Potential Weapon Research Articles

The work of Donald Ewen Cameron: from psychic driving to MK Ultra.

Donald Ewen Cameron is known as the Canadian psychiatrist behind the Montreal Experiments, a series of brainwashing experiments. As part of a larger Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) project known as MK Ultra, the CIA regarded these experiments as a potential military weapon during the Cold War. However, a closer look into Cameron's research and project MK Ultra shows that these experiments began long before Cameron was contacted by the CIA. Additionally, Cameron received funding for his experiments indirectly, so he was probably never aware the money was from the CIA. In this paper, I analyse the published work of Dr Cameron from the beginning of his career to his role in MK Ultra, and evaluate his own possible reasoning behind these experiments.

Systematic evaluation of membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles in neutralizing Clostridium perfringens ε-toxin

Clostridium perfringens ε-toxin (ETX) is the main toxin leading to enterotoxemia of sheep and goats and is classified as a potential biological weapon. In addition, no effective treatment drug is currently available in clinical practice for this toxin. We developed membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles (MNPs) with different membrane origins to neutralize ETX and protect the host from fatal ETX intoxication. We evaluated the safety and therapeutic efficacy of these MNPs in vitro and in vivo. Compared with membranes from karyocytes, such as Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and mouse neuroblastoma N2a cells (N2a cells), membrane from erythrocytes, which do not induce any immune response, are superior in safety. The protective ability of MNPs was evaluated by intravenous injection and lung delivery. We demonstrate that nebulized inhalation is as safe as intravenous injection and that both modalities can effectively protect mice against ETX. In particular, pulmonary delivery of nanoparticles more effectively treated the challenge of inhaled toxins than intravenously injected nanoparticles. Moreover, MNPs can alter the biological distribution of ETX among different organs in the body, and ETX was captured, neutralized and slowly delivered to the liver and spleen, where nanoparticles with ETX could be phagocytized and metabolized. This demonstrates how MNPs treat toxin infections in vivo. Finally, we injected the MNPs into mice in advance to find out whether MNPs can provide preventive protection, and the results showed that the long-cycle MNPs could provide at least a 3-day protection in mice. These findings demonstrate that MNPs provide safe and effective protection against ETX intoxication, provide new insights into membrane choices and delivery routes of nanoparticles, and new evidence of the ability of nanoparticles to provide preventive protection against infections.Graphical

Ameliorative Effect of Posidonia oceanica on High Glucose-Related Stress in Human Hepatoma HepG2 Cells.

Metabolic disorders characterized by elevated blood glucose levels are a recognized risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Lipid dysregulation is critically involved in the HCC progression, regulating energy storage, metabolism, and cell signaling. There is a clear link between de novo lipogenesis in the liver and activation of the NF-κB pathway, which is involved in cancer metastasis via regulation of metalloproteinases MMP-2/9. As conventional therapies for HCC reach their limits, new effective and safe drugs need to be found for the prevention and/or adjuvant therapy of HCC. The marine plant Posidonia oceanica (L.) Delile is endemic to the Mediterranean and has traditionally been used to treat diabetes and other health disorders. The phenol-rich leaf extract of Posidonia oceanica (POE) is known to have cell-safe bioactivities. Here, high glucose (HG) conditions were used to study lipid accumulation and fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression in human HepG2 hepatoma cells using Oil Red O and Western blot assays. Under HG conditions, the activation status of MAPKs/NF-κB axis and MMP-2/9 activity were determined by Western blot and gelatin zymography assays. The potential ameliorative role of POE against HG-related stress in HepG2 cells was then investigated. POE reduced lipid accumulation and FASN expression with an impact on de novo lipogenesis. Moreover, POE inhibited the MAPKs/NF-κB axis and, consequently, MMP-2/9 activity. Overall, these results suggest that P. oceanica may be a potential weapon in the HCC additional treatment.

The weaponization of artificial intelligence: What the public needs to be aware of.

Technological progress has brought about the emergence of machines that have the capacity to take human lives without human control. These represent an unprecedented threat to humankind. This paper starts from the example of chemical weapons, now banned worldwide by the Geneva protocol, to illustrate how technological development initially aimed at the benefit of humankind has, ultimately, produced what is now called the "Weaponization of Artificial Intelligence (AI)". Autonomous Weapon Systems (AWS) fail the so-called discrimination principle, yet, the wider public is largely unaware of this problem. Given that ongoing scientific research on AWS, performed in the military sector, is generally not made available to the public domain, many of the viewpoints on this subject, expressed across different media, invoke common sense rather than scientific evidence. Yet, the implications of a potential weaponization of our work as scientists, especially in the field of AI, are reaching further than some may think. The potential consequences of a deployment of AWS for citizen stakeholders are incommensurable, and it is time to raise awareness in the public domain of the kind of potential threats identified, and to encourage legal policies ensuring that these threats will not materialize.

Tirzepatide: A Novel Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide/Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: The First Twincretin.

Tirzepatide is a dual-action glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide/glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and the first drug in a new class known as twincretins. It is similar to GLP-1 receptor agonists but provides a synergistic enhancement of the incretin effect to control blood glucose levels and reduce weight. Across the SURPASS research program trials, tirzepatide lowered A1C by 1.7-2.4% from baseline. The proportion of patients using tirzepatide who achieved an A1C <7% ranged from 91 to 97%. Patients in the treatment groups averaged a weight loss of 5.44-11.34 kg (12-25 lb). Across all trials, patients on tirzepatide 15 mg lost 8.8-12.9 kg (19.4-28.44 lb) or 9.17-13.7% body weight. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, maximum weight loss was 23.6 kg (52 lb) or 22.5% body weight. Tirzepatide is a potent new weapon in the arsenal against diabetes.

Epigallocatechin gallate inhibits Francisella tularensis growth and suppresses the function of DNA-binding protein HU.

Francisella tularensis is a highly infectious intracellular bacterium causing tularemia disease and is regarded as a potential biological weapon. The development of a vaccine, effective treatment, or prophylactic substances targeted against tularemia is in the forefront of interest and could help to prevent or mitigate possible malevolent acts by bioterrorism utilizing F. tularensis. The viability of F. tularensis, and thus of a tularemia disease outbreak, might potentially be suppressed by simple commonly available natural substances. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is contained in green tea and its antimicrobial effect has been described. Here, we show that EGCG can suppress F. tularensis growth and is able to reduce the bacterium's ability to replicate inside mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) without side effects on BMMs' own viability. We suggest one (but not the only) mechanism of EGCG action. We demonstrate that EGCG can block the main functions of HU protein, the important regulator of F. tularensis virulence, leading to overall attenuation of F. tularensis viability. EGCG can delay death of mice infected by F. tularensis and can be used as a prophylactic agent against tularemia disease. Postponing death by up to 2 days can provide sufficient opportunity to administer another treatment agent.

Challenges and opportunities of NEP 2020

Education is one of the most potent weapons for digitally empowering the country and knowledge economy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, technology was vital to schooling. Since education promotes social and economic growth, it is crucial for the nation's school and college systems to have clear educational policies. With consideration for their culture and traditions, several nations implement various educational systems that function at different phases of the school and college education cycles. The aim for India's future educational system is laid forth in the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), which was adopted by the Indian Union Cabinet on July 29, 2020. The former National Education Policy, 1986, has been replaced with the current one. In both rural and urban parts of India, this strategy provides a complete framework for elementary education leading to higher education and vocational training. By 2021, this initiative should have changed the educational landscape in India. Soon after the program was announced, the government made it clear that no one would be compelled to learn a certain language and that English would remain the primary language of instruction. The NEP's language policy is up to the schools to determine how to apply. The Linked List is a study of education in India. Strategy 2020. By 2022, all Indian schools shall be subject to a national education strategy.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Potent Weapons in the Battle against Rotavirus Infection

Human Milk Oligosaccharides: Potent Weapons in the Battle against Rotavirus Infection

Beneficial Ownership in International Taxation and Biosemantics – Why a Redundant, Paradoxical and Harmful Concept Can Be a Potent Weapon in the Hands of the Tax Authorities

This article argues that the concept of beneficial ownership supports an income allocation function more than an anti-abuse one. It then demonstrates that the concept is redundant, paradoxical and harmful, and that it would be better to discard it. Finally, the article uses biosemantics to explain the concept.

Mutagens in commercial food processing and its microbial transformation.

Mutagens are chemical molecules that have the ability to damage DNA. Mutagens can enter into our body upon consumption of improperly cooked or processed food products such as high temperature or prolonged cooking duration. Mutagens are found in the food products can be classified into N-nitroso derivatives, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heterocyclic aromatic amines. Food products with high fat and protein content are more prone to mutagenic formation. Microorganisms were found to be a potent weapon in the fight against various mutagens through biotransformation. Therefore, searching for the microorganisms which have the ability to transform mutagens and the development of techniques for the identification as well as detection of mutagens in food products is much needed. In the future, methods for the identification and detection of these mutagens as well as the identification of new and more potent microorganisms which can transform mutagens into non-mutagens are much needed.

Effects of Ageing in Disinfectant Solution on the Corrosion Resistance and Antimicrobial Behavior of Copper Alloys.

This work studies two copper-based alloys as potential antimicrobial weapons for sectors where surface hygiene is essential. Effects of different alloying elements addition at the same Cu content (92.5% by weight) on the corrosion resistance and the antibacterial performance of two copper alloys were studied in an aerated disinfectant solution (0.25% v/v Aniosurf Premium (D)) by electrochemical corrosion, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) and antibacterial tests. Results showed that the nature of the alloying elements had a clear influence on the corrosion resistance and antibacterial performance. Electrochemical impedance results and surface analyses demonstrate the presence of organic compounds bound on the substrate and that a film covers part of the total active surface and may act as a protective barrier by preventing the interaction between metal and solution, decreasing the antimicrobial performance of copper-based materials. Low zinc and silicon contents in copper alloys allows for better aging behavior in D solution while maintaining good antibacterial performance. The XPS and ToF-SIMS results indicated that artificial aging in disinfectant enhanced Cu enrichment in the organic film formed, which could effectively stimulate the release of Cu ions from the surface.

Small extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells: A potential Weapon for chronic non-healing wound treatment.

Chronic non-healing wounds have posed a severe threat to patients mentally and physically. Behavior dysregulation of remaining cells at wound sites is recognized as the chief culprit to destroy healing process and hinders wound healing. Therefore, regulating and restoring normal cellular behavior is the core of chronic non-healing wound treatment. In recent years, the therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has become a promising option for chronic wound healing and the efficacy has increasingly been attributed to their exocrine functions. Small extracellular vesicles derived from MSCs (MSC-sEVs) are reported to benefit almost all stages of wound healing by regulating the cellular behavior to participate in the process of inflammatory response, angiogenesis, re-epithelization, and scarless healing. Here, we describe the characteristics of MSC-sEVs and discuss their therapeutic potential in chronic wound treatment. Additionally, we also provide an overview of the application avenues of MSC-sEVs in wound treatment. Finally, we summarize strategies for large-scale production and engineering of MSC-sEVs. This review may possibly provide meaningful guidance for chronic wound treatment with MSC-sEVs.

Positive involvement of HCO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;&lt;sup&gt;–&lt;/sup&gt; in modulation of melon resistance to powdery mildew

Inorganic salts such as KHCO₃ are considered as potential powerful weapons for protecting plants from disease challenges, while their effects remain largely unknown on melon (<italic>Cucumis melo</italic> L.) resistance to powdery mildew caused by <italic>Podosphaera xanthii</italic>. In this study, the alleviatory effects of KHCO₃ were physiologically explored on <italic>P. xanthii</italic>-infected seedlings of 'Yangjiaomi', an <italic>agrestis</italic> melon cultivar being susceptible to powdery mildew, by exogenous spraying at 7 d after inoculation (DAI) and 2 d before inoculation (DBI), respectively. The significantly improved resistance to <italic>P. xanthii</italic> was observed in melon seedlings sprayed with 2.5 g·L⁻¹ KHCO₃ (pH 8.54). Further investigation showed that the activities of PAL and PPO, as well as the accumulation of resistance-benefiting secondary metabolites, were stimulated by KHCO₃ treatments. Meanwhile, the activities of SOD, POD and CAT were significantly increased, and the contents of O₂^.−, H₂O₂ and MDA were dramatically lowered in the KHCO₃-sprayed seedlings than those in the H₂O-sprayed seedlings. Another four treatments [H₂O, KOH (pH 8.54), 1.86g·L⁻¹ KCl and 2.5g·L⁻¹ KHCO₃ (pH 8.54)] were carried out for melon seedlings at 2 DBI. The significantly decreased disease index and the stimulated ROS and phenylpropanoid metabolic pathways were only observed for the KHCO₃-sprayed group, suggesting the crucial roles of HCO₃⁻ involved in the protection of melon seedlings from powdery mildew. Collectively, our results provide new physiological insights into inorganic salt-mediated plant protection and could benefit the green production of melon in the future.

Combating The Opioid Crisis And Its National Security Threat Through CReDO: A Multidisciplinary Solution With Disaster Medicine Implications.

For the first time in history, the United States surpassed 100,000 overdose-related deaths in a 12-month period, driven by synthetic opioids such as fentanyl. Also for the first time, potential chemical weapons are readily available on the streets and the dark web. Opioids represent a rare trifecta, used for licit pain management, as an illicit drug of abuse, and with potential use as a weapon of terror. Community-based Response to Drug Overdose (CReDO) is an initiative to unite agencies, disciplines, government and private partners in one coordinated opioid emergencies response plan under nationwide standards, and can be integrated into the Disaster Medicine discipline due to the risk of mass casualty incidents involving fentanyl or its derivatives. Attention to the opioid crisis through CReDO will save lives by promoting information sharing between disciplines, shortened response time to overdose clusters, community collaboration to identify criminal distribution networks, and holistic approaches to addiction.

Shaykh Ja’far Mahmud Adam (d. 2007) and His Visions and Philosophical Thoughts on Education: An Inductive Approach

Education– no one doubts – essentially represents a strong instrument that is used in the process of executing revivalist projects, but also ensuring a development and advancement of people both at individual and societal level. That is why reformers pay great attention to knowledge which they, more than arguably, any other constituency of people, regard as the most potent weapon that facilitates the success of reform missions. The basic and common belief is that people find themselves in whatever deplorable condition and state of backwardness owing to their neglect of knowledge, which then makes them trapped in the shackles of ignorance. As a result, stressing the value of education and demonstrating this through operational initiatives by way of sensitizing, reawakening, enlightening and orienting people via various methods and approaches commensurate with the existing realities are all considered as steps toward liberating people from the grip of ignorance which has enslaved them until they rise and decisively fight it. This article highlights and appraises the educational views, thoughts and philosophy of Shaykh Ja’far Mahmud Adam (d. 2007), one of Nigeria’s most prominent Muslim reformers and most influential scholars. The article relies chiefly on the recorded speeches of the scholar in which he articulated his views during public occasions such as weekly Friday sermons, mosque lessons, public lectures or private study circles, which then circulated among larger Muslim audience. The essay finds out that Ja’far’s views on knowledge permeate both religious and Western education which he felt that society must standardize before it develops.

The Bhagavad Gītā: A Combative Text

This research article deals with the action-oriented (karmayogic) commentaries of the Bhagavad Gītā given by some of the major commentators in nineteenth-century India. The study is relevant to understanding the text's karmayogic dimension and practical value. The article addresses the research problems concerning the karmayogic interpretations of the text and their pragmatic value in social transformation. Does the scripture teach humanity the value of action/karma in this cosmic world? Do the karmayogic teachings of the scripture have pragmatic value to bring specific social change? The article seeks answers to the aforementioned research questions through the review-based analysis of the text's karmayogic commentaries of some of the well-known nineteenth-century Indian commentators. The study has included the commentaries of Bankim, Vivekananda, Tilak, Gandhi, Aurobindo, and Vinoba. The study reveals that the above commentators of the Gītā discover the seeds of karma-yoga in the text and the majority of the commentators see the text's pragmatic value in bringing social change. Most of the above nineteenth-century Indian commentators view the scripture as a combative text and employ it as a potent weapon in the struggle against British colonialism.

Durable CD8 T Cell Memory against SARS-CoV-2 by Prime/Boost and Multi-Dose Vaccination: Considerations on Inter-Dose Time Intervals.

Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were developed at unprecedented pace, productively exploiting contemporary fundamental research and prior art. Large-scale use of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines has greatly limited severe morbidity and mortality. Protection has been correlated with high serum titres of neutralizing antibodies capable of blocking the interaction between the viral surface protein spike and the host SARS-CoV-2 receptor, ACE-2. Yet, vaccine-induced protection subsides over time, and breakthrough infections are commonly observed, mostly reflecting the decay of neutralizing antibodies and the emergence of variant viruses with mutant spike proteins. Memory CD8 T cells are a potent weapon against viruses, as they are against tumour cells. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 memory CD8 T cells are induced by either natural infection or vaccination and can be potentially exploited against spike-mutated viruses. We offer here an overview of current research about the induction of anti-SARS-CoV-2 memory CD8 T cells by vaccination, in the context of prior knowledge on vaccines and on fundamental mechanisms of immunological memory. We focus particularly on how vaccination by two doses (prime/boost) or more (boosters) promotes differentiation of memory CD8 T cells, and on how the time-length of inter-dose intervals may influence the magnitude and persistence of CD8 T cell memory.

Synthesis and study of new siderophore analog-ciprofloxacin conjugates with antibiotic activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia spp.

Antibacterial resistance is a healthcare burden. Among Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa belongs to the first list of antibiotic-resistant “priority pathogens” described by the World Health Organization. Formerly Pseudomonas pseudomallei, Burkholderia pseudomallei, responsible for melioidosis, is considered as a potential bioterrorist weapon by the Centers of Diseases Control and Prevention. We are interested in the development of new ways to combat these bacteria, targeted due to their high level of resistance to antibiotics via a lack of membrane permeability or efflux. Using iron transport systems is a promising strategy to bypass the bacteria cell membrane and restore the activity of conventional antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin. Specific outer membrane receptors are necessary to most microbes as they allow iron uptake, essential for their survival through siderophore-dependent mechanisms. These systems may allow the introduction of antibacterial agents, chemically coupled to a natural or synthetic siderophore molecule to form siderophore-antibiotic conjugates. In this work, we describe the synthesis of six new siderophore analog-ciprofloxacin conjugates including cleavable linker or not. The siderophore analogs correspond to a mono-catechol or a hydroxypyridinone moiety recognized by both Pseudomonas and Burkholderia species. Physico-chemical studies showed that (i) conjugates were unable to interact or cross the membrane by passive diffusion and (ii) conjugates with cleavable linker are stable in physiologic environment. Biological evaluations have highlighted a promising compound 2d, bearing an hydroxypyridinone moiety with a cleavable linker, active on a large panel of strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia thailandensis without toxicity observed in vitro.

Delphinium uncinatum mediated biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and in-vitro evaluation of their antioxidant, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging activities

Nanotechnology is perhaps the most widely explored scientific domain in the current era. With the advent of NPs, revolutionary changes have been observed in various scientific disciplines. Among the NPs, ZnO-NPs are the center of contemplation owing to their biocompatible nature. These nanoparticles have been prepared using a number of techniques; however, biological methods are among the most popular synthesis approaches. The current research therefore reports the phyto-fabrication of ZnO-NPs mediated by Delphinium uncinatum root extract. The resulting NPs were subjected to standard characterization methods such fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The resulting NPs are exploited to their possible antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing potency. FTIR confirmed the capping of ZnO-NPs by a variety of phytochemicals. ZnO-NPs average size was approximately 30 nm. ZnO-NPs exhibited substantial bio-potency and proved to be highly biocompatible even at higher concentrations. ZnO-NPs revealed strong antimicrobial potency for Pseudomonas aeruginosa proving to be the most susceptible strain showing inhibition of 16 ± 0.98. ZnO-NPs also showed dose dependent antidiabetic and cytotoxic potential. COX-1, COX-2, 15-LOX and sPLA2 were efficiently inhibited upon exposure to ZnO-NPs confirming the anti-inflammatory potential of ZnO-NPs. Similarly, ZnO-NPs also revealed considerable anti-aging potential. With such diverse biological potentials, ZnO-NPs can prove to be a potent weapon against a plethora of diseases; however, further study is necessary in order to discover the precise mechanism that is responsible for the biological potency of these NPs.

CRISPR-cas heterogeneity and plasmid incompatibility types in relation to virulence determinants of Shigella.

Introduction. Virulence factors (VFs) are the most potent weapon in the molecular armoury of Shigella. In bacteria, the mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are contributors to the evolution of different types of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR associated genes (CRISPR-cas) variants and plasmid incompatibility types. The present study explored the virulence potential of Shigella in relation to the CRISPR-cas pattern and incompatibility types among the isolates.Hypothesis/Gap Statement. The profile of the CRISPR-cas systems among clinical isolates of Shigella in India has not been reported earlier. Limited knowledge is available on the pattern of plasmid incompatibility groups among clinical isolates Shigella. The bias is always towards studying the genetic elements associated with AMR, but the present study highlights CRISPR-cas and incompatibility types among Shigella in association with virulence.Aim. We aimed to investigate the distribution of virulence factors, CRISPR-cas pattern followed by plasmid incompatibility types among Shigella isolates.Methodology. Between 2012-2017, a total of 187 isolates of Shigella were included in the study. The virulence genes' distribution was carried out. CRISPR-cas profiling followed by analysis of the repeats and spacers was carried out. PCR-based replicon typing was used to determine the incompatibility types. The interplay was statistically determined using STATA.Results. The distribution of virulence genes showed varied pattern with ipaH present in all the isolates followed by ompA (93.6 %), virF (66.8 %), ial and sen (60.4 %), set1A (39.6 %) and set1B (39 %). CRISPR 1, CRISPR 3 and Cas6-Cas5 region were dominantly conserved. Twenty-two types of spacers were identified. The CRISPR3 repeat appeared to have a highly conserved sequence. CRISPR2 being the least common CRISPR type showed a strong association with an array of virulence genes (ial-set1A-set1B-virF) while CRISPR1 being the most dominant showed the least association with virulence genes (sen-virF). The dominant plasmids were found to be belonging to the inc FII group. The incompatibility groups FII, IncIγ, U, FIIS, FIIK, K, A/C, I1alpha was found to be associated with a greater number of virulence genes.Conclusion. The isolates showed increasing diversity in their gene content that contributes to increasing heterogeneity among the isolates, which is a known virulence strategy among pathogens.