The norepinephrine transporter inhibitor reboxetine reduces stimulant effects of MDMA ("ecstasy") in humans.

This study assessed the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects of the interaction between the selective norepinephrine (NE) transporter inhibitor reboxetine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") in 16 healthy subjects. The study used a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design. Reboxetine reduced the effects of MDMA including elevations in plasma levels of NE, increases in blood pressure and heart rate, subjective drug high, stimulation, and emotional excitation. These effects were evident despite an increase in the concentrations of MDMA and its active metabolite 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) in plasma. The results demonstrate that transporter-mediated NE release has a critical role in the cardiovascular and stimulant-like effects of MDMA in humans.

[Dactyloscopy of mummified cadavers]. / Daktyloskopieren von mumifizierten Leichen.

The identification of mummified bodies places high demands on the skills of a forensic fingerprinting specialist. From a variety of methods, he must be able to choose the most appropriate one to reproduce the skin ridges from fingers, which are often shrunk and deformed. This article introduces and discusses a method for indirect fingerprinting. In this method, a negative cast of the mummified fingertip is first produced with a silicon mass. This 3-dimensional negative is then filled with several layers of a white glue/talc mixture, until a skin-thick positive is attained. Using this artificial skin it is possible to reproduce, in a relatively short time, a fingerprint which is free of disturbing skin wrinkles and deformities.