Organic Maturity Research Articles

Identification and classification of abundant RNA-binding proteins in the mouse lens and interactions of Carhsp1, Igf2bp1/ZBP1, and Ybx1 with crystallin and β-actin mRNAs.

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are critical regulators of mRNAs controlling all processes such as RNA transcription, transport, localization, translation, mRNA:ncRNA interactions, and decay. Cellular differentiation is driven by tissue-specific and/or tissue-preferred expression of proteins needed for the optimal function of mature cells, tissues and organs. Lens fiber cell differentiation is marked by high levels of expression of crystallin genes encoding critical proteins for lens transparency and light refraction. Herein we performed proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of RBPs in differentiating mouse lenses to identify the most abundant RBPs and establish dynamic changes of their expression in differentiating lens. Expression analyses include highly abundant RBPs, including Carhsp1, Igf2bp1/ZBP1, Ybx1, Pabpc1, Ddx39, and Rbm38. Binding sites of Carhsp1, Ybx1, and Igf2bp1/ZBP1 were predicted in various crystallin and β-actin mRNAs. Immunoprecipitations using antibodies against Carhsp1, Igf2bp1/ZBP1, and Ybx1 confirmed their interactions with αA-, αB-, and γA-crystallin mRNAs. A combination of single molecule RNA FISH (smFISH) and immunofluorescence was used to probe in vivo interactions of these RBPs with αA-, αB-crystallin, and β-actin mRNAs in cytoplasm and nucleoplasm of cultured mouse lens epithelial cells. Together, these results open new avenues to perform comprehensive genetic, cell, and molecular biology studies of individual RBPs in the lens.

Notch1 is required to maintain supporting cell identity and vestibular function during maturation of the mammalian balance organs.

The inner ear houses both hearing and balance sensory modalities. The hearing and balance organs consist of similar cell types, including sensory hair cells and associated supporting cells. Previously we showed that Notch1 is required for maintaining supporting cell survival during cochlear maturation. To understand the role of Notch during vestibular maturation, we deleted Notch1 from the vestibular organs of both male and female mice at birth. Histological analyses showed a reduction of supporting cells accompanied by an increase in type II hair cells, indicating a conversion of supporting cells to hair cells. Analysis of mature sensory organs indicate the converted hair cells survive, despite a severe reduction of supporting cells. Vestibular sensory evoked potentials (VsEPs), thought to be generated within the striola regions of the maculae, were absent, indicating that NOTCH1 is critical for striolar function. Specialized type I hair cells in the striola failed to develop the complex calyces typical of these cells. Notch1 mutants did not exhibit vestibular behaviors such as circling and head shaking, but showed difficulties with tests of balance and swimming. These results indicate that, unlike the cochlea, supporting cells in balance organs retain the plasticity to convert to hair cells which can survive into adulthood. Despite hair cell survival, vestibular function is compromised likely due to the loss of supporting cells and altered innervation.Significance Statement While the role of Notch has been investigated thoroughly during cochlear development and maturation, less is known about how Notch regulates vestibular maturation. Here, we show that deletion of Notch1 results in vestibular physiological and behavioral dysfunction by 3 months of age. In contrast to the cochlea, vestibular supporting cells retained the ability to convert to hair cells, and survived into adulthood. However, some specialized hair cells in the central region of the vestibular organs were reduced and not innervated properly. These results show that vestibular supporting cells retain the ability to convert to hair cells during maturation and can be manipulated by altering Notch signaling.

ANALISIS FAKTOR-FAKTOR INTERNAL DAN EKSTERNAL YANG MENINGKATKAN IBU HAMIL MENGANDUNG ANAK DOWN SYNDROM

This study aims to determine the internal factors and external factors that cause children to experience Down syndrome. The method used is a qualitative approach with a case study that interviewed three samples of Down syndrome sufferers in Semarang City. The results showed that the interviewed Down syndrome sufferers did not have a hereditary or family history of Down syndrome. However, the age of the mother when she was pregnant with a child with Down syndrome was ≥33 years, where the age of the mother greatly affects the maturity of the female reproductive organs. This study concludes that the factors that cause children to have Down syndrome include, among others, internal factors in the form of nondisjunction on chromosome 21. A fetus that should produce two copies of chromosome 21 instead produces three copies of chromosome 21, resulting in a baby who usually only has 46 chromosomes having 47 chromosomes. External influencing factors include maternal age, genetics, radiation, and nutrition (folic acid). Of the three subjects, the most dominant factor is the mother's age.

Unusual modes of cell and nuclear divisions characterise Drosophila development.

The growth and development of metazoan organisms is dependent upon a co-ordinated programme of cellular proliferation and differentiation, from the initial formation of the zygote through to maintenance of mature organs in adult organisms. Early studies of proliferation of ex vivo cultures and unicellular eukaryotes described a cyclic nature of cell division characterised by periods of DNA synthesis (S-phase) and segregation of newly synthesized chromosomes (M-phase) interspersed by seeming inactivity, the gap phases, G1 and G2. We now know that G1 and G2 play critical roles in regulating the cell cycle, including monitoring of favourable environmental conditions to facilitate cell division, and ensuring genomic integrity prior to DNA replication and nuclear division. M-phase is usually followed by the physical separation of nascent daughters, termed cytokinesis. These phases where G1 leads to S phase, followed by G2 prior to M phase and the subsequent cytokinesis to produce two daughters, both identical in genomic composition and cellular morphology are what might be termed an archetypal cell division. Studies of development of many different organs in different species have demonstrated that this stereotypical cell cycle is often subverted to produce specific developmental outcomes, and examples from over 100 years of analysis of the development of Drosophila melanogaster have uncovered many different modes of cell division within this one species.

The retinoic acid family-like nuclear receptor SmRAR identified by single-cell transcriptomics of ovarian cells controls oocyte differentiation in Schistosoma mansoni.

Studies on transcription regulation in platyhelminth development are scarce, especially for parasitic flatworms. Here, we employed single-cell transcriptomics to identify genes involved in reproductive development in the trematode model Schistosoma mansoni. This parasite causes schistosomiasis, a major neglected infectious disease affecting >240 million people worldwide. The pathology of schistosomiasis is closely associated with schistosome eggs deposited in host organs including the liver. Unlike other trematodes, schistosomes exhibit distinct sexes, with egg production reliant on the pairing-dependent maturation of female reproductive organs. Despite this significance, the molecular mechanisms underlying ovary development and oocyte differentiation remain largely unexplored. Utilizing an organ isolation approach for S. mansoni, we extracted ovaries of paired females followed by single-cell RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) with disassociated oocytes. A total of 1967 oocytes expressing 7872 genes passed quality control (QC) filtering. Unsupervised clustering revealed four distinct cell clusters: somatic, germ cells and progeny, intermediate and late germ cells. Among distinct marker genes for each cluster, we identified a hitherto uncharacterized transcription factor of the retinoic acid receptor family, SmRAR. Functional analyses of SmRAR and associated genes like Smmeiob (meiosis-specific, oligonucleotide/oligosaccharide binding motif (OB) domain-containing) demonstrated their pairing-dependent and ovary-preferential expression and their decisive roles in oocyte differentiation of S. mansoni.

Impact of late-stage hypoxic stimulation and layer breeder age on embryonic development, hatching and chick quality.

The present study examined the effects of breeder age and oxygen (O₂) concentrations during the late chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) growth stage on embryo development, hatching dynamics, chick quality, bone mineralization and hatchability. A total of 1200 eggs from 33- and 50-week-old ISA layer breeders, weighing 53.85 g and 60.42 g on average respectively, were incubated at 37.7°C and 56 % relative humidity. From embryonic day (ED) 13 to 15, experimental eggs were exposed to hypoxia (15 % or 17 % O₂ for 1 hr/day) while the control was at 21 % O₂. Results showed significant interactions (p = 0.040) between breeder age and oxygen level, with embryos exposed to 15 % and 17 % O₂ exhibiting slower growth by ED 17. However, embryo weight at internal pipping (IP) was unaffected (p > 0.05). At hatch, chick weights were higher in hypoxic groups due to increased yolk sac retention (p = 0.024), while yolk-free weights were influenced only by breeder age (p < 0.001). Hypoxia at 15 % O₂ reduced chick length, toe length, and tibia parameters (p < 0.05), likely due to impaired calcium and phosphorus absorption. Embryos exposed to 15 % O2 had longer internal and external pipping events, delaying hatch time. Embryonic mortality was highest (p < 0.001) at 15 % O₂, contributing to the reduced hatch of fertile eggs. This research demonstrates that controlled hypoxic conditions can slow embryonic development, conserve yolk nutrients, improve organ maturation and chick weight across breeder ages.

Farmers’ adoption of organic agriculture—a systematic global literature review

Abstract Policymakers worldwide set ambitious targets to increase the share of organic farming. We conduct a global, systematic literature review to synthesise evidence on the adoption of organic farming and support policymakers and food-value chain actors in reaching policy goals. First, we map the existing research and identify substantial gaps regarding the research focus, methodology and geographical coverage. Second, using a conceptual framework of the farmers’ adoption process, we provide an overview of evidence-based recommendations to scale organic adoption. Finally, using regression analysis, we show that especially the organic market maturity and the level of agricultural productivity matter for the type of recommended measures.

Pyrite trace metal and sulfur isotopic compositions track metalliferous fluid circulation within the Ordovician/Silurian organic-rich black shales in the eastern Sichuan Basin, southwestern China

Depicting metalliferous fluid flows in sedimentary basins has a remarkable implication for understanding the formation and evolution of organic-rich sediments. The Middle-Upper Yangtze region in South China hosts voluminous gaseous hydrocarbons and MVT-type ZnPb deposits. Natural gases are mainly distributed in the Sichuan Basin, yet ZnPb deposits are found in surrounding regions of the basin. Such a unique distribution pattern implies that the interplay between metalliferous fluids and organic-rich sediments may be extensive in the boundary of these two types of deposits. A typical Ordovician/Silurian (Wufeng/Longmaxi formations) organic-rich black shale outcrop occurs in the eastern boundary of the Sichuan Basin. Pyrites are frequently distributed across this section, providing an ideal opportunity to investigate features of metalliferous fluids and their potential impacts on organic-rich sediments. Pyrites associated with high-angle carbonate veinlets are recognized in the studied area, and this group of pyrites (“Group 2”) commonly display planar-laminated morphologies, moderate δ34S values (0.78 ‰–8.86 ‰), and elevated trace metal contents (Ni, Pb, Mn, Mo, Tl, and REE) than those not associated with carbonate veinlets. These features suggest that this group of pyrites may be precipitated via local metalliferous fluid flows. Besides, pyrites with relatively lower trace metal contents can be further divided into two groups, including a group of euhedral/subhedral pyrites with more depleted δ34S values (−18.06 ‰ – -1.15 ‰; “Group 1”) and a group of planar-laminated/cubic pyrites with enriched δ34S values (10.55 ‰–37.62 ‰; “Group 3”). Pyrites of Group 1 and Group 3 may be formed via bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) and thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR), respectively. The discovery of fluid-related, trace-metal-enriched pyrites implies that fluid circulation within organic-rich black shales has the potential to remobilize, transport, and re-deposit trace metals. Besides, metalliferous fluid may also promote organic matter maturation within the Sichuan Basin. The outcomes of this study, combined with previous findings of metalliferous fluid flows in the center of the basin and ZnPb mineralization belts surrounding the basin, imply that a widespread Ediacaran-Palaeozoic fluid circulation system may exist in the Middle-Upper Yangtze region.

Map3k1 suppresses terminal differentiation of migratory eye progenitors in planarian regeneration.

Proper stem cell targeting and differentiation is necessary for regeneration to succeed. In organisms capable of whole body regeneration, considerable progress has been made identifying wound signals initiating this process, but the mechanisms that control the differentiation of progenitors into mature organs are not fully understood. Using the planarian as a model system, we identify a novel function for map3k1, a MAP3K family member possessing both kinase and ubiquitin ligase domains, to negatively regulate terminal differentiation of stem cells during eye regeneration. Inhibition of map3k1 caused the formation of multiple ectopic eyes within the head, but without controlling overall head, brain, or body patterning. By contrast, other known regulators of planarian eye patterning like WntA and notum also regulate head regionalization, suggesting map3k1 acts distinctly. Eye resection and regeneration experiments suggest that unlike Wnt signaling perturbation, map3k1 inhibition did not shift the target destination of eye formation in the animal. Instead, map3k1(RNAi) ectopic eyes emerge in the regions normally occupied by migratory eye progenitors, and the onset of ectopic eyes after map3k1 inhibition coincides with a reduction to eye progenitor numbers. Furthermore, RNAi dosing experiments indicate that progenitors closer to their normal target are relatively more sensitive to the effects of map3k1, implicating this factors in controlling the site of terminal differentiation. Eye phenotypes were also observed after inhibition of map2k4, map2k7, jnk, and p38, identifying a putative pathway through which map3k1 prevents differentiation. Together, these results suggest that map3k1 regulates a novel control point in the eye regeneration pathway which suppresses the terminal differentiation of progenitors during their migration to target destinations.

Clay Minerals and Continental‐Scale Remagnetization: A Case Study of South American Neoproterozoic Carbonates

AbstractThe Neoproterozoic carbonate rocks of the Araras Group (Amazon Craton) and the Sete‐Lagoas and Salitre Formations (São Francisco Craton) share a statistically indistinguishable single‐polarity (reversed) characteristic direction. This direction is associated with paleomagnetic poles that do not align with the expected directions for primary detrital remanence. We employ a combination of classical rock magnetic properties and micro imaging/chemical analysis (in thin sections) using synchrotron radiation to examine these remagnetized carbonate rocks. Magnetic data indicate that most samples lack the anomalous hysteresis properties typically associated with carbonate remagnetization (except for distorted loops). Through a combination of Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), X‐ray Fluorescence (XRF), and X‐ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS), we identified subhedral/anhedral magnetite, or spherical grains with a core‐shell structure of magnetite surrounded by maghemite. These grains are within the pseudo‐single domain size range, as do most of the iron sulfides, and are spatially associated with potassium‐bearing aluminosilicates. While fluid percolation and organic matter maturation play a role, smectite‐illitization appears to be crucial for the growth of these phases. X‐ray diffraction analysis, in addition, identifies these silicates as predominantly highly crystalline illite, suggesting exposure to epizone temperatures. These temperatures were likely reached during the final stages of the Gondwana assembly (Cambrian), but remanence was only locked in afterward, in successive cooling events during the Early Middle Ordovician. This is supported by the carbonates' paleomagnetic pole positions compared to Gondwana's apparent polar wander path, and the absence of reversals, contrasting with the high reversal frequency of the Late Ediacaran/Cambrian.

Maturity characterization and formation mechanisms of nano-scale anisotropic pyrobitumen based on atomic force microscopy (AFM)

Highly evolved pyrobitumen is an important and realistic object for maturity characterization of ancient and deeply buried organic matter, but measurement of its reflectance is challenging due to its strong optical anisotropy and nano-scale relief. Here we conducted a case study in the Sinian (Ediacaran) Dengying Formation of the Sichuan Basin, China. High-resolution, three-dimensional, morphological imaging by atomic force microscopy (AFM), laser Raman (LRM) spectroscopy, and reflectance studies were conducted on the reservoir pyrobitumen. Our results show that Young’s modulus and adhesion, which are mechanical maturity parameter, provides effective characterization of maturity. The increase in Young’s modulus of pyrobitumen lags that of the vitrinite, given that pyrobitumen is formed by oil cracking and is more hydrogen-rich than vitrinite. A quantitative relationship between Young’s modulus, adhesion and reflectance in bright and dark areas of pyrobitumen was established, which can be used for maturity characterization. The changes in Young’s modulus of the pyrobitumen is related to the condensation of organic matter and directional arrangement of microcrystals. Young’s modulus of organic matter is a robust mechanical maturity index at high organic matter maturity (Ro > 2.0 %), but it is important to pay attention to the influence of anisotropy. Compared to Young’s modulus, adhesion is less affected by anisotropy. The nano-mechanics such as Young’s modulus and adhesion will be new maturity indicator in addition to conventional optical and spectroscopic method. The nano-mechanical properties of organic matter are expected to be applied to maturity indicators and macerals classification in the field of organic petrology in the further research.

Recent advancements in understanding of biological role of homeobox C9 in human cancers.

Homeobox (HOX) C9, a member of the HOX family, is an important transcription factor, and it plays a significant role in various biological processes. This family of genes is highly valued for their essential roles in establishing and maintaining the body axis during embryonic development and adult tissues. Further, HOXC9 plays a central role in neuronal differentiation, angiogenesis, and adipose distribution, which are essential for the development of the nervous system, maturation of tissues and organs, and maintenance of energy balance and metabolic health. Recent research has found that abnormal HOXC9 expression is closely associated with the development and progression of various tumor types. The HOXC9 expression level can be an indicator of tumor prognosis. Therefore, elucidating the association between HOXC9 expression and its regulatory mechanisms and tumorigenesis can provide novel insights on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer.

Bax expression impacts postnatal retinal vascular development and hyperoxia sensitivity

Apoptosis plays prominent roles during organ development, maturation and homeostasis. In the retina, Bcl-2 family members function through the intrinsic cell death pathway with vital roles during vascular development and hyperoxia-mediated vessel obliteration during oxygen induced ischemic retinopathy (OIR). Bim, a BH3 only protein Bcl-2 family member, binds and activates Bax and/or Bak to facilitate apoptosis. In some systems deletion of both Bax and Bak are required to prevent cell loss, such as regression of ocular hyaloid vasculature. We previously showed Bim expression significantly impacts normal retinal vascular development and sensitivity to hyperoxia. Mice deficient in Bim (Bim−/−) show increased retinal vascular density and are protected from hyperoxia mediated vessel obliteration. Since Bim activates Bax, here we determined the impact lack of Bax expression has on these processes. Compared to Bax+/+ mice, retinas from Bax−/− mice had significantly increased numbers of retinal endothelial cells and pericytes. We also demonstrated that hyperoxia-mediated vessel obliteration during OIR was significantly decreased in the absence of Bax. Although the increased endothelial cell numbers were comparable to that of Bim−/− mice, the increased numbers of pericytes were not to the extent noted in Bim−/− mice. These changes were supported by partial protection of retinal vessels from hyperoxia in Bax−/− mice compared to that noted in Bim−/− mice. Thus, Bim-Bax driven pathway is sufficient to remove excess endothelial cells but not pericytes during postnatal retinal vascularization and hyperoxia-mediated vessel obliteration. Thus, additional Bim-mediated pathway(s) are required for removal of pericytes and hyperoxia-mediated vessel obliteration.

Prenatal glucocorticoids exposure and adverse cardiovascular effects in offspring.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones fundamental to the body's normal physiological functions and are pivotal in fetal growth and development. During gestation, the mother's cortisol concentration (active GCs) escalates to accommodate the requirements of fetal organ development and maturation. A natural placental GCs barrier, primarily facilitated by 11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2, exists between the mother and fetus. This enzyme transforms biologically active cortisol into biologically inactive corticosterone, thereby mitigating fetal GCs exposure. However, during pregnancy, the mother may be vulnerable to adverse factor exposures such as stress, hypoxia, caffeine, and synthetic GCs use. In these instances, maternal serum GCs levels may surge beyond the protective capacity of the placental GCs barrier. Moreover, these adverse factors could directly compromise the placental GCs barrier, resulting in excessive fetal exposure to GCs. It is well-documented that prenatal GCs exposure can detrimentally impact the offspring's cardiovascular system, particularly in relation to blood pressure, vascular function, and heart function. In this review, we succinctly delineate the alterations in GCs levels during pregnancy and the potential mechanisms driving these changes, and also analyze the possible causes of prenatal GCs exposure. Furthermore, we summarize the current advancements in understanding the adverse effects and mechanisms of prenatal GCs exposure on the offspring's cardiovascular system.

Multifocal, multiphenotypic tumours arising from an MTOR mutation acquired in early embryogenesis.

Embryogenesis is a vulnerable time. Mutations in developmental cells can result in the wide dissemination of cells predisposed to disease within mature organs. We characterised the evolutionary history of four synchronous renal tumours from a 14-year-old girl using whole genome sequencing alongside single cell and bulk transcriptomic sequencing. Phylogenetic reconstruction timed the origin of all tumours to a multipotent embryonic cell committed to the right kidney, around 4 weeks post-conception. Biochemical and structural analysis of their shared MTOR mutation, absent from normal tissues, demonstrates enhanced protein flexibility, enabling a FAT domain hinge to dramatically increase activity of mTORC1 and mTORC2. Developmental mutations, not usually detected in traditional genetic screening, have vital clinical importance in guiding prognosis, targeted treatment, and family screening decisions for paediatric tumours.

LUBAC enables tumor-promoting LTβ receptor signaling by activating canonical NF-κB.

Lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR), a member of the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFR-SF), is essential for development and maturation of lymphoid organs. In addition, LTβR activation promotes carcinogenesis by inducing a proinflammatory secretome. Yet, we currently lack a detailed understanding of LTβR signaling. In this study we discovered the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) as a previously unrecognized and functionally crucial component of the native LTβR signaling complex (LTβR-SC). Mechanistically, LUBAC-generated linear ubiquitin chains enable recruitment of NEMO, OPTN and A20 to the LTβR-SC, where they act coordinately to regulate the balance between canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathways. Thus, different from death receptor signaling, where LUBAC prevents inflammation through inhibition of cell death, in LTβR signaling LUBAC is required for inflammatory signaling by enabling canonical and interfering with non-canonical NF-κB activation. This results in a LUBAC-dependent LTβR-driven inflammatory, protumorigenic secretome. Intriguingly, in liver cancer patients with high LTβR expression, high expression of LUBAC correlates with poor prognosis, providing clinical relevance for LUBAC-mediated inflammatory LTβR signaling.

Evaluation and optimization of sample size of neonates and infants for pediatric clinical studies on cefiderocol using a model-based approach.

When planning pediatric clinical trials, optimizing the sample size of neonates/infants is essential because it is difficult to enroll these subjects. In this simulation study, we evaluated the sample size of neonates/infants using a model-based optimal approach for identifying their pharmacokinetics for cefiderocol. We assessed the usefulness of data for estimation performance (accuracy and variance of parameter estimation) from adults and the impact of data from very young subjects, including preterm neonates. Stochastic simulation and estimation were utilized to assess the impact of sample size allocation for age categories in estimation performance for population pharmacokinetic parameters in pediatrics. The inclusion of adult pharmacokinetic information improved the estimation performance of population pharmacokinetic parameters as the coefficient of variation (CV) range of parameter estimation decreased from 4.9%-593.7% to 2.3%-17.3%. When sample size allocation was based on the age groups of gestational age and postnatal age, the data showed 15 neonates/infants would be necessary to appropriately estimate pediatric pharmacokinetic parameters (<20%CV). By using the postmenstrual age (PMA), which is theoretically considered to be associated with the maturation of organs, the number of neonates/infants required for appropriate parameter estimation could be reduced to seven (one and six with <32 and >32 weeks PMA, respectively) to nine (three and six with <37 and >37 weeks PMA, respectively) subjects. The model-based optimal design approach allowed efficient evaluation of the sample size of neonates/infants for estimation of pediatric pharmacokinetic parameters. This approach to assessment should be useful when designing pediatric clinical trials, especially those including young children.

The Relationship Between Junk Food with the Incidence of Early Menarche Among Female Students Aged 9 – 12 Years Old at Al-Iman Private Elemantary School South Tangerang City

Background : Early menarche is tihe first menstruation experienced by fertile woman under the age of 12 years. The condition of early menarche is because it gets more production of the hormone estrogen than other woman in general. One of the factors in occurrence of early menarche is caused by nutritional status as junk food as a food that is high in calories and fat but low in dietary fiber and if excessive consumption will stimulate the acceleration of reproductive organ maturity. Objective : To determine the relationship between junk food consumption with the incidence of early menarche among female students agen 9-12 years old at Al-Iman Private Elemantary School. Methods : This research is oobservational analytic with a cross sectional approach. The number of samples was 30 with the Quota Sampling technique. The instrument used was a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the chi square test. Result : This study shows that there is a relationship between junk food consumption with the incidence of early menarche with the result of chi suare test with the alternative Fisher`s Exact Test obtained a value of p = 0,007 which means p &lt; α = 0,05 and 95% CI 2,167 – 128,176. Conclusion : There is a relationship between junk food consumption with the incidence of early menarche among female students at Al-Iman Private Elemantary School. Suggestion: For further researchers to examine other variable that have not been studied with larger sample.

Organic richness and maturity modeling of cretaceous age Chichali shales for enhanced hydrocarbon exploration in Punjab platform, Pakistan

This study employs comprehensive source rock evaluation using seismic inversion, rock-eval pyrolysis, organic petrography and basin modeling techniques. The kerogen type is determined by using the Van Krevelen diagram, confirming Bahu-01, Nandpur-01 and Zakria-01 wells have kerogen type III, whereas Panjpir-01 well exhibits kerogen type II to III. The TOC was calculated using core data from (34) samples by employing organic geochemistry technique and post stack seismic inversion, applied on 2D seismic data. Bahu-01 well indicates poor source rock potential, with an average TOC value of 0.34%. In contrast, Panjpir-01 and Nandpur-01 wells represent moderate to good organic richness, with average TOC values of 1.25% and 1.36%, respectively. However, Zakria-01 well with a TOC of 0.72%, exhibits fair organic richness. The Maturity estimation from organic petrography and basin modeling reveals that the Bahu-01, Panjpir-01, and Nandpur-01 wells have average vitrinite reflectance (%Ro) values below 0.50, indicating immature source rock. In contrast, the average %Ro value for the Zakria-01 well is 0.63, confirming the source maturity in the early oil window, with peak generation occurring during Eocene age. Finally, the source rock evaluation proves the source is mature in the western part only and future hydrocarbon exploration should be focused in the western area. The integrated source rock evaluation approach is novel in Punjab Platform. The diverse methodologies enhanced our understanding about source rock characteristics for pursuing hydrocarbon resources. An integrated approach will also provide valuable insights for hydrocarbon exploration in numerous other basins worldwide.

Fluorescent EEM-PARAFAC considerations of Aldrich humic acid salt as an aquatic or terrestrial organic matter surrogate

The fluorescence of “long dead” terrestrially sourced organic carbon (Aldrich humic acid salt) was compared to “recently dead or excreted” aquatically sourced organic carbon (ornamental pond). This research eliminated the “living” (biologically active) category of organic carbon (by azide treatment and filtration) which prevented organic matter continuing to metabolize due to microbial activity during storage and analysis. The focus in this context is on the diagenetic (fulvic and humic) substances, which are considered the most recalcitrant organic carbon forms in water treatment. The purposes of this research were to investigate (a) what excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy and PARAllel FACtor (PARAFAC) analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) modeling reveals about the limitations to the use of terrestrially derived Aldrich Humic Acid as an aquatic organic matter surrogate, (b) potential flaws observed in EEM spectra and incorrect PARAFAC component assignments gathered in contemporaneous studies, and (c) how EEM-PARAFAC modeling can be used to illustrate the continuum in organic matter aging or maturity. Additionally, to expand the analysis, data were compared to previously published PARAFAC models derived from other freshwater sources. An important result of this research was discovery of a PARAFAC component peak observed at the emission (EM) wavelength at 540 nm in Aldrich Humic Acid which has been rarely noted in the literature, and not previously recognized for its potential importance. This research implies that Aldrich humic acid should only be used as an aquatic surrogate with caution, and that it can be a surrogate for terrestrial soil or ore samples.