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Antunes N, Kundu B, Kundu SC, Reis RL, Correlo V. In Vitro Cancer Models: A Closer Look at Limitations on Translation. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:166. [PMID: 35447726 PMCID: PMC9029854 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9040166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro cancer models are envisioned as high-throughput screening platforms for potential new therapeutic discovery and/or validation. They also serve as tools to achieve personalized treatment strategies or real-time monitoring of disease propagation, providing effective treatments to patients. To battle the fatality of metastatic cancers, the development and commercialization of predictive and robust preclinical in vitro cancer models are of urgent need. In the past decades, the translation of cancer research from 2D to 3D platforms and the development of diverse in vitro cancer models have been well elaborated in an enormous number of reviews. However, the meagre clinical success rate of cancer therapeutics urges the critical introspection of currently available preclinical platforms, including patents, to hasten the development of precision medicine and commercialization of in vitro cancer models. Hence, the present article critically reflects the difficulty of translating cancer therapeutics from discovery to adoption and commercialization in the light of in vitro cancer models as predictive tools. The state of the art of in vitro cancer models is discussed first, followed by identifying the limitations of bench-to-bedside transition. This review tries to establish compatibility between the current findings and obstacles and indicates future directions to accelerate the market penetration, considering the niche market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Antunes
- Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal; (N.A.); (B.K.); (S.C.K.); (R.L.R.)
- ICVS/3 B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Banani Kundu
- Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal; (N.A.); (B.K.); (S.C.K.); (R.L.R.)
- ICVS/3 B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Subhas C. Kundu
- Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal; (N.A.); (B.K.); (S.C.K.); (R.L.R.)
- ICVS/3 B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Rui L. Reis
- Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal; (N.A.); (B.K.); (S.C.K.); (R.L.R.)
- ICVS/3 B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Vítor Correlo
- Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, 3Bs—Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, AvePark, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Portugal; (N.A.); (B.K.); (S.C.K.); (R.L.R.)
- ICVS/3 B’s—PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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The Role of Exosomes in Inflammatory Diseases and Tumor-Related Inflammation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11061005. [PMID: 35326456 PMCID: PMC8947057 DOI: 10.3390/cells11061005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation plays a decisive role in inducing tumorigenesis, promoting tumor development, tumor invasion and migration. The interaction of cancer cells with their surrounding stromal cells and inflammatory cells further forms an inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME). The large number of cells present within the TME, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), macrophages, neutrophils, etc., play different roles in the changing TME. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles released by various types of cells, participate in a variety of inflammatory diseases and tumor-related inflammation. As an important communication medium between cells, exosomes continuously regulate the inflammatory microenvironment. In this review, we focused on the role of exosomes in inflammatory diseases and tumor-related inflammation. In addition, we also summarized the functions of exosomes released by various cells in inflammatory diseases and in the TME during the transformation of inflammatory diseases to tumors. We discussed in depth the potential of exosomes as targets and tools to treat inflammatory diseases and tumor-related inflammation.
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Khatami M. Deceptology in cancer and vaccine sciences: Seeds of immune destruction-mini electric shocks in mitochondria: Neuroplasticity-electrobiology of response profiles and increased induced diseases in four generations - A hypothesis. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e215. [PMID: 33377661 PMCID: PMC7749544 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
From Rockefeller's support of patent medicine to Gates' patent vaccines, medical establishment invested a great deal in intellectual ignorance. Through the control over medical education and research it has created a public illusion to prop up corporate profit and encouraged the lust for money and power. An overview of data on cancer and vaccine sciences, the status of Americans' health, a survey of repeated failed projects, economic toxicity, and heavy drug consumption or addiction among young and old provide compelling evidence that in the twentieth century nearly all classic disease categories (congenital, inheritance, neonatal, or induced) shifted to increase induced diseases. Examples of this deceptology in ignoring or minimizing, and mocking fundamental discoveries and theories in cancer and vaccine sciences are attacks on research showing that (a), effective immunity is responsible for defending and killing pathogens and defective cancerous cells, correcting and repairing genetic mutations; (b) viruses cause cancer; and (c), abnormal gene mutations are often the consequences of (and secondary to) disturbances in effective immunity. The outcomes of cancer reductionist approaches to therapies reveal failure rates of 90% (+/-5) for solid tumors; loss of over 50 million lives and waste of $30-50 trillions on too many worthless, out-of-focus, and irresponsible projects. Current emphasis on vaccination of public with pathogen-specific vaccines and ingredients seems new terms for drugging young and old. Cumulative exposures to low level carcinogens and environmental hazards or high energy electronic devices (EMF; 5G) are additional triggers to vaccine toxicities (antigen-mitochondrial overload) or "seeds of immune destruction" that create mini electrical shocks (molecular sinks holes) in highly synchronized and regulated immune network that retard time-energy-dependent biorhythms in organs resulting in causes, exacerbations or consequences of mild, moderate or severe immune disorders. Four generations of drug-dependent Americans strongly suggest that medical establishment has practiced decades of intellectual deception through its claims on "war on cancer"; that cancer is 100, 200, or 1000 diseases; identification of "individual" genetic mutations to cure diseases; "vaccines are safe". Such immoral and unethical practices, along with intellectual harassment and bullying, censoring or silencing of independent and competent professionals ("Intellectual Me Too") present grave concerns, far greater compared with the sexual harassment of 'Me Too' movement that was recently spearheaded by NIH. The principal driving forces behind conducting deceptive and illogical medical/cancer and vaccine projects seem to be; (a) huge return of investment and corporate profit for selling drugs and vaccines; (b) maintenance of abusive power over public health; (c) global control of population growth via increased induction of diseases, infertility, decline in life-span, and death. An overview of accidental discoveries that we established and extended since 1980s, on models of acute and chronic ocular inflammatory diseases, provides series of the first evidence for a direct link between inflammation and multistep immune dysfunction in tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. Results are relevant to demonstrate that current emphasis on vaccinating the unborn, newborn, or infant would induce immediate or long-term immune disorders (eg, low birth weight, preterm birth, fatigue, autism, epilepsy/seizures, BBB leakage, autoimmune, neurodegenerative or digestive diseases, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, or cancers). Vaccination of the unborn is likely to disturb trophoblast-embryo-fetus-placenta biology and orderly growth of embryo-fetus, alter epithelial-mesenchymal transition or constituent-inducible receptors, damage mitochondria, and diverse function of histamine-histidine pathways. Significant increased in childhood illnesses are likely due to toxicities of vaccine and incipient (eg, metals [Al, Hg], detergents, fetal tissue, DNA/RNA) that retard bioenergetics of mitochondria, alter polarization-depolarization balance of tumoricidal (Yin) and tumorigenic (Yang) properties of immunity. Captivated by complex electobiology of immunity, this multidisciplinary perspective is an attempt to initiate identifying bases for increased induction of immune disorders in three to four generations in America. We hypothesize that (a) gene-environment-immune biorhythms parallel neuronal function (brain neuroplasticity) with super-packages of inducible (adaptive or horizontal) electronic signals and (b) autonomic sympathetic and parasympathetic circuitry that shape immunity (Yin-Yang) cannot be explained by limited genomics (innate, perpendicular) that conventionally explain certain inherited diseases (eg, sickle cell anemia, progeria). Future studies should focus on deep learning of complex electrobiology of immunity that requires differential bioenergetics from mitochondria and cytoplasm. Approaches to limit or control excessive activation of gene-environment-immunity are keys to assess accurate disease risk formulations, prevent inducible diseases, and develop universal safe vaccines that promote health, the most basic human right.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahin Khatami
- Inflammation, Aging and Cancer, National Cancer Institute (NCI)the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (Retired)BethesdaMarylandUSA
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Salem A, Salo T. Nothing to sneeze at: Histamine and histamine receptors in oral carcinogenesis. Oral Dis 2020; 27:1090-1096. [PMID: 32395857 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the most common oral malignancy, shows an increasing rate of incidence worldwide. In spite of the recent advances in cancer research, OSCC therapy continues to have unfavourable outcomes, and thus, patient's prognosis remains relatively poor. Current research has been devoted to identifying novel therapeutic targets also in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Histamine and its G-protein-coupled receptors (H1R-H4R) play vital roles in multiple cancer-associated processes in TME, where histamine is mainly produced by mast cells. However, oral epithelial cells were recently shown to produce low concentrations of histamine in autocrine and paracrine modes. These findings, together with the discovery of the high-affinity histamine H4 receptor, have led to a massive increase in our understanding of histamine functions. In this review, we aim to summarize the most recent findings regarding histamine and its receptors and their involvement in oral carcinogenesis-from oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) to invasive OSCC. Importantly, histamine receptors are differentially expressed in OPMDs and OSCC. Furthermore, H1R and H4R are associated with clinicopathological characteristics of OSCC patients, suggesting a role in prognosis. Due to the enormous success of histamine-based medications, histamine receptors may also represent promising and viable drug targets in oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelhakim Salem
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Research Program Unit (RPU), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuula Salo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Research Program Unit (RPU), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland
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Khatami M. Cancer; an induced disease of twentieth century! Induction of tolerance, increased entropy and 'Dark Energy': loss of biorhythms (Anabolism v. Catabolism). Clin Transl Med 2018; 7:20. [PMID: 29961900 PMCID: PMC6026585 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-018-0193-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of health involves a synchronized network of catabolic and anabolic signals among organs/tissues/cells that requires differential bioenergetics from mitochondria and glycolysis (biological laws or biorhythms). We defined biological circadian rhythms as Yin (tumoricidal) and Yang (tumorigenic) arms of acute inflammation (effective immunity) involving immune and non-immune systems. Role of pathogens in altering immunity and inducing diseases and cancer has been documented for over a century. However, in 1955s decision makers in cancer/medical establishment allowed public (current baby boomers) to consume million doses of virus-contaminated polio vaccines. The risk of cancer incidence and mortality sharply rose from 5% (rate of hereditary/genetic or innate disease) in 1900s, to its current scary status of 33% or 50% among women and men, respectively. Despite better hygiene, modern detection technologies and discovery of antibiotics, baby boomers and subsequent 2-3 generations are sicker than previous generations at same age. American health status ranks last among other developed nations while America invests highest amount of resources for healthcare. In this perspective we present evidence that cancer is an induced disease of twentieth century, facilitated by a great deception of cancer/medical establishment for huge corporate profits. Unlike popularized opinions that cancer is 100, 200 or 1000 diseases, we demonstrate that cancer is only one disease; the severe disturbances in biorhythms (differential bioenergetics) or loss of balance in Yin and Yang of effective immunity. Cancer projects that are promoted and funded by decision makers are reductionist approaches, wrong and unethical and resulted in loss of millions of precious lives and financial toxicity to society. Public vaccination with pathogen-specific vaccines (e.g., flu, hepatitis, HPV, meningitis, measles) weakens, not promotes, immunity. Results of irresponsible projects on cancer sciences or vaccines are increased population of drug-dependent sick society. Outcome failure rates of claimed 'targeted' drugs, 'precision' or 'personalized' medicine are 90% (± 5) for solid tumors. We demonstrate that aging, frequent exposures to environmental hazards, infections and pathogen-specific vaccines and ingredients are 'antigen overload' for immune system, skewing the Yin and Yang response profiles and leading to induction of 'mild', 'moderate' or 'severe' immune disorders. Induction of decoy or pattern recognition receptors (e.g., PRRs), such as IRAK-M or IL-1dRs ('designer' molecules) and associated genomic instability and over-expression of growth promoting factors (e.g., pyruvate kinases, mTOR and PI3Ks, histamine, PGE2, VEGF) could lead to immune tolerance, facilitating cancer cells to hijack anabolic machinery of immunity (Yang) for their increased growth requirements. Expression of constituent embryonic factors would negatively regulate differentiation of tumor cells through epithelial-mesenchymal-transition and create "dual negative feedback loop" that influence tissue metabolism under hypoxic conditions. It is further hypothesized that induction of tolerance creates 'dark energy' and increased entropy and temperature in cancer microenvironment allowing disorderly cancer proliferation and mitosis along with increased glucose metabolism via Crabtree and Pasteur Effects, under mitophagy and ribophagy, conditions that are toxic to host survival. Effective translational medicine into treatment requires systematic and logical studies of complex interactions of tumor cells with host environment that dictate clinical outcomes. Promoting effective immunity (biological circadian rhythms) are fundamental steps in correcting host differential bioenergetics and controlling cancer growth, preventing or delaying onset of diseases and maintaining public health. The author urges independent professionals and policy makers to take a closer look at cancer dilemma and stop the 'scientific/medical ponzi schemes' of a powerful group that control a drug-dependent sick society before all hopes for promoting public health evaporate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahin Khatami
- Inflammation, Aging and Cancer, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Maeda H, Khatami M. Analyses of repeated failures in cancer therapy for solid tumors: poor tumor-selective drug delivery, low therapeutic efficacy and unsustainable costs. Clin Transl Med 2018; 7:11. [PMID: 29541939 PMCID: PMC5852245 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-018-0185-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For over six decades reductionist approaches to cancer chemotherapies including recent immunotherapy for solid tumors produced outcome failure-rates of 90% (±5) according to governmental agencies and industry. Despite tremendous public and private funding and initial enthusiasm about missile-therapy for site-specific cancers, molecular targeting drugs for specific enzymes such as kinases or inhibitors of growth factor receptors, the outcomes are very bleak and disappointing. Major scientific reasons for repeated failures of such therapeutic approaches are attributed to reductionist approaches to research and infinite numbers of genetic mutations in chaotic molecular environment of solid tumors that are bases of drug development. Safety and efficacy of candidate drugs tested in test tubes or experimental tumor models of rats or mice are usually evaluated and approved by FDA. Cost-benefit ratios of such 'targeted' therapies are also far from ideal as compared with antibiotics half a century ago. Such alarming records of failure of clinical outcomes, the increased publicity for specific vaccines (e.g., HPV or flu) targeting young and old populations, along with increasing rise of cancer incidence and death created huge and unsustainable cost to the public around the globe. This article discusses a closer scientific assessment of current cancer therapeutics and vaccines. We also present future logical approaches to cancer research and therapy and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Maeda
- BioDynamics Research Foundation, Kumamoto University (Med), Kumamoto, Kenshin Bldg 3F, Kuwamizu 1-chome, 24-6, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 862-0954, Japan.
- Osaka University Medical School, Osaka, Japan.
- Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Mahin Khatami
- Inflammation, Aging and Cancer, National Cancer Institute, The National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Thermodynamics in cancers: opposing interactions between PPAR gamma and the canonical WNT/beta-catenin pathway. Clin Transl Med 2017; 6:14. [PMID: 28405929 PMCID: PMC5389954 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-017-0144-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells are the site of numerous metabolic and thermodynamic abnormalities. We focus this review on the interactions between the canonical WNT/beta-catenin pathway and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) in cancers and their implications from an energetic and metabolic point of view. In numerous tissues, PPAR gamma activation induces inhibition of beta-catenin pathway, while the activation of the canonical WNT/beta-catenin pathway inactivates PPAR gamma. In most cancers but not all, PPAR gamma is downregulated while the WNT/beta-catenin pathway is upregulated. In cancer cells, upregulation of the WNT/beta-catenin signaling induces dramatic changes in key metabolic enzymes that modify their thermodynamic behavior. This leads to activation of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase1 (PDK-1) and monocarboxylate lactate transporter. Consequently, phosphorylation of PDK-1 inhibits the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH). Thus, a large part of pyruvate cannot be converted into acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) in mitochondria and only a part of acetyl-CoA can enter the tricarboxylic acid cycle. This leads to aerobic glycolysis in spite of the availability of oxygen. This phenomenon is referred to as the Warburg effect. Cytoplasmic pyruvate is converted into lactate. The WNT/beta-catenin pathway induces the transcription of genes involved in cell proliferation, i.e., MYC and CYCLIN D1. This ultimately promotes the nucleotide, protein and lipid synthesis necessary for cell growth and multiplication. In cancer, activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway induces an increase of the aerobic glycolysis. Moreover, prostaglandin E2 by activating the canonical WNT pathway plays also a role in cancer. In addition in many cancer cells, PPAR gamma is downregulated. Moreover, PPAR gamma contributes to regulate some key circadian genes. In cancers, abnormalities in the regulation of circadian rhythms (CRs) are observed. CRs are dissipative structures which play a key-role in far-from-equilibrium thermodynamics. In cancers, metabolism, thermodynamics and CRs are intimately interrelated.
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Khatami M. Safety concerns and hidden agenda behind HPV vaccines: another generation of drug-dependent society? Clin Transl Med 2016; 5:46. [PMID: 27921284 PMCID: PMC5138175 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-016-0126-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Analyses of data and hidden agenda behind repeated failed outcomes of cancer research and therapy, status of American health, safety concerns for HPV vaccines and future research considerations are summarized in this commentary. A closer look at cancer science reveals that highly power structure (system) in medical establishment vs. anti-system and chaos in cancer research ('medical/scientific ponzi schemes') is potent recipe for failed therapeutics that kills patients but generates huge corporate profit. American health status ranks last among other developed nations despite the highest amount that USA invests in healthcare. This is a wake-up call to make sure that the evil part of human being does not prevent the health services that the public deserves. Otherwise, 'it does not matter how many resources you have, if you don't know, or don't want to know, how to use them, they will never be enough'. Answer to cancer and improved public health is possible only by switching the current corruptive and abusive culture of 'who you know' to a culture of 'what you know'. Policy makers and professionals in decision making roles are urged to return to common sense and logics that our Forefathers used to serve the public.
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