Embryological processes in ovules of Rudbeckia laciniata L. (Asteraceae) from Poland

Embryological researches of an invasive plant Rudbeckia laciniata focused on the process of megasporogenesis, female gametophyte formation, and fertilization. A disturbed first meiotic division results in the formation of restitution nucleus. In some megaspore mother cells micronuclei or vacuoles were observed near the restitution nucleus. Different course of megasporogenesis led to the development of unreduced embryo sacs with various organization which is reflected in the embryo formation and capacity of seed germination. Our research confirmed the occurrence of hemigamy in the Polish representatives of R . laciniata. In spite of a reduced germination capacity of R . laciniata seeds, their production allows a long-distance dispersal and expansion of the species

Role of Donor Activating KIR–HLA Ligand–Mediated NK Cell Education Status in Control of Malignancy in Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients

AbstractSome cancers treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are sensitive to natural killer cell (NK) reactivity. NK function depends on activating and inhibitory receptors and is modified by NK education/licensing effect and mediated by coexpression of inhibitory killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and its corresponding HLA I ligand. We assessed activating KIR (aKIR)-based HLA I–dependent education capacity in donor NKs in 285 patients with hematological malignancies after HSCT from unrelated donors. We found significantly adverse progression-free survival (PFS) and time to progression (TTP) in patients who received transplant from donors with NKs educated by C1:KIR2DS2/3, C2:KIR2DS1, or Bw4:KIR3DS1 pairs (for PFS: hazard ratio [HR], 1.70; P = .0020, Pcorr = .0039; HR, 1.54; P = .020, Pcorr = .039; HR, 1.51; P = .020, Pcorr = .040; and for TTP: HR, 1.82; P = .049, Pcorr = .096; HR, 1.72; P = .096, Pcorr = .18; and HR, 1.65; P = .11, Pcorr = .20, respectively). Reduced PFS and TTP were significantly dependent on the number of aKIR-based education systems in donors (HR, 1.36; P = .00031, Pcorr = .00062; and HR, 1.43; P = .019, Pcorr = .038). Furthermore, the PFS and TTP were strongly adverse in patients with missing HLA ligand cognate with educating aKIR-HLA pair in donor (HR, 3.25; P = .00022, Pcorr = .00045; and HR, 3.82; P = .027, Pcorr = .054). Together, these data suggest important qualitative and quantitative role of donor NK education via aKIR-cognate HLA ligand pairs in the outcome of HSCT. Avoiding the selection of transplant donors with high numbers of aKIR-HLA-based education systems, especially for recipients with missing cognate ligand, is advisable

A library game at the work of a librarian, as a tool of developing competence and a form of activation for library users

W warunkach dynamicznych przemian społeczno-kulturowych i postępującej cyfryzacji zmieniają się rola i postrzeganie bibliotek naukowych. Biblioteki coraz częściej szukają nowych form kontaktu z czytelnikiem, wprowadzając rozwiązania spoza tradycyjnego bibliotekarstwa. Zmienia się także zakres usług i rola bibliotekarza jako administratora informacji. Kluczowym elementem stają się właściwie prowadzona komunikacja i kształtowanie nowych kompetencji czytelniczych. Współczesne biblioteki mają do czynienia z klientem nowej generacji, przyzwyczajonym do posługiwania się nowymi technologiami. Spośród wielu nowych narzędzi, które wkroczyły w biblioteczną codzienność, pojawiła się również gra, stosująca metody grywalizacji. Biblioteki naukowe i uniwersyteckie w Polsce adaptują metody gier do swojej pracy, wykorzystując elementy edukacyjne, informacyjne i komunikacyjne. Biblioteka Główna Uniwersytetu Pedagogicznego podjęła próbę organizacji gry w środowisku akademickim. Projekt Wkręceni w Bibliotekę to gra adresowana do studentów, której celem jest promocja i popularyzacja biblioteki przez rywalizację i aktywne spędzanie czasu.In the conditions of dynamic socio-cultural changes and progressive digitization, the role and perception of scientific libraries is under constant change. Libraries are increasingly looking for new forms of contact with the reader, introducing solutions from outside traditional librarianship. The range of services and the role of the librarian as an information administrator are also changing. The proper communication and shaping of new reading competences becomes the key element. Modern libraries are dealing with a new generation of customers, accustomed to using new technologies. Among the many new tools that have entered the library everyday life: a game has also appeared, using methods of gamification. The scientific and university libraries in Poland adapt the methods of games to their work, using elements of education, information and communication. The Main Library of the Pedagogical University has made an attempt to organize the game in the academic environment. Project under the title Wkręceni w Bibliotekę is a game addressed to students whose aim is to promote and popularize the Library through competition and active spending of time

A library game at the work of a librarian, as a tool of developing competence and a form of activation for library users

W warunkach dynamicznych przemian społeczno-kulturowych i postępującej cyfryzacji zmieniają się rola i postrzeganie bibliotek naukowych. Biblioteki coraz częściej szukają nowych form kontaktu z czytelnikiem, wprowadzając rozwiązania spoza tradycyjnego bibliotekarstwa. Zmienia się także zakres usług i rola bibliotekarza jako administratora informacji. Kluczowym elementem stają się właściwie prowadzona komunikacja i kształtowanie nowych kompetencji czytelniczych. Współczesne biblioteki mają do czynienia z klientem nowej generacji, przyzwyczajonym do posługiwania się nowymi technologiami. Spośród wielu nowych narzędzi, które wkroczyły w biblioteczną codzienność, pojawiła się również gra, stosująca metody grywalizacji. Biblioteki naukowe i uniwersyteckie w Polsce adaptują metody gier do swojej pracy, wykorzystując elementy edukacyjne, informacyjne i komunikacyjne. Biblioteka Główna Uniwersytetu Pedagogicznego podjęła próbę organizacji gry w środowisku akademickim. Projekt Wkręceni w Bibliotekę to gra adresowana do studentów, której celem jest promocja i popularyzacja biblioteki przez rywalizację i aktywne spędzanie czasu.In the conditions of dynamic socio-cultural changes and progressive digitization, the role and perception of scientific libraries is under constant change. Libraries are increasingly looking for new forms of contact with the reader, introducing solutions from outside traditional librarianship. The range of services and the role of the librarian as an information administrator are also changing. The proper communication and shaping of new reading competences becomes the key element. Modern libraries are dealing with a new generation of customers, accustomed to using new technologies. Among the many new tools that have entered the library everyday life: a game has also appeared, using methods of gamification. The scientific and university libraries in Poland adapt the methods of games to their work, using elements of education, information and communication. The Main Library of the Pedagogical University has made an attempt to organize the game in the academic environment. Project under the title Wkręceni w Bibliotekę is a game addressed to students whose aim is to promote and popularize the Library through competition and active spending of time

The effect of deep tissue massage on respiratory parameters in healthy subjects—A non-randomised pilot study

Background: Deep tissue massage (DTM), based on deep palpation and elimination of fascia restrictions, can reduce symptoms resulting from fascial disorders. The goal of this study was the analysis of the DTM effect on respiratory parameters in healthy people. Material and methods: The study involved a group of 40 people divided into two subgroups. The experimental group underwent a single DTM session. Classic massage was performed in the control group. Before and after treatment the chest circumference and oxygen saturation were measured and a spirometry test was performed. Results: The chest expandability significantly increased in both groups with greater effect in DTM group. Vital capacity and saturation, significantly increased in the experimental group. No significant changes in dynamic parameters were noticed in the control group, while FVC slightly decreased in the experimental group. Conclusions: In this study, deep tissue massage appeared to improve chest expendability and vital capacity with simultaneous decrease of FVC in healthy subjects. Further studies are needed to specify the effect of DTM on the respiratory system