bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Chimeric IL-7Rα/IL-2Rβ Receptor Promotes the Differentiation of T Cell Progenitors into B Cells and Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells
Authors: Shimba Akihiro , Tani-ichi Shizue , Masuda Kyoko , Cui Guangwei , Munakata Satoru , Abe Shinya , Kitano Satsuki , Miyachi Hitoshi , Kawamoto Hiroshi , Ikuta Koichi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
IL-7 and IL-2 are evolutionarily related cytokines that play critical roles in the development and expansion of immune cells. Although both IL-7R and IL-2R activate similar signaling molecules, whether their signals have specific or overlapping functions during lymphocyte differentiation remains unclear. To address this question, we generated IL-7R α-chain (IL-7Rα)/IL-2R β-chain (IL-24β) (72R) knock-in mice expressing a chimeric receptor consisting of the extracellular domain of IL-7Rα and the intracellular domain of IL-2Rβ under the control of the endogenous IL-7Rα promoter. Notably, this 72R receptor induced higher levels of STAT5 and Akt phosphorylation in T cells. In the periphery of 72R mice, the number of T cells, B cells, and type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) was increased, whereas early T cell progenitors and double-negative 2 thymocytes were reduced in the thymus. In addition, cell proliferation and Notch signaling were impaired in the early thymocytes of 72R mice, leading to their differentiation into thymic B cells. Interestingly, ILC2s were increased in the thymus of 72R mice. Early T cell progenitors from 72R mice, but not from wild-type mice, differentiated into NK cells and ILC2-like cells when cocultured with a thymic stromal cell line. Thus, this study indicates that the chimeric 72R receptor transduces more robust signals than the authentic IL-7Rα, thereby inducing the alternative differentiation of T cell progenitors into other cell lineages. This suggests that cytokine receptors may provide instructive signals for cell fate decisions.
Plants used for the management of paediatric ailments in Zimbabwe: A narrative review
Authors: Maroyi Alfred 
Published: August 2024

Background: Children are susceptible to various types of infections and diseases because of their low and weakened immune system. In various communities throughout the world, medicinal plants have historically been used to treat and manage paediatric diseases and ailments.Aim: The current study was aimed at identifying and analysing medicinal plants used traditionally to treat and manage paediatric diseases in Zimbabwe.Setting: This review provides an overview of medicinal plants used to manage paediatric ailments in Zimbabwe.Method: Ethnobotanical information on medicinal plants used to treat and manage paediatric diseases in Zimbabwe was obtained using online databases such as Scopus, JSTOR, PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct.Results: A total of 178 taxa belonging to 64 families have been documented as traditional medicines for paediatric diseases and ailments in Zimbabwe. Cryptolepis oblongifolia, Asparagus spp., Dichrostachys cinerea, Fadogia ancylantha, Inula glomerata, Lannea edulis and Strychnos spinosa are the most popular medicinal plants with four to five use reports each. Medicinal plants are used to treat and manage 41 childhood medical conditions in Zimbabwe.Conclusion: Baseline data provided in this study can be used for future ethnopharmacological research focusing on chemical, pharmacological and toxicological evaluations of the documented species.Contribution: This study contributes to the existing literature about medicinal plants used to treat and manage paediatric diseases, and such data can be used to develop new health-promoting products for children and also pharmaceutical products that can be used to reduce child or infant mortality rate.
Constructing theoretical frameworks in social science research
Authors: Van der Waldt Gerrit 
Published: August 2024

Theoretical frameworks generally serve as the intellectual scaffolding that underpins research processes in the social sciences, providing an analytical lens through which researchers make sense of complex social phenomena.This article is an exploration of the fundamental role of theoretical frameworks in social science research. Firstly, it sheds light on its ontological, epistemological and methodological design imperatives, beginning with an elucidation of the concept of theoretical frameworks within the realm of social science research. Secondly, the significance of integrating theoretical frameworks in the research process is analysed, with an emphasis on the fact that it enhances the rigour and clarity of scholarly inquiry by guiding researchers when formulating research questions and hypotheses and in the interpretation of research findings.It conducts a literature review following an abstract conceptual design in an interpretivist research paradigm.Steps are proposed that can be followed when constructing a theoretical framework, using the construct ‘poverty’ as example.Since social science research deals with intricate and multifaceted social phenomena, theoretical frameworks provide researchers with a structured lens through which they can make sense of this complexity, offering a systematic way to organise and analyse data and observations. They also ensure that the study is focussed and aligned with existing knowledge and relevant theories.Transdisciplinary contribution: The significance of inter-, multi- and transdisciplinarity in the construction of theoretical frameworks in social science research are expounded by accentuating the ways in which knowledge domains and methodologies of multiple disciplines create a comprehensive understanding of complex social phenomena.
Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-10 as a Predictor of Mortality in Elderly with COVID-19
Authors: Rosyid Alfian Nur , Puspitasari Arina Dery , Sensusiati Anggraini Dwi , Nugraha Jusak , Amin Muhammad 
Published: August 2024

Context:
The age group at the most high risk for mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 infection was the elderly.

Aims:
This study aims to analyze markers that can predict the severity and mortality of elderly COVID-19 patients.

Settings and Design:
This study used a cohort retrospective design. We include adult and elderly COVID-19 patients at Universitas Airlangga Hospital from March to August 2021.

Subjects and Methods:
The sample used was 48 COVID-19 patients with positive real-time polymerase chain reaction swab results. We check the complete blood count and serum levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-10 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay during admission.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Data were analyzed using t-test, Mann–Whitney, Chi-square, Pearson, and Kendall Tau correlation.

Results:
Leukocyte level (6.6 ± 2.5) was lowest in the severe–critical elderly group. Neutrophil level (75.3 ± 10.2) was highest in the mild–moderate elderly group. Lymphocyte level (18.8 ± 8.7) was highest in mild–moderate nonelderly group. Platelet level (279.0 ± 117.7) was highest in the mild–moderate elderly group. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio level (9.1 ± 9.4) was highest in the severe–critical nonelderly group, IL-6 level (98.6 ± 144.1) was highest in the severe–critical elderly group, IL-10 level (107.7 ± 47.7) was highest in the severe–critical elderly group and highest IL-6/IL-10 level (1.4 ± 1.7) was found in the mild–moderate elderly group no significant differences in biomarkers identification between the elderly and nonelderly groups. There was a substantial relationship between IL-10 levels and gender, IL-10 level, and hospital discharge condition.

Conclusions:
Female elderly patients and alive elderly patients were correlated with increased levels of IL-10.
Prevalence and Patterns of Seizure-related Injuries: A Study of People Living with Epilepsy Found in a Community-based Door-to-door Survey in Southeast Nigeria
Authors: Anaje Obiora Daniel , Nwani Paul Osemeke , Nwosu Maduaburochukwu Cosmas , Asomugha Lasbrey Azuoma , Anaje Chetanna Chioma , Amaechi Ifeoma Adaigwe , Ebeogu Olisaeloka Ginikachi , Oriji Sunday Onyemaechi , Ndukwe Chinwe Chioma , Eze Linda Ifunanya , Morah Nnamdi Joseph , Omaga Imelda Chinenye , Ogunniyi Adesola 
Published: August 2024

Context:
Epileptic seizures and the unpredictable falls resulting from epileptic seizures predispose the people living with epilepsy (PLWE) to various physical injuries as well as postictal cognitive and behavioral changes.

Aims:
The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and patterns of seizure-related physical injuries, postictal cognitive impairments, and behavioral changes.

Settings and Design:
This was a cross-sectional descriptive study in a Southeast Nigeria local government area.

Subjects and Methods:
PLWE identified during a two-phase door-to-door survey and their caregivers were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire.

Statistical Analysis Used:
The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0 was used.

Results:
There were 56 cases of active convulsive seizures comprising 33 (58.9%) males and 23 (41.1%) females, with a mean age of 32.9 ± 14.2. The lifetime prevalence of seizure-related physical injuries, postictal behavioral changes, and postictal cognitive impairments was 9.8 per 1000 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.1–10.0), 8.4 per 1000 (95% CI: 7.2–9.2), and 6.3 per 1000 (95% CI: 4.9–7.5), respectively. Skin/soft-tissue injuries and tongue laceration were the most frequent physical injuries found in 66.1% (n = 37/56) and 60.7% (n = 34/56) of cases, respectively. The frequency of soft-tissue injuries was significantly higher (χ2 = 5.038; P = 0.0248) in the females 78.3% (n = 18/23) than the males 48.5% (n = 16/33). About a third of the females 39.1% had burn injuries compared to 18.1% of the males.

Conclusions:
Seizure-related injuries are common and have the tendency to increase the burden of epilepsy and epilepsy-related stigma from deformities and the chronic disfiguring scars resulting from such injuries.
Efficacy of Follicular Cell Pattern Analysis in Thyroid Fine-needle Aspiration Cytology Evaluation
Authors: Abilash Sasidharannair Chandrakumari , Devi Singaravelu Shree Lakshmi , Pammy Sinha 
Published: August 2024

Context:
Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is widely utilized for thyroid lesion diagnosis but faces challenges such as sample inadequacy and overlapping cytological features. This study examines how accurately these patterns correlate with histopathological diagnoses, shedding light on FNAC’s limitations and diagnostic potential.

Aims:
To study the application of the architectural pattern of follicular cells in the interpretation of thyroid lesions and to demonstrate the diagnostic accuracy (DA) of FNAC.

Settings and Design:
Cross-sectional study carried over 1 year.

Subjects and Methods:
A total of 110 cases were reviewed by the cytopathologists. The prominent follicular cell architecture, namely macrofollicular, microfollicular, papillary, trabecular, three-dimensional clusters, and dispersed cells, was described in each case. In addition to these patterns, cellular morphology and background features were also noted, and a final cytological diagnosis was established. The cytology diagnosis was correlated with the histopathological diagnosis.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, DA of FNAC in diagnosing nonneoplastic and neoplastic lesions.

Results:
Macrofollicular pattern was seen in 80.26% of colloid goiter cases. Microfollicular pattern was observed in 72.2% of follicular neoplasm. About 62.5% of papillary thyroid carcinomas showed a papillary pattern. The trabecular pattern was seen in 42.86% of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and 16.67% of follicular neoplasms. The sensitivity and specificity of FNAC in diagnosing neoplastic lesions was 92.59% and 97.59%, respectively.

Conclusions:
FNAC is a simple, rapid, definite, and cost-effective primary diagnostic tool for thyroid evaluation. Cell architecture pattern is a simple and appropriate approach that complements cell morphology and background details in arriving at the final cytological diagnosis of thyroid lesions.
Analysis of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 immunohistochemical expression in high-grade endometrial carcinomas and its association with variable clinical outcomes
Authors: Faisal Malames M. , Shakweer Marwa M. , Refaat Ghada , Mohammed Khaled S. , ElMallawy Tarek I. , Nasreldin Magda H. , Farid Laila M. , Abouelkhair Mariam B. 
Published: August 2024

Background
Endometrial tumor represents the sixth most common tumor in women all over the world. HER2/neu protein overexpression was related to tumor cell proliferation and survival pathways in some malignancies. Uterine carcinomas are comparatively rare tumors that overexpress HER2/neu. Studies of the percentages of endometrial adenocarcinomas that overexpress HER2/neu have ranged from 13 to 50% with almost half of that fraction accompanied by gene amplifications.

Patients and methods
This is a retrospective case series study involving 38 cases diagnosed as endometrial carcinoma from January 2014 to December 2018 with full medical records in Ain Shams University Oncology Hospital and in the Early Cancer Detection Unit at Ain Shams University Hospitals. The study includes pathologically proven high-grade endometrial cancers. Immunohistochemical expression for HER2/neu was scored and analyzed.

Results
HER2/neu expression was positive in 36.8% of patients. HER2/neu score was negative in 57.9%, score 1 in 5.3%, score 2 in 18.4%, and score 3 in 18.4% of cases. A statistically significant association was found among HER2/neu expression and lymphovascular invasion (P<0.05), lymph node metastasis (P<0.05), distant metastasis (P<0.02), and a highly significant association with FIGO surgical tumor stage (P<0.003).

Conclusions
Although our results did not reach a significant association among HER2/neu-expressions and total survival, further studies on a larger sample size are recommended to validate its value as a potential predictive marker noted from the positive correlation between its expression and other prognostic factors including lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and FIGO surgical tumor stage.
The complete genome sequences of the two novel probiotics were isolated from the human gut microbiota: Pediococcus acidilactici WNYM01 and Pediococcus acidilactici WNYM02, vitamin B9, and B2-producers
Authors: Elkalla Wagiha S. , Ragab Yasser M. , Ramadan Mohamed A. , Mansour Nahla M. 
Published: August 2024

Background
We previously isolated the two strains Pediococcus acidilactici (P. acidilactici) WNYM01 and P. acidilactici WNYM02 from human gut microbiota as producers of vitamin B2 and B9 and they were identified by a molecular method based on sequencing of 16S rRNA gene. Their probiotic properties were confirmed in vitro and in vivo in rat colitis model.

Objective
This study aimed to sequence the complete genome of these two valuable probiotic strains. It will provide comprehensive data about them for further applications in research and health applications.

Materials and methods
The genomic DNA from P. acidilactici WNYM01 and P. acidilactici WNYM02 were extracted using AxyPrep bacterial genomic DNA miniprep kit. The Illumina NexteraTM tagmentation protocol was used to prepare libraries and then they were sequenced using the MiSeq with an Illumina v3 cassette (Illumina, USA). The genome sequences were constructed from 3.2 million paired-end reads ranging in size from 80 to 250 base pairs. The DNA sequence contigs were aligned using whole-genome alignment within CLC Genomics and annotation was done by RAST tool.

Results and conclusion
The genome sequence of P. acidilactici WNYM01 includes 2,002,062 bases while P. acidilactici WNYM02 includes 1,999,478 bases and they submitted to the NCBI database. The folate and riboflavin genes were detected within the two genomes and the differentiation between them has been recorded. Whole-genome alignments were used to detect functional differences related to their potential use as probiotics. The genomic sequences of these two strains will give extensive data on these interesting strains for future research uses.
Performance of a handheld ultrasound device in detecting retinal detachments
Authors: Nathe Connor , Scoville Nicholas Max , McKay Kenneth Matthew , Rezaei Kasra , Feng Shu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
To assess the accuracy and performance of the Butterfly IQ+ handheld ultrasound (HHUS) in detecting retinal detachments (RDs).

Methods:
A cross-sectional observational study of eyes with (n = 20) and without (n = 20) RD imaged using a conventional B-scan ophthalmic ultrasound device Ellex Eye Cubed by Clarion Medical Technologies (Cambridge, ON, CA) and a portable HHUS (Butterfly IQ+). Images were compared between the modalities for qualitative differences. Agreement between the HHUS and standard ultrasonography equipment and with clinical examination was quantified using Cohen’s kappa coefficient.

Results:
Forty eyes of 33 patients were included in the study. Twenty eyes of 18 patients had RDs, and 20 eyes of 18 patients did not. The observed agreement in RD diagnosis between the Butterfly and the Ellex Eye Cubed was 97.5%., and the Cohen’s Kappa was 0.950 (95% CI: 0.85–1.00). The observed agreement in RD diagnosis between the Butterfly IQ+ and diagnosis confirmed by the gold standard of clinical exam was 92.5%, and Cohen’s Kappa was 0.850 (95% CI: 0.69–1.00). The sensitivity and specificity of the Butterfly ultrasound in RD diagnosis were 90% (95% CI: 68.3–98.8%) and 95% (95% CI: 83.2–100), respectively.

Conclusion:
There was a high degree of agreement between the systems for the identification of RD. The Butterfly IQ’s extreme portability and ease of use make it a viable option to screen for RDs in hospital-based consults, emergency departments, or low-resource settings.
Long-term outcome of surgical management in neovascular glaucoma: A retrospective, multicentric study
Authors: Pegu Julie , Garg Prerna , Shakya Rakesh , Dubey Suneeta , Dash Debashish , Ahluwalia Navjot , Pandit Kushal , Kumar Mukesh , Gandhi Monica , Mazumdar Atanu 
Published: August 2024

Purpose:
This study aimed to evaluate and compare surgical outcomes among neovascular glaucoma patients undergoing trabeculectomy (Trab), glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation, or trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC).

Methods:
This study analyzed the records of 176 neovascular glaucoma cases treated surgically between January 2017 and December 2021 at four Indian centers. Procedures included trabeculectomy with MMC in 80 eyes, GDD implantation in 25 eyes, and TSCPC in 71 eyes. Outcome measures comprised intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, antiglaucoma medication (AGM) usage, complications, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Results:
Following surgery, all groups exhibited a significant reduction in IOP. One year postoperatively, complete success rates were 42.9% for the implant group, 54.3% for the Trab group, and 33.3% for the TSCPC group, with corresponding qualified success rates of 57.1%, 36.7%, and 58.9%, respectively. Improvement in postoperative vision was noted, with an increase of 0.24 LogMAR in the Trab group, 0.11 in the GDD group, and a decrease of 0.35 in the TSCPC group. Complications occurred in 27% of Trab and 14% of TSCPC cases, while the GDD group experienced a hypertensive phase in 40% of eyes.

Conclusion:
In managing neovascular glaucoma, trabeculectomy, GDD, and TSCPC provide comparable IOP control, with GDD showing a higher medication dependency. Trabeculectomy yields superior vision outcomes but carries a higher risk of postoperative complications, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment selection and vigilant postoperative care.
Improving safety: Neuraxial blockade guided by thromboelastography for patients with uncertain coagulation profile
Authors: Kumar A , Deshmukh AN , Pandey CK , Chaudhary N 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
Neuraxial blockade procedures are essential for anesthesia and pain management but pose risks in patients with uncertain coagulation profiles. Traditional coagulation tests often fail to predict bleeding risks associated with neuraxial blockade. Thromboelastography (TEG) offers real-time insights into coagulation status, potentially improving safety outcomes. In this case series, six patients underwent neuraxial blockade guided by TEG analysis. An individualized anesthetic plan was formulated based on TEG findings to mitigate bleeding risks while ensuring pain management. Tailoring anesthetic techniques to real-time TEG data improved safety outcomes with minimized bleeding complications and satisfactory pain control. In conclusion, neuraxial blockade guided by TEG enhances safety in patients with uncertain coagulation profiles. Further studies are needed to validate benefits in broader clinical settings.
Acquired Gynatresia following Vaginal Herbs Pessary, A Rare Occurrence: A Case Report
Authors: Muhammad Abubakar S. , Aminu Muhammad B. , Dattijo Lamaran M. , Miko Rukaiya D. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Gynatresia is a condition that occurs as a result of stenosis or complete occlusion of the vaginal lumen, it can be congenital or acquired. The congenital gynatresia may occur as a syndrome, while the acquired causes may occur from female genital mutilation, obstructed labor, or use of herbal pessary, etc., It is a cause of dyspareunia or apareunia and this may cause marital disharmony. The rationale behind this case report is to enable women to know the negative consequences of such practices to avoid them. The patient was a 28-year-old married P4+0 A4, whose last childbirth was six months before presentation, she had acquired gynatresia following the insertion of an herbal vaginal pessary. She was assessed, admitted, and operated on. A combined abdomino-vaginal approach was used for adhesiolysis. Acquired gynatresia may occur following vaginal insertion of herbs containing corrosive substances which may cause chemical burns, resulting in healing by fibrosis. Appropriate health education may go a long way in reducing this menace.
A Survey on Comparison Between Blood Loss During Cesarean Section with Use of Calculation Method and Visual Estimation
Authors: Oduola-Owoo Badmus B. , Davies Nosimot O. , Chionuma Joy O. , Wemimo Rasheed Mumini , Olorunfemi Gbenga , Oduola-Owoo Latifat T. , Olusi Adedotun M. , Windapo Oluwakemi Bolanle 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Context:
Cesarean section (CS) is a life-saving alternative to vaginal delivery in several maternity units globally and is a risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Its rate has increased globally with wide variability amongst and within various countries.

Aim:
The aim of the study was to compare blood loss with the calculation method and visual estimation during a CS.

Materials and Method:
A randomized, double-blind, two-center study of 130 consenting pregnant women who were scheduled for either elective or emergency Lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) at the Institute of Maternal and Child Health, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and the Federal Medical Center, Ebute-Metta (FMCEB), Lagos.

Data Analysis:
Data were imported into Stata version 17 (StataCorp, USA) software for analysis. Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was utilized to compare continuous variables such as age and estimated blood loss among the tranexamic and placebo groups.

Result:
The mean age of the participants was 30.8 ± 4.76 years, and about 16% of the participants were nulliparous. There was a statistically significant difference in the calculated estimated blood loss between the intervention and the placebo arm of the study (P value < 0.0001). The mean postoperative blood loss was about 347 ml higher among the placebo group as compared to the intervention (tranexamic acid) group (835.61 ± 400.03 ml vs. 488.12 ± 289.90 ml).

Conclusion:
Prophylactic use of intravenous tranexamic acid as an adjunct to uterotonic at CS is efficacious in the optimal estimation of blood loss and prevention of post-partum hemorrhage.