bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular sequelae of hyperthyroidism: A rare case report of thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Elendu, Chukwuka 
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
This case report highlights a distinctive presentation of cardiovascular sequelae arising from hyperthyroidism, shedding light on a rarely observed condition within the medical literature. The unique aspects of this case contribute valuable insights to our understanding of the intricate relationship between thyroid dysfunction and cardiac complications.

Clinical presentation:
The patient exhibited a constellation of symptoms, including palpitations, weight loss, and anxiety, indicative of hyperthyroidism. Notably, a thorough clinical examination revealed critical cardiovascular findings, such as elevated heart rate, arrhythmias, and signs of heart failure, underscoring the significant cardiac implications associated with this disorder.

Diagnosis and interventions:
Following a comprehensive diagnostic process, the patient was diagnosed with thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy, a rare manifestation of hyperthyroidism characterized by cardiac muscle dysfunction. Therapeutic interventions encompassed a multidisciplinary approach involving antithyroid medications, beta-blockers, and supportive heart failure management. The intricate connection between thyroid function and cardiac performance necessitated tailored treatment strategies.

Outcomes:
A notable improvement in the patient’s clinical status was observed throughout treatment. Reduction in heart rate, resolution of arrhythmias, and amelioration of heart failure symptoms collectively underscored the efficacy of the chosen interventions. This case report emphasizes the importance of prompt and accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment regimen in achieving positive clinical outcomes in patients with thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy.

Conclusion:
This case is a poignant reminder of the interplay between endocrine and cardiovascular systems. The unique presentation of thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy in the context of hyperthyroidism expands our knowledge of potential cardiovascular sequelae. Clinicians are urged to consider such intricate connections and remain vigilant for atypical cardiac manifestations in patients with thyroid dysfunction. Timely intervention and tailored management strategies are paramount in mitigating the impact of these rare yet clinically significant conditions.
Pulmonary embolism after diagnostic curettage in patient with adenomyosis and hysteromyoma: A case report and brief review of literature
Authors: Cheng Zhen , Yan Min , Wu Yu-Yan , Li Xin-Ran , Pan Xiang-Tao 
Published: December 2023

Rationale:
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common cause of cardiovascular death whose major acquired risk factors include postoperative states, pregnancy, malignancy, and age. We report a case of PE that occurred after diagnostic curettage for abnormal uterine bleeding, with a medical history of adenomyosis and hysteromyoma.

Patient concerns and diagnoses:
A 31-year-old Han Chinese female was referred to our hospital with menstrual disorders, increased menstrual flow, and severe anemia. After admission, the patient was treated with a blood transfusion, iron supplementation, and erythropoietin, and diagnostic curettage was performed the following day. On the first postoperative day, the patient developed pulmonary embolism with dyspnea and fever diagnosed by CT pulmonary angiography and significantly elevated D-dimer.

Interventions and outcomes:
Molecular weight heparin was administered for PE for 2 weeks, dyspnea was relieved significantly after 2 days of treatment and the uterine bleeding did not increase; and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists were administered for adenomyosis after 1 week of anticoagulant therapy to reduce bleeding. We followed up for 6 months, and the patient had no recurrence of thrombosis and uterine bleeding had improved.

Conclusion:
We speculate that the occurrence of pulmonary embolism was closely related to adenomyosis, hysteromyoma, and curettage in this patient. Treating the presence of both menstrual bleeding and thromboembolism is challenging, and careful management is necessary to avoid therapeutic contradictions.
The Heimlich maneuver and chest compression relieve mask ventilation difficulties caused by asymptomatic laryngeal mass: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Zhou Xuefei , Wang Longfei , Zhang Yonghua , Wu Qiuyue , Cao Yunfei 
Published: December 2023

Rationale:
Some laryngeal masses are typically asymptomatic and easily ignored. However, they can be rare causes of unanticipated difficult airway, leading to critical situations such as “cannot ventilate” or “cannot ventilate and cannot intubate” during anesthesia induction. Inappropriate airway management in such scenarios can have catastrophic consequences for an anesthetized patient. Here we report a case of sudden, unanticipated difficult mask ventilation caused by an asymptomatic supraglottic mass during sedative induction, which was quickly and effectively relieved by the Heimlich maneuver and chest compression.

Patient concerns:
We report a rare case of airway crisis occurred during sedative induction in a 63-year-old patient scheduled for a routine flexible bronchoscopy, and no evidence of respiratory difficulty or signs of obstruction was found in preoperative evaluation.

Diagnoses:
A detailed examination of laryngopharyngeal structure under bronchoscopy revealed a supraglottic soft-tissue mass with a size of 1.6 × 0.8 cm covering the membranous part of the glottic area, which was the true cause of difficult mask ventilation in this patient during sedative induction.

Interventions:
As the unanticipated difficult mask ventilation occurred, 2-handed mask ventilation was initiated immediately for 9 attempts but failed. Fortunately, the airway crisis was successfully relieved with 2 Heimlich attempts and 3 chest compressions, and no need for a laryngeal mask airway.

Outcomes:
Once the airway crisis was relieved and the supraglottic mass was confirmed, the patient underwent a second sedative anesthesia and a successful laryngeal mask airway-assisted bronchoscopy, with no post-bronchoscopy adverse events.

Lessons:
Asymptomatic supraglottic masses can cause valve-like upper airway obstruction and lead to unanticipated difficult mask ventilation. The Heimlich maneuver and chest compression may be effective in such critical situations and can serve as an emergency intervention.
Hyoid Bone and Thyroid Cartilage Fractures at Forensic Autopsies
Authors: Büyük Yalçın , Arslan Murat Nihat , Yalçınkaya Selahattin , Gökşen Muhammed Emin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Fractures of the hyoid bone (HB) and thyroid cartilage (TC) are important findings in emergency medicine and forensic pathology. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and anatomical localization of HB and TC fractures and to evaluate the etiological and risk factors.
A total of 315 patients with HB and/or TC fractures were included over a 3-year period. Data regarding the incident type, cause of death, age, sex, body mass index, regional trauma findings, location of fractures, resuscitation, and toxicological analyses were collected. Injury severity scores were calculated using the Abbreviated Injury Scale.
The study found that HB and TC fractures were associated with trauma severity. The hanging cases exhibited the highest number of fractures. A significant association was observed between neck trauma localization and HB and TC fractures. Fractures of the HB and TC horns were more commonly associated with neck trauma than fractures of the corpus. Hyoid bone and TC fractures can occur without direct trauma, emphasizing the importance of thorough examination and diagnosis, particularly after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
This study provides valuable insights into HB and TC fractures and contributes to the understanding and identification of these fractures in forensic autopsies and clinical settings.
COVID-19 infection prevention and control management during hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Hájek Michal , Chmelař Dittmar , Rozložník Miroslav , Lochmanová Alexandra , Tlapák Jakub , Vrbová Tereza , Klugar Miloslav , Klugarová Jitka 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Objective:
This implementation project compared standard operating procedures, accepted preventive measures, and disinfection procedures between the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (first wave: March 15 to May 31, 2020) and the later stages of the pandemic (second and third waves: September 1, 2020 to January 31, 2021).

Introduction:
This project sought to improve compliance with international evidence-based guidelines and clinical standards for the prevention and control of COVID-19 infection during hyperbaric oxygen therapy taking into account the conditions of the local hospital.

Methods:
Guided by the JBI evidence implementation framework, seven evidence-based audit criteria were developed for the prevention and control of COVID-19 infection during hyperbaric oxygen therapy. A questionnaire was used to measure compliance in baseline and follow-up audits.

Results:
Differences between the baseline and follow-up audits were noted for criteria 6 and 7. Criterion 6 increased from 0% to 100% as the hyperbaric facility was equipped with certified ultraviolet-C radiation for air disinfection during the later period, but this equipment was not available in the initial period of the pandemic. Criterion 7 dropped from 100% in the baseline audit to 0% in the follow-up audit because of a significant increase in the operational burden of the treatment capacity of the facility, which made it impossible to comply with the recommended distancing between patients.

Conclusions:
Differences were found in preventive measures, disinfection procedures, work organization, and approach to care strategy. The project objectives were met and the implementation strategies proved effective. Larger sample sizes would need be needed to confirm the reproducibility of the results.
Decoupling Dopamine Synthesis from Impulsive Action, Risk-related Decision-Making, and Propensity to Cocaine Intake: A Longitudinal [18F]-FDOPA PET Study in Roman High- and Low-avoidance Rats
Authors: Urueña-Méndez Ginna , Arrondeau Chloé , Bellés Lidia , Ginovart Nathalie 
Published: December 2023

AbstractImpulsive action and risk-related decision-making (RDM) are two facets of impulsivity linked to a hyperdopaminergic release in the striatum and an increased propensity to cocaine intake. We previously showed that with repeated cocaine exposure, this initial hyperdopaminergic release is blunted in impulsive animals, potentially signaling drug-induced tolerance. Whether such dopaminergic dynamics involve changes in dopamine (DA) synthesis as a function of impulsivity is currently unknown. Here, we investigated the predictive value of DA synthesis for impulsive action, RDM, and the propensity to take cocaine in a rat model of vulnerability to cocaine abuse. Additionally, we assessed the effects of cocaine intake on these variables. Rats were tested sequentially in the rat Gambling Task (rGT) and were scanned with positron emission tomography and [18F]-FDOPA to respectively assess both impulsivity facets and striatal DA synthesis before and after cocaine self-administration (SA). Our results revealed that baseline striatal levels of DA synthesis did not predict impulsive action, RDM, or a greater propensity to cocaine self-administration (SA) in impulsive animals. Besides, we showed that impulsive action, but not RDM, predicted higher rates of cocaine-taking. However, chronic cocaine exposure had no impact on DA synthesis nor affected impulsive action and RDM. These findings indicate that the hyperresponsive DA system associated with impulsivity and a propensity for cocaine consumption, along with the reduction in this hyperresponsive DA state in impulsive animals with a history of cocaine use, is not mediated by dynamic changes in DA synthesis.Significance statementImpulsive behaviors are associated with a heightened presynaptic dopamine (DA) function and vulnerability to the rewarding effects of cocaine. However, with repeated drug exposure, the initially high DA release decreases, probably reflecting the development of drug tolerance. Whether such DA dynamics involve changes in DA synthesis is currently unknown. Using in vivo neuroimaging in rats before and after chronic cocaine use, our study reveals that DA synthesis does not predict impulsivity or vulnerability to cocaine, nor is it affected by chronic drug exposure. Our results suggest that the heightened presynaptic function underlying impulsivity and the cocaine-induced tolerance to drugs depend on alternative mechanisms to DA synthesis, such as those controlling DA reactivity to stimulation and DA reuptake.
Development of a sequence-basedin silicoOspA typing method forBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato
Authors: Lee Jonathan T. , Li Zhenghui , Nunez Lorna D. , Katze Daniel , Perrin B. Scott , Raghuraman Varun , Rajyaguru Urvi , Llamera Katrina E. , Andrew Lubomira , Anderson Annaliesa S. , Hovius Joppe W. , Liberator Paul A. , Simon Raphael , Hao Li 
Published: December 2023

AbstractLyme disease (LD), caused by spirochete bacteria of the genusBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato, remains the most common vector-borne disease in the northern hemisphere.Borreliaouter surface protein A (OspA) is an integral surface protein expressed during the tick cycle, and a validated vaccine target. There are at least 20 recognizedBorreliagenospecies, that vary in OspA serotype. Traditional serotyping ofBorreliaisolates using OspA-specific monoclonal antibodies is technically challenging and reagent-constrained. This study presents a newin silicosequence-based method for OspA typing using next-generation sequence data. Using a compiled database of over 400Borreliagenomes encompassing all major genospecies, we characterized OspA diversity in a manner that can accommodate existing and new OspA types and then defined boundaries for classification and assignment of OspA types based on the sequence similarity. To accommodate potential novel OspA types, we have developed a new nomenclature: OspAin silicotype (IST). Beyond the ISTs which corresponded to existing OspA serotypes (ST1-8), we identified nine additional ISTs which cover new OspA variants inB. bavariensis(IST9-10),B. garinii(IST11-12), and otherBorreliagenospecies (IST13-17). Compared to traditional OspA serotyping methods, this new computational pipeline provides a more comprehensive and broadly applicable approach for characterization of OspA type andBorreliagenospecies to support vaccine development.Impact StatementAs the incidence of LD continues to rise, so does the need to maintain genomic surveillance of disease-causingBorrelia spp.and support clinical development of new vaccines. Towards this goal, introducing the OspAin silicotype (IST) nomenclature scheme, as well as the open-source release of this OspA analysis pipeline, will enable characterization of novelBorreliaOspA types using NGS data without the need for traditional, antibody-based serotyping systems.
Single-cell 5’ RNA sequencing of camelid peripheral B cells reveals cellular basis of heavy-chain antibody production
Authors: Yi Li , Guo Xin , Liu Yuexing , Jirimutu  , Wang Zhen 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCamelids are capable of producing both conventional tetrameric antibodies (Abs) and dimeric heavy-chain antibodies (HCAbs). While B cells generating these two types of Abs exhibit distinct B-cell receptors (BCRs), it remains unclear whether these two B cell populations differ in their phenotypes and developmental processes. Here, we collected eight PBMC samples before and after immunization from four Bactrian camels and conducted single-cell 5’ RNA sequencing. We characterized the functional subtypes and differentiation trajectories of circulating B cells in camels, including native B cells, memory B cells, intermediate B cells, atypical B cells, and plasma cells. Additionally, we reconstructed single-cell BCR sequences and revealed the IGHV and IGHC gene types. We found that B cells expressing variable genes of HACbs (VHH) were widely present in various functional subtypes and showed highly overlapping differentiation trajectories to B cells expressing variable genes of conventional Abs (VH). After immunization, the transcriptional changes in VHH+ and VH+ B cells were also largely consistent. Our study elucidates the cellular context of HCAb production in camels, and lays the foundation for the development of single B cell-based nanobody screening.
The receptor VLDLR binds East Equine Encephalitis virus through multiple distinct modes
Authors: Cao Duanfang , Ma Bingting , Cao Ziyi , Xu Xiaoyu , Zhang Xinzheng , Xiang Ye 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) is an alphavirus that can cause severe diseases in infected humans. The very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) was recently identified as a receptor of EEEV. Herein, we performed cryo-electron microscopy structural and biochemistry studies on the specific interactions between EEEV and VLDLR. Our results show that VLDLR binds EEEV at three different sites A, B and C through its membrane-distal 8 LDLR class A (LA) repeats (LA1-8). Site A is located in the cleft in between the E1-E2 heterodimers of the surface trimeric spikes. Site B is located near the connecting β ribbon in between the B and A-C domains of E2 and is in proximity to site A, while site C is on the domain B of E2. LA1 and LA5 specifically recognize site A, whereas LA2, LA3 and LA6 can bind both sites A and C. The binding of VLDLR LAs to EEEV is in complex modes. The LA1-2 mediated binding plays a critical role in mediating virus entry. The mutation W132G of VLDLR impairs the binding of LA3, drives the switch of the binding modes, and significantly enhances the attachment of EEEV to the cell. The W132G variant of VLDLR could be identified in human genome and SNP sequences, implying that people with similar mutations in VLDLR may be highly susceptible to EEEV infection.
Fairness, profits and social welfare: the implications of pay-what-you-want in online food delivery
Authors: Shroff Arvind , Shah Bhavin J. , Gajjar Hasmukh 
Published: December 2023

PurposePay-what-you-want (PWYW) is a pricing strategy implemented in a variety of settings like supermarkets and museums, in which consumers determine the price they are willing to pay for a product or service based on their perceived utility. The authors propose an analytical model to investigate the impact of PWYW delivery pricing on the online food delivery (OFD) platforms.Design/methodology/approachUsing a game-theoretic model, the authors characterize the equilibrium as a function of the platform's average delivery cost and the consumer's social preferences parameters like fairness and reciprocity. The authors derive the parametric conditions under which PWYW generates higher profits for the platform compared to the traditional pay-as-asked delivery pricing.FindingsFor the PWYW strategy to be profitable, the average delivery cost to the platform should be low. Therefore, OFD platform managers should focus on reducing delivery costs. The authors also identify the feasible region in which the platform managers need to maintain the consumer's social preferences.Practical implicationsUnder PWYW, the authors recommend that the platform managers impose a minimum delivery fee which consumers can use as a benchmark to minimize zero delivery fee payments and consumers' free-riding tendencies simultaneously. This allows OFD platforms to extract online orders from highly price-conscious consumers.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies to explore the innovative application of PWYW to a particular segment of delivery pricing in OFD platforms. The authors establish that the overall consumer surplus and social welfare are higher under the PWYW strategy, forming a solid ground for its implementation in OFD platforms.
Stochastic frontier leanness and firm performance: evidence from India
Authors: Gogoi Anannya , Srivastava Jagriti , Sensarma Rudra 
Published: December 2023

PurposeWhile firms in developing countries are increasingly adopting lean practices of inventory management, there is limited evidence showing the impact of lean practices on firm performance in countries such as India. Lean practices improve the financial performance of the firms through superior cost-reduction measures and operational efficiencies. This paper examines the impact of inventory leanness in Indian manufacturing firms on their financial performance.Design/methodology/approachThe authors measure inventory leanness based on stochastic frontier analysis (SLA), apart from using conventional measures available in the literature. The authors analyze the impact of inventory leanness on the financial performance of firms by examining data for 12,334 unique Indian manufacturing firms for the period 2009–2018. The authors present a comparative analysis using different methods of inventory leanness and study the effects on firm performance.FindingsFirst, the authors find that only 68 industries out of 411 industries follow lean practices, i.e. most industries do not follow lean practices. Second, the estimation results show that there exists a positive relationship between inventory leanness and firm performance. The results suggest that an inverted U-shaped relationship exists between inventory leanness and firm performance for the entire sample. In particular, 17% of the industries in the sample exhibit such a relationship, and it is sufficiently strong to show up in the average regression results for the entire sample.Originality/valueThe authors introduce a novel measure of inventory leanness named stochastic frontier leanness based on the SFA method used in production economics. It measures leanness by benchmarking the inventory levels against the industry “frontier”. Furthermore, the authors conduct an empirical study of the lean-financial performance relationship with a large panel dataset of Indian firms instead of the survey-based methods that were previously used in the literature.
Changing context, changing work? Comparing rural and urban contexts in social services provision in Italy
Authors: Pagiotti Susanna 
Published: December 2023

PurposeThe study compares the social services functioning in two local contexts, one urban and one rural, in the same Italian region, to understand how contextual features affect frontline workers' work.Design/methodology/approachBy applying the framework of the street-level bureaucracy theory (SLB) and proposing a framing of the spatial contexts under analysis, the present study adopts a qualitative approach. In particular, semi-structured interviews were conducted among street-level workers, decision-makers and privileged witnesses.FindingsThe study shows how the typical features of the rural and urban Italian contexts analyzed impact differently on the working conditions of frontline workers, leading to substantive differences in the possibility of exercise their role at the street-level.Originality/valueThe article contributes to a wider understanding of social services provision in a highly fragmented system like the Italian one by taking into consideration contexts that are usually little investigated in SLB and welfare studies in the Mediterranean Europe area: those rural and, in particular, those belonging to the so-called “inner areas”.