Extrinsic Factors Research Articles

Advances of the exposome at individual levels and prevention in atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD), or eczema, is an inflammatory skin disease related to environmental factors. As a heterogeneous disease, it presents with complex phenotypes and endotypes. A variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors can promote the development of AD. While there has been extensive discussion on environmental exposure at the population and community levels, discourse on exposome at individual levels in AD remains insufficient. For example, allergens, microorganisms, parasites, dietary factors, and psychological factors such as stress and anxiety play important roles in AD development. Microorganisms, in particular, exhibit altered composition and diversity on the skin of AD patients, influencing skin barrier integrity and immune responses. The impact of certain microorganisms, such as fungi and viruses, on AD has garnered increasing attention because of their important role in maintaining skin homeostasis. Dietary factors, including sugar intake and histamine-rich foods, may modulate AD risk and severity, although findings are controversial. Allergens, particularly house dust mite allergens, and aeroallergens, exacerbate AD symptoms by promoting inflammation and barrier dysfunction. Since AD is often the first step in the atopic march, its primary prevention measures are crucial. Some preventive measures involving microorganisms, diet, and moisturizers remain controversial. Effective preventive strategies necessitate a clear understanding of the complex mechanisms of AD, especially host-microbe-environment interactions. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding various risk and protective factors, as well as primary prevention measures for AD.

Different dry-wet pulses favor different functional strategies: A test using tropical dry forest tree species

In many terrestrial habitats, plants experience temporal heterogeneity in water availability both at the intra and inter annual scales, creating dry-wet pulse scenarios. This variability imposes two concomitant challenges for plants: surviving droughts and efficiently utilizing water when it becomes available, whose responses are closely interconnected. To date, most studies have focused on the response to drought following static designs that do not consider consequences of repeated transitions from one state to the other. In principle, different dry-wet pulse scenarios among years may differentially affect species performance, plant strategies, and promote coexistence through temporal niche separation. We predicted that short frequent droughts would disfavor drought-avoidant species, as rapid leaf loss and production could disrupt their carbon balance, whereas tolerant species, which maintain carbon gain during droughts, should thrive in such conditions. Prolonged droughts might harm tolerant species by causing severe cavitation. We assessed the survival and growth responses of seedlings from 19 tropical dry forest tree species to simulated natural dry-wet pulse scenarios, examining their relationships with the continuum of species’ functional strategies under field conditions, and used greenhouse experiments to accompany the field experiment. As expected, different dry-wet pulse scenarios favored different plant functional strategies. Contrary to predictions, the most tolerant outperformed the most avoiders under all drought scenarios, while rapid water-exploiters thrived under non-drought conditions. The superiority of tolerant over avoider species was reverted in the greenhouse, suggesting that in addition to physiology, the fate of species may depend on extrinsic factors as natural enemies. The interplay between the marked variability of dry-wet pulse scenarios across the years and the diversity of water use strategies may contribute to species coexistence in the tropical dry forests. This research is relevant in predicting changes in dominant tree species under future climate scenarios characterized by increased temporal variation in water availability.

Genetic Variation in the Atlantic Bobtail Squid-Vibrio Symbiosis From the Galician Rías.

Symbiotic marine bacteria that are transmitted through the environment are susceptible to abiotic factors (salinity, temperature, physical barriers) that can influence their ability to colonize their specific hosts. Given that many symbioses are driven by host specificity, environmentally transmitted symbionts are more susceptible to extrinsic factors depending on conditions over space and time. In order to determine whether the population structure of environmentally transmitted symbionts reflects host specificity or biogeography, we analysed the genetic structure of Sepiola atlantica (Cephalopoda: Sepiolidae) and their Vibrio symbionts (V. fischeri and V. logei) in four Galician Rías (Spain). This geographical location is characterized by a jagged coastline with a deep-sea entrance into the land, ideal for testing whether such population barriers exist due to genetic isolation. We used haplotype estimates combined with nested clade analysis to determine the genetic relatedness for both S. atlantica and Vibrio bacteria. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) were used to estimate variation within and between populations for both host and symbiont genetic data. Our analyses reveal a low percentage of variation among and between host populations, suggesting that these populations are panmictic. In contrast, Vibrio symbiont populations show certain degree of genetic structure, demonstrating that the hydrology of the rías is driving bacterial distribution (and not host specificity). Thus, for environmentally transmitted symbioses such as the sepiolid squid-Vibrio association, abiotic factors can be a major selective force for determining population structure for one of the partners.

The Relationship Between Intrinsic, Extrinsic Factors, and Socio Economic Status With the Level of Pneumonia Among Toddlers at Paal V Health Center, Jambi City

ABSTRACT Pneumonia is the most significant trigger of infections leading to death in children globally. Every year, an estimated 921,000 children under the age of 5 die due to pneumonia. This study aims to determine the relationship between intrinsic, extrinsic, and socioeconomic factors with the level of pneumonia in toddlers at the Paal V Community Health Center in Jambi City. This study uses an analytical quantitative research method, with a cross-sectional study design. The respondents in this study were 87 toddlers (aged 0-59 months). Data analysis was conducted using chi-square statistical analysis. The research results show the p-value of intrinsic factors, namely age PR 0.447 (p=0.339), gender PR 0.747 (p=0.668), Exclusive Breastfeeding PR 4.474 (p=0.000), low birth weight PR 2.364 (p=0.064), nutritional status PR 5.250 (p=0.000), history of Vitamin A supplementation PR = 3.897 (p=0.002), history of ARI PR 3.687 (p=0.003), history of asthma PR 5.647 (p=0.008), history of tuberculosis TB 2.514 (p=0.033). Extrinsic factors such as household crowding density PR 5.778 (p=0.000), smoking behavior indoors PR 0.763 (p=0.11). Socioeconomic factors such as mother's education PR 3.055 (p=0.025), mother's occupation PR 0.753 (p=0.036), and household income PR 2.703 (p=0.04). There is a relationship between Exclusive Breastfeeding, nutritional status, history of Vitamin A supplementation, history of ARI, history of asthma, history of Tuberculosis, household crowding density, mother's education, mother's occupation, and household income with the level of pneumonia in toddlers in Jambi City in 2023. Meanwhile, there is no relationship between age, gender, history of low birth weight, and indoor smoking behavior with the level of pneumonia in toddlers in Jambi City in 2023. Keywords: Pneumonia, Toddlers, Intrinsic, Extrinsic, Socioeconomic

Intrinsic versus extrinsic contribution to intraindividual sweat rate variability of individual eccrine glands

The purpose of the current study was twofold. First, to determine the intraindividual variability of sweat rate per gland for a given skin location during exercise in the heat. Second, to determine the relative importance of intrinsic vs. extrinsic factors as the source of the intraindividual variability in sweat rate per gland. Sweat rate of individual eccrine glands on the forearm was measured following pilocarpine iontophoresis and during exercise in the heat. In five participants during exercise in the heat the measured sweat rate for individual forearm eccrine glands (n = 500) ranged from 0.5 nL/gland/min to 16 nL/gland/min, or over a 30-fold difference. The mean (SD) intraindividual coefficient of variation in sweat rate per gland was 36 (5)% and 49 (10)% (p = 0.008) following pilocarpine iontophoresis and during exercise in the heat, respectively. Such results suggest that intrinsic factors (i.e., sweat gland size and cholinergic sensitivity) contribute approximately three times more than extrinsic factors (i.e., sweat gland nerve fiber density and threshold amplitude) towards explaining the large intra-person variability in sweat rate per gland seen during exercise in the heat.

Attractiveness versus stickiness: Behavioural preferences of Drosophila melanogaster with competing visual stimuli

In nature, animals often encounter various competing stimuli and must make choices among them. Although the behaviour under two identical stimuli has been extensively studied for fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, how the appeal of one stimulus for the animals is influenced by the appeal of the other is not fully understood. In the present study, we systematically investigated this equation using a modified Buridan’s paradigm. We focused on the behaviour of fruit flies under asymmetric visual stimuli, i.e., two black stripes of different widths. We characterized two behaviour modes: (1) Attractiveness: moving toward a stripe in the inner area of the platform, and (2) Stickiness: staying around the edge near a stripe. Our results reveal that while Attractiveness of a stripe is primarily influenced by its own width and remains relatively independent of the opposite stripe, Stickiness is significantly affected by the width of the competing stripe. These findings suggest that the behavioural response of fruit flies to visual stimuli involves complex decision-making processes influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This study provides new insights into the cognitive and sensory mechanisms underlying visual preference behaviour in Drosophila and highlights the importance of considering multiple stimuli in behavioural assays.

Association of Neurokinin-1 Receptor Signaling Pathways with Cancer.

Numerous biochemical reactions leading to altered cell proliferation cause tumorigenesis and cancer treatment resistance. The mechanisms implicated include genetic and epigenetic changes, modified intracellular signaling, and failure of control mechanisms caused by intrinsic and extrinsic factors alone or combined. No unique biochemical events are responsible; entangled molecular reactions conduct the resident cells in a tissue to display uncontrolled growth and abnormal migration. Copious experimental research supports the etiological responsibility of NK-1R (neurokinin-1 receptor) activation, alone or cooperating with other mechanisms, in cancer appearance in different tissues. Consequently, a profound study of this receptor system in the context of malignant processes is essential to design new treatments targeting NK-1R-deviated activity. This study reviews and discusses recent literature that analyzes the main signaling pathways influenced by the activation of neurokinin 1 full and truncated receptor variants. Also, the involvement of NK-1R in cancer development is discussed. NK-1R can signal through numerous pathways and cross-talk with other receptor systems. The participation of override or malfunctioning NK-1R in malignant processes needs a more precise definition in different types of cancers to apply satisfactory and effective treatments. A long way has already been traveled: the current disposal of selective and effective NK-1R antagonists and the capacity to develop new drugs with biased agonistic properties based on the receptor's structural states with functional significance opens immediate research action and clinical application.

Effect of physiological and environmental factors on mosquito wingbeat frequency.

Wingbeat frequency may serve as a distinctive physical signature for identifying mosquito species. However, variation in wingbeat frequency within species may compromise reliability of wingbeat frequency-based mosquito identification. We examined the impact of mosquito density (number of females), time of day (day or night), gravid status, and age (days post-emergence) on the wingbeat frequency of three important vector mosquito species using infrared optical sensors. Wingbeat frequency of Culex quinquefasciatus was significantly higher (6.2% and 9.5%) for single females compared to groups of five and ten females, respectively, and 9.4% higher during the daytime compared to nighttime. Wingbeat frequency was also significantly higher for gravid Cx. quinquefasciatus (9.4%) and Aedes aegypti (1.4%) than nongravid conspecifics. Within a short age range (five to seven days post-emergence), wingbeat in Cx. quinquefasciatus did not vary significantly. Our results highlight that both extrinsic (density and time of day) and intrinsic (gravid status) factors contribute to wingbeat variation, potentially posing challenges for development of wingbeat profile libraries and the classification of unknown specimens. Traps that aim to use wingbeat frequency and target specific cohorts of the population (i.e., host-seeking or gravid females) will need to account for differences in wingbeat frequency due to multiple factors.

Engrailed-2 and inflammation convergently and independently impinge on cerebellar Purkinje cell differentiation

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have a complex pathogenesis thought to include both genetic and extrinsic factors. Among the latter, inflammation of the developing brain has recently gained growing attention. However, how genetic predisposition and inflammation might converge to precipitate autistic behavior remains elusive. Cerebellar structure and function are well known to be affected in autism. We therefore used cerebellar slice cultures to probe whether inflammatory stimulation and (over)expression of the autism susceptibility gene Engrailed-2 interact in shaping differentiation of Purkinje cells, key organizers of cerebellar histogenesis and function. We show that lipopolysaccharide treatment reduces Purkinje cell dendritogenesis and that this effect is enhanced by over-expression of Engrailed-2 in these cells. The effects of lipopolysaccharide can be blocked by inhibiting microglia proliferation and also by blocking tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor signaling, suggesting microglia and tumor necrosis factor alpha are major players in this scenario. These findings identify Purkinje cells as a potential integrator of genetic and environmental signals that lead to an autism-associated morphology.

The Influence of Motivation on Students' Participation in English-Speaking Activities at a University in Vietnam

This study investigates the influence of motivation on students' participation in English-speaking activities at a university in Vietnam. Recognizing that language proficiency, particularly in speaking, is crucial for students in a globalized world, the research examines how intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors impact students’ willingness to engage in speaking activities. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys and interviews with a sample of students from various academic disciplines. The findings reveal that intrinsic motivation—such as personal interest in mastering English and the desire for self-improvement—significantly enhances students’ active participation. Extrinsic factors, including the pressure of grades, social recognition, and future career opportunities, also play a role, though their influence is often dependent on the level of personal commitment to language acquisition. This study suggests that enhancing both intrinsic and extrinsic motivators can increase participation in English-speaking activities, thereby contributing to improved language proficiency. The results provide insights for educators to design more engaging and supportive language-learning environments that foster both forms of motivation among students.

Divergent Population Structure in Five Common Rockfish Species of Puget Sound, WA Suggests the Need for Species-Specific Management.

Quantifying connectivity between endangered or threatened marine populations is critical information for management and conservation, especially where abundance and productivity differ among such populations. Spatial patterns of such connectivity depend not only on extrinsic factors such as oceanography and bathymetry but also on intrinsic species-specific factors such as life history, demography and the location of glacial refugia. Nevertheless, population structure is often inferred from related or ecologically similar species. For example, the population structure in most rockfish species (Sebastes spp.) in the Salish Sea and the US West Coast is currently inferred from genetic data of three species that are known to hybridise in Puget Sound. Here, we determined the population structure and connectivity in five Puget Sound Rockfish species (Black [Sebastes melanops], Yellowtail [S. flavidus], Redstripe [S. proriger], Greenstriped [S. elongatus], and Puget Sound Rockfish [S. emphaeus]) from over 12,000 restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) loci. We found species-specific patterns of genetic differentiation, attributable to both extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Specifically, Black and Puget Sound rockfishes showed no genetic differentiation; Yellowtail and Greenstriped rockfishes were structured according to known geographic barriers; and Redstripe Rockfish revealed evidence for temporal genetic differentiation, suggesting irregular recruitment influences population structure. Only Yellowtail Rockfish followed the federal DPS boundaries generally assumed for rockfish, further emphasizing the importance of species-specific management for the effective recovery and management of these rockfish populations and of marine species in general.

Anti-Aging Effect of Traditional Plant-Based Food: An Overview

Aging is a complex process that involves many physiological mechanisms that gradually impair normal cellular and tissue function and make us more susceptible to diseases and death. It is influenced by intrinsic factors like cellular function and extrinsic factors like pollution and UV radiation. Recent scientific studies show that traditional plant-based foods and supplements can help mitigate the effects of aging. Nutraceuticals, which are dietary supplements with medicinal properties, have gained attention for their ability to prevent chronic and age-related diseases. Antioxidants like flavonoids, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, terpenes, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, minerals, etc. found in plants are key to managing oxidative stress, which is a major cause of aging. Well-known plant-based supplements from Bacopa monnieri, Curcuma longa, Emblica officinalis, Ginkgo biloba, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Panax ginseng have been found to possess medicinal properties. These supplements have been shown to improve cognitive function, reduce oxidative stress, improve overall health, and potentially extend life and enhance the excellence of life. The obtained benefits from these plant species are due to the presence of their bioactive secondary metabolites, such as bacosides in Bacopa monnieri, curcumin in Curcuma longa, ginsenosides in Panax ginseng, and many more. These compounds not only protect against free radical damage but also modulate key biological pathways of aging. Also, traditional fermented foods (tempeh and kimchi), which are rich in probiotics and bioactive compounds, support gut health, boost immune function, and have anti-aging properties. The molecular mechanisms behind these benefits are the activation of nutrient-sensing pathways like AMPK, SIRT/NAD+, and mTOR, which are important for cellular homeostasis and longevity. This review shows the potential of traditional plant-based foods and dietary supplements for healthy aging, and more studies are needed to prove their efficacy and safety in humans. Incorporating these natural products into our diet may be a practical and effective way to counteract the effects of aging and overall well-being. The foremost goal of this review is to emphasize the importance of supporting the body’s antioxidant system by consuming the right balance of natural ingredients in the diet.

Comparison of jaw arch size in stunting patients at Asemrowo Public Health Center

Background: The etiology of malocclusion is multifactorial; it can occur due to intrinsic, extrinsic factors, or a combination of both. Malnutrition, which is one of the extrinsic factors of malocclusion, is a frequent case in Indonesia. An example of a malnutrition case that commonly occurs in Indonesia is stunting in children’s growth and development, which can trigger malocclusions such as crowded teeth and bone crowding. Purpose: To identify the size of the dental arches in stunting sufferers at the Asemrowo public health center. Methods: In the study model of stunting patients, the length and width of the jaw arch were measured. The results of the measurements are then analyzed and compared with the data from the measurements of healthy children to see whether there are significant differences. Results: In terms of maxillary arch length, the 7-year-old age group yields p = 0.179. In terms of maxillary arch width, the 7-year age group yields p = 0.282. In terms of mandibular arch length, the 7-year-old age group yields p = 0.398. In terms of maxillary arch width, the 7-year age group yields p = 0.398. In terms of maxillary arch length, the 8-year age group yields p = 0.438. In terms of maxillary arch width, the 8-year-old age group yields p = 0.082. In terms of mandibular arch length, the 8-year-old age group yields p = 0.302. In terms of mandibular arch width, the 8-year-old age group yields p = 0.190. Conclusion: There is no significant difference between the length and width of the jaw arch in all age groups (p > 0.05).

Age-dependent regenerative mechanisms in the brain.

Repairing the adult mammalian brain represents one of the greatest clinical challenges in medicine. Injury to the adult brain often results in substantial loss of neural tissue and permanent functional impairment. In contrast with the adult, during development, the mammalian brain exhibits a remarkable capacity to replace lost cells. A plethora of cell-intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulate the age-dependent loss of regenerative potential in the brain. As the developmental window closes, neural stem cells undergo epigenetic changes, limiting their proliferation and differentiation capacities, whereas, changes in the brain microenvironment pose additional challenges opposing regeneration, including inflammation and gliosis. Therefore, studying the regenerative mechanisms during development and identifying what impairs them with age may provide key insights into how to stimulate regeneration in the brain. Here, we will discuss how the mammalian brain engages regenerative mechanisms upon injury or neuron loss. Moreover, we will describe the age-dependent changes that affect these processes. We will conclude by discussing potential therapeutic approaches to overcome the age-dependent regenerative decline and stimulate regeneration.

Microwave absorbing material of cobalt lanthanum ferrite: the contributions of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the microwave absorption properties

Microwave absorbing material of cobalt lanthanum ferrite: the contributions of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on the microwave absorption properties

Identifying internal and external factors of pressure injury in surgical patients: Literature Review

Introduction: Pressure injury (PI) induced by surgical interventions usually occurs within a few hours after surgery. This comprehensive study aims to identify internal and external factors of PI in surgical patients. Methods: The research used descriptive data from all the papers searched in ScienceDirect, CINAHL, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases, ensuring a thorough investigation. The review results were analyzed and grouped into intrinsic and extrinsic factors for pressure injury in patients with surgery.

Is that JPEG worth 70 million dollars? Value creation and perceptions of nonfungible tokens in a bubble economy

ABSTRACT Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have sparked questions about value. In our attempt to shed light on the value of NFTs, especially during their dramatic rise in the early 2020s, we develop a theoretical analysis of the extrinsic factors shaping NFT value based on a perfect storm of individual, social, marketing, and environmental factors. After detailing the effects of each of these factors in shaping NFT valuation, we develop a new understanding of value in a frenzy of celebrity influence, social media, decentralized authority, unregulated markets, marketing hype, and media magnification. We also articulate the intrinsic factors that still affect value as well. We argue that in the NFT bubble economy and its aftermath, extrinsic, social, and situational factors came to dominate valuation. We offer advice on how to make sense of value in the post NFT bubble and outline a research agenda that considers the role of cryptocurrency and metaverse.

The Potential Applications of Natural Colostrum in Skin Health

Skin is a crucial organ for preserving the body’s equilibrium. Like other parts of the body, skin also ages due to extrinsic and intrinsic factors, leading to several signs such as wrinkles, spots, and a decline in elasticity, causing a range of issues similar to those seen elsewhere in the body. Some of these factors include ultraviolet (UV) radiation, hormonal disorders, genetic factors, loss of moisture, metabolic disorders, exposure to chemicals, and smoking. Colostrum, which is the initial foremilk, has shown positive effects on the consequences of these factors. Its content is richer than mature milk and contains several beneficial components. For instance, it includes hyaluronic acid, a molecule that binds water and keeps the skin hydrated; lactoferrin, with high antimicrobial properties; immunoglobulins, which are responsible for immunity; growth factors, which increase the amount of collagen, the main protein type of the skin; and, finally, the telomerase enzyme, which maintains the telomere’s length and, thus, decelerates the aging process. It has recently become apparent that using skin products with natural ingredients is essential. Considering its nature, contents, and effects, colostrum stands out as an excellent material for the cosmetic industry, especially for the aging sector. Therefore, the aim of this review article is to demonstrate the potential application of natural colostrum in skin health and its usage in natural cosmetic products in the cosmetic sector.

Do penguins care about their neighborhood? Population implications of bioerosion in Magellanic penguin, Spheniscus magellanicus, at Martillo Island, Beagle Channel, Argentina.

Intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as bioerosion at nesting sites, regulate population dynamics and are relevant for the long-term conservation of penguins. Colony trends (between 2004-2022) were studied in a Magellanic penguin colony on Martillo Island, Beagle Channel, Argentina and compared between zones with contrasting degrees of erosion (high, medium, low). Individuals from each zone were characterized for foraging ecology, stress, and reproductive performance during the 2017-2018 breeding season to better understand the colony dynamics. Changes in nest abundance varied in magnitude between nesting zones with different characteristics of occupation time, density and erosion. Declines in nest abundance in the densest, most eroded and longest occupied zone suggests that environmental degradation may be limiting the colony's carrying capacity. A higher percentage of late breeders (probably younger breeders) occupied the less eroded and more recently occupied zone. Foraging, breeding and stress barely differed between zones. New individuals recruiting into the breeding colony select less-eroded zones, either to reduce competition for nests or to avoid other effects of erosion and high-density areas. If this is the mechanism behind the shift in numbers throughout the island, we expect the island to be progressively occupied to the west. If competition or other density dependent factors are at play, a time will come when the vacant east side will begin to be recolonized by younger individuals. However, if erosion or other long-term effects spread throughout the island, recolonization may not occur and the colony may ultimately be abandoned as individuals search for new breeding grounds. Erosion at the breeding site may be a key factor in regional population trends of this burrow nesting species, by following an extinction / colonization of new sites process.

Why HPV16? Why, now, HPV42? How the discovery of HPV42 in rare cancers provides an opportunity to challenge our understanding about the transition between health and disease for common members of the healthy microbiota.

In 2022, a bioinformatic, agnostic approach identified HPV42 as causative agent of a rare cancer, later confirmed experimentally. This unexpected association offers an opportunity to reconsider our understanding about papillomavirus infections and cancers. We have expanded our knowledge about the diversity of papillomaviruses and the diseases they cause.Yet we still lack answers to fundamental questions, such as what makes HPV16 different from the closely related HPV31 or HPV33; or why the very divergent HPV13 and HPV32 cause focal epithelial hyperplasia, while HPV6 or HPV42 do not, despite their evolutionary relatedness. Certain members of the healthy skin microbiota are associated to rare clinical conditions. We propose that a focus on cellular phenotypes, most often transient and influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, may help understand the continuum between health and disease. A conceptual switch is required towards an interpretation of biology as a diversity of states connected by transition probabilities, rather than quasi-deterministic programs. Under this perspective, papillomaviruses may only trigger malignant transformation when specific viral genotypes interact with precise cellular states. Drawing on Canguilhem's concepts of normal and pathological, we suggest that understanding the transition between fluid cellular states can illuminate how commensal-like infections transition from benign to malignant.