Weapons of mass destruction: the greatest threat to public health

Article Abstract:

Nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons pose the greatest threat to public health. Efforts to end the nuclear threat must include mutual, verifiable cessation of all testing of these weapons, along with a reduction of the stockpiles of long-range nuclear missiles. Chemical weapons, such as tear gas, should be placed under stricter control. Tear gas should be placed in the control of police forces rather than the US Army, to be used within the rule of law, in strictly limited quantities, in open spaces and when it is the sole alternative to the use of more deadly force. Defenses against biological weapons must be developed concomitantly with the weapons. Adherence to the tenets of the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention of 1972 provides a way out of the arms spiral.

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Do We Know What Inappropriate Laboratory Utilization Is?

Article Abstract:

Better methods need to be developed to measure inappropriate laboratory use. Inappropriate laboratory use occurs when a physician orders a test that is not necessary. Researchers evaluated 44 studies that tried to measure inappropriate laboratory use. Eleven studies used very broad criteria or did not describe the criteria they used to determine inappropriate laboratory use. They also did not test the reliability of the criteria. Thirty-three used specific criteria that were described in the article. However, the evidence supporting these criteria was often weak. Inappropriate laboratory use in all 44 studies ranged from 5% to 95%.

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The social responsibilities of health professionals: lessons from their role in Nazi Germany

Article Abstract:

Physicians need to ensure that the rights of all people are protected and should not participate in human rights abuses. The 50th anniversary of the Nuremberg Medical Trial has reminded physicians of their moral responsibility to their patients. The trial covered the crimes of German physicians who actively participated in Nazi atrocities. However, there are still many ethical questions about the participation of physicians in capital punishment and the denial of health care to certain groups of people to conserve resources.

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