bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Practical Guide to the Workup of Anaerobic Cultures
Authors: Shannon Samantha K. , Pence Morgan A. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter provides a practical guidance to the workup of anaerobic cultures. When a specimen is sent to the laboratory in an appropriate container and from an appropriate site with a request for anaerobe testing, a Gram stain should be performed and reported. All specimens for which anaerobe culture is requested should undergo simultaneous aerobic culture. Workup of anaerobic cultures should be completed while taking into account the corresponding aerobic culture. In cultures with three or more organisms, workup may focus on the bacteria with the highest potential to be pathogenic. The extent of workup of anaerobes may vary based on whether the specimen was collected from a nonsterile site or a sterile site. The chapter provides the information of identification of anaerobic bacteria isolated from nonsterile sites. Identification procedures that require a week or more to complete may be of academic interest only.
Continuous‐Monitoring Blood Culture Systems for Detection of Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria
Authors: Hilt Evann E. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This chapter provides preanalytical considerations and postanalytical considerations of continuous‐monitoring blood culture systems for detection of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Continuous‐monitoring blood culture systems (CMBCS) are the most widely used methods for blood culture in the laboratory today. Several manufacturers produce CMBCS. Each has a proprietary computer algorithm to detect gas production or consumption in relation to microbial growth. The Versa TREK system has a higher blood‐to‐broth ratio and a larger headspace in the bottle, which allows the system to monitor pressure changes due to consumption and/or production of gas. Blood culture bottles designed for the recovery of bacteria are also capable of recovery of many yeasts, primarily
Candida
species, which are associated with invasive disease. The chapter provides a list of different bottle formulations available for each commercial system that support the isolation of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and yeast from clinical specimens.
Staining, Culture, and Identification Methods for Acid‐Fast Bacilli and Fungi Recovered from Positive Blood Cultures
Authors: Lainhart William D. , Luethy Paul M. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Fungemia is often a result of disseminated fungal infections in immunosuppressed patients and can be a significant cause of mortality.
Candida
spp. are the most common cause of fungemia, with filamentous fungi causing fewer cases. Very few filamentous fungi are generally recoverable from blood culture bottles; the most common fungi include
Histoplasma capsulatum
,
Blastomyces
spp.
Fusarium
spp., and
Trichosporon
spp.
Aspergillus
spp. are rarely recovered from blood and associated with true fungemia, with the rare exception of
Aspergillus terreus
. Bloodstream infections with acid fast bacilli typically occur as a result of disseminated disease in immunocompromised individuals. Culture methods of positive blood cultures for acid‐fast bacilli and fungal blood cultures are similar to those followed for bacterial blood cultures. After the blood culture instrument detects growth in the bottle, the appropriate stain(s) is performed and examined and the broth is plated to agar media to allow microorganism growth and identification.
Specialized Processing of Blood
Authors: Chamberland Robin R. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Transfusable blood components, including platelets, red blood cells, and plasma, pose a risk of transfusion‐transmitted bacterial infection (TTBI). Platelet products are associated with the highest risk of TTBI of all transfusable blood components, with an overall rate of 1.95 per 10
5
units transfused. This chapter focuses on the microbiologic evaluation of transfusion reaction. In cases of suspected TTBI, the transfusion should be stopped, and the port should be covered or the tubing clamped. The component bag containing any residual product should be placed in a sealed plastic bag and transported to the laboratory immediately for culture. Culture of transfused blood products should always be accompanied by concurrent blood cultures performed for the patient experiencing a transfusion reaction. The chapter focuses on the specimen collection, transport, and handling, materials, quality control, interpretation, reporting results and limitations of procedure.
MALDI‐TOF MS for Bacterial and Yeast Identification
Authors: Fisher Mark A. , Powers‐Fletcher Margaret 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
This chapter presents the procedure of MALDI‐TOF MS for bacterial and yeast identification. Identification of bacteria and yeasts in the clinical microbiology laboratory has traditionally relied on a combination of phenotypic characteristics, including Gram stain results, colony morphology, growth characteristics, and biochemical reactions. Sequencing of genes with both conserved and variable regions, such as rRNA genes, has enhanced the laboratory's capacity to accurately identify microorganisms with greater resolution for species‐level identification. The FDA‐cleared MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry databases for bacteria and yeasts are largely composed of aerobic species with much smaller subsets of anaerobes and yeasts. This procedure describes protocols for the application of MALDI‐TOF MS to routine bacterial and yeast identification in the clinical microbiology laboratory. The chapter also covers proper quality control principles for analytical tests. With postanalytical considerations, it provides attention to common test limitations, interpretive challenges, and results reporting.
Oxacillin Salt Agar Test to Detect Methicillin (Oxacillin)‐Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Simner Patricia J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The oxacillin salt agar test is an optional test for detecting
mec
A‐mediated methicillin (oxacillin) resistance in
Staphylococcus aureus
. A standard number of bacteria are inoculated onto Mueller‐Hinton agar containing 6 µg of oxacillin per ml and 4% NaCl. Following overnight incubation, the appearance of growth indicates that the
S. aureus
isolate is resistant to oxacillin, all other penicillins, carbapenems, beta‐lactam–beta‐lactamase inhibitor combinations, and cephems with the exception of ceftaroline. The chapter covers proper quality control principles for analytical tests. With postanalytical considerations, it provides attention to common test limitations, interpretive challenges, and results reporting.
Introduction: Traditional Methods for Laboratory Diagnosis of Viral and Chlamydial Infections
Authors: Hodinka Richard L. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part focuses on some of the more traditional culture and rapid immunologic methods for the detection and identification of viruses in a diagnostic laboratory. It includes
Chlamydia
culture given that this method is virtually always performed in a clinical virology laboratory or a distinct section of the clinical microbiology laboratory due to the need for a cell culture system and appropriate facilities. Traditional methods continue to have a place in regional and national reference laboratories to help identify and characterize new viruses or variants of well‐recognized viruses not detected by molecular methods, for active surveillance to detect and monitor disease outbreaks, and in support of research activities for antiviral drug and vaccine development.
Generalizability of consensus regarding standardized letters of evaluation competitiveness: A validity study in a national sample of emergency medicine faculty
Authors: Bord Sharon , Sehdev Morgan , Pelletier‐Bui Alexis , Alvarez Al'ai , Schnapp Benjamin , Dubosh Nicole , Schrepel Caitlin , Park Yoon Soo , Shappell Eric 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundStandardized letters of evaluation (SLOEs) are an important part of residency recruitment, particularly given the limited availability of other discerning factors in residency applications. While consensus regarding SLOE competitiveness has been studied within a small group of academic faculty, it remains unexplored how a more diverse group of letter readers interpret SLOEs in terms of competitiveness.MethodsA sample of 50 real SLOEs in the new SLOE format (2022 eSLOE 2.0) were selected to match the national rating distribution and anonymized. These SLOEs were ranked in order of competitiveness by 25 faculty members representing diverse demographics, geographic regions, and practice settings. Consensus levels were assessed using previously defined criteria and compared to prior results using a cutoff of ±10% to define a significant difference in consensus levels. Two models were tested to determine their ability to predict consensus rankings: a point‐based system and a linear regression model.ResultsFaculty consensus in this diverse cohort was slightly below the level measured among academic emergency medicine faculty in the prior study, though no differences were greater than the ±10% cutoff. Prediction models also performed similarly to a previous study except at the tight level of agreement, where consensus was stronger in this study compared to previous results. There is greater consensus among faculty at academic institutions than at community institutions, and years of experience was not correlated with higher consensus.ConclusionsThe degree of consensus regarding competitiveness using real SLOEs was similar in this diverse national sample compared to a prior study in a smaller and more homogenous group ranking mock SLOEs. Consensus ranks were predicted with good accuracy using both the point system and the regression model.
Designing and screening single‐atom alloy catalysts for CO2 reduction to CH3OH via DFT and machine learning
Authors: Zhou Wenyu , Feng Haisong , Zhou Shihong , Wang Mengxin , Chen Yuping , Lu Chenyang , Yuan Hao , Yang Jing , Li Qun , Tan Luxi , Dong Lichun , Zhang Yong‐Wei 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCarbon dioxide (CO2) utilization technology is of great significance for achieving carbon neutrality, in which the catalytic materials play crucial roles, and among them, single‐atom alloys (SAAs) are of particular interests. In this study, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and machine learning are employed to assess the effectiveness of Cu‐, Ag‐, and Ni‐host SAAs as catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction to CH3OH. The Gibbs free energies of 477 elementary reactions across 35 SAAs involved in CO2 reduction are calculated, and by utilizing this dataset, a trained gradient boosting regression model is established with an excellent accuracy. Subsequently, the properties of 46 unknown SAAs are predicted, including their pathways, products, potential‐determining steps (PDS), and corresponding Gibbs free energies of the PDS (GPDS). Three promising candidates, ZnCu, AuAg and MoNi, stand out due to their lowest GPDS among Cu‐, Ag‐ and Ni‐ hosted SAAs, respectively.
73 Meter lange integrale Holz‐Carbonbeton‐Verbundbrücke
Authors: Frede Julian , Krämer Timo , Rempel Sergej , Kasic Slobodan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDer Bau der „Brücke über den Seeblickweg“ zeichnet sich aus durch die Verwendung innovativer Bauweisen und unkonventioneller Materialien. Die zweifeldrige Fuß‐ und Radwegbrücke vereint einen Holz‐Beton‐Verbundquerschnitt in den Feldbereichen mit einem Carbonbetonplattenbalken im Stützbereich und an den Widerlagern. Durch den Einsatz der nichtmetallischen Bewehrung kann die Betondeckung reduziert und auf eine zusätzliche Schutzschicht verzichtet werden. Im vorliegenden Aufsatz werden die carbonbetontechnologischen Details aufgezeigt. Die Bemessung erfolgte anhand der mittlerweile bauaufsichtlich eingeführten Richtlinie „Betonbauteile mit nichtmetallischer Bewehrung“. Im Bauteilbiegeversuch wurden Rissbreiten gemessen und daraus die zulässigen Spannungen der Carbonlängsbewehrung ermittelt. Diese wurde für ein verbessertes Verbundverhalten besandet. Die Querkraftbewehrung kombiniert Steckbügel aus Carbon sowie Stäbe aus glasfaserverstärktem Kunststoff. Die Herausforderungen im Umgang mit den innovativen Baustoffen bei der Herstellung der Brücke werden beschrieben sowie erste Ergebnisse aus einem Rissmonitoring mittels faseroptischer Messstränge vorgestellt.
Novel Schiff Base Sulfonate Derivatives as Carbonic Anhydrase and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: Synthesis, Biological Activity, and Molecular Docking Insights
Authors: Yaşar Ümit , Demir Yeliz , Gönül İlyas , Özaslan Muhammet Serhat , Çelik Gizem Gümüşgöz , Türkeş Cüneyt , Beydemir Şükrü 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSulfonate derivatives are an essential class of compounds with diverse pharmacological applications. This study presents the synthesis and detailed characterization of six novel Schiff base sulfonate derivatives (L1–L6) through spectroscopic techniques (FT‐IR and NMR). Their inhibitory potential was evaluated against human carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes (hCA I and hCA II) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which are crucial therapeutic targets for diseases such as glaucoma, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. The KI values for the compounds concerning AChE, hCA I, and hCA II enzymes were in the ranges of 106.10 ± 14.73 to 422.80 ± 17.64 nM (THA: 159.61 ± 8.41 nM), 116.90 ± 24.40 to 268.00 ± 35.84 nM (AAZ: 439.17 ± 9.30 nM), and 177.00 ± 35.03 to 435.20 ± 75.98 nM (AAZ: 98.28 ± 1.69 nM), respectively. Molecular docking analyses revealed key interactions within the active sites of the enzymes, including hydrogen bonding with critical residues and π–π stacking interactions. Notably, L3 demonstrated superior inhibition against hCA I (KI: 116.90 ± 24.40 nM) and AChE (KI: 106.10 ± 14.73 nM), positioning it as a promising lead compound. This comprehensive investigation contributes to the development of isoform‐specific inhibitors for therapeutic use and provides valuable insights into their binding mechanisms. The findings underscore the potential of Schiff base sulfonates as scaffolds in drug discovery for neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders.
Higher Assemblies of Coordination Cage‐Catenanes Linked by Copper(II) Chloride Clusters: Networks and Transformations
Authors: Snelgrove Matthew P. , Sergeeva Natalia N. , Hardie Michaele J. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractCage‐catenanes are chemical constructs where two or more cage‐like molecules or assemblies are mechanically interlocked together. We report a new class of cage‐catenanes where dimeric metal‐organic cage‐catenanes are linked into larger assemblies through additional bridging metal chloride links. These crystalline materials are obtained from the reaction of tris(nicotinoyl)cyclotriguaiacylene (L1) with Cu(II) salts, and all feature a tetramer of cages where two {Cu3(L1)2(X)6} cages (X=anion) are mechanically interlocked, and link to each other and to another {Cu3(L1)2(X)6}2 cage‐catenane through a planar, linear tetranuclear {Cu4(μ‐Cl)6Cl2} cluster. The complex of discrete tetrameric {Cu3(L1)2(X)6}4 assemblies (dimers of cage‐catenanes) transforms through solvent‐exchange processes to 1D coordination chain structures through additional {Cu2(μ‐Cl)2} bridges between the tetrameric {Cu3(L1)2(X)6}4 assemblies. Complex [Cu6(L1)4Cl12(H2O)3] ⋅ (H2O) ⋅ 15(DMF) C2 features a 2D coordination network of 63 topology linked through three different Cu(II) clusters, namely {Cu4(μ‐Cl)6}, {Cu2(μ‐Cl)2} and a rare linear {Cu2(μ‐Cl)} linkage. Break‐down of C2 in water likely proceeds through hydrolysis of this unusual linear Cu‐Cl‐Cl bond.
High survival promotes bunchgrass persistence in old‐growth savannas under different fire regimes
Authors: Fill Jennifer M. , Crandall Raelene M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractClonal perennial grasses are a key functional group in fire‐prone, old‐growth grasslands and savannas. They are flammable and can resist extinction for decades. Although clonal grasses as a functional group are considered resilient to fire regime variation, data‐based research on clonal grass dynamics under multiple different fire regimes is still lacking. We modeled the population dynamics of wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana), an endemic perennial bunchgrass, under very different long‐term, frequent fire regimes within the historical range of variation, in two southeastern US pine savanna environments. All wiregrass populations had similar and stable population growth rates. As expected for a long‐lived species, survival was nearly 100% in all populations. Given that flowering in wiregrass is fire‐stimulated, there was high variability in flowering and seed production between fire and non‐fire years. The consistency of results between our study populations lends data‐driven support to wiregrass' resilience under fire regimes that differ in frequency and seasonality. The patterns we observed in wiregrass mirror inferences from other studies of dominant grass dynamics in old‐growth tropical savannas and support the inclusion of old‐growth US pine savannas in global savanna ecology.
Pollination deficits increase with urbanization in Chicago
Authors: Zink Alexandra , CaraDonna Paul J. , Larsen Kelly , Iler Amy M. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractUrban growth is occurring rapidly, and the land use changes associated with urbanization may have consequences for pollinators and the plants that rely on them. Despite its importance in the face of pollinator declines and expanding urban ecosystems, our understanding of the effects of urbanization on pollination mutualisms is scant. There is both evidence that urban areas support diverse pollinator communities and evidence that they degrade them. The influence of urbanization on the pollination of urban plants is even less understood. Urban agriculture relies on plant–pollinator interactions for crop production, providing a relevant framework to study pollination in an urban context. We therefore grew 240 plants across six sites at varying levels of urbanization in Chicago, Illinois, to investigate how urbanization relates to pollination of Cucurbita pepo (squash) and the buzz‐pollinated Solanum lycopersicum (tomato). We used a pollen limitation experiment to test whether the reproduction of plants at urban farms is pollen‐limited and whether the magnitude of pollen limitation varies with the extent of urbanization (quantified as the percent of surrounding impervious surface around each site). We also examined how pollinator visitation rates vary with urbanization. In S. lycopersicum but not C. pepo, the pollen addition treatment had a consistent and significant positive effect on reproductive success, indicating that plants of S. lycopersicum are pollen‐limited in our study area. The magnitude of pollen limitation increased with greater impervious surface, illustrating that S. lycopersicum plants at more urban sites are more pollen‐limited. For C. pepo, there was only evidence of pollen limitation at the most urban site, and a weak trend of pollen limitation of fruit set (but not seed set) increasing with impervious surface. Our results demonstrate that urban plants are likely experiencing deficits in pollination services but in ways that vary with both the type of pollination system and the level of urbanization in the surrounding area.
Effects of multiple transcranial magnetic stimulation sessions on pain relief in patients with chronic neuropathic pain: A French cohort study in real‐world clinical practice
Authors: Thomas Joy , Fauchon Camille , Oriol Nicolas , Vassal François , Créac'h Christelle , Quesada Charles , Peyron Roland 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundCurrent clinical trials indicate that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is effective in reducing drug‐resistant neuropathic pain (NP). However, there is a lack of studies evaluating the long‐term feasibility and clinical efficacy of rTMS in large patient cohorts in real‐world conditions.MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we analysed 12 years of clinical data to assess the long‐term analgesic effects of 20 Hz rTMS over the primary motor cortex in patients with NP. Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify predictive factors and assess the potential role of epidural motor cortex stimulation (eMCS) as a sustained solution.ResultsIn total, 193 patients completed test period of 4 rTMS sessions and 42% of them reported a pain relief (PR) greater than 30%, with concurrent improvement in their most disabling symptom. Iterative rTMS sessions maintained analgesic effects over 10 years in certain patients identified as responders (≥10% PR) without adverse effects. Success probability was higher in patients with central NP compared to peripheral NP (OR = 2.03[1.04;4.00]), and among those with central post‐stroke pain, this probability was higher in ischemic versus hemorrhagic strokes (OR = 3.36[1.17;10.05]). PR obtained with iterative rTMS sessions was an excellent predictor of eMCS efficacy.ConclusionsWhile rTMS shows promise as a therapeutic option for some patients with drug‐resistant NP, it does not benefit all patients. Efficacy varies by NP aetiology, aiding patient selection. For responders, eMCS may offer a permanent solution. These findings support a tailored approach to rTMS in NP management, while recognizing both its potential and limitations across diverse patient profiles.Significance StatementMultiple rTMS sessions demonstrate long‐term efficacy and safety in treating drug‐resistant neuropathic pain. Extending session numbers for the test period can enhance responder identification, especially in patients with initial low pain relief. This identification refines patient selection for neurosurgery, reducing non‐responders. Central neuropathic pain shows higher success rates than peripheral. For post‐stroke central pain, patients with ischemic stroke are more likely to respond than those with hemorrhagic stroke. These results support integrating rTMS into clinical practice for managing neuropathic pain.
Improvement of Concrete Construction Work Performance Through Employment of Lean Logistics Principles
Authors: Strukova Zuzana , Kozlovska Maria , Tazikova Alena 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn logistics systems, the use of methods, approaches, and management procedures with the aim of optimizing all activities has increasingly been promoted. In the case studies, the logistics of the concrete construction work during the implementation of concrete frame structures of residential building projects is analyzed. The examination of the logistics of concrete construction work was carried out using a combination of monitoring, measurement, comparison, and modeling methods. In addition to obtaining real data on the mentioned logistics of concrete construction work, by applying the Just in Time method, as one of the methods of lean logistics, the optimal logistics of ready‐mix concrete transport to construction sites was simulated. In order to reveal the most significant wastages during concrete construction work, the essential parameters of real logistics were compared with the parameters of simulated optimal logistics of ready‐mix concrete transport. The goal of the research is to evaluate the intensity of the application of logistics and its elements in the implementation of construction and to point out the importance of the involvement of lean production methods and thus also lean logistics in the construction industry. Based on this study results from construction projects in Slovakia and also based on the experience of the authors of this work, it can be concluded that the use of logistic management in the supply of the main construction material in the production of monolithic concrete structures is poor, and this causes a lot of unnecessary waste, having an adverse effect not only on the construction time, but also on the management of individual construction resources. It has been proven that investment in planning and management of logistics can lead to increased overall efficiency of the construction and can bring profit in the form of system, synchronization of construction process resources.