bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on quality enhancement during cigar tobacco fermentation by Staphylococcus nepalensis: insights into microbial community, volatile substances and sensory evaluation
Authors: Pei Qi , Jiang Xue , Li Zhengqin , Xu Hong , Xie Mingyong , Xiong Tao , Liu Zhanggen 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe fermentation characteristics of cigar tobacco leaves are closely influenced by the bacterial strains present during the process. This study aims to explore the relationship between bacterial communities and flavor, as well as the impact of key bacterial species on the overall quality of cigars.ResultThe results showed that Staphylococcus nepalensis was the dominant bacteria during the fermentation process. Correlations between bacterial communities and flavor revealed that Staphylococcus nepalensis was positively correlated with carotenoid degradation products, indicating its potential role in promoting flavor formation. Compared to the control groups, those inoculated with Staphylococcus nepalensis showed a significant increase in volatile aroma compounds, particularly megastigmatrienone, and dihydroactinidiolide. Additionally, inoculation with Staphylococcus nepalensis resulted in higher consumption rates of reducing sugars and total nitrogen content. However, nicotine levels were lower in the cigars treated with Staphylococcus nepalensis compared to the controls. The sensory evaluation further revealed that fermentation with Staphylococcus nepalensis notably enhanced the cigars’ aroma quality, reduced irritation, and improved both aftertaste and sweetness.ConclusionIn summary, the study provides valuable bacteriological resources and a theoretical foundation for optimizing industrial production processes, making it useful for enhancing the quality of cigars in large-scale manufacturing.
Microbial community variations in adult Hyalomma dromedarii ticks from single locations in Saudi Arabia and Tunisia
Authors: Kratou Myriam , Maitre Apolline , Abuin-Denis Lianet , Selmi Rachid , Belkahia Hanène , Alanazi Abdullah D. , Gattan Hattan , Al-Ahmadi Bassam M. , Shater Abdullah F. , Mateos-Hernández Lourdes , Obregón Dasiel , Messadi Lilia , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro , Ben Said Mourad 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThe camel-infesting tick, Hyalomma dromedarii, is a prominent ectoparasite in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, critically impacting camel health and acting as a vector for tick-borne pathogens. Despite prior studies on its microbiota, the effects of geographic origin and sex on microbial community structure and functional stability remain poorly understood.MethodsTo address this, we characterized the bacterial microbiota of H. dromedarii ticks collected from camels in Tunisia (TUN) and Saudi Arabia (SA) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, microbial network analysis, and metabolic pathway prediction.ResultsOur findings indicate a dominant presence of Francisella endosymbionts in Tunisian ticks, suggesting adaptive roles of H. dromedarii ticks in arid ecosystems. Keystone taxa, particularly Staphylococcus and Corynebacterium, were identified as central to microbial network structure and resilience. Moreover, network robustness analyses demonstrated enhanced ecological stability in the Tunisian tick microbiota under perturbation, indicative of higher resilience to environmental fluctuations compared to Saudi Arabian ticks. Additionally, functional pathway predictions further revealed geographically distinct metabolic profiles between both groups (Tunisia vs. Saudi Arabia and males vs. females), underscoring environmental and biological influences on H. dromedarii microbiota assembly.DiscussionThese results highlight region-specific and sex-specific microbial adaptations in H. dromedarii, with potential implications for pathogen transmission dynamics and vector resilience. Understanding these microbial interactions may contribute to improved strategies for tick control and tick-borne disease prevention.
Improved early postoperative cognition in elderly gastrointestinal patients: a randomized controlled trial on the role of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block
Authors: Xue Ruyue , Li Yuexian , Zhan Mei , Yang Lin , Sun Defeng 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThis study evaluates the impact of ultrasound-guided stellate ganglion block (SGB) on early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly patients who underwent laparoscopic gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, as well as its potential effect on oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, 104 elderly patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic GI surgery were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided SGB before general anesthesia (SGB group) or general anesthesia alone (control group). A total of 98 patients completed the study. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) preoperatively, and on postoperative days one and three. The perioperative recordings included mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and the bispectral index. Blood samples were analyzed for interleukin-6 (IL-6), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA).ResultsThe SGB group had a significantly lower incidence of POCD on postoperative day one (p &lt; 0.05). IL-6 and MDA levels were significantly lower, while SOD levels were higher in the SGB group, when compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). MDA levels were notably lower on postoperative day three in the SGB group (p &lt; 0.05). Both groups showed significant changes in IL-6, SOD and MDA levels, when compared to preoperative values. The hemodynamic indicators showed a slight reduction in intraoperative blood pressure and decreased numerical rating scale scores on the first postoperative day without significant differences in other indicators.ConclusionPreoperative SGB reduces early POCD in elderly patients who undergo laparoscopic GI surgery, possibly through the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.
EEG alpha/beta features as a biomarker for quantifying pain in patients with lumbar disk herniation
Authors: Li Rumei , Shao Wanqi , Zhao Shumei , Wang Lingli , Yu Chao , Liu Lanying , Yin Kuiying 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionAn objective and precise pain evaluation is of significant clinical value, and electroencephalography as a non-invasive physiological signal has been demonstrated to correlate with subjective pain perception. This study aimed to analyze the EEG changes in patients with lumbar disk herniation (LDH) under traditional Chinese medicine small needle knife and to further explore the feasibility of EEG as an indicator of pain assessment in patients with LDH.MethodsThis study conducted resting-state electroencephalography on 20 patients with LDH before and after treatment and on 20 healthy controls, respectively. Following the spectral analysis of the EEG signals with continuous wavelet transform, power ratios were extracted for four frequency bands (θ, α, β and γ). Significance tests were conducted within the LDH group and between the LDH and healthy controls, as well as correlation analyses of EEG characteristics with pain scales in four regions of interest.ResultsA significant reduction in subjective pain intensity was observed after small needle knife, with a 32.86 and 38.41% reduction in the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scores, respectively. Alpha accounted for a significantly higher of the four regions, while theta in the frontal, occipital and beta in the central were significantly lower. HC had fewer EEG oscillations in the theta band compared to LDH. The constructed alpha/beta features demonstrated a significant negative correlation with VAS in the frontal (R = −0.361, P = 0.022) and parietal (R = −0.341, P = 0.031), as well as with mJOA in the frontal (R = −0.416, P = 0.007), central (R = −0.438, P = 0.004), and parietal (R = −0.390, P = 0.013) regions.ConclusionEEG power ratios showed significantly different results in LDH groups, and between patients and HC. The alpha/beta features of the frontal and parietal constructed in this study showed correlations with subjective pain scores and might serve as a biomarker of pain status in the short term in LDH.
Adults with reading difficulties demonstrate selective impairments in the fine neural tuning for print
Authors: Zhuang Tongjie , Li Yaowen , Tan Yufei , Wang Jiuju , Yue Xiuyue , Xue Licheng , Zhao Jing 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionNeural tuning for print, reflected in differential responses of the N170 component of event-related potentials to orthographic forms and other visual stimuli, serves as the neural basis for efficient visual word reading. Impaired neural tuning for print is well established in dyslexic children. Although many adults also experience reading difficulties, relatively few studies have examined whether such impairments exist in adults, particularly those who read Chinese, which differs markedly in visual and linguistic characteristics from alphabetic scripts.MethodsTo fill this gap, we assessed 20 high-level and 16 low-level adult readers who were the two extremes of the best and poorest readers of a database, which consisted of 308 college students. Using ERP techniques, we investigated two levels of neural tuning for print: coarse tuning (i.e., real, pseudo, false characters vs. stroke combinations) and fine tuning (i.e., real vs. pseudo vs. false characters).ResultsResults indicated that high-level adult readers exhibited both coarse and fine tuning for print. In contrast, low-level adult readers displayed a stronger N170 response to real and pseudo characters than to stroke combinations, suggesting intact coarse tuning. However, they showed no reliable N170 differences between real, false, and pseudo characters, indicating impaired fine tuning.ConclusionThese findings suggest a selective impairment in fine tuning for print among Chinese adults with reading difficulties and support the notion of persistent impairment in fine neural tuning for print among poor readers throughout development.
Abnormal power and spindle wave activity during sleep in young smokers
Authors: Dong Youwei , Cheng Yongxin , Wang Juan , Ren Zhiwei , Lu Yiming , Yuan Kai , Dong Fang , Yu Dahua 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionSmoking is associated with significant alterations in sleep architecture. Previous studies have revealed changes in the subjective sleep of young smokers, but research on objective sleep assessment using polysomnography (PSG) is limited. This study aims to explore electroencephalography (EEG) power and sleep spindle activity during the sleep of young smokers, as well as to assess the relationship between sleep and smoking variables.MethodsWe collected overnight PSG data from 19 young smokers and 16 non-smokers and assessed nicotine dependence and cumulative effects using the Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Test (FTND) and pack-year. Power spectral analysis and sleep spindle detection are used to analyze EEG activity during sleep.ResultsCompared to the non-smokers, young smokers showed increased alpha power in the frontal and central regions and decreased delta power in the central region. The frontal region showed enhanced sleep spindle duration and density. Notably, both relative alpha power and sleep spindle duration in frontal showed a positive correlation with Pack-year.DiscussionSleep EEG power and sleep spindle activity in frontal may serve as biomarkers to assess the sleep quality of young smokers. It may improve the understanding of the relationship of sleep and smoking.
Pediatric endoscopic retrograde pancreatography expertise in chronic pancreatitis: a single-center analysis
Authors: Guo Hongxi , Luo Juan , Yang Hu , Yang Jun , Bian Hongqiang , Duan Xufei , Wang Xin 
Published: February 2025

Background and aimChronic pancreatitis (CP) in children has exhibited an annual increase in incidence in recent years. Pediatric CP presents unique clinical features compared to adult cases. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) serves as a valuable and safe tool for diagnosing and treating CP in adults. However, data on endoscopic treatment of CP in children are still limited.MethodsDemographics, etiology, surgical indications, diagnosis, treatment details, associated complications, and follow-up information were retrospectively studied in consecutive patients (&lt;18 years old) who underwent ERP for CP between January 2020 and October 2024.ResultsA total of 17 children (7 male, 10 female) with a mean age of 10.0 ± 2.7 years were included in the study. A total of 34 endoscopic treatments were conducted. Recurrent abdominal pain was the primary clinical symptom. Imaging predominantly revealed pancreatic duct abnormalities such as tortuous dilatation and the presence of pancreatic duct stones. Notably, 41.2% (7 cases) involved genetic and congenital anatomical variations. Pancreatic duct stent placement was successfully performed in all 17 children (100.0% success rate). Stent replacements occurred on average 2.2 times (range 1–5) at intervals of 3–6 months. Postoperative pancreatitis developed in 2 cases (5.9%, 2/34), and hyperamylasemia occurred in 5 cases (14.7%, 5/34). The postprocedure visual analogue scale (VAS) score for abdominal pain significantly decreased from 6 to 1 (P &lt; 0.001). The annual frequency of pancreatitis episodes showed a significant reduction, decreasing from 2.4 times pre-treatment to 0.6 times post-treatment (P &lt; 0.05). Body mass index (BMI) also showed a significant improvement post-treatment compared to pre-treatment (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsERP performed by trained endoscopists utilizing standard adult endoscopes and accessories proved a safe and effective treatment option for pediatric CP, with complication rates comparable to those reported in adult cases.
Typical and atypical metabolic characteristics of three iridaceae isoflavone components: in vitro and in silico studies
Authors: Gu Jifeng , Zhang Huishan , Wang Mei , Zhou Yuyang , Deng Zhipeng , Shi Rong 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundBelamcanda chinensis (L.) DC (Chinese name Shegan) has been widely used because of its pharmacological activity and remarkable therapeutic effects in sore throat. Tectorigenin, irigenin, and irisflorentin have been recognized as important quality indicators in Shegan. However, the metabolic characteristics of isoflavone aglycones remain unclear.MethodsIn this study, human liver microsomes (HLMs) and Cytochrome P450 (CYP) recombinant enzymes were used to study the metabolic stability, identify the metabolic pathways and enzyme kinetics of these three components, and elucidate their possible binding sites through molecular docking.ResultsWhen tectorigenin, irigenin, and irisflorentin were co-incubated with HLMs and CYP recombinant enzymes, hydroxylation metabolite for tectorigenin, demethylated metabolite for irigenin, and 6,7-dihydroxy-5,3′,4′,5′-tetramethoxy isoflavone originating from irisflorentin were identified. CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 have high metabolic rates for tectorigenin, whereas CYP2C19 and CYP1A2 are the most important metabolic enzymes for irigenin and irisflorentin, respectively. The kinetics showed that the metabolism of tectorigenin and irigenin conformed to the Michaelis-Menten model, while the Eadie-Hofstee plot of irisflorentin yielded a convex curve with a unique “hooked” characteristic, and it conformed to the sigmoidal kinetics characteristic. Furthermore, molecular simulations showed that tectorigenin and irigenin bind to the orthosteric site of CYP isoforms via hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking, whereas irisflorentin is principally bound to CYP1A2 via π-π stacking and hydrophobic interactions.ConclusionCollectively, these Iridaceae isoflavone aglycones can be metabolized by CYP enzymes with typical or atypical kinetic characteristics. These results lay a foundation for a better understanding of the in vivo processes of these components.
Extending the game immersion questionnaire to online users
Authors: Dombrovskis Valērijs , Ļevina Jeļena , Ruža Aleksejs 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThe Game Immersion Questionnaire (GIQ) serves as a tool for evaluating immersion within the realm of online gaming. Immersion is a crucial psychological state experienced by users interacting with digital environments, influencing their engagement, engrossment, and total involvement. While the original GIQ was structured around seven first-order factors and three second-order factors, its applicability beyond gaming contexts remains unexplored. This study extends the GIQ to capture the immersion experiences of a more expansive cohort of online users beyond gamers.MethodsThe extended GIQ was administered to a cohort of active internet users from Latvia (n = 227), aged 13 to 65 (M = 26.6, SD = 8.4), with 53.7% identifying as female, 33% as male, and 13.2% as nonbinary. Factor analysis was conducted to examine the structure of the extended questionnaire and validate its applicability to a broader range of online users.ResultsFactor analysis revealed three first-order factors – Engagement, Engrossment, and Total Immersion – that together form a global second-order factor named the Level of Immersion in the Digital Environment. These findings align with the original hierarchical structure of the GIQ while extending its relevance to a wider population of online users.DiscussionThe extended GIQ provides insights into the immersion experiences of a diverse range of online users across various digital environments. By adapting the GIQ for broader use, this study contributes to the understanding of immersion beyond gaming and supports its application in different online contexts.
The effects of a 12-week moderate-intensity continuous training intervention on depression, anxiety, and stress in sedentary female college students: a focus on negative emotion regulation
Authors: Zeng Quanwen , Zhang Yong , Li Huimin , Yuan Jin , Feng Dan , Zhu Gendi 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveModerate Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) is recognized as an effective intervention for improving negative affect. However, research on its effects across varying levels of negative mood states in sedentary female college students remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a 12-week MICT intervention on different levels of negative mood in sedentary female college students.MethodsA total of 144 participants were randomly assigned to two groups, each consisting of 72 individuals. The participants were further categorized into three negative mood groups: depression, anxiety, and stress, with 24 participants in each group. Within each mood group, participants were divided into three subgroups based on the severity of their mood (mild, moderate, and severe), with 8 participants in each subgroup. The experiment spanned 12 weeks, with two 45-min training sessions per week. Intensity was monitored throughout the experiment using the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), and heart rate was measured immediately following each session. The training intensity was maintained at 60–69% of HRmax throughout the 12 weeks.ResultsAfter 12 weeks of MICT, MICT had a positive effect on mild and severe depressive mood, moderate anxiety, and mild stressful mood in sedentary female college students (p &lt; 0.05), but MICT did not have statistically significant effects on moderate depressive mood, mild and severe anxiety, and moderate and severe stressful mood in sedentary female college students (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionMICT may have a beneficial effect on sedentary female college students, particularly those with lower levels of emotional distress. However, due to the absence of a positive control group, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about its specific impact. Future studies should employ more rigorous control designs to better assess the role of MICT in improving both the physical and mental health of sedentary female college students.
Assessing food safety and hygiene practices in old age homes in Mangaung and Lejweleputswa regions, free state
Authors: Nhabe Tshegofatso , Malebo Ntsoaki J. 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionPoor food handling, improper cooking, and inadequate storage practices contribute to the spread of harmful pathogens, particularly in vulnerable environments such as old age homes. Ensuring compliance with food safety regulations is essential to protect elderly residents from foodborne illnesses.MethodsThis study assessed food safety practices in 14 old age homes (N = 14) in the Free State, South Africa. Data were collected using questionnaires (N = 80) to evaluate food handlers’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Additionally, a food safety checklist was used to assess compliance with hygiene and safety standards.ResultsThe study identified gaps in food safety practices and regulatory compliance. Non-compliance was observed in 5 facilities (35%), with key issues including inadequate handwashing facilities, limited access to hot water, and insufficient personal protective equipment. While 9 facilities (65%) adhered to food safety regulations, stricter enforcement of measures is necessary to ensure consistent adherence. Although participants demonstrated a good understanding of personal hygiene, proper food handling, sanitation, and microbial contamination prevention, a gap remained between knowledge and practical application.DiscussionThe findings highlight the need for improved food safety measures in old age homes. Enhancing hygiene infrastructure, conducting frequent inspections, providing regular food safety training, and enforcing standard operating procedures (SOPs) are critical for mitigating risks. Strengthening these aspects will contribute to safeguarding the health and well-being of elderly residents.
Risk factors and prevention strategy for patient dissatisfaction after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Yang Lixin , Guo Zhao , Qiao Yuhao , Guo Jichao , Li Jiaqi , Wang Wei 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundFor patients who received transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) treatment for lumbar disc herniation, most of them can achieve good results, but there were still some patients who were not satisfied with the surgical results. The purpose of this study is to explore the factors that contribute to patient dissatisfaction after TLIF.MethodsFrom March 2018–December 2021, patients with lumbar disc herniation who received TLIF treatment were included in this study. Clinical data from preoperative and postoperative 2-year follow-up were analyzed. Associations between clinical variables and function of postoperative were examined in univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultOf all the 625 patients, including 296 (47.4%) male patients and 329 (52.6%) female patients. According to patient satisfaction index (PSI), patients were divided into two groups, 529 patients in satisfied group showing 1 or 2 stage in PSI and 96 patients in dissatisfied group showing 3 or 4 stage in PSI. Univariate analysis showed that body mass index (BMI), preoperative pain time, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS)-back, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative rehabilitation training, feel depression and symptom recurrence were related with patient's level of satisfaction 2 years after discectomy. When incorporated into a multivariate logistic regression analysis, it was found that BMI, preoperative pain duration, postoperative rehabilitation training, feel depression and symptom recurrence were individually correlated with patient dissatisfaction 2 years after discectomy.ConclusionThis study indicates that the factors that leading to postoperative dissatisfaction of patients include obesity, preoperative pain duration lasting no less than 6 months, feel depression and symptom recurrence. While postoperative rehabilitation training for three months is a protective factor.