bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL NEWSPAPERS’ ROLE IN NATIONAL INTEGRATION AND THEIR COVERAGE OF ETHNIC ISSUES IN KARACHI
Authors: Ahmed Imtiaz , Masood Tahir
Published: May 2020

The research aims to see as to how identity discourse of national dallies contributes to the process of national integration by analyzing newspapers’ coverage of ethnic issues in the communally-battered Karachi. For the purpose, two major Urdu and English newspapers in Jang and Dawn published in 2007, 2008 and 2009 are selected for textual analysis; with the May 12, 2007 ethnic carnage being in spotlight. The findings are a mixed bag containing both positives and negatives. Apart from increased realization in discourse of both dailies that ethnicity is a problem, Dawn has got no place for nationalistic rhetoric based on one Islamic identity which may have positive implications for national integration. Nonetheless, Jang, as per the findings, is yet to wean itself off the nationalistic rhetoric.
THE DISCLOSURE OF ‘KUN’: THE RELENTLESS EVOLUTION IN THE PERCEPTUAL THEORY OF ‘KUN’
Authors: Khurshid Muhammad Ajmal , Fiza  , Hameed Sana
Published: May 2020

The present study focuses on the word ‘Kun’ from Quran. In this paper, the discourse of Quran and the conceptual ayah of ‘Kun’ is discussed with reference to exegetical context, the perceptual theory of creation and the reality of the relentless evolution of ‘Kun’ and its possible hermeneutics. The recognition of the ‘intention’ of God has to be unveiled in order to understand the theory of ‘Kun’ and the idea of Creation. The three dimensional design of ‘Kun’ can be seen in the Quran as: the intention of ‘Kun’, when the creation exists in the intention of God; the imagination of God about ‘Kun’, which is the second stage and is related to the imaginable state of the ‘essence’ of ‘Kun’; the final stage refers to the ‘saying’ of ‘Kun’ by God, which unveils the intention of God. The relentless evolution is the reality that every time God says ‘Kun’, it discloses itself with unique creation. The relentless evolution in the perceptual theory of creation of ‘kun’ connects it with the theory of expansion of the cosmos and its evolution. The uniqueness of ‘Kun’ is unveiled in transcendence and immanence through the infinity Himself.
THE SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE EMERGENCE OF A CULTURE OF POVERTY (SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS) DISCUSSED WITH REFERENCE TO PAKISTAN
Authors: Parveen Kausar , Juzer Maria , Madani Munazza
Published: May 2020

The present study explores the social and economic dimensions affecting the poverty culture existing in the slum areas of Karachi, Pakistan. The significance of the study highlights the major causes of hindrance in community development poverty and lack of social indicators-which are becoming a culture of the people as their value system along with feelings of powerlessness, meaninglessness, isolation, social exclusion, and self-estrangement in their group relations. This is a qualitative as well as an exploratory research that highlights the emergence of poverty culture in Pakistan for which the researchers have developed an idiographic model to identify the major variables of poverty culture. The researchers in the present study provide the positive and constructive counter-narratives and recommendations against myths about the culture of the poor people. In the present study, researchers have used facts and figures from the United Nations and World Bank Report of Poverty Reduction.
WOMEN AND MARRIAGE IN MIDDLEMARCH AND THE RETURN OF THE NATIVE
Authors: Zaidi Najia Asrar , Khan Fouzia Rehman
Published: May 2020

Women in the nineteenth century were the worst victims of patriarchy, socio-cultural norms and class difference. It was not a good time for women. In the Victorian era, women did not have the right to vote, own property or come out of the violent marriage. This picture has been painted by many writers of the time. Of all the Victorian novelists, Eliot and Hardy have the gifted ability to chart the women situation from all angles. Both writers show that women had few rights and privileges. The socio-cultural and economic factors further contributed to women’s oppression. Women were expected to remain attached to the domestic sphere. Marriage is one such institution, which during the Victorian period became a tool for women’s exploitation and subjugation. The heroines and protagonists suffer due to social and moral taboos. Mismatch in marriage leads to several problems for the couple and their respective families. George Eliot in her novel Middlemarch and Thomas Hardy in his work The Return of the Native, portray the heroines who decide to step into life that is just contrary to their expectations and later regret their decisions. This paper would attempt to analyze the repercussions of their choices and compare their nature and the line of action these heroines take to deal with the situation they are placed into.
SACKING OF DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENTS IN PAKISTAN: A CRITICAL REVIEW
Authors: Sultana Summer , Jahan Nuzhat
Published: May 2020

A commonly accepted definition of the democracy is; “Rule of the majority by the supreme power vested in the people and exercised by them directly”. The democratic government may remain in power until and unless people repose the confidence over it. In Pakistan the main reason of failure of the democracy is that, it is generally against the social behavior of Pakistan. Just because of this the democracy could not come around in Pakistan, yet people cannot be incriminated for the same. The history is witnessed that Pakistani people had supported all social movements having collective ambitions but unluckily after freedom no political party or leadership was available to Pakistanis which could do something for them. Soon after freedom bureaucrats had prevalence in the government due to this the overall control remained in the hands of Governor General or non-representatives. So, democratic institutions could not attain freedom from them. Undoubtedly from the beginning the Pakistan Army attained a dominating role in the system of government and in the field of politics and during the last 60 years they remained in rule for more than a half of the tenure and the political governments were never allowed to take any step freely. In the current scenario Pakistan should have to pass through a democratic way which was stopped by the Armed forces and bureaucracy by adopting different means.
TELEVISION ADVERTISEMENTS MOTIVATE THE CONSUMERS OF MOBILE PHONES: AN OPINION FROM UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN
Authors: Siddique Muhammad , Baig Mariya , Wajidi Muhammad Abu Zar
Published: May 2020

Advertising is a tool by which the audience who may be the viewers, readers or listeners are communicated and convinced to buy or taking any action regarding the products, or getting information about the services provided. The TV advertisements influence the consumers’ buying behaviour. The need of TV advertisement has increased with the fast growth of mobile phones industry in Pakistan. This paper investigates the relationship between independent variable of advertisement with dependent variables of consumer choice, consumer awareness, consumer perception, and consumer motivation by getting the responses of 250 respondents using questionnaires based on 5-point Likert scale from the graduating students of various faculties at University of Karachi. The main results of the study show a strong association between the independent and dependent variables. It is a fact that the brands which are advertised on TV are purchased more because people become emotionally attached with such brands or products. This study is very useful for producers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers as well engaged in mobile business in Pakistan.
STRUCTURAL CULTURAL GLOBALIZATION: A THREAT TO POSITIVE AND SUSTAINABLE PEACE
Authors: Bari Samreen , A Zubairi Nabeel
Published: May 2020

Globalization refers to more and more interdependence and Integration of relations among people, trade, capital flows, and migration, ideas and culture, religion and customs. Scholars and experts have been disagreeing about the denotation and effect of globalization. For some it is the salvation of humanity, the only way to promote universal prosperity and peace. But some Scholars also realize the fact that as a result of globalization states and its citizens faces the problems of social fragmentation: creating critical vulnerabilities violence and conflicts. The impact of globalization cannot be restricted only to economic process but the sphere of globalization is very wide it has influenced almost every aspect of human life. On the contrary the world is witnessing the scenario where few booming dominions or few influential countries because of the blessings of modernization trying to supersede the rest of the world or the weaker nations in every aspect: economically, socially, politically, through hard power and through cultural imperialism. This situation is a threat to positive and sustainable peace.
TRANSFORMATION OF IDEOLOGY AS FAULT LINE IN STATE STRUCTURE OF PAKISTAN
Authors: Raza Baig Saleem
Published: May 2020

The development of ideologies in re-construction and transformation of the Indian subcontinent during and after its division into new nation states in 1947emerged as the fault lines in its structural and organizational imbalances, which is an interesting phenomenon and at times led to the violent and radical political discourses. This ideological transformation became imbalanced, due to the exploitation by opportunists in state and political elements, through consciously planned attitude especially in dogma, religious traditions, ethnicity and political/state governance thereby fulfilling ulterior motives. Resultantly, violence and conflicts emerged in both the fragile states of the Indian subcontinent besides undergoing a series of dictatorship, one party rule, manipulation of elites, and ethnic or national polarization ultimately leading to the weak governmental structure. This research was aimed at ascertaining both at theoretical and practical levels, the causes of intricacies involved in transformation of religious ideology into a fault line besides suppressing ethnic and identity markers of traditional society like Pakistan, exploiting the structural organization of political governments through state/bureaucratic regimes. It was discovered that this transformation became such due to the indulgence of state elements and their practices besides illiberal democratic governments, which were also leading to the violence and militancy where ideology/religion has been used for parochial political interests embodied in desires to hang on to power. Henceforth, the power made the dismemberment of joint Pakistan in post-1971era, whereas continuously challenged the fragile integrity after 1971.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF BEGGARS IN URBAN AREAS AND THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN CRIMES: A CASE STUDY OF KARACHI CITY
Authors: Riaz Sakina , Abrar Muhammad
Published: May 2020

The present research paper aims to find out the life patterns of urban beggars' demographic characteristics, socio-economic status and their involvement in criminal activities in Karachi city. A descriptive research design was employed and face to face interviews were conducted in this study. A sample of 140 street beggars, were selected from different public places using a convenience sampling technique. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were utilized for data collection. The key findings of the study show that criminal beggars are organized and have the well-kept house and work in routine as front-line professionals in the city. This study recommends that a comprehensive policy should be implemented to control the begging practice in the city. In this regards a proper advocacy campaign is needed for social mobilization at mass the level.
EXPLORING GENDER STEREOTYPES IN MEDIA ADVERTS: A MULTIMODAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Tehseem Tazanfal , Sibtain Masroor , Obaid Zara
Published: May 2020

This paper aims at identifying socio-cultural portrayal of women through representational, interactive and compositional meanings with a focus on gender stereotypes propagated by media advertisements in Pakistan. Media adverts as such are an instrumental tool for manipulating attitudes and behavior of large and diverse audience for example, a large body of data reveals that women are portrayed in media to stylize their physical attributes to tempt and persuade customers. Therefore, advertisements are instrumental in creating a certain mind-set by shaping an ideologythrough highlighting the hegemonic representation of men and sexual objectification of women for creating an erotic fantasy. The data for the study comprises print media adverts which were randomly collected to have primarily advertised Pakistan TV morning shows, home products and cosmetics and have been selected on an assumption that they embody a socio-cultural perspective. The findings show that the selected advertsproject the world of male chauvinism where women are shown as the facilitating sexual objects.
VIEWING VERSUS LISTENING OF STORIES BY PAKISTANI CHILDREN FROM LOW SOCIO-ECONOMIC BACKGROUND – AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF MEDIA EFFECTS ON COGNITION
Authors: Rafiq Khushboo , Ahmed Zuberi Nisar
Published: May 2020

This research sets out to study and compare the effects of story watching on television and story listening by an elder on children’s cognitive skills, specifically in building up their vocabulary and comprehension. A total of two hundred children aged between 7 to 12 years from low socio-economic background were selected through matching. They were divided into two different groups based on the medium they were exposed to, either oral or visual. The study took place in laboratories set at four different schools in Karachi, Pakistan. Ten stories were told to the half children, while the other group watched 10 animated episodes having same content for 10 consecutive weeks. Children’s perception and vocabulary skills were evaluated through questionnaires, which were filled out after each story. Results affirmed the hypothesis that story listening is more effective than cartoon watching in terms of cognitive learning. The study is beneficial for various disciplines of social sciences including psychology, sociology, education and mass communication.
FROM THEORY TO GRAND STRATEGY: ASSESSING US GOALS IN ARABIA 2001-2018
Authors: Al-Barasneh Ayman Saleh
Published: May 2020

The study seeks to provide an overarching understanding to the US objectives and policies in the Gulf region at three intersecting levels; strategic interests, regional security and political reform. This study takes United States interactions with Arabia, as a case study, during the period 2001-2018 under the administrations of G.W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Additionally, the study attempts to generate greater understanding of the dynamics that motivating American international politics and subsequent policies toward the Arab gulf countries through examining the interactions between both systematic and domestic factors. Noticeably, US entrenched vital enduring interests with the Arab Gulf States rested, for approximately seventy years, on protecting oil flow from the region into international economy without interruption, selling arms to the Gulf Arabs and maintaining gulf regional security against any real or potential threats. Therefore, the administrations of Bush, Obama, and Trump were not different from their predecessors in their strategy of preserving gulf security through forward military presence in the region. Hence, the author employs the neorealist theory to understand US interactions with the Gulf countries. Remarkably, despite some scholar's arguments that envisaged the US policies under G.W. Bush and Donald Trump as departed drastically from US conventional policy, the study argues and concludes that the US actual policy towards Arabia reflects a traditional policy of maintaining mutual interests.
THE ABSOLUTISM OF MARX AND ITS CONSEQUENCES: FOCUS ON KARL POPPER’S CRITIQUE OF MARX
Authors: Ateeq Muhammad
Published: May 2020

Marx’s works have left enormous influence on Western thought. Social change is the main concern of his thought. He views social change as a dialectical process which ultimately leads to absolute social order. For Marx the dialectic of material forces is central in the process of social generation that eventually leads to ‘socialism’. Marx thinks that individuals have their identity because of some kind of collectivity. Each historical stage furnishes individual with a fixed identity and corresponding role. Karl Popper, who is one of the most renowned critics of Marx, critically examines Marx’s work. He is of the view that Marx’s thought embraces historicism and holism which cannot be rationally justifiable. Popper points out the irrational consequences of Marx’s absolutism. This paper attempts to highlight the absolutistic trend lying deep in Marx’s thought and then focuses on Popper’s critique of Marx’s absolutism.
POSTCOLONIAL AESTHETICS: AFFECT, AFFECTION OR AFFECTATION?
Authors: Nazir Faisal
Published: May 2020

This article analyzes the concept of postcolonial aesthetics as developed and debated by such critics as Bill Ashcroft, Elleke Boehmer and Robert Young. In particular, it critiques Ashcroft’s theorization of the postcolonial aesthetics in his article ‘Towards a Postcolonial Aesthetics’ and recommends an alternative approach to the conceptualization of postcolonial aesthetics with reference to Muhammad Hasan Askari’s essay on Ahmed Ali’s novel Twilight in Delhi. It questions Ashcroft’s emphasis on the hybrid linguistic makeup of the postcolonial text as the source of the particular aesthetic effects of the text and emphasizes the need for differentiating between affection– the writer’s deep sense of engagement with and involvement in the narrative – and affectation – a clever use of native words and expressions by the writer to authenticate his or her cultural identity – in discussing the affective dimension of a postcolonial text. The article argues that the aesthetic impact of the postcolonial text is produced by the intensity of experience and emotional involvement of the postcolonial writer (affection) as opposed to being produced by creative wordplay and mixing of local and foreign languages (affectation). Thus, the article contributes to the ongoing debates about the aesthetic dimension of postcolonial literature.
THE POLICY FAILURES OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENTS DURING EAST BENGAL CRISIS, 1947-71
Authors: Iqbal Kashif
Published: May 2020

The incident of 1971 is a historical concern. Both wings of Pakistan were united at the time of the creation of Pakistan but some policies that were adopted after the creation of Pakistan were inadequate to resolve the growing differences between the both wings. Writers are divided regarding the causes of the Fall of Dhaka. Indian involvement has been highlighted frequently and it is also said that East Bengal was on the distance of 1000 km from West Pakistan. Apart from these causes, this study will highlight a new perspective regarding the separation of East Bengal. From 1947 to 1971 the central governments of Pakistan took some measure regarding formulating policies and the policies were not sufficient to bring people of the both wings closer. Thus, the major policies and their consequences would be analysed in this paper. Further, this research would be a new one in a sense that there would be a general description of the policies from both wings.
TRANSFORMATION OF HISTORY IN THE GLASS PALACE AND BURNT SHADOWS: A POSTMODERNIST ANALYSIS
Authors: Ashraf Ayesha , Ahmed Munawar Iqbal
Published: May 2020

South Asian English fiction, in recent decades, has significantly manifested its deepest concern for history and its relevance in the contemporary global scenario. The last couple of years have noticed the publication of many English novels by Indian and Pakistani authors that in fact belong to the very genre of postmodern historiographic metafiction. In fact, postmodern fiction writers usually deviate from the traditional representation of past events. The current study examines the way history writing is reconfigured in the selected postmodern novel. In these novels, the writers retell the traditional history through innovative narrative techniques and multiplicity of the views that de-centralize the conventional history. The present research attempts to explore Amitav Gosh’s The Glass Palace and Kamila Shamsie’s Burnt Shadows as historiographic metafiction, that is a sub-genre of postmodern fiction. The study focuses on the selected texts to explore how these novels transform the traditional history through the incorporation of magic realism, intertextuality and self-reflexivity. This research is qualitative and descriptive, while the textual analysis has been used as a research method. The theoretical concept of Linda Hutcheon is incorporated in this current study that ends with findings and recommendations for future research.
Head-to-head comparison of pre-hospital qSOFA and lactate-qSOFA for predicting sepsis in patients with and without suspected infection. A multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Martín-Rodríguez Francisco , López-Izquierdo Raúl , Castro Villamor Miguel , delPozo-Vegas Carlos , Sánchez-Soberón Irene , Delgado-Benito Juan , Carbajosa Rodíguez Virginia , Leonardo Rodrigues , Martín-Conty José
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The aim of the study was to compare the Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment tools (qSOFA), and Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment-Lactate (LqSOFA) to detect pre-hospital sepsis among patients with or without suspicion of infection.

Material and methods

Multicenter prospective cohort study in non-traumatic patients attended by Advanced Life Support in the prehospital environment and transferred to the hospital. We collected demographic, physiological, clinical, and analytical variables, main diagnosis, hospital admission and clinical diagnosis of sepsis. Primary outcome was the clinical diagnosis of sepsis in the hospital.

Results

Between March 1, 2018 and March 31, 2019, we included in our study 1548 participants of whom 82 (5.3%) received a final hospital diagnosis of sepsis. The qSOFA presented an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) to detect sepsis in patients with suspicion and without suspicion of infection of 0.757 (95% CI: 0.65–0.81), compared to LqSOFA with an AUROC to detect sepsis of 0.784 (95% CI: 0.72–0.84). In the group of patients with suspected infection, the LqSOFA for a 2-point cut-off presented an AUROC of 0.773 (95% CI: 0.69–0.85), with an excellent sensitivity of 92.6% (95% CI: 83.9–96.8) and an odds ratio of 8.23 (95% CI: 3.09–21.92).

Conclusions

An appropriate strategy for reducing the morbidity and mortality from sepsis must necessarily include the prompt identification of this time-dependent pathology by using all the tools at our disposal. The qSOFA and
LqSOFA can be used in the prehospital environment and help the diagnosis of suspected sepsis in patients with medical pathology, highlighting the predictive capacity of LqSOFA in the group of patients with suspected infection.
Screening for precapillary pulmonary hypertension in chronic myeloproliferative disorders: the role of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and vascular endothelial growth factor – a pilot study
Authors: Költő Gyöngyvér , Tőkés-Füzesi Margit , Papp Előd , Adravetz Zsófia , Komócsi András , Egyed Miklós , Faludi Réka
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) implies a worse prognosis in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is elevated in cardiopulmonary involvement. In MPN patients with precapillary PH, elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) values, but in left heart (LH) disease patients, decreased values were reported. Our aim was to determine whether a combination of NT-proBNP and VEGF is suitable for the detection of the precapillary forms of PH in MPN patients.

Material and methods

Eighty-one MPN patients were investigated. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as Doppler-derived systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) ≥ 40 mm Hg. Patient groups with cardiopulmonary involvement (precapillary PH, PH due to LH disease, left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, atrial fibrillation) or LH disease (PH due to LH disease, left ventricular ejection fraction < 50%, atrial fibrillation) were identified.

Results

In nine patients PH was associated with LH disease. In two patients precapillary PH was found with extremely high NT-proBNP values. NT-proBNP significantly correlated with sPAP (r = 0.550; p < 0.001). NT-proBNP ≥ 466 pg/ml was the best predictor of cardiopulmonary involvement (AUC: 0.962, sensitivity: 86.7%, specificity: 93.9%). No correlation was found between VEGF levels and sPAP values. VEGF ≤ 431 pg/ml was the best predictor of LH disease (AUC: 0.609, sensitivity: 76.9%, specificity: 62.7%).

Conclusions

NT-proBNP levels reflect cardiopulmonary involvement with high accuracy, but the combination of NT-proBNP and VEGF is not suitable for the detection of precapillary PH as the diagnostic power of VEGF is limited. Highly elevated NT-proBNP levels may suggest precapillary PH but further investigation is necessary for the exclusion of LH disease or atrial fibrillation.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of osteopontin expression in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Niedolistek Magdalena , Fudalej Marta , Sobiborowicz Aleksandra , Liszcz Anna , Budzik Michał , Sobieraj Maciej , Patera Janusz , Czerw Aleksandra , Religioni Urszula , Sobol Maria , Deptała Andrzej , Badowska-Kozakiewicz Anna
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with lack of expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2 and is the subgroup of breast cancers with the worst prognosis. Osteopontin is a phosphorylated glycoprotein whose overexpression may occur in pathological states such as cancers. The main purpose of our study was to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of osteopontin in connection with the analysis of recognized clinical and pathological prognostic factors in primary sites of TNBC with and without lymph node metastases.

Material and methods

The immunohistochemical evaluation of osteopontin expression in 35 women with TNBC, chosen from a group of 726 patients, was performed. The material came from the excisional biopsies of primary breast cancers and total mastectomies.

Results

All patients showed expression of osteopontin, in most cases the expression of osteopontin rated at [+] (57.1%) and [++] (42.9%). Our study analyzed the relationship between the expression of osteopontin and traditional prognostic markers, such as the tumor grade, size, and lymph node involvement. We found a strong relationship only between the expression of osteopontin and the presence of lymph node metastases (p ≤ 0.0001). 93% of patients for whom the expression of osteopontin was determined at [++] had metastasis to lymph nodes and, for comparison, only 15% of women for whom the expression of osteopontin was rated at [+] showed the presence of metastases in the lymphatic nodes.

Conclusions

There is a correlation between osteopontin expression and the presence of lymph node metastases in TNBC, suggesting that osteopontin plays an important role in the invasiveness of TNBC.
Cyanidin 3-glycoside induced apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cell line
Authors: Mirmalek Seyed , Faraji Sholeh , Ranjbaran Sanaz , Aryan Hoda , Arani Hamid , Jangholi Ehsan , Marzouni Hadi , Salimi-Tabatabaee Seyed
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Breast cancer is the major leading cause of death from cancer among women. Given the drug resistance seen during the treatment of this disease, it is very important to identify new therapies and new anticancer drugs. Some studies indicate the cytotoxic effects of cyanidin 3-glycoside (C3G). Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the anticancer effect of C3G in the treatment of the MCF-7 cell line.

Material and methods

In this study, the MCF-7 cell line was treated with different concentrations of C3G for 24 and 48 h. Assessment of cell death was performed by MTT assay. The cell apoptosis rate was measured using an Annexin V/propidium iodide assay through flow cytometry. The expression levels of p53, Bax, Caspase3, CYP1, CYP2, and Bcl2 genes were evaluated using polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting was performed for CYP1 to confirm the results.

Results

Our findings showed that C3G has dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on the MCF-7 cell line. According to flow cytometry results, the apoptosis of the cells 24 h after exposure to C3G was more than 51.5%. Moreover, after 24 h of exposure to the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of C3G, the expression of p53, Bax, Caspase3, CYP1, and CYP2 genes increased, and the expression of Bcl2 gene decreased. The Western blotting showed that CYP1 protein increased 2-fold compared to the control sample.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrated that C3G has apoptotic and cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells. Therefore, it is likely that this substance could be a suitable option for cancer therapy.
The effect of camelina oil (α-linolenic acid) and canola oil (oleic acid) on lipid profile, blood pressure, and anthropometric parameters in postmenopausal women
Authors: Dobrzyńska Małgorzata , Przysławski Juliusz
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Cold-pressed camelina oil (Camelina sativa) is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and may have a beneficial effect on the reduction of cardiovascular risk.

Material and methods

In this study, we investigated the parameters contributing to the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as dietary intake, nutritional status, blood pressure, and lipid profile. Sixty postmenopausal women with dyslipidaemia were randomly assigned to two oil groups: camelina oil and canola oil. The subjects consumed daily 30 g of the test oils for six weeks. Before and after dietary intervention, the assessment of nutrition (four-day dietary recall), anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, and blood pressure were evaluated.

Results

During the dietary intervention, decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration in both groups (15 mg/dl [0.4 mmol/l] reduction in the camelina oil group and 11 mg/dl [0.3 mmol/l] reduction in the canola oil group) was observed. In this study a decrease of waist circumference (approx. 1 cm) in the two groups was observed. In the group of women consuming camelina oil, a significant decrease of waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) was seen. In the other anthropometric parameters no statistically significant changes were observed (body weight, body fat mass). After the intervention, no significant decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were noticed.

Conclusions

The camelina and canola oil intake contributed to reduction of the consumption of saturated fatty acids in the diet, had a positive influence on the lipid profile parameters, and decreased the waist circumference, which may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The effect of ulipristal acetate on tumor necrosis factor α, insulin-like growth factor 1, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 serum levels in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids
Authors: Ciebiera Michał , Jakiel Grzegorz , Nowicka Grażyna , Laganà Antonio Simone , Ghezzi Fabio , Łoziński Tomasz , Wojtyła Cezary , Włodarczyk Marta
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are benign tumors of the female reproductive system originating from the smooth muscle of the uterus. Currently, progesterone is known to play a key role in the differentiation of the myometrial tissue to form UFs and their abnormal growth. The mechanism of action of progesterone in UF tumorigenesis involves its effect on increasing the concentrations and dysregulation of selected growth factors.

Material and methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate and compare tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) serum concentrations in patients with UFs without prior hormonal treatment, patients with UFs treated with a 3-month standard ulipristal acetate (UPA – a type of selective progesterone receptor modulator) scheme (5 mg/day) and in control patients without UFs. A total of 120 patients were divided into 3 groups (controls, UFs with UPA treatment, UFs without UPA treatment).

Results

There were no significant differences in TNF-α serum concentrations between patients with UFs who underwent UPA treatment and patients who did not. Serum concentrations of IGF-1 and PAI-1 did not show significant intergroup differences.

Conclusions

No significant differences were found between TNF-α concentrations in the serum of patients with UFs treated with UPA, and patients without UPA treatment. In addition, our data analysis did not show significant differences in the concentrations of IGF-1 and PAI-1 between patients with UFs and the control group. Further studies on the dependence of specific symptoms on selected growth factors are mandatory.
The effect of pain severity on balance, postural stability and fall risk in patients with shoulder pathologies
Authors: Eker Yonca , Kaygısız Beliz
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The study aimed to investigate how pain severity in the shoulder region affects balance ability, postural stability and fall risk.

Material and methods

Sixty participants with shoulder pain, aged 42.45 ±6.51 years, were assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS); they were divided into 2 subgroups as a mild pain group (group 1) and a moderate/severe pain group (group 2). According to VAS-at rest the mild-pain group included 39 and the moderate/severe-pain group included 21 subjects. According to VAS-during movement, the mild-pain group included 19 and the moderate/severe-pain group included 41 subjects. Balance ability-postural stability, fall risk and fear of falling were assessed by the Sportkat System, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Fall Efficacy scale (FES) respectively. Differences of variables between mild pain and moderate/severe pain groups were analyzed by the independent groups t-test in groups conforming to a normal distribution and the Mann-Whitney U test for the variables that did not fit a normal distribution.

Results

A positive relationship was found between VAS-at rest and double-foot static balance test score right-left (RL) ratio, while a negative relationship was found between VAS-at rest and BBS score (p < 0.05). Significant differences were found between right foot static balance left score and RL ratio according to pain at rest (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results indicated that shoulder pain severity affects balance parameters. As pain level at rest increases, postural sway increases in a medio-lateral direction, and towards the left while standing on the right foot. Approaches regarding increasing balance and postural instability should be included in physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs of patients with shoulder pain at an early phase to protect patients from balance problems and fall risk.
MiR-200a promotes the survival of cardiac cells and improves cardiac injury in chronic heart failure rats
Authors: Wu Guiping , Che Xiaowen
Published: May 2020

Introduction

miRNAs play an important role in cardiovascular abnormalities such as heart failure. In the present work we evaluated the role of miR-200a in the condition of chronic heart failure and also the mechanism involved.

Material and methods

In the study 180 subjects, among whom 100 were reported for chronic heart failure and 80 as normal, were included. ELISA and qRT-PCR was done to evaluate levels of HMGB1 and miR-200a in subjects. The cardiac hemodynamics and functioning, oxidative stress and expression of mediators of inflammation were studied in rats with chronic heart failure induced after transfecting them with miR-200a or HMGB1. Luciferase activity was measured to establish any correlation between HMGB1 and miR-200a.

Results

The chronic heart failure patients included in the study showed suppressed levels of miR-200a and elevated HMGB1 compared to normal subjects. In chronic heart failure rats, the transfection of miR-200a attenuated the cardiac function and other hemodynamic parameters. In addition, improvement in oxidative stress as well as inflammatory mediators was observed. The outcomes also confirmed that HMGB1 was the potential target of miR-200a. It was also noted that upon transfection miR-200a resulted in suppression of protein as well as mRNA levels of HMGB1 in the cardiac tissue of chronic heart failure rats. Also overexpression of HMGB1 decreased the effects of miR-200a.

Conclusions

The outcomes indicate that miR-200a exerts a protective effect on cardiac cell injury via the HMGB1 pathway.
Interval from transurethral resection of prostate to laparoscopic radical prostatectomy does not affect outcomes for incidental prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Yu-yong , Zheng Xiang-yi , Mao Qi-qi , Xie Li-ping
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) has become a common option for the treatment of prostate cancer. The aim of our study was to examine whether LRP performed within 12 weeks of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is associated with surgical difficulty or outcomes.

Material and methods

A single-institutional retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent LRP for incidental prostate cancer after TURP between July 2009 and December 2017. The interval between TURP and LRP was determined and patients with intervals of ≤ 12 weeks were compared to those with intervals of > 12 weeks. Patient characteristics, perioperative, pathological, and postoperative functional outcomes were analyzed to determine statistically significant differences between the 2 groups. Multivariable analyses were performed to determine whether the interval between TURP and LRP was a significant independent predictor of these outcomes.

Results

A total of 56 incidental prostate cancer patients detected by TURP were included in this study. No significant differences were detected in estimated blood loss, operative duration, postoperative length of stay, and rate of positive margin, Gleason score upgrading, major complications, incontinence and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) recurrence in patients with a TURP to LRP interval above and below 12 weeks. The TURP to LRP interval was not an independent predictor of outcomes during or after LRP.

Conclusions

Our results showed that performing LRP within 12 weeks after TURP does not adversely influence surgical difficulty or outcomes.
Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 can regulate proliferation and apoptosis of LPS-treated HK-2 cells via targeting miR-23a-3p through regulating ERK signaling
Authors: Li Jinxia , Liu Haibo , Li Chao
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The aim of the present study was to investigate the roles of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) MALAT1 in the development of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (septic AKI) and the underlying mechanism.

Material and methods

The levels of MALAT1 in the serum of the septic AKI patients and healthy subjects were compared, and the targeting relationship between MALAT1 and miR-23a-3p was analyzed. Moreover, the effects of MALAT1 and miR-23a-3p on the proliferation and apoptosis of LPS-treated HK-2 cells were analyzed. Finally, the roles of ERK signaling during this process were analyzed.

Results

We found that MALAT1 was markedly increased in serum of the septic AKI patients and LPS-treated cells. In addition, overexpression of MALAT1 relieved the injury induced by LPS in RMCs. Moreover, miR-23-a-3p has been confirmed as a target of MALAT1. Meanwhile, we also found that MALAT1 siRNA can increase the proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of LPS-treated HK-2 cells through activating ERK signaling, and knockdown of miR-23a-3p can partially block the anti-apoptotic effect of MALAT1 siRNA.

Conclusions

We report that MALAT1 can regulate the proliferation and apoptosis of LPS-treated HK-2 cells via targeting miR-23a-3p through regulating ERK signaling, suggesting that the MALAT1/miR-23a-3p axis could serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of septic AKI.
The impact of thinking about supportive relationships on interpersonal defensiveness. Does it matter who thinks, about whom, and in what way?
Authors: Kuncewicz Dariusz
Published: May 2020

Background

The aim of this study was to test the effects of thinking about supportive relationships on interpersonal defensiveness among participants with different levels of attachment security. The effects were examined depending on closeness with a visualized person and an ecosystem or egosystem perspective of thinking about him/her.

Participants and procedure

After taking the bogus emotional intelligence test and completing the attachment questionnaire, the participants (N = 124) visual-ized an acquaintance or a close person, adopting the ecosystem or the egosystem perspective on thinking about him/her. Subse-quently the participants received unfavorable feedback on their bogus test results and completed measures of defensiveness in an anticipated conversation with the researcher.

Results

The high-securely attached individuals reported less comfort in an anticipated conversation with the researcher after close well-wishing person visualization than after well-wishing acquaintance visualization. The low-securely attached participants showed greater emotional openness to the researcher after ecosystem thinking about any well-wishing person than after egosystem thinking.

Conclusions

The key results suggest that some aspects of interpersonal defensiveness among insecurely attached people can be reduced by a shift from an ego- to an ecosystem perspective of thinking about their relationships. In the next research step, it seems espe-cially important to explore whether therapeutic work focusing on ecosystem orientation can overcome the attachment problems in relationships.
Well-being and health perception of university students in Portugal: the influence of parental support and love relationship
Authors: Alves Regina , Precioso José , Becoña Elisardo
Published: May 2020

Background

The mental health of university students has been the subject of great attention from scientific investigations, not only to provide contextualised information, but additionally since high levels of well-being predicted a quality education. This study aims to evaluate the perception of well-being and health of university students, exploring the psychometric properties of the Well-being and Health Perception Scale (WbHPS) and analysing the influence of sociodemographic variables.

Participants and procedure

A questionnaire was applied to a representative sample of 840 university students in Portugal stratified by year of academic attendance and scientific area of study. The WbHPS consists of 5 items measured on a 5-point Likert scale. We considered as explanatory variables the year of study and scientific area, sex, age, love rela-tionship, professional situation and BMI.

Results

The WbHPS showed good psychometric properties, indicating the presence of an explanatory factor of 58.45% of variance and a good internal consistency (α = .81). The obtained results identified WbHPS as being inde-pendently associated with being in a love relationship, having a normal weight and not being displaced after starting at university.

Conclusions

It is necessary to (re)think about disease prevention and health promotion actions in higher education, with psy-chosocial interventions that truly reflect on the well-being and health of university students.
Safety and efficacy analysis of microwave ablation in small hepatocellular carcinomas sized below 3 cm
Authors: Piskin Ferhat C. , Balli Huseyin T. , Aikimbaev Kairgeldy
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of microwave ablation (MWA) in small hepatocellular carcinomas sized ≤ 3 cm, determine long-term survival, and identify prognostic factors for survival rates.

Material and methods

In this study, the radiological and laboratory findings obtained from 31 consecutive patients who underwent MWA were retrospectively evaluated. The survival periods and complication rates were analysed.

Results

Microwave ablation was applied to 42 hepatocellular carcinoma nodules in 31 patients. The mean age of the patients was 61 ± 7.3 (median 62, range 46-78) years. The mean overall survival (OS) was 47.4 ± 3.3 months. The rates of cumulative OS in the first, second, and third years were 95.2%, 91.8%, and 79.2%, respectively. The mean disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 24.1 ± 2.5 months. The cumulative DFS rates in the first, second, and third years were 75.6%, 52.5%, and 28.2%, respectively. The number of tumours and tumour distribution were determined as prognostic factors. No major complication was detected, but six patients (13.9%) developed minor complications after MWA.

Conclusions

Microwave ablation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma is a safety treatment modality with very low rates of complications. It offers an effective treatment with a high rate of complete response and local disease control according to the short-term results. In the long term, it prolongs the survival time of the treated patients. The number of tumours and tumour distribution were determined as prognostic factors affecting survival rates.
The contribution of diet preference to the disease course in children with familial Mediterranean fever: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kisla Ekinci Rabia Miray , Balcı Sibel , Bisgin Atıl , Cetin Fatma , Tumgor Gokhan
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is characterized by recurrent, self-limiting attacks of fever and serositis. Nutrition is very important in the management of chronic diseases. Previous studies suggested that salty and fatty diet cause inflammation, therefore we aimed to investigate the effects of dietary self-efficacy and behavior about low-salt or low-fat diet on disease course in children with FMF.

Material and methods

This cross-sectional study included patients aged between 10–18 years, diagnosed in our department and admitted between June 2019 and September 2019. Demographic and clinical properties were obtained from the medical files of the patients. Children’s Dietary Self-Efficacy Scale (CDSS) and Health Behavior Questionnaire (HBQ) – Diet Behavior Scale (DBS) were performed for dietary self-efficacy and behavior about preferring low-salt or low-fat diet. Clinical features were compared between patients, which were grouped according to the sum of these two scales, with a cut-off score of 5.

Results

The mean age of 74 FMF patients (44 females, 34 males), included in the study, was 14.6 ±2.82 years. Median CDSS and DBS scores of the patients were 5 (minimum –6, maximum 14) and 0 (minimum –10, maximum 12), respectively. According to the sum of these two scales, 39 (52.7%) patients who had scored at least 5, had a statistically higher rate of complete response to colchicine. The remaining clinical parameters were similar between these two groups.

Conclusions

Low-salt or low-fat diet may be an adjuvant modification in the management of children with FMF. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of low-salt or low-fat diet in FMF pathogenesis.