bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customised Surgical Management of Congenital Upper Lid Coloboma
Authors: Beri Nitika , Das Gopal Krushna , Sahu Pramod Kumar , Sharma Isha , Bhatia Rahul , Kumar Nitish
Published: December 2024

Congenital upper lid colobomas can present as an isolated embryonic defect or as a part of a syndrome. Through a series of two cases this article highlights the importance of different surgical techniques, individualised for congenital upper lid coloboma presenting at different age groups with different location of lid defects. Case 1: Fifteen-year-old female with right upper lid congenital coloboma involving middle one third of the eyelid was planned for transposition of full thickness flap of lower eyelid following the principles of Cutler Beard surgery. Case 2: One-year-old female presented with right upper lid eccentric coloboma involving medial aspect of lid, not involving the lacrimal drainage system. A Tenzel Semicircular rotational flap for repair of the defect was planned. This approach was preferred because of the eccentric lid defect and to prevent iatrogenic occlusion amblyopia from any procedures requiring obstruction of visual axis as may occur in Cutler Beard procedure.
Innovations in Glaucoma Surgeries
Authors: Ray Vanita Pathak , Ramzan Rahila
Published: December 2024

Several modalities may be used in the treatment of glaucoma - including medical, laser and surgical. Surgical treatment has so far been sub-conjunctival in nature and bleb-dependent, with inherent limitations despite being efficacious. This article focuses on the newer glaucoma procedures, viz-a-viz microinvasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS) that have recently been deployed with favourable results. MIGS works via various mechanisms, by-passing trabecular meshwork by implanting a stent or excising the trabecular tissue, enhancing aqueous outflow through Schlemm’s canal or, shunting the aqueous to the suprachoroidal space. As such it has become mostly ab-interno which has enhanced its safety profile making it suitable for use in mild-to-moderate glaucomas i.e. much earlier on in the disease spectrum. The majority of the ab-interno procedures and devices require a mastery of intra-operative gonioscopy.
Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus in an 11-year-old Healthy Boy
Authors: Zaheer Areeba , Chowdhury Bithi , Bhardwaj Aarushi
Published: December 2024

We report a rare case of an immunocompetent 11-year-old boy who presented with left-sided herpes zoster ophthalmicus with a negative Hutchinson sign. The child initially had a headache and pain in the forehead region, followed by a vesicular rash on the left side of the forehead and scalp. After 3 days of skin rash, he developed blurring of vision, conjunctivitis, and superficial punctate keratopathy. There was a history of having chicken pox at 4 years of age. He was treated with oral and topical acyclovir. The ocular pathology healed in 2 weeks and the skin lesions healed after 8 weeks with scarring.
Trends in Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Jain Divya , Sharma Vikrant , Rai Ruchi
Published: December 2024

The World Health Organization has identified retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) as an emerging cause of childhood blindness in developing and middle-income countries. The screening criteria differ in developed and developing world. With increasing survival of preterm babies and setting up of more neonatal intensive care units in developing countries including India, an overhaul of the developments and current understanding of pathophysiology, risk factors, and management options are required. In countries such as India, there is a shortage of workforce and expertise required for ROP. Telemedicine for ROP has been implemented in many areas of the world to overcome this and artificial intelligence (AI)-based prediction is being explored worldwide. AI as an additional screening tool can improve efficacy for ROP screening and may lead to automated, quantifiable, and objective diagnosis in ROP.
Bilateral Cataract after Electric Shock Injury
Authors: Rajbanshi Chandra Narayan , Chaurasiya Suraj Kumar , Pandey Triptesh Raj , Shah Ritesh Kumar
Published: December 2024

This case report presents a rare instance of bilateral cataracts in a 14-year-old boy following a high-voltage electric shock injury. The patient experienced a high-voltage electric shock, leading to a gradual decline in vision over 2 years. On examination, both the eyes exhibited subcapsular cataracts, requiring surgical intervention. The patient underwent successful phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation, resulting in significant visual improvement. This case underscores the importance of screening for ocular complications postelectric shock and demonstrates that with prompt surgical care, patients can achieve favorable visual outcomes despite the rarity and severity of electrical cataracts.
Careful Ocular Examination Can Diagnose a Fat Embolism Syndrome
Authors: Das Sujit , Verma Sanjeev , Midya Urmi , Lakhotia Devendra
Published: December 2024

Fat embolism syndrome (FES) can develop after a long bone fracture and it has a detrimental effect on life, including death. It usually develops 24–72 h after the incident and classically consists of respiratory distress, petechial rash, and neurological manifestation. Ocular manifestations are rare in FES. Here, we are reporting a case of FES in a patient with lower limb fractures with ocular manifestations of fresh conjunctival bleed, multiple cotton wool spots, and retinal embolism.
Triple train collision at Bahanaga Bazar: Disaster response and management: An observational study
Authors: Mohanty Chitta Ranjan , Biswas Ashutosh , Radhakrishnan Rakesh Vadakkethil , Das Subhasree , Jain Mantu , Barik Amiya Kumar , Sahu Sandip Kumar , Sahoo Sangeeta , Das Tarangini , Shaji Ijas Muhammed , Chakola Sebastian
Published: December 2024

Background:

Train collision accidents are tragic events associated with high mortality. The study aimed to comprehensively describe the clinical-epidemiological profile, disaster emergency response, and management following a train collision accident in Odisha, India.

Methods:

This observational study was conducted by a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. Data were collected from the hospital records, telephonically from the victims or their relatives, and from electronic and print media. Subjects with complete data were included. Those who had died on the spot or upon arrival to the emergency department (ED) and with incomplete or unavailable data were excluded. Statistical analysis of data was performed using R 4.1.0 software.

Results:

After triaging, 198 subjects were included and analyzed. Most of the subjects were young (29 [34–40] years), belonging to male 182 (92%) gender. At ED triage, 41 (21%) subjects were categorized as red, 103 (52%) as yellow, 54 (27%) as green, and two subjects as black. Regarding the mode of transport to the ED, 57 (29%), 17 (9%), and 124 (63%) subjects were transported by ambulances, police vans, and private vehicles, respectively. Among the included subjects, 96 (48%), 65 (33%), and 49 (25%) had head injuries, maxillofacial injuries, and blunt chest trauma, respectively, and the majority (n = 185 [93.4%]) had associated external injuries.

Conclusions:

A coordinated effort by various government, nongovernment agencies, and local communities played an important role in the aftermath of the disaster to save lives. A well-trained medical emergency disaster response team involving multiple stakeholders can help mitigate such tragic incidents.
Incidence of bradycardia with the use of remdesivir for coronavirus disease of 2019 and risk factor analysis
Authors: Steele Samantha M. , Gerlach Anthony Thomas , Elefritz Jessica L. , Sadaqat Heena H , Phelps Megan K.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Remdesivir is commonly used for inpatient treatment of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) and may be associated with bradycardia. The objective is to investigate the incidence of bradycardia in patients with COVID-19 receiving remdesivir and evaluate potential risk factors associated with bradycardia.

Methods:

This single-center, retrospective, cohort study evaluated the incidence of bradycardia during and up to 48 h after remdesivir administration in adults admitted to the medical center for treatment of COVID-19. Secondary endpoints included time to bradycardia after remdesivir administration, incidence of severe bradycardia, incidence of early remdesivir discontinuation due to bradycardia, interventions to treat bradycardia, and inpatient mortality. Univariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with remdesivir-related bradycardia. Risk factors significant at the 0.20 level in the univariate analysis were entered into a stepwise backward regression analysis to evaluate potential risk factors.

Results:

Bradycardia occurred in 61 (49.2%) of patients with a median nadir of 50 bpm. Median baseline heart rate (HR) was lower in patients who developed bradycardia (79 [67–89] vs. 91 [80–100] P < 0.001). Patients who developed bradycardia had a trend for more nonblack race, higher severity of illness, concurrent acute respiratory distress syndrome diagnosis, history of liver disease, and less hypomagnesemia. Only baseline HR as measured before remdesivir initiation was independently associated with bradycardia by multivariate analysis. Patients who developed bradycardia had a higher inpatient mortality (26.2% vs. 11.1%, P = 0.03).

Conclusion:

Remdesivir-associated bradycardia is common. Baseline HR was identified as an independent risk factor for bradycardia in hospitalized patients being treated with remdesivir for COVID-19.
Critical care nurses’ knowledge and perceived barriers regarding pressure injury prevention among critically ill patients at Baghdad teaching hospitals: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Ajil Zaid Waheed , Majeed Haider Mohammed , Al-Reda Juma Jabur A.
Published: December 2024

Background:

One of the most vital forms of the affected patient safety is pressure ulcers (PUs), which can be a critical health problem that every day impacts sufferers and healthcare structures. This study aimed to explore the level of nurse’s knowledge and perceived barriers regarding PUs prevention among critically ill patients.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 nurses who working in the critical care units (CCUs) at tertiary teaching hospitals in Baghdad City, the study extended from April to June 2024 to assess the nurses’ knowledge level using the knowledge perceived barriers on the prevention of PUs questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (SPSS version 26).

Results:

The age of the participants included in this study ranged between 18 and 27 years with a mean age of (28.61 ± 6.603) years and females accounted 55% of total study participants. The highest group of the study population has finished their bachelor’s degree (74%). Moreover, less than half of the study population (43%) had <5 years of experience in CCU.

Conclusions:

Nurses’ knowledge on the prevention of PU in CCUs is satisfactory in this study and moderately has a high level of perceived barriers toward PU prevention. Several barriers perceived to affect patients’ quality of care regarding proper prevention of PUs were identified by Iraqi CCUs. The findings of this study suggest that several barriers need to be resolved if proper prevention of PUs is to be guaranteed in CCUs.
Ergonomic Risk Assessment Using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Tool among Cleaners: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rathod Sahil S. , Desai Devangi S.
Published: December 2024

Context:

Cleaning consists of different activities such as mopping, sweeping, swabbing, dusting, disposing of trash, and buffing. These different physical activities of the cleaners can change the body’s normal biomechanics, possibly leading to the development of musculoskeletal disorders over time.

Aims:

This study aimed to check the ergonomic risk and its relationship with age, BMI, and work experience among cleaners.

Settings and Design:

The study was conducted among 95 cleaners of different educational institutes and hospitals in Vadodara based on selection criteria.

Methods and Material:

Ergonomic Risk assessment was evaluated by the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) tool for various cleaning tasks (sweeping, mopping, wiping, and picking up trash).

Results:

The ergonomic risk for various cleaning tasks ranged from medium to high. However, the relationship between ergonomic risk assessments for different cleaning tasks (such as sweeping, mopping, wiping, and picking up trash) and factors such as age, BMI, and work experience indicates a statistically weak correlation.

Conclusion:

Medium to high ergonomic risk of various cleaning activities suggests that necessary intervention is required sooner in the form of ergonomic awareness, frequent rest periods, education of safe postures, better tool design, and the establishment of comprehensive policies for occupational safety and health of cleaners.
Occupational Exposure to Air Pollutants and Higher Risk of COPD in Construction Workers: A Meta-Analysis Study
Authors: Narayanasamy Nandita , Josyula Lalita
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Construction sites generate high levels of air pollution, contributing to more than 4% of particulate matter in the atmosphere. Literature indicates that on-site pollution is an important factor that contributes to lung impairments in construction workers. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ADRS) are known to be exacerbated because of exposure to a variety of construction pollutants mainly particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5).

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether exposure to construction site pollutants is associated with impairment of pulmonary parameters like Forced vital capacity (FVC), Forced expiration volume in 1 sec (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC. A total of 221 publications of observational studies were reviewed and 18 were selected; the data of which were meta-analyzed.

Results and Discussion:

In all studies the test subjects (construction workers) exposed to occupational air pollutants showed significantly lower FVC and FEV1 as compared expected levels (p≤ 0.01). The calculated Odds ratio indicates that there is positive association between COPD as compared to ARDS and exposure to pollutants.
Estimation of Urinary Lead and Urinary δ-Aminolevulinic Acid as an Index of Lead Exposure in Urban and Rural Residents of West Bengal, India
Authors: Yadav Anupa , Mukhopadhayay Aniruddha , Chakrabarti Amit , Saha Asim , Bhattacharjee Pritha
Published: December 2024

Background:

Chronic exposure to low-level environmental lead (Pb) causes several health effects in humans. Its biomonitoring by non-invasive biomarkers is imperative to identify Pb exposure in the occupationally unexposed general public.

Objective:

To quantify urinary lead (U-Pb) and urinary δ-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) in the general population of West Bengal, India, and identify the impact of routine life activities (smoking habit, traveling, and cooking activities) and sociodemographic factors on U-Pb and U-ALA levels.

Method:

Urine samples (N = 258) were obtained from urban and rural area residents from November 2021 to February 2022. U-Pb and U-ALA were quantified by atomic absorption (283 nm) and UV-spectrometer (553 nm). A structured questionnaire was used for data collection.

Results:

About 8% of rural residents, 15% of urban residential area residents, and 35% of urban commercial area residents had U-ALA levels > 5 mg/L permissible limit. Low-income-group (LIG) individuals had two times higher ALA than the middle-income group. ALA was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in smoker traveler males, traveler females, and females who had passive exposure to tobacco smoke. U-Pb was within permissible limits in total study individuals.

Conclusion:

Pb exposure was higher in urban than rural residents; furthermore, urban commercial residents had Pb exposure higher than urban residential residents. Results are evident that vehicular emissions and tobacco smoke were potential contributors to environmental Pb exposure among study participants. The present work provides data on Pb body burden among the residents of West Bengal that might be useful for policymakers and in pollution abatement strategies too.

JOURNAL/ijoe/04.03/02273301-202428040-00010/figure1/v/2024-12-21T145716Z/r/image-tiff
Association Between Different Dietary Carbohydrate and Risk of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among Female Adolescents
Authors: Naghshi Niayesh , Tehrani Asal N. , Rabiei Samira , Behrouz Vahideh , Yari Zahra
Published: December 2024

Purpose:

Mental disorders account for a large part of the burden of disease in young population. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between carbohydrate intakes and the risk of depression, anxiety, and stress among female adolescents.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, 263 female adolescents aged 15–18 years participated. Depression, anxiety, and stress scores were determined by DASS-21 (Depression Anxiety Stress Score-21 items) questionnaire, and dietary intakes were assessed using a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire. Crude and multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated through logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Adolescents with depression consumed more glucose and sucrose and less lactose compared to adolescents without depression. After adjustment for all confounders, higher intakes of glucose and sucrose were significantly associated with increased risk of depression (OR glu = 1.3, P = 0.035 and OR suc = 1.41, P = 0.034), anxiety (OR glu = 1.3, P = 0.019 and OR suc = 1.81, P = 0.027), and stress (OR glu = 1.41, P = 0.046 and OR suc = 1.8, P = 0.044). In addition, increasing lactose intake was significantly associated with reducing the risk of depression (OR = 0.96, P = 0.013) and stress (OR = 0.96, P = 0.015).

Conclusions:

This study found significant associations between dietary carbohydrate intake and mental disorders among female adolescent.
Effect of Thrower’s ten exercises versus core strengthening exercise on upper extremity performance in handball players
Authors: Shah Rahi , Thakkar Sonal , Patel Gaurav J.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

According to Clanton and Dwight (1997) and Marczinka (1993), handball has become one of the most well-liked team sports since the 1960s. Shoulder injuries resulting from overuse are frequent in a variety of throwing sports where the upper arm is repeatedly exposed to extreme velocities and severe stresses. According to the retrospective assessment in the baseline questionnaire, the lifetime prevalence of shoulder discomfort was 41% and was greater in female athletes than in male athletes.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of Thrower’s ten (T10) exercise versus core strengthening exercise on the upper extremity performance on handball players.

METHODOLOGY:

A total of 60 female handball players were selected for the study. They were divided into 3 groups 20 in each group. Group A was given T10 exercises, Group B was given core strengthening exercises, and Group C was given conventional exercises. The duration of the study was 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Pre- and postmeasurements of the seated medicine ball throw (SMBT) test, functional throwing performance index (FTPI), and plank test were obtained.

RESULTS:

The pre- and postdata within each group were analyzed using the Paired t-test, while the comparison of pre- and postdata among the three groups was conducted using the ANOVA test.

CONCLUSION:

This study showed that there is a significant difference in SMBT, FTPI, and plank in each individual group but there is a greater significant improvement in Group A, therefore, this study concluded that Group A produce greater improvement in upper extremity performance than core exercise and conventional program.
Evaluation of direct chop and stop-and-chop phacoemulsification techniques in moderate-grade cataract patients
Authors: Singh Nirnhai , Kukkar Amit Anant , Kumar Rajesh , Singh Karamjit
Published: December 2024

AIMS:

To compare direct chop and stop-and-chop phacoemulsification techniques in grade 3 and grade 4 cataract patients.

DESIGN:

A prospective randomized trial done for 1 year conducted in a tertiary care hospital on 100 eyes of 100 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

After taking informed consent, patients with nuclear cataract grade 3 and grade 4 according to Lens Opacities Classification System III without any coexisting corneal pathology, glaucoma, and traumatic cataracts were enrolled in the study. They were randomly grouped into group 1 (n = 50) patients undergoing phacoemulsification by direct chop technique and group 2 (n = 50) patients undergoing phacoemulsification by stop-and-chop technique. They were compared on parameters of endothelial cell count, central corneal thickness (CCT), and best corrected visual acuity (VA; BCVA) they were followed up on postoperative days 1, 7, 14, and 28.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:

Data are described in terms of mean and standard deviation, frequencies (number of cases), and relative frequencies (percentages) as appropriate. All analyses are completed using MS Excel.

RESULT:

The endothelial cell loss average at the end of 4 weeks postoperatively was higher in group 2 than in group 1 and this was statistically significant. The average CCT did not change between the two groups. The best corrected VA between the two groups was the same.

CONCLUSIONS:

The phaco chop techniques have evolved to have better endothelial cell counts postoperatively and minimize the use of ultrasound energy. This study over 1 year concludes that the direct chop technique of nucleotomy had better endothelial cell count postoperatively than the stop-and-chop method of nucleotomy. There is no statistically significant difference in CCT in both techniques.
Retained bandage contact lens for years in a neglected patient: A case report
Authors: Stephen Mary , Periyandavan Jayasri
Published: December 2024

Contact lenses have been used for various purposes including optical as well as therapeutic modalities. The bandage contact lens is a soft contact lens commonly used to promote epithelial healing as in cases such as trauma, post-refractive surgery, and post-pterygium excision to alleviate pain in ruptured bullae and to provide tectonic support in the descemetocele, small corneal perforation (used with glue). In most cases, it is removed within a period of 3–5 days. In this study, we report a case of a 66-year-old female patient who presented with left eye pain and watering. On examination, a bandage contact lens was observed in its position with multiple folds in the center and conjuctivalization, with few bullae and varied degree of corneal opacity in the center of the cornea along with areas of superficial vascularization. The bandage contact lens was removed, which was placed 2 years ago, and the patient was started on topical medications, following which her symptoms improved. This case report mainly emphasized on the need for proper patient education regarding follow-up and risks before using the bandage contact lens to avoid complications, and to our knowledge, this scenario is very rare in clinical practice.
Assessment of quality of life in patients undergoing periodontal flap surgery using the questionnaire for patient-based outcomes following periodontal therapy
Authors: Deka Birina , Nadig Prasad , Shah Monali , Tilokani Tanvi , Gandhi Hardi
Published: December 2024

Background:

After periodontal therapy, metrics such as pocket probing depth and clinical attachment level are typically measured, but patient-centered outcomes are often overlooked. It is important to enhance the evaluation of flap surgery outcomes with a questionnaire that gauges the quality of life in patients, postprocedure. The questionnaire for patient-based outcomes following periodontal therapy (QPBOPT) includes 14 items that investigate the potential observations and expectations of patients following periodontal treatment.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 51 patients who had received periodontal flap surgery. The QPBOPT was administered 3 months after the treatment, and the collected data were then subjected to statistical analysis.

Results:

All patients (100%) reported a decrease in bleeding gums, and 96% noticed an improvement in bad breath following surgery. Nevertheless, 68.6% of patients were discontented with the positioning of their gums, whereas 76.5% continued to experience sensitivity after the procedure.

Conclusion:

Significant improvements were seen in most dimensions except for the position of gums and sensitivity from the patient’s perspective. Hence, there is a need to address both the esthetic expectations of the patient and the hypersensitivity following flap surgery.
Efficacy of yoga for chronic back pain: A comprehensive meta-analysis of clinical trials
Authors: Sangeetha M. D. , Sharath B. N. , Seema P. , Menon P. K. Sreenath , Kumar M. Shashi , Sathiabalan M. , Nandhini R.
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Chronic back pain (CBP) is a significant global health concern associated with substantial disability and economic burden. Yoga has gained attention as a potential intervention for CBP due to its holistic approach to health and well-being. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the efficacy of yoga for CBP through a meta-analysis of clinical trials. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed from January 2013 to May 2023. Studies that investigated the effects of yoga as an intervention for CBP in adults were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool. Pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for pain reduction using a random-effects model. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on geographic location, type of intervention, and type of yoga. A total of six randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in pain intensity among participants practicing yoga compared to nonintervention groups (pooled MD = −1.24, 95% CI = −2.28 to − 0.20, p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses revealed variations in pain reduction across different geographical locations, types of interventions, and types of yoga. The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that yoga may be effective in reducing CBP in adults. However, the observed heterogeneity and potential publication bias indicate the need for cautious interpretation.
Effect of Pranic Healing on sleep quality in primary insomnia: An exploratory study
Authors: Santhosh G. N. , Shetty Prashanth , Shetty Geetha B. , Shetty Balakrishna , Nanjeshgowda H. L.
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Insomnia, characterized by difficulty in falling or staying asleep, significantly impacts daily functioning despite adequate sleep opportunities, affecting physical, mental, social health, and professional life. Pranic Healing (PH) is an age-old therapeutic modality focused on the energy fields that surround and reside inside the human body. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PH on sleep quality in individuals with insomnia.

Methods:

Fifteen eligible subjects completed the study by receiving 7 PH sessions for 2 weeks for 30 min. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was assessed at baseline and postintervention before administering the prandial healing treatment.

Results:

After 2 weeks of PH, it was revealed that of the six components of the PSQI, subjective sleep quality (p < 0.001), sleep latency (p < 0.005), sleep duration (p < 0.004), and daytime dysfunction (p < 0.04) improved significantly, and SCI (p < 0.001). However, changes in sleep efficiency (p = 0.82) and sleep disturbances (p = 0.06) were not significant. Overall, there was a significant improvement in the quality of sleep in subjects diagnosed with insomnia.

Conclusion:

PH has shown promise for improving sleep quality in patients with insomnia through its influence of pranic energy. However, further long-term randomized controlled studies are needed to determine the results and mechanism of action involved.
Tradition and science of Trataka kriya: A comprehensive review
Authors: Pramanik Palash , Chatterjee Sridip
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT

Trataka kriya (TK) is one of the leading practices of the six cleansing techniques (shatkarma) of Hathayaga. It involves steady gazing at a small point until tears come out. The objectives of this review are to systematically collect the traditional references of TK and analyze the latest scientific evidences that highlight its immediate- and long-term physiological and therapeutic effects. To fulfill the purpose of the study, a rigorous advanced search was conducted in June 2024 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. In addition, Yoga Mimamsa, a peer-reviewed journal, was searched manually to obtain the related literature. Randomized controlled trials, pre-post study designs, self-as-control studies, and repeated measures studies published in the English language from January 2000 to May 2024, using trataka as the intervention, were considered in this study. Then, we extracted the data from each study into a standardized population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study table. Using the PRISMA guidelines, 16 studies were included in this review based on inclusion criteria. Of these, nine studies were predominantly on the general healthy population, and the remaining seven studies were on patients with ophthalmic disorders. However, TK is found beneficial in improving cognitive performance, heart rhythm, emotional control, and mental relaxation. It is also effective for eye health. The therapeutic values of the TK have not yet been scientifically investigated to the fullest extent. For further progress, substantial research is needed to validate the findings and to ascertain the long-term effects of trataka on health and disease.
Intercultural Reconceptualization of Interpersonal Relationships in Audiovisual Translation
Authors: Borsos Levente , Kruzslicz Tamás , Nidorfer Mojca , Shigemori Bučar Chikako
Published: December 2024

In conversation, the participants’ language use manifests their strategies when negotiating and maintaining interpersonal relations: seeking for the aimed distance between conversation partners and setting up a suitable hierarchy. It is a constantly dynamic process expressed with various linguistic tools.
This research is based on a Hungarian satirical film, “A tanú (The Witness)”, and its Japanese and Slovene subtitles. The three languages in comparison are typologically diverse. Based on our overview of language-specific linguistic tools for interpersonal relationships (IPR), the most prominent are:

predicate forms: The choice between V- and T-forms, pronouns and other elements in Hungarian and Slovene, because of the person and number distinction. Both Hungarian and Slovene have an additional semi-formal choice. Corresponding distinction in Japanese is the choice among several predicate forms, formal / informal with addition of honorifics.
greetings and forms of addresses: Their use is usually conventionalized in each society or community. The gender distinction is particularly present in Slovene. The use (or non-use) of various titles in addressing is important in all three languages.

The language in the original film in Hungarian and the subtitles in Japanese and Slovene are linguistically analysed, and the analyses further compared. We can observe the development of constructing IPR in several situations: negotiation, establishment and maintenance of IPR in personal and public environment. Both cases of development confirm our previous overview of linguistic tools, and lead to further findings.
The findings are to be utilised in the theory and methodology of translation and subtitling, cross-cultural pragmatics, and foreign language teaching.
Von der Nützlichkeit des Unnützen: Über den Sinn der Poesie im fremdsprachlichen Unterricht
Authors: Samide Irena
Published: December 2024

The article discusses the role of literature in foreign language teaching, with a specific focus on the genre of poetry. It unequivocally answers the central question of whether incorporating literary texts into foreign language classrooms is meaningful and beneficial. The article challenges the widespread notion that students must have an advanced level of language proficiency to engage with literary texts. Through three very different examples of authentic poetry, it demonstrates how literary texts can be seamlessly integrated into foreign language teaching and which competencies can be developed through poetry. The analysis of the poem Der Apfel (The Apple) by Reinhard Döhl illustrates that literary texts can be meaningfully utilized from the very first lessons of language learning. Furthermore, the article focuses on one of the most prominent figures of contemporary German poetry, Jan Wagner. His linguistically simple haiku titled teebeutel (tea bag), which has also been translated into Slovenian, shows how inspiring, liberating, and creative German language teaching can be when one dares to include literary texts. Finally, the discussion turns to a canonical author, the giant of German literature, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The analysis of his poem Gefunden (The Found Flower) reveals various ways the text can be approached in German lessons: from traditional nature poetry to eco-critical perspectives, and interpretations related to the themes of love and gender discourse at the turn of the 18th century (and beyond). In conclusion, it can be stated that the use of poetry in German as a foreign language teaching is meaningful, not despite the fact but precisely because it confronts students with different, previously unknown, and unusual perspectives on language, society, interpersonal relationships, and aesthetics.
Primerjava kulturnih vsebin v učbenikih za francoščino kot tuji jezik
Authors: Ćorković Dijana
Published: December 2024

V prispevku analiziramo kulturne vsebine v učbenikih za poučevanje francoščine kot tujega jezika. Analiza temelji na smernicah iz SEJA, ki poudarja pomembnost kulture in razvijanja medkulturne kompetence. Izbrali smo pet učbenikov iz različnih obdobjih, s čimer smo želeli preveriti, kakšne so razlike med metodološko različnimi učbeniki.Predpostavili smo, da bomo v vseh učbenikih našli kulturne enote, ki bodo v starejših učbenikih (izdani pred izdajo SEJA), to sta Mauger Bleu (1953) in Voix et images de France (1966), bolj osredotočene na Francijo in bolj stereotipne. V novejših učbenikih, to so Connexions 1 (2004), Latitudes 1 (2012) in Génération 1 (2015), smo pričakovali večjo raznolikost kulturnih vsebin, ki bodo vključevale frankofonijo, obenem pa krepile medkulturno kompetenco pri učencih in jih spodbujale k primerjavi kultur. Kljub temu, da so kulturne enote razvidne iz kazal, smo se pri novejših učbenikih odločili za dodatno analizo prvih treh splošnih enot, da bi preverili, če so kulturne vsebine prisotne tudi drugje.Izkazalo se je, da vsi učbeniki nimajo kulturnih enot, kar pa ne pomeni, da niso kulturno obarvani (Voix et images de France). Kulturne vsebine, povezane samo s Francijo, so odvisne od učbenika in avtorjev in ne (samo) od časa nastanka; najnovejši učbenik s seznama vse kulturne enote posveča Franciji. Pri analizi vsebin za krepitev medkulturne kompetence smo ugotovili, da je vključevanje takšnih nalog naključno. Analiza prvih treh splošnih enot je potrdila predpostavko, da bomo kulturne vsebine našli tudi tam, kar pomeni, da se ne moremo zanašati samo na kazalo učbenika, ampak je potrebna bolj podrobna analiza posameznih enot.
Analyse Sprachlicher Fehler in der Fremdsprachlichen Kommunikation von Pflegefachkräften mit Patient:innen
Authors: Löwenkamp Sarah
Published: December 2024

The shortage of skilled workers is a growing and prevalent challenge for the labour market in Germany and the EU as a whole. One strategy to counter the shortage of skilled labour is to recruit qualified professionals from abroad. This involves the immigration of skilled workers with specific needs in terms of teaching and learning German as a Foreign Language/German as a Second Language, which need to be met in the best possible way. This article will therefore use an analysis of linguistic errors in a written task to determine the needs of foreign nursing staff with regard to learning German. This is done by aiming to identify any potential key areas in which errors may occur. The task places the participants in an authentic scenario from their everyday working life. The error analysis is also used to classify the extent to which these errors would limit the success of communication with their patients. This professional group was selected based on various relevant criteria: First, nursing professions belong to the group of professions with the greatest shortage on the labour market, and proof of German language skills is a bureaucratic requirement. In addition to the related technicalities, proficiency in German can also be considered essential for successfully navigating everyday working life. The group of participants is heterogeneous in terms of first language and German level, which reflects a common composition of these learning groups. Based on this heterogeneity and the fact that there is still potential for optimization despite existing teaching and learning materials specifically designed for the target group, the article proposes translanguaging as a new didactic approach for successfully mastering professional situations in a foreign language environment, both linguistically and professionally. Translanguaging can thus be described as the lens through which the results of the task at hand are viewed.
Translanguaging und sein Potenzial für den DaF-Unterricht sowie fachsprachlichen DaF-Unterricht
Authors: Jazbec Saša
Published: December 2024

Foreign language teaching, especially the teaching of non-English languages, is facing significant challenges today due to the status of English among languages and in the context of migration, globalization, and mediatization. The old, familiar methods that have long been successful with regard to language learning and teaching are now no longer effective, do not motivate learners, and do not achieve the results that teachers want. The current monolingual paradigm of foreign language teaching will thus have to change, and various different approaches are available. This paper focuses on translanguaging, a new approach to language processing and use that starts with the individual and their single linguistic repertoire. 
These resources can be understood from the perspective of translingualism as a transition between languages or a fluid use of all available linguistic resources. This transition is essential in bridging the communication gap between the individual’s professional knowledge and limited foreign language skills, or overcoming the communication constraints caused by limited foreign language competencies. The first part of the paper discusses the concept of translingualism from a theoretical linguistic and didactic perspective. In the second part, the teaching of Tessa Brown, an American teacher who has been working successfully with the translingual approach, is described, and two didactic proposals for implementing translingualism in the classroom – namely the so-called translingual spaces and translingual rings – are presented. The first proposal illustrates a pedagogical experiment in which cross-linguistic transitions are essential for contextual diversity, even if developing foreign language competence or communicative skills in German needs to be addressed. The second proposal describes possible didactic methods in the classroom. We have theoretically identified and illustratively shown that the cross-linguistic approach has significant potential for teaching German as a foreign language, as well as for teaching German as a language for specific purposes.
La notion de «mot» en marge de l’analyse linguistique
Authors: Vitez Primož
Published: December 2024

L’article se propose d’examiner le potentiel descriptif de la notion métalinguistique de «mot». Considérant les critères grammaticaux, la notion de mot ouvre d’abord la question de délimitation entre l’analyse morphologique et syntaxique des structures linguistiques. Le mot écrit semble présenter moins de complexité définitoire, puisqu’il est apparemment facile de discerner visuellement une suite continue de graphèmes entre deux blancs. Même si les critères morphosyntaxiques semblent moins obscurcissants à l’écrit, il est dans la nature de l’orthographe d’hésiter parfois à déterminer l’extension du mot comme unité graphique. A long terme, c’est l’usage qui provoque des changements que les prescriptions systémiques choisissent ou refusent d’adopter. La supposition sémantique avançant que le mot – en tant qu’unité de signification autonome – se réfère à un segment particulier de la réalité extralinguistique n’est guère plus précise: le cas des noms composés (porte-manteau, quatre-vingts, grand-mère etc.) problématise ces unités sémantiques de façon à ce que l’observateur doit argumenter si leur structure consiste en un mot ou deux. La réflexion du mot pose très concrètement la question du rapport entre la langue et son usage. Il semble que, pour définir le mot, il faut impérativement prendre en compte les manifestations orales de l’usage linguistique et privilégier l’analyse de l’accentuation. Même si le découpage en segments accentuels n’affecte pas l’unité lexémique, ce qui d’ailleurs est le plus souvent le cas des langues à accent non-fixe, le mot (ou du moins le mot phonétique) est une unité de sens que l’accent permet de reconnaître. Le mot est donc aussi définissable comme une unité accentuelle.
Information, Disinformation, Cybersecurity
Authors: Chałubińska-Jentkiewicz Katarzyna , Nowikowska Monika
Published: December 2024

Information has been and is an integral part of all human activity. For any state, it is a strategic commodity, where every plane of security depends on the information resource it possesses, which must be protected accordingly. It can be hypothesised a priori that the protection of important information resources is inextricably linked to the security interests of the state and its subjects. Without doubt, the most sought-after resource today is information. The introduction of information and computer technologies and their increasingly widespread use has led to a situation where there is an unfettered exchange of information between remote entities and logistical considerations do not matter. The turbulent and very dynamic development of information technology, as well as the rapidly increasing amount of data being processed, has necessitated the search for solutions to effectively manage information, taking into account the risks involved, especially in cyberspace.

Our technological capabilities are steadily advancing, but this is not always a reason to rejoice. It is important to be aware not only of the benefits of this, but also of the risks. In this case, we can speak of new phenomena such as disinformation, deepfake, fake news and trolling. Until recently, the pinnacle of disinformation was the dissemination of fake photos and texts. However, with the development of the digital age, the possibilities of artificial intelligence have also developed, which has reached a whole new level and is now also able to create fake videos. With the development of deepfake technology, a breeding ground has emerged for the spread of disinformation in the political sphere and for influencing public opinion regarding specific public office holders. Fake information can now be used to influence the electoral process, poor media reception, social tensions, acts of unfair competition and also other disinformation attacks that disrupt the normal functioning of the state and individuals. This now creates a whole new level of risks associated with the spread of false information.
Experimental assessment of the immunotropic properties of the new biocomplund
Authors: Zabokritskiy N. A.
Published: December 2024

The article concerns topical issues of studying the new biocompound within a consortium of biologically active substances (BAS). These compounds (metabiotics) are produced by probiotic strains 59T and 60T of saprophytic microorganisms which belong to Bacillus subtilis genus. These strains seem to be quite promising for the design of hepatopicts, the new drug candidates, for creation and development of a new class of hepatoprotector drugs. Previous studies have shown safety and hepatoprotective effects of abovementioned BAS. It is important to note that the combined use of these compounds provides a potentiated pharmacological effect. Moreover, there are significant reasons to believe that these BAS may influence different compartments of immune system. In this regard, it seemed appropriate to perform experimental assessment of the immunotropic effect of BAS in laboratory animals using a model of toxic liver damage with carbon tetrachloride, in order to confirm the effect on the humoral factors of immunity. The purpose of the present study is to provide experimental comparative assessment of humoral immunity indexes upon combined usage of biologically active substances in acute toxic liver damage. The experimental model of toxic damage was reproduced in white laboratory rats with repeated intragastric administration of carbon tetrachloride. The comparison drug was ursosan, a registered hepatoprotective drug. The following factors of humoral immunity were measured to assess the effects of biologically active substances: immunoglobulins M, G, A, quantitative indices of á-interferon and circulating immune complexes (CIC). As a result of the studies performed, we obtained reliable data showing increased amounts of all Ig classes as well as induction of endogenous á-interferon and antibody-forming cells under the conditions of acute toxic liver damage. Meanwhile, a significant restoration of the humoral immunity indices to initial values was registered after the 15-day treatment with biologically active substances. The data obtained allow us to recommend the studied BAS for creation of new drug candidates of microbial origin, hepatoprotective agents with immunotropic effects.