Iranians' contribution to world literature on neuroscience.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to analyse Iranian scientific publications in the neuroscience subfields by librarians and neuroscientists, using Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) via Web of Science data over the period, 2002-2008. METHODS: Data were retrieved from the SCIE. Data were collected from the 'subject area' of the database and classified by neuroscience experts into 14 subfields. To identify the citation patterns, we applied the 'impact factor' and the 'number of publication'. Data were also analysed using HISTCITE, Excel 2007 and SPSS. RESULTS: Seven hundred and thirty-four papers have been published by Iranian between 2002 and 2008. Findings showed a growing trend of neuroscience papers in the last 3 years with most papers (264) classified in the neuropharmacology subfield. There were fewer papers in neurohistory, psychopharmacology and artificial intelligence. International contributions of authors were mostly in the neurology subfield, and 'Collaboration Coefficient' for the neuroscience subfields in Iran was 0.686 which is acceptable. Most international collaboration between Iranians and developed countries was from USA. Eighty-seven percent of the published papers were in journals with the impact factor between 0 and 4; 25% of papers were published by the researchers affiliated to Tehran University of Medical Sciences. CONCLUSION: Progress of neuroscience in Iran is mostly seen in the neuropharmacology and the neurology subfields. Other subfields should also be considered as a research priority by health policymakers. As this study was carried out by the collaboration of librarians and neuroscientists, it has been proved valuable for both librarians and policymakers. This study may be encouraging for librarians from other developing countries.

Potential of Pandanus odoratissimus as a CNS depressant in Swiss albino mice / Potencial de Pandanus odoratissimus como um depressor do sistema nervoso central em camundongos Swiss albinos

In this study, several neuropharmacological effects of methanolic leaf extract of Pandanus odoratissimus (PO) (family; Pandanaceae) were studied in albino mice using various experimental models. The effect of PO on the CNS was studied by using different neuropharmacological paradigms including spontaneous motor activity, rota-rod performance and potentiation of Pentobarbital sodium sleeping time in albino mice. Preliminary phytochemical evaluation and acute toxicity studies were also carried out where LD50 >2000 mg/kg was considered non-toxic through acute exposure in rats by the oral route. The methanolic leaf extract (50,100 and 200 mg/kg i. p.) produced a reduction in spontaneous motor activity, motor coordination and prolonged Pentobarbital sodium sleeping time. Preliminary qualitative chemical studies indicated the presence of steroids, saponins, terpinoids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids and phenolics in the extract. These observations suggest that the leaf of Pandanus odoratissimus contains some active principles which possess potential CNS-depressant action.

Estudaram-se alguns efeitos neurofarmacológicos do extrato metanólico de Pandanus odoratissimus (PO) (família Pandanaceae) em camundongos albinos, usando vários modelos experimentais. O efeito do PO no SNC foi estudado por meio de diferentes paradigmas neurofarmacológicos, como atividade motora espontânea, desempenho na haste rotatória e a potenciação do tempo de sono em camundongos albinos pelo pentobarbital sódico. A avaliação fitoquímica preliminar e os estudos de toxicidade aguda foram realizados e a DL50 >2000 mg/kg é considerada não tóxica, por meio da exposição aguda, por via oral, em ratos. O extrato metanólico de folha (50,100 e 200 mg/kg i. p.) produziu redução da atividade motora espontânea, da coordenação motora e tempo prolongado de sono pelo pentobarbital sódico. Estudos químicos qualitativos preliminares indicaram a presença de esteróide, saponinas, terpenóides, glicosídios, taninos, flavonóides e fenólicos no extrato. As observações sugerem que a folha de Pandanus odoratissimus contém alguns princípios ativos com atividade potencial como depressores do SNC.

Trends in utilization of antiepileptic drugs in Denmark.

OBJECTIVES: To describe utilization of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in Denmark during 1993-2002, with special emphasis on oxcarbazepine, and to assess probable indications for AED use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrieved prescription data from Odense University Pharmacoepidemiological Database, in Funen County, Denmark (population in 2002: 472,869). Within each calendar year we estimated period prevalence, incidence rate and monotherapy rate. Based on co-medication we defined 'epilepsy' when only AEDs were prescribed, 'pain' with co-prescription of opioids, and 'mood disorder' with co-prescription of antipsychotics or antidepressants. RESULTS: We identified 15,604 AED users. The prevalence of using AED increased from 9.3 (95% CI, 9-9.5) to 12.1 (11.8-12.4)/1000 persons. The incidence rate increased from 1.4 (1.3-1.6) to 1.7 (1.6-1.9)/1000 personyears. The monotherapy rate was 79-82%. AED use for 'epilepsy' declined by 19.7%, whereas the proportion of 'pain' and 'mood disorder' treatment increased by 11.2% and 8.4% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Antiepileptic drug utilization increased during the study period, the increase probably caused by expanding use in areas other than epilepsy.