English Studies Research Articles

OS BENEFÍCIOS DA REALIDADE VIRTUAL NA SÍNDROME DE DOWN

Introduction: Down syndrome is the most common known genetic cause of intellectual disability. People with DS have multiple deficits, both cognitive and motor development disorders, and associated diseases. The use of virtual reality in treatment is a strategy with a positive impact on the evolution of patients, making individuals interact by moving with images and objects, while motivating and stimulating the patient’s interest in continuing treatment. Objective: To research and seek the benefits of virtual reality in individuals with Down syndrome, based on the reviewed literature. Method: The study consisted of researching and seeking the benefits of virtual reality in individuals with Down syndrome based on scientific studies. The search was carried out in the Pubmed and Scielo databases. The descriptors: virtual reality and Down syndrome were used, and studies in Portuguese and English that proposed to investigate virtual reality in individuals with Down syndrome were included. Results: Of the 24 studies found, 6 that met the inclusion criteria were selected. Conclusion: The importance of virtual reality for people with Down syndrome is highlighted, as it has been shown to be beneficial in several areas of the human body, consequently improving quality of life, considering that the patient’s gains are greater, as the therapy is carried out through games, stimulating the patient’s interest in participating and continuing with the treatment.

Psychometric properties of self-reported measures of psychological birth trauma in puerperae: A COSMIN systematic review.

To identify and evaluate the psychometric properties of available patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of psychological birth trauma (PBT) in postpartum women. A literature search was carried out across eight databases-PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals-covering studies published from the inception of each database up to 21 May 2024. English and Chinese language studies employing any research design and reporting at least one psychometric property of PBT in puerperae were included. Independent reviewers extracted data and followed the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines to evaluate three aspects of the included instruments: methodological quality, psychometric properties, and level of evidence assessed using the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Thirty-one studies with twelve PROMs were included, measurement error, cross-cultural validity, and responsiveness were not reported for most PROMs. Nine PROMs received a Class B recommendation, based on their measurement attribute ratings and overall evidence quality. In contrast, the CTI, IES-R, and PBTAS with high-quality evidence for insufficient measurement properties, so received a Class C recommendation. This systematic review provisionally recommends the City BiTS as credible tool for assessing PBT in both clinical practice and research involving puerperae. However, further comprehensive studies are needed to conduct more comprehensive validations of the psychometric properties of existing PROMs.

A Systematic Review of Blended Learning in Higher Education: Second Language Acquisition through the Community of Inquiry Framework

This study examined the application of the Community of Inquiry (CoI) framework in blended learning environments for second language acquisition in higher education. A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA protocol, analyzing 25 peer-reviewed articles published between 2014 and 2023 from Scopus, Web of Science, and ERIC databases. The review investigated CoI implementation characteristics, the interplay of CoI elements, research methodologies, challenges, and best practices. Findings revealed a predominance of studies on undergraduate English learners, with mixed-methods approaches being most common. The integration of social, cognitive, and teaching presence significantly enhanced language acquisition and student engagement. Key challenges included technological integration, maintaining online engagement, effective instructional design, and addressing varying language proficiency levels. Best practices emphasized the strategic use of mobile applications, fostering online communities, enhancing teaching presence, and implementing personalized learning approaches. Gaps identified in the research included a predominant focus on English language studies, limited exploration at the graduate level, and a scarcity of longitudinal investigations examining long-term outcomes of CoI-informed blended learning. This review provided valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in blended language learning, offering a foundation for future research and implementation strategies. However, the study was limited by its focus on peer-reviewed articles from specific databases.

A systematic review of problematic gaming: Escapist strategy to cope with difficult life situations

ABSTRACT Gaming as an increasingly common phenomenon and is frequently used as a coping mechanism during difficult life situations, such as grief and bereavement. This coping usually takes place as an avoidant, escapist strategy, which can lead to problematic or excessive gaming, with harmful outcomes. The aim of this study was to review and collate findings from literature on gaming use as an escapist coping strategy during difficult life situations. A systematic review was carried out with the use of the databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and APA PsycNet, where English language studies published in peer-reviewed journals were perused. The full text of the studies selected were then reviewed and suitability for the present study was checked with the eligibility criteria. Out of the 35 texts fully reviewed, 18 studies were finalised that fit the eligibility criteria, and out of these, three themes were derived – “Problematic online gaming and difficult life situations”, “Problematic online gaming, coping and escapism “, and “Types of gaming”, which demonstrated the psychosocial perspective on gaming used as a coping mechanism for difficult situations. This association is further affected by the type of gaming, whether Massive Multi-player Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG) or otherwise. The aetiology (life situations as a causative factor) and manifestation (gaming used for coping), along with the type of gaming were significantly affected by personal and social factors. The study showed findings that support the view of gaming as an escapist coping strategy in difficult life situations. It is therefore important to look into provisions for better social support and individuals’ psychosocial environment while evolving interventions that enhance coping among gamers.

Average volume-assured pressure support versus fixed pressure support in chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Rationale: Chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure occurs due to alveolar hypoventilation resulting in carbon dioxide retention. This is commonly managed with noninvasive ventilation (NIV) with modalities including fixed pressure support and average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS). However, there is limited information comparing outcomes with these two modes of ventilator support in the management of chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. Objective: This review and meta-analysis analyze the outcomes with fixed pressure NIV versus average volume-assured pressure support NIV in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, focusing on patients’ perception of symptom burden and gas exchange based on arterial blood gases. Search methods: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science databases were searched; the latest search date was December 1, 2023. Inclusion criteria: randomized control trials and crossover studies in English in adults over the age of 19 with the diagnosis of COPD and chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure. Exclusion criteria: patients less than 19 years old, patients with acute exacerbations, and patients with central respiratory failure or neuromuscular disease. Outcomes included blood gas analysis after use of NIV measured in mmHg and patient perception of mental health, symptom burden, and comfort. Results for each outcome were analyzed in RevMan using an inverse variance statistical method with a fixed effect analysis. The final analysis included 7 studies with 252 participants. Results: The patients were 64 ± 9 years old. Baseline pulmonary function testing showed a forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) of 34.6 ± 14.2 % predicted, consistent with severe COPD per GOLD criteria, and a baseline PaCO2 of 55.2 ± 9.2 mmHg. Primary outcomes for ventilation showed no statistical difference between AVAPS and fixed pressure support groups in PaCO2 (Odds Ratio [OR] -1.51; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: -3.18, 0.16; p=0.08). Patient perceived outcomes were evaluated using several questionnaires, including St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Comparable results were not available for all studies, but no statistically significant differences were found when comparing study results. Conclusions: There was little or no clinically significant difference between fixed pressure support and AVAPS in gas exchange. There are inadequate data to draw conclusions about the effect of fixed pressure support compared to AVAPS on patient perceived outcomes, such as comfort and symptom burden. No studies evaluated mortality benefit, cost effectiveness, or hospitalizations. Key words: COPD, chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure, non-invasive ventilation, average volume-assured pressure support ventilation

The Effectiveness Of Physical Therapy And Rehabilitation Approaches In Low Back Pain On Pain Severity And Disability; A Systematic Review

Low Back Pain encompasses nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain radiating to the legs, and nociplastic pain, often classified as non-specific due to central nervous system exaggeration. Globally, Low Back Pain is a leading cause of activity restriction and loss of productivity, significantly impacting finances. Objective; This study aimed to review the efficacy of physical therapy and rehabilitation approaches for LBP, focusing on pain intensity and disability. Materials and Methods; A literature review was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science databases up to January 30, 2024. English studies were required, using keywords: “low back pain,” “pain intensity,” “pain severity,” “disability,” and “physical therapy.” Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), including the 11-point Pain Intensity Numerical Rating Scale (PI-NRS). Disability was assessed using ADL, IADL scales, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results; Seven study met the inclusion criteria from 665 initial records. Interventions included osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), core muscle exercise with interferential current (IFC), cognitive functional therapy (CFT), dry cupping therapy, high-intensity machine-based core muscle resistance training (C-IPU), heat therapy, TENS, pelvic traction, Reiki, dynamic muscular stabilization technique (DMST), and McGill Big 3 (MB3). Sample sizes ranged from 30 to 1090 participants. IFC combined with core muscle exercises significantly reduced pain intensity compared to each method alone, though not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The C-IPU group had greater pain relief (P 0.05). Dry cupping did not outperform sham cupping. CFT reduced absenteeism in the first two years but not later. Reiki showed significant improvement in pain and ADL compared to drug therapy, but not to physiotherapy. Conclusions; Physical therapy interventions effectively alleviate symptoms and improve outcomes in LBP. However, variability in interventions and outcome measures necessitates cautious interpretation. Further research with standardized protocols is essential to understand the effectiveness and optimal duration of physical therapy for LBP. Keywords; low back pain; pain intensity; pain severity; disability; physical therapy

Relationship between Muscle Mass and Muscle Strength with Bone Density in Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

Understanding the relationship between muscle mass, muscle strength, and bone density in older adults is crucial for addressing age-related conditions like osteoporosis and sarcopenia. This review aims to evaluate the relationship between muscle mass and muscle strength with bone density in older adults. This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, involved a comprehensive search across seven databases from 2014 to April 2024. Included were observational studies in English and Indonesian on adults aged 60 and older. The AXIS tool assessed the risk of bias, and the GRADE framework evaluated the evidence quality. Study selection was independently reviewed, and consensus was reached through discussion. Ten studies were included. For muscle mass and bone density, five studies showed a significant association, while four did not. For muscle strength and bone density, four of seven studies reported a significant association. However, the evidence quality was low due to inconsistency. The relationship between muscle mass, muscle strength, and bone density in older adults shows variability and inconsistent evidence.

30 Access to Autism Spectrum Disorder services for marginalized families in Canada: A scoping review

Abstract Background In Canada, despite universal healthcare, immigrant and racially marginalized families face unique barriers when accessing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) services for their children. Exploring these experiences is critical to inform the federal government’s efforts to create a national autism strategy that serves children and families with ASD in Canada. Objectives We conducted a scoping review of immigrant, refugee, and racially marginalized families’ access to, utilization, and experiences with ASD services in Canada. Design/Methods The Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology was used. A literature search in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, APA PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted in August 2023. English and French-language qualitative studies describing the experiences of marginalized families in Canada with accessing and/or using ASD services for their child <18 years were included. To assess eligibility of search results, title, abstract, and full-text screening were conducted independently by two reviewers. For included studies, two reviewers extracted data and appraised articles using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist. Results There were 4,489 search results. After de-duplication, 3,804 studies remained. Of these studies, 12 met inclusion criteria – representing 320 immigrant caregivers living in Ontario (n=167), Quebec (n=151), and British Columbia (n=2). Caregivers immigrated from Africa (n=55), Latin America (n=43), Europe (n=25), Asia (n=13), North America (n=11), the Middle East (n=4), and unreported (n=169). Of note, no studies focused on refugees. Common barriers when accessing ASD services were related to: difficulties navigating the health system (wait times, limited resources in the public system, high costs for private services, lack of collaboration between school and healthcare providers), challenges interacting with service providers (feeling unheard, discrimination, lack of continuity of care), and cultural differences (regarding ASD, language barriers, social isolation). In contrast, families identified supportive healthcare and school personnel, provision of culturally-specific multilingual resources, and parent-led peer support networks as key facilitators to ASD service access and use. Conclusion These results highlight gaps in existing research, especially around the experiences of refugee families. Our findings reiterate the importance of greater caregiver involvement in informing evidence-based recommendations to improve Canadian service provision, policy, and research. This national focus is especially relevant, given that 23% of Canadians in the most recent 2021 census are landed immigrants – representing the highest proportion of immigrants in Canada to date and emphasizing the growing need for culturally competent care.

The Grammatical Errors in Translating Indonesian into English of the English Study Program Students

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk menjawab pertanyaan-pertanyaan berikut: (1) Apa saja kesalahan yang paling sering dilakukan oleh mahasiswa Program Studi Bahasa Inggris dalam menerjemahkan teks bahasa Indonesia ke dalam bahasa Inggris? (2) Bagaimana tingkat kompetensi mahasiswa dalam menerjemahkan teks bahasa Indonesia ke dalam bahasa Inggris? Berdasarkan pernyataan masalah yang dikemukakan di atas, maka tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah sebagai berikut: (1) Mengidentifikasi kesalahan-kesalahan yang paling sering dilakukan oleh mahasiswa Program Studi Bahasa Inggris dalam menerjemahkan teks bahasa Indonesia ke dalam bahasa Inggris, dan (2) Mendeskripsikan tingkat kompetensi mahasiswa dalam menerjemahkan teks bahasa Indonesia ke dalam bahasa Inggris. Subjek penelitian ini adalah 20 orang mahasiswa. Dalam pengumpulan data, penulis menggunakan metode deskriptif. Metode ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan kesalahan-kesalahan yang dilakukan oleh siswa. Penulis memberikan sebuah teks bacaan berbahasa Indonesia kepada siswa dan siswa menerjemahkannya ke dalam bahasa Inggris. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah: (1) Jenis kesalahan tata bahasa dalam menerjemahkan teks bahasa Indonesia ke dalam bahasa Inggris yang dibuat oleh mahasiswa Program Studi Bahasa Inggris berdasarkan penghilangan, penambahan, kesalahan urutan dan kesalahan pembentukan. Kesalahan tata bahasa yang paling banyak ditemukan dalam menerjemahkan teks bahasa Indonesia ke dalam bahasa Inggris yang dibuat oleh mahasiswa adalah penghilangan sebanyak 98 kalimat. (2) Tingkat kompetensi, berada pada tingkat kurang. _________________________________________________________________________________ The study aimed to address the following research questions: (1) What are the most common errors made by students of the English Study Program when translating Indonesian texts into English? (2) What is the level of competence of these students in translating Indonesian texts into English? Based on these questions, the objectives of the study were: (1) To identify the most common errors made by English Study Program students in translating Indonesian texts into English, and (2) To describe the students’ levels of competence in translating Indonesian texts into English. The subjects of this study were 20 students. A qualitative method was used for data collection, focusing on describing the errors made by the students. The students were given Indonesian texts to translate into English. The results of the study are as follows: (1) Types of grammatical errors in translating Indonesian texts into English, made by the students, included omission, addition, mis-ordering, and mis-formation. The most common grammatical error was omission, with 98 sentences exhibiting this issue. (2) The overall level of competence among the students was assessed as poor.

Assessing the impact of micro-credential training in higher education: A pilot study supporting BA dissertations

Introduction: Micro-credentials, endorsed by the European Union for enhancing lifelong learning and employability, offer targeted, flexible learning experiences. This pilot study investigates the impact of integrating micro-credential training into the BA dissertation process for English Studies students at the University of Extremadura. Methodology: The study involved a two-week, in-person micro-credential course, divided into modules on time management, research techniques, and writing skills, supplemented by pre- and post-training surveys to assess students’ needs and the training’s short-term and long-term impact. Seven fourth-year students participated in the study, providing feedback through surveys. Results: The training improved students’ preparedness, confidence, and motivation. Key areas of development included time management, research skills, and emotional resilience. Students reported sustained benefits, applying the skills and strategies learned throughout their dissertation process. Discussion: Findings highlight the training’s positive short-term and long-term impacts, including increased motivation and practical skill application. However, it identifies areas for improvement, such as more training in citation techniques and writing clarity. Conclusions: Micro-credential training effectively addresses gaps in traditional curricula, enhancing students’ readiness for their BA dissertations. Further research with larger cohorts and diverse disciplines is recommended to generalise the findings and refine the microlearning approach.

Facilitators and Barriers in Palliative and End-of-Life Care in Prisons.

With an aging prison population facing various chronic diseases, the importance of palliative and end-of-life care (EOLC) in correctional facilities is heightened. This systematic review aimed to identify facilitators and barriers to palliative and EOLC in prisons. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for primary qualitative studies (January 2014 to December 2022) in English. Eligible studies focused on people in prison, health care professionals, administrators, and governors regarding palliative or EOLC provision within prison settings. Five studies were included, from Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, whose overall quality was moderate to high. Key facilitators included access to family, support from prison staff, specialized care availability, and cultural/spiritual support. Barriers encompassed discomfort, patient-clinician relationship constraints, time limitations, protocol uncertainty, restricted patient agency, negative attitudes, inequality, conflicting priorities, and lack of grief support. Addressing these barriers and leveraging facilitators will be crucial in ensuring equitable access to compassionate EOLC for individuals experiencing incarceration. Policymakers, health care providers, and correctional authorities must prioritize the enhancement of palliative care services within prisons, supported by further research and targeted interventions to address disparities and optimize care provision.

Lynch syndrome diagnostic testing pathways in endometrial cancers: a nationwide English registry-based study

BackgroundFor female patients with Lynch syndrome (LS), endometrial cancer (EC) is often their first cancer diagnosis. A testing pathway of somatic tumour testing triage followed by germline mismatch repair (MMR)...

University Students ‘Attitudes toward the Use of Moroccan Arabic and/or Standard Arabic as a Language of Instruction in the Moroccan Educational System Mohammed Rezzaki

The language of instruction is a very debatable issue in Morocco. It is rooted in the Moroccan history since colonization period .It has been controversial during the arabization process which has promoted Standard Arabic (SA) as a language of instruction .In recent years, many voices have risen either to question this process in or to support it. Many attitudes have been raised owing to the historical and current factors that surround this issue. The majority of these attitudes are based on theoretical framework, which has become inadequate way of scientific study, especially in a topic like the langue of instruction. This paper tries to cast light on these attitudes and attempts to construct the grounds from empirical fieldwork trough the use of observation and a questionnaire. The informants are 80 university students of English studies and Islamic studies. The main findings lie in the gap between theoretical and empirical research, the necessity of SA use as a language of instruction in many fields, such as: Islamic studies, the possibility of using reduced Arabic in other domains.

Surgical correction of posttraumatic triphalangeal joint flexion contractures of the fingers (systematic literature review)

Introduction Triphalangeal joint flexion contracture of the fingers is a common and challeging posttraumatic hand condition. The goal of surgical treatment is to correct finger deformity and increase interphalangeal range of motion.The objective was to systematize data on the causes of post-traumatic triphalangeal joint flexion contracture of the fingers and methods of surgical correction.Material and methods The original literature search was conducted on key resources including Scientific Electronic Library (www.elibrary.ru), the National Library of Medicine (www.pubmed.org), ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Ovid databases according to PRISMA recommendations. Literature searches included both Russian and English studies, with one or more cases of post-traumatic triphalangeal joint flexion contracture of the fingers with the deformity surgically corrected. Cases of non-traumatic flexion contractures were excluded. Etiological factors of flexion contractures, heterogeneity of definitions and methods for recording the range of motion in the joint, anatomical features, surgical correction of flexion contractures and postoperative complications were reviewed.Results Common causes of flexion contractures included burns (32.3 %), dislocations and fracturedislocations of the finger joints (23.5 %). The median postoperative follow-up period was 13.5 months after surgical treatment. Surgical correction was produced with external fixation device (EFD) in 40 % of cases, open procedures performed in 50 % and a combined technique employed in one case (10 %). Based on calculations of the odds ratios of postoperative complications, a weak positive linear relationship was revealed between EFD and pain syndrome, and a weak negative linear relationship was observed between the open procedure and pain.Discussion There is heterogeneity of approaches regarding methods for correcting flexion contractures, surgical approaches, techniques for mobilizing joints and releasing the anatomical structures of the finger with open procedures, the distraction rate with EFD, methods for repair of soft tissue defects following the treatment of flexion contractures of interphalangeal joint of a finger.Conclusion Open procedures are commonly used for precise elimination of all components of flexion contracture of the joint and repair of soft tissue defects of the finger. A weak positive linear relationship was revealed between EF and pain syndrome. There was no significant correlation between open techniques and complications. There were no correlations between the treatment method and the contracture type; there are no treatment regimens for patients with this pathology.

Parental Perspectives on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: A systematic review.

This systematic review aims to synthesize existing research on parental knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review analyzed parental knowledge, attitudes, and barriers to HPV vaccination in 6 GCC countries. A comprehensive search across multiple electronic databases (Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and PubMed) was conducted, focusing on studies published between January 2010 and December 2023. Inclusion criteria targeted studies in English or Arabic involving parents in GCC countries, excluding non-research publications and those not using survey techniques. The review included 7 studies from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. No study was found in Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The findings highlighted low knowledge and awareness of HPV and the vaccine, with significant variation across studies. According to our review findings, the level of awareness in the 7 studies was found to be low to high. These studies collectively illustrate a range of awareness levels, from as low as 11% awareness of the HPV-cervical cancer link to as high as 68% general awareness of HPV. Attitudes towards vaccination were poor in Saudi Arabia but more positive in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Major barriers included safety concerns, lack of information, and cultural beliefs. Despite moderate awareness in some GCC countries, substantial knowledge gaps and vaccine hesitancy persist. Targeted educational campaigns, effective communication strategies, and involvement of community leaders are essential to improve HPV vaccination uptake.

An Online Application to Explain Community Immunity with Personalized Avatars: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To evaluate the effects of a web-based, personalized avatar intervention conveying the concept of community immunity (herd immunity) on risk perception (perceptions of the risk of infection spreading (to self, family, community, and vulnerable individuals)) and other cognitive and emotional responses across 4 vaccine-preventable disease contexts: measles, pertussis, influenza, and an unnamed "vaccine-preventable disease." Through a robust user-centered design process, we developed a web application, " herdimm ," showing how community immunity works. In our application, people personalize a virtual community by creating avatars (themselves, 2 vulnerable people in their community, and 6 other people around them; e.g., family members or co-workers.) Herdimm integrates these avatars in a 2-minute narrated animation showing visually how infections spread with and without the protection of community immunity. The present study was a 2×4 factorial randomized controlled trial to assess herdimm 's effects. We recruited 3883 adults via Qualtrics living in Canada who could complete an online study in English or French. We pre-registered our study, including depositing our questionnaire and pre-scripted statistical code on Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/hkysb/ ). The trial ran from March 1 to July 1, 2021. We compared the web application to no intervention (i.e. control) on primary outcome risk perception, divided into objective risk perception (accuracy of risk perception) and subjective risk perception (subjective sense of risk), and on secondary outcomes-emotions (worry, anticipated guilt), knowledge, and vaccination intentions-using analysis of variance for continuous outcomes and logistic regression for dichotomous outcomes. We conducted planned moderation analyses using participants' scores on a validated scale of individualism and collectivism as moderators. Overall, herdimm had desirable effects on all outcomes. People randomized to herdimm were more likely to score high on objective risk perception (58.0%, 95% confidence interval 56.0%-59.9%) compared to those assigned to the control condition (38.2%, 95% confidence interval 35.5%-40.9%). Herdimm increased subjective risk perception from a mean of 5.30 on a scale from 1 to 7 among those assigned to the control to 5.54 among those assigned to herdimm . The application also increased emotions (worry, anticipated guilt) (F(1,3875)=13.13, p<0.001), knowledge (F(1,3875)=36.37, p<0.001) and vaccination intentions (Chi-squared(1)=9.4136, p=0.002). While objective risk perception did not differ by disease (Chi-squared(3)=6.94, p=0.074), other outcomes did (subjective risk perception F(3,3875) = 5.6430, p<0.001; emotions F(3,3875)=78.54, p<0.001; knowledge (F(3,3875)=5.20, p=0.001); vaccination intentions Chi-squared (3)=15.02, p=0.002). Moderation models showed that many findings were moderated by participants' individualism and collectivism scores. Overall, whereas outcomes tended not to vary by individualism and collectivism among participants in the control condition, the positive effects of herdimm were larger among participants with more collectivist orientations and effects were sometimes negative among participants with more individualist orientations. Conveying the concept of community immunity through a web application using personalized avatars increases objective and subjective risk perception and positively influences intentions to receive vaccines, particularly among people who have more collectivist worldviews. Including prosocial messages about the collective benefits of vaccination in public health campaigns may increase positive effects among people who are more collectivist while possibly backfiring among those who are more individualistic.

Metformin as a Potential Prevention Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias.

Metformin is a safe and effective medication for type 2 diabetes (T2D) that has been proposed to decrease the risk of aging related disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Alzheimer's disease related disorders(ADRD). This review seeks to summarize findings from studies examining the association of metformin with AD/ADRD related outcomes. This is a narrative review of human studies, including observational studies and clinical trials, examining the association of metformin with cognitive and brain outcomes. We used PubMed as the main database for our literature search with a focus on English language human studies including observational studies and clinical trials. We prioritized studies published from 2013 until February 15, 2024. Observational human studies are conflicting, but those with better study designs suggest that metformin use in persons with T2D is associated with a lower risk of dementia. However, these observational studies are limited by the use of administrative data to ascertain metformin use and/or cognitive outcomes. There are few clinical trials in persons without T2D that have small sample sizes and short durations but suggest that metformin could prevent AD/ADRD. There are ongoing studies including large clinical trials with long duration that are testing the effect of metformin on AD/ADRD outcomes in persons without T2D at risk for dementia. Clinical trial results are needed to establish the effect of metformin on the risk of AD and ADRD.

A comparative study of developing L1 and L2 writers’ metalinguistic activity in collaborative writing tasks among young Basque immersion learners

ENGLISH ABSTRACT Studies analysing the metatalk generated in collaborative writing (CW) tasks have primarily targeted secondary or adult students who wrote either in L1 or L2, and have seldom examined the process of their writing in two languages. Furthermore, these analyses have mostly focused on accuracy discussions and have ignored discussions aimed at making stylistic decisions. This study compared the metalinguistic activity of 65 bilingual Spanish-Basque Primary school students (at the age of 10–11 years) writing in L1 (Spanish) and L2 (Basque). Students’ conversations in the two languages were scrutinised and later compared for Language-Related Episodes (LRE). Similarities were observed between the two languages regarding the number of LREs and their correct resolutions. However, differences arose regarding the focus of the LREs: more morphosyntactic LREs were produced in L2 Basque, whereas spelling LREs were the most common in L1 Spanish. Additionally, L2 Basque had more accuracy-driven LREs and L1 Spanish had more stylistic LREs. The results are discussed in terms of maturity and proficiency: more attention is paid to spelling at younger ages owing to the immature development of transcription rules, and more discussions are made on style as language proficiency increases.

The English Studies Interview with Alan Hollinghurst: In Conversation with Dominic Dean

ABSTRACT Alan Hollinghurst is the author of seven novels including The Swimming-Pool Library (1988), The Stranger’s Child (2011), The Sparsholt Affair (2017), and The Line of Beauty (2004), with the latter winning the 2004 Man Booker Prize. He is widely celebrated for his distinctive style, his tragicomical explorations of English life in the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, and his introduction of richly imagined and humanely observed gay themes to mainstream literary fiction. His latest novel is Our Evenings (2024). Alan Hollinghurst spoke with Dominic Dean about Our Evenings, its themes, inspirations and treatment of social and political history; the role of buildings and material objects in his fiction; his style and formal innovations and influences; and his relationships with TV adaptations and with the literary academy.

Effects of Mantram Repetition on Spiritual Well-Being: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Spiritual well-being is an essential component of whole-person care and is increasingly recognized in various clinical disciplines as positively affecting mental health. Mantram repetition (MR) is an intervention rooted in Eastern spiritual traditions that has been shown to have clinical benefits, including reduction of psychological distress, among individuals with chronic psychological conditions. The central aim of this meta-analysis was to examine the effects of MR on spiritual well-being. Methods: Fifteen databases were searched from their inception year to July 19, 2023. Two independent reviewers extracted and coded data from randomized or quasi-experimental studies with comparison groups, conducted to test MR, measured spiritual well-being, and reported their study in English. Coded data included study quality indicators which were used in moderator analyses. Results: After the initial and updated searches and removal of duplicates, we reviewed 2,072 articles; seven studies met inclusion criteria with a total sample size of 556 (MR = 272, comparison = 284). Overall, MR had a positive effect on spiritual well-being with a pooled effect size of 0.535 with Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman adjusted 95% confidence intervals of 0.18 and 0.89 (p = 011). Using moderator analyses, we examined the effect of the quality indicators and intervention characteristics on effect size; only session length was significant. Longer MR intervention sessions (i.e., 90 min) had greater effects than shorter sessions (i.e., 50-60 min). Conclusions: Across these seven studies, MR showed moderate to strong effects on spiritual well-being. Additional studies are needed to determine the reliability of these findings.