the United States.
Regional Interlending Systems
Authors: Cornish Graham
Published: March 2007

Paper based on a Workshop on Interlending in the Caribbean held in Martinique on 14 May 1988. Interlending in the Caribbean is not organized on a regional basis. The region has considerable need of document supply and interlending services but the necessary structures are not all present to create a properly organized system, nor is there any indication of the likely demand, the needs of libraries or the resources available. Some work needs to be done to establish some facts and suggestions are made for a way forward to improve matters. It is suggested that what is said about the Caribbean region may well be of relevance to other regions contemplating an interlending network.
The Developing Countries and Cd-Rom
Authors: Brito Claudio J.
Published: March 2007

Compares the costs and the relative advantages and disadvantages of information delivery using online retrieval systems and CD-ROM systems in developing countries. Concludes that the advantages of CD-ROM as a medium for information delivery in the developing countries are clear, although it is not a panacea for all information problems.
Archives bancaires en Grèce
Authors: Krauss Alexandre
Published: March 2007

Summarises the role of the archives of the National Bank of Greece in promoting archival modernization and development in the country.
MOI UNIVERSITY LIBRARY: a new library in a new university
Authors: Tanui Tirongarap
Published: March 2007

Describes the history and development of the library of Moi University, Kenya, which was established in 1984. Outlines the problems of staffing, acquisitions, cataloguing and classification, and social and environmental problems, particularly those arising from the geographical isolation of the university. Assesses the library's achievements and describes plans for its future development, including a proposed new library building.
Information training for Africa: the role of the German Foundation for International Development (DSE)
Authors: Hütteman Lutz
Published: March 2007

Describes the Information and Documentation Training Programme of the German Foundation for International Development, which is focused mainly on countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. The programme includes national seminars for the establishment of information and documentation services, national and regional training courses for information and documentation personnel, continuing professional education courses, the development of teaching and learning materials, scholarships and other activities. Great emphasis is placed on working in partnership with local institutions in the region and in using local information professionals as resource persons. An outline of the programme for 1990-1991 and a selected list of DSE publications are included.
I nside the G ulf crisis: destruction and looting in Kuwait
Authors: Salem Shawky
Published: March 2007

At 2.00 a.m. on 2 August 1990, Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait, suddenly and without any previous notice. This political earthquake happened during my annual vacation in my home town of Alexandria, in Egypt. Like many other people, including both Kuwaitis and foreigners working in Kuwait, I was completely shocked. I tried hard to accept this new situation and survive the catastrophe, but I could not stop thinking of my office, my databases which took fifteen years of my life to build, my home, my cars, my club and my friends who were there during the invasion. I attended the IFLA Conference in Stockholm later that month to try to forget this harmful event which was about to destroy fifteen years of my life.
Issues and challenges in library development
Authors: Pringgoadisurjo Luwarsih
Published: March 2007

Discusses the role of the library in the information age, with special reference to Indonesia. Outlines constraints on library development and stresses the need for improvements in library education programmes to produce librarians able to face the challenges of the information age.
Library education in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kamaideen S.M.
Published: March 2007

The expansion of education in Sri Lanka after independence gave rise to a demand for libraries and library education. Describes early efforts to provide library education in Sri Lanka and existing facilities, including those provided by the Sri Lanka Library Association, the Department of Library Science at Kelaniya University, and the Sri Lanka National Library Services Board. The need for coordination of library education programmes, adequate manpower surveys and library legislation is stressed. Proposals for the future development of library education in Sri Lanka are outlined. Concludes that there is an urgent need for a comprehensive statement of national policy and objectives for library education.
Effects of dopamine antagonists on fluid intake and salt preference in male and female rats
Authors: Gilbert David B. , Cooper Steven J.
Published: March 2007

The effects of three dopamine antagonists (pimozide, clozapine, sulpiride) on fluid consumption by water-deprived rats trained to choose between a saline solution and water in a 15 min drinking test were examined. Rats of each sex were allocated to three groups and given access to 0.125% NaCl, 0.6% NaCl, and 1.7% NaCl, respectively, as the alternative to water. Dose-dependent reductions in fluid consumption were produced by pimozide (0.1- 3.0 mg kg-1) and clozapine (0.3-10.0 mg kg-1), but not by sulpiride (1.0-30 mg kg-1). There were instances of a hyperdipsic effect of sulpiride. The dopamine antagonists produced significant changes in saline preference, but in no case was a decrease in preference detected. Instead, there was evidence for induction of preference, or enhancement of preference, in both sexes. So far as determinants of preference for the salt are concerned, it appears that in the rat, dopamine may have a predominantly inhibitory action.
The comparative psychopathology of affective disorders in animals and humans
Authors: Healy David
Published: March 2007

Reviews of animal models of affective disorders commonly concentrate on the behavioural features thereof, the supposed neurochemical substrates, the mode of production and the response to treatment of the state in question but ignore questions of psycho pathology. An attempt is made to deal critically with the psychopathology of human and animal affective disorders in the light of current operational criteria for the diagnosis of major depressive disorders. It is argued thatthe psychopathological tradition stemming from Jaspers may be more appropriate to a consideration of animal models of affective disorders than the psychopathological positions implicit in psychoanalysis, behaviourism or current cognitive psychologies and in addition more suited to meet these criteria. The adoption of such a perspective results in a shift of emphasis from abnormalities of psychological content to demonstrable neuropsychological deficits and a definition of affective disorders, whether in animals or humans, as psychosomatic illnesses, possibly involving a pathology of circadian rhythmicity. This perspective also suggests that animal models may be useful in the devel opment of more refined diagnostic criteria for affective disorders in humans.
Effects of the chronic administration of pyrithioxin on behaviour and cholinergic function in young and aged rats
Authors: Marston H.M. , Martin K.J. , Robbins T.W.
Published: March 2007

Behavioural effects were assessed in both young and old rats of the pyridine derivative pyrithioxin, which has been reported to elevate acetylcholine levels in several brain regions in old rats. Pyrithioxin was administered in rats' food according to two separate dosing regimens (200 and 600 mg kg -1) over a 6 week period. Spontaneous locomotor activity was measured weekly in photocell cages. Two measures of memory were used: one trial step-down passive avoidance, and spatial learning and retention in the Morris water maze. Pyrithioxin had no effect on locomotor activity or swim speed, but enhanced one trial passive avoidance retention in both young and old animals. The drug also enhanced sensitivity to foot shock and retention of the water maze in old animals.
Anticonflict effect of ipsapirone, buspirone and gepirone is not mediated by their common metabolite 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)piperazine
Authors: Przegaliński E. , Tatarczyńska E. , Chojnacka-Wójcik E.
Published: March 2007

Pyrimidinylpiperazine anxiolytic drugs-ipsapirone, buspirone and gepirone-dose- dependently increased punished responding in an anticonflict (shock-induced suppression of drinking) paradigm in rats. Similar effect was also produced by their common metabolite 1- (2-pyrimidinyl)piperazine (1-PP). Anticonflict effects of ipsapirone, buspirone and gepirone, administered in maximal doses, were considerably stronger when tested 30 min than 120 min after their administration. Furthermore, anticonflict effects of these drugs, given in subthres hold or medium effective doses, were significantly potentiated by the non-selective drug metabolism inhibitor proadifen. Comparison of these results with literature pharmacokinetic data indicate that the pharmacological effect of ipsapirone, buspirone and gepirone parallels better cerebral concentrations of the parent drugs than 1-PP. Therefore anticonflict activity of the investigated drugs does not seem to be mediated by their common metabolite 1-PP.
Procedures affecting maintenance and loss of tolerance to amphetamine-induced anorexia and cross-tolerance to haloperidol-induced catalepsy
Authors: Streather A. , Hinson R.E.
Published: March 2007

Procedures affecting the maintenance and loss of tolerance to amphetamine anorexia were investigated. Following a period in which rats acquired tolerance to amphetamine-induced anorexia via the contingent- tolerance procedure, a variety of manipulations were investigated to determine which effected a loss of tolerance. The procedures included: continued milk availability or its absence, saline injections or no injections and a switch to non-contingent amphetamine injections. These procedures were each investigated while animals continued to be food-deprived or were maintained at their ad libitum weights. The animals maintained at 100% ad lib. lost tolerance whereas tolerance was maintained by the 85% groups, regardless of what other manipulations were given. Subsequently all animals were tested for catalepsy induced by 1.25 mg/kg haloperidol. Animals that had maintained tolerance to amphetamine anorexia (85% groups) were significantly less cataleptic than the animals that had lost tolerance to amphetamine anorexia (100% groups). The finding that tolerance to amphetamine anorexia is lost in animals that have ad lib. access to food indicates that a homeostatic imbalance caused by food-deprivation is perhaps the most important factor in the maintenance of tolerance to amphetamine anorexia.
Local cerebral glucose utilization after chronic electroconvulsive shock: implications for the mode of action of electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: Lock T. , McCulloch J.
Published: March 2007

The [14C]2-deoxyglucose autoradiographic technique measures local rates of glucose utilization simul taneously in all functional and anatomical subunits of the CNS and provides a measure of the functional consequences in the CNS of any manipulation. Glucose utilization was measured in 24 regions of the CNS in conscious rats one day after the end of a 7-day course of electroconvulsive shock (chronic ECS). Chronic ECS had minimal effects on local glucose utilization in most brain areas (including extrapyramidal, cortical, hippocampal and other limbic structures) with only the nucleus accumbens displaying a significant alteration (reduced by 25% from sham-treated animals). These data suggest that functional alterations in the nucleus accumbens may underly a unique therapeutic mechanism of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), which is known to be effective in a wide variety of psychiatric syndromes characterized by mixed depressive and 'positive' psychotic symptoms. Our findings (supported by preliminary data from a study of sub-convulsive ECS) suggest that the functional sequelae of repeated electroconvulsions in selectively vulnerable limbic and hippocampal structures—more likely to underly ECT's unwanted cognitive side effect than its wanted therapeutic effect—may be attenuated by reducing the power of the stimulus required to induce seizures.
Antidepressant drug treatment in relation to the use of ECT
Authors: Malcolm Katy , Dean Jacinta , Rowlands Paul , Peet Malcolm
Published: March 2007

The adequacy of antidepressant treatment by psychiatrists prior to ECT was examined in a group of 95 patients. ECT was considered inevitable in 16 cases. Of the remainder, 41 patients had not been given adequate antidepressant treatment prior to ECT. Alternative drug strategies were seldom pursued after one drug had failed. Most patients were continued on a variety of psychotropic drugs during ECT. Subsequent outcome was poor, which may reflect difficulty in identifying an appropriate drug for continuation treatment after ECT.
β-Adrenoceptors and resistance to stress: old problems and new possibilities
Authors: Stanford S.C. , Salmon P.
Published: March 2007

The commentators suggest that our approach may be too limited to account for many of the factors which influence stress-related behaviour, yet too general to help us interpret the neurochemical coding of behavioural responses to stress. In our reply we argue that the strategy described in our Critique both confronts the issues discussed in the Commentaries and is more objective and rigorous than approaches used currently.
Assessment of epileptogenic potential: experimental, clinical and epidemiological approaches
Authors: Edwards J.Guy , Wheal Howard V.
Published: March 2007

There are experimental, clinical and epidemiological methods of assessing the epileptogenic potential of psychotropic drugs. In the laboratory it has been shown that there is a range of cellular and synaptic processes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus that give rise to epileptiform neuronal activity. In addition to the classical suppression of GABA-mediated inhibitory synaptic mechanisms, in vitro studies in animal models of epilepsy and on human tissue suggest a prominent role for the N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of excitatory amino acid receptors. Any mechanism that leads to the depolarization of the neurones is likely to result in a facilitation of the NMDA-receptor involvement in excitatory neurotransmission. This is particularly true in the cortex and hippocampus where the densities of the NMDA-receptor are highest. Data are presented in this paper on how this epileptogenic mechanism can be studied in vitro. In humans, the importance of an accurate diagnosis is stressed and the advantages and disadvantages of routine EEG recordings and ambulatory monitoring discussed. Descriptions of large-scale systems of drug safety monitoring and their application to the assessment of the epileptogenic properties of psychotropic drugs are given.
Scopolamine-induced amnesia in humans: lack of effects of the benzodiazepine receptor antagonist β-carboline ZK 93426
Authors: Duka Theodora , Edelmann Volker , Schütt Barbara , Dorow Rainer , Fichte Klaus
Published: March 2007

It has been suggested from pharmacological studies in animals that ZK 93426 may improve memory and other cognitive processes in humans. Scopolamine has been used to model aspects of memory impairment. To test the effects of ZK 93426 alone and in combination with scopolamine, ZK 93426 (0.04 mg/kg) or vehicle (Intralipid R) was administered intravenously (i.v.) to normal controls, pre-treated with either scopolamine 0.5 mg administered subcutaneously (s.c.) or the same volume of saline. A visual (presentation of pictures) and a verbal (words list) memory test were applied. Both drugs on their own and in combination were found to be safe and well tolerated. ZK 93426 did not antagonize the scopolamine-induced impairment of acquisition of the words list. Scopolamine did not impair delayed recall of visual or verbal material. ZK 93426 alone improved performance in delayed recall of visual material presented after drug application, whereas it impaired performance in delayed recall of visual material presented before drug administration.
The effects of physical illness on psychiatric disorder
Authors: Kisely S.R. , Goldberg D.P.
Published: March 2007

Somatic symptoms of both organic and non-organic causes are associated with an increase in psychiatric morbidity irrespective of setting; patients with chronic medical conditions are approximately twice as likely to report psychiatric disorder as controls. This increase cannot be entirely explained in terms of help-seeking behaviour, recognition rates by treating doctors or treatment outcome. The detection and treatment of coincident psychiatric disorder in this group of patients needs further clarification.
Symptoms as predictors of response in depression
Authors: Burton S.W.
Published: March 2007

Sertraline, a novel selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, has been proven as effective as amitriptyline and imipramine, and more effective than placebo, in double-blind controlled studies in patients with major depressive disorder. The question 'Do symptoms predict response to treatment?' is an important one in clinical practice. In order to try and answer this question, four double-blind clinical trials in major depressive disorder have been examined for clinically important symptoms and subgroups at entry to the studies. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D, 17-item) was used throughout and the data for sertraline-treated patients were split in several different ways. The response to treatment was defined as the percentage of patients achieving a CGI-improvement score of 1 or 2 at the end of treatment. Patients with severe depression at entry had a response rate of > 80%, which was comparable to that of patients with moderate depression. A similar response rate was seen in the presence of DSM-III-defined melancholia, high anxiety, insomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation. Finally, in order to examine the effect of old age on the response to treatment, one of the four studies, which included only patients aged 65 or older, was examined separately. In this study responders were defined as those with >50% reduction in baseline HAM-D at the end of treatment. Approximately 70% were found to be responders in both the moderate and severe depression subgroups.
Effects of food deprivation and mCPP treatment on the microstructure of ingestive behaviour of male and female rats
Authors: Clifton P.G. , Barnfield A.M. , Curzon G.
Published: March 2007

A preliminary experiment showed that a 2.5 mg/kg dose of the 5-HT agonist 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine di hydrochloride (mCPP) produced a greater reduction of food intake in female rats when weight-matched rats of both sexes were compared following 24 h food deprivation. A second experiment showed that this dose of mCPP led to higher drug concentrations in female than in male brain tissue. In two meal pattern studies non-drugged females took a shorter first meal, but ate more rapidly during that meal, than males; these differences were also seen in records of ad libitum feeding. mCPP produced an anorectic effect that lasted for < 1 h with rebound feeding becoming apparent within 1-2 h. The drug increased latency to feed, reduced the size of the first meal and feeding rate during that meal and had effects that were most marked in older rats and in female rats. In addition, effects of mCPP on water intake were as profound as those on food intake. These effects are discussed in relation to sex differences in feeding and the behavioural specificity of mCPP.
Once-daily controlled release remoxipride is equieffective with twice-daily immediate release remoxipride in the treatment of schizophrenia
Authors: Alexander M.S. , Chakravarti S.K. , Sundararajan K. , Mullin J.M. , Shaw S.H. , Blomqvist M. , Lockett C.M.
Published: March 2007

A controlled release (CR) formulation of remoxipride (Roxiam®, Astra) given once-daily was compared to immediate release (IR) remoxipride given twice-daily, with respect to efficacy and tolerability, in a 4-week multicentre parallel-group dose titration (200-600 mg/day) study with acutely ill schizophrenic patients. Forty- three patients received remoxipride CR (mean dose 344 mg/day) and 49 patients received remoxipride IR (mean dose 346 mg/day). Efficacy was assessed using the Kolakowska version of the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS score of ≥ 18 points at entry) and the Clinical Global Impression scale (CGI), while extrapyramidal symptoms were rated using the Simpson and Angus scale. Both formulations of remoxipride produced clinical improvement, with the BPRS median total score falling from 35 at baseline to 16 at last rating in the remoxipride CR group, and from 33 to 12.5 in the remoxipride IR group. More than 70% of the patients in both groups were assessed as 'much improved' or 'very much improved' according to the CGI scale. Both formulations of remoxipride were well-tolerated, with a low incidence of treatment-emergent adverse symptoms, including extrapyramidal side effects. No statistically significant differences were detected between the treatment groups with regard to efficacy, safety or tolerability.
Involvement of adenosine receptors in mouse thermoregulation
Authors: Zarrindast M.R. , Heidari M.R.
Published: March 2007

The effects of the activation of adenosine receptors on core body temperature of mice have been studied in the present investigation. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of non-selective adenosine agonists 5'-N ethyl- carboxamide adenosine (NECA; 0.001, 0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg), R-( N6-phenylisopropyl)-adenosine (R-PIA; 0.01, 0.1 and 0.25 mg/kg) and selective A1 adenosine agonist N6-cyclohexyladenosine (CHA; 0.1, 0.25 and 0.4 mg/kg) reduced core body temperature. However, R-PIA and CHA were less potent than NECA in reducing the core body temperature. Theophylline (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) blocked the hypothermia of the adenosine agonists. Pre-treatment of animals with selective A1 adenosine antagonist 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT; 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg) decreased the hypothermic response of CHA but not of NECA and R-PIA. 8-PT potentiated the hypothermia induced by R-PIA. These results suggest that activation of both A1 and A2 adenosine receptors decreases core body temperature in mice.
Psychiatric complications of 'Ecstasy' use
Authors: Series Hugh , Boeles Sietske , Dorkins Eluned , Peveler Robert
Published: March 2007

Two case reports are presented of significant psychiatric disorders associated with ingestion of 'Ecstasy' (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), a recreational drug whose use appears to be increasing. In one case, the patient developed a brief paranoid psychosis which recurred and persisted for at least a month after he took a second dose of the drug. In the other, the patient experienced persistent symptoms of anxiety and depression for > 8 weeks after taking the drug.
On the mechanism(s) of morphine-induced hypothermia
Authors: Zarrindast M.R. , Vahedy A. , Heidari M.R. , Ghazi Khansari M.
Published: March 2007

The effects of morphine on core body temperature of mice in the presence or absence of catecholamine receptor antagonists were examined. Administration of different doses of morphine (20, 30 and 40 mg/kg) to mice caused a hypothermic effect. Pre-treatment of animals with the opioid receptor antagonist naloxone (1, 1.5 and 3 mg/kg), the D-2 receptor antagonists sulpiride (25 and 50 mg/kg), pimozide (0.0625, 0.125 and 0.25 mg/kg) and the adenosine receptor antagonist theophylline (25 and 50 mg/kg) decreased the morphine-induced hypothermia. The D-1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg), the peripheral D-2 antagonist domperidone (10 and 30 mg/kg), the serotonin (5-HT) antagonist methysergide (5 and 10 mg/kg), the adrenoceptor antagonist phenoxybenzamine (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) and the β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol (5 and 10 mg/kg) did not inhibit the morphine response. The antimuscarinic drug atropine (5 and 10 mg/kg) caused a slight decrease in the morphine response. In animals pre-treated with reserpine (5 mg/kg), a hyperthermic response was observed after morphine injection. It is concluded that indirect dopaminergic or adenosine receptor mechanism(s) may be involved in the morphine-induced hypothermia in mice.
Improvement of abnormal saccadic eye movements in Huntington's disease by sulpiride: a case study
Authors: Reveley M.A. , Dursun S.M. , Andrews H.
Published: March 2007

Sulpiride treatment improved both the abnormal asymmetric saccadic eye movements (SEM) and the abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs) in a patient with Huntington's disease (HD). However, sulpiride corrected the abnormalities of SEM in the right, but not the left, hemi-field and the degeneration of the left striatal tissue was greater as visualised by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.
Nicotine-induced purposeless chewing in rats: possible dopamine receptor mediation
Authors: Samini M. , Shayegan Yekta F. , Zarrindast M.R.
Published: March 2007

Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of nicotine to rats induced purposeless chewing. The response induced by different doses of the drug (0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg) seems to be dose dependent, with a maximum effect at 0.01 mg/kg and then decreasing at a higher dose (0.1 mg/kg). Pre-treatment of animals with the nicotine antagonist mecamylamine (0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg, 30 min) and the D-2 receptor antagonist sulpiride (12.5-100 mg/kg, 90 min), but not the D-1 antagonist SCH 23390 (0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg, 30 min), decreased the chewing induced by nicotine (0.01 mg/kg). When animals were pre-treated with propranolol (5 and 10 mg/kg) 60 min, reserpine (2.5 mg/kg) 18 h or α-methyl- p-tyrosine (α-MPT; 250 mg/kg) 60 min before nicotine, the effect of the drug was reduced. However, reserpine (2.5 mg/kg) at 18 h plus α-MPT (250 mg/kg) 60 min prior to nicotine completely inhibited the drug response. Pre-treatment of animals with phenoxybenzamine (2.5 and 5 mg/kg i.p., 60 min) or atropine (5 and 10 mg/kg) did not change the nicotine response significantly. It is concluded that nicotine- induced purposeless chewing is mediated through dopaminergic and nicotinic mechanisms.
Loss of social status: preliminary evaluation of a novel animal model of depression
Authors: Willner Paul , D'Aquila Paolo S. , Coventry Toni , Brain Paul
Published: March 2007

Stable dominance hierarchies were determined in pairs of male Lister hooded rats, by repeated observation of agonistic behaviour at the onset of the dark phase of the light-dark cycle. No lasting alterations in dominance behaviour were caused by subjecting the dominant member of the pair either to restraint stress or to defeat by another dominant animal. However, defeat of the dominant animal by a male of the aggressive Tryon Maze Dull (TMD) strain caused a loss of dominant status in the home cage which lasted at least 7 days. Repeated weekly defeat by TMD animals decreased both home cage dominance behaviour and consumption of a palatable sucrose solution, relative to non-defeated animals; both behaviours were normalized in defeated animals by 3 weeks of treatment with the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine.
Detoxified alcoholics, major depressives and tyramine sulphate excretion
Authors: Hale A.S. , Hannah R. , Sandler M. , Glover V.
Published: March 2007

The excretion of tyramine sulphate after challenge with an oral load of tyramine was assessed in recently detoxified, clinically depressed alcoholics and a matched group of major depressives. Tyramine excretion in the alcohol group (mean 5.95 ± 3.28 mg/3 h SD) was in the range previously observed in controls and was significantly higher than in the matched depressives (mean 3.43 ± 2.37 mg/3 h SD). Tyramine sulphate excretion has been suggested as a genetic vulnerability marker for major depression. This study suggests that depression associated with alcohol withdrawal is not characterised by decreased tyramine sulphate excretion after oral tyramine challenge, such decreased conjugation only being present, perhaps, in those patients with pre- existing endogenous depressive vulnerability. Although a genetic link between alcoholism and depression exists, these results support the absence of such a link to major depression.
Effects of chronic desipramine on waiting behaviour for a food reward in olfactory bulbectomized rats
Authors: Kelly J.P. , Leonard B.E.
Published: March 2007

The effects of olfactory bulbectomy (OB) on the 'waiting behaviour' of rats for a food reward in a T-maze, as well as the effect of chronic treatment with desipramine (7.5 mg/kg, i.p. x 14 days) prior to and throughout testing was assessed. In the T-maze, the time spent in locating a reward was longer in OB rats during the first phase of the food reward test. However, all groups chose the larger reward in at least 80% of trials by day 5 of test. Upon imposition of a delay in acquisition of the larger reward (phase 2), sham-operated rats chose the larger reward in correspondingly fewer trials until, by day 5, only 13% (control sham group) and 29% (desipramine-treated sham group) of trials were for the larger but delayed reward. By contrast, both OB rat groups continued to choose the larger but delayed reward throughout phase 2 in the majority of trials. The typical behavioural hyperactivity of OB rats in the 'open field' apparatus was attenuated by chronic administration of DMI. The results suggest that the OB rat has a deficit in food-motivated behaviour and appears to have reduced adaptation of this learned response when the conditions of the test are altered. Chronic desipramine treatment did not attenuate this effect.
Interference effects on verbal memory function, following oral lorazepam
Authors: Tsakonas Jenny I. , Kirkby Kenneth C. , Montgomery Iain M. , Daniels Brett A.
Published: March 2007

Previous studies have consistently reported deficits in verbal memory following oral lorazepam administration. The possible role of susceptibility to interference effects as a contributory mechanism in benzodiazepine amnesia has not been examined as an independent variable. In addition, most studies of benzodiazepine amnesia have not controlled for the possible confounding effects of alcohol consumption, recently reported to affect the degree of amnesia produced by lorazepam. The present study assessed the verbal memory capabilities of 24 low social drinkers (MAST score < 3) receiving either oral lorazepam (2 mg) or placebo. Interference effects on verbal memory were assessed using the Auditory herbal Learning Test, with either the interference word list (trial B) or a counting backwards task. Lorazepam significantly reduced the recall scores for list B, compared to the first presentation of list A, suggesting lorazepam may increase susceptibility to proactive interference. There was no drug effect on retroactive interference. With regard to recall per se, lorazepam impaired verbal learning for initial acquisition trials (trials 2 and 3) but not subsequent trials, where learning was comparable to the placebo. Lorazepam did not produce significant impairment in immediate and delayed recall trials. This pattern of recall does not conform to the classic profile of benzodiazepine-induced amnesia; potential explanations for this are discussed.
Use of a dietary manipulation to deplete plasma tyrosine and phenylalanine in healthy subjects
Authors: Sheehan B.D. , Tharyan P. , McTavish S.F.B. , Campling G.M. , Cowen P.J.
Published: March 2007

The aim of the present study was to lower plasma concentrations of tyrosine, the amino acid precursor of noradrenaline and to determine whether this manipulation impaired noradrenergic function as measured by the evening rise in concentrations of plasma melatonin. Eight healthy volunteers received three drinks: (i) an essential amino acid load with tyrosine, (ii) the same load without tyrosine and its precursor, phenylalanine and (iii) tap water. The tyrosine- and phenylalanine-deficient drink lowered plasma tyrosine by approximately 50% over 5 h. However, this did not alter the evening plasma melatonin levels compared to the other two drinks. The results suggest that amino acid loading produces a modest decline in plasma tyrosine levels but this does not lower noradrenergic neurotransmission in the pineal gland.
Acute disturbed or violent behaviour: principles of treatment
Authors: Kerr Ian B. , Taylor David
Published: March 2007

Acute disturbed or violent behaviour has a number of organic, iatrogenic and psychological precipitants and is commonly encountered. Various models have been used to define such behaviour and to suggest non- pharmacological treatments. However, drugs are frequently used and a wide variety of regimens are employed. Robust research into the use of drugs in acute, disturbed behaviour is scant. Nevertheless a treatment protocol is presented based on primary research, review articles and clinical experience.