Biometric Analysis Research Articles

Anti-Inflammatory effect of INSL-3 on experimental arthritis model and LPS-induced macrophage cell line

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease that affects the joints of approximately 1 % of the population worldwide and is seen 2–4 times less in males. INSL3 is a gender-specific peptide hormone produced much higher in males than in females and may have an anti-inflammatory role in RA. So, in this study, it was aimed to determine the possible anti-inflammatory effect and dose of insulin-like factor-3(INSL3) in an experimental Complete Freund’s adjuvant(CFA)-induced RA male rat model and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced macrophage cell line and compare it with prednisolone therapy. For in vivo experiments, 48 male mice were randomly divided into 6 groups with 8 subjects in each group: Control group, Arthritis group, Arthritis + Prednisolone(10 mg/kg) group, Arthritis + INSL3(0.08–0.8–8 μg/day) groups. Joint tissue samples obtained from sacrificed subjects were examined by histochemical and immunohistochemically methods after biometric analyses, arthritis severity scoring, and thermal latency experiments. LPS-induced macrophage cells were also treated with prednisolone(1 µg/ml) and INSL3(50–100-200 nM). Cell viability, cell morphology, and TNF-α and IL-6 immune reactivity were evaluated. According to the data obtained from in vivo analyses, it was seen that INSL3 reduced the paw diameter and arthritis severity scoring, degenerative changes, and inflammation and increased the thermal latency, compared to the arthritis group, although not as much as the prednisolone treatment group. In vitro analyses showed that high doses of INSL3 had positive effects on cell viability, morphology, TNF-α, and IL-6 immune reactivity. In conclusion, it was determined that the anti-inflammatory effect of INSL3 was not as pronounced as prednisolone, but it had a more favorable impact on macrophage cell viability and morphology. It was concluded that INSL3 may be a protective therapeutic agent in combination with existing treatment protocols in treating many autoimmune diseases.

Morphometric Tomographic Analysis of the Head of the Tridactyl Humanoid Specimen from Nasca-Peru

Objective: To report the tomographic and morphometric analysis of the head of the tridactyl humanoid specimen from Nazca, Peru. Method: A qualitative case study approach. RadiAnt DICOM Viewer software version 4.2.1 was used to analyze lengths, diameters, and volume in tomographic images of the head. The morphological biometric analysis applied anthropometric methods using some craniometric points and cephalometric angles. Results and Discussion: As a result, it is reported that there are atypical, strange, and exceptional morphometric imaging features in the cephalic segment of specimen M01. The cephalometric analysis based on the ANB angle revealed a class II skeletal pattern, and according to the Bjorl-Jarabak analysis, it has a convex facial profile with hypodivergent growth (brachyfacial). The patient also has maxillary biprotrusion, severe protrusion of upper and lower incisors, loss of teeth, presence of root remnants, severe dental abrasion, non-assessable canine class, absence of three third molars and ocular protrusion. Based on craniometric points, the SNA angle (Sella, Nasion and Point A) and the SNB angle (Sella, Nasion and Point B) maxillary protrusion and mandibular protrusion were diagnosed. Implications of the research: It is concluded that the combination of uncommon morpho-anatomical features in the maxillofacial and cranial massif do not correspond to a human craniofacial biotype, but could be considered as suggestive findings of morpho-anatomical features typical of a hominid species similar to humans. Originality/Value: The expansion of biometric and morphoanatomical data of the head reinforces the hypothesis that morphologically it would be a non-human hybrid species.

Preliminary Assessment of Macrobenthos Associated with Red Coral Corallium rubrum (Linnaeus, 1758) Populations in the Northeastern Ionian Sea

The taxonomic composition, structure, and distribution patterns of the macrobenthos associated with Corallium rubrum were studied along the coast of Taranto (Ionian Sea), together with the main features of their red coral population. Underwater video transects were performed by professional divers at three sites in correspondence with coralligenous formations at depths from 50 to 65 m. The results revealed a patchy distribution of red coral, with colonies predominantly located in cavities on sub-vertical cliffs and large boulders. Biometric analysis indicated that young colonies predominated at all sites, while older colonies were lacking, likely because of illegal harvesting. The lower density values were recorded at S1, while S2 and S3 presented higher values. A total of 76 taxa were recorded. S1, the shallowest site, showed a prevalence of calcareous algae, while S2 and S3 showed a greater abundance of filter-feeding invertebrates (Porifera and Cnidaria) with the highest presence of Porifera at S3. The results emphasize the heterogeneity of the macrobenthos together with the high vulnerability of the red coral population, highlighting the necessity of site-specific conservation strategies to contribute to the conservation and management of benthic ecosystems in the northern Ionian Sea.

Exploring consumer acceptability of leafy greens in earth and space immersive environments using biometrics

Novel research on food perception is required for long-term space exploration. There is limited research on food/beverage sensory analysis in space and space-simulated conditions, with many studies presenting biases in sensory and statistical methods. This study used univariate and multivariate analysis on data from pick-and-eat leafy greens to assess self-reported and biometric consumer sensory analysis in simulated microgravity using reclining chairs and space-immersive environments. According to ANOVA (p < 0.05), there were significant differences between interaction room × position for head movements; besides, there were non-significant differences in the interaction samples × environment. On the other hand, there were significant differences in the sample×position interaction for all liking attributes. Results from multivariate analysis showed effects on self-reported, physiological, and emotional responses of samples in space-related positions and environments related to sensory perception changes. Non-invasive biometrics could offer a powerful tool for developing digital twins to assess genetically modified plants and plant-based food/beverages for long-term space exploration.

Biostratigraphic implications of the Valanginian to Lower Hauterivian benthic foraminifers from the Vergol/La Charce composite Section (southeast France, Vocontian Basin)

The well-exposed Valanginian to Lower Hauterivian sequences of the Vocontian Basin (South-East France) are revisited based on a micropalaeontological study of material collected in the Vergol and La Charce sections. A total of 528 tests of benthic foraminifers were recorded in good state of preservation. A biometric analysis of the species Dorothia hauteriviana is proposed in order to identify its morphotypes and their biostratigraphic significance. This study aims to identify benthic foraminiferal assemblages and to propose an integrated biostratigraphy along the Valanginian to Hauterivian sequence of the Vergol and La Charce sections (Vocontian Basin). Two foraminiferal assemblages have been recognized. The Lenticulina nodosa foraminiferal assemblage ranges from the lower Valanginian to the basis of the upper Valanginian Saynoceras verrucosum ammonite standard zones (StZ). The Lenticulina busnardoi foraminiferal assemblage is recorded from the second half of S. verrucosum to the top of Neocomites peregrinus StZ. The current study shows that the Vergol and La Charce composite section represents a complete segment of Valanginian to Lower Hauterivian foraminiferal assemblages, and records several changes in taxonomic biodiversity and dynamics of population for this interval.

Ultrasound assessment of biometric parameters of the head and brain and Doppler indices in cerebral arteries in sheep in the prenatal period

The aim of this study was to perform a biometric analysis of the head in sheep embryos/fetuses and to determine Doppler parameters in the middle cerebral artery and umbilical artery in 12 prenatal sheep. Using B-Mode ultrasound, the biparietal distance (BPD), occipital-nasal length (ONL), eye length and width, choroid plexus width, and turbinate complex width were determined. Peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), PSV/EDV ratio, resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) were also determined. From the 26th to the 110th day of pregnancy, a progressive increase in BPD and ONL was observed (p<0.01 and p<0.05). The width of the choroid plexus increased until the 96th day of pregnancy (p<0.01 and p<0.05). The PSV in the MCA during the last period of pregnancy was higher than in the first period of pregnancy (p<0.05). A similar trend was noted for EDV (p<0.01). PSV/EDV, RI and PI at the end of pregnancy were the lowest. In the first period of pregnancy, EDV was higher in the MCA than in the UA (p<0.01), but in subsequent periods these differences were reversed (p<0.05, p<0.01). In the first stage of pregnancy, RI and PI in the MCA were lower than in the UA (p<0.01) but in subsequent periods of pregnancy these differences were reversed. The results indicate that several parameters that indicate changes in the heads of prenatal sheep can be detected ultrasonographically.

Biometric analysis of the cranial features of common voles

Although cranial bones reliably identify the features of mammals, these traits can be affected by sex, population size and seasonality. This paper biometrically analyses the cranial features of the common vole. The research sample consisted of adult (n = 134), subadult (n = 57), of western Slovakia. Overall, software based on the highlighted marks measured 29 cranial features. Significant sexual dimorphism was observed for three features in adult individuals (width of the maxillary tooth row – right side “WMTRR”, maximum height of the mandibula excluding coronoid process “AMdm” and coronoid height of the mandibula “AMd”) and four features in subadults (length of the tooth row in the maxilla “LOSD”, “WMTRR”, length of the molar “LoM” and alveolar length of the lower molars “ALLM”). Results showed a significant positive relationship between body weight and cranial size in 18 of the 29 features. They also suggested a weak but significant positive effect of common vole abundance on cranium size (Chitty effect) likewise in 6 of the 29 features. In several cases, this effect affects, in addition to the abundance, the onset of sexual maturity of individuals.

A review of the genus Eugaster Serville, 1838 (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae, Hetrodinae): a multifaceted approach

Overall coloration, size and thoracic morphology have formed the basis for taxonomic differentiation of taxa within the genus Eugaster at specific or subspecific levels over the years. The present study employs a range of methods to examine the morphology of 58 specimens (18♂♂ and 40♀♀) from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, collected from altitudes varying between 10 and 1795 metres AMSL. Moroccan sampling sites include localities on both the north and south of the High Atlas and from either side of the Middle Atlas, i.e., the Anti-Atlas, Western Meseta and High Plateau. The various techniques involve the characterisation of the five key colour forms and an investigation to examine links between colour form and geographical location and altitude, biometric analysis comprising selected variables, thoracic structure examination through feature extraction and edge detection, microscopy to examine male stridulatory files, an examination of the male genital sclerite structure for the presence of titillators, as well as molecular and phylogenetic analysis. Statistical tests are performed for results pertaining to biometrics, thoracic skeletisation, and the number of pegs on stridulatory organs. From results obtained, this study finds no basis to support the notion of the various taxa described in the past being assigned the rank of species and considers these to be infraspecific variants or forms. Consequently, the present authors propose to synonymise Eugaster guyoni (Serville, 1838) with Eugaster spinulosa (Johannson, 1763), resulting in the genus Eugaster being represented in North Africa by a unique but highly variable taxon, in terms of coloration, size and thoracic morphology.

Sex differences in reduction of trunk muscle mass related to falls and cognitive function during the COVID-19 pandemic in older adults.

This study aimed to examine the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical components and activity, and its relationship to physical performance in older adults. Sixty-seven participants aged 75 and older (81 ± 2 years, female: 66%), who underwent medical checkups continuously from 2018 to 2022 in one clinic, were enrolled. Muscle mass was assessed by the biometrical impedance analysis method, which was adjusted by height squared. Physical, oral, and cognitive performance data were obtained from Japanese standard questionnaires at medical checkups. Values obtained in 2018 and 2019 were defined as pre-pandemic, and those in 2021 and 2022 were defined as during the pandemic. Body weight, grip strength, and skeletal mass index did not change from 2018 to 2022, but trunk muscle mass index decreased significantly. A difference in the trunk muscle mass index (TMI) was observed between 2022 and 2018/2019 in men; however, a significant difference was found between 2021 and 2022 in women. Compared with the pre-pandemic period, TMI during the pandemic decreased only in men. The difference in TMI between the pre-pandemic period and during the pandemic (ΔTMI) was significantly decreased in participants with low physical activity and poor oral performance before the pandemic, and in those with falls and poor cognitive function during the pandemic only in men. Reduction of trunk muscle mass was related to falls and poor cognitive function during the COVID-19 pandemic in older male adults. These data suggest that the difference in response to the COVID-19 pandemic between men and women necessitates different types of support for older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 1060-1066.

Systematics and paleobiology of new bison occurrences from the Late Pleistocene of central Mexico

This study presents new findings of bison remains associated with alluvial plains in central Mexico dating back to the Late Pleistocene. These discoveries encompass eight sites in Hidalgo (Conejos, Ventoquipa, Barranca del Berrendo, Barranca Jagüey Viejo, Las Cajas, El Barrio, Monte Alegre, and San Gabriel Azteca) and two sites in Puebla (Barranca Policarpio and Barranca Xocoa). Biometrical analysis was conducted on the herein studied material, consisting of a horn core fragment, a skull fragment, two mandible fragments, five isolated teeth, and several postcranial remains. A comparative study with selected specimens indicates the presence of Bison antiquus and B. cf. latifrons. The record represents the first reported occurrences of these species for the states of Hidalgo and Puebla respectively. Furthermore, the analysis of carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) isotopes in tooth enamel apatite from the material of Hidalgo and Puebla was used to characterize the bison's diet and habitat, providing evidence of the flexible dietary regime observed in Pleistocene bison populations and that were common inhabitants of mixed environments. Body mass estimation of some individuals (average weight ≈ 450 kg) is in the lower limit of B. antiquus populations from the Late Pleistocene of North America. New knowledge about the geographical presence of Bison antiquus and B. cf. latifrons in central Mexico is provided. Comparison with another bison record of these species from North America suggests a biochronological delay between them, representing a younger time interval for Bison antiquus (maximum age at 50 ka), allowing us to biostratigraphically constrain some Mexican localities containing bison remains.

Using Full Dive Virtual Reality to Operationalize Warfighter Resilience: From Proof of Concept and Usability of Hardware and Software to Upcoming Integrated Psychological Skills Training.

Modern warfare operations are volatile, highly complex environments, placing immense physiological, psychological, and cognitive demands on the warfighter. To maximize cognitive performance and warfighter resilience and readiness, training must address psychological stress to enhance performance. Resilience in the face of adversity is fundamentally rooted in an individual's psychophysiological stress response and optimized through decreased susceptibility to the negative impact of trauma exposure. The current project aims to optimize warfighter expertise, resilience, adaptability, and performance by utilizing a validated Full Dive Virtual Reality (FDVR) training platform to provide high-fidelity, safe, and scalable, controlled stress exposure in highly realistic simulated training scenarios with the most advanced, immersive technology available. Following Institutional Review Board approval and consent, 2 operators were fitted with high-fidelity virtual reality headsets with hand and eye tracking, full-body haptic feedback suits, a 360° omnidirectional treadmill, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared biometric monitors. Following acclimation, operators were placed in an industrial fire scenario and instructed to respond as a firefighter and paramedic, to search for and resuscitate any casualties, extinguish the fire, and exfiltrate safely. Following initial acclimation and after each demonstration (n = 2), 3 semistructured interviews asked operators their perceptions and experiences related to FDVR, focusing on usability, feasibility, and safety. Biometric data were continuously recorded using the Caretaker Medical VitalStream. Proof-of-concept (POC) testing proved that the FDVR training platform is usable, safe, and feasible. It creates an immersive environment with physiological responses to mimic realistic Mass Casualty Events (MCEs). Using a case study approach, transcript data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Three major themes emerged: Sensory deficits reduced realism, but sensory feedback improved fidelity, vestibular discord affected the virtual reality experience but only when the system did not respond naturally to operator movement after acclimation, and movement accommodations were made by operators to enhance usability, especially for fine motor movements. Biometric data analysis correlated timestamps from the VitalStream unit with operator responses to stress-inducing events (i.e., explosions, fires, and a deceased victim). Both operators exhibited significant physiological responses, including elevated heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure, particularly following explosions, encountering fire, and encountering the deceased victim within the training environment. The FDVR training platform overcomes the obstacles of in-person simulation training and provides the closest to real-life experience available. It will allow warfighters to train with their teams in immersive environments that replicate the conditions in which they are expected to perform their duties. The POC demonstrated that physiological responses can be mapped to scenario events to allow tracking of stress responses, cognitive load, as well as performance, and decision-making of the warfighter. The POC only involved 2 operators, but served to prove that the platform was safe and effective. Future testing plans to include 200 warfighters in operational teams of 10 to 12 to further validate the training effectiveness of the FDVR platform.

An Analysis of Ocular Biometrics: A Comprehensive Retrospective Study in a Large Cohort of Pediatric Cataract Patients.

Objectives: This study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of ocular biometric parameters in pediatric patients with cataracts to optimize surgical outcomes. By evaluating various biometric data, we seek to enhance the decision-making process for intraocular lens (IOL) placement, particularly with advanced technologies like femtosecond lasers. Methods: This retrospective comparative study included pediatric patients with cataracts who underwent ocular biometric measurements and cataract extraction with anterior vitrectomy at the Medical University of Vienna between January 2019 and December 2021. Parameters measured included corneal diameter (CD), axial length (AL), corneal thickness (CT) and flat and steep keratometry (Kf and Ks). The study explored the correlations between these parameters and IOL placement. Results: A total of 136 eyes from 68 pediatric patients were included in the study. Significant positive correlations were found between corneal diameter, age and AL. The mean CD was 11.4 mm, mean AL was 19.5 mm, CT was 581.2 ± 51.8 µm, Kf was 7.76 ± 0.55 mm and Ks 7.41 ± 0.59 mm, respectively. Older pediatric patients with larger corneal diameters and longer ALs were more likely to receive in-the-bag IOL implantation. Conversely, younger patients often required alternative IOL placements or remained aphakic. Our data indicated that over 95% of the study population and all patients aged one year and older had a corneal diameter of 10 mm or larger. Conclusions: Detailed ocular biometric analysis is crucial for optimizing both surgical outcomes and postoperative care in pediatric cataract patients. The positive correlations between CD, age and AL underline the importance of individualized surgical planning tailored to each patient's unique anatomical features. Additionally, our findings suggest that the use of a femtosecond laser is both feasible and safe for pediatric patients aged one year and older, potentially offering enhanced surgical precision and improved outcomes.

Time for a change? Investigating shifts in agricultural economies and food in southern-central Norway (11th -16th c. AD)

Cattle and, to a lesser extent, sheep/goat and pigs, were crucial components of Norway’s socio-cultural and economic dynamics in the Middle Ages. Zooarchaeological analyses of faunal samples from different urban sites reveal that changes in cattle husbandry practices occurred in Norway over the medieval period, and especially in its early phases. This is clearly demonstrated in the case of medieval Oslo, where an in-depth zooarchaeological study provides the first comprehensive review of cattle husbandry strategies. In the first centuries of the medieval period (11th -mid 12th c. AD), cattle were mainly raised for milk and meat production, while fewer young and more numerous older individuals, most of which probably oxen, were present from mid 12th -13th c. AD onwards. This hypothesis is supported by biometrical analyses of cattle postcranial bones, indicating changes in the sexual composition of cattle herds over time. Therefore, from ca. mid 12th -13th c. AD onward, cattle seem to have been more used for ploughing and, only once old, to have been culled for their meat. In turn, this evidence suggests that more arable lands had to be ploughed, especially in eastern and central Norway. Here, demographic growth and settlement expansion would have led to an increase in food demand; at the same time, more favourable climatic conditions might have contributed to an increase in the availability of arable fields. This article suggests that medieval Norwegian farming was not static as historically thought, but rather connected to wider-scale agricultural innovations characterising other parts of medieval Europe.

Phosphate fertilization to improve yield and chemical composition of banana ‘BRS SCS Belluna’ fruit

Phosphate fertilization improves banana yields, but due to the physiological effects of phosphorus on plants, it can also be used to improve the physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits, which can contribute to increasing the processing of green bananas and reducing losses in the production chain. Herein, the productivity of bunches and fruit, the biometric analysis of the fruit, dry matter content, and the chemical composition of immature fruit were evaluated when the cultivar BRS SCS Belluna (AAA) was grown under different levels of phosphate fertilization for two harvest cycles. The results showed that phosphate fertilizer levels interfered with bunch yield and fruit mass in both cycles, leading to yield gains of 44.3% (1st cycle) and 84.0% (2nd cycle) in bunches and 51.8% (1st cycle) and 81.9% (2nd cycle) in fruits. Fertilization promoted gains of up to 33.5% in fruit mass and enhanced the resistant starch content in the pulp, leading to an increase of 15.1%. The phosphorus, potassium, and calcium contents in green fruits increased with fertilizer levels in the first cycle, improving nutritional quality. These results have useful applications because they indicate that adequate management of phosphate fertilization can increase the potential of the cultivar for industrial processing of green fruits and the nutritional quality of the derived products.

Biometric analysis of Palmer mangoes

damages, resulting in a substantial waste of approximately 30% of the production. Among widely marketed varieties, the 'Palmer' cultivar stands out due to its flavor and coloration. The efficiency in the transportation and storage of these fruits is intricately linked to various attributes, especially their physical characteristics. In this context, the present study conducted a biometric evaluation of 145 'Palmer' mangoes harvested in Coxim, Mato Grosso do Sul. Parameters such as weight, length, width, and thickness of the fruits were analyzed using a semi-analytical balance and caliper. The results revealed that the mangoes produced in Coxim weigh around 396 g, with a length of 13 cm, width of 8 cm, and thickness of 7.5 cm. These measurements are smaller than the commercially marketed fruits of the same variety but larger than those of the Espada, Rosa, and Van Dyke varieties. Additionally, all analyzed variables showed a positive correlation, indicating that as one variable increases, the others also increase. This underscores the importance of special care in handling fruits throughout the supply chain, given their density of 0.534 g/cm³ and extensive contact area. These findings emphasize the pressing need for improvements in packaging, transportation, and storage processes to reduce losses and waste, thereby contributing to a more efficient and sustainable management in the mango supply chain.

Multimodal Biometric Analysis: Exploring Lip Print, Fingerprint, and Blood Group Correlations in the Firozabad Populations

Abstract Aim: This study aimed to establish a relationship between blood groups, fingerprint types, and lip prints that can be utilized to distinguish between genders when identifying a person. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among 200 female and male participants ages 28 of Firozabad-based populations. Along with the blood types, finger, and lip print patterns were also gathered. For statistical analysis, SPSS Normal H. Nie, standford, california, united states was employed. The qualitative factors’ frequency and percentages were determined. Results: In the present study, overall Type II lip print in males and Type III lip print in females, loop fingerprint pattern and blood group O(+)ve in both sexes were most prevalent, and our findings were matched with the study of Harsha and Jayaraj, in which Type II (39.9%), loops 27 (42.2%), and blood group O(+)ve were observed predominantly. Conclusion: Personal identification of an individual can be greatly aided by personal characteristics such as blood group type, fingerprints, and lip prints. The most frequent patterns in our study were the Type II lip pattern in the males and Type III lip pattern in females, blood group O+, and the loop fingerprint pattern.

ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE SPERMOGRAM INDICATORS OF MEN DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS WITH ASTENOZOOSPERMIA, TERATOZOOSPERMIA AND AZOOSPERMIA

In recent decades, a decline in male fertility due to deterioration in sperm quality hasbeen noted around the world. This is probably explained by the tendency to increase the diseasesof the male genital organs and, as a result, the increase in the percentage of male infertility.In addition, there is a deterioration of the quantitative and qualitative indicators of spermogramsin practically healthy men. The average number of sperm in the ejaculate of a healthy man hashalved over the past 50 years, and the average volume of ejaculate has decreased by one third. Itis known that the multicomponent composition of the internal male genital organs is in constantrestructuring due to age changes, functional activity and the influence of various factors. That iswhy it is important to take into account both physiological and age-related changes in a man'sability to conceive.Diagnosis of male infertility includes clinical research methods and methods of laboratory-instrumental examination. Among the latter, the most important for finding out the functionalstate of the gonads and the fertilizing ability of sperm is the study of ejaculate. The object ofour research was spermograms obtained during the examination of patients at the "AlternativeClinic" reproductive medicine clinic.The purpose of the work was using biometric analysis to the different indicators of menspermograms of younger, middle and older age groups with normozoospermia (N), asthenozoospermia(AZS), teratozoospermia (T) and azoospermia (A). The task of the research wasto analyze the main indicators of spermograms of men of different age groups in normal andpathological conditions, to conduct a one-factor and two-factor variance analysis of the influenceof the studied diseases and age factor.After analyzing the main indicators of spermograms of men of younger, middle andolder age groups with asthenozoospermia, azoospermia, and teratozoospermia, it was establishedthat the indicators that undergo the greatest deviations in the studied diseases are themobility of spermatozoa according to categories A and B, the morphology of spermatozoa, theFarris fertility index, and the activity of spermatozoa.After conducting a one-factor variance analysis, we established that the share of theinfluence of the studied diseases on the overall variability of such indicators of spermograms asthe mobility of spermatozoa according to category A and B and the morphology of spermatozoain the spermograms of men of the studied age groups is within 63–98% of the total contribution(younger age group), 60–96% (middle age group) and 75–96% (older age group). The shareof influence of unaccounted factors is within 2–40% of the total contribution. The share of theinfluence of the studied diseases in the overall variability of such indicators as the Farris index and sperm activity in the spermograms of men of all studied groups is significantly reducedand is within 22–44% of the total contribution. Instead, the influence of unaccounted factors(56–78% of the total contribution) is growing significantly. This may indicate the presence ofconcomitant diseases and other pathologies in the men who took part in the research.After conducting a two-factor variance analysis, we established that the shares of theinfluence of the studied diseases on the overall variability of such indicators of spermogramsas motility of spermatozoa according to category A and B, morphology of spermatozoa, Farrisfertility index and activity of spermatozoa are decisive and are within the range of 90.7–99.9%of the total contribution, the share of the influence of the age factor on the variability of spermogramindicators of men of different age groups is insignificant.

Biometric Characteristic Study of Green Lipped Mussel, Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) From Malad Creek, Mumbai, India

Biometric Studies are essential to understand the growth rate of the species which helps understand the growth patterns, reproduction rate and population distribution of the species. Growth patterns of molluscs help in evaluating their production potential and energy flows through populations and their distribution. Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) commonly known as the green-lipped mussel or the Asian green mussel belongs to the family Mytilidae. It is distributed along the Indo-Pacific region. They are attached to the rocky substratum along the coast, in the intertidal region. The Biometric Analysis and Length-Weight Relationship study was carried out on Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) to understand their growth rate and population distribution through the Coast of Mumbai. A total of 100 samples were used in this study. The correlation between the Total Weight of the Shell with the organism (WSO) to the Shell Length (SL), Shell Width (SW) and Shell Height (SH) and the correlation between the Soft Tissue Weight of the Organism (WO) to the Shell Length (SL), Shell Width (SW) and Shell Height (SH) gave an idea about the growth factors. The Relative Condition Factor was determined by equation W = aLb. The b values of each correlation showed negative allometric growth with p value to be p&lt;.001 with same significance in Pearson Correlation test. The Relative Condition Factor of WSO-SW and WSO-SL was observed to be above 1 indicating good growth conditions. Thus, biometric studies are a useful tool in study of Perna viridis (Linnaeus 1758) biology, physiology, ecology, growth potential, stock assessment, genetics and breeding of Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758).

The Influence of Maternal and Paternal Parenting on Adolescent Brain Structure

BackgroundAdolescents raised in families with different maternal and paternal parenting combinations exhibit variations in neurocognition and psychopathology; however, whether neural differences exist remains unexplored. This study used a longitudinal twin sample to delineate how different parenting combinations influence adolescent brain structure and to elucidate the genetic contribution. MethodsA cohort of 216 twins participated in parenting assessments during early adolescence and underwent magnetic resonance imaging scanning during middle adolescence. We utilized latent profile analysis to distinguish between various maternal and paternal parenting profiles and subsequently investigated their influences on brain anatomy. Biometric analysis was applied to assess genetic influences on brain structure, and associations with internalizing symptoms were explored. ResultsIn early adolescence, 4 parenting profiles emerged, which were characterized by levels of harshness and hostility in one or both parents. Compared with adolescents in “catparent” families (low harshness/hostility in both parents), those raised in “tigermom” families (harsh/hostile mother only) exhibited a smaller nucleus accumbens volume and larger temporal cortex surface area; those in “tigerdad” families demonstrated larger thalamus volumes; and those in “tigerparent” families displayed smaller volumes in the midanterior corpus callosum. Genetic risk factors contributed significantly to the observed brain structural heterogeneity and internalizing symptoms. However, the influences of parenting profiles and brain structure on internalizing symptoms were not significant. ConclusionsThe findings underscore distinct brain structural features linked to maternal and paternal parenting combinations, particularly in terms of subcortical volume and cortical surface area. This study suggests an interdependent role of maternal and paternal parenting in shaping adolescent neurodevelopment.

Tamanhos de parcelas e amostras para variáveis biométricas em mudas de alface

ABSTRACT: In order to ensure reliable inferences in scientific experiments, sampling criteria should be determined and defined during the experimental design phase. Determining plot and sample sizes without scientific criteria could result in resource and labor inefficiencies with no gain in experimental precision. In this work we estimate plot and sample sizes for biometric variable analyses in lettuce seedlings. The seedlings were sown in four expanded polystyrene foam transplant trays with 128 and 200 cells. Foliar area, stem diameter, shoot height, root length, root volume, root area, fresh and dry shoot and root masses. The methods described by Paranaiba (PARANAIBA et al., 2009) and Cochran (COCHRAN, 1977) were used for plot size and sample size estimations, respectively. Sample size varied according to the variables analysed and transplant tray cell number. Root variables required the highest number of samples. For a 10% margin of error, 12 seedlings were necessary for evaluations in a 128 cell tray, while 11 seedlings were required for analysis in 200 cell trays.