Genetic background of immune complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children

Immune reactions are among the most serious complications observed after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in children. Microarray technique allows for simultaneous assessment of expression of nearly all human genes. The objective of the study was to compare the whole genome expression in children before and after HSCT. A total of 33 children referred for HSCT were enrolled in the study. In 70% of the patients HSCT was performed for the treatment of neoplasms. Blood samples were obtained before HSCT and six months after the procedure. Subsequently, the whole genome expression was assessed in leukocytes using GeneChip Human Gene 1.0 ST microarray. The analysis of genomic profiles before and after HSCT revealed altered expression of 124 genes. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed upregulation of five pathways after HSCT: allograft rejection, graft-versus-host disease, type I diabetes mellitus, autoimmune thyroid disease, and viral myocarditis. The activation of those pathways seems to be related to immune reactions commonly observed after HSCT. Our results contribute to better understanding of the genomic background of the immunologic complications of HSCT

Comparison of whole genome expression profile between preterm and full-term newborns

Objectives: Evaluate the time dependent expression of genes in preterm neonates and verify the influence of ontogenic maturation and the environmental factors on the gene expression after birth. Material and methods: The study was carried out on 20 full-term newborns and 62 preterm newborns (mean birth weight = 1002 [g] (SD: 247), mean gestational age = 27.2 weeks (SD: 1.9)). Blood samples were drawn from all the study participants at birth and at the 36th week postmenstrual age from the preterm group to assess whole genome expression in umbilical cord blood and in peripheral blood leukocytes, respectively. (SurePrint G3 Human Gene Expression v3, 8x60K Microarrays (Agilent)). Results: A substantial number of genes was found to be expressed differentially at the time of birth and at 36 PMA in comparison to the term babies with more genes being down-regulated than up-regulated. However, the fold change in the majority of cases was < 2.0. Extremely preterm and very preterm infants were characterized by significantly down-regulated cytokine and chemokine related pathways. The number of down-regulated genes decreased and number of up-regulated genes increased at 36 PMA vs. cord blood. There were no specific gene expression pathway profiles found within the groups of different gestational ages. Conclusions: Preterm delivery is associated with a different gene expression profile in comparison to term delivery. The gene expression profile changes with the maturity of a newborn measured by the gestational age

A skeleton of peat-trapped forest rhinoceros Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis (Jäger, 1839) from Gorzów Wielkopolski, Northwestern Poland: a record of life and death of the Eemian large mammals

We present a description of an almost complete skeleton of the forest rhino (Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis) found near Gorzów Wielkopolski (Northwest Poland) in its geological and palaeoenvironmental context. While finds of bones and teeth are common, the importance of this find resides in, that it is the most complete specimen of this species, almost perfectly preserved in a well-studied and dated stratigraphic and sedimentological context, along with other fossil fauna and flora. The OSL dates of glaciofluvial sediments sandwiching skeleton-bearing horizons indicate a Middle Eemian age of the Pleistocene paleolake land. This warm climate is also indicated by the results of sedimentological, geochemical, paleobotanical, and isotopic analyses. The rhino skeleton was deposited in a shallow area near the lake’s littoral zone. Bite marks of a large predator (cave hyena) were recognized on the rhino’s pelvis, which, due to their location, were probably created post-mortem. With an estimated height of 1.82 m at the withers, this was a large adult Stephanorhinus kirchbergensis. The results of osteometric analyses indicate that we are dealing with one of the largest known individuals of this species. Although it suffered from a pathologically deformed spine, the individual died at a relatively old age.Peer reviewe

Isotope record of environmental changes at the Skaliska Basin during the Late Glacial and Holocene

The results of isotopic investigations of the Skaliska Basin sediments are presented. Stable isotope analyses were done for authigenic carbonates from three profiles: W1 - Piotrowo-Ławniki, W2 - Sąkieły Małe, and W4 - Budzewo. The profiles contain carbonate silts at the bottom, then calcareous detritus gyttja and organic silts and peat at the top. Palynological data indicate that sediment were accumulated in the Skaliska Basin from the final phase of the Younger Dryas to the Subboreal period. The values δ18O change from ca −9.4 to −4.5‰, and δ13C values varies from −5.1 to +0.1‰. Such a large range of isotopic data reflects changing conditions in the basin during accumulation of deposits (different water levels, water temperatures, and bioproduction). Based on the results of stable isotope analyses of the carbonates, isotopic zones (Is) were defined and characterized for each profile. The results of isotopic analysis enabled reconstruction of varying environmental conditions connected with lake deepening and/or influx of water enriched in light isotopes, climatic warming, and increase of biological activity. The Late Glacial deposits are characterized by δ18O values of ca −6.5-6‰ and δ13C of ca −1‰. In the transitional time between the Late Glacial and the Holocene, δ18O systematically falls below −8‰, reflecting a substantial change in the isotopic composition of the lake water, likely caused by to inflow of melt water. During the Preboreal period the δ18O as well as the δ13C values systematically decrease and reach minima (−8.4-9.4‰ for δ18O and ca −3.5-4.7‰ for δ13C). At the beginning of the Boreal period, an increase of ca 2‰ in δ18O is noted and is associated with climatic warming. During the Atlantic period the varying trends in the δ18O record are likely connected with changing precipitation/evaporation ratios, causing changes in the isotope composition of the water. The fluctuations of the isotopic values in the upper parts of the successions probably point to shallowing of the lake due to sedimentary infill

Reconstruction of environmental changes in the eemian palaeolakes on the basis of isotopic data

Wykonano oznaczenia składu izotopów trwałych tlenu i węgla dla osadów jeziornych, zawierających węglan wapnia, z dwóch profili: Besiekierz i Studzieniec (centralna Polska). W Besiekierzu (ok. 30 km na północ od Łodzi) pod osadami piaszczysto-gliniastymi występuje seria osadów jeziorno-bagiennych złożona z gytii, mułków organicznych i torfów. W Studzieńcu k. Sierpca (112 m n.p.m.) osady jeziorne wykształcone są: w spągu - w postaci mułków słabo węglanowych, wyżej - gytii, a w stropie - mułków organicznych i torfów. Na podstawie wyników analiz palinologicznych stwierdzono, że badane osady były akumulowane od schyłku zlodowacenia warty, przez interglacjał eemski, do początku zlodowacenia wisły. Uzyskane wyniki oznaczeń izotopowych pozwoliły na wydzielenie i scharakteryzowanie horyzontów izotopowych (Is) dla każdego profilu. Korelacja danych izotopowych i palinologicznych umożliwiła rekonstrukcję zmian klimatycznych i hydrologicznych zachodzących w okresie interglacjału eemskiego, takich jak: pogłębienie zbiornika i/lub dopływ wód bogatych w lekkie izotopy (Besiekierz - Is 3-Be, Studzieniec - Is 3-St), ocieplenie klimatu (Besiekierz - Is 3-8-Be, Studzieniec - Is 3-6-St), wzrost aktywności biologicznej lub występowanie zjawiska metanogenezy (Studzieniec - Is 7-St). Ponadto zaobserwowana współkształtność krzywych izotopowych w obu profilach jest charakterystyczna dla zamkniętych systemów jeziornych

Odnowa wsi w świetle wdrażania Programu Rozwoju Obszarów Wiejskich 2007-2013 na przykładzie gmin województwa mazowieckiego

This paper aims to assess the implementation of rural renewal activities implemented under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (RDP) on example of Mazowieckie province. An important aspect was to analyze the level of absorption against socio-economic conditions. For this purpose, as its reference point the few planes, ie. Human capital, business, technical and social infrastructure and the natural environment. The evaluation of rural renewal was carried out for both RDP axes through which this action was implemented, ie. axis 3. and axis 4. Leader

Isotopic and Cladocera records of climate changes of Early Eemian at Besiekierz (Central Poland)

Results of stable isotope, Cladocera and pollen analyses of lacustrine sediments from Besiekierz (Central Poland) are presented. The Besiekierz palaeolake is located about 25 km north of Łódź (Central Poland) at 130 m a.s.l. The 4 m thick deposits comprise silty sands and clayey silts, overlain by calcareous gyttja and organic silts and peat. Pollen analysis documents that these deposits accumulated during the Eemian Interglacial and the Early Vistulian. Based on the results of stable isotope analyses, nine isotopic horizons (Is) were defined and characterized, and these enabled reconstruction of both climatic and hydrological changes. A positive trend in δ18O values and constant values of δ 13 suggest gradual climatic warming, while constant values of δ 18O and δ 13C indicate stable conditions and/or a fast rate of sedimentation. The fluctuation of isotopic values in the upper part of the succession probably points to a shallowing of the lake due to sedimentary infill. The subfossil cladoceran fauna in the Besiekierz succession is represented by 11 solely littoral species belonging to 3 families. Four zones of Cladocera development were distinguished. The Besiekierz palaeolake was a shallow reservoir. The initial period of its existence probably saw its greatest depth. The Cladocera species present indicate the initial oligotrophic status of the lake and its subsequent increase in trophic status.We compare the results of the isotopic, cladoceran and published palynological analyses, to distinguish and explain the phases of evolution of the lake