Language Journals Research Articles

Emergence of circular economy research: a systematic literature review

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the current status and trends in circular economy (CE) research. The state of CE research is assessed by critically examining the field by considering diverse dimensions.Design/methodology/approachThe systematic literature review (SLR) of CE research articles is analyzed using the content analysis methodology. The articles are selected from the Scopus database containing the keyword “Circular economy” in its title, abstract and keywords. In total, 587 research articles published on CE in various reputed peer-reviewed journals over 15 years (2005–2020) are selected for review.FindingsThe research in the domain of CE is in the beginning phase. It has numerous quantitative modeling opportunities, value creation and propositions aspects and application in real-life case problems. One of the significant findings is that the CE research field is more inclined toward the implication of the empirical qualitative research. The identified research gaps and future opportunities could provide further direction to broaden CE research.Research limitations/implicationsThe review focuses on publications published in peer-reviewed journals in the English language only. It restricts the recognition of relevant articles published in conference proceedings and languages other than English.Originality/valueThis research study will provide a deeper understanding of CE research's existing status and highlights the research trends, gap and its applicability in real-life case problems and setting up future research directions in the CE field.

Health professionals' views and experiences of discussing weight with children and their families: A systematic review of qualitative research.

Healthcare professionals are ideally placed to discuss weight management with children and families to treat and prevent childhood obesity. The aim of this review was to collect and synthesize primary research evidence relating to health professional's views and experiences of discussing weight with children and their families. Systematic searches were conducted using the following databases: MEDLINE (OVID), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), EMBASE (OVID), PsycINFO (OVID) and Healthcare Management Information Consortium (HMIC). Twenty-six full text qualitative studies published in English Language journals since inception to October 2019 were included. Papers were quality assessed and synthesized using an inductive thematic analysis approach. Data analysis generated five themes: sensitivity of the issue, family-professional relationships, whole systems approach, professional competency and sociocultural context. Supporting behaviour change through discussion of healthy weight with children and families is an important part of the health professional's role. Tailored information for professionals, including resources and training, facilitates them to confidently talk to children and families about weight prioritized within interventions. The success of such interventions requires commitment from a range of professionals to ensure healthy weight is tackled through a whole system approach.

Assessment of Interprofessional Collaborative Practices and Outcomes in Adults With Diabetes and Hypertension in Primary Care

Interprofessional collaborative practice (ICP), the collaboration of health workers from different professional backgrounds with patients, families, caregivers, and communities, is central to optimal primary care. However, limited evidence exists regarding its association with patient outcomes. To examine the association of ICP with hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels among adults receiving primary care. A literature search of English language journals (January 2013-2018; updated through March 2020) was conducted using MEDLINE; Embase; Ovid IPA; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials: Issue 2 of 12, February 2018; NHS Economic Evaluation Database: Issue 2 of 4, April 2015; Clarivate Analytics WOS Science Citation Index Expanded (1990-2018); EBSCOhost CINAHL Plus With Full Text (1937-2018); Elsevier Scopus; FirstSearch OAIster; AHRQ PCMH Citations Collection; ClinicalTrials.gov; and HSRProj. Studies needed to evaluate the association of ICP (≥3 professions) with HbA1c, SBP, or DBP levels in adults with diabetes and/or hypertension receiving primary care. A dual review was performed for screening and selection. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guideline for data abstractions and Cochrane Collaboration recommendations for bias assessment. Two dual review teams conducted independent data extraction with consensus. Data were pooled using a random-effects model for meta-analyses and forest plots constructed to report standardized mean differences (SMDs). For high heterogeneity (I2), data were stratified by baseline level and by study design. The primary outcomes included HbA1c, SBP, and DBP levels as determined before data collection. A total of 3543 titles or abstracts were screened; 170 abstracts or full texts were reviewed. Of 50 articles in the systematic review, 39 (15 randomized clinical trials [RCTs], 24 non-RCTs) were included in the meta-analyses of HbA1c (n = 34), SBP (n = 25), and DBP (n = 24). The sample size ranged from 40 to 20 524, and mean age ranged from 51 to 70 years, with 0% to 100% participants being male. Varied ICP features were reported. The SMD varied by baseline HbA1c, although all SMDs significantly favored ICP (HbA1c <8, SMD = -0.13; P < .001; HbA1c ≥8 to < 9, SMD = -0.24; P = .007; and HbA1c ≥9, SMD = -0.60; P < .001). The SMD for SBP and DBP were -0.31 (95% CI, -0.46 to -0.17); P < .001 and -0.28 (95% CI, -0.42 to -0.14); P < .001, respectively, with effect sizes not associated with baseline levels. Overall I2 was greater than 80% for all outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis found that ICP was associated with reductions in HbA1c regardless of baseline levels as well as with reduced SBP and DBP. However, the greatest reductions were found with HbA1c levels of 9 or higher. The implementation of ICP in primary care may be associated with improvements in patient outcomes in diabetes and hypertension.

Punarvivaham vs. Pativratyam: Pulugurta Lakshmi Narasamamba and the Widow Remarriage Question in Colonial Andhra

The question of widow remarriage, which occupied an important place in the social reform movement, was hotly debated in colonial Andhra. Women joined the debate in the early twentieth century. There was a conservative section of women, which bitterly opposed the widow remarriage movement and attacked the social reformers, both women and men. Pulugruta Lakshmi Narasamamba led this group of women. Lakshmi Narasamamba treated widow remarriage (punarvivaham) with contempt and termed it as an affront to the fidelity (pativratyam) of Hindu women. According to her, widow remarriage was equal to ‘prostitution’, and the widows who married again could not be granted the status of kulanganas (respectable or chaste women). Lakshmi Narasamamba’s stand on the question of widow remarriage led to the emergence of a fiery and protracted controversy among women which eventually led to the division of the most famous women’s organization, the Shri Vidyarthini Samajamu. She opposed not only widow remarriage but also post-puberty marriage and campaigned in favour of child marriage. This article describes the whole debate on the widow remarriage question that took place among women. It is based on the primary sources, especially the woefully neglected women’s journals in the Telugu language.

Ceftolozane-Tazobactam Combination Therapy Compared to Ceftolozane-Tazobactam Monotherapy for the Treatment of Severe Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Ceftolozane-tazobactam (C/T) is a combination of an advanced-generation cephalosporin (ceftolozane) with a β-lactamase inhibitor (tazobactam). It is approved for the treatment of complicated urinary-tract/intra-abdominal infections and hospital-acquired/ventilator-associated pneumonia. This systematic review and meta-analysis (registered prospectively on PROSPERO, no. CRD42019134099, on 20 January 2020) aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of C/T combination therapy compared to C/T monotherapy for the treatment of severe infections and to describe the prevalence of microorganisms in the included studies. We retrieved literature from PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL, until 26 November 2020. Eligible studies were both randomised trials and nonrandomised studies with a control group, published in the English language and peer-reviewed journals. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality; secondary outcomes were (i) clinical improvement and (ii) microbiological cure. Eight nonrandomised studies were included in the qualitative synthesis: Seven retrospective cohort studies and one case-control study. The meta-analysis of the four studies evaluating all-cause mortality (in total 148 patients: 87 patients treated with C/T alone and 61 patients treated with C/T combination therapy) showed a significant reduction of mortality in patients receiving C/T combination therapy, OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.10–0.97, p = 0.045. Conversely, the meta-analysis of the studies evaluating clinical improvement and microbiological cure showed no differences in C/T combination therapy compared to C/T monotherapy. The most consistent data come from the analysis of the clinical improvement, n = 391 patients, OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.54–1.74, p = 0.909. In 238 of the 391 patients included (60.8%), C/T was used for the treatment of infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Perceptions of Indonesian multilingual scholars about preparing and publishing research manuscripts in international journals

There has been a great deal of interest in issues multilingual scholars (henceforth: MLS) have in trying to gain publication in international main-stream English language journals (IEJs). However, little research has been published on the experience of MLS using their perspective, particularly how they perceive their competence (knowledge and skills) to publish their research internationally. The purpose of this study was to fill this gap by investigating what they perceived as the factors that inhibited them from publishing in IEJs. This study mainly used a quantitative method, but the results were supplemented with interviews and focus group discussion with some of the participants in the survey. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) tool of the SPSS statistical programme was used to conduct two levels of analysis: the PCA and Confirmation Factorial Analysis (CFA). The key finding was that the most critical factor for the participants was not a lack of funds as widely reported in many previous studies, but lack of competence to face the challenges of preparing and publishing research article (RA) in IEJs, which had dampened self-confidence. The low self-confidence and two solutions, suggested by the participants, implicitly confirmed the key finding. The participants were aware of the various benefits of research article publication in IEJs, but they were not strong enough to overcome the critical factor. The implication is that policymakers should consider providing regular training for staff with adequate practice and feedback and introducing the subject to undergraduate or, at least, MA students before they embark on starting their research projects.

Ventilatorassociated lower respiratory tract infections: etiology and diagnosis

Objective. To review a literature published over the past 5 years and our own data on the etiology of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), antimicrobial resistance and its relationships between sepsis and choice of appropriate antibiotic therapy. Materials and Methods. National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) criteria were used to diagnose LRTI. A review of the articles regarding LRTI from the Russian and international English language journals published over 6 years was performed. Identification of microorganisms was performed by culture over the period of 2003–2013; since 2014, MALDI-TOF MS method was used for this purpose. Results. Despite the ongoing policy to limit the use of antimicrobial therapy in the ICUs, there is an increase in carbapenemase-producing isolates in the ICUs from 2.2% (2018) to 11.7% (2020, 9 months). Along with the trend to increase in carbapenemase-producing pathogens causing LRTI, their variability is also increasing. In particular, it applies to strains producing carbapenemases OXA-48 or combination of OXA-48 with KPC; with the trend to combined production of carbapenemase beginning at 2019. Conclusions. Carbapenemase producers are becoming more widespread in the ICU settings, including the lower respiratory tract in mechanically ventilated patients. Practitioners didn’t get used to associate VAP with the Sepsis-3 criteria. The changes in etiology include the increased rate of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales and non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria, primarily Acinetobacter spp., in Russia. It’s due to improved quality of respiratory support and increased consumption of carbapenems, tigecycline and polymyxins. Significant increase of OXA-48-producing pathogens is likely to be associated with a poor compliance with temporary guidelines on COVID-19 with regard to antibiotic therapy.

Peer Review Publication Skills Matter for Academicians

Dear EditorOn July 21 (Sunday) and 23 (Tuesday) 2019, I had an opportunity to hold another workshop titled “How to write a scientific paper?” for Ph.D. students in Microbiology Department, Basic Sciences Faculty, the Islamic Azad University, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Tehran, Iran. I received brilliant feedback from the participants encouraging me to publish this letter to the editor.The difficult work of writing is an art like rasping and grinding a rough diamond to have a polished and smooth diamond (1) or like making a film (2). Publishing peer-reviewed papers is a criterion for evaluating academic professionals and is an effective means of forming an academic career and resume (3).As we know since the ancient era, the published texts are used as public official means to communicate with diverse people and populations. According to the latest archeological studies, the first handwriting belongs to 10400 years ago discovered in Baluchestan Province, the southeast of Iran (4).The primitive means of scripts have evolved and now we have high-tech tools to publish different types of scripts as softcopies and hardcopies, as well as traditional and online publications (4, 5). English as an international language may connect all people around the world. Therefore, publishing scholarly papers in English language journals promotes the visibility and citation of the papers (5, 6).A strong scientific paper needs a clear roadmap, a well-designed study, and an up-to-date quality proposal. Blurry hypothesis, poor-designed study, biases, inappropriate sample size (e.g., very small and limited populations or samples), and wrong or insufficient statistical analyses are the most common reasons for the rejection of papers (6-8).I as a non-native English-speaking author and reviewer believe that the non-native English-speaking authors should think, imagine, and write their manuscripts in English. Many young non-native English-speaking authors write their manuscripts in their native language and then translate into English. This is very harmful because it makes your manuscript of poor quality in academic English language, results in more probability of rejection (7). Consequently, in this challenge, the authors should prepare a well-planned manuscript with a strong and clear hypothesis (it goes back to the proposal) and relevant aims. Moreover, proper statistical analyses and calculations, correspondent methodology, appropriate and precise conclusion, sharp and clear figures, and well-designed and self-explanatory tables augment the opportunity of a manuscript for acceptance (Figure 1) (4, 6, 7, 9, 10). AcknowledgementsI have special thanks to Islamic Azad University, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Tehran, Iran for approving the perfomance of the workshop on “How to write a scientific paper?”. Conflict of InterestThe authors confirm that there are no known conflicts of interest associated with this publication, and there has been no significant financial support for this work that could have influenced its outcome.

A bibliometric analysis of quality research papers in Islamic finance: evidence from Web of Science

Purpose The purpose of this study is to provide quantitative information on the growth of Islamic finance literature. The study focused on publishing trends, countries producing research on Islamic finance, key authors, major contributing organizations, authorship patterns, keywords and articles with the highest citations. Design/methodology/approach Bibliometric analysis is applied to analyse the growth and publishing trends in Islamic finance literature. The Web of Science (WoS) database was used to extract bibliometric data covering the period 1939–2019 for Islamic finance literature. Findings The study finds that Islamic finance research has gained remarkable momentum in the literature. However, such growth is largely manifested in Malaysia because of a conducive atmosphere for this type of research. Interestingly, the study finds that the three most productive journals are located in the UK and Malaysia, while Professor M. Kabir Hassan from the University of New Orleans, the USA appears to head the list of authors with 23 publications on Islamic finance. Practical implications This study provides up-to-date literature on the current state of Islamic finance in the world; as a result, it supports the development of policies by the Islamic finance industry. The findings of the study also serve as a reference point for Islamic finance training and educational institutions. Originality/value Islamic finance is an emerging financial discipline; as such, there is a need for more awareness of this financial system in the world. Muslim-majority countries, especially Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan and Bahrain, have to include Islamic finance in their curriculum and establish research institutions and research journals. In addition, Arabic language journals should be indexed in WoS and/or Scopus to provide a high-quality publication platform. This study provides a more comprehensive bibliometric analysis on the growth of Islamic finance literature (1939–2019) in the WoS database; most of the prior studies have covered relatively few areas of focus and a lower range of years in some cases.

What Every Intensivist should Know about Impairment of Cardiac Function and Arrhythmias in Liver Disease Patients: A Review.

ObjectivesImpairment of cardiac function and arrhythmias often coexist in patients with liver diseases. Many studies have proved this coexistence and put forward various theories toward its pathophysiology. This narrative review tries to find the answers with supporting evidence on five main questions:Do high serum bilirubin levels have a strong association with cardiac arrhythmias?Can corrected QT interval (QTc) be relied upon for predicting a risk factor toward imminent arrhythmias?Is there an association between QTc prolongation and mortality?Are high serum bilirubin and cardiac dysfunction closely associated?What is the probable pathophysiology behind this association?Materials and methodsClinical evidence was obtained by using search engines, namely, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Studies published in journals in the English language, between January 1969 and December 2019, which mentioned the relationship between cardiac arrhythmia and liver disease, were included. We used the keywords: jaundice, bilirubin, arrhythmia, ECG, QTc interval, QT dispersion, liver, and cirrhosis. Relevant animal or human studies answering the five main questions were extracted and reviewed.ConclusionThe evidence included in our review sheds light on the fact that approximately 50% of liver cirrhosis cases develop cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CC) and there has been an association between liver abnormalities and cardiac pathology. The present review also supports that there exists a strong association between high levels of serum bilirubin levels and cardiac arrhythmias, QTc value can be relied upon as a risk factor for predicting imminent arrhythmias, and that it is associated with mortality. Its basic pathophysiology can be explained by the potential action of bile acids in prolonging the QT interval. It also causes cardiac hypertrophy and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes leading to cardiac dysfunction.How to cite this articleArya S, Kumar P, Tiwari B, Belwal S, Saxena S, Abbas H. What Every Intensivist should Know about Impairment of Cardiac Function and Arrhythmias in Liver Disease Patients: A Review. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(12):1251–1255.

Los verbos de petición como introductores del discurso referido

The referred speech is usually presented by declarative verbs. However, there are other semantic classes specialized in speech reproduction procedures, such as request verbs. From the analysis of the Archivo de Textos Hispánicos de la Universidad de Santiago, made up of texts of oral, theatrical, journalistic and narrative language, we try to establish the frequency of use of the verbs implorar, suplicar, rogar, solicitar, pedir, reclamar and exigir as introducers of referred speech, as well as their greater or lesser productivity according to the type of procedure: indirect style, direct style, pseudo-direct style and hybrid style. In addition, the characteristics of each structure are explored with the proposal of knowing the configuration mode of the sequences that introduces each verb (its members, the position of each element, etc.) and that establish certain differences between them within each type of referred speech.

Group Dynamic Assessment and EFL Learners’ Oral Production, Motivation, and Classroom Anxiety

The present study examined the impact of group dynamic assessment (G-DA) on English as foreign language (EFL) learners’ oral production, motivation, and classroom anxiety. For this purpose, Student Motivational State Questionnaire Guilloteaux and Dornyei, TESOL Quarterly 42, 55–77, (2008) and Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) Horwitz et al., The Modern Language Journal 70, 125–132(1986) were employed. In addition, IELTS Speaking Sample Tests were used to assess participants’ oral proficiency levels before and after the treatment. At first, 100 EFL learners at pre-intermediate and intermediate levels of English proficiency were selected through convenience sampling procedure from some language institutes. Next, a sample TOEFL Junior Standard Test was administered to the participants and based on test rubrics, 77 A2 and B1 level EFL learners were identified and randomly assigned to experimental G-DA groups A and B, and non-dynamic assessment (NDA) control groups C and D. All study groups participated in 14 sessions of speaking practice in which G-DA-based mediations were employed for groups A and B following Poehner’s (2005) mediation typology, while groups C and D were subjected to NDA forms of practice. The results underscored the relative positive impact of G-DA on EFL learners’ oral proficiency development and classroom anxiety reduction. However, compared to NDA, G-DA did not have any positive effect on the participants’ motivation level. The findings seem to imply that a socially constructive environment which is more likely created in EFL classes as a result of the application of group-based dynamic assessment of the EFL learners’ language problems leads to more efficient identification of the group’s zone of proximal development (GZPD). Furthermore, G-DA seems to be an efficient procedure for lowering the anxiety level of foreign language learners in classroom context.

Learning opportunities in peer-peer interaction: A case study of two L2 Mandarin Chinese learners

Abstract The roles of interaction have been studied for several decades. Recent studies have turned to investigate “the details of which components of interaction might be more or less effective in which contexts with which learners” (Loewen, Shawn &amp; Masatoshi Sato. 2018. Interaction and instructed second language acquisition. Language Teaching 51(3). 285–329: 286). This case study, based on three unstructured interactions outside the classroom between two L2 Mandarin Chinese learners, investigates the learning opportunities these interactions brought about in terms of helping them to increase in control over forms that had already been encountered inside the classroom. Using the concept of the language-related episode (Swain, Merrill &amp; Sharon Lapkin. 1998. Interaction and second language learning: Two adolescent French immersion students working together. The Modern Language Journal 82(3). 320–337), this study sets focus on learning opportunities for lexis- and grammar-related items. It finds learning opportunities arise as the two peers negotiate for meaning motivated by the need to comprehend, strive to use the L2 to express/co-express themselves, and improve their form through the other’s feedback. In addition, lexis-related learning is found to be very positive in this study. The dictionary played an indispensable role in facilitating the learners when they encountered lexis-related issues. Further, it enabled the learners to learn new vocabulary when driven by communicative needs. In comparison, the grammar-related learning is found to be relatively complicated. And the fact the learners had nowhere to resort to concerning grammatical issues attributed to it. In terms of the different types of interactions, compared to learning through negotiation for meaning and feedback, output and co-construction/collaboration were found to be most productive in promoting the learning.

Diversity, exclusion and inclusion: a case study of welcome online & minority language representation in MOOCs

ABSTRACT Learning a language has become more accessible online butrelatively-few applied studies have explored the implications of technological advances, and the learners who use them (Chik and Ho 2017. “Learn a Language for Free: Recreational Learning among Adults.” System 69: 162–171, 163). This mixed-methods study explores participation, exclusion and inclusion, in an Irish language MOOC, where participation reflects intrinsic learning (Deci and Ryan 1985. Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. New York: Plenum), and cultural-oriented motivations (Van Duesen-Scholl 2003. “Towards a Definition of Heritage Language: Sociopolitical and Pedagogical Considerations.” Journal of Language, Identity and Education 2 (3): 211–230). Using survey data (n = 1,523) and open-ended comments, learners' participation is conceptualised by exploring their demographic backgrounds. Tensions are demonstrated between the types of learning and motives of course participants, the metrics by which many online courses are viewed as successful, and the real value of learning a language for cultural, humanistic and intrinsic purposes (see Ushioda 2017. “The Impact of Global English on Motivation to Learn Other Languages: Towards an Ideal Multilingual Self.” The Modern Language Journal 101 (3): 469–482). The case also explores issues of both exclusion, and inclusion, in distance language learning more generally.

JOURNALISTIC LANGUAGE WRITING STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTS AND BEGINNER WRITERS

Someone who does the writing activity sometimes has a pause or even stops in composing sentences in the writing. Moreover, the person is a beginner writer who has no experience in expressing his thoughts into writing. Journalistic language writing strategies try to get ideas in the face of obstacles that make writing activities hampered. The writings written by the authors are influenced by the understanding they have in presenting their writings about an event. The strategy chosen is expected to be able to make writers become lighter, easier, according to spelling standards, and of course able to solve it. Sometime the mistake made by the writer either intentionally or unintentionally will make a strong reaction to the author's self. A writer must practice first by knowing the strategies, tips, and tricks in order to produce writing that is liked by the general public.

Serbian Press in France during the 20th Century: Among the Cultural Diplomacy and the Information on the Diaspora

The aim of this paper is to explore, detect, describe and explain the path of Serbian press in France during the 20th century. The main hypothesis is that the press in the Serbian language was the paving stone from the cultural diplomacy to the information on the Serbian diaspora. The paper would explain how Serbian journals in French language and Serbian journals in Serbian language which were lanched in France became the paths of presentation of the Serbian people through mechanisms that would be recognized as elements of cultural diplomacy. Key issue is the role which Serbian journals played in the general circulation of men and ideas, the cultural transfers that they facilitated, as well as the hybrid identities they fostered. On the basis of contents of the journals and the reading public, as well as the intellectuals engaged in creation of the journals it would be shed light on the Serbian press in France during the 20th century.

Documenting language and content integrated learning: a case study of a genre-based history in films course

ABSTRACT In this paper, we explore how advanced college students use the past history and experiences of others to understand the present while learning a foreign language through a content-integrated curriculum. To assess student learning we operationalize Norris (2006. “The Why (and How) of Assessing Student Learning Outcomes in College Foreign Language Programs.” The Modern Language Journal 90 (4): 576–583) learning outcomes model (content, skills and dispositions) through linguistic indices. The learning is documented throughout a semester via learners’ written production, comparing the changes and expansion in the use of meaning-making resources that demonstrate their understanding of others through choices in the wording, logical organization of texts, and their positioning in relation to those contents. The participants have varied language trajectories ranging from heritage to L2 language learners of Spanish. The findings show how a content and language integrated curriculum focusing on a historical theme (i.e. Southern Cone dictatorships) through a particular genre (i.e. film review) can reveal students’ content, skills and dispositions in an L2. Learners demonstrated their developing capacities in a foreign language and history through their production of written texts that allow them to use knowledge about the past to interpret the present via academic genres. The paper provides a framework for describing content, skills and dispositions learning outcomes with linguistic features that evidence the achievement of those outcomes.

Temperature Threshold Values of Bone Necrosis for Thermo-Explantation of Dental Implants-A Systematic Review on Preclinical In Vivo Research.

Purpose: Very high or low temperatures will lead to bone damage. The objective of this review was to analyze threshold values for thermal bone necrosis. Methods: Histological animal studies evaluating thermal effects on bone necrosis were selected via electronic and hand searches in English and German language journals until 1 November 2019. The outcome measures were temperature-exposure intervals and laser settings effecting bone damage. Furthermore, investigated parameters were the bone-to-implant contact ratios (BIC) and infrabony pockets around dental implants after thermal treatment. For quality assessment of studies, the CAMARADES study quality checklist was applied. Results: A total of 455 animals in 25 animal studies were included for data extraction after screening of 45 titles from 957 selected titles of the MEDLINE (PubMed), The Cochrane Library, Embase and Web of Science search. The threshold values for bone necrosis ranged between 47 °C and 55 °C for 1 min. A threshold value for cryoinsult and laser treatment has not yet been defined. However, temperatures in the vicinity of 3.5 °C produce a histologically proven effect on the bone and in the surrounding tissue. At 50 °C for 1 min, BIC values significantly decreased and infrabony pockets increased. Bone quality had an influence on the outcome, as cancellous bone suffered higher bone damage from thermal treatment compared to cortical bone. Conclusion: No clear threshold value for bone necrosis is available according to the current literature for warm and cold stimuli. More in-depth and clinical studies are required to provide further insights in assessing the potential of thermal necrosis for implant removal.

Another Chicken and Egg Story: Systematic Review on Lichen Planus as a Precursor for Celiac Disease in Adult Population.

Celiac disease is receiving much attention due to the gluten-free diet trend. Many health-conscious individuals practice a gluten-free diet, even if they do not have celiac disease. As it is an autoimmune disorder, it is associated with many other autoimmune diseases. We were interested in one skin condition, another autoimmune disorder lichen planus as a correlative factor for celiac disease. The following systematic review may give some clues. We searched online resources including PubMed, PubMed Central, Cochrane library, and Google scholar for systematic reviews, traditional reviews, randomized controlled trials, and meta-analysis on celiac disease and lichen planus. We included human studies published in peer-reviewed journals in the English language. After reviewing 2389 initial results of our search, we excluded 1250 duplicates, 1108 abstracts, 42 irrelevant articles. We assessed the remaining 26 articles for their quality using various quality assessment tools.After the quality assessment, we included nine final articles in our systematic review. Out of these nine studies, there were four systematic reviews, one traditional review, two case reports, and two observational studies. Only two articles had exclusively studied the specific association between celiac and lichen planus. The remaining studies included data that gave an overall association between other skin manifestations of celiac disease.From our study, we could not establish the relationship between celiac disease and lichen planus. We need more case-control studies and clinical trials with a larger population to get conclusive data. From current data, we can conclude that both immunological processes correlate but there is no causation. There is also a need for clinical trials to explore the exacerbation of lichen planus due to celiac disease.

Working Memory and Second Language Learning: A Review of the Past Twenty Years' Research in China

This paper systematically reviews the studies of working memory in second language learning in China over the past 20 years. A total of 140 studies that were published in 13 major foreign language journals during the past 20 years (2000-2019) were categorized and analyzed according to research method, educational level, and research content. For research method, two phases could be identified: from 2000 to 2006, more attention focused on introducing theory and reviewing literature regarding the association between working memory and second language learning; and from 2007 to 2019, there is a growing body of quantitative and qualitative research. For educational level of the 75 empirical studies, the majority were targeted at adult learners, whose L2 proficiency was assumed to be at or beyond intermediate level. For the research content, they were classified into three dimensions: L2 understanding, L2 output, and the integration of L2 understanding and output. These three dimensions were sub-divided into a total of seven aspects: vocabulary, grammar, listening, reading, speaking, writing, and interpretation. Considerable advances have been made in the knowledge of working memory and second language learning. Nevertheless, more research is needed to develop a deeper understanding of the interrelationships between working memory and different domains of second language learning.