Degree Of Maturity Research Articles

Lithology, source areas and formation settings of upper triassic deposits of South-Western Primorye

The article considers the material composition of sandy rocks from the Upper Triassic deposits of the Mongugai formation of South-Western Primorye and presents the results of its paleogeodynamic interpretation. It has been established that, according to their mineralogical and geochemical parameters, sandstones are petrogenic, correspond to graywackes and, only partially, to lithite arenites, are characterized by a significant degree of geochemical maturity of the clastic material, and their formation occurred due to the erosion of significantly weathered parent rocks of the source areas. Generalization and paleogeodynamic interpretation of the data obtained indicate that in the Late Triassic in the southwestern part of Primorye, sedimentation occurred in basins associated with the environment of the active continental margin and, probably, complicated by strike-slip dislocations along transform faults. The dominant source of clastic matter was continental land: cratons and projections of crystalline basement framed by rift zones or along transform faults. Acidic granite-metamorphic complexes were eroded with the participation of sedimentary rocks enriched with ancient components. A secondary source was a deeply dissected continental margin magmatic arc, which supplied the basin with an additional amount of sialic material, as well as a small amount of the basic-medium volcanoclastic. U-Pb geochronological studies of detrital zircons from sandy rocks of the formation made it possible to establish the age and possible location of magmatic complexes, due to the destruction of which the deposits were formed.

Biomarkers of mature neuronal differentiation and related diseases.

The nervous system regulates perception, cognition and behavioral responses by serving as the body's primary communication system for receiving, regulating and transmitting information. Neurons are the fundamental structures and units of the nervous system. Their differentiation and maturation processes rely on the expression of specific biomarkers. Neuron-specific intracellular markers can be used to determine the degree of neuronal maturation. Neuronal cytoskeletal proteins dictate the shape and structure of neurons, while synaptic plasticity and signaling processes are intricately associated with neuronal synaptic markers. Furthermore, abnormal expression levels of biomarkers can serve as diagnostic indicators for nervous system diseases. This article reviews the markers of mature neuronal differentiation and their relationship with nervous system diseases.

EFFECT OF LEAD ACETATE ON HISTOOGICAL FEATURES OF LIVER, SKELETAL MUSCLE AND TESTIS AND SERUM TESTOSTERON LEVEL OF LABORATORY ALBINO MICE Mus musculus.

Lead acetate as one of the environmental pollutants can threats the life of living creatures in many ways, it has a long half-life, accumulates mainly in the soft tissue and leads to adverse effects in these tissues. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of oral feeding of lead acetate on histological features of liver, kidney, testis and muscle of albino mice. Mice were treated with 0.05 mg/100 ml lead acetate (LA) for 10 days (group A) and for and for 20 days (group B) and for 30 days (group C). The histological section of liver of mice group A characterized by slightly blurred trabecular structure with foci of hepatitis which increased with cytoplasmic vacules in group B but in group C liver reveal necrosis, heamorrhage, hepatitis with dysplasia. Testis revealed foci of spermatic hypoplasia in group A, areas of fibrosis and spermatic arrest revealed in group B and C with mild degree of maturation in last group. Skeletal muscle fibers not changed in group A but characterized with focal mononuclear cell infiltration and myositis in group B but necrosis and skeletal muscle atrophy with increase perimuscular adipose tissue and fibrosis revealed in fibers of group C.

Factors determining the scientific status of the theory of education – introductory notes

In the article I analyse factors determining the scientific status of theory of education. An addition to the three elements recognized by methodologists of all social science disciplines namely: a separate subject of research, own terminology and developed research methodology I add new elements such as: a lexical database for other sciences, specialized journals, prestige and organizational culture of academic institutions, outstanding personalities in science, judgments and opinions issued by state control bodies and the scientific community. All these factors determine the degree of independence maturity and prestige of theory of education among other social sciences.

Features of performing parental duties under French family law

In the paper the author conducted a scientific study of the peculiarities of the performance of parental duties under the family law of the French Republic. It is noted that the French Civil Code uses the concepts of "parental authority" and "parental authority" to define the set of personal non-property and property rights of parents in the legal relationship between parents and children. French family law defines parental authority as a set of rights and obligations aimed at ensuring the best interests of the child. Parental authority belongs to the parents until the child reaches the age of majority or emancipation, for the purpose of protecting the child, ensuring the protection of his safety, health, protection of private life and his morality, ensuring his education and development, provided that the child is involved in making decisions related to exercise of parental authority, in accordance with the degree of maturity and age of the child; it cannot be carried out with the use of physical or psychological violence against the child. The main requirements for the exercise of parental authority (parental authority) by French family law are the proportionality of its exercise by each parent in accordance with the capabilities of each parent and the needs of the child); their joint implementation by both parents, unless otherwise established by a court decision in family matters; the emergence of parental rights and obligations on the basis of marriage and the birth of a child in it or within a year after the dissolution of the marriage, on the basis of a joint statement or a court decision in family matters; their termination in case of recognition of the father or mother as incapable, deprivation of parental rights or death; changing the conditions of their implementation by one of the parents is subject to prior and timely informing of the other parent and agreement with him. French family law defines the possibility of transferring (delegating) parental authority to a third party, a family member or trusted relative, a childcare facility or a departmental service for children at the request of the parents, a person, an institution or a service where the child is (while transferring (delegating) is not subject to the right of parents to consent to the adoption of a minor child). According to the French Civil Code, such management is carried out jointly by both parents, and in the case that parental authority is exercised by one of the parents - by the parent who exercises it.

Morphological Characteristics of the Ulna Fracture Zone in Rats Undergoing Therapy With Modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Experimental Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a progressive systemic disease characterized by a decrease in bone density. This leads to increased bone fragility and a higher likelihood of fractures. New approaches to cellular therapy have been developed for the effective treatment of this pathology, based on the use of modified osteophilic polymers with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for local action on damaged bone areas. The aim of the study was to morphologically assess the effectiveness of modified osteophilic polymer MSCs on reparative osteogenesis processes during the post-traumatic period in animals with a fracture of the ulna and underlying osteoporosis. Material and methods. The experiment involved Wistar rats (females, n=40; 200–300 g, 3 months old). Osteoporosis was simulated by bilateral ovariectomy, and the fracture was simulated through diaphysis osteotomy of the ulna. All rats were randomly distributed into four groups: Group I (control, n=10; buffered solution); Group II (n=10; osteophilic polymer, 1 mg/ml); Group III (n=10; MSC suspension, 1×106); Group IV (n=10; modified osteophilic polymer MSCs, 1×106). The experiment results were evaluated in 1 and 6 months after the fracture. Results. MSCs were applied after exposure to the osteophilic polymer to restore the pool of osteoblast precursors in the fracture area of the ulna in experimental osteoporosis. In all animals, regeneration foci with varying degrees of structural and functional maturation of cellular and intercellular substrates were formed in the fracture area. The most pronounced processes of bone tissue restoration were observed with the use of modified osteophilic polymer MSCs. This is likely associated with the high concentration of modified osteophilic polymer MSCs and their retention in zones of damaged bone regeneration, subsequently stimulating osteogenesis. The paradigm of provisionality, as a universal model manifestating histogenesis and organogenesis, was utilized to gain a more comprehensive biological understanding and interpretation of the observed changes. Conclusion. MSCs applied after exposure to an osteophilic polymer significantly enhance the process of reparative osteogenesis in fractures of long bones in patients with estrogen-induced osteoporosis, thus making this technology promising for combined therapy.

Geochemical characteristics of crude oils and source rocks in the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (MTJDA), North Malay Basin

The Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area (MTJDA) that located in the North Malay Basin has been investigated in this study to resolve few issues concerning to petroleum potential and resources which has been abandon for decades. Despite Malay Basin having been proven to contain prolific oil and gas resources, the MTJDA which located in the Northern area however contains mainly gas with very minor oil. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the main factor that controls the hydrocarbon generation, type and distribution in this basin. The investigation involves biomarker characterization, thermal maturity assessment of source rock, crude oil and condensate, together with oil-oil and oil-source correlation that has never been established before. The geochemical data as indicated by bitumen extraction, GC-MS and Py-GC analyses on 40 cutting samples and 8 liquid samples (six oil samples and two condensate samples) revealed that the cutting samples were moderate in quality with variable richness based on TOC (total organic carbon) and a variable degree of maturity based on the biomarker proxy parameters of isoprenoid, hopanoid and steroid. The organic matter input for the source rock was derived from a mixed marine-terrestrial and terrestrial source and deposited in fluvial-deltaic/estuarine settings having oxic to sub-oxic depositional conditions. Based on biomarker fingerprints and proxy parameters, the oil and condensate samples were essentially of the same group, originating from a similar source rock, with some facies variation due to variations in organic matter input and degree of maturity. The results also indicated that the crude oil samples were originated from the coaly and carbonaceous shales of Group I, with mixed kerogen of type II/III that could produce gas with minor oil. There is also the possibility that these hydrocarbons were generated from a deeper interval of Group E (higher thermal maturity), deposited in a similar setting as Group I.

Provenance, paleoweathering, sediment maturity, and depositional environment of intertrappean sediments in Angot–Gazo volcanic plateau, northeastern Ethiopia: Evidence from field mapping, petrography and geochemistry

Numerous intertrappean beds have been reported in different sections of the Ethiopian highlands; however, their detailed paleo-sedimentological characteristics have not been fully examined. This study investigates the source rock composition, tectonic setting, degree of past weathering, paleoclimatic conditions, sediment maturity, and depositional environments of the Angot–Gazo terrestrial sediments through geological mapping, mineralogical analysis, and geochemical approaches. Two terrestrial beds, consisting of mudrock and sandstone, were identified. The sandstone is characterized by massive, medium to coarse, and poorly sorted grains that range from sub-rounded to angular shapes. Minerallogically, the sandstone comprises quartz, feldspar, and lithic fragments grains with a proportional amounts of ash material. Both mineralogical (Q–F–R) and geochemical classification plots categorize the sandstone as arkosic to lithic greywacke. Felsic volcanic rocks are the main source material for the investigated sediments, as evidenced by multiple discrimination plots (DF1 vs. DF2, V–Ni–Th∗10, La–Th–Sc, Cr/Th–Th/Sc, La/Co–Th/Co, La/Sc–Th/Co and Y/Ni–Cr/V), LREE/HREE patterns, elemental ratios, and the appearance of abundant felsic-derived lithic fragments within the sandstone. A new bivariate discriminant function plot from DF1 vs. DF2 analysis, coupled with ternary diagrams of Zr/10–Th–Sc for the studied intertrappean sediments, revealed a continental rift setting, particularly a passive continental margin. Ternary diagram of A–CN–K, binary plots of Al₂O₃/Na₂O vs. average values of weathering indices (CIA, CIW, PIA, & MIA), and SiO2 vs. Al2O3+K2O + Na2O plot demonstrate slight to moderate degree of weathering for the sandstone, and deep weathering for the mudrock under semi-arid paleoclimatic conditions. The binary schemes of SiO2/Al2O3 and Ni–TiO2 ratio, along with the significant abundance of angular to sub-angular framework grains, reflect both immaturity and initial sediment recycling. Finally, the examined sediments were deposited in freshwater under oxic conditions, as evidenced by binary plots of Sr/Ba, Th/U, U/Th, and Ni/Co.

Research on Composting of Garden Waste and Its Application in Cultivation Substrates

To achieve the resource utilization of garden waste, in this study, we used garden waste as the main raw material and conducted static composting with high-temperature aerobic treatment and forced ventilation by adding appropriate external additives. Our results showed that during the composting process, the pH was weakly alkaline, and the electrical conductivity was between 1.42 and 1.50 mS/cm. The E4/E6 (an important indicator of the quality or degree of condensation and aromatization of humic acid) gradually decreased, and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents increased. The germination index gradually rose and ultimately exceeded 80%. Treatment (T2) with a final C/N ratio of 25:1 and the addition of 0.3% bacterial agent resulted in the highest nutrient content and the best degree of compost maturity. All indicators met the requirements of the Chinese “Technical Requirements for Urban Landscape Waste Resource Recycling and Deep Processing (GB/T 40199-2021)”. When using a composite substrate of garden waste and other horticultural substrates for planting, a membership function was executed for comprehensive evaluation. The V (T2):V (peat):V (vermiculite):V (vermiculite) = 135:135:30:00 substrate treatment resulted in optimal lettuce growth and quality. In summary, combining the compost products of garden waste with traditional cultivation substrates at a specific ratio shows favorable applicative prospects.

Histologic spectrum and outcome of Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma: a single center experience and a survey of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TGCA) cohort.

While high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) serves as an essential pathogen and an important prognostic and predictive biomarker for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, it occurs at low frequency (2.2-6%) in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). To date, the pathologic features of HPV-associated OCSCC (HPV( +)-OCSCC) have been sparsely reported and its prognosis is not well-defined. We herein described detailed clinicopathologic features and outcomes of a retrospective series of 27 HPV( +)-OCSCC, including 13 from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and 14 from The Cancer Genomic Atlas program (TCGA). The frequency of HPV positivity in OCSCC was 0.7% in MSKCC cohort and 4.9% in TCGA cohort. Although HPV( +)-OCSCC was predominantly non-keratinizing (in 81%) with various degree of maturation, its histologic spectrum was expanded to include keratinizing subtype (19%), adenosquamous carcinoma (7%), and papillary architecture (subtype, 7%). HPV( +)-OCSCC predominantly affected male patients (male:female ratio = 12.5:1) and (ex) smokers (77%). It might occur in mandibular mucosa, floor of mouth, tongue, retromolar trigone, buccal mucosa, maxillary mucosa, or hard palate. In oral cavity, positivity of HPV by RNA in situ hybridization was required, and p16 immunohistochemistry alone was insufficient to confirm the HPV + status. The positive predictive value of p16 immunopositivity in detecting HPV infection was 68%. HPV-positivity did not appear to affect outcomes, including disease specific survival and progression free survival in OCSCC.

Leading a Palliative Care Team Through Times of Growth And Change.

High-functioning palliative care teams are essential to high-quality care for individuals with serious illness and their families. Such teams are flexible and adapt to change. However, recent high turnover and understaffing, compounded by a pandemic, challenge even the most resilient and adaptable teams. An effective leader guides a team through change, capitalizing on opportunities to build an even stronger team. However, most palliative care team leaders lack formal leadership training and are inadequately prepared to lead through such circumstances. Leaders may find caring for seriously ill patients professionally satisfying, even as aspects of their leadership role cause them significant distress. For this reason, we share some lessons learned in leading evolving palliative care teams of varying composition, practice settings, and degrees of maturation. We hope these strategies equip palliative care leaders to build stronger, even more cohesive teams in times of change and uncertainty.

Effectiveness of the Association of Fibrin Scaffolds, Nanohydroxyapatite, and Photobiomodulation with Simultaneous Low-Level Red and Infrared Lasers in Bone Repair.

Biomaterials and biopharmaceuticals for correcting large bone defects are a potential area of translational science. A new bioproduct, purified from snake venom and fibrinogen from buffalo blood, aroused interest in the repair of venous ulcers. Expanding potential uses, it has also been used to form biocomplexes in combination with bone grafts, associated with physical therapies or used alone. The aim of this preclinical study was to evaluate low-level laser photobiomodulation (PBM) in critical defects in the calvaria of rats filled with nanohydroxyapatite (NH) associated with the heterologous fibrin biopolymer (HFB). Sixty animals were used, divided into six groups (n = 10 each): G1 (NH); G2 (HFB); G3 (NH + HFB); G4 (NH + PBM); G5 (HFB + PBM); G6 (NH + HFB + PBM). PBM simultaneously used red (R) and infrared (IR) light emission, applied intraoperatively and twice a week, until the end of the experiment at 42 days. Microtomography, bone formation can be seen initially at the margins of the defect, more evident in G5. Microscopically, bone formation demonstrated immature and disorganized trabeculation at 14 days, with remnants of grafting materials. At 42 days, the percentage of new bone formed was higher in all groups, especially in G5 (HFB, 45.4 ± 3.82), with collagen fibers at a higher degree of maturation and yellowish-green color in the birefringence analysis with Picrosirius-red. Therefore, it is concluded that the HFB + PBM combination showed greater effectiveness in the repair process and presents potential for future clinical studies.

Comparative organic geochemistry of shale deposits of northern Appalachian Basin

The organic-rich black shales in the Appalachian basin are a vital producer of natural gas. In this study, we present new multiproxy geochemical data from the Ordovician and Devonian black shales in New York (NY) and Pennsylvania (PA). The samples include outcrop samples collected in NY (Utica Group and Marcellus Formation) and core samples from PA (Marcellus Formation, Skaneateles Formation, and Genesee Group). We combined organic geochemical data (% total organic carbon or %TOC, δ13Corg, C/N ratio, and lipid n-alkane distribution) with trace element (TE) data to identify the organic matter (OM) sources and depositional conditions. The TE analysis data shows that water conditions were variable during the deposition of these black shales, fluctuating between oxic and dysoxic conditions with occasional anoxia. There was probably a change from an open water condition (Co∗Mn = 0.2) during the deposition of the Flat Creek Formation to a more restricted exchange later during the deposition of the Indian Castle Formation (Co∗Mn = 2.9) in the Ordovician. Basin circulation likely remained restricted during the deposition of the Devonian black shales (Co∗Mn ranges from 0.4 to 1.3). Based on δ13Corg values (−32.9‰ and −29.6‰) that are more depleted than marine OM δ13Corg, C/N ratios (11.2 and 9.2) higher than marine OM, and the presence of longer chain n-alkanes in the range of C25 to C33, we suggest that bryophytes were possibly a significant organic source to the Ordovician Utica Group in NY. The kerogen type in Utica Group samples is type III, mostly terrestrial OM. The Devonian NY and PA samples show mostly bimodal distributions. In some samples, a secondary, though sometimes dominant, shorter chain peak in the range of C14 to C20 is present, in addition to the long chain peak. We suggest the bimodal n-alkane distribution signifies a mixed OM source consisting of terrestrial and marine contributions with differing degrees of thermal maturation compared to the samples with a unimodal distribution. Our results suggest that samples from the NY Marcellus Group are composed of type III kerogen, while samples from the PA Marcellus Formation, Skaneateles Formation, and Genesee Group contain both type II and type III kerogens.

An INSULIN and IAPP dual reporter enables tracking of functional maturation of stem cell-derived insulin producing cells

ObjectiveHuman embryonic stem cell (hESC; SC)-derived pancreatic β cells can be used to study diabetes pathologies and develop cell replacement therapies. Although current differentiation protocols yield SCβ cells with varying degrees of maturation, these cells still differ from deceased donor human β cells in several respects. We sought to develop a reporter cell line that could be used to dynamically track SCβ cell functional maturation. MethodsTo monitor SCβ cell maturation in vitro, we created an IAPP-2A-mScar and INSULIN-2A-EGFP dual fluorescent reporter (INS2A-EGFP/+;IAPP2A-mScarlet/+) hESC line using CRISPR/Cas9. Pluripotent SC were then differentiated using a 7-stage protocol to islet-like cells. Immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, qPCR, GSIS and electrophysiology were used to characterise resulting cell populations. ResultsWe observed robust expression of EGFP and mScarlet fluorescent proteins in insulin- and IAPP-expressing cells without any compromise to their differentiation. We show that the proportion of insulin-producing cells expressing IAPP increases over a 4-week maturation period, and that a subset of insulin-expressing cells remain IAPP-free. Compared to this IAPP-free population, we show these insulin- and IAPP-expressing cells are less polyhormonal, more glucose-sensitive, and exhibit decreased action potential firing in low (2.8 mM) glucose. ConclusionsThe INS2A-EGFP/+;IAPP2A-mScarlet/+ hESC line provides a useful tool for tracking populations of maturing hESC-derived β cells in vitro. This tool has already been shared with 3 groups and is freely available to all.

Neurovisceral interactions in individual and phylogenetic development

The article provides a review of experimental studies exploring the nature of neurovisceral interactions through the analysis of heart rate variability at different stages of individual development and within different species. Analysis of heart rate variability is one of the most common and accessible experimental methods to observe aspects of neurovisceral (for example, neurocardiac) interactions. Nonstationary, nonlinear components in the dynamics of inter-beat intervals (periods between adjacent heart beats) reflect the processes of coordination of heart activity with changes in the organization of neural activity, ensuring the current relationship of the individual with the environment. Mathematically, these aspects of heart rate dynamics are expressed in estimates of the complexity, irregularity, entropy, and unpredictability of the time sequence of inter-beat intervals. The dynamics of neurocardiac interactions described in this way are not the same in different species and become more complex in phylogeny. Similarly, in individual development, the dynamics of the heart rate becomes more complex and reflects, among other things, the degree of maturation of certain nervous structures at different stages of ontogenesis. We examined the features of the dynamics of neurovisceral interactions in individual and phylogenetic development within the framework of the system-evolution theory and interpreted them in connection with changes in the structure of individual experience – the characteristics of a set of functional systems actualized in behavior (increasing differentiation of the relationship between the individual and the environment).

Parameters of physical development of term newborns with Intrauterine Growth Retardation, born in a 3B Level Perinatal Centre of St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University in 2022

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine growth retardation of a newborn child is an current problem in neonatology, obstetrics and pediatrics. Due to intrauterine development disorders, these newborns have increased morbidity and mortality rates. In the presence of Intrauterine growth retardation, the likelihood of developing complications in the early neonatal period increases (birth asphyxia, meconium aspiration, hypoglycemia, polycythemia, etc.), and the risk of developing infections and neurological disorders) is increased. AIM: The aim of this study is to study the parameters of physical development of term newborns born in the Perinatal Centre 3B level of the St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University in 2022 year, to determine the frequency and structure of disorders associated with Intrauterine growth retardation and malnutrition depending on the gestational age of term newborns for a differential approach in the management of children with Intrauterine growth retardation by neonatologists and paediatricians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were analyzed 1000 hospital neonatal records of newborns children born at the Perinatal Centre of Level 3B of St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University in 2022 year. Of these, 55 term babies were born with Intrauterine growth retardation. The study examined the physical development of term newborns, determined the frequency and structure of disorders associated with intrauterine growth retardation and malnutrition, depending on the gestational age of term newborns. RESULTS: Retardation of intrauterine growth and development in newborn children born in level 3B centres are represented by low body weight in relation to gestational age in 63.6% of cases, trophic disorders with normal body weight and reduced weight/length ratio in 34.6% of cases, and low height index with normal body weight in 1.8% of cases. Severe physical developmental disorders were found only in children with low body weight: in 13% of cases of low birth weight for gestational age, and in 55% of cases of small fetal size for gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: the distribution of physical development disorders (ICD code P05.2) in term infants, depending on the degree of maturity has a linear trend and occurs with maximum frequency (50%) in late term newborns, which is associated with the onset of aging of the placenta and the intensification of existing, even compensated, placental insufficiency.

Presepsin in Human Milk Is Delivery Mode and Gender Dependent.

Breast milk (BM) is a unique food due to its nutritional composition and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Evidence has emerged on the role of Presepsin (PSEP) as a reliable marker of early sepsis diagnosis. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the measurability of PSEP in BM according to different maturation stages (colostrum, C; transition, Tr; and mature milks, Mt) and corrected for delivery mode and gender. We conducted a multicenter prospective case-control study in women who had delivered 22 term (T) and 22 preterm (PT) infants. A total of 44 human milk samples were collected and stored at -80 °C. BM PSEP (pg/mL) levels were measured by using a rapid chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. PSEP was detected in all samples analyzed. Higher (p < 0.05) BM PSEP concentrations were observed in the PT compared to the T infants. According to the grade of maturation, higher (p < 0.05) levels of PSEP in C compared to Tr and Mt milks were observed in the whole study population. The BM subtypes' degrees of maturation were delivery mode and gender dependent. We found that PSEP at high concentrations supports its antimicrobial action both in PT and T infants. These results open the door to further studies investigating the role of PSEP.

Abstract We007: High Throughput 3D-Printed Human Engineered Heart Tissues for Cardiac Disease Modeling

While cell models have been used to study cardiac diseases, there is currently no standardization or fully mature in vitro system. Obtaining a mature cardiomyocyte (CM) phenotype is necessary to create a physiologically relevant environment and accurately model and study cardiac diseases. Increased success in maturation of human induced pluripotent stem cell derived CMs (hiPS-CMs) has been achieved in 3D in vitro models in the form of engineered heart tissues (EHTs). Digital light processing (DLP) offers a high throughput and efficient method to fabricate hydrogels that recapitulate properties of native tissues. In this study, we use DLP-printed EHTs to seed and mature differentiated hiPS-CMs and test their potential for modeling pathological cardiac hypertrophy. To further encourage maturity of CMs, we utilized a low glucose maturation medium supplemented with fatty acids. DLP-printed EHTs displayed high reproducibility and increased CM maturity. To determine degree of maturity of our system, we performed RT-qPCR, western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy. We found increased expression of fatty-acid transport and beta oxidation genes and improved sarcomere alignment compared to 2D hiPS-CMs. To model pathological cardiac hypertrophy, we used two different approaches: 1. acute adrenergic agonism with isoproterenol and phenylephrine; 2. chronic culturing of EHTs in pathologically stiff conditions. To assess pathology, we conducted RT-qPCR, western blot, ELISA, IF microscopy, and functional analyses. We found that agonist-treated EHTs displayed increased pathology-associated gene expression compared to standard 2D hiPS-CMs. Both agonist-treated and stiff EHTs had increased secreted B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and phosphorylation of proteins involved in pathological remodeling, including ERK and P38. Additionally, we observed increased nuclear area, increased calcium handling, and increased contractile force in the treatment groups. In conclusion, we have established a high throughput, reproducible, mature EHT platform that can be used to model pathological cardiac hypertrophy. This platform can be easily adopted by other laboratories to study a wide array of cardiac diseases.

Solid bitumen Rhenium-Osmium (Re–Os) isotope geochronology and existing problems: Sampled of Sinian-Cambrian gas reservoir in Sichuan Basin, China

Understanding the key timings related to petroleum evolution is crucial for optimizing exploration targets and assessing oil/gas resources, attract petroleum geologists’ attention worldwide. Recently, hydrocarbon (oil and bitumen) Re–Os isotope dating has been innovatively applied to constrain the timing related to oil/gas generation, however, the resulting Re–Os isochron ages can be complex and challenging to interpret. This study utilizes various geochemical and geochronological data from Sinian to Cambrian natural gas reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin to reconstruct the hydrocarbon evolution process and discuss the significance of different bitumen Re–Os dating results. The gas accumulation in the Sinian-Cambrian reservoirs experienced four stages of evolution: (1) initial oil generation during the Ordovician to Silurian periods, (2) secondary oil generation during the Triassic period, (3) gas generation through thermal cracking of liquid oil from the Jurassic to Cretaceous periods, and (4) gas reservoir redistribution since the late Cretaceous. The Re–Os dates (ca. 485 Ma) of low maturity and biodegraded bitumen from the western Sichuan Basin record the oil generation during the Ordovician before the Caledonian tectonic event. The Re–Os dates (ca.184–128 Ma) of highly mature bitumen associated with MVT Pb–Zn deposits in northern Sichuan Basin provide insights into both liquid oil-cracking and thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) processes. The complex Re–Os dates (ca.414 Ma, ca.154 Ma) of highly mature bitumen from the central Sichuan Basin may represent different periods related to either oil or gas generation. Future studies should explore the genetic type, maturity, thermal cracking, or TSR degrees of bitumen to better understand the significance of Re–Os dates.

Classification of tomato ripeness in the agricultural industry using a computer vision system

Machine vision systems (SVA) occupy an important place in the field of food and agriculture, these techniques are performed in situ, are efficient, non-invasive, time-saving and more economical than traditional techniques. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) are extensively cultivated throughout the world, are essential in the agricultural and culinary fields and are recognized for their beneficial contributions to health. Lack of knowledge about fruit maturity, proper harvesting and postharvest handling are factors responsible for large postharvest losses. Therefore, the objective of this research was the construction of a VAS that allows establishing relationships between color and maturity stage of the Chonto Roble F1 tomato. The VAS built is composed of hardware and software duly synchronized through the application of computer vision algorithms in Python 3.9 software that allow it to perform the acquisition and segmentation of the image and present the user with the color coordinates in the CIEL*a*b* system. Finally, color measurements were performed on tomato samples at different stages of ripening in the VAS and a HunterLab ColorQuest XE (EHL) spectrophotometer. The results obtained indicated that there are no significant differences in both measurement systems for L* values, the changes produced in b* and a* were statistically significant for tomato samples. The results obtained indicated the potential use of the constructed VAS for the determination of the degree of maturity of tomatoes in real time, in a non-invasive and low-cost way.