[A global challenge in the debate on priorities]. / En globaL utfordring i prioriteringsdebatten.

The authors discuss and summarise an international report, "Investing in Health Research and Development", which considers research needs based on an analysis of the burden of disease, measured mainly in terms of Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). The report is to be accompanied by a 10-volume series called Global Burden of Disease and Injury Series. One of the authors (Lie) was a member of the committee that published the report. Another (Godal) headed the secretariat that supported the committee in its work. The report and the accompanying books of background material are expected to be useful in the years to come for funding agencies and governments, both in rich and in poor countries, when deciding what should be supported by way of research and how the health services should be organised. The authors discuss the content of the report and its possible implications for colleagues, research, international development assistance agencies, and health service planners in Norway.

Could schizophrenia be reasonably explained by Dohan's hypothesis on genetic interaction with a dietary peptide overload?

1. Dohan has proposed that schizophrenia is a genetic disposition which interacts with an overload of dietary proteins such as casein and gluten or gliadin. 2. A systematic attempt is made to see if this hypothesis is possible faced with aspects of schizophrenia that must be accounted for. 3. The authors conclusion is that it is possible, but more serious work in this field is urgently needed.

[Dracunculosis--a retreating scourge]. / Dracunculiasis--et uhyre på vikende front.

Guinea worm disease (dracunculiasis) is an easily preventable parasitic illness where one or more worms (Dracunculus medinensis) emerge through the skin about a year after drinking infected water. It is highly debilitating and compromises health, food production and schooling in 19 African nations, and in India. In affected areas it causes more permanent disability than poliomyelitis, and the annual economic cost is estimated to one billion USD. About 120 million poor are at risk. Interventions include providing safe water, teaching people at risk to filter all their drinking water, and chemical treatment of the water. The article discusses the life cycle of the parasite, its socioeconomic consequences, interventions against it and progress toward eradicating guinea worm disease.

[Is medicine's symbol on its way out?]. / Er medisinens symbol i ferd med å utryddes?

Dracunculiasis is an ancient disease which international organizations are working to eradicate. It has been suggested that the caduceus and Aesculap's staff may be based on the treatment of dracunculiasis from the time of Hippocrates, which is still the most modern treatment available. The article discusses dracunculiasis with emphasis on the historical aspects and the possible connection with the symbol of medicine--a snake wound around a staff.