bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with organ involvement in ANCA-associated vasculitis: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhao Shengnan , Zhu Yantong , Zhang Liupan , Kong Wei , Sun Yue 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have been used to estimate disease activity in many diseases. Our study aims to determine the role of NLR and PLR in evaluating vasculitis activity and specific organ involvement in antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV).
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 81 AAV patients. Clinical characteristics, laboratory investigations and Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS) were collected. Correlation analysis was performed between NLR/PLR and BVAS. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated for differentiating organ involvement.
Results
Both NLR and PLR were positively correlated with BVAS in AAV patients. AAV patients with pulmonary, cardiac or renal involvement exhibited higher levels of NLR and PLR than those without pulmonary, cardiac or renal involvement. Notably, area under curves (AUC) of NLR and PLR for differentiating cardiac involvement were 0.79 (95% CI: 0.53–0.95) and 0.77 (95% CI: 0.49–0.94), respectively.
Conclusions
NLR and PLR showed favorable performance in accessing vasculitis activity and specific organ involvement in AAV patients.
Nab-paclitaxel plus cisplatin versus gemcitabine plus cisplatin as first-line treatment in advanced biliary tract cancer: results of a multicentre, randomised, phase II trial
Authors: Yang xiao , Zhuang Liang , Cheng Heng hui , Dai Yu Hong , Zhang Ming-Sheng , Fu Qiang , Liu shun fang , Sun Li , Zou Yan mei , Xu Hai-Sheng , Qiu Ping , Huang Qiao , Qiu Hong 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: the efficacy and safety of conventional first-line chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of advanced biliary tract carcinomas (ABTCs) have been unsatisfactory.
Objectives: We aimed to explore alternative chemotherapeutic regimens capable of providing a better efficacy and fewer side effects.
Design: Multicentre, randomised, phase II clinical trial
Methods: Eligible patients with unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic biliary system tumours diagnosed by pathology or cytology between January 2021 and November 2022 were included. The participants were randomised to either a gemcitabine-cisplatin group (GC) or an albumin-paclitaxel-cisplatin group (NC). Progression-free survival (PFS) was the primary outcome, whereas overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR) were the secondary outcomes.
Results: The trial enrolled 75 patients and had a median follow-up period of 11 months. The median PFS (mPFS) was 7.8 m (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.4–14.0 m) in the NC group, and 7.0 m (95%CI: 3.9–10.1 m) in the GC group (p=0.0034, hazard ratio [HR]=0.5136, 95%CI: 0.3136–0.8411). Median OS for the NC group was 12.4 m (95%CI: 7.3–22.3 m) and for the GC group was 12.1 m (95%CI: 6.7–20.7 m), with no significant differences (p=0.4592, HR=0.811, 95%CI: 0.463–1.442). PFS rates at 6 and 8 months were 48.24% vs. 70.8% and 8.51% vs. 32.0% for the NC and the GC group, respectively (p < 0.05). Regarding safety, although patients from both groups experienced thrombocytopenia, those in the NC group demonstrated significantly lower rates (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Compared with the GC group, the NC group showed a significantly increased mPFS, in addition to higher PFS rates at 6 and 8 months. Furthermore, the NC group showed lower haematological toxicity. This suggests that paclitaxel-based regimens may be a viable alternative for first-line treatment of ABTCs.
Registration: Clinical Trials.gov identifiers: NCT04692051. Registered October 31, 2018
(Web Links -https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=38440)
Evidence from Gravity and Remote Sensing: A Structural High and Neotectonics Activity Associated with the Hydrogeological Divider at the Iraqi-Saudi Border
Authors: Al-Zubedi Ahmed S. , Al-Bahadily Hayder A. , Al-Saady Younus I. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Information about groundwater resources in arid regions is certainly invaluable. Therefore, this study applied an integrated approach combining geophysical, remote sensing, and hydrogeological data in a GIS framework to analyze groundwater movement patterns and accumulation in the Desert Hydrogeological Region of Iraq, concentrating on the Saffawi area. The methodology incorporated gravity and magnetic data, satellite imagery (Sentinel-2 and ALOS PALSAR), digital elevation models, and a hydrogeological database. Analyses revealed evidence of neotectonic activity in the Saffawi area, marked by structural uplift reflected in positive gravity anomaly and fault activation near the Ediacaran basement. This uplift altered drainage patterns, promoted groundwater infiltration, and reshaped groundwater flow within the Umm Er Radhuma and Tayarat aquifers, forming the interconnected "Safawi Hydrogeological Flow System". The study emphasizes the role of tectonic activity in controlling groundwater dynamics and underscores the importance of multidisciplinary approaches in hydrogeological investigations.
Baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) at the time of diagnosis of liver metastasis is an independent prognostic factor for patients with pancreatic cancer liver metastasis (PCLM)
Authors: Huang Huiying , Yin Wencheng , Zhang Hua , Guo LiMei , Cao Baoshan 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Pancreatic cancer with liver metastasis (PCLM) has a very poor chance of long-term survival. There is a lack of effective prognostic markers that reflect the tumor microenvironment in those patients.
Objective
This study was performed to determine the prognostic role of systemic immune-inflammation index neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in PCLM.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was performed in cases of PCLM at our institution between November 2011 and November 2022. NLR, PLR, and LMR values were available and analyzed with respect to survival outcomes. Log-rank and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the associations between baseline NLR, PLR, LMR at the time of diagnosis of liver metastasis, and progressive free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
Results
A total of 108 patients with PCLM were included of whom the optimal prognostic OS cutpoint for NLR, PLR, and LMR were 3.5, 3.4, and 172.5, respectively. OS (p < 0.0001) and PFS (p < 0.0001) was significantly decreased in PCLM with high NLR compared to low NLR groups. Similarly, OS (p = 0.03) and PFS (p = 0.02) shortened in high PLR groups. In univariate analysis of variables, NLR (HR = 2.24 [1.45, 3.45], P = 0.000) and CA199 levels (HR = 1.73 [1.11, 2.69], P = 0.015) were found to have a significant correlation with OS, and NLR (HR = 2.28 [1.5, 3.46], P = 0.000) and PLR (HR = 1.63 [1.06, 2.5], P = 0.026) were found to be significantly relevant for PFS. On multivariate analysis, NLR (HR = 2.38 [1.41, 4.04], P = 0.001) and CA199 (HR = 2.09 [1.27, 3.44], P = 0.004) were found to be as independent prognostic factors for OS, only NLR (HR = 2.08 [1.29, 3.34], P = 0.002) was found to be as an independent prognostic factor for PFS.
Conclusion
Baseline NLR at the time of diagnosis of liver metastasis is an independent prognostic value for PCLM. NLR may serve as a good potential biomarker of prognosis for these patients in clinic.
Investigation of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Properties of Substituted Phenethylamine-Based Imine and Metal Complexes
Authors: BAYRAM Taha Yasin , YILDIRIM Merve , AKSAKAL Elif , OZGERİS Bunyamin , GORMEZ Arzu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Imine is a bioactive molecule formed by the reaction of primary amine with aldehyde or ketone. Imines can form stable complexes with metals due to a C = N group in their structures. These complexes have antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Based on the literature data, this study synthesized substituted phenethylamine-based imine compounds copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) metal complexes. The synthesized imine-metal complexes' antimicrobial, anticancer, and antioxidant activities were evaluated. The antimicrobial activity of the metal complexes was tested against pathogens using the disk diffusion method. No antimicrobial activity was observed for the metal complexes. The anticancer activity of the metal complexes was investigated on lung cancer cell line (A549) and healthy dermal fibroblast cell line (HDF) using WST-8 and SRB assay methods. The results revealed dose-dependent anticancer activity of the metal complexes in the A549 cell line, with IC50 values ​​ranging from 43.65 to 99.36 µg/mL. Additionally, dose-dependent cytotoxic effects of the compounds were observed in HDF cells. The responses of the compounds to free radicals and oxidative stress were evaluated using ABTS and CUPRAC methods. However, no antioxidant activity was detected for the metal complexes. Based on these analyses, it is predicted that imine-metal complexes may be potential candidates as anticancer agents.
Evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay titer for neurosyphilis diagnosis among HIV-negative syphilis patients
Authors: Shi Mei , Long Fuquan , Zou Danyang , Gu Xin , Ni Liyan , Cheng Yuanyuan , Qi Tengfei , Zhao Wei , Zhu Lin , Guan Zhifang , Zhou Pingyu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Purpose The study aimed to assess the association between CSF-TPPA titer and the presence of neurosyphilis, and to determine the optimal CSF-TPPA titer cutoff for diagnosing neurosyphilis.
Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study at a single center from April 2020 and January 2022.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the performance of CSF-TPPA titer in the diagnosis for neurosyphilis. The relationship between CSF-TPPA titer and neurosyphilis was investigated by restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves.
Results A total of 715 HIV-negative syphilis patients were included in the final analysis.
CSF-TPPA was reactive in 443 cases (62.0%), with a median titer of 1:160 (IQR, Negative to 1:2560). The area under curve (AUC) of CSF-TPPA titer was 0.967 (95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.951- 0.979). CSF-TPPA titer ≥ 1:320 provided a sensitivity of 92.53% and a specificity of 87.96% for the identification of neurosyphilis. For those presumptive neurosyphilis patients, CSF-TPPA ≥1:320 could effectively identified symptomatic neurosyphilis. The RCS curve revealed a non-linear and positive association between CSF-TPPA titer and risk of neurosyphilis. After full adjustments for confounding covariates, it showed that the prevalence of neurosyphilis was relatively flat until CSF-TPPA titer reached 1:320 and then started to escalated rapidly afterwards.
Conclusion This study revealed that a CSF-TPPA titer ≥ 1:320 can be used as a highly sensitive and practical marker for diagnosing neurosyphilis. A titer threshold of ≥1:320 could offer a reliable alternative in cases when CSF-VDRL is negative.
Early Exposure to Research: Its Impact on Medical Students’ Educational Experience and Interest in Future Research
Authors: Afshar Zahra Shahriyari , Esmaeli Sara , Azhar Farah , Rathan Ramya 
Published: January 2025

Introduction:
Integration of research into medical education is crucial for cultivating physician-scientists capable of advancing medical breakthroughs. It is
imperative to take these measures for early medical students to establish a strong research foundation for future healthcare professionals.

Methods:
This study investigated the impact of early research exposure on pre-clinical medical students at Gulf Medical University (GMU). A sample size of
85 MD students participated in the study, which spanned six months. In GMU, early exposure to research begins with sessions integrated into the
Medical Education and Lifelong Learning (MEL) course during the first year, covering the structure and function of different sections of a research
paper and practical application through Journal Article Discussions (JADs) in journal clubs in the 2nd year.

Results:
The intervention involved the evaluation of these measures through pre-validated MCQs and a self-administered questionnaire. MCQ results revealed that over 70% of students scored above 40% on research knowledge assessments. Additionally, a questionnaire comprising open and close-ended questions revealed that most of the students reported a positive agreement in understanding research structures.

Conclusion:
The findings underscored the necessity of incorporating research into medical curricula to enhance students' research competencies and foster a
positive attitude toward research. This study highlighted the importance of early research exposure in developing future physician-scientists.
The Role of Lipids in Atherosclerosis: Focus on Molecular Biology Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Akram Mohammed A. , Khodja Abdelhamid , Dalibalta Sarah , Majdalawieh Amin F. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract:
Atherosclerosis is a complex vascular disease characterized by the buildup of
lipids, inflammatory cells and fibrous components in arterial walls leading to plaque formation
and potential thrombotic events like myocardial infarction and strokes. Recently,
there has been research on the roles of various types of lipids such as low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) cholesterol, oxidized LDL (oxLDL) cholesterol and small dense LDL (sdLDL)
in the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. These lipoproteins contribute to
dysfunction and inflammation processes that play a role in the development and instability
of plaques. Moreover, certain enzymes and proteins linked to lipids have been associated
with atherosclerosis highlighting the complex interplay between lipid metabolism
and inflammation in this disease. This review delves into the mechanisms behind
atherosclerosis focusing on the involvement of lipids, enzymes and regulatory proteins.
Additionally, it will also discuss present treatments as well as new therapeutic approaches
that target these molecular mechanisms with the goal of advancing our knowledge
about atherosclerosis and guiding future treatment strategies.
Strengthening Effect of Thalidomide Combined with an Anti-PD1
Antibody on Enhancing Immunity for Lung Cancer Therapy
Authors: Liu Qing , Chiang Zu-Chian , Zhao Xiangqian , Cui Dongya , Li Xinxin , Chen Hao , Lin Fangyu , Jiang Tao , Chen Qi , Lin Xiaoyan , Lin Jizhen 
Published: January 2025

Objective:
Combining immune checkpoint inhibitors and antiangiogenic agents offers
a promising strategy to counteract the cooperative promotion of solid tumor growth by immune
checkpoints and intratumoral angiogenesis.

Methods:
We investigated the potential of thalidomide (THD) and anti-PD-1 antibody (PD-1
mAb) in suppressing tumor growth, enhancing immunity, and inhibiting angiogenesis.

Results:
THD exhibited regulatory effects on PD-1 in CD4+ T cells and PD-L1 in cancer cells,
along with tumor growth inhibition in A549 and Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cell lines. Combined with PD-1 mAb, THD increased intracellular IL-2 and IFN-γ expression in CD4+ T cells,
enhanced granzyme (Gzm-B) expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and
reduced TNF-α expression in CD4+ T cells. In C57BL/6 mice, THD plus PD-1 mAb decreased
LLC-derived lung tumor weight and volume, boosted CD8+ T cell infiltration in tumors, and reduced CD34+ intratumoral microvessel density

Conclusion:
This study highlights THD’s role in modifying the tumor microenvironment to enhance PD-1 mAb efficacy, proposing a clinically feasible approach for improving PD-1 mAb
treatment outcomes.
miR-34 as a Critical Regulator in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Dari Mahrokh Abouali Gale , Jaberian Asl Bahar , Dayer Dian , Azizidoost Shirin , Farzaneh Maryam , Salehi Abdolah Mousavi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract:
Ovarian cancer (OC) is a gynecologic disease characterized by the
uncontrolled growth and proliferation of abnormal cells in the ovaries, fallopian tubes,
or peritoneum. Emerging evidence has shown the pivotal role of non-coding RNAs
(ncRNAs), such as miRNAs, in driving the pathogenesis of OC. miRNAs are
recognized as small ncRNAs that play critical roles in regulating gene expression in
normal development and in disease states, including OC. Among miRNAs, the
expression of miR-34a was found to be downregulated in OC. Elevated levels of this
miRNA are associated with the induction of apoptosis and the inhibition of OC cell
proliferation by targeting various signaling pathways, including NOTCH1, P21/P53,
STAT3, and BCL2 in OC. Therefore, miR-34a can be a therapeutic target in the
management of OC. In this review, we summarized the functional significance of this
miRNA in the treatment of OC.
Investigating the Effectiveness of Natural Analogs and Different
Metabolites of Curcumin for the Inhibition of the Influenza Virus Proteins
in a Simulated Environment
Authors: Asadi-Samani Majid , Altememy Dhiya , Saffari-Chaleshtori Javad , Moradi Mohammad-Taghi 
Published: January 2025

Background::
Background: Curcumin possesses numerous properties, including anti-influenza effects.
Various natural analogs and metabolites of curcumin have been identified.

Objective:
Objective: To better understand the mechanism of curcumin's anti-influenza effect, the inhibitory
effect of natural analogs and secondary metabolites of curcumin on 11 influenza virus proteins
was investigated in a simulated environment

Methods::
Molecular data and structural files of curcumin, its natural analogs, and secondary
metabolites were retrieved from the PubChem database for conversion to PDB files. Viral protein
sequences were obtained from uniprot.org, and PDB structures of proteins were predicted using an
online protein structure and I-TASSER server. Using AutoDock 4.2 software, the molecular docking
studies were performed.

Results::
Three natural analogs of curcumin had a greater affinity to the PB1-F2 protein of the
virus. The Binding Energies (BEs) of curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin
to the PB1-F2 protein were -8.28, -8.44, and -8.46 kcal/mol, respectively. Although bisdemethoxycurcumin
had the lowest BE, it interacted with fewer amino acids in the active site of the protein
compared to the other analogs. Curcumin metabolites were less likely to bind to influenza virus
protein than curcumin.

Conclusion::
Our study indicated curcumin and its analogs to have the greatest affinity to the PB1-
F2 protein compared to other viral proteins. Given the role of this protein in increasing inflammation
caused by influenza, curcumin may reduce inflammation in patients by affecting the function
of this protein.
Clinical Outcomes of Total or Partial Renal Artery Embolization in Patients with Spontaneous Renal Bleeding
Authors: Lee Hyo Jeong , Oh Chang Hoon , Cho Soo Buem , Choi Sang Lim 
Published: January 2025

Aims:
The aim of this study was to evaluate renal artery embolization in patients with spontaneous renal artery bleeding based on detailed angiographic
findings and a comprehensive analysis of its efficacy and clinical outcomes.

Materials and Methods:
This retrospective study evaluated the outcomes of renal artery embolization in 18 cases among 15 patients (11 men and 4 women; mean age: 57.9
years) treated for spontaneous renal bleeding at our institution between March 2017 and October 2023. Data derived from abdominal computed
tomography (CT) and arteriography were analyzed to assess the effectiveness of embolization.

Results:
Most patients had end-stage renal disease or renal atrophy, with common findings on CT scans, including signs of active bleeding in 66.7% (10/15)
and hematoma extending to the retroperitoneal space in 53.3% (8/15). Microcoils were commonly used for embolization (n = 10), with a technical
success rate of 100% and primary and final clinical success rates of 80% and 100%, respectively. No major complications were reported during the
follow-up, and clinical improvement was observed in all patients who underwent total embolization, with few instances of reduced hematoma size
and renal atrophy.

Conclusion:
Transarterial embolization is safe and effective for controlling spontaneous renal hemorrhage.
The Function of Poly (U) Binding Splicing Factor 60 (PUF60) in Disease Regulation
Authors: Chen Huijuan , Guan Tian , Song Jingfeng , Chen Yihua 
Published: January 2025

Abstract:
The alternative splicing (AS) of pre-mRNA is an important process in controlling the expression of
human genes, which can enrich the diversity of the proteome and regulate gene function. On the contrary, aberrant
splicing contributes significantly to numerous human diseases progression, including tumors, neurological
diseases, metabolic diseases, infections, and immune diseases. The PUF60, a protein related to RNA splicing,
plays critical functions in RNA splicing and gene transcription regulation. In addition, it can achieve synergistic
binding with U2AF65 on RNA through interactions in the pyrimidine region, promoting the splicing of introns
with weak 3'- splice sites and pyrimidine bundles. Nevertheless, an increasing amount of evidence supports that it
shows a significant overexpression pattern in the vast majority of cancer cells and is crucial for embryonic development,
indicating that PUF60 may hold the post of a potential therapeutic target for such diseases. These studies
have significantly increased our interest in PUF60. Thus, we briefly reviewed the structural domain characteristics
of the PUF60, splicing mutants of PUF60, and the roles and functions in human diseases, including various
cancers, infections of bacterium and viruses, myositis, and Verheij syndrome. Furthermore, the targeted PUF60
inhibitors and boundedness of the current research were elaborated on in the article. The article effectively communicates
critical perception and insight, making it a precious resource for those interested in PUF60 research
and treatment.
Research Hotspots and Trends of RNA Research in Diabetic Retinopathy: Insights From Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Yin Dan , Luo Xianke , Wei Maoying , Tang Yiting , Jiang Yijia , Wang Churan , Li Aijing , Guo Jingyi , Gong Yanbing 
Published: January 2025

Background:
Research on RNA in diabetic retinopathy (DR) has received increasing attention
in recent years. However, there is a lack of comprehensive and systematic research on the
current status and future direction of RNA research in DR. Therefore, this study used bibliometric
analysis to summarize the global trends and current status of DR RNA research to date.

Methods:
We searched the Web of Science for studies related to DR RNA research before July
2024 and then used CiteSpace and VOSviewer to generate knowledge visualization maps.

Results:
A total of 1,103 articles related to RNA research in DR were retrieved. China has the
most articles, followed by the USA and Japan. Wayne State University, Nanjing Medical University,
and Shanghai Jiao Tong University were the three most productive institutions. Investigative
Ophthalmology & Visual Science was the most popular journal in this field. Kowluru, Renu A
from Wayne State University published the most number of articles. Keyword analysis showed
that the research hotspot in this field is the role of miRNAs in apoptosis and neovascularization in
DR. Non-coding RNAs and extracellular vesicles are future research trends.

Conclusion:
The results of this bibliometric study provide information on the current status and
trends in the field of RNA research in DR. RNA research could lead to new diagnostic methods
and therapeutic strategies for DR. Our findings can help researchers understand the current status
of RNA research in DR and identify new directions for further research.