The Interaction Effect of Pronunciation and Lexicogrammar on Comprehensibility: A Case of Mandarin-Accented English.

Scholars have argued that comprehensibility (i.e., ease of understanding), not nativelike performance, should be prioritized in second language learning, which inspired numerous studies to explore factors affecting comprehensibility. However, most of these studies did not consider potential interaction effects of these factors, resulting in a limited understanding of comprehensibility and less precise implications. This study investigates how pronunciation and lexicogrammar influences the comprehensibility of Mandarin-accented English. A total of 687 listeners were randomly allocated into six groups and rated (a) one baseline and (b) one of six experimental recordings for comprehensibility on a 9-point scale. The baseline recording, a 60 s spontaneous speech by an L1 English speaker with an American accent, was the same across groups. The six 75-s experimental recordings were the same in content but differed in (a) speakers' degree of foreign accent (American, moderate Mandarin, and heavy Mandarin) and (b) lexicogrammar (with errors vs. without errors). The study found that pronunciation and lexicogrammar interacted to influence comprehensibility. That is, whether pronunciation affected comprehensibility depended on speakers' lexicogrammar, and vice versa. The results have implications for theory-building to refine comprehensibility, as well as for pedagogy and testing priorities.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography for Identification of Elbow Fractures in Children; a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction: In spite of the results of previous studies regarding the benefits of ultrasonography for diagnosis of elbow fractures in children, the exact accuracy of this imaging modality is still under debate. Therefore, in this diagnostic systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the accuracy of ultrasonography in this regard. Methods: Two independent reviewers performed systematic search in Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus for studies published from inception of these databases to May 2023. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2). Meta-Disc software version 1.4 and Stata statistical software package version 17.0 were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 648 studies with 1000 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.95 (95% CI: 0.93-0.97) and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.84-0.90), respectively. Pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR) was 6.71 (95% CI: 3.86-11.67), negative likelihood ratio (NLR) was 0.09 (95% CI: 0.03-0.22), and pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) of ultrasonography in detection of elbow fracture in children was 89.85 (95% CI: 31.56-255.8). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for accuracy of ultrasonography in this regard was 0.93. Egger's and Begg's analyses showed that there is no significant publication bias (P=0.11 and P=0.29, respectively). Conclusion: Our meta-analysis revealed that ultrasonography is a relatively promising diagnostic imaging modality for identification of elbow fractures in children. However, clinicians employing ultrasonography for diagnosis of elbow fractures should be aware that studies included in this meta-analysis had limitations regarding methodological quality and are subject to risk of bias. Future high-quality studies with standardization of ultrasonography examination protocol are required to thoroughly validate ultrasonography for elbow fractures.

Point-Of-Care Ultrasonography for Identification of Skin and Soft Tissue Abscess in Adult and Pediatric Patients; a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Differentiating the soft tissue abscess from other types of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) poses a particular challenge because they have similar physical evaluation findings, but each disease has a different course, outcome, and treatment. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasonography for diagnosis of soft tissue abscess in the emergency departments. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar, from inception to January 2023, was conducted to identify relevant studies investigating the diagnostic performance of point-of-care ultrasonography for identification of abscess. Methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using a revised tool for the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2). Results: The pooled estimates of diagnostic parameters of ultrasonography for diagnosis of abscess were as follows: sensitivity, 0.93 (95% CI: 0.92-0.94); specificity, 0.87 (95% CI: 0.85-0.89), and the area under the summary receiver-operating characteristic (SROC), 0.95. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the SROC of studies in adult patients were 0.98 (95% CI: 0.92-1), 0.92 (95% CI: 0.86-0.95), and 0.99, respectively. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the SROC of studies in pediatric patients were 0.9 (95% CI: 0.87-0.92), 0.78 (95% CI: 0.73-0.82), and 0.91, respectively. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that the point-of-care ultrasonography has excellent diagnostic value for the abscess in the emergency department. Furthermore, we found that the diagnostic performance of point-of-care ultrasonography for diagnosis of abscess was higher for adult cases than for pediatric patients.

Serum total carbohydrates, conjugated carbohydrates and total protein glycation index in diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is defined according to fasting blood glucose and clinical signs. But, the markers of glycation have been used recently as a criterion to diagnose and monitor the therapy. OBJECTIVES: To measure serum total- and conjugated- saccharides and to define the new marker as serum total protein glycation index (sTPGI ) for diabetes. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 172 subjects who were divided to control and diabetic cases. Serum total and conjugated saccharides were measured and sTPGI was defined to discriminate serum glycosylated and glycated saccharides. RESULTS: Patients with diabetes compared with the controls had increased levels of serum (free) glucose, HbA1c, serum total carbohydrates, total conjugated carbohydrates and sTPGI. All three indices of serum carbohydrates showed significant positive correlation with serum glucose, HbA1c and diabetes. The equations: sTPGI = 0.12 Glucose (mg/dL) + 12 and sTPGI = 3.5HbA1c (%) + 5, were deduced for the association of sTPGI with serum free glucose and HbA1c. In ROC analysis, both HbA1c (AUC = 0.965, p ≤ 0.001) and sTPGI (AUC = 0.734, p ≤ 0.001) had strong and significant efficiency to discriminate diabetic cases from control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that sTPGI obtained by indirect assay has high significant efficiency comparable to HbA1c to diagnose diabetes. sTPGI relative to HbA1c indicates the mean level of glycaemia over a shorter period of about one month so it responds more quickly to changes in therapy.

Regenerative Endodontic Management of an Immature Necrotic Premolar Using Advanced Platelet-Rich Fibrin.

Regenerative endodontic management is a feasible treatment for immature teeth with periapical radiolucency and necrotic pulp that simplifies continued root creation. Among the most prevalent health problems in an immature root is dental pulp necrosis, which is caused by caries, improper endodontic treatments, and trauma. Necrosis of the dental pulp can affect long-term tooth survival and preservation and serve as a source of bacteria infecting the periapical tissue and the maxillofacial space. Here, we report on the application of advanced platelet-rich fibrin plus (A-PRF+) therapy, as a regenerative endodontic treatment (RET), in a 12-year-old with necrotic pulp and asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Over a 24-month follow-up post-treatment, we observed resolving of symptoms and a complete root formation with considerable periapical healing.

Investigating the reasons for students' attendance in and absenteeism from lecture classes and educational planning to improve the situation.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the reasons for the students' attendance in and absenteeism from lecture classes from the perspective of professors, students, and educational planning to change the unsatisfactory status quo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a narrow needs assessment survey which was performed on students (n = 70) of the Faculty of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, in four stages. In the first stage, the opinions of professors and students about the reasons for absenteeism from the lecture classes were collected. In the second stage, the results of the first stage were discussed by an expert panel to find solutions for the problem. The results of the survey were tabulated, summarized, and discussed. In the third stage, online classes were held as one of the solutions and evaluated in the fourth stage. RESULTS: The results showed that various factors, such as professor empowerment, evaluation system, audiovisual equipment of the classes, educational curriculum, and class schedules, are associated with the students' attendance in the classes. Along with these factors, one of the most important reasons for students' absenteeism from classes in recent years might be the generational differences of students. The evaluation of online classes showed that the ratio of the number of students who actively participated in the online classes to the number of students participating in the online classes varied from 30% to 64% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In addition to improving the factors associating students' attendance in classes, online education is a proper solution for reducing absenteeism in lecture classes and increasing students' active participation from the perspective of professors and students.

Management of an Extrusive Luxation Concomitant with Subluxation: A Case Report with Ten-Year Follow-Up.

Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are a public health concern with high prevalence and incidence rates. Proper intervention can significantly reduce the subsequent complications of these events. This case report describes the clinical interventions to manage a patient with traumatized maxillary incisor with severe extrusive luxation. The procedure was aimed at preserving pulp vitality and providing periodontal maintenance to the highest possible degree. Owing to timely and accurate treatments, ten years of success have been achieved in this patient, as discussed in this case report.

Evaluation of the Clinical, Child, and Parental Satisfaction with Zirconia Crowns in Maxillary Primary Incisors: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing demand for aesthetics in children and their parents, the treatment of decayed primary anterior teeth is one of the biggest challenges in pediatric dentistry. Zirconia crowns have provided a treatment alternative to address the aesthetic concerns and ease of placement of extracoronal restorations on primary anterior teeth. METHODS: The electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Embase were searched on articles published between January 2010 and January 2021. Studies relating to evaluating the clinical success and satisfaction of both parents and children about zirconia crowns in maxillary primary incisors were reviewed. RESULTS: Nine studies met the criteria for final inclusion. Findings from these studies showed that parental and child satisfaction with zirconia crowns is high with clinically acceptable restorations in the maxillary primary incisors. CONCLUSION: Parental and child satisfaction with zirconia crowns is high with clinically acceptable restorations in the maxillary primary incisors. In addition, larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are required in future studies.

Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Effects of Xanthorrhizol in the Prevention of Dental Caries: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Xanthorrhizol is one of the numerous phytochemicals whose pharmacological benefits have been explored for its antibacterial and antimicrobial effects. In light of the role bacteria play for initiating tooth decay, this present systematic review assessed xanthorrhizol's effect against dental caries. METHODS: The electronic databases including Pubmed, Scopus and Embase were searched up to September 2020, Studies examining the antibacterial and antimicrobial effects of xanthorrhizol in the prevention and treatment of dental caries. RESULTS: Eleven studies met the criteria for final inclusion. Findings from these studies showed that xanthorrhizol showed significant inhibition of notable caries causing bacteria including Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis, Enterococcus faecalis and Bacillus cereus. Furthermore, there was no reported toxicity. However, it could not selectively target the growth of cariogenic bacteria. CONCLUSION: So far, studies exploring the use of xanthorrhizol as a potential drug for the prevention and treatment of dental caries have shown promising outcomes. However, more work needs to be done especially in areas such as optimal dose or concentration, in addition, in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies and selective targeting of cariogenic bacteria has been performed.

Multiple Non-Species-Specific Pathogens Possibly Triggered the Mass Mortality in Pinna nobilis.

The fan mussel, Pinna nobilis, represents the largest bivalve endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. Since 2016, dramatic mass mortality of this species has been observed in several areas. The first surveys suggested that Haplosporidium pinnae (currently considered species-specific) was the main etiological agent, but recent studies have indicated that a multifactorial disease may be responsible for this phenomenon. In this study, we performed molecular diagnostic analyses on P. nobilis, P. rudis, and bivalve heterologous host species from the island of Sardinia to shed further light on the pathogens involved in the mass mortality. The results support the occurrence of a multifactorial disease and that Mycobacterium spp. and H. pinnae are not necessarily associated with the illness. Indeed, our analyses revealed that H. pinnae is not species-specific for P. nobilis, as it was present in other bivalves at least three years before the mass mortality began, and species of Mycobacterium were also found in healthy individuals of P. nobilis and P. rudis. We also detected the species Rhodococcus erythropolis, representing the first report in fan mussels of a bacterium other than Mycobacterium spp. and Vibrio spp. These results depict a complicated scenario, further demonstrating how the P. nobilis mass mortality event is far from being fully understood.

A novel method for rapid estimation of lactic acid bacterial concentration in fermented milk based on superhydrophobic surface wettability.

A novel and facile method is developed for rapid estimation of lactic acid bacterial concentration in fermented milk. Growth of bacteria in a liquid changes physicochemical property of the medium and its behavior at solid-liquid interface. Wettability determines characteristic of solid-liquid interface. Nano-rod, helical tetragonal and L-shaped morphologies were designed and fabricated. Hydrophobicity and zeta potential were measured for dried surfaces of 5 dairy bacterial strains. Relationship between microbial population and changes in solid-liquid interface was studied by wettability and surface free energy measurements. Due to hydrophobic surface property of conventional dairy strains, they strongly affect solid-liquid and liquid-vapor surface tensions when dispersed in a liquid, which are dependent on the bacterial concentration. Response surface methodology results showed that type and concentration of bacteria, droplet volume and solid-surface morphology affect wettability significantly. Higher hydrophobicity resulted in higher ∆θ (absolute value of the difference between the pure physiological saline and the bacterial suspension contact angles) dependence on the bacterial concentration. Probiotic bacteria concentration in fermented milk was estimated using the proposed method. A direct relationship was obtained between milk contact angle and bacterial concentration. Results show that this physical method can be applied for rapid estimation of bacterial concentration.

Inflammation, Infectious Triggers, and Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta with a reduction of dopamine concentration in the striatum. The complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors seems to play a role in determining susceptibility to PD and may explain the heterogeneity observed in clinical presentations. The exact etiology is not yet clear, but different possible causes have been identified. Inflammation has been increasingly studied as part of the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases, corroborating the hypothesis that the immune system may be the nexus between environmental and genetic factors, and the abnormal immune function can lead to disease. In this review we report the different aspects of inflammation and immune system in Parkinson's disease, with particular interest in the possible role played by immune dysfunctions in PD, with focus on autoimmunity and processes involving infectious agents as a trigger and alpha-synuclein protein (α-syn).

Effects of systemic administration of HESA-A on the expression of cyclin D1 and EGFR and E-cadherin in the induced tongue dysplasia in rats.

Background. HESA-A has herbal and marine bases, containing minerals and rare elements such as Zr, Cr, Ga, Mn, Mg, Ca, Sr, Cu, Ti, etc. Its mechanism of action includes antioxidant, antiinflammatory and adjustment of the immune system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of HESA-A systemic drug on expression of cyclin D1, EGFR and E-cadherin in induced tongue dysplasia in rats. Methods. In this experimental study, the effects of the systemic drug HESA-A on the expression of cyclin D1, EGFR, and E-cadherin molecular markers were examined in induced tongue dysplasia in rats. Results. The incidence rate of cyclin D1 in groups receiving HESA-A was lower than the group that did not receive the drug (77.78% in the 0‒5% range versus 77.78% in the 5‒50% range). In the case of expression of E-cadherin in group D, which did not receive HESA-A, a decrease was observed in the expression of this cell adhesion marker as compared to the other two groups. The incidence of E-cadherin was dependent on HESA-A dose, while with 500 mg/kg it was higher than other groups (>75% in 55.55% versus >75% in 11.11%). Concerning the incidence of EGFR in all the three groups most cases were grade 0. Conclusion. The results of the present research indicated that considering changes in the expression of cyclin D1 and E-cadherin markers in groups treated with HESA-A, HESA-A® has preventive effects on development of cancer in dysplastic lesions through regulation of expression of these molecules.

Induction of Apoptosis and Cytotoxic Activities of Iranian Orthodox Black Tea Extract (BTE) Using in vitro Models.

PURPOSE: Plant-derivate therapeutic agents can perform cancer chemotherapeutic activity through triggering apoptotic cell death. Our aim was to investigate the cytotoxic effects, induction of apoptosis, and the mechanism of cell death of Iranian orthodox black tea extracts (BTEs) and hydro methanolic purified fractions (40, 60, 80 and 100%) in KB cells (oral squamous cell carcinoma). METHODS: In order to analyze the cytotoxic activity of the BTEs, MTT (3-(4, 5- dimetylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and Trypan-blue assays were performed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (KB). Furthermore, the apoptosis inducing action of the extracts was determined by TUNEL, DNA fragmentation and cell death detection analysis. RESULTS: Dichloromethane BTE and hydro methanol fractions (40 and 60%) extract showed no cytotoxic effects; however, hydro methanol crude and hydro methanol fractions of BTE (80 and 100%) significantly inhibited cell growth and viability in a dose and time dependent manner. In addition, Cell death assay, TUNEL, and DNA fragmentation indicated induction of apoptosis by hydro methanol 80 and 100% fractions of BTE in KB cells. Statistical significance was determined by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan test and p value ≤0.05 was considered significant. CONCLUSION: The results from the present study suggests that the hydro methanol crude and hydro methanol fractions of BTE (80 and 100%) are significant source of compounds with the anti proliferative and cytotoxic activities, and this may be useful for developing potential chemo preventive substances.

Induction of apoptosis by grape seed extract (Vitis vinifera) in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Development of novel therapeutic modalities is crucial for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Recent scientific studies have been focused on herbal medicines as potent anti-cancer drug candidates. This study is the first to investigate the cytotoxic effects and the mechanism of cell death induced by grape seed extract (GSE) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (KB cells). MTT (3-(4,5-dimetylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and trypan blue assays were performed in KB cells as well as human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used to analyze the cytotoxic activity of GSE. Furthermore, the apoptosis-inducing action of the extract was determined by TUNEL, DNA fragmentation and cell death analysis. Statistical significance was determined by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Duncan's test at a significance level of P≤0.05. The results showed apoptotic potential of GSE, confirmed by significant inhibition of cell growth and viability in a dose- and time- dependent manner without inducing damage to non-cancerous cell line HUVEC. The results of this study suggest that this plant contains potential bioactive compound(s) for the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Dentigerous cyst associated with a mesiodens: a case report.

Dentigerous cysts are the second most common odontogenic cysts after radicular cysts and are most commonly seen in association with third molars and maxillary canines. Only 5% of dentigerous cysts involve supernumerary teeth, of which mesiodens is the most frequent type. This paper presents a case of dentigerous cyst associated with a mesiodens that caused a painless swelling in the upper lip of an 18-year-old female. The patient was treated surgically by enucleation of total cyst and surgical extraction of mesiodens under local anesthesia.

Reactive hyperplasia of the oral cavity: a survey of 197 cases in tabriz, northwest iran.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Reactive hyperplastic lesions of the oral connective tissue are associated with injuries of soft tissue and have high prevalence rates and different involvement patterns in different parts of the world. The aim of this study was to analyze demographic data of a university department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient records of the Department of Oral Pathology during a four-year period were reviewed for diagnosis of oral connective tissue reactive hyperplastic lesion. Data including the area involved and the type of lesion were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistical methods and t-test with SPSS 15 statistical software. RESULTS: 197 cases (mean age, 37.68±18.97; male: female ratio, 1.8:1) matched study criterion. The most common affected site was gingiva (83.9%) and the most common lesion was fibroma (45.2%). Giant cell granuloma and pyogenic granuloma were more common in the maxilla than in the mandible. Pyogenic granuloma was seen to be equally distributed in males and females. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study are overall consistent with the findings of previous studies.

Two-year Prevalence of Minor Aphtha in Tabriz, Northwest Iran.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a condition comprised of oral painful ulcers appearing at inter-vals in different intraoral sites, triggered by a variety of causative agents in certain subgroups of patients. Since there are no studies on the subject in Northwest Iran, the aims of the present study were to evaluate the prevalence of aphthous ulcer and to assess the association of some influencing factors on minor aphtha. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of all patients examined during a two-year period, 33 patients were diagnosed with aphthous lesions. A questionnaire was used to collect the data including age, gender, familial history, smoking habit, and food allergy of the patients. Chi-square test was used to assess the association of variables. RESULTS: The prevalence of aphthous lesions was found to be 0.3%, and was significantly higher in females compared with males (23 females and 10 males, respectively; P = 0.024). Familial involvement of aphthous ulcer was reported in 42.4% of the patients (P = 0.411). The aphthous ulcer was seen less frequently in smokers compared with non-smokers (P = 0.024). CONCLUSION: A relatively low prevalence of minor aphtha was found in the studied population. Higher prevalence in females and non-smokers were observed.