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A total of 124 specimens of the tufted duck, Aythya fuligula, and 63 greater scaup, A. marila, were examined for digenean parasites. Both duck species, which overwinter in a coastal lake connected with the southern Baltic (north-west Poland) were found to support Amblosoma exile, Cyathocotyle prussica,Paracoenogonimus ovatus, Australapatemon minor, Cotylurus cornutus, Echinoparyphium recurvatum, Echinostoma revolutum and Notocotylus attenuatus. In addition, the tufted duck hosted Hypoderaeum conoideum, Bilharziella polonica, Neoeucotyle zakharovi, Renicola mediovitellata, Psilochasmus oxyurus, Psilostomum brevicolle and Cryptocotyle concava; Echinostoma nordiana occurred in the greater scaup only. The two duck species differed significantly in the intensity and abundance of their digenean infection. Aythya marila harboured higher intensity levels and a wider assemblage of digeneans than A. fuligula, and this was likely to be due to differences in the pre-wintering exposure of the duck species to infective stages of these freshwater digeneans. Digenean communities in both duck species, strongly dominated by E. recurvatum, were relatively similar in their structure. No significant sex-dependent differences in digenean infections were revealed, except for the infection with N. attenuatus in A. fuligula. Similarly, there were no significant age-dependent differences (adult versus immature birds) in digenean infections, except for that with N. attenuatus in A. fuligula. The structural similarity between digenean communities in the two duck species is most likely an effect of overlapping diets based on freshwater molluscs, components of the digenean transmission pathway to definitive hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blastocystis sp. is one of the most frequently detected protozoa during stool specimen examination. In the last decade, the studies about the pathogenic potential of Blastocystis sp. have intensified. Additionally, treatment approaches against this parasite are still disputable. The study aimed to investigate the in vitro activity of the substances of natural origin against two subtypes (ST) of Blastocystis sp.-ST3 and ST7. Garlic and turmeric extracts exhibited the highest inhibitory effect in relation to the ST3 viability. While horseradish and turmeric were found to be the most effective extracts to the ST7 viability. The study showed that ginger, garlic, horseradish, and turmeric extracts have potent antimicrobial activity against Blastocystis ST3 and ST7, with the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50 ) ranging from 3.8 to 4.8 µg/ml and from 3.3 to 72.0 µg/ml, respectively, and thus may be useful in the prevention and control of Blastocystis infections. Additionally, this research confirmed that Blastocystis ST7 is more resistant to the selected plant extracts treatment than Blastocystis ST3 which in consequence may bring some difficulties in its eradication., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential of using five selected species of entomopathogenic fungi ( Beauveria bassiana , B. brongniartii , Conidiobolus coronatus , Isaria fumosorosea , and Metarhizium robertsii ) in the bioregulation of the dispersive stages of the parasitic nematode- Ascaris suum . Experimental cultures of each of the selected entomopathogenic fungi, as well as a control culture without fungi, were incubated with A. suum eggs at 26 °C for 28 days. Development of the A. suum eggs was observed using a light microscope on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days of incubation. The API-ZYM ® test was used to determine, semiquantitatively, the activity of 19 hydrolytic enzymes from the entomopathogenic fungi. The cytotoxicity of the fungi was determined using tetrazole salt MTT. It was found that none of the five tested strains of entomopathogenic fungi showed an ovicidal effect, and none of them colonized the A. suum egg shells. However, ovistatic activity was observed mainly until the 14th day of incubation by I. fumosorosea , M. robertsii , and B. bassiana . In the MTT test, M. robertsii showed moderate cytotoxicity, while the other species showed low cytotoxicity. Among the strains tested, I. fumosorosea showed the highest spectrum of hydrolase production (13 out of 19 enzymes gave a positive reaction from 3 to 5; 20-40 nM or more). The absence of morphological changes in the A. suum egg shells suggests that the antagonistic effect of the studied entomopathogenic fungi may be due to their cytotoxicity, associated with the production of secondary metabolites-toxins ( M. robertsii ) and enzymatic activity ( I. fumosorosea ).

In times of widespread environmental pollution with heavy metals of anthropogenic origin and the increasing dynamics of this process, it is justified to collect as much data as possible on the concentration of metals in terrestial mammals from unpolluted areas. The purpose of this research was to present the concentration of essential (chromium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc), probably essential (nickel, vanadium) and non-esential element (cadmium, lead, silver, strontium, and tin) in the liver, kidneys, muscles and brain of red fox (Vulpes vulpes) inhabiting north-western Poland. We revealed that the concentration of all metals, apart from Ni, was different between studied tissues. Sn and Mo have the highest affinity to the liver, whereas Ag, Sr, Cr had higher concentrations in the brain than in other organs. Various positive relationship between the concentrations of metals were observed in the tissues. Moreover, we noted negative correlations between Ag and Sn in the kidneys and brain, and between Cu and Ag in the liver. In our study the red fox was used as biomonitor for the assessment of exposure of carnivores to metals, in the generally unpolluted areas of Central Europe. Data presented in the report may be used as comparative values in similar ecotoxicological studies., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Our review of the literature showed that since the beginning of the socio-economic transformation in Poland in the 1990s, the downward trend in Hg emissions and its deposition in the southern Baltic Sea was followed by a simultaneous decrease in Hg levels in water and marine plants and animals. Hg concentrations in the biota lowered to values that pose no or low risk to wildlife and seafood consumers. However, in the first decade of the current century, a divergence between these two trends became apparent and Hg concentrations in fish, herring and cod, began to rise. Therefore, increasing emission-independent anthropogenic pressures, which affect Hg uptake and trophodynamics, remobilization of land-based and marine legacy Hg deposits, as well as the structure of the food web, can undermine the chances of reducing both the Hg pool in the marine environment and human Hg exposure from fish., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Essential and non-essential elements deficiencies may lead to various birth complications. The aim of this paper was to determine calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in maternal blood and cord blood. Whole blood and cord blood samples collected from pregnant women (n = 136) were analyzed for the concentration of the elements by spectrophotometric atomic absorption in inductively coupled argon plasma (ICP-OES). The results showed that Ca, Pb, and Sr concentrations were similar in maternal and cord blood, while Fe and K levels were higher in cord blood than in maternal blood. The cord blood Cu, Na, and Zn concentrations were lower than those in maternal blood, suggesting transplacental transfer of these elements were limited. Moreover, checking the influence of studied elements on the anthropometric parameters of the newborns, we found that the highest number of associations was between Cu in cord blood. Due to the fact that the pregnant women were healthy, and the newborns were without any disorders, we suggest that the values obtained in our study are normal values of studied elements in whole blood and cord blood in patients from Poland.

The goal of this paper is to assess the current status and trends of total mercury (THg) contamination of the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems in Poland. The study shows that the reduced domestic and worldwide atmospheric emission of Hg resulted in decreased THg level in the terrestrial biotope and biosphere. Considering that Poland is one of the main Hg emitters in Europe, the THg concentrations in its abiotic environment are still elevated. However, the THg level in terrestrial organisms is relatively low, which is because a large proportion of Hg deposited on land is accumulated in organic-rich soils. Regarding the THg concentration, consumption of wildlife and livestock from Poland is safe for humans. Nevertheless, the authors indicate the need for effective environmental monitoring, based on selected bioindicators, which is crucial considering the slowing reduction of Hg emission combined with the consequences of the changing climate., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Leishmaniasis, malaria, toxoplasmosis, and acanthamoebiasis are protozoan parasitic infections. They remain important contributors to the development of kidney disease, which is associated with increased patients' morbidity and mortality. Kidney injury mechanisms are not fully understood in protozoan parasitic diseases, bringing major difficulties to specific therapeutic interventions. The aim of this review is to present the biochemical and molecular mechanisms in kidneys infected with Leishmania spp., Plasmodium spp., Toxoplasma gondii , and Acanthamoeba spp. We present available mechanisms of an immune response, oxidative stress, apoptosis process, hypoxia, biomarkers of renal injury in the serum or urine, and the histopathological changes of kidneys infected with the selected parasites. Pathomechanisms of Leishmania spp. and Plasmodium spp. infections have been deeply investigated, while Toxoplasma gondii and Acanthamoeba spp. infections in the kidneys are not well known yet. Deeper knowledge of kidney involvement in leishmaniasis and malaria by presenting their mechanisms provides insight into how to create novel and effective treatments. Additionally, the presented work shows gaps in the pathophysiology of renal toxoplasmosis and acanthamoebiasis, which need further research.

In the body, disorders in the composition and concentration of trace elements, including copper, can lead to the development of various alterations that may result in incorrect functioning of the kidneys. Data on the concentrations of copper in human kidneys are discussed; however, little is known about the concentration of trace elements within rejected renal grafts and kidneys with tumor lesions. The aim of our study was to compare the copper concentration between cancerous kidneys and rejected renal grafts with the division on renal cortex and renal medulla. Material consisted of kidneys from patients hospitalized at the Department of Urology and General Surgery and Transplantation of the Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 2 at the Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, north-western Poland. The study material consisted of kidneys with tumor lesions (n = 33), and renal grafts (n = 10), obtained from patients belongs to the north-western areas of Poland. The examination was performed using ICP-AES method. Regarding the pathological kidneys, excluding grafts, the concentration of Cu in the renal cortex was 52% higher than in medullary region and the difference between the compared concentrations was statistically confirmed (p < 0.05). Taking into account renal grafts, the concentration of Cu in the medulla was slightly lower than in the cortex (less than 3%). In summary, copper in rejected and cancerous kidneys tends to accumulate in higher amount in the renal cortex than medulla, what can be explained by the fact that renal corpuscles, where the first phase of filtration is performed, are located only in the cortical region of the kidney. Furthermore, renal grafts accumulate significantly less copper than kidneys with neoplastic changes, what could have been caused by immunosuppressive medicines used by the graft recipients. The lower copper concentration in renal grafts could be a consequence of the altered immune system, including inflammatory process or/and non-immune mechanisms. Additionally, cancerous and non-cancerous kidneys exhibit different perfusion rate in renal glomeruli, what can finally lead to disparity in chemical elements concentration, including copper.

Of the various forms of Hg occurring in nature, (mono) methylmercury (MeHg) is an especially toxic form and practically all forms of Hg can be converted into MeHg as a result of natural processes. Total mercury (THg) and MeHg were determined in tissues of two piscivorous birds: razorbill Alca torda and black-throated loon Gavia arctica to provide baseline data on current mercury concentrations for liver, kidneys and pectoral muscle mercury concentrations of birds which winter on the south Baltic Sea coast. Intra and inter-specific comparisons were carried out. The study is conducted between winter and autumn and the distributions of mercury in tissues were compared with data in other studies. The following paper contains discussion of the results based on the statistical analysis and ecology aspect. The highest average Hg content was in the liver (loon ≈ 3.86 mg kg -1 dw; razorbill ≈ 1.57 mg kg -1 dw), then in the kidneys (loon ≈ 3.14 mg kg -1 dw; razorbill ≈ 1.53 mg kg -1 dw) and the lowest concentrations were in pectoral muscles (loon ≈ 1.97 mg kg -1 dw; razorbill ≈ 0.67 mg kg -1 dw)., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

This work analyses the effect of mercury on the condition of cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) from an extensive breeding colony in northern Poland, the largest in Europe. A total of 55 birds (44 adults and 11 immature) were obtained. Total mercury (Hg) concentrations were measured in the liver, kidneys, breast muscles, heart, gullet (oesophagus), stomach, intestines, trachea, lungs and eyeballs. The total body mass (TBM) and empty body mass (EBM) were measured, and the body parts taken for analysis were weighed. The relative mass of the tissues and the L/K index were expressed as percentages. Based on the L/K index the birds were divided into three condition classes: (A) very good, (B) good and (C) moderate. The mean TBM and EBM in these cormorants were 2286 and 2184 g respectively. The greatest contributions to EBM were from the breast muscles (~11%), liver (3.7%) and intestines (3.0%). The stomach, gullet, lungs, heart and kidneys made up from ~1.0-2.8% EBM, and the trachea and eyeballs < 0.4%. 31 of the 55 birds analysed were allocated to class B; mean Hg levels in them were the highest in the kidneys, liver, lungs and muscles (18.3, 9.78, 2.70, 1.86 µg/g dw respectively); they were ≤ 1 µg/g in the other tissues. In ecotoxicology it is assumed that a hepatic concentration > 16.7 µg Hg/g dw can lead to adverse effects in the reproduction of non-marine birds. In the light of the present results, the reproductive parameters of the cormorants from the colony in northern Poland, though mostly in good or very good condition, may be depressed as a result of elevated Hg levels in their body tissues., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Vanadium has a unique and beneficial effect on both humans and animal organisms; however, excessive amount of the above-mentioned metal can cause many alterations in tissues and organs, including the kidneys. The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of vanadium (V) in the kidneys removed from patients due to lesions of various etiologies, including the rejection of the transplanted kidneys. Additionally, we determined the influence of selected biological and environmental factors on the V concentration. The study material consisted of the kidneys with tumor lesions (n = 27) and extracted kidney grafts (n = 10) obtained from patients from the north-western Poland. The V concentrations were assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry emission in inductively coupled argon plasma and expressed in concentrations in dry weight (dw). Statistically significant differences were observed for V concentrations in the renal medulla between the kidneys with tumors and renal grafts, where the lowest concentration of V was observed. The kidneys in more advanced stages of the tumor (T3 + T4) contained more vanadium than the kidneys of T1 + T2 stages and medians were 2.07 and 1.51, respectively. We also compared the V concentration in the kidneys between the renal grafts (K2) and the kidneys with tumor (K1) in two stages of advancement: T1 with T2 (K1 1 + 2 ) and T3 with T4 (K1 3 + 4 ). Statistically significant differences were noted between the renal medullae of the above-mentioned groups of kidneys.According to the previous studies on the concentrations of other heavy metals, renal grafts accumulate less vanadium than cancerous kidneys, what can be associated with the immunosuppressive drugs taken by patients after the transplantation.

Heavy metals, including cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) act as nephrotoxic agents, particularly in the renal cortex. The aim of the study was to determine the concentrations of Cd, Pb and Hg in kidneys removed from patients due to lesions of various etiologies and from patients after the rejection of transplanted kidneys. Additionally, we determined the influence of selected biological and environmental factors on the concentrations of toxic metals. The study material consisted of kidneys with tumor lesions (n = 27), without tumors (n = 7) and its extracted grafts (n = 10) obtained from patients belongs to the north-western areas of Poland. The determined metal concentrations in the renal cortex and medulla may be arranged in the following descending order: Cd > Pb > Hg. The highest concentrations of Cd and Hg were found in the cortex, while the maximum content Pb was observed in the medulla. Significant correlations were found in the concentrations of the same metals between cortex and medulla and between Pb and Hg in the renal medulla. Pb content was higher in the renal medulla of men than in the cortex of the elderly (above 60 years of age). The highest concentrations of Pb and Hg were found in the cortex and medulla, of the kidneys had not neoplastic changes, and lower content of these metals were found in the extracted kidney grafts. In summary, renal grafts accumulate less heavy metals than cancerous kidneys, what could have been caused by immunosuppressors taken by the graft recipients. Moreover, sex, age and smoking are key factors responsible for xenobiotics concentrations.

Trichinellosis is one of the most widespread parasitic zoonoses. Trichinella Owen, 1835 nematodes are found in pigs, horses, and humans in the domestic cycle, and in many carnivores and omnivores in the sylvatic cycle, such as wild boars, red foxes, raccoon dogs, and wolves. Carnivores are known to be involved in the circulation of Trichinella nematodes and they act as a reservoir in the sylvatic environment. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of Trichinella spp. infection in red foxes in Poland. Samples were collected from 2010 to 2015 in different regions of the country and then tested for Trichinella nematodes using HCl-pepsin digestion. Trichinella larvae were found in 10.02% of examined samples (145/1447). The larvae were identified as T. spiralis (11.03%), T. britovi (71.72%), and T. pseudospiralis (0.69%). No mixed infection was observed. The prevalence of infection varied between years and different voivodeships of the country. Our findings confirm that red foxes are involved in the maintenance of Trichinella spp. in the sylvatic cycle in Poland.

Long -term intake of 􀏐luoride leads to skeletal 􀏐luorosis. The toxicity of 􀏐luoride, not only for the human body, but also the entire ecosystem makes it necessary to constantly monitor their content in the environment. Accordingly, there is a need to control the level of 􀏐luorides (F⁻) in humans, particularly in bone tissue, which re􀏐lects long -term accumulation of these compounds. The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of 􀏐luoride in the human bones depending on biological factors and environmental conditions on the basis of the published literature. Given the importance of bone tissue as the main reservoir of 􀏐luoride ions is an important issue to continue to monitor the concentration of F⁻ in this tissue, particularly for people living in the polluted environment 􀏐luorine compounds. There are numerous works on concentrations of this element in human bones in world literature which proves the great interest in the subject. It should be underlined the need for further study of this issue for people living in different regions of Poland.

The aim of the work is to confirm the species differentiation of the nematodes of the Amidostomatidae family: Amidostomoides acutum (Lundahl, 1848) Lomakin, 1991; Amidostomoides monodon (Linstow, 1882) Lomakin, 1991, and Amidostomoides petrovi (Shakhtahtinskaya, 1956) Lomakin, 1991, which still are used in the parasitological literature as synonyms of Amidostomum acutum (Lundahl, 1848). The research material consisted of nematodes isolated from gizzards of dabbling ducks from the north-west of Poland. To confirm the species differentiation, DNA from the nematodes was isolated and approximately 630bp of the 28S rRNA gene were sequenced. The obtained DNA sequences were tabulated and then phylogenetic analysis were conducted using the UPGMA method. The results of the research distinctly diversify the nematodes of the genus Amidostomoides at the DNA level, which together with morphological and ecological differences among them (hosts from different systematic groups) enables to classify them into the separate species.

Assessment of exposure to fluoride (F(-)) is increasingly focused on mineralized tissues, mainly bones. Their periodic growth and continuous reconstruction make them a good material for studying long-term F(-) accumulation. In this study, F(-)concentrations were determined in the bones of foxes and raccoon dogs from north-western Poland and relationships between bone F(-) and the age categories of the animals were attempted to be identified. Bone samples were collected from femurs of 32 foxes (15 males and 17 females) and 18 raccoon dogs (10 males and 8 females) from polluted, medium-polluted, and unpolluted by F(-) areas. Bone F(-) was determined by potentiometric method, and results were expressed per dry weight (dw); they ranged from 176 to 3,668 mg/kg dw in foxes and from 84 to 1,190 mg/kg dw in raccoon dogs. Foxes from north-western Poland accumulated much more F(-) in their bones than raccoon dogs. Our study shows that the assessment of hazards created by industrial emitters can be conducted conveniently by the measurements of fluorine content in hard tissues of wild animals. Due to availability of such type of material for studies, it seems that the analysis of fluoride content in bones can be a good tool in the development of ecotoxicology.

Purpose: To examine the proportion of Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis in the eyelashes of healthy and immunocompromised patients., Methods: Eyelashes were taken from 95 patients at the Pomeranian Medical University, Clinic of Haematology, and from 1091 healthy controls., Results: Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis were found in 22.9% of controls and in 20% of immunocompromised patients. In neither the control group nor the immunocompromised patients did we observe a correlation between the proportion of symptoms of blepharitis and the presence of Demodex spp. - symptoms including burning sensations, loss of eyelashes, sensitivity to light, smoke and dust, dacryorrhea (excessive flow of tears), and foreign body eye sensation. A correlation between itching eyes and Demodex spp. infection was found only in the control group. A correlation between the proportion of cylindrical dandruff in eyelashes and the occurrence of Demodex spp was found in both the control group and immunocompromised patients., Conclusion: Proportions of D. folliculorum and D. brevis, and also symptoms of blepharitis were similar in the control group and immunocompromised patients. Immunosuppression did not seem to increase the rate of Demodex spp. infection.

An examination was made of fluoride content in the mandibular first molars of the permanent teeth of the red fox Vulpes vulpes living in north-west (NW) Poland. The teeth were first dried to a constant weight at 105°C and then ashed. Fluorides were determined potentiometrically, and their concentrations were expressed in dry weight (DW) and ash. The results were used to perform an indirect estimation of fluoride pollution in the examined region of Poland. The collected specimens (n = 35) were classified into one of the three age categories: immature (im, 6-12 months), subadult (subad, from 12 to 20 months) and adult (ad, >20 months). The mean concentrations (geometric mean) of fluoride were similar in the im and subad groups (230 and 296 mg/kg DW and 297 and 385 mg/kg ash, respectively), and significantly smaller than in the ad group (504 and 654 mg/kg, respectively, in DW and ash). Basing on other reports that the ∼400 mg/kg DW concentration of fluoride in bones in the long-lived wild mammals generally reflects the geochemical background, it was found that 57% of the foxes in NW Poland exceeded this value by 9% to 170%. This indirectly reflects a moderate fluoride contamination in the tested region.

Most available literature indicates that the most dominant nematode in Anatinae is a cosmopolitan species Amidostomum acutum (Lundahl, 1848). However, studies on wild duck helminthofauna in northwestern Poland suggest that these birds are attacked by not one but three different parasite species, previously described as a single species. Hence the aim of this study was the redescription of the species complex Amidostomum acutum, conducted on a representative sample of parasites and their hosts. The study material consisted of 6,430 nematode individuals, isolated from the digestive tracts of 1,005 wild ducks, representing 17 species. Unsupervised classification was performed using a Kohonen artificial neural network. The analysis confirmed the division of nematodes into three groups corresponding to three species, both for males and females. Taking into account the qualitative characteristics of the parasites, one can 100% accurately identify these species. The three groups of parasites were also significantly different in their ecology, manifested in their distinct host specificity.

Cloacotaenia megalops (Nitzsch in Creplin, 1892) is a polyxenic and cosmopolitan tapeworm from the family Hymenolepididae. Its generic name derives from their typical location (cloaca), and the typical final hosts which are birds typically associated with water and marsh environments: Anseriformes, Galliformes and Gruiformes. In Poland, the presence of C. megalops has been observed so far in 16 species of ducks from the Baltic coast, the Mazurian Lake District, Wielkopolsko-Kujawska Lowland, Mazovian Lowland, and Podlasie Lowland. In Western Pomerania, quantitative structure analyses were only carried out on Anas platyrhynchos, and therefore the aim of this study was the detailed analysis of environmental populations of C. megalops in wild ducks. The examined tapeworms were isolated from the digestive tract of 1005 wild ducks representing 17 species belonging to three different eco-tribes: Anatini (n=225), Aythyini (n=413) and Mergini (n=367), from northwestern Poland. During the Study 187 C. megalops were found in 89 birds (8.8% of examined ducks) belonging to 7 species: Anas crecca (common teal), A. querquedula (garganey), A. platyrhynchos (mallard) (Anatini); Aythyaferina (pochard), A. fuligula (tufted duck), A. marila (greater scaup) (Aythyini) and Bucephala clangula (goldeneye) (Mergini). The results show the differences in the quantitative structure of C. megalops among the examined species of ducks. The highest prevalence was found in mallard (18.6%) and the lowest in greater scaup (3.2%). The highest mean intensity was observed in greater scaup (4.0), and the lowest in garganey and common teal (1.0). Relative density was at a similar level in the tested birds. Based on the ratio of dominance, it was found that C. megalops is a rare species in the cestodofauna in the examined birds.

Goosanders (Mergus merganser, ad, adult n = 42: M, males 33 and F, females 9; im, immature n = 17: M 8, F 9) were collected in 2005 at wintering site in the River Odra estuary (Poland). The body size (BM, body mass; BL, body length; KL, keel length), weights of organs (LM, liver; KM, kidneys; EM, encephalon), and two condition-related indices (BM/BL and BM/KL) were determined. Based on BM/BL and BM/KL indices, the birds were divided into 3 condition groups: A (very good), B (good), and C (moderate). Total mercury (Hg) concentrations (mg kg(-1) dry weight) were determined in liver, kidney, brain, breast muscle, and bone of 17 birds (ad, n = 8: 8 M, 1 F; im, n = 9: 6 M, 3 F). The highest Hg concentrations (in n = 17) were recorded in liver and kidney (14.7 and 9.9 mg kg(-1), respectively); the concentrations found in muscle and brain were lower (2.3 and 1.3 mg kg(-1), respectively), the lowest concentrations being typical of bone (0.08 mg kg(-1)). Mercury concentrations in the same organs of immature and adult goosanders, as well as males and females, did not differ significantly. On the other hand, distinct differences in Hg concentrations in the organs studied (except for the liver) were observed between individuals assigned to Group A (n = 11) and C (n = 6). Mercury levels were higher in the birds characterised by very good condition, which was most probably related to those birds being more efficient hunters, consuming higher amounts of Hg-containing fish. Significant and negative correlations between the muscle Hg concentration and the two condition-related indices (r > -0.70) were recorded in Group A only: the higher the concentration, the lower the BM/LM and BM/KL values.

The aim of this paper was to compare the species composition of mites in dust samples collected at different compartments of human dwellings of north-western (NW) Poland. In 30 urban apartments (Szczecin, Police, Pyrzyce and Łobez) and rural quarters (Przelewice, Brzesko Szczecińskie, Bylice, Krasne, Kakolewice, Wierzchowo, Przeradz, Kłodzino) from NW Poland, 150 samples of dust were collected at 5 locations: bed area, bedroom carpet, sitting area in the living room, hall carpet, and kitchen floor. Mites were isolated using Berlese-Tüllgren extractors. The isolated dust mites belonged to the order Astigmata, families Pyroglyphidae: Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes, 1961, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart, 1987), Euroglyphus maynei (Cooreman, 1950) and Hirstia Hull, 1931; Chortoglyphidae: Chortoglyphus arcuatus (Troupeau, 1879) and Glycyphagidae: Gohieria fusca (Oudemans, 1902), Lepidoglyphus destructor (Schrank, 1781), and the order Prostigmata, family Cheyletidae: Cheyletus (Latreille, 1796). The most frequently observed were the species D. farinae (58.9%) and the representatives of the genus Cheyletus (30.6%). Statistically significant differences were found between: the number and concentration of D. farinae in the dust collected from beds in the bedroom and dust from the carpet in the bedroom, living room, hall and kitchen; the number of D. farinae in samples from the carpet in the bedroom and from the kitchen floor; the number and concentration of D. farinae in the dust from the living room and the dust in the hall and kitchen; the number of Cheyletus sp. in samples of dust from bed areas in the bedroom and the samples from the carpet in the bedroom, hall and kitchen; the number and concentration of Cheyletus sp. in dust samples collected from the carpet in the bedroom and samples from the kitchen; the concentration of Cheyletus sp. in dust collected from bed areas and samples from the floor in the hall and kitchen; the number of D. pteronyssinus in dust samples collected from bed areas in the bedroom and samples from the carpet in the bedroom. In conclusion, the number of mites D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus and Cheyletus sp. depended on the place where the mites were sampled. The greatest numbers of these species were observed in the bed areas in bedrooms. The tests confirmed the high occurrence of house dust mites in the apartments in north-western Poland, especially in the bed areas in the bedroom.

During standard parasitological studies of the tufted duck Aythya fuligula, obtained from fishermen from West Pomerania in December 2007, three cestode specimens were found in the jejunum of one male host. They were determinated as Microsomacanthus tuvensis (Spasskaya et Spasskii, 1961) on the basis of the cirrus's and cirrus sac's size and vagina's shape. This is the first record of this species in Poland.

The goosander, Mergus merganser, is a rare in Poland water bird (Anseriformes: Mergini). It eats fish and small invertebrates. The purpose of this study was a preliminary parasitological examination of the digestive tract of the goosander wintering on the Szczecin Lagoon. The research material were the parasites recovered from digestive tracts of 6 birds (two males and four females), which died during feeding in fishing nets in winter 2001. The birds were subject to standard parasitological examinations using commonly adopted methods. The trematodes and the cestodes found were preserved in 70% ethyl alcohol and subsequently stained using iron carmine (Cestoda) and borax alcohol carmine (Digenea) and then they were closed in Canada balsam. Nematodes were kept in 70% alcohol and cleared with 80% lactic acid or lactophenol. The parasite assemblages were analysed through calculating prevalence, intensity of infection, relative density and domination index. Also, the topic structure of the parasite assemblages or their habitat preferences in a host animal digestive tract were determined. The presently reported study detected a total of 1596 parasitic worms: digeneans (1086), tapeworms (410) and nematodes (100). Acanthocephalans were not found. Even though only a few goosanders were examined, the results show a high species richness of parasite assemblages consisting of 22 species, representing 21 genera. The following were deemed as definite dominants (superdominants): Diplostomum mergi Dubois, 1932; D. pusillum (Dubois, 1928); Microsomacanthus abortiva (von Linstow, 1904) and Schistocephalus solidus (Müller, 1776). Helminths were found in all birds with their great relative density and intensity of occurrence (266 parasites on average). As expected, the parasite assemblages were characterized by considerable topical specificity, probably resulting from the feeding preferences of the worms. The majority of helminths, including predominant part of flatworms, were found in duodenum and jejunum of ducks. Nematodes, on the other hand, colonized mainly the gizzard and proventriculus.

In 2003-2008 eight white-tailed eagles and two ospreys from middle and north-western Poland were examined for the presence of parasites. Nine birds were infected with 5 digenean species: Conodiplostomum perlatum, Paracoenogonimus ovatus, Strigeafalconis, Metorchis crassiusculus and Nematostrigea serpens. M. crassiusculus was found for the first time in an eagle from Poland.

In 2006, an emaciated female peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus was found near its nest, and died soon after. Parasitological research involved digestive tract and respiratory system, kidney and liver. In air sacs, nematode Serratospiculum tendo (Nitzsch, 1857), which causes the falcon disease serratospiculiasis, was found, and in the digestive tract trematodes Strigeafalconis Szidat, 1928, Conodiplostomum spathula (Creplin, 1829), and a cestode Cladotaenia cylindracea (Bloch, 1782).

The presently reported study on cestodofauna of wild Anatinae of north-western Poland showed the presence of at least a dozen or so cestodes, hitherto unrecorded in Polish fauna. One of them is Microsomacanthus oidemiae Spassky et Jurpalova, 1964 (Hymenolepididae). This parasite (two not fully developed individuals, including one without a scolex) was found in the common scoter, Melanitta nigra L., (Mergini) wintering on Lake Dabie near Szczecin.

Bones and cartilage of two species of diving ducks: the scaup Aythya marila (n=24) and the pochard A. ferina (n=24) were studied. Scaup is protected in Poland where it spends only the winter, while pochard is a game bird, abundant and breeding in Poland. In winter, the two species form large flocks off the southern coast of the Baltic, particularly in the Szczecin Lagoon where they were collected for this study. The bones and cartilage (trachea) were assayed for concentrations (dry weight-based) of three essential metals: iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn); concentrations of the two toxic metals: lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were assayed as well. These hard tissues of the two species showed the following order of metal concentrations Zn>Fe>Pb>Cu>Cd. In scaup and pochard bones, the respective geometric mean concentrations of Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu, and Cd were 94.4 and 102.0; 20.2 and 24.7; 6.2 and 9.6; 0.19 and 0.26; 0.114 and 0.162 mg/kg. The levels of all the metals in cartilage (Zn 149.1 and 165.8; Fe 58.4 and 116.3; Pb 10.6 and 14.9; Cu 1.41 and 3.31; Cd 0.144 and 0.175 mg/kg, respectively) were higher than in the bones of A. marila and A. ferina. However, statistically significant differences were found in respect to the essential metals only (Zn, Fe, Cu). The inter-species comparisons showed the two species to differ in their cartilage concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, and Cd and in their bone concentrations of Pb and Cd. In each case, the pochard exhibited higher concentrations of metals. This study showed distinct differences between trace element accumulation by two heavily mineralised avian body parts: leg bones (tarsometatarsus) and cartilage (trachea). The results are in agreement with data reported by other workers who analysed trace metals in cartilaginous and bone components of the femoral head in homoiotherm vertebrates, including humans. Therefore it is important that intra- and inter-species comparisons of hard biological components be based on corresponding body parts, and that relevant biochemical and ecotoxicological research be pursued.

Material and Methods: This study was done in 176 wood pigeons (Columba palumbus). In 2002, assays were performed on 24 immature (imm) and 66 adult (ad) individuals. In 2003, 15 immature birds could be assayed, while the 2004 sample consisted of a total of 71 individuals (12 imm and 59 ad). Pigeons were caught near the villages of Skarbimierzyce and Dołuje situated west of Szczecin. Fluorine and calcium content in ash and dry mass of the wood pigeon's tarsometatarsus bones was determined. Fluorine content in ash and dry mass increased with age of the bird. It was only in 2002 samples that significant differences between immature and adult pigeons in calcium ash content were detected. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) failed to reveal significant differences between 2002 and 2004 samples in calcium content of adult bone ash. The remaining parameters in this group of birds differed significantly. The immature group showed no significant differences between 2002 and 2004 samples in fluorine content of bone ash and dry mass. Significant differences (p < 0.01) in fluorine content were revealed between 2002 and 2003 as well as between 2003 and 2004 samples. Ash calcium content showed no differences for immature birds of 2002 and 2003; however, significant differences (p < 0.001) were revealed between 2002 and 2004 as well as between 2003 and 2004. No significant differences were revealed between the immature bone dry mass calcium contents in 2002 and 2003 as well as in 2002 and 2004; on the other hand, the difference between the 2003 and 2004 data proved significant (p < 0.05)., Results: The present study demonstrated a number of differences in fluorine and calcium content in bones of the plant-eating wood pigeon. In addition, fluorine was found to undergo an intense age-related accumulation in bones. Fluorine content showed marked year-to-year variability., Conclusions: It is highly probable that fluorine content in wood pigeon bone reflects environmental fluorine contamination from industrial plants in Szczecin and its environs which are the major source of fluorine emissions.

The content of iron, zinc, copper, manganese, lead, and cadmium was determined in the kidney, liver, and abdominal muscle of the brown hare (Lepus europaeus), a species known for its bioindicative potential in environmental quality assessment. The animals assayed were divided into immature (in their first year of life; n=25) and adult (n=39). The hares were acquired in an area situated far away from major cities and direct impacts of industrial and transport pollution. The zinc content found in the assayed hare's muscles (25.9 microg/g w.w.) and that of manganese in the kidneys, liver, and muscles (2, 2.51 i 0.85 microg/g w.w., respectively) tended to be higher than those reported from the brown hare elsewhere in Europe. The content of cadmium (particularly in the kidneys) and lead proved substantial and close to those typical of the hare inhabiting industry-affected areas. Analysis of the data pooled for all the individuals showed Zn and Cd contents to increase with age in the kidneys, the liver Cd content increasing with age as well; on the other hand, the age-Cu content was negative. In addition, a number of significant correlations between the metals themselves were revealed, particularly with respect to Zn-Cd correlation in kidneys (r(s)=0.47), Fe-Cd, Zn-Cu, Mn-Zn, Mn-Cu, and Mn-Pb in the liver (r(s) of 0.42, 0.86, 0.72, 0.79, and 0.42, respectively), and Zn-Cu in the muscle (r(s)=0.56). The kidney cadmium content was higher by 81% in the adult than in the immature hare, the adult hare muscle copper content being lower by 15.5%.

The size of the brain and its macro-anatomical parts in 206 birds representing 19 anseriform species and 4 tribes (Anserini, Anatini, Aythyini and Mergini) was the subject of a comparative analysis. The comparisons involved two aspects: taxonomic (differences among species within tribes and differences among tribes) and ecological (diet composition: vegetation, invertebrates, or fish and the foraging mode: browsing, dabbling, shallow diving, and deep diving). The relative size of the encephalon (E) and its parts (optic tectum, OT; cerebellum, C; brain stem, BS; hemispheres, H) were described using appropriate indices. Five of them, called the cerebral-body indices (E/BW, OT/BW, C/BW, BS/BW, H/BW), involved a ratio between the weight of E or its parts and that of the body (BW). Four intracerebral indices (OT/E, C/E, BS/E, H/E) and allometric equations were used as well. Almost all the indices showed a high intraspecific variability within the Anserini and Mergini; on the other hand, the intracerebral indices did not differ between the species of the Anatini and Aythyini (except for OT/E in the Aythyini). Between-tribe differences were reflected in all 9 indices. The birds feeding on different diets were found to differ in their OT/E and H/E. The herbivorous anserifom OT/E was clearly lower than that of those birds feeding on invertebrates and fish. The highest OT/E was that of the piscivorous birds. In terms of foraging mode, significant differences were revealed in 7 out of the 9 indices used (differences in OT/BW and C/BW proved non-significant). OT/E of the browsing birds was clearly lower than that of the deep diving ducks; BS/E of the browsers was much lower than that of the dabbling and shallow diving ducks. Geese and swans (browsers) showed much higher H/E compared to the deep diving sea ducks. The latter revealed the highest C/E, but significant differences were detected only in comparison with C/E of the shallow diving ducks. The taxonomic (among tribes) and ecological comparisons showed more differences in the intracerebral indices than in the cerebral-body indices., (Copyright 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Contents of iron, zinc, copper, manganese, nickel, lead and cadmium were determined in the brain, pectoral muscle, kidney, liver and bones of the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), a cosmopolitan, herbivorous duck species. Both immature (im; in the first year of life) and older (adult, ad) ducks were studied. The birds originated from wetlands in two areas in north-western Poland, one located in the Słońsk waterfowl reserve (n = 32 im + 24 ad) and the other near the city of Szczecin (n = 21 im + 21 ad). There were numerous significant age-dependent differences in the metal contents of the organs of the Mallards obtained from near Szczecin (Sz) and/or Słońsk (S). Copper contents in the brain (Sz and S), muscles (Sz) and kidneys (Sz) as well as cadmium contents in the liver (Sz, S), kidneys (Sz, S) and muscles (S) were observed to increase with age. Between-area differences in metal contents of individual organs were recorded as well. The S Mallard showed higher contents of iron and copper (in muscles, liver and kidneys), zinc (in liver and kidneys) and cadmium (in muscles, liver and kidneys), while the Sz ducks revealed higher contents of manganese and lead (in brain and bones). The differences observed may be related to the habitat specificity: the Sl?ońsk reserve is periodically flooded by the River Odra (Oder) waters that carry pollutants from a copper mining area 250 km away. On the other hand, the mid-field ponds near Szczecin are affected by pollutants, including those that are manganese-rich, generated by agriculture and traffic.

A total of 90 woodpigeons shot in August and September 2002 in an area west of Szczecin were obtained from hunters. Based on their age and sex, the birds were divided into the following 4 groups: young males, young females, adult males, and adult females. Content of dry matter, ash, calcium, and fluorine were determined in the tarsometatarsus of each bird. No inter-group differences in per cent dry weight and ash contents were found. There was no correlation between fluorine and calcium contents with either dry weight or ash of the bones. However, significant differences in fluorine and calcium contents of bone ash were revealed between young and adult birds, regardless of sex, the two elements being more abundant in adult birds. Moreover, adult females differed from adult males, demonstrating higher fluorine content per bone dry weight. Adult birds regardless of sex showed higher fluorine content than young birds. A significant fluorine vs. calcium correlation was found in adult birds only. Correlation between per cent calcium and ash contents in bone dry weight was highly significant (r = 0.95; p < 0.0001). The present study corroborates observations of other authors regarding age-related increase in the fluorine content in birds and a general lack of a clearcut relationship between the bone fluorine content and sex outside of breeding season. As shown by this study and the available literature, bones of herbivorous birds, including pigeons and geese are more representative for assessment of environmental fluorine pollution than bones of birds feeding on a mixed diet, carnivores, and scavengers. In view of the large variability in birds, comparisons should be made by studying analogous bones.

The residues of PCBs, DDTs, HCHs, HCBz, PCBz, CHLs, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, isodrin, endosulfan 1, endosulfan 2, mirex, TCPM-H and TCPM-OH were determined in breast muscles and an egg of white-tailed sea eagles collected in Poland in 1991-1995. The method of measurement was capillary gas chromatography and low resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/LRMS) after a non-destructive extraction, clean-up and fractionation of the sample. Only aldrin, endrin, endosulfan 1 and endosulfan 2 were absent in birds and egg examined. Some of the adult white-tailed sea eagles collected dead from the coastal area of the Baltic Sea still remain relatively high contaminated with organochlorines, and the concentrations of PCBs and DDTs in those birds ranged between 2300-2600 and 490-2000 micrograms/g lipids, respectively. In dead egg concentration of PCBs was 390 micrograms/g lipids (25 micrograms/g wet weight), while of DDTs 270 micrograms/g lipids (18 micrograms/g w.w.).