Biological Connections Research Articles

Language and gestures of parents towards children – legal aspects of assessing parents competences in court proceedings

Family is defined, among other things, as “a spiritual union of a small group of people gathered in a common hearth through acts of mutual assistance and care, based on belief in real or presumed biological connection, family and social tradition”. Educational psychology perceives the family from the point of view of the child’s interests as its natural educational environment. The relationship between parents has a significant impact on the emotions that parents direct towards their children. Minors analyze every behavior of their parents; sometimes they imitate them, repeating adults’ words or gestures, other times they deny the parent’s behavior and avoid contact with him. Parents’ attitude towards minor children shapes their future and may generate repeated negative and positive behavior patterns. In court proceedings, one can notice an increased tendency to downplay the father’s role in the process of raising the child or to deny the mother’s overprotective attitude towards the child. Neither of the parents is “indebted to each other” and is guided by the principle of positive self-presentation before the court while depressing the attitude of the other parent.

Human limits in machine learning: prediction of potato yield and disease using soil microbiome data

BackgroundThe preservation of soil health is a critical challenge in the 21st century due to its significant impact on agriculture, human health, and biodiversity. We provide one of the first comprehensive investigations into the predictive potential of machine learning models for understanding the connections between soil and biological phenotypes. We investigate an integrative framework performing accurate machine learning-based prediction of plant performance from biological, chemical, and physical properties of the soil via two models: random forest and Bayesian neural network.ResultsPrediction improves when we add environmental features, such as soil properties and microbial density, along with microbiome data. Different preprocessing strategies show that human decisions significantly impact predictive performance. We show that the naive total sum scaling normalization that is commonly used in microbiome research is one of the optimal strategies to maximize predictive power. Also, we find that accurately defined labels are more important than normalization, taxonomic level, or model characteristics. ML performance is limited when humans can’t classify samples accurately. Lastly, we provide domain scientists via a full model selection decision tree to identify the human choices that optimize model prediction power.ConclusionsOur study highlights the importance of incorporating diverse environmental features and careful data preprocessing in enhancing the predictive power of machine learning models for soil and biological phenotype connections. This approach can significantly contribute to advancing agricultural practices and soil health management.

Skin and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as Biomarkers for Neurodegenerative Diseases

As the global population ages, the rising prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases, characterized by abnormal protein aggregates, presents significant challenges for early diagnosis and disease monitoring. Identifying accessible tissue biomarkers is crucial for advancing our ability to detect and track the progression of these diseases. Among the most promising biomarkers is the skin, which shares a common embryological origin with the brain and central nervous system (CNS). This biological connection positions the skin as a potential reflection of CNS pathology. Over the past decades, gene expression studies have demonstrated that key genes involved in neurodegenerative diseases are also expressed in skin tissues. Genes such as APP, PSEN1, PPA2, PINK1, LRRK2, PLCB4, MAPT, SPAST, and SPG7 are prominent in this regard. Beyond gene expression, proteins related to neurodegenerative diseases—such as α-synuclein, TAU, PARKIN, and prion protein (PrP)—have been isolated from the skin of affected individuals, underscoring the skin’s capacity to mirror neural degeneration. This non-invasive window into neurodegenerative processes is further enhanced by advances in stem cell technology, which have allowed for the generation of human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from patient-derived fibroblasts. These iPSCs offer a valuable model for studying disease mechanisms and developing therapeutic approaches. This review conducts a comprehensive analysis of the literature from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate, emphasizing the unique potential of the skin as a non-invasive biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases. It explores how the skin serves as a bridge between gene expression and disease pathology in both the skin and the CNS. By leveraging this biological connection, the skin emerges as a promising model for enhancing our understanding of neurodegenerative disorders and developing innovative strategies for early detection and treatment. However, significant limitations remain, requiring further validation to establish the specificity and sensitivity of these biomarkers.

Neuroscientific insights about computer vision models: a concise review.

The development of biologically-inspired computational models has been the focus of study ever since the artificial neuron was introduced by McCulloch and Pitts in 1943. However, a scrutiny of literature reveals that most attempts to replicate the highly efficient and complex biological visual system have been futile or have met with limited success. The recent state-of the-art computer vision models, such as pre-trained deep neural networks and vision transformers, may not be biologically inspired per se. Nevertheless, certain aspects of biological vision are still found embedded, knowingly or unknowingly, in the architecture and functioning of these models. This paper explores several principles related to visual neuroscience and the biological visual pathway that resonate, in some manner, in the architectural design and functioning of contemporary computer vision models. The findings of this survey can provide useful insights for building futuristic bio-inspired computer vision models. The survey is conducted from a historical perspective, tracing the biological connections of computer vision models starting with the basic artificial neuron to modern technologies such as deep convolutional neural network (CNN) and spiking neural networks (SNN). One spotlight of the survey is a discussion on biologically plausible neural networks and bio-inspired unsupervised learning mechanisms adapted for computer vision tasks in recent times.

Interreligious perspectives on Surrogate Motherhood

Surrogate motherhood raises a variety of ethical, legal, theological, and sociological questions. Discussions on this topic often become heated, particularly when considering the use of a woman's body to carry a pregnancy on behalf of another individual—married or unmarried, male or female—with an ovum that, in most cases, has no biological connection to her and is legally recognized as belonging to the commissioning party or parties post-birth. On one side, issues of self-determination, solidarity, and compassion are debated, while on the other, dignity, the sanctity of life, commodification, and exploitation are concerns. This article, without overlooking these significant issues, attempts an interreligious examination of surrogate motherhood to elucidate how the three major monotheistic religions, along with Hinduism and Buddhism, assess, interpret, and understand this practice. The aim is to highlight both converging and diverging positions across different views and to more fully comprehend the various theological and cultural dimensions that shape the contemporary bioethical understanding of this issue.

Disclosure dilemma: Revealing biological paternity to family and others after unexpected direct‐to‐consumer genetic results

AbstractObjectiveThis study explores the experiences of direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) genetic test results of recipients who learn of unexpected biological paternity, not parent expected (NPE). We characterize the process of disclosing NPE discoveries, as well as the benefits and the repercussions of such disclosures on individuals, families, and others.BackgroundThe popularity of DTC genetic testing is increasing. Consequently, many discover unexpected information about their ancestry, heritage, and paternity.MethodsThis qualitative study used an inductive thematic analysis of in‐depth interviews with adults (n = 27; aged 40–70) who received DTC genetic test results revealing unexpected biological paternity.ResultsThe NPE disclosure dilemma encompasses uncertainty about narrating their discovery; gauging the dispositions of others; wondering what repercussions may arise; and managing feelings about stigma, betrayal, and anger. Culture, history, and family dynamics are vital in navigating disclosures. A desire to understand their origins, connect with new genetic families, and validate their sense of self is essential. Biological connections of kinship remain important arbiters of relatedness for many individuals.ConclusionDisclosure of NPE discoveries differs from other stigmatized identities because the secret belongs to someone else; thus, self‐disclosure affects the entire family system.ImplicationsDrawing on family systems theory and disclosure processes model, our findings provide insights into the intricate dynamics inherent in NPE disclosure.

Family Matters: Enhancing Insight in Linked Administrative Data Through Familial Linkage

ObjectiveFamilial relationships can provide researchers with important insight into genetic, environmental, and social influences across many domains of research. While most administrative datasets do not collect information about relationships, familial linkage is an approach which seeks to identify such relationships among individuals within a linked data environment. We sought to develop a familial linkage resource which permits researchers access to relationship information otherwise not available in unlinked disparate administrative collections. ApproachLeveraging birth and marriage registration data, we sought to identify relationships between Victorians. Familial links were formed by summarising relationships that were either explicit in the data (e.g. Parent and Child), or implied (e.g. A parent of a parent is a grandparent). Resulting relationship data was stored in a data asset which interfaces with our linkage infrastructure for easy access and use by linked data end-users. ResultsThrough familial linkage, we have identified over 8.8 million unique relationships for Victorians, spanning 24 relationship subtypes which include both biological and non-biological connections. This data can be linked to all administrative datasets within our linkage environment, however representation varies across sources. Overall, the highest coverage of known relationships is found in datasets which specialise in child services, while older Victorians remain a gap. Conclusion and ImplicationsFamilial linkage offers new dimensions of insight to researchers than what is accessible in source data alone. This information enables our data end-users to gain critical insights into the complex interplay between biological and social influences on Victorians’ health and well-being.

A cheminformatics and network pharmacology approach to elucidate the mechanism of action of Mycobacterium tuberculosis γ-carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are critical enzymes that regulate pH by converting CO2 to HCO3 -, essential for Mtb's survival in acidic environments. Inhibiting γ-CAs presents a potential target for novel antituberculosis drugs with unique mechanisms of action. This study aimed to explore the biological connections underlying Mtb pathogenesis and investigate the mechanistic actions of antituberculosis compounds targeting the Cas9 protein. We employed homology modeling and virtual screening to identify compounds with high binding affinities for Cas9 protein. This study used the homology modeling approach employing high-quality AlphaFold DB models for γ-CA. Furthermore, the systems biology approach was used for analyzing the integrated modelling of compounds, integrating data on genes, pathways, phenotypes, and molecular descriptors. Single-cell RNA sequencing was also conducted to profile gene expression. Three compounds, F10921405, F08060425, and F14437079, potentially binding to Cas9 protein, have been identified. F10921405 and F08060425 showed significant overlap in their effects on pathways related to the immune response, while F14437079 displayed distinct mechanistic pathways. Expression profiling revealed high levels of genes such as PDE4D, ROCK2, ITK, MAPK10, and SYK in response to F1092-1405 and F0806-0425, and MMP2 and CALCRL in response to F1443-7079. These genes, which play a role in immune modulation and lung tissue integrity, are essential to fight against Mtb. The molecular relationship and pathways linked to the mentioned compounds give the study a holistic perspective of targeting Mtb, which is essential in designing specific therapeutic approaches. Subsequent research will involve experimental validation to demonstrate the efficacy of the promising candidates in Mtb infections.

Connecting the dots: Applying multispecies connectivity in marine park network planning

Marine ecosystems are highly dynamic, and their connectivity is affected by a complex range of biological, spatial, and oceanographic factors. Incorporating connectivity as a factor in the planning and management of marine protected areas (MPAs) is important yet challenging. Here, we implemented a novel integrative framework that uses intraspecific genetic and genomic data for multiple marine species to characterise connectivity across a recently established South Australian MPA network. We generated connectivity networks, estimated cross-species concordance of connectivity patterns, and tested the impact of key spatial and oceanographic factors on each species. Connectivity patterns varied markedly among species, but were most correlated among those with similar dispersal strategies. Ordination analyses revealed significant associations with both waterway distances and oceanographic advection models. Notably, waterway distances provided better predictive power in all-species combined analyses. We extended the practical relevance of our findings by employing spatial prioritisation with Marxan, using node values derived from both genetic and geographic connectivity networks. This allowed the identification of several priority areas for conservation, and substantiated the initial decision to employ spatial distance as a proxy for biological connectivity for the design of the South Australian marine park network. Our study establishes a baseline for connectivity monitoring in South Australian MPAs, and provides guidelines for adapting this framework to protected networks elsewhere in the world.

The Antarctic Continent: a geostrategic interest of the Colombian State

The purpose of this research article is to determine the geostrategic relevance for the Colombian State, reflected in policies, research and institutional architecture that covers the Antarctic continent. The argumentation and analysis are supported by primary and secondary sources, which allow visualizing the characteristics, conditions, contributions and projection of Colombia in the Antarctic Treaty System. As a working hypothesis, Colombia has identified Antarctica as part of a geostrategic interest -from a humanistic and investigative perspective- and has deployed a series of institutional efforts in the last 30 years to approach the understanding of the region. As conclusions, there is a clear oceanic, aerial, cyberspace, space, climatic and biological connection between Colombia, represented in public institutions -such as the Foreign Ministry and the Military Forces- and educational institutions -such as universities and research centers- and the Antarctica, inserting it in this way as a geostrategic interest of the country

Must we lose our biological connection to nature to endure changing times?

AbstractEarth has >8 billion people. Scholarly publications number nearly 7 million annually with >1 million in the life and biomedical sciences, and ≥52 professional journals specializing in conservation, ecology, or related disciplines. The challenges of applying ecological data to conservation and wildlife management can easily become overwhelming. Herein we offer reflective perspectives about the changing face of applied knowledge and engagement from our personal employment histories as ecologists working in agency, university, and non‐governmental organization (NGO) biologist positions. We suggest natural history will always be nature's glue, but knowledge steeped mostly in muddy boots and field biology are no longer the soup du jour of our profession. In many ways, new technologies have changed data collection and the scientific questions asked. Arguably, such change is not welcomed by all, but a change in overlap across decades is needed to sustain and improve upon how the planet's biological diversity can coexist with increasingly difficult human conditions. Given that 80% of the people in the United States live in urban areas, with similar numbers internationally, a future possibility may be an even greater divide between wild nature, ecological services, and enjoyment in the field. This is disturbing. Despite fundamental scientific insights that help understand critical components of the natural world, once society loses touch with nature, what will remain?

Rescuing error control in crosslinking mass spectrometry

Crosslinking mass spectrometry is a powerful tool to study protein-protein interactions under native or near-native conditions in complex mixtures. Through novel search controls, we show how biassing results towards likely correct proteins can subtly undermine error estimation of crosslinks, with significant consequences. Without adjustments to address this issue, we have misidentified an average of 260 interspecies protein-protein interactions across 16 analyses in which we synthetically mixed data of different species, misleadingly suggesting profound biological connections that do not exist. We also demonstrate how data analysis procedures can be tested and refined to restore the integrity of the decoy-false positive relationship, a crucial element for reliably identifying protein-protein interactions.

A Novel One-Pot Three-Component Approach to Orthoaminocarbonitrile Tetrahydronaphthalenes Using Triethylamine (Et_3N) as a Highly Efficient and Homogeneous Catalyst Under Mild Conditions and Investigating Its Anti-cancer Properties Through Molecular Docking Studies and Calculations

An efficient and environmentally friendly method for the one-pot synthesis of ortho-aminocarbonitrile tetrahydronaphthalenes has been developed in the presence of triethylamine (Et3N) as a homogeneous catalyst. The multicomponent reactions of benzaldehydes, cyclohexanone and malononitrile were carried out under mild conditions to obtain some ortho-aminocarbonitrile tetrahydronaphthalene derivatives. A broad range of structurally diverse benzaldehydes were applied successfully, and corresponding products (4A-L) were obtained in good to excellent yields (87-98%) in very short times (10-25 minutes). The present approach provides several advantages including simple workup, high yields, very mild reaction conditions, short reaction times, little catalyst loading and not requiring specialized equipment. Furthermore, with the help of computational chemistry and drug design methods, the anti-cancer properties of these compounds were studied and investigated. All the synthesized compounds bind to an agonist at the active site of the 3A8P protein, which leads to the inactivation of this protein and produces beneficial effects during cancer treatment. In synthesized compounds, the ligands establish hydrogen bonds with leucine A:728 residues through nitrogen, which has a very special and vital role in biological sciences and pharmaceutical connections. In this study, it was found that these compounds have the potential to become an oral anti-cancer drug.

Whole genome sequencing of a family with autosomal dominant features within the oculoauriculovertebral spectrum.

Oculoauriculovertebral Spectrum (OAVS) encompasses abnormalities on derivatives from the first and second pharyngeal arches including macrostomia, hemifacial microsomia, micrognathia, preauricular tags, ocular and vertebral anomalies. We present genetic findings on a three-generation family affected with macrostomia, preauricular tags and uni- or bilateral ptosis following an autosomal dominant pattern. We generated whole genome sequencing data for the proband, affected parent and unaffected paternal grandparent followed by Sanger sequencing on 23 family members for the top 10 candidate genes: KCND2, PDGFRA, CASP9, NCOA3, WNT10A, SIX1, MTF1, KDR/VEGFR2, LRRK1, and TRIM2 We performed parent and sibling-based transmission disequilibrium tests and burden analysis via a penalized linear mixed model, for segregation and mutation burden respectively. Next, via bioinformatic tools we predicted protein function, mutation pathogenicity and pathway enrichment to investigate the biological relevance of mutations identified. Rare missense mutations in SIX1, KDR/VEGFR2, and PDGFRA showed the best segregation with the OAV phenotypes in this family. When considering any of the 3 OAVS phenotypes as an outcome, SIX1 had the strongest associations in parent-TDTs and sib-TDTs (p=0.025, p=0.052) (unadjusted p-values). Burden analysis identified SIX1 (RC=0.87) and PDGFRA (RC=0.98) strongly associated with OAVS severity. Using phenotype-specific outcomes, sib-TDTs identified SIX1 with uni- or bilateral ptosis (p=0.049) and ear tags (p=0.01), and PDGFRA and KDR/VEGFR2 with ear tags (both p<0.01). SIX1, PDGFRA, and KDR/VEGFR2 are strongly associated to OAVS phenotypes. SIX1 has been previously associated with OAVS ear malformations and is co-expressed with EYA1 during ear development. Efforts to strengthen the genotype-phenotype co-relation underlying the OAVS are key to discover etiology, family counseling and prevention.

Serum lipid level as a biomarker in depressive disorder: A cross-sectional case control study

Objectives: This study investigates the potential of serum lipids as markers for depression, specifically focusing on symptoms such as suicidal ideation and anhedonia. In the context of advancing psychiatric biomarker research, this study aims to identify lipid-related markers and their underlying biological connections to depression, offering valuable insights for clinical practice and patient outcomes. Material and Methods: This case-control observational study was conducted over 18 months at a tertiary care center. The study enrolled patients aged 18–60 years diagnosed with depression attending outpatient and inpatient departments, totaling 100 subjects, including 100 cases and 100 controls, with gender and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls. Inclusion criteria for cases required depression diagnosis using the International Classification of Diseases-10-Diagnostic Criteria for Research criteria, while controls comprised healthy individuals within the same age range. Exclusion criteria encompassed comorbid psychiatric illnesses, substance use disorders (except tobacco), unstable medical conditions, lipid-lowering agent use, and a BMI over 30. Clinical assessments, including the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 item scale, Modified Scale for Suicidal Ideation, and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale-Clinician administered, were administered. Serum lipid parameters, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, were measured. Results: In a cross-sectional case-control study (n = 200), we examined serum lipids as potential depression biomarkers. Cases (n = 100) matched controls in age, BMI, and gender. Cases had lower TC (153.27 mg/dL vs. 171.34 mg/dL, P &lt; 0.01*). Serum TG and low-density lipoprotein also varied significantly with depression severity (P &lt; 0.01*). However, HDL levels remained consistent. No significant associations were found between suicidal ideation and anhedonia, and post hoc analyses revealed significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in lipid parameters across various depression severity levels. Conclusion: These findings suggest a complex relationship between serum lipids and depression, with potential implications for understanding the biological underpinnings of depression and its severity. However, there was no such relationship that was observed between serum lipids and anhedonia or suicidal ideation. These insights could inform clinical practices and improve patient outcomes in depression management.

In silico medicine and -omics strategies in nephrology: contributions and relevance to the diagnosis and prevention of chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been increasing over the last years, with a rate between 0.49% to 0.87% new cases per year. Currently, the number of affected people is around 850 million worldwide. CKD is a slowly progressive disease that leads to irreversible loss of kidney function, end-stage kidney disease, and premature death. Therefore, CKD is considered a global health problem, and this sets the alarm for necessary efficient prediction, management, and disease prevention. At present, modern computer analysis, such as in silico medicine (ISM), denotes an emergent data science that offers interesting promise in the nephrology field. ISM offers reliable computer predictions to suggest optimal treatments in a case-specific manner. In addition, ISM offers the potential to gain a better understanding of the kidney physiology and/or pathophysiology of many complex diseases, together with a multiscale disease modeling. Similarly, -omics platforms (including genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics), can generate biological data to obtain information on gene expression and regulation, protein turnover, and biological pathway connections in renal diseases. In this sense, the novel patient-centered approach in CKD research is built upon the combination of ISM analysis of human data, the use of in vitro models, and in vivo validation. Thus, one of the main objectives of CKD research is to manage the disease by the identification of new disease drivers, which could be prevented and monitored. This review explores the wide-ranging application of computational medicine and the application of -omics strategies in evaluating and managing kidney diseases.

Progestogen-driven B7-H4 contributes to onco-fetal immune tolerance

Immune tolerance mechanisms are shared in cancer and pregnancy. Through cross-analyzing single-cell RNA-sequencing data from multiple human cancer types and the maternal-fetal interface, we found B7-H4 (VTCN1) is an onco-fetal immune tolerance checkpoint. We showed that genetic deficiency of B7-H4 resulted in immune activation and fetal resorption in allogeneic pregnancy models. Analogously, B7-H4 contributed to MPA/DMBA-induced breast cancer progression, accompanied by CD8+ Tcell exhaustion. Female hormone screening revealed that progesterone stimulated B7-H4 expression in placental and breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, progesterone receptor (PR) bound to a newly identified -58 kb enhancer, thereby mediating B7-H4 transcription via the PR-P300-BRD4 axis. PR antagonist or BRD4 degrader potentiated immunotherapy in a murine B7-H4+ breast cancer model. Thus, our work unravels a mechanistic and biological connection of a female sex hormone (progesterone) to onco-fetal immune tolerance via B7-H4 and suggests that the PR-P300-BRD4 axis is targetable for treating B7-H4+ cancer.

O-180 On being whole – fantasy and the unthought known

Abstract Timo Ramu unexpectedly discovered, through a DNA test meant for a lighthearted exploration of ethnicity, that he was donor-conceived. From initially thinking he had no biological siblings, he found out he had 50 and counting. This revelation shocked his family and shattered his sense of identity. His parents, in trying to shield him, denied him knowledge of his true origin. He grapples with the implications of living in a "fantasy" crafted by others. The talk touches upon the importance of biological connections, the distinctions between biological and social relationships, and the profound impacts of withheld truths on trust and self-awareness.

Gut microbiota mediates ambient PM2.5 exposure-induced abnormal glucose metabolism via short-chain fatty acids

PM2.5 exposure has been found to cause gut dysbiosis and impair glucose homeostasis in human and animals, yet their underlying biological connection remain unclear. In the present study, we aim to investigate the biological significance of gut microbiota in PM2.5-induced glucose metabolic abnormalities. Our results showed that microbiota depletion by antibiotics treatment significantly alleviated PM2.5-induced glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, as indicated by the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, glucose-induced insulin secretion, insulin tolerance test, insulin-induced phosphorylation levels of Akt and GSK-3β in insulin sensitive tissues. In addition, faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from PM2.5-exposed donor mice successfully remodeled the glucose metabolism abnormalities in recipient mice, while the transplantation of autoclaved faecal materials did not. Faecal microbiota analysis demonstrated that the composition and alpha diversity of the gut bacterial community were altered by PM2.5 exposure and in FMT recipient mice. Furthermore, short-chain fatty acids levels analysis showed that the circulating acetate was significantly decreased in PM2.5-exposed donor and FMT recipient mice, and supplementation of sodium acetate for 3 months successfully improved the glucose metabolism abnormalities induced by PM2.5 exposure. These results indicate that manipulating gut microbiota or its metabolites could be a potential strategy for preventing the adverse health effects of ambient PM2.5.

Qinqin 親親 as Optimizing Symbiosis: Authenticity and Diversity in Contemporary Chinese Families

This article explores the concept of qinqin 親親 (familial closeness) within Chinese culture, challenging traditional definitions of family through the lens of authenticity and diversity. It critically examines Roger Ames’ concept of optimizing symbiosis and Sun Xiangchen's analysis of qinqin in familial being-between-generations. Through Ames’ concept of zoetological difference, the author exposes possible misunderstandings of qinqin and its root shengsheng 生生 (incessant living, growing, birthing) as something merely biological or dogmatic, as well as practical consequences of those misunderstandings both historically and contemporarily. Ames’ and Sun’s concepts are used to counter these misunderstandings. By analyzing familial relationships beyond mere biological connections and patriarchal dogmas, the author argues for a broader understanding of family that includes non-traditional structures like DINK and LGBTQ families. The article then opens up the possibility of forming non-patriarchal families while preserving the zoetological-existential urge to keep meaning and love flowing between generations.