Current problems of extrapulmonary tuberculosis

The small intestine vagotomy influence on gastric secretion function, stimulated by pentagastrin and carbachol, was investigated while chronic experiment on dogs with gastric fundal and duodenal fistulas. The comparative analysis of influence of extragastric selective proximal, selective distal, selective and truncal vagotomy on gastric secretion in various terms after operative intervention was also conducted. In 6 months after conduction of various kinds of vagotomy the reduction of hydrochloric acid secretion, stimulated by pentagastrin, was noted.     

Current problems of neutron radiobiology

The molecular organization, interactions, phase state and membrane-membrane interactions of model membranes containing cerebroside (GalCer), sulfatide (Sulf) and myelin basic protein (MBP) were investigated. Sulf shows a larger cross-sectional area than GalCer, in keeping with the lateral electrostatic repulsions in the negatively charged polar head group. The interactions of GalCer with different phospholipids are similar while those with Sulf depend on the phosphoryl choline moiety in the phospholipid. MBP induces a decrease of the phase transition temperature in both lipids but with Sulf this occurs at lower proportions of MBP. In mixtures of Sulf with phosphatidylcholine MBP induces phase separation among Sulf-rich and PC-rich domains. Extensive apposition of bilayers containing Sulf is induced by MBP while GalCer interferes with this process. Few membrane interactions proceed to bilayer merging or whole bilayer fusion and the glycosphingolipids help preserve the membrane integrity.     

Current problems of lead poisoning]

In collaboration with private associations and public services, we screened a targeted population for serum lead levels and observed lead poisoning (serum Pb > 100 micrograms/l) in 6 out 44 children living in precarious conditions in Poitiers, France. This observation underscores some of the major problems encountered in the battle against lead poisoning in western countries. First, the social, economical or legal situation of the population at risk often results in exclusion from the normal health care network. If after a coordinated effort based on mutual trust, children exposed to lead poisoning can be identified, the second problem is to identify the source of intoxication. Scaling paint in the current housing may be incriminated, but how can the true source be identified when the populations concerned change residence often and may be unwilling to disclose their previous residence due to fear of reprisals for themselves or the new occupants? And if the source is identified, the cost of rehabilitation or the illegal situation of the family may raise further problems requiring adapted solutions. The prevention of lead poisoning calls for a targeted screening program, combined efforts of public authorities and health care workers, and close cooperation with private associations. All intoxicated children should be removed from the source of exposure and their families protected from the risk of sanctions. Only an active and practical public health policy can provide the solution to this continuing public health problem.     

Current problems in the standardisation of medical electrical equipment

The progress towards a coherent policy of international standardisation of electrical equipment used in medical practice is reviewed against the background to existing legislation in Western Europe. The work of the International Electrotechnical Commission and the implications of the EEC in this context are discussed, as well as the general philosophy of the safety of medical electrical equipment in relation to standardisation.     

Current problems in the pathology of the thyroid gland

22 chloramphenicol allergics, 10 penicillin allergics and 6 patients with a chromate eczema as well as altogether 34 non-allergic control persons with healthy skin were examined according to the skin chamber method. After addition of the adequate antigen (chloramphenicol, penicillin, ammonium bichromate) into one of the two simultaneously applied skin chambers in sensitized persons an inhibition of the leucocyte migration in the antigen chamber develops. The polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes mobilised into the inflammation field were regarded as indicator cells. 5 chloramphenicol allergics with eczematous skin abnormalities and all control persons were negative. The investigation method is simply to be performed and therefore it is particularly suitable for clinical routine work.