scholarly journals The Effect of Learning English on P300 in Children

Author(s):  
Pâmela Mariel Marques ◽  
Ângela Leusin Mattiazzi ◽  
Laís Ferreira ◽  
Sheila Jacques Oppitz ◽  
Eliara Pinto Vieira Biaggio

Abstract Introduction Learning a second language is an essential task in today's world, and is experienced by many children. The cognitive auditory-evoked potential (P300) is related to cognitive activity, attention and concentration, enabling the investigation of the effect of a second language on the central auditory pathway. Objective To analyze the effects of learning English on P300 latency and amplitude in children and to correlate them with age, time of exposure to English, and time in class. Method An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and quantitative study, in which 33 children, aged between 5 and 9 years and 11 months, of both genders participated, 14 of them in the process of learning English (study group) and 19 without this experience (control group). All subjects had their P300 evaluated using the Intelligent Hearing Systems (IHS, Miami, FL, US) Smart EP equipment. A total of 300 binaural stimuli were used in 75 dBnHL, as well as 240 frequent and 60 rare stimuli, using the pairs /ba/ and /di/ respectively. Results There was a statistically significant difference regarding P300 latency between the groups, and children exposed to English classes had lower latency in this component. No statistical difference was found between P300 amplitudes. No correlation was observed regarding age, time of exposure to English, time in class, and electrophysiological responses. Conclusion The Children exposed to English classes had the most stimulating auditory pathway, because their P300 had lower latency, being a resource for the speech therapy clinic.

2019 ◽  
pp. 42-48
Author(s):  
Stamatina Nikolou ◽  
Maria Darra

The main objective of this study is to explore how podcasting can be implemented in teaching English as a Second Language as a supportive technological tool and thus contribute to the development of positive attitudes and beliefs of the learners. To this aim, the field experiment research was conducted. The study was carried out in a total of 28 pupils of the first grade of high school at an educational institution on Rhodes, Greece in February 2018. The students were assigned into the experimental group (15 students) and the control group (13 students). The results of the research have shown a positive change in students’ attitudes and beliefs, though no statistically significant difference has arisen regarding the students’ interest in the course, their self-confidence in English, the role of gender in learning English and the difficulties students come across when studying English. Similarly, no significant change has occurred regarding the usefulness of English, the importance of the English accent and the knowledge of another foreign language as a contributing factor to learning English more easily. Finally, a negative change was found regarding difficulties in oral communication in English.


2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 204-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lih-Wei Lei ◽  
Cheng-Fang Huang

This study explores the possibility of using musicals to teach English with instructional VCD for following practice, and investigates whether it helps social economically disadvantaged aboriginal students overcome their difficulties with English and enhance their learning motivation. A series of surveys and interviews were conducted to investigate the influence of this intervention. The results showed that about 90 per cent of responded students in the intervention group considered learning English through musical interesting and it helped them to be more confident in English. About 80 per cent of students indicated that they would actively practice English through ways such as imitating singers to sing an English song. About 60 per cent of students felt more comfortable speaking English loudly and were less afraid of talking to others in English. Further comparison show that there was a significant difference between students who participated (n=39) and who didn't participate (n=15) in the English musical programme. Only about 60 per cent of those in the control group would actively learn English. Being unaware of the English musical programme, only half of the students considered learning English through acting interesting. The results of this exploratory study show musicals can provide the opportunity for the students to use language meaningfully and appropriately. The use of drama activities in second language learning helps the learners to be more imaginative, creative and less frustrated as they become more confident in the process of learning English as a second language.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-99
Author(s):  
Stamatina Nikolou ◽  
Maria Darra

The main objective of this study is to explore how podcasting can be implemented in teaching English as a Second Language as a supportive technological tool and thus contribute to the development of positive attitudes and beliefs of the learners. To this aim, the field experiment research was conducted. The study was carried out with a total of 28 pupils of the first grade of high school at an educational institution on Rhodes, Greece in February 2018. The students were assigned to the experimental group (15 students) and the control group (13 students). The results of the research have shown a positive change in students‟ attitudes and beliefs, though no statistically significant difference has arisen regarding the students‟ interest in the course, their self-confidence in English, the role of gender in learning English, and the difficulties students come across when studying English. Similarly, no significant change has occurred regarding the usefulness of English, the importance of the English accent, and the knowledge of another foreign language as a contributing factor to learning English more easily. Finally, a negative change was found regarding difficulties in oral communication in English.


Author(s):  
Rayane Fraga ◽  
Pricila Sleifer ◽  
Rafael Fabiano Machado Rosa ◽  
Paulo Ricardo Gazzola Zen

Introduction: Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare neurodevelopment genetic condition. The syndrome may present manifestations associated with the central nervous system, hearing, and language. It is possible, as well, to observe an alteration in the central auditory system, which can be diagnosed through long-latency auditory evoked potential (LLAEP). Objective: The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the results obtained by peripheral and central auditory evaluation on individuals with WS, verifying if there is a relationship between audiological findings and gender, age and ear side. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which 14 individuals with WS were evaluated. The exams performed consisted of pure tone audiometry, vocal audiometry, acoustic immittance measures, LLAEP, and cognitive potential. Results: The sample was composed of patients from 4 to 18 years old, with a mean age of 11.6 years old (±5.3), being 9 males (64.3%) and 5 females (35.7%). We mainly verified mild to moderate degree (40-44%) of sensorineural auditory loss (35.7-42.9%), type A tympanometric curve (57.1-64.3%), and absent acoustic reflexes (57.1%). As for central auditory evaluation, the subjects showed latency delay in all of the LLAEP components. Moreover, it was evidenced a statistically significant difference when comparing ears for amplitude on cognitive potential evaluation (p = 0.032), observing higher values at the left ear. It was also observed an inverse association between age and P1 wave latency both on the right (p = 0.006) and on the left ear (p = 0.022), and this result can be related to the nervous system maturational process of the WS individuals. Conclusion: There are few studies investigating the central auditory pathway on WS in literature. The present study contributes to the extension of the knowledge about the central involvement of the auditory phenotype in the syndrome. However, considering the sample size, more studies are suggested to confirm these findings.


Author(s):  
Zeina A Munim Al-Thanoon ◽  
Zeina A Munim Al-Thanoon ◽  
Mustafa Basil ◽  
Nasih A Al-Kazzaz

Iron chelation therapy with deferoxamine (DFO),the current standard for the treatment of iron overload in patients with betathalassemia,requires regular subcutaneous or intravenous infusions. This can lead to reduced quality of life and poor adherence,resulting in increased morbidity and mortality in iron-overloaded patients with beta-thalassemia. Deferasirox (DFX) is an orally administered iron chelator that has been approved for use in many countries. The requirement of an effective,well tolerated iron chelator with a less demanding mode of administration has led to the development of deferasirox. The present study was aimed to compare the satisfaction and compliance with deferoxamine versus deferasirox (Exjade®),a novel oral iron chelator in patients with transfusion - dependent beta- thalassemia. A cross-sectional,single-center investigation study was carried out in the Thalassemia Center of Ibn-Atheer Teaching Hospital in Nineveh province,Iraq. One hundred and eight thalassemic patients aged between 2- 20 years old having received multiple blood transfusions and a serum ferritin greater than 1500 ng/ml. Patients were randomised into two groups. Group 1 received deferoxamine at a dose of 20-50mg/kg/day and group 2 received deferasirox at the dose of 10-30 mg/kg/day. Another 56 apparently healthy volunteers were used as a control group. The assessment of chelation was done during the period between November 2013 and February 2014 by measurement of serum ferritin. Satisfaction and compliance was assessed by using a special questionnaire prepared by the researcher. Out of the 108 thalassemic patients enrolled there was no discontinuation in treatment with the two drugs under study. The serum ferritin did not change significantly in any of the chelation groups. In comparison with the patients who were treated with DFO,those receiving DFX reported a significantly higher rate of compliance and satisfaction (P < 0.05). However,no significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding their satisfaction (P > 0.05).Compliance with deferasirox (50 %) was more than that with deferoxamine (20 %). Satisfaction with deferoxamine was significantly lower than deferasirox (p= 0.00).


Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 340
Author(s):  
Fernando Salvador ◽  
Beatriz Lobo ◽  
Lidia Goterris ◽  
Carmen Alonso-Cotoner ◽  
Javier Santos ◽  
...  

Background: The aim of the present study is to describe the occurrence of Blastocystis sp. detection among asymptomatic subjects and patients with irritable bowel syndrome in order to evaluate the potential association between irritable bowel syndrome and the parasitic infection. Methods: Cross-sectional study where adult patients with irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria were included. A control group was formed by asymptomatic subjects older than 18 years. Exclusion criteria were: immunosuppressive condition or having received any drug with demonstrated activity against Blastocystis sp. within the last 6 months before study inclusion. Epidemiological and clinical information was collected from all included participants. Two stool samples were obtained from all participants: one sample for microscopic examination and one sample for Blastocystis sp. PCR detection. Blastocystis sp. infection was defined by the positivity of any of the diagnostic techniques. Results: Seventy-two participants were included (36 asymptomatic subjects and 36 patients with irritable bowel syndrome). Thirty-five (48.6%) were men, and median age of participants was 34 (IQR 29–49) years. The overall rate of Blastocystis sp. carriage was 27.8% (20/72). The prevalence assessed through microscopic examination was 22.2% (16/72), while the prevalence measured by PCR was 15.3% (11/72). When comparing the presence of Blastocystis sp. between asymptomatic subjects and IBS patients, we did not find any statistically significant difference (36.1% vs. 19.4% respectively, p = 0.114). Conclusions: regarding the occurrence of Blastocystis sp., no differences were found between asymptomatic participants and patients with irritable bowel disease irrespective of the diagnostic technique performed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 170-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Simone Zeigelboim ◽  
Hélio A. G. Teive ◽  
Michèlli Rodrigues da Rosa ◽  
Jéssica Spricigo Malisky ◽  
Vinicius Ribas Fonseca ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective To assess central auditory function in Friedreich's ataxia. Methods A cross-sectional, retrospective study was carried out. Thirty patients underwent the anamnesis, otorhinolaryngology examination, pure tone audiometry, acoustic immittance measures and brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) assessments. Results The observed alterations were: 43.3% in the pure tone audiometry, bilateral in 36.7%; 56.6% in the BAEP test, bilateral in 50%; and 46.6% in the acoustic immittance test. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the comparison between the tests performed. Conclusion In the audiological screening, there was a prevalence of the descending audiometric configuration at the frequency of 4kHz, and absence of the acoustic reflex at the same frequency. In the BAEP test, there was a prevalence of an increase of the latencies in waves I, III and V, and in the intervals of interpeaks I-III, I-V and III-V. In 13.3% of the patients, wave V was absent, and all waves were absent in 3.3% of patients.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Pratik Gahalaut ◽  
Nitin Mishra ◽  
Sandhya Chauhan ◽  
Mir Mubashir Ali ◽  
Madhur Kant Rastogi ◽  
...  

Lunula is the white, half-moon shaped area seen in proximal ends of some nails. Though a few studies have described the nail changes that can occur in association with HIV infection, none of these paid much attention to lunula. Aims and Objectives. To study the lunula in fingernails among HIV infected patients. Materials and Methods. An observational, cross-sectional study to record presence of lunula in 168 HIV-positive patients and compare it with age and sex matched 168 healthy HIV-negative control. Anolunula (absence of lunula) in HIV-positive patients was correlated with CD4 counts, stages of HIV infection, time since patient was diagnosed as HIV-positive, and status of antiretroviral therapy. Results. Anolunula was present in significantly more fingernails in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative controls. There was a highly significant difference for total anolunula (anolunula in all fingernails) in study and control group. Incidence of total anolunula was directly proportional to the stage of HIV infection, increasing progressively as the HIV infection advances from stage 1 to stage 4. Conclusion. Absence of lunula is related to not only HIV infection per se but also the stages of HIV infection.


2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 70-77
Author(s):  
Carla Cristina J. N. de Almeida ◽  
Paula de Oliveira Mora ◽  
Valmir Aparecido de Oliveira ◽  
Camila Aparecida Joao ◽  
Carolina Regina Joao ◽  
...  

Objective: To evaluate the presence of family breakdown factors among eutrophic and overweight/obese adolescents. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 242 students aged between 14 and 19 years old, from a public school. Each student was weighed, measured and answered a questionnaire with closed questions addressing the presence of family breakdown factors. The adolescents were divided in two groups: euthophic and overweight/obese. The answers of both groups were compared by Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of the studied factors between the two groups. Comparing the number of positive answers (presence of family breakdown factors) and negative ones (absence of family breakdown factors), no difference was observed between the groups. Conclusions: The inclusion of a control group showed that factors of family breakdown, usually identified as associated with obesity in adolescents, may also be present in eutrophic adolescents.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jhenifer Karvat ◽  
Camila Mayumi Martin Kakihata ◽  
Lizyana Vieira ◽  
José Luis da Conceição Silva ◽  
Lucinéia de Fátima Chasko Ribeiro ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effects of right sciatic nerve compression and cryotherapy on muscle tissue. Methods: We used 42 male Wistar rats, subdivided in the following Groups Control, Injury 3, Injury 8 and Injury 15 submitted to nerve compression and euthanized in the 3rd, 8th and 15th day after surgery. The Cryotherapy Injury 3 was entailed treatment with cryotherapy by immersion of the animal in recipient for 20 minutes during 1 day, then animals were euthanized at the 3rd day after surgery, and the Cryotherapy Injury 8 and the Cryotherapy Injury 15 was treated for 6 days, and euthanized at the 8th and 15th day after surgery. Functional evaluation was performed by the grasping strength of the right pelvic limb. The right tibialis anterior muscles were evaluated for mass, smaller diameter and cross-sectional area. In the Cryotherapy Injury 8 and the Cryotherapy Injury 15 groups, the hydroxyproline was dosed in the right soles. Results: In the compression there was a significant difference in the Injury Groups compared with the Control Group (p<0.05). In the smaller diameter, the compression in Control Group was higher than Injury 8 (p=0.0094), Injury 15 (p=0.002) and Cryotherapy Injury 15 (p<0.001) groups. The comparison between groups with euthanasia in the same post-operative period, a significant difference (p=0.0363) was seen in day 8th after surgery, and this result in Cryotherapy Injury Group was greater than Injury Group. In the fiber area, Control Group was also higher than the Injury 8 (p=0.0018), the Injury 15 (p<0.001) and the Cryotherapy Injury 15 (p<0.001). In hydroxyproline, no significant difference was seen between groups. Conclusion: Nerve damage resulted in decreased muscle strength and trophism, the cryotherapy delayed hypotrophy, but this effect did not persist after cessation of treatment.


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