bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of carvacrol-antibiotic combinations’ antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Al-Tawalbeh Deniz , Alkhawaldeh Yazan , M. Sawan Hana , Al-Mamoori Farah , Al-Samydai Ali , Mayyas Amal 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionThis study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity of carvacrol in combination with approved antibiotics against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpenoid component of essential oils, has demonstrated antimicrobial properties against gram positive and gram negative bacteria. The study evaluated the antimicrobial effects of carvacrol combined with sulfamethoxazole, linezolid, minocycline, and trimethoprim.MethodsThe MRSA strain (ATCC-33591) was used, and various assays, including MIC determination, checkerboard assay, and microdilution assay were conducted.ResultsThe results showed that the combination of carvacrol with antibiotics yielded better outcomes compared to monotherapy, leading to reduced bacterial colonization. Carvacrol, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim exhibited weak anti-staphylococcal effects, while linezolid and minocycline demonstrated stronger effects. This suggests that conventional antibiotic therapy may not be sufficient to effectively treat MRSA infections, potentially causing delays in healing or an exacerbation of the condition. Carvacrol combinations with two antibiotics displayed superior results compared to other pairs, indicating synergistic or additive effects of carvacrol with linezolid, minocycline, and sulfamethoxazole.ConclusionThese findings propose a new approach for developing drug molecules for MRSA treatment which combine volatile oils with available regimens. Further studies are recommended to evaluate the efficacy and biosafety of these combinations using in vivo or ex vivo models, aiming to minimize side effects and facilitate human trials. This study provides valuable insights into the potential use of carvacrol-antibiotic combinations as a novel therapeutic approach against MRSA.
Comprehensive analysis of senescence-associated genes in sepsis based on bulk and single-cell sequencing data
Authors: Tao Linfeng , Zhu Yue , Wu Lifang , Liu Jun 
Published: January 2024

Background: Sepsis is a pathological state resulting from dysregulated immune response in host during severe infection, leading to persistent organ dysfunction and ultimately death. Senescence-associated genes (SAGs) have manifested their potential in controlling the proliferation and dissemination of a variety of diseases. Nevertheless, the correlation between sepsis and SAGs remains obscure and requires further investigation.Methods: Two RNA expression datasets (GSE28750 and GSE57065) specifically related to sepsis were employed to filter hub SAGs, based on which a diagnostic model predictive of the incidence of sepsis was developed. The association between the expression of the SAGs identified and immune-related modules was analyzed employing Cell-type Identification By Estimating Relative Subsets Of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) and Microenvironment Cell Populations-counter (MCP-counter) analysis. The identified genes in each cohort were clustered by unsupervised agreement clustering analysis and weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA).Results: A diagnostic model for sepsis established based on hub genes (IGFBP7, GMFG, IL10, IL18, ETS2, HGF, CD55, and MMP9) exhibited a strong clinical reliability (AUC = 0.989). Sepsis patients were randomly assigned and classified by WGCNA into two clusters with distinct immune statuses. Analysis on the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data revealed high scores of SAGs in the natural killer (NK) cells of the sepsis cohort than the healthy cohort.Conclusion: These findings suggested a close association between SAGs and sepsis alterations. The identified hub genes had potential to serve as a viable diagnostic marker for sepsis.
Preoperative cognitive training improves postoperative cognitive function: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhao Li , Guo Yiping , Zhou Xuelei , Mao Wei , Li Linji 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundPostoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and postoperative delirium (POD) are common post-surgical complications that often lead to prolonged hospitalization, reduced quality of life, increased healthcare costs, and increased patient mortality. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of preoperative cognitive function training on postoperative cognitive function.MethodsPubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of preoperative cognitive function training and conventional preoperative measures on postoperative cognitive function. The search period spanned from the establishment of the databases to March 31, 2023. The primary outcomes were the incidence of POCD and POD.ResultsEleven randomized controlled trials involving 1,045 patients were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that, compared to the control group, preoperative cognitive function training significantly reduced the incidence of POCD (RR = 0.38, P &lt; 0.00001), and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of POD (P = 0.3). Cognitive function training significantly improved postoperative cognitive function scores compared with the control group (MD = 1.92, P = 0.001). In addition, two studies reported that 10% of the patients in the cognitive training group completed a pre-set training duration.ConclusionCognitive function training significantly reduced the incidence of POCD; however, there was no significant difference in the incidence of POD. Preoperative cognitive function training should be promoted and emphasized as a simple, economical, and practical method of improving postoperative cognitive function.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=396154
Neural correlates of fanhood: the role of fan identity and team brand strength
Authors: Cayolla Ricardo , Biscaia Rui , Baumeister Roy F. , Chan Hang-Yee , Duarte Isabel C. , Castelo-Branco Miguel 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionWe analyzed the importance of fan identity and brand strength on fans’ neural reactions to different team-related stimuli.MethodsA total of 53 fMRI scans with fans of two professional sport teams were conducted. Following up on a previous study we focused on the differences between fandom levels as well as the contrast between two team “brand” strength. Neural responses were compared among individuals based on their levels of fan identity. In sum, group comparisons between relatively high and lower identity and between weak and strong teams were made based on the notion that the latter reflects team brand strength (strong brand and weak brand).ResultsFindings indicate that brain activity in emotion regulation, memory, and cognitive control circuits is influenced by the relative level of fan identity.DiscussionHigher-level identified fans showed increased reactivity to positive stimuli and the under-recruitment of their cognitive appraisal circuits, suggesting more vulnerability to marketers’ messages. The strength of the team brand activates different neural mechanisms. Interestingly, the posterior cingulate showed larger recruitment both for weaker brands and lower fan identification, suggesting that visual memory processes are more active in these cases. Neurally processed content depends on the relative brand’s strength, highlighting the importance of brand-focused communications.
Characteristics of different Mandarin pronunciation element perception: evidence based on a multifeature paradigm for recording MMN and P3a components of phonemic changes in speech sounds
Authors: Mao Xiang , Zhang Ziyue , Yang Yijing , Chen Yu , Wang Yue , Wang Wei 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundAs a tonal language, Mandarin Chinese has the following pronunciation elements for each syllable: the vowel, consonant, tone, duration, and intensity. Revealing the characteristics of auditory-related cortical processing of these different pronunciation elements is interesting.MethodsA Mandarin pronunciation multifeature paradigm was designed, during which a standard stimulus and five different phonemic deviant stimuli were presented. The electroencephalogram (EEG) data were recorded with 256-electrode high-density EEG equipment. Time-domain and source localization analyses were conducted to demonstrate waveform characteristics and locate the sources of the cortical processing of mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3a components following different stimuli.ResultsVowel and consonant differences elicited distinct MMN and P3a components, but tone and duration differences did not. Intensity differences elicited distinct MMN components but not P3a components. For MMN and P3a components, the activated cortical areas were mainly in the frontal-temporal lobe. However, the regions and intensities of the cortical activation were significantly different among the components for the various deviant stimuli. The activated cortical areas of the MMN and P3a components elicited by vowels and consonants seemed to be larger and show more intense activation.ConclusionThe auditory processing centers use different auditory-related cognitive resources when processing different Mandarin pronunciation elements. Vowels and consonants carry more information for speech comprehension; moreover, more neurons in the cortex may be involved in the recognition and cognitive processing of these elements.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease causally affects the brain cortical structure: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Lin Yu-Kai , Cai Xin-Ran , Chen Jiang-Zhi , Hong Hai-Jie , Tu Kai , Chen Yan-Ling , Du Qiang 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundReduced brain volume, impaired cognition, and possibly a range of psychoneurological disorders have been reported in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, no underlying cause has been specified. Here, Mendelian randomization (MR) was employed to determine the causative NAFLD effects on cortical structure.MethodsWe used pooled-level data from FinnGen’s published genome-wide association study (GWAS) of NAFLD (1908 cases and 340,591 healthy controls), as well as published GWAS with NAFLD activity score (NAS) and fibrosis stage-associated SNPs as genetic tools, in addition to the Enigma Consortium data from 51,665 patients, were used to assess genetic susceptibility in relation to changes with cortical thickness (TH) and surface area (SA). A main estimate was made by means of inverse variance weighted (IVW), while heterogeneity and pleiotropy were detected using MR-Egger, weighted median, and MR Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier to perform a two-sample MR analysis.ResultsAt the global level, NAFLD reduced SA (beta = −586.72 mm2, se = 217.73, p = 0.007) and several changes in the cortical structure of the cerebral gyrus were found, with no detectable pleiotropy.ConclusionNAFLD causally affects cortical structures, which supports the presence of an intricate liver–brain axis.
The role of comprehensive geriatric assessment in the identification of different nutritional status in geriatric patients: a real-world, cross-sectional study
Authors: Ju Yanmin , Lin Xiaoye , Zhang Kexin , Yang Di , Cao Mengyu , Jin Huijing , Leng Jiyan 
Published: January 2024

BackgroundMalnutrition is an often unrecognized problem, but it is common in older patients and leads to adverse outcomes.AimsThe purpose of this study is to analyze the prevalence of the risk of undernutrition in elderly patients and the correlation between CGA and nutritional status, and to determine the nutritional status of elderly patients.MethodsThis is a real-world cross-sectional study of continuously enrolled elderly patients aged 65 years or older with a complete CGA database. CGA inventory was prepared by compiling and screening general information, body composition and blood biochemical results. MNA was also conducted for each elderly patient to screen for malnutrition. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between the CGA and nutritional assessment.ResultThe average age of the 211 selected elderly patients (160 men and 51 women) was 79.60 ± 9.24 years, and their ages ranged from 65 to 96 years. After controlling for confounders, patients with a history of PUD (OR = 2.353, p = 0.044), increased ADLs &amp; IADLs scores (OR = 1.051, p = 0.042) or GDS scores (OR = 6.078, p &lt; 0.001) may increase the incidence of the risk of undernutrition respectively, while an increase in BMI (OR = 0.858, p = 0.032) may lower the incidence of malnutrition risk. In addition, increased ADLs &amp; IADLs scores (OR = 1.096, p = 0.002) or GDS scores (OR = 11.228, p &lt; 0.001) may increase the incidence of undernutrition. However, increased MMSE (OR = 0.705, p &lt; 0.001), BMI (OR = 0.762, p = 0.034), UAC (OR = 0.765, p = 0.048) and CC (OR = 0.721, p = 0.003) may decrease the incidence of undernutrition, respectively.ConclusionThe study found that the prevalence of risk of undernutrition in elderly patients was the highest. Risk of undernutrition was independently associated with peptic ulcer disease, ADLs &amp; IADLs, GDS and BMI. However, we found that when the nutritional status reached the level of undernutrition, it was related to more factors, including ADLs &amp; IADLs, MMSE, GDS, BMI, UAC and CC. Determining the level of malnutrition through CGA may help to prevent and intervene malnutrition as early as possible.
Chronic almond nut snacking alleviates perceived muscle soreness following downhill running but does not improve indices of cardiometabolic health in mildly overweight, middle-aged, adults
Authors: Siegel Leah , Rooney Jessica , Marjoram Lindsey , Mason Lauren , Bowles Elena , van Keulen Thomas Valente , Helander Carina , Rayo Vernon , Hong Mee Young , Liu Changqi , Hooshmand Shirin , Kern Mark , Witard Oliver C. 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionAs a popular food snack rich in protein, fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants and phytonutrients, almond nut consumption is widely associated with improvements in cardiometabolic health. However, limited data exists regarding the role of almond consumption in improving exercise recovery. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the impact of chronic almond snacking on muscle damage and cardiometabolic health outcomes during acute eccentric exercise recovery in mildly overweight, middle-aged, adultsMethodsUsing a randomized cross-over design, 25 mildly overweight (BMI: 25.8 ± 3.6 kg/m2), middle-aged (35.1 ± 4.7 y) males (n = 11) and females (n = 14) performed a 30-min downhill treadmill run after 8-weeks of consuming either 57 g/day of whole almonds (ALMOND) or an isocaloric amount (86 g/day) of unsalted pretzels (CONTROL). Muscle soreness (visual analogue scale), muscle function (vertical jump and maximal isokinetic torque) and blood markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase (CK) concentration) and inflammation (c-reactive protein concentration) were measured pre and post (24, 48, and 72 h) exercise. Blood biomarkers of cardiometabolic health (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol), body composition and psycho-social assessments of mood (POMS-2 inventory), appetite and well-being were measured pre and post intervention.ResultsDownhill running successfully elicited muscle damage, as evidenced by a significant increase in plasma CK concentration, increased perception of muscle soreness, and impaired vertical jump performance (all p &lt; 0.05) during acute recovery. No effect of trial order was observed for any outcome measurement. However, expressed as AUC over the cumulative 72 h recovery period, muscle soreness measured during a physical task (vertical jump) was reduced by ~24% in ALMOND vs. CONTROL (p &lt; 0.05) and translated to an improved maintenance of vertical jump performance (p &lt; 0.05). However, ALMOND did not ameliorate the CK response to exercise or isokinetic torque during leg extension and leg flexion (p &gt; 0.05). No pre-post intervention changes in assessments of cardiometabolic health, body composition, mood state or appetite were observed in ALMOND or CONTROL (all p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionChronic almond supplementation alleviates task-specific perceived feelings of muscle soreness during acute recovery from muscle damaging exercise, resulting in the better maintenance of muscle functional capacity. These data suggest that almonds represent a functional food snack to improve exercise tolerance in mildly overweight, middle-aged adults.
A cross-sectional study on the moderating effect of self-efficacy on the relationship between sociodemographic variables and nutrition literacy among older adults in rural areas of North Sichuan
Authors: Liu Shasha , Fan Xiaomei , Jiang Li , Liu Tao 
Published: January 2024

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to examine the moderating role of self-efficacy among rural elderly individuals in northern Sichuan Province in the relationship between certain sociodemographic variables and nutritional literacy.MethodsConvenience sampling was used to select 264 elderly individuals aged 60 and above from rural communities in Cangxi County, Guangyuan City, Yilong County, Nanchong City, and Bazhou District, Bazhong City, Sichuan Province. A self-designed questionnaire, including sociodemographic variables, the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Nutrition Literacy Questionnaire for the Elderly (NLQ-E), was administered through face-to-face interviews using a paper-based version. The relationships between sociodemographic variables, self-efficacy, and nutritional literacy in the elderly were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and the Process plugin to examine the relationships between variables and to test for moderation effects.Results(1) There were significant differences in nutrition literacy scores among elderly people of different ages, genders, marital statuses, educational levels, personal monthly living expenses, dental conditions, and number of chronic diseases (p &lt; 0.05). (2) When elderly individuals have lower self-efficacy, their nutritional literacy is lower as they become older, and they have poorer nutritional literacy with a higher number of chronic diseases.ConclusionGeneral population demographic data has a significant impact on the nutritional literacy level of elderly people in rural areas of northern Sichuan. Self-efficacy plays a moderating role in the relationship between age and nutritional literacy, as well as the relationship between the number of chronic diseases and nutritional literacy.
The influence of gastronomic identity factors on food tourism development in the Republic of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Kalenjuk Pivarski Bojana , Paunić Maja , Šarenac Nemanja , Šmugović Stefan , Mlinarević Predrag , Ivanović Velibor , Marjanović Jelena , Pavlović Stevan , Tekić Dragana , Ðerčan Bojan , Tešanović Dragan , Gagić Jaraković Snježana 
Published: January 2024

Background and aimsThe gastronomic identity of an area is the key factor in tourism development, attracting numerous tourists and generating significant income. Numerous economic actors participate in its use and proper placement, and their perception of the gastronomic potential significantly affects its distribution and use in tourism. The main aim of this study is to investigate the factors of gastronomic identity that influence the development of tourism, observed at two tourist destinations in Southeast Europe [the Republic of Serbia (RS) the city of Novi Sad with Fruška Gora Mountain, n = 305 and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) the city of Sarajevo with Jahorina Mountain, n = 301].MethodsIn order to define the factors that are relevant to food tourism development, a custom-made GastroIdentity scale was created. A survey was conducted among employees in the hospitality and tourism industry as well as employees in educational institutions in the field of hospitality and tourism.ResultsThe research results show that employees from the RS area acknowledge the importance of organizing gastronomic events where local products are presented and that they understand that dishes and beverages with unique and recognizable tastes can characterize their area. Employees from the BIH area pointed out that the nutritional quality of their local agricultural and gastronomic products represents an advantage when compared to mass-produced ones and that the local gastronomic culture and tradition are authentic representatives of the culture of the region.ConclusionThe GastroIdentity scale proved to be dependable, highlighting gastronomic culture and tradition as extremely crucial factors in tourism, using the input provided by the employees from the investigated areas. Noteworthy results were also recorded regarding the need for incentives for food tourism development in the investigated regions.
Identification and virtual screening of novel salty peptides from hydrolysate of tilapia by-product by batch molecular docking
Authors: Ren Hongjun , Zhou Jingxuan , Fu Huixian , Feng Qiaohui , Wang Jionghao , Li Chuan , Xia Guanghua , Shang Wenting , He Yanfu 
Published: January 2024

IntroductionTilapia produces a large number of by-products during processing, which contain potentially flavorful peptides.MethodsThe application of PyRx software enabled batch molecular docking andscreening of 16 potential salty peptides from 189 peptides identified in the enzymaticdigestion of tilapia by-products.ResultsAccording to sensory analysis, all 16 peptides werepredominantly salty with a threshold of 0.256 - 0.379 mmol/L with some sournessand astringency, among which HLDDALR had the highest salty intensity, followedby VIEPLDIGDDKVR, FPGIPDHL, and DFKSPDDPSRH. I addition, moleculardocking results showed these four core peptides with high salt intensity bound to thesalt receptor TRPV1 mainly via van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bonds, andhydrophobic forces; Arg491, Tyr487, VAL441, and Asp708 were the key sites for thebinding of salty peptides to TRPV1. Therefore, the application of batch moleculardocking using PyRx is effective and economical for the virtual screening of saltypeptides.