Innate Potential Research Articles

Indigenous microbial communities in Albertan sediments are capable of anaerobic benzene biodegradation under methanogenic, sulfate-reducing, nitrate-reducing, and iron-reducing redox conditions.

Alberta is a major center for oil and gas production, and correspondingly harbors hundreds of unresolved contamination sites by environmental hazards such as benzene (C6 H6 ). Due to its cost-effectiveness, bioremediation has become a promising strategy for C6 H6 removal. Contamination sites typically take on an anaerobic context, which complicates the energetics of contamination sites and is a subject that is scarcely broached in studies of Albertan sediments. This study examines the innate potential for indigenous microbial communities in Albertan sediments to remove C6 H6 in a multitude of reduced conditions. Community profiles of these sediments were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and removal rates and reaction stoichiometries were observed by gas chromatography and ion chromatography. Organisms belonging to known primary degrader taxa were identified, including Geobacter (iron-reducing), and Peptococcaceae (nitrate-reducing). Furthermore, benzene removal patterns of the cultures were similar to those observed in previously reported microcosms, with lag times between 70 and 168days and removal rates between 3.27 and 12.70µM/day. Such information could support a more comprehensive survey of Albertan sediment consortia, which may eventually be utilized in informing future remediation efforts in the province. PRACTITIONER POINTS: ●Clay and sand sediments originating from Northern Alberta could remove benzene under methanogenic, sulfate-reducing, iron-reducing, and nitrate-reducing conditions. ●Degradation profiles were broadly comparable to those of reported cultures from other geographical locales. ●Key degrader taxa observed included Geobacter (Fe3+ -reducing) and Peptococcaceae ( -reducing). ●Knowledge gained can be the start of a more extensive survey of Albertan sediments. Eventually, this collection of information can be used to generate robust C6 H6 -degrading cultures that can be implemented for bioaugmentation and be implemented in informing remediation strategies in soil and water matrices for priority contamination cases such as leaking underground storage tanks and orphan wells.

Exploring the NK cell platform for cancer immunotherapy.

Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes of the innate immune system that are capable of killing virally infected and/or cancerous cells. Nearly 20 years ago, NK cell-mediated immunotherapy emerged as a safe and effective treatment approach for patients with advanced-stage leukaemia. Subsequently, the field of NK cell-based cancer therapy has grown exponentially and currently constitutes a major area of immunotherapy innovation. In general, the development of NK cell-directed therapies has two main focal points: optimizing the source of therapeutic NK cells for adoptive transfer and enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity and persistence in vivo. A wide variety of sources of therapeutic NK cells are currently being tested clinically, including haploidentical NK cells, umbilical cord blood NK cells, stem cell-derived NK cells, NK cell lines, adaptive NK cells, cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells and chimeric antigen receptor NK cells. A plethora of methods to augment the cytotoxicity and longevity of NK cells are also under clinical investigation, including cytokine-based agents, NK cell-engager molecules and immune-checkpoint inhibitors. In this Review, we highlight the variety of ways in which diverse NK cell products and their auxiliary therapeutics are being leveraged to target human cancers. We also identify future avenues for NK cell therapy research.

Teaching strategies for basic education students

trategies in basic education students, it is known that for success in the teaching-learning process it depends on the dynamics that are applied in mediation to achieve an effective interaction between the teacher and the student. The purpose was to determine the use of appropriate methodological strategies during the educational process in the fifth grade of the Galo Plaza Lasso School. To this end, qualitative and qualitative research was used, supported by theoretical and empirical methods such as analytical, synthetic, inductive, deductive, descriptive and observation; For the collection of field information it was necessary to use two questionnaires, the first for students, structured with four dimensions and 32 items with a Likert-type scale, the second, organized in two dimensions of 10 items, applied by teachers. Among the results, it was evident that 45% of the respondents did not consider the use of active strategies in the classroom necessary, omitting meaningful learning. It is concluded that what is established in theories about the importance of the ideal methodology for the teaching process, is far from its task, therefore, the child's innate potential is wasted and with it the development of required basic skills is not achieved.

Impact of HEC72702 chirality on the selective inhibition of hepatitis B virus capsid dimer: A dynamics-structure-energetics perspective.

Chirality in drug design has been attracting wide interests and attention over the years based on its innate potentials of enhancing the selectivity and prowess of therapeutic molecules. This approach was fundamental to the recent design of two inhibitors, where (R,R)-HEC72702 exhibited higher potency inhibition against hepatitis B virus capsid (HBVC) than (R,S)-HEC72702. Nevertheless, the detailed molecular mechanism has remained unresolved. Here, we apply multiple computational approaches to explore, validate, and differentiate the binding modes of (R,R) and (R,S)-HEC72702 and to explain the systematic roles mediated by chirality on the distinctive inhibition of HBVC dimer (HBVCd). Our findings revealed that chirality change from R,S to R,R engenders variations in the position of the propanoic acid group of HEC72702 toward the α5' and C-TER' region of HBVCd chain B which could explain the higher inhibitory affinity of (R,R)-HEC72702. Estimated binding free energies revealed a good correlation with bioactivity data. Moreover, analysis of energy decomposition revealed the prominent effects of van der Waals interactions in the binding process of both compounds to HBVCd. Furthermore, hierarchical clustering of residue-based energetic contributions suggested two hot-spot residues W125´ and F156´ play crucial roles in the systematic motions of the propanoic acid group toward chain B.

Demographic Indicators of Creativity among Undergraduates in Nigeria

This study examined the demographic indicators of creativity among undergraduates of universities in Kwara state, Nigeria. The study specifically determined the creativity level of the respondents and how they have differed on the bases of demographic factors. Using the descriptive survey design, proportionate sampling technique was used to select the respondents from the two Universities. A self-designed creativity scale was used to collect data and the data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and a 2-way and 3-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The results of the study showed that Undergraduates of Universities in Kwara State have an average level of creativity and the respondents were similar in their level of creativity based demographic variables (gender, residence, level of study and course of study); while they have differed on the basis of parents’ educational attainment. It was recommended among others that stakeholders in the Nigerian education system should equip universities resources that can nurture innate potentials of students (irrespective of the demographic factors) to enable them to become highly creative individuals.

The innate human potential of elevated and ecstatic states of consciousness: Examining freeform dance as a means of access

Throughout time and across global, spiritual traditions and cultures, elevated/ecstatic states of human experience have been recognized, aspired to and valued as discernible, relevant and inherent states of consciousness for humans to access regularly. This article offers an overview of the existence of the human, innate drive to attain elevated/ecstatic states. This subject area has been examined through a variety of theories, from the biological to the philosophical, and referenced to the considerable body of research on this topic. The authors propose that these states are normal, necessary and purposeful. We posit the emerging genre of freeform/ecstatic dance as being at the beginning stages of a potential cultural revival – a ‘movement’ movement of sorts – as this genre re-introduces western and eastern cultures to what is, in reality, an ancient tradition carried out by and chronicled in civilizations throughout time. Freeform/ecstatic ways of movement and release are put forth as a practical and effective way of accessing essentially blissful and expanded states of consciousness that can, in turn, enhance mood, improve self-esteem and provide a practical application for a postmodern daily wellness practice.

UV-B Priming of Oryza sativa Seeds Augments the Innate Tolerance Potential in a Tolerant Variety more Effectively Toward NaCl and PEG Stressors

NaCl and polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG) stressors are the major limitation factors for successful seedling establishment in rice. The present study was carried out to investigate the role of UV-B priming on the augmentation of stress tolerance in tolerant and sensitive rice seedlings exposed to NaCl and PEG stresses. The result shows that the severity of drought than salinity stress was experienced by emerging rice seedlings as evidenced from increased content of H2O2, O2− and MDA. However, the seed priming with UV-B results in the enhanced production of defense agents, there by activating innate tolerance potential of the seedlings. UV-B priming reduces excess ROS accumulation during NaCl and PEG stresses and thus eliminates the chance of oxidative stress in the rice seedlings. This was possible by enhancing the crucial role of innate immune system, which imparts tolerance toward NaCl and PEG stresses. UV-B seed priming maintained maximal photochemical efficiency of PSI and PSII as well as mitochondrial activity of tolerant and sensitive varieties under NaCl and PEG stresses due to the increased activity of osmolytes and non-enzymatic antioxidants as well as induced expression of enzymatic antioxidants (Cu/Zn SOD, CatA and APx1) and stress-related proteins (Hsp90 and Group3 LEA) in tolerant variety at large, followed by sensitive variety.

The Concept of Fitrah for Children in Ibn Katsir's Qur'an Exegesis: A Pedagogical Implication in Early Childhood Islamic Education

The debate in child development is the factors that influence development, such as genetic factors, heredity, or environmental factors. Filling the room for dialogue and discourse on the conflict of these two causes, Islam offers an alternative to the Qur'an fitrah definition. This study aims to reveal the concept of child fitrah according to Ibn Katsir in the Tafsir Al-Qur'an al-'Aẓhim and the pedagogical implications in early childhood Islamic education. This study uses qualitative research methods with a descriptive-analytic approach. The data were collected through documents and analyzed using the Creswell model analysis technique. The results showed that the concept of human nature (fitrah), according to Ibn Katsir, is based on good innate potential, i.e., Tawheed or religious nature. Therefore, education has to maintain this nature as a positive external agent by referring to Allah's guidance through the Prophet's revelations and examples. It then manifests by observation, literacy, modeling, and reasoning in the learning activity. In the educational process, these efforts can be: 1) Wisdom, which can be interpreted as literacy and modeling. The activities can be memorization and recitation with modeling from adults or teachers; 2) Mau'idhoh, oral transmission method to convey messages, reasoning, and even warnings; 3) If necessary, an excellent Jidal method can be used. Thus, the potential of Fitrah is transformed into a necessity for humans to fulfill their "primordial promise" to Allah. Finally, this study provides a basis for pedagogical practice based on the concept of fitrah according to Ibn Katsir in the implementation of early childhood Islamic education.

PEMIKIRAN PENDIDIKAN ANAK USIA DINI MENURUT IBNU QAYYIM Al-JAUZIYAH

Education takes place in a variety of forms, patterns and institutions. Education can happen anywhere, anytime and anywhere in life. Ibn Qayyim's view sees education of children as an effort to develop from its innate potential. Children need their parents to determine direction in their development. Therefore, children need teaching and training in order to be able to live a variety of potentials and education obtained by children. In the development of children requires social interaction and religious interaction. The connection of thought of Ibn Qayyim in the philosophy of early childhood education refers to the view of behaviorism, due to children in his behavior and the results of environmental influences through children's development depends on their own environment. If the environment that nurtures children well, then fine in the development of the child's environment. And vice versa, if the child is in a learning environment that is less good, then the child will be less optimal in its development.

From nature to nurture: Essence and methods to isolate robust methanotrophic bacteria

Methanotrophic bacteria are entities with innate biocatalytic potential to biofilter and oxidize methane into simpler compounds concomitantly conserving energy, which can contribute to copious industrial applications. The future and efficacy of such industrial applications relies upon acquiring and/or securing robust methanotrophs with taxonomic and phenotypic diversity. Despite several dramatic advances, isolation of robust methanotrophs is still a long-way challenging task with several lacunae to be filled in sequentially. Methanotrophs with high tolerance to methane can be isolated and cultivated by mimicking natural environs, and adopting strategies like adaptive metabolic evolution. This review summarizes existent and innovative methods for methanotrophic isolation and purification, and their respective applications. A comprehensive description of new insights shedding light upon how to isolate and concomitantly augment robust methanotrophic metabolism in an orchestrated fashion follows.

Innate Arthroscopic & Laparoscopic Surgical Skills: A Systematic Review of Predictive Performance Indicators Within Novice Surgical Trainees

To query the literature for predictive factors for performance on arthroscopic and laparoscopic surgical simulators in novice surgical trainees. These predictive factors may prove a valuable tool in identifying certain innate potential to becoming a future skilled surgeon that could benefit both surgical residency candidates and program directors alike, while also improving patient care. Systematic Review. The initial searches yielded 249 articles. After screening titles/abstracts and implementing inclusion and exclusion criteria, 36 studies were included in the final systematic review. Current literature suggests that video game experience/frequency, psychomotor and visuospatial aptitude, and perceptual ability are among the most promising predictive indicators of baseline simulator performance. Study limitations include utilization of different standards for characterizing predictive factors. Future studies should aim to utilize standard guidelines for accurate quantification of innate predictive factors. Future research should also focus on utilizing standardized simulator platforms and aptitude tests to allow for more accurate cross-study comparisons and meta-analyses with larger sample sizes.

IPSCs from people with MS can differentiate into oligodendrocytes in a homeostatic but not an inflammatory milieu.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that results in variable severities of neurodegeneration. The understanding of MS has been limited by the inaccessibility of the affected cells and the lengthy timeframe of disease development. However, recent advances in stem cell technology have facilitated the bypassing of some of these challenges. Towards gaining a greater understanding of the innate potential of stem cells from people with varying degrees of disability, we generated induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from stable and progressive MS patients, and then further differentiated them into oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage cells. We analyzed differentiation under both homeostatic and inflammatory conditions via sustained exposure to low-dose interferon gamma (IFNγ), a prominent cytokine in MS. We found that all iPSC lines differentiated into mature myelinating OLs, but chronic exposure to IFNγ dramatically inhibited differentiation in both MS groups, particularly if exposure was initiated during the pre-progenitor stage. Low-dose IFNγ was not toxic but led to an early upregulation of interferon response genes in OPCs followed by an apparent redirection in lineage commitment from OL to a neuron-like phenotype in a significant portion of the treated cells. Our results reveal that a chronic low-grade inflammatory environment may have profound effects on the efficacy of regenerative therapies.

Human PSC-Derived Hepatocytes Express Low Levels of Viral Pathogen Recognition Receptors, but Are Capable of Mounting an Effective Innate Immune Response.

Hepatocytes are key players in the innate immune response to liver pathogens but are challenging to study because of inaccessibility and a short half-life. Recent advances in in vitro differentiation of hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) facilitated studies of hepatocyte–pathogen interactions. Here, we aimed to define the anti-viral innate immune potential of human HLCs with a focus on pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-expression and the presence of a metabolic switch. We analysed cytoplasmic PRR and endosomal toll-like receptor (TLR)-expression, as well as activity and adaptation of HLCs to an inflammatory environment. We found that transcript levels of retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I), melanoma differentiation antigen 5 (MDA5), and TLR3 became downregulated during differentiation, indicating the acquisition of a more tolerogenic phenotype, as expected in healthy hepatocytes. HLCs responded to activation of RIG-I by producing interferons (IFNs) and IFN-stimulated genes. Despite low-level levels of TLR3, receptor expression was upregulated in an inflammatory environment. TLR3 signalling induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines at the gene level, indicating that several PRRs need to interact for successful innate immune activation. The inflammatory responsiveness of HLCs was accompanied by the downregulation of cytochrome P450 3A and 1A2 activity and decreased serum protein production, showing that the metabolic switch seen in primary hepatocytes during anti-viral responses is also present in HLCs.

Conceptualising environmental governance in turbulent times: Insights from Brexit and waste in the UK

Institutional turbulence created by the UK's EU exit (Brexit) prompts a wider need to re-think whether our conceptualisations of governance in the environmental sphere sufficiently understand the dynamics of change. In this context, Boltanski and Thévenot's ‘Orders of Worth’ (OoW) framework, has particular merit. This conceptualises governance regimes as composed of compromises between plural and incommensurable orders of the public good, with innate potential for instability; especially - we would add - when the territoriality of governance is in flux. The OoW approach is applied to an analysis of waste governance debates in the UK following the 2016 EU referendum. Documentary and interview data show how present and prospective governance arrangements in the waste and resources sector are subject to rival justifications, with actors advancing different compromises between economic, industrial, civic and environmental orders, but that each is also attached to conceptions of the relevant governance scale (EU, UK, devolved nation). Our study shows the wider potential fragility of environmental reforms, arising from the secondary status of environmental concerns in compromises with dominant market, industrial and civic orders. The ‘orders of worth’ framework requires attention to the scales of political authority being mobilised in disputes, which add their own incommensurability.

Exploring the Innate Human Potential for Positive Adaptation in the Face of Impending Mortality: Is there a Response Shift in Subjective Quality of Life over Time in a Group of Patients with Lung Cancer Receiving Palliative Treatment?

Traditionally changes in quality of life (QoL) are assessed using self report questionnaires. They rely on the assumption that the patient’s point of reference does not change over time. However in reality patients with chronic and life threatening illness appear to undergo an adaptation to their disease or “Response Shift” (RS). In this study of a population of patients with advanced lung cancer receiving palliative chemotherapy we examine for a RS in subjective QoL. Methods: 33 patients completed the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life (SEIQoL), SEIQOL–DW and the EORTC-QLQ C-30 at diagnosis. At 1, 3 and 6 months patients completed SEIQoL/ SEIQOL–DW and retrospectively re-assessed their baseline QoL (the “then” test) using SEIQoL-DW. Results: The initial mean SEIQoL-DW score was 67.48 changing to 66.71 at one month. Retrospectively, patients reassessed their initial mean SEIQoL-DW score as 59.61, suggesting a RS of 7.87 (p ≤0.0001) and an actual improvement in QoL of 7.1 points. At three months the mean SEIQoL-DW score was 65.13; retrospectively patients rated their QoL at one month much lower, mean SEIQoL-DW then – test’ score was 59.92, suggesting a RS of 6.79 (p = 0.0013). At six months patients’ mean SEIQoL-DW score was 61.86. Again, when retrospectively rating their QoL at three months they rated it lower, mean SEIQoL-DW score of 58.84, indicating a ‘positive’ RS of 6.28 (p = 0.0007). Conclusion: Traditional pre/post SEIQOL–DW scores show little change in subjective QOL however by incorporating the ‘then-test’ we can see that patients have undergone a RS and a significant positive change in subjective QOL. By explicitly measuring RS it may be possible to assess changes in QoL with greater validity and sensitivity.

Polymeric Nanogels for Theranostic Applications: A Mini-Review

Theranostics is a recently emerging area in nanomedicine. Nanoparticles which can combine both diagnostic and therapy in one single platform serve as theranostic agents. Some of the currently explored nanoparticles are metallic nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, carbonbased nanoparticles, and polymer nanogels. Polymeric nanogels are receiving considerable attention due to their high biocompatibility and functional performance. The present review article briefly summarizes the scopes and challenges of the state of art of using polymeric nanogels for theranostic applications. Among the different polymer nanogels, a special emphasis is given to polymeric nanogels with innate imaging potential.

Inorganic Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine.

Regenerative medicine leverages the innate potential of the human body to efficiently repair and regenerate damaged tissues using engineered biomaterials. By designing responsive biomaterials with the appropriate biophysical and biochemical characteristics, cellular response can be modulated to direct tissue healing. Recently, inorganic biomaterials have been shown to regulate cellular responses including cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Moreover, ions released from these mineral-based biomaterials play a vital role in defining cell identity, as well as driving tissue-specific functions. The intrinsic properties of inorganic biomaterials, such as the release of bioactive ions (e.g., Ca, Mg, Sr, Si, B, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, Mo, Mn, Au, Ag, V, Eu, and La), can be leveraged to induce phenotypic changes in cells or modulate the immune microenvironment to direct tissue healing and regeneration. Biophysical characteristics of biomaterials, such as topography, charge, size, electrostatic interactions, and stiffness can be modulated by addition of inorganic micro- and nanoparticles to polymeric networks have also been shown to play an important role in their biological response. In this Review, we discuss the recent emergence of inorganic biomaterials to harness the innate regenerative potential of the body. Specifically, we will discuss various biophysical or biochemical effects of inorganic-based materials in directing cellular response for regenerative medicine applications.

Transmembrane TNFα-Expressed Macrophage Membrane-Coated Chitosan Nanoparticles as Cancer Therapeutics.

Transmembrane TNFα, a crucial signaling cytokine, holds anticell proliferative potential. Successful delivery of this intact transmembrane protein to the target site is quite intriguing. Amidst numerous nanocarriers, a novel class of new generation macrophage membrane-coated nanocarriers is endowed with innate tumor homing abilities and inherent capacity of escaping body’s defense machinery. In this perspective, a novel therapeutic module has been fabricated by coating a nontoxic, biodegradable chitosan nanoparticle core with engineered macrophage membrane-tethered TNFα. Herein, the expression of membrane-bound TNFα was induced by challenging phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-differentiated THP-1 cells with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. Subsequently, the as-synthesized chitosan nanoparticle core was coated with a TNFα-expressed macrophage membrane through an extrusion process. While transmission electron microscopy imaging, sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and western blotting results demonstrated successful coating of the chitosan nanoparticles with the TNFα-induced membrane, the cell viability assays on several cancer cells such as—HeLa, MDA-MB-231, and MCF-7 revealed significant innate anticell proliferative potential of these membrane-coated nanoparticles. Additionally, evaluation of expression of several interleukins after treatment demonstrated excellent biocompatibility of the membrane-coated nanoparticles. The fabricated nanoparticles also demonstrated a dose-dependent cell death in tumor spheroids, which was further corroborated with calcein AM/propidium iodide dual staining results. Translation of the therapeutic efficacy of the synthesized nanoparticles from monolayers to tumor spheroids augments its potential in cancer therapy.

Unlocking innate healing potentials in patients with type 2 diabetes

Unlocking innate healing potentials in patients with type 2 diabetes

γδ T Cells in Tumor Microenvironment.

Gamma delta (γδ) T cells which combine both innate and adaptive potential have extraordinary properties. Indeed, their strong cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory activity allows them to kill a broad range of tumor cells. Several studies have demonstrated that γδ T cells are an important component of tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes in patients affected by different types of cancer. Tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells are also considered as a good prognostic marker in many studies, though the presence of these cells is associated with poor prognosis in breast and colon cancers. The tumor microenvironment seems to drive γδ T-cell differentiation toward a tumor-promoting or a tumor-controlling phenotype, which suggests that some tumor microenvironments can limit the effectiveness of γδ T cells.The major γδ T-cell subsets in human are the Vγ9Vδ2 T cells that are specifically activated by phosphoantigens. This unique antigenic activation process operates in a framework that requires the expression of butyrophilin 3A (BTN3A) molecules. Interestingly, there is some evidence that BTN3A expression may be regulated by the tumor microenvironment. Given their strong antitumoral potential, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are used in therapeutic approaches either by ex vivo culture and amplification, and then adoptive transfer to patients or by direct stimulation to propagate in vivo. These strategies have demonstrated promising initial results, but greater potency is needed. Combining Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell immunotherapy with systemic approaches to restore antitumor immune response in tumor microenvironment may improve efficacy.In this chapter, we first review the basic features of γδ T cells and their roles in the tumor microenvironment and then analyze the advances about the understanding of these cells' activation in tumors and why this represent unique challenges for therapeutics, and finally we discuss γδ T-cell-based therapeutic strategies and future perspectives of their development.