Izražavanje specifičnosti u jeziku bez članova: Pokazatelji specifičnosti u hrvatskom jeziku

The main goal of the paper was to detect specificity markers in Croatian. As specificity is in a close relation to (in)definiteness, markers of (in)definiteness such as articles are standardly used as indicators of specificity as well. However, detecting specificity in articleless languages becomes less straightforward. Regardless of the lack of the article system, other (in)definiteness markers exist in Croatian. Here, we focused on the following markers of (in)definiteness in order to find specificity markers: i) the adjectives, ii) the numeral jedan ’one’, and iii) the demonstrative (definite) and indefinite pronouns. As specificity markers in Croatian we discuss the numeral jedan ’one’, the indefinite pronoun neki ’some’ and the construction taj + neki ’that some’. Our study also lead to the formation of three categories of specificity based on the properties of these markers: a) contextual specificity, b) semi–lexicalized specificity and c) constructional specificity.Glavni cilj ovoga rada bio je odrediti pokazatelje specifičnosti u hrvatskom jeziku. Definicija specifičnosti odnosi se na mogućnost govornikove identifikacije jedinstvenog referenta imenske fraze i na taj način funkcionira kao primarno pragmatički utemeljena kategorija, koja svoju funkciju ostvaruje u govornom, odnosno komunikacijskom činu. Također, specifičnost se kao sintaktičko–semantička kategorija u literaturi često veže uz pojmove određenosti i neodređenosti te se obično izražava članovima u jezicima poput engleskoga. Na taj se način specifičnost u literaturi definira kao kategorija koja presijeca kategorije određenosti i neodređenosti te je njezino izdvajanje za potrebe jezične analize izazovan zadatak. Također, jezici bez sustava članova, poput hrvatskoga, koriste raznorodne strategije za izražavanje neodređenosti i određenosti, kao i njima srodne kategorije specifičnosti. U radu se tako raspravlja s kojim se pokazateljima određenosti i neodređenosti u hrvatskome može povezati i ostvarivanje specifičnosti. Tri kategorije za izražavanje određenosti i neodređenosti koje se obrađuju jesu: a) kratki i dugi oblici pridjeva, b) broj jedan i c) pokazne i neodređene zamjenice. Na primjerima iz Hrvatskoga nacionalnog korpusa te Hrvatske jezične riznice pokazuje se nestanak opreke neodređenosti i određenosti u kratkim i dugim oblicima pridjeva te u skladu s time i nedostatnost ove tradicionalne gramatičke podjele za opis kategorije specifičnosti. Posebna se pažnja posvećuje funkcijama broja jedan i procesu gramatikalizacije kojime jedan u određenim kontekstima gubi svoju funkciju broja te preuzima funkciju neodređenoga specifičnog člana. Nadalje, kao dodatni pokazatelj specifičnosti u hrvatskome ističe se složena konstrukcija taj+neki, odnosno konstrukcija pokazne zamjenice i neodređene zamjenice u poziciji modifikatora imenske fraze. Na temelju korpusne analize primjera i sredstava kojima se izražava specifičnost u hrvatskome ustanovljena je klasifikacija jezičnih sredstava za izražavanje specifičnosti koja se sastoji od kategorija a) kontekstualne specifičnosti, b) poluleksikalizirane specifičnosti i c) konstrukcijske specifičnosti. Kontekstualna specifičnost se definira kao pragmatički ostvarena kategorija, dok se poluleksikalizirana specifičnost ostvaruje gramatikalizacijom broja jedan. Konstrukcijska je specifičnost izražena slaganjem zamjenica taj+neki

Izražavanje specifičnosti u jeziku bez članova: Pokazatelji specifičnosti u hrvatskom jeziku

The main goal of the paper was to detect specificity markers in Croatian. As specificity is in a close relation to (in)definiteness, markers of (in)definiteness such as articles are standardly used as indicators of specificity as well. However, detecting specificity in articleless languages becomes less straightforward. Regardless of the lack of the article system, other (in)definiteness markers exist in Croatian. Here, we focused on the following markers of (in)definiteness in order to find specificity markers: i) the adjectives, ii) the numeral jedan ’one’, and iii) the demonstrative (definite) and indefinite pronouns. As specificity markers in Croatian we discuss the numeral jedan ’one’, the indefinite pronoun neki ’some’ and the construction taj + neki ’that some’. Our study also lead to the formation of three categories of specificity based on the properties of these markers: a) contextual specificity, b) semi–lexicalized specificity and c) constructional specificity.Glavni cilj ovoga rada bio je odrediti pokazatelje specifičnosti u hrvatskom jeziku. Definicija specifičnosti odnosi se na mogućnost govornikove identifikacije jedinstvenog referenta imenske fraze i na taj način funkcionira kao primarno pragmatički utemeljena kategorija, koja svoju funkciju ostvaruje u govornom, odnosno komunikacijskom činu. Također, specifičnost se kao sintaktičko–semantička kategorija u literaturi često veže uz pojmove određenosti i neodređenosti te se obično izražava članovima u jezicima poput engleskoga. Na taj se način specifičnost u literaturi definira kao kategorija koja presijeca kategorije određenosti i neodređenosti te je njezino izdvajanje za potrebe jezične analize izazovan zadatak. Također, jezici bez sustava članova, poput hrvatskoga, koriste raznorodne strategije za izražavanje neodređenosti i određenosti, kao i njima srodne kategorije specifičnosti. U radu se tako raspravlja s kojim se pokazateljima određenosti i neodređenosti u hrvatskome može povezati i ostvarivanje specifičnosti. Tri kategorije za izražavanje određenosti i neodređenosti koje se obrađuju jesu: a) kratki i dugi oblici pridjeva, b) broj jedan i c) pokazne i neodređene zamjenice. Na primjerima iz Hrvatskoga nacionalnog korpusa te Hrvatske jezične riznice pokazuje se nestanak opreke neodređenosti i određenosti u kratkim i dugim oblicima pridjeva te u skladu s time i nedostatnost ove tradicionalne gramatičke podjele za opis kategorije specifičnosti. Posebna se pažnja posvećuje funkcijama broja jedan i procesu gramatikalizacije kojime jedan u određenim kontekstima gubi svoju funkciju broja te preuzima funkciju neodređenoga specifičnog člana. Nadalje, kao dodatni pokazatelj specifičnosti u hrvatskome ističe se složena konstrukcija taj+neki, odnosno konstrukcija pokazne zamjenice i neodređene zamjenice u poziciji modifikatora imenske fraze. Na temelju korpusne analize primjera i sredstava kojima se izražava specifičnost u hrvatskome ustanovljena je klasifikacija jezičnih sredstava za izražavanje specifičnosti koja se sastoji od kategorija a) kontekstualne specifičnosti, b) poluleksikalizirane specifičnosti i c) konstrukcijske specifičnosti. Kontekstualna specifičnost se definira kao pragmatički ostvarena kategorija, dok se poluleksikalizirana specifičnost ostvaruje gramatikalizacijom broja jedan. Konstrukcijska je specifičnost izražena slaganjem zamjenica taj+neki

Multilingualism and structural borrowing in Arbanasi Albanian

In this paper we present a brief overview of the history of linguistic contacts of Arbanasi Albanian, a Gheg Albanian dialect spoken in Croatia, with Croatian and Italian. Then we discuss a number of contact-induced changes in that language. We show that Arbanasi Albanian was subject to strong influences from Croatian (and, to a lesser extent, from Italian) on all levels of linguistic structure. Using the data from our own fieldwork, we were able to show that there were also influences on the level of syntax, including the borrowing of certain constructions, such as analytic causative and imperative constructions, as well as the extension of the use of infinitive in subordinate clauses.National Foreign Language Resource Cente

Siponimod vs placebo in active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: a post hoc analysis from the phase 3 EXPAND study.

BACKGROUND Siponimod is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator approved for active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (aSPMS) in most countries; however, phase 3 EXPAND study data are from an SPMS population with/without disease activity. A need exists to characterize efficacy/safety of siponimod in aSPMS. METHODS Post hoc analysis of participants with aSPMS (≥ 1 relapse in 2 years before study and/or ≥ 1 T1 gadolinium-enhancing [Gd +] magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] lesions at baseline) receiving oral siponimod (2 mg/day) or placebo for up to 3 years in EXPAND. ENDPOINTS 3-month/6-month confirmed disability progression (3mCDP/6mCDP); 3-month confirmed ≥ 20% worsening in Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW); 6-month confirmed improvement/worsening in Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT) scores (≥ 4-point change); T2 lesion volume (T2LV) change from baseline; number of T1 Gd + lesions baseline-month 24; number of new/enlarging (N/E) T2 lesions over all visits. RESULTS Data from 779 participants with aSPMS were analysed. Siponimod reduced risk of 3mCDP/6mCDP vs placebo (by 31%/37%, respectively; p < 0.01); there was no significant effect on T25FW. Siponimod increased likelihood of 6-month confirmed SDMT improvement vs placebo (by 62%; p = 0.007) and reduced risk of 6-month confirmed SDMT worsening (by 27%; p = 0.060). Siponimod was associated with less increase in T2LV (1316.3 vs 13.3 mm3; p < 0.0001), and fewer T1 Gd + and N/E T2 lesions than placebo (85% and 80% reductions, respectively; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In aSPMS, siponimod reduced risk of disability progression and was associated with benefits on cognition and MRI outcomes vs placebo. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01665144

Inhibition of Hemorragic Snake Venom Components: Old and New Approaches

Snake venoms are complex toxin mixtures. Viperidae and Crotalidae venoms, which are hemotoxic, are responsible for most of the envenomations around the world. Administration of antivenins aimed at the neutralization of toxins in humans is prone to potential risks. Neutralization of snake venom toxins has been achieved through different approaches: plant extracts have been utilized in etnomedicine. Direct electric current from low voltage showed neutralizing properties against venom phospholipase A2 and metalloproteases. This mini-review summarizes new achievements in venom key component inhibition. A deeper knowledge of alternative ways to inhibit venom toxins may provide supplemental treatments to serum therapy

Rapid Regulatory T-Cell Response Prevents Cytokine Storm in CD28 Superagonist Treated Mice

Superagonistic CD28-specific monoclonal antibodies (CD28SA) are highly effective activators of regulatory T-cells (Treg cells) in rats, but a first-in-man trial of the human CD28SA TGN1412 resulted in an unexpected cytokine release syndrome. Using a novel mouse anti-mouse CD28SA, we re-investigate the relationship between Treg activation and systemic cytokine release. Treg activation by CD28SA was highly efficient but depended on paracrine IL-2 from CD28SA-stimulated conventional T-cells. Systemic cytokine levels were innocuous, but depletion of Treg cells prior to CD28SA stimulation led to systemic release of proinflammatory cytokines, indicating that in rodents, Treg cells effectively suppress the inflammatory response. Since the human volunteers of the TGN1412 study were not protected by this mechanism, we also tested whether corticosteroid prophylaxis would be compatible with CD28SA induced Treg activation. We show that neither the expansion nor the functional activation of Treg cells is affected by high-dose dexamethasone sufficient to control systemic cytokine release. Our findings warn that preclinical testing of activating biologicals in rodents may miss cytokine release syndromes due to the rapid and efficacious response of the rodent Treg compartment, and suggest that polyclonal Treg activation is feasible in the presence of antiphlogistic corticosteroid prophylaxis

The Combined Dexamethasone/CRH Test (DEX/CRH Test) and Prediction of Acute Treatment Response in Major Depression

In this study the predictive value of the combined dexamethasone/CRH test (DEX/CRH test) for acute antidepressant response was investigated. In 114 depressed inpatients suffering from unipolar or bipolar depression (sample 1) the DEX/CRH test was performed at admission and shortly before discharge. During their stay in the hospital patients received different antidepressant treatment regimens. At admission, the rate of nonsuppression (basal cortisol levels >75.3 nmol/l) was 24.6% and was not related to the later therapeutic response. Moreover, 45 out of 114 (39.5%) patients showed an enhancement of HPA axis function at discharge in spite of clinical improvement. In a second sample, 40 depressed patients were treated either with reboxetine or mirtazapine for 5 weeks. The DEX/CRH test was performed before, after 1 week, and after 5 weeks of pharmacotherapy. Attenuation of HPA axis activity after 1 week was associated with a more pronounced alleviation of depressive symptoms after 5-week mirtazapine treatment, whereas downregulation of HPA system activity after 5 weeks was related to clinical response to reboxetine. However, early improvement of HPA axis dysregulation was not necessarily followed by a beneficial treatment outcome. Taken together, performance of a single DEX/CRH test does not predict the therapeutic response. The best predictor for response seems to be an early attenuation of HPA axis activity within 1 or 2 weeks. However, early improvement of HPA system dysfunction is not a sufficient condition for a favourable response. Since a substantial part of depressive patients display a persistence of HPA axis hyperactivity at discharge, downregulation of HPA system function is not a necessary condition for acute clinical improvement either. Our data underline the importance of HPA axis dysregulation for treatment outcome in major depression, although restoration of HPA system dysfunction seems to be neither a necessary nor a sufficient determinant for acute treatment response

Interaction of language, auditory and memory brain networks in auditory verbal hallucinations

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) occur in psychotic disorders, but also as a symptom of other conditions and even in healthy people. Several current theories on the origin of AVH converge, with neuroimaging studies suggesting that the language, auditory and memory/limbic networks are of particular relevance. However, reconciliation of these theories with experimental evidence is missing. We review 50 studies investigating functional (EEG and fMRI) and anatomic (diffusion tensor imaging) connectivity in these networks, and explore the evidence supporting abnormal connectivity in these networks associated with AVH. We distinguish between functional connectivity during an actual hallucination experience (symptom capture) and functional connectivity during either the resting state or a task comparing individuals who hallucinate with those who do not (symptom association studies). Symptom capture studies clearly reveal a pattern of increased coupling among the auditory, language and striatal regions. Anatomical and symptom association functional studies suggest that the interhemispheric connectivity between posterior auditory regions may depend on the phase of illness, with increases in non-psychotic individuals and first episode patients and decreases in chronic patients. Leading hypotheses involving concepts as unstable memories, source monitoring, top-down attention, and hybrid models of hallucinations are supported in part by the published connectivity data, although several caveats and inconsistencies remain. Specifically, possible changes in fronto-temporal connectivity are still under debate. Precise hypotheses concerning the directionality of connections deduced from current theoretical approaches should be tested using experimental approaches that allow for discrimination of competing hypotheses