Background: Biological maturation refers to the progressive process through which individuals transition toward an adult state during growth and development. To address the challenges posed by differences in biologica...Background: Biological maturation refers to the progressive process through which individuals transition toward an adult state during growth and development. To address the challenges posed by differences in biological maturity and the limitations of existing testing methods, particularly in adolescent sports contexts, there is a pressing need for a non-invasive method that is convenient, accurate, and broadly applicable to monitor the biological maturity of adolescent athletes comprehensively. In response to this need, a maturity assessment method based on the smartphone application Maturo has been developed. This study evaluates the accuracy and validity of the Maturo software, an automated tool for estimating biological age and related maturation metrics.Methods: A sample of 103 actively training teenage athletes aged 9-17 years. The sample included 76 males(age = 11.74 ± 1.55 years, mean ±SD) and 27 females(age = 13.95 ± 1.40 years), all without medical conditions that might impact growth or development.Results: Compared to traditional expert evaluations, the intraclass correlation coefficients(ICCs) and Pearson correlation coefficients demonstrated reliable positive correlations and significant agreement between the Maturo software and expert methods across multiple metrics, such as biological age(ICC = 0.965, R = 0.97), corrected biological age(ICC = 0.973, R = 0.99), predicted adult height(ICC = 0.991, R = 0.99), and percentage of adult height achieved(ICC = 0.955, R = 0.97). The Bland-Altman plots provided additional evidence of the validity of the Maturo software estimations, showing low systematic error in most measures. The linear regression analysis produced excellent adjusted R2values: 0.95for biological age and 0.99 for anticipated adult height. The Maturo approach demonstrated a high level of dependability in classifying teenagers into groups based on their maturity status and timing. The κ coefficients of 0.93 for maturity status and 0.82 for maturity timing indicate a nearly perfect agreement with the expert technique.Conclusion: While the Maturo software's non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use could make it a potential tool for regular monitoring of growth and maturation in young athletes, its promising results in assessing maturation should be interpreted with caution due to limitations such as sample size and demographic constraints. Further longitude research with larger and more diverse populations is needed to validate these preliminary findings and strengthen the evidence for its broader applicability.展开更多
Sexual maturation heterosis has been widely exploited in animal crossbreeding.However,the underlying mechanism has been rarely explored in chicken.In the present study,we performed the reciprocal crossing between Whit...Sexual maturation heterosis has been widely exploited in animal crossbreeding.However,the underlying mechanism has been rarely explored in chicken.In the present study,we performed the reciprocal crossing between White Leghorn and Beijing You chicken to evaluate the phenotypes related to sexual maturation,and profiled the ovary circRNAs of purebreds(WW,YY)and crossbreds(WY,YW)to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying heterosis for sexual maturation.Pubic space and oviduct length exhibited positive heterosis,and age at first egg(AFE)exhibited negative heterosis in the crossbreds.We identified 3,025 known circRNAs and 624 putative circRNAs,which were mainly derived from the exons.Among these circRNAs,141 and 178circRNAs were specially expressed in WY and YW,respectively.There were 52.38 and 64.63%of total circRNAs in WY and YW exhibited non-additive expression pattern,respectively.GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the host genes of non-additive circRNAs were mainly involved in TGF-beta signaling pathway,oocyte development,ATPase activator activity,oocyte meiosis,progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and GnRH signaling pathway.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified that 4 modules were significantly(P<0.05)correlated with oviduct length and pubic space.The host genes of non-additive circRNAs harbored in the 4 modules were associated with MAPK signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway.Furthermore,competing endogenous RNAs(ceRNA)network analysis characterized non-additive circRNAs gal-FGFR2_0005 and galMAPKAP1_0004 could interact with gga-miR-1612 and gga-miR-12235-5p to regulate CNOT6,COL8A1,and FHL2,which were essential for ovary development,indicating that the non-additive circRNAs involved in the formation of sexual maturation heterosis through regulating genes related to the reproductive and developmental process.The findings would provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying sexual maturation heterosis from a novel perspective.展开更多
Pharyngeal cartilage morphogenesis is crucial for the formation of craniofacial structures.Cranial neural crest cells are specified at the neural plate border,migrate to pharyngeal arches,and differentiate into pharyn...Pharyngeal cartilage morphogenesis is crucial for the formation of craniofacial structures.Cranial neural crest cells are specified at the neural plate border,migrate to pharyngeal arches,and differentiate into pharyngeal chondrocytes,which subsequently flatten,elongate,and stack like coins during maturation.Although the developmental processes prior to chondrocyte maturation have been extensively studied,their subsequent changes in morphology and organization remain largely elusive.Here,we show that wnt2bb is expressed in the pharyngeal ectoderm adjacent to the chondrogenic precursor cells in zebrafish.Inactivation of Wnt2bb leads to a reduction in nuclearβ-catenin,which impairs chondrogenic precursor proliferation and disrupts chondrocyte morphogenesis and organization,eventually causing a severe shrinkage of pharyngeal cartilages.Moreover,the decrease ofβ-catenin in wnt2bb^(-/-)mutants is accompanied by the reduction of Yap expression.Reactivation of Yap can restore the proliferation of chondrocyte progenitors as well as the proper size,shape,and stacking of pharyngeal chondrocytes.Our findings suggest that Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes Yap expression to regulate pharyngeal cartilage formation in zebrafish.展开更多
Seed maturation is a critical development transition and it largely affects the final yield and quality of crops.Abscisic acid(ABA)-activated sucrose-non-fermentation kinase subfamily 2(SnRK2s)constitute a well-known ...Seed maturation is a critical development transition and it largely affects the final yield and quality of crops.Abscisic acid(ABA)-activated sucrose-non-fermentation kinase subfamily 2(SnRK2s)constitute a well-known regulatory network that modulate seed maturation in Arabidopsis;however,the underlying genetic and regulatory mechanisms in cereal crops remain largely unknown.Here,we found that ABA levels exhibited two distinct peaks during kernel development in maize,corresponding to the lag and maturation phase,respectively.Integrated transcriptome and proteome profiling of kernels treated with exogenous ABA at the pre-maturation stage suggested that the second peak of ABA acts as a trigger for kernel maturation program.Knockout of ZmSnRK2s demonstrated that subclassⅢZmSnRK2s are required for kernel maturation in maize,and the loss-of-function of subclassⅢZmSnRK2s showed a disruption in kernel dehydration and dormancy.We identified a conserved ABA–SnRK2–b ZIP signaling pathway mediating this process in maize.Additionally,ZmSnRK2.10 overexpression accelerates kernel dehydration during maturity,achieving reduced kernel moisture content(KMC)at physiological maturity(PM).Overall,our findings establish ABA-activated SnRK2s as central regulators of kernel maturation in maize and provide valuable genetic resources for breeding maize varieties with low moisture content at harvest.展开更多
Rising global energy needs have intensified the search for unconventional hydrocarbon sources,especially in under-selected areas like the Northeast Java Basin.This region harbors promising unconventional hydrocarbon r...Rising global energy needs have intensified the search for unconventional hydrocarbon sources,especially in under-selected areas like the Northeast Java Basin.This region harbors promising unconventional hydrocarbon reserves,where source rocks function as dual-phase systems for both hydrocarbon generation and storage.This research investigates how metal-based catalysts,particularly iron(Fe),can expedite hydrocarbon maturation in such reservoirs.Combining well logging,geochemical assessments,seismic data,and advanced lab techniques,including X-ray Diffraction(XRD),we pinpoint optimal zones for exploration.Results indicate that the Tuban,Kujung,and Ngimbang formations contain economically viable unconventional deposits,exhibiting tight reservoir properties(permeability:0.01–1 md)and moderate to good Total Organic Carbon(TOC)levels(1%–2%).Spatial analysis reveals elevated density concentrations in the northern sector,indicative of high-viscosity hydrocarbons typical of unconventional plays.Crucially,Fe additives were found to markedly enhance organic matter conversion,shortening maturation periods and boosting hydrocarbon yield.XRD data confirms that Fe alters crystalline configurations,increasing reactivity and speeding up thermal breakdown(shifting immature organic compounds toward maturity at an accelerated rate).These findings contribute to the evolving discourse on unconventional resource exploitation by proposing an innovative recovery enhancement strategy.The study also sets a precedent for investigating metal-assisted hydrocarbon conversion in geologically comparable basins globally.展开更多
The Pabdeh Formation represents organic matter enrichment in some oil fields,which can be considered a source rock.This study is based on the Rock–Eval,Iatroscan,and electron microscopy imaging results before and aft...The Pabdeh Formation represents organic matter enrichment in some oil fields,which can be considered a source rock.This study is based on the Rock–Eval,Iatroscan,and electron microscopy imaging results before and after heating the samples.We discovered this immature shale that undergoes burial and diagenesis,in which organic matter is converted into hydro-carbons.Primary migration is the process that transports hydrocarbons in the source rock.We investigated this phenomenon by developing a model that simulates hydrocarbon generation and fluid pressure during kerogen-to-hydrocarbon conversion.Microfractures initially formed at the tip/edge of kerogen and were filled with hydrocarbons,but as catagenesis progressed,the pressure caused by the volume increase of kerogen decreased due to hydrocarbon release.The transformation of solid kerogen into low-density bitumen/oil increased the pressure,leading to the development of damage zones in the source rock.The Pabdeh Formation’s small porethroats hindered effective expulsion,causing an increase in pore fluid pressure inside the initial microfractures.The stress accumulated due to hydrocarbon production,reaching the rock’s fracture strength,further contributed to damage zone development.During the expansion process,microfractures preferentially grew in low-strength pathways such as lithology changes,laminae boundaries,and pre-existing microfractures.When the porous pressure created by each kerogen overlapped,individual microfractures interconnected,forming a network of microfractures within the source rock.This research sheds light on the complex interplay between temperature,hydrocarbon generation,and the development of expulsion fractures in the Pabdeh Formation,providing valuable insights for understanding and optimizing hydrocarbon extraction in similar geological settings.展开更多
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(n-3 PUFAs),particularly docosahexaenoic acid(22:6n-3,DHA),play crucial roles in the reproductive health of vertebrates,including humans.Nevertheless,the underlying mechanism related...Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(n-3 PUFAs),particularly docosahexaenoic acid(22:6n-3,DHA),play crucial roles in the reproductive health of vertebrates,including humans.Nevertheless,the underlying mechanism related to this phenomenon remains largely unknown.In this study,we employed two zebrafish genetic models,i.e.,elovl2^(-/-)mutant as an endogenous DHAdeficient model and fat1(omega-3 desaturase encoding gene)transgenic zebrafish as an endogenous DHA-rich model,to investigate the effects of DHA on oocyte maturation and quality.Results show that the elovl2^(-/-)mutants had much lower fecundity and poorer oocyte quality than the wild-type controls,while the fat1 zebrafish had higher fecundity and better oocyte quality than wildtype controls.DHA deficiency in elovl2^(-/-)embryos led to defects in egg activation,poor microtubule stability,and reduced pregnenolone levels.Further study revealed that DHA promoted pregnenolone synthesis by enhancing transcription of cyp11a1,which encodes the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme,thereby stabilizing microtubule assembly during oogenesis.In turn,the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was enhanced by DHA.In conclusion,using two unique genetic models,our findings demonstrate that endogenously synthesized DHA promotes oocyte maturation and quality by promoting pregnenolone production via transcriptional regulation of cyp11a1.展开更多
Soybean is a broadly popular and extensively cultivated crop,however,many high-yield and high-quality varieties require specific growth conditions,restricting their widespread adoption.The appropriate light conditions...Soybean is a broadly popular and extensively cultivated crop,however,many high-yield and high-quality varieties require specific growth conditions,restricting their widespread adoption.The appropriate light conditions and photoperiod must be attained for these varieties to thrive in new environments.In this study,we employed CRISPR/Cas9 to design two sgRNAs aimed at knocking out the maturity-related gene E4 in a major American soybean variety called''Jack'',which belongs to maturity group MGII.E4 gene is primarily involved in the photoperiodic flowering and maturity in soybean,making it an ideal candidate for genetic manipulation.We successfully obtained 1 homozygous E4-SG1 mutant type with 1-bp insertion,and 4 homozygous E4-SG2 mutants type with 2-bp deletion,7-bp deletion,61-bp deletion,and 1-bp insertion,respectively.The homozygous e4 mutant plants contained early termination codons devoid of transgenic elements.Additionally,no potential offtarget sites of the E4 gene were detected.A comparative analysis revealed that,unlike the wild-type,the maturity time of homozygous e4 mutants was early under both short-day and long-day conditions.These mutants offer novel germplasm resources that may be used to modify the photoperiod sensitivity and maturity of soybean,enhancing its adaptability to high-latitude regions.展开更多
BACKGROUND The exercise of limb function is the most economical and safe method to promote the maturation of arteriovenous fistula(AVF).However,due to the lack of a uni-fied exercise standard in China,many patients ha...BACKGROUND The exercise of limb function is the most economical and safe method to promote the maturation of arteriovenous fistula(AVF).However,due to the lack of a uni-fied exercise standard in China,many patients have insufficient awareness of the importance of AVF,leading to poor effectiveness of limb function exercise.The self-management education model can effectively promote patients to take pro-active health-related actions.This study focuses on the characteristics of patients during the peri-AVF period and conducts a phased limb function exercise under the guidance of the self-management education model to observe changes in fac-tors such as the maturity of AVF.AIM To assess the impact of stage-specific limb function exercises,directed by a self-management education model,on the maturation status of AVFs.METHODS This study is a randomized controlled trial involving 74 patients with forearm AVFs from the Nephrology Department of a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province,China.Patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table method.The observation group underwent tailored stage-specific limb func-tion exercises,informed by a self-management education model which took into account the unique features of AVF at various stages,in conjunction with routine care.Conversely,the control group was given standard limb function exercises along with routine care.The assessment involves the maturity of AVFs post-intervention,post-operative complications,and the self-management level of the fistula in both groups patients.Analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23.0.Count data were represented by frequency and percentage and subjected to chi-square test comparisons.Measurement data adhering to a normal distribution were presented as mean±SD.The independent samples t-test was utilized for inter-group comparisons,while the paired t-test was used for intra-group comparisons.For measurement data not fitting a normal distribution,the median and interquartile range were presented and analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test.RESULTS At the 8-wk postoperative mark,the observation group demonstrated significantly higher scores in AVF symptom recognition,symptom prevention,and self-management compared to the control group(P<0.05).However,the variance in symptom management scores between the observation and control groups lacked statistical signi-ficance(P>0.05).At 4 wk after the operation,the observation group displayed a superior vessel diameter and depth from the skin of the drainage vessels in comparison to the control group(P<0.05).While the observation group did manifest elevated blood flow rates in the drainage vessels relative to the control group,this distinction was not statistically significant(P>0.05).By the 8-wk postoperative interval,the observation group outperformed the control group with notable enhancements in blood flow rates,vessel diameter,and depth from the skin of drainage vessels(P<0.01).Seven days following the procedure,the observation group manifested significantly diminished limb swelling and an overall reduced complication rate in contrast to the control group(P<0.05).The evaluation of infection,thrombosis,embolism,arterial aneurysm stenosis,and incision bleeding showed no notable differences between the two groups(P>0.05).By the 4-wk postoperative juncture,complications between the observation and control groups were statistically indistinguishable(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Stage-specific limb function exercises,under the guidance of a self-management education model,amplify the capacity of AVF patients to discern and prevent symptoms.Additionally,they expedite AVF maturation and miti-gate postoperative limb edema,underscoring their efficacy as a valuable method for the care and upkeep of AVF in hemodialysis patients.展开更多
Watermelon(Citrullus lanatus)holds global significance as a fruit with high economic and nutritional value.Exploring the regulatory network of watermelon male reproductive development is crucial for developing male st...Watermelon(Citrullus lanatus)holds global significance as a fruit with high economic and nutritional value.Exploring the regulatory network of watermelon male reproductive development is crucial for developing male sterile materials and facilitating cross-breeding.Despite its importance,there is a lack of research on the regulation mechanism of male reproductive development in watermelon.In this study,we identified that ClESR2,a VIIIb subclass member in the APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor(AP2/ERF)superfamily,was a key factor in pollen development.RNA insitu hybridization confirmed significantClESR2 expression in the tapetum and pollen during the later stage of anther development.The pollens of transgenic plants showed major defects in morphology and vitality at the late development stage.The RNA-seq and protein interaction assay confirmed that ClESR2 regulates pollen morphology and fertility by interacting with key genes involved in pollen development at both transcriptional and protein levels.These suggest that Enhancer of Shoot Regeneration 2(ESR2)plays an important role in pollen maturation and vitality.This study helps understand the male reproductive development of watermelon,providing a theoretical foundation for developing male sterile materials.展开更多
文摘Background: Biological maturation refers to the progressive process through which individuals transition toward an adult state during growth and development. To address the challenges posed by differences in biological maturity and the limitations of existing testing methods, particularly in adolescent sports contexts, there is a pressing need for a non-invasive method that is convenient, accurate, and broadly applicable to monitor the biological maturity of adolescent athletes comprehensively. In response to this need, a maturity assessment method based on the smartphone application Maturo has been developed. This study evaluates the accuracy and validity of the Maturo software, an automated tool for estimating biological age and related maturation metrics.Methods: A sample of 103 actively training teenage athletes aged 9-17 years. The sample included 76 males(age = 11.74 ± 1.55 years, mean ±SD) and 27 females(age = 13.95 ± 1.40 years), all without medical conditions that might impact growth or development.Results: Compared to traditional expert evaluations, the intraclass correlation coefficients(ICCs) and Pearson correlation coefficients demonstrated reliable positive correlations and significant agreement between the Maturo software and expert methods across multiple metrics, such as biological age(ICC = 0.965, R = 0.97), corrected biological age(ICC = 0.973, R = 0.99), predicted adult height(ICC = 0.991, R = 0.99), and percentage of adult height achieved(ICC = 0.955, R = 0.97). The Bland-Altman plots provided additional evidence of the validity of the Maturo software estimations, showing low systematic error in most measures. The linear regression analysis produced excellent adjusted R2values: 0.95for biological age and 0.99 for anticipated adult height. The Maturo approach demonstrated a high level of dependability in classifying teenagers into groups based on their maturity status and timing. The κ coefficients of 0.93 for maturity status and 0.82 for maturity timing indicate a nearly perfect agreement with the expert technique.Conclusion: While the Maturo software's non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, and ease of use could make it a potential tool for regular monitoring of growth and maturation in young athletes, its promising results in assessing maturation should be interpreted with caution due to limitations such as sample size and demographic constraints. Further longitude research with larger and more diverse populations is needed to validate these preliminary findings and strengthen the evidence for its broader applicability.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32172721)the China Agriculture Research System(CARS-40)+1 种基金the Central Publicinterest Scientific Institution Basal Research Fund,China(2021-YWF-ZYSQ-12)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(ASTIP-IAS04)。
文摘Sexual maturation heterosis has been widely exploited in animal crossbreeding.However,the underlying mechanism has been rarely explored in chicken.In the present study,we performed the reciprocal crossing between White Leghorn and Beijing You chicken to evaluate the phenotypes related to sexual maturation,and profiled the ovary circRNAs of purebreds(WW,YY)and crossbreds(WY,YW)to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying heterosis for sexual maturation.Pubic space and oviduct length exhibited positive heterosis,and age at first egg(AFE)exhibited negative heterosis in the crossbreds.We identified 3,025 known circRNAs and 624 putative circRNAs,which were mainly derived from the exons.Among these circRNAs,141 and 178circRNAs were specially expressed in WY and YW,respectively.There were 52.38 and 64.63%of total circRNAs in WY and YW exhibited non-additive expression pattern,respectively.GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis showed that the host genes of non-additive circRNAs were mainly involved in TGF-beta signaling pathway,oocyte development,ATPase activator activity,oocyte meiosis,progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation and GnRH signaling pathway.Weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified that 4 modules were significantly(P<0.05)correlated with oviduct length and pubic space.The host genes of non-additive circRNAs harbored in the 4 modules were associated with MAPK signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway.Furthermore,competing endogenous RNAs(ceRNA)network analysis characterized non-additive circRNAs gal-FGFR2_0005 and galMAPKAP1_0004 could interact with gga-miR-1612 and gga-miR-12235-5p to regulate CNOT6,COL8A1,and FHL2,which were essential for ovary development,indicating that the non-additive circRNAs involved in the formation of sexual maturation heterosis through regulating genes related to the reproductive and developmental process.The findings would provide a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying sexual maturation heterosis from a novel perspective.
基金support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32025014 and 32330029 to Q.W.)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2020YFA0804000 to Q.W.)+2 种基金Guangdong Excellent Youth Team Project(2024B1515040019 to Q.W.)Guangzhou Science and Technology Plan Project(202201010323 to X.H.)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(to Q.W.).
文摘Pharyngeal cartilage morphogenesis is crucial for the formation of craniofacial structures.Cranial neural crest cells are specified at the neural plate border,migrate to pharyngeal arches,and differentiate into pharyngeal chondrocytes,which subsequently flatten,elongate,and stack like coins during maturation.Although the developmental processes prior to chondrocyte maturation have been extensively studied,their subsequent changes in morphology and organization remain largely elusive.Here,we show that wnt2bb is expressed in the pharyngeal ectoderm adjacent to the chondrogenic precursor cells in zebrafish.Inactivation of Wnt2bb leads to a reduction in nuclearβ-catenin,which impairs chondrogenic precursor proliferation and disrupts chondrocyte morphogenesis and organization,eventually causing a severe shrinkage of pharyngeal cartilages.Moreover,the decrease ofβ-catenin in wnt2bb^(-/-)mutants is accompanied by the reduction of Yap expression.Reactivation of Yap can restore the proliferation of chondrocyte progenitors as well as the proper size,shape,and stacking of pharyngeal chondrocytes.Our findings suggest that Wnt/β-catenin signaling promotes Yap expression to regulate pharyngeal cartilage formation in zebrafish.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32201696)the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province(23NSFSC4071)。
文摘Seed maturation is a critical development transition and it largely affects the final yield and quality of crops.Abscisic acid(ABA)-activated sucrose-non-fermentation kinase subfamily 2(SnRK2s)constitute a well-known regulatory network that modulate seed maturation in Arabidopsis;however,the underlying genetic and regulatory mechanisms in cereal crops remain largely unknown.Here,we found that ABA levels exhibited two distinct peaks during kernel development in maize,corresponding to the lag and maturation phase,respectively.Integrated transcriptome and proteome profiling of kernels treated with exogenous ABA at the pre-maturation stage suggested that the second peak of ABA acts as a trigger for kernel maturation program.Knockout of ZmSnRK2s demonstrated that subclassⅢZmSnRK2s are required for kernel maturation in maize,and the loss-of-function of subclassⅢZmSnRK2s showed a disruption in kernel dehydration and dormancy.We identified a conserved ABA–SnRK2–b ZIP signaling pathway mediating this process in maize.Additionally,ZmSnRK2.10 overexpression accelerates kernel dehydration during maturity,achieving reduced kernel moisture content(KMC)at physiological maturity(PM).Overall,our findings establish ABA-activated SnRK2s as central regulators of kernel maturation in maize and provide valuable genetic resources for breeding maize varieties with low moisture content at harvest.
文摘Rising global energy needs have intensified the search for unconventional hydrocarbon sources,especially in under-selected areas like the Northeast Java Basin.This region harbors promising unconventional hydrocarbon reserves,where source rocks function as dual-phase systems for both hydrocarbon generation and storage.This research investigates how metal-based catalysts,particularly iron(Fe),can expedite hydrocarbon maturation in such reservoirs.Combining well logging,geochemical assessments,seismic data,and advanced lab techniques,including X-ray Diffraction(XRD),we pinpoint optimal zones for exploration.Results indicate that the Tuban,Kujung,and Ngimbang formations contain economically viable unconventional deposits,exhibiting tight reservoir properties(permeability:0.01–1 md)and moderate to good Total Organic Carbon(TOC)levels(1%–2%).Spatial analysis reveals elevated density concentrations in the northern sector,indicative of high-viscosity hydrocarbons typical of unconventional plays.Crucially,Fe additives were found to markedly enhance organic matter conversion,shortening maturation periods and boosting hydrocarbon yield.XRD data confirms that Fe alters crystalline configurations,increasing reactivity and speeding up thermal breakdown(shifting immature organic compounds toward maturity at an accelerated rate).These findings contribute to the evolving discourse on unconventional resource exploitation by proposing an innovative recovery enhancement strategy.The study also sets a precedent for investigating metal-assisted hydrocarbon conversion in geologically comparable basins globally.
文摘The Pabdeh Formation represents organic matter enrichment in some oil fields,which can be considered a source rock.This study is based on the Rock–Eval,Iatroscan,and electron microscopy imaging results before and after heating the samples.We discovered this immature shale that undergoes burial and diagenesis,in which organic matter is converted into hydro-carbons.Primary migration is the process that transports hydrocarbons in the source rock.We investigated this phenomenon by developing a model that simulates hydrocarbon generation and fluid pressure during kerogen-to-hydrocarbon conversion.Microfractures initially formed at the tip/edge of kerogen and were filled with hydrocarbons,but as catagenesis progressed,the pressure caused by the volume increase of kerogen decreased due to hydrocarbon release.The transformation of solid kerogen into low-density bitumen/oil increased the pressure,leading to the development of damage zones in the source rock.The Pabdeh Formation’s small porethroats hindered effective expulsion,causing an increase in pore fluid pressure inside the initial microfractures.The stress accumulated due to hydrocarbon production,reaching the rock’s fracture strength,further contributed to damage zone development.During the expansion process,microfractures preferentially grew in low-strength pathways such as lithology changes,laminae boundaries,and pre-existing microfractures.When the porous pressure created by each kerogen overlapped,individual microfractures interconnected,forming a network of microfractures within the source rock.This research sheds light on the complex interplay between temperature,hydrocarbon generation,and the development of expulsion fractures in the Pabdeh Formation,providing valuable insights for understanding and optimizing hydrocarbon extraction in similar geological settings.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(Precision Seed Design and Breeding,XDA24010108)National Natural Science Foundation of China(31972780&31721005)+1 种基金National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFA0801000)State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology(2019FBZ05)。
文摘Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids(n-3 PUFAs),particularly docosahexaenoic acid(22:6n-3,DHA),play crucial roles in the reproductive health of vertebrates,including humans.Nevertheless,the underlying mechanism related to this phenomenon remains largely unknown.In this study,we employed two zebrafish genetic models,i.e.,elovl2^(-/-)mutant as an endogenous DHAdeficient model and fat1(omega-3 desaturase encoding gene)transgenic zebrafish as an endogenous DHA-rich model,to investigate the effects of DHA on oocyte maturation and quality.Results show that the elovl2^(-/-)mutants had much lower fecundity and poorer oocyte quality than the wild-type controls,while the fat1 zebrafish had higher fecundity and better oocyte quality than wildtype controls.DHA deficiency in elovl2^(-/-)embryos led to defects in egg activation,poor microtubule stability,and reduced pregnenolone levels.Further study revealed that DHA promoted pregnenolone synthesis by enhancing transcription of cyp11a1,which encodes the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme,thereby stabilizing microtubule assembly during oogenesis.In turn,the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was enhanced by DHA.In conclusion,using two unique genetic models,our findings demonstrate that endogenously synthesized DHA promotes oocyte maturation and quality by promoting pregnenolone production via transcriptional regulation of cyp11a1.
基金supported by grants from the National Key R&D Program of China (2023YFD1201300)CAAS Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project
文摘Soybean is a broadly popular and extensively cultivated crop,however,many high-yield and high-quality varieties require specific growth conditions,restricting their widespread adoption.The appropriate light conditions and photoperiod must be attained for these varieties to thrive in new environments.In this study,we employed CRISPR/Cas9 to design two sgRNAs aimed at knocking out the maturity-related gene E4 in a major American soybean variety called''Jack'',which belongs to maturity group MGII.E4 gene is primarily involved in the photoperiodic flowering and maturity in soybean,making it an ideal candidate for genetic manipulation.We successfully obtained 1 homozygous E4-SG1 mutant type with 1-bp insertion,and 4 homozygous E4-SG2 mutants type with 2-bp deletion,7-bp deletion,61-bp deletion,and 1-bp insertion,respectively.The homozygous e4 mutant plants contained early termination codons devoid of transgenic elements.Additionally,no potential offtarget sites of the E4 gene were detected.A comparative analysis revealed that,unlike the wild-type,the maturity time of homozygous e4 mutants was early under both short-day and long-day conditions.These mutants offer novel germplasm resources that may be used to modify the photoperiod sensitivity and maturity of soybean,enhancing its adaptability to high-latitude regions.
基金Supported by The Research Project 2022 of The People's Hospital of Jianyang City,No.JY202208.
文摘BACKGROUND The exercise of limb function is the most economical and safe method to promote the maturation of arteriovenous fistula(AVF).However,due to the lack of a uni-fied exercise standard in China,many patients have insufficient awareness of the importance of AVF,leading to poor effectiveness of limb function exercise.The self-management education model can effectively promote patients to take pro-active health-related actions.This study focuses on the characteristics of patients during the peri-AVF period and conducts a phased limb function exercise under the guidance of the self-management education model to observe changes in fac-tors such as the maturity of AVF.AIM To assess the impact of stage-specific limb function exercises,directed by a self-management education model,on the maturation status of AVFs.METHODS This study is a randomized controlled trial involving 74 patients with forearm AVFs from the Nephrology Department of a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province,China.Patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group using a random number table method.The observation group underwent tailored stage-specific limb func-tion exercises,informed by a self-management education model which took into account the unique features of AVF at various stages,in conjunction with routine care.Conversely,the control group was given standard limb function exercises along with routine care.The assessment involves the maturity of AVFs post-intervention,post-operative complications,and the self-management level of the fistula in both groups patients.Analyses were conducted using SPSS version 23.0.Count data were represented by frequency and percentage and subjected to chi-square test comparisons.Measurement data adhering to a normal distribution were presented as mean±SD.The independent samples t-test was utilized for inter-group comparisons,while the paired t-test was used for intra-group comparisons.For measurement data not fitting a normal distribution,the median and interquartile range were presented and analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test.RESULTS At the 8-wk postoperative mark,the observation group demonstrated significantly higher scores in AVF symptom recognition,symptom prevention,and self-management compared to the control group(P<0.05).However,the variance in symptom management scores between the observation and control groups lacked statistical signi-ficance(P>0.05).At 4 wk after the operation,the observation group displayed a superior vessel diameter and depth from the skin of the drainage vessels in comparison to the control group(P<0.05).While the observation group did manifest elevated blood flow rates in the drainage vessels relative to the control group,this distinction was not statistically significant(P>0.05).By the 8-wk postoperative interval,the observation group outperformed the control group with notable enhancements in blood flow rates,vessel diameter,and depth from the skin of drainage vessels(P<0.01).Seven days following the procedure,the observation group manifested significantly diminished limb swelling and an overall reduced complication rate in contrast to the control group(P<0.05).The evaluation of infection,thrombosis,embolism,arterial aneurysm stenosis,and incision bleeding showed no notable differences between the two groups(P>0.05).By the 4-wk postoperative juncture,complications between the observation and control groups were statistically indistinguishable(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Stage-specific limb function exercises,under the guidance of a self-management education model,amplify the capacity of AVF patients to discern and prevent symptoms.Additionally,they expedite AVF maturation and miti-gate postoperative limb edema,underscoring their efficacy as a valuable method for the care and upkeep of AVF in hemodialysis patients.
基金support from the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD1602000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32202514,U22A20498 and 32072596)+2 种基金the Joint Fund of Henan Province Science and Technology Research and Development Plan,China(222103810009)the Science and Technology Innovation Team of Shaanxi,China(2021TD-32)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2022M711064 and 2023M741062).
文摘Watermelon(Citrullus lanatus)holds global significance as a fruit with high economic and nutritional value.Exploring the regulatory network of watermelon male reproductive development is crucial for developing male sterile materials and facilitating cross-breeding.Despite its importance,there is a lack of research on the regulation mechanism of male reproductive development in watermelon.In this study,we identified that ClESR2,a VIIIb subclass member in the APETALA2/Ethylene Responsive Factor(AP2/ERF)superfamily,was a key factor in pollen development.RNA insitu hybridization confirmed significantClESR2 expression in the tapetum and pollen during the later stage of anther development.The pollens of transgenic plants showed major defects in morphology and vitality at the late development stage.The RNA-seq and protein interaction assay confirmed that ClESR2 regulates pollen morphology and fertility by interacting with key genes involved in pollen development at both transcriptional and protein levels.These suggest that Enhancer of Shoot Regeneration 2(ESR2)plays an important role in pollen maturation and vitality.This study helps understand the male reproductive development of watermelon,providing a theoretical foundation for developing male sterile materials.
