Comparative studies between humans and golden Syrian hamsters via thromboelastography

Background:Thromboelastography(TEG)is a widely utilized clinical testing method for real-time monitoring of platelet function and the thrombosis process.Lipid metab-olism disorders are crucial risk factors for thrombosis.The lipid metabolism charac-teristics of hamsters resemble those of humans more closely than mice and rats,and their relatively large blood volume makes them suitable for studying the mechanisms of thrombosis related to plasma lipid mechanisms.Whole blood samples from golden Syrian hamsters and healthy humans were obtained following standard clinical pro-cedures.TEG was employed to evaluate coagulation factor function,fibrinogen(Fib)function,platelet function,and the fibrinolytic system.Methods:The whole blood from hamster or healthy human was isolated following the clinical procedure,and TEG was employed to evaluate the coagulation factor func-tion,Fib function,platelet function,and fibrinolytic system.Coagulation analysis used ACLTOP750 automatic coagulation analysis pipeline.Blood routine testing used XN-2000 automatic blood analyzer.Results:TEG parameters revealed that hamsters exhibited stronger coagulation fac-tor function than humans(reaction time[R],p=0.0117),with stronger Fib function(alpha angle,p<0.0001;K-time[K],p<0.0001).Platelet function did not differ signifi-cantly(maximum amplitude[MA],p=0.077).Hamsters displayed higher coagulation status than humans(coagulation index[CI],p=0.0023),and the rate of blood clot dissolution in hamsters differed from that in humans(percentage lysis 30 min after MA,p=0.02).Coagulation analysis parameters indicated that prothrombin time(PT)and activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT)were faster in hamsters than in hu-mans(PT,p=0.0014;APTT,p=0.03),whereas the Fib content was significantly lower in hamsters than in humans(p<0.0001).No significant difference was observed in thrombin time(p=0.1949).Conclusions:In summary,TEG could be used to evaluate thrombosis and bleeding parameters in whole blood samples from hamsters.The platelet function of hamsters closely resembled that of humans,whereas their coagulation function was signifi-cantly stronger.

Attitudes of the Host Population towards Syrian Refugees: A New Theoretical Perspective

This study delves into the nuanced attitudes of the host community in Izmir,Turkey,towards Syrian refugees,employing a robust threat and benefit theoretical model.It scrutinizes the multifaceted factors contributing to perceived threats and benefits,elucidates the reasons behind the variation in these attitudes,identifies the individuals responsible for holding these perspectives,pinpoints the specific contexts in which they manifest,examines the temporal dimension of these attitudes,and dissects the profound impact they have on mutual adaptation processes and the formulation of migration policies.A diverse group of 34 participants from the host community actively engaged in semi-structured interviews,comprising 16 females and 18 males across an age spectrum spanning 19 to 64 years.Thematic analysis methodically uncovered that economic and demographic considerations prominently constitute the bedrock of perceived threats,while conversely,the study illuminated financial contributions as pivotal benefits.The in-depth understanding garnered from this study holds significant promise for fostering enduring mutual adaptation between the host and refugee communities,thereby cultivating a more harmonious coexistence.Additionally,this nuanced insight informs the strategic development of immigration policies,ensuring they align with the evolving dynamics of this complex relationship.

Identification of optimal reference genes in golden Syrian hamster with ethanol-and palmitoleic acid-induced acute pancreatitis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction

Background:Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a severe disorder that leads to high morbidity and mortality.Appropriate reference genes are important for gene analysis in AP.This study sought to study the expression stability of several reference genes in the golden Syrian hamster,a model of AP.Methods:AP was induced in golden Syrian hamster by intraperitoneal injection of ethanol(1.35 g/kg)and palmitoleic acid(2 mg/kg).The expression of candidate genes,including Actb,Gapdh,Eef2,Ywhaz,Rps18,Hprt1,Tubb,Rpl13a,Nono,and B2m,in hamster pancreas at different time points(1,3,6,9,and 24 h)posttreatment was analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The expression stability of these genes was calculated using Best Keeper,Comprehensive Delta CT,Norm Finder,and ge Norm algorithms and Ref Finder software.Results:Our results show that the expression of these reference genes fluctuated during AP,of which Ywhaz and Gapdh were the most stable genes,whereas Tubb,Eef2,and Actb were the least stable genes.Furthermore,these genes were used to normalize the expression of TNF-αmessenger ribonucleic acid in inflamed pancreas.Conclusions:In conclusion,Ywhaz and Gapdh were suitable reference genes for gene expression analysis in AP induced in Syrian hamster.

Promising xenograft animal model recapitulating the features of human pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND Multiple sites of metastasis and desmoplastic reactions in the stroma are key features of human pancreatic cancer(PC).There are currently no simple and reliable animal models that can mimic these features for accurate disease modeling.AIM To create a new xenograft animal model that can faithfully recapitulate the features of human PC.METHODS Interleukin 2 receptor subunit gamma(IL2RG)gene knockout Syrian hamster was created and characterized.A panel of human PC cell lines were transplanted into IL2RG knockout Syrian hamsters and severe immune-deficient mice subcutaneously or orthotopically.Tumor growth,local invasion,remote organ metastasis,histopathology,and molecular alterations of tumor cells and stroma were compared over time.RESULTS The Syrian hamster with IL2RG gene knockout(named ZZU001)demonstrated an immune-deficient phenotype and function.ZZU001 hamsters faithfully recapitulated most features of human PC,in particular,they developed metastasis at multiple sites.PC tissues derived from ZZU001 hamsters displayed desmoplastic reactions in the stroma and epithelial to mesenchymal transition phenotypes,whereas PC tissues derived from immune-deficient mice did not present such features.CONCLUSION ZZU001 hamsters engrafted with human PC cells are a superior animal model compared to immune-deficient mice.ZZU001 hamsters can be a valuable animal model for better understanding the molecular mechanism of tumorigenesis and metastasis and the evaluation of new drugs targeting human PC.

ONCOGENIC TRANSFORMATION OF SYRIAN HAMSTER EMBRYO CELLS BY 5．3－MeV α PARTICLES AND A TUMOR PROMOTER PHORBOL ESTER

The primary Syrian hamster embryo(SHE) cells were used to study the oncogenic transformation by ￣(238)pu α particles or X-rays alone or in combination with a chemical promoter phorbol ester.Survival curves of SHE cells following exposure to α-particles or X-rays were fitted to single-or multi-target models,respectively. Model parameters were: Do = 0. 55 Gy. n = 1 for α particles 4 Do = 1.44 Gy. Dq = 3.0 Gy. n=7.7 for X-rays.Incidence of α particles or X-rays induced cell transformation was dose-dependant.α particles were more efficient in inducing cell transformation than that of X-rays. The enhancement of SHE cell transformation by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA) following exposure to α particles of 0. 25-1. 00 Gy was observed.

Sesamol inhibits atherogenic LDL-induced endothelial cell senescence in vivo and in vitro

OBJECTIVE Highly electronegative L5 low-density lipoprotein(LDL),an atherogenic LDL,induces endothelial cell(EC)senescence and has been implicated in the progression of atherosclerosis.We examine whether sesamol,a natural organic compound and component of sesame oil,prevents EC senescence induced by electronegative LDL(L5)and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.METHODS Syrian hamsters,which have a LDL profile similar to that of humans,were fed a normal chow diet(control),a high-fat diet(HFD),or a HFD supplemented with the administration of 50 or 100mg·kg-1 sesamol via oral gavage(HFD+sesamol)for 16 weeks(n=10 per group).Among these groups,we compared plasma L5 levels and aortic endothelial senescence in the aortic arch.In vitro,we examined the effects of sesamol on human aortic endothelial cell(HAEC)senescence and signaling pathways induced by L5.RESULTS Hamsters in the HFD group had higher plasma L5 levels than did the HFD+sesamol groups or control group.Betagalactosidase(gal)staining showed that aortic endothelial senescence was markedly increased in the aortic arch of the HFD group but not in that of the HFD+sesamol groups when compared with the control group.In vitro,treatment of HAECs with sesamol(1-3mol·L-1)blocked L5-induced EC senescence in a dose-dependent manner.Sesamol also markedly inhibited the L5-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and p53 activation and increased Mdm2 and phosphorylation of Akt.CONCLUSION The critical findings of this study suggest that sesamol may provide protection against atherosclerosis and the development of cardiovascular disease in humans.

Surgical restoration of drop-hand syndrome with tendon transfer in patients injured in the Syrian civil war

Background:The radial nerve is one of the most common war-related injury sites due to penetrating cutting tool injuries or gunshot wounds,resulting in drop-hand syndrome.The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of tendon transfer in patients with drop-hand syndrome who had been injured in the Syrian Civil War.Methods:This level-II,prospective,comparative study included 13 civilians injured in the Syrian Civil War 2015 and 2017.The palmaris longus tendon was used for transfer to the extensor pollicis longus for thumb extension.The pronator teres was transferred to the extensor carpi radialis brevis for wrist extension.The flexor carpi radialis was transferred to the extensor digiti communis for 2 nd,3 rd,4 th,and 5 th finger extension.All outcomes of thumb abduction and extension,wrist extension,wrist flexion,and finger extension were assessed.Results:There was a high level of radial nerve injury in all patients included in the study.The time from injury to treatment ranged from 1.5 months to 9 months.The mechanism of injury most commonly observed was a gunshot wound,which was observed in 8 patients(61.5%),followed by a penetrating cutting tool injury(n=3;23.1%)and humerus fracture(n=2;15.4%).Conclusions:In radial nerve injuries,successful results can be achieved with tendon transfer.All patients regained thumb abduction of up to approximately 60°.All the patients were able to bend the wrist,grip,and extend the fingers while in wrist flexion,neutral wrist and wrist extension positions.Although the reason for the radial injury varied,the postoperative outcomes were good for all patients,and the rehabilitation period progressed successfully in patients who underwent tendon transfer repair within 90 days of injury.

Intensive care outcomes of refugee patients in Turkey between 2013 and 2019: A retrospective descriptive study

Objectives:To assess the outcomes of the intensive care of Syrian refugees under temporary protection (SRUTP). Methods: The sample of the study was composed of 110 SRUTP patients who were treated at a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) between 2013 and 2019 in Istanbul, Turkey. Baseline information and clinical data of the patients were collected by scanning the hospital's electronic database and clinical decision support system. Results:The mean length of ICU stay was 97.6 (36.3-187.8) h. Among the patients, 71 (64.5%) had comorbid diseases, and ICU mortality was 40%. The median cost of health care for each patient was 2144 (1060-4471) USD, and the total health care cost of all patients was 534012USD. Conclusions: Use of vasoactive drug, hemodialysis application, and low Glasgow Coma Scale scores are independent risk factors of the mortality. More researches are needed to clearly reveal the health and cost consequences of war.

Determination of Nitrate and Nitrite Contents of Syrian White Cheese

The levels of nitrate and nitrite were determined in 102 samples of Syrian white cheese which represents the major production of total cheeses, manufactured mainly from cow’s milk and sheep’s milk in a less degree. Determination of nitrate and nitrite levels has been made by spectrophotometric method. The results for nitrate in cow’s and sheep’s milk cheeses reveal an average of 5.10 and 6.25 mg/kg, respectively. The results for nitrite in cow’s and sheep’s milk cheese were found to contain 1.24 and 1.31 mg/kg as an average, respectively. Several factors can play a role in the interpretation of the high nitrate content, such as livestock nutrition by forge with high nitrate load and water contaminated with nitrogen fertilizer and domestic effluents, primitive production techniques in many cases, and adding nitrate salts to prevent the growth of gas-producing bacteria caused by failing in the hygienic conditions. There is a necessity to apply strict controls to reduce the presence of these two anions in the Syrian white cheese.

The Impact of Syrian Crises on the Jordanian External Trade

Jordan＇s economy is influenced significantly by events taking place in the region, and many successive events in the region occurred during the past two decades, resulted in successive waves of migrations in large numbers to Jordan. The Syrian crisis impact goes beyond the waves of refugees but extended to influence the trade routes to and from Jordan through Syrian route and ports. This research aims to analyze the impact of the Syrian crisis on the Jordanian trade through the use of regression analysis and the use of dummy variable to reflect the Syrian crisis, analyzed the monthly data for the period 2005-2015. In addition, it has used other statistical methods such as records, and has been the Syrian crisis impact analysis on the volume of trade, imports, total export, re-exported, and the national exports. In spite of the lack of trade stop with Syria completely, study showed that there is a significant decline in the trade exchange between Jordan and Syria, but the Syrian crisis may affect the Jordanian imports, the trade volume, trade balance while the study did not show any trace of the Syrian crisis on the national exports. Finally, the study recommends that there are needs for analytical studies and the use of econometric models to demonstrate the impact of the Syrian crisis measures on all sectors and on the sets of Jordanian goods imported and exported.

Arrested Development in Beirut： Migration, Security and Dilemmas of Consociational Democracy

This article analyses two major dilemmas in contemporary Lebanon： Firstly, based on the theory of consociational democracy it identifies an increasing divide between the state that is building on a national security consensus among the power sharing elites and the society, which suffering from the political paralysis concerning reforms is depending on the market, the private initiative and the international donor community in coping with the challenges rooted in inadequate infrastructure, failing public services, corruption, and migration including the influx of Syrian refugees. Secondly, it discusses the contradiction between the cosmopolitan self-image of Beirut versus social exclusion of Palestinians, Asian and African migrant workers, and sexual minorities. Even if the Lebanese government points to terrorism and the refugees crisis as the biggest threats to the Lebanese state a closer analysis points to the increasing divide between state and society, which leads to a rise to a social crisis that involves all layers in the Lebanese society except the elite. Much of the discontent with this situation among Lebanese citizens and the Palestinians is today directed against the Syrians who are portrayed as the roots of the problems in Lebanon. It is an open question though that how long time the Lebanese society accept this narrative： the mass mobilization behind first You Stink movement in 2015 and then Beirut Madinati in 2016 indicates a political awareness in Beirut that holds the government and political system responsible for the huge problems and at the same time acknowledges that political reforms leading to a better economic distribution of Lebanese resources and power sharing not only for the elites but for the Lebanese society as such is the only way ahead and the best bulwark against a breakdown of the state.

Children's Deviation in the Acquisition of Variable Linguistic Gender Patterns

This study examines the acquisition of variation from the vernacular Syrian input of 22 parents in the output of their 21 children in the village of Oyoun Al-Wadi in Syria, using the four rural vowel variables (o), (o:), (e), and (e:). Each variable has two realizations: rural [o, o:, e, e:] respectively and urban [a, a:, a, a:] respectively.Fathers use the rural vowels more than mothers, but the difference is statistically insignificant. Like fathers, boys use more rural vowels than girls. However, the difference between boys and girls is statistically significant. No correlation emerged between the children’s and parents’ use of the variants, indicating that children are not acquiring their parents5 exact frequencies, which suggests developmental effect rather than statistical learning of parental input effect. The boys’ higher use of the rural forms after age eight is attributed to a social, psychological polarization process between boys and girls to create a highly differentiated gendered linguistic behavior in line with another highly differentiated gendered linguistic behavior related to a stereotypical consonant variable, (q), which is observed in both parents and children.

An Integrated Approach to Syrian Refugees’ Health Care in Lebanon

The purpose of this paper is to learn from the integrated health care approach for the Syrian Armenian refugees by the HKCC （Howard Karagheusian Commemorative Corporation） in Burj Hammoud in Lebanon from the perspective of the beneficiaries themselves, i.e. the Syrian Armenian refugees. One hundred families who had been residing in Burj Hammoud and who had been regularly benefiting from the health services of the HKCC for at least one year were interviewed. The interviewees used a semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed and emerging themes were mapped. The Syrian Armenian refugees who participated in this study generally expressed their satisfaction with the equitable access afforded by the HKCC’s integrated health care approach. There were several reasons why the HKCC’s integrated approach to serve refugees and the local population on equal footing was given positive reviews by the sampled refugees. Based on the responses of the refugees, these reasons are mainly （a） the convenient location of the center, which is walking distance for most refugees; （b） the ability of the treating doctors to communicate with the refugees in Armenian, which facilitates diagnosis and understanding of the health problems; （c） suitable opening hours; （d） friendly staff; and （e） thorough doctors. The results do not statistically represent the overall refugee population that is served by the HKCC; due to the study’s limited demographic scope, the results cannot be generalized. This limitation was due to lack of funding to cover the whole beneficiary Syrian Armenian refugee population. The HKCC’s approach has helped in providing access to treatment and preventive measures to a refugee population that was in need of it; as a consequence, it may have improved the health outcomes of this refugee population, especially in regard to the immunization of children. An integrated approach to healthcare which provides “equal ability by refugees and host nationals to access the same healthcare resources from the same providers” seemed to have been successful in the case of the HKCC. This paper provided first exploration of an integrated health approach for refugee healthcare provision in Lebanon.

Aligning Europe： The Syrian Refugee Crisis and the Geopolitics of the Region

This article examines the Syrian refugee crisis as a case study in order to understand how foreign policy practices developed by the US in the Middle East and Europe＇s refugee policy for handling mass influxes are interconnected. With international politics evolving in a dynamic and not static manner, the authors note that the conflicts driving today＇s refugee crisis are symptomatic of the shifting structure of international system that has been developed over the past 70 years with the emphasis being placed on the regional realities and the geopolitical competitions in the Middle East. In this respect, the authors provide an overview of the changing nature of the foreign policy strategy of the US in a globalizing multi-polar world and its linkage with migration movements in the Middle East. By acknowledging and taking advantage of one of the oldest and most enduring concepts of international relations, the authors outline the dynamics of the balance of power strategy in an emerging multi-polar world and describe the prudent pursuit of an ＂offshore balancing＂ grand strategy by the US and firmly consistent with America＇s global interests. By bringing forward a fi＇amework analysis which recognizes the soaring refugee and migration flows as the spillover effect of the US sponsored ＂offshore balancing＂ regional strategy for setting the principles and paving the way towards gradually establishing a functional balance of power in the Middle East, the authors draw special attention to the influential role of the EU and its incomplete attempt, via the refugee crisis, to adjust to the US＇s grand strategy which allows for fairer shifting of global burdens and security threats with profound repercussions on regional and international stability.

FURTHER STUDIES ON THE MALIGNANT TRANSFORMATION OF SYRIAN GOLDEN HAMSTER EMBRYO CELLS IN VITR0 BY THORIUM DIOXIDE AND RARE EARTH IRON MINERAL DUSTS

Malignant transformation of hamsterembryo cells was induced in vitro by rareearth iron mineral dusts(MP),naturalthorium(Th02) and MP plus Th02.Dusts of MP,MP plus Th02 or Th02 were added into themedium with the final concentration of 17.0,

The Uniform Carcinogenic Action of Alkylnitrosoureas in Syrian Hamsters

The carcinogenic effects of a number of alkylnitrosoureas in Syrian golden hamsters have been compared by administering them by gavage as solutions in corn oil/ethyl acetate.The compounds were methyl-,ethyl-,2-hydroxyethyl-,2-oxopropyl-,and 2-phenylethylnitrosourea and the dialkylnitrosoureas dimethyl- and diethylnitrosourea,ethylnitrosohydroxyethylurea, ethylnitroso-2-oxopropylurea,2-oxopropylnitrosochloroethylurea,and hydroxyethylnitroso- ethylurea.All were given at approximately equimolar doses and,in most cases,to male and female hamsters.Most of the hamsters died with tumors associated with the treatments.Methyl- nitrosourea,ethylnitrosourea,and hydroxyethylnitrosourea,but not oxopropylnitrosourea, gave rise to a high incidence of tumors of the forestomach,while the dialkylnitrosoureas pro- duced smaller numbers of forestomach tumors.All of the alkylnitrosoureas induced hemangio- sarcomas of the spleen,which was the most common tumor produced by these carcinogens. Tumors of other types were uncommon,except that ethylnitrosourea and ethylnitrosohydroxy- ethylurea induced tumors of the cervix in about half of the animals and ethylnitrosooxopropyl- urea induced some nervous system tumors.The small number of common target organs of alkylnitrosoureas in hamsters contrasted sharply with the broad spectrum of tumors they in- duced in rats,depending on the nature of the alkyl groups,and with a quite different order of potency in the latter species,1989 Academic Press.Inc.

Compulsory Migration From Syria to Gaziantep and Reviews About Residences

As the staying duration of the refugees who come from Syria to Gaziantep prolonged,the need for residence together with the need for shelter came up.This city,which received internal migration previously and which already had an intense squatting problem,increased its housing demand further with the fast migration of Syrian refugees to the city and unfortunately had to open up even the unhealthy,unused structures to be used.This study aims to identify the lifestyle,family structure,economic condition,type of housing,and places that refugees use both in Syria and in Gaziantep in order to solve the housing problem more optimally,to compare and evaluate the condition and use of the cultural and social areas available around residences,and to shed light on the housing projects which will be built later.As a result,the size of the residences which Syrians use decreased.If new structures which will be preferred also by Syrians will be built,the green areas and social facilities of these structures should be structured.As apartment type structures are preferred more,more number of rooms and the separate design of the bathroom and WC should also be organized.

Religious Violence in the Middle East： Military Intervention, Salafi-Jihadism and the Dream of a Caliphate

From the beginnings of Wahabism in the 18th century to the so called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant （ISIL, ISIS） violence has occasionally been justified in the name of Islam, which is problematic for secular and traditional scholars alike. This paper demonstrates that there are three complex, interrelated causes for this violence： foreign military intervention, Salafi-Jihadism and a utopian state founded upon faith and justice, i.e. a caliphate.

Measure of Multifunctional Agriculture-Syrian Experts’ Perception

Multifunctionality, as a feature of agriculture, is subject to different interpretations, depending on the state and context. The core concept of Multifunctionality of Agriculture (MFA) is that the agricultural sector has multiple roles. These roles are not confined to food and fiber production, but also to the provision of several non-market commodities. In this study, we have interviewed 30 Syrian experts from different fields of sciences so as to examine their understanding of the concept of multifunctional agriculture and its elements and look closely into the importance of the elements of MFA in Syrian agricultural policy context from an expert’s point of view. The results show that wider roles of agriculture are highly acknowledged among the chosen experts but few of them are working on it. In its broadest sense, no undivided acceptance of the concept of multifunctionality has been found. The Syrian agriculture policies have elements which support and improve MFA, but it is not clearly recognized as such.