Function Of Apparatus Research Articles

Mitral valve annulus assessment: a comparison between 3D-TOE, CCT and surgical ring

Abstract Background Advances in minimally invasive cardiac surgery require accurate preoperative assessment of the morphology and function of the mitral valve apparatus. The success of mitral valve repair with annuloplasty depends on the correct sizing of the mitral annulus ring (1) (2). Three-dimensional transoesophageal echocardiography (3D-TOE) has been proven to be essential for the anatomo-functional characterization of mitral valve apparatus in patients undergoing surgically mitral valve repair (3). It also allows the measurement of quantitative parameters useful in determining the size of the annuloplasty ring, such as A2 height, intertrigonal distance, intercommissural diameter and total annular perimeter size. Cardiac computed tomography (CCT) plays a key role for device sizing in patients undergoing transcatheter mitral valve replacement (4); it is the gold standard for geometric characterisation of the mitral valve and assessment of the spatial relationship of the mitral valve apparatus to adjacent anatomical structures. Several studies have compared CCT with 3D-TOE in sizing the mitral valve apparatus (6) (7); few studies have compared mitral valve apparatus measurements obtained by 3D-TOE and CCT with those obtained intraoperatively by the surgeon, which is the gold standard. Purpose To compare intra-operatively 3D-TOE assessment of mitral valve apparatus with CCT and to compare 3D-TOE and CCT measures with intraoperative surgeon-measured mitral valve annulus. Methods and results We used a cohort of thirty patients who underwent surgery for severe primary mitral regurgitation with mitral valve repair using the Carpentier technique with annuloplasty, all of whom had undergone CCT prior to surgery to exclude coronary artery disease. We compared measurements of the mitral annulus (intertrigonal distance and intercommissural distance) obtained by 3D-reconstruction of intra-operative TOE and 2D-short axis CCT reconstruction with the ring measured intraoperatively by the surgeon and then implanted, using intraclass correlation. We found that the intertrigonal distance measured by CCT showed good agreement with the surgical ring (ICC 0.89 [CI 0.330-0.985; p < 0.05]); the intercommissural distance obtained by 3D-TOE also showed good agreement with the surgical ring (ICC 0.81 [CI 0.458-0.936; p < 0.05]), while the intertrigonal distance measured by 3D-TOE showed a moderate agreement with the surgical annulus (ICC 0.63 [CI 0.056-0.852; p < 0.05]). We then compared the intraoperative 3D TOE measurements with those obtained by CCT and found excellent agreement when comparing the intertrigonal distance (ICC 0.95 [CI 0.755-0.989; p<0.05]). Conclusions 3D-TOE can be considered as a first-line imaging technique to assess the anatomical features of the mitral valve apparatus, not only in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but also in those undergoing percutaneous interventions or with contraindications to contrast medium CT. 3D-TOE reconstruction Surgical and CCT

Specifics of liability for financial criminal offenses in the field of official activities

The article is devoted to determining the specifics of liability for financial criminal offenses in the sphere of official activity, which, accordingly, are committed by a special subject - an official. Financial security, which is encroached upon by criminal offenses in the sphere of financial activity, in particular those committed by officials, is a component of economic security and national security in general, which determines the relevance of this study. The purpose of this study was to determine the specifics of liability for financial criminal offenses in accordance with the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The study proposed a refined concept of a financial criminal offense. It was established that in the case of committing financial criminal offenses in the sphere of official activity, several objects are encroached upon: the procedure for carrying out financial and legal activities; the procedure for ensuring the proper functioning of the state apparatus and the apparatus of local self-government bodies, associations of citizens, enterprises, institutions and organizations, normal official activities; the authority of state authorities; financial security as a component of national security. Often, the criminal offenses under investigation are related to corruption. The above substantiates our opinion that the punishment for financial criminal offenses should be more severe: not only a fine and deprivation of the right to engage in certain types of activity, as well as compensation for the losses caused, but also imprisonment for a certain period of time depending on the amount of financial damage caused. Therefore, the specificity of liability for financial criminal offenses is that it is exclusively criminal-legal in its possible manifestations, and not financial-legal in relation to administrative financial offenses. This study opens up prospects for further research in this area, which, in turn, will contribute to the improvement of national legislation on bringing officials to criminal liability for financial criminal offenses.

Some special features of the water regime and the photosynthetic apparatus functioning in garden roses under drought conditions

Data are presented on changes in the total water content in leaf tissues and the level of real water deficiency in 7 genotypes of garden roses (Rosa gallica L., R. odorata var. gigantea × R. multiflora, R. hugonis Hemsl., R. chinensis var. minima (Sims) Voss., R. bracteata J.C. Wendl., and R. foetida var. persiana (Lem.) Rehder) and cv. ‘Borisfen’ during the summer seasons of 2022–2023 on the Southern Coast of Crimea. Most genotypes showed a sublethal limit of water deficiency with the loss of 22–26% of water in their leaves. The leaf water regime was described for the studied genotypes under the extreme drought of 2023. For R. gallica, the critical limit of water loss was 10–15%. Simulating conditions close to the hot dry wind (t = 27°C, Rh = 30%) resulted in a more intensive loss of moisture by the leaves of the studied roses, while only R. odorata var. gigantea × R. multiflora showed a reduction in water consumption. The threshold for sublethal moisture deficiency in the leaves of relatively resistant plants (cv. ‘Borisfen’ and R. hugonis) dropped to 20–24%.Analyzing main parameters of chlorophyll fluorescence induction proved that the development of water deficiency in the range of 20–25% under low air humidity caused an irreversible inactivation of PS II in R. bracteata, R. gallica, and R. odorata var. gigantea × R. multiflora. Disturbances in the functioning of the photosynthetic apparatus in cv. ‘Borisfen’, R. hugonis, and R. foetida var. persiana were reversible. The variable fluorescence level and the fluorescence decay rate are informative for determining the degree of drought resistance in garden rose plants.

Highly Active Carbonic Anhydrase of the Thylakoid Lumen of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

The green unicellular algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii contains 12–13 carbonic anhydrases (CAs). For a long time, the two closely related α-CAs of the periplasmic membrane CAH1 and CAH2 were considered to be the CAs with the highest CO2 hydration activity. The recombinant protein α-CA CAH3 (rCAH3) from the thylakoid lumen obtained in the present study showed more than three times higher activity compared to CAH1 and more than 11 times higher compared to previous studies with rCAH3. Long-term sustainability of the enzyme was observed at alkaline pH (>8), with maintenance of half of its activity at 4 °C for up to 50 days. Thermostability of rCAH3 indicated the retention of the activity at 20 °C for one hour at pH 9–10 with its ~50% decrease at pH 6–7. However, the residual activity of rCAH3 after incubation at an extremely high temperature (75 °C) for 15 min led to the formation of the double-hump graph with maxima at pH 6 and 9. The enzyme demonstrated high sensitivity to ethoxyzolamide and acetazolamide at nM concentrations, to Zn2+ and Cu2+ cations at 1 mM concentrations, and L-cysteine was able to completely inhibit CA activity of rCAH3 through reduction of sulfhydryl groups. Esterase activity of rCAH3 was well detected with values comparable to those of bovine CAII, but with a maximum at pH 8 instead of pH 9, which is usual for bovine CAII. The results indicated that CAH3 may be the most active CA of C. reinhardtii and that its role in the photosynthetic apparatus function could have been underestimated in previous works.

КОТОР КАО ПОШТАНСКИ И ОБАВЕШТАЈНИ ЦЕНТАР ВЕНЕЦИЈАНСКЕ РЕПУБЛИКЕ У ЧЕТВРТОЈ И ПОЧЕТКОМ ПЕТЕ ДЕЦЕНИЈЕ 16. ВЕКА

The paper points out the possibility that the involvement/engagement of Trifun Drago, the nobleman/patrician of Kotor (Cattaro), in the field of organising postal traffic between Venice and Constantinople via Kotor began in 1533, and not two years later, which is the information present in historiography. It happened that during the fourth decade of the 16th century, Venetian officials stopped in Kotor when travelling between the two capitals. Owing to the orders of the Council of Ten addressed to the rectors and provisors of Kotor and their reports, as well as other sources, it is possible to reconstruct the organisation and functioning of the intelligence apparatus of the Republic of Venice. A significant link in this chain was the rector and provisor of Kotor, whose role was reflected in finding and sending trustees to Constantinople and forwarding letters and notifications to Constantinople and Venice.

Comparative legal aspect of development of the civil service institution in Ukraine and Great Britain

The article is devoted to the study of the civil service institution in Ukraine and the United Kingdom, and a comparative legal analysis is carried out which allows identifying both common features and significant differences in the organization and functioning of the state apparatus of these countries. Particular attention is paid to the historical and cultural factors that influenced the formation of the modern civil service system. In Ukraine, the institution of civil service is considered to be an important element of administrative law and public administration, which ensures the implementation of state policy, fulfillment of state tasks and protection of citizens’ rights. At the same time, the civil service system of the United Kingdom, known as the ‘Civil Service’, demonstrates an example of a well-established, transparent and politically neutral model that has become a benchmark for many countries around the world. The paper focuses on the need to reform public administration in Ukraine, taking into account global trends and British experience. In particular, the concepts of ‘Good Governance’, ‘New Public Management’ and ‘Policy Networks’, which are the basis for reforms in developed democracies, are explored. The article analyses the importance of career development of civil servants as a key element of ensuring the effectiveness of public administration. Itis emphasized that the career development system in Ukraine is in the process of improvement, while in the UK it has a long tradition of transparency, integrity and political neutrality. The role of ethical standards in shaping the professional culture of the civil service is considered separately. The author presents a model of ‘ethical infrastructure of a democratic state’ aimed at teaching ethical behavior and monitoring compliance with ethical standards by civil servants. It is emphasized that enhancing the professio­nalism and ethics of civil servants is an integral factor in strengthening trust in the state apparatus, ensuring social stability and sustainable development, and the adaptation of British approaches to the Ukrainian reality will contribute to the creation of a transparent, efficient and accountable civil service system that will meet the current challenges and needs of society.

Improving the image of the state civil service for young people using the example of executive authorities of the Kursk region

The relevance of this research topic is due to the fact that the state civil service in executive authorities is the most important institution of modern society, ensuring the effective functioning of the state apparatus and the implementation of state policy. Attracting young talented specialists to the civil service is a key factor in increasing its efficiency and prestige. However, at present there are a number of problems arising from the current evolution, including low wages, lack of career prospects, and a negative image of civil servants of executive authorities in society.The purpose is develop a roadmap to improve the image of the state civil service of the executive authorities of the Kursk region for young people. Objectives: conduct a survey among current young civil servants of the executive authorities of the Kursk region and students of universities of the Kursk region, process the results obtained, develop a roadmap that includes measures aimed at ensuring a decent level of wages, developing a training program, attracting youth organizations, modern marketing and communications, increasing transparency and openness.Methodology. The methodological basis of the work was an interdisciplinary approach combining elements of sociology, psychology and marketing. Conducting sociological surveys among young people and current young civil servants of the executive authorities of the Kursk region. The following research methods were used: questionnaires, interviews, analysis, synthesis, comparison, generalization.Results. During the study, a survey was conducted among current young civil servants of the executive authorities of the Kursk region and students of universities of the Kursk region, the results were processed, and a roadmap was developed to improve the image of the state civil service of the executive authorities of the Kursk region for young people.Conclusion. Improving the image of the state civil service of the executive authorities of the Kursk region for young people is a key factor in attracting young talented specialists to the civil service and increasing its efficiency. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to implement a set of measures aimed at ensuring a decent level of wages, developing a training program, attracting youth organizations, modern marketing and communications, increasing transparency and openness. Only a systematic approach to solving this problem will increase the prestige of the civil service and attract the best personnel from among young people.

Influence of Raoul Husson’s neurochronaxic theory for the development of research on the physiological mechanisms of voice production in the Soviet Union (1950–1970s)

The influence of the neurochronaxic theory of phonation of the French physiologist Raoul Husson (1901–1967) on the development of research on voice formation in the Soviet Union, mainly in the 1950–1970s, is discussed. Husson contrasted the neurochronaxic theory with the traditional myoelastic theory of voice formation. The myoelastic theory considers the vocal folds as a self-oscillatory system. Vibrations are caused by the energy of the air flow. According to Husson’s concept, vibrations of the vocal cords do not depend on subglottic pressure. The frequency of vibration of the vocal cords corresponds to the frequency of impulses arriving along the recurrent nerve. To explain the high frequency of vibration of the vocal cords, Husson used Wever’s “Volley Principle”. According to this principle, the activity of each subsequent nerve fiber occurs during the refractory phase of the previous fiber. The responses of all nerve fibers are summed up into a common high-frequency oscillation. In 1950–1970s, Soviet physiologists took an active part in testing the new concept proposed by Husson. They came to the conclusion that both mechanisms, myoelastic and neurochronaxic, are involved in the functioning of the vocal apparatus. But the recurrent nerve does not directly control the vibrations of the vocal cords, but indirectly. Žhinkin called this control system the “code principle,” when a command is sent to the vocal cords to change their physical characteristics, changing the properties of the self-oscillating system.

The overlooked first intercostal ligament: Does it help to stabilize the Weberian apparatus?

The Weberian apparatus is a novel hearing adaptation that facilitates increased hearing sensitivity in otophysan fishes. The apparatus is a complex system composed of modifications to anterior vertebral elements, the inner ear, and the swim bladder. A critical piece of the system that often receives minor attention are the various ligaments that bridge these three regions. The most famous of the ligaments is the interossicular ligament, which connects the Weberian ossicle chain (scaphium-intercalarium-tripus). Several other ligaments are present, including the suspensor (tripus to parapophysis 4) and the triple ligament (tripus-os suspensorium-tunica externa). Here, by combining diffusible iodine-based contrast enhancement (DICE) and propagation phase-contrast synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (PPC-SRμCT) with classic histological methods, we shine new light on the first intercostal ligament (ICL1) and discuss its potential function in relation to the Weberian apparatus. ICL1 is nearly absent from the cypriniform literature, typically only mentioned in a general discussion together with other intercostal ligaments. This study examines the development and structure of ICL1 comparatively with the other definitive Weberian ligaments in the zebrafish (Danio rerio). We provide a comprehensive view of three-dimensional shape, development, and composition to generate hypotheses regarding potential functions of ICL1 within the greater Weberian apparatus. Given new detail presented herein regarding the structure of ICL1, modifications to rib 5 and parapophysis 4 for ICL1 attachment, and the alignment of ICL1 with the os suspensorium, we propose a supportive (anchoring) role of ICL1 to aid in minimizing non-optimal movement of the structures of the fourth vertebra. This addition would focus vibrations anteriorly through the ossicle chain with minimal signal loss in zebrafish and other species with similar Weberian apparatus morphologies. We conclude that ICL1 should be included in future analyses of Weberian apparatus function where ligaments are addressed.

Establishment and validation of a prediction model for the outcome of rheumatic mitral valve repair surgery based on transthoracic echocardiography

Abstract Background The outcome of mitral valve repair over replacement in degenerative diseases has been recognized, but the patient selection of mitral valve repair in rheumatic diseases are still controversial. At present, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluation methods for rheumatic mitral valve disease, which cannot guide the selection of patients before surgery. Purpose The aim of this study was to establish a comprehensive evaluation method and innovative indicators for rheumatic mitral valve disease using transthoracic echocardiography, and to establish a model for predicting the outcome of rheumatic mitral valve repair. Methods This prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study included 167 patients who underwent rheumatic mitral valve surgery in 4 centers from 2022 to 2023. Each enrolled patient underwent a comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography evaluation and measured 94 ultrasound indicators, mainly covering leaflets, annulus, subvalvular apparatus, and atrial and ventricular function. The main endpoint event was the failure of mitral valve repair (including switching to replacement after repair, and moderate to severe stenosis or regurgitation during follow-up after repair). Patients were randomly assigned to the modeling and validation groups at a ratio of 7:3. In the modeling group, LASSO regression was used for variable selection, and logistic regression was used for modeling. A nomogram was drawn and a webpage rating calculator was created. In the validation group, model comparisons were conducted using the C-statistic and Net Reclassification Index (NRI). Results 112 patients (67.1%) underwent mitral valve repair with satisfactory results, 47 patients (28.1%) ultimately underwent mitral valve replacement, and 8 patients (4.8%) found moderate to severe mitral stenosis or regurgitation during follow-up after repair. Three indicators, including mitral valve orifice area, leaflet calcification score, and anterior leaflet-annulus angle, were selected through LASSO regression. No collinearity was found between the three indicators, and they were ultimately included in the logistic regression model. The C statistics in the modeling group and validation group were 0.846 and 0.958, respectively, indicating that the constructed model has satisfactory predictive ability. Compared to the Wilkins score, the proportion of correctly classified items increased by 19.8%, significantly better than the Wilkins score. Finally, a nomogram was drawn based on the model, and a web rating calculator was created to guide clinical decision-making. Conclusion This study explored a comprehensive evaluation method and innovative indicators for rheumatic mitral valve disease by transthoracic echocardiography, established and validated a model for predicting the outcome of repair surgery, and had certain guiding significance for doctors to choose suitable patients for rheumatic mitral valve repair.Validation of the predictive modelNomogram

Mesenchymal stem cell transplant as an intervention to ameliorate disuse-induced muscle atrophy in a mouse model of simulated microgravity

BackgroundThe hindlimb unloaded (HU) mouse model exhibits disuse-induced muscle atrophy. However, effective interventions remain elusive. We investigated the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) transplant on muscle decline in HU mice. MethodsWe divided 4-month-old male c57BL/6j mice into controls and HU mice treated with PBS as placebo (HU-PBS) or MSCs (HU-MSC; one million cells/100 μl PBS into gastrocnemius muscles once a week) for three weeks. We measured muscle mass, grip strength, and an unbiased transcriptome analysis of gastrocnemius muscles. ResultsMSC treatment prevented muscle atrophy and improved grip strength in HU mice. Transcriptome analysis revealed MSC-induced unique (557 genes) and differential (1214 genes) expressions of several genes compared to the HU-PBS group. GO and KEGG term analysis revealed an HU-induced downregulation of pathways associated with the regulation of contractile apparatus, neuromuscular junction, and satellite cell function, which were partly reversed with MSC treatment. Lastly, MSC treatment also upregulated the pathways controlling muscle differentiation and growth in the HU mice. ConclusionAltogether, we report the therapeutic potential of MSCs in treating disuse-induced muscle atrophy and weakness. Our study may help unravel novel molecular mechanisms involved in MSCs-induced muscle restoration.

Photosystems functioning, the content of chemical elements, flavonoids and brassinosteroids in leaves of chimera Cornus controversa

he formation of chimera is a well-known phenomenon in variegated ornamental and wild plants, but the biochemical peculiarities of this phenomenon are not well studied. The purpose of this work was to conduct a comparative study of the photosynthetic apparatus functioning, the content of macro-, microelements, flavonoids and brassinosteroids in the variegated and green leaves of the periclinal chimera Cornus controversa plant grown in the collection of M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the NAS of Ukraine. Sampling was made during the period from June to October 2022. The content of photosynthetic pigments and brassinosteroids was measured spectrophotometrically, autofluorescence of leaf tissues was studied using an inverted microscope with a multi-channel fluorescence imaging system, Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) – using GreenSeeker devices and fluorimeter, the level of macro- and microelements – using plasma emission spectrometer. Phenolic secondary metabolites were separated by HPTLC. To assess the protective capacity of flavonoids, a bioassay on the germination of radish seeds Raphanus in the presence of AlCl3 was used. It was shown that green leaves of C. controversa chimera, compared to variegated ones, had a twice as high NDVI index, maintained photosynthetic function longer in autumn, and had higher content of macronutrients (Mg, Ca and S) but lower concentration of toxic metals (Al, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ti). Instead, variegated leaves accumulated more brassinosteroids and phenolic metabolites, which were found not only to reduce the toxic effect of aluminum but also to have a growth-stimulating effect on the roots of radish seedlings. Such specialization of green and variegated leaves may contribute to better plant chimeras adaptation to environmental pollution. Keywords: brassinosteroids, Cornus controversa, macroelements, microelements, NDVI index, periclinal chimera, phenolic metabolites, photosynthetic pigments, tissue autofluorescence

An Attempt to Reform the Civil Rank System in the Russian Empire in 1883–1885

Based on new data from unpublished documents of the Russian State Historical Archive (RSHA), this study examines the activities of the Special Secret Meeting, which developed a draft of a new Civil Service Statute from 1883 to 1885. This document proposed fundamental reforms to the Russian system of ranks, including the complete abolition of ranks and their replacement with a hierarchy of positions. However, due to disagreements between ministries, the project was not approved by the State Council. The study of interdepartmental and intradepartmental documents from higher and central state institutions, using event analysis, chronological, and retrospective research methods, revealed the institutions' attitudes towards the draft statute and identified the reasons for their refusal to adopt it. The findings of this research broaden our understanding of the reasons behind the failures of attempts to reform the civil service repeatedly made in the Russian Empire throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. The relevance of the research topic lies in the traditional interest in the historical experience of the functioning of the bureaucratic apparatus of the Russian Empire in the 19th and early 20th centuries, in the context of increased interest from various researchers in the activities of the modern Russian state mechanism.

Proteomic Characterization of Ubiquitin Carboxyl-Terminal Hydrolase 19 Deficient Cells Reveals a Role for USP19 in the Secretion of Lysosomal Proteins

Ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 19 (USP19) is a unique deubiquitinase, characterized by multiple variants generated by alternative splicing. Several variants bear a C-terminal transmembrane domain that anchors them to the endoplasmic reticulum. Other than regulating protein stability by preventing proteasome degradation, USP19 has been reported to rescue substrates from endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation in a catalytic-independent manner, promote autophagy, and address proteins to lysosomal degradation via endosomal microautophagy. USP19 has recently emerged as the protein responsible for the unconventional secretion of misfolded proteins including Parkinson's disease-associated protein α-synuclein. Despite mounting evidence that USP19 plays crucial roles in several biological processes, the underlying mechanisms are unclear due to lack of information on the physiological substrates of USP19. Herein, we used high-resolution quantitative proteomics to analyze changes in the secretome and cell proteome induced by the loss of USP19 to identify proteins whose secretion or turnover is regulated by USP19. We found that ablation of USP19 induced significant proteomic alterations both in and out of the cell. Loss of USP19 impaired the release of several lysosomal proteins, including legumain (LGMN) and several cathepsins. In order to understand the underlaying mechanism, we dissected the USP19-regulated secretion of LGMN in several cell types. We found that LGMN was not a deubiquitinase substrate of USP19 and that its USP19-dependent release did not require their direct interaction. LGMN secretion occurred by a mechanism that involved the Golgi apparatus, autophagosome formation, and lysosome function. This mechanism resembled the recently described "lysosomal exocytosis," by which lysosomal hydrolases are secreted, when ubiquitination of p62 is increased in cells lacking deubiquitinases such as USP15 and USP17. In conclusion, our proteomic characterization of USP19 has identified a collection of proteins in the secretome and within the cell that are regulated by USP19, which link USP19 to the secretion of lysosomal proteins, including LGMN.

Vgll2 as an integrative regulator of mitochondrial function and contractility specific to skeletal muscle.

During skeletal muscle adaptation to physiological or pathophysiological signals, contractile apparatus and mitochondrial function are coordinated to alter muscle fiber type. Although recent studies have identified various factors involved in modifying contractile proteins and mitochondrial function, the molecular mechanisms coordinating contractile and metabolic functions during muscle fiber transition are not fully understood. Using a gene-deficient mouse approach, our previous studies uncovered that vestigial-like family member 2 (Vgll2), a skeletal muscle-specific transcription cofactor activated by exercise, is essential for fast-to-slow adaptation of skeletal muscle. The current study provides evidence that Vgll2 plays a role in increasing muscle mitochondrial mass and oxidative capacity. Transgenic Vgll2 overexpression in mice altered muscle fiber composition toward the slow type and enhanced exercise endurance, which contradicted the outcomes observed with Vgll2 deficiency. Vgll2 expression was positively correlated with the expression of genes related to mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle, mitochondrial DNA content, and protein abundance of oxidative phosphorylation complexes. Additionally, Vgll2 overexpression significantly increased the maximal respiration of isolated muscle fibers and enhanced the suppressive effects of endurance training on weight gain. Notably, no additional alteration in expression of myosin heavy chain genes was observed after exercise, suggesting that Vgll2 plays a direct role in regulating mitochondrial function, independent of its effect on contractile components. The observed increase in exercise endurance and metabolic efficiency may be attributed to the acute upregulation of genes promoting fatty acid utilization as a direct consequence of Vgll2 activation facilitated by endurance exercise. Thus, the current study establishes that Vgll2 is an integrative regulator of mitochondrial function and contractility in skeletal muscle.

Vermicompost application enhances soil health and plant physiological and antioxidant defense to conferring heavy metals tolerance in fragrant rice

Cadmium (Cd) contamination in agricultural soils and its accumulation in plant organs have become a global issue due to its harmful effects on human health. The in-situ stabilizing technique, which involves using organic amendments, is commonly employed for removing Cd from agricultural soils. Thus, the current study investigated the effect of vermicompost (VC) on soil properties and plant physio-biochemical attributes, leaf ultrastructure analysis, antioxidant defense mechanisms, and grain yields of two different fragrant rice cultivars, Xiangyaxiangzhan (XGZ) and Meixiangzhan-2 (MXZ-2), under Cd-stress conditions. The results showed that Cd toxicity deteriorates soil quality, the plant’s photosynthetic apparatus, and the plant’s antioxidant defense mechanism. Moreover, under Cd stress, both cultivars produced significantly lower (p < 0.05) rice grain yields compared to non-Cd stress conditions. However, the VC application alleviated the Cd toxicity and improved soil qualitative traits, such as soil organic carbon, available nitrogen, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Similarly, VC amendments improved leaf physiological activity, photosynthetic apparatus function, antioxidant enzyme activities and its related gene expression under Cd stress These enhancements led to increased grain yields of both fragrant under Cd toxicity. The addition of VC mitigated the adverse effects of Cd on the leaf chloroplast structure by reducing Cd uptake and accumulation in tissues. This helped prevent Cd-induced peroxidation damage to leaf membrane lipids by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). On average across the growth stages, the Pos-Cd + VC3 treatment increased SOD, APX, CAT, and POD activities by122.2 and 112.5%, 118.6, and 120.6%, 44.6 and 40.6%, and 38.6 and 33.2% in MXZ-2 and XGZ, respectively, compared to the plants treated with Pos-Cd treated alone. Enhancements in leaf physiological activity and plant antioxidant enzyme activity strengthen the plant’s antioxidant defense mechanism against Cd toxicity. In addition, correlation analysis showed a strong relationship between the leaf net photosynthetic rate and soil chemical attributes, suggesting that improved soil fertility enhances leaf physiological activity and boosts rice grain yields. Of the treatments, Pos-Cd + VC3 proved to be the most effective treatment in terms of enhancing soil health and achieving high fragrant rice yields. Thus, the outcomes of this study show that the addition of VC in Cd-contaminated soils could be useful for sustainable rice production and safe utilization of Cd-polluted soil.

PENGARUH DISIPLIN KERJA, LINGKUNGAN KERJA DAN INSENTIF TERHADAPKINERJA PADA KARYAWAN ASN UPTD PUSKESMAS CERMEE BONDOWOSO DENGAN KEPUASAN KERJA SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING

The position and function of the State Civil Apparatus as part of the State apparatus which is responsible as a public servant must provide equitable services to the community, with the principles of loyalty and compliance with Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. The aim of this research is to analyze and test the influence of Work Discipline , Work Environment and Incentives on the Performance of ASN Employees at the Cermee Bondowoso Health Center UPTD with Job Satisfaction as an intervening variable. This research is explanatory research. The population in this study were ASN UPTD employees of the Cermee Bondowoso Community Health Center. The sampling technique uses a saturated sample technique. Data analysis and hypothesis testing in this research used the Structural Equation Model - Partial Least Square (PLS-SEM). The results of the direct influence hypothesis test using the Smart PLS 3.0 application, show that Work Discipline has a significant positive effect on Job Satisfaction, Work Environment has a positive but not significant effect on Job Satisfaction, Incentives have a significant positive effect on Job Satisfaction, Work Discipline has a negative but not significant effect on Performance , Work Environment has a significant negative effect on Performance, Incentives have a significant positive effect on Performance. The results of the indirect influence hypothesis test show that the variables that work discipline has a significant positive effect on performance through job satisfaction, the work environment has a negative but not significant effect on performance through job satisfaction, and incentives have a significant positive effect on performance through job satisfaction.

Embodied intersubjectivity: Forms of psyche-soma structuring in the encounter between self and other-than-self.

This paper explores the mechanisms that lead to a destructive tendency in the formation and functioning of the psychic apparatus, to the characteristic states of subjects who are drawn to non-life. The dynamics of the primary mother-child relationship involve a structural interaction between mind and body, subject and object. The dialectic between the life drive and the death drive is conceptualized as the structuring of homeostatic dynamic equilibria, in which both drives belong to the living, provided they are kept in a non-isolated system. This conception has analogies with other disciplines that have changed their paradigms, such as neurobiology, which, for living beings in open systems, hypothesises a continuous interconnected Becoming of undivided separation and of discontinuity. In unitary psyche-soma functioning, a dynamic homoeostatic balance marks the state of health of the relating subject; or if, instead, the system is isolated, a pathological dysregulation depending on the emotional-affective vicissitudes it undergoes. Two clinical cases illustrate these dynamics. For this tendency on the level of the somatopsychic unit, the name alloiosis has been put forward, in analogy with cellular apoptosis.

Golgi pH homeostasis stabilizes the lysosomal membrane through N-glycosylation of membrane proteins.

Protein glycosylation plays a vital role in various cellular functions, many of which occur within the Golgi apparatus. The Golgi pH regulator (GPHR) is essential for the proper functioning of the Golgi apparatus. The lysosomal membrane contains highly glycosylated membrane proteins in abundance. This study investigated the role of the Golgi luminal pH in N-glycosylation of lysosomal membrane proteins and the effect of this protein modification on membrane stability using Gphr-deficient MEFs. We showed that Gphr deficiency causes an imbalance in the Golgi luminal pH, resulting in abnormal protein N-glycosylation, indicated by a reduction in sialylated glycans and markedly reduced molecular weight of glycoproteins. Further experiments using FRAP and PLA revealed that Gphr deficiency prevented the trafficking dynamics and proximity condition of glycosyltransferases in the Golgi apparatus. In addition, incomplete N-glycosylation of lysosomal membrane proteins affected lysosomal membrane stability, as demonstrated by the increased susceptibility to lysosomal damage. Thus, this study highlights the critical role of Golgi pH regulation in controlling protein glycosylation and the impact of Golgi dysfunction on lysosomal membrane stability.

Biogenesis of specialized lysosomes in differentiated keratinocytes relies on close apposition with the Golgi apparatus

Intracellular organelles support cellular physiology in diverse conditions. In the skin, epidermal keratinocytes undergo differentiation with gradual changes in cellular physiology, accompanying remodeling of lysosomes and the Golgi apparatus. However, it was not known whether changes in Golgi and lysosome morphology and their redistribution were linked. Here, we show that disassembled Golgi is distributed in close physical apposition to lysosomes in differentiated keratinocytes. This atypical localization requires the Golgi tethering protein GRASP65, which is associated with both the Golgi and lysosome membranes. Depletion of GRASP65 results in the loss of Golgi-lysosome apposition and the malformation of lysosomes, defined by their aberrant morphology, size, and function. Surprisingly, a trans-Golgi enzyme and secretory Golgi cargoes are extensively localized to the lysosome lumen and secreted to the cell surface, contributing to total protein secretion of differentiated keratinocytes but not in proliferative precursors, indicating that lysosomes acquire specialization during differentiation. We further demonstrate that the secretory function of the Golgi apparatus is critical to maintain keratinocyte lysosomes. Our study uncovers a novel form of Golgi-lysosome cross-talk and its role in maintaining specialized secretory lysosomes in differentiated keratinocytes.