English Literature Research Articles

Disabling Pansclerotic Morphea: A century of discovery

Abstract Disabling pansclerotic morphea (DPM) is a rare systemic inflammatory disorder at the severe end of the localized scleroderma spectrum which primarily affects children under 14 years of age. The disease is characterized by rapid sclerosis with circumferential involvement that frequently extends to the fascia, muscle, and bone. Disease progression often involves development of sclerotic plaques, chronic skin ulcers, and painful joint contractures leading to patient immobility with a high mortality rate. Internal organ fibrosis is typically absent. The aggressive and systemic nature of the disease leads patients to seek multidisciplinary care where current therapies are targeted towards immunomodulation and measures to preserve mobility while limiting infection, but often have limited efficacy. Here, we summarize all DPM patients in the English literature, common clinical symptoms, laboratory investigations, and treatments reported to date. Assessment of published cases suggest that the number of therapies does not influence disease outcome and that female patients were younger at the time of reported death. Clinician familiarity and awareness of common DPM symptoms are important for an accurate and early diagnosis. Furthermore, knowledge of the treatments that have been reported to be effective in mitigating disease progression may be helpful in expanding the treatment options available to patients.

The Analysis Study of Nutritional Management of Patient with Obesity: A Clinical Nutrition Systematic Review

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial condition influenced by a combination of genetic, behavioral, socioeconomic, and environmental factors. The first-line approach for managing obesity typically involves dietary interventions. This systematic review aim to evaluate the current evidence on various nutritional management for obesity based on the literatures of the last 10 years. Methods: The study adhered to PRISMA 2020 standards, examining English literature from 2014 to 2024. It excluded editorials, reviews from the same journal, and submissions without a DOI. PubMed, SagePub, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar were utilized as literature sources. Result: Initially retrieving 360 articles from online databases (PubMed, SagePub, SpringerLink and Google Scholar) eight relevant papers were selected after three rounds of screening for full-text analysis. Conclusion: Different nutritional strategies offer distinct benefits for managing obesity, with Mediterranean, anti-inflammatory, and low-carbohydrate diets showing promise. The key lies in promoting adherence and maintaining weight loss through tailored, sustainable interventions.

A Study of Common Rhetorical Devices in English Language and Literature

This paper discusses the classification of various rhetorical devices in English language and literature, including semantics, structure and phonetic rhetoric. This paper expounds the value of rhetoric in enhancing the expressive force of works and deepening the theme, and embodies its importance in understanding English literature, feeling the charm of literature and adapting to the creative environment.

Distant-Reading Communities: Monolingualisation in Fin-de-Siècle European Literary Historiography

Abstract A return to earlier forms of distant reading multilingual corpora allows us to reflect on the monolingual authorial position that manages and mediates the language diversity and linguistic specificity (literariness) of multilingual corpora with the objective of fostering supranational (imagined) communities of readers (Anderson, 1983). Revisiting the distant-reading practices of fin-de-siècle Britain can help us identify historiographical focal points and priorities, provide an understanding of the scope and circumference of the corpus, and reveal the conceptions of gain and loss perceived as integral to distant reading. The tension between enrichment and dispossession inherent in the practice of literary historiography is acute when it comes to multilingual corpora, compiled to facilitate a crossing and re-weaving of the boundaries of language, understanding, and community. In the 12-volume series Periods of European Literature, edited and, in part, written by the journalist, literary historian, and Chair of Rhetoric and English Literature at Edinburgh University, George Saintsbury (1845–1933), Anglophone comparatists represent the multilingual corpora of exemplar works, gauging the necessity for, or dispensability of, translation, and managing the “great unread”, which, in this case, equates the “great unreadable”. In their desire to build imagined communities of readers of European literature, Saintsbury and his contributors tend to operate in a monolingual supralinguistic sphere in which languages, authors, and works are named, passages are occasionally quoted, but in which no reading of literature, neither on the side of the comparatist, nor of the reader, takes place. Literary language is thus only tangentially part of literary historiography.

English Reading and Writing Abilities Among Chinese University Students

In this study, a mixed research methodology will be used to assess the relationship between Chinese university students English reading and writing ability. The total number of participants in the study was 2900 from the three selected universities with a sample size of 340 based on the Raosoft calculator. These three universities are representative of the three regions of China and are all high performing schools, and the results of the study can be used as a framework to augment the need for improvement in some of the other schools in China. Results showed that most of the respondents are female sophomores majoring in Education.Most respondents believe that The impact of reading methods on learning outcomes and student interests and Innovation in understanding articles while reading are very important in terms of English reading ability in Innovation in understanding articles while reading. Most respondents believe that in terms of writing ability, The Behavior of Participating in English Writing has the greatest impact. When grouped by Sex, there are significant differences content. There is a significant relationship between English reading and writing ability. A proposed program to enhance Chinese university students English reading and writing abilities.

Cognitive decline in Cushing's syndrome: A systematic review.

The neurocognitive and psychiatric effects of Cushing's syndrome (CS) are well recognized and negatively impact quality of life. The aim of this systematic review is to compare neurocognitive disease, psychiatric symptoms, and structural brain changes in patients with Cushing's disease (CD)/CS and those with non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA), both before and after surgical treatment, and in comparison to healthy controls. Possible predictors of persistent neurocognitive symptoms and reduced quality of life in patients with CS are highlighted. We reviewed the English literature published in Medline/Pubmed until 2021 to identify eligible studies. This systematic review was registered on Prospero and reported following the PRISMA statement guidelines. The initial literature search yielded 1772 articles, of which 1096 articles remained after removing duplicates. After excluding case reports, animal studies, narrative reviews, comparative reviews, and articles not in English, 86 papers underwent full-text review. Studies eligible for inclusion met the following criteria: (1) described patients with CD/CS, (2) reports of psychiatric symptoms, (3) written in English or with available English translation, and (4) published in a peer-reviewed journal. The full-text review process identified 40 eligible studies. The 40 studies included a total of 2603 participants with CD or CS, with 45.2% of the total participants having CD. The majority of studies were case-control studies and used validated questionnaires such as the Beck's Depression Index, Trail Making Test, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Cushing Quality of Life for screening. Compared to NFPA controls, patients with CD who had greater baseline serum cortisol levels had worse cognitive function, even after surgical remission. This suggests a possible association between greater baseline cortisol levels in patients with CS and persistent cognitive impairment. A longer duration of uncontrolled CS was associated with worse cognitive function; however, there was no association found between the length of remission and memory. Overall brain volume was increased in patients in remission from CD compared to active disease. However, temporal and frontal lobe volumes did not recover to normal volumes. Patients with CS experience neurocognitive dysfunction, psychiatric disorders, and diminished quality of life, and symptoms may persist after curative surgery. We found several factors consistently associated with persistent cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with CS including higher pre-operatively baseline cortisol production, longer duration of disease, frontal and temporal lobe atrophy, and the presence of cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms at baseline. Larger prospective studies are required to validate these findings.

Cross-Cultural Views on Contemporary Philippine Literature in English

This study explores cross-cultural views on contemporary Philippine literature in English, focusing on how foreign critics engage with and interpret Filipino literary works written in the postcolonial language of English. While Philippine literature in English has gained traction globally, varying interpretations among foreign critics reveal a unique reception shaped by differing cultural frameworks. However, a gap exists in fully understanding how these cross-cultural perspectives influence both the global visibility of Philippine literature and its local authenticity. This study aims to investigate this gap by analyzing the critical reception of contemporary works, where colonial and postcolonial identities are often discussed but less often reconciled. The research employs a qualitative content analysis method, drawing on secondary data from literary reviews, journal articles, and critiques from publications. The analysis reveals that while foreign critics often appreciate the political engagement and thematic depth of Philippine literature in English, they may overlook its cultural specificity, leading to a somewhat generalized perception. The study concludes that greater cultural sensitivity in criticism could enrich global understanding and appreciation of Philippine literature. It also recommends more collaboration between Filipino scholars and foreign critics to address these cross-cultural disconnects. The findings underscore the importance of critical discourse in enhancing the global literary standing of Philippine contemporary works.

A rare case report of penile schwannoma

Penile neoplasms are rare, and diagnosis of these are challenging. There have been only 27 cases of penile schwannomas (PSs) documented in English medical literature. We report a case of PS. A 36-year-old male patient presented with a penile tumor that had grown steadily over the past year without causing the patient any pain or affecting his sexual aptitude and performance. The dermatological examination and ultrasonographic evaluation yielded inconclusive results. The diagnosis of PS was confirmed through histopathological and immunohistochemical investigation.

EFL Students' Perceptions on the Integration of AI in Fostering Critical Thinking Skills

A developing discussion over the effects of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on students' critical thinking skills has emerged with their introduction into the classroom. Even if AI can provide several advantages, some worries depending too much on these technologies could impede the growth of critical thinking abilities. This research aims to analyze how students perceive the influence of AI on their critical thinking abilities. This research is descriptive qualitative research that involves collecting data from direct interviews. The respondents are 15 (fifteen) students from the English Literature study program, Letter Faculty, Sawerigading University Makassar. The research found that students perceive the following impact of AI use on their critical thinking abilities: 1) Hindering the development of critical thinking skills. 2) Assisting in the retrieval of information, data analysis, and the resolution of everyday issues. 3) Causing dependence on technology. 4) Helping to evaluate the information quickly; 5) Exploring alternative ideas; and 6) Improving reasoning ability. Overall, we need to balance the use of AI while prioritizing students' critical thinking. It is important to encourage students to use AI responsibly and judiciously, while also emphasizing the importance of critically evaluating the information provided by AI systems.

Project Based Learning to Improve the Learning of English Writing Skill Among Students of XI TKJ 1 Class at SMK Politeknik YP3i Banyumas (A Classroom Action Research at XI Graders of SMK Politeknik YP3i Banyumas in Academic Year 2024/2025)

This research was aimed to enhance the learning of students’ Narrative genre writing skill at SMK Politeknik YP3i Banyumas by using Canva as a technology through Project Based Learning (PJBL) as the instructional media and approach. This research was a classroom action research carried out in two cycles and each cycle had three meetings with the steps of the research consisting of planning, action, observation and reflection. The subjects were 36 students of XI TKJ 1. The data were collected by observing the instructional process, conducting a pre-test and a post-test, conducting an interview, and taking photographs. The instruments for collecting the data were observation checklists, answer sheet, and interview guides. The data were analyzed qualitatively. The observation checklists and interview transcripts were analyzed qualitatively through data collection, data reduction data display, and drawing conclusion. The validity of the research was through process validity, democratic validity, dialogic validity, catalytic validity and outcome validity. The result showed that Project Based Learning (PJBL) effectively enhanced the students’ learning of English writing skill about Narrative genre writing. The use of canva as a technology was through PJBL showing the improvement that the students were accustomed to having writing practice with the process of writing within. It made quite much improvement on the students’ writing learning process in terms of participation, involvement, and achievement. Students should learn individually and in group and produce the real product from their learning and they study involving technology. Based on the enhancement result, the researcher suggested that the teacher could implement canva as a technology through PJBL simultaneously as an effort to enhance students’ Narrative genre writing skill.

Effectiveness of Computer-Based Psychoeducational Self-Help Platforms for Eating Disorders (With or Without an Associated App): Protocol for a Systematic Review.

Access to psychological health care is extremely difficult, especially for individuals with severely stigmatized disorders such as eating disorders (EDs). There has been an increase in children, adolescents, and adults with ED symptoms and ED, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Computer-based self-help platforms (± associated apps) allow people to bridge the treatment gap and receive support when in-person treatment is unavailable or not preferred. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of computer-based self-help platforms for EDs, some of which may have associated apps. The proposed systematic review will follow the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. This review will report and evaluate the literature concerning the efficacy of self-help platforms for EDs. Articles were obtained from the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, and APA PsycInfo. The inclusion criteria included research with original data and gray literature; research evaluating the efficacy of web-based psychoeducational self-help platforms for EDs; people with an ED diagnosis, ED symptoms, at risk of developing EDs, or from the general population without ED-related behaviors; pre- and post-computer-based ± associated apps intervention clinical outcome of ED symptoms; pre- and post-computer-based ± associated apps intervention associated mental health difficulties; and literature in English. The exclusion criteria were solely guided self-help platforms, only in-person interventions with no computer-based ± associated apps comparison group, only in-person-delivered CBT, self-help platforms for conditions other than eating disorders, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, posters, leaflets, books, reviews, and research that only reported physical outcomes. Two independent authors used the search terms to conduct the initial search. The collated articles then were screened by their titles and abstracts, and finally, full-text screenings were conducted. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool will be used to assess the risks of bias in the included studies. Data extraction will be conducted, included studies will undergo narrative synthesis, and results will be presented in tables. The systematic review will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal. The authors conducted a database search for articles published by May 31, 2024. In total, 14 studies were included in the systematic review. Data charting, synthesis, and analysis were completed in Microsoft Excel by the end of July 2024. Results will be grouped based on the intervention stages. The results are expected to be published by the end of 2024. Overall, the systematic review found that computer-based self-help platforms are effective in reducing global ED psychopathology and ED-related behaviors. Self-help platforms are helpful first-stage resource in a tiered health care system. PROSPERO CRD42024520866; https://tinyurl.com/5ys2unsw. DERR1-10.2196/60165.

Integration of Technological Tools in English Literature Pedagogy: Enhancing the Teaching-Learning Experience

Digital technology has transformed English Language anad Literature pedagogy. The use of digital technology in English Literature pedagogy represents a significant advancement in Literature and Language learning, significantly enhancing both teaching and learning processes. Technology helps students learn more effectively, which helps educators improve their instruction. The method keeps developing to help teachers acquire a language more quickly for their students. Teachers choose software-based instructional systems that enhance students' positive interactions with their instructors and promote the acquisition of the English language in its entirety. This research aims to explore the integration of digital technological tools in English Literature and Language teaching and it endorses various methods to encourage the best possible instruction. It also investigates a variety of facets of teaching and technological resources that gives educators access to cutting-edge tools for effective and high-quality instruction. For this study, an explanatory qualitative methodod is opted (Creswell & Poth, 2018). For the survey of the literature, a linguistic and traditional description of the technology, and a thorough analysis of its relevance to currently used teaching techniques have all been conducted. The findings address key challenges by emphasizing the potential of digital and contemporary tools to enhance language education. The study advocates for the use of digital technological tools tools to improve Enlish language learning.

Using Grammarly in Enhancing Students’ Grammatical Accuracy in English Writing: A Case at a Private College in Hanoi

Writing is regarded as a hard-to-deal skill in English, and achieving grammatical accuracy in writing is considered challenging for most English learners. As technologies advance, Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) tools have increasingly been implemented in English language education to enhance learning outcomes. As an AWE assistant, Grammarly has been found beneficial in improving English learners' writing skills. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using Grammarly in enhancing learners’ grammatical accuracy in writing. The study utilized a case study design with qualitative and quantitative data collected from thirty-two second-year college students. Learners’ writing assignments were analyzed using surface structure taxonomy followed by a survey questionnaire to get quantitative data for the research. Qualitative data was provided through a focus-group interview. The findings revealed a reduction in learners’ grammatical errors after Grammarly intervention and their positive attitude toward using Grammarly to improve their English writing. Afterward, there were several recommendations for teachers to foster their students’ English writing skills.

Erythema Infectiosum: A Narrative Review.

Erythema infectiosum occurs worldwide. School-aged children are most often affected. Since the diagnosis is mainly clinical, physicians should be well-versed in the clinical manifestations of erythema infectiosum to avoid misdiagnosis, unnecessary investigations, and mismanagement of the disease. The purpose of this article is to familiarize physicians with the wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and complications of erythema infectiosum associated with parvovirus B19 infection. A search was conducted in July 2022 in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key terms "Erythema infectiosum" OR "Fifth disease" OR "Slapped cheek disease" OR "Parvovirus B19". The search strategy included all clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 10 years. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. The information retrieved from the above search was used in the compilation of the present article. Erythema infectiosum is a common exanthematous illness of childhood caused by parvovirus B19. Parvovirus B19 spreads mainly by respiratory tract secretions and, to a lesser extent, the saliva of infected individuals. Children between 4 and 10 years of age are most often affected. The incubation period is usually 4 to 14 days. Prodromal symptoms are usually mild and consist of lowgrade fever, headache, malaise, and myalgia. The rash typically evolves in 3 stages. The initial stage is an erythematous rash on the cheeks, with a characteristic "slapped cheek" appearance. In the second stage, the rash spreads concurrently or quickly to the trunk, extremities, and buttocks as diffuse macular erythema. The rash tends to be more intense on extensor surfaces. The palms and soles are typically spared. Central clearing of the rash results in a characteristic lacy or reticulated appearance. The rash usually resolves spontaneously within three weeks without sequelae. The third stage is characterized by evanescence and recrudescence. In adults, the rash is less pronounced than that in children and is often atypical. Only approximately 20% of affected adults have an erythematous rash on the face. In adults, the rash is more frequently found on the legs, followed by the trunk, and arms. A reticulated or lacy erythema is noted in 80% of cases which helps to distinguish erythema infectiosum from other exanthems. Pruritus is noted in approximately 50% of cases. The diagnosis is mainly clinical. The many manifestations of parvovirus B19 infection can pose a diagnostic challenge even to the best diagnostician. Complications include arthritis, arthralgia, and transient aplastic crisis. In most cases, treatment is symptomatic and supportive. When parvovirus B19 infection occurs in pregnant women, hydrops fetalis becomes a real concern. Erythema infectiosum, the most common clinical manifestation of parvovirus B19 infection, is characterized by a "slapped cheek" appearance on the face and lacy exanthem on the trunk and extremities. Parvovirus B19 infection is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Physicians should be aware of potential complications and conditions associated with parvovirus B19 infection, especially in individuals who are immunocompromised, chronically anemic, or pregnant.

Primitive Myxoid Mesenchymal Tumor of Infancy: A Lost Battle

ABSTRACT Primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumor of infancy (PMMTI) is a low to intermediate-grade, poorly differentiated myofibroblastic tumor and is characterized by its tendency to recur locally. It commonly occurs in the 1st year of life and is predominantly seen in the axial skeleton and rarely in the retroperitoneum. We report one such case of PMMTI, which is the second case reported in English literature.

Premature Thelarche: An Updated Review.

Premature thelarche is the most common pubertal disorder in girls. The condition should be differentiated from central precocious puberty which may result in early epiphyseal fusion and reduced adult height, necessitating treatment. The purpose of this article is to familiarize physicians with the clinical manifestations of premature thelarche and laboratory tests that may help distinguish premature thelarche from central precocious puberty. A search was conducted in September 2022 in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key term "Premature thelarche". The search strategy included all clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 10 years. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. The information retrieved from the above search was used to compile the present article. Premature thelarche denotes isolated breast development before the age of 8 years in girls who do not manifest other signs of pubertal development. The condition is especially prevalent during the first two years of life. The majority of cases of premature thelarche are idiopathic. The condition may result from an unsuppressed hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in the early years of life, an "overactivation" of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in early childhood secondary to altered sensitivity to steroids of the hypothalamic receptors controlling sexual maturation, increased circulating free estradiol, increased sensitivity of breast tissue to estrogens, and exposure to exogenous estrogens. The cardinal feature of premature thelarche is breast development which occurs without additional signs of pubertal development in girls under 8 years of age. The enlargement may involve only one breast, both breasts asymmetrically, or both breasts symmetrically. The breast size may fluctuate cyclically. The enlarged breast tissue may be transiently tender. There should be no significant changes in the nipples or areolae and no pubic or axillary hair. The vulva, labia majora, labia minora, and vagina remain prepubertal. Affected girls have a childlike body habitus and do not have mature contours. They are of average height and weight. Growth and osseous maturation, the onset of puberty and menarche, and the pattern of adolescent sexual development remain normal. Most cases of premature thelarche can be diagnosed on clinical grounds. Laboratory tests are seldom indicated. No single test can reliably differentiate premature thelarche from precocious puberty. Premature thelarche is benign, and no therapy is necessary apart from parental reassurance. As enlargement of breasts may be the first sign of central precocious puberty, a prolonged follow- up period every 3 to 6 months with close monitoring of other pubertal events and linear growth is indicated in all instances.

Representation of Palestine and Kashmir Conflict in English Literature: A Study of Selected Works

Representation of Palestine and Kashmir Conflict in English Literature: A Study of Selected Works

Understanding Chinese University EFL Learners' Perceptions of AI in English Writing

Understanding Chinese University EFL Learners' Perceptions of AI in English Writing

Decadent Ecology in British Literature and Art, 1860–1910, by Dennis Denisoff

<i>Decadent Ecology in British Literature and Art, 1860–1910</i>, by Dennis Denisoff

“These gipsy humanities”: G. P. R. James and the Fictionalization of Gypsies in the 1830s

Abstract Studies of the representations of Gypsies in nineteenth-century English literature generally skirt the 1820s and 1830s, even though arguments have been made that there was a significant shift in the image of the Gypsy at this time, from a romantically unknowable figure to a familiar part of the British landscape and, increasingly, an alter ego for the writer. This article fills the gap and tests the argument by examining Edward Bulwer-Lytton’s The Disowned (1828) and, at greater length, G. P. R. James’s The Gipsy (1835). Both writers use the plot devices available to them as romance novelists to create characters who mediate between Gypsies and non-Gypsies and function as spokesmen for Gypsy ways. It is these characters who idealize Gypsy life, yet their idealizations are ironized and psychologized in such a way that the objectivity of their views is in doubt. As characters, they powerfully anticipate the Victorian notion of the “Romany rye”—the non-Gypsy who lives with Gypsies for extended periods, adopting their lifestyle. Yet before that particular literary construction emerged, Bulwer-Lytton and James were putting pressure on the assumptions behind it, questioning the idea that Gypsy culture was open to meaningful appropriation and highlighting the near impossibility of truly mediating Gypsy experience to non-Gypsy readers.