Synergistic Partnership Research Articles

Beyond Human and Machine: An Architecture and Methodology Guideline for Centaurian Design

The concept of the centaur, symbolizing the fusion of human and machine intelligence, has intrigued visionaries for decades. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence have made this concept not only realizable but also actionable. This synergistic partnership between natural and artificial intelligence promises superior outcomes by leveraging the strengths of both entities. Tracing its origins back to early pioneers of human–computer interaction in the 1960s, such as J.C.R. Licklider and Douglas Engelbart, the idea initially manifested in centaur chess but faced challenges as technological advances began to overshadow human contributions. However, the resurgence of generative AI in the late 2010s, exemplified by conversational agents and text-to-image chatbots, has rekindled interest in the profound potential of human–AI collaboration. This article formalizes the centaurian model, detailing properties associated with various centaurian designs, evaluating their feasibility, and proposing a design methodology that integrates human creativity with artificial intelligence. Additionally, it compares this model with other integrative theories, such as the Theory of Extended Mind and Intellectology, providing a comprehensive analysis of its place in the landscape of human–machine interaction.

Assessing Business Viability for a Production Joint Venture in the Indonesian Medical Device Industry

Research Aims: This study examines the viability of a joint venture between Daenamic Health Inc., a South Korean medical device manufacturer, and PT. Kenari Jaya Perkasa, an Indonesian medical device importer, to establish a local production facility for high-end medical devices in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach: The research follows a structured approach involving the analysis of business model compatibility, external market dynamics, and the financial and operational viability of the joint venture. Employing qualitative analysis from discussions, VRIO Framework, and quantitative analysis from Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), the study evaluates market conditions and strategic fit between the partners. Research Findings: Findings indicate that Daenamic Health Inc. and PT. Kenari possess complementary strengths, forming a synergistic partnership poised to become a leading local brand for high end medical technology, as well as enabling access to more export market. Motivated by the need to reduce Indonesia's dependency on import, especially highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, this venture aligns with government policies to enhance local manufacturing and healthcare infrastructure. However, challenges such as navigating regulatory landscapes, managing a layered cost structure, and training local human capital must be addressed. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: Preliminary assessment for the joint venture’s establishment helps the partners to comprehensively assess their internal situation both as individual business and as future partners, prior to capitalizing the opportunity that comes with Indonesia’s vision towards healthcare self-sufficiency. As a result, partners’ synergistic strengths and aligned individual business needs positions the venture for competitive pricing and expansion in Southeast Asia and beyond. Keywords: Medical Devices; Joint Venture; Local Manufacturing; Market Dynamics; Strategic Fit

Abstract B095: Evaluating the research experiences and outcomes of pre-pilot and pilot awardees of a U54 regional cancer partnership: Success, challenges, and solutions

Abstract Purpose: The Synergistic Partnership for Enhancing Equity in Cancer Health (SPEECH) is a regional, comprehensive cancer health disparity initiative jointly led by Temple University/Fox Chase Cancer Center and Hunter College (TUFCCC/HC). This partnership is supported by a U54 grant from the National Cancer Institute. In this study, we present the successes of the Pre-Pilot and Pilot Projects funded by the U54 Partnership Matched Fund. Additionally, we discuss the challenges encountered in the award process and propose solutions to enhance this process for current and future recipients. Background: One of the key components of SPEECH - the Synergistic Partnership for Enhancing Equity in Cancer Health - is to provide rigorous and robust multidisciplinary cancer disparities research education experiences and mentorship to graduate, post-doctoral, and junior faculty trainees in cancer and cancer health disparities research. So far, through the SPEECH U54 Partnership Matched Fund provided by the Partnership institutions, SPEECH has successfully funded a total of 63 studies, including 35 pre- pilot and 28 pilot projects. Methods: The Planning and Evaluation Core (PEC) team conducted virtual face-to-face interviews and surveys with open-ended questions with 8 awardees. We also connected video testimonials from the awardees. The main goal was to understand the awardees' experiences in applying for, implementing, and evaluating their projects funded under the U54 Partnership. Results: Preliminary results showed five areas of successes, including improved research skills, advanced career in cancer health disparities research, expanded professional network, foster a sense of belonging and scientific identity, and facilitating scientific collaboration and integration across disciplines and institutions. Specifically, awardees mentioned gaining experience with the grant writing process and transitioning to an independent investigator, encompassing tasks such as data collection and manuscript development, and research dissemination, which helped to expand their professional portfolio. Awardees also highlighted receiving mentorship that championed for career advancement and opportunities for professional awards. We also identified four main areas for improvement in the solicitation and implementation process of the awards. These include improving the comprehensibility of the application process, timelines, budget, and other outputs. We also identified the opportunity to augment the networking channels for mentors and collaborators of the SPEECH partnership. Conclusion: As we continue our interviews and surveys with additional awardees, we will analyze the qualitative data collected to identify how to improve the award mechanism for current and future cohorts. We plan to help facilitate the proper improvements and continue to re-evaluate the award process. Citation Format: Jade A. Truehart, Elisabeth Russell McKenzie, Cicely Johnson, Grace X Ma, SJ Dodd, Lin Zhu. Evaluating the research experiences and outcomes of pre-pilot and pilot awardees of a U54 regional cancer partnership: Success, challenges, and solutions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B095.

When backstage becomes frontstage? A critical ethnographic study of Norwegian recovery colleges

This study investigates the co-creation process between course facilitators and students while the course takes place at recovery colleges (RCs), emphasising the synergistic partnership where individuals with lived experience of mental health issues collaborate with professionals in course delivery. This paper focuses on understanding the dynamics of these interactions from the students’ perspectives and the dynamic shifts between the private realm and the public space. We conducted a qualitative study inspired by critical ethnography, collecting data from participatory observations in RCs at two locations and focus group interviews with students. Goffman’s dramaturgical approach guided us in examining social interactions in RC as theatrical performances with students playing specific roles, managing impressions, and navigating the front and backstage of their lives. During the analysis, we separated the data into front- and backstage contexts where we identified moments where students were actively performing a social role and moments revealing more authentic sides of themselves. We demonstrate that a RC is a stage where students can test their performance and adapt to their audience’s reactions. Uncertainty about their roles, social scripts, and the audience’s reactions lead them to switch between front- and backstage appearances, either performing a role or revealing their authentic sides. While exploring appearances, students develop social scripts aligning with their roles as performers and audience, eventually promoting security by mutual understanding of appropriate appearances. Emotional support, collaborative relationships, and group dynamics were critical factors in fostering an environment conducive to authentic participation. Challenges persist, such as vulnerability, recognizing the value of personal contributions, and establishing personal boundaries. Safety within the college environment was paramount for genuine engagement in co-creation, leading to personal and collective benefits for mental health services. The study suggests an in-depth investigation into the structural and power dynamics that shape such interactive processes within RCs.

A Comprehensive Review on AI-Driven Healthcare Transformation

Introduction: In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, the intersection of cutting-edge technology and patient-centric solutions has sparked a paradigm shift, and at the forefront of this transformative wave is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Problem: Focusing on the multifaceted integration of AI technologies, the narrative explores their pivotal role in enhancing patient outcomes. Objective: This paper delves into the dynamic realm of healthcare transformation over the strategic exploitation of artificial intelligence (AI). Methodology: This paper explores the profound impact of AI on healthcare, examining the current state of the field and envisioning its future. From machine learning algorithms for early disease detection to personalized treatment plans, the paper delves into the diverse applications of AI in healthcare and the potential it holds for revolutionizing the entire ecosystem. From customized treatment strategies to streamlined healthcare processes, the paper unravels the diverse ways AI is reshaping the healthcare landscape. Results: The imperative to improve patient outcomes, characterized by enhanced efficiency, precision, and personalized care, finds a promising ally in AI. The paper has illuminated how AI technologies, including machine learning and advanced analytics, offer tangible solutions to longstanding challenges in diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient engagement. Conclusions: A comprehensive examination of emerging trends illuminates the potential for substantial improvements in patient well-being facilitated by the synergistic partnership of AI and healthcare practices. Originality: The exploration of AI’s applications throughout this paper underscores its transformative potential in reshaping traditional healthcare practices. Restrictions: The prospect of continually improving patient outcomes through innovative technologies remains at the forefront of this transformation.

Early, precise, and safe clinical evaluation of the pharmacodynamic effects of novel agents in the intact human tumor microenvironment.

Introduction: Drug development is systemically inefficient. Research and development costs for novel therapeutics average hundreds of millions to billions of dollars, with the overall likelihood of approval estimated to be as low as 6.7% for oncology drugs. Over half of these failures are due to a lack of drug efficacy. This pervasive and repeated low rate of success exemplifies how preclinical models fail to adequately replicate the complexity and heterogeneity of human cancer. Therefore, new methods of evaluation, early in the development trajectory, are essential both to rule-in and rule-out novel agents with more rigor and speed, but also to spare clinical trial patients from the potentially toxic sequelae (high risk) of testing investigational agents that have a low likelihood of producing a response (low benefit). Methods: The clinical in vivo oncology (CIVO®) platform was designed to change this drug development paradigm. CIVO precisely delivers microdose quantities of up to 8 drugs or combinations directly into patient tumors 4-96h prior to planned surgical resection. Resected tissue is then analyzed for responses at each site of intratumoral drug exposure. Results: To date, CIVO has been used safely in 6 clinical trials, including 68 subjects, with 5 investigational and 17 approved agents. Resected tissues were analyzed initially using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays (115 biomarkers). As technology advanced, the platform was paired with spatial biology analysis platforms, to successfully track anti-neoplastic and immune-modulating activity of the injected agents in the intact tumor microenvironment. Discussion: Herein we provide a report of the use of CIVO technology in patients, a depiction of the robust analysis methods enabled by this platform, and a description of the operational and regulatory mechanisms used to deploy this approach in synergistic partnership with pharmaceutical partners. We further detail how use of the CIVO platform is a clinically safe and scientifically precise alternative or complement to preclinical efficacy modeling, with outputs that inform, streamline, and de-risk drug development.

Leveraging brain science for impactful advocacy and policymaking: The synergistic partnership between developmental cognitive neuroscientists and a parent-led grassroots movement to drive dyslexia prevention policy and legislation

Reading proficiency is crucial for academic, vocational, and economic success and has been closely linked to health outcomes. Unfortunately, in the United States, a concerning 63% of fourth-grade children are reading below grade level, with approximately 7%–10% exhibiting a disability in word reading, developmental dyslexia. Research in developmental cognitive neuroscience indicates that individuals with dyslexia show functional and structural brain alterations in regions processing reading and reading-related information, with some of these differences emerging as early as preschool and even infancy. This suggests that some children start schooling with less optimal brain architecture for learning to read, emphasizing the need for preventative education practices. This article reviews educational policies impacting children with dyslexia and highlights a decentralized parent-led grassroots movement, Decoding Dyslexia, which centers the voices of those directly impacted by dyslexia. It utilizes civic engagement practices, advocacy and lobbying on local, federal, and social media platforms, and strong partnerships with scientists to drive systems-level change in educational practices, leading to dyslexia prevention legislation across the U.S. The ongoing partnership continues to address the profound gaps between scientific findings and policymaking to drive systems-level change for contemporary challenges in educational practices within a learning disabilities framework.

Bridging the gap between social work and community development: implementing a post-graduate training partnership

ABSTRACT Although, arguably, the origins of social work in the UK have been closely aligned to community development in the past few decades, social work has occupied a bureaucratic landscape focusing primarily on individual risks and needs, leading to both fields drifting further apart. Dismantling of shared values and practices was fueled by layers of government policy and legislation, driven by a neoliberal agenda and public management reforms. However, a horizon of hope emerged when university staff in Social Work and Community Development Departments in Northern Ireland were approached to examine the need to reintroduce community development principles and practices into social work training. This paper aims to trace the development of a post-graduate diploma in community development approaches for professional social workers and analyses research that explores community development as the essence of social work. The programme was developed through a synergistic partnership between university, health trusts and the professional awarding body. Tracking 4 years of programme delivery, the paper highlights the effectiveness of, and learning from, collaboration between the two professions at strategic, technical, and operational levels. We posit here well-learned lessons for future collaborations and make recommendations providing a route map to mainstreaming community development in social work practice.

PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT AND POTATO COMPETITIVENESS IN BENER MERIAH DISTRICT, ACEH PROVINCE

The research aims to identify supply chain partnerships and analyze potato competitiveness. The research location is in Bener Meriah Regency, Aceh Province. Supply chain partnership management is studied using qualitative and quantitative descriptive approaches. Potato competitiveness was analyzed using the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM) approach. The research results show that potato farming is quite profitable for farmers and has competitiveness as a superior product. Potato farming partnerships are carried out by farmers at the level of seed procurement and farming costs with a profit-sharing system or general trading pattern through farming capital loans with the condition that farmers must sell potatoes to traders at below-market prices. Potato farming in Bener Meriah Regency has comparative advantages and competitive advantages. It is worthy of development based on the acquisition of PCR and DRCR, both of which have a value of more than one. Potato farming has good prospects for intensive development to increase the competitiveness of potatoes through synergistic partnership programs with downstream business players, considering the high market demand for potatoes and processed potato products.

Abstract A040: Examining the geographical distribution of a colorectal cancer awareness community outreach program

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant health issue in the United States, ranking as the third most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The incidence of CRC varies across the east coast of the United States due to multiple factors, including disparities in lifestyle, healthcare accessibility, and environmental exposures. Community-based participatory research plays a vital role in identifying effective interventions to enhance awareness of cancer risk and prevention in specific communities. Methods: This study focused on Asian Americans, Blacks, and Hispanics residing in the Greater Philadelphia (PA), New Jersey (NJ), and New York City (NYC) areas. The Synergistic Partnership for Enhancing Equity in Cancer Health (SPEECH) collaborated with community-based organizations' leaders and staff to streamline recruitment, workshop delivery, and survey data collection. The workshop curriculum covered essential CRC information, including facts, dietary habits, and screening guidelines. Pre- and post-workshop surveys were used to assess changes in CRC knowledge and screening intention. The distribution of participants was analyzed using Arc GIS. Results: [GXM1] The study population consisted of 212 Asian, 172 Hispanic/Latino, and 126 African American/Black participants. Geographical data was obtainable for 486 participants, primarily from New York (n=286, 58.8%), Pennsylvania (n=150, 30.9%), and New Jersey (n=49, 10.1%). These states form the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York City (PNN) region, which is known for its high concentrations of neighborhoods experiencing persistent poverty, especially in areas densely populated by minorities. Distinct examples include neighborhoods within the Bronx borough of New York City and Philadelphia County in Pennsylvania. Alarmingly, in some counties within the PNN region, as many as 26% of the census tracts are categorized as persistently impoverished. This pattern of concentrated poverty is supported by several existing studies and research reports. Conclusions: The distribution of participants aligned with the study area of SPEECH and areas characterized by persistent poverty. These findings provide valuable insights to guide efforts in improving cancer health equity in the identified regions. Citation Format: Thoin F. Begum, Ellen Kim, Lin Zhu, Yin Tan, Evelyn T. González, Marilyn A. Fraser, Yingzhang Lin, Nathaly Rubio-Torio, Tenya Blackwell, Carolyn Martin, Safa Ibrahim, Ming-Chin Yeh, Grace X. Ma. Examining the geographical distribution of a colorectal cancer awareness community outreach program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A040.

Abstract A068: Educating the next generation of cancer researchers: Evaluation of a cancer research partnership training program

Abstract Introduction: The underrepresentation of minorities in cancer research hampers efforts to address disparities among minority populations. To tackle this issue, early mentorship of emerging scientists from underrepresented communities is crucial. The Synergistic Partnership for Enhancing Equity in Cancer Health (SPEECH) is a collaboration between Temple University/Fox Chase Cancer Center, Hunter College (TUFCCC/HC), and funded by the National Cancer Institute. SPEECH aims to reduce cancer health disparities through research, community outreach, and support for underrepresented investigators and students. The Research Education Core (REC) within SPEECH focuses on enhancing training and mentorship, including the Summer Cancer Research Institute (SCRI), providing opportunities for underrepresented minority students in cancer research. Procedures: We conducted a cross-sectional survey with accepted SCRI applicants (i.e., participants) and their peers whose applications to the SCRI were not accepted (non-participants) from four cohorts (2019–2022). Email invitations with a link to a REDCap survey were sent to 51 SCRI participants and 488 non-participants with the goal of investigating any differences between the two groups in knowledge and career goals. In total, 32 SCRI participants and 47 non-participants responded to the survey. One SCRI participant was excluded due to missing data, yielding 31 SCRI participants. About 70% of the participants identified as Asian, Black/African American, or multi-racial. Results: SCRI participants had significantly higher knowledge scores in health disparities (p < 0.001), cancer biology (p < 0.001), and cancer prevention (p < 0.05) than non-participants. SCRI participants also had slightly higher levels of interest in pursuing a graduate-level degree in cancer biology or cancer health disparities-related discipline (41.9% reporting “very interested”) and in pursuing a career in cancer biology or cancer health disparities (41.9% “very interested”), than the non-participants (36.2% and 36.2%, respectively), but the differences were not statistically significant. The two groups had similar rates of pursuing a career in cancer biology, cancer health disparities research, or teaching in academia. In addition, over 90% reported Of those who participated in the SCRI that they “agreed” or “strongly agreed” that the SCRI experience had a positive influence on their plans for continued education (90.3%), increased skills in cancer or cancer health disparities research (93.6%), increased skills on scientific writing (93.6%), increased skills on presenting at a conference (100%), and had a positive influence on their future career plans (90.3%). Summary: Our findings indicate that an intensive 8-week training institute can increase students’ knowledge and capacity in cancer research, demonstrating an overall positive influence of the program on students’ perceived scientific skills and future career plans. Citation Format: Lin Zhu, S.J. Dodd, Yuku Chen, Emily R. Kaminsky, Zhiqing Elaine Liu, Grace X. Ma, Olorunseun O. Ogunwobi, Carolyn Y. Fang. Educating the next generation of cancer researchers: Evaluation of a cancer research partnership training program [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A068.

DEVELOPMENT OF INNOVATIVE ECOSYSTEM OF UKRAINE AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL

The article explores the theoretical and methodological aspects of the main idea of the formation of an innovation ecosystem at the national level, which consists in close cooperation and unification of the efforts of the participants in the innovation process on mutually beneficial terms of partnership, resources and competencies in building up the country’s innovative potential. It has been established that the innovation ecosystem at the national level is a synergistic partnership and collaboration of science, education and business as an institutionally coordinated mechanism of relationships from the generation and transfer of knowledge to the commercialization of innovations, that is, the entire innovation cycle of neo-industrial development of the national economy of Ukraine, its restoration in the European integration space. It is substantiated that the innovation ecosystem as a type of ecosystems in the economy allows cooperating efforts to create and promote innovations on the market. The concept of an innovation ecosystem gives a much better idea of the nature of innovation processes taking place in modern realities than the traditional systems approach. The main problems and obstacles to the development and implementation of the innovation ecosystem of Ukraine at the national level are outlined. Speaking about the fact that it is higher scientific institutions (universities) of education that should become generators of progressive structural changes in the economy and take the main place in the innovation ecosystem, the article considers the progressive experience of new types of universities. That is why it is proposed to single out the main instruments of these changes: 1) identification of target markets and segments; 2) building a system of client-centric key performance indicators; 3) optimization of the structure and partnership activities of scientific and higher educational institutions.

Abstract B040: Promoting liver cancer awareness and prevention initiative in underserved racial/ethnic minority populations via community-based participatory research strategies

Abstract Background Hispanic, Asian, and African Americans experience greater burden of liver cancer, and research has shown that these three populations experience multiple level barriers to liver cancer awareness and prevention. Chronic infections with hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the most common risk factors of liver cancer. As a critical component of The Synergistic Partnership for Enhancing Equity in Cancer Health (SPEECH), Community Outreach Core (COC) aims to (1) strengthen community engagement in cancer outreach research through evidence-based community cancer education initiatives and outreach activities, and (2) provide a robust and sustainable community-based participatory research (CBPR) infrastructure for the SPEECH Partnership. Objectives This presentation aims to describe the use of CBPR principles and how these methods impacted the planning and implementation of multilevel community initiatives on liver cancer prevention through community engagement to address liver cancer disparities in low-income, underserved minority communities. Methods Guided by CBPR principles and built on well-established collaboration with community-based organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York City, the COC team actively engaged community advisory board (CAB), healthcare workers, and community members in multiple phases of (1) liver cancer prevention educational initiative, (2) city-wide bus campaign with on-bus posters advertising HBV/HCV screening and liver cancer prevention, and (3) community health fairs, in which information and education about HBV, HCV, and liver cancer was provided to the community member attendees. Results The educational workshops in the community initiative significantly improved community members’ knowledge about HBV/HCV, behaviors on HBV/HCV screening, as well as dietary patterns. Specifically, 21% of the patients who did not have an HBV test at baseline had a test at 6 months, while 11% of the patients who did not have an HCV test at baseline had a test at 6 months. In the bus campaign, the COC team collected evaluation forms from bus riders. Among the 173 respondents, 22.7% reported seeing the ad. Riders who saw the ad were significantly more likely to get screened for HBV/HCV than those who did not (86.5% vs 58.3%). Regarding the community health fair, among 44 participants who received our on-site education, 77.3% of them reported that they would talk to their doctors about getting HBV/HCV screenings. The comprehensive engagement of CAB, healthcare workers, and community members significantly benefited community capacity building on cancer research and health promotion. Conclusions Our findings indicate that CBPR-guided community initiative, campaign, and health fairs have remarkable positive impacts on promoting liver cancer awareness and prevention among underserved racial/ethnic minorities. Moreover, community participation was built on trust and previous relationships, which would finally empower the community with increased health promotion capacity. Citation Format: Wenyue Lu, Lin Zhu, Di Zhu, Evelyn Gonzalez, Marilyn A. Fraser, Ming-chin Yeh, Steven Zhu, Grace X. Ma, Olorunseun O. Ogunwobi, Yin Tan. Promoting liver cancer awareness and prevention initiative in underserved racial/ethnic minority populations via community-based participatory research strategies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B040.

Microbial biofilms are shaped by the constant dialogue between biological and physical forces in the extracellular matrix.

Microbial biofilms are shaped by the constant dialogue between biological and physical forces in the extracellular matrix.

A synergistic partnership between IL-33/ST2 and Wnt pathway through Bcl-xL drives gastric cancer stemness and metastasis.

ST2 functions as a receptor for the cytokine IL-33. It has been implicated in carcinogenesis. In this study, we sought to mechanistically determine how ST2 and IL-33 function to support cancer stem cell (CSC) activity and drive gastric cancer (GC) pathogenesis. ST2+ subpopulation spontaneously arose during gastric tumorigenesis. A thorough evaluation of ST2 and IL-33 expression in gastric tumors revealed that they show an overlapping expression pattern, notably in poor differentiated GC and metastasis foci. Moreover, their expression levels are clinically correlated to cancer progression. Using a genetic model of CSC-driven gastric carcinogenesis, ST2+ subpopulation displays increased tumorigenicity, chemoresistance and metastatic potentials through increased survival fitness endowed by an elevated MAPK-regulated Bcl-xL. The IL-33/ST2 axis enhances the self-renewal and survival of GC stem cells and organoids. Importantly, we observed a synergistic cooperation between IL-33/ST2 and the canonical Wnt pathway in transactivating Wnt-dependent transcription and supporting CSC activity, a partnership that was abrogated by inhibiting Bcl-xL. Concordant with this, ST2+ subpopulation was targeted by MEK1/2 and Bcl-xL-specific inhibitors. These findings establish ST2 as a functional CSC marker that fortifies the Wnt signal while availing a novel therapeutic strategy to suppress GC progression by targeting the IL-33/ST2/Bcl-xL signaling axis.

Working toward sustainability: Transitioning HIV programs from a USA-based organization to a local partner in Zimbabwe.

Despite the history of United States of America (USA)-based partners implementing global health programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), future models for sustainable healthcare rely on local country ownership and leadership. Transition is the process of shifting programs towards country ownership, where local stakeholders plan, manage, and deliver health programs. Transition is not a singular event but a process which may include a phase where health programs are led and managed by local entities but still reliant on awards from international partners. This phase is scarcely described yet can impact long-term program sustainability if navigated poorly. This qualitative study examines the transition of Zimbabwe's voluntary medical male circumcision and HIV care and treatment services from management by a USA-based organization, the International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), to management under a new Zimbabwean organization, the Zimbabwe Technical Assistance, Training and Education Centre for Health (Zim-TTECH). The primary objective of this paper is to explore challenges, successes, and lessons learned during this transition to inform other non-governmental organizations. We conducted sixteen virtual, key informant interviews using purposeful sampling, identifying potential participants based on their role in the transition team (leadership, administrative, financial, or human resources) and willingness to consent to the study. We aimed for equal representation from USA-based, I-TECH headquarters staff and Zimbabwe-based, Zim-TTECH staff involved in the transition team. Data were analyzed in Atlas.Ti using deductive and inductive methods, followed by a thematic analysis guided by several frameworks for program transition and organizational change. Findings suggest five themes to guide transition: 1) Develop a vision and empower leadership for change by delegating clear roles and supporting local ownership; 2) Plan and strategize for transition in a manner that accounts for historical context; 3) Communicate with and inform stakeholders to understand transition perceptions, understand barriers to transition, and enable open communications related to risks and benefits; 4) Engage and mobilize staff by constructing necessary infrastructure and providing technical assistance as needed; and 5) Define short-term and long-term success. Transition processes were challenged by the local country context, compressed transition timelines, and all-or-nothing measures of transition success. Facilitators included strong staff capacity and a synergistic partnership model between Zim-TTECH and I-TECH. Global funders and international organizations should support local LMIC partners in their pathway to independence by removing restrictions on funding awards, including transitioning ownership mid-stream, and positioning leadership of international awards for in-country entities.

Analisis Pemikiran Koperasi Bung Hatta dan Korelasinya

Mohammad Hatta is called the father of Indonesian cooperatives. It is believed that he has succeeded in providing a form of contribution to the theory of populist economics with an applicative form of cooperatives. When a cooperative or small sector is recognized as one that meets the demands of the Indonesian people. Bung Hatta's thinking is built on solidarity and the idea that each member and supporter will value themselves in their way. Analyzing these operations can help us understand and deal with economic and moral difficulties. An operation must have both of the factors described below to qualify as "getting stronger." Since cooperation is the essence of business, it also encourages people to work together and pursue common goals without complaining to other individuals who are outside the same organizational structure. In cooperatives, there is often no dominant individual. In a synergistic partnership, the only thing both people have in common is working together on a capital project or demonstrating confidence in a particular business venture in exchange for profit sharing based on merit and contract.

Excellent Cooperation between Carboxyl-Substituted Porphyrins, k-Carrageenan and AuNPs for Extended Application in CO2 Capture and Manganese Ion Detection

Significant tasks of the presented research are the development of multifunctional materials capable both to detect/capture carbon dioxide and to monitor toxic metal ions from waters, thus contributing to maintaining a sustainable and clean environment. The purpose of this work was to synthesize, characterize (NMR, FT-IR, UV-Vis, Fluorescence, AFM) and exploit the optical and emission properties of a carboxyl-substituted A3B porphyrin, 5-(4-carboxy-phenyl)-10,15,20-tris-(4-methyl-phenyl)–porphyrin, and based on it, to develop novel composite material able to adsorb carbon dioxide. This porphyrin-k-carrageenan composite material can capture CO2 in ambient conditions with a performance of 6.97 mmol/1 g adsorbent. Another aim of our research was to extend this porphyrin- k-carrageenan material’s functionality toward Mn2+ detection from polluted waters and from medical samples, relying on its synergistic partnership with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The plasmonic porphyrin-k-carrageenan-AuNPs material detected Mn2+ in the range of concentration of 4.56 × 10−5 M to 9.39 × 10−5 M (5–11 mg/L), which can be useful for monitoring health of humans exposed to polluted water sources or those who ingested high dietary manganese.

Management of sport injury using the concept of "do rice, don't harm"

Increasing physical capacity or performance after injury to students is a procedure that is in accordance with the commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the health sector. This service activity aims to increase the active participation of teachers and students in overcoming sports injury health problems. The approach method used in this service activity is to use a synergistic partnership improvement to increase the participation of partners. The approach was carried out with the school health unit (Unit Kesehatan Sekolah/UKS) officers and students. The implementation of this activity received positive support from the principal and sports teachers and is an activity that has never been done in this place. This activity is the result of collaboration between the Faculty of Health Sciences UMM and SMPN 26 Malang City. Based on the results of the evaluation of the training activities carried out, it was found that the participants were able to take part in this activity well and enthusiastically as indicated by an increase in knowledge of 75%. This means that there is an increase in the active participation of teachers and students in overcoming sports injury health problems.

The impact of COVID-19 on disease epidemiology, family dynamics, and social justice in Minnesota: All that you cannot see.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a challenge to established seed grant funding mechanisms aimed at fostering collaboration in child health research between investigators at the University of Minnesota (UMN) and Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota (Children's MN). We created a "rapid response," small grant program to catalyze collaborations in child health COVID-19 research. In this paper, we describe the projects funded by this mechanism and metrics of their success. Using seed funds from the UMN Clinical and Translational Science Institute, the UMN Medical School Department of Pediatrics, and the Children's Minnesota Research Institute, a rapid response request for applications (RFAs) was issued based on the stipulations that the proposal had to: 1) consist of a clear, synergistic partnership between co-PIs from the academic and community settings; and 2) that the proposal addressed an area of knowledge deficit relevant to child health engendered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grant applications submitted in response to this RFA segregated into three categories: family fragility and disruption exacerbated by COVID-19; knowledge gaps about COVID-19 disease in children; and optimizing pediatric care in the setting of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. A series of virtual workshops presented research results to the pediatric community. Several manuscripts and extramural funding awards underscored the success of the program. A "rapid response" seed funding mechanism enabled nascent academic-community research partnerships during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the context of the rapidly evolving landscape of COVID-19, flexible seed grant programs can be useful in addressing unmet needs in pediatric health.