Competitive Type Research Articles

Pick your battles: Elite ski-jumpers’ motives affect world cup performance depending on competition type

According to motive disposition theory, athletes high in affiliation motivation should find team contexts more rewarding than individual contexts, and hence perform better in a team than in individual competitions. The opposite is predicted for athletes high in power motivation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to test these hypotheses in an elite sample (here: ski jumping athletes) based on archived worldcup competition data from both individual and team competitions on the one hand, and self-reported and projectively assessed motives on the other hand. Results confirmed that even at the highest levels of professional sports, individual differences in motives show systematic relationships to competition performance. First, the negative impact of athletes' projectively assessed affiliation motive in individual competitions was significantly attenuated in team competitions, indicating that these represent more favourable conditions for athletes high in affiliation. Second, the projectively assessed power motive exhibited an overall negative relationship to performance. In contrast, self-reported achievement and affiliation motives showed a positive relationhip to performance. These findings attest to the role of personality differences in predicting motor performance variability in elite sports.

12537 Once Daily Oral Atumelnant (CRN04894) Induces Rapid And Profound Reductions Of Androstenedione And 17-Hydroxyprogesterone In Participants With Classical Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Initial Results From A 12-Week, Phase 2, Open-Label Study

Abstract Disclosure: R.J. Auchus: Consulting Fee; Self; Corcept Therapeutics, H Lundbeck A/S, Quest Diagnostics, Sparrow Pharmaceuticals, Neurocrine Biosciences, Novo Nordisk, Recordati Rare Diseases, Diurnal, Xeris Pharmaceuticals. Research Investigator; Self; Corcept Therapeutics, Adrenas Therapeutics, Neurocrine Biosciences, Diurnal, Spruce Biosciences. P.J. Trainer: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. K.J. Lucas: None. D. Bruera: None. J. Marko: Consulting Fee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. A. Ayala: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Y. Wu: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. C.T. Ferrara-Cook: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. E. De La Torre: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. A. Krasner: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. H. Lagast: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. R. Luo: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc. T.A. Bachega: Research Investigator; Self; Spruce Biosciences. R.S. Struthers: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals Inc. S.F. Betz: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. U. Srirangalingam: Consulting Fee; Self; Diurnal, H Lundbeck A/S. Atumelnant (CRN04894) is a potent, once-daily, orally bioavailable, nonpeptide, first-in-class competitive and selective melanocortin type 2 receptor (MC2R, or ACTH receptor) antagonist being developed for the treatment of CAH and ACTH-Dependent Cushing’s Syndrome. Here we report initial results from an open-label, dose-finding phase 2 study of atumelnant in patients with CAH (NCT05907291). Patients (aged ≥18-75, ≥16 years in USA) with classical CAH on a stable dose of GC replacement for at least 6 months were enrolled and received once daily, oral atumelnant for 12 weeks. Key efficacy endpoints include early morning androstenedione (A4) and 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels. Ten (10) participants have been enrolled and dosed. Data from the first 4 participants (3 females, median age 34 [range 25-42] years, methylprednisone 8 mg/day [hydrocortisone equivalent {HCeq} 32 mg/day, n=2], prednisone 10 mg/day [HCeq 40 mg/day, n=2]) who received 80 mg once daily, oral atumelnant are available. Baseline morning A4 levels in these participants ranged from 116 to 604 ng/dL (reference range [RR]: females 30-200 ng/dL; males 40-150 ng/dL). In these 4 participants, treatment with atumelnant resulted in rapid and profound A4 reductions within 2 weeks which were maintained for the duration of therapy. A4 reductions ranged from 74% to 99% throughout the study. There have been no instances of A4 being above the upper limit of normal on treatment with atumelnant. Baseline 17-OHP levels in these participants ranged from 4740 to 6905 ng/dL (RR: females <80 ng/dL [follicular], <285 ng/dL [luteal]; males <220 ng/dL). In these 4 participants, treatment with atumelnant resulted in rapid and profound 17-OHP reductions within 2 weeks which were maintained for the duration of therapy. 17-OHP reductions ranged from 68% to >99% throughout the study. Two female participants in this cohort menstruated for the first time in over 2 years. Mean baseline morning ACTH ranged from 155 to 1009 pg/mL (RR: 7.2-63 pg/mL), and while modest variations were seen with atumelnant, no consistent directional trend was observed. In conclusion, these data demonstrate rapid, profound, and sustained suppression of A4 and 17-OHP with 80 mg once daily, oral atumelnant. There were no serious or treatment-related adverse events and atumelnant was generally well-tolerated. This ongoing study will explore further the safety and efficacy of various doses of atumelnant. Support: Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Presentation: 6/3/2024

9330 Atumelnant (crn04894) Induces Rapid And Sustained Reductions In Serum And Urine Cortisol In Patients With Acth-Dependent Cushing Syndrome During A Phase 1b/2a, Single Center, 10-day, Inpatient, Open-Label Study

Abstract Disclosure: H. Elenius: Grant Recipient; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. R. McGlotten: Grant Recipient; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. C. Moore: Grant Recipient; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Y.B. Omotosho: Grant Recipient; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. A. Ayala: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Y. Wu: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. P.J. Trainer: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. R.S. Struthers: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. A. Krasner: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. S.F. Betz: Employee; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Stock Owner; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. L.K. Nieman: Grant Recipient; Self; Crinetics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Atumelnant is a potent, once-daily oral, nonpeptide, first-in-class competitive and selective melanocortin type 2 receptor (MC2R) antagonist that blocks ACTH-mediated G-protein activation and subsequent signaling. It is being developed for the treatment of ACTH-dependent Cushing Syndrome (ADCS) and classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. We report preliminary data from the first-in-disease, dose-finding study of atumelnant in patients with ADCS (NCT05804669). Inpatient participants with active ADCS (24h urine free cortisol (UFC) >1.3xULN, ACTH >10 pg/mL) received atumelnant 80 mg once daily at 08.00 for 10 days (D1-10) followed by a 4-day washout. Endpoints included changes in UFC (upper limit of normal (ULN) 45 ug/d), early morning cortisol (EMC), and early morning ACTH (EMA, ULN 46 pg/mL). Daily questionnaires assessed adverse events (AEs) and signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency (AI) and ADCS. Data are shown as median (range). We report 5 participants (4 men; 4 Cushing disease, 1 ectopic ACTH; age 47 years (34-55)); each completed the study. All participants developed biochemical evidence of AI (EMC <5 mcg/dL) after 2 days (1-10) of atumelnant administration and then commenced physiologic hydrocortisone (HC) add-back. Compared to D1, biochemical disease control (normal UFC plus EMC <5 mcg/dL) was shown on D11 in all participants, while receiving HC replacement: UFC 252 mcg (99-293) vs 24 mcg (3.9-51); EMC 14 mcg/dL (10.7-18.1) vs 1.4 (1.0-4.7). This was associated with an increase in EMA: 52.1 pg/mL (33-1088) vs 78 pg/mL (48.8-4045). HC was discontinued when EMC was ≥7 mcg/dL, on D13 (D12-18). Many pre-existing features of ADCS improved during atumelnant administration, including poor concentration, insomnia (n=3 each); brain fog, anxiety, irritability (n=2 each); fatigue, poor memory, low libido, depression, edema and bloating (n=1 each). Low testosterone, neutrophilia (n=3 each) and leukocytosis (n=2) observed at baseline resolved during atumelnant administration. Anti-hypertensive therapy was paused or reduced in 3 subjects. New fatigue, headache, nausea, anorexia, edema (n=2 for each) all coincided with development of biochemical AI; most symptoms improved with HC add-back. Serious adverse events included AI and one non-treatment related transient GI bleed 19 days after the last dose. All other AEs were mild or moderate: transient increases of creatinine (n=2), and ALT (<3xULN, n=2). In conclusion, the first 5 patients with ADCS to receive once daily, oral atumelnant experienced rapid lowering of serum and urine cortisol and improvement or resolution of some signs and symptoms of ADCS. Atumelnant was generally well-tolerated. The observed compensatory increase in ACTH was not associated with loss of efficacy or clinical sequelae. This ongoing study will further explore the relationship between atumelnant dose, including lower doses, and therapeutic response. Presentation: 6/3/2024

Biogenic synthesis of AgNPs via polyherbal formulation: Mechanistic neutralization and toxicological impact on acetylcholinesterase from Bungarus sindanus venom.

This study aims to examine the biogenic production, characterization, and anti-acetylcholinesterase (AAChE) properties of polyherbal formulation PHF-extract-synthesized silver nanoparticles (PHF-AgNPs). The Elapidae snake Bungarus sindanus has extremely dangerous venom for humans and contains a high amount of AChE (acetylcholinesterase). Inhibiting AChE leads to acetylcholine buildup, affecting neurotransmission. The study tested silver nanoparticles as AChE inhibitors using kinetics. Their production was confirmed through ultraviolet (UV) spectrometry at 425 nm (SPR peak of 1.94), and stabilizing functional groups were identified via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The average length of 20 nm was confirmed by analyzing the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) identified silver as the primary component of PHF-AgNPs (26%). Statistical analysis showed that the activity of AChE in krait venom decreased by up to 45% and 37% at a given dose of ACh (0.5 mM) by PHF and AgNPs, respectively. Utilizing the Lineweaver-Burk plot for kinetic analysis, a competitive type of inhibition is found. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Successfully synthesized PHF-extract-induced silver nanoparticles (PHF-AgNPs) demonstrated through UV spectrometry and characterized as crystalline with an average size of 45 nm by X-ray diffraction. PHF-AgNPs effectively inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE), an enzyme critical in neurotransmission, reducing its activity in krait venom by up to 45% at certain concentrations. Kinetic analysis revealed that the inhibition mechanism of AChE by PHF-AgNPs is competitive, offering potential for therapeutic applications in neurologically related conditions.

Design, synthesis, biological evaluation, kinetic studies and molecular modeling of imidazo-isoxazole derivatives targeting both α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitors

Herein, a novel set of imidazo-isoxazole derivatives containing thiourea and urea scaffolds were synthesized, characterized (1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis). These compounds were biologically evaluated for their α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, identifying 5f as the most active (IC50 26.67 ± 1.25 μM and 39.12 ± 1.83 μM against α-amylase α-glucosidase, respectively), better than the standard, acarbose. Enzymatic kinetic results showed that 5f and acarbose complete competitive type inhibitors. The structure-activity relationship (SAR) demonstrated that undergoing substitutions on R1 and R2 groups attached to the thiourea/urea moiety chains controlled the activity. Besides, in-silico ADMET study showed that almost title compounds exhibited satisfactory pharmacokinetic properties. In molecular docking study, the top performing compound (5f) exhibited higher binding energies (−5.501 and −6.414 kcal/mol, respectively) showing crucial interactions and that snuggly fit in their active site. To shed light on their mechanism of action, molecular dynamic (MD) simulations approach executed at 100 ns duration authenticated the high stability of 5f-1B2Y and 5f-3A4A complexes. The results of this investigation disclosed that compound 5f may serve as a potential lead, accomplished with in vivo studies, for the management of diabetes.

Competition and Poverty: Does the Competition Type Matter?

Nous étudions l’impact de la nature de la concurrence sur la pauvreté. Plus précisément, nous vérifions si les résultats obtenus par Ghazzai et al. [2023] sur l’effet de la concurrence sur la pauvreté dans le cadre de concurrence en prix, restent valables si les firmes se font concurrence en quantités. Nous considérons un modèle d’équilibre général avec des préférences verticales. En tenant compte de la structure de propriété, nous comparons la pauvreté sous deux types de marché : Monopole et Duopole. La pauvreté est mesurée par la taille de la population dont le revenu est inférieur à un seuil de pauvreté exogène. Les nouveaux résultats confirment ceux de Ghazzai et al. [2023] et montrent que les politiques visant à encourager la concurrence ne sont pas toujours efficaces pour réduire la pauvreté. JEL Classification: D43, I32, L13.

Competition Dynamics of Market Share for Assets in the Banking Industry Using the Lotka-Volterra Model Approach

Research Originality: Competition in the banking sector is unavoidable. Such competition is present among state-owned banks in Indonesia. In contrast to the previous studies that did not include the competition type and its stability, this study includes the competition type and its stability in the estimation.Research Objectives: This study aims to discover the competition type and its stability, and to forecast the market share among the four state-owned banks.Research Methods: Using market share data of assets published annually by each of the banks from 2010 to 2023, the study employs the Lotka-Volterra model approach to analyze the competition type and its stability that occur among the four state-owned banks.Empirical Results: The study discovers that the competition types of the four state-owned banks vary. There have been three competition types among the four state-owned banks: mutualism, predator-prey and pure competition. Besides, the stability property of the four state-owned banks tended to be unstable. By looking at the gains of market share for assets, only Mandiri’s market share gains will increase in the 2024-2028 period. As a result, the total market share gains for the four state-owned banks declined sequentially.Implications:This research holds significance for four state-owned banks in Indonesia as it provides valuable insights into considering the three competition types (mutualism, pure competition and predator-prey) as the primary key to achieving a significant market share value.JEL Classification: C61, D41, E17, G21How to Cite:Jamal, S. W., Suparno., Rashid, U. K., & Fauziah, F. (2024). Competition Dynamics of Market Share for Assets in the Banking Industry Using the Lotka-Volterra Model Approach. Etikonomi, 23(2), 299 – 316. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v23i2.32226

Local population dynamics of gray wolves Canis lupus and Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx exhibit consistency with intraspecific contest competition models

AbstractIn Europe, the gray wolf and Eurasian lynx populations are recovering after various levels of persecution. The two species differ in their social structure and spatial patterns of aggregation. Using model selection, we investigated the consistency of the available time series data on local wolf and lynx sub‐populations with a number of single‐species population growth models that pertain to two types of intraspecific competition, namely, scramble (SC) and contest competition (CC), and reflect random (R) or aggregated (A) distribution of individuals. The applied models of population growth—the Ricker (SCR), Skellam (CCR), Hassell (SCA), and Beverton–Holt (CCA) models—were all parameterized in terms of intrinsic growth rate and carrying capacity with unified definitions. The projected carrying capacity was allowed to show a temporal trend, which was justified by an observed increase in prey abundance in recent decades. For both species, the models pertaining to contest competition outperformed the scramble competition models, and the Beverton–Holt model had the greatest weight. However, for the lynx, the difference of performance between the scramble and contest competition models was considerably smaller than that for the wolves. In most of the models, when it was meaningful, an optional time lag operator was added to account for a delay in individual maturity and reproduction. However, the models with a time lag had a worse fit than the models without it. This study promotes the application of population models that reflect intraspecific competition for modeling population dynamics in a single‐ or multi‐species framework.

Competition limits first-year growth and flowering of wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana) at a sandhills restoration site.

Uncertainty in ecosystem restoration can be mitigated by information on drivers of variability in restoration outcomes, especially through experimental study. In southeastern USA pine savannas, efforts to restore the perennial bunchgrass wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana) often achieve variable outcomes in the first year. Although ecotypic differentiation and competition with other native vegetation are known to influence wiregrass seedling establishment and growth, to our knowledge, no studies have examined interactions between these drivers. We experimentally quantified individual and interactive effects of competition, seed source, and soil type on wiregrass density, size, and flowering culm production in the field. We sowed seeds from dry and wet sites reciprocally into dry and wet soils and weeded half of the plots. We found that competition removal resulted in significantly larger plants and a greater proportion of flowering plants with more culms on average, regardless of seed source or soil type. Seeds sourced from a wet site resulted in more plants per plot than seeds from a dry site, which might have been influenced by the greater number of filled seeds from the wet site. After seedlings become established, competition contributes to variation in growth and reproduction. Although competition removal could help start wiregrass populations, the necessity of mitigation depends on fire management needs.

Competition is stronger between than within species in two coexisting hermit crab species

Both intra- and interspecific competition influence the partitioning of limited resources; the relative importance of each type of competition in resource distribution is influenced by several factors, including resource availability and population abundance. Several hermit crab species of the genera Calcinus and Clibanarius coexist, competing for the shells of the same gastropod species. The relative abundance of these species varies along the intertidal gradient, from a bias toward Clibanarius in the upper intertidal to a tendency toward Calcinus in the lower intertidal. We assessed the strength of intra- versus interspecific competition in Cli. albidigitus and Cal. californiensis by comparing the number of successful usurpations of preferred shells in single-species versus mixed-species trials. We performed these comparisons under four scenarios, varying the total individuals and their relative abundance (1.7:1, 1:1, or 1:1.7 ratio) to simulate demographic conditions along the intertidal gradient. There were more shell usurpations in mixed-species trials under all scenarios except for the 1:1 ratio at high total abundance. Calcinus californiensis usurped more shells than Cli. albidigitus in all mixed-species treatments, even in cases where Cli. albidigitus was more abundant. Our results show that interspecific competition is stronger than intraspecific competition, which could drive the competitive exclusion of Cli. albidigitus, the comparatively weaker species.

Volatile profile of Astragalus sinicus L. flowers by GC×GC-TOF-MS and evaluation of nutraceutical and nutricosmetic potential of the flower extracts

The aroma property and nutraceutical capacity are two crucial characteristics for the acceptance of edible flowers. The volatile profile of the Chinese milk vetch flowers (CMVF) was investigated using HS-SPME-GC × GC-TOF-MS for the first time. A total of 279 compounds were identified by the two-dimensional gas chromatography technology, including 46 alcohols, 45 aldehydes, 54 esters, 39 ketones, 66 hydrocarbons, 9 phenols, and 20 other compounds, with pentadecanal (14.35%) revealed to be the major volatile component. Meanwhile, The five CMVF extracts were evaluated for their phytochemical composition and biological activity. The antioxidant activity assay indicated that the ethanol extract of CMVF revealed the highest scavenging capacity against DPPH radicals with IC50 of 384 μg/mL, the ethyl acetate extracts of CMVF revealed the strongest scavenging capacity against ABTS·+ (IC50 = 140.83 μg/mL) and ·OH (IC50 = 14.25 μg/mL). In addition, the water extracts of CMVF inhibited tyrosinase activity through mixed type and the alcohol extracts of CMVF inhibited elastase activity through competitive type. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the bioactivity of the CMVF extracts were significantly impacted by TPC (total phenolic content) and TFC (total flavonoids content). These results suggested that CMVF extracts exhibited great potential for functional foods and cosmetics utilization due to its promising nutraceutical and nutricosmetic properties.

An investigation on the cardioprotective potential of lichen compound protocetraric acid by H2O2-induced toxicity in H9c2 rat heart cells through in vitro and in silico analysis.

Worldwide, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and require treatment and prevention. Lichens are symbiotic organisms that are known to produce unique secondary metabolites and have been used as folk medicines. The aim of the study is to emphasize the importance of lichens in improving heart health, with the objective of investigating protocetraric acid, a lichen metabolite, for its antioxidant and cardioprotective potential by using in vitro and in silico techniques. Protocetraric acid (PRC) was isolated, characterized, and tested for antioxidant properties using six assays. In cardiovascular investigations, hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzymeA reductase (HMGCR), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory, and fibrinolytic capacities, along with enzyme inhibitory kinetics studies, were carried out. In silico toxicology and molecular docking analysis were done to determine the binding sites on target proteins. The cytoprotective ability of PRC was evaluated by H2O2-induced toxicity in H9c2 rat heart cells. Out of six lichens, the extract of F. caperata showed comparatively stronger antioxidant activity in terms of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazil (DPPH), scavenging of nitric oxide (SNO), and ferric reducing potential (FRAP) equivalent values. PRC showed significant antioxidant properties, and with respect to cardiovascular studies, PRC exhibited 86% HMGCR and 82% ACE inhibition, while 57% fibrinolysis at 320µM concentration. Inhibitory kinetic tests of PRC showed competitive and uncompetitive HMGCR and ACE inhibition types respectively. PRC showed minimum binding energies of - 7.9, - 8.9, and - 9.0kcal/mol with 1HWK, 1O8A, and 4BZS. The H9c2 cell line pre-treated with PRC was found to reduce H2O2 toxicity as well as increase cell viability. Protocetraric acid is a potent compound that has been experimentally shown to have hypocholesterolemic, hypotensive, and cardioprotective properties for treating cardiovascular diseases.

Global well-posedness and asymptotic behaviour for a reaction–diffusion system of competition type

We analyse a reaction–diffusion system describing the growth of microbial species in a model of flocculation type that arises in biology. A generalized model is formulated on a one dimensional bounded domain with feed terms at one end of the interval. Existence of global classical positive solutions is proved under general growth assumptions, with polynomial flocculation and deflocculation rates that guarantee uniform sup norm bounds for all time t obtained by an Lp−energy functional estimate. We also show finite time blow up can occur when the yield coefficients are large enough. Also, using arguments relying on the spectral and fixed theory, we show persistence and existence of nonhomogeneous population steady-states. Finally, we present some numerical simulations to show the combined effects of motility coefficients and the flocculation–deflocculation rates on the coexistence of species.

Analysis of Sports Supplement Consumption of Elite Referees of the Spanish Professional Fotball League.

Sports supplements (SSs) are widely used among team sport athletes; however, evidence supporting the use of SSs among football referees at the elite level is scarce. The aim of the present study was to analyze the consumption of SSs among referees with respect to their level of competition and referee type (main referees (MRs) vs. assistant referees (ARs)). A total of 106 football referees participated in this study, with 46.2% from the First Spanish Division and 53.8% from the Second Spanish Division, representing 84.13% of the total number of referees. Each participant completed a validated questionnaire about SS consumption, with the SSs classified according to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) ABCD system: Group A has strong evidence for enhancing athlete health and performance, Group B shows potential benefits but needs more evidence, Group C has inconclusive evidence against use, and Group D includes prohibited substances. A total of 84.0% of the MRs and ARs reported the consumption of at least one SS. Differences were found only in the consumption of medical supplements between division (p = 0.016) and type of referee (p = 0.041), though no significant differences were found among the remaining AIS SS categories (p > 0.05). Sport performance (49.6%), Internet (41.0%), and dietitian-nutritionists (31.7%) were the primary reason for SS consumption, purchase location, and source of information, respectively. The most frequently consumed SS were whey protein (45.3%), followed by creatine (33.0%), sport bars and sports drinks (28.3%), and caffeine (19.8%). MRs and ARs reported a high prevalence of dietary supplement (SS) consumption, with significant differences between division and referee type observed only in medical supplement consumption.

A Comprehensive Review of The Molecular Dynamic Study Of Chalcones, Coumarins and Chromones as Selective MAO‐B Inhibitors [2015‐Till Date

AbstractMolecular dynamics (MD) simulation is an in silico method used in the biomolecular level of research to study how the protein interacts with the target with time. It provides a detailed information of the protein dynamics and ligand structure with the crucial amino acid interactions. Monoamine oxidase B (MAO−B) is a crucial isoenzyme responsible for the catalyses of oxidative deamination of various biogenic amines in the brain and peripheral tissues. The selective inhibitors of MAO−B are considered as the management of symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease(AD) and Parkinson disease(PD). Recently the structural scaffolds containing chalcones, coumarins and chromones derived candidates shown potent, selective, competitive and reversible type of MAO−B inhibitors. The structural similarities between the above scaffolds can produce almost similar type of interactions in the inhibitor binding cavity of MAO−B. Numerous molecular simulation reports were supported by the above mentioned fact. The current review focus on the last ten year molecular dynamics report of chalcones, coumarins and chromones towards MAO−B inhibition. The review also focuses on the software details used in the MD dynamics simulation and the structural requirement from each class of compound for the recognition of MAO−B inhibitory activity.

Design, synthesis, in vitro, and in silico anti-α-glucosidase assays of N-phenylacetamide-1,2,3-triazole-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives as new anti-diabetic agents

In this work, a novel series of N-phenylacetamide-1,2,3-triazole-indole-2-carboxamide derivatives 5a–n were designed by consideration of the potent α-glucosidase inhibitors containing indole and carboxamide-1,2,3-triazole-N-phenylacetamide moieties. These compounds were synthesized by click reaction and evaluated against yeast α-glucosidase. All the newly title compounds demonstrated superior potency when compared with acarbose as a standard inhibitor. Particularly, compound 5k possessed the best inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with around a 28-fold improvement in the inhibition effect in comparison standard inhibitor. This compound showed a competitive type of inhibition in the kinetics. The molecular docking and dynamics demonstrated that compound 5k with a favorable binding energy well occupied the active site of α-glucosidase.

Causes and consequences of microbiome formation in mosquito larvae

Abstract The assembly of host‐associated microbial communities is influenced by multiple factors, but the effect of microbiomes on host phenotypes is often not well understood. To address questions of food‐web effects on host microbiome assembly, we manipulated the resource environment (grass only [G] vs. grass + nutrients [GN]), competition type (intra‐ vs. inter‐specific) and density (high vs. low) for Culex restuans mosquito larvae. We predicted the microbial communities in fourth‐instar larvae would differ between these environmental treatments and that these treatments would translate into differences in the adult phenotype. Resource environment and density influenced the larval microbiome. In addition, the larval microbiome exhibited notable differences compared to the free‐living microbial communities. Resource‐driven differences in the larval samples can be attributed to Arcobacteraceae being more abundant in larvae reared in the GN treatments relative to those reared in the G treatments and Comamonadaceae being more abundant in the G treatment. Although significant, the difference in community structure between density treatments was difficult to discern. This appears to be driven by Weeksellaceae only being abundant in the high‐density, interspecific, GN treatment. Rearing larvae to adulthood under severe food limitation resulted in low survival (<25%) in both resource environments. Approximately 60% of survivors to adulthood were male. Larvae reared in the intraspecific, G treatment had the shortest development time to adulthood and emerged as the smallest adults. These results demonstrate how environmental variation can significantly alter the alpha and beta diversity of free‐living microbes, which in turn can significantly affect host phenotype and critical life history traits, such as development time, size at adulthood, and survival. These findings highlight the importance of considering environmental influences on microbiome diversity to understand and predict host outcomes, offering valuable insights for diverse applications in fields such as ecology, public health, and agriculture.

The lipase inhibitory effect of mulberry leaf phenolic glycosides: The structure-activity relationship and mechanism of action

The present study found for the first time that phenolic glycosides were an important material basis for mulberry leaves to inhibit lipase. The corresponding IC50 for hyperoside, rutin, astragalin and quercetin were 68, 252, 385 and 815 μg/mL respectively. The inhibitory effect was ranked as monoglycosides > phenolic hydroxyl groups > disaccharides on the benzone ring. Hyperoside bound to lipase in competitive inhibition type with one binding site, while the others bound to lipase in a mixed inhibition type by two similar sites. All four compounds altered the microenvironment and secondary conformation of lipase through static quenching. The docking score, stability, and binding energy were consistent with the compound inhibitory activity. The main binding between compounds and lipase amino acid residues were spontaneously though hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding. The strong hydrogen bonds formed with SER-152 inside the lipase pocket, might be important for the strong inhibitory activity of hyperoside.

Sustainable competitive advantage under digital transformation: an eco-strategy perspective

Purpose This study aims to investigate how a firm’s sustainable competitive advantage is influenced by the combination of entrepreneurial ecological orientation, digital transformation and dynamic capabilities. Design/methodology/approach Based on the qualitative comparative analysis method, this study systematically explores the significant key conditions and configuration effects that affect the growth of sustainable competitive advantage. This study uncovers the causal relationship and complex mechanisms underlying the sustainable and unsustainable competitive advantages for new ventures, by examining the grouping effects of the above three factors – entrepreneurial ecological orientation, digital transformation and dynamic capabilities on those advantages. Findings A single factor fails to constitute a necessary condition for sustainable competitive advantage. Three types of configurations are beneficial to sustainable competitive advantage, namely, flexible and responsive type, dynamically adjusted type and type of opportunity resource integration, whereas four types of configurations lead to the unsustainable competitive advantage of new ventures, namely, type of organizational rigidity, informal entrepreneurial type, information-blocking type and technology-deficient type. Originality/value According to this study, adopting an entrepreneurial ecological orientation is a novel strategic move. This study offers an extensive review of three aspects of entrepreneurial ecological orientation, dynamic capacities and digital transformation and their mutually synergistic cascading effects on the sustainable competitive advantage of new ventures. This study investigates how three dimensions interact to achieve sustainable competitive advantage for firms, ultimately contributing to the study of sustainable competitive advantage strategies from an entrepreneurial ecosystem perspective.

COMPETITION AS A KEY PROPERTY OF THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS MARKET

Competition in the agricultural sector results from the unity of conflicting factors: the maximum freedom of activity of market forces and the significant influence of the state on the processes taking place in the industry, which ensures the overall efficiency of social production. Regulation of competition in the agricultural market in developed countries is a developed and expensive system. Currently, it is impossible to provide the same robust support to the agricultural sector in the country, but the principles and methods used for this can be taken into account. Different types of competition are developing in the agri-food market. Intra-industry competition is possible only if production and sales costs are reduced and weak, technically backward enterprises are pushed out of the market. Interindustry competition leads to the redistribution of capital and other resources between industries, taking into account the rate of return. Participation in agriculture in this competition is only possible with state support due to the low speed of capital turnover and high capital intensity in this field. Intra-industry competition initiates technical progress, and inter-industry competition contributes to the structural development of the agricultural industry. To a certain extent, agricultural product markets are characterized by perfect competition, and food markets are characterized by monopolistic competition. It is emphasized that competition covers all spheres of commodity production, distribution, market exchange, and consumption. It manifests differently in each branch of the economy, which is determined by the specifics of their activity. Conducted studies of competition in the market of agricultural raw materials and food indicate the need to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic agricultural products and ensure consumer, quality, and price characteristics of agricultural products, raw materials, and food that are comparable to the world level, regardless of orientation to domestic or foreign markets. It is noted that competition in agriculture is characterized by many competitors on the market and obstacles in the production and sale of agricultural products.