Collection and sharing of medical information and medical intelligence (M2I) in NATO: a transversal survey.

INTRODUCTION: There is a requirement for adequate medical expertise to be available throughout the range of potential future operations involving members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The aim of this study was to assess the collection and sharing of medical intelligence and medical information (M2I) by NATO Nations, Partner Nations and NATO Command Structure and NATO Force Structure Headquarters (NCS/NFS HQs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A transversal survey was conducted between December 2014 and March 2015 using a survey form on M2I sent to NATO Nations and Partnership for Peace (PfP) Nations as well as NCS/NFS HQs. RESULTS: Correctly completed responses were received from 15/40 (37.5%) of the possible NATO and PfP Nations (37.5%) and 7/8 (87.5%) of the NCS/NFS HQs (100.0%). Deficiencies in the collection of M2I data were found due to lack of specific doctrines, networks, tools, structures and organisation. CONCLUSIONS: The survey provided an indication even though the participation rate was low for Nations. Part of the problem is thought to be that medical information and medical intelligence often lie in different chains of command. Future directions for this research could include studying the possibilities of a new specific information technology (IT) system to collect and to share M2I. Collection and sharing of M2I within the NATO/PfP community requires facilitation in order to strengthen the basis for decision-making and force health protection. The development of a dedicated NATO IT system may be a precondition for the implementation of an efficient M2I network.

Optimalized in vivo production of monoclonal antibodies in mouse ascitic fluid.

The note contains a brief summary of the method in use at the National Institute of Public Health for the production of monoclonal antibodies in mouse ascitic fluid. This method of obtaining large amounts of monoclonal antibodies is widely used. Refining the in vivo method and increasing the yield from each mouse could result in a reduction of the number of animals used.

Observations on Pseudomonas aeruginosa proteolytic and toxic activity in experimentally infected rats.

To bypass natural resistance against Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, a granuloma pouch model to be experimentally infected was established in rats. This experimental model also permitted easy collection of wound exudate. In general, the animals either died or became very ill and were consequently sacrificed within the first 12 days, or they (6 of 16) survived in good condition after 20 days. The virulence of recently isolated strains compared to twelve-months old subcultures of the same strains showed no major differences in clinical pattern. In the first seven days following the start of the infection, all animals presented a fall of elastase activity in the wound exudate. Toxin A was present in the exudate, sometimes in relatively high levels, but there was no correlation between toxin level and the clinical development. As a rule, spontaneous rupture of the granuloma pouch, apparently unrelated to the concentrations of either elastase or toxin A in the exudate, was beneficial to survival. In the present experimental infectious context, neither P. aeruginosa elastase nor toxin A seemed to play any isolated lethal nor pathogenetic role.

Plasma concentration of paracetamol and its major metabolites after p.o. dosing with paracetamol or concurrent administration of paracetamol and its N-acetyl-DL-methionine ester in mice.

1. Single doses of paracetamol 400 (PAR 400) and 800 mg/kg (PAR 800), SUR 2647 combination (free paracetamol + paracetamol-N-acetyl-DL-methionate, paracetamol/methionine ratio 2:1) equivalent to PAR 400 (SURc 400) and PAR 800 (SURc 800) were given p.o. to male Bom:NMRI mice. 2. The objective was to compare the plasma concentrations of free paracetamol and the major metabolites paracetamol-sulphate and paracetamol-glucuronide for a 6 hr period after each test drug. 3. There was no significant difference between PAR 400 and SURc 400 with respect to plasma paracetamol, paracetamol-glucuronide and paracetamol-sulphate concentration with the exception of lower plasma paracetamol concentration (P less than 0.03) at 3 hr following PAR 400. 4. There was no significant difference between PAR 800 and SURc 800 with respect to plasma paracetamol, paracetamol-glucuronide and paracetamol-sulphate concentrations with the exception of lower plasma paracetamol-glucuronide concentration (P less than 0.03) at 4 hr after dosing following SURc 800. 5. Combining free paracetamol and its methionine ester does not seem to alter the pattern of plasma paracetamol, paracetamol-glucuronide and paracetamol-sulphate compared to equal doses of free paracetamol alone after p.o. administration of toxic doses to male Bom:NMRI mice.