The present work gives a detailed study of in vitro shoot organogenesis of the ornamental onion A. altissimum Regel from the buds of the middle layer of the inflorescences. The course of morphogenesis was examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Histological observation revealed that during 3-5 days of culture on the BDS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg•L −1 of BA and 2.0 mg•L − 1 of NAA the epidermal cells of the stamen filament in the area of its fusion with the tepal became competent and dedifferentiated. Originally the organogenesis involved several initial epidermal cells. The formation of meristematic centers was observed from day 3 to day 14. The apical shoot meristems and leaf primordia in a roller shape formed from day 14 to day 28 of culture on the same media. The further development of vegetative shoots and formation of the bulblets were observed when the explants were stimulated by triapenthenol (2.0 mg•L −1).

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The problem of protection and conservation of rare and endangered plant species in the wild is currently the topic of discussion and research worldwide. The Orchidaceae plants are of special concern. Orchids are so well adapted to their environments. Moreover, they have special requirements that makes it difficult to transplant them from the wild and they are rarely surviving after. They are therefore a key group in conservation. This research aimed to study the polymorphism of Cypripedium guttatum flowers in their natural populations on selected locations in Russia. On the basis of studying C. guttatum populations in Primorsky Krai, Sverdlovsk region, Komi Republic, and Krasnoyarsky Krai, we identified and described five forms of C. guttatum in terms of their flower colouration. A comparison study of the infraspecific structure revealed that the form variation in the studied C. guttatum populations was the highest in Primorsky Krai and the lowest in Sverdlovsk region. A discriminant analysis indicated the following statistically significant morphometric parameters to recognise different forms of C. guttatum: shoot height, leaf width, flower width, height and width of dorsal sepal and staminode width. A population variation analysis was conducted with respect to the following three indicators: the average number of morphs per population, the rare morph ratio in the population, and the similarity index of the studied populations. On the basis of monitoring C. guttatum populations and studying their infraspecific structure, as well as the biology and ecology of this threatened orchid species, we developed a specific conservation project for rare and endangered orchid species complying with the unique biology of these plants.

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Anaphylaxis is an acute life-threatening condition affecting several body systems. It might have a rapid onset and lead to a lethal outcome. The major provoking factors for the development of anaphylactic reactions in childhood are food allergens. High hypersensitivity to one food allergen can make it difficult for a family to find a substitution for an allergenic product. Food-induced anaphylactic reaction to quite a number of food allergens is a serious problem for both the physician and the family of an allergic child necessitating organization of appropriate and safe nutrition. In real life, the standard recommendation for the patient – to strictly follow the rules of the elimination diet with exclusion of the causative allergen and all cross-reactive allergens – often becomes unrealizable. There is a serious risk of developing new allergic reactions due to accidental intake of the triggering allergens because of incorrect food labelling by manufacturers. The objective of the work is to present a clinical case report that demonstrates the importance of performing allergy component testing (ImmunoCAP ISAC-112,) for identification of the full spectrum of allergens with subsequent assessment of allergenic molecules as triggering allergens and shows serious difficulties in the elaboration of recommendations on a personalised diet that should be adequate and safe for a child with a history of recurrent episodes of food-induced anaphylaxis. Key words: children, life-threatening reactions, allergy component testing, food labelling, food-induced anaphylaxis, food allergens