International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries | Vol. 17, No. 2, February 2026 | pp. 10–18

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMAD/000113

Review Article

Title: Therapeutic Potential of CAR-T Cell Therapies in Autoimmune Pathologies: Current Clinical Trials and Mechanistic Insights

Names of Authors: Elena S. Petrova¹, Hans-Werner Schmidt²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Immunology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia; ²Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany

Abstract: Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has altered treatment frameworks within hematological oncology. Recently, this cellular platform has been repositioned to target autoreactive B-lymphocyte populations driving refractory autoimmune diseases. This review synthesizes early clinical trial data and mechanistic frameworks detailing the use of CD19-targeted CAR-T cells in severe, treatment-resistant systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis, and idiopathic inflammatory myositis. Clinical data from pilot cohorts indicate that a single infusion of anti-CD19 CAR-T cells leads to rapid, deep depletion of tissue-resident B cells, achieving complete clinical remission without sustained immunosuppressive maintenance. Systemic disease activity indexes, including the SLEDAI-2K, dropped from a baseline mean of 16.4 ± 2.8 to 0 within 3 months post-infusion. Autoantibody profiles, such as anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA), systematically converted to negative. Mechanistic tracking demonstrates that following the clearance of CAR-T cells, newly emerging B cells show a completely naive phenotype with restored immune tolerance, avoiding relapse. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred predominantly at mild grades (Grade 1 or 2 in 72% of cases) and responded well to tocilizumab. CAR-T cell therapies offer a promising pathway for inducing long-term drug-free remission in severe autoimmune pathologies.

Keywords: CAR-T cell therapy, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Autoimmunity, B-cell depletion, Immune tolerance, Cytokine release syndrome

Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 11, 2025; Revised: December 29, 2025; Accepted: January 14, 2026; Published: February 18, 2026

Citation: Petrova, E. S., & Schmidt, H. W. (2026). Therapeutic Potential of CAR-T Cell Therapies in Autoimmune Pathologies: Current Clinical Trials and Mechanistic Insights. International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries, 17(2), 10–18. doi.org

International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 17, No. 7, July 2026 | pp. 49–56
DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJH/000197

Case Report

Title: Spontaneous massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage secondary to acquired Factor XI inhibitor development in an elderly patient: Eradication with azathioprine and methylprednisolone

Names of Authors: K. L. Musa¹, M. N. Lawal², O. P. Dikko³

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Haematology, Federal Medical Centre, Katsina, Nigeria; ²Department of Surgery, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria; ³Department of Pathology, Ahmavu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract: Spontaneous development of neutralizing autoantibodies directed against contact activation pathway components is an exceptionally rare clinical condition that causes catastrophic bleeding events in elderly populations. We report a 74-year-old male who presented with sudden, unprovoked left flank pain, lower abdominal distension, and hypovolemic shock. Abdominal computed tomography confirmed a massive retroperitoneal hematoma measuring 12.4 × 8.5 cm without prior trauma or anticoagulant exposure. Coagulation profiles demonstrated isolated, severe prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time (92.4 seconds) with a normal prothrombin time. A 1:1 mixing study with normal pooled plasma failed to correct the activated partial thromboplastin time, indicating a specific intrinsic pathway inhibitor. Functional assays confirmed severely depressed Factor XI activity (< 1.5%), and a Bethesda assay quantified a Factor XI inhibitor titer of 18.0 Bethesda Units. Hemostasis was achieved using recombinant activated Factor VII bypassing agents (90 μg/kg every 3 hours) alongside supportive measures. Subsequent immunosuppressive therapy with oral methylprednisolone paired with azathioprine (100 mg daily) successfully cleared the inhibitor (0 BU) and normalized Factor XI activity by week 8. This case demonstrates that acquired Factor XI autoantibodies require immediate diagnostic differentiation and multi-modal therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Acquired factor XI inhibitor, retroperitoneal hemorrhage, intrinsic pathway, bypassing agents, azathioprine

Manuscript Timeline: Received: April 18, 2026; Revised: May 22, 2026; Accepted: June 10, 2026; Published: July 16, 2026

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 1, January 2026 | pp. 25–32
DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/000104

Empirical Article

Intersectional Realities of Female Artisanal Miners in the Lualaba Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Marie-Claire Tshilombo¹, Nene Kabanga²

¹Department of Sociology, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
²Center for Gender and Mining Studies, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract: Artisanal and small-scale cobalt mining in the Democratic Republic of Congo is a male-dominated sector where women occupy the most hazardous, informal tiers of the supply chain. This study explores the intersectional vulnerabilities experienced by female washers, sorters, and petty traders in Lualaba Province. Through an ethnographic approach involving participant observation and 85 semi-structured interviews, we document the physical toll, economic exploitation, and systemic gender-based violence at mine sites. Results indicate that 78.8 percent of female miners suffer from chronic musculoskeletal disorders and heavy metal exposure symptoms, yet lack access to occupational health services or secure tenure over mineral-sorting areas. Furthermore, customary patriarchal structures prevent women from registering mining cooperatives independently. The study highlights the urgent need for formalization policies that protect women’s labor rights, guarantee equal pay, and eradicate sexual exploitation by armed actors and informal mine bosses.

Keywords: Artisanal mining, intersectionality, cobalt supply chain, labor rights, Democratic Republic of Congo

Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 02, 2025; Revised: December 10, 2025; Accepted: December 22, 2025; Published: January 25, 2026

Citation: Tshilombo, M.-C., & Kabanga, N. (2026). Intersectional Realities of Female Artisanal Miners in the Lualaba Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(1), 25–32. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/000104

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 1, January 2026 | pp. 9–16
DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/000102

Review Article

Maternal Health Disparities and Rural Healthcare Infrastructure in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda

Grace Akello¹, Aisha Namubiru²

¹Department of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
²Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda

Abstract: Post-conflict reconstruction in northern Uganda continues to grapple with severe maternal health disparities, disproportionately affecting displaced and rural women. This systematic review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature from 2018 to 2025 examining infrastructural decay, skilled birth attendant shortages, and obstetric fistula prevalence in the Acholi sub-region. Synthesizing data across 24 empirical studies, the review notes that emergency obstetric referral times exceed 3.5 hours on average, contributing to a maternal mortality ratio estimated at 385 per 100,000 live births. Findings indicate that rebuilding physical clinics is insufficient without addressing community-level distrust in formal health systems and integrating traditional birth attendants into the primary healthcare referral matrix. Furthermore, gender-based violence linked to historical conflict trauma exacerbates psychological distress during pregnancy. The paper advocates for decentralized maternal health interventions, mobile obstetric units, and community-led psychosocial support systems tailored to post-conflict realities.

Keywords: Maternal health, post-conflict reconstruction, rural healthcare, obstetric fistula, northern Uganda

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 18, 2025; Revised: December 02, 2025; Accepted: December 18, 2025; Published: January 15, 2026

Citation: Akello, G., & Namubiru, A. (2026). Maternal Health Disparities and Rural Healthcare Infrastructure in Post-Conflict Northern Uganda. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(1), 9–16. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/000102

International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 17, No. 2, February 2026 | pp. 9–16
DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJH/000192

Original Article

Title: Prevalence and molecular profiles of PPM1D and TP53 somatic mutations in therapy-related acute lymphoblastic leukemia variants

Names of Authors: G. M. Babalola¹, I. N. Nwosu², K. S. Abubakar³

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria; ²Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; ³Department of Pathology, Bayero University, Kano, Nigeria

Abstract: Genotoxic stress from prior cytotoxic regimens selects for chemoresistant stem cell clones harboring specific mutations, expanding the risk of therapy-related lymphoid malignancies. This cross-sectional study investigated the mutational prevalence and clinical phenotypes of protein phosphatase Mn²⁺/Mg²⁺ dependent 1D (PPM1D) and tumor suppressor TP53 gene variations in 64 adult lymphoma survivors presenting with therapy-related acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Genomic DNA was isolated from bone marrow aspirates, followed by deep next-generation sequencing assays. PPM1D exon 6 mutations were detected in 14.1% (9 of 64) of the leukemic cohorts, while TP53 variations occurred in 10.9% (7 of 64). Overlapping mutations in both DNA-damage response genes were documented in 3.1% of cases. Clinical phenotype models revealed that sub-clones with PPM1D variants exhibited extreme survival advantages under alkylating agent exposure, correlating with complex karyotypes and primary resistance to standard induction regimens. Screening for these chemoresistant variants provides essential molecular tracking vectors, helping pathologists separate therapy-induced acute transitions from de novo lymphoid expansions.

Keywords: Clonal hematopoiesis, PPM1D mutation, TP53 mutation, therapy-related lymphoblastic leukemia, next-generation sequencing

Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 05, 2025; Revised: December 14, 2025; Accepted: January 10, 2026; Published: February 18, 2026

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries | Vol. 17, No. 4, April 2026 | pp. 28–36

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMAD/000115

Original Research Article

Title: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial of a Novel Dual-Acting Inhaled Corticosteroid and Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonist Polymer in Severe Asthma

Names of Authors: Fiona R. Macpherson¹, Alastair C. Vance², Siddharth M. Nair¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Institute of Cellular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; ²Division of Pulmonology, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK

Abstract: Severe refractory asthma requires high doses of inhaled therapies that face patient compliance limits and variable deposition in the smaller airways. This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group active-controlled trial evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of a novel co-suspended dual-acting microparticle polymer formulation, containing fluticasone propionate and formoterol fumarate (FP/FF-Polymer), versus conventional dry-powder inhaler (DPI) delivery in 310 patients with severe persistent asthma. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either FP/FF-Polymer or standard DPI FP/FF twice daily for 24 continuous weeks. The primary endpoint was the mean change from baseline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) at week 24. Patients utilizing the microparticle polymer formulation demonstrated a significantly higher increase in mean FEV1 compared to the control group (+280 ± 35 mL vs. +140 ± 28 mL, p < 0.001). Weekly asthma exacerbation rates fell by 44% in the experimental arm (p = 0.003). Impulse oscillometry metrics confirmed a 38% reduction in small airway resistance (R5–R20) for the polymer group, reflecting enhanced peripheral drug deposition. The safety and tolerability profile was comparable across both cohorts, with dysphonia (4.5%) and oral candidiasis (3.2%) remaining within expected limits. The co-suspended FP/FF-polymer matrix markedly improves small airway mechanics and reduces exacerbations in severe asthma.

Keywords: Severe asthma, Inhaled corticosteroid, Long-acting beta agonist, Pulmonary function, Small airway resistance, FEV1

Manuscript Timeline: Received: January 08, 2026; Revised: February 20, 2026; Accepted: March 11, 2026; Published: April 17, 2026

Citation: Macpherson, F. R., Vance, A. C., & Nair, S. M. (2026). A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial of a Novel Dual-Acting Inhaled Corticosteroid and Long-Acting Beta-2 Agonist Polymer in Severe Asthma. International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries, 17(4), 28–36. doi.org

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 2, February 2026 | pp. 57–64
DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/000203

Research Article

Gender-Based Violence and Social Protection Gaps During Urban Flooding in Coastal Mozambique

Ana Macamo¹, Carlos Sitoe²

¹Department of Geography, Eduardo Mondlane University, Maputo, Mozambique
²Center for Disaster Resilience, Beira, Mozambique

Abstract: Extreme weather events in coastal Mozambique exacerbate pre-existing gender inequalities and escalate risks of gender-based violence (GBV) within temporary displacement shelters. This empirical study investigates the structural gaps in post-flood humanitarian response frameworks regarding female protection in Beira and Quelimane. Utilizing participatory rural appraisal techniques and key informant interviews with 40 shelter managers and 200 displaced women, we documented security, sanitation, and resource distribution dynamics. Findings show that 64.0 percent of female respondents reported feeling unsafe in communal washing and sleeping facilities due to inadequate lighting and lack of gender-segregated layouts. Furthermore, transactional sex for food rations was documented in 5 out of 12 assessed camps. The research emphasizes that disaster risk management policies must integrate mandatory safety audits, female-led camp committees, and immediate psychological first aid tailored to survivors of violence during climate-induced displacements.

Keywords: Gender-based violence, urban flooding, climate displacement, humanitarian response, Mozambique

Manuscript Timeline: Received: November 28, 2025; Revised: December 22, 2025; Accepted: January 12, 2026; Published: February 15, 2026

Citation: Macamo, A., & Sitoe, C. (2026). Gender-Based Violence and Social Protection Gaps During Urban Flooding in Coastal Mozambique. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(2), 57–64. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/000203

International Journal of Hematology | Vol. 17, No. 5, May 2026 | pp. 33–40
DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJH/000195

Original Article

Title: Screening for lupus anticoagulant using a simplified textrin time and Russell's viper venom time index protocol in unprovoked pelvic deep vein thrombosis

Names of Authors: Y. Z. Ibrahim¹, A. B. Okafor², C. D. Danjuma³

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Haematology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria; ²Department of Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria; ³Department of Haematology, University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract: Diagnosing antiphospholipid syndrome requires robust multi-loop verification steps to successfully isolate circulating inhibitors from baseline clotting factor variations. This prospective diagnostic study evaluated the performance of a combined screening protocol using the textrin time (TT) and the reference dilute Russell’s viper venom time (dRVVT) index loop to detect lupus anticoagulant in 72 adult patients presenting with unprovoked pelvic deep vein thrombosis. Patient plasma matrices underwent sequential 1:1 mixing loops with normal pooled plasma, followed by high-phospholipid corrections to calculate confirmatory ratios. Lupus anticoagulant presence was confirmed in 22.2% (16 of 72) of the thromboembolic cohort. The textrin-dRVVT multi-index protocol achieved a diagnostic sensitivity of 93.7% and a specificity of 91.6% when cross-validated against international standard guidelines. Mixing indexes correlated positively with a history of recurrent pulmonary embolism (r = 0.48, P < 0.05). Notably, the snake venom-based textrin matrix resisted low-molecular-weight heparin or therapeutic warfarin interference, providing an accurate, cost-effective thrombophilia risk-profiling asset for specialized regional clinical pathology laboratories.

Keywords: Lupus anticoagulant, textrin time, diluted Russell’s viper venom time, mixing studies, thrombophilia screening

Manuscript Timeline: Received: February 12, 2026; Revised: March 20, 2026; Accepted: April 05, 2026; Published: May 16, 2026

International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries | Vol. 17, No. 8, August 2026 | pp. 64–72

DOI: 10.46882/2026/IJMAD/000119

Original Research Article

Title: Efficacy of 177Lu-PSMA-617 Radioligand Therapy Combined with Enzalutamide in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Randomized Phase II Trial

Names of Authors: Heinrich M. Kraemer¹, Amina J. Vance², Arthur L. Sterling¹

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Nuclear Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; ²Division of Oncology, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia

Abstract: Radioligand therapy using Lutetium-177-PSMA-617 (177Lu-PSMA-617) has established efficacy in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) post-chemotherapy. Preclinical models suggest that androgen receptor inhibitors can up-regulate prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression, creating a synergistic therapeutic landscape. This open-label, randomized phase II trial investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of combining 177Lu-PSMA-617 with enzalutamide versus 177Lu-PSMA-617 monotherapy in 120 patients with progressive mCRPC. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either 177Lu-PSMA-617 (7.4 GBq every 6 weeks for up to 6 cycles) plus daily enzalutamide (160 mg) or 177Lu-PSMA-617 alone. The primary endpoint was a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate, defined as a reduction of 50% or more from baseline (PSA50). The combination therapy cohort achieved a significantly higher PSA50 response rate compared to the monotherapy arm (78.3% [47 of 60] vs. 56.7% [34 of 60], p = 0.012). Median radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) was substantially longer in the combination group (11.6 months vs. 7.2 months; Hazard Ratio = 0.54, 95% Confidence Interval [0.38, 0.77], p = 0.002). Grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicities, including anemia (13.3% vs. 10.0%) and thrombocytopenia (8.3% vs. 6.7%), did not differ significantly between the arms (p > 0.05). Concomitant administration of 177Lu-PSMA-617 and enzalutamide significantly enhances anti-tumor activity and delays radiographic progression in mCRPC.

Keywords: Radioligand therapy, 177Lu-PSMA-617, Enzalutamide, Castration-resistant prostate cancer, PSA response, Progression-free survival

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 12, 2026; Revised: June 24, 2026; Accepted: July 15, 2026; Published: August 11, 2026

Citation: Kraemer, H. M., Vance, A. J., & Sterling, A. L. (2026). Efficacy of 177Lu-PSMA-617 Radioligand Therapy Combined with Enzalutamide in Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer: A Randomized Phase II Trial. International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries, 17(8), 64–72. doi.org

African Journal of Gender and Women Studies | Vol. 11, No. 1, January 2026 | pp. 1–8
DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/000101

Research Article

Digital Microfinance and Women’s Economic Empowerment: Evidence from Urban Market Cooperatives in Lagos

Amina Bello¹, Chidinma Okafor²

¹Department of Economics, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
²Department of Sociology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of digital microfinance platforms on the economic autonomy of female market traders in urban Nigeria. Despite rapid fintech growth, structural barriers often limit low-income women from scaling their enterprises. Utilizing a mixed-methods design, we surveyed 450 female cooperative members and conducted 30 in-depth interviews across three major commercial hubs in Lagos. Statistical analysis using a multiple regression model reveals a positive correlation between mobile credit access and monthly business revenue, with a mean increase of 32.5 percent (p < 0.01). However, qualitative findings highlight persistent challenges, including high interest rates, digital literacy gaps, and coercive loan recovery tactics by unregulated apps. The results demonstrate that while digital microfinance enhances immediate cash-flow liquidity, long-term empowerment remains constrained without targeted digital skills training and gender-responsive regulatory frameworks. Policymakers must mandate transparent pricing models and foster cooperative-led digital platforms to ensure inclusive financial growth.

Keywords: Digital microfinance, women empowerment, fintech, market traders, economic autonomy, Nigeria

Manuscript Timeline: Received: October 12, 2025; Revised: November 28, 2025; Accepted: December 15, 2025; Published: January 10, 2026

Citation: Bello, A., & Okafor, C. (2026). Digital Microfinance and Women’s Economic Empowerment: Evidence from Urban Market Cooperatives in Lagos. African Journal of Gender and Women Studies, 11(1), 1–8. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJGWS/000101