Definitive Markers Research Articles

Theoretical impact of a bedside decision-making tool on antibiotic use for suspected neonatal healthcare-associated infection: an observational study

Background and objectivesHealthcare-associated infections (HAI) are a leading contributor to morbidity and mortality in hospitalised neonates. Diagnosing neonatal HAI is challenging owing to non-specific symptoms and lack of definitive diagnostic markers, contributing to high rates of inappropriate antibiotic use. This study evaluated the theoretical impact of implementing a bedside tool for decision-making on antibiotic length of therapy (LOT).MethodsThis prospective observational physician-blinded study consecutively enrolled patients with suspected HAI events at a large South African neonatal unit from September 2022 to September 2023. The antibiotic decision-making tool included an infection prediction score (NeoHoP), and a point-of-care C-reactive protein test (CRP) performed at HAI diagnosis and 24 h later. The theoretical impact of the tool on antibiotic LOT was calculated.ResultsWe recruited 180 neonates with 214 episodes of suspected HAI, of which 22 (10.3%) were proven HAI, 56 (26.2%) were presumed HAI and 136 (63.6%) had HAI ruled out. The median observed antibiotic LOT was three days (9 days for proven HAI, 7 days for presumed HAI, and 3 days for no HAI). The antibiotic decision-making tool would theoretically reduce overall antibiotic LOT by 2 days (p < 0.001), particularly in neonates where HAI was subsequently excluded.ConclusionWe developed an antibiotic decision-making tool to support the clinical evaluation of suspected neonatal HAI and demonstrated a significant potential impact on reducing antibiotic LOT. Given increasing antibiotic resistance rates globally, this tool should be further evaluated to minimise unnecessary antibiotic use in hospitalised neonates.

Lexical factors in English definiteness marking: a corpus-based investigation

Lexical factors in English definiteness marking: a corpus-based investigation

MicroRNA Expression Profile in Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion (LVO) continues to present a considerable challenge to global health, marked by substantial morbidity and mortality rates. Although definitive diagnostic markers exist in the form of neuroimaging, their expense, limited availability, and potential for diagnostic delay can often result in missed opportunities for life-saving interventions. Despite several past attempts, research efforts to date have been fraught with challenges likely due to multiple factors, such as the inclusion of diverse stroke types, variable onset intervals, differing pathobiologies, and a range of infarct sizes, all contributing to inconsistent circulating biomarker levels. In this context, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as a promising biomarker, demonstrating potential as biomarkers across various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, and neurological disorders. These circulating miRNAs embody a wide spectrum of pathophysiological processes, encompassing cell death, inflammation, angiogenesis, neuroprotection, brain plasticity, and blood-brain barrier integrity. This pilot study explores the utility of circulating exosome-enriched extracellular vesicle (EV) miRNAs as potential biomarkers for anterior circulation LVO (acLVO) stroke. In our longitudinal prospective cohort study, we collected data from acLVO stroke patients at four critical time intervals post-symptom onset: 0-6 h, 6-12 h, 12-24 h, and 5-7 days. For comparative analysis, healthy individuals were included as control subjects. In this study, extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from the plasma of participants, and the miRNAs within these EVs were profiled utilizing the NanoString nCounter system. Complementing this, a scoping review was conducted to examine the roles of specific miRNAs such as miR-140-5p, miR-210-3p, and miR-7-5p in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). This review involved a targeted PubMed search to assess their influence on crucial pathophysiological pathways in AIS, and their potential applications in diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. The review also included an assessment of additional miRNAs linked to stroke. Within the first 6 h of symptom onset, three specific miRNAs (miR-7-5p, miR-140-5p, and miR-210-3p) exhibited significant differential expression compared to other time points and healthy controls. These miRNAs have previously been associated with neuroprotection, cellular stress responses, and tissue damage, suggesting their potential as early markers of acute ischemic stroke. This study highlights the potential of circulating miRNAs as blood-based biomarkers for hyperacute acLVO ischemic stroke. However, further validation in a larger, risk-matched cohort is required. Additionally, investigations are needed to assess the prognostic relevance of these miRNAs by linking their expression profiles with radiological and functional outcomes.

Thermal Image Classification of Autistic Children Using Res-Net Architecture

The thermal Image Classification Method has been widely used for significant applications in many fields, including thermal images of the face. This study presents a method for thermal facial classification in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children with ASD have a neurological disorder that affects communication skills essential in daily life and often causes difficulties in social situations. As we know, the diagnosis of ASD currently still relies on human methods and does not yet have definite biological markers. Early diagnosis of ASD has a significant positive impact, especially in children. Deep learning techniques, especially in facial medical image analysis, have become a new research focus in ASD detection. Initial screening using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model with a transfer learning approach offers great potential for early diagnosis of ASD. The use of thermal imaging as a passive method to analyze ASD-related physiological signals has been proposed. In previous research, a deep learning model was developed to classify the faces of autistic children using thermal images. Therefore, this study aims to create a new Thermal Image Classification model for Autistic Children Using Res-Net Architecture. The architectures applied are ResNet-18, ResNet-34, and ResNet-50. As a comparison system, several of the same parameter values are used: epoch 100, batch size 2, SGD, Cross-entropy, learning rate 0.001, and momentum 0.9. The study test results show that the results of ResNet-18 are 97.22%, ResNet-34 99.22%, and ResNet-50 99.41%. Based on these results, ResNet-50 has the highest value.

Early Prediction of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Insulin Therapy Requirement Using First-Trimester PAPP-A and Free β-hCG MoMs Levels: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

Objectives: To evaluate the association between gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), including insulin-dependent GDM with pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) multiples of the median (MoM) and free beta human chorionic gonadotropin (free β-hCG) MoM levels, and to assess their potential as predictive risk factors. Methods: This retrospective study included 2588 women with singleton pregnancies who underwent combined first-trimester screening, along with the 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT) and a 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation. Patients were initially divided into four groups based on the glucose screening results, and PAPP-A and free β-hCG MoMs were compared between these groups. GDM cases managed by diet were then compared with those requiring insulin therapy. Results: Of the study population, 132 women (5.10%) were diagnosed with GDM, 112 (84.8%) managed their glycemia with dietary changes, while 20 (15.2%) required insulin therapy. PAPP-A levels were significantly lower in the GDM group compared to the control group (p < 0.001). In addition, the insulin-dependent GDM group had significantly lower PAPP-A levels than the diet-controlled group (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the free β-hCG MoM levels between the groups (p = 0.292). Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified 0.815 as the optimal PAPP-A cut-off value for predicting GDM, with a sensitivity of 61.4%, specificity of 61.6%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.649 (95% CI: 0.595-0.703). For insulin-dependent GDM, the same threshold yielded an AUC of 0.621 (95% CI: 0.563-0.679), with a sensitivity of 58.6% and a specificity of 59.7%. Conclusions: Low serum PAPP-A MoM levels are significantly associated with the development of GDM, including insulin-dependent cases. Although PAPP-A alone may not be a definitive predictive marker for GDM, low levels could support the recommendation for early screening as part of a broader diagnostic approach.

Prognostic value of myeloid-derived suppressor-like cells in acute myeloid leukemia: insights from immunophenotyping and clinical correlations.

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population that acts on both innate and adaptive immunity, fostering immune escape in tumors and contributing to cancer progression. Despite the lack of definitive markers for immunophenotyping MDSCs, particularly the polymorphonuclear (PMN-MDSC) subset, these cells seem to play a crucial role in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients' prognosis. Additionally, the maturation stage of MDSCs remains a subject of debate and is largely unknown within the AML context. In this study, we conducted a retrospective analysis of flow cytometry immunophenotyping data obtained at the diagnosis of AML patients. We explored how the enrichment of neutrophil maturation stages, the frequency of PMN-MDSC-like cells and monocytic MDSC-like population (M-MDSC-like), and the ratios of MDSC-like cells to T lymphocytes correlate with relevant prognostic indicators. Our findings revealed that CD45+CD33lowHLA-DR-CD36+ PMN-MDSC-like cells and mature CD13+CD11b+CD10+ neutrophils correlate poor survival in AML patients. Furthermore, PMN-MDSC-like cells, and their ratio to T lymphocytes, are elevated in patients with adverse-risk stratification. Similarly, the M-MDSC-like population is increased in FLT3-ITD mutation carrier patients. Notably, we observed confirmational evidence of CD36 relevance in the AML context, which has emerged recently as a potential marker for PMN-MDSCs. Our study highlights significant findings associating increased MDSC-like subsets and poor prognostic factors in AML.

Evaluating high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I for early detection of treatment-related cardiotoxicity in HER2-positive breast cancer patients

Background: Trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity is a common adverse effect of HER2-positive breast cancer treatment, especially when combined with anthracyclines. However, to date, no definitive prognostic markers have been found to predict trastuzumab-related cardiotoxicity. Methods: Patients diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, scheduled to receive anthracyclines followed by 12 months of trastuzumab or with pertuzumab, were prospectively followed up for 27 months. Measurements of left ventricular ejection fraction LVEF, high-sesitivity troponin I hs-Tn I, and a full cardiac examination were performed at baseline, after anthracycline treatment, and after four cycles of anti-HER2 agents. Subsequently, LVEF measurement and full cardiac examination were conducted every 3 months until the end of the follow-up. Cardiotoxicity was defined as an absolute decrease in LVEF of ≥15%, or a drop in LVEF of ≥10% from the baseline to &lt;50%. Results: Among 78 patients, cardiotoxicity occurred in 13 (16.7%). A higher risk of cardiotoxicity was linked to hs-Tn I measured after four cycles of anti-HER2 agents (P &lt; 0.001), with a significant cutoff of &gt;84 ng/L. No short-term effects of the anthracycline agents (doxorubicin or epirubicin), were found. However, there was a slightly higher tendency to develop cardiotoxicity (P = 0.046) in patients treated with trastuzumab plus pertuzumab. Conclusion: Hs-Tn I measured after four cycles of trastuzumab in HER2-positive breast cancer patients could be an important predictor of cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy followed by anti-HER2 agents, particularly in the first year post-treatment, with a different cutoff value than that used in other cardiac conditions.

Immune-related diagnostic markers for benign prostatic hyperplasia and their potential as drug targets.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common issue among older men. Diagnosis of BPH currently relies on imaging tests and assessment of urinary flow rate due to the absence of definitive diagnostic markers. Developing more accurate markers is crucial to improve BPH diagnosis. The BPH dataset utilized in this study was sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Initially, differential expression and functional analyses were conducted, followed by the application of multiple machine learning techniques to identify key diagnostic markers. Subsequent investigations have focused on elucidating the functions and mechanisms associated with these markers. The ssGSEA method was employed to evaluate immune cell scores in BPH samples, facilitating the exploration of the relationship between key diagnostic markers and immune cells. Additionally, molecular docking was performed to assess the binding affinity of these key markers to therapeutic drugs for BPH. Tissue samples from BPH patients were collected for experimental validation of the expression differences of the aforementioned genes. A total of 185 differential genes were identified, comprising 67 up-regulated and 118 down-regulated genes. These genes are implicated in pathways that regulate extracellular matrix tissue composition and cellular responses to transforming growth factor beta stimulation, as well as critical signaling pathways such as AMPK and mTOR. Through the application of various machine learning techniques, DACH1, CACNA1D, STARD13, and RUNDC3B were identified as key diagnostic markers. The ssGSEA algorithm further corroborated the association of these diagnostic genes with diverse immune cells. Moreover, molecular docking analysis revealed strong binding affinities of these markers to tamsulosin and finasteride, suggesting their potential as drug targets. Finally, experimental validation confirmed the expression differences of DACH1, CACNA1D, STARD13, and RUNDC3B in BPH tissues. This study introduces novel immune-related diagnostic markers for BPH and highlights their promise as new drug targets, providing a valuable approach for predictive diagnosis and targeted therapy of BPH.

Prognosis of asymptomatic endolymphatic hydrops in healthy volunteers: A five-year cohort study.

This study aimed to clarify the prognosis of asymptomatic endolymphatic hydrops (EH) in healthy volunteers via five-year follow-ups with inner ear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Inner ear MRI was performed on 115 participants recruited as controls in a previous study on Meniere's disease. The endolymphatic space was visualized using Naganawa's method of contrast-enhanced MRI with intravenous gadolinium injection and evaluated using Nakashima's method of 2D imaging analysis. Cochlear or vestibular EH was present in 7.0% of participants (n = 8), with all cases being unilateral (laterality), moderate (severity), and asymptomatic (onset). Only cochlear-localized EH, only vestibular-localized EH, and both EH were present in 1.7% (n = 2) (C group), 4.3% (n = 5) (V group), and 0.9% (n = 1) (CV group) of participants, respectively. Conducting inner ear MRI after 5 years showed that EH had almost disappeared in two participants in the C and V groups (4/8, 50.0%). EH was still present in three participants in the V group and one in the CV group (4/8, 50.0%). One participant in the V group and another in the CV group presented with residual inner ear EH and developed typical symptomatic Meniere's disease (2/8, 25.0%). Approximately 7% of healthy participants showed asymptomatic EH. Therefore, EH is not the definitive marker for making a diagnosis of Meniere's disease or the suitable predictor for the development of Meniere's disease. Among these participants, 25% maintained EH and subsequently developed typical Meniere's disease within the next 5 years. Schellong-positive participants maintained persistent EH in the inner ear, and participants with higher scores on the self-rating depression scale developed Meniere's symptoms after 5 years. 2a.

West Iranian in historical perspective

Abstract The development of the Persian definitive object marker -rā from Old Persian rādī through Middle Persian benefactive rāy has been established as a model grammaticalization process by Bossong (1985). His explanations on other modern Iranian languages, and their interplay in the historical development, have received far less research attention. This article offers a novel and comprehensive account of the historical development of -rā in West Iranian, from Old Persian up to approximately 20 New Iranian languages. Based on the semantic map model, it demonstrates that concerning -rā, most West Iranian languages can be subdivided into three typological groups, two of which represent more or less clearly defined genetic subgroups within the continuum of West Iranian. The interplay of genetic and typological/functional factors is complex, and open questions remain. The present study aims to provide empirical data, and to raise relevant questions, for future in-depth studies.

Imaging modalities for atraumatic shoulder hypermobility: a scoping review.

Objective measures from imaging studies have the potential to assist in timely diagnosis of atraumatic shoulder hypermobility to better guide management. The aim of this scoping review is to examine imaging modalities and techniques used to characterize atraumatic shoulder hypermobility. MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched up to May 2024 for any primary study investigating imaging findings seen in atraumatic shoulder hypermobility. Patients with unilateral instability were excluded given its frequent association with traumatic origin. Eighteen observational studies met inclusion criteria. Results were divided into outcomes relating to capsular redundancy, glenohumeral anatomy, and muscle activation. Five studies using magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) demonstrated statistically significant increases in capsular cross-sectional area (CSA), while a significant superior capsular elongation was reported by two studies in patients with multidirectional instability (MDI). Labrocapsular distance, glenocapsular ratio, and the presence of a combined sail and triangle sign on MRA were highly sensitive and specific parameters for identifying MDI. There were inconsistent findings for alterations of glenohumeral anatomy. Ultrasound assessments of acromiohumeral distance (AHD) were significantly increased in patients with MDI, but not in shoulders with hypermobility alone. Similarly, muscle activity measured by electromyography or glenohumeral translations differed significantly in patients with MDI, but not in those with hypermobility alone. Radiographic markers of capsular redundancy (e.g., CSA, labrocapsular distance, glenocapsular ratio), AHD, and muscular activity are useful in the diagnosis of MDI. However, there are no definitive imaging markers for diagnosing atraumatic shoulder hypermobility without MDI.

Prognostic value of Ki67 in phyllodes tumor of the breast: A systematic review and meta‑analysis.

Numerous clinicopathological features have been examined as predictive factors for adverse outcomes in patients with phyllodes tumor (PT) of the breast, but there are still no definitive predictive markers to guide management, despite the persistent risk of recurrence, even in benign disease. Whether Ki67 has prognostic value in PT remains uncertain. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to examine whether Ki67 is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, particularly recurrence, in patients with PT. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to July 2024. Study characteristics and outcomes (recurrence and overall survival) according to Ki67 status were extracted from each eligible study, and pooled log odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI were derived using a random-effects model. A total of five studies comprising 280 cases were eligible for inclusion. The adverse outcome rate for the Ki67high (Ki67 >10 or >11.2%) population was 28.7% (95% CI, 20.1-38.6%), while the adverse outcome rate for the Ki67low population was 9.4% (95% CI, 5.4-13.5%). Ki67high was associated with an increased odds of an adverse outcome [log OR, 1.26 (95% CI, 0.38-2.15; P=0.005)] compared with a Ki67low status. All five studies scored 8 points on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, equivalent to 'good' quality according to Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality standards, and no significant publication bias was noted. This was the first meta-analysis of the predictive value of Ki67 in PT of the breast. A relatively high Ki67 index (>10%) is associated with recurrence. It is timely to re-evaluate the prognostic value of Ki67 in large retrospective cohorts with long follow-up to firmly establish whether it could contribute to identifying patients at risk of recurrence, particularly those with histologically benign disease. Doing so could impact clinical practice by refining follow-up recommendations based on quality evidence.

CD27 is not an ideal marker for human memory B cells and can be modulated by IL-21 upon stimulated by Anti-CD40

B cells play a key role in humoral immune responses by producing antibodies. Although there are numerous research on memory B cells definition markers and cytokines on B cell development, different studies have yielded contradictory conclusions due to species studied, the different cells and stimulating agents used. In the current study, we conducted a detailed characterization of B cells in human CBMCs, PBMCs and tonsil, including expression of Igs, activation and memory markers. Furthermore, we found that considerable amounts of IgA and IgG were expressed by CD27− B cells. These “Atypical” memory B cells corresponded to approximately 50% of IgG+ and IgA+B cells in blood, this proportion even reached 90% in tonsil. In addition, we investigated the effect of IL-21 and TGF-β1 on the membrane-bound form and secreted form of Igs using PBMCs and purified blood B cells. There were actual differences between the effect of cytokines on Igs secretion and surface expression. Our study will be helpful to advance the knowledge and understanding of humoral memory.

Order Effects in Second Language Learning

AbstractWe explore how general principles of learning apply to and combine with usage‐based approaches to language learning and teaching, with a focus on the effects of order of exposure to new information in second language (L2) instruction. Although the effects of input spacing and timing on memory and learning have been previously explored (see Rogers, 2020; Shintani, 2017, for an overview), the effects of order of exposure to the input remain understudied. In this study, we tested whether order of exposure to information in the L2 plays a role in L2 learning and whether an optimal order where the most reliable cues are introduced first ensures that foreign language learners are better equipped to form representations that allow flexible, yet accurate generalisations. We analysed data collected through a training study that teaches the English article system to first language (L1) speakers whose language does not have markers of definiteness.

Unraveling the chemosensory characteristics on different types of spirits based on sensory contours and quantitative targeted flavoromics analysis

Due to differences in raw materials and production processes, different spirits exhibit various flavor even if undergo distillation operation. In this study, sensory analysis could clearly distinguish 5 types spirits, and had been validated through quantitative targeted flavoromics analysis. Consequently, 44 potential differential markers between 5 types spirits were screened. Among, 34 definite differential markers were further confirmed to be highly correlated with target sensory attributes and could effectively distinguish types of spirits. Ultimately, 14 key differential markers (including 2-methylbutane, linalool, acetaldehyde, d-limonene, β-myrcene, phenylethyl alcohol, phenethyl acetate, heptyl formate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl decanoate, ethyl pentanoate, ethyl hexanoate, hexanoic acid, and ethyl hexadecanoate) could reveal the chemical sources of spirit sensory and serve as targets for identifying different types of spirits. Overall, the results of flavoromic characterization of 5 types spirits provided a significant step forwards in understanding of differentiation of spirits by sensory coupled with quantitative, and statistical analysis

The Utility of a Novel Neuropsychological Measurement to Analyze Event-Related Attentional Behaviors among Young Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-a Pilot Study.

The identification and diagnosis of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) traits is challenging during the preschool stage. Neuropsychological measures may be useful in early assessments. Furthermore, analysis of event-related behavior appears to be an unmet need for clinical treatment planning. Conners' Kiddie Continuous Performance Test (K-CPT) is the most popular well-established neuropsychological measurement but lacks event markers to clarify the heterogeneous behaviors among children. This study utilized a novel commercially available neuropsychological measure, the ΣCOG, which was more game-like and provided definite event markers of individual trial in the test. Thirty-three older preschool children (14 were diagnosed with ADHD, mean age: 66.21 ± 5.48months; 19 demonstrated typical development, mean age: 61.16 ± 8.11months) were enrolled and underwent comprehensive medical and developmental evaluations. All participants underwent 2 versions of neuropsychological measures, including the K-CPT, Second Edition (K-CPT 2) and the ΣCOG, within a short interval. The study indicated the omissions and response time scores measured in this novel system correlated with clinical measurement of the behavioral scales in all participants and in the group with ADHD; additionally, associations with the traditional K-CPT 2 were observed in commissions and response time scores. Furthermore, this system provided a within-task behavioral analysis that identified the group differences in the specific trial regarding omission and commission errors. This innovative system is clinically feasible and can be further used as an alternative to the K-CPT 2 especially in research by revealing within-task event-related information analysis.

Severity and Prevalence in Non-Specific Interstitial Pneumonia and COVID-19 Associated Pneumonia

Background: The non-specific clinical presentation and absence of definitive diagnostic markers further complicate the diagnosis of nterstitial lung diseases (ILD), particularly idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (IIP). This study aimed to investigate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics, along with imaging diagnostics, of patients with non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NsIP) in the Samarkand region from 2020 to 2023. Methods: A retrospective analysis of medical records was conducted for 262 patients diagnosed with ILD and hospitalized at the Samarkand State Medical Association (SamSMA). Using a multidisciplinary approach and adhering to the international classification of diseases (ICD-10) criteria, patients were categorized into two groups: those diagnosed with NsIP and a comparison group of patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia (COVID-19 AP). The patients were further subdivided based on disease severity: moderate (IA) and severe (IB) for the NsIP group, and moderate (IIA) and severe (IIB) for the COVID-19 AP group. Results: The study found that 72.5% of ILD patients had NsIP, predominantly older males. Moderate disease severity was more common in NsIP patients, while severe cases were more prevalent in the COVID-19 AP group. The age groups 45-59 and 60-74 years represented 78% of the NsIP cases. Conclusion: The study found a higher prevalence of NsIP among men, with the majority of cases occurring in older age groups. Moderate disease severity was more common in NsIP patients, contrasting with COVID-19 AP patients, where severe cases were more prevalent.

Roles of cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons as potential neural stem cells in the repair and regeneration of spinal cord injuries.

Cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons (CSF-cNs) represent a distinct group of interneurons characterized by their prominent apical globular protrusions penetrating the spinal cord's central canal and their basal axons extending towards adjacent cells. Identified nearly a century back, the specific roles and attributes of CSF-cNs have just started to emerge due to the historical lack of definitive markers. Recent findings have confirmed that CSF-cNs expressing PKD2L1 possess attributes of neural stem cells, suggesting a critical function in the regeneration processes following spinal cord injuries. This review aims to elucidate the molecular markers of CSF-cNs as potential neural stem cells during spinal cord development and assess their roles post-spinal cord injury, with an emphasis on their potential therapeutic implications for spinal cord repair.

The Contrastive and Referential Function of Specific Classifiers in Xiamen Southern Min—Evidence from a Cognitive Experimental Study

Southern Min is generally known for not using classifiers [CL] for expressing definiteness/indefiniteness as it is associated with the bare classifier construction [CL N]. This paper offers evidence from Xiamen Southern Min (XSM) that the use of a specific classifier vs. the general classifier é contributes to referentiality in an alternative way by supporting object identification as it is due to the semantic specificity present in specific classifiers and absent in the general classifier. In a dialogic cognitive experiment adapted from the “Hidden color-chips” task (Enfield and Bohnemeyer 2001), 18 participants had to manipulate their addressees’ attention toward various objects situated in their immediate physical space through language as well as deictic gestures. The objects were associated with different specific classifiers or with the general classifier, and they were arranged according to the factors of (a) distance from speaker, (b) visibility for speaker, and (c) uniqueness (adjacency of similar items). The results show, among other things, that there is a higher tendency to use the specific CL in the [demonstrative CL N] construction if adjacent similar objects [−unique] are too far away from the speaker for clear identification by a demonstrative or a pointing gesture. This is seen as a last-resort strategy for creating contrast. Further corroboration comes from the use of specific classifiers in later mentions after the general CL failed to achieve clear identification. These findings can be situated in the broader context of other languages with classifiers in contrastive function (Thai, Vietnamese, and Ponapean) and they show the relevance of using dialogic texts for modeling classifier selection in contrast to narrative texts. Finally, dialogic contexts may serve as bridging contexts for grammaticalization from numeral classifiers to definiteness markers.

Linguistic Contact and Tracing Persian Construction onto Khuzestani Arabic Structures

Unlike other dialects of Arabic, Khuzestani vernacular Arabic seems to have attracted little attention within the linguistic community. In this vein, the present study aims to present some evidence to show that matter replication of Persian material is mostly found in Khuzestani vernacular Arabic and thus linguistic contact and grammatical borrowing is most often mapped from Persian onto Khuzestani Arabic. Replication of Persian material primarily occurs in the domain of lexical vocabulary, and partly in grammatical vocabulary. Also, pattern replication is notable in the emerging change of constraints on word order, the favoring of analytic constructions and emergence of a new analytic past tense, and the reduction of overt marking of definiteness. In addition, the most remarkable contact-induced change in the dialect is the identification of Khuzestani Arabic grammatical morphemes in attributive constructions – the Construct State marker and the definite article that appears between head and attribute – with the Persian attributive particle, and the consequent merger of two historically distinct attributive constructions – adjectival and nominal – into a single type, which replicates the state of affairs in Persian.