Search Results (576)

The global burden of hypertension continues to rise, highlighting an urgent need for effective therapeutic strategies. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is central to blood pressure regulation, but commonly used synthetic ACE inhibitors often have adverse side effects, spurring the search for safer natural alternatives. The aim of this study was to investigate Yanbian cattle hemoglobin as a novel precursor for ACE inhibitory peptides. The <1 kDa fraction was identified as exhibiting the highest inhibitory activity through the systematic screening of hydrolysates across multiple molecular weight ranges. LC-MS/MS analysis identified 1980 peptides, of which four were selected for further experiments. Solid-phase synthesis confirmed that NFGYDL exhibited the strongest ACE inhibition (IC₅₀ = 54.95 μM). Inhibition kinetics showed FHDYL acted as a mixed-type inhibitor, DLGHF and NFGYDL as competitive inhibitors and GFHLD as a non-competitive inhibitor. Molecular dynamics simulations validated the stable binding of these bovine blood-derived peptides to the ACE complex. HUVEC functional assays demonstrated that four peptides significantly increased angiotensin II-induced nitric oxide production and endothelin-1 levels, suggesting their potential antihypertensive activity. These findings suggested that bovine blood is a promising natural source of ACE-inhibitory peptides and holds potential for application as a functional component in functional foods targeting hypertension management. Full article

Antioxidant peptides show significant activity and can be developed into functional foods for treating chronic diseases. Cigarette smoke components can cause damage or even apoptosis of lung cells, eventually leading to chronic lung diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of Skipjack tuna peptides against in vitro cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The results demonstrated that tuna peptides DVGRG (S1), PHPR (S5), GRVPR (S6), and SVTEV (S7) significantly enhanced the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px by upregulating the mRNA transcription levels of Keap1 and Nrf2, consequently reducing ROS and MDA levels in CSE-induced COPD model of MLE-12 cells. Molecular docking analysis revealed that S1, S6, and S7 competitively inhibited the Keap1-Nrf2 interaction by binding to the Kelch domain of Keap1, whereas S5 operated through a non-competitive mechanism. These peptides also downregulated p65 mRNA expression and upregulated IκBα mRNA expression, leading to a significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, thereby alleviating inflammatory responses. Furthermore, these peptides significantly inhibited CSE-induced apoptosis by restoring mitochondrial membrane potential and upregulating the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Additionally, S1, S5, S6, and S7 promoted MLE-12 cell migration in a concentration-dependent manner, suggesting a role in lung epithelial repair and regeneration. In conclusion, tuna peptides S1, S5, S6, and S7 exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and cell migration-promoting effects through the regulation of the Keap1/Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways, as well as Bcl-2/Bax apoptotic balance, providing a promising strategy for mitigating CSE-induced lung injury. Full article

This article reexamines Paul’s use of athletic imagery in 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 within the broader argument of chapters 8–10. Against readings that treat the passage as a call to individual moral striving or competition for salvation, this study situates Paul’s metaphor within the honor–shame dynamics of Greco-Roman Corinth and his own defense of apostolic self-restraint. Paul’s “race” and “imperishable wreath” do not exhort believers to outperform one another but dramatize the paradox of freedom expressed through voluntary limitation. Drawing on insights from social-scientific and rhetorical criticism, the essay demonstrates that Paul’s imagery functions as the rhetorical climax of the section, translating his ethical argument into the moral grammar of the agon. By reconfiguring the contest from rivalry to service, Paul transforms the competitive ethos of Corinth into a vision of communal flourishing in which believers “compete” for the good of others. The passage thus offers a distinctly Pauline theology of self-control as the discipline of love, turning the agonistic spirit of the games into an image of the gospel itself. Full article

The development of sustainable alternatives to fossil-based feedstocks is a global priority in light of climate change and resource depletion. Seaweeds, particularly green seaweeds, represent promising candidates for biorefinery applications due to their rapid growth, high carbohydrate content, and non-competition with arable land. In this study, the feasibility of lactic acid production from acid hydrolysates of the green seaweed Ulva pertusa was systematically investigated. Proximate composition analysis revealed that dried Ulva pertusa contained 52.3% carbohydrates, highlighting its suitability as a fermentation substrate. Acid hydrolysis with dilute sulfuric acid released 23.8 g of fermentable monosaccharides per 100 g of biomass, with L-rhamnose and D-glucose as the predominant sugars. Fermentation experiments were conducted using five Lactobacillus strains (L. casei, L. plantarum, L. brevis, L. salivarius, and L. rhamnosus). Among these, L. rhamnosus and L. salivarius achieved the highest lactic acid yields (0.66 g g⁻¹), followed by L. plantarum (0.63 g g⁻¹), whereas L. casei and L. brevis exhibited comparatively lower yields (0.46 and 0.39 g g⁻¹, respectively). Time-course analysis demonstrated that the superior strains reached maximum productivity within 9 h, significantly faster than typical lignocellulosic feedstocks such as corn stover, which require extensive pretreatment and longer fermentation times. Furthermore, the mineral-rich composition of Ulva pertusa (notably Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺) provided intrinsic nutrients that supported microbial growth, thereby reducing the requirement for external supplementation. Comparative evaluation with lignocellulosic hydrolysates confirmed that Ulva pertusa offers higher efficiency, faster kinetics, and lower process complexity. To our knowledge, this work represents the first comprehensive assessment of multiple Lactobacillus strains for lactic acid production from Ulva pertusa hydrolysates. The findings highlight the unique advantages of green seaweeds as a sustainable biomass resource and contribute to the advancement of marine biomass-based biorefineries. Future studies should focus on improving the utilization of non-fermentable sugars, optimizing fermentation strategies, and evaluating techno-economic feasibility on an industrial scale. Full article

Background: The incremental model of doping behavior (IMDB) posits that doping develops over time through the habit of using performance enhancers such as dietary supplements. We investigated the association between dietary supplement use and beliefs and doping attitudes among Norwegian sportspersons. Methods: A total of 1441 subjects (females: 44%; age 31.3 ± 11.6 years) responded to an online questionnaire including measures of dietary supplement use and beliefs, performance enhancement attitude (PEAS), and a doping likelihood vignette. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlations, and multiple regression analysis. Results: 58% used dietary supplements. Dietary supplement beliefs were positively correlated with doping attitudes (r = 0.27 (PEAS) and r = 0.16 (vignette), p < 0.001). Among non-competitive respondents, younger respondents were more likely to endorse supplement use (r = −0.08, p = 0.073 vs. r = −0.30, p < 0.001) and doping use (r = −0.17, p < 0.001 and r = −0.21, p < 0.001). Males endorsed supplement use (Welch’s t tests > 5.19, p < 0.001) and doping (Welch’s t tests > 4.08, p < 0.001) more than females. Norwegian sportspersons are generally ambivalent about dietary supplements but opposed to doping practices in sport. Results of multiple regression analysis indicated that younger, male, non-competitive, and supplement-endorsing participants were more likely to endorse doping likelihood. However, these differences were small, and participants were generally against doping. Conclusions: The associations between dietary supplement use and beliefs and doping attitudes are weak but compatible with the IMDB. The differences between groups are small; however, focusing on beliefs about dietary supplements in young, male, non-competitive persons may improve the effectiveness of anti-doping interventions. Full article

Theological engagement with artificial intelligence has largely focused on applied ethics, addressing bias, governance, and labor displacement. While indispensable, this framing often presumes that algorithmic systems operate as external instruments acting upon already constituted subjects. This article argues that contemporary predictive architectures intervene at a deeper anthropological level by structuring attention, expectation, and habituation prior to deliberative judgment. It introduces the concept of ordo extractionis to designate a technologically mediated regime of formation characterized by behavioral trace extraction, probabilistic modeling, and recursive projection of statistically inferred continuity. Drawing on Augustine’s account of ordered love and temporality and Aquinas’s doctrine of habitus and the invisible mission of the Spirit, the article distinguishes algorithmic projection from sanctification as divergent pedagogies of temporal formation. Predictive systems stabilize continuity by extrapolating from measurable past behavior; sanctification reorders desire teleologically toward a final end not deducible from prior pattern and grounded in non-competitive divine causality. Algorithmic mediation is therefore interpreted pedagogically rather than metaphysically: it does not rival divine agency but participates creaturely in shaping the ecology within which habituation unfolds. Engagement with contemporary AI research on recommender systems, reinforcement learning, and generative models situates the argument within technological realism and resists determinism. The digital twin is analyzed as a probabilistic representation that acquires institutional authority when operationalized in ranking, profiling, and evaluative systems, without constituting a metaphysical competitor to the imago Dei. In response to anticipatory closure, Eucharistic anamnesis and epiclesis are developed as practices that re-situate memory and expectation within eschatological promise. The article concludes that the central theological question posed by AI is not whether machines can think, but how formative sovereignty over desire is exercised within technologically mediated modernity. Full article

The main objective of this study is to assess the potential antioxidant property, anti-inflammatory activity, and broncho-dilatating effect of Tetracera madagascariensis, a species traditionally used in the treatment of asthma. Qualitative and quantitative analyses on phytochemical composition and biological properties were performed to evaluate its potential as a bioactive ingredient in plant-based food applications and health-promoting beverages. DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) models were used for antioxidant capacity. The bronchorelaxant activity of METM and its fractions was evaluated on an in vitro experimental model using isolated guinea pig trachea (n = 5) pre-contacted with histamine, while the action mechanism of EFTM was determined by using specific contracting reagents and antagonists. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated in murine models (n = 5), specifically using an acetic acid-induced nociception assay and paw inflammatory oedema induced by carrageenan, respectively. Potential toxicity of the extract was evaluated in mice (n = 6). Organic acids and phenolics, particularly quinic acid and quercetin, have been detected as the main compounds. METM showed antioxidant activity (SC₅₀ = 7.52 ± 0.26 µg/mL and FRAP = 228.00 ± 18.68 mmol FIE/kg DW). METM exerted a concentration-dependent bronchorelaxant activity (EC₅₀ = 562.85 ± 38.00 µg/mL) as well as EFTM (EC₅₀ = 128.88 ± 27.9 µg/mL), the most active fraction, partially mediated through β₂-adrenergic pathways with additional non-competitive mechanisms. METM demonstrated dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, with no toxicity in mice. These findings may support the traditional uses of T. madagascariensis as a bioactive ingredient in herbal beverages and highlight its potential as a source of phytochemicals to be used as health-promoting agents against inflammatory and respiratory disorders. Full article

The use of human-edible materials like soy in animal feed raises several concerns, as it contributes to high greenhouse gas emissions and requires significant land and water use for agriculture. For this reason, research is exploring alternative ingredients rich in proteins like microalgae, which offer potential nutritional and environmental benefits. Species like Nannochloropsis are promising since their use for human consumption is very limited, making them non-competitive with human food. This article aims to formulate a poultry feed in which 30% of the crude protein from soybean meal is replaced by Nannochloropsis oceanica single-cell ingredients. Growth parameters have been evaluated in comparison with a diet based on soy protein. Additionally, the effect on meat quality was assessed by evaluating nutritional, texture, stability, and sensory parameters. Results showed that the microalgae diet caused a slight reduction in animal growth due to lower digestibility of the feed. Considering the quality parameters of the meat, no differences were found in terms of shelf life and physicochemical parameters, except for the color. The microalgae diet significantly increased the content of n-3 fatty acids and carotenoids in the meat. Finally, regarding sensory properties, the only change detected was in the amount of exudate. Full article

The purpose is to investigate how sports experience influences the processing of motor-related information. Sixty participants with differing levels of sports experience were recruited: 20 table tennis athletes, 20 athletes from other sports, and 20 non-athletes. A total of 150 images depicting table-tennis scenarios, divided into competitive and non-competitive, were shown to participates and recorded their electroencephalographic responses. We found that both table tennis and ordinary athletes exhibited significantly smaller P3 amplitudes in the parietal region compared with non-athletes. In addition, under competitive conditions, athletes showed larger N2 amplitudes in the central region than non-athletes. However, no significant difference in N2 amplitude was observed between table tennis athletes and athletes from other sports. These findings indicate that greater sports experience reduces the cognitive resources required for processing motor-related information and enhances individuals’ abilities in conflict monitoring and response inhibition. Furthermore, the effects of sports experience appear to be transferable across different athletic domains. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mixed martial arts (MMA) is a popular full-contact combat sport. The aim of this study was to determine injury mechanisms, rates, severity, patterns, circumstances, and the resulting economic healthcare consequences by conducting a detailed survey of competitive and recreational athletes. Methods: In 2023, MMA athletes were retrospectively questioned regarding their injuries in the last 24 months and the resulting healthcare impact (medical attention, hospitalization, incapacity to work). An injury was defined as any physical complaint resulting from MMA exposure. The severity of the injury was categorized according to the resulting restriction of sport participation (i.e., ‘severe’: more than four weeks of restriction). Results: A total of 112 participants (93% male; 41% non-competitive and 59% competitive) were included. All in all, 93,857 h of MMA activities were performed, and 127 injuries were recorded, resulting in an overall injury rate of 1.4 injuries per 1000 h of exposure. Non-competitive athletes reported significantly fewer total injuries in the past 24 months (95% CI 0.87–2.04; p = 0.003) and had significantly fewer severe or even critical injuries compared to competitive athletes (OR 0.55; 95% CI 0.21–1.43; p = 0.042). Head- and neck lesions (20%) were the most common injuries. The most common types of injury were joint sprains (21%) and ligament strains (17%). The healthcare burden of these sports-related injuries was minimal: By median, injuries led to zero days of hospitalization and incapacity to work, with no statistically significant differences between recreational and competitive athletes. Conclusions: Competitive athletes suffer more severe injuries compared to recreational athletes. Overall, injuries in MMA are rare, and the economic impact and burden on the healthcare system are negligible compared to other sport disciplines. Full article

Background: With the emerging global popularity of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), both for aesthetical and medical purposes, there is a rising need for achieving better outcomes. The aim of this narrative review was to comprehensively cover the effect of BoNT, as well as its possible interactions with everyday mineral and vitamin supplementation. Results: It is well established that BoNT exerts its paralytic effects through zinc-dependent cleavage of SNARE proteins, blocking acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junctions. However, after meticulous research of the available literature regarding the effect of oral supplementation on BoNT, there is very scarce data. The effect of zinc supplementation on the duration and effectiveness of BoNT in some facial applications was studied in a couple of clinical studies; however, systematic reviews indicate inconsistent results. Copper acts as a noncompetitive inhibitor, potentially antagonizing BoNT in animal models. Magnesium and calcium exhibit theoretical synergistic or compensatory roles via neuromuscular transmission modulation but lack clinical validation. Vitamin B complex shows no interference in rat studies and vitamin D influences baseline muscle strength and dosing needs, while vitamin E increases bruising risk but not efficacy. Conclusions: Even though zinc supplementation holds promise for potentiating BoNT effects, evidence for both zinc and other supplements remains speculative or contradictory, underscoring the need for randomized controlled trials to develop evidence-based guidelines. Clinicians should assess patient supplementation status pre-treatment to optimize outcomes and minimize complications, particularly advising against high-dose vitamin E peri-procedurally. Full article

To enhance the screening efficiency of bioactive peptides, an AI-driven approach was employed to screen DPP-IV inhibitory peptides from goat blood proteins by an integrated in silico, in vitro, and machine learning strategy. Furthermore, the inhibitory mechanism of DPP-IV inhibitory peptides was elucidated by kinetics, molecular docking and simulation. Additionally, their in vitro digestive stability was assessed. In silico results revealed that goat blood proteins were promising precursors of DPP-IV inhibitory peptides, while bromelain was the optimal protease. Their peptide sequences were further identified by peptidomics and predicted by self-developed machine learning models (LightGBM) to identify the potent DPP-IV inhibitory peptides. Two novel DPP-IV inhibitory peptides were identified (FPL and FPHFDL). Enzyme kinetics, molecular docking and molecular simulation data indicated that FPL served as a competitive inhibitor, whereas FPHFDL was a non-competitive inhibitor. Overall, the integrative in silico and in vitro strategy is feasible for rapid screening of DPP-IV inhibitory peptides from goat blood proteins. Full article

Background: CrossFit^® is a high-intensity functional training modality with increasing popularity, yet limited evidence describes the general profile of its practitioners. Objective: To characterize CrossFit^® athletes based on their training habits, injury prevalence, and nutritional supplement use, with specific consideration given to sex and age. Methods: An online questionnaire was completed by 358 practitioners (182 women; mean age 35.6 ± 9.1 years) from various Spanish regions. Descriptive and comparative analyses (χ² and ANOVA; p < 0.05) were conducted for training patterns, injury history, and supplement consumption. Results: Over half of the sample had practiced CrossFit^® for more than three years, typically training 3–4 days per week in one-hour sessions. Participants primarily reported social and health-related motivations and identified as non-competitive. Overall, 42.2% experienced at least one CrossFit^®-related injury, most frequently affecting the shoulder (15.6%) and lumbar spine (10.1%), largely attributed to repetitive overload. Supplement use was widespread (81.8%), with creatine (60.3%) and protein (49.4%) being the most commonly consumed. Conclusions: CrossFit^® practitioners train consistently, value the social environment, and show an injury pattern similar to that of other strength-based disciplines. Supplement consumption is highly prevalent across groups. Coaches and health professionals should prioritize injury-prevention strategies, promote safe load progression, and guide responsible supplement use. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lower limb amputation (LLA) negatively affects the physical and psychological health of individuals, leading to a lower quality of life and sedentary lifestyle. The objective of this scoping review is to search for evidence regarding physical activity interventions in individuals with LLA, investigating improvements in specific outcomes related to quality of life and performance. Methods: PRISMA guidelines—extension for scoping reviews—were used to structure the study. The research was conducted between 26 July 2023 and 30 September 2023; it was structured by defining two PICO questions (P = amputation, I = physical exercise, O1 = quality of life, and O2 = performance) through Pubmed, Cochrane, and Pedro databases. The study included subjects with LLA of any etiology, in prosthetic or pre-prosthetic phase, practicing non-competitive physical activity. The results were then subjected to both qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results: Of the 615 studies identified, 18 were included in the review. They consisted of 6 systematic reviews (SR), 5 RCTs, 4 case–control studies, 1 case report (CR), and 2 cross-sectional (CS). Physical activity (PA) interventions were extremely heterogeneous and were, therefore, categorized into 6 modalities: surveys were the most reported strategies (57%), followed by personalized training (23%), strength training (13%), endurance training (13%), combined training (2%), and gait training (5%). Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, the variety of interventions proposed and the different outcomes registered, there is no evidence that one approach is more effective than another, while each group showed benefits on different specific outcomes. In total, five outcome categories were identified: quality of life was the most frequently analysed (42%), followed by cardiovascular fitness (20%), muscular fitness (14%), gait parameters (13%), functionality and disability (11%). Conclusions: PA represents a valuable strategy for improving performance and quality of life in individuals with LLA, offering a variety of interventions. Although there is no evidence that one strategy is better than the others, each activity has proven to be effective on specific outcomes, therefore, the choice must depend on the patient’s necessities. The preferred option should be the personalization of the training according to individual needs, coupled with long-term planning and remote monitoring. Creating meeting places and supporting occasions for sports activities could be a valid option. Further research could help to clarify the benefits of such interventions and enhance the understanding of how to optimize the management of LLA patients. Full article