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Hormonal and metabolic mechanisms of regulation of Na+,K+-ATPase in skeletal muscle
No full textNa+,K+-ATPaza (NKA) je heterodimerna ionska črpalka, ki igra ključno vlogo pri uravnavanju ionske homeostaze, hkrati pa je pomemben porabnik celičnega ATP. Natančna usklajenost ionskega transporta in presnove energije je potrebna med mišičnimi kontrakcijami. Signalne poti, ki povezujejo NKA in celično presnovo energije, večinoma niso bile raziskane. Regulacija majhnega transmembranskega regulatorja FXYD1 je v veliki meri neznana. Z uporabo celičnih modelov mišice in ledvic smo raziskali molekularne mehanizme regulacije NKA/FXYD1 preko presnovnih dražljajev. Pokazali smo, da od AMP odvisna protein kinaza (AMPK) progresivno zavira fosforilacijo Tyr10 v človeških in podganjih mišičnih cevčicah, medtem ko v ledvičnih celicah prepreči z epidermalnim rastnim faktorjem (EGF) spodbujeno fosforilacijo Tyr10. Učinki na NKA so rezultat zaviranja EGF receptorja (EGFR), kar prikazuje ključno vlogo AMPK pri uravnavanju Tyr fosforilacije. Nasprotno pa inhibitor NKA ouabain poveča fosforilacijo Tyr10 ter tako nakazuje, da ima od AMPK odvisna defosforilacija Tyr10 stimulatorni učinek na NKA. Razjasnili smo mehanizem fosforilacije Tyr10. Rastni faktorji, ne pa inzulin, močno spodbudijo fosforilacijo Tyr10. Aktivacija EGFR je nujna, vendar ne zadostna za od EGF odvisno fosforilacijo Eyr10. Kinaze družine Src so glavne kinaze Tyr10, saj občutno znižajo bazalno in popolnoma preprečijo od EGF odvisno fosforilacijo Tyr10 brez učinka na EGFR. Utišanje Src kinaze zniža bazalno, vendar ne od EGF odvisno fosforilacijo Tyr10, kar prikazuje, da Src ni edini regulator Tyr10. Ščitnični hormon (T3) ni imel vpliva na izražanje NKA/FXYD1 mRNA in/ali vsebnost proteinov. Slaba odzivnost naših celic opozarja na omejitve celičnih modelov. T3 je povečal oksidativno in glikolitično proizvodnjo ATP, neodvisno od NKA. Kljub temu smo opazili donorsko specifičen učinek T3 na izražanje FXYD1. Zaključimo lahko, da smo vzpostavili nov mehanizem, s katerim AMPK uravnava NKA, in predlagali, da je izražanje FXYD1 lahko odvisno od presnovnih signalov, s čimer smo opisali povezavo med presnovo in od NKA odvisnim ionskim transportom.Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA), a heterodimeric ion pump, is essential for ion homeostasis and important sink of cellular ATP. In contracting skeletal muscles, tight coordination of ion transport and energy metabolism is required. Signaling pathways that link NKA and cell energy metabolism are not well understood. Regulation of small transmembrane NKA regulator FXYD1 in muscle is largely unknown. We have dissected molecular mechanisms of NKA/FXYD1 regulation via important metabolic stimuli, using muscle and kidney cell models. Our results demonstrate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) progressively suppressed the phosphorylation of Tyr10 in cultured human and rat myotubes, while preventing the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-mediated Tyr10 phosphorylation in kidney. AMPK exerts its effects on NKA via suppression of EGF receptor (EGFR), highlighting its role in tyrosine phosphorylation. Conversely, NKA inhibitor ouabain increased Tyr10 phosphorylation, suggesting AMPK-mediated NKA dephosphorylation has stimulatory effect on NKA. We have elucidated the mechanism of Tyr10 phosphorylation. Growth factors, but not insulin, potently stimulated Tyr10 phosphorylation. EGFR activity is necessary but not sufficient for EGF-mediated Tyr10 phosphorylation. Src-family kinases are the main kinases of Tyr10. Src family kinase inhibition markedly suppressed basal Tyr10 phosphorylation and completely prevented the EGF-stimulated Tyr10 phosphorylation without affecting EGFR. Gene silencing of Src decreased basal, but not EGF-stimulated Tyr10 phosphorylation, indicating Src is not a sole regulator of Tyr10. We failed to observe significant effects of thyroid hormones (T3) on the NKA/FXYD1 gene expression and/or protein levels. Our cells exhibit poor responsiveness to T3 stimulation, indicating limitations of cell models. T3 increased oxidative and glycolytic ATP production, irrespective of NKA. Nevertheless, we have observed a donor-specific effect of T3 on the expression of FXYD1. Collectively, we have established a novel mechanism by which AMPK regulates NKA and suggested FXYD1 expression may be dependent on metabolic signals, providing new links between energy metabolism and NKA-mediated ion transport
"Prideful Apathy"
No full textBackground/Objectives: Emotion dysregulation is central to many psychiatric disorders. Laboratory-based tasks designed to assess emotion processing and regulation often rely on standardized affective stimuli whose ecological validity remains unclear. We contextualize this study in our broader research program of neurophenomenological reflection of standard paradigms in experimental cognitive psychology. Methods: This study investigates the lived experience of 27 patients with affective disorders as they performed a cognitive-affective task combining working memory demands with exposure to negative emotional images. Phenomenological interviews were used to collect data on their experience of the task. Results: We identified three key experiential domains: whether the stimuli are capable of eliciting a spontaneous emotional response, voluntary construction of an emotional responses, and its temporal dynamics. Patients reported on two alterations in affectivity that are associated with dysregulation: (a) affective enchantment, characterized by intense emotions combined with superstitious appraisaland (b) disintwinement (a sense of detachment and emotional blunting). Emotional responses exhibited complex unfolding across moment-to-hour timescales, sometimes persisting and blending across trials (impressionability), reflecting clinical phenomena such as rumination. Additionally, patients employed a range of explicit and implicit regulation strategies, many acquired through therapy or long-term coping. Conclusions: Our findings reveal the limitations of rapid, static image-based paradigms in eliciting authentic and spontaneous affectivity in clinical populations, highlighting the need for more ecologically valid experimental designs. Furthermore, inclusion of reports on such subtle affective states as vital feelings in laboratory-based experimental assessments is necessary for a comprehensive understanding of altered phenomenology of affectivity in affective disorders
The cultural control of some important pests in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.) using companion plants
No full textCabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) and onion (Allium cepa L.) are two of the most important vegetables in the world, and many insect pests are a problem in their production. Currently, especially in Europe, restrictions on the use of pesticides are increasingly being encouraged, so the need to find and use alternative methods is increasingly urgent. Cultural control of insect pests using companion plants, including cover crops, intercrops, and trap crops, has been proven to help manage these insect pests. Companion plants reduce plant insects primarily by disrupting host-seeking activity, disrupting oviposition, increasing the plant\u27s natural enemies, or luring the pests to alternative food sources. This review outlines successful examples from around the world of the use of companion crops in controlling insect pests, focusing on the main pests of cabbage and onions in Europe. Details regarding the working mechanism of each of the three companion plants are discussed further in this article. We concluded that these companion plant tree forms effectively reduce the number of generalist and specialist plant pests attacking cabbage and onion
Attitudes of secondary school students towards homosexuality and hiv/aids in Slovenia
No full textThis study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing attitudes towards homosexuality and people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among Slovenian high school students. The analysis identifies gender, school type, and religious affiliation as significant predictors of these attitudes. Consistent with previous research, gender differences emerge, with male students displaying more negative attitudes towards homosexuality compared to their female counterparts. This discrepancy is particularly pronounced among students attending vocational schools, aligning with existing data on attitudes towards sexuality. Sociological theories predicting social changes in intimacy, with women at the forefront, contribute to understanding this gender disparity
The effect of different exhalation techniques on the electrical potential of deep abdominal muscles
No full textUvod: Stabilnost trupa je ključna za učinkovito gibanje in preprečevanje poškodb hrbtenice, pri čemer imajo globoke trebušne mišice, zlasti mišica transverzus abdominis, osrednjo vlogo. Njihova aktivacija je tesno povezana z dihanjem, saj različni načini izdiha vplivajo na intraabdominalni tlak in posledično na stabilizacijo trupa. Kljub številnim raziskavam o aktivaciji globokih trebušnih mišic med vadbo ostaja vpliv specifičnih dihalnih strategij na njihovo aktivnost premalo raziskan. Namen: Ugotoviti, kako različni načini izdiha vplivajo na električni potencial globokih trebušnih mišic. Metode dela: V raziskavo je bilo vključenih 20 zdravih preiskovank, starih med 20 in 25 let, ki so izpolnjevale vnaprej določene vključitvene in izključitvene kriterije. Aktivacija globokih trebušnih mišic je bila izmerjena s površinsko elektromiografijo mišice transverzus abdominis med različnimi načini izdiha v ležečem položaju. Meritve so bile izvedene v enkratnem obisku po standardiziranem ritmu dihanja, pridobljeni podatki pa so bili normalizirani in statistično obdelani z uporabo neparametričnih testov. Rezultati: Rezultati so pokazali statistično značilne razlike v jakosti električnega potenciala globokih trebušnih mišic med različnimi načini izdiha (p < 0,05). Najvišje vrednosti so bile zabeležene pri voljni aktivaciji trebušnih mišic med izdihom (stisni pas in popek maksimalno noter), najnižje pa pri pasivnih in fonacijskih izdihih. Izdih s fonacijo Š je bil funkcionalno bolj podoben izdihu skozi nos kot izdihu z ustnično priporo. Parne primerjave so pokazale statistično značilne razlike predvsem med voljnimi ter pasivnimi in fonacijskimi načini izdiha, pri čemer so bile ugotovljene velike velikosti učinka (|d| ? 0,8). Razprava in zaključek: Različni načini izdiha in voljna aktivacija trebušnih mišic vplivajo na delovanje globokih trebušnih mišic ter stabilizacijo trupa. Voljna aktivacija spodbuja bolj usklajeno delovanje mišic jedra in stabilizacijskih mišic, kar prispeva k boljši telesni kontroli in nadzorovanemu gibanju. Nova spoznanja o načinih izdiha lahko prispevajo k oblikovanju rehabilitacijskih programov in programov telesne vadbe. V prihodnje bi bilo smiselno raziskave razširiti na širši in bolj raznolik vzorec ter vključiti posameznike z različnimi mišično-skeletnimi težavami za boljše ovrednotenje dolgoročnih učinkov in klinične uporabnosti ugotovitev.Introduction: Core stability is key to moving effectively and preventing spinal injuries, with the deep abdominal muscles, especially the transverse abdominis muscle, playing a central role. Their activation is closely related to breathing, as different ways of exhaling affect intra-abdominal pressure and, consequently, trunk stabilization. Despite numerous studies on the activation of deep abdominal muscles during exercise, the influence of specific breathing strategies on their activity remains understudied. Purpose: To determine how different exhalation methods affect the electrical potential of the deep abdominal muscles. Methods: The study included 20 healthy female subjects aged between 20 and 25 years who met the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Deep abdominal muscle activation was measured using surface electromyography of the transversus abdominis muscle during different exhalation patterns in a supine position. Measurements were performed in a single visit following a standardized breathing rhythm, and the data obtained were normalized and statistically processed using nonparametric tests. Results: The results showed statistically significant differences in the electrical potential of the deep abdominal muscles between different exhalation methods (p < 0.05). The highest values were recorded during voluntary activation of the abdominal muscles during exhalation (tightening the waist and pulling the navel in as far as possible), and the lowest during passive and phonatory exhalations. Exhalation with phonation Š was functionally more similar to exhalation through the nose than to exhalation with lip support. Pairwise comparisons showed statistically significant differences, especially between voluntary and passive and phonatory modes of exhalation, with large effect sizes (|d| ≥ 0.8). Discussion and conclusion: Different ways of exhaling and voluntary activation of the abdominal muscles affect the functioning of the deep abdominal muscles and stabilization of the torso. Voluntary activation promotes more coordinated functioning of the core muscles and stabilizing muscles, which contributes to better body control and controlled movement. New insights into exhalation methods can contribute to the design of rehabilitation and physical exercise programs. In the future, it would be useful to expand the research to a broader and more diverse sample and include individuals with different musculoskeletal problems to better evaluate the long-term effects and clinical applicability of the findings
Families of proper holomorphic maps
No full textGiven a smooth, open, oriented surface endowed with a family of complex structures depending continuously on the parameter in a metrisable space , we construct a continuous family of proper holomorphic maps ,
Slug herbivory induces systemic redox and volatile responses in cabbage that drive chemotaxis of slug-parasitic nematodes
No full textSlug herbivory is an important but poorly explored driver of plant defence and belowground multitrophic interactions. This study examined how aboveground feeding by Arion vulgaris and Deroceras reticulatum affects oxidative status, photosynthetic pigments, and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata), and whether these changes influence slug-parasitic nematodes. Slug feeding induced strong oxidative stress in leaves and roots, reflected by depletion of total ascorbate and glutathione contents and increased proportions of their oxidized forms, indicating a systemic redox imbalance. Photosynthetic pigments were also markedly affected, characterized by decreased chlorophylls and carotenoids and activation of the xanthophyll cycle towards more zeaxanthin, particularly in plants attacked by D. reticulatum. Headspace SPME–GC–MS analysis revealed tissue-specific, herbivory-induced shifts in VOC profiles. Based on these changes, three VOCs—3-phenylpropionitrile, allyl isothiocyanate, and 2-hexenal—were selected for chemotaxis assays. Behavioural experiments showed that VOC identity and nematode species markedly influenced motility and chemotactic responses. Phasmarhabditis papillosa exhibited the strongest attraction to 3-phenylpropionitrile, whereas allyl isothiocyanate acted as a weak repellent to P. papillosa, Oscheius myriophilus, and Oscheius onirici. In contrast, 2-hexenal elicited no consistent directional response. These results demonstrate that slug herbivory alters cabbage metabolism and volatile signalling, shaping species-specific nematode behaviour and highlighting its potential for sustainable slug management
Creation of a questionnaire to determine the cannabis accessibility index in selected countries at the global level
No full textV magistrski nalogi smo raziskali področje regulacije konoplje, ki se po svetu hitro spreminja, kar otežuje primerjavo med različnimi državami. Zato smo ustvarili vprašalnik za določanje indeksa dostopnosti do konoplje (IDK) in s tem omogočili kvantitativno primerjavo med državami na tem področju. Vprašalnik smo oblikovali s pomočjo pregleda literature v izbranih državah in zvezni državi: Nemčija, Malta, Luksemburg, Nizozemska, Urugvaj in Kalifornija, ki smo jih izbrali zaradi različnih pristopov k regulaciji konoplje. Med njimi obstajajo pomembne razlike v zakonodaji, zato so primerne kot pilotni primer.
Vprašalnik z 20 vprašanji smo izdelali na podlagi pregleda literature o regulatornih omejitvah v zakonodajah obravnavanih držav. Rezultati so pokazali jasne razlike v stopnji dostopnosti. Vrstni red držav po indeksu dostopnosti do konoplje je: Urugvaj (37,2 točk), Kalifornija (34,4 točk), Nemčija (31,4 točk), Malta (26,1 točk), Nizozemska (20 točk) in Luksemburg (14,8 točk).
Izračunane vrednosti IDK smo primerjali z ocenami neodvisnega ocenjevalca, ki temeljijo na pregledu literature, ter z napovedmi modelov umetne inteligence. Ugotovili smo, da se rezultati pregleda literature ujemajo z vrednostmi IDK, medtem ko rezultati modelov umetne inteligence niso sledili enakim vzorcem kot IDK. Za razširitev vprašalnika v prihodnosti smo pripravili dodatna vprašanja, ki bi nam omogočila širši vpogled v tematiko in bolj relevantne rezultate.In the master\u27s thesis, we examined the field of cannabis regulation, which is rapidly changing worldwide, complicating comparisons between different countries. Therefore, we created a questionnaire to determine the Cannabis Accessibility Index (CAI) and thereby enable quantitative comparisons between countries in this area. The questionnaire was created based on a literature review of selected countries and one federal state: Germany, Malta, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Uruguay, and California, chosen for their variable approaches to cannabis regulation. Significant legislative differences among them made these jurisdictions suitable as pilot cases.
The questionnaire, consisting of 20 questions, was designed based on the literature review of regulatory restrictions in the laws of the countries studied. The results showed clear differences in the level of accessibility. The order of countries by the Cannabis Accessibility Index is as follows: Uruguay (37,2 points), California (34,4 points), Germany (31,4 points), Malta (26,1 points), the Netherlands (20 points), and Luxembourg (14,8 points).
The calculated CAI values were compared with assessments by an independent evaluator based on a literature review and with predictions from artificial intelligence models. We found that the literature review results align with the CAI values, whereas the artificial intelligence model results did not follow the same patterns as the CAI. For future expansion of the questionnaire, we prepared additional questions that would enable a broader insight into the topic and more relevant results
Work - a supportive factor or an additional burden during the separation of marital and non-marital partnerships
No full textV magistrski nalogi smo želeli raziskati, kako posamezniki med razvezo (zunaj)zakonske zveze doživljajo svoje delovno mesto in ali jim le-to predstavlja podporo ali dodatno breme. Razveza je namreč kompleksen proces, ki za posameznika predstavlja velik stres, vodi do sprememb na različnih področjih posameznikovega delovanja, med drugim tudi na področju dela. Delo in zasebno življenje sta namreč povezana tako preko konflikta med vlogama, kot tudi preko koncepta delovno-zasebne obogatitve. Raziskav o prepletu razveze in podpore na delovnem mestu je malo, obstaja zgolj nekaj smernic o podpori delodajalca v primeru žalovanja ob izgubi. Zaradi manka raziskav smo izvedli kvalitativno raziskavo, v katero smo vključili 19 posameznikov, od tega 12 žensk, ki so se v preteklih petih letih ločili ali končali dlje časa trajajočo zvezo. Izvajali smo intervjuje, ki smo jih nato transkribirali in analizirali po metodi tematske analize. Dobili smo tri teme, vezane na kontekst in šest glavnih tem, vezanih na raziskovalno vprašanje. Uvodoma so udeleženci opisali svoje doživljanje zveze, nato preplet zveze in delovnega mesta. Kot ključne vidike so udeleženci zaznavali odločanje za razvezo in njene posledice, spremembe, vezane na delo, delodajalca in vlogo organizacijskih pogojev, socialni vidik delovnega mesta, karierni vpliv ter finančni vpliv. Kot pomembna tema se je izkazal tudi kontekst, saj je kar nekaj razvez potekalo v času COVID-19, ko so bile na delovnem mestu prisotne tudi druge spremembe. V zaključku magistrske naloge predstavljamo tudi nekaj smernic za delodajalce, kako lahko zaposlenim nudijo čim boljšo podporo.In our master\u27s thesis, we wanted to research how individuals experience their workplace during the dissolution of an (extramarital) marriage and whether work and workplace serve as a support or an additional burden for them. Divorce is a complex process that causes a lot of stress for individuals and leads to changes in various areas of their lives, including their work. Work and private life are interconnected through the conflict between roles, as well as through the concept of work-life enhancement. Research on the intersection of divorce and workplace support is limited, and there are only a few guidelines on employer support in the event of mourning. Due to the lack of research, we conducted a qualitative study that included 19 individuals, 12 of whom were women. These individuals had been divorced or had ended a long-term relationship in the past five years. We conducted interviews, which we then transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. We found three topics related to the context and six main topics related to the research question. Initially, participants described their experience with relationships, then the intertwining of relationships and work. Participants recognised the following key aspects: decision-making on divorce and its consequences, changes related to work, employer, and the role of organizational conditions, social aspect of the workplace, career impact, and financial impact. The context also proved to be an important topic, as several divorces took place during COVID-19, when there were also other changes in the workplace. In the conclusion of the master\u27s thesis, we also present some guidelines for employers on how they can provide the best possible support to their employees
Study of magnetic properties of with electron paramagnetic resonance
No full textKvantni materiali, v katerih je med magnetnimi ioni prisotna močna frustracija, so potencialni kandidati za realizacijo kvantne spinske tekočine. To je stanje, v katerem se magnetni momenti atomov ne uredijo niti pri temperaturi , zaznamujejo pa ga nenavadne fizikalne lastnosti, kot so močne kvantne fluktuacije, kvantna prepletenost ter frakcijske spinske vzbuditve. Zaradi njihove potencialne uporabe v tehnologiji so kvantne spinske tekočine aktualno področje raziskav v fiziki trdne snovi. V zaključni nalogi je z metodo elektronske paramagnetne resonance analiziran antiferomagnet , ki je eden od kandidatov za realizacijo takšnega stanja. Rezultati meritev ne kažejo nenadnih sprememb v spektru, ki bi namignile na magnetno ureditev materiala do temperature . Energijski nivoji Yb ionov, ki narekujejo magnetne lastnosti tega kvantnega magneta, se v kristalnem polju razcepijo na Kramersove dublete. Iz širin spektra, ki imajo zaradi relaksacij preko Orbachovega procesa eksponentno temperaturno odvisnost, je bil izmerjen tudi energijski razcep med osnovnim in prvim vzbujenim Kramersovim dubletom.Quantum materials in which strong magnetic frustration exists among the magnetic ions are promising candidates for the realization of a quantum spin liquid. This exotic state is characterized by the absence of long-range magnetic order even at temperature , and by unusual physical properties such as strong quantum fluctuations, quantum entanglement, and fractionalized spin excitations. Due to their potential technological applications, quantum spin liquids have become an active and rapidly growing field of research in condensed matter physics. In this thesis, the antiferromagnet , which is one of the candidates for the realization of such a state, is analyzed using the method of electron paramagnetic resonance. The measurements do not show any abrupt changes in the spectrum that would indicate magnetic ordering of the material down to a temperature of . The energy levels of the Yb ions, which determine the magnetic properties of this quantum magnet, split into Kramers doublets in the crystal field. From the linewidths of the spectrum, which exhibit an exponential temperature dependence due to the Orbach process, the energy splitting between the ground and the first excited Kramers doublet was also determined