Povidone iodine: features of critical systemic absorption.

Povidone iodine (PI), a skin antiseptic, is sometimes used internally but this procedure exposes to potentially lethal iodine absorption. Indeed, a 41-year-old woman, with no relevant medical history, developed a transient hypotension, anuric renal failure, hemolysis, coagulopathy and uterine infarction after intra-uterine injection of PI as a dye to check the fallopian tube patency (hydrotubation). Iodemia peaked at 6929 μg/dL (normal range 3.

[Trial on the objective evaluation of visual acuity and its maturation by the method of evoked visual potentials].

We have developed a method to estimate foveal visual acuity (VA) through analysis of VEPs. It consists in determining the smallest check size in a pattern reversal that elicits a significant cortical response. The VEP is regarded as significant if the P 100 amplitude reaches a pre-established level in the signal to noise ratio.

Moclobemide versus amitriptyline in the treatment of depression: two small double-blind multicentre studies in Belgium.

Moclobemide was compared with amitriptyline for antidepressant efficacy, safety and tolerance. Two studies were conducted, both over at least 4 weeks; in the first, 8 patients were given moclobemide in doses ranging from 300 to 328 mg, and 9 patients amitriptyline in doses of 75 to 96 mg; in the second, the numbers were 13 on moclobemide and 14 on amitriptyline, and the mean doses were 294-408 mg and 95-129 mg respectively. Both studies showed the 2 treatments to be equally effective, and there were no significant differences at any point.

[Very early deflections of the visual evoked response (author's transl)].

The authors confirm the presence of very early deflection (before the 20th msec. after the flash). They probably have their origin under the cortex.

[Intensity of spontaneous activity and mean visual evoked response during calculation of variable mean. New technique for measuring retinocortical time (author's transl)].

Various statistical discrimination indices reveal deflections regarded as significant before the 20th ms after stimulation (probably equivalent to Bickford responses or subcortical activity) and between the 20th and 23rd ms (early fractions of MVER). The independence of signal and noise is discussed. Considerations concerning the calculation of retinocortical time are developed.

[Contribution towards the study of the average visual-evoked response; non-gaussian character of spontaneous electroencephalographic activity; non-independence of noise and signal; possible non-stationary character of evoked response (author's transl)].

The succession of amplitudes constituting spontaneous electroencephalographic activity cannot be regarded as a strictly normal distribution. Spontaneous activity and the evoked response are not independent. The signal (evoked response)is, in some cases, non-stationary.

[Comparison of the effects of oxazepam and oxypertine in treatment of anxious depressive neuroses].

The author has treated with the double blind method 38 neurotic patients, hysterical or obsessionnal type, in a state of anxious depressive relapse. Some patients received oxazepam (3 X 15 mg per day), others received oxypertine (3X 10 mg per day); this chemotherapy was completed with supportive psychotherapy. Patients were examined at least once a week for one month.

A duplex retina and the electroretinogram in the nocturnal Perodicticus potto.

The presence of cones in potto's retina has been proved beyond doubt although they are very restricted in number (1 cone for 300 rods). Morphologically, speaking there is no point in calling these cones "rudimentary" except for their slender outer segment. There are red sensitive elements in that retina at wavelengths beyond the spectral sensitivity of visual purple and it is tempting to assume that these elements are cones.

[Electroretinogram in the nocturnal Prosimian Perodicticus potto].

There is histological evidence for the presence of cones in potto's retina: about 1 cone for 300 rods. The ERG of the dark adapted animal resembles that of the night monkey. In the potto's retina some red sensitive elements respond to wavelenghts beyond those which affect visual purple.

Nonconsumption of the reinforcer under drug action.

Cats were trained to respond on a multiple discriminative schedule, with milk as reinforcement. Two subjects did not immediately consume the reinforcer when they were injected with 6 mg of methylphenidate before the experiment. This observation could be repeated in one of the subjects under various conditions of reinforcement and various doses of the drug.