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‘Shlor-Tsiran’ (literally called ‘Plum-Apricot’) is an old black apricot cultivar, which is traditionally cultivated in Armenia. Taxonomically, it belongs to Prunus × dasycarpa Ehrh., which is a spontaneous hybrid of apricot and cherry plum (P. armeniaca L. × P. cerasifera Ehrh.). Currently, ‘Shlor-Tsiran’ is considered to be very rare in Armenia and it occurs as single trees in old home orchards of the Ararat Valley. It is characterised by high frost and disease resistance, late flowering and fruiting compared with other cultivated apricots, and is of interest for the development of apricot cultivars displaying delayed fruit ripening and enhanced frost resistance. This study aims to phenotype the cv. ‘Shlor-Tsiran’ taking into consideration 67 quantitative and qualitative characteristics of vegetative and generative organs, growth and development. Morphological description of the cv. ‘Shlor-Tsiran’, comparing with its parent species, P. armeniaca and P. cerasifera, was performed. Data on fertility and viability of pollen grains, biochemical and nutritional properties of fruits and tree productivity are provided. The data obtained should contribute to a wider use and conservation of the black apricot cv. ‘Shlor-Tsiran’ gene pool, which can be used for breeding purposes as well. The article is illustrated with tables and original photographs.

Abstract This study investigated the time course of gene expression changes during the progression of persistent painful neuropathy caused by paclitaxel (PTX) in male and female mouse hindpaws and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Bulk RNA-seq was used to examine these gene expression changes at 1, 16, and 31 days post-last PTX. At these time points, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were predominantly related to the reduction or increase in epithelial, skin, bone, and muscle development and to angiogenesis, myelination, axonogenesis, and neurogenesis. These processes are accompanied by the regulation of DEGs related to the cytoskeleton, extracellular matrix organization, and cellular energy production. This gene plasticity during the progression of persistent painful neuropathy could be interpreted as a biological process linked to tissue regeneration/degeneration. In contrast, gene plasticity related to immune processes was minimal at 1–31 days after PTX. It was also noted that despite similarities in biological processes and pain chronicity between males and females, specific DEGs differed dramatically according to sex. The main conclusions of this study are that gene expression plasticity in hindpaw and DRG during PTX neuropathy progression similar to tissue regeneration and degeneration, minimally affects immune system processes and is heavily sex-dependent at the individual gene level.

Abstract Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) represent a new therapeutic modality involving selectively directing disease-causing proteins for degradation through proteolytic systems. Our ability to exploit targeted protein degradation (TPD) for antibiotic development remains nascent due to our limited understanding of which bacterial proteins are amenable to a TPD strategy. Here, we use a genetic system to model chemically-induced proximity and degradation to screen essential proteins in Mycobacterium smegmatis (Msm), a model for the human pathogen M. tuberculosis (Mtb). By integrating experimental screening of 72 protein candidates and machine learning, we find that drug-induced proximity to the bacterial ClpC1P1P2 proteolytic complex leads to the degradation of many endogenous proteins, especially those with disordered termini. Additionally, TPD of essential Msm proteins inhibits bacterial growth and potentiates the effects of existing antimicrobial compounds. Together, our results provide biological principles to select and evaluate attractive targets for future Mtb PROTAC development, as both standalone antibiotics and potentiators of existing antibiotic efficacy.

Functional literacy as a pedagogical category is considered in the context of its development in the system of secondary vocational education. It is known that for the successful development of the personal characteristics of students, the teacher needs a deep understanding of its essence and context. In this article, a description of the process of development and evaluation of functional literacy of students of professional educational organizations is presented, based on a systematic approach, which is considered as a methodological basis for the development and functioning of the process of developing functional literacy among students of vocational schools. The experience of professional development of vocational education teachers for the implementation of a systematic approach is also presented. The emphasis is on the development of general professional competencies, which are based on the key components of functional literacy and are related to the characteristics of the future activities of students of secondary vocational education. The content of the educational community work in the Samara region in the field of functional literacy at the secondary school level, described by the author, reflects the stages of the process, regional specifics, features of the professional development of secondary school teachers and the implementation of the principles of a systematic approach (integrity, hierarchy, planning, dynamism, adaptability and structuring) in the formation and assessment of functional literacy of students of professional educational organizations.

Abstract: All eukaryotes require intricate protein networks to translate developmental signals into accurate cell fate decisions. Mutations that disturb crucial interactions between network components often result in disease, but how the composition and dynamics of complex networks are established is unknown. Here, we identify the tumor suppressor E3 ligase UBR5 as a quality control enzyme that helps degrade unpaired subunits of multiple transcription factors that operate within a single network. By constantly turning over orphan subunits, UBR5 forces cells to continuously replenish network components through new protein synthesis. The resulting cycles of transcription factor synthesis and degradation allow cells to effectively execute the gene expression program, while remaining susceptible to environmental signals. We conclude that orphan quality control plays an essential role in establishing the dynamics of protein networks, which may explain the conserved need for protein degradation in transcription and offers unique opportunities to modulate gene expression in disease.

This article delves into the profound impact of postmodernism on the trajectory and evolution of future public administration. The 20th century witnessed radical changes in worldview, marking the transition from modernity to postmodernity. The basic principles of postmodernism, encompassing deconstruction, fragmentation, future shock, and cultural relativism, have instigated a paradigm shift challenging traditional administrative frameworks (M. Foucault, J.-F. Lyotard, A. Toffler, etc.). The article explores how these postmodern tenets influence administrative practices, power structures, and the very nature of governance. Postmodernity is characterized by a unique attitude towards truth, acknowledging its relativity, and by decentration, the absence of a single center, replaced by multipolarity and globalization. “Post-truth” replaces truth, posing new challenges to the future of public administration. The public administration of the future will be shaped by existing trends, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), etc. It will also depend on modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analysis, and data-driven decision-making, as underscored by the need for digitalization in response to the pandemic (according to EIB). However, alongside advantages, there are also challenges, such as issues of liability in the use of AI for future public administration. These risks can be mitigated through collaborative and participatory governance models, adaptive leadership, an emphasis on inclusivity, diversity, and social equity, addressing environmental concerns, advanced training courses, and other strategic measures.

Recently, human-machine digital assistants gained popularity and are commonly used in question-and-answer applications and similar consumer-supporting domains. A class of more sophisticated digital assistants (chatbots) employing more extended dialogs follows the trend. Chatbots have become increasingly popular in recent years. Nowadays, chatbot deployments in the cloud have become a common practice because of their benefits, including flexibility, scalability, reliability, security, remote working, cost, and power outages. However, measuring the cloud-based chatbot systems’ performance is challenging as human-machine information exchanges are performed in heterogeneous environments such as cloud hosting platforms, information processing units, and several machine-to-machine and human-machine communication channels. This paper investigates different methodologies for assessing the performance of such heterogeneous deployments and identifies performance metrics for evaluating the performance of cloud-based chatbot deployment. The study employs chatbot performance measurements with both real users (human) and automated (simulated) users. The experimental results discuss communication metrics such as response time, throughput, and load testing (connection loss) through the performance assessment of a case study deployment that utilizes an automated protocol chatbot development framework. The findings presented in this paper can further help practitioners to better understand the performance characteristics of a cloud-based chatbot and assist in making informed decisions related to the chatbot development and deployment options.

Abstract Myogenous temporomandibular disorders is associated with an increased responsiveness of nerves innervating the masseter (MM), temporal (TM), and lateral pterygoid muscles (LPM). This study aimed to examine sensory nerve types innervating MM, TM and LPM of adult non-human primate—common marmosets. Sensory nerves were localized in specific regions of these muscles. Pgp9.5, marker for all nerves, and NFH, a marker for A-fibers, showed that masticatory muscles were primarily innervated with A-fibers. The proportion of C- to A-fibers was highest in LPM, and lowest in MM. All C-fibers (pgp9.5+/NFH-) observed in masticatory muscles were peptidergic (CGRP+) and lacked mrgprD and CHRNA3, a silent nociceptive marker. TrpV1 was register in 17% of LPM nerves. All fibers in masticatory muscles were labeled with GFAP+, a myelin sheath marker. There were substantially more peptidergic A-fibers (CGRP+/NFH+) in TM and LPM compared to MM. MM, TM and LPM NFH+ fibers contained different percentages of trkC+ and parvalbumin+, but not trkB+ fibers. Tyrosine hydroxylase antibodies, which did not label TG, highlighted sympathetic fibers around blood vessels of the masticatory muscles. Overall, masticatory muscle types of marmosets have similarities and differences in innervation patterns.

Abstract Gene plasticity during myogenous temporomandibular disorder (TMDM) development is largely unknown. TMDM could be modeled by intramuscular inflammation or tissue damage. To model inflammation induced TMDM we injected complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into masseter muscle (MM). To model tissue damage induced TMDM we injected extracellular matrix degrading collagenase type 2 (Col). CFA and Col produced distinct myalgia development trajectories. We performed bulk RNA-seq of MM to generate gene plasticity time course. CFA initiated TMDM (1d post-injection) was mainly linked to chemo-tacticity of monocytes and neutrophils. At CFA-induced hypersensitivity post-resolution (5d post-injection), tissue repair processes were pronounced, while inflammation was absent. Col (0.2U) produced acute hypersensitivity linked to tissue repair without inflammatory processes. Col (10U) generated prolonged hypersensitivity with inflammatory processes dominating initiation phase (1d). Pre-resolution phase (6d) was accompanied with acceleration of expressions for tissue repair and pro-inflammatory genes. Flow cytometry showed that immune processes in MM was associated with accumulations of macrophages, natural killer, dendritic and T-cells, further confirming our RNA-seq findings. Altogether, CFA and Col treatments induced different immune processes in MM. Importantly, TMDM resolution was preceded with muscle cell and extracellular matrix repairs, an elevation in immune system gene expressions and distinct immune cell accumulations in MM.

Cells migrate through crowded microenvironments within tissues during normal development, immune response, and cancer metastasis. Although migration through pores and tracks in the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been well studied, little is known about cellular traversal into confining cell-dense tissues. We find that embryonic tissue invasion by Drosophila macrophages requires division of an epithelial ectodermal cell at the site of entry. Dividing ectodermal cells disassemble ECM attachment formed by integrin-mediated focal adhesions next to mesodermal cells, allowing macrophages to move their nuclei ahead and invade between two immediately adjacent tissues. Invasion efficiency depends on division frequency, but reduction of adhesion strength allows macrophage entry independently of division. This work demonstrates that tissue dynamics can regulate cellular infiltration.

One of the most common eye diseases is a burn injury. Hence, one of the pressing challenges in the field of pharmacy today is the development of new ophthalmic medications, specifically eye drops. Researchers from the Department of Pharmaceutical, Organic, and Bioorganic Chemistry at Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceutical University, led by Professor I. A. Mazur, have successfully synthesized a novel compound. This compound is a derivative of 1,2,4-triazole, specifically (S)-2,6-diaminohexanoic acid 3-methyl-1,2,4-triazolyl-5-thioacetate. Notably, this compound demonstrates anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and reparative activities. The aim of the work is to develop a method of quantitative determination of the active substance in Angiolin eye drops by the method of high-performance liquid chromatography. Materials and methods. The research employed a liquid chromatograph equipped with a UV detector. A column Hypersil ODS C-18 measuring 250 by 4.6 millimeters with a particle size of 5 microns was used. Results. It was determined that the angiolin content in the 1 % eye drops in series 1 falls within the range of 0.985 to 1.010 grams. This indicates that, in terms of the active substance content, the studied series complies with the requirements of the State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted research, a method for quantitatively determining the active substance in Angiolin eye drops using high-performance liquid chromatography was developed.

Purpose. The article is devoted to the topic of formation functional literacy of secondary school students which is relevant in modern sociocultural conditions. The subject of analysis is the most effective methods and technologies of formation the students’ functional literacy. The author aims to present the main directions of management of the formation and assessment of functional literacy at the regional level (on the example of the Samara region). Methods and methodology of the work. The research is based on the cognitive paradigm of education. The basis of the research is the cognitive approach and the corresponding principles of humanity and socio-consciousness. Results. The results of the work are that the management of the formation and assessment of functional literacy at the regional level (on the example of the Samara region) is based on the coordinative actions of head of the educational organization, teachers, parents, as well as student’s psychological readiness to form functional literacy. The author makes the assumption that it is necessary to develop methodology and tools for the formation and development of criteria for assessing students’ functional literacy. Practical implementations. The results of the study can be applied in the field of basic general and secondary general education.

From γ-γ-γ and γ-γ-γ-γ coincidence studies of spontaneous fission of 252Cf, new high spin states in 148Ce were identified. The octupole bands with s=+1 and s=−1 are expanded with spins with 28+ and 18−, respectively. Importantly, a 1γ vibrational band has been established up to 14+ and a 1β vibrational band up to 6+. The levels in γ and β bands in 148Ce are compared systematically to those in neighboring 150Nd and 152Sm isotones. This comparison informs the role of deformation and shape transition in this mass region. New 3− and 5− members of the s=+1 octupole band were observed.

The brackish microalgae Dunaliella salina, being an extremophilic halophyte, is a promising object for biotechnological production. The aim of this work is to develop a methodology for non-destructive control of the development of a microalgae culture under conditions of balanced growth during periodic cultivation on plates. Before the start of the experiment, the microalgae culture was synchronized. The quantitative content of chlorophylls a and b, as well as carotenoids, was determined spectrophotometrically in alcohol extracts. During cultivation, time-lapse images were recorded on a smartphone camera. The basis of the colorimetric evaluation is the analysis of the time series of images in the RGB color model. It is shown that the ratio of colors correlates to a high degree with the content of the determined main plant pigments – chlorophylls and carotenoids, and with the data of spectrophotometric measurements of live suspensions. The changes in the blue channel are the most pronounced, the least being in the green channel. The logarithm of color intensity is linearly dependent on the degree of dilution of the culture. The developed method for real-time monitoring of the development dynamics of the D. salina microalgae culture makes it possible to build growth curves and solve multiparametric problems to optimize the cultivation of microalgae, including when working with large arrays of samples.

Migration of cells through diverse tissues is essential for development, immune response and cancer metastasis 1–3 . To reach their destination, cells must overcome the resistance imposed by complex microenvironments, composed of neighboring cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) 4–6 . While migration through pores and tracks in ECM has been well studied 4,5,7 , little is known about cellular traversal into confining cell-dense tissues. Here by combining quantitative live imaging with genetic and optogenetic perturbations we identify a crucial role for cell division during cell migration into tissues. We find that normal embryonic invasion by Drosophila macrophages between the ectoderm and mesoderm 8,9 absolutely requires division of an epithelial ectodermal cell at the site of entry. Dividing ectodermal cells disassemble ECM attachment formed by Integrin-mediated focal adhesions next to mesodermal cells, allowing macrophages to move their nuclei ahead and invade. Decreasing or increasing the frequency of ectodermal division correspondingly either hinders or promotes macrophage invasion. Reducing the levels of focal adhesion components in the ectoderm allows macrophage entry even in the absence of division. Our study demonstrates the critical importance of division at the entry site to enable in vivo cell invasion by relieving the steric impediment caused by focal adhesions. We thus provide a new perspective on the regulation of cellular movement into tissues.

Non-neuronal cells constitute 90%–95% of sensory ganglia. These cells, especially glial and immune cells, play critical roles in the modulation of sensory neurons. This study aimed to identify, profile, and summarize the types of trigeminal ganglion (TG) non-neuronal cells in naïve male mice using published and our own data generated by single-cell RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry. TG has five types of non-neuronal cells, namely, glial, fibroblasts, smooth muscle, endothelial, and immune cells. There is an agreement among publications for glial, fibroblasts, smooth muscle, and endothelial cells. Based on gene profiles, glial cells were classified as myelinated and non-myelinated Schwann cells and satellite glial cells. Mpz has dominant expression in Schwann cells, and Fabp7 is specific for SCG. Two types of Col1a2+ fibroblasts located throughout TG were distinguished. TG smooth muscle and endothelial cells in the blood vessels were detected using well-defined markers. Our study reported three types of macrophages (Mph) and four types of neutrophils (Neu) in TG. Mph were located in the neuronal bodies and nerve fibers and were sub-grouped by unique transcriptomic profiles with Ccr2, Cx3cr1, and Iba1 as markers. A comparison of databases showed that type 1 Mph is similar to choroid plexus-low (CPlo) border-associated Mph (BAMs). Type 2 Mph has the highest prediction score with CPhi BAMs, while type 3 Mph is distinct. S100a8+ Neu were located in the dura surrounding TG and were sub-grouped by clustering and expressions of Csf3r, Ly6G, Ngp, Elane, and Mpo. Integrative analysis of published datasets indicated that Neu-1, Neu-2, and Neu-3 are similar to the brain Neu-1 group, while Neu-4 has a resemblance to the monocyte-derived cells. Overall, the generated and summarized datasets on non-neuronal TG cells showed a unique composition of myeloid cell types in TG and could provide essential and fundamental information for studies on cell plasticity, interactomic networks between neurons and non-neuronal cells, and function during a variety of pain conditions in the head and neck regions.