Biological Weapons Research Articles

What the Writer Found There: David Peace's Occupied City

Abstract This essay seeks to understand the writing strategies and structures that David Peace uses in Occupied City, the second novel of his Tokyo Trilogy set in the American occupation period (1945–52). Focusing on the (still unsolved) historical crime of the Teikoku Bank mass murders of 1948 and its linkages to the Japanese army's Unit 731 wartime experiments with plague and germ warfare in China—war crimes that were covered up by the Americans—Peace sustains Artaud's notions of plague and theater as he uses spirit mediumship within implicit textual figurations of the Rashōmon complex (as medieval tale, as modernist literary icon Akutagawa Ryūnosuke's retelling, and Akira Kurosawa's occupation-era filmic allegory) to stage multiple haunted and contesting testimonies about these unjustly repressed and unresolved crimes of war and postwar.

A review on development of enzymatic biosensors for industrial applications

Enzymatic biosensors are vital tools across various industries due to their high specificity, sensitivity, and rapid response times. They are extensively used in medical diagnostics for monitoring biomarkers like glucose and lactate, environmental monitoring to detect pollutants, food safety and quality assurance, bioprocess control in industrial fermentation, pharmaceutical drug development and quality control, soil health and agrochemical detection in agriculture, and for identifying biological warfare agents. However, several challenges limit their broader adoption and effectiveness in industrial settings. Key challenges include enzyme stability, as enzymes can denature under extreme environmental conditions, reducing sensor lifespan and performance. Variability in enzyme activity and immobilization techniques also leads to inconsistencies, affecting sensor reproducibility and reliability. Complex sample matrices, such as those in environmental and food samples, introduce interference that can affect sensor accuracy. Integrating biosensors into existing industrial processes is another significant challenge, requiring compatibility with automated systems and real-time data processing capabilities. Additionally, high production costs and scalability issues hinder widespread adoption. Regulatory and standardization barriers further complicate the development and deployment of enzymatic biosensors. Despite these limitations, advancements in materials science, nanotechnology, and bioengineering are paving the way for more robust and reliable biosensors. Innovations such as nanomaterial-based enzyme immobilization, synthetic biology for enzyme engineering, and advanced data analytics integration hold promise for overcoming current limitations. Collaborative efforts among researchers, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies are essential to accelerate the development and application of enzymatic biosensors in industrial settings. While enzymatic biosensors offer significant potential, addressing these challenges through ongoing research and technological advancements is crucial for their widespread implementation and optimization.

Biosensors and Bioassays for the Medical Detection of Bacillus Anthracis and Diagnosis of Anthrax.

Bacillus anthracis is a causative agent of the highly mortal disease anthrax. This zoonosis is present in nature, but it is also considered one of the most powerful biological warfare agents. A timely diagnosis is necessary for proper therapy and setting of epidemiological countermeasures. Current diagnostic methods should be used in specialized laboratories or medical facilities because there are only a limited number of methods suitable as hand-held assays or even point-of-care tests for detecting B. anthracis or anthrax diagnosis. The lateral flow tests are an exception in this regard, but these tests also have some limitations. Significant progress has been achieved in point-of-care tests for B. anthracis detection and anthrax diagnosis in various biosensors and bioassays. This review focuses on current hand-held and point-of-care tests that can easily prove anthrax or its causative agent outside the context of specialized facilities.

Ultrasensitive Electrochemiluminescence Biosensing Platform Based on Polymer Dots with Aggregation-Induced Emission for Dual-Biotoxin Assay.

Multitarget assay has always been a hot topic in electrochemiluminescence (ECL) methods. Herein, a "on-off-on" ECL aptasensor was developed for the ultrasensitive and sequential detection of possible biological warfare agents, deoxynivalenol (DON) and abrin (ABR). As a luminophore, polymer dots (Pdots) with aggregation-induced emission exhibit high ECL efficiency in the aptasensor, i.e., the signal "on" state. The DON assays mainly depend on ECL quenching due to the efficient quenching effect between ferrocene-H2-ferrocene (Fc-H2-Fc) and Pdots, i.e., the signal "off" state. When the aptasensor is incubated with the oligonucleotide sequence S2 to replace Fc-H2-Fc, obvious ECL recovery occurs, i.e., the signal "on" state, which can be used to sequentially detect ABR. The limit of detection (LOD) for DON is 0.73 fg·mL-1 in the range of 5.0 to 50 ng·mL-1; and the LOD for ABR is ∼0.38 pg·mL-1 in the range of 1.25 pg·mL-1 to 1.25 μg·mL-1. The as-designed ECL aptasensor exhibits good stability and reproducibility, high specificity, and favorable practicality. Therefore, this work provides a new approach for assays of DON and ABR in food safety and can be used as a model to design an ultrasensitive ECL biosensor for multitarget detection.

A Glycoprotein-Based Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy-Lateral Flow Assay Method for Abrin and Ricin Detection.

Abrin and ricin, both type II ribosome-inactivating proteins, are toxins of significant concern and are under international restriction by the Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention. The development of a rapid and sensitive detection method for these toxins is of the utmost importance for the first emergency response. Emerging rapid detection techniques, such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and lateral flow assay (LFA), have garnered attention due to their high sensitivity, good selectivity, ease of operation, low cost, and disposability. In this work, we generated stable and high-affinity nanotags, via an efficient freezing method, to serve as the capture module for SERS-LFA. We then constructed a sandwich-style lateral flow test strip using a pair of glycoproteins, asialofetuin and concanavalin A, as the core affinity recognition molecules, capable of trace measurement for both abrin and ricin. The limit of detection for abrin and ricin was 0.1 and 0.3 ng/mL, respectively. This method was applied to analyze eight spiked white powder samples, one juice sample, and three actual botanic samples, aligning well with cytotoxicity assay outcomes. It demonstrated good inter-batch and intra-batch reproducibility among the test strips, and the detection could be completed within 15 min, indicating the suitability of this SERS-LFA method for the on-site rapid detection of abrin and ricin toxins.

Phosphorylated and carbamylated Kraft lignin for improving fire- and biological-resistance of Scots pine wood

In this study, Kraft lignin was modified by ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) and urea for achieving phosphorylation and carbamylation, aiming to protect wood against biological and fire attack. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood was impregnated with a water solution containing Kraft lignin, ADP, and urea, followed by heat treatment at 150 °C, resulting in changes in the properties of the Kraft lignin as well as the wood matrix. Infrared spectroscopy, 13C cross-polarisation magic-angle-spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and direct excitation single-pulse 31P MAS NMR analyses suggested the grafting reaction of phosphate and carbamylate groups onto the hydroxyl groups of Kraft lignin. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicated that the condensed Kraft lignin filled the lumen as well as partially penetrating the wood cell wall. The modified Kraft lignin imparted fire-retardancy and increased char residue to the wood at elevated temperature, as confirmed by limiting oxygen index, microscale combustion calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The modified wood exhibited superior resistance against mold and decay fungi attack under laboratory conditions. The modified wood had a similar modulus of elasticity to the unmodified wood, while experiencing a reduction in the modulus of rupture.

Threat of Biowarfare from Recent Genome Editing Advancements

Abstract Genes are foundational to all organisms, yet their specific makeup is left to chance. Genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR, allow scientists to manipulate the gene and rid it of disease-causing mutations. Recent advancements have rendered current authority inefficacious in ensuring biosecurity. Nations could create “designer diseases” to infect others while protecting their own. The use and access to genome editing technologies must be controlled to restrict their use as biological weapons.

The Search for Antidotes Against Ricin.

The castor plant (Ricinus communis) is primarily known for its seeds, which contain a unique fatty acid called ricinoleic acid with several industrial and commercial applications. Castor seeds also contain ricin, a toxin considered a chemical and biological warfare agent. Despite years of investigation, there is still no effective antidote or vaccine available. However, some progress has been made, and the development of an effective treatment may be on the horizon. To provide an updated overview of this issue, we have conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on the current state of research in the fight against ricin. This review is based on the reported research and aims to address the challenges faced by researchers, as well as highlight the most successful cases achieved thus far. Our goal is to encourage the scientific community to continue their efforts in this critical search.

Prohibiting the use of biological weapons: diverging national measures, a comparative analysis

Abstract To ensure an effective international prohibition on the use of biological weapons, an international framework of national prohibitions needs to exist. This article looks comparatively at the national prohibitions on the use of biological weapons and considers the effect of common approaches. This research is based on a near-comprehensive collection of national legislation addressing the use of biological weapons. Investigating the common approaches allows for the identification of potential gaps within the international framework of national prohibitions, indicating the potential benefit of developing an international obligation to implement national measures prohibiting the use of biological weapons.

Constitutional and Legal Nature of the Prohibition of Chemical and Biological Weapons

Constitutional and Legal Nature of the Prohibition of Chemical and Biological Weapons

NYMPHA, a natural product for the conservation of ancient wood

In recent years, there has been a significant interest on sustainability and health-safety across various domains. Notably, many traditional chemicals employed in the preservation of Cultural Heritage pose environmental and human health risks. The NYMPHA project aimed to develop an eco-friendly solution using microalgae-derived polysaccharides to remove biological patinas from cultural heritage wooden materials, addressing sustainability and health concerns. To validate its efficacy, the product underwent testing on diverse woods such as silver fir, beech, and sessile oak, selected for their distinct anatomical characteristics. The analytical methodology involves three key steps: 1) determining the optimal extraction and application method through spectro-colorimetric measures and UV imaging; 2) evaluating surface color stability; and 3) assessing the product's effectiveness before and after exposure to a biological attack using spectro-colorimetry. Results indicate that the NYMPHA product can induce a color variation on some wood surfaces. Moreover, although it is reported that algae can have biocidal effects, in this experiment, this action is not observed probably due to the absence of sulphates in the polysaccharide molecule extracted from this specific strain. This emphasizes the necessity for further research and to explore new solutions beyond controlled laboratory conditions, specifically on naturally degraded materials.

Complicity and Cold War Politics: The Long Shadow of Unit 731 in Sino-U.S. Relations

Abstract The horrific human experimentation Ishii Shirō and his colleagues conducted at Unit 731 is a dark chapter in China’s War of Resistance against Japan. Less well known, however, is the U.S. role in covering up this atrocity with a postwar decision to grant immunity to the perpetrators in exchange for the research data they possessed. Moreover, there exist strong allegations to this day in China that the United States subsequently conducted bacteriological warfare against Chinese and North Korean civilians in the Korean War. This article examines how memories of this “victor’s justice” remain a strong component of Chinese patriotic education today. It argues that China’s “century of humiliation,” which focuses on Chinese victimization at the hands of foreign imperialists, did not end in 1949 with the formation of the People’s Republic of China, but rather the Chinese Communist Party employs it today to portray Chinese victimization at the hands of U.S. imperialism through at least the end of the Korean War in July 1953. Furthermore, this article suggests that understanding Chinese public memory of Unit 731 is extremely relevant to understanding contemporary Sino-American relations because these memories help shape public perception of the United States for ordinary Chinese.

Solubilization of sugarcane bagasse by mono and cocultures of thermophilic anaerobes with and without cotreatment

Cotreatment, mechanical disruption of lignocellulosic biomass during microbial fermentation, is a potential alternative to thermochemical pretreatment as a means of increasing the accessibility of lignocellulose to biological attack. Successful implementation of cotreatment requires microbes that can withstand milling, while solubilizing and utilizing carbohydrates from lignocellulose. In this context, cotreatment with thermophilic, lignocellulose-fermenting bacteria has been successfully evaluated for a number of lignocellulosic feedstocks. Here, cotreatment was applied to sugarcane bagasse using monocultures of the cellulose-fermenting Clostridium thermocellum and cocultures with the hemicellulose-fermenting Thermoanaerobacterium thermosaccharolyticum. This resulted in 76 % carbohydrate solubilization (a 1.8-fold increase over non-cotreated controls) on 10 g/L solids loading, having greater effect on the hemicellulose fraction. With cotreatment, fermentation by wild-type cultures at low substrate concentrations increased cumulative product formation by 45 % for the monoculture and 32 % for the coculture. These findings highlight the potential of cotreatment for enhancing deconstruction of sugarcane bagasse using thermophilic bacteria.

Identification and characterization of two Bacillus anthracis bacteriophages

Anthrax is an acute infectious zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, a bacterium that is considered a potential biological warfare agent. Bacillus bacteriophages shape the composition and evolution of bacterial communities in nature and therefore have important roles in the ecosystem community. B. anthracis phages are not only used in etiological diagnostics but also have promising prospects in clinical therapeutics or for disinfection in anthrax outbreaks. In this study, two temperate B. anthracis phages, vB_BanS_A16R1 (A16R1) and vB_BanS_A16R4 (A16R4), were isolated and showed siphovirus-like morphological characteristics. Genome sequencing showed that the genomes of phages A16R1 and A16R4 are 36,569 bp and 40,059 bp in length, respectively. A16R1 belongs to the genus Wbetavirus, while A16R4 belongs to the genus Hubeivirus and is the first phage of that genus found to lyse B. anthracis. Because these two phages can comparatively specifically lyse B. anthracis, they could be used as alternative diagnostic tools for identification of B. anthracis infections.

Pharmaceutical care of premedical and first aid in case of injuries: impact of biological and nuclear weapons and radiation exposure from military destruction of nuclear power plants

The relevance of the topic is due to the increased risk of radiation hazards on the territory of Ukraine caused by the frequent shelling of nuclear power plants in the Zaporizhzhya region. This research work aims to calculate the percentage of the population that is sufficiently aware of the issues in providing medical care for radiation and other injuries. During the scientific research, the authors used analytical, statistical, and diagnostic methods to study information on radiation hazards and define the specifics and consequences of the use of various types of biological weapons. The main results achieved within the framework of this scientific study would be a clear justification and assessment of the radiation hazards for Ukrainians and a determination of the feasibility and indications for the use of certain medicines. The results obtained and the conclusions formulated on their basis are of practical importance for the military, territorial defence fighters, students of medical universities, sanitary workers, police officers, teachers, drivers, and civilians.

Impact of substrate thickness and surface roughness on Al/Ni multilayer reaction kinetics

Reactive multilayers comprising alternating nanoscale layers of Al and Ni, exhibit potential across various applications, including localized heating for welding and joining. Control over reaction properties is pivotal for emerging applications, such as chemical time delays or neutralization of biological or chemical weapons. This research offers insights into the intricate interplay between substrate thickness, surface roughness, and the behavior of Al/Ni reactive multilayers, opening avenues for tailored applications in various domains. To observe this interplay, silica with various thicknesses from 0.4 µm to 1.6 µm was deposited on polished single crystalline Si and rough poly‐Si base substrates. Additionally, to analyze the impact of varying silica thickness along the sample length on reaction behavior, silica in step‐like shape was fabricated. Subsequently, Al/Ni multilayers with 5 µm total thickness and 20 or 50 nm bilayer periodicities were deposited. Reaction velocity and temperature were monitored with a high‐speed camera and pyrometer. Results indicate that silica thickness significantly affects self‐propagation in multilayers. The reaction is not self‐sustained for silica layers ≤ 0.4 µm, depending on bilayer periodicity and substrate roughness. The velocity increases or decreases based on the direction of reaction propagation, whether it moves upwards or downwards, in relation to the thickness of silica.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Is Rome ready to react to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive attacks? A tabletop simulation

Is Rome ready to react to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive attacks? A tabletop simulation

Botulinum toxin in wound treatment – literature review

Introduction and purpose Botulinum toxin has been used in medicine since the 1970s, although many years earlier it was known only as a biological weapon. Originally, it was used in medicine to treat strabismus in children. Over time, it has been used in the treatment of neurological disorders, excessive sweating of the armpits, wrinkles, and bladder disorders. In recent years, botulinum toxin has also begun to be used in wound healing. The paralyzing effect of botulinum toxin on the muscles within the wound eliminates micro-injuries caused by tension in these muscles. The aim of the article is to summarize information on the effects of botulinum toxin on the wound, its impact on inflammation, and the type of scar formation. Materials and methods The literature included in the PubMed databases is searched through the words such as botulinum toxin, wounds, and scars. Description of the state of knowledge: The literature review shows the breadth of the issue. Scientific studies showing the effect of using botulinum toxin on wounds emphasize its beneficial effects. However, it should be remembered that wound healing has a complex, dynamic course supported by numerous cellular processes that must be closely coordinated to effectively repair damaged tissues. Determinants influencing the course of wound healing include both local and systemic factors. Important factors influencing the process of proper wound healing are specialized wound preparation, pharmacotherapy, and other aspects of therapeutic intervention. Conclusions The range of applications of botulinum toxin is constantly expanding. In addition to reducing muscle tension within the wound, it also inhibits the production of inflammatory transmitters, limiting its development, and also reduces the development of microcirculation by preventing the development of vessels in hypertrophic scars.

The effect of hair and beard on the airtightness of gas masks

This study aims to quantitatively analyze the correlation between hair and beard and the airtightness of gas masks in response to the escalating threat of chemical and biological warfare, changes in military personnel regulations, and grooming standards. Airtightness refers to the ability of a gas mask to fit snugly on the user face, thereby preventing the infiltration of harmful external substances, that is among the primary functions of the mask. Although hair and beard are known to affect the airtightness of gas masks, research is lacking in this area, domestically and internationally, and no studies have analyzed the correlation between gas mask airtightness and hair, including beards, under controlled variables. Therefore, research on the correlation between gas mask airtightness and hair, including beards, is necessary to respond to the current evolving threats. For this purpose, gas masks that passed the airtightness performance test specified in military standards were selected. The masks were fitted on a SMARTMAN (SiMulant Agent Resistant Test MANikin) mannequin head with artificial hair and beard attached, and changes in airtightness were measured based on the presence and condition of the hair and beard. The experimental results showed that the presence of hair and beard at the gas mask–face contact surface decreased the airtightness of the mask, and that the highest airtightness was observed with gas masks of the optimal size. The findings of this study can be used as an important reference material for maintaining the performance of gas masks and the combat effectiveness of the military.

Artificial intelligence challenges in the face of biological threats: emerging catastrophic risks for public health.

The threat landscape of biological hazards with the evolution of AI presents challenges. While AI promises innovative solutions, concerns arise about its misuse in the creation of biological weapons. The convergence of AI and genetic editing raises questions about biosecurity, potentially accelerating the development of dangerous pathogens. The mapping conducted highlights the critical intersection between AI and biological threats, underscoring emerging risks in the criminal manipulation of pathogens. Technological advancement in biology requires preventative and regulatory measures. Expert recommendations emphasize the need for solid regulations and responsibility of creators, demanding a proactive, ethical approach and governance to ensure global safety.