bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subsequence and distant supervision based active learning for relation extraction of Chinese medical texts
Authors: Ye Qi , Cai Tingting , Ji Xiang , Ruan Tong , Zheng Hong
Published: February 2023

In recent years, relation extraction on unstructured texts has become an important task in medical research. However, relation extraction requires a large amount of labeled corpus, manually annotating sequences is time consuming and expensive. Therefore, efficient and economical methods for annotating sequences are required to ensure the performance of relational extraction. This paper proposes a method of subsequence and distant supervision based active learning. The method is annotated by selecting information-rich subsequences as a sampling unit instead of the full sentences in traditional active learning. Additionally, the method saves the labeled subsequence texts and their corresponding labels in a dictionary which is continuously updated and maintained, and pre-labels the unlabeled set through text matching based on the idea of distant supervision. Finally, the method combines a Chinese-RoBERTa-CRF model for relation extraction in Chinese medical texts. Experimental results test on the CMeIE dataset achieves the best performance compared to existing methods. And the best F1 value obtained between different sampling strategies is 55.96%.
Analysis and identification of drug similarity through drug side effects and indications data
Authors: Torab-Miandoab Amir , Poursheikh Asghari Mehdi , Hashemzadeh Nastaran , Ferdousi Reza
Published: February 2023

Background

The measurement of drug similarity has many potential applications for assessing drug therapy similarity, patient similarity, and the success of treatment modalities. To date, a family of computational methods has been employed to predict drug-drug similarity. Here, we announce a computational method for measuring drug-drug similarity based on drug indications and side effects.

Methods

The model was applied for 2997 drugs in the side effects category and 1437 drugs in the indications category. The corresponding binary vectors were built to determine the Drug-drug similarity for each drug. Various similarity measures were conducted to discover drug-drug similarity.

Results

Among the examined similarity methods, the Jaccard similarity measure was the best in overall performance results. In total, 5,521,272 potential drug pair's similarities were studied in this research. The offered model was able to predict 3,948,378 potential similarities.

Conclusion

Based on these results, we propose the current method as a robust, simple, and quick approach to identifying drug similarity.
A novel, accurate, and non-invasive liquid biopsy test to measure cellular immune responses as a tool to diagnose early-stage lung cancer: a clinical trials study
Authors: Shai Shafrira , Patolsky Fernando , Drori Hagai , Scheinman Eyal J. , Davidovits Eyal , Davidovits Giora , Tirman Shoval , Arber Nadir , Katz Amit , Adir Yochai
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of death from cancer, worldwide. Developing early detection diagnostic methods, especially non-invasive methods, is a critical component to raising the overall survival rate and prognosis for lung cancer. The purpose of this study is to evaluate two protocols of a novel in vitro cellular immune response test to detect lung cancer. The test specifically quantifies the glycolysis metabolism pathway, which is a biomarker for the activation level of immune cells. It summarizes the results of two clinical trials, where each deploys a different protocol's version of this test for the detection of lung cancer. In the later clinical trial, an improved test protocol is applied.

Method

The test platform is based on changes in the metabolic pathways of the immune cells following their activation by antigenic stimuli associated with Lung cancer. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells are loaded on a multiwell plate together with various lung tumor associated antigens and a fluorescent probe that exhibits a pH-dependent absorption shift. The acidification process in the extracellular fluid is monitored by a commercial fluorescence plate reader device in continuous reading for 3 h at 37 °C to document the fluorescent signal received from each well.

Results

In the later clinical trial, an improved test protocol was applied and resulted in increased test accuracy. Specificity of the test increased to 94.0% and test sensitivity increased to 97.3% in lung cancer stage I, by using the improved protocol.

Conclusion

The improved protocol of the novel cellular immune metabolic response based test detects stage I and stage II of lung cancer with high specificity and sensitivity, with low material costs and fast results.
Decreased ubiquitin modifying enzyme A20 associated with hyper-responsiveness to ovalbumin challenge following intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Xu Xuefeng , Zheng Fei , Xu Shanshan , Hu Minfei , Hang Chengcheng , Liu Lingke , Shen Chencong , Gu Weizhong , Du Lizhong
Published: February 2023

Background

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is strongly correlated with an increased risk of asthma later in life. Farm dust protects mice from developing house dust mite-induced asthma, and loss of ubiquitin modifying enzyme A20 in lung epithelium would abolish this protective effect. However, the mechanisms of A20 in the development of asthma following IUGR remains unknown.

Methods

An IUGR rat model induced by maternal nutrient restriction was used for investigating the role of A20 in the response characteristics of IUGR rats to ovalbumin (OVA) challenge. The ubiquitination of proteins and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications were used to further assess the potential mechanism of A20.

Results

IUGR can reduce the expression of A20 protein in lung tissue of newborn rats and continue until 10 weeks after birth. OVA challenging can increase the expression of A20 protein in lung tissue of IUGR rats, but its level was still significantly lower than the control OVA group. The differentially ubiquitinated proteins in lung tissues were also observed in IUGR and normal newborn rats. Furthermore, this ubiquitination phenomenon continued from the newborn to adulthood. In the detected RNA methylations, m6A abundance of the motif GGACA was the highest. The higher abundances of m6A modification of A20 mRNA from IUGR were negatively correlated with the trend of A20 protein levels.

Conclusion

These findings indicate A20 as a key regulator during the development of asthma following IUGR, providing further insight into the prevention of asthma induced by environmental factors.
Barriers and facilitators to diet, physical activity and lifestyle behavior intervention adherence: a qualitative systematic review of the literature
Authors: Deslippe Alysha L. , Soanes Alexandra , Bouchaud Celeste C. , Beckenstein Hailee , Slim May , Plourde Hugues , Cohen Tamara R.
Published: February 2023

Background

Consuming a balanced diet and regular activity have health benefits. However, many adults have a difficult time adhering to diet and activity recommendations, especially in lifestyle interventions. Adherence to recommendations could be improved if common facilitators and barriers are accounted for in intervention design. The aim of this systematic review was to understand perceived barriers and facilitators to lifestyle (diet and/or activity) intervention guidelines.

Methods

This review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Studies included relied on qualitative methods to explore the barriers and facilitators healthy adults ($$\ge$$
≥
18 years) experienced in lifestyle interventions. Google Scholar, Cochrane Reviews, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched from January 2005 to October 2021. Main themes from each paper were thematically analyzed and reported as a barrier or facilitator to adherence at the individual, environment or intervention level using inductively derived themes. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme.

Results

Thirty-five papers were included. Of these, 46% were conducted in North America and the majority had more female participants (86% in mixed-sex studies, 26% females only). Similar themes emerged across all three levels as facilitators and barriers. At the individual level, attitudes, concern for health and physical changes. At the environmental level, social support, social accountability, changeable and unchangeable aspects of the community. Finally, delivery and design and content at the intervention level. An additional facilitator at the intervention level included fostering self-regulation through Behavior Change Taxonomies (BCT).

Conclusions

Lifestyle interventions that foster self-regulatory skills, opportunities for social engagement and personalization of goals may improve behaviour adherence. This can be achieved through inclusion of BCT, tapering off of intervention supports, identification of meaningful goals and anticipated barriers with participants.
Hepatocyte SGK1 activated by hepatic ischemia-reperfusion promotes the recurrence of liver metastasis via IL-6/STAT3
Authors: Li Xiangdong , Wang Ziyi , Jiao Chenyu , Zhang Yu , Xia Nan , Yu Wenjie , Chen Xuejiao , Wikana Likalamu Pascalia , Liu Yue , Sun Linfeng , Chen Minhao , Xiao Yuhao , Shi Yuhua , Han Sheng , Pu Liyong
Published: February 2023

Background

Liver metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Surgical resection of the liver metastases increases the incidence of long-term survival in patients with colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). However, many patients experience CRLM recurrence after the initial liver resection. As an unavoidable pathophysiological process in liver surgery, liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury increases the risk of tumor recurrence and metastasis.

Methods

Colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) mouse models and mouse liver partial warm ischemia models were constructed. The levels of lipid peroxidation were detected in cells or tissues. Western Blot, qPCR, elisa, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, scanning electron microscope, flow cytometry analysis were conducted to evaluate the changes of multiple signaling pathways during CRLM recurrence under liver ischemia-reperfusion (IR) background, including SGK1/IL-6/STAT3, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation, polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cell (PMN-MDSC) infiltration.

Results

Hepatocyte serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) was activated in response to hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury to pass hepatocyte STAT3 phosphorylation and serum amyloid A (SAA) hyperactivation signals in CRLM-IR mice, such regulation is dependent on SGK-activated IL-6 autocrine. Administration of the SGK1 inhibitor GSK-650394 further reduced ERK-related neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) formation and polymorphonucler myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSC) infiltration compared with targeting hepatocyte SGK1 alone, thereby alleviating CRLM in the context of IR.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that hepatocyte and immune cell SGK1 synergistically promote postoperative CRLM recurrence in response to hepatic IR stress, and identifies SGK1 as a translational target that may improve postoperative CRLM recurrence.
Development and validation of a nomogram to predict the risk of surgical site infection within 1 month after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Lian Jiashu , Wang Yu , Yan Xin , Xu Guoting , Jia Mengxian , Yang Jiali , Ying Jinwei , Teng Honglin
Published: February 2023

Objective

Surgical site infection (SSI), a common serious complication within 1 month after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF), usually leads to poor prognosis and even death. The objective of this study is to investigate the factors related to SSI within 1 month after TLIF. We have developed a dynamic nomogram to change treatment or prevent infection based on accurate predictions.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively analyzed 383 patients who received TLIF at our institution from January 1, 2019, to June 30, 2022. The outcome variable in the current study was the occurrence of SSI within 1 month after surgery. Univariate logistic regression analysis was first performed to assess risk factors for SSI within 1 month after surgery, followed by inclusion of significant variables at P < 0.05 in multivariate logistic regression analysis. The independent risk variables were subsequently utilized to build a nomogram model. The consistency index (C-index), calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the performance of the model. And the decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to analyze the clinical value of the nomogram.

Results

The multivariate logistic regression models further screened for three independent influences on the occurrence of SSI after TLIF, including lumbar paraspinal (multifidus and erector spinae) muscles (LPM) fat infiltration, diabetes and surgery duration. Based on the three independent factors, a nomogram prediction model was built. The area under the curve for the nomogram including these predictors was 0.929 in both the training and validation samples. Both the training and validation samples had high levels of agreement on the calibration curves, and the nomograms C-index was 0.929 and 0.955, respectively. DCA showed that if the threshold probability was less than 0.74, it was beneficial to use this nomograph to predict the risk of SSI after TLIF. In addition, the nomogram was converted to a web-based calculator that provides a graphical representation of the probability of SSI occurring within 1 month after TLIF.

Conclusion

A nomogram including LPM fat infiltration, surgery duration and diabetes is a promising model for predicting the risk of SSI within 1 month after TLIF. This nomogram assists clinicians in stratifying patients, hence boosting decision-making based on evidence and personalizing the best appropriate treatment.
Mortality in farmed European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in Italy due to Streptococcus iniae
Authors: Pirollo Teresa , Perolo Alberto , Mantegari Simone , Barbieri Ilaria , Scali Federico , Alborali Giovanni Loris , Salogni Cristian
Published: February 2023

Background

Streptococcal infections are one of the main causes of fish disease. During the last decade, Streptococcus iniae has become one of the most important aquatic pathogens worldwide, causing high losses in marine and freshwater finfish. Clinical signs in farmed fish include loss of appetite, lethargy and grouping at the bottom of the tank. Gross changes comprise darkening of the skin and haemorrhage at the basis of fins and opercula. To date, S. iniae has been isolated from several wild and farmed fish species but never in the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). In Europe, eel production from aquaculture is around 4500 tonnes and Italy is the third largest producer. This communication represents the first report of an outbreak of S. iniae infection in European eels.

Case presentation

The outbreak occurred at an eel farm in northern Italy between May 2021 and September 2021. The outbreak caused about 2% mortality per month, resulting in the loss of about 10% of the farmed fish. The diseased eels showed apathy, lethargy, inactivity and inappetence. In July 2021, three eels were necropsied. Necropsy revealed skin and branchial hyperaemia, a few skin ulcers, and diffuse peritoneal congestion with a few haemorrhagic-like spot lesions. Swab samples for bacteriology were taken from the kidneys, liver, spleen, and brain. Additionally, four eels were opened and swap samples as above were taken. All the investigated eels were found dead. Bacteriological examination revealed growth of Streptococcus spp. from all samples. Identification of S. iniae was done by biochemical characterization, the API20STREP microsystem, 16S rDNA sequencing, and MALDI-TOF. Antimicrobial therapy (oxytetracycline and erythromycin) was ineffective.

Conclusions

This is the first report of S. iniae infection in the European eel. Although this may be an isolated outbreak, it is of concern due to the losses associated with this pathogen in fish worldwide and because the European eel is an endangered species. Due to the difficulties of controlling the disease with antimicrobials, it is advisable to plan other effective control measures, such as improving water quality and the environmental conditions, reducing fish density, improving biosecurity, and by using immunostimulants and, when possible, vaccines.
Survey of haemosporidian parasite infections in an endangered high alpine bird
Authors: Theodosopoulos Angela N. , Spellman Garth M. , Taylor Scott A.
Published: February 2023

The Brown-capped Rosy-Finch is an endangered high alpine specialist that breeds on cliffs in the Rocky Mountains of North America. We know little about the parasites that infect these birds but filling this knowledge gap is important for understanding their population decline. The aim of this study was to survey haemosporidian parasite infections in Brown-capped Rosy-Finches. We sampled 104 Brown-capped Rosy-Finches during their breeding season at six sampling sites spanning the Colorado Rocky Mountains where they are nearly endemic. We used nested PCR methods to screen birds for parasite infections, and Sanger sequencing data were used to identify parasite lineages. Four of the sampling sites had birds with infections. Females were more often infected than males (prevalence = 15.6% and 9.7%, respectively). We observed twice as many infected birds sampled in July compared to birds sampled in June (prevalence = 12.5% and 6.25%, respectively). The percent of infected birds by sampling site ranged from 0 to over 20%. In total we identified eight different genetic lineages of haemosporidian parasites infecting Brown-capped Rosy-Finches—seven were in the genus Leucocytozoon, and one was in the genus Haemoproteus. Network analysis clearly separates Haemoproteus from Leucocytozoon, with Leucocytozoon lineages comprising two major clusters. Based on reports made to the MalAvi database, all lineages in Cluster 1 have the same reported insect vector, Simulium silvestre. We report that Brown-capped Rosy-Finches experience infections with haemosporidian parasites and that the percentage of infected birds differed markedly between sampling sites. We hypothesize that vector ecology and associated variation in climate at sampling sites explain our observations.
Effect of glycemic control and glucose fluctuation on in-hospital adverse outcomes after on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with diabetes: a retrospective study
Authors: You Hongzhao , Hou Xiaopei , Zhang Heng , Li Xiaojue , Feng Xinxing , Qian Xin , Shi Na , Guo Rong , Wang Xuan , Sun Hansong , Feng Wei , Li Guangwei , Zheng Zhe , Chen Yanyan
Published: February 2023

Background

The optimal glycemic control level in diabetic patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with cardiopulmonary bypass (On-Pump) remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of different blood glucose control levels and glucose fluctuations on in-hospital adverse outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing on-pump CABG.

Method

A total of 3918 patients with diabetes undergoing CABG were reviewed in this study. A total of 1638 patients were eligible for inclusion and were categorized into strict, moderate and liberal glucose control groups based on post-operative mean blood glucose control levels of  < 7.8 mmol/L, from 7.8 to 9.9 mmol/L and ≥ 10.0 mmoL/L, respectively. The primary endpoint was defined as a composite endpoint including in-hospital all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular complications. The secondary endpoint was defined as major cardiovascular complications including acute myocardial infarction, strokes and acute kidney injuries. To determine the associations between blood glucose fluctuations and adverse outcomes, patients with different glycemic control levels were further divided into subgroups according to whether the largest amplitude of glycemic excursion (LAGE) was ≥ 4.4 mmol/L or not.

Results

A total of 126 (7.7%) patients had a composite endpoint. Compared with moderate control, strict glucose control was associated with an increased risk of the primary endpoint (adjusted OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.18–4.15, p = 0.01) and the secondary endpoint (adjusted OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.01–3.77, p = 0.049). Furthermore, LAGE ≥ 4.4 mmol/L was significantly associated with the primary endpoint (adjusted OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.12–2.50, p = 0.01) and the secondary endpoint (adjusted OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.17–2.62, p = 0.01),respectively. Patients with LAGE ≥ 4.4 mmol/L had significantly higher rates of the composite endpoint and major vascular complications in both the strict-control (the primary endpoint, 66.7% vs 12.4%, p = 0.034, the secondary endpoint, 66.7% vs 10.3%, p = 0.03) and moderate-control groups (the primary endpoint, 10.2% vs 6.0%, p = 0.03, the secondary endpoint, 10.2% vs 5.8%, p = 0.02).

Conclusions

After On-Pump CABG patients with diabetes, strict glucose control (< 7.8 mmol/L) and relatively large glucose fluctuations (LAGE ≥ 4.4 mmol/L) were independently associated with in-hospital adverse outcomes.
Preventive effect of metronidazole vaginal tablets on vaginal bacteria-related postoperative complications with total laparoscopic hysterectomy
Authors: Okamura Asuka , Isono Wataru , Tsuchiya Akira , Honda Michiko , Saito Ako , Tsuchiya Hiroko , Matsuyama Reiko , Fujimoto Akihisa , Nishii Osamu
Published: February 2023

Background

The use of total laparoscopic hysterectomy is increasing. However, as with conventional abdominal hysterectomy, vaginal bacteria-related postoperative complications need to be managed in total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Therefore, we started to combine metronidazole vaginal tablets with intravenous administration of cephem antibiotics immediately before starting surgery to reduce complications. To evaluate the effect of this combination, and to determine the risk factors for these complications, we retrospectively collected medical records from our hospital and performed a multivariate analysis.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 520 patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2021. Among these cases, we identified 16 cases as having vaginal bacteria-related postoperative complications, defined as needing more than one additional day for treatment of postoperative complications, namely postoperative infection (10 cases) and vaginal dehiscence (6 cases). First, we evaluate the effect of metronidazole vaginal tablets by dividing the patients into two groups according to whether metronidazole vaginal tablets were used, and comparing the vaginal bacteria-related postoperative complication rates and other indices. Second, we performed a multivariate logistic regression analysis to assess the influence of each of 17 representative factors, including patient characteristics and symptoms, uterus and leiomyoma sizes, concomitant procedures such as laparoscopic cystectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy, and others.

Results

In the multivariate analysis of the 520 cases, we confirmed that the use of metronidazole vaginal tablets could reduce the vaginal bacteria-related postoperative complications rate by more than half (odds ratio, 0.36). In addition to metronidazole vaginal tablets use, concomitant laparoscopic cystectomy and blood transfusion were associated with significant increases in the vaginal bacteria-related postoperative complication rate.

Conclusions

The effect of the addition of metronidazole vaginal tablets to pre- and postsurgical treatment on the reduction of vaginal bacteria-related postoperative complications was confirmed. This easy, safe, and low-cost method may improve the management of total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
Effect of plasma thrombin-antithrombin complex on ischemic stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Song Peipei , Xie Jianqin , Li Wei , Zhang Xinying , Sun Zhipeng , You Chongge
Published: February 2023

Background and objective

Thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT) is a prethrombotic marker, and its application in ischemic stroke is still uncertain. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the relationship between plasma TAT and ischemic stroke base on the current evidence.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted for searching the relative studies that investigated the association of TAT and ischemic stroke in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases. Mean difference and 95% confidence interval as the effect sizes were synthesized by random effects model in Review Manager (RevMan) Version 5.4. The heterogeneity was investigated using the chi-square test and the possible sources of heterogeneity were explored by sensitivity analysis and meta-regression. The publication bias was estimated by Egger’s tests.

Results

A total of 12 eligible studies were included involving 1431 stroke cases and 532 healthy controls, of which six studies were eventually included in the meta-analysis. Plasma TAT in patients with ischemic stroke was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (MD 5.31, 95% CI = 4.12–6.51, P < 0.0001, I2 = 97.8%). There is a difference of TAT level in the same period among cardioembolic, lacunar, and atherothrombotic stroke (all P < 0.0001), in which the cardioembolic stroke with the highest level. Meanwhile, it is significant of TAT levels among various phases of cardioembolic stroke and the acute phase are markedly elevated (MD 7.75, 95CI%, 6.07–9.43, P < 0.001). However, no difference was found in the atherothrombotic (P = 0.13) and lacunar stroke (P = 0.34). Besides, the higher TAT level is closely related to the poor prognosis of patients with ischemic stroke, including higher recurrence, mortality, unfavorable recovery (modified Rankin scale > 2), and poor revascularization.

Conclusions

This study suggested that plasma TAT levels are different in ischemic stroke subtypes, which are closely associated with the progression and might have an effect on the prognosis.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD: 42021248787
Is the femoral intramedullary alignment already actual in total knee arthroplasty?
Authors: Tecame Andrea , Gambineri Andrea , Za Pierangelo , Adravanti Paolo
Published: February 2023

Clinical outcomes and overall alignment after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) depend on femoral component positioning in the sagittal and the coronal plane, making choice of the distal femoral cutting guide crucial. Currently, there is no consensus on the potential advantage of an extramedullary (EM) guide compared to an intramedullary (IM) guide in TKA. The IM guide is the most widely used system for making the distal femoral cut although evidence for its superiority over the EM guide is lacking. However, inaccuracies arising with the IM guide include location of the rod entry point in the coronal plane, femoral canal diameter, femoral bowing, and structural features of the rod. Furthermore, the invasive procedure is associated with increased risk of postoperative blood loss, thromboembolic complications, and intraoperative fractures. While the EM guide has no such difficulties, its accuracy depends on the instruments used. Studies have reported results not inferior to the IM guide and a lower number of postoperative complications. Patient‐specific instrumentation (PSI) and robotic and computer‐assisted TKA have achieved excellent clinical and radiographic results and can overcome the problems inherent to the IM and the EM guide. Authors performed a systematic review of the literature and proposed a narrative review to summarize the characteristics of the IM and the EM guide and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as their limitations in comparison with new technologies. Authors also expressed their expert opinion.
Long-term outcome of cochlear implantation on speech perception and quality of life
Authors: El Danasoury Iman Sadek , Hassan Dalia Mohamed , Elkilany Asmaa Elsaid , Galal Eman Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Background

Cochlear implantation (CI) is currently a well-established method for restoring hearing to people with profound hearing loss (Blamey and Artieres, Audiol Neurotol 18:36-47, 2013; Holden and Finley, Ear Hear 34:342-360, 2013).

Cochlear implantation not only affects hearing abilities, speech perception, and production, but also has an outstanding impact on the social life, activities, and self-esteem of each patient. The Nijmegen Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (NCIQ) and Parents’ Views and Experiences with pediatric Cochlear Implant Questionnaire (PVECIQ) have been developed to assess the quality of life in such patients (Damen and Beynon, Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 136:597-604, 2007; Hirschfelder and Gräbel, Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 138:357-362, 2008).

The long-term outcome of cochlear implantation (CI) in Egypt and its influence on patients’ lives have not been investigated. This study was designed to evaluate the long-term effect of CI on speech perception and to assess the quality of life (QoL) and get insight about major problems encountered by these patients over years.

Methods

Forty adults and children CI users of least 5 years of CI experience were subjected to full history taking and CI outcome measures: CI questionnaires, aided sound field pure tone audiometry, and speech perception tests.

Results

Through QoL questionnaires, the highest scores were obtained in the physical functioning domain than in the psychological and social domains in adults, while for children, the highest scores were obtained in the general domain than in the communication and self-reliance domains. No statistically significant correlation was found between QOL questionnaires and speech tests.

Conclusion

Audiological evaluation including speech perception tests is not enough to reflect the true performance of CI subjects in everyday listening situations. The Arabic versions of QoL questionnaires were complementary to other outcome CI measures. Long-term evaluation for CI users is crucial.
An intersectional genetic approach for simultaneous cell type-specific labelling and gene knockout in the mouse
Authors: Huang De-Fong , Lin Chao-Wen , Yang Tzu-Yin , Lien Cheng-Chang , Yang Chang-Hao , Huang Hsien-Sung
Published: February 2023

Precise genome manipulation in specific cell types and subtypes in vivo is crucial for neurobiological research because of the cellular heterogeneity of the brain. Site-specific recombinase systems in the mouse, such as Cre-loxP, improve cell type-specific genome manipulation; however, undesirable expression of cell type-specific Cre can occur. This could be due to transient expression during early development, natural expression in more than one cell type, kinetics of recombinases, sensitivity of the Cre reporter, and disruption in cis-regulatory elements by transgene insertion. Moreover, cell subtypes cannot be distinguished in cell type-specific Cre mice. To address these issues, we applied an intersectional genetic approach in mouse using triple recombination systems (Cre-loxP, Flp-FRT and Dre-rox). As a proof of principle, we labelled heterogeneous cell subtypes and deleted target genes within given cell subtypes by labelling neuropeptide Y (NPY)-, calretinin (calbindin 2) (CR)- and cholecystokinin (CCK)-expressing GABAergic neurons in the brain followed by deletion of RNA-binding Fox-1 homolog 3 (Rbfox3) in our engineered mice. Together, our study applies an intersectional genetic approach in vivo to generate engineered mice serving dual purposes of simultaneous cell subtype-specific labelling and gene knockout.
Alicerces para negócios de impacto em habitação
Authors: Barki Edgard , Veludo-de-Oliveira Tânia , Guedes Arcuri Adriana , Peixoto Fabrícia , Tereza Delapedra Ana
Published: February 2023

Empreendedores sociais precisam articular soluções profundas e integradas para lidar com as complexidades envolvidas no déficit habitacional do Brasil.
Aprendendo com projetos
Authors: Teixeira Rodrigo , Scafuto Isabel Cristina
Published: February 2023

Como garantir que o conhecimento gerado em um projeto seja absorvido e usado por toda a organização? O framework deste artigo mostra práticas que podem ajudar nessa direção.
Pela expansão da discussão ética
Authors: Janine Ribeiro Renato
Published: February 2023

E se minha liberdade crescer (em vez de terminar) com a liberdade do outro? Nossa vida social em boa parte se dá no trabalho, e nele podemos – e devemos – elaborar as qualidades de um mundo melhor.
Por que se importar com a Agenda 2030?
Authors: Wilner Adriana
Published: February 2023

Diante do cenário dramático, a Rede Brasil do Pacto Global lançou neste ano a iniciativa Ambição 2030, para acelerar o engajamento do setor privado no cumprimento das metas. O Pacto Global foi lançado em 2000 pela Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU) como uma chamada para as empresas ajustarem suas estratégias e operações aos desafios da sociedade. Assim, o caderno especial da GV-executivo desta edição, sobre ética, compliance e Agenda Global, aborda temáticas da Ambição 2030.
De onde vem a decisão de empreender no social
Authors: Feitosa de Lucena Cavalcante Roberta , Milton de Sousa-Filho José
Published: February 2023

Análise baseada na história de vida dos empreendedores sociais mostra que atividades como voluntariado, grêmios estudantis e participação em mentorias têm maior influência do que a educação formal.
Rumos para a economia da floresta
Authors: Maria Comini Graziella
Published: February 2023

Mapeamento de empreendimentos socioambientais na Amazônia revela iniciativas ricas em diversidade que podem ser potencializadas com maior apoio para a consolidação dos modelos de negócios e para a expansão geográfica.
Como superar incongruências do tripé da sustentabilidade
Authors: Guilherme F. de Campos José
Published: February 2023

Empreendimentos que almejam impacto frequentemente enfrentam trade-offs relacionados às questões econômicas, sociais e ambientais. Em vez de suprimirem as duas últimas dimensões em favor do lucro, as empresas podem usar as cinco abordagens e 12 estratégias do artigo para se manterem fiéis à centralidade do impacto socioambiental com perenidade e até crescimento do negócio.
Empreendedoras transformam a sociedade
Authors: Fontes Ana , Monteiro Débora
Published: February 2023

Empreendimentos femininos têm o potencial de melhorar indicadores econômicos e sociais no Brasil e fortalecem-se com iniciativas que vão do estímulo à digitalização às compras afirmativas.
Covid-19: uma janela para fraudes corporativas
Authors: Matuella Filho Iedo , De Souza Miranda Claudio , Mateus Rodrigues Jonny
Published: February 2023

Profissionais de governança, risco e compliance perceberam crescimento de vulnerabilidades com a pandemia, mas também foram adotadas ações para mitigá-las que podem ser usadas para enfrentar crises futuras.
Studies in multidimensional stochastic processes
Authors: Κεχαγιάς-Αθανασόπουλος Στέφανος-Θεόδωρος
Published: February 2023

Η παρούσα διατριβή ασχολείται με τη μελέτη πολυδιάστατων στοχαστικών διαδικασιών που διέπονται από ειδικές σχέσεις εξάρτησης. Η διατριβή αποτελείται από 3 μέρη. Τα δύο πρώτα αφορούν πολυμεταβλητές χρονοσειρές μακράς εξάρτησης. Πρόκειται για στάσιμες πολυμεταβλητές χρονοσειρές που έχουν μακρά «μνήμη», με την έννοια ότι η επίδραση των παρελθοντικές τιμών της σειράς στις μελλοντικές τιμές, μειώνεται με αργό ρυθμό καθώς αυξάνεται η υστέρηση μεταξύ τους. Σε αντίθεση με το μονομεταβλητή περίπτωση, όπου οι χρονοσειρές μακράς εξάρτησης έχουν κατανοηθεί επαρκώς και εφαρμόζονται σε ποικίλες ερευνητικές περιοχές όπως Οικονομικά, Χρηματοοικονομικά, Δίκτυα Υπολογιστών, Φυσική, Κλιματικές Επιστήμες και πολλές άλλες, η μελέτη των πολυμεταβλητών χρονοσειρών μακράς εξάρτησης δεν έχει ωριμάσει πλήρως. Η παρούσα διατριβή θέτει τα κατάλληλα θεωρητικά θεμέλια για τη μελέτη τέτοιων χρονοσειρών, και εξετάζει τη στατιστική συμπερασματολογία τους κάτω από καινοφανή μοντέλα. Το τρίτο μέρος της διατριβής αφορά δισδιάστατα στάσιμα τυχαία πεδία Gauss. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, προτείνεται ένας γρήγορος αλγόριθμος για την ακριβή σύνθεση τέτοιων πεδίων μέσα από μεθόδους κυρτή βελτιστοποίησης και αναδεικνύεται η ανωτερότητα του σε σύγκριση με υφιστάμενες προσεγγίσεις.
Między Wschodem a Zachodem: O wyzwaniach dydaktycznych podczas pracy z grupami chińskimi
Authors: Czerkies Tamara , Prizel-Kania Adriana
Published: February 2023

Monografia jest pionierską i aktualną analizą obrazu zmagań, wyzwań oraz sukcesów osób podejmujących studia w Instytucie Glottodydaktyki Polonistycznej UJ. Spojrzenie metodologiczne zakłada ogląd z wnętrza Polski, oczyma polskich filologów, którzy na co dzień przygotowują studentów do pisania prac licencjackich i są autorytetami w dziedzinie. Dla chińskiego badacza to ciekawe ujęcie poznawcze, ponieważ wnioski oraz konkluzje naukowe są czynione synchronicznie do powstałych nie tak dawno studiów polskich. To notowanie na bieżąco spostrzeżeń, porażek, wyzwań oraz dalekosiężnych efektów, które uznaję za cenną wiedzę mogącą w przyszłości być punktem wyjścia do badań w zakresie porównawczym studiów polsko-chińskich. (z recenzji prof. nadzw. dr Li Yinan, Pekiński Uniwersytet Języków Obcych) Recenzowany tom stanowi udany wkład zespołu specjalistów Uniwersytetu Jagiellońskiego w rozwój refleksji nad nowym obszarem w glottodydaktyce polonistycznej – nauczaniem JPJO w Chinach. (…) Świadczy to nie tylko o znaczeniu wschodnioazjatyckiego partnera, lecz także o potrzebie wyspecjalizowania się w odpowiadaniu na potrzeby konkretnych grup zainteresowanych polszczyzną i polskością. (…) Publikacja przynosi starannie pomyślany i rzetelnie wykonany zbiór prac na temat nauczania polszczyzny w ważnym kraju Dalekiego Wschodu. (z recenzji dr. Piotra Kajaka, Uniwersytet Warszawski) Tom jest efektem pracy zespołu nauczycieli oraz wykładowców Instytutu Glottodydaktyki Polonistycznej UJ, którzy w roku akademickim 2019/2020 rozpoczęli zajęcia w ramach I edycji studiów na kierunku studia polskie – język, kultura, społeczeństwo na Wydziale Polonistyki UJ. (…) Specyfika nauczania polszczyzny uczących się z odległego kręgu kulturowego to nie tylko rozwijanie działań językowych oraz przekazywanie wiedzy na temat podsystemów języka, lecz także kształcenie świadomości kulturowej i kompetencji w tym zakresie. (…) Uczący się przybywa do Polski ze specyficznym bagażem kulturowym i, poznając język, zmuszony jest wielokrotnie przekraczać granice własnego świata, modelu uczenia się oraz związanych z tym nawyków. (Tamara Czerkies, Adriana Prizel-Kania, fragment Wstępu)
Wymiary kultur oraz ich wpływ na proces uczenia się oraz komunikację w języku polskim jako obcym
Authors: Prizel-Kania Adriana
Published: February 2023

The article focuses on the issues of cultural differences that may materially impact the progress and results of language instruction. The research analysis opens with an overview of the educational system that intercultural psychology categorizes into two models: Socratic (predominant in the West) and Confucian (more common in East Asia). The core part of the paper discusses the results of a questionnaire study conducted at Polish Studies departments in higher education institutions in China. The study aimed to determine the degree to which cultural factors and the students’ previous educational experience influenced their expectations with respect to language teaching methods and how they shaped the ways in which the students communicated. A special questionnaire was devised, based on cultural differences that are observable in the educational environment. The study results show that the Chinese students’ expectations are determined by the Confucian model, which they have been familiar with since their early school days but also many statements, which are more typical for West societies, were also considered valuable and efficient ways of learning and teaching. This outcome opens room for debate on whether and to what extent (primarily Polish) teachers can and should take these preferences into account when preparing their classes and selecting teaching methods and techniques.
I Chińczykom gramatyka problemy sprawia, czyli o wyzwaniach składniowych (i nie tylko) chińskojęzycznych uczących się języka polskiego jako obcego
Authors: Terka Beata
Published: February 2023

The article concerns the issue of certain difficulties of Chinese-speaking learners in Polish grammar. It describes a multi-stage and methodologically diverse research, which had the following goals: to confront the opinions of Chinese learners about “difficult places” in Polish grammar with the repertoire of common mistakes made by these students, to check the level of awareness of Chinese students as to the impact of knowing the grammatical subsystem on the readiness to undertake and the ability to effectively perform language activities, and to make an attempt to verify the assumption that the relatively flexible Polish syntax is one of the greatest challenges for the Chinese – due to the positional character of the Chinese language. It has been proven that introducing syntactic changes that disrupt the most typical order of the individual components of a utterance, lead to grammatical errors and disorders in understanding of written texts observed among Chinese learners – even if they have a good knowledge of the required grammatical structures and lexis.
Wyzwania oraz sposoby wsparcia chińskich studentów przygotowujących prace licencjackie
Authors: Banach Małgorzata , Bucko Dominika
Published: February 2023

The article is concerned with the individualisation of teaching, using the example of tutorials accompanying the bachelor’s seminar in the undergraduate double degree programme: Polish studies: language, culture, society. It presents case studies which serve to illustrate the challenges and difficulties faced by Chinese students who worked on their bachelor’s theses. The article also describes the approach adopted by the teachers and the assistance they provided for the tutees, which allowed them to find satisfactory solutions together, respecting the cultural and educational background of the students as well as teaching standards and requirements for candidates for a bachelor’s degree at the Faculty of Polish Studies of the Jagiellonian University. The authors also comment on the preparation for the thesis defence and methods of remedying problems caused by pandemic restrictions.
Prace licencjackie chińskich studentów powstałe na zakończenie I edycji programu, czyli przekraczanie granic własnego świata
Authors: Czerkies Tamara
Published: February 2023

This paper presents educational teaching process during the bachelor seminar at the first edition of the programme: Polish Studies-Language-Culture-Society in 2019–2021. The article presents some theoretical notions which describes difficult process when learners comes into a new culture and starts understanding. As an example we enclose chosen excerpts of thesis which were written at the end of the programme. We discuss also some chosen works of G. Hofstede (2011), P. Garncarek (2021) and G. Zarzycka (2021).
An Improved Integer L-Shaped Method for the Vehicle Routing Problem with Stochastic Demands
Authors: Hoogendoorn Y. N. , Spliet R.
Published: February 2023

We present an improved integer L-shaped method for the vehicle routing problem with stochastic demands. It exhibits speedups up to a factor of 325 compared with the current state-of-the-art, which allows us to solve 153 previously unsolved benchmark instances to optimality. The algorithm builds on the state-of-the-art in a few ways. First, we rectify a few technical issues found in the current literature. Second, we improve valid inequalities known as partial route inequalities. Finally, we introduce three new types of valid inequalities.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms–Discrete.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/ijoc.2023.1271 .
Meta-Analysis: The Influence of Local Wisdom-Based Learning Media on the Character of Students in Indonesia
Authors: Yusuf Furtasan Ali
Published: February 2023

This research aims to prove and find out the influence of local wisdom-based learning media on the character of students in Indonesia. This research uses a quantitative method with a meta-analysis approach. The research data were analyzed using the 0.8.5 version of JASP software. The eligibility criteria used include: (a) The publications must be searchable in search databases such as Google Scholar, ERIC, DOAJ, Research Gate, and or ScienceDirect; (b) The publications are reputable indexed; (c) The publications must relate to learning media based on local wisdom and student character; (d) The publications must be in the range of 2015 to 2023; (e) The articles are worth (r), (t), or (F); (6) N ≥ 30. The results of the analysis of 30 studies showed that there was a significant effect of learning media on the character of students in Indonesia (z = 9.700; p < .001; 95% CI [.987; 1.487]). This effect is categorized as very strong (rRE = 1.237). This meta-analysis study is the result of accurate, valid, and representative research reviewed because publication bias was not detected. Thus, it can be concluded that learning media based on local wisdom has a big influence on student character.  
China as a transitional economy to socialism?
Authors: Roberts Michael
Published: February 2023

What sort of economy and state is China? Is it capitalist or socialist? The answer to those questions must start with Marx’s law of value, which defines the nature of mode of production and social relations under capitalism. It continues with an understanding of the concept of a transitional economy between capitalism and socialism. We can define several criteria for an economy in transition to socialism. Based on those criteria, China is not a capitalist economy; its phenomenal economic success is product of a predominantly state-owned and directed economy clearly distinct from capitalist economies, whether democratic or autocratic. However, it is still far away from achieving socialism or communism. It is an economy in a “trapped transition”. It is trapped because it lacks any meaningful forms of workers’ democracy and it is surrounded by the forces of imperialism which seek to strangle it. Indeed, any transition to socialism requires international coordination and unity to develop the productive forces and sustain workers’ control.
Russia’s War in Ukraine: State Patriotism or Economic Gain?
Authors: Lawrence Peter
Published: February 2023

Are the objectives of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 based on Putin’s ideological view of Russia’s history and the place of Ukraine in it in the process re-establishing Russia’s position as a world power challenging US hegemony? Or are there underlying economic objectives shared with Russia’s oligarchs to gain control of Ukraine’s mineral wealth and strategic economic position at the crossroads of Europe and Eurasia? This article compares the economies of Russia and Ukraine and their performance since the end of the Soviet Union and finds that their economic structures and performance are very similar over the last three decades, as is the domination of their respective oligarchs, but that the war has hit Ukraine much more disastrously than sanctions have hit Russia. It concludes that Russia does not need Ukraine’s mineral wealth but that control of Ukraine would bring Russia economic gains. However, the principal reason for the invasion is to push back the potential NATO advance to the Russian border, itself a reaction to US fears of Europe’s increasing dependence on Russia for gas, and in doing so challenge US hegemony not just in Europe by across the world by building bridges to Asia and other parts of the Global South.
Laser Computed Tomography and Transillumination Imaging with Coherent Detection Imaging Techniques
Authors: Inaba Humio , Ichimura Tsutomu , Tan-no Naohiro
Published: February 2023

This paper reports our recent study on laser computed tomography and transillumination/projection imaging achieved by Coherent Detection Imaging (CDI) method. Experimental results using biological tissues and samples are presented by this method incorporating the optical heterodyne detection technique and the image reconstruction based on the projection slice theorem.