bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Blended Learning on EFL College Students’ Oral Communicative Competence: A Critical Review of Studies
Authors: Zhangli Wu , Ismail Lilliati , Ahmad Norhakimah Khaiessa , Mahfoodh Omer Hassan Ali , Xuewen Wang
Published: September 2024

For EFL learners’ development of oral communication competence in English, computer-assisted instruction has become an indispensable model. In the face of the arrival of the information and intelligence era and the need for regular pandemic prevention and control, blended learning has become a normalized teaching approach. Although there have been some investigations of the effectiveness of blended learning in enhancing college EFL students’ English communication skills, a review article that synthesizes the findings of these studies deserves an urgent attention. Thus, the overall purpose of this research is to review previous studies that have examined the use of blended learning to improve college EFL students’ English communication skills. The anticipated outcomes of this research can uncover the potential benefits of utilizing blended learning for enhancing English oral communicative competence among college EFL students. This article can offer some critical perspectives, suggestions, and consequences concerning the integration of blended learning in the acquisition of English language communication competence among college EFL students.
Reflection of Explicitation in Scientific Translation: Neural Machine Translation vs. Human Post-Editing
Authors: Khoury Ogareet Y.
Published: September 2024

The present paper reports on the findings of an empirical comparative study on the extent to which explicitation is employed in the translation of a scientific text as conducted by Google Neural Machine Translation (GNMT) vs its post-edited (PE) version. A recent report released in English by the World Meteorological Organization in September 2023 was selected as the source text for the present study. The purpose of the study is to reveal how domain-specific acronyms and technical terms are lexically expanded (explicitated) in a GNMT output compared to its post-edited (PE) version as performed by a team of professional translators at a translation service provider in Amman-Jordan. Explicitation in translation can be obligatory or optional. The type of explicitation investigated in the present study is optional, pragmatic explicitation. The results show that GNMT has its limitations in dealing with scientific terms and acronyms in translating scientific texts from English into Arabic. In contrast, human post-editing explicitated domain-specific terms and acronyms producing a text with a higher level of readability and naturalness for domain expert readers and non-expert readers.
An Ecolinguistic Study of Language Teachers as Activists in Promoting Dialogue on SDGs
Authors: Kanwal Afia
Published: September 2024

The present study examines the effect of EFL teachers assuming the role of activists in promoting dialogues regarding the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among university-level students. The study aims to quantitatively assess the influence of EFL teachers who adopt an activist attitude on the knowledge, involvement, and understanding of global sustainability concerns among a particular group of first-year students at the university level. These students, ranging from 19 to 22 years old, were native Arabic speakers from Saudi Arabia. Through a quasi-experimental structure, this investigation compares the results obtained from an experimental group, which undergoes an instructional regimen that integrates SDG-focused activism, to a control group that receives traditional EFL instructions. Data collection is structured around pretest and posttest assessments. The results are anticipated to emphasize the effectiveness of incorporating ecolinguistic principles and activist teaching approaches in language education. The observations mentioned above have the potential to substantially impact the ecolinguistic study field and instructional approaches designed to cultivate a more profound comprehension and dedication to sustainability goals. This study not only emphasizes the capacity to utilize language teaching to promote awareness of sustainability among young students but also establishes a model for forthcoming investigations into the function of education in tackling global environmental and societal predicaments.
EFL Teachers’ and Students’ Perceptions of Knowledge for Translating English Proverbs Into Vietnamese
Authors: Anh Khau Hoang , Trang Nguyen Huynh
Published: September 2024

EFL teachers’ and 60 students’ perceptions of the knowledge needed to translate English proverbs into Vietnamese. The study used an online survey to collect the two groups’ responses. The survey used a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 for strongly disagree to 5 for strongly agree. The results showed that most teachers were aware of teaching their students the necessary knowledge to help them translate English proverbs into Vietnamese. Similarly, most students were mindful of the knowledge required for translating English proverbs into Vietnamese, and they perceived that translating English proverbs was a demanding task. For an open-ended question, many valuable ideas regarding translating English proverbs to Vietnamese were collected and used as references for future proverbial translation teaching and learning. Suggestions and limitations of the study were also included.
The Effect of Using Wattpad as an ICT Tool on EFL Students’ Writing Skill
Authors: Arochman Taufik , Margana  , Ashadi  , Normawati Afi , Arifin M Fatkhu , Achmad Sarifah
Published: September 2024

The advancement of technology in the current world is leading to the changing of the learning process in the educational field. This study aimed to explore the use of Wattpad to enhance the writing skills of EFL learners following the integration of ICT for educational purposes based on the effect of the application and the student’s perceptions. The study used a mixed method to examine the data provided both numerical and non-numerical. The samples of this study were 80 participants at a state university in Central Java, Indonesia. The investigation conducted was related to EFL. The data of this study were collected through tests and a survey which was distributed online. This study revealed that there was a significant difference between students who were taught using Wattpad and those who were taught using paper-based writing (sig. 0.016 < α). Moreover, there were positive perceptions from the participants toward the use of Wattpad to enhance writing skills. Wattpad was perceived as a pleasurable media of learning where students could express various emotions, ideas, and thoughts. It gave chances to students to develop their writing. Further, this study is expected to give insight into future research related to the investigation of the use of Wattpad in developing writing skills.
The Effect of Language Anxiety and Proficiency on Saudi EFL Learners’ Attitudes Towards Teacher Code-Switching
Authors: Almansour Noha
Published: September 2024

This study investigates the attitudes of Saudi EFL learners towards teacher code-switching in the classroom and explores the effect of foreign language anxiety and language proficiency on these attitudes. This mixed-methods study combined quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative part involved the use of a self-reported questionnaire to elicit learners’ attitudes towards teacher code-switching and foreign-language anxiety. Additionally, qualitative data were collected through an open-ended question to explore learners’ perspectives on the role of teacher code-switching in the classroom. The sample comprised 146 Saudi EFL students. The findings indicated that the Saudi EFL learners generally held a positive attitude towards teacher code-switching, perceiving it as a beneficial instructional, communicative tool for language learning. Furthermore, the study revealed that foreign language anxiety had a significant effect on learners’ attitudes towards code-switching, with high-anxiety learners exhibiting more positive attitudes than low-anxiety learners in three dimensions: subject access, classroom management, and interpersonal relations. Language proficiency, however, had no significant influence on learners’ attitudes towards teacher code-switching. These findings have important pedagogical implications that could help language teachers implement code-switching as an effective instructional tool to reduce learners’ anxiety and enhance the language learning experience.
Japanese Compound Verbs 「〜dasu」「〜deru」「〜komu」: Exploring Meaning and Illustrated Pedagogy for Japanese Learners
Authors: Kadir Puspa Mirani , Sidiq Inu Isnaeni
Published: September 2024

Research on the use of compound verbs in learning the Japanese language becomes crucial as previous studies have not fully addressed aspects related to the necessity of categorizing compound verbs clearly and accurately with a simple understanding. Although Satou (2002) divides verbs based on morphophonology, the research remains incomplete without considering morphosemantic aspects. Therefore, doubts arise regarding the result of combining the two verbs, whether the Verbs Group 1 ‘Godan Doushi’ (V1), referred to as the initial verb element 'zenkouyouso', or the Verbs Group 2 ‘Ichidan Doushi’ (V2), referred to as the final verb element 'gokouyouso', still adhere to the status of the final verb as a jidoushi or tadoushi. Kageyama's (1993) study on the meaning and usage of compound verbs [-dasu] is divided into two groups, indicating a change of place 'ichihenka' and aspect 'aspekuto,' observed in Japanese sentences. The concepts of compound verbs developed by Satou (2002) and Kageyama (2016) are combined eclectically in this research, aiming to obtain accurate data. The results of this analysis may not be well understood without additional support. Therefore, the analysis is presented with the illustrations of compound verbs 「〜dasu」「〜deru」「〜komu」, which are drawn based on example sentences. This research aims to categorize the meanings of compound verbs in Japanese and illustrate them in pictures. Thus, Japanese language learners will optimally understand the use of those verbs based on both the inherent meaning of verbs and sentence structure.
How Americans and Saudis Make Requests: A Politeness Theory Analysis
Authors: Alkhonini Omar A. , Al-Shboul Othman Khalid , Dakamsih Nusaibah J.
Published: September 2024

This study elucidates how speakers of different cultures, namely, Saudi Arabia and United States employ the speech act of requesting, drawing upon various politeness features. It conducted a qualitative analysis to offer explanations for different strategies of requests used by both groups and how they employ politeness features. The present study also conducted small statistics (frequencies and percentages) to explore the most and least common strategies that were used by participants in this study. The sample of this study included 20 Saudis and 20 Americans who were students at Southern Illinois University. The findings revealed that while Saudi participants used more direct strategies than their American counterparts, these direct strategies were characterized as positive politeness. That is, Saudi participants relied on directness feature to minimize the social distance with the addressee. However, American students were more formal than their Saudi counterparts, suggesting that they were less direct when they made requests. But this type of directness is negative as it doesn’t aim at removing social borders between interlocutors. This study indicates that Saudis tend to be more informal (and hence less indirect) than Americans when they make requests. The present study demonstrates that culture is a key social factor to determine how this speech act is employed by speakers of different cultures. It can thus be argued that directness has social implications as it plays an important role in eliminating social borders and minimizing social distance between the interlocutors.
Metrical Formation and Rhyme in Taysīr Subūl's Aḥzān Ṣaḥrāwiyyah Collection: A Stylistic Study
Authors: Al-Ajrami Muna Alhaj-Saleh Salama
Published: September 2024

This study focuses on the principal stylistic characteristics of metrical formation and rhyme in the poetry collection of Taysīr Subūl Aḥzān Ṣaḥrāwiyyah ‘Desert Sorrows’. It explores the impact of traditional Arabic metrical forms on articulating the poet's real-life and psychological experiences. The research also delves into the importance of rhyme in fostering a unified emotional flow, maintaining the continuity of events, and culminating the poet's conceptual thoughts. The study concludes that Subūl's selection of classical Arabic meters (Buhur) and their metrical variations significantly contribute to the freedom and fluidity of his expression, enriching the rhythmic and semantic depth of his poetry. The varied application of softened rhyme schemes emerges as a prominent stylistic feature, encouraging readers to ponder over the implications and meanings of his poetic lines.
Floral Lexicons in Javanese Proverbs: An Ecolinguistic Study
Authors: Yuniawan Tommi , Urip Sri Rejeki , Lestari Prembayun Miji , Rohmadi Muhamad
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to analyze and elaborate on the dimensions of meaning in the floral lexicons in Javanese proverbs. Employing an ecolinguistic approach, this study focused on the expressions in Javanese proverbs that entail floral lexicons. The data were collected using an uninvolved observation method, as well as documentation, observation, and interviews with relevant informants. The data were then analyzed using the referential identity method, translational identity method, and immediate constituent analysis or distributional technique. Further, data triangulation was also conducted to validate the data with the following steps: discussion, re-checking, and expert consultation. The result shows that the floral lexicons entailed in Javanese traditional proverbs take the form of words and phrases. In word or morpheme form, the lexicons are categorized as nouns and polymorphemic expressions consisting of affix, reduplicative, and compound words. The floral lexicons in Javanese proverbs, in accordance with the cultural values they embody, include depicting attitudes and worldviews; reflecting negative attitudes; being related to strong determination; portraying the relationship between humans and God; and illustrating human interactions with other humans, as well as their connection with nature. The lexicons also represent the thought process and cultural values of Javanese society.
English Learners’ Belief and Investment in English Pronunciation Learning
Authors: Yanmei Zhang , Shah Shanina Sharatol Ahmad , Senom Fatiha
Published: September 2024

Apprehensive pronunciation is crucial for learners' language competence and is an integral aspect of language instruction. Although English major students in China demonstrate improvement in their overall English proficiency when they enter university, many still struggle with their English pronunciation. Scholars have identified several internal and external factors that influence English pronunciation learning. However, little attention is given to the role of learners’ beliefs and investment as possible factors that influence English pronunciation learning, which in turn affect the learning approach and learning strategy used. To fill the gap, the current study adopts a qualitative design with multiple case studies to explore students’ beliefs, investments, and the relationship between these two concepts within the normative, meta-cognitive and contextual approach as well as investment theory. A semi-structured interview was conducted on three university students with different language abilities. The data obtained was analysed using NVivo 12 software. The findings of the study indicate that middle and high-level participants held positive perceptions, while low-level participants held negative perceptions in terms of English pronunciation learning. The study also reveals two forms of investment; diverse investment and incidental learning. In addition, the relationship between students’ beliefs and investments exhibited complex phenomena such as positive and negative congruence as well as incongruence. Based on these findings, some pedagogical implications and areas for ongoing research were proposed.
Does Translation Technology Affect Translators' Performance? A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alwathnani Deema , Mahdi Hassan , Alotaibi Hind M.
Published: September 2024

Translation technologies, including computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, translation memory (TM) systems, and machine translation (MT), are increasingly utilized in professional translation workflows and training. However, the effects of these technologies on translators' performance remain inconclusive. This meta-analysis examines the overall impact of translation technologies on translator performance by synthesizing data from 12 experimental studies published between 2000 and 2023. The study investigates the effectiveness of translation technologies compared to traditional translation methods. The findings reveal a significant positive effect size, indicating that translation technologies have the potential to improve translators’ performance relative to purely human translation. The integration of advanced interactive CAT systems and post-editing MT demonstrates larger advancements compared to basic TM match retrieval. Moreover, experienced professional translators derive greater benefits from incorporating technologies than student translators, highlighting the importance of leveraging automation capabilities alongside human expertise. However, the study identifies significant heterogeneity among the studies, influenced by factors such as translation direction. Translators translating into their native language exhibit greater advancements, emphasizing the advantages of technologies that strengthen fluency in the target language.
Comparison of Authorial Stance Between Professional and Amateur Writers in Scientific Correspondence Writing
Authors: Khammee Kultida , Rhee Seongha
Published: September 2024

Writing argumentative correspondences is an art requiring linguistic and rhetorical skills to bring forth the ultimate effect of persuading the audience. However, instruction of this critical language art has been underrepresented in Thai tertiary educational contexts. This study is based on an interventional experiment of teaching an ESP-Science course to 40 students majoring in science, with a strong emphasis on linguistic devices for academic interaction, consisting of stance and engagement marking, as elaborated in Hyland (2005a, 2005b). The interventional experiment made use of the 240 correspondences taken from the scientific journal Nature with the duration of 30 hours over a 10-week period. This study reports the findings from a comparison of the students’ writing before and after the intervention and a comparison of the students’ post-experiment writing and the experts’ writing. The analysis is based on content analysis, inter-rater assessment, and descriptive statistics, and shows that a meaningful level of progress has been obtained as a result of the intervention. The progress is evident in not only that students’ post-experiment writing exceeds in quality their pre-experiment writing, but also that students’ post-experiment writing has become similar to the expert writing to a great extent, with respect, in particular, to the strategic patterns of stance and engagement marking. The success of a relatively short intervention, i.e., 10 weeks, calls for implementation of courses using authentic correspondences in ESP-Science classes, or more broadly, in ESP courses in diverse disciplines (237/250).
Kahramanmaraş Dulkadiroğlu İlçesinde Yetişen Üzüm Çeşitlerinin Belirlenmesi ve Ampelografik Özelliklerin Araştırılması
Authors: Yılmaz Turhan , Takas Mehmet
Published: September 2024

Üzüm üreticilerinin kendi bölgelerinde tercih edilen üzüm çeşitlerinin tanımlanması ve koruma altına alınması genetik kaynakların gelecek nesillere aktarılabilmesi için önem arz etmektedir. Bu çalışmada, Kahramanmaraş Dulkadiroğlu’nda yetiştiriciliği yapılan üzüm çeşitlerinden 32 adet genotip incelenmiştir. Bu çeşitler; Horuzyüreği (Sinonim= İman Üzümü), Kırmızılı Mahrabaşı, Kararan Mahrabaşı, Ağ Mahrabaşı, Ağ Üzüm, Hatun Parmağı, Kıbrıs Üzümü, Red Globe, Kokulu Üzüm, Kirkit Üzümü, Şeker Üzümü, Yediveren, Bandırma, Pafi, Azezi, Künefi, Kırmızı Gaziantep Künefisi, Sarı Sergilik, Honi Kabarcık (Sinonim= Tosbağa Kabarcığı, Kuzucak Kabarcığı), Tüylü Kabarcık, Cırt Kabarcık, İzmir Kabarcığı, Kızaran Kabarcık, Sararan Kabarcık, Siyah Kabarcık, Kilis Kara Sergilik, Orak Karası, Kara Sergilik, Deve Gözü (Sinonim= Öküzgözü), Sultani Çekirdeksiz, Dökülgen ve Perpil olarak sıralanmıştır. Çalışmadaki asma genotipleri uluslararası anlamda kabul görmüş ve araştırmacılar tarafından yoğun bir şekilde kullanılan OIV (The International Organisation of Vine and Wine, Uluslararası Bağ ve Şarap Örgütü) kriterlerine (sürgün özellikleri, genç yaprak özellikleri, olgun yaprak özellikleri, tane özellikleri, fenolojik ve pomolojik özellikler) göre tanımlanmıştır. Bu çalışma ile bölgedeki asma genotiplerinin literatüre kazandırılması ve mevcut gen kaynaklarının korunması amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda, Kahramanmaraş Dulkadiroğlu ilçesinin zengin bir asma genetik kaynağına sahip olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Yapılan çiftçi ziyaretleri sonucunda, Kabarcık en fazla üretimi yapılan çeşit olarak tespit edilmiştir. Perpil çeşitinin V. labrusca L. türüne ait olduğu düşünülürken diğer çeşitlerin tamamının Vitis vinifera L. türüne ait olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Tespit edilen çeşitlerin benzerlik ilişkilerini belirlemek için moleküler bazlı analizlerin yapılması gerekmektedir.
Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Perspectives into Lignans for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment
Authors: Şirin Seda , Niğdelioğlu Dolanbay Serap
Published: September 2024

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition with limited treatment options. Lignans, a class of naturally occurring polyphenols found in various plants, have been shown to have the potential to modulate pathways associated with AD pathology. In this study, we used network pharmacology and molecular docking to investigate the therapeutic potential of lignans against AD by targeting specific proteins involved in disease progression. Our established interaction network includes key proteins such as EGFR, HSP90AA1, BCL2, HSP90AB1, IL6, JUN, ESR1, PIK3CA, ERBB2, and PIK3R1. Molecular docking studies have revealed how lignans interact with these proteins and highlighted their potential to influence AD through mechanisms such as inflammation modulation, apoptosis regulation, and signal transduction pathways. The results suggest that lignans have significant binding abilities to these targets, potentially inhibiting their activity and thus alleviating AD symptoms by reducing amyloid-beta accumulation and tau phosphorylation. These findings support the viability of lignans as a basis for the development of new AD therapies and call for further in vivo studies to confirm their efficacy and safety. This integrated approach underscores the value of combining network pharmacology and molecular docking in the search for new therapeutic agents against complex diseases such as AD.
Taxonomic Studies on Rhodocybe asyae Specimens Discovered in a New Location
Authors: Akata Ilgaz , Ediş Gülce , Kumru Eda , Acar İsmail , Sahin Ergin
Published: September 2024

In 2023, fungal specimens were collected from the Tınaztepe Campus of Dokuz Eylül University (İzmir-Türkiye). These samples underwent a comprehensive and meticulous evaluation involving morphological examination and phylogenetic analysis based on nrITS rDNA sequencing. The DEU AKATA & SAHIN 148 samples exhibited microscopic and macroscopic characteristics that closely matched those of Rhodocybe asyae, initially described by Sesli & Vizzini. The genetic sequence analysis revealed over 99% similarity with R. asyae Sesli & Vizzini. This report represents the second recorded occurrence of R. asyae in Türkiye and the third globally. The study documents the collection site, geographical coordinates, habitat observations, the collection date, etc. Furthermore, the research provides macroscopic photographs, microscopic illustrations of the specimens, and detailed discussion, demonstrating the reliability of the present findings.
Linking alcohol use to Alzheimer’s disease: Interactions with aging and APOE along immune pathways
Authors: Monnig Mollie
Published: September 2024

Although it is known that APOE genotype is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD), AD development is a multifactorial process. Alcohol use is a contributor to the epidemic of AD and related dementias in the US and globally, yet mechanisms are not fully understood. Carriers of the APOE ε4 allele show elevated risk of dementia in relation to several lifestyle factors, including alcohol use. In this review, we describe how alcohol interacts with APOE genotype and aging with potential implications for AD promotion. Age-related immune senescence and “inflammaging” (i.e., low-grade inflammation associated with aging) are increasingly recognized as contributors to age-related disease. We focus on three immune pathways that are likely contributors to AD development, centering on alcohol and APOE genotype interactions, specifically: 1) microbial translocation and immune activation, 2) the senescence associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and 3) neuroinflammation. First, microbial translocation, the unphysiological movement of gut products into systemic circulation, elicits a proinflammatory response and increases with aging, with proposed links to AD. Second, the SASP is a set of intercellular signaling factors, e.g., proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, growth regulators, and proteases, that drives cellular aging when senescent cells remain metabolically active. The SASP can drive development of aging-diseases such as AD. Third, neuroinflammation occurs via numerous mechanisms such as microglial activation and is gaining recognition as an etiological factor in the development of AD. This review focuses on interactions of alcohol with APOE genotype and aging along these three pathways that may promote AD. Further research on these processes may inform development of strategies to prevent onset and progression of AD and to delay associated cognitive decline.
From Numbers to Insights: Bibliometric Analysis of Obesity and Heart Disease Research Output
Authors: Simmons Sally , Hagan Jr John , Srem-Sai Medina , Schack Thomas
Published: September 2024

Despite significant research advancements, there remain important gaps in the understanding and directions for future investigations regarding obesity and heart disease. Therefore, this study examined the research output on obesity and heart disease across different countries and regions worldwide from 1970 to 2022. Using bibliometric analysis, a comprehensive dataset of 28,315 published articles related to obesity and heart disease was analysed. Specifically, the trends, patterns, recurring and spatial distribution of topics per the income level of countries and indices for measurement in obesity and heart disease research were analysed. A noticeable increase in research activity on obesity and heart disease was established across all regions globally. Notably, North America, Europe, and Central Asia exhibited a higher prevalence of research in these areas, while Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia showed comparatively lower levels. The research encompassed a diverse range of themes, with a significant proportion of studies focused on obesity indices and comorbidities associated with these conditions. Other results revealed the identification of various anthropometric indices, biomarkers, and comorbidities from the examined studies. Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, hip circumference, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, and lipoprotein levels emerged as recurring indices in the literature. Additionally, prevalent comorbidities associated with obesity and heart disease included diabetes, stroke, and metabolic syndrome. The findings can guide future research endeavours and public health interventions targeted at addressing the complex challenges posed by obesity and heart disease. This study underscores the global significance of obesity and heart disease as areas of scientific inquiry. Thus, this study serves as a clarion call for sustained and collaborative efforts, emphasising the pivotal role of on-going research in forging a healthier and more informed global future.
Bronchoscope Reprocessing and the Value of Visualization
Authors: Yurosko Christopher , Amlani Karan , Mehta Atul
Published: September 2024

Purpose of Review: Bronchoscopy related infection is recognized as a leading cause of healthcare hazard and this review delves into its incidence, causes and prevention. Summary: The risk of infection and contamination of endoscopes is well known. Current guidelines recommend that experts perform regular audits to ensure sufficient reprocessing practices. Borescopes have a role to play in endoscope reprocessing by allowing thorough visual inspection, ensuring effective cleaning, and reducing the risk of cross- contamination. However, a greater understanding of what types of defects can be tolerated without raising infection risk and which require the endoscope to be repaired before use.
PPH and Biological Glue and Phytonadione infusion in patients with Cirrhosis and Anticoagulation therapy with high risk of bleeding during and after Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy
Authors: Pirolla Eduardo , Maccapani Gabriel
Published: September 2024

Background: Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is a common treatment for grade 3 hemorrhoids. Patients with conditions that increase the risk of bleeding, as cardiac stents usage with clopidogrel bissulfate and liver cirrhosis, should receive an extra care in surgical procedures due to the high risk of bleeding. For this reason and for patients with third degree hemorrhoids we propose the use of stapled hemorrhoidopexy followed by the use of biological glue and the intravenous administration of Phytonadione. Some studies in the literature demonstrate the risks of periprocedural bleeding and post-surgical procedures, generally lasting > 45 minutes and in chemically or pathologically anticoagulated patients as being at high risk of bleeding and death. Aim: Assess surgical outcomes in patients with hemorrhoids and high risk of bleeding submitted to stapled hemorrhoidopexy followed by biological glue. Methods: Between 2005 and 2024 172 patients were analyzed, in a retrospective cohort study. Results: From 86 patients submitted to stapled hemorrhoidopexy followed by the use of biological glue in the local of stapled line, only one (1.16%) presented bleeding in the surgical postoperative (Group 1). Eighty-six patients submitted to PPH procedure and biological glue use, also received 3 days before surgery and 3 days after surgery one dose of 5 mg of Phytonadione (Vitamin K1) per day (Group 2). In this group, no patients presenting rectal bleeding after surgery with the follow up of 3 months. Patients do not have any other complications and pain in the postoperative period. The median (IQR) operative time was 55 min and the median (IQR) length of hospital stay after surgery was 3 days. Conclusion: Patients with high risk of bleeding submitted to stapled hemorrhoidopexy followed by the use of biological glue (Group 1) presented very low rates of bleeding in the postoperative period. The adjuvant administration of vitamin K1 (Group2) at a recommended dose is proven to better prevent bleeding.
Early male and female footprints of modern humans across Eurasia and Australasia.
Authors: Cabrera Vicente
Published: September 2024

As an alternative to a recent coastal southern route followed by modern humans to colonize Eurasia after an Out of Africa around 60 Kya, and under the premise that the evolutionary rate based coalescent ages slowdown going backwards in time, I propose a new model based on phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of uniparental markers in present and past modern human populations across Eurasia and Australasia. The archaeological record favors a northern route that reached China around 120 kya and then descended latitudinally reaching Southeast Asia and islands around 70-60 kya. These ages coincide with the basal split of the mtDNA macrohaplogroup L3’4* and the origin of the Y- chromosome macrohaplogroup CT* and the subsequent splits in Eurasia of mtDNA haplogroups M and N and Y-chromosome C, D and F clades respectively. Roughly at the same time modern humans arrived in Australasia other groups retreated southwest returning to Africa carrying with them mtDNA L3 and Y-Chromosome E lineages. Southeast Asia and Southwest-Central Asia were the subsequent demographic centers for the respective colonization of East and northern Asia and Europe. Across the Ganges-Brahmaputra and the Indus valleys, South Asia was colonized from both migratory centers.
The Weight of Risk: Exploring the Link Between Obesity and Liver Cancer
Authors: Gurala Dhineshreddy , Nishal Ravindran , Philipose Jobin
Published: September 2024

Obesity is a chronic, preventable condition, and has a significant public health concern. Its implications extend beyond metabolic syndrome, casting a shadow over the development and prognosis of various cancers, with a particularly strong tie to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among all cancer types. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is now a leading cause of liver cancer, along with the treatment of hepatitis B and C. Liver cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer related deaths worldwide, with obesity, exacerbating the risk especially two times higher in Body Mass Index (BMI) above 30 and four times higher in BMI above 35. Visceral adiposity, measured by waist circumference, is considered more important risk factor than general adiposity. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the pathophysiology of how obesity can trigger HCC, but the precise mechanisms that control the progression from steatosis to steatohepatitis and tumor initiation remain unclear. Hepatocellular cancer may occur in patients with NAFLD without cirrhosis. The diagnosis of HCC in NAFLD can be challenging due to an increase in poor-quality ultrasound in obese individuals, which necessitates a more accurate and cost-effective surveillance strategy for early detection. The delay in diagnosis, older age, and the presence of relevant comorbidities limit the possibility of therapeutic intervention. Weight management through lifestyle changes and surgical interventions like bariatric surgery offers promise in mitigating both metabolic syndrome and the risk of HCC. Diagnosis hinges on advanced imaging techniques like multiphase Magnetic Resonance Imaging or Computed Tomography scan using specific criteria. Treatment modalities for HCC are multifaceted, depends upon tumor characteristics, metastasis, cirrhosis, and overall liver function. However, despite advancements, there remains a pressing need for more efficacious interventions to combat obesity and curb the trajectory of HCC, given its persistently high mortality rate. Surveillance protocols for HCC in cirrhotic patients entail regular abdominal ultrasounds with or without Alpha Fetoprotein testing at six-month intervals. However, there is a need for cost effective surveillance strategies for HCC in non-cirrhotic NAFLD.
Flipping and Engaging: Usefulness of Case-Based Flipped Classroom in Ensuring Conceptual Learning under Competency-Based Medical Education
Authors: Patel Minal , Ghosh Sarmishtha
Published: September 2024

The 21st century has seen tremendous evolution in the field of medical education, alongside massive use of technology for learner interaction and engagement to ensure contextual learning. Keeping in line with the global trend in medical education, the National Medical Council of India introduced Competency-Based Medical Education in 2019 for medical graduates. Competency-Based Medical Education is an outcome-based approach that focuses on the abilities that medical professionals should possess to provide medical care to the population. It is designed to create an “Indian Medical Graduate” possessing requisite knowledge, skills, attitudes, values, and responsiveness, so that she or he may function appropriately and effectively as a physician of first contact of the community while being globally relevant. This requires shifting the teaching-learning activities from traditional to modern innovative approaches. Active learning strategies in competency-based medical education are interactive lectures, Flipped classrooms, discussion-based, Scenario-based, problem-based, case-based, team-based, and peer teaching. Among these, we have used Flipped classrooms with case-based exercises during class. PowerPoint presentations of the lecture and resources from the textbook were provided beforehand, with instructions to the students that they are required to read before the scheduled face-to-face class. During the class in the form of multiple choice questions, discussion was carried out for the topic which included case-based multiple choice questions, and case-based scenarios to emphasize the topic. It is observed that students of the current generation enjoy more interactive and task-based sessions.
Intrafascial Glucopuncture for Tension-type Headache: A Clinical Case
Authors: Kersschot Jan
Published: September 2024

As Tension-type headache is prevalent, it is interesting to look for new treatment modalities which are both safe and effective. Over the last decade, regional injections with dextrose 5% (glucose 5% in Europe) are becoming more popular among clinicians worldwide. Unfortunately, no large randomized clinical trials have confirmed their safety and effectiveness so far, except for the treatment of carpal tunnel. The scope of introducing the term “Glucopuncture” is to raise awareness among physicians and patients of the interesting risk-benefit ratio of regional sugar water 5% injections. This article describes a clinical case of a man who had pain in his head and neck for five months. He was pain free after three sessions with glucose 5% injections in the superficial fascia. Palpation-guided glucopuncture is especially interesting in remote areas where modern diagnostic and therapeutic facilities are not available to the majority of the local population. The purpose of this manuscript is to bring awareness to the potential benefits of applying this new injection technique for tension headache. This article is also an urgent invitation for further basic-science and clinical studies to clarify the potential benefits of regional sugar water 5% injections for patients with chronic tension-type headache.
Initiatives to Provide Better Care for the Elderly In-Patients with Dementia in An Acute Hospital- Experience from a Teaching Hospital in Singapore
Authors: LIM Si
Published: September 2024

The elderly living with neurodegenerative diseases will increase as the population age. The acute hospital beds will mostly be occupied by the elderly, as they live with multiple comorbidities. Cognitively impaired elderly are even more likely to be admitted and hospital environment is harmful for them. Providing a comprehensive care package for the elderly with cognitive issues aim to reduce hospital associated complications, especially falls and delirium and ensuring no additional geriatric syndromes are added to the patients’ lists of problems. Timely recognition and diagnosis of cognitive issues is still a challenge in most acute hospitals. Once the elderly patients with cognitive issues are identified, safety measures and personalized care plans can be initiated to reduce delirium, fall, restraint and nutrition risks. Hospital wide education initiatives on delirium and dementia related topics are vital to providing the best care for this group of vulnerable elderly.
VIABILITY OF CARDBOARD SPLINTS IN THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OF LOWER LIMB FRACTURES
Authors: WAHOME R. , HARBORNE D. , ELLIS R.
Published: September 2024

At Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital Uganda, 60% of all admissions are due to severe trauma, 30-35% of which are from tibia/fibular fractures. Emergency splinting of these fractures can be lifesaving and ideally, Plaster of Paris (P.O.P) is the gold standard. Improvised cardboard splints have replaced P.O.P, since they were more readily available and thought to be less expensive to apply especially during the covid 19 pandemic supply chain crisis. While anecdotal evidence exists dating since the First World War, scarce published works exist in measuring the clinical effectiveness of cardboard splints in comparison to P.O.P. The aim of this study was to find out if cardboard can be an effective and cheaper emergency alternative splint to P.O.P especially during the supply chain crises frequent in low resource environments. A prospective, experimental, cadaveric study was done where 44 open tibia-fibular fractures were splinted with both cardboard and P.O.P. The clinical effectiveness of cardboard and P.O.P splints was found through the measurement of immobilization at a fracture site via the use of 5 angular and 9 linear measurements. Cost comparisons of the splint were also done. Cardboard proved to be the non-inferior splint in 9 of the 14 measures of effectiveness. In the other 4 measures, no statistically significant differences were seen, while P.O.P was superior in 1 measurement. Cardboard proved to be the least expensive splint. During extreme shortages, cardboard could be considered as an emergency material for adequate splinting of lower limb fractures.
Female Mosquitoes Track to the Hosts by the Blue
Authors: Tran Phi
Published: September 2024

Mosquitoes are the most harmful animals. Annually, they cause illnesses and deaths equivalent to the entire global COVID-19 pandemic over three years[1][2][3]. They are not naturally born with disease-causing pathogens but acquire them from infected individuals and then transmit them to the healthy population through their bites. Their ultimate hosts are those who carry blood, a water solution beneath their skin, a natural membrane that allows water vapor to leak out and their needle to access the liquid. Water vapors are theoretically visible because water molecules are known to naturally reflect blue[4] and absorb others, making it appear blue. This study investigates the reactions of female mosquitoes when blueness variable is added to the mosquito luring equation by amplifying the reflective the blueness variable of water vapor. This is done by adding more blue photons for them to reflect, increasing their visibility. The search for visible signs of water vapor is the top priority for these insects when they identify and target their hosts from afar, as they selectively respond to this over other mosquito attractants.
Bone Regeneration Using an Alloplastic Graft Material that Combines β Tricalcium Phosphate and Calcium Sulphate: A Case Series Report with Histology
Authors: O’Hooley Dominic , Fairbairn Peter , Kilner Stuart , Horowitz Robert , Kurtzman Gregori
Published: September 2024

This retrospective case series reports on the use of an established alloplastic bone product composed of a 65:35 ratio of β Tricalcium Phosphate and Calcium Sulphate to facilitate host bone regeneration in a variety of intra-oral sites and clinical indications. The study involved seven patients treated by seven different clinicians operating at five geographical sites. All cases included trephined bone cores harvested at 12 and 33 weeks. These cores were subject to histological analysis using standardized protocols at six separate laboratories. The primary measured outcome was the percentage of residual graft, new bone, and connective tissue at the measured time points. The results of this case series suggest that the alloplastic bone product is 50% resorbed and replaced by new host bone at 12 weeks, with further consistent resorption to 85% at 33 weeks. These results suggest that this alloplastic product can be successfully used in a wide variety of intra-oral bone grafting protocols leading to consistent resorption of the material and its replacement with new host bone, independent of clinician and established histological analytical protocol used.
Temporalidad y contexto cultural del sitio arqueológico San José de Los Ranchos: un poblado de finales del período clásico al epiclásico en los Altos de Jalisco
Authors: Cach Avendaño Eric Orlando , Torreblanca Padilla Carlos , Rivera Belmontes Juan Gerardo , Goguitchaichvili Avto , Morales Contreras Juan Julio
Published: September 2024

En el presente trabajo se propone una nueva estimación del intervalo cronológico del epiclásico (Siglos VI al IX) para el sitio arqueológico de San José de Los Ranchos, ubicado en Los Altos de Jalisco, cercano a la ciudad de Lagos de Moreno. Este sitio se inscribe en la esfera cultural del área del Occidente de México. Esta fecha se obtuvo por medio de un análisis arqueomagnético de materiales cerámicos provenientes del suelo de una tumba tipo cista localizada en los terrenos de una antigua hacienda ubicada en las estribaciones de la Sierra Alta, junto al valle del Río Lagos. Este sitio arqueológico es un asentamiento de cultivadores, posiblemente vinculado con sitios vecinos tales como El Cerrito en la población de El Cuarenta; Los Cerritos en Lagos de Moreno y El Cóporo en el vecino estado de Guanajuato. Los materiales recuperados en dicha tumba, consistentes en tepalcates, cuentas de conchas y figurillas miniatura zoomorfas y antropomorfas, permiten ubicar al individuo sepultado en la cista como una persona de cierto estatus. Esta nueva periodificación permite datar el inicio de la ocupación mesoamericana del valle del Río Lagos a partir del siglo VI, en complemento a fechas obtenidas previamente por anteriores investigaciones. De esta manera, se puede establecer que los poblados en dicho valle estan desde finales del clásico mesoaméricano, con su apogeo en el epiclásico y concluyendo posiblemente a principios del posclásico.
La arquitectura de tierra en el Usumacinta medio: El caso del sitio arqueológico de Pomoca
Authors: Teranishi-Castillo Keiko , Solís-Castillo Berenice , Vázquez Castro Gabriel
Published: September 2024

La Cuenca del Usumacinta es un paisaje habitado desde hace aproximadamente 3000 años, los vestigios arqueológicos encontrados y registrados hasta el momento en el área dan cuenta de las actividades que modificaron las planicies fluviales del propio río. La región del Usumacinta medio tiene una presencia ocupacional desde el periodo Formativo (1200 a.C.-150 d.C.) hasta la actualidad, incluyendo una presencia importante en el periodo Clásico tardío (600-900 d.C.). Las áreas habitacionales y cívicos ceremoniales, a lo largo del tiempo, se reacomodaron en grupos dentro de unidades cuyos componentes evidenciaron rangos, distinciones entre los espacios públicos, y centros cívicos incipientes. La crisis de los grandes centros rectores aledaños, Palenque y Pomona, no afectaron los paisajes ocupacionales de menor jerarquía, su patrón de ocupación humana se ordenó en comunidades aldeanas móviles, semipermanentes, sin territorializaciones, ni patrones arquitectónicos claramente diferenciados. Esta investigación dirige su atención hacia los procesos que actúan simultáneamente en el tiempo, la modificación de terrazas fluviales durante condiciones de estabilidad ambiental, que configuran el desarrollo óptimo de las sociedades, y cuando esta relación se interrumpe por eventos climáticos extraordinarios detonando crisis sociales como el colapso de los grandes centros urbanos. En este caso, las regiones aldeanas, como es el caso de los asentamientos de las planicies del río Usumacinta, muestran una relación que no fue interrumpida, existe una continuidad de ocupación, y reocupación de espacios, lo que sugiere que está área tiene un comportamiento local diferente a las tendencias climáticas regionales.