Functional morphology and evolution of the sting sheaths in Aculeata (Hymenoptera)

The sting of the Aculeata or stinging wasps is a modified ovipositor- its function (killing or paralyzing prey, defense against predators) and the associated anatomical changes are apomorphic for Aculeata. The change in the purpose of the ovipositor/sting from being primarily an egg laying device to being primarily a weapon has resulted in modification of its handling that is supported by specific morphological adaptations. Here, we focus on the sheaths of the sting (3rd valvulae = gonoplacs) in Aculeata, which do not penetrate and envenom the prey but are responsible for cleaning the ovipositor proper and protecting it from damage, identification of the substrate for stinging, and, in some taxa, contain glands that produce alarm pheromones. The3rd valvulae may be divided into proximal and distal parts. No muscles insert on the 3rd valvulae, and in the process of stinging the movements of the 3rd valvulae are determined by the morphological features of the entire sting apparatus, e.g., the elastic cuticle between the 2nd valvifers and 3rd valvulae and also between the sclerites of the 3rd valvulae. The return of the 3rd valvulae to their resting position is facilitated by the presence of resilin-like proteins in these junctions. The structure and movements of the 3rd valvulae are discussed in the context of the sting function in various groups of Aculeata. The evolution of the 3rd valvulae is discussed- a secondary simplification of the 3rd valvulae structure is observed in representatives of Vespidae, Formicidae, Colletidae, Apidae, Melittidae

Approaches towards menstrual cycle disorder therapy in reproductive-aged women with long COVID

Background. The mirror of a female’s reproductive health is the menstrual cycle. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic itself acts as a significant stressor. This leads to women’s overall health and life quality disturbance. Moreover, patients struggle with long COVID effects, which is a prolongation of symptoms after recovery. Due to the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme type 2 receptors in the intestinal mucosa and inflammation, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is also triggered by the virus. Objectives. To assess the efficacy of the chosen treatment approach in women with changes in premenstrual syndrome and cyclicity due to long COVID with or without GI symptoms. Material and methods. A single-centre longitudinal interventional study was organized. Were studied data from the conducted tests (progesterone level, ultrasound follicle scan, etc.) and surveys. Then the effectiveness of the suggested treatment with the use of oral and vaginal forms of progesterone was evaluated. The study was held in the Kyiv City Center of Reproductive and Perinatal Medicine (Ukraine) from January to June 2021. Results. On average 78% patients without GI symptoms experienced relief after 3 months and 89% patients after 6 months of suggested treatment. 71% patients with GI symptoms experienced improvement after 3 and 87% of them after 6 months. The vaginal progesterone had better results compared to oral form. Averagely 6–8% experienced side effects (nausea, hypotension, less compliance) due to progesterone intake. The vaginal micronised progesterone also presented better results than oral with fewer side effects compared to the total number of participants. Conclusions. The proposed approach has shown particular correction of the menstrual cycle disturbances in women with long COVID. Vaginal micronized progesterone offers more promising outcomes in patients with GI symptoms and disrupted absorption, compared to the oral form. Further investigation is required for a more reasonable conclusion

Functional morphology and evolution of the sting sheaths in Aculeata (Hymenoptera)

The sting of the Aculeata or stinging wasps is a modified ovipositor- its function (killing or paralyzing prey, defense against predators) and the associated anatomical changes are apomorphic for Aculeata. The change in the purpose of the ovipositor/sting from being primarily an egg laying device to being primarily a weapon has resulted in modification of its handling that is supported by specific morphological adaptations. Here, we focus on the sheaths of the sting (3rd valvulae = gonoplacs) in Aculeata, which do not penetrate and envenom the prey but are responsible for cleaning the ovipositor proper and protecting it from damage, identification of the substrate for stinging, and, in some taxa, contain glands that produce alarm pheromones. The3rd valvulae may be divided into proximal and distal parts. No muscles insert on the 3rd valvulae, and in the process of stinging the movements of the 3rd valvulae are determined by the morphological features of the entire sting apparatus, e.g., the elastic cuticle between the 2nd valvifers and 3rd valvulae and also between the sclerites of the 3rd valvulae. The return of the 3rd valvulae to their resting position is facilitated by the presence of resilin-like proteins in these junctions. The structure and movements of the 3rd valvulae are discussed in the context of the sting function in various groups of Aculeata. The evolution of the 3rd valvulae is discussed- a secondary simplification of the 3rd valvulae structure is observed in representatives of Vespidae, Formicidae, Colletidae, Apidae, Melittidae

Study of the management of production enterprise resources , the example of " Zbarazh Sugar Plant"

У роботі запропоновано ряд заходів, спрямованих на удосконалення ресурсного забезпечення діяльності підприємства, зокрема: обґрунтовано доцільність виробництва біологічно активних добавок з бурякового жому, досліджено ефективність використання інтеграційних технологій у виробничих процесах підприємства, обґрунтовано сучасний стан та перспективи впровадження безвисадкового вирощування насіння цукрових буряків та розраховано показники ефективності модернізації жомосушильного відділення ТОВ «Збаражський цукровий завод».The paper suggests a number of measures aimed at improving resource support of the company , including: expediency manufacture of dietary supplements with beet pulp , studied the effectiveness of using integrative technologies in production processes Company reasonably current state and prospects of bezvysadkovoho growing sugar beet seeds and calculated values efficiency upgrading of pulp drying section of " Zbarazh sugar factory.

Localization and Mixing of Vibrations in Defect Polymer Solids

[No abstract available