[Khat (Catha edulis): is it "coffee" or "cocaine"?]. / Khat (Catha edulis): "kávé" vagy "kokain"?

Regular consumption of khat's (Catha edulis) fresh leaves seriously affects the health, the social and economic life of the subject. Therefore, it is hazardous both to the individual and to the community. According to the latest reports, consumption of chat may exert some unknown and unreported gastrointestinal and hepatic effects. On the basis of studies performed by the authors, it seems that khat (cathinone) has no gastric or duodenal ulcerogenic effect. However, it does cause a significant enlargement of the hepatic mitochondria. In addition, a concern arose recently that the profit of illegal traffic of the plant may reach some illegal (terrorist) organisations. Therefore it seems that the so-called "khat-problem" needs further and more effective control.

[Ricin--2004]. / Ricin--2004.

Ricin, the toxic protein of the castor oil plant's seed, (Ricinus communis, Euphorbiaceae) recently has earned a great significance, as a potential biological weapon. Its production is comparatively easy, with a long shelf-life and in the form of an aerosol it seems to be ideal for terrorists. Under its effect various organs of the organism will be pathologically influenced particularly the liver, kidneys, lymph nodes and lungs. Moreover it causes hyperpyrexia and interacts with the electrolyte and hormone metabolism as well. Taking into consideration that after the intoxication there is a so called relatively symptomless "silent period" one must think of the possibility of intoxication. There is no causal therapy therefore one should start the supportive therapy as soon as possible.

[Premeditated ecstasy?]. / Megtervezett extázis?

The 3-4-methylene-dioxy-methamphetamine, or "Ecstasy" is one of the most preferred, illicite recreational drugs in Hungary also. Its effects are basically the same as of the amphetamine's effects,--i.e., central nervous system's and cardiovascular effects. The most important ones are different disturbances in the serotonin and dopamine metabolism, particularly in the CNS. Moreover, under Ecstasy's effect there can be encountered different toxic signs and symptoms as well, e.g. effect on the temperature regulation,--which may require hospitalization. In spite of the users' tenet,--that the drug is a "safe" one,--it is evident that Ecstasy has late effects as well,--for example a single dose may induce Parkinson's like symptoms. Taking into consideration the above mentioned facts, it can be stated un ambiguously that Ecstasy's use should be banned. It is harmful not only to the individual users but to the whole society as well.

[Worse than we thought? The AIDS epidemic at the end of the year 2001]. / Rosszabb, mint gondoltuk? Az AIDS-járvány 2001 végén.

HIV/AIDS is a global emergency with far-reaching effects. There is no country that has been left unscathed by the epidemic. It affects all countries socially, economically and culturally. It three-tens development and human security. In spite of our hopes and calculations the situation regarding the world's AIDS epidemic further worsened. Momentarily about 40 million persons live with HIV/AIDS. Their number steadily grows. Globally the worst situation still exists in Sub-Saharan Africa but the fastest growing epidemic is in Eastern-Europe (Russian Federation, Ukraine) which threatens with a possibility of a new and fast wave of epidemic. Although there are new drugs in the clinical practice, the most important task is further on, a vigorous health education, to prevent further catastrophe.