American Literature Research Articles

O PROTAGONISMO DA ENFERMAGEM NA ASSISTÊNCIA AO PARTO HUMANIZADO: UMA REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA DA LITERATURA

The puerperal pregnancy process requires dignified and qualified care, not limited to the expulsion or extraction of the fetus. The implementation of good practices in labor and birth care is essential to guarantee the rights of the parturient. It is up to the care team to provide security in the partutive process, through evidence-based methods. The present research aims to understand the actions of the nursing team involved in the humanization of childbirth, highlighting the main determining factors for maternal satisfaction and dissatisfaction in the experience of labor. This is a systematic bibliographic survey, with a qualitative approach, of the integrative literature review type. The search for research material was carried out through electronic access to the digital databases Virtual Health Library, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences and Scientific Electronic Library. The inclusion criteria adopted were: national articles, available free of charge, with full texts, published between 2014 and 2024. The selection process allowed eight scientific studies to be obtained. Regarding the humanization of the parturition process associated with the direct action of nursing, it can be seen that the adoption of non-invasive practices results in maternal satisfaction and reduction of fetal impairment. It was noted that the incorporation of obstetric nurses in childbirth sectors contributed to the reduction of proscribed or invasive practices. It was concluded that humanized childbirth is closely associated with the use of good practices by professionals, which will directly impact the care for the mother-child binomial. Therefore, labor and birth care policies should be constantly reinforced, providing greater dissemination of knowledge.

A ATUAÇÃO DO ENFERMEIRO NA ASSISTÊNCIA HUMANIZADA EM UTI NEONATAL: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

Objective: to understand the nurse's role in the humanization process of care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Method: this literature review, following the integrative review approach, conducted a bibliographic search using a qualitative approach. Thirteen articles published in the Nursing Database (BDENF), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), and MEDLINE were selected, adhering to the temporal scope of the study (2013-2023). Articles were chosen based on the descriptors: neonatal nursing, humanization of care, and neonatal intensive care units. Results: it was evident that the nurse's relevance in a Neonatal ICU extends beyond technical procedures. The nurse plays an active role in creating an environment that prioritizes the humanization of care, acting multifacetedly as a caregiver, educator, communicator, and advocate for the rights of patients and their families. Conclusion: therefore, it is concluded that the nurse's involvement significantly contributes to the consolidation of humanized care in a Neonatal ICU. This is achieved through technical skills, the ability to establish meaningful connections with patients and their families, and a crucial role in promoting a caring environment that respects the dignity, individuality, and emotional needs of newborns and their families.

SUFFERING IN EMILY DICKINSON’S SELECTED POEMS

This research examines the theme of suffering in Emily Dickinson’s selected poems, focusing on her unique poetic approach and the profound emotional resonance her work evokes. Emily Dickinson, a pivotal figure in 19th-century American literature, frequently explored themes of death, pain, and existential questions. Despite her reclusive life, her poetry is rich with personal imagery and symbols, reflecting her deep preoccupation with mortality and the human condition. The study utilizes a structural analytical approach, combining library research with descriptive qualitative analysis. This method involves a thorough examination of relevant literary critiques and an in-depth textual analysis of Dickinson’s poems. The aim is to uncover how Dickinson’s portrayal of suffering contributes to a deeper understanding of human experience. Findings indicate that Dickinson’s treatment of suffering is multifaceted, often depicting pain as a necessary aspect of the human soul's development and a precursor to joy and peace. Her poems suggest that pain and suffering are integral to personal growth and resilience. Dickinson’s ability to articulate the complexities of suffering through her innovative use of language and metaphor makes her work both timeless and universally relatable. Overall, Emily Dickinson’s exploration of suffering provides a profound insight into the human experience, highlighting the interconnectedness of pain, joy, and personal growth. Her poetry remains a significant contribution to American literature, offering a nuanced perspective on the inevitability of suffering and its role in shaping the human soul.

Impact of Individuals' Biological and Meals' Nutritional Characteristics on the Thermic Effect of Food in Humans: Meta-Regression of Clinical Trials.

The thermic effect of food (TEF) may be a therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of obesity. The impact of different biological and nutritional characteristics on TEF in humans was analyzed. The MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature databases were searched until November 2023 without language restrictions. Clinical trials were included that offered an oral test meal to adult and elderly individuals in a fasting state and measured TEF using calorimetry. The average TEF of each group was the outcome, and the impact of the individuals' and meal characteristics on the TEF was assessed using subgroups, meta-regression, and compositional analysis. The review included 133 studies, with 321 different groups. The mean TEF at 60 minutes after the test meal was 262 (95% CI, 236-288) kcal/d and decreased over time until 240 minutes after the test meal (P < .01). Male participants, individuals with normal body mass index, meals with energy content offered according to individual requirements, and meals with a mixed degree of food processing yielded a higher TEF. The total energy content of meals was the variable most strongly associated with TEF. Compositional analysis showed that the amount of lipids in meals was the only macronutrient consistently and negatively associated with TEF. The TEF is influenced by specific individuals' and meal characteristics. Total energy content and the amount of lipids were the characteristics of the meals most consistently associated with TEF. However, due to important methodological differences between studies, it is difficult to determine how to use TEF as a potential therapeutic target against obesity. PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023432504.

Criminal Genius in African American and US Literature, 1793-1845. Erin Forbes

Criminal Genius in African American and US Literature, 1793-1845. Erin Forbes

THE ROLE OF AMERICAN STORIES IN TEACHING ENGLISH

This study examines the effectiveness of using American stories in ESL education to enhance cultural understanding, vocabulary, listening, and pronunciation skills. By engaging with American folktales and literature, students gain exposure to idiomatic expressions, cultural nuances, and diverse language structures within meaningful contexts. Storytelling reduces language anxiety, promotes critical thinking, and provides practical language use models. Suggested classroom applications include storytelling circles, role-playing, and thematic discussions, which collectively foster cultural literacy, engagement, and language proficiency.

Structuring Boundaries: Inner Kingdoms and Global Empires in Early-Twentieth Century Latin American and Japanese Literatures

Structuring Boundaries: Inner Kingdoms and Global Empires in Early-Twentieth Century Latin American and Japanese Literatures

Edith Wharton Society Panels: Edith Wharton and Emotion at the American Literature Association Conference, Chicago, 22–25 May 2024, organized by Margaret Jay Jessee

Edith Wharton Society Panels: Edith Wharton and Emotion at the American Literature Association Conference, Chicago, 22–25 May 2024, organized by Margaret Jay Jessee

Arab-Latin American Literary Perspectives on the Palestinian Exile

Latin America has been deeply involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with some countries taking a firm stance for one side or the other. While some countries have been vocal in their support, common threads run through the region’s perspective on the conflict: believing in the importance of a two-state solution and focusing on human rights. But beyond the political and economic support provided to the Palestinian cause, Latin American countries have also served as cultural exclaves and safe spaces for Palestinian communities across Latin America. In this essay, we aim to delve into the functions of these cultural exclaves for Palestinian exiles and safe spaces for Palestinian diasporic communities, as well as their impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as reflected in the following texts: Miguel Littin’s documentary film Crónicas palestinas: caminos de la ira (2002) and his drama film La última luna (2005), Alberto Nazal’s Beit Jala Forever (2006), and the collections of Arab and Jewish short stories in Spanish complied in the books Caminos para la paz (2007), edited by Ignacio López-Calvo and Cristián H. Ricci, and Delta de las areas (2013), edited by Rose Mary Salum. [Article copies available for a fee from The Transformative Studies Institute. E-mail address: journal@transformativestudies.org Website: http://www.transformativestudies.org ©2024 by The Transformative Studies Institute. All rights reserved.]

Understanding AI's Role in Endometriosis Patient Education and Evaluating Its Information and Accuracy: Systematic Review.

Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological condition that affects a significant portion of women of reproductive age, leading to debilitating symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite advancements in diagnosis and management, patient education remains a critical challenge. With the rapid growth of digital platforms, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a potential tool to enhance patient education and access to information. This systematic review aims to explore the role of AI in facilitating education and improving information accessibility for individuals with endometriosis. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure rigorous and transparent reporting. We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed; Embase; the Regional Online Information System for Scientific Journals of Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal (LATINDEX); Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS); Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Xplore, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials using the terms "endometriosis" and "artificial intelligence." Studies were selected based on their focus on AI applications in patient education or information dissemination regarding endometriosis. We included studies that evaluated AI-driven tools for assessing patient knowledge and addressed frequently asked questions related to endometriosis. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by 2 authors, with discrepancies resolved through consensus. Out of 400 initial search results, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria and were fully reviewed. We ultimately included 3 studies, 1 of which was an abstract. The studies examined the use of AI models, such as ChatGPT (OpenAI), machine learning, and natural language processing, in providing educational resources and answering common questions about endometriosis. The findings indicated that AI tools, particularly large language models, offer accurate responses to frequently asked questions with varying degrees of sufficiency across different categories. AI's integration with social media platforms also highlights its potential to identify patients' needs and enhance information dissemination. AI holds promise in advancing patient education and information access for endometriosis, providing accurate and comprehensive answers to common queries, and facilitating a better understanding of the condition. However, challenges remain in ensuring ethical use, equitable access, and maintaining accuracy across diverse patient populations. Future research should focus on developing standardized approaches for evaluating AI's impact on patient education and exploring its integration into clinical practice to enhance support for individuals with endometriosis.

Argentine literature in English: publishing translations subsidized by PROSUR (2010–2020)

ABSTRACT This article focuses on national institutes' translation policies and draws on works that have recast the notion of soft power for the study of cultural production. Our goal is to analyze how Argentine literature circulates abroad, specifically through translations into hypercentral English, with subsidies from the Programa Sur de Traducciones (South Translation Program, or PROSUR). We trace the history of PROSUR – run by the Argentine Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Worship – and analyze statistical data from institutional databases. Likewise, we study the catalogues, collections, websites, and paratexts of the books sold by a group of publishing houses that have received PROSUR subsidies. Our article suggests that, regardless of the various traits of the titles and the specific profiles of each publishing house, we may identify common trends in relation to how the presses exercise soft power, produce meaning, and introduce Argentine literature in three main ways that we define as political resistance, Latin American literature, and women's writing. Thus, this article is a contribution to the notion of soft power by shifting the focus away from the intent around cultural policy and toward frequently overlooked considerations around the practices of the recipients of cultural policies.

A Comparative Analysis of Educational Leadership Research: Insights from U.S. and China based on CiteSpace

Research on educational leadership in the United States began in the early 1980s, originating from principles of industrial and business management, with leadership theories and practices from business being adapted for educational settings. Over time, educational leadership theories have evolved through various interdisciplinary perspectives. The United States has produced extensive research on educational leadership, providing valuable insights for Chinese scholars. Most Chinese research is based on American experiences, with little comparative analysis between Chinese and American studies, and often relies on subjective content interpretation with limited use of scientific tools. This study uses CiteSpace, a scientific measurement software, to visually analyze Chinese and American research literature. It aims to objectively compare educational leadership research between the two countries, offering new ideas and perspectives for Chinese researchers.

Celeste Ng in Conversation with Maxine Hong Kingston: Intergenerational Trauma and the Asian American Experience in Everything I Never Told You.

This paper delves into the representation of intergenerational trauma within Asian American literature, focusing on Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You, Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior, and the critiques by Viet Thanh Nguyen. Ng’s work is analyzed for its nuanced portrayal of trauma as an intrinsic part of the Asian American experience, distinguishing it from earlier works that, as Nguyen argues, tend to conform to the “model minority” stereotype. The paper examines Ng’s sensitive unpacking of trauma, particularly its non-punctual, systemic nature, and its intergenerational transmission, especially in parent-child relationships. Additionally, it contrasts Ng’s approach with Kingston’s, exploring how trauma in The Woman Warrior is masked by cultural reinterpretation and the desire to please dominant Western narratives. By employing the theories of Cathy Caruth, Naomi Mandel, and Greg Forter, the essay argues that Ng repositions trauma as a core theme in Asian American literature, filling a significant gap left by previous works and redefining the narrative of Asian American identity and heritage.

MANEJO DO SORRISO GENGIVAL ATRAVÉS DO USO DA TOXINA BOTULÍNICA TIPO A

An aesthetically pleasing smile results from the combination of several factors, such as the position, size, shape, and color of the teeth, as well as the exposure and characteristics of the gingival tissue. When evaluating the gingival tissue in a smile, several important factors must be considered: excessive vertical growth of the maxilla, reduced length of the upper lip, excessive contraction of the upper lip, and disproportion between the length and width of the clinical crown of the anterior teeth. A minimally invasive approach that can be used as a complement to dental treatment is the application of botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This toxin blocks the release of acetylcholine in the presynaptic vesicles of neuromuscular junctions, inhibiting muscle contraction. The aim of this literature review was to analyze the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in the management of gummy smile. The search was conducted in the databases Google Scholar, PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). The descriptors used for the search were "botulinum toxin," "gingiva," "periodontology," and "dental aesthetics," combined using the boolean operators AND and OR. Although the evidence demonstrates favorable results, the use of botulinum toxin to correct gummy smile has limitations. It is a temporary solution, and patients should be informed about the need for periodic reapplications and the potential side effects, such as facial asymmetries. The reviewed studies indicate that this technique is particularly effective in cases of gummy smile resulting from hyperactivity of the upper lip elevator muscle, providing a significant reduction in gingival exposure, with results lasting up to 12 weeks. The combination of different therapeutic approaches, along with a careful evaluation of the causes of gummy smile, allows dental professionals to offer more integrated and personalized solutions for each patient.

Strategy Analysis: Integrating Chinese Traditional Culture into the Teaching of English Literature Courses

As the spiritual treasure of the Chinese nation, the outstanding traditional Chinese culture, with its unique philosophical thoughts, values, historical inheritance and artistic forms, is of great significance for cultivating students’ intercultural communication ability and enhancing cultural self-confidence. Under the background of globalization, integrating excellent traditional Chinese culture into the teaching of British and American literature courses can not only enrich the course content and broaden students’ horizons, but also promote the exchange and integration of Eastern and Western cultures, and cultivate students’ global vision and critical thinking ability. Based on this, this paper actively explores the specific strategies for integrating excellent traditional Chinese culture into the teaching of British and American literature.

Organ Donation Process for Transplantation: A Scoping Review

Objectives: To identify studies in the literature that address the strategies used in the organ donation process. Method: Scoping review based on the Joanna Briggs Institute ( JBI) methodology, in the databases Medical Literature and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Scopus, Web of Science, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), and Embase via the Virtual Health Library (VHL), following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist, carried out from August to December 2023. Results:"irty-three studies were eligible, which showed that the donation process must happen systematically, following the steps: 1) identi#cation of patients suspected of having brain death (BD); 2) opening the protocol and notifying organizations; 3) con#rmation of the diagnosis of BD; 4) communicating the death to the family; 5) conducting the interview; 6) consent to donation; 7) donor maintenance; 8) procurement and allocation of organs; 9) transplant; and 10) follow-up. Conclusion: Donation requires a multifaceted approach, including awareness, investment, evaluation and research.

Exploring the spatial turn in social work: a bibliometric and narrative analysis of the Latin American and Global North literature

ABSTRACT This article reviews the increasing amount of literature focusing on spatial issues in social work. It combines bibliometric and narrative approaches to analyse articles published between 2003 and 2022. The review focuses on publications in Latin America and the Global North, considering the issues addressed, spatial concepts through which they are understood, connections between issues discussed and between concepts used, and degrees of interaction within and between discussions in these two global regions. Informed by theoretical arguments, a search was conducted for literature using four concepts: space, place, environment and territory. After refining and screening, 395 articles were identified that utilised these spatial concepts to discuss social work. The review shows evidence of a spatial turn in social work literature across the four concepts and increasing amounts of literature in both global regions. There are differences in the extent to which each concept has been employed in Latin America and the Global North, leading to different questions and epistemological frames being used in each region. The article considers the factors in the development and circulation of knowledge about space in social work so far in these two regions and considers priorities for future research.

“Cut on the Bias”: Toni Cade Bambara as a Touchstone of Black Feminist Humor Studies

ABSTRACT As a writer, editor, scholar, and activist, Toni Cade Bambara left an indelible imprint on African American literature and Black feminist thought. This article elucidates Bambara’s significance to Black women’s humorous practice and articulates the mutuality between Black feminism’s ongoing project to render Black women visible and to recover and engage in the bounty of Black women’s humorous expression. Through her “cut on the bias” approach to using humor in the short story “Medley,” Bambara offers an “alternate design sensibility” of racial and gender difference that illuminates the perspective of being Black and female.

Teaching of American Literature with Chinese Characteristics

The questions of “For whom to cultivate students”, “what kind of students to cultivate”, and “how to cultivate students” are interrelated issues to the essence of education, which are worth deep thinking for every educator. The teachers of “American Literature” should carry out the curriculum-based ideological and political education, and deal with properly the relationship between explicit and implicit education. It is essential for the teachers to help students guard against the value infiltration of Western countries, strengthen their establishment of local vision, and build the curriculum system which combines professional knowledge and ability training with value guiding, and help students form correct values from the national, social and individual levels, so as to highlight the socialist education with Chinese characteristics.

Correction to: Jenna Grace Sciuto, Policing Intimacy: Law, Sexuality, and the Color Line in Twentieth Century Hemispheric American Literature

Correction to: Jenna Grace Sciuto, <i>Policing Intimacy: Law, Sexuality, and the Color Line in Twentieth Century Hemispheric American Literature</i>