Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Coingestion of Carbohydrate and Protein on Muscle Glycogen Synthesis after Exercise: A Meta-analysis

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. ABSTRACT Introduction/Purpose Evidence suggests that carbohydrate and protein (CHO-PRO) ingestion after exercise enhances muscle glycogen repletion to a greater extent than carbohydrate (CHO) alone. However, there is no consensus at this point, and results across studies are mixed, which may be attributable to differences in energy content and carbohydrate intake relative to body mass consumed after exercise. The purpose of this study was determine the overall effects of CHO-PRO and the independent effects of energy and relative carbohydrate content of CHO-PRO supplementation on postexercise muscle glycogen synthesis compared with CHO alone. Methods Meta-analysis was conducted on crossover studies assessing the influence of CHO-PRO compared with CHO alone on postexercise muscle glycogen synthesis. Studies were identified in a systematic review from PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Data are presented as effect size (95% confidence interval [CI]) using Hedges’ g. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate effects of isocaloric and nonisocaloric energy content and dichotomized by median relative carbohydrate (high, ≥0.8 g·kg−1⋅h−1; low, <0.8 g·kg−1⋅h−1) content on glycogen synthesis. Results Twenty studies were included in the analysis. CHO-PRO had no overall effect on glycogen synthesis (0.13, 95% CI = −0.04 to 0.29) compared with CHO. Subgroup analysis found that CHO-PRO had a positive effect (0.26, 95% CI = 0.04–0.49) on glycogen synthesis when the combined intervention provided more energy than CHO. Glycogen synthesis was not significant (−0.05, 95% CI = −0.23 to 0.13) in CHO-PRO compared with CON when matched for energy content. There was no statistical difference of CHO-PRO on glycogen synthesis in high (0.07, 95% CI = −0.11 to 0.22) or low (0.21, 95% CI = −0.08 to 0.50) carbohydrate content compared with CHO. Conclusion Glycogen synthesis rates are enhanced when CHO-PRO are coingested after exercise compared with CHO only when the added energy of protein is consumed in addition to, not in place of, carbohydrate.
Placing Greater Torque at Shorter or Longer Muscle Lengths? Effects of Cable vs. Barbell Preacher Curl Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy in Young Adults

Muscular strength and hypertrophy following resistance training may be obtained in different degrees depending on the approach performed. This study was designed to compare the responses of the biceps brachii to two preacher curl exercises, one performed on a cable-pulley system (CAB; in which a greater torque was applied during the exercise when elbows were flexed and biceps shortened) and one performed with a barbell (BAR; in which greater torque was applied when the elbows were extended and biceps stretched). Thirty-five young adults (CAB: 13 men, 5 women; BAR: 12 men, 5 women; age = 24 ± 5 years) performed a resistance training program three times per week for 10 weeks, with preacher curl exercises performed in three sets of 8–12 repetitions. Outcomes measured included elbow flexion peak isokinetic torque at angles of 20°, 60°, and 100° (considering 0° as elbow extended), and biceps brachii thickness (B-mode ultrasound). Following the training period, there were significant increases for both groups in elbow flexion peak torque at the 20° (CAB: 30%; BAR = 39%; p = 0.046), 60° (CAB: 27%; BAR = 32%; p = 0.874), and 100° (CAB: 17%; BAR = 19%; p = 0.728), and biceps brachii thickness (CAB: 7%; BAR = 8%; p = 0.346). In conclusion, gains in muscular strength were greater for BAR only at longer muscle length, whereas hypertrophy was similar regardless of whether torque emphasis was carried out in the final (CAB) or initial (BAR) degrees of the range of motion of the preacher curl in young adults.
Phosphorylation Targets of DNA-PK and Their Role in HIV-1 Replication

The DNA dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) is a trimeric nuclear complex consisting of a large protein kinase and the Ku heterodimer. The kinase activity of DNA-PK is required for efficient repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB) by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). We also showed that the kinase activity of DNA-PK is essential for post-integrational DNA repair in the case of HIV-1 infection. Besides, DNA-PK is known to participate in such cellular processes as protection of mammalian telomeres, transcription, and some others where the need for its phosphorylating activity is not clearly elucidated. We carried out a systematic search and analysis of DNA-PK targets described in the literature and identified 67 unique DNA-PK targets phosphorylated in response to various in vitro and/or in vivo stimuli. A functional enrichment analysis of DNA-PK targets and determination of protein–protein associations among them were performed. For 27 proteins from these 67 DNA-PK targets, their participation in the HIV-1 life cycle was demonstrated. This information may be useful for studying the functioning of DNA-PK in various cellular processes, as well as in various stages of HIV-1 replication.
UHPLC-HRMS and GC-MS Screening of a Selection of Synthetic Cannabinoids and Metabolites in Urine of Consumers

Background and Objectives: The use of synthetic cannabinoids has increased around the world. As a result, the implementation of accurate analysis in human biological matrices is relevant and fundamental. Two different analytical technologies, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) and high-sensitivity gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used for the determination of three synthetic cannabinoids JWH-122, JWH 210, UR-144 and their metabolites in urine of consumers. Materials and Methods: Sample preparation included an initial hydrolysis with β-glucuronidase and liquid-liquid extraction. The UHPLC-HRMS method included a Kinetex 2.6 u Biphenyl 100A (100 × 2.1 mm, 2.6 μm) (Phenomenex, Italy) column with a gradient mobile phase consisting of mobile phase A (ammonium formate 2mM in water, 0.1% formic acid) and mobile phase B (ammonium formate 2mM in methanol/acetonitrile 50:50 (v/v), 0.1% formic acid) and a full-scan data-dependent MS2 (ddMS2) mode was used (mass range 100–1000 m/z). The GC-MS method employed an ultra-Inert Intuvo GC column (HP-5MS UI, 30 m × 250 µm i.d, film thickness 0.25 µm; Agilent Technologies, Santa Clara, CA, USA) and electron-impact (EI) mass spectra were recorded in total ion monitoring mode (scan range 40–550 m/z). Results: Both methods have been successfully used for screening of parent synthetic cannabinoids and their metabolites in urine samples of consumers. Conclusions: The screening method applied JWH-122, JWH-210, UR-144 and their metabolites in urine of consumers can be applied to other compounds of the JWH family.
Elderly Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: Open or Laparoscopic Approach?

It remains unclear whether the short-term benefits and long-term outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) accrue to elderly patients with medical comorbidities. The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes between LLR and open liver resection (OLR) in elderly patients (≥65 years) with solitary, treatment-naïve solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). From January 2013 to August 2017, 256 elderly patients with solitary treatment-naive HCC underwent liver resection. All patients were Child–Pugh class A and older than 65 years. The OLR and LLR groups contained 160 and 96 patients, respectively. The median tumor size in the OLR group was significantly larger than that in the LLR group (3.9 vs. 2.6 cm), but the tumor size did not differ between the two groups after matching. The median operation time, blood loss, transfusion rate, and postoperative complications in the OLR group did not differ from those in the LLR group, but the operation time in the LLR group was longer than that in the OLR group after matching. The median hospitalization in the LLR group was significantly shorter than that in the OLR group. Disease-free survival (DFS) in the LLR group was better than that in the OLR group before and after matching, but the difference was not significant. Patient survival (PS) in the LLR group was similar to that in the OLR group. LLR is feasible and safe for elderly patients with solitary, treatment-naïve HCC. The short- and long-term benefits of LLR are evident in geriatric oncological liver surgery patients.
Postnatal Overnutrition Induces Changes in Synaptic Transmission to Leptin Receptor-Expressing Neurons in the Arcuate Nucleus of Female Mice

The adipocyte-derived hormone leptin is a potent neurotrophic factor that contributes to the neural plasticity and development of feeding circuitry, particularly in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH). Postnatal overnutrition affects leptin secretion and sensitivity, but whether postnatal overnutrition produces changes in the development of the synaptic transmission to ARH neurons is currently unknown. We evaluated the excitatory and inhibitory currents to ARH leptin receptor (LepR)-expressing neurons in prepubertal, pubertal and adult female mice. The effects of postnatal overnutrition in the expression of genes that code ion channels subunits in the ARH were also evaluated. We observed that the transition from prepubertal to pubertal stage is characterized by a rise in both excitatory and inhibitory transmission to ARH LepR-expressing neurons in control mice. Postnatal overnutrition induces a further increase in the excitatory synaptic transmission in pubertal and adult animals, whereas the amplitude of inhibitory currents to ARH LepR-expressing cells was reduced. Postnatal overnutrition also contributes to the modulation of gene expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate, GABAB and ATP-sensitive potassium channel subunits in ARH. In summary, the synaptic transmission to ARH cells is profoundly influenced by postnatal overnutrition. Thus, increased adiposity during early postnatal period induces long-lasting effects on ARH cellular excitability.
Nicotinic Cholinergic System and COVID-19: In Silico Identification of an Interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and Nicotinic Receptors with Potential Therapeutic Targeting Implications

While SARS-CoV-2 uses angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the receptor for cell entry, it is important to examine other potential interactions between the virus and other cell receptors. Based on the clinical observation of low prevalence of smoking among hospitalized COVID-19 patients, we examined and identified a “toxin-like” amino acid (aa) sequence in the Receptor Binding Domain of the Spike Glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 (aa 375–390), which is homologous to a sequence of the Neurotoxin homolog NL1, one of the many snake venom toxins that are known to interact with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We present the 3D structural location of this “toxin-like” sequence on the Spike Glycoprotein and the superposition of the modelled structure of the Neurotoxin homolog NL1 and the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein. We also performed computational molecular modelling and docking experiments using 3D structures of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein and the extracellular domain of the nAChR α9 subunit. We identified a main interaction between the aa 381–386 of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein and the aa 189–192 of the extracellular domain of the nAChR α9 subunit, a region which forms the core of the “toxin-binding site” of the nAChRs. The mode of interaction is very similar to the interaction between the α9 nAChR and α-bungarotoxin. A similar interaction was observed between the pentameric α7 AChR chimera and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein. The findings raise the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 may interact with nAChRs, supporting the hypothesis of dysregulation of the nicotinic cholinergic system being implicated in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Nicotine and other nicotinic cholinergic agonists may protect nAChRs and thus have therapeutic value in COVID-19 patients.
Novel CPET Reference Values in Healthy Adults: Associations with Physical Activity

Supplemental digital content is available in the text. ABSTRACT Purpose Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is an important measurement in clinical practice, and its primary outcome, maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2peak), is inversely associated with morbidity and mortality. The purposes of this study are to provide CPET reference values for maximal and submaximal parameters across the adult age spectrum of a healthy European cohort, to compare V˙O2peak values with other reference data sets, and to analyze the associations between physical activity (PA) levels and CPET parameters. Methods In this cross-sectional study, we prospectively recruited 502 participants (47% female) from 20 to 90 yr old. The subjects performed a CPET on a cycle ergometer using a ramp protocol. PA was objectively and continuously measured over 14 d using a triaxial accelerometer. Quantile curves were calculated for CPET parameters. To investigate the associations between CPET parameters and PA levels, linear regression analysis was performed. Results V˙O2peak values observed in the group of 20–29 yr were 46.6 ± 7.9 and 39.3 ± 6.5 mL·kg−1⋅min−1 for males and females, respectively. On average, each age category (10-yr increments) showed a 10% lower V˙O2peak relative to the next younger age category. V˙O2peak values of previous studies were on average 7.5 mL·kg−1⋅min−1 (20%) lower for males and 6.5 mL·kg−1⋅min−1 (21%) lower for females. There was strong evidence supporting a positive association between the V˙O2peak (mL·kg−1⋅min−1) and the level of habitual PA performed at vigorous PA (estimate, 0.26; P < 0.001]. Conclusion Maximal and submaximal CPET reference values over a large age range are novel, and differences to other studies are clinically highly relevant. Objectively measured vigorous-intensity PA showed a strong positive association with higher V˙O2peak and other performance-related CPET parameters, supporting the implementation of higher-intensity aerobic exercise in health promotion.
Amoxicillin-Clavulanic Acid Empirical Oral Therapy for the Management of Children with Acute Haematogenous Osteomyelitis

According to the Guidelines of the European Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (ESPID), in low methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prevalence settings, short intravenous therapy is recommended in uncomplicated cases of acute haematogenous osteomyelitis (AHOM), followed by empirical oral therapy, preferentially with first/second-generation cephalosporin or dicloxacillin or flucloxacillin. However, several practical issues may arise using some of the first-line antibiotics such as poor palatability or adherence problems. Clinical, laboratory and therapeutic data from children with AHOM hospitalized in one Italian Paediatric Hospital between 2010 and 2019 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The aim of the study was to highlight the extent of the use and the possible role of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in the oral treatment of children with AHOM. Two hundred and ten children were included. S.aureus was identified in 42/58 children (72.4% of identified bacteria); 2/42 S.aureus isolates were MRSA (4.8%). No Kingella kingae was identified. Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was the most commonly used oral drug (60.1%; n = 107/178) and it was associated with clinical cure in all treated children. Overall, four children developed sequelae. One (0.9%) sequela occurred among the 107 children treated with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid. Our results suggest that amoxicillin-clavulanic acid might be an option for oral antibiotic therapy in children with AHOM.
Cyclodextrin Complexation Improves the Solubility and Caco-2 Permeability of Chrysin

Chrysin is a bioflavonoid that can be found in natural products such as honey and propolis, and it possesses several biological effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activity. However, it is poorly soluble in water, and its bioavailability is limited. The aim of this research is to investigate the chrysin solubilization capacity of different β-cylcodextrin derivatives and compare their biological activities. Chrysin was complexed with β-cyclodextrin (βCD), hydroxypropyl-β-, (HPBCD) sulfobutylether-β-, (SBECD), and randomly-methylated-β-cyclodextrin (RAMEB) by the lyophilization method in 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios. The solubilities of the chrysin–cyclodextrin complexes were tested, and the solubilization abilities of cyclodextrins were studied by phase solubility experiments. The cytotoxicity of the complexes was measured by the MTT method, and the permeability enhancement was tested on Caco-2 monolayers. The solubility study showed that the complexes formed with RAMEB had the highest solubility in water. The phase solubility experiments confirmed the strongest interaction between RAMEB and chrysin. In the viability test, none of the complexes showed cytotoxicity up to 100 µM concentration. The permeability study revealed that both at 1:1 and 1:2 ratios, the RAMEB complexes were the most effective to enhance chrysin permeability through the Caco-2 monolayers. In conclusion, cyclodextrins, especially RAMEB, are suitable for improving chrysin solubility and absorption.
Intergenerational Transmissions of Mother–Adolescent Smartphone Dependency: The Mediating Role of Negative Parenting and the Moderating Role of Gender

Given the prevalence and undesirable consequences of smartphone dependency among adolescents, it is necessary to explore the influencing factors of adolescent smartphone dependency. The aim of this study was to examine the intergenerational transmission of mother–adolescent smartphone dependency and the mediating role of negative parenting, moderated by adolescent gender. Data for 2541 middle school students (mean aged = 13 years)–mother dyads were obtained from the first wave of the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey 2018 (KCYPS 2018). The moderated mediation model using Hayes PROCESS macro (Model 14) was employed to test the study hypothesis. The moderated mediation model revealed that maternal smartphone dependency was associated with adolescent smartphone dependency. Perceived negative parenting mediated this link and adolescent gender moderated the relationship between negative parenting and adolescent smartphone dependency, especially for adolescent girls. Our findings showed that both maternal smartphone dependency and negative parenting were determinants of adolescent smartphone dependency, suggesting that both factors were important for understanding these issues. Moreover, the mediating role of negative parenting (between maternal and adolescent smartphone dependency) implies that parental education programs designed to improve negative parenting may reduce adolescent smartphone dependency, especially for adolescent girls.
CA9 Silencing Promotes Mitochondrial Biogenesis, Increases Putrescine Toxicity and Decreases Cell Motility to Suppress ccRCC Progression

Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9), a pH-regulating transmembrane protein, is highly expressed in solid tumors, and particularly in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The catalytic mechanisms of CA9 are well defined, but its roles in mediating cell migration/invasion and survival in ccRCC remain to be determined. Here, we confirmed that the mRNA expression of CA9 in ccRCC was significantly higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues from analysis of the datasets in The Cancer Genome Atlas. CA9 knockdown upregulated oxidative phosphorylation-associated proteins and increased mitochondrial biogenesis, resulting in the reversal of the Warburg phenotype and the inhibition of cell growth. Our study revealed that CA9 knockdown upregulated mitochondrial arginase 2 (ARG2), leading to the accumulation of putrescine, which suppressed ccRCC proliferation. Surfaceomics analysis revealed that CA9 knockdown downregulated proteins associated with extracellular matrix (ECM)—receptor interaction and cell adhesion, resulting in decreased cell migration. CA9 silencing also downregulated amino acid transporters, leading to reduced cellular amino acids. Collectively, our data show that CA9 knockdown suppresses proliferation via metabolic reprogramming and reduced cell migration, reaffirming that CA9 is a potential therapeutic target for ccRCC treatment.
Effect of Planting Date, Plant Spacing, and Weed Cover on Populations of Insects, Arachnids, and Entomophthoran Fungi in Potato Fields

The average daily abundance of arachnids, carabids, coccinellids, ants, staphylinids, mummified aphids, and entomophthoran fungi was the same in 15- and 36-cm within-row seed spacings and over a wide range of weed cover. Carabids were significantly less abundant in herbicide-treated plots. The tests confirm previous observations that late plantings can significantly reduce populations of Macrosiphum euphorbiae and Aphis nasturtii . Of the other arthropods monitored, only the carabids showed a tendency for increased populations in early-planted potatoes.
QA-kNN: Indoor Localization Based on Quartile Analysis and the kNN Classifier for Wireless Networks

Considering the variation of the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) in wireless networks, the objective of this study is to investigate and propose a method of indoor localization in order to improve the accuracy of localization that is compromised by RSSI variation. For this, quartile analysis is used for data pre-processing and the k-nearest neighbors (kNN) classifier is used for localization. In addition to the tests in a real environment, simulations were performed, varying many parameters related to the proposed method and the environment. In the real environment with reference points of 1.284 density per unit area (RPs/m2), the method presents zero-mean error in the localization in test points (TPs) coinciding with the RPs. In the simulated environment with a density of 0.327 RPs/m2, a mean error of 0.490 m for the localization of random TPs was achieved. These results are important contributions and allow us to conclude that the method is promising for locating objects in indoor environments.
3D Printable Dry EEG Electrodes with Coiled-Spring Prongs

Various dry electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes have been developed. Dry EEG electrodes need to be pressed onto the scalp; therefore, there is a tradeoff between keeping the contact impedance low and maintaining comfort. We propose an approach to solve this tradeoff through the printing of complex-shaped electrodes by using a stereolithography 3D printer. To show the feasibility of our approach, we fabricated electrodes that have flexible fingers (prongs) with springs. Although dry electrodes with flexible prongs have been proposed, a suitable spring constant has not been obtained. In this study, the spring constant of our electrodes was determined from a contact model between the electrodes and the scalp. The mechanical properties and reproductivity of the electrodes were found to be sufficient. Finally, we measured the alpha waves when a participant opened/closed his eyes by using our electrodes.
A New Species of Peliosanthes (Convallariaceae) from Vietnam and China

The genus Peliosanthes Andrews, generally placed in the tribe Ophiopogoneae, together with Ophiopogon and Liriope (Dahlgren et al. 1985; Takhtajan 1997, under Ophiopogonaceae; Conran & Tamura 1998), is distributed mainly in South and Southeast Asia (Jessop 1976). In the course of a revision of Peliosanthes, a new species was found in collections from Vietnam and China, and is here described, illustrated and compared with closely related species.