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The use of beta-blockers in heart failure for a long time was regarded as contra-indicated because of their negative inotropic effects. Nevertheless, there is growing evidence that beta-blockers slow down the progression of left ventricular dilatation that characterizes heart failure. In addition changes in left ventricular ejection fraction after several months of beta-blocker treatment appears to have predictive value for survival. This beneficial effect of beta-blockade in chronic heart failure needs to be assessed further. The presumed benefit of beta-blockade with betaxolol (CAS 63659-18-7), a highly selective beta-blocker with long duration of action in chronic heart failure (CHF) will be assessed in BETACAR, a comparative study versus carvedilol (CAS 72956-09-3). The design of this study is provided in this article.

This multicentric study carried out in 1987 in 6 University hospital Centers enabled the comparison, under double blind conditions, of the antidepressant efficacy of amoxapine with that of clomipramine. For the planning, the design and the documentation of this study, the BLIPS/BDP (Biometric Laboratory Information Processing System/Banca Dati Psicofarmacologia) at the CCPDD (Center for Clinical Psychopharmacology Data Documentation) from the Institute of Psychiatry of the Pisa University was used. A total number of 108 patients, who fulfilled the DSM III criteria for major depressive episode, were treated (54 by amoxapine, and 54 by clomipramine). The results have shown: 1) The antidepressant activity of amoxapine was at least comparable to that of clomipramine. 2) The onset of action of amoxapine was quicker than that of clomipramine. 3) Amoxapine is well tolerated and the frequency of unwanted effects is lower compared to that of clomipramine.

Authors report results of an investigation led in 2 separate departments concerning 200 subjects: --blood donors: they are by definition healthy subjects who regularly are in touch with a medical structure; --patients with acute traumatic pathology leading to bone surgery consultation. The aim of this investigation was to analyse the different parameters involved in self-medication and to compare their distribution. Self-medication has an overall incidence of 87.5% in these studied groups and has generally been lasting from 2 to 9 years. The main reason for it is the lack of gravity to go and see a physician; although 52% of the patients tested take the advise of another person. The clinical signs leading to self-medication are looked for; 468 different drugs are listed essentially antalogics and drugs for ear, nose and throat as well as respiratory tract diseases. Self prescribed drugs usually come from the familial stock. Blood donors have some specific characteristics. In this population self-medication is more frequent and has been lasting longer. They more often feel able to take themselves in charge, but in contrast ask for the chemist's or the doctor's advise more frequently.