Eye Color Research Articles

Perceptions of Altered Dental Aesthetics: Influence of ethnicity and time

Objective: The aims of this study were to assess perceptions of altered dental esthetics by Jordanian orthodontists, general dentists (GD) and laypeople (LP) and to compare them with the original data derived around a decade ago by Kokich et al. (2, 3) from an American sample. Materials and Methods: Photographs of 8 symmetric and asymmetric altered anterior dental esthetics were used. Symmetric alterations were incisor angulations (IA), lip to gingiva distance (GS) and bilateral papillary height of the maxillary anterior teeth (BPH) while asymmetric alterations were midline (ML), crown length (CL), crown width (CW), crown width and length (WL) and papillary height (UPH). Photographs were rated by a sample orthodontists, GD and LP. Raters were also asked to rank different dentofacial features according to their esthetics focus. Results: Thresholds for detection of IA, GS, and WL alterations were similar in all groups. However, orthodontists had the lowest detection threshold for ML. Orthodontists and LP had lower thresholds for BPH and UPH than GDs. However, CL and CW thresholds were lower for orthodontists and GDs. The most noticeable dentofacial feature was tooth position for orthodontists and eye color for GDs and LP. Conclusions: Orthodontists were more sensitive to deviations than general dentists and laypeople irrespective of their ethnic and cultural background. Jordanian raters were more sensitive to deviations of the midline, gingiva to lip distance and unilateral papillary height from ideal. Jordanian raters were generally more critical of discrepancies compared to their American counterparts.

Visual detection and efficient capture of hydrogen chloride and ammonia vapours by a sustainable dual emissive metal-organic framework.

A convenient, fast, selective, sustainable detection and capture of hydrochloric acid and ammonia vapours in the solid state with bare eye colour switching is observed by a robust microporous 2D zigzag Zn-MOF based material. Here ESIPT off/on based dual emission alteration has been employed for sensing.

Evaluation of different fungicides in phytosanitary management for the control of Septoria glycines and Cercospora kikuchii in soybean crops 2022/2023

- Soybean yield can be affected by several factors, one of these factors is diseases such as Septoriosis and Cercosporiosis that can drastically reduce soybean yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of control of the associations of different fungicides with protective and resistance-inducing products in the management of Septoria glycines and Cercospora kikuchii that can affect the production components of the soybean crop. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design (DBC) in Perobal – PR, Brazil, with 6 treatments related to the association of different fungicides with protectants and resistance inducers, applied to soybean crops with 5 replications. The first application of the treatments was performed at the V5 stage, the second application was 15 days after the first application, the third application 15 days after the second application, the fourth and last application was 15 days after the third application. The evaluations were carried out 15 days after the last application, the crop was at the R6 stage, where severity, number of pods per plant, weight of one thousand grains and yield were evaluated. The treatments that obtained the best performance for the control of septtoriosis and brown eye spot were the use of the combination of the active ingredients used in T2 (mancozeb + prothioconazole + bixafen + trifloxystrobin) and T6 (difenoconazole + propiconazole + cyproconazole + picoxystrobin + curative). The use of the curative resistance inducer containing copper and nickel (T6) has been shown to be efficient in the control of Septoriosis and Cercosporiosis and may be recommended to help in the control of these diseases, while the inducer used in the (T5) based on jasmonic and salicylic acid was not efficient.
 Terms for indexing: Application, Diseases, Glycine max, Production.

Evidence for Negative Frequency Dependent Sexual Selection on Eye Color in Europeans

Evidence for Negative Frequency Dependent Sexual Selection on Eye Color in Europeans

APPLICATION OF MULTIVARIATE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS IN CHARACTERISING THE PHENOTYPIC VARIABILITY OF LOCALLY ADAPTED MUSCOVY DUCKS (CAIRINA MOSCHATA) IN NIGERIA

While there are studies that describe the biometric traits and phenotypic variations in Muscovy ducks in Nigeria, there are limited studies that employ a multivariate approach to depict the phenotypic variability of Muscovy ducks in Nigeria. Therefore, this study aimed to explicate genetic variabilities within C. moschata using qualitative and biometric traits. This study used a multivariate statistical method to phenotypically characterise locally adapted Muscovy duck populations from seven ecogeographical locations in Ibadan, Nigeria. Four qualitative traits (eye colour, bill colour, bean colour and shank colour) and eleven biometric traits (head length, neck length, body length, wings length, shank length, toe length, thigh length, bill length, breast length, breast width and bodyweight) were evaluated in 201 ducks (109 males and 92 females). To study the possible effects of geographical locations on selected phenotypes, frequency distribution, univariate analysis, stepwise and canonical discriminant analyses and cluster analysis were performed. The association between body weight (BWT) and other biometric traits was assessed using the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient. Male ducks (drakes) were generally more abundant than female ducks (hens). The most prevalent colour traits of locally adapted Muscovy ducks were brown eye colour (70.65 %), black bean colour (62.69 %), pinkish white bill colour (45.27 %) and grey shank colour (56.22 %). Overall, ecogeographical location did not significantly affect (p < 0.05) the measured biometric traits. However, across all locations, the sexual dimorphism was favourable in male ducks, with respect to biometric traits. Stepwise-canonical discriminant analysis revealed a substantial intermixing of biometric traits, especially in Molete, Oje, Adogba and Ajibode ducks. Similarly, the cluster analysis, although it separated the birds into different clusters, showed some level of admixture. The small Mahalanobis distance (0.61 − 3.88) suggested that, with respect to location, there was more morphological similarity than dissimilarity between ducks. The correlation analysis revealed that the body weight of ducks can be fairly estimated from other biometric traits due to their positive, statistically significant correlation. In general, the ducks from all seven ecogeographical locations were rather homogeneous than heterogeneous.

Skin Tone and Inequality of Socioeconomic Outcomes in Mexico: A Comparative Analysis Using Optical Colorimeters and Color Palettes

We study the association between skin tone and socioeconomic outcomes in Mexico. Previous studies have relied on subjective measures of skin tone, but these may suffer from measurement error and bias from “money lightening” effects, and they do not include other physical attributes, which could lead to overestimation. We use a new data source in Mexico specifically designed to address these challenges, including an objective measurement of skin tone based on optical colorimeters. We find that the estimates of the association between skin tone and socioeconomic outcomes are consistent across data collection techniques (interviewer-rated, self-rated, machine-rated) and surveys. Around half of the association is explained by differences in socioeconomic background, a finding that emphasizes the importance of considering both historically accumulated disadvantages and current mechanisms of generating inequality. We also find that phenotypical characteristics other than skin tone (eye and hair color) are significant predictors of socioeconomic outcomes. These findings suggest that more than a strict pigmentocracy, where light skin is the only element or the definitive one, ethnoracial stratification in Mexico may be better characterized in a broader sense: as one where people with a set of racialized physical features linked to European origins have greater accumulated privilege and social advantages than those with features linked to Indigenous or Black ancestry.

A New Species of the Aplastodiscus albosignatus Group (Hylinae: Cophomantini) from the Northern Mantiqueira Mountain Range

Abstract The genus Aplastodiscus (Hylidae) is widely distributed in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil and adjacent Argentina, and a single species inhabits the Cerrado in Central Brazil. The genus comprises 16 species included in four species groups. The A. albosignatus species group contains six described species, as well as two candidate species referred to as Aplastodiscus sp. 5 and Aplastodiscus sp. 6 in previous studies. Here we name and describe Aplastodiscus sp. 6, based on morphology, DNA sequences, and vocalizations. The new species is known only from the northern sector of the Mantiqueira Mountain Range and can be distinguished morphologically from most congeneric species based on body size, iris color pattern, and cloacal ornamentation. The new species is distinguished from its sister species A. leucopygius by its vocalization. The species of the A. albosignatus group share a conserved external morphology and most of the morphological characters traditionally included in their diagnoses failed to distinguish them. In contrast, advertisement call traits, such as call duration, call envelope, and distribution of sound energy in the harmonic series, were informative in Aplastodiscus species discrimination.

Preparation and extraction of chorion proteins from Salmo salar embryos at the pigmented eye stage for electrophoresis with SDS-polyacrylamide gel

The chorion fulfills important functions in fish embryos, including protecting the embryo during development. The characterization of the protein profile of this envelope could be used as a bioindicator in the evaluation of the quality of embryonic development. The object of this work was to validate a standardized protocol for protein extraction from chorion of Salmo salar embryos at 280 accumulated thermal units (ATU) by comparing and combining existing methods. The protocol consists of consecutive washing of the chorion samples followed by protein extraction with the solution that was named SDS solution (Tris–HCl 100 mM (pH 8), Urea 8 M, 1% SDS, β-mercaptoethanol 300 mM and EGTA 10 Mm, and 1% protease inhibitor cocktail) and mechanical methods. Protein extraction is enhanced by a working temperature of 75 °C and use of a disperser. The protein concentration was quantified by Bradford Assay. After extraction, the samples were diluted (dilution factor 10) before reading against the calibration curve. After gel electrophoresis with a load of 3 µg of protein, staining showed more than 4 bands, with molecular weights between 25 kDa and 180 kDa.•The protein profile of fish chorion was between 25 kDa and 180 kDa.•Solution containing 1% SDS allows a higher extraction of proteins from the chorion of Atlantic salmon embryos with 280 ATU.•Chorion protein identification is a valuable tool in determining gamete and embryo quality in fish.

Characterization and RNA interference-mediated silencing of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase gene in Carpophilus hemipterus (L.) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae).

Dried fruit beetle, Carpophilus hemipterus(Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), is a serious pest of ripened fresh fruit in the orchard and dried fruit in postprocessing storage. Despite the economic impact and widespread distribution of C. hemipterus, there is a lack of functional genomics research seeking to elucidate features of molecular physiology for improved pest management. Here, we report the characterization of the gene named Vermilion in C. hemipterus (ChVer) that encodes for tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase. The Vermilion is frequently used as a visual marker for genomics approaches as tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase is involved in the biosynthesis of eye coloration pigments in insects. We identified 1628 bp long full-length transcript of ChVer from transcriptomic database of C. hemipterus. The expression analysis among adult body parts revealed peak ChVer expression in head compared to thorax and abdomen, which is consistent with its role. Among the C. hemipterus developmental stages, peak ChVer expression was observed in first instar larva, second instar larva, and adult male stages, whereas the lowest levels of expression were seen in third instar larva, prepupa, and pupa. The nanoinjection of ChVer double-stranded RNAin larval C. hemipterus resulted in a significant reduction in ChVer transcript levels as well as caused a loss of eye color, that is, the white-eyed phenotype in adults. Characterization of visually traceable marker gene and robust RNA interferenceresponse seen in this study will enable genomics research is this important pest.

The use of eye-colour and other features to determine the age of Arrow-marked Babblers Turdoides jardineii

As in most passerines, the appearance of an adult Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii develops during the first year of life. Here we describe, based on photographic evidence, the development of the eye colour, and the colours of the bill and inner mouth.

The Genome of the Yellow Mealworm, Tenebrio molitor: It's Bigger Than You Think.

Insects are a sustainable source of protein for human food and animal feed. We present a genome assembly, CRISPR gene editing, and life stage-specific transcriptomes for the yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, one of the most intensively farmed insects worldwide. Long and short reads and long-range data were obtained from a T. molitor male pupa. Sequencing transcripts from 12 T. molitor life stages resulted in 279 million reads for gene prediction and genetic engineering. A unique plasmid delivery system containing guide RNAs targeting the eye color gene vermilion flanking the muscle actin gene promoter and EGFP marker was used in CRISPR/Cas9 transformation. The assembly is approximately 53% of the genome size of 756.8 ± 9.6 Mb, measured using flow cytometry. Assembly was complicated by a satellitome of at least 11 highly conserved satDNAs occupying 28% of the genome. The injection of the plasmid into embryos resulted in knock-out of Tm vermilion and knock-in of EGFP. The genome of T. molitor is longer than current assemblies (including ours) due to a substantial amount (26.5%) of only one highly abundant satellite DNA sequence. Genetic sequences and transformation tools for an insect important to the food and feed industries will promote the sustainable utilization of mealworms and other farmed insects.

CHARAKTERYSTYKA GENU MC1R JAKO LOCUS E WPŁYWAJĄCEGO NA UMASZCZENIE PSÓW

The color of dogs is the result of various genes that control the pigmentation of the coat mainly. There are many genes that influence the color, pattern and distribution of fur in dogs, one of which is the gene encoding the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), also known as the E locus. The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a protein that plays a key role in the regulation of skin, hair and eye pigmentation in animals. This receptor is responsible for the processing of peptide hormones that control the production of melanin, which is the pigment of the skin and fur. Mutations within this gene can affect the color of animals, including dogs. The main alleles identified and described for the E lo- cus are: E (wild type), EM (melanistic mask) and e (recessive red); they are widespread in various dog breeds, indicating that they existed at an early stage in the formation of individual breed groups. The other identified alleles are less common and are: EG (grizzle/domino), e2 (only among Australian Cattle Dogs and their crossbreds) and e3 (only among Siberian Huskies and their crossbreds), eA (ancient red) allele and the allele EH (only among English Cocker Spaniels and American Cocker Spaniels). Of course, it’s important to remember that dog color is a complex genetic phenomenon that can be controlled by many different genes working together, and that the variety of coat colors in different dog breeds results from a combination of these genes.

Islamic Perspectives on Polygenic Testing and Selection of IVF Embryos (PGT-P) for Optimal Intelligence and Other Non–Disease-Related Socially Desirable Traits

In recent years, the genetic testing and selection of IVF embryos, known as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), has gained much traction in clinical assisted reproduction for preventing transmission of genetic defects. However, a more recent ethically and morally controversial development in PGT is its possible use in selecting IVF embryos for optimal intelligence quotient (IQ) and other non–disease-related socially desirable traits, such as tallness, fair complexion, athletic ability, and eye and hair colour, based on polygenic risk scores (PRS), in what is referred to as PGT-P. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning–based analysis of big data sets collated from genome sequencing of specific human ethnic populations can be used to estimate an individual embryo’s likelihood of developing such multifactorial traits by analysing the combination of specific genetic variants within its genome. Superficially, this technique appears compliant with Islamic principles and ethics. Because there is no modification of the human genome, there is no tampering with Allah’s creation (taghyīr khalq Allah). Nevertheless, a more critical analysis based on the five maxims of Islamic jurisprudence (qawa'id fiqhiyyah) that are often utilized in discourses on Islamic bioethics, namely qaṣd (intention), yaqın̄ (certainty), ḍarar (injury), ḍarūra (necessity), and `urf (custom), would instead reveal some major ethical and moral flaws of this new medical technology in the selection of non–disease-related socially desirable traits, and its non-compliance with the spirit and essence of Islamic law (shariah). Muslim scholars, jurists, doctors, and biomedical scientists should debate this further and issue a fatwa on this new medical technology platform.

Impact of iris color on uveal melanoma-related outcomes in 7245 patients at a single ocular oncology center

PurposeTo determine the relationship between iris color and uveal melanoma (UM)-related metastasis and death in a large cohort of patients from a single ocular oncology center. DesignRetrospective case series. SubjectsPatients diagnosed with UM between February 1971 and August 2007. MethodsPatient information was obtained from chart documentation. Main outcome measuresUM-related metastasis and death. ResultsOut of 7245 patients, iris color was blue in 3702 (51%), green in 1458 (20%), and brown in 2085 (29%). Mean age was 58 ± 15 years and mean tumor thickness was 5.5 ± 3.3 millimeters. Some clinical features differed between iris color groups, with the blue irides group having a larger proportion of post-equatorial tumors with significantly closer proximity to the foveola and optic disc compared to the brown irides group. At a mean follow-up of 75 months, there was no statistically significant difference in metastasis between the various iris color groups. On univariate analysis, those with blue irides showed a higher incidence of UM-related death compared to the green and brown irides groups (8.3%, 5.9% and 7.5% respectively, p value = 0.02). Kaplan-Meier event free survival from UM-related death significantly differed only between the blue and green irides groups (p value = 0.007) with the green irides group showing the highest survival. However, on multivariate analysis, iris color was not predictive of UM-related death. ConclusionIris color was not predictive of UM-related metastasis or death. However, Kaplan-Meier survival at 20 years was poorest for blue irides group compared to green.

Are dark-eyed dogs favoured by humans? Domestication as a potential driver of iris colour difference between dogs and wolves.

Comparative studies have shown that the eye morphology of primates has been shaped by a variety of selection pressures (e.g. communication, environmental factors). To comprehensively elucidate the complex links between ocular morphology and its evolutionary drive, attention should be paid to other phylogenetic groups. Here, we address a new question regarding the evolution of eye colour patterns in the oldest domesticated animal, namely, the domestic dog (Canis familiaris). In this study, we conducted an image analysis of dogs and their closest relatives, grey wolves (Canis lupus), to compare the colours of their irises, with the aim of assessing whether eye colours of dogs affect how humans perceived dogs. We found that the irises of dogs were significantly darker than those of wolves. We also found that facial images of dark-eyed dogs were perceived as more friendly and immature, potentially eliciting caregiving responses from humans. Our findings are consistent with our expectation that humans favour dark-eyed dogs over light-eyed ones and provide an updated hypothesis that dogs with dark eyes may have evolved by acquiring a facial trait that sends a non-threatening gaze signal to humans.

MTOR signaling pathway regulates embryonic development and rapid growth of triploid crucian carp

Triploid crucian carp is a new breed of aquaculture with rapid growth characteristics. However, its growth regulation mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, our results show that the expression levels of mTOR signaling pathway-related genes (AKT1, AKT2, AKT3, mTOR, 4E-BP1 and S6K1) are higher in the muscle and intestine tissues of triploid crucian carp than those of diploid red crucian carp. Embryos of triploid crucian carp exhibit a faster growth rate comparing to red crucian carp. And in muscle effect stage, the mRNA levels of mTOR signaling pathway related genes in triploid crucian carp are higher than red crucian carp, except for AKT2. Inhibition of mTOR activity with rapamycin leads to slower embryonic development and the eliminated expression of mTOR in the embryos of neurula, muscle effect, and eye pigmentation stages. Conversely, overexpression of the upstream gene AKT2 can promote the development of zebrafish embryos and affect the expression of mTOR signaling pathway. These data highlight the significant role of mTOR signaling pathway in regulating fish embryonic development and rapid growth, and might offer new insights and avenues for exploring fish embryonic development, improving fish growth.

Identification of Fresh and Unfresh Fish Based on Eye Image Using The Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) Method

Fish is a common protein source and easy to obtain in Indonesia, but because of its high water content, fish quickly spoils. Fish freshness can be detected using several conventional methods, such as chemical analysis, biochemistry, microbiological analysis, and sensory examination. Another identification method involves observing the color of the fish's eyes. Fish identification is crucial before any further processing, ensuring that the fish's quality delivered to consumers remains high. To tackle the problem of differentiating between fresh and non-fresh fish, this research employs Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) as the primary methodology. This research focuses on identifying fresh and non-fresh fish using the SOM method, using actual data involving tilapia as the research object. The data includes eye images of new and non-fresh fish, and various procedures are required to obtain the desired data. This data is then used as training and testing data. The process continues with the preprocessing stage, which is a data modification process to improve performance in subsequent steps and feature extraction using HSV color histograms. Classification of processed data is carried out using the SOM method. Once completed, the identification results are displayed. This research produces a system for identifying fresh and non-fresh fish based on eye images using SOM, which achieves a good accuracy of 85.71%.

Characterization of intrapuparial development of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae), under different temperatures in laboratory conditions.

Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Muscidae), popularly known as "housefly", is a highly synanthropic species, with economic, medical-sanitary, veterinary, and forensic importance. It is able to cause damage to health, transmit pathogenic agents, cause infection in domestic animals, and, in its immature stage, cause secondary myiasis. The scavenging habit of its immature stages makes these flies pioneers in colonizing both human and animal carcasses, from the initial stages of corpse decomposition to the final stages. Intrapuparial development studies of all stages of the biological cycle of these insects help estimate pupal age, being useful to forensic entomology to aid in determining the minimum postmortem interval (minPMI). This study describes, morphologically, the external structures of the pupae, under temperatures of 23, 27, and 30 ± 1 °C aiming to identify the characteristics that define their developmental stages and estimation of the pupae age of M. domestica. The whole experiment was carried out under laboratory conditions, with relative humidity 60 ± 10% and 12 hours of photoperiod. The process of pupariation and pupation including pre-pupae phases were observed; larvae pupae apolysis; early cryptocephalic pupae; late cryptocephalic pupae; phanerocephalic pupae; pharate adult, discriminated by eye color (transparent eyes, pink eyes, and red eyes); and the emergency of adults, which occurred in the intervals of 162-180; 138-144, and 96-102 hr, respectively, being described throughout the metamorphosis of the external morphological characteristics of the pupal stage of M. domestica.

Observations on the embryonic development of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain

To investigate the embryonic development of the mud crab Scylla paramamosain, we analyzed three critical parameters: egg color of, embryo morphology (through conventional and laser scanning confocal microscopy), and the distribution of cell divisions. During embryonic development, the egg color exhibited a progressive transition, shifting from orange to reddish-orange, then to brown, before ultimately darkening to black. Each embryo displayed a spherical shape, measuring approximately 280 μm in diameter, characterized by a smooth surface devoid of any depressions. The embryonic cell division was in the form of mixed oogenesis, comprised of complete division in the early stage, spiral oogenesis in the middle stage and surface division in the late stage. It is noteworthy that the blastopore appeared at the position where the transparent area and cell aggregation just appeared under the microscope, and the blastomere was a characteristic of the embryo entering the gastrulation stage. After entering the gastrulation stage, the cells aggregated towards the blastopore and formed two symmetrical cell clusters, which formed a V-shape with the void of the classic blastopore. When the transparent region occupied approximately 1/5 of the embryo’s volume, the embryo entered the nauplius stage, and the thoracic and abdominal armor, as well as the optic lobe and abdominal limb primordia, could be clearly distinguished. The appearance of the compound eye pigment band indicated the stage of compound eye pigment formation. At this time, the transparent area accounted for 1/4 of the embryo and a large number of ganglia appeared. The change of the compound eye pigment band from red to black was also one of the reasons for the blackening of the egg color of the crabs. The data obtained through this study have potential applications in the determination of embryonic development status and obtaining of high-quality seeds for S. paramamosain culture.

The Sin, Evil, Ugliness and Horror of Blue: Blue Eyes in 14th-15th Century Divan Poetry

In Turkish poetic and prose works written during the 14th and 15th centuries, the blue eye color was synonymous with danger, hatred, repulsion and wickedness, both in this world and in the afterlife. According to some stories and texts, blue eyes, which the Turks accepted as sacred, chosen, and superior in pre-Islamic times, became associated with liars, sinners, terrifying, wicked, and ruthless people and beings in Turkish poetic and prose works written in and outside of Anatolia during the 14th and 15th centuries. This article traces the use of blue eyes in 14th and 15th century Divan poetry. First, the works that depict blueeyed wicked, terrifying, ruthless, ugly, and deceitful characters and beings are identified. Later, the reason behind this notable negative attitude towards blue eyes is explored and revealed by examining its origins.