bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local is lekker! The Search for an Appropriate Food Identity for the Free State Province, South Africa
Authors: Coughlan Lisa-Mari , Hattingh Johan
Published: May 2020

The objective of this paper was to establish a food identity for one of South Africa’s least visited provinces, the Free State Province. Twenty-nine qualitative responses were obtained via structured interviews from tourism government and tourism association employees, local restaurateurs, local food and drink producers, local residents and a local historian. Key findings indicate that the Free State’s food identity can be described as hearty, comfort food cooked from ingredients typically found in the Free State, using recipes and preparation techniques passed on from generation to generation in Basotho and Afrikaner families. Meat and beer emerged as fundamental local items to be focussed on and promoted. Implications of the study include local tourism stakeholders gaining knowledge of which food items to promote as Free State food. The study shows that food tourism can assist in growing the tourism sector in the Free State, the development of a food tourism route and lead to the creation of a new tourism brand focussing on typical Free State food. Key literature contributions of this study include closing a literature gap by further studying food tourism in South Africa and establishing a determination process of authentic food identities for any destination.
Factors Affecting Tourism Organization Competitiveness: Implications for the Egyptian Tourism Industry
Authors: Khalifa Gamal S. A.
Published: May 2020

This research builds on the ideas through the development of sets of attributes (strategic leadership, strategic planning effectiveness, and tourism sustainability practice), the event of a framework for evaluating destination competitiveness in Egypt. This study has followed a quantitative design with a survey-based questionnaire development. Survey data from tourism professionals were obtained in Egyptian destinations and subjected to statistical examination (PLS-SEM) Partial Least Squire-Structural Equation Modelling as an analysis technique. The findings of this study: strategic leadership significantly impact strategic planning effectiveness, tourism sustainability practice, and destination competitiveness; strategic planning effectiveness significantly impacts tourism sustainability practice; and finally, tourism sustainability practice significantly affects destination competitiveness. The results are outstanding empirical evidence for incorporation into the competitiveness studies of the tourism industry in both enterprise and destinations. Longitudinal data would be required to prove that relationships are founded upon. The growing methodology bias restricts the findings from this analysis. This analysis would be useful if the findings were to be taken into account when considering other integrative variables.
Gestión del conocimiento: herramienta estratégica para el logro de los objetivos institucionales
Authors: Picado Emmanuel
Published: May 2020

El siguiente artículo científico está basado en una revisión literaria del tema de gestión del conocimiento y sobre cómo éste puede coadyuvar de forma positiva al logro de los objetivos estratégicos de las empresas.
A través de esta revisión bibliográfica, se tratará de identificar cuáles son los elementos que se deben considerar para la implementación adecuada de un proceso de gestión del conocimiento que coadyuve efectivamente al logro de los objetivos estratégicos.
Finalmente, se estudiará la relación que existe entre el proceso de investigación e innovación y la gestión del conocimiento.
Impacto de los factores: Cambio generacional, desmotivación laboral y desempleo en el emprendedurismo milenial costarricense
Authors: Gutiérrez Benavides Fernando
Published: May 2020

La indagación denominada “Impacto de los factores: Cambio generacional, desmotivación laboral y desempleo en el emprendedurismo milenial costarricense” se enfoca en establecer la relación existente entre los indicadores mencionados y los emprendimientos mileniales nacionales.
Asimismo, se intentó probar que la desmotivación laboral posee un mayor peso a la hora de generar emprendimientos mileniales en Costa Rica, en comparación a las otras dos variables.
Los resultados develaron la carencia de fuentes secundarias en cuanto a los elementos mencionados con anterioridad y a cómo impactan a la generación Y; por lo tanto, se recurrió al uso de encuestas para poder dar respuesta a las incógnitas planteadas.
A pesar de la coyuntura actual de la economía costarricense, diversos aspectos han motivado el surgimiento de emprendedores mileniales. Sin embargo, no fue posible demostrar convincentemente la hipótesis planteada en la investigación, lo cual abre nuevas posibilidades de estudio en cuanto a la temática planteada.
Consolidation of International Order in Providing Sustainable Development of Mankind
Authors: Fesenko Mykola
Published: May 2020

The problems and prospects of a new international order formation in terms of the transformation of the international system are viewed. It is proved that sustainable development of the contemporary international system depends on the consolidation of the international community and the constructive cooperation between the international relations participants. Thus it is necessary to begin the process of developing a new model of a world governing that would take into consideration the conditions of the global world of the XXI century. The necessity of comprehensive study of the components of the global crisis of world governance and search for mechanisms to overcome it by consolidating participants of the international system are proved. A complex crisis in various fields and at various levels, from local to global proves incapacity, due to lack of appropriate mechanisms, of the international community to overcome the global system crisis that includes world governing crisis. Thus, the current crisis on the global level always calls for search the means and factors that would provide stabilization of the social, economic and political relations, consolidation of social powers and all members of the international system. The current global system crisis is not accidental one and it is a natural phenomenon associated with long-term trends of world political and economic development. Thus the present global system crisis has its own peculiarities and distinctive features associated with the processes of globalization, regional political and economic integration, global migration and more. Crisis development was accelerated because of the collapse of the bipolar international system and intensification of globalization. Obviously, handling crisis development is possible to be achieved, provided the acquisition of the new international system a balance that would correspond properly to the character of global transformations. From this perspective, changes in social development have made the problem of international political consolidation a highly topical one as it is aimed at sustainable development of mankind.
ETHNIC RELATIONS IN MULTI-ETHNIC MALAYSIA
Authors: Soomro Naureen Nazar , Memon Aslam Pervez , Memon Aslam Pervez
Published: May 2020

Abstract The Malaysian society, one of the successful and managed multi-ethnic societies, is replete of imbalances and there still underlie the racial and ethnic disproportions in geographical dwellings, educational and professional fields, and economic and political roles. The modern racial relation in Malaysia is the legacy of pre-colonial and colonial period of history dating back to fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The unstable demographic balance, the unrestricted immigration policy or the policy of divide and rule by the colonial masters contributed besides other reasons toward the troubled relations between ethnic communities of Malaysia- Malays, Chinese, Indians, and others. But the way the respective Malaysian governments have managed such sour relationship in their socio-economic and political spheres is the lesson that all multiethnic states can learn from.
BENGALI MUSLIM WOMEN IN “ZENANA” EDUCATION SYSTEM: A HISTORICAL STUDY IN THE BRITISH PERIOD
Authors: Al Masum Md. Abdullah
Published: May 2020

During the British period, there were different kinds of education system to make the retreated women society of Bengal into a leading class. “Zenana” education is one of its education processes. The word, “Zenana” derives from Persian and means “Harem” or inside the household. So, the education system of those women who live in Harem is called “Zenana” education system. Generally, the introduction of home education for the Bengali women began from the middle ages. But the “Zenana” education is the alternate form of the instruction of concealed women which was different from the existing home education system. This cultural education was initiated by the Christian Missionaries in the earlier part of nineteenth century. Later on, the Hindu society of Bengal also took part in it. But neither the opportunity nor the eagerness of taking Zenana Education continued among the Muslim women for a long time. “Dhaka Muslim Friendship Congress” which was established in 1883 started bringing into practice the “Zenana Education” among Muslim women. Later on the British government began patronizing the Zenana education for the Muslim women alongside the Hindu. The present paper examines the rise and development of Zenana education in the Muslim women society in Bengal from 1883 to 1933 on the basis of contemporary official, demo-official source materials. In addition, this paper will brief the reason of abolition of Zenana education system in 1933.
THE TORTUOUS PATH OF ACCOUNTABILITY TO ENSURE POST-WAR RECONCILIATION—THE CASE OF SRI LANKA
Authors: Perera Jehan
Published: May 2020

For the past three decades Sri Lanka was stalemated between governments that were not prepared to devolve power to the Tamil majority provinces and a Tamil militant movement that wanted a separate country. In February 2002, the Sri Lankan government and LTTE signed a ceasefire agreement under Norwegian government auspices that appeared to offer the real prospect of a final end to violence as a means of conflict resolution. The ceasefire between the government and the LTTE held for nearly four years despite significant problems affecting the peace process, problems that led to the LTTE’s withdrawal from the peace talks. However, the ceasefire collapsed in early 2006 with a series of ambushes of government soldiers by the LTTE, eventually leading to counter measures and counter attacks by the forces of the government, measures in which the government wrested back control of territory placed under the control of the LTTE by the terms agreed upon by the Ceasefire Agreement. Today Sri Lanka is a country that continues to be deeply divided on lines of ethnicity, religion and politics. Horizontal inequalities, defined as severe inequalities in economic and political resources between culturally defined groups, were undoubtedly a contributing factor for the perpetuation of Sri Lanka’s long-running conflict. No sooner it won the war, the government asserted economic development to be the main engine of reconciliation.
IMPACT OF TELEVISION ON WELLBEING OF SOCIETY
Authors: Shamsuddin Muhammad , Karim Lubana
Published: May 2020

The present study shows the influential role of TV on all spheres of human life and very type of environments that is surrounding of us. This research attempts to discuss the powerful character of television in depth on the social, moral, political, economical, religious and all other factors, which make full use of this most exceptional and constructive invention. It concluded the challenges that faced viewers which lie in variety of contents that are offering television in forms of news, current affairs, entertainment and social welfare programmes. Furthermore, television is contributing to the benefit of masses in making the awareness of their environment, rights, duties, privileges and above all, patriotic affection and religious proximity in our beloved country.
SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION BEYOND CRITICAL AGE: A CASE STUDY OF AN OLD SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNER
Authors: Siddiqui Jawaria Samiya
Published: May 2020

This paper investigates the factors that facilitate/hinder Second Language Learning. The two factors that the study focuses on are age and motivation. Role of motivation in relation to age is discussed of a deviant case using Qualitative Paradigm, and the data is analyzed using Narrative Inquiry, Case Study and Retrospective Longitudinal design to find out if motivation plays any significant role in terms of achieving successful second language competence. It is a common belief that people who start young to learn a Second Language perform better than the old learners. However, the results indicate that this is not true in many cases, as this study on a deviant case shows that motivation plays a very important role in achieving successful Second Language Acquisition. If the learners are intrinsically motivated and are motivated from the beginning of their learning journey irrespective of their age then learning becomes easier.
PROSPECTS OF TRADITIONAL AND NON-TRADITIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS IN INDIAN-PAKISTANI RIVALRY
Authors: Baig Saleem Raza
Published: May 2020

Security has always been a force multiplier to concentrate over the traditional military stockpile for the perceived threats in the modern days of nation states focused on the conceptualization of non-traditional security dwelling into integration, like European Union’s regional cooperation rather than towards diverting assets on further devolutions or disintegrations over the phenomenon of ‘security dilemma’ as is the case of India and Pakistan. Indeed, the later phenomenological conceptual framework had never diminished in its essence which forced the welfare states as well as the major powers including USA to maintain traditional military hardware in the age of 5th generation of warfare. India and Pakistan remained into zenith of vicious cycle of stock piling of latest weaponry under the outcome of irrational conclusions of prisoner’s dilemma of the belligerents fuelling traditional enthusiasm of ethnic and religious vehemence. This research is an effort to find out the gaps in easing the tensions over the détente and interdependent security while moving towards non-traditional security and instead of transforming both the states into welfare states or formerly highlighted integration of the region. Resultantly, the shedding away of the existing survival and deterrence phase led to the devolution of traditional hype of grotesque nuclear flash point.
GLOBALIZATION, GROWTH & POVERTY ALLEVIATION IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Zaheer Rummana , Hussain Saman
Published: May 2020

Globalization hampers the growth level of the countries, then this raising growth rate helps to improve the living standard and reduce inequalities among the masses, that finally downgrade the poverty level of the nations, is the way that global institutions favor it. The debate on rightness of the measures taken for globalization to the socioeconomic development of emerging economies is prolonged and still controversial too. This paper attempts to address the impacts of measures taken for globalization (trade liberalization)specially with reference to its benefits and harms associated to growth and poverty alleviation in Pakistan. In order to examine the effects of trade liberalization on output growth and poverty, Toda-Yamamoto Granger causality is used, by taking data of last 30 years i.e. 1985 to 2015. The empirical findings and review of literature done in the study is consistent with the judgment of prior studies as concluding the hybrid type effects of globalization to the socio-economic conditions i.e. growth and poverty, of Pakistan.
CHINA-PAKISTAN ECONOMIC CORRIDOR: A KEY TO REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY AND DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Shakir Rabia , Nehal Jaweria , Qadri Suwaibah
Published: May 2020

Pak-China nexus has always been exemplary and phenomenal. Year 2015 is marked as the biggest milestone between these two all-weather friends. China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the key to the door that leads to the biggest ever trade activity that will be started from China and will be expanded to the middle-east, African and even some vibrant European markets. It is the biggest deal signed between Pakistan and any other country that promises the huge economic commotion. This corridor is basically a part of new phase of globalization where the economic cooperation between countries and regions define the future of the respective economies. Due to its great economic and geo-strategic importance, CPEC has acquired global attention and analysts from all over the world are holding different opinions on this substantial economic corridor between China and Pakistan. This paper is a brief overview of the intra-regional connectivity that CPEC ensures and its impact on socioeconomic development of the entire region. This study evaluates the growth of energy sector, infrastructure development and advancements in connectivity in terms of transportation and communication as a result of this mega project. It also describes the inter-regional coordination within the country that will strengthen area-to-area bonding that is important for the uniform economic progress so far. Once the things start to move on smoothly and smartly, there is no ambiguity that this project will turn out as the socioeconomic revolution, mainly for Pakistan, then for China and obviously for the other countries of the region as well.
NUCLEAR PROLIFERATION IN SOUTH ASIA –TOWARDS WORLD WAR-III
Authors: Shamim Jazib , Farooq Muhammad
Published: May 2020

The world witnessed a major historical event in 1947 when subcontinent, which was governed as a one unit from Khyber to Burma since almost last one thousand years, partitioned by the ruling British Empire resulting into two states namely India and Pakistan. The major reason behind partition of the subcontinent was the religious and cultural differences between the Hindus and Muslims. This difference made them hostile towards each other and India having superiority in all aspects, compelled Pakistan to become a security state right after its inception. To expand its superiority over the whole region, the Indian nuclear program started in 1944, even before its independence. India conducted first nuclear tests in 1974 and continued expanding its nuclear program. This forced Pakistan to work seriously on its nuclear program with a fast pace. India announced its formal entry to the nuclear weapons club in May 1998 with 5 nuclear tests at Pokhran, Pakistan, having nuclear capability at that time, replied back in merely two weeks with 6 nuclear tests and became the 7th nation in the world and first Islamic country to join the nuclear countries club. The lives of over a billion people are at mercy of the two nuclear powers state heads, especially India having an extremist government poses a serious threat to the peace of subcontinent which needs great attention especially from the global community otherwise a nuclear Armageddon could be expected.
JULY 15, 2016 COUP OF TURKEY: COMBAT BETWEEN MODERNISM AND REVIVALISM, LESSONS TO LEARN
Authors: Ahmed Khan Obaid , Arif Atta-ur-Rahman
Published: May 2020

If one thing that the failed coup by a small but some of the top hierarchy of Turkish armed forces on that fateful July 15, 2016 day made clear, it was: the ordinary civilians, unarmed as they were poured into the streets to defend the government whatever way they can. This massive public sympathy and support for Turkish resident Erdogan and his government would be hard, if not impossible to understand, without knowing the historical intellectual, academic, and moral combat between the modernists and Islamist groups working within the country. Mustafa Kamal had turned Turkey, mostly by force, from Ottoman Empire into the secular mode using military power. Various Islamic revolutionary outfits struggled for the revival of Ottoman Empire. Among them Bedi-uz-Zaman Said Nursi managed to cast a strong influence. A little slow but steadfast effort influenced by Nursi movement. Islam-shy Western powers managed alternate power structure against sitting President Tayyep Erdogan. They, however, failed due to result oriented social work delivered by his regime as Mayor and Prime Minister. It is a lesson for other revolutionaries and Governments especially for Islamic revolutionaries that if politicians deliver no power can oust them like a bee from butter.
ROLE OF SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY
Authors: Mustafa Sadaf , Iqbal Farah , Osama Ahmed
Published: May 2020

Importance of the Small Medium Enterprises sector cannot be overemphasized in the industrial development of a country. 90% of all the enterprises in Pakistan are consisting of Small Medium Enterprises; 80% labor force is employed in non-agriculture sector, Small Medium Enterprises are sharing annually 40% to GDP of the country (SMEDA). However providing huge part in the development of the country Small Medium Enterprises are still encountering with some perilous pitfalls and the survival of the Small Medium Enterprises is getting harder. Now the economy system of the country has been converted from the production based to knowledge-based economy. The review of the previous results pointed out that the twenty first century is the era of technological and intellectual capital and it has added the ultimate importance in the knowledge-based economy. Currently, the economy is based on knowledge-based economy and it is based on the intellectual capital. Therefore, it is difficult for Small Medium Enterprises in Pakistan to transfigure and acquire the concept and applications of intellectual capital in order to counter and mitigate the emerging economics problems
IMPACT OF OIL PRICES ON STOCK RETURNS: EVIDENCE FROM PAKISTAN’S STOCK MARKET
Authors: Atiq Zeeshan , Farhan Muhammad
Published: May 2020

Very few studies have investigated the movement in stock returns that result due to changes in oil prices. In recent years due to cooling down of China, unveiled oil reserves of Iran, decreasing demand worldwide and discovery of shale gases the world has experienced a large fall in the oil prices. These changes are also affecting performance of manufacturing and other associated companies in countries all over the world. Pakistan has also been affected by these changes in many ways. Especially, the returns on stock markets have been affected a lot by the variations in the oil prices. This paper using monthly data set from years 2014 to 2016 of the non-financial firms operated in Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), investigates the effect of variation in oil prices on returns on stock. Results from the panel data analysis indicate a negative relationship between the variables. Since, Pakistan is an oil importing, movement in the prices contribute towards affecting the production cost in a positive manner which in turn affects the execution of the enterprises as well as returns of the stocks negatively.
ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN PROMOTING TOURISM IN PAKISTAN
Authors: Aftab Shaista , Khan Muhammad Moiz
Published: May 2020

Tourism has emerged as the fastest growing industry and source of foreign exchange all across the world. Many countries owe major part of their annual earning and wealth to tourism. Pakistan is amongst the best tourism destination in the world. The main attractions for international travelers are usually, mountains, snow, desserts, beaches, plains, rivers, forests, cliffs, scenic beauty, historical places and cultural diversity. Pakistan is blessed with all of the said attractions. Up until now Pakistan had faced two major impediments towards becoming the top tourist destination, first it was not properly showcased in-front of the world and secondly in the recent past the security conditions were not suitable for international visitors. Today, it is high time for the Pakistan to become the top priority for tourists from all across the world. In this regard Social Media can play the best role possible. Various social media platforms are full of pictures and stories of people describing their experiences about the places they had been to. Secondly the governmental organizations also launch various social media office profile to show case the destinations. In this research the need of social media for the promotion of tourism in Pakistan has been focused.
ARTISTIC AND CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF THE FICTION WORK OF ANGARAY
Authors: Khan Muhammad Sajid
Published: May 2020

Reading habits among young generation is going to declining and culture of reading books is modified to modern methods of communication like browsing social sites and internet, playing on cell phones and watching T.V. This era modernization has taken away the youth from reading habits. It is important that the young generation learns about the rich Urdu literature including Urdu fiction in which several writers have significantly contributed. The emergence of Urdu literature facilitated the expansion of Urdu language. Fiction writers try to indicate important weaknesses of the society, cultural traditions, and norms, so as to find out the solutions to these issues. There were so many fictional works in Urdu literature having done during the progressive and independent movement. “ANGARAY” is a collection of fictional short stories authored by four young writers who had a progressive approach and tried in their own way to bring forth several social issues through their work at the time British India. This paper attempts to present a brief history of this collection and the consequences emerging out of its publication at that time. The study is reviewed and analyzed the criticism on selected short stories of subsequent publication. The study found that the readers would find the ideas and views of the four writers in the present time may provide them some relief from the opposition they faced on publication of their work.
A STRATEGIC VISION OF PAKISTAN’S INTERNAL SECURITY DYNAMICS
Authors: Khan Ayaz Ahmed
Published: May 2020

Present era can be categorized due to its speed of changes. Pakistani society got affected by worst kind of terrorism and extremism in last fifteen years. The root causes of prevailing security environment in Pakistan are multifaceted, complex and are derived from structural, as well as micro-level conditions. Objective of this research is to highlight the gaps in security doctrine of Pakistan. Both qualitative and quantitative methodology in the format of Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP study) is selected. Primary question of this research was to find the gaps in national internal security policy of Pakistan. This primary question is further sub divided into ten sub questions. Implementation modalities and the impediments of National Internal Security Policy (NISP) 2014 are also discussed. This research finds out that national internal security policy 2014 was a vibrant document and right step in the domain of policy formulation but demanded non-pragmatic results from security operators. Majority of its drawbacks are removed in in its later version of 2018-23. Survey and questionnaire based analysis is also made part of this article along with recommendations as submitted by respondents.
THE INFLUENCE OF WORKFORCE DIVERSITY ON PERFORMANCE OF EMPLOYEE IN PRIVATE BANKING SECTOR OF PAKISTAN
Authors: Iqbal Sobia , Iraqi Khalid Mehmood , Rafi Tariq
Published: May 2020

This is an era of globalization, and to maximize the competitive advantage, the banking industry is acknowledging and recognizing Human Resource practices and contributing their best to employ the organizational resources in best productive manner so that they can excel and enjoy competitive edge. Number of factors are affecting on performance of the employee. This research paper is mainly intended to explore the influence of employee diversity on the performance of employee in Private Banking business of Pakistan. Specifically in this paper, the performance of the employee in a banking sector has been predicted by the influence of employee diversity with respect to their education, age, gender, and ethnicity. The data was collected from 203 private banking representatives (serving on different positions at UBL, HBL, and MCB) by a convenience sampling method. In order to identify the relationship, the data has been tested by SPSS Regression and correlation analysis methods. Research findings suggested that the organizations with specific reference to banking sector should plan, design and execute the policies,, practices and strategies that have a wide range canvas inclusive every individual employee and workforce diversities.
Serum albumin level as a predictor of contrast-induced acute kidney injury following coronary angiography
Authors: Sreenivasan Jayakumar , Khan Muhammad S. , Wang Qiyu , Ranka Sagar , Akhtar Tauseef , Mattumpuram Jishanth , Agrawal Rohit , Zhuo Min , Aronow Wilbert S. , Yadav Neha
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The association between serum albumin level and the risk of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) after coronary angiography has not been well established.

Material and methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for all patients who underwent coronary angiography with or without percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at a tertiary care medical center over a period of 5 years. CI-AKI was defined as an absolute increase in creatinine of 0.3 mg/dl from baseline within 48 h of contrast exposure. Mean pre-procedural albumin level was compared between patients who developed CI-AKI and those who did not. The optimal cut-off point was obtained from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and univariate multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the associated risk of CI-AKI.

Results

Among 1319 patients (females = 32.3%, mean age: 58.2 ± 13.6 years) included in the study, 201 (15.2%) developed CI-AKI. Baseline serum albumin (3.5 vs. 3.8 gm/dl, p < 0.001) was significantly lower in patients who developed CI-AKI. ROC curve analysis revealed an optimal cutoff value for serum albumin of 3.85 gm/dl to predict CI-AKI with 67.2% sensitivity and 52.2% specificity (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.62, p < 0.001). Serum albumin < 3.85 gm/dl is significantly associated with higher risk of developing CI-AKI (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.1, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Serum albumin < 3.85 gm/dl is an independent predictor of CI-AKI in patients undergoing coronary angiography.
CRP single nucleotide polymorphism (rs1800947) and nutritional status in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Popow Anna , Wasińska-Krawczyk Anna , Interewicz Bożenna , Olszewski Waldemar L. , Manitius Jacek , Rydzewska-Rosołowska Alicja , Rydzewski Andrzej
Published: May 2020

Introduction

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein and was shown to be a predictor for all-cause and cardiovascular death in end stage renal disease patients. C-reactive protein is a member of the pentraxin family and plays a key role in the innate immune response. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with plasma CRP levels have been identified. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of the rs1800947 polymorphism in the human CRP gene in maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients, and to determine whether it is related to nutritional status.

Material and methods

We investigated 99 patients maintained on chronic hemodialysis (HD). 109 apparently healthy volunteers served as a control group. HD subjects were followed for 12 months. Anthropometric measurements were performed, the malnutrition-inflammation scale (MIS) score was determined, and blood samples were obtained within 1 month of enrollment and at 3 and 12 months of follow-up. rs1800947 SNP in the CRP gene was genotyped using restriction fragment length polymorphism-polymerase chain reaction.

Results

There were no significant differences in the investigated genotype frequencies between HD patients and controls. Moreover, there was no influence of genotype on anthropometric and laboratory indices of nutritional status and MIS score.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicate that the rs1800947 single nucleotide polymorphism in the CRP gene does not seem to correlate with nutritional status in hemodialysis patients.
MicroRNA 144 inhibits cell migration and invasion
and regulates inflammatory cytokine secretion
through targeting toll like receptor 2 in non-small cell
lung cancer
Authors: Pu Rong , Pu Meicen , Huang Haohai , Cui Yejia
Published: May 2020

Introduction

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous small noncoding RNA molecules involved in modulation of cancer progression. Here, we investigated the possible role of miR-144 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) development.

Material and methods

The expression of miR-144 and TLR2 in NSCLC tissue and cell lines was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The TargetScan database was used to predict potential target genes of miR-144. Luciferase assay was used to verify the interaction between TLR2 and miR-144. TLR2 protein expression was measured by western blot. The secretion of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in A549 cells was detected by an ELISA kit. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively.

Results

Our results showed that miR-144 was downregulated in NSCLC tissue and cell lines when compared with the normal tissues and cell line (p < 0.05). The protein level of TLR2 in NSCLC tissue and cell lines was significantly higher than that in normal lung tissues. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay showed that miR-144 could bind to the 3ʹUTR of TLR2 specifically. Up-regulation of miR-144 significantly decreased the expression of TLR2. Up-regulation of miR-144 or down-regulation of TLR2 could decrease cell migration, invasion and secretion of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in A549 cells. Moreover, overexpression of TLR2 rescued the inhibitory effects of miR-144 on migration, invasion and inflammatory factor secretion of A549 cells.

Conclusions

miR-144 could inhibit the migration, invasion and secretion of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 through downregulation of TLR2 expression in A549 cells.
Protective effect of hydrogen sulfide is mediated
by negative regulation of epigenetic histone acetylation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sun Yang , Li Dai , Su Yuqiang , Zhao Haikang , Pang Weiwei , Zhao Wei , Wu Shengjun
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Derangements in monoaminergic transmission in the substantia nigra with disturbed signaling in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are the major characteristics of Parkinson’s disease (PD). It has been reported that the administration of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is in practice to treat PD because of its redundant nature in regulating various neuronal signals. Hence, the current investigation was performed to evaluate the hypothesis that H2S might exert protective action via the inhibition of epigenetic histone acetylation.

Material and methods

To test this notion, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was used to induce PD and sodium hydrogen sulfide (SHS) was used as a H2S donor and tubastatin A (TSA) was tested in an in vivo rat model to delineate the signaling mechanism.

Results

Induction of PD in rats demonstrated elevated oxidative stress with an evidenced decrease in antioxidant enzymes, while elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory mediators were observed in the striatum of PD rats compared to controls. On the other hand, elevated (p < 0.01) levels of dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), mRNA transcript of HDAC-2, -3, -4, -6 and total histone deacetylase (HDAC) were found with reduced levels of histone acetyltransferase (HAT) in the brain tissues of PD induced rats.

Conclusions

Diversely, H2S exposure reversed these alterations with reduced HDAC activity. Further, PD rats treated with HDAC inhibitor showed a dramatic upsurge in the level of tyrosine hydroxylase, with a decreased level of glial fibrillary acidic protein, -synuclein, tumor necrosis factor , and other cytokines. Thus the results of the study suggest that H2S exerts protection via inhibition of HDAC.
Real-world prognostic factors in autotransplanted multiple myeloma patients with severe renal impairment: study of the Polish Myeloma Study Group
Authors: Waszczuk-Gajda Anna , Vesole David , Małyszko Jolanta , Jurczyszyn Artur , Wróbel Tomasz , Drozd-Sokołowska Joanna , Boguradzki Piotr , Mądry Krzysztof , Tomaszewska Agnieszka , Biliński Jarosław , Król Maria , Niemczyk Longin , Olszewska-Szopa Magdalena , Jedrzejczak Wieslaw , Basak Grzegorz
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The prognostic factors in autotransplanted multiple myeloma (MM) patients with concomitant advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) are poorly understood, limited, and controversial.

Material and methods

We retrospectively analysed 44 patients with MM and CKD (eGFR < 40 ml/min), present both at diagnosis and at autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), with no improvement of renal function in-between.

Results

Patients exhibiting deeper paraprotein responses to pre-transplant treatment predicted better response post ASCT (odds ratio (OR) = 11.6, p = 0.028) and longer progression-free survival (PFS) (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.23, p = 0.017). Higher albumin concentration (per increase of 1 g/dl) (HR = 0.41, p = 0.03) and melphalan 140 mg/m2 versus higher melphalan doses (HR = 0.86, p = 0.008) were associated with longer PFS. Performance status (ECOG 0-1 versus ≥ 2) (HR = 0.28, p = 0.0036), higher albumin concentration (HR = 0.43, p < 0.037), and melphalan 140 mg/m2 versus higher melphalan doses (HR = 0.48, p = 0.081) decreased the risk of death. Three of 32 dialysis-dependent patients became dialysis independent (DID), and 5 of 12 in the DID group had eGFR improvement post ASCT. The median PFS was 2.3 years, which was shorter for DID compared to DD patients (0.7 vs. 3.3 years, respectively). The median overall survival (OS) was 3.6 years, there was no difference in median OS between the groups (4.0 vs. 3.5 years, respectively).

Conclusions

Optimal patient selection including good performance status and higher albumin concentration (with every increase of 1 g/dl), chemotherapy-responsive disease pre-ASCT, melphalan dose adjusted to CKD, and intensive post-transplant supportive care are crucial to achieve acceptable results of treatment of MM patients with CKD.
A two-miRNA signature (miR-21 and miR-92) in peripheral whole blood as a potential biomarker for diagnosis of human cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Zheng Congying , Mao Chengliang , Tang Kai , Ceng Shaojian , Shu Hang
Published: May 2020

Introduction

microRNAs (miRs) have been reported as blood-based noninvasive indicators for the diagnosis of various diseases. However, the utility of whole blood-based miRs in the diagnosis of intracranial aneurysm (IA) is still not clear. The present study aimed to examine miR expression profiling in the peripheral whole blood of IA patients and healthy controls.

Material and methods

Seventy-three IA patients, including 34 unruptured and 39 ruptured, and 28 healthy subjects, were recruited for diagnostic analysis. microRNA (miR) expression profiling in whole blood from healthy controls and IA patients was evaluated using miRNA microarray assay. RT-qPCR was used to evaluate miR expression. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and the area under the ROC curves (AUC) were used to calculate the diagnostic power of miRs in whole blood of IA.

Results

We observed significantly higher miR-21 and miR-92 expression levels in aneurysmal tissues and whole blood of IA patients as compared to healthy subjects. miR-21 expression level was significantly positively correlated with miR-92 in IA tissues and whole blood of IA patients. ROC analysis revealed that miR-21 (AUC = 0.843, sensitivity = 0.849, specificity = 0.750) and miR-92 (AUC = 0.892, sensitivity = 0.945, specificity = 0.786) were promising in diagnosis of IA with high detectability. Intriguingly, miR-21 combined with miR-92 markedly improved the diagnostic power of IA (AUC = 0.920, sensitivity = 1.000, specificity = 0.786).

Conclusions

miR-21 combined with miR-92 could be considered as a potential biomarker for IA screening.
Sophoricoside attenuates neuronal injury and altered cognitive function by regulating the LTR-4/NF-B/PI3K signalling pathway in anaesthetic-exposed neonatal rats
Authors: Yang Lihua , Xu Yucan , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2020

Introduction

This study examined the protective effects of sophoricoside on neuronal injury and cognitive dysfunction in anaesthetic-exposed neonatal rats.

Material and methods

Neuronal injury was induced in rat pups by exposure to isoflurane (0.75%) with 30% oxygen for 6 h on P7. The protective effects of sophoricoside were evaluated by assessing cognitive function using the neurological score and Morris water maze. Neuronal apoptosis was assessed in hippocampus tissue using a TUNEL assay. The cytokine and macrophage inflammatory protein levels were assessed by ELISA. Western blot assays and RT-PCR were performed to assess the expression of NF-B, TLR-4, Akt, and PI3K proteins in neuronal tissues. Immunohistochemical and histopathological changes were observed in the brain tissues of isoflurane-induced neuronal injury rats.

Results

The sophoricoside treatment improved cognitive and neuronal function in rats exposed to isoflurane. Cytokine and MIP levels in the brain tissues of isoflurane-exposed rats decreased. However, sophoricoside treatment attenuated the expression of TLR-4, PI3K, and Akt protein in the brain tissues of isoflurane-exposed rats. The histopathology improved in the sophoricoside-treated isoflurane-exposed rats.

Conclusions

Sophoricoside treatment protects against neuronal injury and reduced cognitive function in isoflurane-induced neuronal injury rats by regulating TLR-4 signalling.
Inhibition of glioma cell viability by jatrophone via NF-κB down-regulation and apoptosis inhibitor up-regulation
Authors: Yuan Lei , Wang Fei , Zhang Ting , Zhang Yiming , Pan Hong , Lv Guoguang , Zhang Baozhong
Published: May 2020

Introduction

The present study evaluated the pro-survival signaling pathway inhibition potential of jatrophone in glioblastoma cells with the intention to develop effective treatment for glioblastoma.

Material and methods

Changes in proliferation of cells were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Morphological changes were evaluated by electron microscopy and apoptosis by flow cytometry.

Results

The proliferative potential of glioma cells showed significant reduction on treatment with jatrophone. The shrinkage and detachment from the flask surface was prominent in glioma cells on treatment with 15 µM jatrophone. Treatment with jatrophone (4.8 µM) for 72 h increased apoptosis in U87MG and A172 cells. The immunocytochemistry showed a significant decrease in the level of intracellular NF-B p65 in glioma cells on treatment with jatrophone. Jatrophone treatment significantly suppressed nuclear NF-B p65/total NF-B p65 in glioma cells. Treatment with jatrophone suppressed levels of survivin, XIAP and Bcl-2 in glioma cells relative to control. The Bax level in glioma cells was enhanced markedly relative to control on treatment with jatrophone. Activation of caspase-9 and -3 in glioma cells was markedly increased on treatment with jatrophone.

Conclusions

Jatrophone acts as inhibitory agent for glioblastoma cell proliferation and mediator of apoptosis. Therefore, jatrophone can be used as a therapeutic agent for glioblastoma treatment.
Application of dexmedetomidine for lung injury in elderly patients undergoing one-lung ventilation
Authors: Shi Zhi-Guo , Mi Wei-Dong
Published: May 2020

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on lung injury, the oxygenation index and perioperative pulmonary complications in elderly patients who underwent thoracotomy with one-lung ventilation (OLV).

Material and methods

A total of 120 elderly patients with lung cancer were included in the present study. According to the random number table method, these patients were randomly divided into two groups: group D and group C. Patients in group D were intravenously pumped with 0.5 µg/kg/h of DEX before anesthesia. The infusion was completed within 15 min, and anes­thesia was induced by venous injection. Patients in group C were pumped with equal volumes of normal saline.

Results

At T2 and T3, compared with group C, group D had a significant decrease in cardiac index, mean arterial pressure and central venous pressure (p < 0.05). At T2, T3 and T4, compared with group C, group D had a significant increase in pH and PaO2 (p < 0.05). At T2, T3 and T4, compared with group C, group D had a significant decrease in Qs/Qt (p < 0.05). At T6, compared with group C, group D had a significant decrease in the supernatant of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 6 (p < 0.05). At T5, compared with group C, group D had a significant decrease in Visual Analogue Scale score (p < 0.05), and a significant increase in Ramsay Sedation Scale score (p < 0.05), and the number of respiratory and cardiovascular events also decreased (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

In elderly patients, dexmedetomidine can reduce Qs/Qt and increase PaO2 during OLV in surgery. It can reduce lung injury. Moreover, DEX reduced respiratory and cardiovascular complications in the perioperative period.
Positron emission tomographic studies of the association between atherogenesis and aortitis among psoriatic patients
Authors: Li Lin , Ge Yinglin , Wan Xianghui , Wu Kunpeng , Liu Daliang
Published: May 2020

Introduction

There is increased interest in the use of positron emission tomography (PET) in psoriatic patients. We used PET induced with tracer fluo¬rine-18 (18F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to study the association between the process of early-atherogenesis (eAg) and aortitis by quantifying enhanced aortic vascular inflammation along with calculation of total coronary plaque load (TCPL) and non-calcified atherosclerotic plaque load (NcAPL). In order to study the utility of aortitis in capturing eAg, we also assessed luminal stenosis atherosclerosis (LSA) and high-risk coronary plaques (HrCP).

Material and methods

The study was conducted at our hospital between 1 April 2014 and 31 December 2017, and the analysis was done in July 2018. We recruited 180 consecutive psoriatic patients and subjected them to 18F-FDG PET. However, in order to characterise eAg, 160 out of 180 patients were also subjected to coronary angiographic computed tomographic studies (CACTS).

Results

Among 180 psoriatic patients (76 women, 42%) (mean [SD] age, 51.1 [13.2] years), greater prevalence values of LSA (odd ratio [OR], 3.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.84–7.89; p = 0.001) and HrCP (OR, 3.11; 95% CI: 1.54–6.51; p = 0.003) along with enhanced TCPL (standardised β = 0.44; p < 0.001) were observed in patients with enhanced aortitis. However, the association between aortitis and HrCP was controlled by low-attenuation plaque (LAP), while the same between aortitis and TCPL was controlled by NcAPL (β = 0.45; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Association between aortitis and broad coronary angiographic indices was achieved and hence predicted the possibility of a surrogate role of aortitis in eAg.