Relative Afferent Pupillary Defects in Homonymous Visual Field Defects Caused by Stroke of the Occipital Lobe Using Pupillometer

Relative afferent pupillary defects (RAPD) may be detected in patients with occipital lobe lesions. However, no previous report has used an objective technique to record the abnormal pupillary light reflex in such cases. Therefore, we measured the pupillary light reflex objectively in 15 patients with homonymous visual field defects (HVFD) due to occipital stroke using a new pupillometer. This study detected significantly smaller and slower pupillary light reflexes in the contralateral eyes than in the other eyes, which is equivalent to the presence of RAPD in patients with HVFDs caused by retrogeniculate lesions using an objective technique. Our results confirmed those of the previous reports using the swinging flashlight test more objectively.     

PLANNING A BACTERIOLOGY PROJECT: A TUTORIAL

This tutorial paper reviews the action that should be taken at the planning stage of a bacteriological research project to ensure that the final results will have maximal value. Particular consideration is given to the problems of environmental sampling, patient involvement and testing for disinfection and chemotherapy.