Magic in fantasy: narrative strategies from 1970 to 2010

This thesis seeks to examine narrative strategies of magic in fantasy fiction published from 1970 to 2010. Very little work has been done previously on magic in fantasy, and none focuses on magic as a part of the world-building process or examines such a broad range of works. Taking magic as the main subject matter, I investigate fantasy novels to see what patterns of magic emerge. I examine magic according to the thematic conceptualisations that are at the foundation of magic world-building. I argue that these conceptualisations, which I call narrative strategies of magic, influence not only the process of world-building itself, but other narrative elements, such as plot and characterisation. I then investigate magic at its most basic narrative level, from the perspective of the magic event that takes place within the narrative. The magic act and the character of the magic-user are the two lenses through which the in-depth analysis is performed, in which I argue that the introduction of magic into the text has vital bearing on the development of the narrative. The thesis begins with a general investigation of magical parameters in fantasy and is followed by five thematic chapters, each devoted to a strategy of magic. First, I use the theory of intermediality to explore the music strategy and argue how music constructs magic. Second, I deploy the Dance and Movement Therapy theory to discuss magic depicted through movement. Third, I investigate one of the most recent developments in the construction of magic in fantasy, the narrative strategy of artisan skills. Fourth, the concept of knowledge and scholarly framework is applied to discuss more scientifically-oriented forms of magic. Fifth, I examine the concept of primordial language to uncover the complexity of linguistic magic

Genome Size Diversity in Rare, Endangered, and Protected Orchids in Poland

Orchidaceae is one of the largest and the most widespread plant families with many species threatened with extinction. However, only about 1.5% of orchids’ genome sizes have been known so far. The aim of this study was to estimate the genome size of 15 species and one infraspecific taxon of endangered and protected orchids growing wild in Poland to assess their variability and develop additional criterion useful in orchid species identification and characterization. Flow cytometric genome size estimation revealed that investigated orchid species possessed intermediate, large, and very large genomes. The smallest 2C DNA content possessed Liparis loeselii (14.15 pg), while the largest Cypripedium calceolus (82.10 pg). It was confirmed that the genome size is characteristic to the subfamily. Additionally, for four species Epipactis albensis, Ophrys insectifera, Orchis mascula, Orchis militaris and one infraspecific taxon, Epipactis purpurata f. chlorophylla the 2C DNA content has been estimated for the first time. Genome size estimation by flow cytometry proved to be a useful auxiliary method for quick orchid species identification and characterization

Anticoagulation Prior to COVID-19 Infection Has No Impact on 6 Months Mortality: A Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) shows high incidence of thromboembolic events in humans. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate if anticoagulation prior to COVID-19 infection may impact clinical profile, as well as mortality rate among patients hospitalized with COVID-19. The study was based on retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with laboratory confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. After propensity score matching (PSM), a group of 236 patients receiving any anticoagulant treatment prior to COVID-19 infection (AT group) was compared to 236 patients without previous anticoagulation (no AT group). In 180 days, the observation we noted comparable mortality rate in AT and no AT groups (38.5% vs. 41.1%, p = 0.51). Similarly, we did not observe any statistically significant differences in admission in the intensive care unit (14.1% vs. 9.6%, p = 0.20), intubation and mechanical ventilation (15.0% vs. 11.6%, p = 0.38), catecholamines usage (14.3% vs. 13.8%, p = 0.86), and bleeding rate (6.3% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.37) in both groups. Our results suggest that antithrombotic treatment prior to COVID-19 infection is unlikely to be protective for morbidity and mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19