MOST ACCESSED ARTICLE – Dreams and Psychedelics – Current Neuropharmacology

Journal: Current Neuropharmacology

Author(s): Rainer Kraehenmann

Graphical Abstract:

 

Abstract:

Background: A resurgence of neurobiological and clinical research is currently underway into the therapeutic potential of serotonergic or ‘classical’ psychedelics, such as the prototypical psychedelic drug lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin (4-phosphoryloxy-N,Ndimethyltryptamine), and ayahuasca – a betacarboline- and dimethyltryptamine (DMT)-containing Amazonian beverage. The aim of this review is to introduce readers to the similarities and dissimilarities between psychedelic states and night dreams, and to draw conclusions related to therapeutic applications of psychedelics in psychiatry.

Methods: Research literature related to psychedelics and dreaming is reviewed, and these two states of consciousness are systematically compared. Relevant conclusions with regard to psychedelicassisted therapy will be provided.

Results: Common features between psychedelic states and night dreams include perception, mental imagery, emotion activation, fear memory extinction, and sense of self and body. Differences between these two states are related to differential perceptual input from the environment, clarity of consciousness and meta-cognitive abilities. Therefore, psychedelic states are closest to lucid dreaming which is characterized by a mixed state of dreaming and waking consciousness.

Conclusion: The broad overlap between dreaming and psychedelic states supports the notion that psychedelics acutely induce dreamlike subjective experiences which may have long-term beneficial effects on psychosocial functioning and well-being. Future clinical studies should examine how therapeutic outcome is related to the acute dreamlike effects of psychedelics.

To access the article, please visit: http://www.eurekaselect.com/153409

 

 

RECENTLY PUBLISHED ISSUES – BENTHAM SCIENCE JOURNALS

Recent Patents on Drug Delivery & Formulation 11-2

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Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 16-2

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Current Medicinal Chemistry 24-39

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Current Pharmaceutical Design 23-32

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Current Nanoscience 14-1

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Recent Patents on Biotechnology 12-1

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NEW ISSUE :: Current Alzheimer Research 15, ISSUE 1

Current Alzheimer Research publishes peer-reviewed frontier review, research, drug clinical trial studies and letter articles on all areas of Alzheimer’s disease. This multidisciplinary journal will help in understanding the neurobiology, genetics, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies of Alzheimer’s disease. The journal publishes objective reviews written by experts and leaders actively engaged in research using cellular, molecular, and animal models. The journal also covers original articles on recent research in fast emerging areas of molecular diagnostics, brain imaging, drug development and discovery, and clinical aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. Manuscripts are encouraged that relate to the synergistic mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease with other dementia and neurodegenerative disorders. Book reviews, meeting reports and letters-to-the-editor are also published. The journal is essential reading for researchers, educators and physicians with interest in age-related dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Current Alzheimer Research provides a comprehensive ‘bird’s-eye view’ of the current state of Alzheimer’s research for neuroscientists, clinicians, health science planners, granting, caregivers and families of this devastating disease.

Articles from the journal Current Alzheimer Research 15-1:

• Meet Our Editorial Board Member
• Editorial: Early Recognition of Dementia in Primary Care- Current Issues and Concepts
• Systematic Review Investigating Multi-disciplinary Team Approaches to Screening and Early Diagnosis of Dementia in Primary Care – What are the Positive and Negative Effects and Who Should Deliver It?
• Potential Role of Neuroimaging Markers for Early Diagnosis of Dementia in Primary Care
• The Ambivalence of Early Diagnosis – Returning Results in Current Alzheimer Research
• The Clock Drawing Test: A Reasonable Instrument to Assess Probable Dementia in Primary Care?
• Patient Variables Associated with the Assignment of a Formal Dementia Diagnosis to Positively Screened Primary Care Patients
• Acceptability and Results of Dementia Screening Among Older Adults in the United States
• Alzheimer’s Disease and NQO1: Is there a Link?
• Discriminative Sparse Features for Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis Using Multimodal Image Data
• Heart Rate Variability Indexes in Dementia: A Systematic Review with a Quantitative Analysis
• Ginkgo biloba Extract EGb761 Attenuates Hyperhomocysteinemia-induced AD Like Tau Hyperphosphorylation and Cognitive Impairment in Rats

For details on the articles, please visit this link: http://bit.ly/2C6iyL4

How to Help Save Planet Earth

As more and more humans inhabit the earth and use its resources, those resources and the planet are being depleted every day. A point may come in the future that Earth would no longer remain habitable for humans and even animals. In order to prevent that from happening, we need to take steps, however small, to help conserve our planet. Following are some ways we can do our bit in this regard.

Conserve water

The wellbeing of the planet is affected in a major way by the wastage of water by us. We can take small steps to stop wasting water like turning off the tap while brushing teeth, using less water in the shower, washing only full load of dishes and laundry, etc.

Drive Less

If you don’t drive your car only two days per week, you’ll decrease greenhouse gas production by an average of 1,590 pounds (721 kilograms) annually [source: EPA]. Stack up your tasks and do them in one ride, like go to the post office, grocery store and clothes shopping in one trip. You will save fuel and time.

Also, walking or biking your way to work, school, or anywhere can lessen greenhouse gases while simultaneously using up calories and boosting your health. If that’s not possible, using mass transit or carpool also makes a positive impact.

Compost

A lot of trash is produced by humans annually when we throw away newspapers, leaves, woody materials and left-over food from the kitchen. Compost is an exceptional natural fertilizer. And the process is simpler than you would imagine. Rather than throwing away the aforementioned trash, compost them in a container or a heap. After nurturing the stack for some weeks, you’ll have rich earth for your grass or to create a luscious vegetable garden.

Use less heating and air-conditioning

It is not possible to stop using air conditioning and heating in extreme weather conditions however you can make small changes like maintain your thermostat at higher temperature in summer and at lower in winter. It is also a good idea to insulate your home as much as possible to reduce the need for artificial heating and cooling. Additionally, we can plant trees to cover our homes and substitute old windows with energy efficient ones. Energy-saving light can be used to conserve energy and money. Switching off lights, computers and other appliances when not being used also goes a long way to conserve energy.

So, follow these tips and help save the planet!

Infographic on Diabetes

Credits: World Health Organisation

Thought of the Day!

WISHING A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PROF. MANOJ GUPTA!

PROF. MANOJ GUPTA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Current Nanomaterials

Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore
(NUS)
Singapore

OPEN ACCESS ARTICLE – HR+, HER2– Advanced Breast Cancer and CDK4/6 Inhibitors – Current Cancer Drug Targets

Journal: Current Cancer Drug Targets

Author(s): Sarah L. Sammons, Donna L. Topping, Kimberly L. Blackwell

Graphical Abstract:

 

Abstract:

Background: Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor-based therapies have shown great promise in improving clinical outcomes for patients with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2–) advanced breast cancer.

Objectives: 1. Discuss the mode of action of the three CDK4/6 inhibitors in late clinical development: palbociclib (PD-0332991; Pfizer), ribociclib (LEE011; Novartis), and abemaciclib (LY2835219; Lilly). 2. Describe the efficacy and safety data relating to their use in HR+, HER2– advanced breast cancer. 3. Discuss the key side effects associated with CDK4/6 inhibitors along with considerations for adverse event management and patient monitoring.

Method: Relevant information and data were assimilated from manuscripts, congress publications, and online sources.

Results: CDK4/6 inhibitors have demonstrated improved progression-free survival in combination with endocrine therapy compared with endocrine therapy alone. The side-effect profile of each agent is described, along with implications for patient monitoring, and considerations for patient care providers and pharmacists.

Conclusion: Addition of a CDK4/6 inhibitor to endocrine therapy increases efficacy and delays disease progression. Insight into the unique side-effect profiles of this class of agents and effective patient monitoring will facilitate the successful use of CDK4/6 inhibitor-based therapies in the clinic.

Read more here: http://www.eurekaselect.com/151222

 

HIGHLIGHTED ARTICLE – ENZYME-CATALYZED PRODUCTION OF BIODIESEL AS ALTERNATIVE TO CHEMICAL-CATALYZED PROCESSES – CURRENT BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING

To access the article, please visit: http://www.eurekaselect.com/153239

WISHING A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DR. JINGXUAN YANG!

DR. JINGXUAN YANG

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Current Signal Transduction Therapy

The University of Oklahoma Health Science Center
Oklahoma City, OK
USA