Cover image

ON THE COVER:

Organophosphate brain damage. Colored magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of a man's brain showing damage caused by organophosphate poisoning. The brain is seen in horizontal (axial) section with the front of the head at top. The brain's fluid filled ventricles (red & pink, partly seen at centre) and clefts (sulci) have become greatly enlarged. Organophosphates are often used in insecticides, for example in sheep dips used to kill parasites. Over-exposure can cause vomiting, diarrhea and breathing difficulties. The neurological damage seen here indicates prolonged exposure.

Photo by Mehau Kulyk, Photo Researchers, Inc. Image and description copyright 2007 Photo Researchers, Inc. All rights reserved. Licensed for reproduction by Clinical Medicine & Research from Photo Researchers, Inc.

See related article: "Unequal efficacy of pyridinium oximes in acute organophosphate poisoning" pp. 71–82.

In this issue of Clinical Medicine & Research, Antonijevic and Stojiljkovic discuss the current knowledge of the efficacy of various oximes against poisoning by both organophosphate pesticides and organophosphate chemical warfare agents.