bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unconventional site of pacing for failed balloon valvotomy of prosthetic tricuspid valve: a case report
Authors: Newaskar Aditi , Nandipati Radha , Ganta Somasekhar , Dhulipalla Dharma Teja , Satish John , Nevali Krishna Prasad 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Conduction disturbances are a frequent occurrence after tricuspid valve surgeries, and their management is challenging.

Case presentation
We present a case of 16-year-old male patient who presented with episodes of presyncope. At the age of 7 years, he underwent tricuspid valve replacement surgery with a biological prosthesis for infective endocarditis sourced from a gluteal abscess. Post-operatively, he had complete atrioventricular block and underwent epicardial pacing. Epicardial lead impedance increased at follow-up and led to failure of pacing. At the time of presentation he had prosthetic tricuspid valve dysfunction with increased gradients. We did tricuspid valve balloon valvotomy but the gradients did not improve and patient developed tricuspid regurgitation. In view of difficulty in placing the lead through degenerated tricuspid valve, we have decided to place the lead in coronary sinus. He underwent successful lead placement in posterolateral tributary of coronary sinus with acceptable parameters. He had an uneventful follow-up at 1 year.

Conclusion
TV surgeries create a unique problem for pacing. Coronary sinus pacing offers an effective alternative to conventional RV pacing in such cases.
Prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis in refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease in Egyptian patients
Authors: Gadallah Abdelnaser , Shayeb El Sayed El , Hisham Basma , Abdou Asmaa Gaber , Abdalla Ezzat 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder characterized by diverse symptoms and lesions impacting the esophagus and adjacent regions, resulting from the backward flow of stomach contents into the esophagus. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has become a significant alternative diagnosis for persons with persistent GERD symptoms. This study aims to assess the prevalence of EoE in Egyptian patients who inadequately react to GERD treatments.

Methods
Esophageal tissue samples were collected from all patients exhibiting persistent GERD symptoms. EoE was identified based on esophageal mucosal biopsies showing at least 15 eosinophils per high-power field (HPF) and symptoms suggestive of esophageal dysfunction, following the exclusion of other causes of eosinophilia.

Results
Thirty hundred patients with persistent GERD symptoms were included in this study. These patients were divided into two groups: those diagnosed with EoE (n = 12) and those without this condition (n = 288). Dysphagia (p = 0.012), occult blood in stool (p = 0.024) and H. pylori antigen (p = 0.013) were significantly in favour of patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis and these factors were predictors of eosinophilic oesophagitis (p < 0.05).

Conclusion
The prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) among Egyptian patients with refractory GERD was found to be 4%, indicating that EoE is relatively uncommon type of esophagitis. EoE showed a notable association with dysphagia, occult blood in stool and Hpylori infection which are considered predictors of this type of esophagitis.
Predictors of external branch of superior laryngeal nerve paresis and paralysis in patients undergoing thyroidectomy: by videostroboscopy
Authors: N. Manoj Kumar , S.R. Rajiv , Nagaraj T. M. , S. Sweta , K. Ramya , N. Pavitra 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Thyroidectomy is one of the most commonly done surgery in otorhinolaryngology; hence, a pre-operative analysis of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and superior laryngeal nerve functions of laryngeal musculature is very important. A retrospective analysis was done to detect pre-operative external branch of superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) paresis and paralysis in patients undergoing thyroidectomy secondary to benign and malignant pathology and to outline the importance of stroboscope before all thyroid surgeries on 51 patients with thyroid pathologies, planned for thyroidectomy in a tertiary care center in a span of 2 years who underwent video-laryngeal stroboscope pre-operatively to detect pre-operative external branch of superior laryngeal nerve paresis and paralysis and relationship with thyroid diagnosis.

Results
Thirty-six cases (70%) had normal findings, whereas 9 patients (18%) had EBSLN paresis and 6 cases (12%) had EBSLN paralysis. Signs suggestive of unilateral paresis and unilateral paralysis are asymmetry of folds, irregularity of vocal folds, incomplete glottic closure and mid phonatory gap, reduced mucosal wave pattern of affected vocal fold, reduced amplitude, paralyzed cords vertical plane was off level compared to normal, anterior bowing of vocal folds, tilting of anterior glottis to the affected side, concavity of vocal folds, and short and flaccid vocal folds.

Conclusion
Pre-operative stroboscope should be done in all cases who undergo thyroid surgery since it helps in identifying early paresis and palsy. Superior laryngeal nerve paresis and paralysis are relatively common but traditionally difficult to diagnose with certainty. Video laryngeal stroboscope is a useful tool in the evaluation of patients with suspected laryngeal paralysis and justifies an intrinsic relationship that exists between thyroid diseases and EBSLN paresis and paralysis which is related to local effects of the disease resulting in reduced stiffness in the paralyzed cord. The reliable predictors of worsening paresis are malignant lesions and suspected benign to malignant pathologies.
The effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines on the development of atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: ultrasonographic assessment of intimal medial thickness and resistive index
Authors: Nasser Mohamed , Wadie Mary , Farid Alyaa , Amir Azza El 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Background
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a debilitating rheumatic condition that results in the dysfunction of multiple organs in the body. Atherosclerosis is a common occurrence in people with SLE and is exacerbated by an overabundant of various cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and their soluble receptors, such as soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor I (sTNFR I) and soluble interleukin-6 receptor (sIL-6R) (known as SLE risk factors) and high concentrations of lipids (known as dyslipidemia risk factors). The intimal medial thickness (IMT) of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is a sonographic measurement that assesses the extent of atherosclerosis. On the other hand, the resistive index (RI) is primarily employed to evaluate the severity of chronic kidney diseases (CKDs), but it is seldom utilized to estimate atherosclerosis in ICA. So, the objective of this study was to conduct retrospective cohort study among SLE patients to define which risk factor, inflammation or dyslipidemia, correlated with the development of atherosclerosis in SLE and which ultrasound assessment, CIMT or RI, is more useful in identifying atherosclerosis.

Results
TNF-α, sTNFR I, IL-6, and sIL-6R were significantly elevated (P < 0.0001) in SLE patients (n = 75) compared to the controls (n = 15); also, both CIMT and RI showed significant higher levels in patient’s group (P = 0.001 and 0.0025, respectively). Systemic lupus disease activity index (SLEDAI) (P = 0.002), total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.025), CIMT (P = 0.00045), TNF-α (P < 0.0001), IL-6 (P < 0.0001), sTNFR I (P = 0.006), and sIL-6R (P < 0.0001) rates were significantly higher in atherosclerotic SLE patients (n = 27) than in non-atherosclerotic patients (n = 48). There were clear and meaningful positive correlations (r = 0.82, P = 0.003) observed between CIMT and SLEDAI, as well as between investigated cytokines and their soluble receptors. RI showed no significant differences between two studied groups of patients and also no significant correlations with the studied parameters except with age (r = 0.45, P = 0.035).

Conclusion
Inflammation is a more prevalent cause of atherosclerosis than dyslipidemia in SLE, thereby making it a recognized risk factor for SLE. In comparison to RI, CIMT is a valuable sonographic measure for identifying incidence of atherosclerosis.
Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies in overcoming chemotherapy resistance in cancer
Authors: Gu Yixiang , Yang Ruifeng , Zhang Yang , Guo Miaomiao , Takehiro Kyle , Zhan Ming , Yang Linhua , Wang Hui 
Published: January 2025

AbstractCancer remains a leading cause of mortality globally and a major health burden, with chemotherapy often serving as the primary therapeutic option for patients with advanced-stage disease, partially compensating for the limitations of non-curative treatments. However, the emergence of chemotherapy resistance significantly limits its efficacy, posing a major clinical challenge. Moreover, heterogeneity of resistance mechanisms across cancer types complicates the development of universally effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance and identifying strategies to overcome it are current research focal points. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the key molecular mechanisms underlying chemotherapy resistance, including drug efflux, enhanced DNA damage repair (DDR), apoptosis evasion, epigenetic modifications, altered intracellular drug metabolism, and the role of cancer stem cells (CSCs). We also examine specific causes of resistance in major cancer types and highlight various molecular targets involved in resistance. Finally, we discuss current strategies aiming at overcoming chemotherapy resistance, such as combination therapies, targeted treatments, and novel drug delivery systems, while proposing future directions for research in this evolving field. By addressing these molecular barriers, this review lays a foundation for the development of more effective cancer therapies aimed at mitigating chemotherapy resistance.
Beyond comorbidities: metabolic dysfunction as a root cause of neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Palmer Christopher M. 
Published: January 2025

SUMMARY
Metabolic dysfunction has been long associated with severe mental illness (SMI), often viewed as a comorbidity to be managed. However, emerging evidence suggests that metabolic dysfunction, particularly at the mitochondrial level, may be a foundational element in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. This commentary expands on the current understanding by exploring the brain energy theory of mental illness, which posits that mitochondrial dysfunction is central to both metabolic and psychiatric conditions. The roles of insulin resistance, chronic stress and environmental factors are highlighted as shared biopsychosocial determinants that contribute to deterioration in both metabolic and mental health. The therapeutic potential of the ketogenic diet is discussed, particularly its ability to improve mitochondrial function and alleviate psychiatric symptoms. This shift in perspective, from viewing metabolic dysfunction as a secondary concern to recognising it as a root cause of SMI, has significant implications for clinical practice and research. By focusing on bioenergetic deficits and mitochondrial health, psychiatry may advance towards more effective, integrated treatment approaches that target the underlying cellular dysfunctions driving both metabolic and mental illnesses.
Randomized Trial of Enhanced Versus Standard Navigation to Promote Timely Initiation of Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Graboyes Evan M. , DeMass Reid , Sterba Katherine R. , Chera Bhisham S. , Kistner-Griffin Emily , Hill Elizabeth G. , McCay Jessica , Newman Jason G. , Albergotti W. Greer , Kejner Alex E. , Skoner Judith M. , Harper Jennifer L. , Kaczmar John , Lee Byung Joo , Zimmerman Savannah A. , Warren Graham W. , Alberg Anthony J. , Calhoun Elizabeth A. , Nussenbaum Brian , Hughes Halbert Chanita 
Published: January 2025

PURPOSE
National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines recommend initiating postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) within 6 weeks of surgery for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but delays affect 50% of patients, disproportionately burden minoritized groups, and contribute to worse oncologic outcomes. This trial evaluates the efficacy of Navigation for Disparities and Untimely Radiation thErapy (NDURE), an enhanced navigation-based intervention, relative to usual care (UC) patient navigation for starting timely PORT.

METHODS
Adults with locally advanced HNSCC planning to undergo surgery and PORT were randomly assigned 1:1 to standard multidisciplinary head and neck oncology care and either NDURE, a multilevel navigation-based intervention to enhance key processes of care and overcome barriers to timely PORT, or UC, which consisted of standard patient navigation. The primary end point, initiation of timely PORT, defined as ≤6 weeks after surgery, was evaluated using a generalized linear model binary regression with identity link, adjusting for random assignment stratification variables (race, predicted PORT location). Secondary end points were time to PORT (TTP) and treatment package time (TPT; the time from surgery to PORT completion).

RESULTS

Among 176 eligible patients randomly assigned to NDURE (n = 88) or UC (n = 88), 145 (NDURE, n = 67; UC, n = 78) underwent surgery, had a pathologic indication for PORT, and were evaluable for the primary end point. NDURE improved initiation of timely PORT relative to UC (model-based initiation of timely PORT, 74%
v
39%; risk difference, 35% [90% CI, 23 to 48]). NDURE increased the rate of PORT initiation (TTP hazard ratio [HR], 1.82 [90% CI, 1.32 to 2.50]) and treatment package completion (TPT HR, 1.67 [90% CI, 1.22 to 2.29]) relative to UC.

CONCLUSION
In this randomized clinical trial of patients with HNSCC undergoing surgery and PORT, NDURE improved initiation of timely PORT, TTP, and TPT.
Offline Feature-Based Pricing Under Censored Demand: A Causal Inference Approach
Authors: Tang Jingwen , Qi Zhengling , Fang Ethan , Shi Cong 
Published: January 2025

Problem definition: We study a feature-based pricing problem with demand censoring in an offline, data-driven setting. In this problem, a firm is endowed with a finite amount of inventory and faces a random demand that is dependent on the offered price and the features (from products, customers, or both). Any unsatisfied demand that exceeds the inventory level is lost and unobservable. The firm does not know the demand function but has access to an offline data set consisting of quadruplets of historical features, inventory, price, and potentially censored sales quantity. Our objective is to use the offline data set to find the optimal feature-based pricing rule so as to maximize the expected profit. Methodology/results: Through the lens of causal inference, we propose a novel data-driven algorithm that is motivated by survival analysis and doubly robust estimation. We derive a finite sample regret bound to justify the proposed offline learning algorithm and prove its robustness. Numerical experiments demonstrate the robust performance of our proposed algorithm in accurately estimating optimal prices on both training and testing data. Managerial implications: The work provides practitioners with an innovative modeling and algorithmic framework for the feature-based pricing problem with demand censoring through the lens of causal inference. Our numerical experiments underscore the value of considering demand censoring in the context of feature-based pricing. Funding: The research of E. X. Fang is partially supported by the National Science Foundation [Grants NSF DMS-2346292, NSF DMS-2434666] and the Whitehead Scholarship. The research of C. Shi is partially supported by the Amazon Research Award. Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2024.1061 .
Technical Note: Data-Driven Sample Average Approximation with Covariate Information
Authors: Kannan Rohit , Bayraksan Güzin , Luedtke James R. 
Published: January 2025

Using Side Information to Improve Decision Making Under Uncertainty In many real-world planning settings, side information (also called covariate information, contextual information, or features) can be used to improve the estimates of uncertain parameters. Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in data-driven approaches to stochastic programming that take advantage of such side information. In “Data-Driven Sample Average Approximation with Covariate Information,” Kannan, Bayraksan, and Luedtke investigate two flexible data-driven frameworks that integrate a machine learning prediction model within a sample average approximation (SAA) of a stochastic programming problem, including a novel framework that leverages leave-one-out residuals for scenario generation. They establish conditions on the data generation process, the prediction model, and the stochastic program under which the solutions of these data-driven contextual SAAs exhibit asymptotic and finite sample convergence guarantees. Furthermore, they provide examples illustrating that these data-driven formulations can outperform existing methods in the limited data regime, even if the prediction model is misspecified.
Aproximación a la gobernanza digital en Iberoamérica, 2023
Authors: Alcudia de la Fuente Daniel Herminio , Venancio Flores Arturo 
Published: January 2025

La gobernanza digital es un concepto relativamente nuevo que se refiere al uso de las tecnologías digitales para mejorar los procesos relativos a la gobernanza. En el contexto de las ciudades, puede utilizarse para mejorar la participación ciudadana, la transparencia y la eficiencia gubernamental. En este artículo, se presenta un primer vistazo a la gobernanza digital en Iberoamérica. Se discuten los componentes del concepto, cierta evolución, coincidencias y contradicciones en el abordaje.
Objetivo: Con el objetivo de analizar la evolución del concepto de gobernanza digital en el contexto de las ciudades durante las primeras dos décadas del siglo XXI, a partir de la revisión y crítica de la literatura encontrada, identificando las principales perspectivas teóricas, los aportes y las tendencias emergentes en el campo.
Metodología: Con metodología hermenéutica se construyó el análisis crítico que permitió identificar la evolución y aportes al concepto desde el contexto de los investigadores iberoamericanos.
Resultados: El estudio reveló cómo la gobernanza digital se ha convertido en un concepto popular para la modernización y mejora teórica de la gestión pública en las ciudades.
Contribuciones: Pero se identificaron lagunas sobre la aplicación real y se enfatizó en la necesidad de estrategias inclusivas y participativas que respondan efectivamente a las necesidades y expectativas de los ciudadanos y gobernantes en la era digital.
Barriers and missed opportunities in PrEP uptake, use and care among men who have sex with men with recent HIV infection in the Netherlands
Authors: Koole Jeffrey C. D. , Bedert Maarten R. D. , de la Court Feline , Bais Irene , Wit Ferdinand , Stalenhoef Janneke , Mudrikova Tania , Pogany Katalin , van Benthem Birgit , Prins Maria , Davidovich Udi , van der Valk Marc 
Published: January 2025

Introduction
Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevents Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition. In the Netherlands, PrEP is accessible through the national PrEP program (NPP) or general practitioners (GP). Still, some men who have sex with men (MSM) entering HIV care indicated having PrEP experience prior to diagnosis. We aimed to identify barriers and missed opportunities in PrEP uptake, care and use among MSM with HIV and previous PrEP experience.

Methods
Between March 2022-March 2023, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews on PrEP among MSM diagnosed with HIV from 2019 onwards with previous PrEP experience. Interviewees were recruited through their HIV treatment centers and social media.

Results
Of the 11 included MSM, most reported significant PrEP-uptake delay because of the limited NPP capacity and high threshold of accessing PrEP from GPs (e.g. stigma, lack of sexual health expertise). Additional uptake or use barriers included anticipated/experienced side-effects, burden of daily pill-taking or event-driven regimen complexity, the latter leading to PrEP discontinuation. Missed opportunities in counseling on adherence and safer sex alternatives after discontinuation were reported. Most interviewees considered informal PrEP unsuitable.

Conclusion
PrEP uptake delay played a crucial role in context of HIV infection among MSM with HIV and previous PrEP experience. HIV diagnoses at or shortly after PrEP initiation emphasize the importance of ensuring rapid and timely PrEP access. Uptake barriers at GPs, stigma on sexuality, lack of expertise, and missed care opportunities need to be addressed. Early detection of PrEP protocol/user-mismatch and counseling on safer sex alternatives after discontinuation are pivotal for sustainable HIV prevention.
Dialysate and plasma meropenem concentrations in continuous intraperitoneal regimen during peritoneal-dialysis-related peritonitis
Authors: Srithongkul Thatsaphan , Raksasuk Sukit , Techajongnumchai Bulaporn , Sritippayawan Suchai , Koomanachai Pornpan 
Published: January 2025

Background
A single dose of intraperitoneal (IP) meropenem is recommended for peritoneal-dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis stemming from extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing organisms. However, data on IP meropenem is limited.

Methods
This prospective, descriptive study was conducted to examine plasma and dialysate meropenem levels during continuous IP meropenem administration in five patients with PD-related peritonitis. All patients received an IP meropenem loading dose of 500 mg, followed by IP meropenem at 125 mg/L, with four exchanges daily. The plasma and dialysate meropenem concentrations were measured at specified intervals for a 24-hour period utilizing a high-performance, liquid chromatography method.

Results
Five patients with PD related peritonitis were studied. The mean-maximum dialysate and plasma meropenem levels were 158.1 mg/L (standard deviation [SD] ± 62.9) and 29.4 mg/L (SD ± 15.9), respectively. The mean dialysate meropenem level was at its minimum of 32.6 mg/L (SD ± 19.1) at 24 hours. Throughout the period, the dialysate meropenem levels exceeded the minimal inhibitory concentration of the pathogenic resistance organism (> 8 mg/L). Four patients responded to the treatment, whereas one developed treatment failure from fungal peritonitis.

Conclusion
An IP meropenem loading of 500 mg, followed by 125 mg/L every 6 hours, provided an adequate dialysate meropenem concentration and is an effective treatment for PD related peritonitis.

Trial registration
Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20191121002) with date of first registration at 21/11/2019 (retrospectively registered).