Biological Influences Research Articles

General Perception: Multiple Influential Factors of Violent Crimes

This paper provides a general view of factors contributing to violent crimes and possible detection and prevention measures. Based on the published papers, the significant number of crimes and extraordinarily negative social impacts worldwide make the potential reasons worthwhile and necessary to explore. In this paper, four main aspects biological factors (genes, etc.), personality disorders, parenting styles (permissive parenting styles, etc.), and social or environmental influences (income level, etc.) are summarized and discussed respectively. Although factors are discussed separately, a combination of several variants should usually be counted when analyzing aggressive behavior. Based on the known factors, specific early detection methods, such as family crime history or detecting dysfunction of specific brain structure, and preventive measures, such as counseling, are suggested and able to implement in the future to lower the rate of crimes and minimize costs of crimes, whether for the victims or the society.

Biological fractionation of lithium isotopes by cellular Na+/H+ exchangers unravels fundamental transport mechanisms

Lithium (Li) has a wide range of uses in science, medicine, and industry, but its isotopy is underexplored, except in nuclear science and in geoscience. 6Li and 7Li isotopic ratio exhibits the second largest variation on earth's surface and constitutes a widely used tool for reconstructing past oceans and climates. As large variations have been measured in mammalian organs, plants or marine species, and as 6Li elicits stronger effects than natural Li (∼95% 7Li), a central issue is the identification and quantification of biological influence of Li isotopes distribution. We show that membrane ion channels and Na+-Li+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) fractionate Li isotopes. This systematic 6Li enrichment is driven by membrane potential for channels, and by intracellular pH for NHEs, where it displays cooperativity, a hallmarkof dimeric transport. Evidencing that transport proteins discriminate betweenisotopes differing by one neutron opens new avenues for transport mechanisms, Li physiology, and paleoenvironments.

Changes in Ocular Biometric Parameters During the Menstrual Cycle-A Prospective Study

Introduction: The cyclic hormonal changes have a significant biological influence on the female body. Plasma estrogen levels increase during ovulation, in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Since Estrogen receptors have been found in various structures of the eye, they may impact the physiology and biometric parameters of the eye.

Jack Dwayne Farmer April 18, 1947-February 22, 2023.

Jack Dwayne Farmer April 18, 1947-February 22, 2023.

Benthic Foraminiferal Mn/Ca as Low‐Oxygen Proxy in Fjord Sediments

AbstractFjord systems are typically affected by low‐oxygen conditions, which are increasing in extent and severity, forced by ongoing global changes. Fjord sedimentary records can provide high temporal resolution archives to aid our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and impacts of current deoxygenation. However, such archives can only be interpreted with well‐calibrated proxies. Bottom‐water oxygen conditions determine redox regime and availability of redox‐sensitive trace elements such as manganese, which in turn may be recorded by manganese‐to‐calcium ratios (Mn/Ca) in biogenic calcium carbonates (e.g., benthic foraminifera tests). However, biological influences on Mn incorporation (e.g., species‐specific Mn fractionation, ontogeny, living and calcification depths) are still poorly constrained. We analyzed Mn/Ca of living benthic foraminifera (Bulimina marginata, Nonionellina labradorica), sampled at low‐ to well‐oxygenated conditions over a seasonal gradient in Gullmar Fjord, Swedish West coast (71–217 μmol/L oxygen (O2)), by laser‐ablation ICP‐MS. High pore‐water Mn availability in the fjord supported Mn incorporation by foraminifera. B. marginata recorded contrasting Mn redox regimes sensitively and demonstrated potential as proxy for low‐oxygen conditions. Synchrotron‐based scanning X‐ray fluorescence nanoimaging of Mn distributions across B. marginata tests displayed Mn/Ca shifts by chambers, reflecting bottom‐water oxygenation history and/or ontogeny‐driven life strategy preferences. In contrast, Mn/Ca signals of N. labradorica were extremely high and insensitive to environmental variability. We explore potential biologically controlled mechanisms that could potentially explain this species‐specific response. Our data suggest that with the selection of sensitive candidate species, the Mn/Ca proxy has potential to be further developed for quantitative oxygen reconstructions in the low‐oxygen range.

Anthropometric Characteristics and Specific Functional Swimming Capacities in Youth U12 Water Polo Players

Introduction: Water polo is a physically high-demanding team sport, therefore players’ physical abilities and anthropometric characteristics are important factors to achieve a good level of quality in technical-tactical actions. The aim of this study was to determine the association of the chronological age with the anthropometric characteristics and specific functional swimming capacities in youth U12 male water polo players. Methods: There were 170 youth U12 water polo players who attended the Croatian Water Polo Federation training camps included in this cross-sectional study. Measurements included anthropometric characteristics and specific functional swimming capacities. Results: Players were divided according to their chronological age: Q1 (January- March) – 59 players (34.7%), Q2 (April-June) – 35 players (20.6%), Q3 (July-September) – 46 players (27.1%) and Q4 (October-December) – 30 players (17.6%). Older players born in Q1 presented higher values of body height and weight than their younger peers born in Q4 (Q1 165.96±7.88 cm vs. Q4 159.46±5.44 cm, P=0.001; Q1 60.14±13.99 kg vs. Q4 51.35±7.09 kg, P=0.023), while there were no statistically significant differences in specific functional swimming tests between different age groups. Discussion: Contrary to what was hypothesized, older water polo players presented only better anthropometric characteristics than their younger peers, probably due to the biological maturity influence on functional skills, as well as small range of chronological age differences. Conclusion: Such data might provide an understanding of the general and specific water polo player’s development process, which should be considered by coaches of youth players to improve their skills as a result of developing better training programs.

Three-dimensional facial swelling evaluation of piezo-electric vs conventional drilling bur surgery of impacted lower third molar: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundAmong the post-surgical complications of lower wisdom teeth surgery, swelling is considered by patients one of the most impairing, with both social and biological influences and impacting patients' quality of life. Aim of the study was to evaluate the swelling following the osteotomy when performed with drilling burs versus piezo-electric instruments in the mandibular impacted third molar extraction, using a facial reconstruction software.Materials and methodsA randomized, split-mouth, single-blind study was conducted on patients, ranging between 18 and 40 years of age, requiring lower third molars extraction and referred at the Oral Surgery Unit of the School of Dentistry of the University of Messina. Twenty-two patients were recruited during an 8 months period according to the following criteria: good general health conditions; bilateral, symmetrical, impacted third molars; no use of medication that would influence or alter wound healing; no temporomandibular joint disorder history; no smoking. All patients underwent bilateral surgical removal. For each patient, a facial scan was obtained prior to the surgical procedures. The two extractions were conducted performing, in a randomized way, osteotomy with rotatory burs or use of piezo surgical instruments. Facial scans were repeated at 3 and 7 days after the surgical procedures. Volumetric differences were calculated via superimposition using a dedicated software. The data obtained were processed using paired t-test.ResultsThe results obtained from our study showed no significant differences between two groups regarding post-operative swelling. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first experience of using an objective method that can be reproducible on the collection of patients' clinical parameters.ConclusionsThe 3D digital analysis, in the evaluation of facial swelling, is a technique of simple application, objective, reproducible, reliable, decreasing the variables of error.Based on these data, it is possible to conclude that piezo surgery is a safe way for performing the osteotomies during third molar surgery. However, regarding the post-operative swelling, it does not show an advantage over classical rotary instruments.Trial registrationRegistered on ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05488028, on 04/08/2022).Approved by Ethical Committee of Messina: (ID 01–2020, on 27/04/2020).

Marine mammals of the United States Exploring Expedition, 1838–1842: history and taxonomy

The United States Exploring Expedition of 1838–1842, in some ways, represents the beginning of American marine mammal biology. The expedition returned home with information on at least twelve marine mammal specimens (mostly small cetaceans or pinnipeds), seven of which were considered new species at the time. Commanded by Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, the expedition covered over 80,000 miles, surveyed new waters and lands, and brought back thousands of scientific specimens. Official publications of the expedition by Titian Peale and John Cassin cover the birds and mammals collected. The squadron’s publications, and the journals of its officers and scientists also contain a good deal of information about sightings of marine mammals. Of particular interest were whaling operations and grounds, and the expedition did much to help expand the whaling prospects of the United States around the globe, with a focus on the South Pacific islands. Though largely forgotten today, the “U. S. Ex. Ex.” played an important early role in establishing American influence in marine mammal biology and global whaling operations.

“Otherness”, otherism, discrimination, and health inequalities: entrenched challenges for modern psychiatric disciplines

Identity is a complex concept that can be informed by various factors, involving biological, psychological, experiential, and social influences. Specifically, one’s social identity refers to the ways in which individuals can adopt attributes from established collective categories, like cultural identities, ethnic identities, gender identities, and class identities, amongst others. Social identity can encompass unique and diverse interactions at an individual level, known as micro-identities, that may be selectively expressed, hidden, or downplayed, contingent on distinct sociocultural settings. However, the formation of social identity is recurrently defined in opposition to perceptions of the Other, which can entail adverse paradigms of marginalisation, stigma, and discrimination. Although this theory of Otherness has been developed across different fields, particularly sociology, it may be important in psychiatric contexts as it can engender inherent risk factors and mental health inequalities. Consequently, this paper seeks to bring attention towards these issues, exploring the construction of Otherness and its detrimental outcomes for psychiatry, such as systemic discrimination and disparities in therapeutic support, alongside recommended initiatives to mitigate against the effects of Otherness. This may require multifactorial approaches that include cultural competency training, interventions informed by micro-identities and intersectionality, patient advocacy, and structural changes to mental health policy.

Biological Influence and Clinical Applications of the Unique Flower Shape of ZnO–ZnS@SA Superhydrophobic Composite Films Grown on Nanorods

Biological Influence and Clinical Applications of the Unique Flower Shape of ZnO–ZnS@SA Superhydrophobic Composite Films Grown on Nanorods

ANALISIS KADAR VITAMIN D PADA PENERIMA VAKSIN SINOVAC SEBAGAI GAMBARAN SISTEM IMUNITAS

The body's immune system is a system that detects a wide variety of outside biological influences, organisms will protect the body from infections, bacteria, viruses to parasites. During the current pandemic, the immune system is very important to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Efforts are made to be able to sufficient intake of vitamins and vaccinations. Vitamin D is one that is needed to prevent exposure to viruses. This study aims to determine vitamin D levels in sinovac vaccine recipients as an illustration of the immune system. This scientific paper research uses primary data analytic observation method with a cross-sectional design supported by literature studies, namely by describing the results of the research in the form of a percentage (%) decrease and increase in vitamin D compared to normal values. The results of the research on vitamin D levels receiving the Sinovac vaccine found that 92% or 23 patients out of 25 patients showed vitamin D levels were still within normal values and 8% or 2 patients showed vitamin D levels below normal values. It can be concluded that some of the research samples were in the normal range so that the immune system as the response of vitamin D to vaccines is still being seen. Keywords : SINOVAC Vaccine, Vitamin D, Immune System.

N-glycosylation reinforces interaction of immune checkpoint TIM-3 with a small molecule ligand

N-glycosylation of eukaryotic proteins plays roles in protein folding, trafficking, and signal transduction. The biological influence of the process is well understood, whereas the pharmacological impact of protein N-glycosylation is not well under discerned. The role of N-glycosylation on drug binding to protein has been rarely studied. We have modeled the influence of a bi-antennary N-glycan introduced at position N78 on the immune checkpoint TIM-3 (T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-containing molecule 3) on the interaction with a selective drug antagonist. The bulky N-glycan introduced at the consensus sequence Asn-Val-Thr has no influence on drug binding when the glycan adopts an extended conformation. But in a folded conformation, the glycan can interact directly with the triazoloquinazolinone derivative so as to further stabilize the drug-TIM-3 complex. The non-fucosylated glycan at position N78 markedly consolidates the drug interaction, via an additional H-bond interaction with the α3-mannose residue. It provides a gain of empirical potential energy of interaction (ΔE) of about 30 %. The presence of a more rigid fucosylated N-glycan is a little less favorable, with a gain of ΔE of about 20 %. The folded N-glycan appears to protect the ligand bound to the protein cavity, with the tricyclic core of the heterocyclic molecule sandwiched between two indole rings of tryptophan residues. Similar results were obtained when using a biantennary disialyl N-glycan with a bisecting GlcNAc residue and a tetra-antennary N-glycan. The molecular models illustrate the drug-stabilizing capacity of a bulky N-glycan positioned at a validated glycosylation site (N78 corresponding to N100 for the full-length protein). The modeling approach is useful to delineate further the role of the N-glycan of the immune checkpoint TIM-3 in interaction with small molecule ligands, and to guide the design of more potent compounds. The approach is transposable to other proteins to better comprehend the influence of N-glycans on drug-receptor interactions.

M6A-BERT-Stacking: A Tissue-Specific Predictor for Identifying RNA N6-Methyladenosine Sites Based on BERT and Stacking Strategy

As the most abundant RNA methylation modification, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) could regulate asymmetric and symmetric division of hematopoietic stem cells and play an important role in various diseases. Therefore, the precise identification of m6A sites around the genomes of different species is a critical step to further revealing their biological functions and influence on these diseases. However, the traditional wet-lab experimental methods for identifying m6A sites are often laborious and expensive. In this study, we proposed an ensemble deep learning model called m6A-BERT-Stacking, a powerful predictor for the detection of m6A sites in various tissues of three species. First, we utilized two encoding methods, i.e., di ribonucleotide index of RNA (DiNUCindex_RNA) and k-mer word segmentation, to extract RNA sequence features. Second, two encoding matrices together with the original sequences were respectively input into three different deep learning models in parallel to train three sub-models, namely residual networks with convolutional block attention module (Resnet-CBAM), bidirectional long short-term memory with attention (BiLSTM-Attention), and pre-trained bidirectional encoder representations from transformers model for DNA-language (DNABERT). Finally, the outputs of all sub-models were ensembled based on the stacking strategy to obtain the final prediction of m6A sites through the fully connected layer. The experimental results demonstrated that m6A-BERT-Stacking outperformed most of the existing methods based on the same independent datasets.

Aesthetic considerations when treating patients of African descent: Thriving in diversity international roundtable series

Black patients of African descent are an ethnically diverse demographic and have unique anatomical features, aging processes, and responses to aesthetic procedures that must be considered when planning treatment. To discuss similarities and differences in the anatomy and treatment preferences of Black patients of African descent and explore how these differences may influence aesthetic practices. In support of clinicians who wish to serve a diverse patient population, a 6-part international roundtable series focused on diversity in aesthetics was conducted from August 24, 2021, to May 16, 2022. The results of the third roundtable in the series, the African Patient, are described here. The expertise and perspectives of African physicians, US physicians who treat African American patients, and physicians practicing within Latin America and Europe who treat patients of color (POC) of African descent are included, as well as information gleaned from injection demonstrations. Black African patients seek aesthetic treatment for a variety of conditions. Patients with darker skin can benefit from treatment with fillers, neurotoxins, and energy-based devices, but the application of these approaches should take into account the unique characteristics of each individual patient and the cultural and biological influences that impact treatment outcomes.

Pattern of spatial variability in granulometric and mineralogical characteristics across an ecologically sensitive sub-tropical wetland (Bihar, India)

Floodplain wetlands are dynamic systems undergoing frequent hydro-sedimentological changes. Tropical/subtropical wetlands have even more pronounced climatic and biological influences on the sediment dynamics. In the current study, a protected subtropical wetland in Bihar (India) has been assessed for its sedimentary and mineralogical status. Sediment characteristics and associated granulometric parameters are discussed to highlight the wetland's hydrogeomorphic character, energy dimension, and the depositional processes taking place. Statistical grain size parameters like graphic mean, graphic skewness, graphic kurtosis, and their interrelations studies have helped in understanding the sources of deposited materials. Multivariate statistics have identified, sand fractions, measures of central tendencies (mean, median, and mode), percent organic matter (%OM) and percent carbonates (%carbonates) as primary factors explaining the maximum variance in the data. The non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test has identified %sand, %clay, electrical conductivity (EC), and %carbonates as the major factors responsible for significant spatial variability. The grain texture analysis shows that the majority of samples fall in the brackets of clayey silt; silty sand; and sand, silt, and clay. Common mineral components associated with these are quartz, feldspar, clay minerals, etc. The range for the mean grain size lies between 3Φ to 9Φ (Φ is diameter of the sediments) where most of the grain size distributions are symmetrically to fine symmetrically skewed, indicating intermediate energy to adjust to environmental conditions. The granulometric and physicochemical characteristics of the sediment samples also indicate the directional distribution pattern of sediment along the hydrological pathway. Future studies concentrating on the fluvial discharges of water and sediment will be highly insightful in reconstructing the past net sediment accumulation processes in the Baraila Wetland.

Newly identified maltol derivatives in Korean Red Ginseng and their biological influence as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents

BackgroundKorean Red Ginseng is a major source of bioactive substances such as ginsenosides. Efficacy of red ginseng extract (RGE), which contains not only saponins but also various non-saponins, has long been studied. In the water-soluble component-rich fraction of RGE (WS), a byproduct generated in the process of extracting saponins from the RGE, we identified previously unidentified molecules and confirmed their efficacy. MethodsThe RGE was prepared and used to produce WS, whose components were isolated sequentially according to their water affinity. The new compounds from WS were fractionized and structurally analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Physiological applicability was evaluated by verifying the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory efficacies of these compounds in vitro. ResultsHigh-performance liquid chromatography confirmed that the obtained WS comprised 11 phenolic acid and flavonoid substances. Among four major compounds from fractions 1−4 (F1–4) of WS, two compounds from F3 and F4 were newly identified in red ginseng. The analysis results show that these compound molecules are member of the maltol-structure-based glucopyranose series, and F1 and F4 are particularly effective for decreasing oxidative stress levels and inhibiting nitric oxide secretion, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. ConclusionOur findings suggest that a few newly identified maltol derivatives, such as red ginseng-derived non-saponin in the WS, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making them viable candidates for application to pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and functional food materials.

The Etiology in Eating Disorders: Examples of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorder

Eating disorder (ED) is one set of mental illnesses distinguished by aberrant eating patterns. According to the DSM, they are categorized into Four Edition, revised (DSM-IV): anorexia nervosa (AN), binge eating disorder (BED), bulimia nervosa (BN), and an atypical eating disorder(ED). Biological factors, psychological issues, social factors, and family influences are all categorized as causes or risks of BN, AN, and BED. From a biological, psychological, and social standpoint, the etiologies of these three types of ED are inextricably intertwined. In terms of biological parameters, all three have a significant heritability and are attached to dopamine and 5-HT release. Both AN and BN people show different manifestations of epigenetic processes. The value of slimness and the promotion of a slender figure culture in society supply may refer to the prevalence of AN, BN, and BED. As a result, the significance of the three forms of ED must be seriously considered. More concern needs to be given to the effect of culture on these three typical ED. Multiple treatments for these three ED also need to be further investigated. Overall, there is still much to learn about this eating condition.

The Cultural Factors in Moderate to Severe Depression and Relevant Interventions

Depression is resulted from a mixture of hereditary and environmental variables. This article mainly considered biological, genetic, and psychological influences on depression. For environmental aspects, this paper aims to identify the impact of different cultures on depression. The most relevant previous studies were reviewed. The findings suggest that culture does play a role in the development of depression. This review mainly examined studies that compared the effects of individualistic and collectivistic cultures on depression. Traditional filial piety culture and thin culture showed different effects on depression. In addition to the traditional gender roles of certain cultures, caste and other cultural differences can also have an impact on the development of depression. Similarly, prenatal depression is more common in immigrants and poor countries than in non-immigrants and industrialized countries. Resilience and social support are two protective factors for mental health, and these two factors have different degrees of influence depending on the culture. There is still limited amount of research investigated the effects of different cultures on depression. More research on the characteristics of different cultures and their association with depression is needed in the future. This review can provide some guidance for furture research and practice. Prevention and intervention programs for children and families should incorporate cultural factors.

Investigations on Kaempferol, Quercetin and Other Flavonoids in Aquatic Plants of Iraqi Marshlands-I

Aquatic plants are versatile source of phytochemicals that are of significant biological influences particularly, the flavonoids and their glycosidic derivatives distributed in different plant parts including fruits, seeds, leaves, flowers, stem, roots and rhizomes. Most of the reported biological influences are reported to be expressed by quercetin, kaempferol, isorhmnatin, and their glycosidic derivatives, particularly, rutin. In this survey, we summarized the reported flavonoids types, content and factors affecting their extracts contents of three aquatic plants Nuphar, Najas and Nymphoides detected in the Iraqi central marshlands, in provenance of Thi-Qar. Surveying the phytochemical investigations regarding Nuphar species of reported abundance of polyphenolic compounds content including identified and quantified phenolic acids, flavonoids like flavonols and flavonones, particularly, in their leaves. However, flavonoids/their derivatives types and quantities in various parts extracts are not reported to the extent of our knowledge although they are presumed to contribute to the reported biological influence of the plant on one hand. On the other hands, regarding Najas species, few reports have identified the existence of flavonoids as well as other phenolic compounds, although, total quantification to the phenolic compounds, flavonoids and tannins are reported rather than identifying the individual flavonoid in the plant extracts. Only single report demonstrates the total phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents of ethyl acetate extract of Najar minor according to our survey. Regarding Nymphoides species, the extraction level flavonoids as lipophilic compounds as well as their much polar glycosidic derivatives is depending on the solvent polarities. In general, in most of Nymphoides species the ethanolic extract querectin, methylquercetin and kaempferol flvonoides/their derivatives are identified individual flavonoids/quantified to be more than one fold of that in the aqueous extracts. Finally, the manner/position of glycosylation as well as glycosides sugar resides acylation vary among the Nymphoides species. In general, single 3-O- or di 3,4’-O- glycosylation pattern is noticed in kaempferol, quercetin and isorhamnetin. The multiply diverse glycosylation, methylation as well as acylation pattern of Nymphoides species flavonoids may explains their identification in various plant part/extracts besides the variation in their biological activities potentials. 

Biological and Social Factors Influence the Tendency of Serial Killers to Commit Crimes

There have been many criminals in human society, committing different crimes for different purposes. Their presence worries and frightens people and makes criminologists have an unusual interest in themselves. This article examines the specific causes of those areas that may induce and contribute to crime and to what extent they affect crime. Biology discusses their relationship from a physiological and pathological point of view and the relationship between biological factors and crime. Society discusses the relationship between social factors and crime from many aspects, such as social structure and education. This article does not promote social or biological determinism, preferring a holistic view of how crime occurs. At the same time, several examples will be given to illustrate whether the theory is still valid when applied to reality. After studying cases and analyzing factors, it is concluded that multidimensional factors such as hormones, brain damage, and genes lead to the possibility of a person's biological crime, and social structure, education, and other aspects determine whether a person will commit a crime.