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Herbicides are the most widely used agrochemicals in crop protection, which has led to serious environmental pollution around the world, including soil ecosystems. It is important to look for new solutions that lead to an improvement in soil quality, even if only through the use of hydrogels. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the effect of sodium alginate on the microbiological and biochemical properties of sulcotrione-treated soil. It was found that both the herbicide and the sodium alginate had a significant effect on the soil environment. An amount of 10 g kg−1 of sodium alginate was applied to the soil, while sulcotrione was applied to the soil in the following amounts: 0.00 (C), 0.200 (R), 0.999 (5R), and 9.999 mg kg−1 (50R). Sulcotrione stimulated the activity of dehydrogenases, catalase, arylsulfatase, and β-glucosidase and inhibited the activities of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and urease as well as the proliferation of organotrophic bacteria, actinobacteria, and fungi. This caused an increase in the colony development index (CD) of organotrophic bacteria and fungi and decreased the colony development index value of actinobacteria. It also increased the value of the ecophysiological diversity index (EP) of fungi. The addition of sodium alginate to the soil increased the numbers of organotrophic bacteria, actinobacteria, and fungi as well as the activities of dehydrogenases, catalase, urease, alkaline phosphatase, and arylsulfatase. The hydrogel had different effects on β-glucosidase activity. Acid phosphatase showed a significant decrease in activity after the addition of sodium alginate to the soil. Under the influence of sodium alginate, there was an increase in the index of colony development of actinobacteria and fungi, while there were decreases in organotrophic bacteria and the index of ecophysiological diversity of actinobacteria and fungi. The proliferation of microorganisms and the enzymatic activity of the soil changed over time both in soil enriched with sodium alginate and without its addition. This study may be useful for evaluating the effects of sulcotrione on the microbiological and biochemical properties of soil and the effectiveness of sodium alginate in improving the quality of soil exposed to sulcotrione.

Background. Heterotopic pancreas is defined as pancreatic tissue located outside the pancreatic parenchyma that lacks an anatomic or vascular connection to the normal pancreas. Symptomatic gastric heterotopic pancreas is a rare condition that can manifest as acute or chronic pancreatitis. Asymptomatic heterotopic pancreas does not require treatment, while symptomatic lesions should be resected. The modality of final resection of heterotopic pancreas depends on its size and the depth of gastric wall involvement. Methods and Results. A 36-year-old woman was admitted for recurrent epigastralgia. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that an abscess had formed in the gastric antrum. After multidisciplinary discussion we decided for conservative treatment with intravenous antibiotics and further detailed endoscopic diagnostic. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a submucosal mass with a central fistula and intermittent pus secretion in the prepyloric region of the gastric antrum, which was subsequently drained with a double pigtail stent under endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and fluoroscopy. The possibility of pancreatic fluid collection in the case of heterotopic pancreas was suggested during the EUS examination, and histology subsequently confirmed heterotopic pancreatic tissue. The patient was in good condition and without any abdominal pain. According to a control CT scan after 10 weeks, the fluid collection was completely resolved. Due to the possible recurrence of pancreatitis, resection of heterotopic pancreas was proposed to the patient. Since the lesion involved the muscularis propria of the gastric wall, surgical resection of the mass was indicated. Conclusion. Fluid collections after acute pancreatitis in heterotopic pancreas in the gastric antrum can be successfully managed by endoscopy.

Background and Aims. Colonoscopy with polypectomy are associated with a reduction in the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as mortality, secondary to CRC. Because of the variation in physicians' performance and the risk of interval CRC after a colonoscopy, several quality indicators have been established. ADR (adenoma detection rate) is a generally accepted quality indicator. But it is also a target of possible gaming and achieving an adequate number of colonoscopies only from screening may be a problem for some practices. The aim of this study was to compare ADR for colonoscopies done for various indications and to look for correlations between the ADR of screening and all examinations. Methods. We retrospectively assessed the quality indicators of all colonoscopies performed in a nonuniversity hospital, Frydek-Mistek, from January 2013 to December 2017. We calculated the ADR for all colonoscopies in patients over 50 years of age (subdivided into screening, surveillance, diagnostic) and separately only for screening colonoscopies. Correlations were made using the Pearson's correlation coeficient. Results. The sample was composed of 6925 patients over 50 years of age (3620 men, 3305 women, mean age 66.2 years). The ADRs for screening and surveillance were higher than for diagnostic colonoscopies for all of the endoscopists, and the ADRs for all colonoscopies were lower than for screening, but sufficiently over 25%. There was a positive correlation between the ADR of screening and all colonoscopies (r=0.906, P

Aims. The primary objective of the registry was to assess the impact of riociguat on clinical parameters and quality of life in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) that was inoperable or persistent/recurrent after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA). In contrast to randomized pivotal trials, this non-interventional registry evaluated the effectiveness and safety of riociguat in a real-world setting. Methods. Retrospective data were collected from patients' charts as recorded in routine clinical practice from the initiation of riociguat therapy up to approximately 5 months and 1 year after this initiation. Results. In total, 51 patients from a single site were enrolled. After 5 months (mean duration) of riociguat treatment, the following improvements from baseline were observed: change of distance in the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) (P=0.066); change of score from the quality of life questionnaire (EQ5D-5L) (P=0.020), and overall self-assessment of health status (P=0.001). New York Heart Association (NYHA) class improved in 24.3% of patients. After 11.2 months (mean duration) of riociguat treatment, the following improvements from baseline were observed: change of distance in the 6MWD test (P=0.006), and overall self-assessment of health status (P=0.009). NYHA class improved in 46.4% of patients. Riociguat was well tolerated. In total, 4 patients reported side effects, with hospitalization required in one case and 2 patients who had to discontinue the treatment. Annual survival rate was 89.1%. Conclusion. Riociguat improves functional NYHA class, distance in the 6MWD test and quality of life in a real-world patient population.

PurposePatients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) frequently suffer from supraventricular tachycardias (SVT). The main purpose of our study was to identify the cumulative incidence of SVT in patients with different etiologies of PH. The secondary objective was to analyse the clinical impact of SVT.MethodsWe retrospectively studied the prevalence of SVT and the clinical outcome in 755 patients (41% males; 60 ± 15 years; mean follow-up 3.8 ± 2.8 years) with PH of different etiologies. The prevalence of SVT was analysed separately in isolated pre-capillary PH (Ipc-PH) and in patients with combined post- and pre-capillary PH (Cpc-PH).ResultsThe prevalence of SVT in the Ipc-PH group (n = 641) was 25% (n = 162). The most prevalent arrhythmias were atrial fibrillation followed by a typical atrial flutter (17% and 4.4% of all Icp-PH patients). An excessive prevalence of SVT was found in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with congenital heart disease (35%, p = 0.01). Out of the overall study population, Cpc-PH was present in 114 (15%) patients. Patients with Cpc-PH manifested a higher prevalence of SVT than subjects with Ipc-PH (58; 51% vs. 162; 25%; p ConclusionsThe study detected a significant prevalence of SVT in the population of PH of different origins. Different spectrum and prevalence of arrhythmia might be expected in different etiologies of PH. Patients with an elevated post-capillary pressure showed a higher arrhythmia prevalence, predominantly due to an excessive number of atrial fibrillations. The diagnosis of SVT was not associated with mortality.

Soil contaminated with petroleum-derived products should be used to cultivate energy crops. One such crop is Zea mays. Therefore, a study was performed to determine the suitability of Zea mays biomass obtained from gasoline-contaminated soil for energy purposes. The analysis included determining the heat of combustion and calorific value of the biomass, as well as the content of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and ash in the biomass. Additionally, the suitability of vermiculite, dolomite, perlite, and agrobasalt for the phytostabilization of gasoline-contaminated soil was evaluated. It was found that the application of sorbents to gasoline-contaminated soil significantly reduced the severe negative effects of this petroleum product on the growth and development of Zea mays. Gasoline contamination of the soil caused a significant increase in ash, nitrogen, and sulfur, along with a decrease in carbon and oxygen content. However, it had no negative effect on the heat of combustion or calorific value of the biomass, although it did reduce the energy production from Zea mays biomass due to a reduction in yield. An important achievement of the study is the demonstration that all the applied sorbents have a positive effect on soil stabilization, which in turn enhances the amount of Zea mays biomass harvested and the energy produced from it. The best results were observed after the application of agrobasalt, dolomite, and vermiculite on gasoline-contaminated soil. Therefore, these sorbents can be recommended for the phytostabilization of gasoline-contaminated soil intended for the cultivation of energy crops.

As part of the multifaceted strategies developed to shape the common environmental policy, considerable attention is now being paid to assessing the degree of environmental degradation in soil under xenobiotic pressure. Bisphenol A (BPA) has only been marginally investigated in this ecosystem context. Therefore, research was carried out to determine the biochemical properties of soils contaminated with BPA at two levels of contamination: 500 mg and 1000 mg BPA kg−1 d.m. of soil. Reliable biochemical indicators of soil changes, whose activity was determined in the pot experiment conducted, were used: dehydrogenases, catalase, urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and β-glucosidase. Using the definition of soil health as the ability to promote plant growth, the influence of BPA on the growth and development of Zea mays, a plant used for energy production, was also tested. As well as the biomass of aerial parts and roots, the leaf greenness index (SPAD) of Zea mays was also assessed. A key aspect of the research was to identify those of the six remediating substances—molecular sieve, zeolite, sepiolite, starch, grass compost, and fermented bark—whose use could become common practice in both environmental protection and agriculture. Exposure to BPA revealed the highest sensitivity of dehydrogenases, urease, and acid phosphatase and the lowest sensitivity of alkaline phosphatase and catalase to this phenolic compound. The enzyme response generated a reduction in the biochemical fertility index (BA21) of 64% (500 mg BPA) and 70% (1000 mg BPA kg−1 d.m. of soil). The toxicity of BPA led to a drastic reduction in root biomass and consequently in the aerial parts of Zea mays. Compost and molecular sieve proved to be the most effective in mitigating the negative effect of the xenobiotic on the parameters discussed. The results obtained are the first research step in the search for further substances with bioremediation potential against both soil and plants under BPA pressure.

Maize can easily adapt to changing weather conditions, has moderate soil requirements, and offers high green mass productivity. The goals of this study were to assess the possibility of using ash from Carpinus betulus aided by soil amendment with compost and HumiAgra in Zea mays cultivation and to determine the energy potential of maize. Wood ash had a relatively minimal effect on the combustion heat and calorific value of maize biomass. It increased the contents of C, H, S, N, O, and ash in the aerial parts of the maize. In addition, it positively affected the contents of organic carbon, total nitrogen, soil pH, sum of exchangeable base cations, total exchangeable capacity of soil, and degree of soil saturation with alkaline cations. In contrast, it strongly decreased the yield of maize, negatively affected the biochemical activity of the soil, and reduced the hydrolytic acidity of the soil. Soil amendment with compost and HumiAgra had positive effects on the heat of combustion; calorific value; the contents of C, H, S, N, O, and ash in the aerial parts of maize; and on the properties of the soil. In addition, they mitigated the adverse effects of wood ash on maize biomass and the enzymatic properties of the soil.

Ensuring a stable and cost-effective energy supply is a major challenge for the International Energy Agency (IEA). Additionally, the effectiveness of vermiculite and dolomite in mitigating the adverse effects of diesel oil, a petroleum-derived product, on plant growth and development, and on the biochemical activity of the soil, were assessed. Therefore, an attempt was made in the study to determine the energy properties of Zea mays, which is suitable for cultivation in contaminated areas. For these purposes, several parameters were analyzed in its biomass, including calorific value (Q), heating value (Hv), energy yield (Yep), ash content, and the presence of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), sulfur (S), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O). Biochemical activity was measured through the evaluation of soil enzymes serving as indicators for the carbon (dehydrogenases, catalase, β-glucosidase), nitrogen (urease), sulfur (arylsulfatase), and phosphorus (acid and alkaline phosphatase) cycles. The plant greenness index was also determined. It has been demonstrated that diesel oil does not alter the calorific value of Zea mays biomass but significantly reduces the biomass quantity and destabilizes the biochemical properties of the soil. Zea mays contained an average of 6.84% ash, 49.88% C, 5.65% H, 0.17% S, 2.90% N, and 34.57% O. The calorific value of Zea mays ranged from 15.02 to 15.54 MJ kg−1 d.m. of plants, and the heating value ranged from 18.25 to 19.21 MJ kg−1 d.m. of plants. The biomass obtained from contaminated soil is recommended for energy purposes. The sorbents used—vermiculite and dolomite—proved to be less effective in the remediation of soil contaminated with diesel oil.

The research focused on assessing the response of oxidoreductases (dehydrogenases and catalase) and hydrolases (urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and β-glucosidase) to diesel oil (DO) and gasoline (G) contamination of soils subjected to phytoremediation with Zea mays. The activity of enzymes constitutes one of the fundamental mechanisms for the removal of contaminants from soil, which have the potential to contaminate not only the soil but also groundwater and water reservoirs. Additionally, correlations between enzyme activity and the basic physicochemical properties of the soil were determined. The interaction of perlite and dolomite with soil enzymes and the cultivated plant was also tested. The study was carried out in a pot experiment, where soil contaminated with DO or G was artificially treated at doses of 0, 8 cm3, and 16 cm3 kg−1. Perlite and dolomite were applied for remediation at doses of 0 and 10 g kg−1 of soil. Zea mays was found to respond to the tested pollutant with a reduction in biomass. DO affected the growth of this plant more than G. DO reduced the yield of aerial parts by 86% and G by 74%. The negative effects of these pollutants on the growth and development of Zea mays were mitigated by both perlite and dolomite. DO exerted greater pressure than G on the activity of oxidoreductases and hydrolases, as well as on the physicochemical properties of the soil. DO enhanced the activity of oxidoreductases and most hydrolases, whereas G inhibited them. The implementation of dolomite intensified the activity of all enzymes, except AcP (acid phosphatase) and Glu (ß-glucosidase), in soil contaminated with DO and G, and also improved its physicochemical properties. Perlite induced less significant effects than dolomite on soil enzymes and the physicochemical properties of the soil.

The aim of this study was to assess how soil use and the cultivation of Triticum aestivum spp. vulgare L. (Sw), Triticum aestivum spp. spelta L. (Ww), Zea mays L. (M), and Brassica napus L. (Wr) impacts soil microbiota. This study consisted of a pot experiment over 120 days, until Vicia faba spp. minor seeds and pods reached the developmental stage of growth. This study showed that T. aestivum spp. vulgare L. grown in the soil sown with faba beans had a beneficial effect on the development of organotrophic bacteria, actinobacteria, and fungi. Regardless of the previous crop and soil cultivation method, r-strategists were found among the organotrophic bacteria and fungi, whereas K-strategists were found among the actinobacteria. All soils sown with faba beans were primarily colonized by bacteria belonging to the phylum Actinobacteriota (represented by the genus Cellulosimicrobium) and fungi belonging to the phylum Ascomycota. In the soil sown with field faba beans from the cultivation of Sw and Wr, the soil was dominated by Mortierella genus fungi; that of Ww was dominated by Cladosporium, and that of M was dominated by Alternaria. The results of this study provide new insights into the influence of previous crops and further cropping with faba bean on the quantitative and qualitative composition of the soil microbiota.

The subject of our research was to assess the suitability of maize grown in lead-contaminated soil for energy purposes. Lead is toxic to the natural environment. Therefore, the recultivation of soil polluted with this element is very important in stabilizing the natural environment. In the present research, maize was used as a remediating plant, and its effects were enhanced by soil fertilization with biocompost and biochar. The aim of the research was to determine the influence of Pb2+ on maize biomass, its combustion heat and heating value, and the biochemical and physicochemical properties of the soil. It was accomplished in a pot experiment by testing the effects of 800 mg Pb2+ kg−1 d.m. soil and biocompost and biochar applied of 20 g kg−1 d.m. soil. Lead was found to drastically deteriorate soil quality, which reduced the biomass of maize. Lead negatively affected the activity of the soil enzymes tested and modified the physicochemical properties of the soil. Fertilization with biocompost and biochar mitigated lead-induced interference with soil enzymatic activity. The applied biocomponents also had positive effects on the chemical and physicochemical properties of the soil. Maize cultivated on lead-polluted soil did not lose its energetic properties. The heating value of maize was stable, which shows its potential in the recultivation of lead-contaminated soils.

In defining the research objective, consideration was given to the expanding range of applications of third-generation pyrethroids, including cypermethrin—the active substance in Arpon G preparation. The interest in cypermethrin is due to its high thermostability and photostability. This study verified the effect of Arpon G on both the soil condition and the growth and development of Zea mays. To this end, the alpha and beta diversity of bacterial and fungal communities were characterized using the NGS (Next Generation Sequencing) method, as was the response of soil enzymes. The positive response of Z. mays to the soil application of cypermethrin corresponded to higher soil microbial and biochemical activity. Sowing the soil with Z. mays moderated changes in the biodiversity of alpha- and beta-bacterial communities to a greater extent than cypermethrin. The influence of both parameters was less significant for fungi. Although bacteria belonging to the Actinobacteria phylum and fungi from the Ascomycota phylum dominated in the soil, the use of Arpon G reduced the abundance of unique nucleotide sequences in the mycobiome to a greater extent than in the bacteriobiome. The inhibitory potential of Arpon G was only evident for acid phosphatase (by 81.49%) and arylsulfatase (by 16.66%) in the soil sown with Z. mays. The activity of catalase, dehydrogenases, β-glucosidase, arylsulfatase, and alkaline phosphatase was most strongly associated with the abundance of bacteria, while dehydrogenases were correlated with the abundance of fungi at the genus level. Arpon G can, thus, be considered a safe insecticide for soil conditions and, consequently, for its productive function.

Wood ash is sometimes used as an alternative to mineral fertilizers; however, there is still a paucity of reliable data concerning its effect on plants—and on biological properties of soil. The present study aimed to determine the possible extent of soil pollution with ash from Salix viminalis that does not disturb the growth of Zea mays L., intended for energetic purposes, in order to identify how the increasing ash doses affect biochemical and physicochemical properties of soil and to finally to establish the neutralizing effects of soil additives, i.e., compost and HumiAgra preparation, on this soil pollutant. The study demonstrated that the heating value of Zea mays L. was stable and not modified by the excess content of ash from Salix viminalis in the soil. This finding points to the feasibility of Zea mays L. cultivation on soils contaminated with ash from Salix viminalis and its use in bio-power engineering. The biomass of the aboveground parts of Zea mays L. was significantly reduced after soil contamination with Salix viminalis ash dose of 20 g kg−1 d.m. soil, whereas the smaller ash doses tested (5–10 g kg−1 d.m. soil) did not impair either the growth or the development of Zea mays L. The ash inhibited activities of all analyzed soil enzymes but increased soil pH and sorption capacity. Fertilization with compost proved more effective in neutralizing the adverse effect of ash on enzymatic activity of the soil.

Investigations into the effective, fast, and economically viable remediation of soils polluted with petroleum-derived products are still relevant. The vegetative pot experiment was conducted at the Didactic-Experimental Garden greenhouse (NE, Poland, 53.759° N, 20.452° E) on loamy sand (LS) and sandy loam (SL) soils. Its main research objective was to assess the effectiveness of biochar (B), halloysite (H) and alginite (A) in the biological regeneration of contaminated soil diesel oil (DO) and petrol (P). The assessment was conducted by determining the magnitude of the adverse impact of these xenobiotics on the growth and development of Zea mays, as well as the activity of seven soil enzymes. The impact of the tested contaminants and sorbents was assessed based on the impact factors (IF) of DO and P, as well as B, H, and A on Zea mays biomass and enzymatic activity of the soil. Soil contamination with petroleum-derived products disrupted the growth and development of Zea mays. DO had a stronger inhibitory effect on plant growth compared to P. Zea mays cultivated in LS, which was less resistant to the effects of these contaminants compared to that cultivated in SL. The impact of DO and P on enzyme activity depended on the soil texture. DO stimulated enzyme activity in LS and SL, while P only did so in LS. All remediation substances, and biochar in particular, led to an increase in plant biomass in the DO-contaminated soils. Both biochar, halloysite and alginite also improved the biochemical quality index (BA) of SL and LS. Despite the unquestionable remediation potential of the analyzed sorbents, their highest efficacy can only be achieved by their application on soils with physicochemical properties corresponding to their characteristics, which is a valuable guideline for further research.

Chromium (Cr) can exist in several oxidation states, but the two most stable forms—Cr(III) and Cr(VI)—have completely different biochemical characteristics. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how soil contamination with Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in the presence of Na2EDTA affects Avena sativa L. biomass; assess the remediation capacity of Avena sativa L. based on its tolerance index, translocation factor, and chromium accumulation; and investigate how these chromium species affect the soil enzyme activity and physicochemical properties of soil. This study consisted of a pot experiment divided into two groups: non-amended and amended with Na2EDTA. The Cr(III)- and Cr(VI)-contaminated soil samples were prepared in doses of 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 mg Cr kg−1 d.m. soil. The negative effect of chromium manifested as a decreased biomass of Avena sativa L. (aboveground parts and roots). Cr(VI) proved to be more toxic than Cr(III). The tolerance indices (TI) showed that Avena sativa L. tolerates Cr(III) contamination better than Cr(VI) contamination. The translocation values for Cr(III) were much lower than for Cr(VI). Avena sativa L. proved to be of little use for the phytoextraction of chromium from soil. Dehydrogenases were the enzymes which were the most sensitive to soil contamination with Cr(III) and Cr(VI). Conversely, the catalase level was observed to be the least sensitive. Na2EDTA exacerbated the negative effects of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) on the growth and development of Avena sativa L. and soil enzyme activity.

Owing to their wide range of applications in the control of ticks and insects in horticulture, forestry, agriculture and food production, pyrethroids pose a significant threat to the environment, including a risk to human health. Hence, it is extremely important to gain a sound understanding of the response of plants and changes in the soil microbiome induced by permethrin. The purpose of this study has been to show the diversity of microorganisms, activity of soil enzymes and growth of Zea mays following the application of permethrin. This article presents the results of the identification of microorganisms with the NGS sequencing method, and of isolated colonies of microorganisms on selective microbiological substrates. Furthermore, the activity of several soil enzymes, such as dehydrogenases (Deh), urease (Ure), catalase (Cat), acid phosphatase (Pac), alkaline phosphatase (Pal), β-glucosidase (Glu) and arylsulfatase (Aryl), as well as the growth of Zea mays and its greenness indicators (SPAD), after 60 days of growth following the application of permethrin, were presented. The research results indicate that permethrin does not have a negative effect on the growth of plants. The metagenomic studies showed that the application of permethrin increases the abundance of Proteobacteria, but decreases the counts of Actinobacteria and Ascomycota. The application of permethrin raised to the highest degree the abundance of bacteria of the genera Cellulomonas, Kaistobacter, Pseudomonas, Rhodanobacter and fungi of the genera Penicillium, Humicola, Iodophanus, Meyerozyma. It has been determined that permethrin stimulates the multiplication of organotrophic bacteria and actinomycetes, decreases the counts of fungi and depresses the activity of all soil enzymes in unseeded soil. Zea mays is able to mitigate the effect of permethrin and can therefore be used as an effective phytoremediation plant.

One of the major challenges faced by contemporary agriculture is how to achieve better yields of crops and, consequently, higher biomass, even in unfavorable environmental conditions. This challenge corresponds to the assumptions of sustainable development, wherein it is envisaged that plant biomass should be used on a large scale for heat generation or conversion of biofuels. Keeping pace with observed trends, the following study was conducted in order to determine the effect of Cr(VI) on the net calorific value of Zea mays, to assess the impact of this element on soil enzymatic activity, and to identify the effectiveness of compost and humic acids in alleviating possible negative effects of Cr(VI) toxicity. These aims were pursued by setting up a pot experiment, in which soil either uncontaminated or contaminated with increasing doses of Cr(VI) of 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 mg Cr kg−1 d.m. was submitted to biostimulation with compost and the preparation HumiAgra, a source of humic acids, and cropped with Zea mays. The plant height, yield, and net calorific value of the aerial parts of maize, as well as its root yield, were determined. Additionally, the activity of seven soil enzymes and the values of the impact indices of compost and HumiAgra relative to the analyzed parameters were determined. It was found that Cr(VI) decreased the amount of energy obtained from the plants by decreasing maize biomass, and additionally by distorting the biochemical balance of the soil. Dehydrogenases, urease, and arylsulfatase proved to be particularly sensitive to this element. It was demonstrated that HumiAgra was more effective than compost in mollifying the adverse effects of Cr(VI) on the activity of soil enzymes and, consequently, on the biomass of Zea mays.

Introduction and objective The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the socio-economic aspects of patients’ lives and poses new challenges. The objectives of the study were: 1) to determine selected socio-economic aspects of MS in Poland in relation to the disease type and patients’ place of residence, and 2) to evaluate the profile of patients via the MS Society (MSS) and the occupational consequences of informing an employer about the diagnosis. Material and methods A retrospective, observational study was undertaken to assess a cohort of 375 Polish MS patients. Socio-economic data was collected based on the patients’ responses to questions on a questionnaire. Clinical data was obtained from available medical records. Results Patients with relapsing-remitting MS had a significantly longer time of occupational activity, higher economic status, higher level of education, better relationships with life partner, less likely to benefit from disability benefits, and members of MSS, than patients with progressive types of the disease. The patients living in rural areas had a significantly shorter time of occupational activity, more often experienced a decrease in income, received disability pension, and were less educated than urban residents. Patients who informed their employer about an MS diagnosis significantly more often received support from the company, were professionally active for longer, and less likely to experience a decrease in income. Membership of the MSS were dominated by patients with progressive variants of the disease and advanced disability. Conclusions The disease variant and, to a lesser extent, the place of residence, affected the socio-economic aspects of MS. It might be advantageous for the patient to disclose information about MS diagnosis to the employer.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of forest site type on the bacterial and biochemical properties of the soil. Data for counts, diversity, and composition of bacterial communities, as well as soil enzymatic activity, was used for the assessment. A determination of the relationships between the parameters was also performed. Soil samples were collected in the Stare Jabłonki Forest Division (north-eastern Poland, Central Europe) from four sites: fresh coniferous forest (Fc), fresh mixed coniferous forest (Fm), fresh mixed forest (Mf), and moist mixed forest (Mm). The tested soils showed significant differences in enzyme activity and microflora. Organotrophic bacteria and actinobacteria proliferated the most in soil from fresh mixed coniferous forest. Organotrophic bacteria grew faster than actinobacteria in the soil, indicating that the former were represented by r-strategists, and the latter – by K-strategists. The soil sampled from site Fc2 (fresh coniferous forest) had the highest values of the diversity index. Alphaproteobacteria (phylum Proteobacteria) were the dominant bacterial class in the soils, followed by Actinobacteria (phylum Actinobacteria) and Acidobacteriia (phylum Acidobacteria). Phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria were most abundantly represented by genera Rhodoplanes, Mycobacterium, and Candidatus Solibacter, respectively. According to the biochemical soil quality index (BA), the soil sampled from site Fc2 (fresh mixed coniferous forest) was the most fertile. The study demonstrates that microbial and biochemical parameters of the soil can serve as an accurate indicator of the status and health of forest ecosystems.

This study aimed to determine whether peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness thresholds for single-time-point swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) measures can differentiate the clinical outcomes of treatment-naïve people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). A total of 275 patients with the clinically isolated syndrome (n = 23), benign MS (n = 8), relapsing–remitting MS (n = 185), secondary progressive MS (n = 28), primary progressive MS (n = 31), and with no history of optic neuritis were included. The mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 3.0 ± 1.6. The cut-off values of pRNFL (87 µm and 88 µm) and GCIPL (70 µm) thicknesses have been adopted from previous studies using spectral-domain OCT. PwMS with pRNFL ≤87 µm and ≤88 µm had a longer disease duration, more advanced disability, and more frequently progressive MS variants compared to those with greater pRNFL thicknesses. In distinguishing pwMS with disability greater than or equal to the mean EDSS score (EDSS ≥ 3) from those with less severe disability, GCIPL thickness

Identification of pesticide impact on the soil microbiome is of the utmost significance today. Diagnosing the response of bacteria to tebuconazole, used for plant protection, may help isolate the most active bacteria applicable in the bioaugmentation of soils contaminated with this preparation. Bearing in mind the above, a study was undertaken to test the effect of tebuconazole on the diversity of bacteria at all taxonomic levels and on the activity of soil enzymes. It was conducted by means of standard and metagenomic methods. Its results showed that tebuconazole applied in doses falling within the ranges of good agricultural practice did not significantly disturb the biological homeostasis of soil and did not diminish its fertility. Tebuconazole was found to stimulate the proliferation of organotrophic bacteria and fungi, and also the activities of soil enzymes responsible for phosphorus, sulfur, and carbon metabolism. It did not impair the activity of urease responsible for urea hydrolysis, or cause any significant changes in the structure of bacterial communities. All analyzed soil samples were mainly populated by bacteria from the phylum Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Gemmatimonadetes, Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Chloroflexi. Bacteria from the genera Kaistobacter, Arthrobacter, and Streptomyces predominated in the soils contaminated with tebuconazole, whereas these from the Gemmata genus were inactivated by this preparation.

Resistance of common European grasses to diesel oil and petroleum pollution is not well-known. Therefore, this study aimed at determining the level of resistance of selected grasses to pollution by diesel and petroleum using the pot experiment. The achieved results were compared with those determined for grasses grown on the non-polluted soil. Soil pollution with the tested products was found to significantly decrease the yield of all grasses, with the decrease being lower upon soil pollution with petroleum than with diesel oil. The most resistant to the pollution with diesel oil and petroleum were Phleum pratense L., Lolium perenne L. and Lolium × hybridum Hausskn. The degradation of particular groups of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) depended on their chemical properties, on the type of pollutant and grass species. The greatest degradation was determined in the case of BTEX, C6-C12 benzines as well as 2- and 3-ring hydrocarbons, whereas the lowest in the case of 5-and 6-ring hydrocarbons and C12-C25 oils. The most useful species in the remediation of soils polluted with diesel oil and petroleum turned out to be: Lolium perenne L., Lolium × hybridum Hausskn and Phleum pratense L., whereas the least useful appeared to be: Festuca rubra, Dactylis glomerata L. and Poa pratensis L.

Tebuconazole is one of the most commonly used active substances from the group of triazoles, that exhibits high efficacy in plant protection against fungal diseases. It’s too frequent use may, however, pose risk to soil ecosystems, leading to changes in their biological diversity. This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of tebuconazole on population numbers, diversity, and structure of bacterial communities, and on the enzymatic activity of soil. Tebuconazole was introduced into the soil (sandy loam with pH 7.0) in the following doses in mg kg−1 DM (dry matter) of soil: 0.00 (C), 0.02 (O), and 10.0 (T). It caused changes in the population numbers of diversity of bacteria as well as in the biochemical activity of soil. It stimulated the proliferation of organotrophic bacteria and inhibited that of actinobacteria. The r-strategists were found to predominate among both the organotrophs and actinobacteria in the soil with tebuconazole addition. The amplicon sequencing of the 16S encoding gene (SSU rRNA) demonstrated tebuconazole to elicit changes in the structure of bacterial communities. In all soil samples, the prevailing taxon at the Phylum level turned out to be Proteobacteria, followed by Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, whereas the lowest counts were noted for Verrucomicrobia. The relative abundance of the bacteria at the Phylum level decreased in the soil under the influence of tebuconazole. The most sensitive to the effect of tebuconazole applied in a dose of 10.0 mg kg−1 turned out to be Acidobacteria, whereas the most resistant were Verrucomicrobia. The predominating taxon at the class level was Alphaproteobacteria, followed by Bacilli. Tebuconazole ensured favorable conditions for the development of bacteria from Kaistobacter and Bacillus genera as their OTUs were the highest in the soil treated with tebuconazole at 10.0 mg kg−1. In turn, Phenylobacterium and Rhodoplanes were sensitive to soil treatment with tebuconazole at doses of 0.02 mg kg−1 and 10.0 mg kg−1. Tebuconazole proved to be a strong inhibitor of urease and catalase activities, while in turn it enhanced activities of dehydrogenases, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and arylsulfatase.

The choice of optimal plant species for phytoremediation and organic fertilization plays an important role in stabilizing the functions of soils contaminated with heavy metals. The influence of nickel, cobalt and cadmium on the biomass yield and calorific value of Festuca rubra, heavy metal concentrations in soil and plants and the microbiological, biochemical and physicochemical proprieties of soil were analyzed in a pot experiment. The tolerance index (TI) describing Festuca rubra’s ability to tolerate heavy metals, as well as the translocation (TF), accumulation (AF) and bioaccumulation (BF) factors of heavy metals in Festuca rubra were calculated. The experiment was conducted in two series: In soil fertilized and not fertilized with compost. Nickel and cobalt significantly inhibited the growth and development of Festuca rubra. The experiment demonstrated that this plant species can be grown on soil contaminated with heavy metals. Festuca rubra contained on average 46.05% C, 34.59% O, 5.91% H, 3.49% N, 0.19% S and 9.76% ash. Festuca rubra has a stable calorific value which is not affected by heavy metals; therefore, biomass harvested from heavy metal-polluted soil can be used for energy generation. The calorific value of Festuca rubra ranged from 15.924 to 16.790 MJ kg−1 plant d.m., and the heat of combustion from 17.696 to 18.576 MJ kg−1. It has a stable calorific value which is not affected by heavy metals, therefore biomass harvested from heavy metal-polluted soil can be used for energy generation. Festuca rubra is particularly useful for the phytostabilization of soil contaminated with cadmium and cobalt. Compost minimizes the adverse effects of heavy metal pollution on the microbiological, biochemical and physicochemical properties of soil.

Plants, and microorganisms associated with them, offer an effective tool for removing pollutants, such as heavy metals, from the soil environment. The aim of this study was to determine changes caused by Ni2+, Co2+, and Cd2+ in the genetic diversity of soil-populating bacteria and the effect these heavy metals on the heating value of elongated coach grass (Elymus elongatus L.) and maize (Zea mays L.). Microorganisms support plants in removing heavy metals from soil. These plants can then be used for energetic purposes. The study aim was accomplished by determining counts of microorganisms and their resistance (RS) to Ni2+, Co2+, Cd2+, their colony development index (CD), ecophysiological diversity index (EP), and diversity established with the next generation sequencing (NGS) method. Further analyses aimed to establish test plants resistance to pollution with heavy metals and their heating value. Organotrophic bacteria turned out to be the most resistant to Co2+, whereas actinobacteria—to Cd2+ effects. At all taxonomic levels, the genetic diversity of bacteria was most adversely influenced by Cd2+ in the soil sown with Zea mays L. Bacteria belonging to Arthrobacter, Rhodoplanes, Kaistobacter, Devosia, Phycicoccus, and Thermomonas genera showed high tolerance to soil pollution with Ni2+, Co2+, and Cd2+, hence they should be perceived as potential sources of microorganisms useful for bioaugmentation of soils polluted with these heavy metals. Ni2+, Co2+, and Cd2+ had no effect on the heating value of Elymus elongatus L. and Zea mays L. The heating value of 1 kg of air-dry biomass of the tested plants was relatively high and ranged from 14.6 to 15.1 MJ. Elymus elongatus L. proved more useful in phytoremediation than Zea mays L.

Abstract While networked sensors are becoming a ubiquitous part of many human lives, their applications to the study of wild animals have been largely limited to off‐the‐shelf and stand‐alone technologies such as web cameras. However, purpose‐designed systems, applying features found in Internet‐of‐Things devices, enable more efficient gathering, managing, and disseminating of a diverse array of data needed to study the life histories of wild animals. We illustrate these claims based on our development of a system of networked nest boxes that we created to study nesting birds in urban environments. This system uses general‐purpose processors within nest boxes to perform edge computing to control data acquisition, processing, and management from multiple sensors. A central data‐management system permits easy access to all data, once downloaded, which has facilitated our uses to date of this system for formal university‐ and school‐level education, and informal science education.

The pollution of arable lands and water with petroleum-derived products is still a valid problem, mainly due the extensive works aimed to improve their production technology to reduce fuel consumption and protect engines. An example of the upgraded fuels is the BP 98 unleaded petrol with Active technology. A pot experiment was carried out in which Eutric Cambisol soil was polluted with petrol to determine its effect on the microbiological and biochemical properties of this soil. Analyses were carried out to determine soil microbiome composition—with the incubation and metagenomic methods, the activity of seven enzymes, and cocksfoot effect on hydrocarbon degradation. The following indices were determined: colony development index (CD); ecophysiological diversity index (EP); index of cocksfoot effect on soil microorganisms and enzymes (IFG); index of petrol effect on soil microorganisms and enzymes (IFP); index of the resistance of microorganisms, enzymes, and cocksfoot to soil pollution with petrol (RS); Shannon–Weaver’s index of bacterial taxa diversity (H); and Shannon–Weaver’s index of hydrocarbon degradation (IDH). The soil pollution with petrol was found to increase population numbers of bacteria and fungi, and Protebacteria phylum abundance as well as to decrease the abundance of Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria phyla. The cultivation of cocksfoot on the petrol-polluted soil had an especially beneficial effect mainly on the bacteria belonging to the Ramlibacter, Pseudoxanthomonas, Mycoplana, and Sphingobium genera. The least susceptible to the soil pollution with petrol and cocksfoot cultivation were the bacteria of the following genera: Kaistobacter, Rhodoplanes, Bacillus, Streptomyces, Paenibacillus, Phenylobacterium, and Terracoccus. Cocksfoot proved effective in the phytoremediation of petrol-polluted soil, as it accelerated hydrocarbon degradation and increased the genetic diversity of bacteria. It additionally enhanced the activities of soil enzymes.

Environmentally safe ways are sought to prevent the accumulation and to accelerate the degradation of herbicide active substances in agricultural soil. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of finely-ground barley straw and bentonite in mitigating the effects of agricultural soil contamination with Successor T 550 SE. This herbicide was applied in the following doses: 0, 0.73, and 14.63 mg of the active substance per kg. The bentonite and spring barley straw were used at 10 g/kg. The action of these additives was compared to soil without the addition of straw and bentonite. The application of the experimental herbicide disturbed microbial systems, such as organotrophic bacteria, oligotrophic bacteria and their spores, actinobacteria, and fungi. A positive response to the herbicide dose of 14.63 mg a.s./kg was observed only for spores of oligotrophic bacteria. Further disturbances were observed in the agricultural soil biochemical properties, i.e., in the activity of dehydrogenases, urease, catalase, acid, and alkaline phosphatase, arylsulfatase, and β-glucosidase. A significant decrease in the activity of dehydrogenases, acid phosphatase, and arylsulfatase was observed following the application of 14.63 mg a.s./kg. The yield of maize decreased following the application of the analysed plant protection agent. Based on the soil quality index (BA), the addition of straw was more effective in restoring soil homeostasis than bentonite. Both bentonite and straw can be successfully used to improve agricultural soil biological activity. However, more effective mitigation of the negative effects of the herbicide in soil was observed in objects supplemented with barley straw. This improved the microbiological and biochemical properties of the soil. Barley straw was more effective than bentonite in restoring soil biological balance.

The global demand for petroleum contributes to a significant increase in soil pollution with petroleum-based products that pose a severe risk not only to humans but also to plants and the soil microbiome. The increasing pollution of the natural environment urges the search for effective remediation methods. Considering the above, the objective of this study was to determine the usability of Dactylis glomerata for the degradation of hydrocarbons contained in diesel oil (DO), as well as the effects of both the plant tested and DO on the biochemical functionality and changes in the soil microbiome. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with non-polluted soil as well as soil polluted with DO and phytoremediated with Dactylis glomerata. Soil pollution with DO increased the numbers of microorganisms and soil enzymes and decreased the value of the ecophysiological diversity index of microorganisms. Besides, it contributed to changes in the bacterial structure at all taxonomic levels. DO was found to increase the abundance of Proteobacteria and to decrease that of Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadetes and Firmicutes. In the non-polluted soil, the core microbiome was represented by Kaistobacter and Rhodoplanes, whereas in the DO-polluted soil, it was represented by Parvibaculum and Rhodococcus. In soil sown with Dactylis glomerata, gasoline fraction (C6–C12) degradation was higher by 17%; mineral oil (C12–C35), by 9%; benzene, by 31%; anthracene, by 12%; chrysene, by 38%; benzo(a)anthracene, by 19%; benzo(a)pyrene, by 17%; benzo(b)fluoranthene, by 15%; and benzo(k)fluoranthene, by 18% than in non-sowed soil. To conclude, Dactylis glomerata proved useful in degrading DO hydrocarbons and, therefore, may be recommended for the phytoremediation of soils polluted with petroleum-based products. It has been shown that the microbiological, biochemical and chemical tests are fast and sensitive in the diagnosis of soil contamination with petroleum products, and a combination of all these tests gives a reliable assessment of the state of soils.

Today, various grass species are important not only in animal feeding but, increasingly often, also in energetics and, due to esthetic and cultural values, in landscape architecture. Therefore, it is essential to establish the roles various grass species and their functional forms play in modifying soil bacteriobiome and enzymatic activity. To this end, a pot experiment was conducted to examine effects of various fodder grass and lawn grass species on the bacteriobiome and biochemical properties of soil. Nonsown soil served as the control for data interpretation. Analyses were carried out with standard and metagenomic methods. The intensity of effects elicited by grasses depended on both their species and functional form. More favorable living conditions promoting the development of soil bacteria and, thereby, enzymatic activity were offered by fodder than by lawn grass species. Among the fodder grasses, the greatest bacteriobiome diversity was caused by sowing the soil with Phleum pratense (Pp), whereas among lawn grasses in the soil sown with Poa pratensis (Pr). Among the fodder grasses, the highest enzymatic activity was determined in the soil sown with Lolium x hybridum Hausskn (Lh), and among the lawn grasses—in the soil sown with Lolium perenne. Sowing the soil with grasses caused the succession of a population of bacterial communities from r strategy to k strategy.

In order to achieve homeostasis of soil, the potential of alleviating substances (two innovative: basalt flour and brown algae extract against two classic compounds: barley straw and compost) were analyzed in soil contaminated with cadmium. The studies thus determined the activity of urease, number of ammonification bacteria, nitrogen-immobilizing bacteria, Arthrobacter sp., Azotobacter sp., and spring barley yield. The analyzed parameters were presented as the following indices: RS - resistance of soil; EF - fertilization effect of an alleviating substance; and R:S - rhizosphere effect. Cadmium was applied as CdCl2∙2.5H2O at the following doses: 0, 4, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 mg Cd2+/kgof soil. Straw increased the values of most examined parameters, mainly at lower doses of cadmium. Among the cultivated plants, resistance was most stimulated by compost. Basalt flour and brown algae extract did not play a major role in the recovery of contaminated soil. Ammonification bacteria were the least sensitive to stress associated with the deposition of cadmium in soil, whereas Azotobacter sp. was the most sensitive. Urease was found to be a reliable indicator of soil condition.

The main aim of our work was to evaluate the effect that the soil contamination with zinc, copper and cadmium has on the number of (CFU)Azotobacter, organotrophic bacteria and Streptomyces. The results of the experiment revealed their role in the CFU modification and the impact on the level of soil contamination with heavy metals. Organotrophic bacteria have a similar tolerance to the heavy metals as Streptomyces, since the lowest resistance characterizes the Azotobacter. The toxicity of the examined heavy metals can be ranked as follows (from the most sensitive to the least): Azotobacter>organotrophic bacteria>Streptomyces. It can be concluded that the succession of the microorganuisms is determined by the soil fertility, which stimulates both the characteristics and biochemical transformations, that occur in it through the mechanisms involved in reducing the negative impact of the heavy metals on the number of microorganisms.

Penalties in Action in Classical Athens. A Preliminary Survey This paper attempts to look at the inner workings of the punitive system in ancient Athens. After a brief survey of the range of penalties available in Classical Athens (capital punishment, exile and outlawry, disenfranchisement, financial penalties, imprisonment, corporal penalties), it proceeds first to examine their nature (as they frequently fail to meet our criteria of punishment), and then to map them on the substance vs. procedure controversy regarding the Athenian legal system. The last two sections of the paper are devoted to the manner in which penalties were imposed (summary punishment, punishment by sentence, “automatic” punishment) and executed (private vs. public execution of court verdicts; coercive measures etc.).

The paper analyses the terms tyrannos and basileus in both Greek politics and Greek drama, taking under special scrutiny various connotations and associations of the terms tyrannos and tyrannis in the language of Attic tragedy.