Biological Elements Research Articles

Health culture and the spread of epidemiological diseases in the desert environment

The environment is the medium in which man lives and exercises his activity and obtains the essential elements of his life including food, health, shelter and other various needs. On this basis, the environment is not merely isolated physical or natural elements. Rather, it is a set of material, social, and cultural resources through which man seeks to satisfy his biological needs as well as aiding him in creating a pattern of relations throughout his interaction with others. Moreover, he can simply develop and secure his future and that of his successor. In this vein, Parsons explains, "the natural environment is at a lower level of organic patterns, and it is the source of all the energy required by human life." Health and disease are a cornerstone of human interaction with their environment, where their activity is closely related to these factors. Essentially, health and disease are measures of the degree to which human groups can adapt to their environments in the presence of available biological, physical or cultural elements. The desert environment was one of the environments known for its harsh climate and nature.

Comparative Analysis of Enzymatic and Immunological Biosensors in Biomedical Applications

Biosensors are essential for transforming biological signals into electrical ones and have a wide range of uses in the biomedical, agricultural, and environmental fields. A biosensor is a device that combines biological and physicochemical elements to detect changes in physiological or biochemical states. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the development and application of enzymatic and immunological biosensors, emphasizing their significant role in environmental, agricultural, and biomedical sectors. By leveraging the unique properties of natural polysaccharides, particularly cellulose, for their construction, these biosensors offer enhanced biocompatibility, robust mechanical strength, and costeffectiveness. This study discusses the principles underlying biosensors, including their biological recognition elements, transduction mechanisms, and output systems. Enzymatic biosensors, characterized by their use of enzymes as bio receptors, and immunological biosensors, utilizing antibodies or antigens for the detection of immunocomplex formation, are evaluated in detail. Through comparative analysis, the paper highlights the diverse functionalities, sensitivities, and applications of these biosensors, ranging from glucose and hydrogen peroxide detection to monitoring of protein markers and E. coli bacteria. The study underscores the biosensors’ ability for facilitating rapid, incredibly sensitive, and specific detection capabilities, critical for advancing scientific diagnostics, environmental surveillance, and food protection.

Boron enabled bioconjugation chemistries.

Novel bioconjugation reactions have been heavily pursued for the past two decades. A myriad of conjugation reactions have been developed for labeling molecules of interest in their native context as well as for constructing multifunctional molecular entities or stimuli-responsive materials. A growing cluster of bioconjugation reactions were realized by tapping into the unique properties of boron. As a rare element in human biology, boronic acids and esters exhibit remarkable biocompatibility. A number of organoboron reagents have been evaluated for bioconjugation, targeting the reactivity of either native biomolecules or those incorporating bioorthogonal functional groups. Owing to the dynamic nature of B-O and B-N bond formation, a significant portion of the boron-enabled bioconjugations exhibit rapid reversibility and accordingly have found applications in the development of reversible covalent inhibitors. On the other hand, stable bioconjugations have been developed that display fast kinetics and significantly expand the repertoire of bioorthogonal chemistry. This contribution presents a summary and comparative analysis of the recently developed boron-mediated bioconjugations. Importantly, this article seeks to provide an in-depth discussion of the thermodynamic and kinetic profiles of these boron-enabled bioconjugations, which reveals structure-reactivity relationships and provides guidelines for bioapplications.

Biomarker-Guided Tailored Therapy in Major Depression.

This chapter provides a comprehensive examination of a broad range of biomarkers used for the diagnosis and prediction of treatment outcomes in major depressive disorder (MDD). Genetic, epigenetic, serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and neuroimaging biomarkers are analyzed in depth, as well as the integration of new technologies such as digital phenotyping and machine learning. The intricate interplay between biological and psychological elements is emphasized as essential for tailoring MDD management strategies. In addition, the evolving link between psychotherapy and biomarkers is explored to uncover potential associations that shed light on treatment response. This analysis underscores the importance of individualized approaches in the treatment of MDD that integrate advanced biological insights into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.

Sodium Hunger in the Amazon

Sodium is one of the biological essential elements for most animals; this element is required for growth

The Mata Cavalo/Brazil quilombo and the COVID-19 syndemic: racism and the right to (r)exist in question.

Quilombola communities have felt the effects of racism deepened by COVID-19, whose repercussions are amplified in contexts of racial inequalities, characterizing it as a syndemic. The term refers to the synergy of biological, economic, environmental, political, and social elements that enhance coexisting conditions and states, impacting life and affecting health. Thus, our study seeks to analyze the repercussions of the COVID-19 syndemic based on the perceptions of quilombola community leaders in Mato Grosso, Brazil. In a qualitative study, three leaders were interviewed in May 2022, using a semi-structured script and treating the data through thematic analysis. The COVID-19 syndemic highlighted the structural precariousness of transport, roads, sanitation, and access to water, food, and health services. Isolation, deaths, and fears had psychosocial repercussions, but little attention was paid to mental health. Anti-racist proposals call for: repairing precariousness by recognizing the State's debt to the black population; valuing experiences, way of life, cosmovision, and Afro-centered ancestral civilizational values. Finally, the aim is to strengthen, reaffirm, and implement anti-racist actions, such as the Statute of Racial Equality and the PNSIPN, in all possible spaces, policies, and institutions.

Lectin-conjugated nanotags with high SERS stability: selective probes for glycans.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanotags functionalized with lectins as the biological recognition element can be used to target the carbohydrate portion of carbohydrate-carrying molecules (glycoconjugates). An investigation of the optical stability of such functionalized SERS nanotags is an essential initial step before future application and quantification of surface glycan biomarkers on cells and extracellular vesicles. Herein, we report an innovative approach to evaluate the SERS stability of lectin-conjugated nanotags by investigating any possible interfering lectin-lectin interactions in a mixture of different lectin-conjugated SERS nanotags, as well as an assessment of lectin-glycan interaction by mixing wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-conjugated SERS nanotags with different glycoproteins. No lectin cross-reactivity was found in the mixture of lectin-conjugated SERS nanotags, evidenced by the constant SERS intensity. Additionally, the results showed that the lectins conjugated to SERS nanotags retain their ability to interact with glycans, as evidenced by the changes in the nanotag color and extinction spectra. Their SERS intensity remained constant as supported by finite-element method (FEM) simulation results, demonstrating a high SERS stability and selectivity of lectin-conjugated nanotags towards multiplex applications.

Development and study of the functional properties of marshmallow enriched with bee (Apis mellifera) honey and encapsulated probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus).

Consumer demand for healthier confectionery products has prompted the confectionery industry to create products that are reduced in sugar content and supplemented with vitamins, antioxidants or biological elements beneficial to health. The aim of this study was to develop marshmallows enriched with Apis mellifera honey and Lactobacillus rhamnosus and to evaluate the effect of honey concentration and gelatin bloom degrees on marshmallow properties. A completely randomized design with a factorial structure was applied with different honey concentrations (0, 50 and 75%) and at different gelatin bloom degrees (265, 300 and 315 bloom degrees); moreover, the physicochemical properties, total phenol content and antioxidant activity of the marshmallow were studied, as well as the viability of the probiotic. The physicochemical properties of the marshmallows were found to be adequate and showed good stability over time. The concentration of honey and gelatin bloom degrees did not significantly affect probiotic viability. The density of the marshmallows decreased as the percentage of honey increased. Additionally, the pH was lower at higher honey concentrations. The marshmallow with 75% honey and 265 bloom degrees had a higher °Brix value. The honey treatments exhibited higher levels of total antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds than the sugar-only marshmallows. However, the bloom degrees did not have a significant impact on the antioxidant activity and total phenolic compound content. Although the probiotics did not reach the minimum viability needed, their use as paraprobiotics can be considered.

Current Biological Knowledge, Applications, and Potential Use of the Desert Shaggy Mane Mushroom Podaxis pistillaris (Agaricomycetes): A Review.

Podaxis pistillaris, an abundant gasteroid mushroom, has become an important biological element in arid and semiarid communities worldwide. This mushroom possesses cosmetic, edible, and medicinal attributes, playing a crucial role in communities in countries such as Australia, India, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Mexico. Proximate studies highlight the nutritional richness of P. pistillaris, characterized by high protein content and essential bioelements such as K, P, and Mg. Furthermore, P. pistillaris is integral to the traditional medicine of indigenous communities in America, Asia, and Africa, where it is revered for its purported wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and coagulant properties. In the case of Mexico, the Seri community uses and markets P. pistillaris in various forms, including ointments and, within the region, its spores. Chemical analysis of this species reveals notable compounds, including epicorazines A-C exhibiting antimicrobial properties, along with polysaccharides such as β-glucans, and a recently identified ergosterol derivative named podaxisterol. Despite its importance, the chemical characterization and assessment of the biological activity of its compounds have been largely understudied. Consequently, there are currently no wound-healing products on the market derived from fungi, as the majority originate from plant sources. This work aims to present the essential aspects of P. pistillaris's ethnobiological use, medicinal properties, bioactive compounds, and biotechnological applications. In addition, it underscores the overlooked status of P. pistillaris among fungi inhabiting arid areas, emphasizing its potential as a valuable subject for further research.

Bird diversity in Gunung Tebu Forest Reserve: Biological data of environmentally sensitive area in east coast Peninsular Malaysia

Malaysia had developed guidelines to develop and conserve environmentally sensitive areas (ESAs), which mainly based on physical attributes, disregarding the biological elements. A recent study has identified ten potential biological parameters to be integrated into the ESA classification, especially for permanent forest reserve. However, the information on biological parameters is still scarce and inadequate, requiring extensive research on species diversity and its distribution especially on bird assemblages. Hence, a study on bird diversity was conducted over five sampling sessions from April to July 2023 in one of ESA permanent forest reserve, Gunung Tebu Forest Reserve, located in east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 76 species from 32 families were documented based on observation which is 51 species of the total species recorded, 31 species by mist-netting and 12 species with bird calling. The diversity (Simpson Index = 0.952 to 0.974, Shannon Index = 3.045 to 3.638) between sessions was compared. Based on Chao 2 estimator, the total species richness in the study area was estimated to be between 77 and 80 species. This comprehensive documentation highlights the previously underreported bird diversity in the forest reserve, emphasizing the need for including biological parameters as a classification attribute for environmentally sensitive area in Malaysia.

Discriminating Peripheral Blood and Menstrual Blood with Different Methods and Instrumentations

Abstract: The blood that flows throughout the body is referred to as peripheral blood. Erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and thrombocytes are the biological elements that can be extracted from human peripheral blood (platelets). Human peripheral blood-derived goods are crucial beginning points that are used in all areas of research and development. These products are used in numerous scientific disciplines, such as transplant and regenerative biology, microbiology, virology, oncology, vaccine development, toxicity, and immunotherapies. Regular vaginal bleeding that occurs as part of a woman's monthly cycle is referred to as her period, also known as menstruation. A woman's body gets ready to get pregnant every month. If there is no pregnancy, the lining of the uterus, often known as the womb, is lost. Blood and uterine tissue together make up the menstrual blood. The vagina is where it exits the body. Body fluid residues can yield incredibly insightful clues for forensic investigations. Bloodstains are particularly frequent in criminal investigations, and distinguishing between menstrual and peripheral blood is an important step for work on rape and sexual assault cases. This review study aims to outlines the criteria that forensic experts utilize to differentiate between menstruation blood samples and regular blood samples using various instruments and techniques.

Role of Archaeomalacological Research in Sri Lanka: A Synthesis

This article focuses on the role of malacological research in Sri Lanka and the significance it holds within the field of archaeology. We aim to explore and synthesize the diverse applications of malacology to understand past societies and environments that once thrived on the island. Malacology, the study of Mollusca, is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of biology, ecology, and archaeology. In the last fifty years, malacological research has gained traction within archaeological investigations, contributing valuable insights into human-environment interactions, subsistence patterns, and cultural dynamics. By integrating data from archaeological excavations with molluscan remains found at sites, researchers can reconstruct past environments, identify resource exploitation strategies, and shed light on human dietary choices. We explore the implications of malacological studies for understanding trade networks, migration patterns, and the socio-economic complexities of ancient Sri Lankan societies. We summarize existing literature on archaeomalacological research worldwide, as well as specific case studies conducted within Sri Lanka. By placing these findings within the broader context of Sri Lanka’s archaeology, this research aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps and contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the island’s rich cultural heritage, highlighting the pivotal role of archaeomalacology and its potential to enhance interpretations of past societies and environments. This synthesis seeks to examine the potential contributions of archaeomalacology in the understanding of Sri Lanka’s past.

2017–2020年广东南岭典型植被类型木本植物物种组成数据集

Plant species composition is a vital indicator for studying the structure and functioning of forest ecosystems. It constitutes an important component of the China Ecosystem Research Network (CERN) and the long-term monitoring of terrestrial ecosystem biological elements. It can be utilized to assess and monitor biodiversity levels, environmental changes, and ecosystem responses. It holds utmost significance for natural resource management and land-use planning, providing crucial foundations for scientific research, policy-making, and ecological conservation. Nanling, as a significant ecological barrier in China, harbors the largest area of forests at the same latitude. It encompasses various vegetation types, including subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests, subtropical mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests, and subtropical dwarf evergreen broad-leaved forests. Following the monitoring specifications for terrestrial ecosystem biological elements, this paper presents the original data of all woody plant individuals with a diameter at breast height (DBH) ≥ 1 cm, including their species names, DBH, height, and other relevant information. These data were obtained through two consecutive census surveys conducted by the Guangdong Nanling Forest Ecosystem National Field Scientific Observation Research Station from 2017 to 2020. After meticulous data organization, quality control, and evaluation, the dataset provides detailed information on typical forest communities in Nanling, including plot numbers, vegetation types, species names, Latin names, abundance, relative abundance, relative dominance, relative frequency, importance value, and year of survey. This dataset serves as local data for in-depth investigation into biodiversity, community structure, and functions of forest communities in Nanling. Moreover, it aims to provide fundamental support for forest management, environmental protection, natural resource management, and sustainable development in the region.

Estimation insecticidal action of Abamectin and Neem oil against Tuta absoluta insect (Lepidoptera : Gelechiidae)

Abstract
 Tuta absoluta insect is one of the pests that has spread recently as a major pest for many species of the nightshade family especially the tomato crop, as it was recorded as an imported pest in Iraq in 2009. The harmful role of this insect is the larvae, as the larvae work mines as a result of their feeding on the mesophyll layer in the crop leaves, which affects the process of photosynthesis, in addition to the holes they make in the stems and fruits, which quickly become infected with mold as a result of the action of pathogens . Based on the above, this experiment was conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of some biological control elements in management the tomato leaf miner T. absoluta, which may have an important role in reducing its spread. Laboratory biocontrol tests indicated that significant difference among the treatments compared to control for all used pesticides concentrations and all time durations also biocide abamectin was superior to the botaincal insecticide neem oil in mortality rates. Results showed that the relative effectiveness of pesticides increased with the increase in the concentration used for all pesticides, the highest mortality rates were at high concentrations of both pesticides used in the experiment also increased with increasing time period, larvae mortality at a concentration of 10% for neem oil was 68.55, and the larvae mortality at 0.50 concentration of abamectin was 67.50 after 24 hours of treatment, and this percentage began to increase until it reached (90% and 94.50%) for ( neem oil and abamectin) respectively after 72 hours of treatment.

Electrochemical Biosensors Composed of Polyethylenimine (PEI) and Graphene Derivatives for Rapid Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease

Graphene materials can be used as nanofillers in polymers to take advantage of graphene's suitable properties. Graphene-PEI composites are materials that combine the unique properties of graphene and PEI. These composites are made by combining graphene with PEI through physical or chemical method. The resulting material is characterized by enhanced mechanical properties, improved electrical conductivity and increased stability. By incorporating graphene into biosensor platforms, it can improve overall’s performance, including sensitivity, specificity and response. In this work, the detection of anti-βA40 biomarker was tested. Beta-amyloid peptide (βA1-40) was incorporated into liposomes of Dipalmitoyl Phosphatidylglycerol (DPPG) and was immobilized using Layer-by-Layer self-assembling technique on PEI_graphene derivatives composites. To obtain these composites it was utilized graphene oxide (GO) from Hummers’ method, it’s thermally reduced form (rGO) and also electrochemically exfoliated graphene (EEG). MilliQ water was added to the PEI to obtain a concentration of 2mg/mL and stirred for 30 min at room temperature for complete dissolution of the PEI. Then EEG, GO and rGO were added to PEI solution and subjected to ultrasonication in a Hielscher UP400ST sonicator, using the H14 probe for 30 minutes to obtain a homogeneous and stable dispersion.Carbon microelectrodes modified with PEI-graphene derivatives composites and (DPPG +Aβ-40) were used as biosensors platforms to detect anti-Aβ40 related to Alzheimer's disease. The assembly of the biosensors is shown in Figure 1. Cyclic Voltammetry was performed in three cycles, at a potential of -0.6 V to 0.6 V and scan rate of 0.05 V s-1 to evaluate the sensory response. The electrochemical measurements were performed with saline phosphate buffer solution (PBS). The morphology of PEI and PEI_graphene oxide can be seen in Figure 2. The large surface area of graphene allows for increased binding sites for bioreceptors, which may favor the adsorption of Aβ-40 peptide, improving signal transduction and sensitivity of the biosensor. The wettability of the composites was obtained through measurements of the static contact angle using the Ramé-Hart Contact Angle Goniometer (model 100-25-A). Figure 3 presents the contact angle for a film layer of the composites. All PEI_graphene derivative composites showed hydrophilic behavior (θ < 90°), PEI_EEG composite stood out as less hydrophilic (θ = 68°) among all composites. Hydrophilicity is essential in biosensors because it affects the interactions between the biological recognition elements and the target analytes, as well as the overall stability and reliability of the biosensor. Figure 4 presents the calibration curves using the normalized area obtained from cyclic voltammetry of the biosensors manufactured with 2 bilayers (PEI_graphene derivative/DPPG+Aβ40) and anti-Aβ40 biomarker in concentrations ranging from 1 ng mL to 5 µg mL-1. Among the tested PEI_graphene derivatives composites, the ones with EEG and RGO stood out in relation to pure PEI. Table 1 presents the adjusted R-square of the data in Figure 4. All composites, except PEI_GO, showed excellent linear fit, adjusted R-square close to 1 in the detection range between 1 and 1000 ng mL-1. The PEI_graphene oxide composite can be used in biosensors to enable rapid and efficient transduction of the binding signal, leading to improved detection performance. Figure 1

(Invited) Real Time Monitoring of Target Binding for the Development of Clinical Diagnostic Tests

Currently, there is tremendous interest in developing continuous monitoring systems for better managing health and disease. These platforms rely on readout methods that continuously monitor the presence of bioanalytes in physiological matrices. In this talk, I will discuss the development of new electrochemical signal readout methods that continuously monitor the binding of targets with biological recognition elements such as functional nucleic acids. We will discuss the application of these platforms to the detection of infectious pathogens as a model system, but will show the possibility of its extension to protein targets.

Contribuições da monitoria acadêmica na disciplina morfofuncional e práticas integradas no curso de medicina: Um relato de experiência

The Morphofunctional discipline combined with Integrated Practices within the Medicine course involves modalities composed of anatomy, cell biology, physiology, histology, histopathology, laboratory practices, addressing the main morphological, anatomical and functional aspects of cells, tissues, organs and systems of the body human.The Human Anatomy Monitoring Project plays an extremely important role in consolidating knowledge and developing greater interest in the area among monitored students, by allowing greater contact with practical environments, as well as with the experience of students in more advanced periods of the course. course. Monitoring activities take place in the morphofunctional and Integrated Projects (PI) laboratory, which has a large collection of synthetic parts that bear a great resemblance to cadavers, projectors, microscopes, incubators and storage locations for biological elements. Therefore, the present study corresponds to an experience report on the activities carried out by monitoring within the Morphofunctional and Integrated Practices discipline. The objective of the work is to report how the monitoring modality works at a Private University in the interior of the State of São Paulo, exposing the mutual contributions that such activity makes, both for students entering the course and for the monitors. In this way, the activities carried out during this helped the participating students to become more interested in the content of the discipline, understand the importance of anatomy and other areas for a medical career, in addition to developing a human, critical and reflective professional, with general skills established in health, decision making, communication and leadership.

Benthic foraminifera as bioindicators of marine pollution: A bibliometric approach to unravel trends, patterns and perspectives

Benthic foraminifera, single-celled marine organisms, are known for their wide distribution, high abundance and species diversity, test (i.e., shell) preservation in the sedimentary (e.g., historical) record, and sensitivity to environmental changes. Because of these characteristics, they have been widely used as bioindicators in environmental monitoring and, more recently, as Biological Quality Elements (BQEs) in the Ecological Quality Status (EcoQS) evaluation. The global scientific literature on benthic foraminifera as bioindicators was gathered from the Scopus database (overall 966 papers from 1973 to 2022) and explored with scientometric software. The outcomes highlight that the investigation of benthic foraminiferal response to pollutants started over 50 years ago. Indeed, not only the number of published documents has recently peaked (i.e., 2021 and 2022) but there has been also a growth in the percentages of papers falling within the Decision Sciences category that deals with the application of foraminiferal indices for the EcoQS assessment.

Simultaneously targeting extracellular vesicle trafficking and TGF-β receptor kinase activity blocks signaling hyperactivation and metastasis

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling drives metastasis and is strongly enhanced during cancer progression. Yet, the use of on-target TGF-β signaling inhibitors in the treatment of cancer patients remains unsuccessful, highlighting a gap in the understanding of TGF-β biology that limits the establishment of efficient anti-metastatic therapies. Here, we show that TGF-β signaling hyperactivation in breast cancer cells is required for metastasis and relies on increased small extracellular vesicle (sEV) secretion. Demonstrating sEV’s unique role, TGF-β signaling levels induced by sEVs exceed the activity of matching concentrations of soluble ligand TGF-β. Further, genetic disruption of sEV secretion in highly-metastatic breast cancer cells impairs cancer cell aggressiveness by reducing TGF-β signaling to nearly-normal levels. Otherwise, TGF-β signaling activity in non-invasive breast cancer cells is inherently low, but can be amplified by sEVs, enabling invasion and metastasis of poorly-metastatic breast cancer cells. Underscoring the translational potential of inhibiting sEV trafficking in advanced breast cancers, treatment with dimethyl amiloride (DMA) decreases sEV secretion, TGF-β signaling activity, and breast cancer progression in vivo. Targeting both the sEV trafficking and TGF-β signaling by combining DMA and SB431542 at suboptimal doses potentiated this effect, normalizing the TGF-β signaling in primary tumors to potently reduce circulating tumor cells, metastasis, and tumor self-seeding. Collectively, this study establishes sEVs as critical elements in TGF-β biology, demonstrating the feasibility of inhibiting sEV trafficking as a new therapeutic approach to impair metastasis by normalizing TGF-β signaling levels in breast cancer cells.

Health Impact of Indoor Air Quality: Biological, Physical and Economic Considerations

This article delves into the intricate realm of indoor air quality and its substantial influence on human health. This research investigates the intricate correlation between indoor environments and individuals' well-being by analyzing the interaction of biological elements (such as mold and pollutants), physical aspects (such as ventilation systems), and the economic ramifications of investing in enhancements to home air quality. This article emphasizes the significance of collaborative research and innovation in addressing the complex interplay between biology, physics, and home economics to promote healthier living environments. This is accomplished by synthesizing extant literature, employing methodologies from multiple disciplines, and analyzing the resulting outcomes.