bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for positive follow‐up blood cultures in Gram‐negative bacteremia among immunocompromised patients with neutropenia
Authors: Ranganath Nischal , Yetmar Zachary A. , Saleh Omar Abu , Tande Aaron J. , Shah Aditya S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionGram‐negative bacillary bloodstream infection (GN‐BSI) is a frequent clinical challenge among immunocompromised hosts and is associated with a high mortality. The utility of follow‐up blood cultures (FUBCs) for GN‐BSI in this population, particularly in the setting of neutropenia, is poorly defined.MethodsWe conducted a single‐center, retrospective cohort study between the period of July 2018 and April 2022 to investigate the utility of FUBCs and delineate risk factors for positive cultures among neutropenic patients with monomicrobial GN‐BSI. Univariate logistic regression was performed to assess risk factors associated with positive FUBCs.ResultsOf 206 patients, 98% had FUBCs performed, and 9% were positive. Risk factors for positive FUBCs included multidrug‐resistant GN infection (OR 3.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22–8.72) and vascular catheter source (OR 4.82; CI 1.76–13.17). Among patients lacking these risk factors, the prevalence of positive FUBCs was low (2.8%) and the negative predictive value was 92%. Those with positive and negative FUBCs had similar rates of all‐cause mortality (16.7% vs. 16.6%; p = .942) and microbiologic relapse (11.1% vs. 6.0%; p = .401) within 90‐days of treatment completion. However, positive FUBCs were associated with prolonged hospitalization and longer duration of antimicrobial therapy.ConclusionPositive FUBCs were infrequent in neutropenic patients with GN‐BSI, and their occurrence did not significantly impact mortality or microbiologic relapse. Risk factors for positive FUBCs included multidrug resistant Gram‐negative infection and vascular catheter source. Prospective studies will be necessary to elucidate the benefits and risks of FUBCs when managing GN‐BSI in patients with underlying immune compromise.
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Anti‐dumping policy in Japan: From passive to active and self‐disciplined anti‐dumping actions
Authors: Shibayama Chisato 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWhile Japan's anti‐dumping (AD) legislation has a long history, the use of AD policies in Japan was limited until the 2010s. This study analyses the evolution of Japan's AD policy over more than 100 years and its background across four periods: (1) from the AD Law's enactment in 1920 to the establishment of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT); (2) from the establishment of GATT to 1990, when no investigation or taxation was conducted; (3) from 1991 to 2008, a period of trial‐and‐error in AD procedures; and (4) the period after 2009 when the legal system and procedures were improved, and AD measures were being used more. In addition, we discuss the characteristics of industries that applied for AD. The reasons for the low number of AD measures in Japan vary by period and are driven by the circumstances of the prevailing times.
B‐cell leukemia in an adult sheep
Authors: Furtado Adriana P. , Fry Lindsay M. , Piel Lindsay M. W. , Bastos Reginaldo G. , Schneider David A. , Varvil Mara S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractB‐cell leukemia is a rare form of hematologic neoplasia in sheep, especially in adult animals. We present a case report of a 5‐year‐old WhiteFace Sheep wether with suspected acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient, a second‐generation relative of ewes experimentally inoculated with atypical scrapie, exhibited acute lethargy and loss of appetite. Laboratory investigation revealed marked leukocytosis, lymphocytosis, and abnormal serum chemistry panel results. Microscopic examination of blood and bone marrow smears exhibited a high percentage of large neoplastic cells with lymphoid characteristics. Histopathologic analysis of the spleen, liver, lungs, and other organs confirmed the presence of widespread tissue infiltration by neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemical labeling demonstrated strong intracytoplasmic labeling for CD20, consistent with B‐cell neoplasia. Flow cytometric analysis confirmed the B‐cell lineage of the neoplastic cells. Screening for bovine leukemia virus, which can experimentally cause leukemia in sheep, yielded a negative result. In this case, the diagnosis of B‐cell leukemia was supported by a comprehensive panel of diagnostic evaluations, including cytology, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and immunophenotyping. This case report highlights the significance of accurate diagnosis and classification of hematologic neoplasia in sheep, emphasizing the need for immunophenotyping to aid in the diagnosis of B‐cell leukemia. It also emphasizes the importance of considering spontaneous leukemia as a differential diagnosis in sheep with lymphoid neoplasia, especially in the absence of circulating infectious diseases.
Efficacy of morning versus afternoon aerobic exercise training on reducing metabolic syndrome components: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Morales‐Palomo Felix , Moreno‐Cabañas Alfonso , Alvarez‐Jimenez Laura , Mora‐Gonzalez Diego , Ortega Juan F. , Mora‐Rodriguez Ricardo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA supervised intense aerobic exercise program improves the health of individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, it is unclear whether the timing of training within the 24 h day would influence those health benefits. The present study aimed to determine the influence of morning vs. afternoon exercise on body composition, cardiometabolic health and components of MetS. One hundred thirty‐nine individuals with MetS were block randomized into morning (AMEX; n = 42) or afternoon (PMEX; n = 59) exercise training groups, or a non‐training control group (Control; n = 38). Exercise training was comprised of 48 supervised high‐intensity interval sessions distributed over 16 weeks. Body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness (assessed by ), maximal fat oxidation (FOmax), blood pressure and blood metabolites were assessed before and after the intervention. Compared with the non‐training Control, both exercise groups improved similarly body composition (–0.7% fat loss; P = 0.002), waist circumference (–2.1 cm; P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (–3.8 mmHg; P = 0.004) and (3.5 mL kg−1 min−1; P < 0.001) with no differences between training groups. AMEX, in comparison with PMEX, reduced systolic blood pressure (–4% vs. –1%; P = 0.019), plasma fasting insulin concentration (–12% vs. –5%; P = 0.001) and insulin resistance (–14% vs. –4%; P = 0.006). Furthermore, MetS Z score was further reduced in the AMEX compared to PMEX (–52% vs. –19%; P = 0.021) after training. In summary, high‐intensity aerobic exercise training in the morning in comparison to training in the afternoon is somewhat more efficient at reducing cardiometabolic risk factors (i.e. systolic blood pressure and insulin sensitivity).
imageKey points
The effect of exercise time of day on health promotion is an area that has gained interest in recent years; however, large‐scale, randomized‐control studies are scarce.
People with metabolic syndrome (MetS) are at risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases and reductions in this risk with exercise training can be precisely gauged using a compound score sensitive to subtle evolution in each MetS component (i.e. Z score).
Supervised aerobic exercise for 16 weeks (morning and afternoon), without dietary restriction, improved cardiorespiratory and metabolic fitness, body composition and mean arterial pressure compared to a non‐exercise control group.
However, training in the morning, without changes in exercise dose or intensity, reduced systolic blood pressure and insulin resistance further compared to when training in the afternoon.
Thus, high‐intensity aerobic exercise training in the morning is somewhat more efficient in improving the health of individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity, Fatigue, and Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Knoop Veerle , Costenoble Axelle , Debain Aziz , Van der Meulen Kristof , De Vriendt Patricia , Gorus Ellen , Bravenboer Bert , Jansen Bart , Scafoglieri Aldo , Bautmans Ivan , _ _ 
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to describe the level of physical activity and its relation to fatigue and frailty during the COVID-19 pandemic in community-dwelling older adults aged 80 years and over. Three hundred and ninety-one older adults (aged 86.5 ± 3.00) completed a survey including physical activity, the Mobility Tiredness scale, and the FRAIL scale. Linear regression analysis was conducted to assess whether the variables age, sex, and physical activity (independent factors) were significantly related to fatigue and frailty. Respectively, 30.5% and 24.7% of the participants reported a decrease in walking and in energy-intensive activities; 25.4% reported increased sedentary behavior. A lower level of physical activity was associated with higher levels of fatigue and increased frailty risk (p < .05), independently from psychological symptoms. These results are important because participants with lower levels of physical activity and more sedentary behavior are more likely to feel fatigued and have higher risk to be frail.
Physical Activity Changes From Before to During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Finland
Authors: Lindeman Katja , Karavirta Laura , Eronen Johanna , Kajan Niina , Portegijs Erja , Rantanen Taina 
Published: November 2023

This study aimed to compare community-dwelling older adults’ physical activity (PA) during the COVID-19 restrictions in 2020 to their PA levels 2 years before and investigate associations between earlier physical performance and PA levels over the follow-up. Participants’ (n = 809, initial age 75–85 years) self-reported PA was assessed at baseline in 2017–2018 and May/June 2020 as total weekly minutes of walking and vigorous PA. Physical performance was assessed at baseline using the maximal handgrip strength and Short Physical Performance Battery tests. During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a median change in total weekly minutes of walking and vigorous PA among all participants was + 20.0 (interquartile range: −60.0 to 120.0, p < .001) min per week compared with 2 years earlier. Higher baseline Short Physical Performance Battery total scores were associated with higher total weekly minutes of walking and vigorous PA over the follow-up in men and women, and better handgrip strength in women.
Understanding Physical Behaviors During Periods of Accelerometer Wear and Nonwear in College Students
Authors: Montoye Alexander H.K. , Clevenger Kimberly A. , Boudreaux Benjamin D. , Schmidt Michael D. 
Published: November 2023

Accelerometers are increasingly used to measure 24-hr movement behaviors but are sometimes removed intermittently (e.g., for sleep or bathing), resulting in missing data. This study compared physical behaviors between times a hip-placed accelerometer was worn versus not worn in a college student sample. Participants (n = 115) wore a hip-placed ActiGraph during waking times and a thigh-placed activPAL continuously for at least 7 days (mean ± SD 7.5 ± 1.1 days). Thirteen nonwear algorithms determined ActiGraph nonwear; days included in the analysis had to have at least 1 min where the ActiGraph classified nonwear while participant was classified as awake by the activPAL. activPAL data for steps, time in sedentary behaviors (SB), light-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) from ActiGraph wear times were then compared with activPAL data from ActiGraph nonwear times. Participants took more steps (10.2–11.8 steps/min) and had higher proportions of MVPA (5.0%–5.9%) during ActiGraph wear time than nonwear time (3.1–8.0 steps/min, 0.8%–1.3% in MVPA). Effects were variable for SB (62.6%–66.9% of wear, 45.5%–76.2% of nonwear) and LPA (28.2%–31.5% of wear, 23.0%–53.2% of nonwear) depending on nonwear algorithm. Rescaling to a 12-hr day reduced SB and LPA error but increased MVPA error. Requiring minimum wear time (e.g., 600 min/day) reduced error but resulted in 10%–22% of days removed as invalid. In conclusion, missing data had minimal effect on MVPA but resulted in underestimation of SB and LPA. Strategies like scaling SB and LPA, but not MVPA, may improve physical behavior estimates from incomplete accelerometer data.
Population pharmacokinetic modeling and target attainment analyses of rezafungin for the treatment of candidemia and invasive candidiasis
Authors: Roepcke Stefan , Passarell Julie , Walker Helen , Flanagan Shawn 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Rezafungin is a chemically and metabolically stable echinocandin with a longer half-life than other echinocandins, allowing for a once-weekly intravenous infusion versus a daily infusion. Rezafungin is approved in the US for the treatment of candidemia and/or invasive candidiasis and is in development for the prevention of invasive fungal disease caused by
Candida
,
Aspergillus
, and
Pneumocystis
spp. in immunosuppressed patients. A population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model was developed using data from five Phase 1, one Phase 2, and one Phase 3 study. The model found to best describe the available data was a three-compartment PPK model with first-order elimination characterized by the parameters clearance (CL), central volume (V1), peripheral volume (V23), intercompartmental clearance 1, and intercompartmental clearance 2. The variability model included correlated interindividual variability in CL, V1, and V23 and a proportional residual variability model. The following statistically significant covariates were identified: albumin concentrations on V23; body surface area (BSA) on CL, V1, and V23; and disease state on CL and V1. Disease states were defined as patients from the Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies and hepatically impaired subjects. Covariates of BSA, disease state, or albumin, included in the final model, were not associated with clinically meaningful changes in PK, nor were any other patient factors, indicating that a common dose regimen is adequate for all adult patients. Target attainment simulations were performed to estimate the probability of achieving PK/pharmacodynamic targets across the range of minimum inhibitory concentration values for six species of
Candida
.
Comparative biodegradation analysis of three compostable polyesters by a marine microbial community
Authors: Meyer Cifuentes Ingrid E. , Degenhardt Julius , Neumann-Schaal Meina , Jehmlich Nico , Ngugi David Kamanda , Öztürk Başak 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Biodegradable plastics are one of the possible solutions for reducing plastic waste, yet the mechanisms and organisms involved in their degradation in the aquatic environment remain understudied. In this study, we have enriched a microbial community from North Sea water and sediment, capable of growing on the polyester poly(butylene succinate). This culture was grown on two other biodegradable polyesters, polycaprolactone and a poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blend. The differences between microbial community structure and biodegradation activity on these three polymers were determined by metagenomics, metaproteomics, and respirometry analysis. In this study, we observed that the polymer type drives the community structure and determines its biodegradation capability. When the PBS-enriched culture grew on the poly(butylene adipate-
co
-terephthalate) blend, the community was more diverse, yet showed the lowest biodegradation percentage, while poly(butylene succinate) and polycaprolactone resulted in a less diverse community but much higher biodegradation activity. The dominating species were
Alcanivorax
sp.,
Thalassobius
sp., or
Pseudomonas
sp., depending on the substrate. In general, we have observed that Gammaproteobacteria were more abundant and active within the biofilm on the polymers and Alphaproteobacteria within the free-living fraction of the enrichments. Three putative hydrolases were recombinantly expressed and their hydrolytic activity on all polymers tested was verified. In conclusion, we showed that all three plastics can be biodegraded by bacteria naturally occurring within the marine environment.

IMPORTANCE
Biodegradable plastics can be used in applications where the end product cannot be efficiently recycled due to high levels of contaminations, e.g., food or soil. Some of these plastics have a dedicated end of life, such as composting, but their degradation in the marine environment is poorly understood. In this study we showed that marine microbial communities can degrade a range of biodegradable polymers with different physical and chemical properties and use these as a sole carbon source for growth. We have also provided insights into the degradation mechanisms using a combined metagenomic and metaproteomic approach. In addition, we have identified three new enzymes that are capable of degrading both aliphatic polymers and aliphatic-aromatic copolymers, which can be used for biotechnological applications.
Production of carotenoids from aromatics and pretreated lignocellulosic biomass by
Novosphingobium aromaticivorans
Authors: Hall Benjamin W. , Kontur Wayne S. , Neri Jeanette C. , Gille Derek M. , Noguera Daniel R. , Donohue Timothy J. 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Carotenoids are lipophilic compounds found in the membranes of various organisms. Individual carotenoids are also commodity chemicals, produced industrially for use as food additives, nutritional supplements, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The alphaproteobacterium
Novosphingobium aromaticivorans
has previously been established as a potential platform microbe for converting aromatic compounds derived from lignocellulosic plant biomass into valuable extracellular products. Here, we show that
N. aromaticivorans
DSM 12444 cells naturally produce the carotenoid nostoxanthin, and we construct a set of gene deletion mutants that accumulate β-carotene, lycopene, or zeaxanthin, which are predicted intermediates in nostoxanthin biosynthesis as well as commodity chemicals. We also show that a mutant strain heterologously expressing a CrtW protein accumulates the carotenoid astaxanthin. When grown on vanillate as the carbon source, we find that the levels of carotenoids are not significantly affected by O
2
concentration in the tested range of 5% to 21% O
2
. We also show that these carotenoids are produced at comparable levels when strains are grown in liquor from alkaline pretreated sorghum biomass [sorghum alkaline pretreatment liquor (APL)], which contains a mixture of aromatics. Finally, we construct strains that produce zeaxanthin, β-carotene, or astaxanthin concurrently with 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid, a potential building block for biodegradable polymers, when grown in sorghum APL. Combined, our results show that
N. aromaticivorans
can simultaneously produce valuable intracellular and extracellular commodities when grown in the presence of either pure aromatics or pretreated lignocellulosic biomass.

IMPORTANCE

There is economic and environmental interest in generating commodity chemicals from renewable resources, such as lignocellulosic biomass, that can substitute for chemicals derived from fossil fuels. The bacterium
Novosphingobium aromaticivorans
is a promising microbial platform for producing commodity chemicals from lignocellulosic biomass because it can produce these from compounds in pretreated lignocellulosic biomass, which many industrial microbial catalysts cannot metabolize. Here, we show that
N. aromaticivorans
can be engineered to produce several valuable carotenoids. We also show that engineered
N. aromaticivorans
strains can produce these lipophilic chemicals concurrently with the extracellular commodity chemical 2-pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic acid when grown in a complex liquor obtained from alkaline pretreated lignocellulosic biomass. Concurrent microbial production of valuable intra- and extracellular products can increase the economic value generated from the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass-derived compounds into commodity chemicals and facilitate the separation of water- and membrane-soluble products.
Viral enumeration using cost-effective wet-mount epifluorescence microscopy for aquatic ecosystems and modern microbialites
Authors: Bellanger Madeline , Visscher Pieter , White Richard Allen 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

Enumeration is a fundamental measure of community ecology in which viruses represent the most numerous biological identities. Epifluorescence microscopy (EFM) has been the gold standard method for environmental viral enumeration for over 25 years. Currently, standard EFM methods using the Anodisc filters are no longer cost-effective (>$15 per slide) and have yet to be applied to modern microbialites. Microbialites are microbially driven benthic organosedimentary deposits that have been present for most of Earth’s history. We present a cost-effective method for environmental viral enumeration from aquatic samples, microbial mats, and exopolymeric substances (EPSs) within modern microbialites using EFM. Our integrated approach, which includes filtration, differential centrifugation, chloroform treatment, glutaraldehyde fixation, benzonase nuclease treatment, probe sonication (EPS and mat only), SYBR Gold staining, wet mounting, and imaging, provides a robust method for modern microbialites and aquatic samples. Viral abundances of modern microbialites and aquatic samples collected from Fayetteville Green Lake (FGL) and Great Salt Lake (GSL) did not differ across ecosystems by sample type. EPS and microbial mat samples had an order of magnitude higher viral-like particle abundance when compared to water regardless of the ecosystem (10
7
vs 10
6
). Viral enumeration allows for estimates of total viral numbers and weights. The entire weight of all the viruses in FGL and GSL are ~598 g and ~2.2 kg, respectively. Further development of EFM methods and software is needed for viral enumeration. Our method provides a robust and cost-effective (~$0.75 per sample) viral enumeration within modern microbialites and aquatic ecosystems.

IMPORTANCE
Low-cost and robust viral enumeration is a critical first step toward understanding the global virome. Our method is a deep drive integration providing a window into viral dark matter within aquatic ecosystems. We enumerated the viruses within Green Lake and Great Salt Lake microbialites, EPS, and water column. The entire weight of all the viruses in Green Lake and Great Salt Lake are ~598 g and ~2.2 kg, respectively.