Abrin, ricin, viscumin, modeccin, and volkensin are very potent toxins derived from plants. They are glycoproteins composed of two polypeptide chains linked by a disulphide bridge. The A-chain is the enzymatic toxic moiety and B-chain is responsible for bonding to the target cell and internalization of toxin. The toxic part of the toxin molecule removes an adenine from a specific adenosine resi...

Multifunctional ultra-high vacuum apparatus for studies of the interactions of chemical warfare agents on complex surfaces Report Title A fundamental understanding of the surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents is needed to fully predict the interaction of these toxic molecules with militarily relevant materials, catalysts, and environmental surfaces. For example, rules for predicting the ...

Gaseous dimethyl dioxirane (DMDO) was evaluated as a decontaminant for simulants of chemical and biological warfare agents (CBW). Isolated DMDO was present as a liquid in CFC 113 or the fluorinated ether, Novec HFE 7100TM (3M) and was easily vaporized under reduced pressure. The Hagent simulant, thioanisole, and the G-agent simulants, paraoxon and diphenyl chlorophosphate (DPCP), were efficient...

Among the pathogens that have been identified as potential agents of biological warfare or bioterrorism, Yersinia pestis is one of the main concerns due to the severity and potential transmissibility of the pneumonic form of the disease in humans. There are no approved vaccines for protection against pneumonic plague, but a Y. pestis-derived fusion protein (F1–V) has shown great promise as a pr...

In the present work we studied the incidence of fetal deaths among conceptions whose fathers or both parents were survivors of chemical warfare attacks by Iraq. We showed that there was significant correlation between frequency of fetal deaths among conceptions which eventuated after exposure of the parents to gas bombs compared to the frequency of fetal deaths among the control group. Thi...

It is unlikely that Gulf War veterans are suffering chronic effects from illnesses caused by chemical warfare nerve agent exposure. Extensive investigation and review by several expert panels have determined that no evidence exists that chemical warfare nerve agents were used during the Gulf War. At no time before, during, or after the war was there confirmation of symptoms among anyone, milita...

BACKGROUND Early recognition of a terrorist attack with biologic agents will rely on physician diagnosis. Physicians' ability to diagnose and care for patients presenting after a bioterror event is unknown. The role of online case-based didactics to measure and improve knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of these patients is unknown. METHODS A multicenter online educational intervention ...

Self-decontaminating materials are defined as substances or objects designed and fabricated to deactivate pathogenic microorganisms or chemical warfare agents. Self-decontamination makes it possible for continuous protection against toxic materials. In order to develop destructive barriers against biological and chemical air pollutants, protective clothing and membranes using catalytic or enzym...

The US military has a long and highly distinguished record of developing effective vaccines against pathogens that threaten the armed forces. Many of these vaccines have also been of significant benefit to civilian populations around the world. The current requirements for force protection include vaccines against endemic disease threats as well as against biological warfare or bioterrorism age...

It is an axiom of human history that whatever technology is available will be applied in warfare as one side or the other seeks to gain an advantage. Humans are unique among the species in their capacity for fighting prolonged conflicts where the nature of the war reflects the types of technologies available. Stone, metal, leather, wood, domesticated animals, wheels, etc. were each exploited by...