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Experiments were made in order to examin the influence of various factors on the induction of androgenesis in heterozygous breeding material of tomato. The factors like: length of buds the manner of sterilization, type and the composition of induction media, genotype and thermal shock were included in conducted experiments. Most of all sterile cultures with the highest number of anther-derived callus were obtain by applying 2,5% calcium hypochlorite for 5 minutes. Anther-derived calli was obtained in 9 breeding lines from 18 used genotypes. The induction medium with the composition based on B5 medium with the addition of 750 mg L-1 calcium chloride and 100 g L-1 sucrose proved to be the best for inducing androgenesis. The addition of thidiazuron and NAA to this medium in the following season and silver nitrate in the other experiminet improved the efficiency of this process, which was depended on the genotype. Despite the lack of statistically significant differences, the highest number of anther-derived calli was obtained when anthers were cooled for 2 days in +4oC in the refrigerating chamber.

The following review article brings a presentation of the published in 2018 encyclopaedia of Czech literary samizdat. The analysed publication consists of two parts – a comprehensive introduction discussing the question of independent literary culture in Czechoslovakia under communist regime pressure and an entry section with more than 300 entries about Czech independent self-publishing activities. The presentation of the following book provokes the need to re-examine the phenomenon of Czech samizdat, reflecting on its chronological framework, definition, meaning and role in creating and keeping alive an independent culture in the era of domination of the communist regime (1948–1989).

Plants can react to environmental stresses through the abscission of infected, damaged, or senescent organs. A possible mode of action of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) to induce the formation of the secondary abscission zone (SAZ) in the stems of

Bioactive polypropylene (PP) films with active agents) presence for food packaging application have been prepared and characterized. The novel modified PP films were obtained via PP/additives systems regranulation and cast extrusion. The influence of two types of plasticizers (natural agents as well as commercial synthetic product) and bioactive additives on final features, e.g., mechanical properties, was evaluated. Moreover, the biocidal activity of the films was determined. Due to their functional properties, they are developed as additives to packaging plastic materials such as polyolefins. The study results presented in our work may indirectly contribute to environmental protection by reducing food waste. The aim of the work was to obtain innovative, functional packaging materials with an ability to prolong the shelf life of food products. The best antimicrobial properties were observed for the sample based on 5 wt.% oregano oil (OO) and 5 wt.% cedar oil (OC) in PP matrix. A microbial test revealed that the system causes total reduction in the following microorganisms: B. subtilis, E. coli, S. aureus, P. putida, C. albicans, A. alternata, F. oxysporum.

The bacterial cellulose (BC) is a versatile biopolymer of microbial origin characterized by high purity and unusual water and material properties. However, the native BC contains a low number of functional groups, which significantly limits its further application. The main goal of its effective modification is to use methods that allow the unusual properties of BC to be retained and the desired functional group to be efficiently introduced. In the present study, the new magnetic carrier based on functionalized citric acid (CA) bacterial cellulose was developed and tested to support critical industrial enzymes such as lipase B from Candida antarctica and phospholipase A from Aspergillus oryzae. The applied method allowed BC to be effectively modified by citric acid and a sufficient number of carboxylic groups to be introduced, up to 3.6 mmol of COOH per gram of dry mass of the prepared carrier. The DSC and TGA analyses revealed carrier stability at operational temperatures in the range of 20 °C to 100 °C and substantially influenced the amount of the introduced carboxyl groups on carrier properties. Both enzymes’ immobilization significantly improves their thermal stability at 60 °C without a significant thermal and pH optima effect. The analyzed enzymes showed good operational stability with a significant residual activity after ten cycles of repeated uses. The new magnetic carrier based on highly carboxylated bacterial cellulose has a high application capability as matrix for immobilization the various enzymes of industrial interest.

Objectives: Anemia in pregnant women is a common condition, diagnosed when the concentration of hemoglobin falls below 11 g/dL. Taking into consideration the accounts of nephrologists about good results of treatment of secondary anemia using erythropoietin in patients with renal failure, we tried to use EPO to cure anemia in pregnant women. The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of EPO treatment on pregnant women diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, as well as possible side effects. Material and methods: The study consisted of 25 patients: Group I — treated with iron supplement administered parenterally — Ferrum Lek every two days intramuscularly. Group II — treated with recombinant human erythropoietin — 1000 j intravenously every three days, with oral iron sup- plements. Results: After a week of treatment the positive response was higher in the second group (92.3% in II, vs 33.3% in I, p < 0.005). The average increase of hemoglobin and RBC was significantly higher in II group. An increase in hemoglobin did not correlate with the age of women (r = 0.07) or with the duration of pregnancy (r = 0.08). However, a negative correlation was found between basic hemoglobin level and its increase after treatment (r = 0.602). Conclusions: EPO administered with the oral dose of iron in pregnant women with anemia caused by iron deficiency shows higher effectiveness than the use of iron preparations parenterally. The usage of EPO during pregnancy is not related to any dangerous side effects for the mother or fetus.

The mode of action of 1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) to induce conspicuous local stem swelling in the area of its application to the growing internode in intact Bryophyllum calycinum was studied based on the aspects of histological observation and comprehensive analyses of plant hormones. Histological analyses revealed that NPA induced an increase in cell size and numerous cell divisions in the cortex and pith, respectively, compared to untreated stem. In the area of NPA application, vascular tissues had significantly wider cambial zones consisting of 5–6 cell layers, whereas phloem and xylem seemed not to be affected. This indicates that stem swelling in the area of NPA application is caused by stimulation of cell division and cell enlargement mainly in the cambial zone, cortex, and pith. Comprehensive analyses of plant hormones revealed that NPA substantially increased endogenous levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in the swelling area. NPA also increased endogenous levels of cytokinins, jasmonic acid, and its precursor, 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid, but did not increase abscisic acid and gibberellin levels. It was shown, using radiolabeled 14C‑IAA, that NPA applied to the middle of internode segments had little effect on polar auxin transport, while 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid substantially inhibited it. These results strongly suggest that NPA induces changes in endogenous levels of plant hormones, such as IAA, cytokinins, and jasmonic acid, and their hormonal crosstalk results in a conspicuous local stem swelling. The possible different mode of action of NPA from other polar auxin transport inhibitors in succulent plants is extensively discussed.

The cabbage whitefly (CW), Aleyrodes proletella (L.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is an important pest in Brassica oleracea L. crops. Little is known about the mechanisms of resistance to CW of savoy cabbage and kale cultivars. Light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis were used to determine the relationship between the morphological and anatomical features of savoy cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. convar. capitata (L.) Alef. var. sabauda L.) and kale (Brassica oleracea L. convar. acephala (DC.) Alef. var. sabellica L.) leaves and host suitability to colonization by CW. Two kale cultivars, “Redbor” and “Starbor”, and two savoy cabbage cultivars, “Gloriosa” and “Alcosa”, that differed in the degree of infestation by A. proletella were taken for histological analysis. The lowest infestation by all forms of A. proletella was observed on savoy cabbage cultivar “Alcosa” and kale cultivar “Starbor”. The reduced colonization by cabbage whitefly may be related to the structure of the epidermis and the anatomical features of the leaf. The leaves of “Starbor” and “Alcosa” had more folds in the epidermis, less numerous but larger stomata, and a more compact mesophyll structure compared to “Redbor” and “Gloriosa”. In both analysed species, there was no clear relationship between the thickness of the abaxial epidermal layer, thickness of the lamina, number of vascular bundles, and degree of infestation by the cabbage whitefly. This study identified promising sources of resistance to A. proletella among cultivars of savoy cabbage and kale. Varying infestation by CW was associated with morphological and anatomical characteristics of leaves. Further study is needed to confirm the relationship between insect resistance and leaf surface and morphological characteristics of leaves in a broader range of Brassica spp.

In this work, we present novel ex situ modification of bacterial cellulose (BC) polymer, that significantly improves its ability to absorb water after drying. The method involves a single inexpensive and easy-to-perform process of BC crosslinking, using citric acid along with catalysts, such as disodium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate or their mixtures. In particular, the mixture of disodium phosphate and sodium bicarbonate was the most promising, yielding significantly greater water capacity (over 5 times higher as compared to the unmodified BC) and slower water release (over 6 times as compared to the unmodified BC). Further, our optimized crosslinked BC had over 1.5x higher water capacity than modern commercial dressings dedicated to highly exuding wounds, while exhibiting no cytotoxic effects against fibroblast cell line L929 in vitro. Therefore, our novel BC biomaterial may find application in super-absorbent dressings, designed for chronic wounds with imbalanced moisture level.

The interaction of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) to induce the formation of the secondary abscission zone in the middle of internode segments of Bryophyllum calycinum was investigated in relation to auxin status and histology. When IAA at 0.1% (w/w, in lanolin) was applied to the segments, the formation of the secondary abscission zone at a few mm above the treatment in the apical direction was observed. On the contrary, IAA at 0.5% (w/w, in lanolin) did not induce the formation of the secondary abscission zone. JA-Me at 0.5% (w/w, in lanolin) applied to the middle of internode segments kept in the normal (natural) or inverted positions also induced the formation of the secondary abscission zone below and above parts of the treatment. IAA at 0.5% applied to the cut surface of the upper part of the segments completely prevented the formation of the secondary abscission zone induced by JA-Me. Simultaneous application of IAA 0.5% with JA-Me 0.5% in the middle part of the internode segments induced the formation of the secondary abscission zone at 10 mm to 12 mm above the treatment. Histological analyses indicated that the formation of the secondary abscission zone was characterized by the presence of newly synthesized cell plates that resulted from periclinal cell division within one layer of mother cells in stems. The effects of IAA (0.1%) and JA-Me (0.5%) on the formation of the secondary abscission zone were histologically similar. Comprehensive analyses of plant hormones revealed that the balance of the endogenous levels of IAA in both sides adjacent to the abscission zone was significantly disturbed when the secondary abscission formation was induced by the application of IAA. These results strongly suggest that an auxin gradient is important in the formation of the secondary abscission zone in the internode segments of B. calycinum, and IAA gradient results from polar IAA transport from the application site. IAA is important in the regulation of formation of the secondary abscission zone induced by JA-Me. Further possible mechanisms of the formation of the secondary abscission zone in the internode segments of B. calycinum are also discussed in the interaction of JA-Me and IAA.

Objectives. The aim of the study was to determine the quantitative and qualitative surface structure of contemporary RBCs in posterior teeth reconstructions: regular viscosity bulk fill and conventional composites, obtained after two-stage polishing procedure. Materials and Methods. Four conventional nanohybrid composites (Tetric EvoCeram, GrandioSO, Filtek Z550, and Ceram·X Mono) and four regular viscosity bulk fill composites (Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill, X-tra fil, Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior, and QuixFil) were tested. Samples of each RBC were prepared using PMMA cylindrical mold. After two-step polishing procedure, a surface geometry was evaluated under profilometry (Turbowave v. 7.36, Hommel-Etamic) and SEM (VEGA 3, Tescan Analytics). To evaluate differences between values, the following nonparametric tests were used: Friedman’s ANOVA, Wilcoxon’s matched-pair test, ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U. Results. All conventional RBCs showed Ra values in the range of 0.20-0.26 μm. Bulk fill showed higher values in range of 0.49-1.36 μm except for Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior, which achieved 0.23 μm Ra value. SEM images of conventional RBCs were described as smooth surfaces with slight damage except for TEC, which presented smooth surface with no damage. Bulk fill composites showed rough surface, except for TBF, which presented smooth surface with slight damage. Conclusions. Regular viscosity bulk fill composites do not constitute a homogeneous group regarding surface roughness after polishing. They obtain, for the most part, poorer smoothness values after polishing than conventional RBCs.

Recenzja prezentuje monografię Travel, Modernism and Modernity, autorstwa brytyjskiego badacza Roberta Burdena, wydaną w 2015 roku. Głównym celem omawianej pracy jest ponowne odkrycie i dogłębne przeanalizowanie modernistycznego pisarstwa podróży. Podstawą rozważań Burdena są literackie i nieliterackie teksty brytyjskich i amerykańskich pisarzy: Josepha Conrada (1957–1924), Edwarda Morgana Forstera (1879–1970), Davida Herberta Lawrence’a (1885–1930), Henry’ego Jamesa (1843–1916) i Edith Wharton (1862–1937). Ich dzieła stawały się już wielokrotnie przedmiotem analizy historyków i teoretyków literatury – to, co odróżnia pracę Burdena od rozważań innych badaczy, to przede wszystkim szerokie, kontekstowe ujęcie ich twórczości. Burden prezentuje sylwetki pisarzy, podkreśla rolę inspiracji autobiograficznych w ich pisarstwie, analizuje je w kontekście historycznym, społecznym i psychologicznym. Motyw podróży nie jest jedynym elementem łączącym poszczególne teksty omawiane przez Burdena – cała jego książka poświęcona jest wyszukiwaniu paraleli i korespondencji, a także elementów oryginalnych, wyróżniających twórczość każdego z pięciorga anglojęzycznych autorów. Omawiane studium należy potraktować jako doskonałe podsumowanie wcześniejszych ujęć, jednocześnie oferujące interesujące rozważania m.in. na temat archetypicznego motywu podróży, wędrówki i poszukiwania – zarówno miejsca, jak i tożsamości (indywidualnej oraz narodowej). Pomimo że teksty omawiane przez Burdena powstawały na początku XX wieku, trudno oprzeć się wrażeniu, iż rozważania autora omawianej monografii są niezwykle aktualne również współcześnie.

IntroductionSocio-demographic forecasts indicate a stable increase in the population of elderly people, which gives rise to the need to examine the relationship between the acceptance of chronic illness and socio-demographic variables not only in terms of subjective negative emotions but also because of possible social consequences. The acceptance of a chronic disease is determined by factors related to its character including its severity and the discomfort it brings about but also by factors connected with the patient that is socio-demographic determinants. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between socio-demographic variables and the acceptance of a chronic disease of locomotive organs.Material and methodsThe study was conducted in the group of 150 patients diagnosed with a systemic connective tissue disease during its stable phase. A socio-demographic questionnaire as well as a standardised Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) adapted by Juszczyński were applied in the study. The study was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the Declaration of Helsinki.ResultsIn the group of 150 patients suffering from a systemic connective tissue disease the percentage of women was higher than the percentage of men (60.7% vs. 39.3%). The indicator of the acceptance of illness in the group examined reached 24.5 ±7.5. The strongest correlation was found between the acceptance level and married probants (eta = 0.26; p = 0.01), high education (eta = 0.24; p = 0.04) and working activity (eta = 0.20; p = 0.01).ConclusionsSocio-demographic factors which determine the level of illness acceptance include age, marital status, education and the source of income. The acceptance of illness in the examined group of patients with systemic connective tissue diseases reached 24.5.

Discussion about the borders restricting (unavoidable today) aestheticization of memory about the Holocaust experience is still valid – in the article are recalled some different strategies of remembering the Holocaust in the art using photography. Two of the artistic projects (Powidoki by Zbigniew Libera and Pocztówki z Auschwitz by Paweł Szypulski) are using authentic photographs to initialize the discussion about trivialization of image, removing it from its original context and, at the same time, “blunting” the sensitivity of the recipient. The other two works (Auschwitz, co ja tu robię by Mikołaj Grynberg and Miejsca nieparzyste by Elżbieta Janicka) are suspended between conversation and silence (two classic poles of memory about the Holocaust). All of these works are disputing with “fixed” models and imaginary experiences, deconstructing pathos, they are talking about the blurring memories and manipulating with memory, about competition of different historic narrations and attempts at overtaking the past, passing the traumatic experiences of the war and the Holocaust to the next generations.

Objectives: A proper implantation of trophoblastic cells and an appropriate metalloproteinases activity is required to cause disintegration of basal membranes of cells. The activity of tissue matrix metaloproteinases can be inhibited by their matrix inhibitors — TIMP-s. Survivin is a member of inhibitor of apoptosis proteins family (IAP), that suppresses caspase activation, influences VEGF expression and promotes proliferative action of endothelial cells. Material and methods: The aim of the study was to assess concentrations of two independent anti-apoptotic factors. TIMP-1 and survivin in serum of women in their third trimester of pregnancy and in umbilical cord blood of neonates – drawn separately from veins and arteries. The study group consisted of 29 pregnant women in physiological pregnancy and with correct fetal development, in gestational age between 37 to 40 weeks of gestation. Blood used in the study was collected from maternal cubital fossa veins and from neonatal umbilical cords (from veins and from arteries separately). The research was conducted using TIMP-1 and Survivin ELISA kits from R & D Systems according to manufacturers’ recommendations and protocols. Results: The concentrations of TIMP-1 were similar and independent of the source of blood samples. Arterial values of TIMP-1 in umbilical cord compared to maternal and fetal veins were slightly lower, but no statistical difference was found. The mean concentrations of Survivin were comparable but we found that in some cases the results in cord blood serum in both vessels-vein and arteries were almost negative. Arterial values of Survivin in umbilical cord compared to maternal blood were higher, but no statistical difference was found. Conclusions: In III-rd trimester of pregnancy parameters of Timp-1 and Survivin — anti-apoptotic substances concentration were similar in maternal and cord blood in both artery and vein. We found no increased activity of selected antiapoptotic factors.

So far there is no information about receiving red beet androgenic embryos by androgenesis. Several factors were tested which affected this process: starch accumulation in microspores, correlation between bud length and microsporogenesis course, induction and regeneration medium composition. Ploidy level of obtained regenerants were evaluated. Treating anthers with α-amylase or watering donor plants with gibberellin increased number of obtained androgenic embryos. The highest percentage (80%) of microspores at uninuclear stage appeared in buds with 1.3-1.5 mm. The B5 medium with 100 g·L-1 sucrose and 0.1 mg·L-1 2,4-D (2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) proved to be better for inducing androgenesis than MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg·L-1 BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) and 0.5 mg·L-1 IAA (indole-3-acetic acid). First androgenic embryos were placed on B5 medium without plant growth regulators and then on MS medium containing 0.2 mg·L-1 BAP and 1 mg·L-1 NAA (α-naphthaleneacetic acid). Androgenic embryos died on B5 regeneration medium without plant growth regulators. On MS medium first shoots and callus with and without roots were obtained. Rosettes withered during following passages whereas callus tissue developed further. The quantity of DNA in this tissue equivalent to 4X chromosomes.

Artykuł prezentuje refleksje związane z uniwersytecką dydaktyką literatury oraz koniecznością (uzasadnioną bądź nie) dostosowania metod kształcenia do możliwości współczesnego odbiorcy. Poruszone zostały w nim także kwestie dotyczącego definiowania nowego pokolenia studentów przez pryzmat cyfrowych technologii. Fundamentalne dla rozważań jest jednak zagadnienie akademickiej edukacji literackiej, która nierzadko nie wzbudza entuzjazmu wśród studentów, traktujących przedmiot jako mało praktyczny. W tekście odwołuję się do własnych doświadczeń dydaktycznych, wyrażając przekonanie, że odarta ze sztywnych reguł współczesnego kształcenia oraz uwolniona z konieczności urozmaicania dyskusji nowatorskimi metodami aktywizującymi studenta, literatura broni się sama, podlegając jednak w głównej mierze interpretacji przez pryzmat współczesności. Artykuł, zwracając uwagę na przemiany czytelnictwa, edukacji i historycznej pamięci, prezentuje stanowisko wyrażające potrzebę powrotu do klasycznych ścieżek edukacyjnych – dialogu i dyskusji o doświadczeniu czytelniczym.

The goal of this research was to evaluate a polymeric system, including biopolymers, as a multi-component material coating on paperboard for bread. The main aim of the research was to create a humidity-controlling packaging material. This means that the packaging material should contain filler which will absorb water or water vapour from the bread. The ideal packaging should have high barrier qualities against water vapour, enabling the possible release of water from the product (to maintain proper humidity inside the packaging). The preliminary storage tests made of the bread confirmed that the freshness of a product kept in a climatic chamber in RH = 70% was the highest. To summarise, the obtained packaging should maintain the required humidity (in the case of bread, the optimal humidity is 70%) within the packaging to keep the bread fresh after more than 72 h of storage. A &ldquo, sandwich&rdquo, form of (multilayer) packaging was indicated as a solution to this problem. The main objective of this packaging was to obtain two paper layers and one starch layer to increase water absorption from the bread. It was also important to obtain a thin, external hydrophobic layer to decrease the water vapour transmission rate of the packaging (WVTR). A number of &lsquo, &rsquo, packaging types were prepared, consisting of two sheets of paper with an external aquaseal coating and an internal starch coating (with a NaCl filler). The covered &lsquo, papers were then used to create packaging that could be used for the bread storage tests. The study results confirmed that the bread stored for 72 h in the &ldquo, packaging was found to be fresher than the same product stored in commercial paper packaging.

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of accelerated UV-aging on the activity against chosen microorganisms and the mechanical properties of poly-lactic acid (PLA) films enhanced with ZnO nanoparticles. The pure PLA films and tri-layered PLAZnO1%/PLA/PLAZnO1% films of 150 µm thickness were extruded. The samples were treated with UV-A and Q-SUN irradiation. After irradiation the antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of the films were analyzed. The results of the study demonstrated that PLA films did not inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus atrophaeus, and Candida albicans cells. PLA films with incorporated zinc oxide nanoparticles decreased the number of analyzed microorganisms. Accelerated UV aging had no negative effect on the activity of the film containing nano-ZnO against Gram-positive bacteria, but it influenced the activity against Gram-negative cells and C. albicans. Q-SUN irradiation decreased the antimicrobial effect of films with incorporated nanoparticles against B. cereus. UV-A and Q-UV irradiation did not influence the mechanical properties of PLA films containing incorporated ZnO nanoparticles.

Portions of fresh Baltic cod fillets were packed into cellulose boxes (control samples), which were covered with Methyl Hydroxypropyl Celluloses (MHPC) coating with 2% polylysine. The cellulose boxes had square PE films and were enclosed in MHPC coating containing ZnO nanoparticles. The cod fillets were stored at 5 °C and examined after 72 h and 144 h storage times. Results obtained in this study showed that the textural parameters of the cod fillets increased, with both Springiness and Cohesiveness found greater after 144 h of storage for all analysed packaging materials. The Gumminess of fillets increased after storage, but the lowest increase was noted in cod samples that were stored in boxes containing PE films with ZnO nanoparticles. It was found that water loss from the cod fillets in these boxes was also lowest. The Adhesiveness of the fish samples stored in boxes devoid of active coatings also increased. In contrast to the packaging material devoid of active coatings, the storage of fillets in active coating boxes resulted in a decrease of adhesiveness. Microbial analysis showed that packaging material containing nano-ZnO was found to be more active against mesophilic and psychotropic bacterial cells than the coatings with polylysine after 72 h and 144 h of storage.

The purpose of this research was to examine the antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive bacteria, as well as the water vapour characteristic of polylactic acid (PLA) films covered with a methyl–hydroxypropyl–cellulose (MHPC)/cocoa butter carrier containing Eucomis comosa extract as an active substance. The second purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of accelerated UV-A and Q-SUN irradiation (UV-aging) on the antimicrobial properties and the barrier characteristic of the coatings. The results of the study revealed that MHPC/cocoa butter coatings had no influence on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Bacillus atrophaeus. MHPC/cocoa butter coatings containing E. comosa extract reduced the number of bacterial strains. MHPC/cocoa butter coatings also decreased the water vapour permeability of PLA. It was shown that accelerated UV-A and Q-SUN irradiations altered the chemical composition of the coatings containing cocoa butter. Despite the alteration of the chemical composition of the layers, the accelerated Q-SUN and UV-A irradiation had no influence on the antimicrobial properties of E. comosa extract coatings against S. aureus and B. cereus. It was found that only Q-SUN irradiation decreased the coating activity with an extract against B. atrophaeus, though this was to a small degree.

Bioinformatics is a field of study having an enormous potential, allowing to solve a number of problems arising as a result of dynamic development of natural sciences with the use of computer science methodologies. It is widely used and constitutes a basis for most scientific research conducted in the field of molecular biology. The aim of this study was in silico analysis of the promoter sequence of the 9f-2.8 gene encoding isoform of the germin protein considered as a germination marker in common wheat’s (Triticum aestivum L.). The gene mentioned above has already been characterized, however, with the use of experimental methods instead of bioinformatics. Analysis with the use of TSSP and TSSPlant software identified the promoter region and classified it as the TATA-box containing promoter. For 9f-2.8 gene including 2.8 kbp, the TSSP software indicated that the TATA-box sequence was located in the position 1665 nt, while the TSSPlant tool showed that TSS [+1] was located in the position 1699 nt. At the second stage, transcription factors were analyzed. Four main families of transcription factors were detected within the analyzed region: MADS, AP2, bZIP and NAC. The most common were MADS-box and bZIP motifs. In the final step of analysis the presence of CpG islands have been checked using the PlantPAN software. The region which could be potentially considered as CpG island have been detected and localized. Software used in analysis above is free online tool.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of carbetocin and oxytocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after caesarean section. Material and methods: We analyzed data from 279 patients who received 100 μg of carbetocin intravenously or 10 IU of oxytocin into the uterine muscle as a rudimentary treatment for prevention of PPH. Results: Blood loss was statistically significantly higher (p=0.0136) in the entire study group as compared to the oxytocin group, and in cases when additional uterotonics were administered (p=0.0090). Also, we observed a statistically significantly correlation between the need for additional treatment and patient BMI. Patients with prepregnancy BMI of ≥ 25 more often required additional medicaments after administration of carbetocin as compared to oxytocin (p=0.0077). We noted a statistically significantly higher rate of using additional treatment (p

Objectives: The the study was to estimate the concentrations of antiapoptotic sFas and pro-apoptotic FasL in the serum of pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy and in the cord blood serum of neonates from vein and arteries separately. The correlation could be crucial for evaluation of apoptosis process intensity in placenta and the role of fetal blood circulation system on distribution of sFas and FasL. Material and methods: The study group consisted of 28 pregnant women in physiological pregnancy, between 38– 41 weeks. Vein blood was taken from maternal elbow vein and umbilical cord, separately from vein and arteries. The research was done by sets for sFas and FasL from R&D Systems Elisa kit. Results: In arterial and vein cord blood there were much more lower concentrations of sFas than in maternal blood-arterial cord blood 3351.78 pg/mL, vein cord blood 3351.78 pg/mL versus maternal blood 5769.62 pg/mL (p < 0.001). No differ­ence was found in sFas concentrations between cord arterial and vein blood sera. Statistical difference was found between mean concentration of Fas ligand in maternal blood serum (71.36 pg/mL) and arterial cord blood serum (164.57 pg/mL) p < 0.05 (p = 0.001). Cord arterial blood serum showed much higher concentrations of FasL than maternal blood serum. No difference was found between cord arterial and vein blood sera concentrations of FasL: 164.57 pg/mL vs. 170.00 pg/mL (p = 0.701). Conclusions: Obtained results suggest no influence of sFas and FasL production on fetal organism apoptosis. Lowering of sFas concentration in fetal blood could mean the increase of apoptosis in fetal organism compared to maternal. Higher concentration of FasL in cord blood than in mothers suggests higher apoptosis intensification in fetal circulation and no influence of blood flow across placenta on its concentration.

So far there is no information about receiving red beet androgenic embryos by androgenesis. Several factors were tested which affected this process: starch accumulation in microspores, correlation between bud length and microsporogenesis course, induction and regeneration medium composition. Ploidy level of obtained regenerants were evaluated. Treating anthers with α-amylase or watering donor plants with gibberellin increased number of obtained androgenic embryos. The highest percentage (80%) of microspores at uninuclear stage appeared in buds with 1.3-1.5 mm. The B5 medium with 100 g·L-1 sucrose and 0.1 mg·L-1 2,4-D (2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) proved to be better for inducing androgenesis than MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg·L-1 BAP (6-benzylaminopurine) and 0.5 mg·L-1 IAA (indole-3-acetic acid). First androgenic embryos were placed on B5 medium without plant growth regulators and then on MS medium containing 0.2 mg·L-1 BAP and 1 mg·L-1 NAA (α-naphthaleneacetic acid). Androgenic embryos died on B5 regeneration medium without plant growth regulators. On MS medium first shoots and callus with and without roots were obtained. Rosettes withered during following passages whereas callus tissue developed further. The quantity of DNA in this tissue equivalent to 4X chromosomes., Do tej pory nie udało się uzyskać zarodków na drodze androgenezy gametycznej u buraka ćwikłowego. W doświadczeniach przebadano kilka czynników wpływających na ten proces: nagromadzenie skrobi w mikrosporach, korelację długości pylnika do przebiegu mikrosporogenezy, skład pożywki do indukcji i regeneracji. Oceniono ploidalność uzyskanych regeneratów. Traktowanie pylników α-amylazą oraz podlewanie roślin donorowych gibereliną wpłynęło na wzrost liczby uzyskanych pylników. Badając przebieg mikrosporogenezy stwierdzono, że najwięcej mikrospor w fazie jednojądrowej znajdowało się w pąkach o długości 1.3-1.5 mm. Pożywka B5 zawierająca 100 g·L-1 sacharozy oraz 0.1 mg·L-1 2,4-D (kwas 2,4-dichlorofenoksyoctowy) okazała się korzystniejsza do indukcji androgenezy u buraka czerwonego w stosunku do pożywki MS wzbogaconej 0.2 mg·L-1 BAP (6-benzyloaminopuryna) oraz 0.5 mg·L-1 IAA (kwas indolilooctowy). Uzyskane zarodki androgenetyczne umieszczono na pożywkach regeneracyjnych: B5 bez dodatku substancji wzrostowych oraz na pożywce MS zawierającej 0.2 mg·L-1 BAP i 1 mg·L-1 NAA (kwas α-naftylooctowy). Na pożywce B5 zarodki zamarły. Natomiast pierwsze pędy oraz kalus z korzeniami lub bez zregenerowano na pożywce MS. Pędy po następnym pasażu zamarły. Badanie cytometryczne wykazało, że zregenerowana tkanka kalusowa była tetrapliodalna.

This study examines the influence of the polyamines putrescine and spermidine on the efficiency of androgenesis in anther cultures of 2 carrot cultivars, Kazan F 1 and Narbonne F 1 , and the effect of putrescine on the process of plant regeneration from androgenetic embryos. In the Kazan F 1 variety, an increase in the number of obtained embryos was achieved using each of the 2 polyamines separately and in combination. In contrast, no beneficial effects of polyamines on the efficiency of androgenesis were observed in the Narbonne F 1 variety. Putrescine added to the regeneration medium increased the number of obtained plants. For embryos obtained on induction medium without putrescine, the best concentration was 160 mg putrescine in 1 L of regeneration medium, and for those obtained on the induction medium with putrescine the best concentration was 0.5 mg putrescine per 1 L. All of the resulting plants, both in the experimental and control combinations, had a doubled set of chromosomes. The vast majority of them were homozygous for both isoenzymes, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase and aspartate aminotransferase, and the distribution of homo- and heterozygous received combinations with the polyamines and in the control was very similar.

INTRODUCTION To achieve physiological pregnancy development proper implantation and placental development is needed to establish good exchange between mother and fetus. Metaloproteinases of extracellular matrix are responsible of its degradation, their action is decreased by metaloproteinases inhibitors - TIMPs. OBJECTIVES Assessment of the concentrations soluble extracellular matrix metaloproteinases inhibitors TIMP-2 and TIMP-4 in blood of pregnant healthy women in III-rd trimester and in umbilical cord blood separately from arteries and umbilical cord vein. MATERIAL AND METHOD The study was conduced in High Risk Pregnancy Clinic, Medical University Lodz. The study group consisted from 29 women in normal, eutrophic pregnancy between 37 and 40 weeks of pregnancy TIMP-2 and TIMP-4 were measured in blood samples from maternal blood and umbilical cord vessels - separately from arteries and vein. RESULTS Mean TIMP-2 concentration in maternal blood was 101,27 ng/ml, from umbilical artery 108,88 ng/ml, and from vein 108,28 ng/ml. Mean concentration of TIMP-4 in maternal blood was 726,73 pg/ml in umbilical artery was 529,95 pg/ml, in umbilical vein - 537,87 pg/ml. Comparing obtained results of TIMP-4 statistical difference between maternal blood and umbilical cord blood was found. CONCLUSIONS The lack of increase of TIMP-2 synthesis in III-rd trimester of physiological pregnancy may be result of stabile vascularisation process. Observed decrease of TIMP-4 concentration may be the result of normal blood vessels development and the lack of increase angiogenesis process in both mother and fetus.

Influence of Copper Ions on the Plant Material Obtained from the Anther Culture of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) The influence of copper ions on the regeneration of carrot (Daucus carota L.) androgenic embryos, accumulation of copper in rosettes, soluble esterbound phenolic acids and some parameters of oxidative stress were investigated. Two carrots: cv. Feria and 1014 breeding line were subjected to 1 μM, 10 μM and 100 μM Cu stress for 16 and 24 weeks. Under this stress, better growth, lower lipid peroxidation (TBARS level) and higher phenolic acid contents were observed in the cv. Feria. The rosettes of 1014 line accumulated less copper and produced smaller amount of TBARS after 24 weeks of incubation than after 16 weeks. Chlorogenic and caffeic acids were the main phenolic acids in both cultures. In the Feria rosettes the application of 10 μM Cu caused relatively high level of chlorogenic acid combined with low accumulation of copper in the tissues and unchanged levels of TBARS after both 16 and 24 weeks of incubation. On the other hand, despite the dose-dependent decline of chlorogenic acid in the rosettes of 1014 line, decrease in TBARS content was also observed after 24 weeks. The obtained results might suggest that the Feria carrot culture was able to develop more effective protection system/strategy against Cu excess in comparison to the 1014 line.

Effect of Increased Copper Concentrations on Deformations of the Regenerates of Carrot Obtained from Androgenetic Embryos The experiment aimed at determining the effect of high copper concentrations on the process of regeneration of carrot plants cv. Feria F1 from androgenetic embryos. The starting material consisted of green embryos obtained in anther cultures on a medium for the induction of androgenesis. Five B5 regeneration media of Gamborg et al. (1968) containing 0.1 (control), 1, 10, 100, and 1000 μM·L-1 CuSO4·5H2O were used. The plant material was passaged onto fresh media 3 times after 4, 9, and 15 weeks from culture set-up date. During the passages, the regenerated structures were examined and categorized according to their growth, development and the course of regeneration in the in vitro culture. The B5 regeneration medium that contained 1000 μM·L-1 CuSO4 was highly toxic for the growth and development of androgenetic embryos of carrot. The other concentrations of CuSO4 that were higher than the level of the control medium, i.e. 1, 10, and 100 μM·L-1, had a negative effect on the regeneration from androgenetic embryos of carrot in the second and third passages (after 9 and 15 weeks). They caused deformations of the leaves and the formation of an abnormal callus heel between the above-ground part and the root.

Regeneration and Evaluation of Androgenetic Plants of Head Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea Var. Capitata L.) Plant regeneration from head cabbage embryos obtained in anther culture, the way of colchicine using for doubling number of chromosomes in haploid plants and estimation of the double haploid plants with regard to vigour, typicality of leaves and fertility were worked out. The best medium for plant regeneration from androgenetic embryos was B5 medium, enriched with sucrose 20 g.L-1 and kinetin 20 mg.L-1. On this medium, the highest number of embryos formed shoots, usually several from 1 embryo, particularly in subsequent passages. The most effective method of doubling the number of chromosomes was soaking the roots of young plants, when they had 5-6 leaves in a 0.1% hydrous solution of colchicine with 4.0% DMSO and 25 ppm GA3, for 20 hrs. The tested cultivars of head cabbage differed considerably with regard to the vigour of the plants obtained from anther culture. The highest number of plants characterized by strong vigour was observed in the cultivar Langendijker. About 90% of head cabbage plants obtained from androgenetic embryos had typical leaves and the differences between the cultivars in this aspect were insignificant. The highest number of androgenetic androfertile plants was found in the cultivar Sława z Enkhuizen. The genotype was the factor which had an impact in the processes examined: ability to shoot proliferation, rooting, the sensitivity to colchicine treatment, vigour of produced doubled haploid plants and their fertility.

This work was especially concerned with the effectiveness of immobilization of C.freundii strain on surface of PU foams (PUFs) modified by peanut shells. The aim of the work was to check the efficiency of immobilization process in 1,3-PD production in comparison to 1,3-PD bioconversion by using free bacterial cells. The results of the study showed that the immobilized C.freundii cells were more efficient than the free culture was. It is the thesis of the present work that reiterated a fed-batch bioconversion by using immobilized strain could be not so time-consuming and not as an expensive as a conversion in bioreactor containing free cells was. The immobilization was also important because the cells attached to the materials became more adapted to the environment, and could be used many times for the conversion of 1,3-PD. Based on the results presented in the study, it could be concluded that the immobilization could help to decrease the cost of 1,3-PD synthesis and shorten the time of the process.

AIM The main aim of the study was to estimate expression of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in syncytiotrophoblast in placenta obtained from pregnancies complicated by hypertension and to compare results with group supplemented by antioxidants. MATERIAL AND METHOD The study was performed in High Risk Department of Medical University Lodz. 3 groups of pregnant women were compared: I-pregnancy complicated by hypertension, II pregnancy complicated by hypertension treated by oral administration of antioxidants--vitamin C and vitamin E.III-rd group consisted of healthy women. After delivery incision from central part of placenta was taken on obtained slides due to immunohistochemical reactions the character intensity surface affected by reaction and expression of two proteins involved into process of apoptosis was measured- anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and pro-apoptotic Bax. In every slide ten of random choosen fields were evaluated in 200x zoom using semi-quantative method. RESULTS Highest value of Bcl-2 character was found in I-st group, the lowest in III-rd group- healthy women. The lowest intensity surface affected and expression of the reaction was found in II group- treated by antioxidants. The highest value of Bax reaction character and intensity was found in III group comparing to others. The lowest mean surface of syncytiotrophoblast affected by Bax reaction was found in II group. In III-rd group expression of reaction was higher than in both other groups. CONCLUSIONS In the base of Bcl-2 reaction in syncytiotrophoblast no influence of antioxidants supplementation on apoptosis process that occurs by this path was found. Antioxidants supplementation decrease Bax activity in syncytiotrophoblast, that suggests restriction of apoptosis process despite of changes connected to hypertension.