Human behaviour modelled as a statistico-deterministic turing machine

'Free will' and its corollary, the concept of individual responsibility are keystones of the justice system. This paper shows that if we accept a physics that disallows time reversal, the concept of 'free will' is undermined by an integrated understanding of the influence of genetics and environment on human behavioural responses. Analysis is undertaken by modelling life as a novel statistico-deterministic version of a Turing machine, i.e. as a series of transitions between states at successive instants of time. Using this model it is proven by induction that the entire course of life is independent of the action of free will. Although determined by prior state, the probability of transitions between states in response to a standard environmental stimulus is not equal to 1 and the transitions may differ quantitatively at the molecular level and qualitatively at the level of the whole organism. Transitions between states correspond to behaviours. It is shown that the behaviour of identical twins (or clones), although determined, would be incompletely predictable and non-identical, creating an illusion of the operation of 'free will'. 'Free will' is a convenient construct for current judicial systems and social control because it allows rationalization of punishment for those whose behaviour falls outside socially defined norms. Indeed, it is conceivable that maintenance of ideas of free will has co-evolved with community morality to reinforce its operation. If the concept is free will is to be maintained it would require revision of our current physical theories

Phylogeny and Origin of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency Mutations in Indonesia

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between the types of G6PD mutations found in Indonesia and the relationships of mutations found in Indonesia to those found in other countries. We summarize the distribution of G6PDs in West Indonesia and East Indonesia. Moreover, we use bioinformatics methods to construct phylogenetic trees and compare the sequences containing the regions amplifi ed by the commonly used PCR primer pairs. Previous work has shown that Mediterranean G6PD and Chinese CoimbraG6PDare distributed in West Indonesia, whilst G6PD mutations in East Indonesia are Jammu/ViangchanG6PD and Chinese Gaohe G6PD. G6PD Jammu/Viangchan was mostly distributed in Flores Island, East Indonesia along with G6PDGaohe. We constructed phylogenetic trees using the G6PD sequences from various regions in Indonesia and other countries. It appears from phylogenetic trees and percentages of identity that FloresIndonesian G6PD defi ciency (Jammu/Viangchan G6PD, originating in India) is 92.5% identical to the G6PD defi ciency of Chinese origin (GaoheG6PD). It was interesting to note that the genetic region containing the Javanese Indonesian G6PD defi ciency (MediterraneanG6PD, fi rst found in Italy) located in the western parts of Indonesia is closely related (99% identity) to the Chinese G6PD defi ciency(Coimbra G6PD). We concludethat G6PD mutations in West Indonesia are closely related to G6PD mutations from China. G6PD mutations in East Indonesia are also closely related to G6PD mutations from India and China, but more distantly, and to different types to those in West Indonesia. A prediction of protein structure was carried out which allowed visualization of the locations of mutation on the three dimensional structure of G6PD. Key words: G6PD, phylogeny, origin, genetic mutation

Phylogeny and Origin of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Defi ciency Mutations in Indonesia

The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between the types of G6PD mutations found in Indonesia and the relationships of mutations found in Indonesia to those found in other countries. We summarize the distribution of G6PDs in West Indonesia and East Indonesia. Moreover, we use bioinformatics methods to construct phylogenetic trees and compare the sequences containing the regions amplifi ed by the commonly used PCR primer pairs. Previous work has shown that Mediterranean G6PD and Chinese CoimbraG6PDare distributed in West Indonesia, whilst G6PD mutations in East Indonesia are Jammu/ViangchanG6PD and Chinese Gaohe G6PD. G6PD Jammu/Viangchan was mostly distributed in Flores Island, East Indonesia along with G6PDGaohe. We constructed phylogenetic trees using the G6PD sequences from various regions in Indonesia and other countries. It appears from phylogenetic trees and percentages of identity that FloresIndonesian G6PD defi ciency (Jammu/Viangchan G6PD, originating in India) is 92.5% identical to the G6PD defi ciency of Chinese origin (GaoheG6PD). It was interesting to note that the genetic region containing the Javanese Indonesian G6PD defi ciency (MediterraneanG6PD, fi rst found in Italy) located in the western parts of Indonesia is closely related (99% identity) to the Chinese G6PD defi ciency(Coimbra G6PD). We concludethat G6PD mutations in West Indonesia are closely related to G6PD mutations from China. G6PD mutations in East Indonesia are also closely related to G6PD mutations from India and China, but more distantly, and to different types to those in West Indonesia. A prediction of protein structure was carried out which allowed visualization of the locations of mutation on the three dimensional structure of G6PD.Key words: G6PD, phylogeny, origin, genetic mutations</div

Expression of Growth Hormone Receptors by Lymphocyte subpopulations in the Human tonsil

The ability of human tonsillar lymphoid cells to express growth hormone receptor (hGH-N-R) was analyzed by flow cytometry. FITC-coupled recombinant human growth hormone (hGH-N) was used to reveal the receptors, in combination with phenotype markers

The Chemical Composition and Health-Promoting Effects of the Grewia Species—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Globally grown and organoleptically appreciated Grewia species are known as sources of bioactive compounds that avert the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Therefore, in recent years, the genus Grewia has attracted increasing scientific attention. This is the first systematic review which focusses primarily on the nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, pharmacological properties, and disease preventative role of Grewia species. The literature published from 1975 to 2021 was searched to retrieve relevant articles from databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Two independent reviewers carried out the screening, selection of articles, and data extraction. Of 815 references, 56 met our inclusion criteria. G. asiatica and G. optiva were the most frequently studied species. We found 167 chemical compounds from 12 Grewia species, allocated to 21 categories. Flavonoids represented 41.31% of the reported bioactive compounds, followed by protein and amino acids (10.7%), fats and fatty acids (9.58%), ash and minerals (6.58%), and non-flavonoid polyphenols (5.96%). Crude extracts, enriched with bioactive compounds, and isolated compounds from the Grewia species show antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective/radioprotective, immunomodulatory, and sedative hypnotic potential. Moreover, antimicrobial properties, improvement in learning and memory deficits, and effectiveness against neurodegenerative ailments are also described within the reviewed article. Nowadays, the side effects of some synthetic drugs and therapies, and bottlenecks in the drug development pathway have directed the attention of researchers and pharmaceutical industries towards the development of new products that are safe, cost-effective, and readily available. However, the application of the Grewia species in pharmaceutical industries is still limited

A growth hormone agonist produced by targeted mutagenesis at binding site 1: evidence that site 1 regulates bioactivity

Growth hormone (GH) is believed to signal by dimerizing its receptor through two binding sites on the hormone. Previous attempts to increase the biopotency of GH by increasing its site 1 affinity have been unsuccessful, which has led to a bias toward engineering site 2 interactions in the quest for creation of super agonists. Here we report that increasing site 1 affinity can markedly increase proliferative bioactivity in FDC-P1 cells expressing full-length GHR. In contrast, we find three site 1 mutants with affinities for site one similar to or greater than wild type GH, which have markedly decreased bioactivity. Through crystal structure analysis of the receptor interactive regions of these GH analogues, we are able to suggest why previous mutagenesis on human GH failed to improve biopotency, and thus provide a new avenue for GH and cytokine agonist design

A broad spectrum, one-step reverse-transcription PCR amplification of the neuraminidase gene from multiple subtypes of influenza A virus

Background: The emergence of high pathogenicity strains of Influenza A virus in a variety of human and animal hosts, with wide geographic distribution, has highlighted the importance of rapid identification and subtyping of the virus for outbreak management and treatment. Type A virus can be classified into subtypes according to the viral envelope glycoproteins, hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Here we review the existing specificity and amplification of published primers to subtype neuraminidase genes and describe a new broad spectrum primer pair that can detect all 9 neuraminidase subtypes

Universal primers that amplify RNA from all three flavivirus subgroups

Background: Species within the Flavivirus genus pose public health problems around the world. Increasing cases of Dengue and Japanese encephalitis virus in Asia, frequent outbreaks of Yellow fever virus in Africa and South America, and the ongoing spread of West Nile virus throughout the Americas, show the geographical burden of flavivirus diseases. Flavivirus infections are often indistinct from and confused with other febrile illnesses. Here we review the specificity of published primers, and describe a new universal primer pair that can detect a wide range of flaviviruses, including viruses from each of the recognised subgroups

Phytochemical Profile, Biological Properties, and Food Applications of the Medicinal Plant Syzygium cumini

Syzygium cumini, locally known as Jamun in Asia, is a fruit-bearing crop belonging to the Myrtaceae family. This study aims to summarize the most recent literature related to botany, traditional applications, phytochemical ingredients, pharmacological activities, nutrition, and potential food applications of S. cumini. Traditionally, S. cumini has been utilized to combat diabetes and dysentery, and it is given to females with a history of abortions. Anatomical parts of S. cumini exhibit therapeutic potentials including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antimalarial, anticancer, and antidiabetic activities attributed to the presence of various primary and secondary metabolites such as carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, alkaloids, flavonoids (i.e., quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol), phenolic acids (gallic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid) and anthocyanins (delphinidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, petunidin-3,5-O-diglucoside, malvidin-3,5-O-diglucoside). Different fruit parts of S. cumini have been employed to enhance the nutritional and overall quality of jams, jellies, wines, and fermented products. Today, S. cumini is also used in edible films. So, we believe that S. cumini’s anatomical parts, extracts, and isolated compounds can be used in the food industry with applications in food packaging and as food additives. Future research should focus on the isolation and purification of compounds from S. cumini to treat various disorders. More importantly, clinical trials are required to develop low-cost medications with a low therapeutic inde

Childhood and maternal infections and risk of acute leukaemia in children with Down syndrome: a report from the Children's Oncology Group

Childhood and maternal infections and risk of acute leukaemia in children with Down syndrome: a report from the Children's Oncology Grou