bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19: Avoiding a second tragedy in a tuberculosis burdened country
Authors: Yadav Siddharth Raj , Kumar Rohit , Gupta Nitesh , Ish Pranav , Chakrabarti Shibdas , Kumar Amit
Published: May 2020

To the EditorNovel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first notified in December 2019 from Wuhan, China. Now, it has spread rapidly and has been declared a pandemic affecting over 200 countries with widespread morbidity and mortality. It has been postulated that the most vulnerable population are the elderly, people living in crowded areas, children and immune-compromised individuals, such as people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The correlation of tuberculosis (TB), HIV and malnutrition are well documented and hence, people with tuberculosis should be considered as special population in this pandemic. TB is an ancient disease among humans recorded as far back as seventy thousand years which was declared a global public health emergency in 1993 by the World Health Organisation (WHO). India has the highest TB burden in the world.
An assessment of nutritional status in children of rural, northern KwaZulu-Natal province
Authors: Gate Kelly R. , Mfeka-Nkabinde Nompumelelo G. , Naidoo Kantharuben
Published: May 2020

Background: Childhood malnutrition in South Africa is largely perceived as one of undernutrition, with the opposite end of the spectrum (overnutrition) being evidenced in the increasing prevalence of childhood obesity, demonstrated to be associated with chronic metabolic diseases in adulthood. Targeting childhood malnutrition is a potential interventional strategy to prevent non-communicable diseases amongst adults. As the prevalence of malnutrition (undernutrition and overnutrition) in rural, northern KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, is largely unknown, this study aimed to determine the baseline nutritional status of children attending primary healthcare facilities within the Bethesda Hospital catchment area.Methods: This quantitative, cross-sectional study included children aged 6 weeks to 19 years, attending any primary healthcare clinics for over a 3 months period. Anthropometric measurements were obtained to categorise the children according to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) nutritional classifications.Results: Stunting in children aged less than 5 years was found to be lower (14%) than nationally representative studies (27%); however, 14.4% of the infants aged 6 weeks to 5 months were overweight, increasing to 32.3% in those aged 14–19 years. Males in the 6-weeks to 5-month age group were more likely to be overweight/obese and stunted than females in the same age group.Conclusion: Undernutrition is showing a downward trend, which is a testament to initiatives to reduce food insecurity amongst the poor. However, the emerging upward trend of overweight/obesity in children of all ages, indicates the need to have a national discussion on over- and undernutrition, its causes and implications.
Взрывная неустойчивость в нелинейных волновых моделях с распределенными параметрами
Authors: Korpusov Maxim Olegovich , Ovsyannikov Evgenii Alekseevich
Published: May 2020

В работе рассматриваются два модельных нелинейных уравнения. Эти уравнения описывают электрические колебания в системах с распределенными параметрами на основе диодов с нелинейными характеристиками. Для этих уравнений получены эквивалентные интегральные уравнения для классических решений
задач Коши, первой и второй начально-краевых задач в полупространстве $x>0$. Методом сжимающих отображений доказана локальная во времени разрешимость рассматриваемых задач. Для одного из уравнений методом нелинейной емкости С. И. Похожаева выведены априорные оценки, из которых вытекают результаты о разрушении решений за конечное время, и получены оценки сверху на это время. Для другого уравнения модифицированным методом Х. А. Левина получены достаточные условия blow-up для достаточно больших начальных данных и получена оценка снизу на характер разрушения для некоторого функционала, имеющего смысл энергии. Кроме того, получена оценка сверху на время разрушения.
Библиография: 31 наименование.
О скорости аппроксимации в единичном круге функций класса $H^1$ логарифмическими производными полиномов с корнями на границе круга
Authors: Komarov Mikhail Anatol'evich
Published: May 2020

Исследуется равномерная аппроксимация в открытом единичном круге $D=z\colon |z|<1\}$ логарифмическими производными $C$-полиномов, т. е. полиномов, все нули которых лежат на единичной окружности $C=z\colon |z|=1\}$. Получены оценки скорости такой аппроксимации для функций из класса Харди $H^1(D)$ и определенных его подклассов. Найдены некоторые оценки скорости равномерной аппроксимации (как внутри $D$, так и в замыкании $D$) посредством $h$-сумм $\sum_k \lambda_k h(\lambda_k z)$ с параметрами $\lambda_k\in C$.
Библиография: 20 наименований.
La resiliencia y su relación con el desempeño laboral
Authors: Morgan Jesús
Published: May 2020

En el mundo empresarial es crítico contar con herramientas para incrementar el desempeño de los colaboradores en una empresa. De esa forma, las corporaciones pueden lograr ventajas competitivas. La presente investigación buscó determinar si había algún tipo de relación entre la resiliencia y el desempeño laboral. La resiliencia se describe como la capacidad de sobreponerse a eventos adversos y salir transformado positivamente de ellos. El desempeño es parte del capital de las ciencias empresariales y busca medir cómo una persona actúa en una empresa y qué resultados le genera a la corporación. Se aplicó un muestreo aleatorio estadístico, y se utilizaron estadísticos paramétricos para una posible generalización de resultados. Se determinó que la resiliencia tiene una correlación positiva con el desempeño laboral.
Fijación de precios y costos de memorias electrónicas frente a la devaluación en Costa Rica
Authors: Suchar Daniel
Published: May 2020

En Costa Rica la situación socioeconómica no está viviendo su mejor momento. Esto ha llevado a que muchas empresas tengan que tomar la decisión de migrar sus operaciones a otros países.
Contrariamente, el sector de artículos electrónicos ha manifestado un crecimiento importante en los últimos tres años, por encima del 14% interanual. Estos productos son de origen foráneo,su obtención se debe realizar a través de una transacción en moneda extranjera. El presente trabajo pretende una aproximación al estudio empírico del análisis de la correlación que existe entre estas variables macro y microeconómicas en el contexto de Costa Rica, utilizando para ello el marco analítico de los diversos análisis generales y específicos. Se consigue que la relación entre el precio y la fluctuación del tipo de cambio afecte mucho más en los productos de mayor capacidad de almacenaje frente a los de menor capacidad,condicionando su efectividad comercial en el sector de artículos electrónicos.
Estado de las iniciativas de emprendimientos planteados en los TFG a abril de 2014
Authors: Solera Jose
Published: May 2020

En Costa Rica, como sucede en otros países de la región, el tema del emprendedurismo se anuncia en las agendas públicas y políticas con mucho ruido. En las universidades públicas y privadas, el tema también está presente y se atiende de diversas maneras. Una de éstas se realiza mediante la inclusión de cursos específicos sobre desarrollo de emprendedores y liderazgo empresarial en los planes de estudios. A pesar de la buena voluntad, se carece de alguna indicación que permita identificar que lo que se hace tenga algún efecto positivo concreto en las capacidades emprendedoras de los estudiantes.
En la Universidad Fidélitas se realizó una investigación de campo para determinar la suerte final de iniciativas que calificaran como propuestas de emprendimiento y que se presentaron como un Trabajo Final de Graduación (TFG) por parte de estudiantes de las carreras de Contaduría Pública y Administración de Negocios entre 2011-2014. De más de 500 TFG analizados, se escogieron cincuenta (50) que se consideraron apropiados y se analizó su situación actual. Se presentan los resultados y se discute sobre las razones que los explican, así como su significado.
Influencia de la variación del tipo de cambio en la competitividad de memorias micro SD en el mercado de Costa Rica desde 2009 hasta 2016
Authors: Suchar Zomer Daniel
Published: May 2020

En Costa Rica, la situación socioeconómica no está viviendo su mejor momento. Esto ha llevado a que muchas empresas tengan que tomar la decisión de migrar sus operaciones a otros países. Contrariamente, el sector de artículos electrónicos ha manifestado un crecimiento importante en los últimos tres años, por encima del 14 % interanual. El presente trabajo pretende una aproximación al estudio empírico del análisis de la correlación que existe entre variables macro y microeconómicas en el contexto de Costa Rica, utilizando para ello el marco analítico de los diversos análisis generales y específicos. Se consigue que la relación entre el precio y la fluctuación del tipo de cambio afecta mucho más a las memorias micro SD de mayor capacidad de almacenaje que a las de menor capacidad, condicionando su efectividad y competitividad comercial en el sector de artículos electrónicos.
MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN CAREGIVERS OF CANCER PATIENTS
Authors: Mukhtar Anila , Malik Anila Amber , Rasool Ayesha
Published: May 2020

Cancer, a terminal illness, has long been a focus of attention due to its fatal nature. Its diagnosis results in distress not only to the patients and physicians, but also the families and caregivers involved. This distress is of a multifaceted nature, including psychological, financial and physical distress. The present paper aims to explore mental health issues that specifically influence cancer patients’ caregivers. However, in a country like Pakistan literature is not very rich regarding the mentioned issue. Therefore, giving rise to the immense need to create awareness concerning this pressing issue. In this paper, an effort has been made to identify the types of mental health problems and variables which could potentially affect the mental health of a cancer patient caregiver. An analysis on the type of issues and associated determining variables reveals various patients’ variable, situational variable or the caregiver’s own personality which makes them susceptible to poor mental health. Furthermore, the paper tries to answer the different question regarding the prevalence rate, current status of, and awareness on the above mentioned aspect. In the end some possible recommendations have also been made in the context of the mental health issues regarding the caregivers of cancer patients discussed in the paper.
PAKISTAN’S COUNTERTERRORISM STRATEGY: A CRITICAL OVERVIEW
Authors: Ahmed Naeem
Published: May 2020

This paper is an effort to critically evaluate Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy, based on both military and non-military means. The paper argues that the counterterrorism strategy of Pakistan has proved ineffective and counter-productive to combat the homegrown threat of terrorism, unleashed by militant sectarian groups, following the Takfiri ideology. Although Pakistan’s Military claims that the latest on-going security operations, Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan and Khyber-II in Khyber Agency, have succeeded in clearing most of the area, however, the matter of fact is that the security operations have not considerably damaged the ability of terrorists, particularly the Tehrik Taliban Pakistan (TTP), to plan and execute terrorist attacks. The terrorists’ network, their strength and structure have until now remained intact. The key to longterm prevention of terrorism, beyond security operations for clearing any area of the militants, is to discontinue the supply chain of terrorists. This requires the creation of a new counter-extremism religious narrative, which will help re-formulate a concrete and effective counter-terrorism strategy of Pakistan to ensure domestic peace and security.
IMPACT OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT, EXTERNAL DEBT AND POPULATION ON ECONOMIC GROWTH OF PAKISTAN: 1980-2014
Authors: Ali Shoukat , Hussain M.Athar , Zulqaif Aqsa
Published: May 2020

This study aims to analyze the impact of Foreign Direct Investment(FDI), external debt and population growth on economic progress of Pakistan by using time series data from 1980 to 2014. It analyzes the correlation between Gross Domestic Product(GDP),FDI, external debt and population growth. Augmented Dickey Fuller test has been used to check stationarity in time series data. To evaluate the empirical results multiple regression method is used. GDP has been used as a dependent variable while FDI, external debt and population as independent variables. Findings of this paper show the positive and significant impact of FDI, and population growth on GDP but external debt has negative impact on GDP.
‘SECURITY DILEMMA’ OF PAKISTAN IN THE CONTEXT OF AFGHANISTAN: A REGIONAL TRILATERAL SOLUTION
Authors: Uddin Syed Shuja
Published: May 2020

Three inevitable realities instigate this study. Primarily, the goal of security in the region will most likely be accomplished just if as a minimum some level of cooperation is achieved between the major countries of the region. Second, Afghanistan cannot advance economically or enhance its security and administration independently without some cooperation from India and Pakistan. Third, although many strategists view the idea of Pak-India cooperation with distrust, there are many common grounds where both can gain considerable security, governance, and economic advantages. Most of the existing studies are focused on the assumptions that how peace in the region will come. First view is about involvement of USA and European countries (Western World) on one side and stake holders (Afghan Administration & Taliban) in Afghanistan on the other. Some believe in a trilateral pattern i.e. Western World, Afghan stake holders and Pakistan. Many also highlight the importance of support from neighboring countries like Iran, the Central Asian Republics (CARs), and China. This study highlights the significance of a trilateral (India, Pakistan and Afghanistan) solution in Afghanistan and the steps forward from this particular aspect. The possible answer to security dilemma of Pakistan in the context of Afghanistan is a solution within the region.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: EXTENDING THE VISION OF DR. MAHBUB UL HAQ
Authors: Liyanage Sumanasiri , Kankanamge Anuruddha
Published: May 2020

Climate change is not a “natural” disaster, but a creation of the system that is aimed in pursuit of private profit at increasing scale. The implications and effects of climate change can be considered as one of the key factors in determining not only the welfare of human being but also the existence of other life forms and our planet. The principal submission of this paper is, extending and advancing the insight of Dr Mahbubul Haq and his team’s work on Human Development Index, to another important step by including the negative impact of climate change. This paper uses carbondioxide emission of a given country as a proxy to capture the adverse effects on climate change and incorporates that into the HDI in a way that higher carbondioxide emissions lowers the HDI and renamed it as Clean Air Adjusted HDI. The new index changes the current HDI ranking of countries by pushing down the countries with heavy air pollution. Findings of this study can be useful specifically to countries with higher level of emissions to reconsider their relative ranking in terms of Clean Air Adjusted HDI, to bring down the emission levels. Further, International Agencies work on Human Development can give country specific recommendations to improve HDI ranking and also to mitigate adverse consequences on the environment.
CHANGE AND CONTINUITY AMONG THE BATOMBU SINCE 1900
Authors: Oladipo Ojo Emmanuel
Published: May 2020

Like elsewhere in Nigeria and Africa, the imposition of colonial rule on Batombuland and the incursion of western ideas produced profound socio-cultural, economic and political changes in the Batombu society. However, unlike several Nigerian and African peoples whose histories have received extensive scholarly attention, the history of the Batombu has attracted very little scholarly attention. Thus virtually neglected, the Batombu occupies a mere footnote position in the extant historiography of Nigeria. This is the gap this article seeks to fill. It examines the impact of colonialism and western civilisation on Batombu’s political, social, economic and cultural institutions and concludes that as profound and far-reaching as these changes were some important aspects of the indigenous institutions and traditional practices of the people survived.
IMPROVEMENT OF WRITING SKILLS USING ACTIVITY BASED METHOD OF LEARNING AT GRADE-VI
Authors: Ul-Haq Zahoor , Ahmed Khurram Bushra
Published: May 2020

This study was undertaken to investigate the outcome of using the activity based learning method on the development of writing skills of students of grade 6. The study used pretest post-test equivalent group design. 50 students were randomly selected from a government school as sample for this study. They were divided into experimental and control groups based on the scores they achieved in pre-test. Students in the experimentalgroup received instruction through activity based method of learning. In contrast, the traditional method of teaching writing was used for teaching the control group. A comparison of pre- and post-test scores on writing measure evidenced that the experimental group performed better that the control group on writing post-test. It was concluded that activities helped enhance the writing skills of the experimental group. This finding suggests that students of elementary level should be engaged in activity based learning to enhance their writing skills.
MEANING CRISIS’ IN ENVIRONMENT: A MODERNIST PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Herath Charitha
Published: May 2020

The phenomena, processes and states related to the field of environment have been developed within complex contexts. Similarly, the meanings given to concepts in the context of environment too have gone into problematic situations. This leads to a dispute over meanings between environmentalist and philosophers within the same school of philosophy and among different schools such as western and eastern thoughts. This, further, has led to crippling of both the national and the international programs and plans that have been aimed at solving environmental problems and conserving the environment. The broader objective of this paper is to inquire theoretical and historical evolutionary process of the concept of environment in the field of philosophy. In particular, this study discusses theoretical positions that were created in the history of philosophy in the context of modernity. In conclusion, this paper problematizes some issues which create ‘crisis in meaning’ in the context of environment and suggests practical and realistic orders to search a solution for the said crisis.
REFLECTION OF WOMEN’S OPPRESSION IN THE WRITINGS OF QURUT-UL-AIN HAIDER: A SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Siddiqui Naila Usman , Madani Munazza , Raza Sabahat
Published: May 2020

This study analyzed the concept of women’s status and oppression as depicted in the writings of one of the famous fiction writers in Urdu literature named Qurat-ul-Ain Haider. It was a qualitative research study and was based on a sociological analysis of a selected set of stories of the writer. Four stories were chosen from Qurat-ul-Ain Haider’s writings for content analysis. This study reflected the socio-cultural values regarding status of women in the Indian Subcontinent. It facilitated in understanding women’s oppression specifically with reference to the culture in the then Subcontinent. The concept of women’s oppression in the specific context of the literature emerged in the form of low status of women, gender oppression, patriarchal cultural values, and social injustice towards women. The writings of Quratul-Ain-Haider are to date relevant in understanding of the status and subordination of women in South Asia and can serve as a contribution to Feminist Sociology within a specific cultural context.
ASSESSING ROLE OF NEWSPAPERS IN CREATING AWARENESS OF HIV/AIDS IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Kiran Fatima , Mahmood Sadia
Published: May 2020

This study investigates the HIV/AIDS coverage in the selected newspapers. The premises of the study depend upon the fact that informing public about any social issue that effects people’s life is among one of the fundamental functions of media, such as HIV/AIDS is one of prime importance. In this study two most prime newspapers of Pakistan Daily Jang and Dawn were analyzed. This paper adopted two approaches for investigation one is content analysis, and another is discourse analysis. The content analysis was used to determine the frequency of HIV/AIDS content coverage. Discourse analysis was used to determine consciousness of these newspapers on covering HIV/AIDS stories with correct language and terminologies according to the given media guideline of UNICEF. Total 368 editions from 1st July 2017 to 31st December 2017 were sampled for the study. The result of the study indicates that newspapers have severely underestimated the severity of HIV/AIDS. The coverage given by newspapers is dissatisfactory. Selected newspapers used inappropriate terminologies and language in the stories which shows negligence of newspapers regarding HIV/AIDS issue.
DEEPROOTED ISSUE OF CHILD LABOR IN BALOCHISTAN: A CASE STUDY OF QUETTA
Authors: Barech Sadia , Din Muhammad
Published: May 2020

The phenomenon of child labor which denies children in their rights comparatively to possible outcomes and which seats them over inexpressible torments need to stop current in as irritable a period as suitable. Meanwhile, actions are being ended toward this path and administration has taken various errands to battle and expel little child labor from the general public. The task of halting and disposing of child labor needs certain separation additional devotion than most extraordinary formative games and demands for purposeful and orchestrated endeavors from every single public accomplice. The present study was noble as the child labor risk in Quetta. It is basic to commit a sign of the study area jointly through its demographic data and general data of the shared characteristics. Present contemplate was accepted in Quetta. The sample size was one hundred family units which were selected through sample random sampling technique. Children rouse the change way thusly it should be propelled with the goal that their folks could be followed and restrained precisely. With this, the general public can dishearten road peddling by methods for children. Besides, government ought to edify the general population at the appalling impacts of street selling by children. The edification must be intended for demoralizing individuals from looking for from adolescent
POSITIVE DISINTEGRATION IN MYSTICAL EXPERIENCES: A PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY OF MURIEL MAUFROY’S RUMI’S DAUGHTER
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Hussain Muhammad
Published: May 2020

The relationship between psychology and mysticism has gained a great deal of currency over the years. Various psychological models have provided theoretical foundations allowing the researchers to grasp profound varieties and nuances in mystical experiences across cultures and religious traditions. This has, in fact, broadened the canvass for mystical studies. The current paper attempts to carry out a psychological analysis of mystical experience of a character (mystic) named Kimya in Muriel Maufroy’s novel “Rumi’s Daughter”. The study carries out an analysis of how the mystic’s experience of the Divine can be translated in terms of a psychological process of personality disintegration initiated by a conflict, deconstruction of preconceived notions and beliefs and ultimately leading towards secondary integration of personality. Kazimierz Dabrowski’s theory of positive disintegration is employed as a framework to analyse her spiritual encounter. Through a minute textual analysis of the novel, the research reveals certain parallels between the process of personality development and mystical experience. It confirms the contention that the culmination of mystical union underlies psychological wellbeing and serenity on the part of mystic. The study also shows that mystics are those rare individuals who are capable of reaching the final level of personality development characterised by self-autonomy and higher level of consciousness.
MENACE OF CHILD LABOR IN BALOCHISTAN: A CASE STUDY OF QUETTA DISTRICT BALOCHISTAN PROVINCE, PAKISTAN
Authors: Anwar Muhammad , Alizai Shahida Habib , Ali Waris
Published: May 2020

The present study was conducted in Quetta district Balochistan province so as to determine the perception of the respondents about causes and consequences of child labor in Balochistan province. The sample size was 100 family units selected by using the simple random sampling. Somehow (40%) of the respondents fall in the age categories of 41 to 50 years, followed by 30% of the family units who were in the age categories of 50 and above years. More than half 52% of the respondents were illiterates and the other (14%) of the respondents had primary level of education. The result is further expressed that the other 20% of the male respondents were of the view that the retail trade, cycling repairing and carpet business important child labor route respectively. While 20% of the female respondents revealed that they are cycling repairing and carpet business important child labor route respectively at Quetta district. Children are the assets of any nation without their contribution in the developmental process can be null and void, therefore it should be recommended that government must take stern action against the child labor at grass-root level to eliminate the child labor in the community or society.
NEXUS BETWEEN GENDER INEQUALITY IN EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Ali Arshad , Ahmad Imtiaz
Published: May 2020

Pakistan’s women educational attainment has been the lowest in the entire South Asia; with women and girls continuing to suffer discrimination in the field of education. This study is designed to examine the linkage between gender disparity in education and Pakistan economic success, using annual secondary data to date range 1980 to 2019. Also the study checked the variables integration order by using Dickey-Fuller and Philip-Peron tests apart from utilizing the ARDL bound test technique for long-run co-integration relationship while the direction of causality were tested by using Granger causality. The analyses reflect that a strong adverse influence on growth was the result to be yielded from gender educational disparity in Pakistan. This finding is based on the empirical interpretation such as women educational attainment at primary and secondary levels, government expenditures on education, total secondary education and male secondary education significantly contribute to growth. However, the associations of population growth, total labor force, male education at primary level and total primary education with growth being significantly negative. This study also found long run pair-wise causality from male and female secondary school attainment separately, male primary education, total primary and total secondary education to economic success.
UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHTS DECLARATION: RIGHT TO RETURN OF PALESTINIAN REFUGEES
Authors: Sultana Summer , Ijaz Sabir , Jafri Mubasshar Hassan
Published: May 2020

For over last 70 years, the concept of "return" attained primary focus for the national narrative of Palestinian struggle against devastating conditions, categorized as (i) eviction from ancestral homeland, (ii) diffusion in all aspects and (iii) reconstitution of national unity. However, the very idea create fears among Israelis regarding their authority of whole Zionist enterprise, as well as demographic stability of Arab-Jewish ventures, with regards to the return of large number of Palestinians to their own places or any other part in Palestine. Discrimination in opposition to Palestinians is no longer perpetrated fully by Israeli state, but common to its society, as well. Our article is an answer to the complicated question: Can refugees along with other displaced victims ever claim their right in entering Israel and Palestine, since this State includes Gaza and West Bank territories?  Various articles have made an attempt to clarify the matter through some internal laws and have also interpreted the rights mentioned in ‘International Covenants on Civil and Political Rights’, particularly while clarifying the idea evolved from the typical term: 'his own country’. The article focuses on the viable first point, specifically on the claim as a right of the Diasporas return to the formerly called ‘Palestine’. Various resources are utilised for the purpose of the research. This includes books, scholarly researched articles and newspapers etc. The study is analytical in nature and based on qualitative research method. Most of the literature used for the article is Secondary. The conclusion drawn in precise manner is that the intentions are blended in repeated violations of human rights, along with ethnic and religious refining and various innumerable deficiencies, and try to become regularly involved in sensitive issues. This turned out to be disheartening for the people living there as no efforts are made for a truthful resolution.
A comparative study of the efficacy of radial and focused shock wave therapy for tennis elbow depending on symptom duration
Authors: Stania Magdalena , Król Barbara , Franek Andrzej , Błaszczak Edward , Dolibog Paweł , Polak Anna , Dolibog Patrycja , Durmała Jacek , Król Piotr
Published: May 2020

Introduction

In physical therapy, the duration and severity of pain complaints determine the choice of an appropriate physical agent and parameters needed. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of focused and radial shock waves for tennis elbow with respect to the dysfunction period.

Material and methods

The patients with acute (n = 27) and chronic (n = 31) tennis elbow were randomly assigned to a treatment arm: focused shock wave therapy (3 sessions, 2000 shocks, 4 Hz, 0.2 mJ/mm²) or radial shock wave therapy (3 sessions, 2000 shocks, 8 Hz, 2.5 bar). In order to objectivize therapy effects, the severity of pain complaints (Visual Analog Scale), strength of wrist flexors and extensors and grip strength were assessed. We performed pre-intervention measurements and short-term follow-up at 1, 6 and 12 weeks of therapy completion.

Results

At 6 and 12 weeks of therapy completion, all groups exhibited significantly reduced pain complaints (p < 0.05). The most noticeable changes in grip strength, wrist extensors and flexors strength were observed in the affected extremities of all experimental groups while changes within the unaffected extremities were slight. Grip strength as well as the strength of flexor and extensor muscles of the affected limb were significantly greater at 12 weeks of therapy completion compared to pre-intervention values (p < 0.05). At the same time point, percent changes of all study parameters were comparable for all groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Focused and radial shock wave therapy tend to show a significant and comparable short-term therapeutic effect for acute and chronic tennis elbow.
Active surveillance in prostate cancer management: where do we stand now?
Authors: Dragan Jędrzej , Kania Jagoda , Salagierski Maciej
Published: May 2020

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men, with a steadily rising incidence, affecting on average one in six men during their lifetime. The increase in morbidity is related to the increasing overall life expectancy, prostate-specific antigen testing, implementation of new molecular markers for cancer detection and the more frequent application of multiparamet�ric magnetic resonance imaging. There is growing evidence demonstrating that active surveillance (AS) is an alternative to immediate intervention in patients with very low- and low-risk prostate cancer. Ongoing reports from multiple studies have consistently demonstrated a very low rate of metas�tases and prostate cancer specific mortality in selected cohorts of patients. As a matter of fact, AS has been adopted by many institutions as a safe and effective management strategy. The aim of our review is to summarize the contemporary data on AS in patients affected with PCa with the intention to present the most clinically useful and pertinent AS protocols.
The role of selected adipokines in tumorigenesis and metabolic disorders in patients with adrenal tumors
Authors: Babinska Anna , Kmieć Piotr , Sworczak Krzysztof
Published: May 2020

Recently, more and more attention has been directed to the role of adipose tissue and adipocytokines in the pathogenesis of metabolic and inflammatory disorders in humans. Excess fat tissue has also been associated with a higher risk of malignancies. Advances in the research on the role of adipokines in adrenal tumors may elucidate the relationship between various types of adipose tissue (visceral, subcutaneous, and periadrenal) and metabolic disorders observed in hormonally active adrenal tumors, as well as associations with adrenal cortex cancer. In patients with active or cured Cushing syndrome, increased leptin and resistin concentrations as well as release of pro-inflammatory cytokines can be associated with cardiovascular risk. Also, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism may affect the metabolic activity of the adipose tissue. Elevated resistin concentrations in this group of patients are associated with morphological changes of the myocardium independently of the effects of the metabolic syndrome. Further, it has been suggested that hypoadiponectinemia comprises an additional factor in the pathogenesis of carbohydrate metabolism disorders and the risk of cardiovascular complications in pheochromocytoma patients. Understanding the mechanisms of action of adipokines may be important in developing prophylactic and therapeutic strategies in hormonally active and malignant tumors of the adrenal glands.
The association between serum uric acid and features of metabolic disturbances in young adults
Authors: Płaczkowska Sylwia , Pawlik-Sobecka Lilla , Kokot Izabela , Piwowar Agnieszka
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The increase in the number of people affected by different metabolic disturbances, especially among young people, is alarming. It seems worthwhile to reappraise the usefulness of commonly used laboratory parameters potentially associated with metabolic and metabolically obese normal weight syndrome. Serum uric acid may be considered as an indicator and/or a predictor of metabolic disorders. We evaluated serum uric acid concentration in relation to metabolic syndrome, as well as metabolically obese normal weight features, and examined its usefulness in improving metabolic and metabolically obese normal weight syndrome diagnosis in young people.

Material and methods

In 349 apparently healthy people, aged 18-31, features of metabolic and metabolically obese normal weight syndrome and serum uric acid concentration were examined under fasting conditions.

Results

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome increased in uric acid quartiles, while the percentage of metabolically obese normal weight syndrome was at a similar level in all uric acid quartiles. A relationship between uric acid concentration and features of metabolic disorders in quartile and correlation analysis was revealed. Data mining techniques did not indicate the usefulness of uric acid for distinguishing people with metabolic syndrome from those with metabolically obese normal weight syndrome.

Conclusions

We confirmed that in young people an increase in uric acid levels is more closely related to metabolic syndrome features than insulin resistance. Serum uric acid concentration could not be recommended as an independent, strong marker of metabolic or metabolically obese normal weight syndrome occurrence in young people, but finding its elevated concentration should be an indicator for screening for other disturbances associated with metabolic syndrome.
Magnetic marker localisation in breast cancer surgery
Authors: Žatecký Jan , Kubala Otakar , Jelínek Petr , Lerch Milan , Ihnát Peter , Peteja Matúš , Brát Radim
Published: May 2020

Since mammographic screening programmes were initiated, the spectrum of breast cancer has changed in terms of impalpable tumours, thus causing the development of new localisation methods, including magnetic markers. We offer herein an up-to-date review focused on two magnetic markers (Magseed, MaMaLoc) currently used in breast cancer surgery for the localisation of breast tumours or pathological axillary nodes.

Magnetic marker localisation presents a safe and reliable method for breast tumour marking. Four currently available prospective studies demonstrate that the Magseed system has a negative margin rate and a successful localisation rate, both of which are comparable to standard marking systems used in breast cancer surgery. The main benefits of magnetic markers are that they require no radiation safety measures, and they offer the possibility of longer deployment times, thus simplifying surgery scheduling. The most important drawbacks are cost of the system, depth limitation and need for frequent probe recalibration.
Effects of free and nanoparticulate curcumin on chemically induced liver carcinoma in an animal model
Authors: Mohammed Eman , El-Beih Nadia , El-Hussieny Enas , El-Ahwany Eman , Hassan Marwa , Zoheiry Mona
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Curcumin therapeutic applications are constrained by its prominent metabolic instability as well as inadequate absorption and bioavailability. The current study was designed to enhance the curcumin bioavailability by exploiting nanoparticles.

Material and methods

Eleven groups of mice were divided into: normal and nanoparticle control groups, a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) group induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN), 2 groups treated with DEN plus a high dose/low dose of free curcumin, 2 groups treated with a high dose/low dose of free curcumin, 2 groups treated with DEN plus a high dose/low dose of nanoparticulate curcumin, and 2 groups treated with a high dose/low dose of nanoparticulate curcumin.

Results

DEN administration significantly increased liver enzymes, vascular endothelial growth factor, tumor necrosis factor-α, α-fetoprotein, malondialdehyde, and nucelar factor-κB. Also, it decreased serum albumin and tissue antioxidant activities and caused severe histological changes in hepatic tissue. Oral treatment of DEN-injected mice with either a high dose of free curcumin or the tested doses of nanoparticulate curcumin resulted in a significant improvement of all the tested parameters.

Conclusions

Although the two tested doses of nanoparticulate curcumin were much lower than free curcumin, both doses were effective in preventing HCC development while the low dose of free curcumin was hardly effective. Hence, we conclude that nanoparticles enhance the bioavailability of curcumin.
The prevalence of depression in children and adolescents under 18 years of age treated for mental disorders in Poland between 2005 and 2016
Authors: Lisiecka-Biełanowicz Mira , Biechowska Daria , Orłowska Edyta , Molenda Bartłomiej
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The prevalence of depression in Polish children and adolescents under 18 years of age treated for mental disorders has increased in the last few years in Poland. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of major depression in a population of Polish children and adolescents under 18 years of age treated for mental disorders, stratified by sex and place of residence, in the years 2005, 2009, 2014, and 2016.

Material and methods

We analysed the psychiatric treatment data of children and adolescents under the age of 18 years in Poland compiled by the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology in Warsaw for these years.

Results

Major depression was moderately prevalent among children and adolescents treated in all evaluated types of mental health facilities, with a prevalence in this population ranging from 0.8% in 2005 to 4.3% in 2016. The rates of young patients with mood disorders increased from 3.1% in 2005 to 7.0% in 2016. Risk factors for developing major depression in our research group were: being female and living in an urban area.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the need to increase the service capacity for children and adolescents as well as to intensify preventive measures to improve the mental health status of this age group.
Allicin suppressed bladder cancer cell biological activities via regulation of the miR-26b-5p/PTEN axis in an in vitro study
Authors: Su Hongwei , Qiao Xinjun , Li Ting , Li Chen , Liu Xin , Ling Haibin , Li Xiangdong
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-tumour effects of allicin in bladder cancer and to elucidate the related mechanisms by performing an in vitro study.

Material and methods

Using the 5637 and T24 cell lines as model systems, the cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell invasion number and wound-healing rate were measured by MTT, flow cytometry, and Transwell and wound-healing assays. The expression of miR-26b-5p mRNA was evaluated by qRT-PCR assay, and relative protein expression (PTEN, PI3K and AKT) was evaluated by western blot assay. The correlation between miR-26b-5p and PTEN in 5637 and T24 cells was examined by the Dual Luciferase assay.

Results

Compared with the normal control (NC) group, cell proliferation was significantly depressed as apoptosis increased (p < 0.05), the invasion cell number and wound-healing rate were significantly suppressed with allicin treatment, and miR-26b-5p was significantly down-regulated in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05); PTEN was significantly up-regulated, and PI3K and AKT proteins were significantly down-regulated (p < 0.05) in the allicin-treated groups. With miR-26b-5p transfection, the cell biological activities of 5367 and T24 were significantly restored compared with the allicin-treated group (p < 0.05), with PTEN significantly depressed and PI3K and AKT significantly increasing in 5637 and T24 cells (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Allicin has anti-tumour effects on bladder cancer cell biological activities, and the mechanism may involve regulation of the miR-26b-5p/PTEN axis in bladder cancer cells.
The association of diabetes with all-cause mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease compared to the general population in Poland – a comparative analysis
Authors: Wierzba Waldemar , Śliwczyński Andrzej , Karnafel Waldemar , Gujski Mariusz , Słodki Maciej , Lusawa Aleksandra , Pinkas Jarosław
Published: May 2020

Introduction

End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is an important complication of diabetes, which is the leading cause of ESRD worldwide The aim of the study was a comparative analysis of all-cause mortality in patients with ESRD with diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) and no diagnosed DM.

Material and methods

Data for the analysis were obtained from the resources of the Polish National Health Fund, and they concerned patients with end-stage renal disease from the entire population of Polish patients in the period from 01.01.2011 to 31.12.2013. In addition, the period from 01.01.2012 to 31.12.2012 was analysed for two subpopulations: diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Results

The all-cause mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease in Poland per 100,000 representatives of the general population was 17.7, 15.9, and 12.50 persons in 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively. The all-cause mortality rates for patients with ESRD and diabetes in Poland in 2012 were more than 15 times higher, for both men and women, than the all-cause mortality rates for non-diabetic patients with ESRD. Mortality in the study group of diabetic men with ESRD amounted to 147.59 ±29.07/100,000 men, whereas in the study group of diabetic women with ESRD it was 105.13 ±26.77/100,000 women. Regarding non-diabetic men with ESRD and non-diabetic women with ESRD, mortality amounted to 9.58 ±6.29/100,000 and 6.87 ±2.27/100,000 men and women, respectively.

Conclusions

The occurrence of diabetes in patients with ESRD significantly increases the risk of death compared to patients with ESRD without diabetes.
Effect of Toll-like receptor 4 deficiency on clinical severity and expression of Th1/Th2/Th17-associated cytokines in a murine model of experimental autoimmune neuritis
Authors: Wang Li-Juan , Zhu Jie , Wu Xiu-Juan , Li Ting , Yang Chun-Jiao , Kang Xi-Xiong , Zhang Hong-Liang , Zhang Guo-Jun
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The aim was to observe the effect of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) deficiency on clinical severity and expression of Th1/Th2/Th17-associated cytokines in experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN).

Material and methods

We selected C57BL/10 wild type (WT) mice and TLR4 knockout (KO) mice with the C57BL/10 background for induction of the EAN model by immunizing mice twice (days 0 and 8) via subcutaneous injection of 180 µg P0 peptide 180–199 emulsion in 25 µl of PBS and 0.5 mg Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Difco, USA) in 25 µl of Freund’s incomplete adjuvant into the back of mice. The concentrations of serum cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IFN-γ and TNF) were determined using the Ms Th1/Th2/Th17 CBA kit.

Results

We found that TLR4 deficiency could attenuate the clinical severity and delay the onset of EAN. Moreover, our data showed that the sera levels of IFN-γ, TNF, IL-6 and IL-17A were elevated in the WT mice with EAN when compared with the naive WT mice, but only the production of IL-17A was significantly lower in the TLR4 KO mice with EAN than in their WT counterparts.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, TLR4 may contribute to the pathogenesis of EAN by regulating Th17 cells and the production of Th17-associated factors. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear and more evidence is needed to elucidate its role in EAN.
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours in magnetic resonance imaging: primary and recurrent tumour appearance, post-treatment changes, and metastases
Authors: Sedaghat Sam , Schmitz Frederick , Grözinger Martin , Sedaghat Maya
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To analyse the appearance of primary and recurrent malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a focus on configuration, and to assess the occurrence of loco-regional post-treatment changes and metastases during post-treatment follow-up.

Material and methods

Twenty patients with histologically proven MPNST underwent post-treatment 1.5 T MRI. Primary and recurrent MPNSTs were examined for configuration, contrast enhancement, extent, and signal intensity in MRI. Loco-regional post-treatment changes and information on metastases were extracted from the follow-up.

Results

MPNSTs occurred most often in the extremities (p = 0.006). Twenty per cent (n = 4) of the patients developed recurrences, with a total of 24 lesions. Recurrent MPNSTs were significantly smaller than primary MPNSTs (p = 0.003). Primary MPNSTs mostly occurred unifocally as multilobulated or ovoid and heterogeneous lesions with mostly well-defined borders. Recurrent MPNSTs purely occurred multifocally as mostly nodular (p < 0.001), multilobulated, or ovoid lesions. 80%, 65% and 30% of the patients showed post-treatment subcutaneous oedema (p = 0.002 to 0.03), muscle oedema (p = 0.02), and seroma, respectively. Twenty-five per cent (n = 5) of patients presented metastases during follow-up. The relative risk in patients with recurrences to develop lung or lymph node metastases is eightfold (p = 0.056).

Conclusions

While primary MPNSTs mostly appear unifocally as multilobulated or ovoid lesions, recurrent MPNSTs purely occur multifocally as mostly nodular lesions. Subcutaneous and muscle oedema are very common locoregional post-treatment changes. Patients with recurrences have a higher risk for lung and lymph node metastases.