bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Football Movement Profile–Based Creatine-Kinase Prediction Performs Similarly to Global Positioning System–Derived Machine Learning Models in National-Team Soccer Players
Authors: Schuth Gabor , Szigeti György , Dobreff Gergely , Pašić Alija , Gabbett Tim , Szilas Adam , Pavlik Gabor 
Published: June 2024

Purpose: The relationship between external load and creatine-kinase (CK) response at the team/position or individual level using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) has been studied. This study aimed to compare GPS-derived and Football Movement Profile (FMP) –derived CK-prediction models for national-team soccer players. The second aim was to compare the performance of general and individualized CK prediction models. Methods: Four hundred forty-four national-team soccer players (under 15 [U15] to senior) were monitored during training sessions and matches using GPS. CK was measured every morning from whole blood. The players had 19.3 (18.1) individual GPS-CK pairs, resulting in a total of 8570 data points. Machine learning models were built using (1) GPS-derived or (2) FMP-based parameters or (3) the combination of the 2 to predict the following days’ CK value. The performance of general and individual-specific prediction models was compared. The performance of the models was described by R2 and the root-mean-square error (RMSE, in units per liter for CK values). Results: The FMP model (R2 = .60, RMSE = 144.6 U/L) performed similarly to the GPS-based model (R2 = .62, RMSE = 141.2 U/L) and the combination of the 2 (R2 = .62, RMSE = 140.3 U/L). The prediction power of the general model was better on average (R2 = .57 vs R2 = .37) and for 73% of the players than the individualized model. Conclusions: The results suggest that FMP-based CK-prediction models perform similarly to those based on GPS-derived metrics. General machine learning models’ prediction power was higher than those of the individual-specific models. These findings can be used to monitor postmatch recovery strategies and to optimize weekly training periodization.
How Does the University Environment Relate to Student’s Physical Activity Patterns in Ireland
Authors: Murphy Joey , MacDonncha Ciaran , Murphy Marie H. , Murphy Niamh , Woods Catherine B. 
Published: June 2024

Background: Identifying factors related to physical activity in university students can aid the development of health promotion interventions, but there is limited research regarding the influence of university environments. This study examined the relationship between level of provision for university environments that aim to promote physical activity and self-reported physical activity patterns of students. Methods: An environmental audit tool was completed by universities (n = 28) on the island of Ireland to acquire information about physical activity opportunities, resources, and supports offered. Students (N = 6951; 50.7% male; 21.51 [5.55] y) completed an online survey, providing responses about their active transport and recreational physical activity behaviors. Binary logistic regressions were used to examine the associations between environmental factors that support physical activity and clustered physical activity patterns, while controlling for gender, age, and university size. Results: Universities with a high provision for organizational structures and internal partnerships, indoor facilities, and sport clubs increase the odds of their students having more active physical activity patterns. Increased provision of investment and personnel was seen to have a mixed relationship with students’ physical activity engagement, highlighting the need to understand where resources are needed and not just increase them. Conclusions: It is important for universities to have adequate organizational structures with internal partnerships to understand how resources can be maximized to support physical activity engagement across the whole student population. University campuses hold the potential for increasing student engagement in physical activity, and these findings can help inform campus-wide initiatives that foster active student populations for improving overall long-term health.
Arthropod prey type drives decomposition rates and microbial community processes
Authors: Bernardin Jessica R. , Gray Sarah M. , Bittleston Leonora S. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Microbial communities perform various functions, many of which contribute to ecosystem-level nutrient cycling via decomposition. Factors influencing leaf detrital decomposition are well understood in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, but much less is known about arthropod detrital inputs. Here, we sought to infer how differences in arthropod detritus affect microbial-driven decomposition and community function in a carnivorous pitcher plant,
Sarracenia purpurea
. Using sterile mesh bags filled with different types of sterile arthropod prey, we assessed if prey type influenced the rate of decomposition in pitcher plants over 7 weeks. Additionally, we measured microbial community composition and function, including hydrolytic enzyme activity and carbon substrate use. When comparing decomposition rates, we found that ant and beetle prey with higher exoskeleton content lost less mass compared with fly prey. We observed the highest protease activity in the fly treatment, which had the lowest exoskeleton content. Additionally, we saw differences in the pH of the pitcher fluid, driven by the ant treatment which had the lowest pH. According to our results from 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding, prey treatments with the highest bacterial amplicon sequence variant (ASV) richness (ant and beetle) were associated with prey that lost a lower proportion of mass over the 7 weeks. Overall, arthropod detritus provides unique nutrient sources to decomposer communities, with different prey influencing microbial hydrolytic enzyme activity and composition.

IMPORTANCE
Microbial communities play pivotal roles in nutrient cycling via decomposition and nutrient transformation; however, it is often unclear how different substrates influence microbial activity and community composition. Our study highlights how different types of insects influence decomposition and, in turn, microbial composition and function. We use the aquatic pools found in a carnivorous pitcher plant as small, discrete ecosystems that we can manipulate and study independently. We find that some insect prey (flies) breaks down faster than others (beetles or ants) likely because flies contain more things that are easy for microbes to eat and derive essential nutrients from. This is also reflected in higher enzyme activity in the microbes decomposing the flies. Our work bridges a knowledge gap about how different substrates affect microbial decomposition, contributing to the broader understanding of ecosystem function in a nutrient cycling context.
The
Xenorhabdus nematophila
LrhA transcriptional regulator modulates production of γ-keto-
N
-acyl amides with inhibitory activity against mutualistic host nematode egg hatching
Authors: Lam Yick Chong , Hamchand Randy , Mucci Nicholas C. , Kauffman Sarah J. , Dudkina Natavan , Reagle Emily V. , Casanova-Torres Ángel M. , DeCuyper Jessica , Chen Haiwei , Song Deguang , Thomas Michael G. , Palm Noah W. , Goodrich-Blair Heidi , Crawford Jason M. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Xenorhabdus nematophila
is a symbiotic Gammaproteobacterium that produces diverse natural products that facilitate mutualistic and pathogenic interactions in their nematode and insect hosts, respectively. The interplay between
X. nematophila
secondary metabolism and symbiosis stage is tuned by various global regulators. An example of such a regulator is the LysR-type protein transcription factor LrhA, which regulates amino acid metabolism and is necessary for virulence in insects and normal nematode progeny production. Here, we utilized comparative metabolomics and molecular networking to identify small molecule factors regulated by LrhA and characterized a rare γ-ketoacid (GKA) and two new
N
-acyl amides, GKA-Arg (
1
) and GKA-Pro (
2
) which harbor a γ-keto acyl appendage. A
lrhA
null mutant produced elevated levels of compound
1
and reduced levels of compound
2
relative to wild type.
N
-acyl amides
1
and
2
were shown to be selective agonists for the human G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) C3AR1 and CHRM2, respectively. The CHRM2 agonist
2
deleteriously affected the hatch rate and length of
Steinernema
nematodes. This work further highlights the utility of exploiting regulators of host-bacteria interactions for the identification of the bioactive small molecule signals that they control.

IMPORTANCE

Xenorhabdus
bacteria are of interest due to their symbiotic relationship with
Steinernema
nematodes and their ability to produce a variety of natural bioactive compounds. Despite their importance, the regulatory hierarchy connecting specific natural products and their regulators is poorly understood. In this study, comparative metabolomic profiling was utilized to identify the secondary metabolites modulated by the
X. nematophila
global regulator LrhA. This analysis led to the discovery of three metabolites, including an
N
-acyl amide that inhibited the egg hatching rate and length of
Steinernema carpocapsae
nematodes. These findings support the notion that
X. nematophila
LrhA influences the symbiosis between
X. nematophila
and
S. carpocapsae
through
N
-acyl amide signaling. A deeper understanding of the regulatory hierarchy of these natural products could contribute to a better comprehension of the symbiotic relationship between
X. nematophila
and
S. carpocapsae
.
The laminin receptor is a receptor for
Micropterus salmoides
rhabdovirus
Authors: Luo Sheng , Liang Jiahui , Yang Guanjun , Lu Jianfei , Chen Jiong 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Micropterus salmoides
rhabdovirus (MSRV) is an important pathogen of largemouth bass. Despite extensive research, the functional receptors of MSRV remained unknown. This study identified the host protein, laminin receptor (LamR), as a cellular receptor facilitating MSRV entry into host cells. Our results demonstrated that LamR directly interacts with MSRV G protein, playing a pivotal role in the attachment and internalization processes of MSRV. Knockdown of LamR with siRNA, blocking cells with LamR antibody, or incubating MSRV virions with soluble LamR protein significantly reduced MSRV entry. Notably, we found that LamR mediated MSRV entry via clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Additionally, our findings revealed that MSRV G and LamR were internalized into cells and co-localized in the early and late endosomes. These findings highlight the significance of LamR as a cellular receptor facilitating MSRV binding and entry into target cells through interaction with the MSRV G protein.

IMPORTANCE

Despite the serious epidemic caused by
Micropterus salmoides
rhabdovirus (MSRV) in largemouth bass, the precise mechanism by which it invades host cells remains unclear. Here, we determined that laminin receptor (LamR) is a novel target of MSRV, that interacts with its G protein and is involved in viral attachment and internalization, transporting with MSRV together in early and late endosomes. This is the first report demonstrating that LamR is a cellular receptor in the MSRV life cycle, thus contributing new insights into host-pathogen interactions.
Acinetobacter nosocomialis
utilizes a unique type VI secretion system to promote its survival in niches with prey bacteria
Authors: Sun Yu , Wang Lidong , Zhang Ming , Jie Jing , Guan Qingtian , Fu Jiaqi , Chu Xiao , Chen Dong , Li Chunxiuli , Song Lei , Luo Zhao-Qing 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Pathogenic bacteria of the
Acinetobacter
genus pose a severe threat to human health worldwide due to their strong adaptability, tolerance, and antibiotic resistance. Most isolates of these bacteria harbor a type VI secretion system (T6SS) that allows them to outcompete co-residing microorganisms, but whether this system is involved in acquiring nutrients from preys remains less studied. In this study, we found that Ab25, a clinical isolate of
Acinetobacter nosocomialis,
utilizes a T6SS to kill taxonomically diverse microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. The T6SS of Ab25 is constitutively expressed, and among the three predicted effectors, T6e1, a member of the RHS effector family, contributes the most for its antimicrobial activity. T6e1 undergoes self-cleavage, and a short carboxyl fragment with nuclease activity is sufficient to kill target cells via T6SS injection. Interestingly, strain Ab25 encodes an orphan VgrG protein, which when overexpressed blocks the firing of its T6SS. In niches such as dry plastic surfaces, the T6SS promotes prey microorganism-dependent survival of Ab25. These results reveal that
A. nosocomialis
employs T6SSs that are highly diverse in their regulation and effector composition to gain a competitive advantage in environments with scarce nutrient supply and competing microbes.

IMPORTANCE

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) plays an important role in bacterial adaptation to environmental challenges. Members of the
Acinetobacter
genus, particularly
A. baumannii
and
A. nosocomialis,
are notorious for their multidrug resistance and their ability to survive in harsh environments. In contrast to
A. baumannii
, whose T6SS has been well-studied, few research works have focused on
A. nosocomialis
. In this study, we found that an
A. nosocomialis
strain utilizes a contitutively active T6SS to kill diverse microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Although T6SS structural proteins of
A. nosocomialis
are similar to those of
A. baumannii
, the effector repertoire differs greatly. Interestingly, the T6SS of the
A. nosocomialis
strain codes for an ophan VgrG protein, which blocks the firing of the system when overexpressed, suggesting the existence of a new regulatory mechanism for the T6SS. Importantly, although the T6SS does not provide an advantage when the bacterium is grown in nutrient-rich medium, it allows
A. nosocomialis
to survive better in dry surfaces that contain co-existing bacteria. Our results suggest that killing of co-residing microorganisms may increase the effectiveness of strategies designed to reduce the fitness of
Acinetobacter
bacteria by targeting their T6SS.
Genome sequences of two
Bacillus anthracis
strains utilized as veterinary vaccines in China
Authors: Lyu Yufei , Yu Shuo , Zhu Lingwei , Guo Yan , Yu Shujuan , Pan Chao , Zhu Li , Wang Hengliang , Wang Dongshu , Guo Xuejun , Liu Xiankai 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

In this report, we present the complete genome sequences of two
Bacillus anthracis
strains utilized as veterinary vaccines in China. The sequencing was conducted using a hybrid assembly methodology that combined Illumina short reads and PacBio long reads. This approach provides a high-quality representative sequence for the strains mentioned above.
Evaluation of the use of sonication combined with enzymatic treatment for biofilm removal in the microbiological diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection
Authors: Henríquez Lucía , Martín Carmen , Echeverz Maite , Lasa Íñigo , Ezpeleta Carmen , Portillo María Eugenia 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Sonicating explanted prosthetic implants to physically remove biofilms is a recognized method for improving the microbiological diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection (PJI); however, chemical and enzymatic treatments have been investigated as alternative biofilm removal methods. We compared the biofilm dislodging efficacy of sonication followed by the addition of enzyme cocktails with different activity spectra in the diagnosis of PJI with that of the sonication of fluid cultures alone. Consecutive patients who underwent prosthesis explantation due to infection at our institution were prospectively enrolled for 1 year. The diagnostic procedure included the collection of five intraoperative tissue cultures, sonication of the removed devices, and conventional culture of the sonication fluid. The resulting sonication fluid was also treated with an enzyme cocktail consisting of homemade dispersin B (0.04 µg/mL) and proteinase K (Sigma; 100 µg/mL) for 45 minutes at 37°C. The resulting sonication (S) and sonication with subsequent enzymatic treatment (SE) fluids were plated for aerobic and anaerobic culture broth for 7 days (aerobic) or 14 days (anaerobic). Identification was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (Bruker). We included 107 patients from whom a prosthetic implant had been removed, among which PJI was diagnosed in 36 (34%). The sensitivity of S alone was significantly greater than that of SE alone (82% vs 71%;
P
< 0.05). Four patients with PJI were positive after sonication alone but negative after sonication plus enzymatic treatment. The four microorganisms missed after the addition of the enzyme cocktail were
Staphylococcus aureus
, two coagulase-negative
Staphylococci,
and
Cutibacterium acnes
. In conclusion, sonication alone was more sensitive than sonication followed by enzymatic treatment. The combination of these two methods had no synergistic effect; in contrast, the results suggest that the combination of both dislodgment methods affects the viability of gram-positive microorganisms.

IMPORTANCE
While the potential of sonication and enzymes as biofilm dispersal agents has been previously described, the originality of our work resides in the combination of both methods, which is hypothesized to enhance the ability to remove biofilm and, therefore, improve the microbiological diagnosis of PJI
Evaluation of coccidia DNA in irrigation pond water and wastewater sludge associated with
Cyclospora cayetanensis
18S rRNA gene qPCR detections
Authors: Hofstetter Jessica , Arfken Ann , Kahler Amy , Qvarnstrom Yvonne , Rodrigues Camila , Mattioli Mia 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

The coccidian parasite
Cyclospora cayetanensis
is the causative agent for foodborne outbreaks of cyclosporiasis disease and multiple annual fresh produce recalls. The aim of this study was to identify potential cross-reacting species for the
C. cayetanensis
18S rRNA and MIT1C gene target real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays. The environmental samples evaluated were irrigation pond water, produce wash water, and wastewater treatment sludge from a previous study with qPCR detections of
C. cayetanensis
by the 18S rRNA gene target qPCR. From these samples, longer regions of the 18S rRNA gene and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit III gene (
cox3
) were sequenced. Of 65 irrigation pond water samples with positive test results using the
C. cayetanensis
18S rRNA gene qPCR assay, none had MIT1C qPCR assay detections or sequences that clustered with
C. cayetanensis
based on sequencing of the
cox3
and 18S rRNA gene. Sequences from these samples clustered around coccidia sequences found in bird, fish, reptile, and amphibian hosts. Of 26 sludge samples showing detections by either qPCR assay, 14 (54%) could be confirmed as containing
C. cayetanensis
by sequencing of
cox3
and 18S rRNA gene regions. In three of the remaining sludge samples, sequenced reads clustered with coccidia from rodents. This study demonstrated that caution should be taken when interpreting qPCR
C. cayetanensis
detection data in environmental samples and sequencing steps will likely be needed for confirmation.

IMPORTANCE

Fresh produce is a leading transmission source in cyclosporiasis outbreaks. It is therefore essential to understand the role that produce-growing environments play in the spread of this disease. To accomplish this, sensitive and specific tests for environmental and irrigation waters must be developed. Potential cross-reactions of
Cyclospora cayetanensis
real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays have been identified, hindering the ability to accurately identify this parasite in the environment. Amplicon sequencing of the cox3 and 18S rRNA genes revealed that all irrigation pond water and two sludge samples that initially detected
C. cayetanensis
by qPCR were most likely cross-reactions with related coccidian organisms shed from birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and rodents. These results support that a single testing method for environmental samples is likely not adequate for sensitive and specific detection of
C. cayetanensis
.
A series of pyrimidine-based antifungals with anti-mold activity disrupt ER function in
Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Kelty Martin T. , Miron-Ocampo Aracely , Beattie Sarah R. 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Fungal infections are a major contributor to morbidity and mortality among immunocompromised populations. Moreover, fungal disease caused by molds are difficult to treat and are associated with particularly high mortality. To address the need for new mold-active antifungal drugs, we performed a high-throughput screen with
Aspergillus fumigatus
, the most common pathogenic mold. We identified a novel, pyrimidine-based chemical scaffold with broad-spectrum antifungal activity including activity against several difficult-to-treat molds. A chemical genetics screen of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
suggested that this compound may target the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and perturb ER function and/or homeostasis. Consistent with this model, this compound induces the unfolded protein response and inhibits secretion of
A. fumigatus
collagenases. Initial cytotoxicity and pharmacokinetic studies show favorable features including limited mammalian cell toxicity and bioavailability
in vivo
. Together, these data support the further medicinal chemistry and pre-clinical development of this pyrimidine scaffold toward more effective treatments for life-threatening invasive mold infections.

IMPORTANCE
Invasive fungal diseases are life-threatening infections caused by fungi in immunocompromised individuals. Currently, there are only three major classes of antifungal drugs available to treat fungal infections; however, these options are becoming even more limited with the global emergence of antifungal drug resistance. To address the need for new antifungal therapies, we performed a screen of chemical compounds and identified a novel molecule with antifungal activity. Initial characterization of this compound shows drug-like features and broad-spectrum activity against medically important fungi. Together, our results support the continued development of this compound as a potential future therapy for these devastating fungal infections.
Heat pulse–dominated magmatic storage: The 33 ka dacite dome eruption at Taápaca volcano (Central Andes)
Authors: Rout Smruti Sourav , Wörner Gerhard , Wegner Wencke , Singer Brad S. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
We present 40Ar/39Ar ages of dacite domes and rare volcanic sanidine megacrysts from Taápaca volcano (northern Chile) that record 1.3 m.y. of activity. Our focus is on 20 megacrysts from a single 32.9 ka eruption. We interpret that their surprisingly correlated Ba-rich and Ba-poor growth zones separated by resorption surfaces reflect frequent heat pulses with a uniform thermal history over &gt;300 k.y. of growth. We infer extended storage in small (&lt;400 m), shallow “hot” domains within a larger magma system. Our findings bear on the origin of K-feldspar megacrysts in plutonic rocks, thus linking volcanic and plutonic processes in shallow silicic magma systems, and support protracted residence of hot magma in small batches at upper-crustal levels to produce megacryst-bearing granitoid intrusive complexes.