Search

The modern phase of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has lasted for over three decades. Since the independent republics of Armenia and Azerbaijan emerged in 1991, the status of Nagorno-Karabakh has been at the centre of these countries' foreign and domestic policies. Using Robert Entman's theory, this article examines speeches about possible remedies to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Turkey between 2002 and 2022 and identifies frames that these leaders create over the conflict's resolution. By enhancing our understanding of how state leaders frame their perspectives on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for external audiences, this article demonstrates the complex challenges in achieving a peaceful resolution. Understanding these framing strategies is crucial for comprehending the underlying motivations and interests of the involved parties and sheds light on the challenges faced in resolving the conflict through peaceful means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, we assessed the antibacterial properties of menthol using Escherichia coli strains, including a tetracycline-resistant (BN407) and a non-resistant reference (K12) strains. The disc-diffusion assay indicated remarkable antibacterial activity of menthol, warranting further exploration. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for menthol was determined to be 500 µg/ml for both strains. Despite identical MIC values, menthol exhibited different effects on the colony-forming units (CFUs) of the strains, reducing CFUs by 55% in E. coli K12 and 40% in E. coli BN407. Growth kinetics studies revealed that menthol extended the Lag phase by 50% and decreased the specific growth rate and mean generation time by nearly 50% for both strains. These findings illustrate menthol's significant impact on bacterial replication and adaptation processes. Additionally, menthol disrupted membrane-associated properties, as evidenced by reduced H+-flux through bacterial membranes, affecting both N,N-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD)-sensitive and non-sensitive proton flux rates. This indicates that menthol compromises the proton motive force critical for ATP synthesis and nutrient transport. In summary, menthol demonstrates potent antibacterial activity, influencing bacterial growth and survival. This activity is supposed to be due to the influence on membrane functionality. These effects are consistent across both tetracycline-resistant and non-resistant E. coli strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the process of othering through the creation of the 'enemy image' in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in Ilham Aliyev's speeches delivered between 2016 and 2020. Based on narrative and discourse analysis of the speeches, this article demonstrates the main discursive practices used by Aliyev to dehumanize Armenians. These analyses uncover three main components: identification of Armenians as the sole menace for Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis, depiction of Armenians as non-human and barbaric in essence, and stressing the superiority of Azerbaijan to eliminate the threat emanating from Armenians. Limiting itself to a state-backed dominant narrative, this article also highlights the connection of the dehumanization process of Armenians with the power legitimation dynamics in Azerbaijan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of plants in Armenia is due to the singularity of natural environment. However, biochemical activity of these plants has not been studied well. The goal was to investigate biological activities as well as antihyperglycemic properties of Rumex obtusifolius L. in rabbits with hyperglycemia. According to obtained data, R. obtusifolius extracts possessed high antioxidant activity in chemical-based tests. GS/MS analysis of its methanol extracts allowed identification of several compounds, which could have high contribution on biological activities. The sub-cytotoxic concentration of investigated extract was 10 mgmL-1on Murine microglial BV-2 WT cell lines. Oral administration of ethanol extract showed significant effect on hyperglycemia, reducing fasting glucose levels (57.3%, p

A growing demand for the ecologically pure products brings us for searching novel biotechnological approaches for plant cultivation. One of these approaches is the in vitro cultivation and further acclimatization of valuable plant species. The object of our investigation was Ajugareptance L. ornamental plant which possesses high metabolic activity. In vitro cultivation was carried out applying Murashige-Skoog nutrient medium and its modifications. Acclimatization of in vitro plants was implemented according Hazarika. In the presence of twice higher concentration of cytokinins over auxins and 0.2 mg/ml gibberellins callus culture was formed from the leaf explants. Callus tissue was formed in the presence of 0.2 mg/ml kinetin and 2 mg/ml indole-3-acetic acid which has denser structure than the first one. The shoot formation was observed on callus cultures growing on the same medium approximately after 5th passage. Callus culture growth was supported also by the adding of 2 mg/ml 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. For the micropropagation, the already formed shoots were transferred to the nutrient medium which contains only 0.1 mg/ml 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid as a phytohormone. A. reptans culture has high regenerative ability and the micro-propagation index was 104 – 105. In vitro regenerated plants were successfully acclimatized to the soil conditions during two-week period.

Backgrounds: Plant compounds are of great value due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and other characteristics. This study aimed to examine the chemical composition and impact of the Origanum vulgare hydroethanolic extract on nociceptive behavior and anti-inflammatory properties in in vivo mice models. Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography techniques were employed to determine the major active phytochemicals of the extract. The effects of the extract on nociceptive reactions were evaluated using formalin and hot plate tests, while the anti-inflammatory effect was determined using the Carrageenan test. The methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium assay was applied to analyze growth-inhibiting properties of the extract on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Results: Various flavonoids and organic acids were identified in O. vulgare hydro-ethanolic extract. The extract possessed low cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells as only 1 mg/mL or higher concentrations of the extract induced considerable growth inhibition. The formalin and hot plate tests demonstrated some sensitizing effects of the investigated extract (5 mg/kg) on mice. Moreover, the Carrageenan test revealed pronounced anti-inflammatory properties of the O. vulgare extract. Conclusion: The potent biological activity of the wild oregano herb extract makes it a promising source for the development of medicinal preparations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compounds of plant origin are considered promising alternative approaches in the development of medicines for the prevention and treatment of cancer. The large diversity of herbal species still requires careful exploration as a source for new anticancer compounds. The goal of the study was to screen different herbal extracts traditionally used in Armenian folk medicine for their cytotoxic effect against some cancer cell lines, and to find the prospective plant species among them. The cytotoxicity of the plant ethanol extracts was evaluated with MTT test against HeLa (human cervical carcinoma) and A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma) cells. Antioxidant properties were assessed with DPPH free radical scavenging assay. Five of the tested ten herbal extracts exhibited significant growth-inhibiting activity on HeLa cells. Moreover, Alchemilla smirnovii and Hypericum alpestre extracts also showed potent cytotoxicity on human lung adenocarcinoma cells. These two plants possessed high antiradical activity as well. Their DPPH stoichiometric values were 0.4234 and 0.14437 respectively, meaning that 1 µg of plant extract brought the reduction of DPPH equal to the respective stoichiometric values in µg. Thus, A. smirnovii and H. alpestre extracts expressed themselves as potent cytotoxic and antioxidant agents and could have promising anticancer potential. Further evaluation of their in vivo anticancer properties has much interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reach their political goals, countries try to craft an image acceptable to the international community as reliable allies standing for similar values. Since its independence, Azerbaijan has been actively working on its branding as a country that bridges the West and the Islamic world. To do this, Azerbaijan creates its image as a secular, multicultural state and a leading state among Islamic countries with a firm support of Islamic solidarity. Positioning Azerbaijan as an advocate of Islamic solidarity, Ilham Aliyev then embarks on the next step of his plan to demand the Islamic world’s solidarity about the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict. Thus, nation branding in the case of Azerbaijan is not only about creating an image of a possible investment place or touristic destination; official Baku “sells” its solidarity pursuing the political goal of getting the support of Islamic countries against Armenia․ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]