EFL Learners’ Writing Accuracy: Effects of Direct and Metalinguistic Electronic Feedback

The present study investigated the effects of direct and metalinguistic electronic feedback (E-feedback) on Iranian EFL learners’ writing accuracy and attitudes toward computer assisted language learning (CALL). Twenty nine students in two intact English writing classes comprised the participants of the study.  A mixed-method design was used for data collection and analysis. In addition to the instruction provided similarly in both classes, based on random assignment, the students in one group received direct electronic corrective feedback (DECF) using Ginger software. In the other class, the students received metalinguistic electronic corrective feedback (MECF) in the form of error codes provided through Markin4 software. Results revealed that the use of E-feedback developed the learners’ writing accuracy and attitudes toward CALL. However, there were no significant differences between the final overall writing accuracy scores of the DECF and MECF groups and their gain scores. Regarding writing accuracy components (i.e., structure, vocabulary, and punctuation), although the MECF group obtained higher scores in three components, a statistically significant difference between the two groups was found only in terms of vocabulary gain scores. Finally, in the interviews, the students in both groups referred to some barriers in the implementation of CALL in their context as well as some of its merits

Interactionist Dynamic Assessment in Academic Persuasive Writing: A Case of Two EFL Learners

This study investigated the effects of interactionist dynamic assessment on improving academic persuasive writing of two Iranian EFL learners majoring in English Language and Literature. Qualitative analysis of the interactions between the mediator and learners and the drafts written by the learners indicated that using different types of mediation were effective in developing learners’ persuasive writing. In addition to the factors such as individual, time, and language feature which were shown to be integral in determining mediation, assessment of the two cases showed that factors such as mediator’s role, learners’ responsiveness to mediation, and agency were important in specifying mediation

Transcranial direct current stimulation to enhance athletic performance outcome in experienced bodybuilders.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is currently under investigation as a promising technique for enhancement of athletic performance through modulating cortical excitability. Through consecutive randomization, 12 experienced bodybuilders were randomly assigned to two arms receiving either sham or real tDCS over the primary motor cortex (leg area) and left temporal cortex (T3) for 13 minutes in the first session. After 72 hours, both groups received the inverse stimulation. After the brain stimulation, cerebral hemodynamic response (using frontopolar hemoencephalography) was examined upon taking three computer-based cognitive tasks i.e. reasoning, memory and verbal ability using the Cambridge Brain Science-Cognitive Platform. Subsequently, the bodybuilders performed knee extension exercise while performance indicators including one-repetition maximum (1RM), muscular endurance (SEI), heart rate (ECG), motivation (VAS), surface electromyography over quadriceps femoris muscle (sEMG) and perceived exertion (RPE) were evaluated. The real tDCS vs. sham group showed decreased RPE and HR mean scores by 14.2% and 4.9%, respectively. Regarding muscular strength, endurance, and electrical activity, the 1RM, SEI, and sEMG factors improved by 4.4%, 16.9%, and % 5.8, respectively. Meanwhile, compared to sham, real tDCS did not affect the athletes' motivation. Incidentally, it turned out that subjects who underwent T3 anodal stimulation outperformed in memory (p = 0.02) and verbal functions (0.02) as well as their corresponding frontopolar hemodynamic response [(memory HEG (p = 0.001) and verbal HEG (p = 0.003)]. Our findings suggest that simultaneous tDCS-induced excitation over the M1 leg area and left temporal area may potentially improve the overall athletic performance in experienced bodybuilders (Trial registration: IRCT20181104041543N1, Registered on 4 Nov. 2018, retrospectively registered)

miR-155 and miR-92 levels in ALL, post-transplant aGVHD, and CMV: possible new treatment options

Abstract Background Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignancy that leads to altered blast cell proliferation, survival, and maturation and eventually to the lethal accumulation of leukemic cells. Recently, dysregulated expression of various micro-RNAs (miRNAs) has been reported in hematologic malignancies, especially ALL. Cytomegalovirus infection can induce ALL in otherwise healthy individuals, so a more detailed evaluation of its role in ALL-endemic areas like Iran is required. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 70 newly diagnosed adults with ALL were recruited. The expression level of microRNA-155(miR-155) and microRNA-92(miR-92) was evaluated by real-time SYBR Green PCR. The correlations between the miRNAs mentioned above and the severity of disease, CMV infection, and acute graft vs. host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) were assessed. B cell and T cell ALL distinction in the level of miRNAs was provided. Results After the statistical analysis, our results indicated a marked increase in the expression of miR-155 and miR-92 in ALL patients vs. healthy controls (*P = 0.002–*P = 0.03, respectively). Also, it was shown that the expression of miR-155 and miR-92 was higher in T cell ALL compared to B cell ALL (P = 0.01–P = 0.004, respectively), CMV seropositivity, and aGVHD. Conclusion Our study suggests that the plasma signature of microRNA expression may act as a powerful marker for diagnosis and prognosis, providing knowledge outside cytogenetics. Elevation of miR-155 in plasma can be a beneficial therapeutic target for ALL patients, with consideration of higher plasma levels of miR-92 and miR-155 in CMV + and post-HSCT aGVHD patients