Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combined Countermovement Jump Testing and Motion Analysis as the Future of Performance Assessment for Baseball Pitchers: A Narrative Review

Abstract Sakurai, M, Szymanski, DJ, Qiao, M, and Crotin, RL. Combined countermovement jump testing and motion analysis as the future of performance assessment for baseball pitchers: a narrative review. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1327–1338, 2023—Whole-body kinematics and kinetics impact pitching performance, and when coordination of momentum transfer is impacted, throwing-related injury risks increase. Although correlations between overhead throwing velocity and lower-body power measured by jump tests have been reported by previous studies, further research is needed to identify these relationships to better understand pitching mechanics and the validity and application of jump tests for the assessment of baseball pitchers. This review communicates effective whole-body pitching mechanics, including throwing arm, trunk, and pelvis, and lower body, as well as discusses the applicability of strength and power field tests to deepen training insights in establishing more efficient motor patterns. If both lower-body power and coordination of momentum transfer are optimized, baseball pitchers may experience reduced throwing arm stress. The overarching insight to be gained from this review article is that high performance in baseball pitching is multifactorial, and attention to both strength and skill coaching is paramount. As a result, the intersection of lower-body power testing and biomechanical analysis can play an important role in uniting strength and conditioning professionals, clinicians, pitching coaches, and biomechanics experts to advance pitching performance and health in the sport of baseball.
Theory of Ionization by Electron Collisions

The problem of calculating comprehensive sets of cross sections for ionization of atoms and molecules is reviewed. Emphasis is put on targets that are already ionized and lower-energy collisions for which the incident electron must be treated on a par with target electrons. The physical circumstances are discussed in which perturbation methods should be adequate, and special investigations are recommended to identify the relevant ranges of parameters more precisely and dependably. A new R-matrix approach is outlined which should permit rather simple, approximate, but dependable calculations when the perturbation methods fail.
Fast nonlinear channel equalisation using generalised diagonal recurrent neural networks

A generalised diagonal recurrent neural network (GDRNN) for nonlinear channel equalisation is proposed. The hidden nodes of the GDRNN have recurrent weights to capture the dynamic characteristics of the communication channels. The learning algorithm of the proposed GDRNN is derived, based on constrained optimisation. The proposed neural network gives faster learning speed and has better convergence properties than do conventional channel equalisers.
The Nonadditive Generalization of Klimontovich's S-Theorem for Open Systems and Boltzmann's Orthodes

We show that the nonadditive open systems can be studied in a consistent manner by using a generalized version of S-theorem. This new generalized S-theorem can further be considered as an indication of self-organization in nonadditive open systems as prescribed by Haken. The nonadditive S-theorem is then illustrated by using the modified Van der Pol oscillator. Finally, Tsallis entropy as an equilibrium entropy is studied by using Boltzmann's method of orthodes. This part of dissertation shows that Tsallis ensemble is on equal footing with the microcanonical, canonical and grand canonical ensembles. However, the associated entropy turns out to be Renyi entropy.
The effect of lipid-lowering therapies on the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties of vascular endothelial cells

Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events can be prevented, or treated, using statin therapy, either alone or in combination with ezetimibe. Chronic inflammation, vascular proliferation, and the development of atherosclerosis are also influenced by 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OHC). The aim of the study was to compare the direct pleiotropic effects of two commonly-used statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin), ezetimibe, and their combinations, on the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory IL1β, IL-18 and IL-23 and anti-inflammatory TGFβ, IL-35 (EBI3, IL-12 subunits), IL-10 and IL-37, in endothelial cells damaged by 25-OHC. It also analyzed IL-35 expression at the protein level. HUVECs were stimulated with atorvastatin (5 μM), rosuvastatin (10 μM), ezetimibe (1.22 μM), atorvastatin-ezetimibe (5 μM + 1.22 μM) or rosuvastatin-ezetimibe (10 μM + 1.22 μM), with or without pre-incubation with 10 μg/mL 25-OHC. mRNA expression was analyzed by real-time PCR. The protein level of IL-35 was analyzed by ELISA. In the pre-stimulated HUVECs, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin decreased mRNA expression of IL1β, IL-18, IL-23, TGFβ, IL35 and increased mRNA expression of IL-10 and IL-37 compared to 25-OHC. Furthermore, only incubation with rosuvastatin and rosuvastatin-ezetimibe decreased IL-35 mRNA and protein levels. Ezetimibe down-regulated only IL1β. Treatment with rosuvastatin-ezetimibe and atorvastatin-ezetimibe reversed the effect of 25-OHC in IL1β, IL-18 and IL-35 mRNA expression. In conclusion, rosuvastatin has the strongest anti-inflammatory effects and is the best at reducing the effect of oxysterols. Both statins exert a greater anti-inflammatory effect than ezetimibe. The anti-inflammatory effect of the combination therapies appears to be based on the effects of the statins alone and not their combination with ezetimibe.
Phosphate NIMA-Related Kinase 2-Dependent Epigenetic Pathways in Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons Mediates Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain

BACKGROUND: The microtubule-stabilizing drug paclitaxel (PTX) is an important chemotherapeutic agent for cancer treatment and causes peripheral neuropathy as a common side effect that substantially impacts the functional status and quality of life of patients. The mechanistic role for NIMA-related kinase 2 (NEK2) in the progression of PTX-induced neuropathic pain has not been established. METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats intraperitoneally received PTX to induce neuropathic pain. The protein expression levels in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of animals were measured by biochemical analyses. Nociceptive behaviors were evaluated by von Frey tests and hot plate tests RESULTS: PTX increased phosphorylation of the important microtubule dynamics regulator NEK2 in DRG neurons and induced profound neuropathic allodynia. PTX-activated phosphorylated NEK2 (pNEK2) increased jumonji domain–containing 3 (JMJD3) protein, a histone demethylase protein, to specifically catalyze the demethylation of the repressive histone mark H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) at the Trpv1 gene, thereby enhancing transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype-1 (TRPV1) expression in DRG neurons. Moreover, the pNEK2-dependent PTX response program is regulated by enhancing p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 2 (RSK2) phosphorylation. Conversely, intrathecal injections of kaempferol (a selective RSK2 activation antagonist), NCL 00017509 (a selective NEK2 inhibitor), NEK2-targeted siRNA, GSK-J4 (a selective JMJD3 inhibitor), or capsazepine (an antagonist of TRPV1 receptor) into PTX-treated rats reversed neuropathic allodynia and restored silencing of the Trpv1 gene, suggesting the hierarchy and interaction among phosphorylated RSK2 (pRSK2), pNEK2, JMJD3, H3K27me3, and TRPV1 in the DRG neurons in PTX-induced neuropathic pain. CONCLUSIONS: pRSK2/JMJD3/H3K27me3/TRPV1 signaling in the DRG neurons plays as a key regulator for PTX therapeutic approaches.
Exergetic Optimization of Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers Using NSGA-II

In this article, a multi-objective exergy-based optimization through a genetic algorithm method is conducted to study and improve the performance of shell-and-tube type heat recovery heat exchangers, by considering two key parameters, such as exergy efficiency and cost. The total cost includes the capital investment for equipment (heat exchanger surface area) and operating cost (energy expenditures related to pumping). The design parameters of this study are chosen as tube arrangement, tube diameters, tube pitch ratio, tube length, tube number, baffle spacing ratio, and baffle cut ratio. In addition, for optimal design of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, the method and Bell–Delaware procedure are followed to estimate its pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient. A fast and elitist nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) with continuous and discrete variables is applied to obtain maximum exergy efficiency with minimum exergy destruction and minimum total cost as two objective functions. The results of optimal designs are a set of multiple optimum solutions, called “Pareto optimal solutions. ” The results clearly reveal the conflict between two objective functions and also any geometrical changes that increase the exergy efficiency (decrease the exergy destruction) lead to an increase in the total cost and vice versa. In addition, optimization of the heat exchanger based on exergy analysis revealed that irreversibility like pressure drop and high temperature differences between the hot and cold stream play a key role in exergy destruction. Therefore, increasing the component efficiency of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger increases the cost of heat exchanger. Finally, the sensitivity analysis of change in optimum exergy efficiency, exergy destruction, and total cost with change in decision variables of the shell-and-tube heat exchanger is also performed.
Monte Carlo simulations of dusty gas discs around supermassive black holes

Abstract Using detailed Monte Carlo radiative transfer simulations in realistic models for galactic nuclei, we critically investigate the influence of interstellar dust in ionised gas discs on the rotation curves and the resulting black hole mass measurements. We find that absorption and scattering by interstellar dust leaves the shape of the rotation curves basically unaltered, but slightly decreases the central slope of the rotation curves. As a result, the “observed” black hole masses are systematically underestimated by some 10 to 20% for realistic optical depths.
Novel perspective in transplantation therapy of mesenchymal stem cells: targeting the ferroptosis pathway

体外培养扩增的间充质干细胞 (MSCs) 因具有愈合损伤组织的能力而被研究. MSCs 的移植可促进受损组织的修复, 并且能分化为目标细胞或是对存活的目的细胞起保护作用. 但目前 MSCs 的移植修复效率受限于被移植到目标区域后, MSCs 的存活率低. 因此, 现在迫切需要制定提高 MSCs 修复效率的策略. 铁含量过载、 活性氧蓄积以及抗氧化性能的下降均会抑制 MSCs 的增殖和再生能力, 从而加速 MSCs 的死亡过程. 值得注意的是, 铁离子含量过载引发的氧化应激 (OS) 及伴随其后的抗氧化系统失衡是铁死亡发生的经典通路. 因此我们认为, 铁死亡通路可能抑制 MSCs 移植后的细胞存活, 降低了 MSCs 的修复疗效. 在本综述中, 我们探讨了 MSCs 中的铁死亡通路. 鉴于目前 MSCs 中铁死亡的相关研究不足, 迫切需要进一步研究, 以期提高 MSCs 在体内的移植修复效率. Ex vivo culture-amplified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been studied because of their capacity for healing tissue injury. MSC transplantation is a valid approach for promoting the repair of damaged tissues and replacement of lost cells or to safeguard surviving cells, but currently the efficiency of MSC transplantation is constrained by the extensive loss of MSCs during the short post-transplantation period. Hence, strategies to increase the efficacy of MSC treatment are urgently needed. Iron overload, reactive oxygen species deposition, and decreased antioxidant capacity suppress the proliferation and regeneration of MSCs, thereby hastening cell death. Notably, oxidative stress (OS) and deficient antioxidant defense induced by iron overload can result in ferroptosis. Ferroptosis may inhibit cell survival after MSC transplantation, thereby reducing clinical efficacy. In this review, we explore the role of ferroptosis in MSC performance. Given that little research has focused on ferroptosis in transplanted MSCs, further study is urgently needed to enhance the in vivo implantation, function, and duration of MSCs.
Impact of sperm DNA fragmentation on the clinical outcome of assisted reproduction techniques: a systematic review of the last five years

Objective To elucidate through a systematic literature review the impact sperm DNA fragmentation has on embryos from assisted reproduction techniques. Data Source Studies from the “PubMed”, “Embase”, and “BVS” databases were analyzed. Studies Selection The articles selected in the review included: cohort and case-control studies that addressed the proposed theme, published between January 1, 2017, and January 31, 2022, in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. As inclusion criteria: cohort and case-control articles. As exclusion criteria: articles outside the scope of the research, review articles, case reports, articles using animal models, abstracts, letters to the editor, and articles found duplicates in the databases. Data Collection Number of couples or cycles; age (men/women); collection type; DNA damage (%); assisted reproduction activity and techniques. Data Synthesis In in vitro fertilization, a reduction in fertilization rate, blastocyst rate, and embryo quality was observed. In addition to implantation and increased abortion rates in patients with high sperm DNA fragmentation. High rates of sperm DNA fragmentation in intracytoplasmic sperm injection led to reduced blastocyst production rate, embryo quality, implantation, and live birth rate, and in intrauterine insemination, a reduction in pregnancy rate. Conclusion Sperm DNA fragmentation was a potential limiting factor for assisted reproduction techniques.
Circulating triglycerides are associated with human adipose tissue DNA methylation of genes linked to metabolic disease

Abstract Dysregulation of circulating lipids is a central element for the metabolic syndrome. However, it is not well established whether human subcutaneous adipose tissue is affected by or affect circulating lipids through epigenetic mechanisms. Hence, our aim was to investigate the association between circulating lipids and DNA methylation levels in human adipose tissue. DNA methylation and gene expression were analysed genome-wide in subcutaneous adipose tissue from two different cohorts, including 85 men and 93 women, respectively. Associations between DNA methylation and circulating levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol were analysed. Causal mediation analyses tested if adipose tissue DNA methylation mediates the effects of triglycerides on gene expression or insulin resistance. We found 115 novel associations between triglycerides and adipose tissue DNA methylation, e.g. in the promoter of RFS1, ARID2 and HOXA5 in the male cohort (P ≤ 1.1 × 10−7), and 63 associations, e.g. within the gene body of PTPRN2 and COL6A3 in the female cohort. We further connected these findings to altered mRNA expression levels in adipose tissue (e.g. HOXA5, IL11 and FAM45B). Interestingly, there was no overlap between methylation sites associated with triglycerides in men and the sites found in women, which points towards sex-specific effects of triglycerides on the epigenome. Finally, a causal mediation analysis provided support for adipose tissue DNA methylation as a partial mediating factor between circulating triglycerides and insulin resistance. This study identified novel epigenetic alterations in adipose tissue associated with circulating lipids. Identified epigenetic changes seem to mediate effects of triglycerides on insulin resistance.
The Assessment of Affective Responses within Exercise Prescription: A Narrative Review

Abstract The assessment of affective responses (pleasure-displeasure) to exercise, is a useful tool for tailoring exercise prescription. Ideally, the proper prescription is a balance between minimizing risks, such as negative affect and dropout, and maximizing gains, such as improvements in health and fitness. Measuring affective responses to exercise facilitates the process of self-regulation. When individuals have the autonomy to select the exercise intensity, they are more likely to have a positive exercise experience and adhere to the program. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has put forth guidelines on how to incorporate affective responses within exercise prescription. The primary purpose of this review is to expand upon the techniques and recommendations provided by the ACSM on the topic of affective responses. Topics include an overview of the existing research of affective responses to exercise intensity, the impact of affective responses on motivation and exercise behaviors, and recommendations of specific techniques for measuring, monitoring, and evaluating affective responses within an exercise prescription.
Characterizing the sarcoplasmic proteome of aged pork chops classified by purge loss

Abstract Unpredictable variation in quality, including fresh pork water-holding capacity, remains challenging to pork processors and customers. Defining the diverse factors that influence fresh pork water-holding capacity is necessary to make progress in refining pork quality prediction methods. The objective was to utilize liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry coupled with tandem mass tag (TMT) multiplexing to evaluate the sarcoplasmic proteome of aged pork loins classified by purge loss. Fresh commercial pork loins were collected, aged 12 or 14 d postmortem, and pork quality and sensory attributes were evaluated. Chops were classified into Low (N = 27, average purge = 0.33%), Intermediate (N = 27, average purge = 0.72%), or High (N = 27, average purge = 1.19%) chop purge groups. Proteins soluble in a low-ionic strength buffer were extracted, digested with trypsin, labeled with 11-plex isobaric TMT reagents, and detected using a Q-Exactive Mass Spectrometer. Between the Low and High purge groups, 40 proteins were differentially (P < 0.05) abundant. The Low purge group had a greater abundance of proteins classified as structural and contractile, sarcoplasmic reticulum and calcium regulating, chaperone, and citric acid cycle enzymes than the High purge group. The presence of myofibrillar proteins in the aged sarcoplasmic proteome is likely due to postmortem degradation. These observations support our hypothesis that pork chops with low purge have a greater abundance of structural proteins in the soluble protein fraction. Together, these and other proteins in the aged sarcoplasmic proteome may be biomarkers of pork water-holding capacity. Additional research should establish the utility of these proteins as biomarkers early postmortem and over subsequent aging periods.
Abnormal [18F]NIFENE binding in transgenic 5xFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease: In vivo PET/CT imaging studies of α4β2* nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptors and in vitro correlations with Aβ plaques

Since cholinergic dysfunction has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the effects of Aβ plaques on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) α4β2* subtype were studied using the transgenic 5xFAD mouse model of AD. Using the PET radiotracer [18F]nifene for α4β2* nAChRs, in vitro autoradiography and in vivo PET/CT studies in 5xFAD mice were carried out and compared with wild‐type (C57BL/6) mice. Ratios of [18F]nifene binding in brain regions versus cerebellum (CB) in 5xFAD mice brains were for thalamus (TH) = 17, hippocampus‐subiculum = 7, frontal cortex (FC) = 5.5, and striatum = 4.7. [125I]IBETA and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 5xFAD brain slices confirmed Aβ plaques. Nicotine and acetylcholine displaced [18F]nifene in 5xFAD mice (IC50 nicotine = 31–73 nM; ACh = 38–83 nM) and C57BL/6 (IC50 nicotine = 16–18 nM; ACh = 34–55 nM). Average [18F]nifene SUVR (CB as reference) in 5xFAD mice was significantly higher in FC = 3.04 compared to C57BL/6 mice FC = 1.92 (p = .001), whereas TH difference between 5xFAD mice (SUVR = 2.58) and C57BL/6 mice (SUVR = 2.38) was not significant. Nicotine‐induced dissociation half life (t1/2) of [18F]nifene for TH were 37 min for 5xFAD mice and 26 min for C57BL/6 mice. Dissociation half life for FC in C57BL/6 mice was 77 min , while no dissociation of [18F]nifene occurred in the medial prefrontal cortex (mFC) of 5xFAD mice. Coregistration of [18F]nifene PET with MR suggested that the mPFC, and anterior cingulate (AC) regions exhibited high uptake in 5xFAD mice compared to C57BL/6 mice. Ex vivo [18F]nifene and in vitro [125I]IBETA Aβ plaque autoradiography after in vivo PET/CT scan of 5xFAD mouse brain were moderately correlated (r2 = 0.68). In conclusion, 5xFAD mice showed increased non‐displaceable [18F]nifene binding in mPFC.
Green Fabrication of silver nanoparticles by leaf extract of Byttneria Herbacea Roxb and their promising therapeutic applications and its interesting insightful observations in oral cancer

Abstract The present research was carried out to look into therapeutic insight of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by leaf extract of Byttneria herbacea Roxb (BH). The analysis of biosynthesized BH-AgNPs by UV-visible spectroscopy shows an intense surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 422 nm initially and 437 nm after 30 min which certainly reveals the formation of BH-AgNPs. Fourier Infra-red Spectroscopy (FT-IR) reveals that BH-AgNPs are biosynthesized by using different bioactive compounds like O-H stretch of free hydroxyl alcohol and phenols, N-H bond of primary amines present in the leaf extract. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) analysis revealed that BH-AgNPs are almost spherical in nature with an average size range from of 2 nm to 12 nm. The particle size analysis by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) reveals that the BH-AgNPs are poly-dispersed in nature with an average size of 8 nm ± 2 nm, with a negative zeta potential value of −21 mV which reveals the biosynthesized BH-AgNPs are very stable. The BH-AgNPs ( Byttneria herbacea -AgNPs) revealed excellent free radical scavenging activity and exceptional antimicrobial activity. The anti-proliferative and cytotoxic studies in KB oral cancer cells revealed biosynthesized BH-AgNPs can employ as future novel therapeutic agents in cancer treatment and other biomedical applications.
Who does what? Reproductive responsibilities between heterosexual partners

Abstract Managing fertility and sexual and reproductive health across the life course is associated with numerous responsibilities disproportionately experienced by women. This extends beyond dealing with the physical side effects of contraception and can include the emotional burden of planning conception and the financial cost of accessing health services. This scoping review aimed to map how reproductive responsibilities were defined and negotiated (if at all) between heterosexual casual and long-term partners during any reproductive life event. Original research in high-income countries published from 2015 onwards was sourced from Medline (Ovid), CINAHL and Scopus. In studies that focused on pregnancy prevention and abortion decision making, men felt conflict in their desire to be actively engaged while not wanting to impede their partner’s agency and bodily autonomy. Studies identified multiple barriers to engaging in reproductive work including the lack of acceptable male-controlled contraception, poor sexual health knowledge, financial constraints, and the feminisation of family planning services. Traditional gender roles further shaped men’s involvement in both pregnancy prevention and conception work. Despite this, studies reveal nuanced ways of sharing responsibilities – such as companionship during birth and abortion, ensuring contraception is used correctly during intercourse, and sharing the costs of reproductive health care.