scholarly journals Full spectra coloration and condition-dependent signaling in a skin-based carotenoid sexual ornament

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 834-843
Author(s):  
Sarah Harris ◽  
Matti Kervinen ◽  
Christophe Lebigre ◽  
Thomas W Pike ◽  
Carl D Soulsbury
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Reflectance Spectra ◽  
Carotenoid Concentration ◽  
Biologically Relevant ◽  
Reflection Data ◽  
Ultraviolet Reflectance ◽  
Multicomponent Signals ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Sexual Ornament

Abstract Carotenoid-based traits commonly act as condition-dependent signals of quality to both males and females. Such colors are typically quantified using summary metrics (e.g., redness) derived by partitioning measured reflectance spectra into blocks. However, perceived coloration is a product of the whole spectrum. Recently, new methods have quantified a range of environmental factors and their impact on reflection data at narrow wavebands across the whole spectrum. Using this approach, we modeled the reflectance of red integumentary eye combs displayed by male black grouse (Lyrurus tetrix) as a function of ornament size and variables related to male quality. We investigated the strength and direction of effect sizes of variables at each waveband. The strongest effect on the spectra came from eye comb size, with a negative effect in the red part of the spectrum and a positive effect in ultraviolet reflectance. Plasma carotenoid concentration and body mass were also related to reflectance variance in differing directions across the entire spectra. Comparisons of yearlings and adults showed that the effects were similar but stronger on adult reflectance spectra. These findings suggest that reflectance in different parts of the spectrum is indicative of differing components of quality. This method also allows a more accurate understanding of how biologically relevant variables may interact to produce perceived coloration and multicomponent signals and where the strongest biological effects are found.

Isatin: A Scaffold with Innumerable Biodiversity

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyobrata Nath ◽  
Agnish Mukherjee ◽  
Sougata Mukherjee ◽  
Sabyasachi Banerjee ◽  
Samarpita Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biological Effects ◽  
Scientific Information ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Biologically Relevant ◽  
Extensive Information ◽  
Relevant Compound ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Clinical Conditions

: Isatin is an endogenous and a significant category of fused heterocyclic component, widely been a part of several potential biologically useful synthetics. Since its discovery, tons of research work has been conducted with respect to the synthesis, chemical properties, and biological and industrial applications. It contains indole nucleus having both lactam and keto moiety which while being a part of a molecular framework exerted several biological effects, viz.; antimicrobial, antitubercular, anticonvulsant, anticancer etc. Isatin derivatives are synthetically significant substrates, which can be utilized for the synthesis of huge diversified chemical entities of which few members emerged to be a drug. The reason for this review is to provide extensive information pertaining to the chemistry and its significance in altering several pathological states of isatin and its derivatives. A Structure Activity Relationships study thus developed through a gamut of scientific information indicates the importance of mostly electron withdrawing groups, halogens, nitro, alkoxy and to a minor extent groups with positive inductive effects, such as methyl at position 1, 5, 6 and 7 of isatin in alleviating several clinical conditions. It is also observed from the survey that the presence of two oxo groups at position 2 and 3 sometimes become insignificant as fusion with a heterocycle at those position resulted in a biologically relevant compound.

scholarly journals Role of Selenium and Selenoproteins in Male Reproductive Function: A Review of Past and Present Evidences

Antioxidants ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 268 ◽  
Author(s):  
Izhar Hyder Qazi ◽  
Christiana Angel ◽  
Haoxuan Yang ◽  
Evangelos Zoidis ◽  
Bo Pan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Male Fertility ◽  
Defense Mechanisms ◽  
Antioxidant Defense ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Biologically Relevant ◽  
Male Reproductive Function ◽  
The Subject

Selenium (Se) is an important trace mineral having many essential roles at the cellular and organismal levels in animal and human health. The biological effects of Se are mainly carried out by selenoproteins (encoded by 25 genes in humans and 24 in mice). As an essential component of selenoproteins, Se performs structural and enzymic roles; in the latter context it is well known for its catalytic and antioxidative functions. Studies involving different animal models have added great value to our understanding regarding the potential implications of Se and selenoproteins in mammalian fertility and reproduction. In this review, we highlight the implications of selenoproteins in male fertility and reproduction followed by the characteristic biological functions of Se and selenoproteins associated with overall male reproductive function. It is evident from observations of past studies (both animal and human) that Se is essentially required for spermatogenesis and male fertility, presumably because of its vital role in modulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms and other essential biological pathways and redox sensitive transcription factors. However, bearing in mind the evidences from mainstream literature, it is also advisable to perform more studies focusing on the elucidation of additional roles played by the peculiar and canonical selenoproteins i.e., glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and selenoprotein P (SELENOP) in the male reproductive functions. Nevertheless, search for the elucidation of additional putative mechanisms potentially modulated by other biologically relevant selenoproteins should also be included in the scope of future studies. However, as for the implication of Se in fertility and reproduction in men, though a few clinical trials explore the effects of Se supplementation on male fertility, due to inconsistencies in the recruitment of subjects and heterogeneity of designs, the comparison of such studies is still complicated and less clear. Therefore, further research focused on the roles of Se and selenoproteins is awaited for validating the evidences at hand and outlining any therapeutic schemes intended for improving male fertility. As such, new dimensions could be added to the subject of male fertility and Se supplementation.

Far-Ultraviolet Reflectance Spectra of Ionic Crystals

1971 ◽  
Vol 26 (21) ◽  
pp. 1317-1320 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. Rubloff ◽  
J. Freeouf ◽  
H. Fritzsche ◽  
K. Murase
Keyword(s):  
Reflectance Spectra ◽  
Ionic Crystals ◽  
Ultraviolet Reflectance ◽  
Far Ultraviolet

scholarly journals Potential Benefits of Jujube (Zizyphus Lotus L.) Bioactive Compounds for Nutrition and Health

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Souleymane Abdoul-Azize
Keyword(s):  
Bioactive Compounds ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Health Benefit ◽  
Immunomodulatory Effects ◽  
Nutrition And Health ◽  
Biologically Relevant ◽  
Cyclopeptide Alkaloids ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Deciduous Shrub ◽  
Medical Interest

Zizyphus lotus, belonging to the Rhamnaceae family, is a deciduous shrub which generally grows in arid and semiarid regions of the globe. In traditional medicine, Z. lotus is used as antidiabetes, sedative, bronchitis, and antidiarrhea by local populations. Recently, several scientific reports for health benefit and nutritional potential of bioactive compounds from this jujube have been reported. This plant is rich in polyphenols, cyclopeptide alkaloids, dammarane saponins, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. These identified compounds were supposed to be responsible for most of Z. lotus biologically relevant activities including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. The aim of the present review was to give particular emphasis on the most recent findings on biological effects of the major groups of Zizyphus lotus components and their medical interest, notably for human nutrition, health benefit, and therapeutic impacts.

scholarly journals Estimating solar ultraviolet irradiance (290-385 nm) by means of the spectral parametric models: SPCTRAL2 and SMARTS2

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 1382-1389 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Foyo-Moreno ◽  
J. Vida ◽  
F. J. Olmo ◽  
L. Alados-Arboledas
Keyword(s):  
Solar Irradiance ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Stratospheric Ozone ◽  
Radiant Energy ◽  
Parametric Models ◽  
Spectral Irradiance ◽  
Atmospheric Composition ◽  
Relevant Variables ◽  
Ultraviolet Irradiance ◽  
Solar Ultraviolet

Abstract. Since the discovery of the ozone depletion in Antarctic and the globally declining trend of stratospheric ozone concentration, public and scientific concern has been raised in the last decades. A very important consequence of this fact is the increased broadband and spectral UV radiation in the environment and the biological effects and heath risks that may take place in the near future. The absence of widespread measurements of this radiometric flux has lead to the development and use of alternative estimation procedures such as the parametric approaches. Parametric models compute the radiant energy using available atmospheric parameters. Some parametric models compute the global solar irradiance at surface level by addition of its direct beam and diffuse components. In the present work, we have developed a comparison between two cloudless sky parametrization schemes. Both methods provide an estimation of the solar spectral irradiance that can be integrated spectrally within the limits of interest. For this test we have used data recorded in a radiometric station located at Granada (37.180°N, 3.580°W, 660 m a.m.s.l.), an inland location. The database includes hourly values of the relevant variables covering the years 1994-95. The performance of the models has been tested in relation to their predictive capability of global solar irradiance in the UV range (290–385 nm). After our study, it appears that information concerning the aerosol radiative effects is fundamental in order to obtain a good estimation. The original version of SPCTRAL2 provides estimates of the experimental values with negligible mean bias deviation. This suggests not only the appropriateness of the model but also the convenience of the aerosol features fixed in it to Granada conditions. SMARTS2 model offers increased flexibility concerning the selection of different aerosol models included in the code and provides the best results when the selected models are those considered as urban. Although SMARTS2 provide slightly worse results, both models give estimates of solar ultraviolet irradiance with mean bias deviation below 5%, and root mean square deviation close to experimental errors.Key words: Atmospheric composition and structure (transmission and scattering of radiation) - Meteorology and atmospheric dynamics (radiative process)

scholarly journals Prenatal metal exposure, cord blood DNA methylation and persistence in childhood: an epigenome-wide association study of 12 metals

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne K. Bozack ◽  
Sheryl L. Rifas-Shiman ◽  
Brent A. Coull ◽  
Andrea A. Baccarelli ◽  
Robert O. Wright ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Cord Blood ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Human Leukocyte ◽  
First Trimester ◽  
Metal Exposure ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Biologically Relevant ◽  
Illumina Humanmethylation450 Beadchip ◽  
Relevant Variables

Abstract Background Prenatal exposure to essential and non-essential metals impacts birth and child health, including fetal growth and neurodevelopment. DNA methylation (DNAm) may be involved in pathways linking prenatal metal exposure and health. In the Project Viva cohort, we analyzed the extent to which metals (As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cs, Cu, Hg, Mg, Mn, Pb, Se, and Zn) measured in maternal erythrocytes were associated with differentially methylated positions (DMPs) and regions (DMRs) in cord blood and tested if associations persisted in blood collected in mid-childhood. We measured metal concentrations in first-trimester maternal erythrocytes, and DNAm in cord blood (N = 361) and mid-childhood blood (N = 333, 6–10 years) with the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. For each metal individually, we tested for DMPs using linear models (considered significant at FDR < 0.05), and for DMRs using comb-p (Sidak p < 0.05). Covariates included biologically relevant variables and estimated cell-type composition. We also performed sex-stratified analyses. Results Pb was associated with decreased methylation of cg20608990 (CASP8) (FDR = 0.04), and Mn was associated with increased methylation of cg02042823 (A2BP1) in cord blood (FDR = 9.73 × 10–6). Both associations remained significant but attenuated in blood DNAm collected at mid-childhood (p < 0.01). Two and nine Mn-associated DMPs were identified in male and female infants, respectively (FDR < 0.05), with two and six persisting in mid-childhood (p < 0.05). All metals except Ba and Pb were associated with ≥ 1 DMR among all infants (Sidak p < 0.05). Overlapping DMRs annotated to genes in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region were identified for Cr, Cs, Cu, Hg, Mg, and Mn. Conclusions Prenatal metal exposure is associated with DNAm, including DMRs annotated to genes involved in neurodevelopment. Future research is needed to determine if DNAm partially explains the relationship between prenatal metal exposures and health outcomes.

scholarly journals Effects of electrically transferred molecular information on the germination of garden cress

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (24) ◽  
pp. 122-131
Author(s):  
Romana Ruzic ◽  
Igor Jerman ◽  
Metod Skarja ◽  
Robert T. Leskovar ◽  
Lea Mogilnicki
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Water Solution ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Special Device ◽  
Garden Cress ◽  
Biologically Relevant ◽  
Palabras Clave ◽  
Molecular Information

We followed a hypothesis that biologically relevant information from various substances can be non-chemically transferred to organisms through a combination of a high voltage electric field that can stably imprint information into water or a water solution. A special device was constructed, and a thoroughly tested biological sensor system (i.e. cress seedlings exposed to a defined heat stress), was used. The results demonstrate a clear evidence of biological effects of electrically imprinted information of biologically active substances into water solution, however not necessarily with an obvious connection to the effects of the original (donor) substance. The growth reaction of cress seedlings was either stimulatory or inhibitory, depending on the time of the application. Keywords:  Molecular information, electromagnetic transfer, heat stress, herbicide, cytokine, cress, germination.   Efeitos de informação molecular transferida eletricamente sobre a germinação do agrião Resumo Seguimos a hipótese de que informação biologicamente relevante de várias substâncias pode ser transferida de maneira não química a organismos, através da combinação de um campo elétrico de alta intensidade, que pode imprimir estavelmente informação na água ou sistemas aquosos. Foi construído um aparelho especial e foi utilizado um sistema sensor especial, amplamente provado (plantas de agrião expostas a estresse térmico definido). Os resultados demonstram evidéncia dos efeitos de informação eletricamente impressa de substâncias biologicamente ativas em soluções aquosas. No entanto, estes efeitos não estão necessariamente ligados aos próprios da substância original (doadora). A reação de crescimento das plantas de agrião foi ora estimulatória ou inibidora, dependendo do momento da aplicação. Palavras-chave:  Informações moleculares, transferéncias electromagnéticos, estresse térmico, herbicida, citocinas, agrião, germinação.   Efectos de información molecular transferida eléctricamente sobre la germinación de berro Resumen Seguimos la hipótesis de que información biológicamente relevante de varias sustancias puede ser transferida de modo no químico a organismos mediante la combinación de un campo eléctrico de alto voltaje que puede imprimir establemente información en el agua o soluciones acuosas. Un aparato especial fue construído y un sistema sensor ampliamente probado (mudas de berro expuestas a stress térmico definido) fie utilizado. Los resultados demuestran clara evidencia de los efectos de información eléctricamente impresa de sustancias biológicamente activas en soluciones acuosas, sin embargo, estos efectos no están necesariamente asociados con los propios de la sustancia original (donante). La reacción de crecimiento de las mudas de berro fue estimuladora o inhibidora dependiendo del horario de aplicación. Palabras-clave:  Información molecular, transferencias electromagnéticas, estrés térmico, herbicidas, citoquinas, germinacion.   Correspondence author:  Romana Ruzic, [email protected] How to cite this article:  Ruzic R, Jerman I, Skarja M, Leskovar RT, Mogilnicki L. Electromagnetic transference of molecular information in garden cress germination. Int J High Dilution Res [online]. 2008 [cited YYYY Mmm DD]; 7(24): 122-131. Available from: http://journal.giri-society.org/index.php/ijhdr/article/view/300/366.  

scholarly journals Biological effects of oxygen-enriched drinking water. Review. Part 2

2021 ◽  
Vol 100 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-29
Author(s):  
Jurii A. Rakhmanin ◽  
Natalija A. Egorova ◽  
Rufina I. Mihajlova ◽  
Irina N. Ryzhova ◽  
Marina G. Kochetkova
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Biological Effect ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
The Body ◽  
Molecular Response ◽  
Oxygen Homeostasis ◽  
Generalized Peritonitis ◽  
Negative Effect

Human life on Earth depends on the continuous availability of oxygen. Conditions for the entry of oxygen into the body’s cells change in time and space, are easily broken, thus causing the possibility of development of hypoxia - a condition of oxygen starvation of tissues. The second part of the review is devoted to information about the successful use of oxygen-rich water in domestic therapeutic and surgical practice in complex treatment to reduce the negative effect of hypoxia in patients with chronic heart failure and generalized peritonitis complicated by intestinal insufficiency syndrome. Authors consider a common method for improving the supply of oxygen to the body using enteral oxygen therapy - oxygen cocktails in diseases of the cardiovascular system, lungs, bronchi and gastrointestinal tract, atopic dermatitis, placental insufficiency, as well as to improve physical performance, reduce the level of neuroticism and normalize the psychoemotional status. The first part of the review provides data on the modern understanding processes providing oxygen homeostasis in cells, on the critical component responsible for regulating the molecular response to hypoxia - the Hypoxia-Inducible Factors (HIFs) of the family of transcription factors. The possibility to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the body by delivering it to cells and tissues was indicated to consider water and various oxygen cocktails. Data from experimental studies of the biological effect of oxygenated drinking water are analyzed, as well as the results of studying the effects of oxygen-enriched drinking water with the participation of volunteers. The issue of the formation of oxygen (free) radicals when drinking oxygen-enriched drinking water is considered. The review draws specialist’s attention to the problem of the biological effect of oxygen-enriched drinking water, its insufficient knowledge and the possible yet unrealized potential in terms of preventing various diseases and maintaining optimal human health.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document