bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of radioactivity concentration for building materials used in Babadogo Estate, Nairobi City County, Kenya
Authors: Oborah Kenneth A , Hashim Nadir O , Migwi Charles M , Rotich Charles 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Natural radioactive materials in certain conditions can get to hazardous radiological level. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the natural activity concentration from sampled building materials collected from different locations in Babadogo Estate within Nairobi City County. The analysis done using gamma ray spectrometer, which was put into action for spectral data acquisition and then analysis. The activity concentration levels of 238U, 232Th and 40K for the selected samples of building materials was measured by the use of gamma ray spectrometry method. The analyzed data compared with the standard acceptable values. The activity concentration in 40K varied from 55 ± 3 to 2647 ± 132 Bq kg−1, giving an average (sum of all values divided by 33) value of 831 ± 42 Bq kg−1; 238U varied from 39 ± 2 to 3602 ± 180 Bq kg−1, giving average figures of 378 ± 19 Bq kg−1 and 232Th ranged from 5.000 ± 0.300 to 4213 ± 211 Bq kg−1, giving average figure of 290 ± 15 Bq kg−1. The calculated average figures for activity concentration surpassed the world average values of 420, 33 and 45 Bq kg−1 in 40K, 238U and 232Th, respectively.
Seeing beyond silos in labour productivity research and policy
Authors: Nelles Jen , Rohenkohl Bertha , Yuan Pei-Yu , Walsh Kevin , Vorley Tim 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
How policymakers and academics organize and visualize core ideas affects how they define and perceive problems and generate policy solutions. While understanding complex ideas—such as productivity—as the product of a set of discrete inputs can help target inquiry and structure policy interventions, this can also lead to siloed thinking that neglects dynamic effects and interactions between elements. This paper explores how three organizations conceptualize the ‘productivity puzzle’ and suggests that they might be oversimplifying the roots of productivity. We present a systematic review of labour productivity literature using bibliometric coupling and network analysis to develop an alternative framework and map of themes and gaps. This work encourages policy to (1) adopt a systems lens and perceive productivity as the product of dynamic interactions and (2) think critically about how to structure future research on productivity.
Leucine-Rich Repeat Containing 15-Mediated Cell Adhesion Is Essential for Integrin Signaling in TGF-β1-Induced PDL Fibroblastic Differentiation
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jin , Kim Dong-Jun , Kim Seong-Min , Jang Young-Joo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) cultured from periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue contain postnatal stem cells that can be differentiated into PDL fibroblasts. We obtained PDL fibroblasts from hPDLCs by treatment with low concentrations of TGF-β1. Since the extracellular matrix and cell surface molecules play an important role in differentiation, we had previously developed a series of monoclonal antibodies against PDL fibroblast-specific cell surface molecules. One of these, the anti-PDL51 antibody, recognized a protein that was significantly upregulated in TGF-β1-induced PDL fibroblasts and highly accumulated in the PDL region of the tooth root. Mass spectrometry revealed that the antigen recognized by the anti-PDL51 antibody was leucine-rich repeat containing 15 (LRRC15), and this antibody specifically recognized the extracellular glycosylated moiety of LRRC15. Experiments presented here show that as fibroblastic differentiation progresses, increased amounts of LRRC15 localized at the cell surface and membrane. Inhibition of LRRC15 by siRNA-mediated depletion and by antibody blocking resulted in downregulation of the representative PDL fibroblastic markers. Moreover, following LRRC15 inhibition, the directed and elongated cell phenotypes disappeared, and the long processes of the end of the cell body were no longer found. Through a specific interaction between integrin β1 and LRRC15, the focal adhesion kinase signaling pathway was activated in PDL fibroblasts. Furthermore, it was shown that increased LRRC15 was important for the activation of the integrin-mediated cell adhesion signal pathway for regulation of cellular functions, including fibroblastic differentiation, proliferation, and cell migration arising from the expression of PDL-related genes in TGF-β1-induced PDL fibroblastic differentiation.
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy based on clinical signs and symptoms and associated factors among neonates, Southern Ethiopian public hospitals: a case-control study
Authors: Melaku Getnet , Mergia Getachew , Getahun Senait Belay , Semagn Selamawit , Awoke Zemedu , Kabthymer Robel Hussien , Abebe Mesfin 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a severe condition that results from reduced oxygen supply and blood flow to the brain, leading to brain injury and potential long-term neurodevelopmental impairments. This study aimed to identify the maternal and neonatal factors associated with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy among Neonates.

Methods:
The authors conducted a case-control study in 15 public hospitals with 515 neonates and mothers (175 cases and 340 controls). The authors used a questionnaire and clinical records created and managed by Kobo software to collect data. The authors diagnosed hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) by clinical signs and symptoms. The authors used logistic regression to identify HIE factors.

Results:
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) was associated with maternal education, ultrasound checkup, gestational age, delivery mode, and labour duration. Illiterate mothers [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)= 1.913, 95% CI: 1.177, 3.109], no ultrasound checkup (AOR= 1.859, 95% CI: 1.073, 3.221), preterm (AOR= 4.467, 95% CI: 1.993, 10.012) or post-term birth (AOR= 2.903, 95% CI: 1.325, 2.903), caesarean section (AOR= 7.569, 95% CI: 4.169, 13.741), and prolonged labour (AOR= 3.591, 95% CI: 2.067, 6.238) increased the incidence of HIE.

Conclusion:
This study reveals the factors for hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy among neonates in Ethiopia. The authors found that neonates born to illiterate women, those who experienced prolonged labour, those whose mothers did not have ultrasound checkups during pregnancy, those delivered by caesarean section, and those born preterm, or post-term were more likely to develop hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. These findings indicate that enhancing maternal education and healthcare services during pregnancy and delivery may positively reduce hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy among neonates.
Suspected NUT carcinoma progressing on pembrolizumab, carboplatin, and paclitaxel as first-line treatment: a case report
Authors: Badran Ahmed , Ali Saad Salman , Arabi Tarek Ziad , Alaklabi Abdulaziz Mohammed , Abdalla Hytham Mubarak , Mohammed Shamayel , Sabbah Belal Nedal , Elshenawy Mahmoud A. , Atallah Jean Paul 
Published: December 2023

Introduction and importance:
NUT carcinoma of the thorax is an extremely rare neoplasm characterized by a translocation between the NUT M1 gene and members of the bromodomain genetic family. Due to the rarity of the neoplasm, standardized treatment guidelines have not yet been established. Several chemotherapeutic agents have been used with limited success, due to the rapid development of resistance to treatment. Pembrolizumab, an anti-programmed-death-1 antibody, has become increasingly used in non-small-cell lung carcinomas. Consequently, pembrolizumab may be beneficial in the treatment of NUT carcinoma.

Case presentation:
In this article, we discuss the case of a 24-year-old man who was referred to our centre due to an incidental mass finding on an unrelated computed tomography scan. Morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics are highly suspicious of NUT carcinoma with bone metastasis. The patient was placed on carboplatin, paclitaxel, and pembrolizumab as first-line therapy. The patient later progressed and began receiving second-line treatment according to Ewing’s protocol. 20 months later, the mass continued to grow, and the patient was started on docetaxel and gemcitabine, which was unsuccessful. After discussing with the patient, he decided to stop chemotherapy and begin palliative care.

Clinical discussion:
NUT carcinoma is an aggressive tumour with poor prognosis. Treatment options are limited and pembrolizumab does not seem to influence the clinical outcome of the neoplasm.

Conclusion:
Overall, pembrolizumab does not seem to improve the outcomes of NUT carcinoma patients. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the second article reporting the effects of pembrolizumab on the progression of NUT carcinoma.
A 4-month-old male baby with an orf lesion on his nose: a rare case report
Authors: Sleiay Mouhammed , Alqreea Mohammed , Alabdullah Hadi , Almohamed Ahmad , Alsmoudi Hasan , Al-Zahran Mulham , Katth Mouhammed Rabee , Sleiay Bilal 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Ecthyma contagiosum, sometimes referred to as human orf, is a zoonotic disease caused by the orf virus that is mostly acquired by coming into contact with diseased animals such as sheep or goats. The orf virus, a DNA virus belonging to the Poxviridae family, infects epidermal keratinocytes via breaking down the skin barrier, which can be caused by burns or wounds. The accompanying characteristic skin lesions can take on a range of morphologies depending on the infection’s stage; lesions that are crusted, papillomatous, maculopapular, targetoid, and nodular can occur before clearing up. In addition to the lips and corners of the mouth, infected animals may also have lesions on the neck, vulva, and teeth. Skin sores caused by Ecthyma contagiousum discharge the orf virus into the environment.

Case presentation:
A 4-month-old male infant with no medical history brought himself to the dermatology clinic with a minor fever and a skin lesion on his nose. An orf virus infection was discovered in the newborn through blood culture and PCR testing. For a subsequent infection, the patient received fusidic acid cream, an antibiotic, and an antipyretic. Following a follow-up of 3 months, the lesion vanished entirely.

Conclusion:
Rarely, as in our instance, are orf nodules seen somewhere else than the hands. In order to appropriately treat a patient without fear, clinicians should keep this in mind, especially if they come up with a history similar to that of our patient.
A case report of Sustained triumph: 15-year recurrence-free survival following surgical resection of a cervical chordoma in a 15-year-old girl
Authors: Haddad Miramar , Rimawi Layan , Hussein Moaiad , Al-Mollah Mustafa , Maani Walid 
Published: December 2023

Introduction and importance:
Chordoma of the cervical spine is a rare condition associated with poor long-term outcomes. This is mainly attributed to its pathological involvement of vital structures such as the cervical roots and vertebral artery (VA). Although the most appropriate management in these cases is total en bloc excision, attaining complete resection is relatively challenging due to the vicinity of the critical anatomical structures mentioned above.

Case description:
A 15-year-old female with middle cervical spine chordoma was treated by a multidisciplinary team involving neurosurgery and head and neck surgeons utilizing anterior and posterior approaches followed by high-beam X-ray radiotherapy. Histopathological examination matched the description of a chordoma. Fifteen years after the initial excision, the patient maintained her normal neurological function without local recurrence or metastasis.

Clinical discussion:
The patient underwent surgery in two stages. A posterior approach for C3, C4, and C5 laminectomies was performed in the first stage, with the second stage involving head and neck surgery for complete resection of the tumor. The patient also underwent radiotherapy 3 months after surgery for a total duration of 1 month. The patient is currently 30 years old with no evidence of chordoma recurrence.

Conclusion:
Patients afflicted with cervical chordomas often find themselves undergoing multiple operations due to high recurrence rates. Fortunately, the utilization of en bloc resection coupled with adjuvant radiotherapy presents a hopeful treatment modality that can serve to substantially reduce recurrence rates, increase survival rates, and ultimately enhance the quality of life.
Pancreatic metastasis of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma: a surgical case report and review of literature
Authors: Dang Hung N. , Tran Phong A. , Dang Thanh N. , Le Thai T. , Le Vi T.T. , Nguyen Hau H.T. , Luong Hiep T. 
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MC) is a rapidly progressive sarcoma that predominantly impacts the bones. Making up only 3% of chondrosarcomas, about one-third of these tumours develop in extra-skeletal sites.

Case presentation:
The authors present a clinical case of a 42-year-old patient who was diagnosed with MC 8 years ago, now admitted to the hospital with a palpable epigastric mass. Clinical and laboratory examinations showed consistent results for MC tumours, with metastasis to the body and tail of the pancreas and invasion of the splenic vein. Surgical resection and systemic screening were performed to ensure that there were no lesions elsewhere. Regular follow-up has found no localized lesions or complications after 15 months.

Clinical discussion:
Metastatic extra-skeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma of the pancreas is exceptionally rare. To our current understanding, only 14 such cases have been documented in medical literature. The symptoms of pancreatic metastasis are diverse and the radiographic features of metastatic mesenchymal chondrosarcoma are not typically distinct.

Conclusions:
Although MC tumours do not frequently occur in sites other than the axial system, a tumour presenting later in a patient with a history of MC should be reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of metastatic MC. Treatment can vary between surgery, radiation therapy and systemic therapy.
Discordant exencephaly in case of a twin delivery: a case report
Authors: Bhusal Amrit , Shrestha Manisha , Rayamajhi Anusha , Bista Manju , Das Anamika 
Published: December 2023

Introduction and importance:
Neural tube defect occurs as a result of failure of spontaneous closure of the neural tube between the third and fourth weeks of foetal life. Exencephaly is a rare malformation of the neural tube characterized by a large amount of protruding brain tissue in the absence of the calvarium.

Case presentation:
The authors report a 29-year-old female, non-compliant to iron, calcium and folic acid tablets due to nauseating and itchy sensation after intake for 2 weeks, was admitted in ward Obstetrics ward in view of twin pregnancy. After proper counselling, she was advised for caesarean section, which revealed gross malformation in the form of cleft lip, cleft palate and exposed brain tissue covered by thin layer of membrane with incompletely formed cranial vault and multiple-haematoma and ulcerations in the exposed brain tissue suggestive of Exencephaly. The deformed baby survived for 2 days after birth while the other baby was grossly healthy.

Clinical discussion:
Exencephaly is said to be the embryological precursor anomaly of anencephaly. Exencephaly is a type of cranial malformation that characteristically involves a large disorganized mass of brain tissue. The flat bones of calvaria are absent and the brain mass is left uncovered. This condition is incompatible with life.

Conclusion:
Each and every pregnant lady must be advised to undergo ultrasonography in every trimester, especially second trimester scan (anomaly scan) to diagnose any gross congenital malformations. Each pregnant lady is suggested to take the necessary vitamins (like folic acid) to avoid any Neural tube defects.
Utility of the Systemic Inflammation Response Index as a Predictor of Pneumonia After Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Yu Tingting , Wang Zhengyang 
Published: December 2023

Objective:
We sought to determine whether the initial Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) was associated with pneumonia after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) in hospitalized patients.

Patients and Methods:
Patients with SICH admitted to Taizhou People’s Hospital between January 2019 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline variables were compared between stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) and non-SAP groups. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were utilized to calculate the relationship between SIRI and SAP risk.

Results:
Of 495 patients included in this research, 192 (38.79%) developed SAP ultimately. The SIRI values exhibited the highest area under the curve value for SAP incidence (area under the curve = 0.736, 95% CI: 0.692-0.781), with respective sensitivity and specificity values of 0.646 and 0.749 at the optimal cutoff threshold of 2.53. In multivariate analysis, high SIRI (≥2.53) was a significant independent predictor of post-SICH SAP even after controlling for other possible confounding variables (odds ratio: 5.11, 95% CI: 2.89-9.04, P < 0.001). According to the restricted cubic splines model, SAP risk increases as SIRI increases.

Conclusions:
We observed that SIRI values may offer high diagnostic utility as a predictor of SAP risk among patients with SICH during the early stages of the disease.
HaNDL Syndrome
Authors: Keskin Kadriye Güleda , Carus Irem , Kalyoncu Aslan Isil , Gözke Eren 
Published: December 2023

Introduction:
HaNDL syndrome is a transient and rare condition that presents with neurological deficit and headache accompanied by lymphocytosis on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. It is usually characterized by spontaneous recovery without neurological sequelae. This is a benign condition, which has not yet been adequately defined and includes many diseases in the differential diagnosis. We indicated 2 different cases that applied with acute neurological findings.

Case Report:
Two patients who were admitted to our hospital with transient neurological deficits and headaches were evaluated. There was no significant pathology in cranial imaging and EEG reports. Lymphocytic pleocytosis was observed in CSF. Patients were followed up with attacks but were discharged without deficits. We diagnosed the patients with HaNDL syndrome with clinical features, imaging, and laboratory findings.

Conclusion:
HaNDL is an underdiagnosed syndrome and it should be considered especially for young patients with headaches is prominent without a risk factor for ischemia, recurrent episodes with neurological symptoms, CSF pleocytosis, and normal imaging findings.
Therefore, we wanted to raise awareness for the existence of this rare disease which is a waste of time by performing unnecessary tests and therapies during the diagnosis period.
Post-PICU Cognitive and Psychological Outcomes in Children Receiving Treatments for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Canavera Kristin , Ghafoor Saad , Fan Kimberly , Cheng Cheng , Jeha Sima , Pui Ching-Hon , Elliott Andrew , Morrison R. Ray , Jacola Lisa M. 
Published: December 2023

OBJECTIVES:To examine neurocognitive and psychological outcomes associated with post-PICU admissions in children treated for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).DESIGN:Observational study from October 2007 to March 2017.SETTING:Pediatric onco-critical care unit.PATIENTS:All patients in this study (n= 296; ages 3–21) were treated for ALL on the St. Jude Total Therapy 16 clinical trial (NCT00549848) from 2007 to 2017. Of these, 104 patients were admitted to the PICU during protocol-directed therapy. All patients completed protocol-directed neurocognitive monitoring prospectively, at the end of cancer-directed therapy. Data on PICU stays were abstracted retrospectively from the medical record.INTERVENTIONS:None.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:Demographic and critical illness variables were abstracted from institutional databases and medical records. Neurocognitive and psychosocial outcomes were prospectively obtained at the end of treatment. Children who had a PICU admission experienced significantly lower functioning compared to normative samples in several areas of cognitive functioning (working memory, processing speed, executive functions, inattention, math achievement, fine motor dexterity, and speed), daily living skills, and internalizing problems (allps < 0.05). Compared with those without PICU admissions, patients with PICU admissions had worse performance on a measure of sustained attention (p= 0.017). The frequency of patients at risk for problems with learning and memory was significantly higher in the PICU group compared with the non-PICU group (25% vs 12%,p= 0.006). Critical illness symptom severity was not associated with neurocognitive or psychological outcomes.CONCLUSIONS:Children with ALL, with or without a PICU admission, experienced lower cognitive and psychological outcomes following treatment. Future research is needed to continue identifying risk factors for post-intensive care syndrome (PICS-p) and post-PICU cognitive and psychological impairments in pediatric patients.
Sex-related Outcomes after Thoracic Endovascular Repair for intact isolated Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Allievi Sara , Rastogi Vinamr , Yadavalli Sai Divya , Mandigers Tim J. , Gomez-Mayorga Jorge L. , Deery Sarah E. , Lo Ruby C , Verhagen Hence J.M. , Trimarchi Santi , Schermerhorn Marc L. 
Published: December 2023

Objective:
To evaluate the association between sex and outcomes following TEVAR for intact isolated descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (iiDTAA).

Summary Background Data:
Data regarding sex-related long-term outcomes after TEVAR for iiDTAA are limited and conflicting results regarding perioperative outcomes have been reported.

Methods:
We included all TEVAR for iiDTAA between 2014-2019 in the Vascular Quality Initiative linked to Medicare claims, allowing reliable assessment of long-term outcome data. Primary outcomes included 5-year mortality, reinterventions, and ruptures of the thoracic aorta. Secondarily we assessed perioperative outcomes.

Results:
We identified 685 patients, of which 54% were females. Females had higher aortic size index (females vs. males: 3.31 [IQR, 2.81-3.85] cm/m2 vs. 2.93 [IQR, 2.42-3.36] cm/m2; P<.001), were more frequently symptomatic (31% vs. 20%; P=.001), had longer procedure time (111 [IQR, 72-165] min vs. 97 [IQR, 70-146] min) and more iliac procedures (16% vs. 7.6%; P=.001). Compared with males, females had similar rates of 5-year mortality (58% vs. 53%; HR, 0.93; 95%CI 0.71-1.22; P=.61), reinterventions (39% vs. 30%; HR, 1.12; 95%CI 0.73-1.73; P=.60) and late ruptures (0.6% vs. 1.2%; HR, 0.87; 95%CI 0.12-6.18; P=.89). After adjustment, these outcomes remained similar through 5-years. Furthermore, perioperative mortality was not significantly different between sexes (4.1% vs. 2.2%; P=.25), as were rates of any complication as a composite outcome (16% vs. 21%; P=.16), as well as of individual complications (all P>.05).

Conclusions:
Our findings suggest that females who undergo TEVAR for iiDTAA have similar 5-year and perioperative outcomes as compared with males.