Irrespective of age, the magnitude of inhibition differed significantly, being most pronounced for N100 gating. Inhibition of redundant information seems to be preserved with physiological aging. Early attentive

N100 gating showed the maximum effect. Further studies are warranted to evaluate sensory gating as a suitable biomarker of underlying neurodegenerative disease.”
“In the past decades, a range of post-translational modifications has been discovered on tubulins, the major constituents of microtubules. Pioneering studies have described the occurrence and dynamics of these modifications and provided first insights into their potential functions EPZ-6438 price in regulating the microtubule cytoskeleton. By contrast, several tubulin-modifying enzymes were only discovered in the last few years, and studies on molecular mechanisms and cellular functions of tubulin modifications are just beginning to emerge. buy SB202190 This review highlights the roles of tubulin modifications in neurons. Recent studies are also discussed in relation to how the combinatorial use of tubulin modifications could generate a dynamic microtubule code, and how such a code might regulate basic as well as higher-order neuronal functions.”
“Substance use disorder is the most common psychiatric comorbidity in schizophrenic patients, with prevalence rates of up to 65%. Recommendations

for antipsychotic pharmacotherapy in schizophrenia are based on studies that excluded patients with this dual diagnosis. In the present comprehensive Selleck IBET762 systematic review, the pharmacological studies performed in this subgroup of patients are summarised and discussed from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine. Unfortunately,

randomized controlled studies, providing a high evidence level, in patients with this dual diagnosis are rare. Data, mainly based on open studies or case series, suggest superior efficacy for second generation antipsychotic agents (SGAs) (aripiprazole, clozapine, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone) with regard to improvement of distinct psychopathological symptoms, reduced craving and greater reduction of substance use compared with orally administered conventional antipsychotics (FGAs). Tricyclic antidepressants given adjunctive to antipsychotic maintenance therapy showed efficacy in reducing substance use and craving. The administration of anti-craving agents (naltrexone) led to a decrease of drug intake. Unfortunately. there is no clinical experience with acamprosate in schizophrenic patients with comorbid alcoholism. In conclusion, there are more theoretically based arguments for the preferential use of SGAs in schizophrenic patients with comorbid substance use disorder while the empirical evidence is weak. The early initiation of treatment with antidepressants, depending on the patient’s psychopathology, as well as add-on medication with anti-craving agents should be considered. (C) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.