[en] Introduction: No model exists to describe the disposition and kinetics of inhaled cannabis containing a high THC dose. We aimed to develop a kinetic model providing estimates of the THC serum concentrations after smoking cannabis cigarettes containing high THC doses (up to 69 mg THC). Methods: Twenty-four male non-daily cannabis users smoked cannabis cigarettes containing 29.3 mg, 49.1 mg, and 69.4 mg THC. Blood samples were collected over a period of 0-8 h and serum THC concentrations were measured. A two-compartment open model was fitted on the individual observed data. Results: Large inter-individual variability was observed in the pharmacokinetic parameters. The median pharmacokinetic parameters generated by the model were C_max = 175 ng/mL, T_max = 14 min, and AUC_0-8h = 8150 ng x min/mL for the 69.4 mg THC dose. Median model results show an almost linear dose response relation for C_max/Dose = 2.8 x 10^-6/mL and AUC_0-8h/Dose = 136 x 10^-6 min/mL. However, for increasing dose level, there was a clear decreasing trend: C_max/Dose = 3.4, 2.6 and 2.5 x 10^-6/mL and AUC_0-8h/Dose = 157, 133 and 117 x 10^-6 min/mL for the 29.3, 49.1 and 69.4 mg dose, respectively. Within the restriction of 8 h of observation, the apparent terminal half life of THC was 150 min. Conclusion: The model offers insight into the pharmacokinetics of THC in recreational cannabis users smoking cannabis containing high doses of THC mixed with tobacco. The model is an objective method for providing serum THC concentrations up to 8 h after smoking cannabis with a high THC content (up to 23%).

[en] A new theory of anaesthesia is proposed. This theory is based on the hypothesis that the narcotic gas displaces water-structure-disordering ions from the cells, thus forbidding nerve excitation

[en] Neurotransmitters are important in nervous and mental diseases because of their part in the pathogenesis of such diseases; at the same time, they play significant roles in the actions of effective therapeutic drugs. Studies of the mechanisms involved in the actions of such drugs not only generate useful methods to elucidate the pathogenesis of nervous and mental disorders but also serve as indispensable means of developing new drugs. In this field, investigations using both animal models of certain diseases and healthy animals are essential. Development of these animal models is urgently required. In this workshop, studies were presented of the mechanisms of action of major neuropsychotropic drugs such as anxiolytics, antidepressants, and antipsychotics, assessed in terms of the parts played by neurotransmitters and receptors. (Auth.)

[en] To examine the efficacy of once-monthly paliperidone palmitate (PP1M) on symptoms and attitudes toward medication in individuals with schizophrenia. Methodology: Out of 52 subjects with schizophrenia, 43 were included in the study. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the ten-item Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI) were used to collect data. With a cut-off score of 4 on the DAI, subjects were divided into two groups: adherent and non-adherent. A paired t-test was also performed for comparison between two different assessment time points. Results: During a 1-year study period with PP1M, both groups showed improvement in their symptoms. The change in DAI was significant and both groups showed improvement in DAI score. Subjects with a low DAI score at baseline showed shorter treatment duration compared with subjects with a higher score at baseline. Conclusions: PP1M was effective in improving symptoms and positively changing attitudes toward medication in individuals with schizophrenia. Therefore, it may have promising effects cation in individuals with schizophrenia. (author)

[en] There are few trained veterinary radiation oncologists and the expense of facilities has limited the extent to which this modality is used. In recent years, a few cobalt teletherapy units and megavoltage x-ray units have been employed in larger veterinary institutions. In addition, some radiation oncologists of human medical institutions are interested and willing to cooperate with veterinarians in the treatment of animal tumors. Carefully designed studies of the response of animal tumors to new modalities serve two valuable purposes. First, these studies may lead to improved tumor control in companion animals. Second, these studies may have important implications to the improvement of therapy of human tumors. Much remains to be learned of animal tumor biology so that appropriate model systems can be described for such studies. Many of the latter studies can be sponsored by agencies interested in the improvement of cancer management

[en] This chapter is primarily concerned with the various isotopical labeled forms of benzodiazepines of the 1, 4 system which are therapeutically active as anxiolytes, muscle relaxants, anti-convulsants and/or tranquilizers. The isotopic synthesis of benzodiazepines labeled with isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen and some halogens are considered. 48 refs.; 3 tabs

[en] The term brachytherapy is widely employed in the United States to describe implantation and mold therapy. In France, curietherapy is preferred, subdivided into endocurietherapy for implants, and plesiocurietherapy for molds. In view of this difference in terminology, the author of this chapter has felt it best to keep to the descriptive term interstitial therapy. It will be seen from the text that most of what is said also applies to short-distance treatment by molds

[en] Epidemiological evidence on the symptomatic profile, health status and illness behavior of people with subjective sensitivity to noise is still scarce. Also, it is unknown to what extent noise sensitivity co-occurs with other environmental sensitivities such as multi-chemical sensitivity and sensitivity to electromagnetic fields (EMF). A cross-sectional study performed in the Netherlands, combining self-administered questionnaires and electronic medical records of non-specific symptoms (NSS) registered by general practitioners (GP) allowed us to explore this further. The study sample consisted of 5806 participants, drawn from 21 general practices. Among participants, 722 (12.5%) responded “absolutely agree” to the statement “I am sensitive to noise”, comprising the high noise-sensitive (HNS) group. Compared to the rest of the sample, people in the HNS group reported significantly higher scores on number and duration of self-reported NSS, increased psychological distress, decreased sleep quality and general health, more negative symptom perceptions and higher prevalence of healthcare contacts, GP-registered NSS and prescriptions for antidepressants and benzodiazepines. These results remained robust after adjustment for demographic, residential and lifestyle characteristics, objectively measured nocturnal noise exposure from road-traffic and GP-registered morbidity. Co-occurrence rates with other environmental sensitivities varied between 9% and 50%. Individuals with self-declared sensitivity to noise are characterized by high prevalence of multiple NSS, poorer health status and increased illness behavior independently of noise exposure levels. Findings support the notion that different types of environmental sensitivities partly overlap. - Highlights: • People with self-reported noise sensitivity experience multiple non-specific symptoms. • They also report comparatively poorer health and increased illness behavior. • Co-occurrence with other environmental sensitivities is moderate to high. • Road-traffic noise and GP-registered morbidity did not account for these results.

No abstract available

[en] The study was made to determine whether counseling sessions using Egan's model combined with antidepressant medication is more effective than either treatment alone in the management of major depression in primary care. Patient aged 18 years and above with major depression on the research diagnostic criteria - a score of 13 or more on the 17 items. Hamilton rating scale for depression and a minimum duration of 4 weeks. Counseling sessions based on Egan's Model by research family physician or antidepressant medication or combination of both was performed. Hamilton rating scale for depression, Beck depression inventory, clinical interview schedule, and modified social adjustment schedule were used and assessed at 6 , 12 and 52 weeks. Patients in all groups showed a clear improvement after 12 weeks. The combination of counseling sessions and antidepressant medication is more effective than either treatment alone. Counseling sessions used by a trained family physician is an effective treatment for depressive disorders in primary care. The combination of this treatment with antidepressant medication is more effective than either treatment alone. (author)