Visual acuity in a normal stumptail macaque is 1.4 minutes of arc-similar to man's. Destruction of the fovea by photocoagulation decreased acuity to 9 minutes of arc. These facts suggest that the fovea in the macaque has the same physiological role in visual acuity as in man.

Animals↗

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The role of weight control as a motivation for cocaine abuse.

Heavy use of cocaine and alcohol in female cocaine abusers with eating disorders has been reported, but the prevalence and motivation for concurrent substance use has not been well investigated. This study of 37 female and 40 male cocaine abusers demonstrated that almost half of the women used cocaine and/or alcohol as a weight control measure, and 13% of the males did the same. Thirteen (72%) of 18 females endorsing weight-related use of cocaine had a current diagnosis of an eating disorder. Only two males (5%) had a past history of an eating disorder. Eleven (85%) of those women with a current eating disorder endorsed using alcohol as an appetite suppressant. These findings support the need to evaluate weight control motivation in cocaine users and to provide specific treatment aimed at addressing the interaction between the eating disorder and the substance abuse problem.

Adult↗

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Profiles of hospitalized benzodiazepine abusers.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Types of benzodiazepines abused by chemically dependent inpatients.

Records of inpatients (N = 1,483) over a three-year period at an addiction treatment center were evaluated for the presence of benzodiazepine (BZ) dependence (N = 136). The preferred BZ for 43% of the subjects was diazepam, and alprazolam for 14% of subjects. Chlordiazepoxide, lorazepam, and clorazepate were each the preferred BZ for 4% of patients. Cocaine and opioid abusers were six times more likely to abuse diazepam than any other BZ. Alprazolam patients required a significantly longer period of detoxification than diazepam patients. Four percent of BZ-dependent patients (N = 6) abused BZs only and had no other substance abuse history.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Amlodipine treatment of cocaine dependence.

Preclinical studies indicate that dihydropyridine-type calcium channel antagonists modulate dopamine neurotransmitter function and can reduce cocaine-reinforced behaviors. Amlodipine, a long-acting dihydropyridine-type calcium channel antagonist related to isradipine and nifedipine, was administered in open label fashion for 12 weeks to 26 cocaine-dependent patients. In subjects expressing cocaine craving, craving significantly declined during the course of the 12 weeks. Five individuals reported flushing, headache, fatigue, nocturia, nausea, and lightheadedness. No conclusions regarding efficacy can be made due to the small number of subjects and the open-label design.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Behavioral techniques in the psychological rehabilitation of burn patients.

Patients with extensive burns often develop maladaptive behaviors that interfere with their care and recovery. Behavioral intervention can be an important aid in eliminating problem behaviors that impede rehabilitation. A retarded, adult burn patient with several target problem behaviors (tantrums, removing catheters, fecal soiling and induced vomiting) is presented with pre- and post-treatment data demonstrating the value of these procedures. The role of the consultant is discussed in relation to the acceptance of behavioral techniques, the training of nursing personnel to implement a behavioral program, and the provision of technical assistance and support to unit staff.

Adult↗