bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive and motor function impairments during continuous opioid analgesic infusions
Authors: Coda Barbara A. , Hill Harlan F. , Hunt Earl B. , Kerr E. Beth , Jacobson Robert C. , Chapman C. Richard 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis research was supported in part by grants from National Cancer Institute (CA 38552) and assistance from Janssen Research Foundation.Morphine and other opioid analgesics may interfere with normal cognition and motor function during long‐term treatment of cancer‐related pain. In this study, we used individually tailored steady‐state drug infusions to control plasma concentrations of morphine and alfentanil and measured the extent of cognitive and motor impairments produced by each drug in healthy volunteers. The tailored infusions allowed evaluation of cognitive and motor effects at three sequential, steady plasma concentrations of each opioid. During continuous infusion, both drugs caused significant, plasma concentration‐related impairments of ability to process serially‐presented information and of fine motor control at plasma drug concentrations within the usual therapeutic range. We found significant relationships between cognitive and motor function decrements and plasma opioid concentration with both morphine and alfentanil. We conclude that magnitudes of cognitive and motor function impairments are equivalent for these two mu receptor selective agonists at equianalgesic plasma concentrations.
Alpidem: Lack of sedative effect on psychomotor performance in therapeutic doses
Authors: Rosenzweig P. , Warrington S. , Patat A. , Ascalone V. , Bergougnan L. , Morselli P. L. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis is a randomised, double blind, cross‐over, placebo‐controlled study carried out in 12 healthy young male volunteers. It consisted of six test days separated by two week wash‐out periods. The objective was to compare the potential sedative effects of 3 single oral doses of alpidem (50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg) versus diazepam (10 mg and 15 mg). Pharmacodynamics were assessed by objective psychometric tests (critical flicker fusion, choice‐reaction time, manual dexterity, digit span) and subjective evaluation (visual analogue scales) before then 2 h, 4 h, 8 h and 24 h post‐dose.Alpidem in dosages of 50 mg and 100 mg did not impair alertness or psychomotor performance; with 200 mg, psychometric tests and visual analogue scales demonstrated sedative effects 2 h post‐dose.In contrast, diazepam in a therapeutic dosage (10 and 15 mg) produced similar impairments of vigilance and psychomotor performance as alpidem 200 mg, indicating a lack of dissociation between anxiolytic and sedative effects.
Natural killer cell activity and serum immunoglobulins in epileptic patients
Authors: Testorell Carla , Pruneri Carlo , Ferini‐Strambi Luigi , Zamperetti Marco , Altamura Carlo A. , Smirne Salvatore , Bareggi Silvio R. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSerum immunoglobulins and the activity of natural killer (NK) cells of 50 epileptic patients (eight with idiopathic generalized epilepsy and 42 with cryptogenic partial epilepsy) and 28 controls have been studied. The values of IgA, IgG and IgM were the same‐in patients and controls. The NK activity in controls was linearly related to the effector‐to‐target ratio, but this linear relationship was not observed in epileptic patients. The cytotoxic activity of NK cells at the lowest effector‐to‐target ratio was significantly greater in patients than in controls. This increase was observed in each therapy group. Our results seem to confirm a disturbance of the immune system in epileptic patients and suggest that this modification of cellular immunity is not a drug effect but is related to the illness itself.
Safety and antidepressant efficacy of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors
Authors: Kasper S. , Höflich G. , Scholl H.‐P. , Möller H.‐J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis review deals with the safety and antidepressant efficacy of selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). At present, five SSRIs are used therapeutically in European countries (fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline and citalopram). The antidepressant efficacy of these drugs has been tested both versus placebo and versus reference antidepressants (amitriptyline, imipramine) revealing comparable antidepressant efficacy to the active compounds and a significant superiority compared with placebo. Furthermore, the available studies provide initial evidence that SSRIs have good antidepressant efficacy in severe depression and suggest that they might lead to a faster decline of suicidal tendencies within major depression. Since they have a favourable side‐effects profile in sum, compared with tri‐ and tetracyclic antidepressants, they can be recommended from the aspect of a ‘side‐effects‐derived indication’.
Lithium and anticholinergic combination to maintain a stable lithium plasma level
Authors: Bellibas S. Eralp , Ülker Sibel , Akfert Kazim , Tuglular Isik , Vahip Simavi 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe effect of lithium and propantheline, an anticholinergic agent, combination on plasma and red blood cell (RBC) lithium levels was studied to test if this combination could maintain a stable plasma lithium level for a long‐lasting period by delaying gastric emptying, in rabbits. There was a significant difference in plasma lithium levels between control and propantheline‐administered groups (p < 0·01). The peak level seen in the second hour of lithium administration in the control group was not observed in the propantheline‐administered group and a stable lithium level was maintained. It was suggested that a lithium and anticholinergic drug combination can be an alternative in eliminating the peak plasma levels of lithium and preventing the side‐effects thought to be related to this factor.
A comparison of the psychometric effects of remoxipride with those of haloperidol, thioridazine, and lorazepam in healthy volunteers
Authors: Hindmarch I. , Tiplady B. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn this placebo and verum (lorazepam 2 mg) controlled double‐blind crossover study the acute effects of Remoxipride 50 mg and 100 mg; Haloperidol 2·5 mg; and Thioridazine 50 mg were examined in 18 healthy volunteers. CNS function was assessed using a battery of psychometric measures, viz: Critical Flicker Fusion Threshold (CFFT); Choice Reaction Time (CRT); Tracking Accuracy (RMS) and Peripheral Reaction Time (PRT); Sternberg Memory Scanning (SMS); Word Memory (WM) as well as Line Analogue Ratings of subjective sedation (LARS) and the Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ). Both doses of remoxipride were associated with a reduction of CFFT: 0·9 Hz for 50 mg and 1·3 Hz for 100 mg. The 100 mg dose caused an increase (impairment) in CRT total time of 38 msec. Haloperidol reduced CFFT, while thioridazine and lorazepam impaired performance on the majority of objective measures, as expected for known sedative drugs. Thioridazine led to hypotension in three subjects, and to subjective sedation (LARS), but no treatment affected responses on the LSEQ administered the morning of the day following treatment. These results show that remoxipride has some depressant effects on CNS function, but that these are less prominent than those of sedative neuroleptics such as thioridazine.
Nine parallel versions of four memory tests: An assessment of form equivalence and the effects of practice on performance
Authors: Watson Frances L. , Pasteur Mary‐Anne L. , Healy David T. , Hughes Elizabeth A. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractFour memory tests, each containing nine parallel forms, were developed and assessed for their suitability for use in psychopharmacological research. The tests measured verbal memory, face‐name‐occupation associate learning, spatial location memory and memory for visual designs. Twenty‐seven healthy subjects completed a different form of each test on each of nine testing occasions. Test form administration order was rotated across subjects to permit the independent assessment of practice effects and test form equivalence. Performance on four of the test forms differed significantly from performance on other forms of the same test. Data from the remaining forms contained no significant test form differences and these were assumed to be equivalent. ANOVA indicated practicerelated changes in six of the seven measures examined. Four or five successive test sessions were required before performance stabilized. Initial ‘dips’ in performance observed in the verbal memory tests were attributed to proactive interference, whilst further performance improvements in spatial location performance that occurred in the last three days of the study may have been caused by the development of mnemonic strategies. Thus, patterns of change with practice varied across the four tests. The results underline the importance of documenting practice effects in relation to repeated memory assessment.
Predictors of dental anxiety and effects of treatment with nitrous oxide and midazolam in dentally phobic patients
Authors: Goodall Elizabeth M. , Skelly Ann M. , File Sandra E. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe role of general anxiety measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), or the Spielberger Trait Anxiety scale, (STAI‐T) on dental anxiety (measured by the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale, the Kent Phobia Scale and by analogue ratings concerning specific procedures) of dentally phobic patients was examined using multiple regression analysis. HADS anxiety and STAI‐T scores were both significant predictors of Corah scores; whereas HADS depression and STAI‐T predicted Kent scores, which measure how concerns about dentistry affect emotional and social well‐being. Fear of coming for an appointment significantly contributed to both scores and was itself predicted by anxiety about having an instrument in the mouth. The effects of sedation with nitrous oxide or midazolam on the change in dental anxiety after two treatment sessions in patients with high or low HADS anxiety were compared. Both drugs resulted in significant and equal reductions in scores on the Corah scale and anxieties about an instrument in the mouth, drilling and filling, in both high and low anxiety groups. None of the groups showed a significant reduction in scores on the Kent scale or in fear of coming for an appointment.
Zopiclone, sleep and health‐related quality of life
Authors: Goldenberg F. , Hindmarch I. , Joyce C. R. B. , Le Gal M. , Partinen M. , Pilate C. 
Published: December 2004

Abstract458 insomniac patients participated in a multinational, randomised, double blind, parallel groups study of zopiclone 7.5 mg versus placebo. Patients received the drug or placebo nightly for 14 days and for a further six weeks on demand. Sleep characteristics and Quality of Life measures were assessed at 14, 28 and 56 days after admission. Both groups of patients improved on these measures, but the active treatment showed significantly greater improvement compared to placebo, both after 14 days and at the end of the trial.
Thrombocytopenia associated with levomepromazine: A case report
Authors: Sato T. , Takeichi M. , Takami T. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractCases of blood dyscrasia related to neuroleptic therapy have been reported. However thrombocytopenia associated with levomepromazine (LPZ) has never been reported, to the best of our knowledge. We describe here a patient treated with LPZ who has developed haemorrhagic vesicles and severe thrombocytopenia. Appropriate management and prompt substitution of LPZ by sulpride led to a full clinical recovery.
LSD: A missed opportunity?
Authors: Claridge Gordon 
Published: December 2004

AbstractDespite its early promise as ‘the chemical key to schizophrenia’, and its manifest properties as a psychotomimetic, LSD failed to catch on as a drug model for human psychosis. The reasons for this and the longstanding preference, instead, for the amphetamine model are examined. It is argued that the rejection of LSD was not just a scientific decision, but was influenced by increasing disaffection in psychiatry and society at large with psychological (existentialist) interpretations of schizophrenia with which LSD, as a recreational drug, was associated. The proscription of LSD and the shift towards a strongly organic view of schizophrenia created a climate where it was easier to accept the simpler amphetamine (dopamine) model. Flaws in the latter, its further recent undermining as an exclusive theory, and challenges to an overly organic psychiatry by a more psychobiological approach, are all discussed in the light of the perceived need for a more elaborated neurochemical account of schizophrenia; this includes a rǒle for central serotonergic influences in the disorder, removing much of the previous objection to LSD as a drug model. Several ways are suggested in which data about LSD could still usefully be drawn upon in schizophrenia research; including, in animal experimentation, its direct use to test the viability of the various biological models of schizophrenia on offer. Some examples of the latter are given, including a study of LSD from the author's own past work.
The role of growth factors and neuropeptides in alzheimer's disease
Authors: Wilcock G. K. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA number of important neurotransmitter deficiencies have been described in Alzheimer's disease, the commonest cause of dementia in people at all ages. Particularly marked is the depletion of acetylcholine, and a number of treatments have been developed which are aimed at correcting this biochemical deficiency, so far with varying success. An alternative strategy involves the use of neurotrophic compounds to try and prevent or retard the loss of cholinergic cells, reducing the magnitude of acetylcholine depletion. A number of different neurotrophic compounds are exciting interest in this context, especially Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Animal and tissue culture studies support a neuroprotective role for NGF in relation to cholinergic neurons and human recombinant NGF is being produced with a view to small scale clinical trials in the not too distant future. The ‘active’ parts of the NGF molecule are being identified to enable the development of simpler molecules with biological activity that may more easily penetrate the blood‐brain barrier. Other members of the neurotrophin family are also under investigation as potential treatments for a range of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease.
Tissue adhesives and hemostasis‐inducing compounds: The alkyl cyanoacrylates
Authors: Leonard F. , Kulkarni R. K. , Nelson J. , Brandes G. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn an effort to obtain tissue adhesive monomers which would wet and spread on tissue substrates and be rapidly biodegradable, the branched esters of alkyl α‐cyanoacrylates, as well as a 95‐5 wt.‐% mixture of n‐heptyl and methyl α‐cyanoacrylate, were studied. The data indicate that alkyl α‐cyanoacrylates having branched alkoxy groups appear to be promising in this regard.
The in vivo metabolic degradation of poly (methyl cyanoacrylate) via thiocyanate
Authors: Kulkarni R. K. , Hanks G. A. , Pani K. C. , Leonard F. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractMethyl α‐cyanoacrylate, when implanted subcutaneously in rats and dogs, has been shown to lead to an increase in thiocyanate output in the urine, presumably through the formation of cyanide anions which are subsequently converted to thiocyanate. It is postulated that this reaction may be one of the reactions contributing to tissue necrosis when methyl α‐cyanoacrylate is used as a tissue adhesive.
Problems of materials in mechanical heart systems
Authors: Akutsu Tetsuzo , Kantrowitz Adrian 
Published: December 2004

AbstractCurrently available materials for mechanical heart systems are surveyed, particularly with respect to long‐term implantation, from the viewpoints of availability and workability, mechanical and biological durability, and compatibility with blood and tissue. Some materials have one or more desirable physical properties, but none offers perfect blood and tissue compatibility. Medical grade Silastic, considered best for blood handling parts, has produced promising results in auxiliary ventricle patency experiments. The insufficient tensile strength of Silastic should be increased, and it may be possible to accomplish this while maintaining the present resilience, elongation, and inertness. No long‐term data on thrombus formation are available, but clot‐retarding quality is essential and may perhaps be obtained by incorporating heparin. Developments in polymer chemistry may also lead to other surfaces with the requisite mechanical properties with blood.
Improved hemodialysis membranes for the artificial kidney
Authors: Luttinger M. , Cooper C. W. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA major part of current effort in improving artificial hemodialysis techniques concerns the development of improved membrane structures. Although blood compatibility of membranes is a part of the Battelle program, this discussion is confined to membrane composition, structure, and transport. On the basis of a need for improved hemodialysis techniques, membranes for use in the artificial kidney were prepared and evaluated for urea, creatinine, and uric acid permeability. Water‐soluble polymers were crosslinked to form insoluble, but swellable, membranes. Faster metabolic waste transfer than with the conventional cellulosic membranes was obtained with diisocyanate‐crosslinked poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) and poly (vinyl pyrrolidone)–dextran membranes and with membranes obtained by crosslinking poly (vinyl alcohol) with polyfunctional aldehydes. Membranes prepared from emulsions of vinyl pyrrolidone–ethyl acrylate and vinyl pyrrolidone–styrene copolymers had exceptionally high urea and creatinine dialysis rates, but were deficient in uric acid transfer. This shortcoming was corrected by incorporating solutes such as sucrose into the membranes followed by leaching. Another important approach concerned the development of a relatively high‐strength membrane based on an impermeable nylon resin. Permeability of these membranes which have dialysis characteristics superior to those currently used was obtained through the addition of DMSO and one of several other additives to the coating solution.
Preliminary considerations for flexural endurance testing of semicrystalline polymers for biomedical materials standards
Authors: Lontz John F. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSemicrystalline polymers used as restorative prostheses in the cardiovascular system require more detailed consideration of flexural fatiguing with simple physical characterization and mechanical measurements as one basic means for developing test standards and specification levels for biomedical research materials. Such initial means are considered with polytetrafluoroethylene as a reference polymer nominally inert chemically used to illustrate one approach to assessing morphological and structural changes with a flex tester. Density measurements and void content have been carried out to provide one means of assessment whereby the corresponding crystallinity and permeation can be considered for more detailed correlation to cytological interactions as the polymers are used as replacement components in the cardiovascular system. Progressive flexural cycling up to 106 cycles at a 3 cps rate indicate significant decreases in crystallinity simultaneously with increasing void content. As an accelerated test, the implications for extrapolation to 25‐year fatiguing in normal physiological cycling rate are conjectured to provide a starting point for more realistic, cyclic ex vivo screening of biomaterials.
Velour fabrics applied to medicine
Authors: Hall C. William , Liotta Domingo , Ghidoni John J. , De Bakey Michael E. , Dressler Donald P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWarp‐knitted velour fabrics of Dacron, nylon, polypropylene, and Rayon have been backed with Silastic to form a laminate. Prior to heat curing, the composite can be molded into many shapes and has been successfully used to line the luminal side of blood pumps and vascular grafts. Prosthetic heart valves are being covered with velour in an attempt to promote a more compatible surface. Velour suture rings are being evaluated as a more efficient anchor for prosthetic heart valves. Silastic tubes with velour bonded to the outer wall have been used to inhibit infection and sinus tract formation where percutaneous lead wires and conduits are necessary. As a flat sheet, the Silastic‐velour laminate has been used experimentally as an artificial skin, but the most noteworthy experimental results have been obtained in rats using a double layer of nylon velour, separated by an impermeable layer of poly(vinyl fluoride). Future application will include attempts to anchor artificial limbs via a velour interface and made functional by tendinous attachment.
Porous plastic prostheses
Authors: Hill James T. , Eaton James C. , Mouhot Henry G. , Leonard Fred 
Published: December 2004

AbstractPorous laminates prepared by incorporating a volatile solvent into an epoxy resin system used to impregnate a fabric filler satisfactorily alleviated the problems caused by perspiration in upper extremity prostheses, but did not have sufficient strength for use in artificial legs. A new technique is described which results in a 100% increase in both porosity and strength of porous epoxy laminates. The method consists of impregnation of the fabric with resin and solvent and evaporation of the solvent prior to laying up the laminate. The improvement in properties is ascribed to better control and homogeneity of impregnation.
Microstructure of initial thrombus formation on foreign materials
Authors: Dutton Robert C. , Webber A. J. , Johnson S. A. , Baier R. E. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBy reflected light microscopy, the thrombi formed on a variety of foreign surfaces have been shown to be composed of isolated cellular aggregates and an interaggregate red cell fibrin mesh. The thrombi viewed by this method were seen in two dimensions as they formed at the foreign surface blood interface. Standard histological evaluation of the thrombi in the third dimension, that is in the depth dimension, revealed columnar shaped cellular aggregates extending from the foreign surface into the blood and a red cell fibrin mesh surrounding the aggregates. The thrombi formed at Epon plate‐blood interfaces were viewed with an electron microscope. Plates made of Epon embedding epoxy were used as the foreign surface exposed to blood, and the plates and fixed initial thrombi formed on them were embedded in more Epon. A layer of heavy metal staining, noncellular material was found covering the surface of the plates exposed to blood, with platelets deposited on this layer. Since platelets were not found adherent to the foreign surfaces directly, it is our postulate that the intervening film “conditions” the surface preliminary to platelet adhesion.
Protein–platelet interaction on heparinized surfaces
Authors: Salzman Edwin W. , Merrill Edward W. , Binder Andrew , Wolf Carl F. W. , Ashford Thomas P. , Austen W. Gerald 
Published: December 2004

AbstractHeparin‐coated surfaces exhibit prolonged compatibility with blood in vitro and in vivo. Deposition of platelets occurs on heparinized surfaces and results in thrombocytopenia, if the surface area is sufficient. Interaction of platelets with heparin‐coated materials appears to depend on a protein intermediate. Precoating of heparinized surfaces with fibrinogen solutions, platelet‐free plasma, serum, or exhausted or bentonite‐adsorbed plasma does not protect against platelet interaction but incubation in albumin reduces platelet adsorption. The behavior of platelets in respect to protein‐coated heparinized surfaces parallels the selective adsorption of specific proteins by platelets in suspension.