Ideas pertaining to a pure phenomenology and to a phenomenological philosophy, first book: General introduction to a pure phenomenology (F. Kersten, Trans.). Nijhoff. (Original work published 1913). Kant, I. (1929). Critique of pure reason (N. Kemp Smith, Trans.). Macmillan. [Reprinted with additional apparatus in 1992]. [T e standard English translation before the Cambridge Edition version appeared in 1998].

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) contains carnitine and acetyl moieties, both of which have neurobiological properties. Carnitine is important in the ␤-oxidation of fatty acids and the acetyl moiety can be used to maintain acetyl-CoA levels. Other reported neurobiological effects of ALCAR include modulation of: (1) brain energy and phospholipid metabolism; (2) cellular macromolecules, including neurotrophic factors and neurohormones; (3) synaptic morphology; and (4) synaptic transmission of multiple neurotransmitters. Potential molecular mechanisms of ALCAR activity include: (1) acetylation of -NH 2 and -OH functional groups in amino acids and N terminal amino acids in peptides and proteins resulting in modification of their structure, dynamics, function and turnover; and (2) acting as a molecular chaperone to larger molecules resulting in a change in the structure, molecular dynamics, and function of the larger molecule. ALCAR is reported in double-blind controlled studies to have beneficial effects in major depressive disorders and Alzheimer's disease (AD), both of which are highly prevalent in the geriatric population. Molecular Psychiatry (2000) 5, 616-632.

There is increasing evidence for an association between the alteration of cytokine concentrations in blood and the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. Studies in humans have not investigated CSF cytokine concentrations and their relationship to depressive disorders. This study reports on the association of the CSF concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα, and major depressive disorders. CSF samples were obtained from 13 hospitalized patients with acute unmedicated severe depression and were compared with 10 control subjects. Compared to the control group, the depressed patient group had higher CSF concentrations of IL-1β, lower IL-6 and no change in TNFα. A positive correlation was found between serum IL-1β and the severity of depression. These results indicate a unique profile for CSF proinflammatory cytokines in acute depression. These findings merit further investigation and if replicated may possibly offer immunological treatment options for depression.