bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Study of Synonymous Word "Mistake"
Authors: Suwardi Albertus
Published: January 2024

This article discusses the synonymous word "mistake*.The discussion will also cover the meaning of 'word' itself. Words can be considered as form whether spoken or written, or alternatively as composite expression, which combine and meaning. Synonymous are different phonological words which have the same or very similar meanings. The synonyms of mistake are error, fault, blunder, slip, slipup, gaffe and inaccuracy. The data is taken from a computer program. The procedure of data collection is by clicking the right mouse on the word mistake. The synonyms of mistake are error, fault, blunder, slip, slipup, gaffe and inaccuracy. The data is taken from a computer program. The procedure of data collection is by clicking the right-mouse on the word. Mistake is the most general and used in most situations.
Comprehending Assimilation Pattern by Tracing Its Phonological Process: Input, Environment, and Process
Authors: Sadiq Nizamuddin
Published: January 2024

Native speakers, English mother tongue, speak naturally. Although they do not think the way how they are pronouncing words, they seem to simplify their speeches-Therefore, it is often difficult to understand what is spoken by them because it is heard like babbling. One of the simplifications of speeches is assimilation. Assimilation is one of phonological processes. Comprehending its phonological process means understanding its input, environment, and process. Therefore, all phenomena of pronunciation particularly assimilation are collected and then they are classified and described one by one based on its input, environment and process. The result of the research is that to anticipate the preceding word, the first is anticipating the preceding: a) when alveolar is preceded by bilabial, alveolar will anticipate the bilabial by changing alveolar into bilabial, b) when alveolar is preceded by velar, alveolar will anticipate the velar by changing alveolar into velar, c) when alveolar is preceded by palato alveolar, alveolar will anticipate by changing into palato alveolar.
Teaching Listening through Video for the Eighth Grade Students of SMP Negri 26 OKU
Authors: Hasbullah Hasbullah
Published: January 2024

In English language, there are integrated skills to be mastered such as speaking, listening, reading and writing. Listening is the language modality that is used most frequently; however, language learners do not recognize the level of effort that goes into developing listening ability. Therefore, it is essential for language teachers to help students become effective listeners. One of efforts can be done is teaching listening through video.The writer used quasi-experimental method with two groups' pre-test, posttest design. The independent variable of this research is the use of video and the dependent variable is the students' listening ability. In this research, the population is all the eighth grade students of SMP Negeri 26 OKU, in academicyearsof2009-2010. AH of the populations are taken as samples of investigation. The data of this study collected by means of written test.The results show that the students from the experimental group used video has better achievement in learning asking and giving direction than the students from control group. There was a significant difference in teaching listening through video and not using video. Therefore, it can be concluded that teaching listening through video was more effective than CD to the eighth students of SMP Negeri 26 OKU.
Investigating the Indonesian Translation of the U.S. Embassy Press Release
Authors: Maharsi Ista
Published: January 2024

Translating formal text that may contain social, political, and crucial issues that involve many parties and possibly pose reactions across countries does not seem to be a simple task to complete. Due to diverse reactions of readers from different languages, a translator needs to be very careful to transfer meanings and the emotion within a text. Translation strategies, language use, types of text, genre, discourse and values are urgent issues to reconsider during the translation process. This paper investigates the translation strategies implemented in the Indonesian translation of the U.S. Embassy Press Release in response to Newsweek's Report on Alleged Desecration of the Holy Qur'an from the point of views of text, genre, and discourse as proposed by Hatim and Munday. In addition, several alternative translations are also offered to show different impacts of a translated text. Despite many translation methods that are used in doing the translation process, a text still bear its own genre, discourse and therefore stands in its own identity while at the same time the target text should keep voicing at least similar values and bring about similar impacts on readers.
Understanding Students' Learning Experiences Through Journal Writing
Authors: Maharsi Ista
Published: January 2024

This paper will make attempts to understand students learning experiences through journal writing. How students feel about the subject including materials, lecturers, learning activities, how they experience the learning processes, and identify their difficulties are several issues that will be discussed. Various significant issues found in students' journals will also be used to analyze and evaluate classroom activities.This study is conducted in a particular context of class room first semester undergraduate students of Accounting Department at the Faculty of Economics Universitas Islam Indonesia. The students are obliged to take Output Character Building Program (CCD) which is aimed to prepare new students to readily involve in academic environment and tasks. Data were collected from eight students' journals from two different classes and teacher's journal. They were required to write daily-basis reflective journal at the end of every meeting which is then analyzed to reveal significant issues addressed by students.The result of the class observation shows that regular journal writing function as a tool of effective communication between students-teachers, a media for students to express their feeling towards learning, promote better teacher-student rapport, and good feedback from students for the betterment of teaching and learning process. At further stages, the findings could be used to evaluate and develop better program.
Improving The Speaking Ability Of XII IPA 1 Students Of SMAN 4 Oku With Short Videos Presentation
Authors: Jonizar Jonizar
Published: January 2024

This action research was aimed at finding out whether students' speaking ability could be improved by presenting short videos. This research was done at the third year students ofSMAN4 OKU. There were 41 students. This research was carried out by asking the students to present short videos. Other students asked and answer the questions. Before, during and after the action was conducted, the teacher observed and took a note with the help from his collaborator. This action research was conducted in 2 cycles. In each cycle, I did four steps : a. Planning, b. Implementing Action,. Interpreting and, d. Analyzing and Reflecting. Each cycle was done in three weeks, fourty five minutes every week. The research finding showed the students' speaking ability could be improved by presenting short videos. Presentation with short videos could stimulate the students to participate actively in teaching learning activities. Finally, the result of the observation indicated that most of the students were able to speak English with short videos presentation.
Componential Analysis Of Meaning: Theoryand Applications
Authors: Widyastuti Susana
Published: January 2024

There are many different ways to approach the problems of meaning, since meaning is related to many different functions of language. The meanings of words in a language are interrelated and they are defined in part by their relations with other words in the language. Analyzed in the same semantic domain, words can be classified according to shared and differentiating features. Breaking down the sense of a word into its minimal distinctive features, componential analysis of meaning can be a useful approach in the study of meaning, particularly in determining the meaning of a lexeme. Although componential analysis has some difficulties and limitations in its application, it is still used in modern linguistics.
Literary Competence For The Teaching Of Literature In Second Language Educational Context
Authors: Hapsari Astri
Published: January 2024

This essay analyzes the use of literary works in second language educational context. It highlights the importance of literary competence and the implications at stake for the teaching of literature such as: the importance of setting the purpose in teaching literature, the need of considering literature teaching as product versus literature teaching as process and the necessitate of relating literature, language and culture. A brief analysis of the author's experience in using the literary texts in teaching English as a foreign language is also presented. From the discussions of the related literature, further research is recommended to settle the arguments of poetic versus hermeneutic approach in teaching literature as object of study. Moreover, appropriate balance for language, literature and culture for teaching literature as a topic or resources is suggested.
The Importance Of Input And Interaction In Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Maharsi Ista
Published: January 2024

The role of input and interaction in second language acquisition has become an unavoidably essential issue to discuss. Abundant research has examined what, how, when, and why input can keep up language acquisition. Many theories are proposed and to some extent implemented and proved to be effective. However, controversies around the role of input are also inevitable. This paper will propose the importance of input and interaction in second language acquisition as were put forward and necessitated by many researchers, how particular input might result in various intakes and how interaction could facilitate output.
Fleming's Defense Mechanisms In Stephen Crane's The Red Badge Of Courage
Authors: Anshori Adam
Published: January 2024

This paper is an attempt to discuss the personality of Henry Fleming, a fiction character in the novel the “Red Badge of Courage. The problem statement in this paper is “What defense mechanisms which occur in Fleming's character”? This study used American Studies theory by Robert Meredith which agrees that the American Studies approach needs more than one academic discipline. The reconciliation of academic discipline enables the writer uses psychological approach. According to Wilbur S. Scott the application of psychological knowledge can generate three kinds of study and analysis: a more precise language with which to discuss the creative process, a study of lives of authors, and the use of psychology to analyze fictional characters. The theories of psychology were taken from Sigmund Freud's Psychoanalysis: A General Introduction to Psychoanalysis (2002), Sigmund Freud's The Ego and The Id (1962), and Anna Freud's The Ego and Defense Mechanism (1948). The result of the study shows that there are a total of 25 acts of defense mechanisms conducted by Fleming in this novel. Henry acts all of the ten defense mechanisms from Anna Freud's theory. The primary act of denial is refusing to accept the condition Henry is facing and even lying to his own comrades. The acts of regression are not to talk to his own comrades either to help or just ignoring his comrades. Most of the acts of fantasy are about the ideal war in Henry's perspective which in reality was far from it. In the acts of displacement, most are by blaming his comrades and his generals instead of the enemy. The act of sublimation is conducted by hiding his fear and projecting his confidence. In the act of projection, Henry is projecting his insecurities to his enemy and his generals. Henry's act of rationalization is by justifying his flee from the battle. Henry's act of intellectualization is by 2 letting his thought overcome his act. The act of repression is by forgetting the fact that he is dependant to someone. And in the last, the act of reaction formation is by attacking the enemy in order to hide his fears.
A Portrayal of Victorian Men And Women As Seen In O'neill's “The Grand Match”
Authors: Kurnia Nandy Intan
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT  This paper analyzes the portrayal of Victorian women and men in the poem of Moira O'Neill, entitled “The Grand Match”. The poem gives the description of men and women relationship related to the discussion of love and marriage. As one of Victorian female poets, O'Neill tries to satirize the relationship of women and men by portraying the love story of a stereotypical male fortune seeker, who marries a rich woman and denies his own feeling toward a young-charming woman. This study is an attempt to show that O'Neill's female characters are not typically women commonly found in a literary text during the era in which it was written. In many ways they position themselves as a complete break from the traditional stereotyping of women, and they even can be seen as the representation of “New Woman”. In addition, through this study, the readers would be able to broaden their perspectives that although the Victorian Age was known as the era of prose, there are a lot of poems worth reading.
Does Critical Thinking Mean Cultural Thinking? Using Language To Learn And Develop Character
Authors: Floriasti Tri Wahyuni
Published: January 2024

One of the most widely discussed concepts in education and educational reform these days is critical thinking. This thing we call critical thinking or analysis has strong cultural components. An area of cultural difference that may influence critical thinking is the use of language to effect thinking and learning. It is more than just a set of writing and thinking techniques- it is a voice, a stance, a relationship with texts and family members, friends, teachers, the media, even the history of one's country (Fox, 1994, p.125). Critical thinking begins when people make the connections between their individual lives and social conditions. In classrooms that feature critical thinking, students are encouraged to participate actively, raising issues of concern in their daily lives, such as work, school, and housing as topics for class discussion. As teachers and scholars grow to understand the unique characteristics of the culture, it is important to see, observe, analyze and response appropriately through language in the class and social life so that young generation can learn how to appreciate members of another culture and go hand in hand with them. It may become an effort to shape the civil society. This condition does not stop at that step. It leads them to act and response critically in daily life. Then, this beneficial actions form good characters
The Study Of English Literature
Authors: Maharsi Ista
Published: January 2024

Learning English language and English literature seems to bring about considerable questions of the benefits and the importance of so doing. Why should students who learn English language require learning English literature at the same time? The ultimate matter remains the samewhat is the very core of learning the subject? What do their relationships embrace? What, why, and how are we supposed to know that?Keywords: English language, English literature
Empowering Literature For Educating Character Building (A Study Case On Readers Of O. Henry's After Twenty Years)
Authors: Trisnawati Ririn Kurnia
Published: January 2024

When Martin Luther King, Jr. mentioned that “We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character that is the goal of true education”, he must have completely understood that education is never enough without educating the students' characters. Nowadays, characterbuilding-based curriculum has been promoted throughout the country to educate students' character building. It also soon becomes the government's concern and urgency to teach character building to students of any level as it is mentioned in the Decree of National Education Ministry number 045/U/2002. However, there are some problematic matters in designing its teaching materials whether it is between didactic and non-didactic or implied and vice versa method of teaching. To propose a prospective solution of teaching character building to students; therefore, this paper aims to probe and to share a case study from the readers of O. Henry's After Twenty Years who happen to be the students of Book Report class at English Language and Literature Department of Jenderal Soedirman University in Purwokerto Central Java. The short story is given to the students as the teaching material to seek the most efficient way of teaching them character building as it is reflected within the short story. Given the short story, read it, responded and finally answered the questionnaire, those students are able to identify the character building embedded in that particular literary work and to learn them from the story. Besides, derived from the students' questionnaire, it can be concluded that students can educate themselves the character building through the story by mentioning those learned characters, and they also can show their selfreflection after learning it. In conclusion, there is possibility of using literature as prospective teaching material in educating students' character building by analyzing the qualities embedded in the literature e.g. novels, short stories and poems, and doing this is also a way of empowering literature for a greater life benefit.Keyword: Character building, Teaching material, and Literature empowerment
Content-Based Instruction Approach In Instructional Multimedia For English Learning
Authors: Farani Rizki
Published: January 2024

Content-based Instruction (CBI) is an approach in English learning that integrates certain topic and English learning objectives. This approach focuses on using English competencies as a “bridge” to comprehend certain topic or theme in English. Nowadays, this approach can be used in instructional multimedia to support English learning by using computer. Instructional multimedia with computer system refers to the sequential or simultaneous use of variety of media formats in a given presentation of selfstudy program in a computer. Instructional media combines several aspects such as text, pictures, graphic, sound and video. There are many English materials that are presented in a computer display by combining all aspects of multimedia. This method can help learner to understand the material better by visualizing the concept. In integrating CBI approach in instructional multimedia by using computer, there are two important aspects in creating effective multimedia, such as displaying reading text and integrating all English skills. In displaying reading text, CBI approach play important role in presenting reading passages about certain topic based on students' interest and multimedia aspects also play significant role in visualizing all concepts and vocabularies from the reading passage. This paper will discuss the integration of CBI approach in instructional multimedia for English learning deeply by presenting the basic concept and providing some examples of instructional multimedia display.Keywords: Content-Based Instruction Approach, Instructional Multimedia, English Learning
An Introduction To Translation Studies: An Overview
Authors: Pradita Intan
Published: January 2024

This study aims to observe the development of translation studies through three concepts of descriptive translation studies; product-based, processbased, and functional-based translation studies. The readers are introduced to some famous translation scholars including their view of translation studies. At the further discussions, this study lets the readers acknowledge the main issues on translation studies, focusing on the debate of equivalence versus variations in intertextual texts analysis. Some tendencies of variations, such as different grammar and sentence structure, diglossia leakage, and pragmatic consideration are also presented to present to what extent variations occur during investigation processes. Therefore, regarding those tendencies, this study is closed by the description of Matthiessen's proposals about points of consideration to construct a parameter to measure meaning variations. This study may help those who are interested to conduct translation researches and help them by giving options of which theories is beneficial to their analysis.Key words: translation studies, variations, intertextual texts analysis
Chalenging Issues In Learning Listening: A Correlational Study In University Level
Authors: Ardhani Raden Rara Vivy Kusuma
Published: January 2024

Listening is one of the four skills that have an important role in mastering the target language, especially in the university level. This skill is very useful to help college students to do some academic activities that involve attending lectures or speeches, presenting materials or finding some resources to do their assignments. However, listening skill cannot be developed well due to some problems. Based on a research, listening problems include lack of vocabulary mastery, less understanding grammatical forms, e.g: speakers' utterances, unclear pronunciation and speed of speech, unclear contents of the passages, and physical setting including uncomfortable class; and lack of facility and background noise. The data is proven by the achievement of listening test that indicates that students who have listening problems tends to have low achievement in the class. To overcome this problem, lectures have to design specific instructional design to solve the listening problems. This paper will discuss more about listening problems and the appropriate learning strategies to solve the problems.Key words: instructional design, listening skills, college students
The Evaluation Of Instructional Multimedia Product For English Learning
Authors: Farani Rizki
Published: January 2024

Evaluating the tools that we use to share materials is important to improve the quality of learning. There are some media that we can evaluate, for instance: power point presentation, CD product, online learning, pictures, audio, etc. These media are evaluated from some perspectives, for example: the hardware/software, display of content and effectiveness in learning. In this paper, media evaluation will discuss the evaluation process of instructional multimedia product about reading comprehension in English proficiency course for college students. The product will be evaluated from the content (material, assessment test, language use, etc) and technical problems (font size of the display, color of pictures, etc). The product is developed by author by using software macromedia flash 8 (Gay, 2001:1). In previous research, this product had been validated by media and content expert and had been used to teach reading comprehension in English proficiency class. The result of the research, conducted in 2012, showed that the usage of product in learning English was good to improve students' achievement in learning. Now, author wants to evaluate the product to improve the content and revise some technical issues based on students input that is gathered by using simple questioners, designed by author and validated by media expert. It is expected that this paper can describe specifically about how to evaluate learning media in English course.Keywords: Evaluation, Instructional media, English learning
Six Years of Pasteurella spp. in the Pitiusas
Authors: Jiménez-Guerra Gemma
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Pasteurella spp. is a gram-negative bacterium that is part of the oral and upper respira-tory tract microbiota of many animals such as canids and felines. In humans it can produce pa-thology primarily associated with animal bites or scratches. In addition, members of this genus, and especially Pasteurella multocida, may also be involved in systemic infections, mainly in im-munocompromised patients in close contact with pets.
The aim of this study is to analyse the prevalence and clinical characteristics of infections caused by Pasteurella spp. as well as the sensitivity profile of these isolates obtained in the Microbiology laboratory of the Hospital Can Misses (Ibiza, Ibiza and Formentera Health Area, ASEF) in the period from January 2013 to December 2018. The group of islands of Ibiza and Formentera is known as the Pitiusas Islands.
Retrospective descriptive study in which all Pasteurella spp. isolates were analysed in the Microbiology Laboratory of Hospital Can Misses from 1 January 2013 to 31 De-cember 2018. Bacterial identification was performed by Vitek 2 automated biochemical test panel (bioMérieux, Spain) and antimicrobial susceptibility by E-test or antibiotic discs in Mueller-Hinton blood agar, interpreted based on European Committee on An-timicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) standards, 2022 version. Medical records were systematically reviewed by collecting demographic data of infected patients, comorbidities, epidemiological data and clinical features of the infection.
A total of 22 isolates of Pasterurella spp. were obtained from 22 different patients, 62.8% female, from three different species: 18 P. multocida, 2 P. canis and 2 P. pneumo-tropica. Most isolates came from soft tissue infection samples: 7 wound exudates and 5 abscess material. The antibiotics tested with the highest sensitivity profile were gen-tamicin and cefepime (100% sensitivity).
The species most commonly isolated in our environment is P. multocida. Close contact with companion animals, especially cats and dogs, is the main risk factor for Pasteurella spp. infections, although in many cases such contact cannot be established. So Pasteurella spp. infection should be considered a zoonosis in possible emergency, especially in rural areas such as Pitiusas Islands.
Antibacterial, Anti-biofilm and Anti-inflammatory Properties of G-CH-M Biopolymer-Based Wound Dressings towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Authors: Faraz Asim , Bessalah Salma , Dbara Mohamed , Khorcheni Touhami , Hammadi Mohamed , Hussain Syeda Maryam , Ilyas Muhammad Furqan , Ajose Daniel Jesuwenu , Liaqat Chanda , Saeed Shamsaldeen I.
Published: January 2024

Biological polymers such as tissue-engineered scaffolds and skin grafts with improved properties are very required in the pharmaceutical field. The wound-dressing gelatin/chitosan/moringa leaf extract (G-CH-M biopolymer) was synthesised and characterised. The blood compatibility, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of the biopolymer were investigated. Our results showed that S. aureus swarming motility was drastically affected. However, the biopolymer had no significant effect on the swarming motility of E. coli compared to the control. In addition, biopolymers showed high antibacterial capacities, especially against S. aureus. The biopolymer was also found to be effective in protecting plasmid DNA against oxidative stress. Furthermore, the biopolymer exhibits greatly suppressed hemolysis (lower than 2%), even at a high concentration of 50 mg/mL. These results indicated that this novel biopolymer formulation could be further developed for wound care and contamination prevention.
In Silico Methods to Assess CNS Penetration of Small Molecules
Authors: Gupta Mayuri , Feng Jun , Bhisetti Govinda
Published: January 2024

In CNS drug discovery, estimation of brain exposure of lead compounds is critical for their optimization. Compounds need to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach the pharmacological targets in the CNS. The BBB is a complex system involving passive and active mechanisms of transport and efflux transporters such as P-glycoproteins (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), which play an essential role in CNS penetration of small molecules. Several in vivo, in vitro and in silico methods are available to estimate human brain penetration. Preclinical species are used as in vivo models to understand the unbound brain exposure by deriving the Kp,uu parameter, the brain/plasma ratio of exposure corrected with the plasma and brain free fraction. MDCK-mdr1 (Madin Darby canine kidney cells transfected with the MDR1 gene encoding for the human P-gp) assay is the most commonly used in vitro assay to estimate compound permeability and human efflux. The in silico methods to predict brain exposure, such as CNS MPO, CNS BBB scores and various Machine Learning models, help save costs and speed up compound discovery and optimization at all stages. These methods enable the screening of virtual compounds and building of a CNS penetrable compounds library as well as optimization of lead molecules for CNS penetration. Therefore, it is crucial to understand these methods' reliability and ability to predict CNS penetration. We review the in silico, in vitro and in vivo data and their correlation with each other and assess published in silico approaches to predict the BBB penetrability of compounds.
Functional implications of the prosomeric model
Authors: Puelles Luis
Published: January 2024

Brain models present a viewpoint on the fundamental structural components of the brain and their mutual organization, generally relative to a particular concept of the brain axis. A model may be based on adult brain structure or on developmental morphogenetic aspects. Brain models usually have functional implications, depending on which functional properties derive from the postulated organization. This essay examines the present scenario about brain models, emphasizing the contrast between columnar or other longitudinal models and transverse subdivisional neuromeric models. In each case, the main functional implications and apparent problems are explored and commented. Particular attention is given to the modern molecularly based ‘prosomeric model’, which postulates a set of 20 transverse prosomeres as the developmental units that serve to construct all the cerebral parts and the particular typology of many different neuronal populations within the forebrain and the hindbrain, plus a number of additional spinal cord units. These metameric developmental units (serially repeated, but with unique molecular profiles) confer to this model remarkable functional properties based mainly on its multiplicity and modularity. Many important brain functions can be decomposed into subfunctions attended to by combined sets of neuronal elements derived from different neuromeres. Each neuromere may participate in multiple functions. Most aspects related to creation of precise order in neural connections (axonal navigation and synaptogenesis) and function is due to the influence of neuromeric anteroposterior and dorsoventral positional information. Research on neuromeric functionality aspects is increasing significantly in recent times.
Colour M-mode Velocity Propagation to Predict Early Left Ventricular Diastolic Performance in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Andrianto A , Pratama Ivan Satria , Subagjo Agus , Fatimah Fahrun Nisa’i , Ramadhan Muhammad , Nugraha Ricardo Adrian
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to determine the correlation of colour M-mode velocity propagation in the assessment of left ventricular diastolic function among acute decompensated heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This research is an observational analytical study using a cross–sectional study design conducted from April to June 2022. The subjects of this study were patients diagnosed with acute HFpEF and treated at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya. Patients with heart rhythm disturbances, moderate to severe valvular heart disease, and congenital heart defects were excluded from this study. Patients were measured for diastolic function including mitral valve early mitral inflow velocity (MV E Velocity), mitral peak velocity of early filling (E’) (E' Septal and E' Lateral), left atrial volume index (LAVI), The maximal tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TR V Max), Vp, the ratio of early diastolic mitral inflow velocity to early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E/E'), the ratio between early and late ventricular filling velocity (E/A) and E/Vp Ratio. N-terminal-pro hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT–ProBNP) examination was also performed on study subjects as an additional diagnosis of acute heart failure. There were 33 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in our study. There were 26 patients (78.8%) with grade I diastolic dysfunction, 4 patients (12.1%) with grade II diastolic dysfunction, and 3 patients (9.1%) with grade III diastolic dysfunction. There is a strong positive correlation between Vp with parameters E' Septal (p = < 0.001; r = 0.636) and E' Lateral (p = < 0.001; r = 0.650). Vp is negatively correlated with the ratio E/E' (p = 0.029; r = –0.37). The PCWP estimate with E/Vp ratio had a strong correlation with the NT–Pro BNP value > 300 pg/ml in acute HFpEF patients (p = < 0.001; r = 0.726) compared to the PCWP estimate with E/E' (p = < 0.001; r = 0.549). There is no correlation between Vp value and degree of diastolic dysfunction in patients with acute HFpEF.
Post-disturbance Dynamics of Soil Respiration in the High Tatra Mts. (Slovakia)
Authors: Tomes Jakub , Fleischer, Jr. Peter , Kubov Martin , Fleischer Peter
Published: January 2024

In recent decades, large-scale forest disturbances such as windthrow and bark beetle infestations have significantly impacted the carbon balance of Earth and forest ecosystems, mainly by altering soil respiration (SR) in addition to decreased gross primary productivity. SR is considered the second highest flux on Earth, emitting 78-98 Gt C yr-1 to the atmosphere, thus contributing to global warming. Post-disturbance development is marked by changes in the size of SR. To investigate the impact of bark beetle (Ips typographus) infestations in mountain spruce forests on SR, we measured SR at infested sites by bark beetles and adjacent undisturbed stands in the High Tatra Mountains (Slovakia). The measurements were conducted during the vegetation period (May-September) in 2016 and 2017, five to six years after the initial attack by bark beetles, at an altitudinal gradient (1100-1400 m a.s.l.). SR varied throughout different months and altitudes, and we observed that SR at infested sites reached higher values (in most cases) than at uninfested stands. Average monthly and altitude SR rates during both vegetation periods showed higher values at infested sites, but not all of them were statistically significant. We observed an insignificant change in SR rate between 2016 and 2017 at both infested and uninfested sites. The highest rates of SR were observed in 2016 from July to August at both infested and undisturbed sites. On the other hand, in 2017 the highest SR rates were observed in June and July at undisturbed sites and from June to August at infested sites. However, yearly SR from May-September at infested sites showed significantly higher rates than uninfested ones in both years. SR showed a decreasing pattern with elevation gain in 2016 at infested sites. However, this pattern was not observed in 2017. Based on our observation and results we postulate that SR rates at infested sites are boosted by needle fall and debris from dead and dying trees, which increases heterotrophic SR and compensates the decrease of autotrophic SR from tree roots. This study provides important insights into the impact of bark beetle infestations on SR and highlights the need for further research on the long-term effects of forest disturbances on carbon cycling.
Comparison of Disease Severity Classifications of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Gold vs. Star in Clinical Practice
Authors: Nishimura Koichi , Kusunose Masaaki , Shibayama Ayumi , Nakayasu Kazuhito
Published: January 2024

Background: In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there are two known classifications for assessing what is called disease severity. One is the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification, which is based on the post-bronchodilator value of FEV1 (% reference). The other is the STaging of Airflow obstruction by Ratio (STAR). Methods: We reanalyzed data from our outpatient cohort study, which included 141 participants with COPD from 2015 to 2023. We compared mortality and COPD-specific health status between the GOLD 1 to 4 groups and the STAR 1 to 4 groups. Results: By simple calculation, GOLD and STAR severity classes coincided in 75 participants (53.2%). The weighted Bangdiwala B value with linear weights was 0.775. The participants were observed for up to 95 months, with a median of 54 months. Death was confirmed in 29 participants (20.5%). In univariate Cox proportional hazards analyses, there was a significant difference in mortality between the GOLD 1 and GOLD 3+4 groups, with the GOLD 1 group used as the reference [Hazard Ratio 4.222 (95% CI 1.298 - 13.733), p=0.017]. However, there was no statistically significant predictive relationship between STAR 1 and STAR 2, or between STAR 1 and STAR 3+4. The St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) Total and COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores were significantly different between all GOLD groups, except for the CAT score between GOLD 1 and GOLD 2. The SGRQ Total and CAT scores were significantly different between STAR 1 and STAR 3+4, but not between STAR 1 and STAR 2. Conclusion: From the perspective of all-cause mortality and COPD-specific health status, the GOLD classification is more discriminative than STAR.
Herpesvirus Infection as a Systemic Pathological Axis in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Nunes Jean M , Kell Douglas B , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: January 2024

Understanding the pathophysiology of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is critical for advancing treatment options. This review explores the novel hypothesis that herpesviruses' infection of endothelial cells (ECs) may underlie ME/CFS symptomatology. We review evidence linking herpesviruses to persistent EC infection and the implications for endothelial dysfunction, encompassing blood flow regulation, coagulation, and cognitive impairment – symptoms consistent with ME/CFS and Long COVID. The paper provides a synthesis of current research on herpesvirus latency and reactivation, detailing the impact on ECs and subsequent systemic complications, including latent modulation and long-term maladaptation. We suggest that the chronicity of ME/CFS symptoms and the multisystemic nature of the disease may be partly attributable to herpesvirus-induced endothelial maladaptation. Our conclusions underscore the necessity for further investigation into the prevalence and load of herpesvirus infection within ECs of ME/CFS patients. This review offers a conceptual advance by proposing an endothelial infection model as a systemic mechanism contributing to ME/CFS, steering future research towards potentially unexplored avenues in understanding and treating this complex syndrome.
Effect of Chlorhexidine Digluconate on Oral Bacteria Adhesion to Surfaces of Orthodontic Appliance Alloys
Authors: Gergeta Doria , Badnjević Matea , Karleuša Ljerka , Maglica Željka , Spalj Stjepan , Gobin Ivana
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to analyse the effect of chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX DG) mouthwash on the adhesion of oral bacteria to orthodontic appliances. The interactions of four bacteria (S. mutans, A. actinomycetemcomitans, S. oralis, and V. parvula) with two alloys (stainless steel [SS] and nickel-titanium [NiTi]) and three CHX DG solutions (commercial products Curasept and Perio Plus, and pure CHX DG, all with 0.12% active substance) were tested. The adhesive effect on the orthodontic wires was evaluated after 24 h for S. oralis and after 72 h for the other bacteria. The minimum bactericidal concentration of the solution for each bacterial strain was determined using the dilution method to test the antibacterial action. Salivary-pretreated orthodontic arch wires were exposed to minimal bactericidal concentrations of solution and bacteria. Commercial antiseptic products, especially Perio Plus, showed better inhibition of bacterial adhesion to both alloys than pure CHX DG solution (p<0.05). A. actinomycetemcomitans was most inhibited in the adhesion of all bacteria by the CHX DG products. Greater inhibition of streptococci adherence was observed on SS, while A. actinomycetemcomitans on NiTi. Inhibition of V. parvula was product dependent. In conclusion bacterial adhesion depends on the alloys, antiseptic products, and the bacteria. CHX DG is effective at inhibiting bacterial adhesion to orthodontic elements and is recommended for the chemical control of biofilms during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, a Treatment Possibility in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer, Analysis Focusing on The Outcomes of FIGO Stage III Cervical Carcinoma- a Literature Review
Authors: Molnar Ottó , Mihuțiu Simona , Lazăr Liviu
Published: January 2024

Abstract: Cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common malignancy and the fourth greatest cause of cancer-related deaths in women globally, continues to be a serious issue for global health. Despite advancements in treatment techniques, particularly the implementation of concomitant chemoradiation therapy, predicting the prognosis of locally advanced cervical cancer, especially for stage III, remains challenging. In recent years, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) has gained interest as a viable treatment strategy. The objective of this review paper is to scrutinize the clinical data and outcomes associated with NACT in the management of stage 3 cervical cancer. Electronic databases were used to perform a comprehensive literature search, and research up to 2023 were included. The findings suggest that NACT followed by irradiation may have advantages such as lowering tumor size, pelvic architectural distortion, and subclinical distant metastases, therefore enhancing radiation delivery. However, several studies have produced conflicting findings, raising questions regarding toxicity and finding no appreciable survival benefit over radiation alone. NACT followed by radical surgery has demonstrated more promising outcomes compared to surgery alone in terms of increasing rates of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Additionally, NACT has been associated with decreased tumor growth, parametrial infiltration, nodal, metastases, and vascular space invasion. These findings suggest adjuvant radiation treatment. Although the overall survival rate has been markedly increased by concomitant chemoradiation treatment, metastatic disease continues to be a major factor in the death rate from cervical cancer. Therefore, improving outcomes in locally advanced cervical cancer requires investigating novel systemic treatments, such as NACT. The study also emphasizes how crucial it is to research factors like cisplatin dose-intensity and cycle lengths in order to maximize NACT's efficacy. To prevent the need for subsequent treatments and cumulative toxicity, more study should concentrate on patient selection for NACT followed by surgery.
Sex-Specific Effects of Long-Term Antipsychotic Drug Medication on Adipocyte Tissue and the Crosstalk to Liver and Brain in Rats
Authors: Fehsel Karin , Bouvier Marie-Luise
Published: January 2024

Antipsychotic drug (APD) medication can lead to metabolic dysfunctions and weight gain, which together increase morbidity and mortality. Metabolically active visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in particular plays a crucial role in the etiopathology of these metabolic dysregulations. Here we studied the effect of 12 weeks drug medication by daily oral feeding of clozapine and haloperidol on the perirenal fat tissue as part of VAT of male and female Sprague Dawley rats in the context of complex former investigations on brain, liver, and blood. Adipocyte area values were determined as well as triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), glucose, glycogen, lactate, malondialdehyde equivalents, ferric iron and protein levels of Perilipin-A, hormone-sensitive-lipase (HSL), hepcidin, glucose transporter-4 (Glut-4) and insulin receptor-ß (IR-ß).

We found increased adipocyte mass in males with slightly higher adipocyte area values in both males and females under clozapine medication. Triglycerides, NEFAs, glucose and oxidative stress in the medicated groups were unchanged or slightly decreased. In contrast to controls and haloperidol medicated rats, perirenal adipocyte mass and serum leptin levels were not correlated under clozapine. Protein expressions of perilipin-A, Glut-4 and HSL were decreased under clozapine medication. IR-ß expression changed sex-specifically in the clozapine medicated groups associated with higher hepcidin levels in the perirenal adipose tissue of clozapine-medicated females.

Taken together, clozapine and haloperidol have a smaller effect than expected on perirenal adipose tissue. The perirenal adipose tissue shows only weak changes in lipid and glucose metabolism. The main changes can be seen in the proteins examined and probably in their effect on liver metabolism.
Ustekinumab in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Evolving Paradigms
Authors: Mocci Giammarco , Tursi Antonio , Onidi Francesca Maria , Usai-Satta Paolo , Pes Giovanni Mario , Dore Maria Pina
Published: January 2024

Inflammatory bowel diseases, comprising Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic, relapsing and remitting immune-mediated inflammatory diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Ustekinumab (UST) is a monoclonal antibody blocking the p40 subunit of the anti-interleukin (IL) 12/23. Pivotal trials (CERTIFI and UNITI-IM for CD, UNIFI for UC) established the efficacy of UST for the induction and maintenance of remission in both CD and UC, with the most favorable results in naïve patients to biologics. In recent years, a wealth of ‘real-world’ data has emerged supporting positive clinical, endoscopic, and histological outcomes in patients treated with UST, as well as reassuring safety data. More recently, the results of the first head-to-head trials of UST and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists have been reported. Moreover, a number of studies exploring the role of UST in specific clinical settings, such as perianal CD, postoperative complications and recurrence, extraintestinal manifestations, chronic antibiotic-refractory pouchitis, and pregnancy, have been reported. This review explores results reported to date on UST, including those from pivotal trials, real-world data, and emerging studies regarding therapeutic drug monitoring and immunogenicity. The safety profile of UST was also reviewed.
Cardiovascular Benefits of High-Intensity Interval Training in Patients with Hypertension: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yelavarthy Priyanka , Panjiyar Binay , Yelavarthy Pragathi , Lankala Sriharsha
Published: January 2024

Hypertension is one of the most common primary cardiometabolic diseases and is a major contributor to cardiac mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, cardiac risk factors such as obesity and sedentary lifestyle are often seen in hypertensive patients. Regular exercise acts against these risk factors and improves the overall health of an individual. High-intensity interval training appears to do so in a more efficient way. We used a systematic literature review (SLR) approach to provide an overview of the present literature highlighting the cardiovascular advantages of HIIT in hypertensive individuals. We reviewed 4004 articles from reputable journals published between 2013 and August 14, 2023, focusing on 7 selected papers for in-depth analysis. This systematic review revealed the protective effects of HIIT against cardiac complications in hypertension. All the reviewed articles showed a decrease in blood pressure and many other risk variables of cardiovascular diseases. However, guidelines for this exercise are needed for maximum benefits. Therefore, further research on HIIT is necessary to fully harness its potential.