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Using data form a 14-day double-blind trial with 48 smokers randomized to either N-acetylcysteine (2400 mg) or placebo, we tested the effect of N-acetylcysteine on glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid concentrations in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and on smoking cessation. Smoking related behaviors and neurotransmitter concentrations in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex were assessed before and after treatment. Forty-seven non-smoking males served as baseline controls. Smokers showed higher baseline glutamate but similar gamma-aminobutyric acid concentrations than non-smokers. There were no treatment effects on dorsal anterior cingulate cortex neurotransmitter concentrations, smoking cessation, craving, or withdrawal symptoms. These results confirm glutamate disbalance in smokers, but not efficacy of N-acetylcysteine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The inclusion of herbal medicinal products and herbal supplements in pharmacovigilance systems is important because a systematic approach of collecting and analyzing adverse drug reactions related to these products will help practitioners, patients, and regulators to gain more knowledge and prevent harm., Objective: We aimed to categorize the adverse drug reaction reports on herbal medicinal products and herbal supplements submitted to the Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb between 1991 and February 2021 on the basis of their regulatory status, herbs included, and adverse drug reactions involved., Methods: We categorized products on the basis of their registration status and herbal ingredients. The products were then categorized according to the Herbal Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical Classification System. We used descriptive statistics in Microsoft Excel 2019. Pivot tables were used for the analysis and presentation of the data., Results: Until February 2021, a total of 789 reports of herbal medicinal products and herbal supplements were received by Lareb. In these reports, a total of 823 herbal products were labeled as suspect. These products caused a total of 1727 adverse drug reactions. Of the 823 products, 229 were registered as a medicine, and 594 were on the market as a herbal supplement. Of the 823 herbal products, 522 reports concerned single-herb products, 256 reports concerned combination products, 27 reports concerned vitamin products containing herbal ingredients, and 18 reports concerned product issues. Approximately 15% of reports concerned serious adverse drug reactions, and adulterated products harbored a high risk of causing serious adverse drug reactions., Conclusions: Analysis of the herbal medicinal products and herbal supplements in the Dutch pharmacovigilance database revealed a variety of suspected herbal ingredients. The reports provide insight into the variety of herbal products used in the Netherlands and the adverse reactions associated with their use. Pharmacovigilance of herbal products is essential to ensure their safe use., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Study Design: L3-L5 vertebral body motion was tracked fluoroscopically as individuals performed flexion-extension movements wearing different thoracolumbosacral orthoses (TLSOs)., Objective: To assess the effect of custom fitted TLSOs on lumbar vertebral body motion., Summary of Background Data: Several methods have been used to evaluate dynamic vertebral motion in vivo. Controversy remains regarding the utility of a TLSO in decreasing intervertebral motion in the lumbar spine., Methods: Dynamic motion of the vertebral bodies was assessed fluoroscopically under four conditions: without a brace, with a custom fitted TLSO, with the TLSO and thigh extender at 0 degrees or 15 degrees. Intervertebral motion, i.e., the rotation of one vertebral body with respect to the adjacent body in the sagittal plane, throughout the flexion-extension cycle was used to assess the effect of each condition., Results: The TSLO reduced both the total L3-L5 range of motion and the intervertebral motion at each individual level. Total rotation at L3 with respect to horizontal was reduced from 70 degrees without a brace to 50 degrees with a TLSO. Use of the thigh extender provided an additional reduction to 10 degrees. There was no difference between the 0 degrees and 15 degrees settings. Intervertebral motion was reduced by 40% at both L3-L4 and L4-L5 when comparing no brace to TLSO and an additional 15% when a thigh extender was added., Conclusions: A custom molded TLSO reduces both total L3-L5 motion and intervertebral motion in the lower lumbar spine. These effects are enhanced if a thigh extender is used.