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A situation of emergency involving the whole population introduces changes in the dynamics of the health services that are provided. The magnitude of these shifts should be also linked to the medical speciality within which the health benefits are delivered. The aim of the paper was to identify changes in tendencies in inpatient medical service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic by medical specialties. On the basis of a database extracted for in-patient treatment received from the public payer, a retrospective analysis was carried out. Comparing the values of the dynamics of the services provided in each medical speciality, the period before the COVID-19 pandemic was collated to the years of the pandemic (2020–2021). In the period before COVID-19, positive patient dynamics were observed in more than half of the specialities. Between 2020 and 2021, virtually all specialties reversed the trend and negative dynamics were recorded. The dynamics in 2021 indicate a process of return to the values from 2015 to 2019. Emergency situation has affected the dynamics of healthcare provision in different specialities to various extent. The most resistant to the negative impulses of the state of emergency were the areas that are strictly organisationally and financially defined (e.g. the group of "therapeutic and drug programmes"). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates trabecular bone ontogenetic changes in two different Polish populations, one prehistoric and the other historical. The studied populations are from the Brześć Kujawski region in Kujawy (north-central Poland), one from the Neolithic Period (4500–4000 BC) and one from the Middle Ages (twelfth-sixteenth centuries AD), in total 62 vertebral specimens (32 males, 30 females). Eight morphometric parameters acquired from microCT scan images were analysed. Two-way ANOVA after Box-Cox transformation and multifactorial regression model were calculated. A significant decrease in percentage bone volume fraction (BV/TV; [%]) with age at death was observed in the studied sample; Tb.N (trabecular number) was also significantly decreased with age; trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) increased with advancing age; connectivity density (Conn.D) was negatively correlated with biological age and higher in the Neolithic population. These data are found to be compatible with data from the current biomedical literature, while no loss of horizontal trabeculae was recorded as would be expected based on modern osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the selected results of the international project called Nextprop, carried out in the framework of the European Defence Agency, which main goal was to examine elastic polymer propellers. The article includes the results of the comparative analysis in terms of the noise produced by two propellers: (1) the classical one made from Nickel Aluminium Bronze (NAB) and (2) the novel elastic counterpart manufactured from polyamide. The measurements were taken in the CTO cavitation tunnel in Gdańsk, Poland. The obtained results allow the following highlights to be formulated: the novel flexible propellers seem to be a promising solution for the new ships, especially in terms of energetic efficiency and produced noise, i.e. lower sound pressure level has been obtained for the new polymer propeller and larger advance speed for the same rotational speeds has been received for the new propeller compared to the classical metal counterpart. At the beginning, the introduction with the results of state-of-the-art analysis is presented. Then, the description of the measurement stand and examined propellers with seizing conditions is included. Next, the obtained results are illustrated and discussed. At the end, the conclusions with the draft of the future research are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic eutrophication of lakes threatens their homeostasis and carries an increased risk of development of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. In this paper we show how eutrophication affects seasonal changes in the taxonomic structure of bacterioplankton and whether these changes are associated with the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria of the genera Legionella and Aeromonas. The subject of the study was a unique system of interconnected lakes in northern Poland (Great Masurian Lakes system), characterized by the presence of eutrophic gradient. We found that the taxonomic structure of the bacterial community in eutrophic lakes was significantly season dependent. No such significant seasonal changes were observed in meso-eutrophic lakes. We found that there is a specific taxonomic composition of bacteria associated with the occurrence of Legionella spp. The highest positive significant correlations were found for families Pirellulaceae, Mycobacteriaceae and Gemmataceae. The highest negative correlations were found for the families Sporichthyaceae, Flavobacteriaceae, the uncultured families of class Verrucomicrobia and Chitinophagaceae. We used also an Automatic Neural Network model to estimate the relative abundance of Legionella spp. based on the relative abundance of dominant bacterial families. In the case of Aeromonas spp. we did not find a clear relationship with bacterial communities inhabiting lakes of different trophic state. Our research has shown that anthropogenic eutrophication causes significant changes in the taxonomic composition of lake bacteria and contributes to an increase in the proportion of potentially pathogenic Legionella spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the genetic variability of hybrids provides information on their current and future evolutionary role. In this paper, we focus on the interspecific hybrid Ranunculus circinatus × R. fluitans that forms spontaneously within the group Ranuculus L. sect. Batrachium DC. (Ranunculaceae Juss.). Genome-wide DNA fingerprinting using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) was employed to determine the genetic variation among 36 riverine populations of the hybrid and their parental species. The results demonstrate a strong genetic structure of R. circinatus × R. fluitans within Poland (Central Europe), which is attributed to independent hybridization events, sterility of hybrid individuals, vegetative propagation, and isolation through geographical distance within populations. The hybrid R. circinatus × R. fluitans is a sterile triploid, but, as we have shown in this study, it may participate in subsequent hybridization events, resulting in a ploidy change that can lead to spontaneous fertility recovery. The ability to produce unreduced female gametes of the hybrid R. circinatus × R. fluitans and the parental species R. fluitans is an important evolutionary mechanism in Ranunculus sect. Batrachium that could give rise to new taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following study presents the concentrations of 10 individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs10) and the total concentration of PAHs (ΣPAHs) determined in soils of protected areas in Southern Poland (EU). The protected areas discussed here include 5 landscape parks and 5 nature reserves located in the Małopolska region. Surface soil samples were collected at 39 locations characterised by different natural conditions and different human pressure level. The samples were used to determine the contents of anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, chrysene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene and naphthalene. These concentrations of individual PAHs ranged from < 0.005 to 6.34 mg/kg. When considering the legal regulations currently in force, this meant that permissible values were exceeded in 23% of the samples analysed, while increased concentrations were found in another 26% of the samples. The limit values were exceeded most in the case of benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[a]pyrene. This occurred with samples collected in the vicinity of transportation routes, mainly local roads. In the case of naphthalene and anthracene, the limit values were not exceeded. Increased or excessive PAHs concentrations do not occur in the vicinity of major industrial plants located near the boundaries of individual landscape parks, which indicates how these pollutants spread. The paper also points to the need to develop new legal solutions to improve the method for assessing PAHs concentrations and their impact on valuable natural areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates the psychological factors associated with the unprecedented assistance that Poles have offered refugees from Ukraine since the outset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Building on social identity theory, and examining the current social context in Poland, we focus on three social identity dimensions, i.e., a feeling of closeness towards refugees from Ukraine, anticipatory fears (of a Russian invasion), and a community norm of helping. These three dimensions predict collective helping resulting from a sense of a common fate and a feeling of togetherness with Ukrainians. We tested this hypothesis in a study (N = 1066) conducted between 11 and 17 March 2022. Participants were asked about their helping activities during the previous week; they also responded to questions on different measures of social identity processes. The results support our expectations, revealing that closeness, anticipatory fears, and social norms are associated with two forms of help: benevolent and activist. The results of the study contribute to the discussion on social identity processes underlying offers of help to people fleeing from war-zones. Thus, they enhance our understanding of the role of citizens in terms of their contribution to helping refugees, and can be used to improve responses to other humanitarian crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydro-mining technology is considered as a promising method of bituminous coal excavation. The paper presents the results of the in-situ experimental campaign and modelling of hydro-cutting technology application. The proposed innovative technology was tested in terms of the effects of the distance between the outlet of water from the nozzle and a sidewall, pressure of the water jet, as well as the type of a nozzle on hydro-mining effectiveness. The hydro-cutting tests of coal seam performed in the Experimental Mine "Barbara" in Poland proved that the increase in water pressure in the range 20–40 MPa only slightly affects the coal face structure, while high pressure, of 80–100 MPa, has a significant impact on a coal face structure. The experimental results also showed the major effects of operating time as well as the distance of the water jet on the effectiveness of coal face mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on light pollution of the night sky has been carried out in Toruń, Poland since 2017. Initially, the measurements were conducted within a network of 24 points using a handheld sky quality meter with lens (SQM-L) photometer (Unihedron, Canada). Based on these measurements, the first accurate maps of night sky pollution by artificial light in Toruń have been developed, both in seasonal and annual terms. Using the experience gained and elements of modern technology, a decision was made to construct an automatic network of mobile devices measuring light intensity at night, covering the entire city of Toruń. This paper presents the technical characteristics of the constructed automatic measurement devices that make up the distributed monitoring network and the process of testing and using the devices. The implementation of this project has started in 2020. To accommodate the evolving expectations of different user groups and the observed trends in the concept of Smart Cities, especially those related to the communication between devices of the Internet of Things, LoRaWAN was selected for data transmission. The first stage involved the construction of a prototype of an automatic, portable and cost-effective device, which was subjected to months of field testing under operational conditions. The device was built using off-the-shelf electronic components and a housing that met the requirements for outdoor use. The next stage was to calibrate the device by simultaneously comparing the obtained results with measurements taken using professional SQM devices. This was followed by the preparation of 35 identical devices, which are already operating in the measurement network in the city of Toruń. Elements of the network are prepared in a way that allows for further expansion and makes data available in the form of an application for many recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the state and spatial distribution of surface sediment contamination of 77 lakes in Poland by Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu. The analyzed lakes were located within a network of nature protection areas in the territory of the European Union (EU). Spatial distribution of the heavy metals (HMs), factors favoring the delivery/accumulation of HMs in surface sediments, and pollution sources were analyzed. The results indicate the contamination of lake sediments by HMs, but the potentially toxic effects of HMs are only found in single lakes. The spatial distribution of Cr indicates predominant impacts of point sources, while for Pb, Ni, and Zn, the impact of non-point sources. The analysis showed the presence of areas with very high values of particular HMs (hot spots) in the western part of Poland, while a group of 5 lakes with very low values of Ni, Pb, and Zn (cold spots) was identified in the central part of Poland. Principal component analysis showed that presence of wetlands is a factor limiting HMs inflow to lakes. Also, lower HMs concentrations were found in lake surface sediments located in catchments with a higher proportion of national parks and nature reserves. Higher HMs concentrations were found in lakes with a high proportion of Special Protection Areas designated under the EU Birds Directive. The positive matrix factorization analysis identified four sources of HMs. High values of HMs concentrations indicate their delivery from industrial, urbanized, and agricultural areas. However, these impacts overlap, which disturbs the characteristic quantitative profiles assigned to these pollution sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to offer the most important epidemiological indicators of malignant neoplasms in Poland for the year 2019. In 2019, the Polish National Cancer Registry received information on almost 171.2 thousand new cancer cases and 100.3 thousand cancer deaths. The most common male cancers were prostate (20.6%), lung (16.1%), colon (6.8%), bladder (6.4%), and rectal (4.2%) cancers. Age-standardized incidence rates were at 118 per 100,000 for prostate, 89 for lung, 40 for colon, 38 for bladder, and 23 for the rectum. The most prevalent female cancers encompassed breast (22.9%), lung (9.9%), corpus uteri (7.0%), colon (5.9%), and ovary (4.3%). Age-standardized incidence rate was at 95 per 100,000 for breast cancer, 40 for lung 40, 29 for corpus uteri, 24 for colon, and 18 for ovarian cancer. The five leading causes of male cancer deaths were cancer of the lung (27.4%), prostate (10.3%), colon (8.0%), bladder (5.8%), and stomach (5.7%). Age-standardized mortality rates were 100 per 100,000 for lung, 46 for prostate, 32 for colon, 24 for urinary bladder, and 22 for stomach cancer. Most female deaths due to cancer were caused by lung (17.9%), breast (15.1%), colon (7.7%), ovary (6.0%), pancreas (5.7%), and corpus uteri (4.0%) cancers. Age-standardized mortality rates were 39 per 100,000 for lung, 33 for breast, 17 for colon, 13 for ovarian, 13 for pancreatic, and 9 for corpus uteri cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As global water resources are decreasing and the demand for it is constantly increasing, the problem of proper water management is becoming more pressing. Poland is one of the largest producers of vegetables in Europe, including carrots, with significant exports. However its freshwater resources are relatively small. The paper presents the results of research on the water footprint (WF) life cycle assessment (LCA) in conventional and organic carrot production. The methodology of calculating WF was used in accordance with PN-EN ISO 14046. It was found, e.g., that WF for organic production of carrot (WF = 1.9 m3 ha−1) is over five times lower, as compared to conventional production (WF = 10.4 m3 ha−1). In the case of conventional production, the fertilization process (67.0–67.7%) has the greatest impact on the shaping of WF in the individual impact categories, i.e. Human Health, Ecosystem Quality and resources. In organic production, the WF-shaping factor is carrot harvesting (41.9–43.1%). The research can be used to develop pro-ecological carrot production technologies, as well as to shape sustainable development plans in agricultural areas. It can also be used to outline policy directions regarding foreign trade in water-consuming agricultural products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the paper was to work out a new comprehensive methodology to monitor thermal activity at mine waste dumps. The methodology was tested through monitoring thermal phenomena occurring in the areas of extractive waste dumping facilities located in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland. Within the framework of the study, a comparative analysis of three waste dumps was performed; the first two of them, which were not previously reclaimed, are in part thermally active, whereas the third one comprises one section which was partially reclaimed and another section which is still being operated. The research objective was to observe the changes of atmospheric emissions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) from the three selected facilities within the period of 21 months of constant monitoring. The novelty of the methodology of thermal activity monitoring at burning mine waste dumps consisted in the application advanced chemometrics methods. The collected data were analyzed by means of the Hierarchical Clustering Analysis supplemented with a color map of the experimental results. Based on the newly developed methodology, it was determined that thermal processes occur in all of the three analyzed sites. The non-reclaimed waste dumps characterize of intense thermal phenomena covering the majority of the studied area. It was also observed that the most intensive thermal activity occurs in the central sections of the dumps with temperature values reaching the level of 600 °C accompanied by high emissions of PAHs. In addition, the research results demonstrate that despite the reclamation processes, there are certain areas which still remain thermally active in one of the studied extractive waste dumps. This manifested itself by high measured concentrations of all the analyzed PAHs and locally increased surface temperatures which, however, did not exceed 200 °C; the majority of the areas of the reclaimed waste dump characterized of temperatures in the range of 20–30 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an impact of hydro-meteorological extreme events and urban catchment to water quality in small rivers in Białystok (Poland). The results from a five-year study have taken into account droughts, continuous precipitation, and storm precipitation causing flash floods. Extreme hydro-meteorological events has a different impact on the physical and chemical parameters of water. It was found that the largest change in water quality occurs on the 2nd day after the rainfall and changed concentration of some chemical parameters persists for a long time. The majority but, what's important, not all of them are diluted after floods and concentrated after droughts. Flash flooding results in a large increase concentrations of DOC and selected forms of phosphorus. Higher values of EC, Eh, Mg2+, HCO3-, Cl-, SiO32-, NO3-N, TN were observed during drought compared to the average values from 2014–2018. A high degree of naturalness of the river valley and increased water retention results in a decreased concentration of NH4+-N, DOC and phosphorus forms. The buffer zone plays an important role in limiting the inflow of pollutants and nutrients from the catchment area. That is why it is worth undertaking restoration of river valleys in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of Lucanus cervus (L.) in Annex 2 of the EU Habitats Directive imposed on EU member countries the obligation to prepare protection plans and undertake adequate measures aimed at the preservation of this species. A necessary precondition for their implementation was connected with the identification of current localities of L. cervus. This paper presents the distribution of L. cervus localities in Poland, identified on the basis of a survey conducted in the areas administered by the State Forests. Habitat preferences for the selection of biotopes by stag beetles were evaluated in terms of forest-site types. This will facilitate effective protection of L. cervus by indicating potential biotopes for this species, particularly in areas with high abundance. The survey showed the presence of L. cervus in 176 localities distributed in 47 forest districts. Most of them were found in three main areas comprising forests in the areas of Zielona Góra, Wrocław and the Świętokrzyskie Mts. They constitute large-scale refuges. In 98% of cases the development of L. cervus was associated with oaks Quercus robur and Quercus petraea. Other host plants included Fagus sylvatica and Acer pseudoplatanus. The age of trees colonised by stag beetles ranged from 70 to 248 years, 134 years on average. Lucanus cervus was most frequently found in deciduous mesic forest sites (41% of localities) and deciduous mixed mesic forest sites (24% of localities). Over 90% of recorded localities are situated in forested areas, understood to include stands, residual trees and stumps, as well as localities at forest edges and along roads in the vicinity of forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among parasites of the digestive tract of the black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) in Poland, the best known are species of digenetic trematodes and cestodes. Nematodes of this bird species are not well known. Black-headed gulls, due to their varied diet, migration, life in a flock, and changes of habitat, can become infected with various species of helminths, and like synanthropic birds, they can spread the dispersal stages of parasites across urban and recreational areas. In the present study, an attempt was made to identify the helminth fauna of C. ridibundus from breeding colonies in north-central Poland. The aim of the study was to describe the taxonomic structure of parasites of the digestive tract of the black-headed gull and determine the quantitative parameters of their occurrence. A total of 43 black-headed gulls were examined post-mortem for gastrointestinal helminths, resulting in the identification of four cestodes (Paricterotaenia porosa, Lateriporus clerci, Anomotaenia micracantha, and Wardium fusum), three trematodes (Diplostomum pseudospathaceum, Plagiorchis laricola, and Apophallus muehlingi), and three nematodes (Eucoleus contortus, Cosmocephalus obvelatus, and Porrocaecum ensicaudatum). Lateriporus clerci (in adult form), C. obvelatus and P. ensicaudatum (in larval form) were recorded for the first time in the black-headed gull in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution digital elevation models are commonly utilized for detecting and classifying landslides. In this study, we aim to refine landslide detection and classification by analyzing the geometry of landslides using slope and aspect, coupled with descriptive statistics up to the fourth central moment (kurtosis). Employing the Monte Carlo method for creating terrain topography probability distributions and ANOVA tests for statistical validation, we analyzed 364 landslides in Gorce National Park, Poland, revealing significant kurtosis differences across landslide types and lithologies. This methodology offers a novel approach to landslide classification based on surface geometry, with implications for enhancing scientific research and improving landslide risk management strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that affects mainly young people. It is believed that the autoimmune process observed in the pathogenesis of MS is influenced by a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors, including infectious agents. The results of this study suggest the protective role of Toxoplasma gondii infections in MS. Interestingly, high Toxoplasma IgM seropositivity in MS patients receiving immunomodulatory drugs (IMDs) was identified. On the other hand, Borrelia infections seem to be positively associated with MS. Although the interpretation of our results is limited by the retrospective nature of the studies, the results strongly indicate that further experimental and clinical studies are needed to explain the role of infectious agents in the development and pathophysiological mechanisms of MS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Johns Hopkins Learning Environment Scale (JHLES) was developed by Robert B. Shochet, Jorie M. Colbert and Scott M. Wright of the Johns hopkins university school of medicine and consists of 28 items used to evaluate perception of the academic environment. The objective was to translate and adapt the JHLES to Polish cultural conditions and to validate the Polish version of the tool. The JHLES questionnaire was completed by students of all years (first–fifth) of the faculties of dental medicine at the Medical University of Lublin and the Medical University of Gdańsk. The total surveyed population consisted of 597 students. The overall reliability of the tool was excellent. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed in order to confirm structural consistency with the original JHLES tool. Consequently, all indices had acceptable values (close to 1 or 0, depending on the case), and there was consistency in the results, which shows that the JHLES model is supported by the data. In the present study, the JHLES has been validated in a sample of dental students for the first time in Poland and Europe. Our study provided good evidence for the reliability and validity of the Polish version of the JHLES. In conclusion, the Polish-language version of the JHLES questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument for analysing the learning environment for students, and its factor structure is supported by the data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the intricate and enduring interplay of historical events, human activities, and natural processes shaping the landscape of North European Plain in western Poland over 230 years. Topographic maps serve as reliable historical data sources to quantify changes in forest, grassland, and wetland areas, scrutinizing their fragmentation and persistence. The primary objectives are to identify the permanent areas of the landscape and propose a universal cartographic visualization method for effectively mapping these changes. Using topographic maps and historical data, this research quantifies land cover changes, especially in forest, grassland, and wetland areas. With the help of retrogressive method we process raster historical data into vector-based information. Over time, wetlands experienced a substantial reduction, particularly in 1960–1982, attributed to both land reclamation and environmental factors. Grassland areas fluctuated, influenced by wetland and drier habitat dynamics. Fragmentation in grassland areas poses biodiversity and ecosystem health concerns, whereas forested areas showed limited fluctuations, with wetland forests nearly disappearing. These findings highlight wetland ecosystems' sensitivity to human impacts and emphasize the need to balance conservation and sustainable development to preserve ecological integrity. This study advances landscape dynamics understanding, providing insights into historical, demographic, economic, and environmental transformations. It underscores the imperative for sustainable land management and conservation efforts to mitigate human impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity in the North European Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mikolaj Urbanowski disagrees with this Author Correction. Correction to: I Scientific Reports i https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-71504-x, published online 08 September 2020 Marjolein D. Bosch was omitted from the author list in the original version of this Article. The Author contributions section now reads: "W.N., A.N. and S.T. designed research; A.P., M.H., W.N., S.B., M.U., A.M., H.F., M.D.B., P.S., K.S., M.Z., A.W., A.N. and S.T. performed research; A.P., M.H., W.N., S.B., M.U., A.M., H.F., M.D.B., P.S., K.S., M.Z., A.W., A.N. and S.T. analysed data; A.P., M.H., S.T., W.N. and S.B. wrote the paper with the collaboration of all the co-authors.". [Extracted from the article]

The Author contributions section now reads: "S.T. W.N. and A.N. conceived the project; S.T., W.N., A.P., M.B., S.C., M.D., H.F., A.M., M.D. B., D.P., M.P.R., C.M.R., V.S-M., G.M.S., P.S., M.S., K.S., A.V., F.W., H.W., A.W., M.Z., S.B., A.N., J-J. H., performed research; S.T., A.P., W.N., M.B., M.D.B., S.C., M.D., H.F., A.M., D.P., M.P.R., C.M.R., V.S-M., G.M.S., P.S., M.S., K.S., A.V., F.W., H.W., A.W., M.Z., S.B., A.N., J-J. H. analysed all archaeological data; S.T. and A.P. wrote the paper with the collaboration of all the co-authors." Correction to: I Scientific Reports i https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-01221-6, published online 25 November 2021 The original version of this Article contained errors in the author list where Marjolein D. Bosch was omitted from the author list, and Mikolaj Urbanowski was incorrectly listed as an author of the original Article, and has subsequently been removed. The original article can be found online at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-01221-6. [Extracted from the article]

The study determined the influence of changes in land use and land cover (LULC) on land surface temperature (LST) over a 33-year period based on a medium-sized European city (Poznań, Poland). The LST was estimated from Landsat 5, 8 and Terra (MOD11A2v6) satellites. The local estimation of climate patterns was based on the Local Climate Zones (LCZ) classification utilised with the methodology proposed by the World Urban Database and Access Portal Tools (WUDAPT). Moreover, the Copernicus' imperviousness density product (IMD) was used. Between 2006 and 2018 the area with IMD of 41–100% increased by 6.95 km2, 0–20% decreased by 7.03 km2. The contribution of built-up LCZs increased by 7.4% (19.21 km2) between 1988 and 2021 reaching 13% (34 km2) within open mid-rise LCZ. Due to urbanisation and reforestation, low plants LCZ shrunk by 12.7%. For every 10% increase in IMD, LST increases by up to 0.14 °C. Between 1988 and 2021 the LSTm in specific LCZs rose from 1.52 up to 2.97 °C. As per LST models LCZ change from natural to built-up led up to 1.19 °C LST rise. The increase of the LSTm was registered even when the LCZ remained unchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

eHealth tools usage is vital for health care systems and increased significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic, which aggravated mental health issues. This cross-sectional study explored whether sociodemographic characteristics and mental health indices (stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression) were linked to the behavioral intention to use eHealth tools and eHealth tools usage in a representative sample from Poland using a network approach. Measurements were conducted in March 2023 among 1000 participants with a mean age of 42.98 (18–87) years, with 51.50% women. The measures included the behavioral intention to use eHealth tools (BI) based on the UTUAT2; eHealth tool use frequency (use behavior) including ePrescription, eSick leave, eReferral, electronic medical documentation (EMD), Internet Patient Account (IKP), telephone consultation, video consultation, mobile health applications, and private and public health care use; and the PSS-4, GAD-2, and PHQ-2. Furthermore, sociodemographic factors (sex, age, children, relationship status, education, and employment) were included in the research model. Network analysis revealed that mental health indices were weakly related to eHealth tools use. Higher stress was positively linked with mobile health application use but negatively linked to video consultation use. Use of various eHealth tools was intercorrelated. Sociodemographic factors were differentially related to the use of the eight specific eHealth tools. Although mental health indices did not have strong associations in the eHealth tools use network, attention should be given to anxiety levels as the factor with the high expected influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statistics show that the inhabitants of Poland are producing increasingly more household waste. This article attempts to determine the current level of development of Poland in the field of waste management concerning other EU countries and partner countries; identify trends in the mass of generated, segregated, and mixed municipal waste; and obtain an idea of the attitude of the Polish population toward sorting waste at the source to bring the country to a higher level of waste management. The empirical base is statistical data published on the website of the EU Data Explorer and the Central Statistical Office. The ranking of countries was determined by the TOPSIS method using a synthetic indicator based on the selected diagnostic features. The significance of the obtained ranks was tested using the non-parametric Friedman test (p < 0.01). We established that Poland has been consistently ranked 16th-17th over the past 5 years. Unfortunately, thus far, no systematic approach has been found to raise citizens' awareness, which may be due to the lack of the necessary amount of data. Researchers recommend investigating the sensitivity of the relationship between the generation of alternative energy from waste and the authorities' action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase in which precipitation falls—rainfall, snowfall, or sleet—has a considerable impact on hydrology and surface runoff. However, many weather stations only provide information on the total amount of precipitation, at other stations series are short or incomplete. To address this issue, data from 40 meteorological stations in Poland spanning the years 1966–2020 were utilized in this study to classify precipitation. Three methods were used to differentiate between rainfall and snowfall: machine learning (i.e., Random Forest), daily mean threshold air temperature, and daily wet bulb threshold temperature. The key findings of this study are: (i) the Random Forest (RF) method demonstrated the highest accuracy in rainfall/snowfall classification among the used approaches, which spanned from 0.90 to 1.00 across all stations and months; (ii) the classification accuracy provided by the mean wet bulb temperature and daily mean threshold air temperature approaches were quite similar, which spanned from 0.86 to 1.00 across all stations and months; (iii) Values of optimized mean threshold temperature and optimized wet bulb threshold temperature were determined for each of the 40 meteorological stations; (iv) the inclusion of water vapor pressure has a noteworthy impact on the RF classification model, and the removal of mean wet bulb temperature from the input data set leads to an improvement in the classification accuracy of the RF model. Future research should be conducted to explore the variations in the effectiveness of precipitation classification for each station. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A steady increase in shooting practices is observed worldwide. Potential lead exposure at shooting ranges poses a risk to their employees and users, which is not widely reported outside of the USA, especially in Poland. Exposure to lead results from the use of bullets containing lead and the main route of exposure to this metal at shooting ranges is inhalation, i.e., during shooting or cleaning. The aim of this study was to assess lead exposure of employees and users in selected indoor shooting ranges in central Poland. Airborne lead concentrations at all locations in the shooting ranges were above Polish occupational exposure limit (OEL, 0.05 mg m−3). Elevated blood and urine lead levels, and decreased 4-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity (ALA-D) were found in subjects participating in shooting even for only a few (< 10) hours per week. Lead exposure at shooting ranges in central Poland, as indicated by elevated blood lead levels and decreased ALA-D activity, could represent an elevated risk for adverse health effects. Thus, information on the possible health consequences of lead exposure should be provided at these sites, and biomonitoring appears to be reasonable for regular workers and shooters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the recent return of large carnivores to forest ecosystems, an important issue for forest owners and managers is how large predators influence the behaviour of their natural prey and, consequently, cervid browsing pressure on forest regeneration. To investigate this issue, we analysed deer pressure on Scots pine and European beech plantations in northern Poland's ecosystems with and without permanent wolf populations. Two characteristics were used to describe deer browsing patterns in plantations: distance from the forest edge (spatial pattern of browsing) and number of saplings browsed (browsing intensity). Beech saplings were more intensively browsed by deer compared to pine saplings. In a forest ecosystem not inhabited by wolves, spatial variation in browsing patterns on small-sized beech plantations was the same between the edge and the center. In contrast, browsing pressure by deer was greater at the edges on large-sized pine plantations. The presence of wolves reduced deer browsing on beech and increased browsing on pine saplings. In addition, deer foraging behaviour changed in large-sized pine plantations, and browsing pressure increased only in the central areas of the plantations. We assume that the presence of wolves in a forest landscape is an important factor that alters browsing pressure on the youngest stands and their spatial pattern, and that this may be a major factor in stand regeneration, especially in small forest patches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to accumulate metals in organs and tissues leads to disturbances in the physiological functioning of the body, causing oxidative stress. This negatively affects the functioning of the placenta and may result in miscarriages, premature birth and fetal growth disorders. The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the levels of selected heavy metals in umbilical cord blood and anthropometric parameters of mothers and the newborns. Content of elements in umbilical cord blood has been assessed by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The study results were collected and statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics software (PS IMAGO). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to test for associations between selected variables. Regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of anthropometric parameters of studied women and newborns. The study group consisted of women aged 19–41, whose pregnancy was uncomplicated and were not exposed to heavy metals due to their work or smoking. The following metals were identified in all collected cord blood samples: lead (26.25 ± 9.32 µg/L), zinc (2025.24 ± 717.83 µg/L), copper (749.85 ± 203.86 µg/L), manganese (32.55 ± 13.58 µg/L), chromium (8.34 ± 2.16 µg/L) and selenium (158.46 ± 41.58 µg/L). The conducted statistical analysis indicated the relationship between the copper content in the umbilical cord blood and the weight gain of pregnant women. A significant relationship was observed between newborn head circumference and chromium content. In addition, significant positive correlations were found between the content of zinc and copper, manganese and lead, manganese and selenium, lead and selenium, and lead and chromium in umbilical cord blood. The ratio of zinc to copper concentrations was related to neonatal head circumference. Weight gain in pregnant women is positively correlated with the copper level in umbilical cord blood. There is an association between head circumference at birth and the chromium concentration in umbilical cord blood. Copper and zinc levels in umbilical cord blood are positively correlated with head circumference at birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Struvite is regarded as a promising phosphorus fertilizer alternative to mineral fertilizers; however before fertilizing, soil tests should be undertaken to determine fertilizer recommendations. In May 2022, soil was sampled from a pot experiment with the application of phosphorus set up at the Wroclaw University and Environmental and Life Sciences. Chemical analysis of the soil included total and available phosphorus, potassium, magnesium determined by the Egner–Riehm, Mehlich 3 and Yanai methods. The purpose of the article is to compare soil element extraction by three different methods under struvite fertilization and its use in soybean cultivation. The application of these methods indicated an unambiguous increase in soil Mg content after struvite application. Broadcast soybean fertilization affected the phosphorus content of the soil. The results of the study indicated that different extraction methods presented different contents of P from soil. The content of available phosphorus was circa 122–156 mg kg−1 dm, 35.4–67.5 mg kg−1 dm and 100–159 mg kg−1 dm according to the Mehlich, Yanai and Egner–Riehm methods, respectively. A positive correlation was found between the content of Mg and K in soil determined by the Mehlich 3 and Yanai methods, which may suggest that the Yanai method could be introduced into standard soil chemical analysis in Poland. Such a correlation was not found for phosphorus, which is a difficult element to determine due to the multitude of factors affecting its availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining the natural range of Acer pseudoplatanus and the future directions of its spread is not clear. Modern technological achievements, including tools related to remote sensing, provide new opportunities to assess the degree of spread and adaptation of species to a changing climate. The aim of the work was to demonstrate the possibility of using NDVI to assess the habitat conditions of sycamore in Poland and the possibility of its natural expansion. The data analysis was divided into 2 parts. The first covered the characteristics of all sycamore stands occurring in Poland. In the second part, the analysis of sycamore stands using NDVI was made. The results of the study show that the highest average NDVI values are found in sycamore stands in the northern part of Poland, which has so far been considered less favorable for sycamore. This may suggest the potential for an increase in the share of sycamore towards the north. The results also confirm the forecasts given in the literature regarding the spread of sycamore towards Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The results also point to Denmark and the western part of the British Isles as potentially favorable habitats for sycamore. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replacing chemical fertilizers with non-toxic waste that meet all fertilizing purposes, including ash from plant biomass and their management is becoming the important goal of sustainable agriculture concerning energy plants production in a closed system. This study aims to explore a novel strategy for utilizing natural sorghum ash together with digestate and ecological compounds, to replace synthetic fertilizers, for the energy plant development improvement and thus reduction of the environment pollution. Sorghum, as an energy plant, cultivated in low quality sandy and podzolic soils, in Central and North Poland climate, was fertilized with different doses of YaraMila Complex, a synthetic fertilizer (0, 150, 300 kg ha−1 Each dose was supplemented with different amounts of sorghum ash (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 t ha−1), used alone or with addition of APOL-HUMUS (soil improver; 10 L ha−1), biogas plant digestate (30 m3 ha−1) and Stymjod (nano-organic leaf fertilizer; 5 L ha−1). Added to each YaraMila Complex dose, the applied ash amounts (optimally 2–4 t ha−1), increased growth of plants, crop biomass, index of chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, content of intercellular CO2, activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase, RNase and dehydrogenase and energy properties. Sorghum ash used with the lesser YaraMila Complex doses of 0 or 150 kg ha−1 caused the enhanced growth of plants more than the doubled YaraMila Complex amounts applied alone (150 or 300 kg ha−1, correspondingly). Additionally, applied biogas plant digestate, APOL-HUMUS and Stymjod further increased the plant growth. This indicates that the application of natural sorghum ash accelerates energy plant development, can reduce by half the recommended synthetic fertilizer doses on poor and marginal soil and enables the cultivation of sorghum in a closed production cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subjects with Asperger's syndrome without intellectual disabilities have significant difficulties in establishing social relationships despite their IQ being within the normal range. One of the effects of social deficit is depression. The question arises whether loneliness and dimensions of meaning in life correlate with the severity of depression and whether the average severity of depression, loneliness and dimensions of meaning in life differentiate the following groups: people with Asperger's syndrome and depression, people with Asperger's syndrome without depression, people with depression without Asperger's syndrome and healthy subjects. The study was conducted on a total of 170 people, including: 43 people with Asperger's syndrome and depression, 41 people with Asperger's syndrome without depression, 40 people with depression without Asperger's syndrome and 46 healthy people (without Asperger's syndrome and without depression). All were administered a demographic survey, Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale, Life Attitude Profile-Revised. Asperger's syndrome and depressive episodes were diagnosed on the basis of ICD-10 research criteria still applicable in Poland. In the group with Asperger's syndrome and depression the highest levels of loneliness and the lowest values of the dimensions of the sense of meaning in life, except for the acceptance of death, were observed. This result was significantly different from the results obtained in the other study groups. Both in people with Asperger's syndrome without depression and in people with depression without Asperger's syndrome, the values of the dimensions of the sense of meaning in life and the level of loneliness differ significantly from the results obtained in the control group. The BDI-II scores correlated positively with the loneliness values and negatively with the sense of meaning in life values in all groups. The results indicate that both suffering from depression and having Asperger's syndrome are associated with an increased sense of loneliness and a reduced sense of meaning in life. People with Asperger's syndrome and depression have the highest values of loneliness and the lowest values of dimensions of the sense of meaning of life compared to the other groups studied. The limitation of the work is the deliberate selection of groups, because it would be interesting to answer the question whether Asperger's syndrome is a risk factor for depression in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes the Structured Multi-criteria Model of Self-Managed Motivation in Organizations based on happiness at work. Employees need to be motivated in order to be efficient at doing a particular task at the workplace. As young people born between 1995 and 2004, called Generation Z, enter the labour market, it is essential to consider how employees' motivation might be affected. In the article a quantitative approach was used to collect new data from 200 Polish respondents completing an online survey. The research was conducted before and during the pandemic time. We report and analyze the survey results conducted in Poland among the representatives of Generation Z, who had been employed for at least 6 months. We developed and validated a new approach to motivation using methodologies called Factor Analysis. Based on empirical verification, we found a new tool that connects employee motivation and selected areas of the Hygge concept called Hygge Star Model, which has the same semantics before and during Covid-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the main objectives of a circular economy, Lemnaceae plants have great potential for different types of techniques to valorize their biomass for use in biofuel production. For this reason, scientific interest in this group of plants has increased in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of salt stress on the growth and development of S. polyrrhiza and the valorization of biomass for biofuel and energy production in a circular economy. Plants were grown in a variety of culture media, including standard 'Z' medium, tap water, 1% digestate from a biogas plant in Piaszczyna (54° 01′ 21″ N, 17° 10′ 19″ E), Poland) and supplemented with different concentrations of NaCl (from 25 to 100 mM). Plants were cultured under phytotron conditions at 24 °C. After 10 days of culture, plant growth, fresh and dry biomass, as well as physio-chemical parameters such as chlorophyll content index, gas exchange parameters (net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO2 concentration), chlorophyll fluorescence measurements were analyzed. After 10 days of the experiment, the percentage starch content of Spirodela shoot segments was determined. S. polyrrhiza was shown to have a high starch storage capacity under certain unfavorable growth conditions, such as salt stress and nutrient deficiency. In the W2 (50 mM NaCl) series, compared to the control (Control2), starch levels were 76% higher in shoots and 30% lower in roots. The analysis of the individual growth and development parameters of S. polyrrhiza plants in the experiment carried out indicates new possibilities for the use of this group of plants in biofuel and bioethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationships between the species that form the networks in small dystrophic lakes remain poorly recognised. To investigate and better understand the functioning of beetle communities in different ecosystems, we created three network models that we subjected to graph network analysis. This approach displays correlation–based networks of connections (edges) between objects (nodes) by evaluating the features of the whole network and the attributes of nodes and edges in the context of their roles, expressed by centrality metrics. We used this method to determine the importance of specific species in the networks and the interspecific relationships. Our analyses are based on faunal material collected from 25 dystrophic lakes in three regions of northern Poland. We found a total of 104 species representing different ecological elements and functional trophic groups. We have shown that the network of relationships between the biomass of species differs considerably in the three study regions. The Kashubian Lakeland had the highest cohesion and density, while the network in the Suwalki Lakeland was the thinnest and most heterogeneous, which might be related to the fractal structure and the degree of development of the studied lakes. Small–bodied predators that congregated in different clusters with species with similar ecological preferences dominated all networks. We found the highest correlations in the Masurian Lakeland, where we obtained the highest centralisation of the network. Small tyrphophiles typically occupied the central places in the network, while the periphery of the network consisted of clusters with different habitat preferences, including large predators. The species that were most important for network cohesion and density were mainly tyrphophilous species, such as Anacaena lutescens, Hygrotus decoratus, Enochrus melanocephalus and Hydroporus neglectus. The values of attributes determining the role of species in community networks were influenced by both biotic and environmental factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to adapt the Multisource Assessment of Social Competence Scale for the Polish population. The population examined in the study included only Polish participants of European (Caucasian) ancestry. The tool is composed of two scales, Prosocial and Antisocial, and four subscales. For the purpose of adaptation, children's social competence was evaluated based on their own and their parents' perspective. The sample consisted of children aged 9–15 (n = 253) and their parents (n = 248), with boys and girls accounting for 43% (n = 109) and 57% (n = 144) of child participants, respectively. All the participants originated from the western-central Greater Poland Voivodeship. The data analyzed in this study were collected in 2019. Internal consistency of the subscales and correlation between them were measured using Cronbach's Alpha reliability coefficient and Spearman's correlation coefficient, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for both groups (children and parents) in two-, three- and four-factor models. The confirmatory factor analysis for both groups (children and parents) attributed the four-factor model with the highest goodness-of-fit, fulfilling the criteria of a good-fitting model. The results show that the Multisource Assessment of Children's Social Competence Scale is an appropriately adapted tool for the evaluation of the social competence of children in Poland, taking different rater perspectives into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nests of Lindenius pygmaeus armatus were examined in northern Poland in Kowalewo Pomorskie and Sierakowo. Adults were encountered from late May to late July. The nests were built in sandy areas and wasteland. Seven nests were observed, of which two were dug up and their structure was examined. The channel was approximately 2.5 mm in diameter and 8–10 cm in the length. The material removed during digging was placed near the nest entrance. The main burrow led to 3–5 cells. The cocoons were approximately 5–7 mm long and 2.5–3.5 mm wide. Females of L. p. armatus provided their nest cells with chalcid wasps averaging 14 prey items per cell. Parasitoids Myrmosa atra and kleptoparasites Senotainia conica were observed entering the burrows. Both females and males of L. p. armatus were detected on the flowers of Achillea millefolium, Peucedanum oreoselinum, Daucus carota, and Tanacetum vulgare. The article also includes phylogenetic relationships of Western Palearctic Lindenius species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most crucial determinants of early-life development is the experience of childhood adversities. However, limited evidence is available for how these experiences shape later-life reproductive outcomes in women. Here we test the association between early-life adversities and reproductive parameters in women. Post-reproductive women (N = 105; mean age = 59.7; SD = 10.09) were recruited at the Mogielica Human Ecology Study Site in Poland within a traditional population with a low prevalence of birth control usage and fully traced reproductive histories. Reproductive parameters, as well as exposure to early-life abuse and neglect, were assessed using questionnaires. Childhood adversity was associated negatively with age at menarche (p = 0.009). Analyses on specific subtypes revealed that compared to women who did not experience any kind of early-life adversities in childhood, those who were exposed to emotional (p = 0.007) and physical (p = 0.023) neglect had an earlier age at menarche, those who experienced emotional abuse reported an earlier age at first birth (p = 0.035), and those who were exposed to physical abuse gave birth to fewer number of sons (p = 0.010). Our results suggest that women exposed to childhood adversities experience earlier physiological reproductive readiness and timing of the first birth, but their overall biological condition might be impaired as they bear fewer sons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Randomly selected 1,611 individuals aged 18 years formed a nationally representative sample from all provinces of Poland. Developmental defects of the enamel (DDE) and caries were assessed using the modified DDE index, molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) Treatment Need Index (MIH-TNI), FDI and WHO criteria by 22 trained and calibrated dentists. T-test was used for comparing group means. A simple and multiple logistic regression tests were used to assess the relationship between DDE and caries severity expressed as DMFT (p < 0.05). The prevalence of DDE was 13.7%. Demarcated opacities (DEO) were the most frequent (9.65%); 4% had diffuse opacities (DIO) and 1.5% had hypoplasia. MIH was diagnosed in 0.6% patients. The prevalence of caries was 93.2%, with mean DMFT of 6.50 ± 4.22. The DMFT value was 7.52 ± 4.77 in the group of patients with demarcated opacities (DEO); 7.85 ± 4.74 with diffuse opacities (DIO) and 7.56 ± 4.57 with enamel hypoplasia, respectively. There was a significant relationship between caries severity and DDE (p < 0.001), DEO (p = 0.001) and DIO (p = 0.038), and between DDE and DMFT index (p < 0.001). The results obtained in the study proved the significant relationship between DDE and DMFT in 18-year-olds, the assessment of which was the aim of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus serotina Ehrh. is an alien invasive neophyte widespread in European forests. So far, no effective methods of its elimination have been developed. For this reason, the aim of our study was to determine how herbicides affect the morphological characteristics of pollen grains. This knowledge may be crucial to control this invasive species. The current study was carried out in a research area of 2.7 ha located in the Zielonka Forest near Poznań, Poland (N 52°31′58.016″, E 17°05′55.588″). We tested morphological differences among ten features of P. serotina pollen, based on the samples collected from 15 control trees compared to the 50 trees treated with five different herbicides. In total 1950 pollen grains were measured. We confirmed the adopted hypotheses of long-term herbicide influence on P. serotina pollen. Pollen grains from the control trees had a longer equatorial axis, were more elongated in shape and had the largest range of exine thickness compared to the pollen from the herbicide-treated samples. Exine thickness in the control sample was on average 0.74 µm, ranging from 0.42 to 1.19 µm. The average values and the ranges of this trait in the samples treated with herbicides were larger (e.g. average exine thickness was from 0.90 to 0.95 µm). There were differences in the P/E ranges of variability between the control and herbicide-treated samples. In the control sample the P/E ratio was 1.32–2.04 and elongated forms of pollen shapes prevailed, while in the herbicide-treated samples it ranged from 1.03 to 1.47. The share of deformed pollen grains in the herbicide-treated samples was lower than expected, ranging from 8.7 to 25.3%, while in the control samples it was 6%. Logo and Mustang turned out to be the most effective among the herbicides used in the described research. The two used application methods were found to have an effect on pollen quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European bison is a species for which health monitoring is essential in conservation activities. So far, little research has been carried out on the concentration of elements in this species. Most previous studies did not associate the concentration of elements with susceptibility to diseases. In this study we investigate the relationship between comorbidities in European bison and concentrations of a wide spectrum of elements in the liver. Samples were collected during the monitoring of the European bison population in Bieszczady (southeast Poland) over the 2020–2022 period. Each individual was also visually inspected by a veterinarian in the field for the presence of lesions as a part of a post-mortem examination. The animals were divided into 3 groups: group A—one type of clinical sign; group B—two types of clinical signs; group C—three or more types of clinical signs. The ICP-OES method was applied to assess the concentration of 40 elements in livers. Discriminant analysis showed clear differences between the mineral status of individuals in the groups with one, two, and at least three types of clinical signs. Detailed analysis of selected elements showed that, in the case of eight elements, there was a relationship with age, sex, or comorbidities. Cu, Se, and Zn showed significant differences in relation to comorbidities, but only Cu concentration was lower when the frequency of lesions was higher. We concluded that in research on the mineral status of the population, apart from the availability of trace elements in the environment, the health condition of the studied individuals should also be considered. However, inferring the mineral status of the population on the basis of randomly obtained samples from dead individuals may give an incomplete view of the population, especially in the case of species susceptible to diseases, such as European bison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ukraine has been embroiled in an increasing war since February 2022. In addition to Ukrainians, the Russo-Ukraine war has affected Poles due to the refugee crisis and the Taiwanese, who are facing a potential crisis with China. We examined the mental health status and associated factors in Ukraine, Poland, and Taiwan. The data will be used for future reference as the war is still ongoing. From March 8 to April 26, 2022, we conducted an online survey using snowball sampling techniques in Ukraine, Poland, and Taiwan. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress (DASS)-21 item scale; post-traumatic stress symptoms by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and coping strategies by the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief-COPE). We used multivariate linear regression to identify factors significantly associated with DASS-21 and IES-R scores. There were 1626 participants (Poland: 1053; Ukraine: 385; Taiwan: 188) in this study. Ukrainian participants reported significantly higher DASS-21 (p < 0.001) and IES-R (p < 0.01) scores than Poles and Taiwanese. Although Taiwanese participants were not directly involved in the war, their mean IES-R scores (40.37 ± 16.86) were only slightly lower than Ukrainian participants (41.36 ± 14.94). Taiwanese reported significantly higher avoidance scores (1.60 ± 0.47) than the Polish (0.87 ± 0.53) and Ukrainian (0.91 ± 0.5) participants (p < 0.001). More than half of the Taiwanese (54.3%) and Polish (80.3%) participants were distressed by the war scenes in the media. More than half (52.5%) of the Ukrainian participants would not seek psychological help despite a significantly higher prevalence of psychological distress. Multivariate linear regression analyses found that female gender, Ukrainian and Polish citizenship, household size, self-rating health status, past psychiatric history, and avoidance coping were significantly associated with higher DASS-21 and IES-R scores after adjustment of other variables (p < 0.05). We have identified mental health sequelae in Ukrainian, Poles, and Taiwanese with the ongoing Russo-Ukraine war. Risk factors associated with developing depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress symptoms include female gender, self-rating health status, past psychiatric history, and avoidance coping. Early resolution of the conflict, online mental health interventions, delivery of psychotropic medications, and distraction techniques may help to improve the mental health of people who stay inside and outside Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-infections with Dirofilaria repens and Babesia canis are rarely reported in the literature and there is very limited knowledge of their impact on canine health. Central Poland is endemic for both parasites, posing a risk of co-infections in dogs. To evaluate the impact of co-infection with B. canis and D. repens on canine health, four groups of dogs were examined: healthy dogs, dogs infected with B. canis, dogs infected with D. repens and dogs co-infected with both species. Blood parameters indicative of anaemia, kidney and liver damage were analysed statistically. Additionally, expression levels of immune response genes were quantified and compared, to define the type of immune response typically encountered in single- and co-infections. In dogs infected with D. repens, no major alterations in blood parameters were observed. Dogs infected with B. canis suffered from anaemia, kidney and liver insufficiency. In contrast, dogs co-infected with D. repens and B. canis showed milder alternation in blood biochemical parameters associated with liver (ALP activity) and kidney (serum urea and creatinine levels) dysfunction, compared to dogs infected only with B. canis. The expression of genes associated with cellular (Th1-mediated) (STAT4 and INF-γ), humoral (Th2-mediated) (STAT6, GATA3, SOCS3, IL-13) and regulatory (IL-10) responses was quantified. For this analysis, dogs infected with B. canis were divided into two groups—'Babesia 1' (mild babesiosis), 'Babesia 2' (severe babesiosis). All the tested factors, except INF-γ, were found to be expressed in dogs infected with D. repens. In 'Babesia 1' dogs, expression of GATA3 was highest, while in 'Babesia 2'—INF-γ and SOCS3 dominated. IL-13 expression was predominant in dogs infected with D. repens, and STAT6 and IL-10 predominated in dogs with co-infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small mammals are suspected of contributing to the dissemination of Toxocara canis and helping with the parasite survival during periods when there is a temporary absence of suitable definitive hosts. While the primary aim of the current study was the assessment of seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infections in wild rodents in Poland, we also explored the role of intrinsic (sex, age) and extrinsic factors (study site) influencing dynamics of this infection to ascertain whether grassland versus forest rodents play a greater role as indicators of environmental contamination with T. canis. We trapped 577 rodents belonging to four species (Myodes glareolus, Microtus arvalis, Microtus agrestis, Alexandromys oeconomus) in north-eastern Poland. Blood was collected during the parasitological examination, and serum was frozen at − 80 °C until further analyses. A bespoke enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect antibodies against Toxocara spp. We found Toxocara spp. antibodies in the sera of all four rodent species with an overall seroprevalence of 2.8% [1.9–4.1%]. There was a significant difference in seroprevalence between vole species, with the grassland species (M. arvalis, M. agrestis and A. oeconomus) showing a 16-fold higher seroprevalence (15.7% [8.7–25.9%]) than the forest-dwelling M. glareolus (0.98% [0.5–1.8%]). We hypothesise that the seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. differs between forest and grassland rodents because of the higher contamination of grasslands by domestic dogs and wild canids. Our results underline the need for wide biomonitoring of both types of ecosystems to assess the role of rodents as indicators of environmental contamination with zoonotic pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Limited mobility and restrictions in social life caused by the COVID-19 pandemic changed people's recreational behavior and made them seek more contact with nature. As a result, the provision of new recreational spaces in the vicinity of cities gained importance. In conditions of social distancing, rural and suburban areas can be an attractive alternative to individual short-term tourism, satisfying the need for recreation and mental and physical health restoration of urban residents. In the study a methodology for assessing the tourist and recreational potential of the area (METPRET) concerning the recreational behaviors identified in the pandemic was proposed. It includes the Recreational Potential Index (RPI), which comprises four criteria: landscape values and socio-economic conditions; environmental protection; air quality; transportation accessibility. The application of the methodology is exemplified in the Mazovia Voivodeship, Poland. The research allows the determination of characteristics that potential recreation areas should have under pandemic conditions. The RPI makes it possible to select new rural and suburban areas attractive for short-term tourism. Designating additional recreational areas may contribute to the dispersion of users in existing green areas in cities, which is particularly important during a pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mountain regions in Poland are among the most frequently visited tourist destinations, causing a significant anthropogenic pressure put on the local rivers. In this study, based on numbers of 9 microorganisms, content of 17 antibiotics and 17 physicochemical parameters, we determined a pollution gradient in six sites along Białka, a typical mountain river in southern Poland. The E.coli/Staphylococcus ratio varied evidently between polluted and non-polluted sites, indicating that the possible utility of this parameter in assessing the anthropogenic impact on river ecosystems is worth further investigation. Then, using next generation sequencing, we assessed the changes in bacterial community structure and diversity as a response to the pollution gradient. Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant phyla in the majority of samples. Actinobacteria were the most abundant in the most pristine (groundwater) sample, while Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia were more prevalent in polluted sites. Bacterial diversity at various levels increased with water pollution. Eleven bacterial genera potentially containing pathogenic species were detected in the examined samples, among which Acinetobacter, Rhodococcus, and Mycobacterium were the most frequent. At the species level, Acinetobacter johnsonii was most prevalent potential pathogen, detected in all surface water samples, including the pristine ones. Two bacterial taxa—genus Flectobacillus and order Clostridiales showed very distinct variation in the relative abundance between the polluted and non-polluted sites, indicating their possible potential as biomarkers of anthropogenic impact on mountain river waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large carnivores not only supress mesocarnivores via killing and instilling fear, but also facilitate them through carrion provisioning. Hence, mesocarnivores frequently face a trade-off between risk avoidance and food acquisition. Here we used the raccoon dog and red fox in Białowieża Forest, Poland as models for investigating how large carnivores shape mesocarnivore foraging behaviour in an area with widespread large carnivore carrion provisioning. Using a giving up density experiment we quantified mesocarnivore foraging responses to wolf body odour across a landscape-scale gradient in wolf encounter rates. At locations with higher wolf encounter rates, raccoon dogs depleted feeding trays more than at plots with lower wolf encounter rates. Simulating wolf presence by adding wolf body odour caused raccoon dogs to deplete feeding trays more at locations with low wolf encounter rates, but less at locations with high wolf encounter rates. Fox foraging costs did not vary with the application of wolf body odour or wolf encounter rates. The frequency that the mesocarnivores visited experimental foraging patches was unaffected by wolf body odour or landscape level encounter rates. These results provide further evidence that large carnivore suppression can play a subordinate role to facilitation in determining mesocarnivore behaviour. The varying raccoon dog response to wolf odour across the landscape-scale gradient in wolf encounter rates shows how mesocarnivore-large carnivore interactions can be context-dependent. We suggest that rather than testing the effects of single risk cues on prey behaviour, future studies should focus on understanding how context modifies the ecological impacts of large carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peopling of Central Europe by Middle Pleistocene hominids is highly debatable, mainly due to the relatively harsh climatic and environmental conditions that require cultural and anatomical adjustments. At least several archaeological sites certify human occupation in the region dated back to MIS 13-11, but they represent open-air settlements. Based on the new fieldwork conducted in Tunel Wielki Cave, we can date the human occupation traces in the cave to MIS 14-12. Bipolar-on-anvil knapping technique prevails in the lithic assemblage, made exclusively in flint. The obtained results have given ground for studying the frontiers of human oikumene and the required cultural adaptive abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focuses on the propagation of a rare and endangered plant species (Pulsatilla patens) to re-introduce an extinct population from calamine area in Southern Poland. The plants were propagated from seeds, rhizome cuttings, or regenerated in vitro from shoot tips, hypocotyls with roots or cotyledons of seedlings on Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.25 or 0.50 mg L−1 BAP (Benzylaminopurine) via direct and indirect organogenesis or somatic embryogenesis (SE). The most efficient micropropagation method was with shoot tips as an explant on MS + 0.25 mg L−1 BAP where 97% of the explants produced multiple shoots, mass SE was observed after transfer on ½ MS with 2% saccharose; 267 (35%) shoots rooted on ½ MS + 2% saccharose were acclimatized to ex vitro conditions. Flow cytometry revealed genome size stability of propagated plantlets. Low genetic differentiation between micropropagated plantlets and initial material was indicated by ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) markers. Totally, 132 vigorous plantlets obtained on various pathways were introduced to the field plots in 2020; 30.33% survived the winter, and several reached the generative stage and flowered in the spring 2021. In next season (March/April 2022) the number of introduced plants decreased to 25% while the number of flowering and fruiting shoots in different clumps increased in some plots. This is the first report of successful re-introduction of the endangered P. patens based on micropropagation, rhizome cuttings, and seed germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]