isp

US warns Israel against forcible displacement, starvation in Gaza


It was also urgently important that Israel pause implementation of a law banning the operation of the UN Palestinian relief agency UNRWA, Thomas-Greenfield added.




isp

Dutch police disperse people from streets after Amsterdam tram set on fire

Dutch police disperse people from streets after Amsterdam tram set on fire




isp

Growing Death and Displacement Devastate Lebanon

The ongoing, escalating violence in Lebanon forces millions of Lebanese civilians to face daily bombardment, repeated orders of evacuation, routine destruction of critical infrastructure, and limited access to basic services. With the death toll and rates of displacement on the rise, humanitarian organizations fear that the upcoming winter season is expected to exacerbate these harsh […]




isp

Gang Violence and Mass Displacement Ravage Haiti

Amid the ongoing civil unrest in Haiti due to gang violence, levels of internal displacement have soared. Mass internal displacements in Haiti have led to a host of adverse consequences. This includes a disruption of schooling, increased levels of violence and exploitation, and limited access to essential services such as healthcare. Just last week, clashes […]




isp

Violence, Displacement, and Hunger Plagues Somalia

Somalia is currently in the midst of a dire humanitarian crisis that threatens to destabilize the nation’s security. This crisis is a result of the Somali Civil War, which began in 1991. Altercations between clan-based operations have caused a host of issues over the years, including over 596 civilian casualties, according to the United Nations […]




isp

Syrian Displaced Children Go Hungry, Stunting Their Growth

Children in northern Syria are suffering from hunger, illness, and malnutrition as a result of poverty, poor living conditions for most families, and the collapse of purchasing power amid the soaring prices of all essential food commodities. Displacement and a lack of job opportunities make this worse. Nour al-Hammoud, a 5-year-old girl whose family was […]




isp

At UN, US warns Israel against forcible displacement, starvation in Gaza

The United States stressed at the United Nations that “there must be no forcible displacement, nor policy of starvation in Gaza” by Israel, warning such policies would have grave implications under U.S. and international law. The remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield came just hours after Washington said its ally Israel was […]




isp

The Trend of Regional Income Disparity in the People's Republic of China

Regional disparities within and among Chinese provinces have declined, but are still a serious problem.



  • Publications/Papers and Briefs

isp

Integrated Services and Livelihood for Displaced People from Myanmar and Host Communities Improvement Project

The project will continue the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to Bangladesh in managing the influx of around one million displaced people from Myanmar (DPFM) since 2017. Now a protracted situation, the crisis is putting significant pressure on infrastructure and causing substantial challenges in terms of food, shelter, health, security, water, sanitation, and other services in the DPFM camps and host communities.




isp

Need Advice on Medical Pot for Cancer Care? Don't Ask Local Dispensary

Title: Need Advice on Medical Pot for Cancer Care? Don't Ask Local Dispensary
Category: Health News
Created: 8/17/2022 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/18/2022 12:00:00 AM




isp

Afinitor Disperz Approved for Rare Pediatric Cancer

Title: Afinitor Disperz Approved for Rare Pediatric Cancer
Category: Health News
Created: 8/29/2012 6:05:00 PM
Last Editorial Review: 8/30/2012 12:00:00 AM




isp

Too Few Blacks, Hispanics Becoming Doctors: Study

Title: Too Few Blacks, Hispanics Becoming Doctors: Study
Category: Health News
Created: 8/24/2015 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/25/2015 12:00:00 AM




isp

Genes Might Explain Hispanics' Added Longevity

Title: Genes Might Explain Hispanics' Added Longevity
Category: Health News
Created: 8/19/2016 12:00:00 AM
Last Editorial Review: 8/22/2016 12:00:00 AM




isp

The small noncoding RNA Vaultrc5 is dispensable to mouse development [ARTICLE]

Vault RNAs (vtRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved small noncoding RNAs transcribed by RNA polymerase III. Vault RNAs were initially described as components of the vault particle, but have since been assigned multiple vault-independent functions, including regulation of PKR activity, apoptosis, autophagy, lysosome biogenesis, and viral particle trafficking. The full-length transcript has also been described as a noncanonical source of miRNAs, which are processed in a DICER-dependent manner. As central molecules in vault-dependent and independent processes, vtRNAs have been attributed numerous biological roles, including regulation of cell proliferation and survival, response to viral infections, drug resistance, and animal development. Yet, their impact to mammalian physiology remains largely unexplored. To study vault RNAs in vivo, we generated a mouse line with a conditional Vaultrc5 loss-of-function allele. Because Vaultrc5 is the sole murine vtRNA, this allele enables the characterization of the physiological requirements of this conserved class of small regulatory RNAs in mammals. Using this strain, we show that mice constitutively null for Vaultrc5 are viable and histologically normal but have a slight reduction in platelet counts, pointing to a potential role for vtRNAs in hematopoiesis. This work paves the way for further in vivo characterizations of this abundant but mysterious RNA molecule. Specifically, it enables the study of the biological consequences of constitutive or lineage-specific Vaultrc5 deletion and of the physiological requirements for an intact Vaultrc5 during normal hematopoiesis or in response to cellular stresses such as oncogene expression, viral infection, or drug treatment.




isp

Roles of the ABCG2 Transporter in Protoporphyrin IX Distribution and Toxicity [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II-Minireview]

ATP-binding cassette transporter subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) is a membrane-bound transporter responsible for the efflux of various xenobiotics and endobiotics, including protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), an intermediate in the heme biosynthesis pathway. Certain genetic mutations and chemicals impair the conversion of PPIX to heme and/or increase PPIX production, leading to PPIX accumulation and toxicity. In mice, deficiency of ABCG2 protects against PPIX-mediated phototoxicity and hepatotoxicity by modulating PPIX distribution. In addition, in vitro studies revealed that ABCG2 inhibition increases the efficacy of PPIX-based photodynamic therapy by retaining PPIX inside target cells. In this review, we discuss the roles of ABCG2 in modulating the tissue distribution of PPIX, PPIX-mediated toxicity, and PPIX-based photodynamic therapy.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

This review summarized the roles of ABCG2 in modulating PPIX distribution and highlighted the therapeutic potential of ABCG2 inhibitors for the management of PPIX-mediated toxicity.




isp

Assessing Trends in Cytokine-CYP Drug Interactions and Relevance to Drug Dosing [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II-Minireview]

The regulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters by cytokines has been extensively studied in vitro and in clinic. Cytokine-mediated suppression of cytochrome P450 (CYP) or drug transporters may increase or decrease the systemic clearance of drug substrates that are primarily cleared via these pathways; neutralization of cytokines by therapeutic proteins may thereby alter systemic exposures of such drug substrates. The Food and Drug Administration recommends evaluating such clinical drug interactions during clinical development and has provided labeling recommendations for therapeutic proteins. To determine the clinical relevance of these drug interactions to dose adjustments, trends in steady-state exposures of CYP-sensitive substrates coadministered with cytokine modulators as reported in the University of Washington Drug Interaction Database were extracted and examined for each of the CYPs. Coadministration of cytochrome P450 family 3 subfamily A (CYP3A) (midazolam/simvastatin), cytochrome P450 subfamily 2C19 (omeprazole), or cytochrome P450 subfamily 1A2 (caffeine/tizanidine) substrates with anti-interleukin-6 and with anti-interleukin-23 therapeutics led to changes in systemic exposures of CYP substrates ranging from ~ –58% to ~35%; no significant trends were observed for cytochrome P450 subfamily 2D6 (dextromethorphan) and cytochrome P450 subfamily 2C9 (warfarin) substrates. Although none of these changes in systemic exposures have been reported as clinically meaningful, dose adjustment of midazolam for optimal sedation in acute care settings has been reported. Simulated concentration-time profiles of midazolam under conditions of elevated cytokine levels when coadministered with tocilizumab, suggest a ~six- to sevenfold increase in midazolam clearance, suggesting potential implications of cytokine–CYP drug interactions on dose adjustments of sensitive CYP3A substrates in acute care settings. Additionally, this article also provides a brief overview of nonclinical and clinical assessments of cytokine–CYP drug interactions in drug discovery and development.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

There has been significant progress in understanding cytokine-mediated drug interactions for CYP-sensitive substrates. This article provides an overview of the progress in this field, including a trend analysis of systemic exposures of CYP-sensitive substrates coadministered with anti-interleukin therapeutics. In addition, the review also provides a perspective of current methods used to assess these drug interactions during drug development and a focus on individualized medicine, particularly in acute care settings.




isp

Pharmacometabolomics in Drug Disposition, Toxicity, and Precision Medicine [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II-Minireview]

The precision medicine initiative has driven a substantial change in the way scientists and health care practitioners think about diagnosing and treating disease. While it has long been recognized that drug response is determined by the intersection of genetic, environmental, and disease factors, improvements in technology have afforded precision medicine guided dosing of drugs to improve efficacy and reduce toxicity. Pharmacometabolomics aims to evaluate small molecule metabolites in plasma and/or urine to help evaluate mechanisms that predict and/or reflect drug efficacy and toxicity. In this mini review, we provide an overview of pharmacometabolomic approaches and methodologies. Relevant examples where metabolomic techniques have been used to better understand drug efficacy and toxicity in major depressive disorder and cancer chemotherapy are discussed. In addition, the utility of metabolomics in drug development and understanding drug metabolism, transport, and pharmacokinetics is reviewed. Pharmacometabolomic approaches can help describe factors mediating drug disposition, efficacy, and toxicity. While important advancements in this area have been made, there remain several challenges that must be overcome before this approach can be fully implemented into clinical drug therapy.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Pharmacometabolomics has emerged as an approach to identify metabolites that allow for implementation of precision medicine approaches to pharmacotherapy. This review article provides an overview of pharmacometabolomics including highlights of important examples.




isp

Evaluating Drug-Drug Interaction Risk Associated with Peptide Analogs Using advanced In Vitro Systems [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II]

Drug–drug interaction (DDI) assessment of therapeutic peptides is an evolving area. The industry generally follows DDI guidelines for small molecules, but the translation of data generated with commonly used in vitro systems to in vivo is sparse. In the current study, we investigated the ability of advanced human hepatocyte in vitro systems, namely HepatoPac, spheroids, and Liver-on-a-chip, to assess potential changes in regulation of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP3A4, SLCO1B1, and ABCC2 in the presence of selected therapeutic peptides, proteins, and small molecules. The peptide NN1177, a glucagon and GLP-1 receptor co-agonist, did not suppress mRNA expression or activity of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, and CYP3A4 in HepatoPac, spheroids, or Liver-on-a-chip; these findings were in contrast to the data obtained in sandwich cultured hepatocytes. No effect of NN1177 on SLCO1B1 and ABCC2 mRNA was observed in any of the complex systems. The induction magnitude differed across the systems (e.g., rifampicin induction of CYP3A4 mRNA ranged from 2.8-fold in spheroids to 81.2-fold in Liver-on-a-chip). Small molecules, obeticholic acid and abemaciclib, showed varying responses in HepatoPac, spheroids, and Liver-on-a-chip, indicating a need for EC50 determinations to fully assess translatability data. HepatoPac, the most extensively investigated in this study (3 donors), showed high potential to investigate DDIs associated with CYP regulation by therapeutic peptides. Spheroids and Liver-on-a-chip were only assessed in one hepatocyte donor and further evaluations are required to confirm their potential. This study establishes an excellent foundation toward the establishment of more clinically-relevant in vitro tools for evaluation of potential DDIs with therapeutic peptides.

SIGNIFICANT STATEMENT

At present, there are no guidelines for drug–drug interaction (DDI) assessment of therapeutic peptides. Existing in vitro methods recommended for assessing small molecule DDIs do not appear to translate well for peptide drugs, complicating drug development for these moieties. Here, we establish evidence that complex cellular systems have potential to be used as more clinically-relevant tools for the in vitro DDI evaluation of therapeutic peptides.




isp

Exogenous Pregnane X Receptor Does Not Undergo Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation in Nucleus under Cell-Based In Vitro Conditions [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II]

Pregnane X receptor (PXR) belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily that plays a crucial role in hepatic physiologic and pathologic conditions. Phase separation is a process in which biomacromolecules aggregate and condense into a dense phase as liquid condensates and coexist with a dilute phase, contributing to various cellular and biologic functions. Until now, whether PXR could undergo phase separation remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether PXR undergoes phase separation. Analysis of the intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) using algorithm tools indicated a low propensity of PXR to undergo phase separation. Experimental assays such as hyperosmotic stress, agonist treatment, and optoDroplets assay demonstrated the absence of phase separation for PXR. OptoDroplets assay revealed the inability of the fusion protein of Cry2 with PXR to form condensates upon blue light stimulation. Moreover, phase separation of PXR did not occur even though the mRNA and protein expression levels of PXR target, cytochrome P450 3A4, changed after sorbitol treatment. In conclusion, for the first time, these findings suggested that exogenous PXR does not undergo phase separation following activation or under hyperosmotic stress in nucleus of cells.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

PXR plays a critical role in hepatic physiological and pathological processes. The present study clearly demonstrated that exogenous PXR does not undergo phase separation after activation by agonist or under hyperosmotic stress in nucleus. These findings may help understand PXR biology.




isp

Differential Tissue Abundance of Membrane-Bound Drug Metabolizing Enzymes and Transporter Proteins by Global Proteomics [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II]

Protein abundance data of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters (DMETs) are useful for scaling in vitro and animal data to humans for accurate prediction and interpretation of drug clearance and toxicity. Targeted DMET proteomics that relies on synthetic stable isotope-labeled surrogate peptides as calibrators is routinely used for the quantification of selected proteins; however, the technique is limited to the quantification of a small number of proteins. Although the global proteomics-based total protein approach (TPA) is emerging as a better alternative for large-scale protein quantification, the conventional TPA does not consider differential sequence coverage by identifying unique peptides across proteins. Here, we optimized the TPA approach by correcting protein abundance data by the sequence coverage, which was applied to quantify 54 DMETs for characterization of 1) differential tissue DMET abundance in the human liver, kidney, and intestine, and 2) interindividual variability of DMET proteins in individual intestinal samples (n = 13). Uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 2B7 (UGT2B7), microsomal glutathione S-transferases (MGST1, MGST2, and MGST3) carboxylesterase 2 (CES2), and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) were expressed in all three tissues, whereas, as expected, four cytochrome P450s (CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP2C9, and CYP4F2), UGT1A1, UGT2B17, CES1, flavin-containing monooxygenase 5, MRP3, and P-glycoprotein were present in the liver and intestine. The top three DMET proteins in individual tissues were: CES1>CYP2E1>UGT2B7 (liver), CES2>UGT2B17>CYP3A4 (intestine), and MGST1>UGT1A6>MGST2 (kidney). CYP3A4, CYP3A5, UGT2B17, CES2, and MGST2 showed high interindividual variability in the intestine. These data are relevant for enhancing in vitro to in vivo extrapolation of drug absorption and disposition and can be used to enhance the accuracy of physiologically based pharmacokinetic prediction of systemic and tissue concentration of drugs.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

This study quantified the abundance and compositions of drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters in pooled human liver, intestine, and kidney microsomes as well as individual intestinal microsomes using an optimized global proteomics approach. The data revealed large intertissue differences in the abundance of these proteins and high intestinal interindividual variability in the levels of cytochrome P450s (e.g., CYP3A4 and CYP3A5), uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase 2B17, carboxylesterase 2, and microsomal glutathione S-transferase 2. These data are applicable for the prediction of first-pass metabolism and tissue-specific drug clearance.




isp

Regulation of Human Hydrolases and Its Implications in Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II]

Hydrolases represent an essential class of enzymes indispensable for the metabolism of various clinically essential medications. Individuals exhibit marked differences in the expression and activation of hydrolases, resulting in significant variability in the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of drugs metabolized by these enzymes. The regulation of hydrolase expression and activity involves both genetic polymorphisms and nongenetic factors. This review examines the current understanding of genetic and nongenetic regulators of six clinically significant hydrolases, including carboxylesterase (CES)-1 CES2, arylacetamide deacetylase (AADAC), paraoxonase (PON)-1 PON3, and cathepsin A (CTSA). We explore genetic variants linked to the expression and activity of the hydrolases and their effects on the PK and PD of their substrate drugs. Regarding nongenetic regulators, we focus on the inhibitors and inducers of these enzymes. Additionally, we examine the developmental expression patterns and gender differences in the hydrolases when pertinent information was available. Many genetic and nongenetic regulators were found to be associated with the expression and activity of the hydrolases and PK and PD. However, hydrolases remain generally understudied compared with other drug-metabolizing enzymes, such as cytochrome P450s. The clinical significance of genetic and nongenetic regulators has not yet been firmly established for the majority of hydrolases. Comprehending the mechanisms that underpin the regulation of these enzymes holds the potential to refine therapeutic regimens, thereby enhancing the efficacy and safety of drugs metabolized by the hydrolases.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Hydrolases play a crucial role in the metabolism of numerous clinically important medications. Genetic polymorphisms and nongenetic regulators can affect hydrolases’ expression and activity, consequently influencing the exposure and clinical outcomes of hydrolase substrate drugs. A comprehensive understanding of hydrolase regulation can refine therapeutic regimens, ultimately enhancing the efficacy and safety of drugs metabolized by the enzymes.




isp

50th Anniversary Celebration Collection Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part II--Editorial [Special Section on New and Emerging Areas and Technologies in Drug Metabolism and Disposition, Part




isp

Distribution and Disparities of Industry Payments to Neuroradiologists [CLINICAL PRACTICE]

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

Physician-industry relationships can be useful for driving innovation and technologic progress, though little is known about the scale or impact of industry involvement in neuroradiology. The purpose of this study was to assess the trends and distributions of industry payments to neuroradiologists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Neuroradiologists were identified using a previously-validated method based on Work Relative Value Units and Neiman Imaging Types of Service classification. Data on payments from industry were obtained from the Open Payments database from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, from 2016 to 2021. Payments were grouped into 7 categories, including consulting fees, education, gifts, medical supplies, research, royalties/ownership, and speaker fees. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

RESULTS:

A total of 3019 neuroradiologists were identified in this study. Between 2016 and 2021, 48% (1440/3019) received at least 1 payment from industry, amounting to a total number of 21,967 payments. Each year, among those receiving payments from industry, each unique neuroradiologist received between a mean of 5.49–7.42 payments and a median of 2 payments, indicating a strong rightward skew to the distribution of payments. Gifts were the most frequent payment type made (60%, 13,285/21,967) but accounted for only 4.1% ($689,859/$17,010,546) of payment value. The greatest aggregate payment value came from speaker fees, which made up 36% ($6,127,484/$17,010,546) of the total payment value. The top 5% highest paid neuroradiologists received 42% (9133/21,967) of payments, which accounted for 84% ($14,284,120/$17,010,546) of the total dollar value. Since the start of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the number of neuroradiologists receiving industry payments decreased from a mean of 671 neuroradiologists per year prepandemic (2016–2019) to 411 in the postpandemic (2020–2021) era (P = .030). The total number of payments to neuroradiologists decreased from 4177 per year prepandemic versus 2631 per year postpandemic (P = .011).

CONCLUSIONS:

Industry payments to neuroradiologists are highly concentrated among top earners, particularly among the top 5% of payment recipients. The number of payments decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, though the dollar value of payments was offset by coincidental increases in royalty payments. Further investigation is needed in subsequent years to determine if the postpandemic changes in industry payment trends continue.




isp

Selection of Affibody Molecules Using Staphylococcal Display

Affibody molecules are small (6-kDa) affinity proteins generated by directed evolution for specific binding to various target molecules. The first step in this workflow involves the generation of an affibody library, which can then be used for biopanning using multiple display methods. This protocol describes selection from affibody libraries using display on Staphylococcus carnosus. Display of affibodies on staphylococci is very efficient and straightforward because of the single cell membrane and the use of a construct with a constitutive promoter. The workflow involves display of affibody libraries on the surface of S. carnosus cells, followed by screening and selection of binders using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The transformation of DNA libraries into S. carnosus is less efficient and more complicated than for Escherichia coli. Because of this, staphylococcal display is suitable for affinity maturation or other protein-engineering efforts that are not dependent on very high diversity, and thus magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) is often not required before FACS. However, MACS is an option, and MACS procedures used for E. coli can easily be adapted for use in S. carnosus if needed.




isp

Selection of Affibody Molecules Using Escherichia coli Display

Affibody molecules are small (6-kDa) affinity proteins generated by directed evolution for specific binding to various target molecules. The first step in this workflow involves the generation of an affibody library, which can then be used for selection via multiple display methods. This protocol describes selection from affibody libraries by Escherichia coli cell surface display. With this method, high-diversity libraries of 1011 can be displayed on the cell surface. The method involves two steps for selection of binders from high-diversity libraries: magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). MACS is used first to enrich the library in target-binding clones and to decrease diversity to a size that can be effectively screened and sorted in the flow cytometer in a reasonable time (typically <107 cells). The protocol is based on methodology using an AIDA-I autotransporter for display on the outer membrane, but the general procedures can also be adjusted and used for other types of autotransporters or alternative E. coli display methods.




isp

Selection of Affibody Molecules Using Phage Display

Affibody molecules are small (6-kDa) affinity proteins generated by directed evolution for specific binding to various target molecules. The first step in this workflow involves the generation of an affibody library. This is then followed by amplification of the library, which can then be used for biopanning using multiple methods. This protocol describes amplification of affibody libraries, followed by biopanning using phage display and analysis of the selection output. The general procedure is mainly for selection of first-generation affibody molecules from large naive (unbiased) libraries, typically yielding affibody hits with affinities in the low nanomolar range. For selection from affinity maturation libraries with the aim of isolating variants of even higher affinities, the procedure is similar, but parameters such as target concentration and washing are adjusted to achieve the proper stringency.




isp

Cloning of Affibody Libraries for Display Methods

Affibody molecules are small (6-kDa) affinity proteins folded in a three-helical bundle and generated by directed evolution for specific binding to various target molecules. The most advanced affibody molecules are currently tested in the clinic, and data from more than 300 subjects show excellent activity and safety profiles. The generation of affibody molecules against a particular target starts with the generation of an affibody library, which can then be used for panning using multiple methods and selection systems. This protocol describes the molecular cloning of DNA-encoded affibody libraries to a display vector of choice, for either phage, Escherichia coli, or Staphylococcus carnosus display. The DNA library can come from different sources, such as error-prone polymerase chain reaction (PCR), molecular shuffling of mutations from previous selections, or, more commonly, from DNA synthesis using various methods. Restriction enzyme-based subcloning is the most common strategy for affibody libraries of higher diversity (e.g., >107 variants) and is described here.




isp

Can&#x2019;t prescribe, can&#x2019;t dispense: the challenge of medicine shortages




isp

Slitterhead review: body-hopping action horror that's best left dispossessed

I was excited for Slitterhead, an action adventure game by Bokeh Studio, a studio founded by none other than your boy Keiichiro Toyama: the creator of Silent Hill, Gravity Rush, and the Siren series. And within that first hour, Slitterhead's body-possessing and Hong Kong-inspired streets had me thinking, "Is this it, the sleeper hit of 2024?!"

No, sadly not. It's no doubt built a compelling universe filled with brain-sucking aliens that masquerade as humans, and it attempts plenty else besides: bouncing between bodies as you stealth around dingy apartment blocks, fighting with blood katanas, and gorging on pools of red plasma to refuel skills, many of which require more body-flitting. Thing is, they are ultimately just attempts, attempts that fall victim to an emptiness and jitteriness that quickly reveals Slitterhead's true, irritating form.

Read more




isp

Trump’s claim about predecessors, fallen troops disputed

File photo of President Donald Trump by Joshua Roberts/Reuters

WASHINGTON — For U.S. presidents, meeting the families of military personnel killed in war is about as wrenching as the presidency gets. President Donald Trump’s suggestion Monday that his predecessors fell short in that duty brought a visceral reaction from those who witnessed those grieving encounters.

“He’s a deranged animal,” Alyssa Mastromonaco, a former deputy chief of staff to President Barack Obama, tweeted about Trump. With an expletive, she called Trump’s statement in the Rose Garden a lie.

Trump said in a news conference he had written letters to the families of four soldiers killed in an Oct. 4 ambush in Niger and planned to call them, crediting himself with taking extra steps in honoring the dead properly. “Most of them didn’t make calls,” he said of his predecessors. He said it’s possible that Obama “did sometimes” but “other presidents did not call.”

The record is plain that presidents reached out to families of the dead and to the wounded, often with their presence as well as by letter and phone. The path to Walter Reed and other military hospitals, as well as to the Dover, Delaware, Air Force Base where the remains of fallen soldiers are often brought, is a familiar one to Obama, George W. Bush and others.

Bush, even at the height of two wars, “wrote all the families of the fallen,” said Freddy Ford, spokesman for the ex-president. Ford said Bush also called or met “hundreds, if not thousands” of family members of the war dead.

READ MORE: What Trump said about his drug czar pick, health care fixes

Obama’s official photographer, Pete Souza, tweeted that he photographed Obama “meeting with hundreds of wounded soldiers, and family members of those killed in action.” Others recalled his frequent visits with Gold Star families, and travels to Walter Reed, Dover and other venues with families of the dead and with the wounded.

Retired Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed these contacts, tweeting: “POTUS 43 & 44 and first ladies cared deeply, worked tirelessly for the serving, the fallen, and their families. Not politics. Sacred Trust.”

Trump addressed the matter when asked why he had not spoken about the four soldiers killed in Niger. They died when militants thought to be affiliated with the Islamic State group ambushed them while they were patrolling in unarmored trucks with Nigerien troops.

“I actually wrote letters individually to the soldiers we’re talking about, and they’re going to be going out either today or tomorrow,” he said, meaning he wrote to the families of the fallen soldiers. He did not explain why letters had not been sent yet, more than a week after the attack.

“If you look at President Obama and other presidents, most of them didn’t make calls,” Trump said.

Pressed on that statement later, he said of Obama: “I was told that he didn’t often, and a lot of presidents don’t. They write letters.” He went on: “President Obama, I think, probably did sometimes, and maybe sometimes he didn’t. I don’t know. That’s what I was told. … Some presidents didn’t do anything.”

Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said later that Trump “wasn’t criticizing predecessors, but stating a fact.” She argued that presidents didn’t always call families of those killed in battle: “Sometimes they call, sometimes they send a letter, other times they have the opportunity to meet family members in person.”

She said anyone claiming a former president had called every family was “mistaken.”

Bush’s commitment to writing to all military families of the dead and to reaching out by phone or meeting with many others came despite the enormity of the task. In the Iraq war alone, U.S. combat deaths were highest during his presidency, exceeding 800 each year from 2004 through 2007. The number fell to 313 in Bush’s last year in office as the insurgency faded. Bush once said he felt the appropriate way to show his respect was to meet family members in private.

READ MORE: What the Bannon vs. McConnell fight means for Trump and the GOP

Obama declared an end to combat operations in Iraq in August 2010 and the last U.S. troops were withdrawn in December 2011. As Obama wound down that war, he sent tens of thousands more troops into Afghanistan in 2009 and 2010, and the death count mounted. From a total of 155 Americans killed in Afghanistan in 2008, which was Bush’s last full year in office, the number jumped to 311 in 2009 and peaked the next year at 498. In all, more than 1,700 died in Afghanistan on Obama’s watch.

Among other rituals honoring military families, the Obamas had a “Gold Star” Christmas tree in the White House decorated with hundreds of photos and notes from people who had lost loved ones in war. Gold Star families visited during the holidays, bringing ornaments.

Trump visited Dover early in his presidency, going in February with his daughter Ivanka for the return of the remains of a U.S. Navy SEAL killed during a raid in Yemen, William “Ryan” Owens.

Trump’s relations with Gold Star families have not always been smooth, dating from his belittlement of the parents of slain U.S. soldier Humayun Khan, who was Muslim. Trump was angered when the soldier’s father, Khizr Khan, was given a platform to criticize him at the Democratic National Convention.

Owens’ grieving father said he didn’t want to talk with Trump at Dover. But the sailor’s widow, Carryn, attended Trump’s address to Congress and wept as he thanked her.

___

Associated Press writers Robert Burns and Jesse J. Holland contributed to this report.

The post Trump’s claim about predecessors, fallen troops disputed appeared first on PBS NewsHour.




isp

Will Canada Post deliver? A look inside the labour dispute, the stakes and what comes next

Canada Post workers might soon be putting down their mailbags and grabbing picket signs




isp

Federal judge blocks Louisiana law that requires classrooms to display Ten Commandments

The new Louisiana requirement that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public classroom by Jan. 1 was temporarily blocked Tuesday. The judge said the law is "unconstitutional on its face."




isp

Judge Blocks Louisiana Law Requiring Schools to Display Ten Commandments...


Judge Blocks Louisiana Law Requiring Schools to Display Ten Commandments...


(First column, 11th story, link)





isp

LG's new display stretches from 12 to 18 inches

Today's edition of things I suddenly really really need comes courtesy of LG Display. The company has developed what it claims to be the first display capable of stretching up to 50 percent. The screen is able to expand from 12 inches to 18 inches and can bend, twist and stretch — basically the Bop It of the tech world. LG Display unveiled another model in 2022, which stretched from 12 inches to 14 inches — about 20 percent longer.

 So, how did it go from 20 percent to 50 percent stretch capabilities? According to the company, "By applying a number of new technologies, such as improving the properties of a special silicon material substrate used in contact lenses and developing a new wiring design structure, LG Display improved the panel’s stretchability and flexibility, exceeding the original national project’s target of 20 percent elongation."

The free-form screen technology, as LG Display calls it, has full red, green and blue color with a resolution of 100ppi. The display also uses a micro-LED light source smaller than 40 micrometers, allowing the screen to be stretched over 10,000 times. The company claims it should still have high quality images even if it undergoes an external shock or is in more extreme temperatures than normal. 

Unfortunately for me (though certainly good for my wallet), the stretchable display is currently just a prototype. However, it could be used for flexible items like clothing, car panels and more in the future. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lgs-new-display-stretches-from-12-to-18-inches-124504018.html?src=rss




isp

Europe dispatches Proba-3 satellites to India for December eclipse mission

Paris, France (SPX) Nov 03, 2024
ESA's Proba-3 mission, designed to create a solar eclipse in space, is leaving Europe to head to its Indian launch site. The mission's two spacecraft, designed to align precisely in orbit so one will block the Sun for the other, have departed from Redwire Space's facilities in Kruibeke, Belgium. The pair will be transported to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre near Chennai, India, to prepare for th




isp

Le comptable disparu de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu aurait été assassiné

Un mois après la mystérieuse disparition d’un comptable sans histoire de Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, le corps de l’homme de 68 ans a été retrouvé.




isp

Talks break off in B.C. port dispute as bid to end multi-day lockout fails

Contract negotiations in a labour dispute that has paralyzed container cargo shipping at British Columbia's ports since Monday have been called off. It comes as more than 100 organizations representing industries from automotive and fertilizer to retail and mining urged the government to do whatever it takes to end the work stoppage.



  • News/Canada/British Columbia

isp

Labour minister sends ports dispute to binding arbitration, orders end to lockouts

Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has sent labour disputes at ports in Quebec and British Columbia to binding arbitration and has ordered people back to work after the disputes reached what he called a "total impasse."




isp

Mattel 'deeply regrets' porn site misprint on Wicked dolls

Recently-released dolls tied to the new Wicked movie inadvertently carry the address of an adult website.




isp

UK HealthTech on full display at ABHI UK pavilion For MEDICA 2024

The Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) is excited to unveil a diverse delegation of UK HealthTech innovators at MEDICA 2024, one of the world's largest and most influential medical trade fairs.




isp

No, CRISPR Is Not Going To ‘Cure’ Heart Disease

No, CRISPR gene editing technology is not going to “cure” heart disease. But a New York Times story by Gina Kolata on an extremely early study in animals prominently plays up just this extremely unlikely claim. The Times story is based on a press release issued by Verve Therapeutics, a new biotechnology company founded by Sekar Kathiresan, an influential cardiologist and genomic...

Click here to continue reading...




isp

Patrick Dempsey aims to raise awareness of cancer disparities and encourage screening

NPR's Leila Fadel talks with actor Patrick Dempsey about his efforts to raise money for cancer treatment and prevention.




isp

At UN, US warns Israel against forcible displacement, starvation in Gaza

UNITED NATIONS — The United States stressed at the United Nations (UN) on Tuesday (Nov 12) that "there must be no forcible displacement, nor policy of starvation in Gaza" by Israel, warning such policies would have grave implications under US and international law. The remarks by US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield came just hours after Washington said its ally Israel was doing enough to address the humanitarian crisis in Israel to avoid facing potential restrictions on US military aid. "Still, Israel must ensure its actions are fully implemented - and its improvements sustained over time," Thomas-Greenfield told the UN Security Council. It was also urgently important that Israel pause implementation of a law banning the operation of the UN Palestinian relief agency UNRWA, she added.




isp

ISP Research Fellow Apekshya Prasai Selected as a 2023 HFG Emerging Scholar

Apekshya Prasai, a political science doctoral candidate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was recently named a 2023 Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation Emerging Scholar.   The Emerging Scholars (nine in all) are doctoral candidates who are in the final year of writing dissertations on the nature of and responses to violence around the world.




isp

Six disparate expert voices at the Kennedy School on the Israel-Hamas war

Excerpts from remarks of participants in the Middle East Dialogues series led by HKS Professor Tarek Masoud throughout the 2024 spring semester.




isp

Nueva campaña del Ad Council da recursos y apoyo a padres hispanos para que ayuden a sus hijos a prepararse y planificar para la universidad y pagar sus estudios - Edward James Olmos

Edward James Olmos




isp

Celebrando las tradiciones hispanas con la famosa chef Lorena García - Pork Tenderloin Sautéed (Lomo Saltado)

Lomo saltado: Esta receta está llena de exquisitos sabores y texturas que le harán la boca agua a toda la familia. Ingredientes: lomo de cerdo picado en tiras, saltado con papas blancas, pimiento amarillo, pimiento Cubanelle y tomates.




isp

El Departamento de Transporte de EE.UU. pone a disposición herramientas-y campaña para mejorar la seguridad de los niños a bordo de vehículos - Chairs :60

Chairs :60




isp

El famoso chef Giorgio Rapicavoli, y la campana milk life Lo Que Nos Hace Fuertes celebran el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, animando a todos a que brinden con leche - Arroz Con Caf� Con Leche

Arroz Con Caf� Con Leche




isp

Fuel Up to Play 60 Launches New Spanish-Language Resources to Encourage Healthy Lifestyles among Hispanic Youth and Communities Nationwide - VAMOS: Fuel Up to Play 60 en espa�ol

Visit FuelUpToPlay60.com to access new Spanish-language materials and get your school involved.