New Concepts in Terrorism and Non-Conventional Global Threats: Ethics and Terror Medicine

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(A211) Nanosciences and CBRN Threats: Considerations about the Potential Risk of Illicit Use of Nanosystems

In the history of humankind, any new scientific discovery has shown the risk of a "dual use" for peaceful purposes or for warfare. In regard to non-conventional weapons, the recent exponential development of nanosciences and nanotechnology can provide efficient tools for counteracting these threats, by improving the detection, protection, and decontamination capabilities in the field of CBRN defence. Nevertheless, these disciplines also may offer novel, uncontrolled means of mass destruction, leading to the synthesis of new, intentionally toxic systems. Furthermore, several points of concern are linked to the new concepts of "nanotoxicology" and "nanopathology: If a multidisciplinary approach is needed to study nanosciences and nanotechnologies, a multidisciplinary approach also is needed to have a strict control on potential illegal uses of nanosystems. Experts active in various fields, such as academic, industrial, military, and health protection institutions, must work cooperatively to constantly follow the state of the art, note which kind of critical emerging technologies may lead to illicit uses, and control the diffusion of hazardous nanosystems that may be potential precursors of weapons of mass destruction, and cooperate with CBRN emergency prevention organizations in order to plan suitable countermeasures. This presentation will cover some examples of nanosystems applied to defense from non-conventional warfare agents and answer questions regarding potential misuses of basic nanoscience and nanotechnology findings

Structural variants of chromosome 9: a possibile association with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

We report two cases of structural variations of chromosome 9 associated with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and azoospermia in adolescent boys. One patient also had a partially imperforated urethral meatus. Histological examination revealed that both had hypotrophic and underdeveloped testes. There was no LH and FSH response to LH-RH stimulation nor was there any response to naloxone tests. Basal and HCG stimulated plasma testosterone values were below normal prepubertal levels. As the administration of gonadotrophins did not improve the clinical and hormonal findings, alternative androgen therapy was necessary to achieve secondary sexual characteristics. Although they reached a good level of androgenization, their testes were still very small and azoospermia remained, as confirmed by repeated semen analyses. A possible association between chromosome 9 polymorphisms and hypothalamo-pituitary axis abnormalities is suggested. It is hypothesized that structural variants of chromosome 9 are not unrelated occurrences. Furthermore, and in view of the fact that they can lead to a high risk of azoospermia and infertility, such variants call for clinical investigatio

General topologic environment of the Russian railway network

Basic structural properties of Russian railways are explored through the complex network scope. We imply ontology where railway stations portray nodes, while links are represented by trains plying among stations. The information L- network model founded on route is built and its topology is compared with Indian and Pakistan analogues. The network model demonstrates small world properties and its assortative nature. Structural vulnerability is assessed for random attacks, and those on degree and strength targets. Taking into account series of the node centralities, the most important sites are identified as those that could help in clarifying the sensitive points in the network. These sites should be in the focus of pre-protection and post hazard recovery. Also, a P-model is touched and an S- and H- model idea is proposed for further analysis of transportation networks

Public health component in building information modeling

A building information modelling (BIM) conception has established itself as an effective and practical approach to plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure. Analysis of the governance literature has shown that the BIM-developed tools do not take fully into account the growing demands from ecology and health fields. In this connection, it is possible to offer an optimal way of adapting such tools to the necessary consideration of the sanitary and hygienic specifications of materials used in construction industry. It is proposed to do it through the introduction of assessments that meet the requirements of national sanitary standards. This approach was demonstrated in the case study of Revit® program

Ductopenia and fetal liver-like architecture as unique and evocative sign of Turner syndrome

Abstract. -BACKGROUND: Turner syndrome is the most common genetic disorder in females. In most subjects, with a normal physical appearance at birth, the diagnosis is suspected long after birth because of short stature, delayed puberty, primary or secondary amenorrhea or infertility. Abnormalities of liver function tests are reported in literature, with a prevalence ranging from 20% to 80%. In most subjects liver diseases are selflimiting, associated with obesity, hormonal therapy and autoimmune diseases. An association between Turner syndrome and cryptogenic liver disease has been reported. Abnormalities of liver function tests could be the unique sign of Turner syndrome in subjects with normal phenotypes. The histological picture of "fetal liver-like architecture" and "ductopenia" is of fundamental importance for the diagnosis of chromosomopathy. AIM: Review the causes of hypertransaminasemia by focusing on more rare as metabolic and genetic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated a 10 year old girl with a normal phenotype affected by chronic hypertransaminasemia and cholestasis, in whom a needle liver biopsy was performed after the most common causes of hypertransaminasemia were excluded. RESULTS: Liver histological evaluation revealed a smoldering colangiopathy with mild ductopenia and a fetal liver-like architecture. Turner syndrome, suspected on the basis of this histological picture, was confirmed by a pelvic ultrasound and a chromosome analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The histological features of "fetal liver-like architecture" and "ductopenia" represent an evocative sign that could indicate the diagnostic suspicion of Turner syndrome in a subject lacking in signs or symptoms of this disease. It is important to perform a pelvic ultrasound and an endocrinological evaluation in all females with chronic asymptomatic hypertransaminasemia even though they have normal phenotypes

(A232) Volcanic Eruptions: Health Consequences and Preventive Health Measures — An Overview

The 2010 eruptions in Iceland, and on Mount Merapi in Indonesia, caused enormous disruption and opened a new chapter in the history of volcanic eruptions, emerging hazards, and disaster crisis management. A volcanic eruption can be devastating for the local wildlife as well as for the human population. Volcanic eruptions represent a different kind of hazard compared with floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Their onset also may be sudden, but they differ in that the danger does not necessarily decline rapidly with time, and actually may increase because of the unpredictability of the eruptive behavior and desire of a willing population to believe that the danger has passed and they can resume normal living. Volcanoes and their eruptions can result in a wide range of health impacts and kill people in a remarkably large number of ways. At least 500 million people worldwide live within potential exposure range of volcanic activity and possible eruption. The range of adverse health effects is quite broad and extensive. This presentation will provide an overview of the main causes of death and injury caused by a volcanic eruptions and the preventive health measures and public health interventions to be adopted during a volcanic eruption. Information on the causes of death and injury in eruptions is sparse, but the available literature is summarized in this report for the benefit of volcanologists and emergency planners. Healthcare workers and physicians responding to the volcanic events might find themselves involved in scenarios as varied as disaster planning, epidemiological surveillance, treating the injured, or advising on the health hazards associated with long range transport of volcanic emissions. Medical treatment only has a small role during severe volcanic eruptions. The preventive measures are paramount if injuries and loss of life are to be reduced