Contrast Studies Research Articles

Unexpected Malrotation in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Gastrostomy Tube Placement: Is Routine Preoperative Upper Gastrointestinal Series Imaging Necessary?

Our aim is to determine the rate of unexpected malrotation identified on routine preoperative upper gastrointestinal (UGI) contrast study in infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) prior to gastrostomy tube (GT) placement and quantify any associated delay in care. We performed a retrospective review of infants with CHD who underwent GT placement following initial cardiac surgery at a single center between 2016 and 2021. Patients were identified in the electronic medical record.Demographic information, indications for GT placement, and clinical course were collected. Variables were compared using Mann-Whitney test, with significance set at p < 0.05. One hundred and thirty-one infants with CHD underwent GT placement after cardiac surgery; 124 (94.7%) underwent preoperative UGI of which 119 (95.2%) were normal.Five studies were read as "could not rule out malrotation" and one infant had malrotation on UGI. Median time from UGI to surgery was 3days. Median days from consult to GT placement was 3days among those who underwent UGI and 2days in those who did not (p = 0.34). Among infants with CHD, the rate of unknown malrotation is low.UGI contrast study prior to GT placement may be associated with surgical delay, unnecessary radiation exposure, and low value healthcare. If a child is tolerating gastric feeds prior to GT placement, routine UGI is unnecessary.

Abstract 4136698: Comparative Analysis of Transthoracic and Transesophageal Echocardiography for Diagnosis of High-Risk Patent Foramen Ovale

Background: Transthoracic contrast echocardiography using hand-agitated saline and provocative maneuver (cTTE) has been considered a gold standard of diagnosis of patent foramen ovale (PFO), and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is generally recommended for selected patients who are going to undergo percutaneous closure of PFO. Recent studies have highlighted the clinical significance and prognostic implication of various anatomical features of PFO and the adjacent atrial septum, and risk stratification using the concept of ‘a high-risk PFO (HRPFO)’ has been widely accepted. We sought to evaluate the diagnostic role of TEE with contrast study (cTEE). Methods: Clinical data from patients who underwent both cTTE and cTEE without sedation for evaluation of cryptogenic stroke was retrospectively analyzed. The bubble gradings of right-to-left shunt were classified into four groups: grade 0 (none), grade 1 (&lt; 20), grade 2 (20-99 bubbles), and grade 3 (≧100 bubbles). HRPFO was defined as PFO with an atrial septal aneurysm or hypermobile atrial septum, or PFO with large amount of shunt (≧20 bubbles), or PFO size (distance between septum secundum and primum) of ≧2 mm. Results: From January 2017 to December 2022, a total of 572 patients underwent both cTTE and cTEE. The prevalence of PFO was 65.9 % (377 patients), and 331 patients (57.9% of the total, 87.8% of those with PFOs) were diagnosed with HRPFO using cTTE or cTEE. The prevalence of grade 2 and 3 was significantly higher in cTEE than in cTTE among proven PFO cases (68.7 % vs 75.6 %, P = 0.04). Among patients initially assessed as having a low-risk PFO or no PFO by cTTE, 22% were subsequently reclassified as having a HRPFO following cTEE. As a result, the positivity of HRPFO significantly increased from 46% to 56.8% after cTEE (P &lt; 0.001). The sensitivity of cTTE for diagnosing a HRPFO was significantly lower than that of cTEE (79.5 % vs 98.2 %, P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Diagnostic performance of cTTE can be significantly improved with the addition of cTEE without sedation. Given the beneficial effects of percutaneous closure of HRPFO, cTEE without sedation should be considered a useful screening test for patients with cryptogenic stroke.

Current approach to loop ileostomy closure: a nationwide survey on behalf of the Italian Society of ColoRectal Surgery (SICCR).

Compared to standardized minimally invasive colorectal procedures, there is considerable perioperative heterogeneity in loop ileostomy reversal. This study aimed to investigate the current perioperative practice and technical variations of loop ileostomy reversal following rectal cancer surgery. A nationwide online survey was conducted among members of the Italian Society of ColoRectal Surgery (SICCR). A link to the questionnaire was sent via mail. The survey consisted of 31 questions concerning the main procedural steps and application of the ERAS protocol after loop ileostomy reversal. Overall, 219 participants completed the survey. One respondent in four used a combination of water-soluble contrast studies (WSCS) and digital rectal examination to assess the integrity of the anastomosis before ileostomy closure. Conversely, 17.8% of them used either only WSCS or only endoscopy. Surgeons routinely perform hand-sewn or stapled anastomoses in 45.2% and 54.8% of the cases, respectively. Side-to-side antiperistaltic stapled anastomosis was the most performed anastomosis (36%). Most surgeons declared that they have never used prostheses for abdominal wall closure (64%), whereas 35% preferred retromuscular mesh placement in selected cases only. Forty-six respondents (66.7%) reported using interrupted stitches for skin closure, while 65 (29.7%) a purse-string suture. Furthermore, skin approximation at the stoma site using open methods was significantly more common among surgeons with greater experience in ileostomy reversal (p = 0.031). Overall, a good compliance with the ERAS protocol was found. However, colorectal surgeons were significantly more likely to follow the ERAS pathway than general surgeons (p < 0.05). Surgeons use different anastomotic techniques for ileostomy reversal after rectal cancer surgery. Based on current evidence, purse-string skin closure and ERAS pathway should be implemented, while the role of mesh prophylactic strategy needs to be explored further.

A novel piglet model of esophageal stricture following variable segmental esophageal resection and re-anastomosis.

Esophageal strictures following esophageal atresia repair are a source of significant morbidity. To test new therapeutic approaches, we designed a piglet model of esophageal stricture by resecting variable lengths of esophagus with subsequent re-anastomosis. This study describes the model and validates its physiologic impact by blinded analysis of the weight gains of the piglets. A total of 24 two-week old Pietrain piglets had esophageal resections performed, ranging from 0 to 5 cm, with the goal of inducing postoperative esophageal strictures. Postoperative body-weights were evaluated by repeated analysis of variance followed by pairwise group-comparisons based on estimated marginal means. In addition, body weight was modeled by linear-mixed model regression. Different resection lengths were compared. The esophagi were evaluated postmortem for stricture. Of 24 operated piglets, 23 reached the endpoint, and 90% developed an esophageal stricture that was radiologically visible in a contrast study, as well as appreciable macroscopically in the necropsy. We found differences in pre- and postoperative body weights for all piglets (F (1, 18) = 298.54, p < 0.001), but no differences between resection lengths (F (4, 18) = 0.36, p = 0.837). Our model of postoperative esophageal stricture offers the opportunity to investigate potential treatments for strictures associated with esophageal atresia, since it reliably induces strictures and results in minimal loss of animals. The similar body weight gain in all groups indicates that stricture is mainly the result of esophageal resection and re-anastomosis, regardless of the length of the resected segment.

A Contrastive Study of Chinese-English Translation of Ancient Poetry from the Perspective of Aesthetics of Reception: A Case Study of the Two Translations of Vain Longing

The Chinese literary classic "Dream of the Red Chamber" features a variety of poems and songs, with "Vain Longing," which serves as its theme song, being particularly popular among readers both domestically and internationally. Among the many translations available, those by Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang, along with Hawkes' version, are the most prominent and hold significant research value. Acceptance Aesthetics, which emerged from the German critical school in the 20th century, provides a fresh lens through which to view the translation of ancient Chinese poetry. This paper utilizes Aesthetics of reception as its theoretical framework and focuses on the English translations of "Vain Longing" by Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang as well as Hawkes found in "Dream of the Red Chamber." By examining their translation philosophies and approaches, this study aims to contribute insights for translating ancient poetry within literary contexts while enhancing global appreciation for Chinese poetic beauty and promoting classical Chinese culture.

Modified Double-Tract Reconstruction in Gastrointestinal Reconstruction after Proximal Gastrectomy.

To determine the clinical efficacy and safety of modified double-channel anastomosis for digestive tract reconstruction in proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer (EGC). Case series. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Heji Hospital, Changzhi Medical College, Shanxi, China, from January to November 2022. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, this study included a total of 21 patients with oesophagogastric junction cancer or proximal gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with modified double-channel anastomosis. After resection of the proximal stomach, the remaining stomach was shaped into a tube. The distal end of the oesophagus was anastomosed to the jejunum. The jejunum was anastomosed 10-15 cm from the oesophagojejunostomy site laterally to the anterior wall of the stomach 3 cm from the gastric remnant. General data including operative time, anastomosis time, intraoperative blood loss, time to oral intake, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Postoperative gastroscopy and gastrointestinal imaging were performed to assess the residual stomach motility and anti-reflux effect. All twenty-one patients underwent modified double-channel anastomosis. The mean operation time was 254 (211 - 297) minutes. Mean reconstruction time was 65 (60 - 70) minutes. A mean of 19 (15 - 29) lymph nodes were cleared. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 86 (78.5-105ml). Mean time to oral intake was 6 (5 - 6.5) days. Postoperatively, there were two cases of pulmonary infection. There was no occurrence of anastomotic stenosis, anastomotic bleeding, or leakage. Gastrointestinal contrast study at 6 months postoperatively revealed reduced gastrointestinal motility in three cases and good residual gastric motility observed in the remaining patients. Gastroscopic examination at 6 months postoperatively revealed only one case of reflux oesophagitis. Modified double-channel anastomosis for proximal gastrectomy is safe and feasible. It provides a good anti-reflux effect and gastric emptying function without increasing the risk of postoperative complications. Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction, Upper gastric carcinoma, Proximal gastrectomy, Double-tract reconstruction.

Modified Double-Tract Reconstruction in Gastrointestinal Reconstruction after Proximal Gastrectomy.

To determine the clinical efficacy and safety of modified double-channel anastomosis for digestive tract reconstruction in proximal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer (EGC). Case series. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Heji Hospital, Changzhi Medical College, Shanxi, China, from January to November 2022. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, this study included a total of 21 patients with oesophagogastric junction cancer or proximal gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with modified double-channel anastomosis. After resection of the proximal stomach, the remaining stomach was shaped into a tube. The distal end of the oesophagus was anastomosed to the jejunum. The jejunum was anastomosed 10-15 cm from the oesophagojejunostomy site laterally to the anterior wall of the stomach 3 cm from the gastric remnant. General data including operative time, anastomosis time, intraoperative blood loss, time to oral intake, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Postoperative gastroscopy and gastrointestinal imaging were performed to assess the residual stomach motility and anti-reflux effect. All twenty-one patients underwent modified double-channel anastomosis. The mean operation time was 254 (211 - 297) minutes. Mean reconstruction time was 65 (60 - 70) minutes. A mean of 19 (15 - 29) lymph nodes were cleared. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 86 (78.5-105ml). Mean time to oral intake was 6 (5 - 6.5) days. Postoperatively, there were two cases of pulmonary infection. There was no occurrence of anastomotic stenosis, anastomotic bleeding, or leakage. Gastrointestinal contrast study at 6 months postoperatively revealed reduced gastrointestinal motility in three cases and good residual gastric motility observed in the remaining patients. Gastroscopic examination at 6 months postoperatively revealed only one case of reflux oesophagitis. Modified double-channel anastomosis for proximal gastrectomy is safe and feasible. It provides a good anti-reflux effect and gastric emptying function without increasing the risk of postoperative complications. Adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction, Upper gastric carcinoma, Proximal gastrectomy, Double-tract reconstruction.

Contrastive study of verbal structures in medical and general corpora in French

Summary This study examines the syntactic features of French medical and general texts to clarify their complexity and implications for comprehension. By analysing corpora from both domains, we found significant differences in the use of passive voice, present participles, negation and gerund constructions. In medical texts, the passive voice and present participles are more frequent, reflecting specialized discourse and precision. In contrast, negation and gerunds are more common in general texts, emphasizing the diversity of syntactic structures, and specific stylistic and argumentative effects. Our findings underline the need for clear communication in medical texts and provide empirical evidence for the simplification.

A rare case of acute colonic pseudo-obstruction leading to colonic perforation in a ventilated patient with cerebrovascular accident

Acute pseudo-colonic obstruction in a patient with a functioning ileocecal valve can be risky, resulting in closed-loop obstruction, significant distention of the colon, and increased chances of colon perforation and ischemia if diagnosis and timely non-operative treatments are delayed. We report a case of acute pseudo-colonic obstruction with closed-loop obstruction, resulting in colon perforation in a ventilated patient with a cerebrovascular incident. The situation was promptly identified during the first assessment with a surgical consultation and imaging study, resulting in timely surgical intervention which included removing the diseased section of the right colon, creating an end ileostomy, and colostomy. The postoperative contrast study of the remaining colon and colonoscopy confirmed the pseudo-obstruction without finding any blockages in the distal colon and rectum. After the operation, the patient recovered well and was sent home. In conclusion, early clinical suspicion, diagnosis, and prompt management of a complicated ACPO result in a good patient outcome.

Efficacy of Non-Contrast MRI Studies in Characterization of Adnexal Masses Compared to Contrast Studies

Efficacy of Non-Contrast MRI Studies in Characterization of Adnexal Masses Compared to Contrast Studies

‘Like to comment on that?’

Abstract Questions are powerful interactional devices which academic lecturers may use to facilitate learning, engage students and add to a lecture’s interactivity. This contrastive and corpus-based study examines student-oriented questions, i.e. those initiating a student response, in British and Montenegrin university linguistics lectures. It aims to answer research questions regarding what forms of this question category are employed; how frequent they are, what functions they commonly perform, and whether there are any similarities and differences in these respects between the two groups of lectures. The data include 12 lectures in linguistics from several British academic corpora and a specially created corpus of 12 Montenegrin linguistics lectures. We combine quantitative and qualitative approaches to arrive at results which point to certain similarities and differences between the corpora. Some of these might be explained by the language differences between English and BCMS (Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian), while others seem to have stemmed from academic lecturing style differences. The findings add to the literature on questions in academic lectures and, together with other contrastive studies, may contribute to revealing the universal and culturally-specific discourse features of academic lectures across academic cultures, as well as be pedagogically useful for lecturers, particularly novices, who are teaching linguistics in English and BCMS.

Phytochemical characterization and biomedical potential of Iris kashmiriana flower extracts: a promising source of natural antioxidants and cytotoxic agents.

Iris kashmiriana belongs to the family Iridaceae and is an important endemic medicinal plant of Kashmir. The current study was designed to determine the phytoconstituents, antioxidant, and cytotoxic potential of ethyl acetate (IRK-ETH) and methanol (IRK-MTH) extracts of Iris kashmiriana flowers. IRK-MTH extract demonstrated maximum radical scavenging activity in DPPH, ABTS, and Superoxide anion radical antioxidant assays with IC50 values of 73.15μg/ml, 79.05μg/ml, and 86.52μg/ml respectively. IRK-ETH and IRK-MTH extracts possessed phenolic (70.9 and 208.5 mgGAE/gdw) and flavonoid (487.7 and 40.55mgRE/gdw) contents respectively. In MTT assay IRK-ETH demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity towards the MCF-7 cell line with a GI50 value of 49.13μg/ml. Phase contrast and fluorescence microscopic studies in MCF-7 cells revealed that IRK-ETH extract caused condensation of chromatin, rounding of cells, and nuclear condensation in cells which shows the apoptotic potential of the extract. GCMS analysis for phytochemical characterization revealed the presence of 9 compounds in both extracts which have been reported to possess antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anti-oxidant activities. HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of different polyphenols in both extracts with IRK-MTH extract having maximum polyphenols like epicatechin, rutin, quercetin, vanillic acid, sinapic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and ellagic acid. These findings suggest that the flowers of Iris kashmiriana possess very good antioxidant and cytotoxic potential owing to its rich phytoconstituents.

Clinical, imaging and rhinoscopy findings of dogs and cats with nasal foreign bodies presenting to a UK referral hospital: 71 cases (2010-2022).

Description of clinical presentation and diagnostic findings in dogs and cats with confirmed nasal foreign bodies. This was a retrospective descriptive study. Clinical presentation, imaging and rhinoscopy findings of dogs and cats, between January 2010 and December 2022, were reviewed. A total of 63 dogs and eight cats met the criteria. Median length of clinical signs was 7 and 45 days in dogs and cats, respectively. Most common clinical signs in both groups were sneezing (46/71, 64.8%) and nasal discharge (44/71, 62%). The discharge was unilateral in the majority of cases (38/44, 86.4%). Computed tomography was the predominant form of imaging modality used in 40 cases (40/71, 56.3%). Visualisation of a foreign body using computed tomography was possible in only 14 cases (14/40, 35%). The vast majority of cases had unilateral changes (33/40, 82.5%), including fluid accumulation (33/40, 82.5%) and mucosal thickening (29/40, 72.5%). More severe changes such as turbinate destruction were evident in 26 cases (26/40, 65%). Foreign body removal was achieved through rhinoscopy or nasal flushing in 66 and four cases, respectively. Based on the findings of this study, although unilateral discharge was more common, nasal foreign bodies should remain a differential diagnosis in bilateral cases. In comparison to dogs, cats had a more chronic presentation. Computed tomography was the most common imaging modality, but visualisation of a foreign body remains difficult and was not improved with contrast study; inability to identify a foreign body does not exclude it.

Bi-Level Operation Optimization and Performance Analysis for a Distributed Energy System with Energy Network

The increasing energy crisis and environmental problems promote the development of distributed energy systems (DESs) that utilize combined heat and power technology, renewable energy technology, and waste heat recovery technology to meet various load requirements. Although there is existing work and research on a variety of DESs, most previous studies tend to focus on energy production with little consideration of a distributed energy network and its energy loss, which results in large errors in energy-efficiency calculations and performance analyses. In this paper, a new DES model is proposed with full consideration of an energy network and the full use of solar energy, terrestrial heat, and exhaust gases. At the same time, an effective bi-level optimization method is also proposed for the daily operation of the DES in order to improve the system performance and benefits in the energy, the economy, and the environment. Specifically, the co-generation energy station and water heating network in the DES are optimized separately with two different optimization models. The first-level optimization model is used to seek the optimal values of water mass flow rate and water temperature of the water heating network, and the second-level optimization model is built to determine the optimal energy purchasing strategy and the optimal energy outputs of the co-generation energy station. In order to verify the advantages and effectiveness of the proposed system and method, a contrastive simulation study is undertaken to provide a comparison of the global optimization method. Simulation results show that energy loss, energy cost, and energy consumption of the DES using the bi-level optimization operation strategy only account for 22.51%, 33.42%, and 51.31% of the quantities of the global optimization method, respectively. The hourly curves of the optimal operating variables also demonstrate that the proposed bi-level optimization method can improve the operating stability of the DES better than the global optimization method.

6404 Iodide Metabolism Anomalies in Patients with Thyroid Cancer; A Case Series

Abstract Disclosure: G.I. Uwaifo: None. Thyroid cancer is often treatable and often involves iodine ablation therapy. Iodine based imaging and/or therapy can be complicated in patients with abnormal iodide metabolism. We present two patients with thyroid cancer and disparate abnormal iodide metabolism. Case 1 is a 35 yr old Caucasian lady with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) stage 1 with no metastases. After total thyroidectomy and prior to I-131 remnant ablation she had a contrast Chest CT for shortness of breath. A month after serum iodine was elevated (545 Ug/L; 40—92). 24 hr urine iodine levels was also elevated; (2,300Ug/day; 150-500). She denied dietary intake of iodine rich foods. Ablation was postponed and she commenced a strict “zero” iodine diet. Despite this and despite having no further contrast imaging serum and urinary iodine remain elevated for nearly 3 yrs. Further history indicated episodes of sensitivity to several medications and Cytochrome P450 genetic profiling revealed two polymorphisms of CYP P450 2C19 and 2D6 associated with slow drug metabolizer phenotype. 34 months after her Chest CT with serum iodine of 127Ug/L and 24 hr Urine iodine of 652 she had radio iodine-ablation (RIA) with 130Mci of I-131. She had post treatment dysgeusia and parotitis. She remains on a low iodine diet and is presumably cured. Case 2 is a 66 yr old Caucasian man referred for second opinion regarding therapeutic options for known metastatic PTC with metastases to thoracic spine and lungs. He was diagnosed with follicular variant PTC 7 yrs ago. He had total thyroidectomy and repeated RIAs with a total accumulated dose of ∼ 850Mci and last RIA 3 yrs ago. His latest two whole body I-131 scans were -ve despite elevated thyroglobulins and metastatic disease. He was unable to tolerate sorefanib. He is on thyroid hormone repletion and quarterly denosumab. Contrast PET-CT scan a week prior showed extensive metastatic disease and thyroglobulins in the 300—650 ng/ml range. Work up for repeat whole body I-131 scan revealed curiously that serum iodine was 46 Ug/L (40-92) despite his recent contrast study and this was confirmed on two repeats. 24 hr urine iodine was reduced; 87 ug/day (150-500) and he had a typical diet with no excess intake of goitrogens. Based on history of often needing significantly higher doses of medications like opioids, anesthetics and sedatives cytochrome P450 genetic profile obtained showed two polymorphisms (of CYP P450 2C-19 and CVPs 3A4 +3A5) associated with fast metabolizer phenotype. Given his unusually rapid iodine clearance the utility of any further iodine based imaging and/or therapy was deemed dubious. His current management continues without change. We present two patients with extremes of iodine metabolic processing that had clinical management significance. Careful evaluation of ambient iodine status of patients is an important part of the preparation of thyroid cancer patients for iodine based imaging and/or therapy. Presentation: 6/1/2024

A Contrastive Study of the Verb “Make” in Selected English and Arabic Religious Texts

To be determined by the context, the verb make is considered one of the multi- meaning verbs which conveys several meanings. Picking out the appropriate meaning of the verb make is a problem. The current study is restricted to analyze various linguistic manifestations of the verb make in English and Arabic. It is also confined with showing points of similarity and difference between the two languages in their uses of the verb make in some selected religious texts. It is hypothesized that "make" in English is tactful and diplomatic while in Arabic is solemn and unflattering. It is suggested that "make" has an appreciative meaning in one language and a passive one in another. It is also expected that linguistic structure plays a role in determining the suitable meaning of "make" in both languages. The findings show that "make" in Arabic texts is more powerful than English "make" which tends to be passionate and tenderness. It is capable of mimicking human emotions and able to coexist with bitterness of reality. It is also concluded that there is a positive correlation between tenses of the verb "make", in both languages, and the idea concerned.

Semantic Features of MAKE Causative Structures (in English) and LÀM Causative Structures (in Vietnamese): A Contrastive Study

Semantic Features of MAKE Causative Structures (in English) and LÀM Causative Structures (in Vietnamese): A Contrastive Study

A Contrastive Study on Perspective and Expressions in Japanese and Korean

A Contrastive Study on Perspective and Expressions in Japanese and Korean

A Contrastive Study on Sequential Conjunctive Sentences between Korean and Chinese

A Contrastive Study on Sequential Conjunctive Sentences between Korean and Chinese

Evaluative Stancetaking in English-Medium Academic Prose: A Study of Research Article Abstracts by Russian and Chinese L2 Writers

Background: Globalization has created the academic community’s need to learn English in order to publish internationally and caused intensive research into academic prose by non-native writers with the aim of revealing prevailing culture-and discipline-specific rhetoric structures and suggesting ways of improving academic writing skills. Purpose: This contrastive study explored preferences in the employment of stance features in English-medium research article abstracts by second language writers from two different cultural backgrounds (Russia and China) assuming that variations in stancetaking are culturally shaped. Method: Hyland’s (2005b) taxonomy of stance resources was adopted for the current study as the most comprehensive one including a wide range of writer-oriented features. This taxonomy can help identify pragmatic functions of linguistic markers used for stancetaking in academic prose. The methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis were applied. Results: A contrastive analysis of the findings showed that the Russian and Chinese academic communities manifest different stancetaking preferences. The quantitative analysis revealed that Chinese-authored RA abstracts contained considerably more stance features than those written by their Russian counterparts. Most quantitative differences between the application of stance features by Russian and Chinese authors were statistically significant. It was also revealed that while the Chinese academic writers seemed to be more careful in making claims, anticipating and acknowledging, the Russian scholars chose to create an impression of certainty and assurance, instilling confidence in their readers. The differences in the employment of stance features identified in the study are likely to reflect culture-specific writing peculiarities of the Chinese and Russian academic communities which favour slightly different discursive strategies. Conclusion: The findings carry pedagogical implications for academic writing course designers and can enhance L2 writers’ familiarity with the culture-specific academic writing conventions in the knowledge domain.