bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
X-Ray Afterglows from the Gamma-Ray Burst “Large-angle” Emission
Authors: Panaitescu A. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
We derive basic analytical results for the timing and decay of the gamma-ray burst (GRB) counterpart and delayed afterglow light curves for a brief emission episode from a relativistic surface endowed with angular structure, consisting of a uniform core of size

(Lorentz factor

and surface emissivity

are angle independent) and an axially symmetric power-law envelope (

). In this “large-angle emission” model, radiation produced during the prompt emission phase (GRB) at angles

arrives at the observer well after the burst (delayed emission). The dynamical time range of the very fast decaying GRB “tail” and of the flat afterglow “plateau” and the morphology of the GRB counterpart/afterglow are all determined by two parameters: the core's parameter

and the envelope's Lorentz factor index g, leading to three types of light curves that display three post-GRB phases (type 1: tail, plateau/slow decay, post-plateau/normal decay), two post-GRB phases (type 2: tail and fast decay), or just one (type 3: normal decay). We show how X-ray light-curve features can be used to determine core and envelope dynamical and spectral parameters. Testing of the large-angle emission model is done using the Swift/XRT X-ray emission of two afterglows of type 1 (GRB 060607A, GRB 061121), one of type 2 (GRB 061110A), and one of type 3 (GRB 061007). We find that the X-ray afterglows with plateaus require an envelope Lorentz factor

and a comoving-frame emissivity

; thus, for a typical afterglow spectrum

, the lab-frame energy release is uniform over the emitting surface.
LITERATURE AND SPIRITUALITY IN THE POST-SECULAR AGE
Authors: Faisal Nazir  
Published: May 2020

This paper attempts to reconsider the nature and function of the ‘spiritual’ dimension in literary texts and in literary study in the context of the present state of the discipline of literary studies. The present era is often defined as a ‘post-secular’ era, one in which themes of spirituality and mysticism are increasingly noticeable in literary works. The paper argues that to maintain its relevance to contemporary writers and readers, literary criticism has to (re-)address these themes in a concrete and effective way. The paper recommends a comparative approach to the discussion of spirituality and mysticism in contemporary literature and literary criticism. In order to carry effective analytical potential, this approach, the paper emphasizes, has to be developed from specific spiritual traditions. The paper first discusses the disciplinary crisis literary studies have always been exposed to since their inception as a discipline of study in academic institutes. It then reviews the current state of the discipline and describes how the discipline came to be dominated by scientific and social approaches. Finally, it suggests the reinstitutionof the ‘spiritual’ element in literary study as a way out from the state of crisis in the discipline of literary studies. The paper thus attempts to strengthen the disciplinary identify of literary studies while exploring interdisciplinary aspects of the study literature.
IMPACT OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL ON CORPORATE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: AN EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM PHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR OF PAKISTAN
Authors: Qadar Amber , Makki Muhammad Abdul Majid , Hussain Muhammad Athar 
Published: May 2020

The basic purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of intellectual capital on corporate financial performance. This study is conducted on pharmaceutical sector listed in Pakistan Stock Exchange. Data for this study was collected from audited annual financial statements of selected business organizations over period of ten year i.e. from 2005-2014. Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC) methodology is employed, in order to measure IC (Intellectual Capital) and its different components. The firm’s financial performance is measured by using profitability measures including ROE (Return on Equity) and ROA (Return on Assets), market to book value and asset turnover. In order to analyze the collected data, the Partial Least Square (PLS), a SEM (structural equation modeling) technique. These approaches are used to assess the measurement and structural models. The results of analysis have supported the proposed hypothesis i.e. there is significant positive impact of intellectual capital on firm’s financial performance among pharmaceutical industries of Pakistan.
IMPACT OF TRADE ON ECONOMIC GROWTH OF PAKISTAN: AN ARDL TO CO-INTEGRATION APPROACH
Authors: Mujahid Nooreen , Begum Azeema , Noman Muhammad 
Published: May 2020

This paper explores the relationship between export growth and economic growth in the case of Pakistan by employing time series data for the period 1971- 2013. This study has incorporated variables like GDP (Gross Domestic Product) exports, imports and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). We have applied ARDL to co-integration and Error Correction Model (ECM). The study provides the evidence of stationary time series variables, the existence of the long - run relationship between them, and the result of ECM revealed short rum equilibrium adjustment. Pakistan has many options for enhancing the export of the country. There is a dire need to minimize trade barriers and restrictions such as import and export quotas. Government of Pakistan had introduced Structural Reforms for liberalization, privatization and de-regulation which will actually shifted the trend of trade at a significant level in the end of 1980s. Low levels of interest rate can help exportable industries in which investments are needed to promote and enhance the exports. Stable exchange rate is the first and the best policy option for increasing the export and managing the imports. There is a cause and effect relationship between exchange rate and FDI. Pakistan has to immediately find the policies and processes that support logistics and facilitates trade.
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

IntroductionThe 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 methodsMulticenter 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.ResultsBetween 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).ConclusionsAn 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

IntroductionPrecapillary 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 methodsEighty-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.ResultsIn 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%).ConclusionsNT-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

IntroductionTriple-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 methodsThe 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.ResultsAll 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.ConclusionsThere 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

IntroductionBreast 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 methodsIn 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.ResultsOur 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.ConclusionThe 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

IntroductionCold-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 methodsIn 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.ResultsDuring 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.ConclusionsThe 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

IntroductionUterine 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 methodsA 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).ResultsThere 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.ConclusionsNo 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

IntroductionThe study aimed to investigate how pain severity in the shoulder region affects balance ability, postural stability and fall risk.Material and methodsSixty 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.ResultsA 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).ConclusionsThe 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

IntroductionmiRNAs 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 methodsIn 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsThe 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

IntroductionLaparoscopic 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 methodsA 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionsOur results showed that performing LRP within 12 weeks after TURP does not adversely influence surgical difficulty or outcomes.