bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Authentication of Apple Juices Using Digital Image Processing (DIP) Combined with Machine Learning (ML)
Authors: KACZALA SUELEM , DE LIMA VANDERLEI APARECIDO , FELSNER MARIA LURDES 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Apple juice is widely consumed and appreciated worldwide for its sensory and nutritional qualities. It is traditionally marketed in clarified form, though recently, cloudy juices have gained consumer preference due to their retention of health-promoting compounds. Consequently, developing analytical methods that enable rapid, non-destructive authentication and quality control of apple juice is essential. In this study, data extracted from smartphone-captured images were used to build models for classifying apple juices into whole juice (WJ) and nectar/reconstituted juice (NERJ), as well as to predict the percentage of apple juice added in the formulation of beverages within these categories. Classification models created using kNN and XGBoost algorithms effectively categorized NERJ (91%) and WJ (87%) samples, respectively, demonstrating both models' applicability in authenticating apple juice. Additionally, predictive models to determine the apple juice content (%) in each category, developed using XGBoost and CatBoost algorithms, performed excellently, achieving accuracies above 96.2%. These analytical methods proved to be more environmentally friendly, non-destructive, cost-effective, and faster than traditional methods for quality control and authentication of apple juice, highlighting their great potential for use in industrial and inspection settings, especially due to their automation capabilities. Furthermore, they could become essential tools for quality control to prevent fraud and adulteration in apple juice products.
Assessing the prevalence of expired medications in hospital wards at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital(QECH), Malawi from July 2023 to June 2024.
Authors: Kathewera Bernard Sindani , Tembo Cecilia , Lodzani Silvia , Ndaferankhande John 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Proper management of medication expiry is essential for ensuring patient safety, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in healthcare facilities. Even with strict inventory monitoring, expired medications can still present serious risks if not properly handled.
Objectives
The goal of this study was to quantitatively examine the occurrence of expired medications in different departments of Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) between July 2023 and June 2024. Specifically, we quantified the prevalence of expired medications across the wards, identified the most common medications and wards where expirations occurred.
Method
We looked back at medication records and also the storage rooms to find out which medications had expired within the time frame of the study. Information collected included the names of the drugs, where they came from, how many were on hand, and when they had expired. The analysis included statistical methods to determine how often medications expired, average quantities of expired medications, and patterns in which medications expired
Results
Over the duration of the research: Instances of Expired Medications: 34 cases of expired medication were observed in various wards at QECH. The most common expired drugs: The medication that most frequently expired was Diazepam, with 26 vials expiring in multiple occurrences. Glucose came next, with 4 instances of expiration involving 4 vials. The largest quantity of expired medications was Phenytoin tablets, with 19,000 tablets expiring in April 2024.Wards with Highest Frequencies: The Paeds Special Care (PSC) ward had the highest number of expired medications, with 16 cases. The Mercy James ward(MJC) had 6 instances. Average Quantity per Expiration: It was found that tablets accounted for 98.9%, vials for 0.73%, ampoules for 0.09%, and suppositories for 0.28%.
Conclusion
The study found that there were a significant number of expired medications at QECH, especially in the PSC ward and MJC wards. This highlights the importance of improving inventory management and monitoring to address the risks related to expired medications.
Distinct Immune Landscape and Gene Expression Profiles in Breast Cancer: Young vs. Non-Young Patients
Authors: Zhu Zijun , Gao Chen , Li Yongxin , Liang Xiao , Ye Zhancai , Tao Xinlong , Ye Yinyin , Tian Yaming , Bai Xiaorong , Zhao Jiuda 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background Breast cancer remains a prevalent malignancy worldwide, particularly affecting younger women more aggressively. Significant differences in clinical and biological characteristics exist between breast cancer with young patients (BCY) and breast cancer with non-young patients (BCNY). However, the role of the immune microenvironment in these differences is not fully understood.Methods Data from the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) database were analyzed to compare tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and gene expression between BCY and BCNY. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to estimate the relative abundance of 22 immune cell types, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the "limma" package in R.Results The BCY group had a higher prevalence of M0 macrophages and activated dendritic cells, while the BCNY group exhibited greater infiltration of CD4 memory T cells, M2 macrophages, and neutrophils. Differential gene expression analysis identified 11 significantly expressed genes between the groups, with genes such as FDCSP and GABRP upregulated in the BCY group. GSEA revealed that pro-inflammatory pathways, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, were enriched in the BCY group, while pathways related to metabolism and extracellular matrix interactions were enriched in the BCNY group. Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated that high expression of certain genes, such as NAT1, CA12, and SRARP, was associated with better relapse-free survival.Conclusion BCY exhibit a distinct immune landscape characterized by higher levels of pro-inflammatory immune cells and pathways, contributing to a more aggressive disease profile.
Actinomycetes Strain Selection From Maize Rhizosphere With Antagonistic Potential Against Fungal Phytopathogen
Authors: Oyedoh Oghoye Priscilla , Ayangbenro Ayansina Segun , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Fungal infestation in maize reduces productivity by 80%, with leaf blight disease causing about 60% reduction in grain yield. Numerous studies have shown the efficacy of synthetic chemicals in reducing the disease severity in agro-systems, which was efficient but with several negative impacts. Hence, there is an urgency to search for a more sustainable alternative with similar or better efficiency. This study was conceptualized to select a strain with in vitro antagonistic activity against leaf blight causative fungi and predict the secondary metabolites produced through the culture-dependent method and whole genome sequencing approach. Maize pathogens, Bipolaris sp., Fusarium equiseti, and Phoma sp., were obtained from symptomatic leaves and known to cause leaf blight diseases in maize crops, and antagonized by Streptomyces sp. OP7. The OP7 strain was isolated from the rhizosphere of maize crop and its cell-free supernatant extract showed antifungal activity against phytopathogens tested. The complete whole genome data of Streptomyces sp. OP7 revealed the presence of 16 biosynthetic gene clusters similar to metabolites with antifungal functional annotations implicating Streptomyces sp. OP7’s capacity to produce valuable agroactive compounds.
Machine learning algorithms prediction of methyl orange removal by Fenton oxidation process
Authors: OUAZENE Naima , Harrar Khaled , Gharbi Amine , Zahi Salah eddine , Mokrane Said , Mokrane Hind 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The Fenton oxidation process (Fe2+/H2O2) was applied formethyl orange (MO) removal under different operating conditions. The treatment efficiency was monitored by Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) analysis. The Fenton process effectively mitigates the damaging impacts of MO on ecosystems by regulating and reducing dye levels. The aim of this study is the prediction of MO Fenton oxidation using four different models of machine learning: Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Decision Tree (DT), and Support Vector Machine (SVM). The four models were developed using42 experimental data.Experimental work showed that 99% of the COD was removed. The evaluation of these models' accuracy and predictive capacity for COD removal of MO was made using statistical metrics; correlation coefficient R2 and Residual Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). All the used models gave a strong correlation with R2 greater than 0.91 but Predicting the efficacy of COD removal showedthatthe Gaussian Process Regression model was the most effective with the highest correlation coefficient (R2=0.97). The study of the relative importance of the different input characteristics showed that the reaction time is the most important characteristic. The results of this work could have a major impact on water treatment and therefore, on the possibilities for water reuse, which is crucial, particularly in arid and semi-arid zones.
VSIG2 as a novel immunosuppressive ligand interacts with Nectin-2 to regulate T cell responses
Authors: Su Min , Wang Xianbin , Hu Rong , Chen Kezhu , He Keke , Li Yuandi , Gao Jie , Tian Yishen , Du Guangshi , Wang Zuli , Zhao Youbo , He Zhixu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The B7 family of immune checkpoints, particularly PD-L1 and PD-1, has revolutionized immunotherapy; however, identifying novel immune checkpoint molecules remains essential. In this study, we discovered that VSIG2 functions as an immunosuppressive ligand, with high expression levels in activated antigen-presenting cells. Notably, VSIG2 does not bind to known co-stimulatory or co-inhibitory receptors such as PD-1, CD28, BTLA, CTLA-4, ICOS, and VISTA. Previous research suggests that VSIG2 may play a role as a receptor involved in T cell development. Our findings demonstrate that VSIG2 significantly inhibits T cell activation and proliferation, as it specifically binds to Nectin-2 on activated T cells, thereby modulating T cell responses. Using both in vitro and in vivo models, we found that the hVSIG2-Ig fusion protein markedly suppresses T cell activation and proliferation in both human and mouse systems, alleviating autoimmune diseases such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Conversely, knockdown of VSIG2 exacerbated IBD while slowing pancreatic cancer progression, underscoring its dual therapeutic potential. Nectin-2 has been previously identified as a ligand that can function as either a co-stimulator or co-inhibitor of T cell activity. Our study confirms that Nectin-2 is highly expressed on activated T cells and interacts with VSIG2. Furthermore, we elucidate that VSIG2 inhibits the p-STAT1/IRF1/GBP2 signaling pathway through its interaction with Nectin-2 on CD4 + T cells, thus suppressing T cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine secretion. These findings underscore the pivotal role of VSIG2 in T cell regulation and its potential as a therapeutic target for both autoimmune diseases and cancer.
Engineered extracellular vesicles with sequential cell recruitment and osteogenic functions to effectively promote senescent bone repair
Authors: Qi Lei , Wang Jing , Yan Jinge , Jiang Weidong , Ge Weiwen , Fang Xin , Wang Xudong , Shen Steve GF , Liu Lu , Zhang Lei 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Senescent mandibular bone repair pose a formidable challenge without an entirely satisfactory strategy. Endogenous cell recruitment and osteogenic differentiation are two sequential stages for bone regeneration, and the disorder in these two processes is a significant obstacle for senescent bone repair. To tackle these problems, engineered extracellular vesicles (EV) with sequential stem cell recruitment and osteogenic functions were developed. This study demonstrated that Apt19s engineered extracellular vesicles (Apt19s-EV) recognize and recruit O-BMSCs specifically and effectively. MiR-376b-5p screen by RNA sequencing and transfection, was significantly decreased in senescent bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (O-BMSCs), which was selected to construct miR-376b-5p engineered extracellular vesicles (miR-376b-5p-EV). miR-376b-5p-EV could promote osteogenesis and alleviate senescence of O-BMSCs by targeting Camsap1. To combine the advantages of Apt19s and miR-376b-5p, dual engineered extracellular vesicles (Apt-376b-EV) comprising Apt19s and miR-376b-5p modification simultaneously was constructed. To further validate its function, Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogel was used as a carrier to construct Apt-376b-EV@GelMA delivery system. The in vitro results have demonstrated that Apt-376b-EV@GelMA could recruit O-BMSCs, alleviate senescence and promote osteogenic differentiation sequentially. Notably, the in vivo study also observed that Apt-376b-EV@GelMA sequentially recruit endogenous stem cells homing and enhance new bone formation in senescent bone fracture and critical-sized defect models. In summary, the dual engineered extracellular vesicles, Apt-376b-EV, offers an appealing solution for recruiting endogenous stem cells and promoting bone repair sequentially in senescent microenvironment, which may broader clinical applications of engineered EV and provide valuable strategies for senescent bone-related diseases in the future clinical work.
Cell-type-specific requirement for TYK2 in murine immune cells under steady state and challenged conditions
Authors: Müller Mathias , Karjalainen Anzhelika , Witalisz-Siepracka Agnieszka , Prchal-Murphy Michaela , Martin David , Sternberg Felix , Krunic Milica , Dolezal Marlies , Fortelny Nikolaus , Farlik Matthias , Macho-Maschler Sabine , Lassnig Caroline , Meissl Katrin , Amenitsch Lena , Lederer Therese , Pohl Elena , Gotthardt Dagmar , Bock Christoph , Decker Thomas , Strobl Birgit 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) deficiency and loss or inhibition of kinase activity in men and mice leads to similar immune compromised phenotypes, predominantly through impairment of interferon (IFN) and interleukin 12 family responses. Here we relate the transcriptome changes to phenotypical changes observed in TYK2-deficient (Tyk2-/-) and TYK2 kinase-inactive (Tyk2K923E) mice in naïve splenic immune cells and upon ex vivoIFN treatment or in vivo tumor transplant infiltration. The TYK2 activities under homeostatic and both challenged conditions are highly cell-type-specific with respect to quantity and quality of transcriptionally dependent genes. The major impact of loss of TYK2 protein or kinase activity in splenic homeostatic macrophages, NK and CD8+ T cells and tumor-derived cytolytic cells is on IFN responses. While reportedly TYK2 deficiency leads to partial impairment of IFN-I responses, we identified cell-type-specific IFN-I-repressed gene sets completely dependent on TYK2 kinase activity. Reported kinase-inactive functions of TYK2 relate to signaling crosstalk, metabolic functions and cell differentiation or maturation. None of these phenotypes relates to respective enriched gene sets in the TYK2 kinase-inactive cell types. Nonetheless, the scaffolding functions of TYK2 are capable to change transcriptional activities at single gene levels and chromatin accessibility at promoter-distal regions upon cytokine treatment most prominently in CD8+ T cells. The cell-type-specific transcriptomic and epigenetic effects of TYK2 shed new light on the biology of this JAK family member and are relevant for current and future treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases with TYK2 inhibitors.
Hydroxycitric acid inhibits ferroptosis and ameliorates benign prostatic hyperplasia by upregulating the Nrf2/GPX4 pathway
Authors: Yang Dayong , Zhai Chengxi , Ren Junyu , Bai Jinran , Tang Yongjie , Li Tao , Yang Dali , Zhao Changyuan , Tong Fachun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Ferroptosis is an important pathological process in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that can exacerbate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), an active component of the traditional Chinese medicine Garcinia cambogia, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, and preclinical studies have confirmed its anti-obesity effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of HCA on propionate testosterone-induced BPH and found that HCA treatment significantly reduced ferroptosis in the prostate. Further mechanistic studies indicated that Nrf2 is crucial for HCA-induced upregulation of GPX4, which mitigates ferroptosis by reducing iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Overall, these findings provide insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of BPH.
Enhanced security framework for 6g communication network based on dual key extraction-based NOMA technique with two- tier encryption and optimized ant fly optimizer (AFO) keys
Authors: Almalki Sultan Ahmed , Alkhorem Azan Hamad , Alghamdi Tami Abdulrahman 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This research introduces a pioneering framework for securing communication networks for 6G communication network, through the utilization of a Dual Key Extraction (DKE)-based Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) technique. With the advent of the 6G networks that are anticipated to provide ultra-fast data transfer, connect numerous devices, and have minimum latency, there are formidable security challenges such as increased espionage activities and hacking. The core of this approach involves the generation of two keys, where the first key is intricately linked to channel randomness, and the second key is derived based on distance considerations. Among the generated keys, the optimal keys utilized for data encryption is selected dynamically based on the new Ant Fly Optimizer (AFO) approach. In addition, the encryption is performed using the new two- tier security model that encapsulates the Two-fish encryption (TFE) and the new Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH). In addition, the error correction within the encrypted data is accomplished via Galois approach. In addition during the transmission stage, the integration of non-binary Raptor codes for handling packet loss and errors in the data channels, while the Galois Field-Based Error Correction is applied for ensuring mathematical consistency and error resilience in cryptographic encoding.. These elements collectively contribute to fortifying the security of communication channels against potential eavesdropping threats. The proposed system establishes a secure communication channel between the Base Station (BS) and end-users, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. To address potential errors, such as bit flipping, a critical bit reconciliation technique, namely Raptor codes, is integrated dense 6G environments. The implementation of secured 6G model is performed using the MATLAB platform. The proposed model achieved the key mismatch rate of 0.0001% for SNR value of 30dB, which is lower than the existing techniques.
Porphyromonas gingivalis aggravates alcohol-related liver injury via gut microbiome-HO1-ACSL4-dependent ferroptosis
Authors: Feng Xuezhe , Wang Yue , Zhu Cheng , Huai Qian , Cui Juanjuan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a common liver disease caused by long-term alcohol consumption, the specific molecular mechanism of which is still unclear. It may be influenced to some extent by ferroptosis and P.g, which is an important pathogen of periodontitis.
MARERIALS AND METHODS:
C57BL/6 mice and AML12 cells were selected as study subjects. The periodontitis model was induced by P.g and the alcoholic liver model was created. Pathological analysis was performed on liver, intestine and periodontal, and 16S rRNA was to analyze changes in intestinal flora and intestinal gap junction protein (ZO1, Occludin) levels in each group. Ferroptosis indices were detected in the liver tissues and AML12.
RESULTS
Oral exposure to P.g can induce mice periodontitis and exacerbate alcohol-related liver injury. Both alcohol and P.g can cause intestinal flora disturbance, damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier, increased permeability and activation of mouse hepatocyte ferroptosis, and P.g can aggravate such alcohol-induced liver damage.
CONCLUSION
Both alcohol and P.g can cause intestinal flora disturbance, damage to the intestinal epithelial barrier, increased permeability and activation of mouse hepatocyte ferroptosis, and P.g can aggravate such alcohol-induced liver damage. ACSL4 and HO-1 play the important role in exacerbation of alcoholic liver injury by P.g.
Sexual Behaviors and Self-reported Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among Male and Female Youths in Nigeria
Authors: Okunlola David Aduragbemi , Alawode Oluwatobi Abel , Opara Chioma Veronica , Ajayi Anthony Idowu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a global public health issue and are highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, with current literature indicating that risky sexual behaviors are major risk factors. Studies have shown that STIs are more common among young people engaging in risky sexual behaviors. We examined the associations between sexual behaviors and self-reported STIs, including the role of marital status, among male and female Nigerian youths (aged 15–29).
Methods
We pooled and analyzed data from the 2008, 2013, and 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS). The secondary data were collected using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling technique across the states in Nigeria. We categorized sexual behaviors (in the last twelve months) into six groups ranging from abstinence to non-condom use and sexual infidelity, and measured STI status through self-reporting. We performed chi-square tests of associations and multivariable logistic regressions to examine the relationships between sexual behaviors and self-reported STIs among married and never-married youths.
Results
The findings of this study revealed that the associations between sexual behaviors and self-reported STIs depended on sex and marital status. Among never-married women, those who did not use condoms and who were engaged in sexual infidelity were four times more likely to report an STI (OR = 4.88; 95% CI = 2.84–8.37) compared to those who practiced abstinence. Among married women, the odds of self-reporting of STI were seven times higher for those who used condoms but engaged in sexual infidelity (OR = 7.60; 95% CI = 2.06–28.09). For never-married men, those who used condoms but engaged in sexual infidelity were five times more likely to report STIs (OR = 5.54; 95% CI = 2.87–10.68) than those who practiced abstinence. For married men, sexual behaviors were not significantly associated with self-report of STI.
Conclusion
This study showed that sexual behaviors were associated with self-reported STIs among never-married and married female youths and never-married male youths in Nigeria. These findings can inform programs aimed at reducing STI transmission among youths in Nigeria. Specifically, they can guide the development of educational programs to increase youth awareness of the risks associated with their sexual behaviors.