Revealing microbial recognition by specific antibodies

Background: Recognition of microorganisms by antibodies is a vital component of the human immune response. However, there is currently very limited understanding of immune recognition of 50 % of the human microbiome which is made up of as yet un-culturable bacteria. We have combined the use of flow cytometry and pyrosequencing to describe the microbial composition of human samples, and its interaction with the immune system. Results: We show the power of the technique in human faecal, saliva, oral biofilm and breast milk samples, labeled with fluorescent anti-IgG or anti-IgA antibodies. Using Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), bacterial cells were separated depending on whether they are coated with IgA or IgG antibodies. Each bacterial population was PCR-amplified and pyrosequenced, characterizing the microorganisms which evade the immune system and those which were recognized by each immunoglobulin. Conclusions: The application of the technique to healthy and diseased individuals may unravel the contribution of the immune response to microbial infections and polymicrobial diseases

Problem Solving Skills Development in Mathematics Teaching

Diplomdarbā „Problēmrisināšanas prasmju attīstīšana matemātikas mācību procesā” tiek noskaidrota skolēnu pieredze problēmu risināšanā, un, domājot par mācību procesa kvalitātes celšanu, tiek izstrādāts skolotāju atbalsta materiāls skolēnu problēmrisināšanas prasmju attīstīšanai matemātikas stundās pamatskolas 7. – 9. klasēs. Darbs sastāv no trīs nodaļām: 1. nodaļā tie apzināti mācību mērķi matemātikā pamatskolā; 2. nodaļā tiek noskaidrota skolēnu pieredze problēmu risināšanā; 3. nodaļā tiek piedāvāti ieteikumi problēmrisināšanas prasmju attīstīšanai. Atslēgvārdi: problēmrisināšanas prasmes, problēmrisināšanas stratēģijas, pētnieciskā mācīšanās, aktīvās mācību metodesThe Diploma Paper “Problem Solving Skills Development in Mathematics Teaching” outlines students' experience in solving of problems. Furthermore, it presents supplementary teachers' material to encourage development of students' problem solving skills via teaching of mathematics. This material is aimed at improving the quality of the teaching process and is intended for Grades 7 – 9 of elementary schools. The Paper consists of three chapters: Chapter I identifies learning objectives in mathematics in elementary schools; Chapter II deals with students' experience in solving problems, while Chapter III contains recommendations for developing of problem solving skills. Keywords: problem solving skills, problem solving strategies, investigative learning, active learning method