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Sławomir Kujawski,1 Joanna Słomko,1 Małgorzata Tafil-Klawe,2 Monika Zawadka-Kunikowska,1 Justyna Szrajda,1 Julia L Newton,3 Paweł Zalewski,1 Jacek J Klawe1 1Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Ergonomics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland; 2Department of Human Physiology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland; 3Institute for Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Framlington Place, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK Introduction: Firefighters as a profession are required to maintain high levels of attention for prolonged periods. However, total sleep deprivation (TSD) could influence negatively upon performance, particularly when the task is prolonged and repetitive. Purpose: The aim of this study is to examine the influence of TSD on cognitive functioning in a group of firefighters. Subjects and methods: Sixty volunteers who were active male fire brigade officers were examined with a computerized battery test that consisted of simple reaction time (SRT) (repeated three times), choice reaction time, visual attention test, and delayed matching to sample. Six series of measurements were undertaken over a period of TSD. Results: Performance in the second attempt in SRT test was significantly worse in terms of increased number of errors and, consequently, decreased number of correct responses during TSD. In contrast, the choice reaction time number of correct responses as well as the visual attention test reaction time for all and correct responses significantly improved compared to initial time points. Conclusion: The study has confirmed that subjects committed significantly more errors and, consequently, noted a smaller number of correct responses in the second attempt of SRT test. However, the remaining results showed reversed direction of TSD influence. TSD potentially leads to worse performance in a relatively easy task in a group of firefighters. Errors during repetitive tasks in firefighting routines could potentially translate into catastrophic consequences. Keywords: constant routine protocol, simple reaction time, choice reaction time, visual attention test, delayed matching to sample mental functioning

Abstract Background The mechanism responsible for the central baroreflex resetting with age are an area of limited knowledge. We previously demonstrated that in subjects aged above 50 the airway resistance did not change in response to baroreceptor activation, whereas in younger volunteers the airway resistance significantly decreased. Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of carotid baroreceptor inactivation on the reflex change of respiratory resistance, in the course of aging. Materials and methods 80 healthy men, divided in four groups: aged 20-30 (Group I), 31-40 (Group II), 41-50 (Group III), and 51-60 (Group IV) were included in the study. The selective inactivation of carotid baroreceptors was induced by generating a positive pressure of 40 mmHg for 5 s in two capsules placed bilaterally on the neck over the bifurcation of the carotid arteries. The oscillatory method (Siregnost FD5, Siemens) was used to measure continuously respiratory resistance. Results Inactivation of carotid baroreceptors produced a short increase in respiratory resistance by 0.38 ± 0.01SE mbar/l/s, i.e., 21.7% above the resting level in Group I and by 0.25 ± 0.01 mbar/l/s in Group II. In the two older groups (III and IV) respiratory resistance did not change in response to baroreceptors inactivation. Conclusions In humans aged above 40, carotid baroreceptors do not contribute to bronchodilator tone, which causes imbalance between the activities of upper airway and chest wall inspiratory muscles leading to a collapsing effect on the upper airway.

Abstract Our previous study demonstrated that selective carotid baroreceptors activation decreases airway resistance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of carotid baroreceptor inactivation on the reflex change of respiratory resistance. Twenty healthy men aged between 20 and 25 were included in the study. Selective inactivation of carotid baroreceptors was induced by generating a positive pressure of 40 mmHg for 5 s in two capsules placed bilaterally on the neck over the bifurcation of the carotid arteries. The oscillatory method (Siregnost FD5, Siemens) was used to measure continuously respiratory resistance. Inactivation of carotid baroreceptors produced a short increase in respiratory resistance by 0.39 ± 0.01(SE) mbar/l/s, i.e., 21.7% above the resting level. We conclude that in humans, carotid baroreceptors might have a background contribution to bronchodilator tone. This observation seems to be important for clinical situations of impairment of baroreflex function.

Introduction: Myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare autoimmune disorder, poses diagnostic and management challenges, with increasing incidence in Europe and significant impact on patient quality of life. Despite prevalent autonomic symptoms, comprehensive assessments integrating subjective and objective measures are lacking. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of autonomic dysfunction in patients with MG and healthy controls (HCs)., Materials and Methods: We used beat-to-beat hemodynamic responses during standardized autonomic function tests (AFTs) and the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS-31) questionnaire. Study participants including, 53 patients with MG and 30 age- and sex matched HCs underwent standardized cardiovascular AFTs and completed the COMPASS-31 questionnaire. Patients were categorized into Non-CAN and CAN groups based on their Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy (CAN) status, as evaluated using the Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale (CASS). During the AFTs, cardiovascular parameters including heart rate, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, mean BP, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were measured., Results: Twenty patients with MG (38%) exhibited mild CAN (CASS ≥2) with a median total CASS score of 1.00 and CASS 0.00 in HCs. Adrenergic impairment was observed in 27 patients (52%), with 13 patients (24.5%) exhibiting longer pressure recovery time after Valsalva maneuver (VM). Cardiovagal impairment was evident in 71% of patients, with abnormal results observed in 39.6% for the deep breathing test and 56.6% for the VM. CAN MG showed worse scores than HCs for the total COMPASS-31 ( p  < 0.001), orthostatic (OI) ( p  < 0.001), secretomotor ( p  = 0.004), and pupillomotor domains ( p  = 0.004). Total COMPASS-31 and OI scores were correlated with worse disease outcomes (disease duration, severity), hemodynamic parameter changes (SV, CO, TPR) during phase II late of VM, and with changes (Δtilt-supine) in Δsystolic BP, Δdiastolic BP, Δmean BP, ΔTPR during head-up-tilt test, but not with CASS score., Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate mild cardiovascular autonomic impairment in adrenergic and cardiovagal domains in patients with MG. Additionally, patient-reported autonomic symptoms correlated with hemodynamic changes during AFTs and worse disease outcomes and not with the grade of autonomic abnormalities. Incorporating beat-to-beat hemodynamics during AFTs may offer further insights for characterizing orthostatic intolerance symptoms in MG group., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Zawadka-Kunikowska, Cieślicka, Klawe, Tafil-Klawe, Kaźmierczak and Rzepiński.)

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between pulmonary function and cardiac autonomic function parameters in clinically stable myasthenia gravis (MG) patients. A total of 22 MG patients and 22 healthy controls (HCs) were evaluated. Pulmonary function test parameters, heart rate variability (HRV), baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and cardiovascular autonomic function test parameters (the Valsalva ratio, expiration/inspiration (E/I) ratio) were assessed. Compared with the HCs, the patients demonstrated a similar diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (D LCO ); a lower forced vital capacity (FVC% pred ); a lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1% pred ); lower BRS and HRV, including high-frequency and total power spectral density; and a higher percentage of abnormal cardiovagal function test results ( p < 0.05). A lower BRS in the patient group was associated with worse clinical disease outcomes and reduced pulmonary function (D LCO % pred , R = 0.59; TLC% pred , R = 0.48). Age, forced vital capacity, and total lung capacity predicted the E/I ratio (R 2 values ranging from 0.48 to 0.49). Our study demonstrated a significant relationship between a reduced pulmonary ventilation function and respiratory mechanics with cardiovascular autonomic parameters, including the E/I ratio, BRS, and HRV measures at rest, as shown in the MG group. Future studies should focus on the interplay between respiratory and autonomic function testing, as well as pulmonary rehabilitation, to mitigate cardiovascular risk in these patients.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate beat-to-beat blood pressure variability (BPV) during head-up tilt test (HUTT) in patients with mild and moderate myasthenia gravis (MG) compared to healthy controls (HCs), and its association with the severity of autonomic symptoms., Methods: A total of 50 MG patients and 30 HCs were evaluated. Patients were stratified into 2 groups regarding Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) classification: mild (I,II MGFA), moderate form (III MGFA). Autonomic symptoms were assessed by COMPASS-31 questionnaire. Cardiovascular parameters, indices of very short-term systolic (SBPV), and diastolic blood pressure (BP) variability (DBPV) were assessed at rest, and during HUTT., Results: Moderate MG patients were characterized by an overall shift of sympathovagal balance toward sympathetic predominance, either at rest and during HUTT, as well as lower values of high frequency (HFnu) of DBPV during HUTT, compared to HCs and mild MG. Similarly, moderate MG showed higher resting low frequency (LFnu) of DBPV (p=0.035), higher COMPASS-31 score (p=0.031), and orthostatic intolerance sub-score (p=0.019) than mild MG patients. Compared to HCs, mild MG patients showed lower Δmean BP (p=0.029), Δdiastolic BP (p=0.016). Autonomic symptoms were associated with lower BP values, at rest and during HUTT, and lower LF BPV parameters during HUTT., Conclusion: MG patients present significant alterations in BPV, both at rest and in response to orthostatic stress, which are related to autonomic symptoms and disease severity. This study confirms the importance of monitoring BPV when evaluating cardiovascular autonomic function and its evolution over the course of MG disease., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

We aimed to assess dynamic changes in hemodynamic and autonomic function in response to the head-up tilt test (HUTT) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared to healthy controls (HCs) and evaluate its relationship with the patients' reported daytime sleepiness and fatigue symptoms. A total of 58 MS patients and 30 HCs were included in the analysis. Fatigue and sleepiness were evaluated using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), respectively. Hemodynamic response, baroreflex sensitivity, heart rate variability, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) variability (SBPV, DBPV) parameters were calculated at rest, and in response to the HUTT. The MS patients displayed attenuated BP responses coupled with a more pronounced decrease in cardiac index as well as a reduced increase in the low frequency (LFnu) of DBPV ( p = 0.021) and the sympathovagal ratio ( p = 0.031) in the latter-phase orthostatic challenge compared to HCs. In MS patients, the ESS score showed no correlation with CFQ or clinical disease outcomes, but exhibited a moderate correlation with LFnu of BPV rest . Fatigue and disease variants predicted blood pressure response to HUTT. These findings underscore the importance of subjective daytime sleepiness and fatigue symptoms and their role in blood pressure regulation in MS patients.

Introduction: This study aimed to identify the characteristics of Campylobacter isolated from wild birds (Black-headed gulls Chroicocephalus ridibundus and Great tits Parus major) and collect surface water samples (from rivers, ponds, ornamental lakes, freshwater beaches). Research material included 33 Campylobacter isolates. All the strains were isolated by different monitoring and surveillance plans., Methods: The prevalence of selected genes (flaA, cadF, iam, cdtB, wlaN, sodB, tet0) encoding virulence factors and resistance among Campylobacter spp. was assessed by the PCR method. The genetic similarities of isolates were determined by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). The susceptibility of Campylobacter isolates to clinically important antimicrobials: erythromycin, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin, previously assessed by E-test, was presented in the form of drug susceptibility profiles depending on the origin of the isolates., Results: The cadF, flaA, cdtB, and sodB genes exhibited the highest detection rate. Statistically significant differences between the presence of wlaN virulence genes were noted among different species of the isolates. No genetically identical isolates were found. The most numerous antibiotic susceptibility profile included strains susceptible to all antibiotics studied (profile A-33.3%). The second most common were the tetracycline - and ciprofloxacin-resistant (profile B-27.2%), and tetracycline-resistant profile (C-24.2%) respectively., Discussion: The study revealed the virulent properties of Campylobacter isolated from water samples, and wild birds, and high resistance rates to tetracycline, and fluoroquinolones. The lack of genetic relatedness among strains isolated from water, and birds may indicate other sources of surface water contamination with Campylobacter bacteria than birds. The presence of Campylobacter spp. in wild birds could also have other environmental origins., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Andrzejewska, Grudlewska-Buda, Śpica, Skowron, Ćwiklińska-Jurkowska, Szady-Grad, Indykiewicz, Wiktorczyk-Kapischke and Klawe.)

Aim: This study assessed the influence of performing an additional cognitive task on center of pressure (COP) displacement in the early and advanced stages of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) compared to age-matched healthy controls (HCs)., Methods: The study included 40 HCs and 62 patients with PD: early PD ( n = 38) and advanced PD ( n = 24). COP parameters were determined by static posturography during quiet standing with open eyes (ST, single task) and simultaneous performance of a cognitive task (DT, dual task). Cognitive functioning was examined with a Mini Mental State Examination, number-counting-backward test, and number of enunciated words during DT., Results: In the advanced-PD group, DT significantly reduced the sway radius ( p = 0.009), area of stabilogram ( p = 0.034), medio-lateral length ( p = 0.027), and velocity ( p = 0.033) compared to ST. In HCs, DT showed a significant increase in the sway radius ( p = 0.006), total length ( p = 0.039), sway velocity ( p = 0.037), anterior-posterior length, and sway velocity. Both PD groups showed worse cognitive performance compared to HCs., Conclusions: Both early and advanced patients with PD showed significant delay in cognitive performance associated with executive function compared to the HCs. During additional cognitive tasks, patients with advanced stages of PD may reduce stabilographic parameters in medio-lateral direction, and this is probably an adaptive strategy to restore balance., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess cardiac and autonomic function in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and to explore its relationship with disease outcomes. Methods: Thirty-eight patients with an MG were enrolled (median age 40.5 years; median disease duration 5.5 years). Cardiovascular parameters, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), spectral indices of short-term heart rate (HRV), and systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) were compared with age- and gender-matched controls (n = 30). Cardiac autonomic function was assessed during the response to standing (tilt) and deep breathing tests (expiration/inspiration ratio-E/I). Results: HR and BP responses to the tilt test were similar in both groups. MG patients, as compared to controls, were characterized by altered SBPV at rest, significantly reduced HR response to the deep breathing test (p < 0.001), increased sympathovagal balance after tilt (delta LF/HF-RRI, p = 0.037), and lower values of BRS (p = 0.007) and hemodynamic parameters, i.e., cardiac index, index contractility, left ventricular work index, at rest and during tilt. There was no association between disease duration and autonomic parameters. Disease severity, as determined by MGFA (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America) corrected for age and sex, was an independent predictor of diminished vagal tone (E/I ratio) and increased sympathetic response to tilt (delta LF/HF-RRI) as measured with HRV. Lower BRS was associated with greater disease severity and older age. Hemodynamic parameters were predominantly predicted by age and sex. Conclusion: Our results confirm cardiac autonomic dysfunction among MG patients with predominant parasympathetic impairment. Clinicians should consider evaluation of autonomic balance in MG patients with, or at risk for, cardiovascular disease.

Cellulite is defined as lipodystrophy of the subcutaneous adipose tissue, is a serious problem for about 90% of women. The fight against the symptoms is a challenge for cosmetology and esthetic medicine. The most promising method of skin and subcutaneous tissue imaging appears to be the ultrasound method. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of classic and high frequency ultrasonography in monitoring the anti-cellulite treatment. The study involved 144 women at mean age of 40.01 (± 11.90) years. The women were divided into groups: due to age and due to the degree of cellulite. The study was divided into two stages: "before" treatment (stage I) and "after" treatment (stage II), to which patients reported after a monthly anti-cellulite specifics application. In the initial phase, inspection and palpation tests have been executed to determine the severity of cellulite.The Nümberger-Müller cellulite severity assessment scale has been used. All women had a thigh circumference measured at its widest point. Epidermal tests have been performed in all women in order to eliminate allergy to preparation components. Based on the study, it was observed that there was a significant reduction in the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue as a result of therapy. The reduction of thickness of the dermis after treatment may indicate improvement in microcirculation which leads to elimination of edemas. A reduction of thigh circumference, which is one of the main indicative parameters of the therapy effectiveness, has been obtained.

Background: The therapeutic effects of exercise from structured activity programmes have recently been questioned; as a result, this study examines the impact of an Individualised Activity Program (IAP) on the relationship with cardiovascular, mitochondrial and fatigue parameters., Methods: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients were assessed using Chalder Fatigue Questionnaire (CFQ), Fatigue Severity Score (FSS) and the Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS). VO 2 peak, VO 2 submax and heart rate (HR) were assessed using cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Mfn1 and Mfn2 levels in plasma were assessed. A Task Force Monitor was used to assess ANS functioning in supine rest and in response to the Head-Up Tilt Test (HUTT)., Results: Thirty-four patients completed 16 weeks of the IAP. The CFQ, FSS and FIS scores decreased significantly along with a significant increase in Mfn1 and Mfn2 levels ( p = 0.002 and p = 0.00005, respectively). The relationships between VO 2 peak and Mfn1 increase in response to IAP ( p = 0.03) and between VO 2 at anaerobic threshold and ANS response to the HUTT ( p = 0.03) were noted., Conclusions: It is concluded that IAP reduces fatigue and improves functional performance along with changes in autonomic and mitochondrial function. However, caution must be applied as exercise was not well tolerated by 51% of patients.

In this study we set out to define the characteristics of autonomic subgroups of patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). The study included 131 patients with CFS (Fukuda criteria). Participants completed the following screening symptom assessment tools: Chalder Fatigue Scale, Fatigue Impact Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scales, the self-reported Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale. Autonomic parameters were measured at rest with a Task Force Monitor (CNS Systems) and arterial stiffness using an Arteriograph (TensioMed Kft.). Principal axis factor analysis yielded four factors: fatigue, subjective and objective autonomic dysfunction and arterial stiffness. Using cluster analyses, these factors were grouped in four autonomic profiles: 34% of patients had sympathetic symptoms with dysautonomia, 5% sympathetic alone, 21% parasympathetic and 40% had issues with sympathovagal balance. Those with a sympathetic-dysautonomia phenotype were associated with more severe disease, reported greater subjective autonomic symptoms with sympathetic over-modulation and had the lowest quality of life. The highest quality of life was observed in the balance subtype where subjects were the youngest, had lower levels of fatigue and the lowest values for arterial stiffness. Future studies will aim to design autonomic profile-specific treatment interventions to determine links between autonomic phenotypes CFS and a specific treatment.

Domestic and wild mammals, domestic birds and particularly wild birds are considered to be reservoirs of many species of Enterobacteriaceae, and also important human enteric pathogens, e.g., the bacteria of the genus Campylobacter that occur in their digestive tracts. These species may be vectors of antimicrobial resistance dissemination in the environment, because they may have contact with an environment contaminated with antibiotics. Bird feeders have been suggested as potential dispersal centres between wild wintering birds whose feeding is supported by humans. Therefore, we checked for the presence of Campylobacter bacteria among great tits Parus major, the most common bird species on bird feeders in Poland. Samples (n = 787 cloacal swabs) were collected in urban and rural areas of Poland. Bacterial species were identified using multiplex PCR, and 23 (2.9%) positive tests for Campylobacter spp. were found; in ten samples, C. jejuni was detected. The odds ratio of Campylobacter infection in rural birds was over 2.5 times higher than urban birds. Ten samples with C. jejuni were tested for antibiotic resistance, and all were sensitive to azithromycin, erythromycin and gentamycin, while six isolates were resistant to tetracycline, and five were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Four Campylobacter isolates were resistant to both these antibiotics.

Background: Cognitive function disturbance is a frequently described symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). In this study, the effects of a structured exercise programme (SEP) upon cognitive function in ME/CFS patients was examined., Methods: Out of the 53 ME/CFS patients initiating SEP 34 (64%) completed the 16 week programme. Cognitive function was assessed using a computerized battery test consisting of a Simple Reaction Time (SRT) (repeated three times) and Choice Reaction Time (CRT) measurements, a Visual Attention Test (VAT) and a Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS) assessment., Results: Statistically significant improvement was noted in the third attempt to SRT in reaction time for correct answers, p = 0.045, r = 0.24. Moreover, significant improvement was noted in VAT reaction time, number of correct answers and errors committed, p = 0.02, omega = 0.03, p = 0.007, r = 0.34 and p = 0.004, r = 0.35, respectively. Non-significant changes were noted in other cognitive tests., Conclusions: A substantial number of participants were unwilling or unable to complete the exercise programme. ME/CFS patients able to complete the SEP showed improved visual attention both in terms of reaction time and correctness of responses and processing speed of simple visual stimuli., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Of fundamental importance for the functioning of a community is the flow of energy and elements through its components. However, the question of how (if at all) the edge effect of habitats can drive elemental traits of organisms has hitherto been largely neglected issue in ecosystem ecology at the community level. We quantified the abundance of invertebrates and measured the elemental composition (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, As, Cd, Co and Pb) of 15 different organisms within the plant-invertebrate food web (plant - oilseed rape pests/herbivores - pollinators = wild bees - saprovores - predators - parasitoids) sampled in 34 fields of a key bioenergy crop that is an exceptionally strong biodiversity driver, the oilseed rape. Then these were related to the individual field edge habitat features (including typically anthropogenic ones like dirt and tarred roads) measured within a 100 m radius around the invertebrate sampling sites. Our study showed that elemental traits of the plant-invertebrate food web components in oilseed rape crops varied owing to the habitat specificity determined at the relatively small spatial scale of an individual field, and that the elemental traits of these organisms differed from both an inter- and an intra-guild perspective. The major mechanistic explanation for most of these relationships seems to derive from the secondary gut content effect. Determining one single state for the homeostatic/stoichiometric regulation of chemical elements in invertebrates based on the application of whole-body metal concentrations is in principle impossible, because of the unknown noise caused by the inclusion of extracellular portions of metals in the analysis. It is thus imperative to develop consistent principles for assessing elemental traits of organisms that are based on highly sensitive and high-throughput analytical methods for the ionomic profiling of microsamples at the organ, tissue, cellular or even sub-cellular levels., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Professional athlete training is significantly different from recreational physical activity, and sustained, repetitive exposure to over-strenuous and intensive training may result in critical changes of most systems and organs in a sportsman's body., Aim: The assessment of the influence of multiannual strength-endurance training on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and cardiovascular system (CVS) among the rowers of Polish national team., Materials and Methods: 20 rowers, aged 20-30, seniors of Polish national team were qualified into the study. The functional examination of ANS was conducted by means of Task Force® Monitor system. The assessed parameters included hemodynamic parameters, heart rate, and blood pressure variability and reflexes sensitivity of baroreceptors. In order to examine and compare the reaction of autonomic nervous system the subjects underwent a tilt test., Results: In the study group, significantly higher levels of sBP (129.3  ±  12.2 vs 118.3 ± 8.4, p = 0.0030), SI (59.9 ± 8.8 vs 41.2 ± 6.8, p > 0.001), CI (3.2 ± 0.5 vs 2.4 ± 0.4, p > 0.001), and significantly lower levels of HR (54.2 ± 5.3 vs 60.1 ± 5.7, p = 0.0034) and TPRI (2333.3 ± 389.9 vs 2950.2 ± 604.2, p = 0.0012) compared to the control group, were found. After the tilt test the levels of HR ( p = 0.0005) and TPRI ( p = 0.0128) were significantly higher but SI ( p > 0.001) and CI ( p = 0.0006) were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control., Conclusions: Multiannual strength-endurance training connected with rowing activities substantially modulates the activity of cardiovascular and autonomic nervous system, influences the volumetric workload of the heart and structural changes, and increases the sensitivity of reflexes of arterial baroreceptors., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2019 Tomasz Kowalik et al.)

The purpose of this study was to determine whether raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products, pork, and beef available for sale in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie and Wielkopolska regions in Poland are contaminated with Campylobacter spp. bacteria and may be a potential source of infection. For isolated strains, antibiotic susceptibility and the presence of genes responsible for virulence were examined. Material for research included 1058 food samples collected between 2014 and 2018 with 454 samples of raw milk and unpasteurized dairy products (milk from vending machines, milk from owners of dairy cows, cheese, milk cream) and 604 samples of raw meat (pork, beef). The results indicated that 9.3% of the samples were positive for Campylobacter spp., and Campylobacter jejuni was predominant in this study. Campylobacter bacteria was not found in milk collected from vending machines, as well as cheese and milk cream samples. Campylobacter was noted in 12.7% of beef samples, 11.8% of raw milk purchased from individual suppliers, and 10.9% of pork samples. Resistance to erythromycin (2.0%), azithromycin (3.1%), gentamicin (4.1%), tetracycline (65.3%), and ciprofloxacin (71.4%) was determined using the disc diffusion method. Furthermore, the prevalence of racR , sodB , csrA , virB11 , cdtB , iam , and wlaN genes were examined using the PCR method. The sodB , csrA , and cdtB genes exhibited the highest detection rate, but none of the genes were identified in 100% of the isolates. Statistically significant differences between the presence of virulence marker genes, including for iam , racR , and csrA markers, were noted among different sources of the isolates. Differences in the distribution of iam, wlaN , and virB11 were also shown between C. jejuni and C. coli strains. As a result of the analysis, it has been concluded that unpasteurized milk, beef, and pork could be a sources of Campylobacter pathogens. Moreover, this study revealed virulent properties of Campylobacter isolated from such food products and high resistance rates to fluoroquinolones, which may represent difficulties in campylobacteriosis treatment.

This dataset is provided in support of the paper "Edge effect imprint on elemental traits of plant-invertebrate food web components of oilseed rape fields" (Orłowski et al., 2019). Supplementary data are given on the following: (1) the full taxonomic list of invertebrates ( n  = 12 916) classified into food guilds and functional groups, which were sampled in 34 oilseed rape fields in SW Poland in spring 2015; (2) concentrations of 12 chemical elements measured in invertebrates; (3) the relationships between abundance and percentage (%) in the community of major invertebrate groups, and habitat variables; (4) the statistical tests comparing the concentrations of chemical elements between the different groupings of organisms; (5) the relationships between the elemental traits of oilseed rape plant samples and major functional invertebrate groupings or main taxonomic insect groups, and the habitat variables of oilseed rape fields., (© 2019 The Author(s).)

In this study we set out to understand is sleep fragmentation affects the cardiovascular regulation and circadian variability of core body temperature more or less than sleep deprivation. 50 healthy men (age 29.0+/-3.1 years; BMI 24.3+/-2.1 kg/m(2)) participated in a 3-day study that included one adaptative night and one experimental night involving randomization to: sleep deprivation (SD) and sleep fragmentation (SF). The evaluation included hemodynamic parameters, measures of the spectral analysis of heart rate and blood pressure variability, and the sensitivity of arterial baroreflex function. Core body temperature (CBT) was measured with a telemetric system. SF affects heart rate (61.9+/-5.6 vs. 56.2+/-7.6, p<0.01) and stroke index (52.7+/-11.1 vs. 59.8+/-12.2, p<0.05) with significant changes in the activity of the ANS (LF-sBP: 6.0+/-5.3 vs. 3.4+/-3.7, p<0.05; HF-sBP: 1.8+/-1.8 vs. 1.0+/-0.7, p<0.05; LF-dBP: 5.9+/-4.7 vs. 3.5+/-3.2, p<0.05) more than SD. Post hoc analysis revealed that after SD mean value of CBT from 21:30 to 06:30 was significantly higher compared to normal night's sleep and SF. In healthy men SF affects the hemodynamic and autonomic changes more than SD. Sympathetic overactivity is the proposed underlying mechanism.

This study aimed to analyze the impact of sleep deprivation (SD) on cardiac, hemodynamic, and endothelial parameters and to determine whether these are sustained with increased periods of SD. The study included 60 healthy men (mean: age 31.2±6.3 years; body mass index 24.6±2.6 kg/m²). Hemodynamic parameters, parameters of myocardial contractility, spectral analysis of heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) variability, and the sensitivity of arterial baroreflex function were evaluated. Biochemical tests were performed to assess L-arginine (L-Arg) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in reflection of endothelial nitric oxide synthase ability. Measurements of cardiovascular system parameters were obtained at 9 a.m. (baseline) on the first day of the study and 9 a.m. (24-h SD), 1 p.m. (28-h SD), and 5 p.m. (32-h SD) on the second day. Blood samples for evaluating biochemical parameters were obtained at baseline and after 24-h SD. ANOVA Friedman's test revealed a significant effect for time in relation to HR (χ²=26.04, df=5, p =0.000), systolic BP (χ²=35.98, df=5, p =0.000), diastolic BP (χ²=18.01, df=5, p =0.003), and mean BP (χ²=28.32, df=5, p =0.000). L-Arg and ADMA levels changed from 78.2±12.9 and 0.3±0.1 at baseline to 68.8±10.2 and 0.4±0.1 after 24-hr SD, respectively ( p =0.001, p =0.004). SD in healthy men is associated with increases in BP, which appear to occur after 24 hours of SD and are maintained over increasing periods of SD. The observed hemodynamic changes may have resulted due to disordered vascular endothelial function, as reflected in alterations in L-Arg and ADMA levels., Competing Interests: The authors have no financial conflicts of interest., (© Copyright: Yonsei University College of Medicine 2018.)

The main objective of the study was to analyze the impact of sleep deprivation upon hemodynamic and autonomic parameters in subjects with normal blood pressure (BP) compared to prehypertension and hypertension at 24, 28, and 32 h of total sleep deprivation (TSD). Thirty volunteers, healthy men with current medical tests indicating the absence of disease took part in the study. After physical examination (basic neurological, clinical examination, echocardiography and doppler ultrasound of the renal arteries, evaluation of the autonomic nervous system) subjects were divided into three groups: I - normotensive, II - pre-hypertensive, III - hypertensive (age: 31.2 ± 2.1 vs. 33.5 ± 2.7 vs. 36.8 ± 2.7 years, p > 0.05; BMI: 25.2 ± 0.8 vs. 29.0 ± 1.5 vs. 26.4 ± 1.0 kg/m 2 , p > 0.05). Hemodynamic and autonomic parameters were automatically measured at rest and in a tilted position with a Task Force Monitor. The Task Force Monitor consists of electrocardiography, impedance cardiography, oscillometric, and continuous BP measurement. Mixed models with random effects was applied in order to analyze the parameters' dependence on the time and the group of patients. One-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test were used to detect differences between normotensive, pre-hypertensive and hypertensive groups in each time point. In the pre-hypertensive group 28-h TSD resulted in increased vagal outflow [changes in high frequency heart rate (HR) variability, p = 0.0189], as evidenced by decreased HR ( p = 0.0293). Moreover after 24-h TSD and 28-h TSD we observed changes in BP parameters. In hypertensive group, the most important changes in hemodynamic parameters: systolic blood pressure (sBP, p = 0.0031), diastolic blood pressure (dBP, p = 0.0136), cardiac output (CO, p = 0.0439) and changes in HR ( p = 0.0063) after tilt test were observed after 32-h TSD. In conclusion, our results show that changes in hemodynamic parameters during sleep deprivation depend on the baseline BP and duration of TSD. What is important, both groups reported a decrease of sBP and dBP during the TSD (pre-hypertensive group after 24, 28-h TSD; hypertensive group after 32-h TSD. In our opinion, this is the first study which considers three homogenous groups in terms of gender: only men, during different points of acute TSD: 24, 28, and 32 h of TSD in laboratory condition.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess cardiac and autonomic function in patients with Crohn's disease and explore their relation to disease duration using cardiovascular reflex tests., Materials and Methods: Cardiovascular parameters, baroreflex sensitivity, spectral-indices of short-term heart rate variability and blood pressure variability were compared between patients with Crohn's disease in remission (n = 30) and a control group (n = 29). Cardiac autonomic function was assessed during response to standing (tilt) and deep breathing test (expiration/inspiration ratio-E/I). Aortic pulse wave velocity, aortic augmentation index and central systolic blood pressure were measured oscillometrically., Results: At rest, Crohn's disease patients had significantly higher systolic (p = 0.03) and diastolic (p = 0.03) blood pressure, total peripheral resistance index (p = 0.003), sympathetic-parasympathetic ratio (p = 0.033) and lower baroreceptor effectiveness (p = 0.047), myocardial variables (stroke index; p = 0.03, cardiac index; p = 0.025, Heather index; p = 0.039, left ventricular ejection time; p = 0.038), as compared to controls. Orthostatic response to the tilt test in the Crohn's disease group and the control group was similar, no intergroup differences were observed for E/I ratio and autonomic parameters. In Crohn's disease patients, disease duration was negatively associated with baroreflex sensitivity and positively correlated with normalised high frequency heart rate variability, sympathetic-parasympathetic ratio at rest and post-tilt changes in Δsystolic blood pressure, p < 0.05. The control group had significantly lower central systolic blood pressure (p = 0.043) compared to Crohn's disease patients., Conclusions: Crohn's disease patients in remission have preserved cardiac and autonomic function in response to cardiovascular reflex tests with a shift in cardiovascular autonomic regulation towards sympathetic predominate in the rest position., (Copyright © 2018 Medical University of Bialystok. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of this study was to comprehensively determine hemodynamic and autonomic responses during-head up tilt test (HUT) in the acute and recovery phase of ischemic stroke., Methods: Cardiovascular parameters, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), spectral-indices of heart rate (HRV), systolic (sBPV) and diastolic blood pressure variability (dBPV) were measured at rest in ischemic stroke patients (N.=17) and control group (N.=34). Dynamic cardiac autonomic function was assessed using HUT (Delta [rest-tilt]. Controls were examined once whereas stroke group at two timepoints: on admission and in day 10 (recovery period)., Results: After a recovery period the stroke group showed significantly higher resting values of systolic blood pressure (sBP, P=0.028), systolic time ratio (STR, P=0.023), high frequency sBPV (HF-sBP, P=0.027), high frequency R-R interval (HF-RRI, P=0.048), power spectral density of sBPV (PSD-sBP, P=0.004) and lower sympathovagal ratio (LF/HF, P=0.005), low frequency R-R interval (LF-RRI, P=0.045), BRS and significantly lower increase in post tilt changes in systolic blood pressure (Delta sBP), total peripheral resistance (Delta TPR) compared to controls. No significant differences were observed for post-tilt in all hemodynamic changes compared to admission. After the recovery period the patient group showed an improved blood pressure profile, left ventricular work index, systolic time ratio and BRS compared to admission., Conclusions: Patients with acute ischemic stroke after a recovery period presented autonomic imbalance and impaired cardiac sympathetic modulation at rest and in response to orthostatic challenge compared to a control group. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant decrease in baroreflex sensitivity, suggesting parasympathetic deficiency.

Background: Arterial stiffness (AS) is a reduction in the ability of large arteries to readily accommodate the increase in blood ejected from the heart during systole related with aging. Physical exercise is associated with AS reduction. However, it remains controversial as to which modality and intensity (resistance vs aerobic, high vs low) would be the most effective. The aim of these studies is to examine the effects of 3-months sitting callisthenic balance (SCB) and resistance exercise (RET) on aerobic capacity, aortic stiffness and body composition in older participants., Material and Methods: Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWVao), return time (RT), diastolic reflection area (DRA) and blood pressure (BP) level changes were measured with Arteriograph. Aerobic capacity was examined with 6-min walk test (6-MWT) and spiroergometry (VO2max). Body composition was analyzed by Bioelectric Impedance Analysis using Tanita., Results: Significant improvements of BP, PWVao, RT and DRA were observed in the SCB group (p = 0.018, p = 0.017 and p = 0.012, respectively). % of fat mass improved in RET and SCB group (p = 0.003, p = 0.012, respectively). Visceral fat significantly improved in SCB group (p = 0.03)., Conclusions: Despite no significant changes in indicators of aerobic capacity (VO2max and 6MWT result) in both groups, significant improvement in all measures of AS, except SBPao were observed in the SCB group, while no AS improvement in the RET group was noted. There were some differences in pattern of body compositions improvement between two groups., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare cardiovascular and autonomic adaptation changes in athletes exposed to high intensity and uninterrupted training for extended periods of time., Methods: We assessed hemodynamic profile and cardiac function in 22 international master-level athletes free of cardiovascular disease who experienced particularly intensive and uninterrupted training over an 8- to 21-year-period., Results: One-way ANOVA revealed that in athletes, extreme and uninterrupted strength and endurance training over long periods of time (up to 21 years) causes an increase in resting heart rate (50.3±7.1 vs. 63.0±10.7, P=0.0429), diastolic (65.8±5.2 vs. 75.2±5.7, P=0.0222) and mean blood pressure (85.4±6.0 vs. 95.6±6.4, P=0.0166). On multiple regression, increasing training experience was related to decrease in RRI (R2=0.18, P=0.0481) and increase in dBP (R2=0.32, P=0.0064) and mBP (R2=0.31, P=0.0075) although the effect was small. A negative correlation was observed between the training age and the parameters describing parasympathetic function: HF-RRI (R=-0.54, P=0.0321), HF-dBP (R=-0.52, P=0.0401) and PSD-RRI (R=-0.51, P=0.0414)., Conclusions: Long-term sport practice at a world class level causes an increase in resting heart rate, diastolic and mean blood pressure, and decrease of the parasympathetic dominance and this may result from decreasing adjustment to large training loads.

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of a hyperbaric environment alone on the cardiovascular system by ensuring elimination of factors that may mask the effect on hyperbaria. The research was performed in a hyperbaric chamber to eliminate the effect of physical activity and the temperature of the aquatic environment. Biochemical analysis and examination with the Task Force Monitor device were performed before and immediately after exposure. TFM was used for noninvasive examination of the cardiovascular system and the functional evaluation of the autonomic nervous system. Natriuretic peptides were measured as biochemical markers which were involved in the regulation of haemodynamic circulation vasoconstriction (urotensin II). L-arginine acted as a precursor of the level of the nitric oxide whereas angiotensin II and angiotensin (1-7) were involved in cardiac remodeling. The study group is comprised of 18 volunteers who were professional divers of similar age and experience. The results shown in our biochemical studies do not exceed reference ranges but a statistically significant increase indicates the hyperbaric environment is not without impact upon the human body. A decrease in HR, an increase in mBP, dBP, and TPR, and increase in parasympathetic heart nerves activity suggest an increase in heart afterload with a decrease in heart activity within almost one hour after hyperbaric exposure. Results confirm that exposure to a hyperbaric environment has significant impact on the cardiovascular system. This is confirmed both by changes in peptides associated with poorer cardiovascular outcomes, where a significant increase in the studied parameters was observed, and by noninvasive examination.

The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiovascular autonomic modulation in response to an orthostatic stress in healthy subjects and Parkinson's disease (PD). The study included 47 controls and 56 PD patients divided into groups (vasoconstrictor PD, vasodilator PD, control) according to vasodilation/vasoconstriction response during 70° head up tilt test. Using impedance cardiography (ICG) and electrocardiography (ECG) we measured stroke volume, cardiac output, left ventricular work index, left ventricular ejection time, acceleration index, index of contractility, Heather index, thoracic fluid content, total peripheral resistance, total arterial compliance. We also analyzed heart rate variability (HRV), using spectral analysis and continuous blood pressure (contBP). At rest, the vasodilator PD group showed significantly higher values of total peripheral resistance and lower values of stroke volume and cardiac output, compared to the vasoconstrictor PD and the control groups. A post-tilt drop in ∆ (change rest - tilt) systolic blood pressure, ∆mean blood pressure, ∆total peripheral resistance and ∆Heather index, and a significantly lower increase in ∆diastolic blood pressure was observed in subjects from the vasodilator PD group compared to the vasoconstrictor PD and the control groups. No statistically significant differences were observed for HRV parameters between the vasoconstrictor and vasodilator PD groups, P > .05. Longer duration and higher disease stage of PD correlated with a reduction in post-tilt systolic blood pressure changes in vasodilator group. Positive inotropy of the cardiac muscle represents a significant factor preventing orthostatic hypotension in PD subjects with a concurrent drop in peripheral vascular resistance during orthostatic stress., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Background: Campylobacteriosis is a dominant bacterial cause of foodborne infection and is considered the main public health problem in Europe and many other countries worldwide. In the study lasting from 2011 to 2013 we compared the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolated from children, domestic animals, poultry meat and surface water in Northern Poland., Results: During a 3-years study 1973 samples were analysed. The results proved the presence of Campylobacter spp. in 306 (15.5%) samples. The percentage of Campylobacter-positive samples differed among the sample types, from 0% (freshwater beaches) to 38.6% (poultry meat in 2011). Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in children isolates was 9.6%. It decreased from 13.2% in 2011 to 8.0% in 2013. It should be highlighted with a particular concern that Campylobacter jejuni was detected in 20.0% of fountains. All children and poultry meat isolates were susceptible to azithromycin. Two C. coli (3.7%) and four C. jejuni (3.3%) isolated from poultry meat were resistant to erythromycin. The highest percentage of C. jejuni isolates with resistance to ciprofloxacin were found in samples from 80% dogs and 85% ponds. Among isolates resistant to two antimicrobials 74.7% C. jejuni and 59.2% C. coli isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin as well as to tetracycline. Only one cat C. coli isolate was resistant to both azithromycin and erythromycin. One C. jejuni isolate from a fountain was resistant to four antimicrobial agents (erythromycin, azithromycin, tetracycline and ciprofloxacin)., Conclusions: The study proved that surface water, poultry meat and pets constituted potential sources of Campylobacter to children. Fountains can be a direct source of children campylobacteriosis but can also pollute other environments with multidrug-resistant Campylobacter. The high resistance to some antimicrobials among the isolates may lead to increasing numbers of difficult-to-treat campylobacteriosis cases among children.

The relationships between the bioaccumulation of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Cd, and Pb, acidity (pH), salinity (Ec), and organic matter content within trophic levels (water-soil-plants-invertebrates) were studied in saline environments in Poland. Environments included sodium manufactures, wastes utilization areas, dumping grounds, and agriculture cultivation, where disturbed Ca, Mg, and Fe exist and the impact of Cd and Pb is high. We found Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, and Cd accumulation in the leaves of plants and in invertebrates. Our aim was to determine the selectivity exhibited by soil for nutrients and heavy metals and to estimate whether it is important in elucidating how these metals are available for plant/animal uptake in addition to their mobility and stability within soils. We examined four ecological plant groups: trees, shrubs, minor green plants, and water macrophytes. Among invertebrates, we sampled breastplates Malacostraca, small arachnids Arachnida, diplopods Diplopoda, small insects Insecta, and snails Gastropoda. A higher level of chemical elements was found in saline polluted areas (sodium manufactures and anthropogenic sites). Soil acidity and salinity determined the bioaccumulation of free radicals in the trophic levels measured. A pH decrease caused Zn and Cd to increase in sodium manufactures and an increase in Ca, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb in the anthropogenic sites. pH increase also caused Na, Mg, and Fe to increase in sodium manufactures and an increase in Na, Fe, Mn, and Co in the anthropogenic sites. There was a significant correlation between these chemical elements and Ec in soils. We found significant relationships between pH and Ec, which were positive in saline areas of sodium manufactures and negative in the anthropogenic and control sites. These dependencies testify that the measurement of the selectivity of cations and their fluctuation in soils provide essential information on the affinity and binding strength in these environments. The chemical elements accumulated in soils and plants; however, further flow is selective and variable. The selectivity exhibited by soil systems for nutrients and heavy metals is important in elucidating how these metals become available for plant/animal uptake and also their mobility and stability in soils.

Aerial insectivores through their insect diet can contribute to biotransfer of elements across habitats. We investigate the relationship between dietary composition as expressed by the contributions of six functional invertebrate prey groups (primarily of agriculturally subsidised invertebrates characteristic of agricultural areas in temperate regions of Europe) and concentrations of essential (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Co) and non-essential (As, Cd, Pb) elements of environmental concern in the faeces of nestlings of three species of avian aerial insectivores - Common Swift Apus apus, Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica and House Martin Delichon urbicum - which breed sympatrically and use apparently similar resources of flying insect prey. There were significant differences between the species for 7 of the 12 elements (Ca, Zn, Cu, Co, As, Pb, Cd); these differences were attributable to the variable dietary composition, even though the concentrations of the elements varied enormously between the faecal samples from the individual species. Partial correlation analysis between the biomass (expressed in mg dry weight) of the six functional prey groups and faecal concentrations of elements showed the highest number of significant relationships for toxic metals (As, Pb and Cd). The results of the General Regression Model explaining faecal element concentrations revealed the different explanatory power of the effects of PCA (of six functional prey groups) dietary scores. A significant fit of GRM was obtained for 7 elements (Na, Mg, Fe, Mn, As, Pb, Cd) for Barn Swallows, 2 elements (Cu, As) for House Martins and 1 element (Mn) for Common Swifts. Overall, the results confirmed our predictions that the biomass of consumed coprophilous taxa and insects from crop habitats was positively correlated with the faecal concentrations of toxic elements. Unexpectedly, however, the faecal samples (primarily those of Common Swifts) that contained many oil-seed rape insect pests had lower Ca, Pb and Cd levels and a higher As level. Our study implies that the cross-boundary transfer of contaminants, primarily non-essential elements, by aerially foraging birds through the considerable accumulation of their faeces has potential consequences for the local biogeochemical cycle and environmental quality., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system, observed in patients aged older than 50 years. In this study, we review interactions between therapies used in PD and selected antihypertensive agents. Moreover, in view of the lack of evidence-based recommendations regarding the pharmacotherapy of arterial hypertension in PD patients, we propose effective and safe therapeutic algorithms for these two coexisting conditions., Method: We used the "Drug interactions" database affiliated with the Ministry of Health, which allows for the identification of interactions between compared active compounds. The database is updated on a monthly basis and all data are consistent with current legislation. For information about interactions, we additionally added data from the British National Formulary, a joint publication of the British Medical Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. In this analysis, we also used data from Micromedex ® , Cerner Multum™, Wolters Kluwer™, Lexicomp ® and Stockley's ® . We analysed the potential interactions between antihypertensive and anti-parkinsonian agents included in respective guidelines on the pharmacotherapy of these conditions., Results: Our analysis revealed the lack of clinically relevant interactions between preparations of levodopa and benserazide (used for the treatment of PD) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, antagonists of AT 1 receptor for angiotensin II or antagonists of β-adrenoreceptors (β-adrenolytics)., Conclusion: To avoid major drug-to-drug interactions, patients receiving preparations of levodopa and benserazide should be prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, antagonists of AT 1 receptor for angiotensin II, or antagonists of β-adrenoreceptors (β-adrenolytics) as the first-line agents of antihypertensive treatment.

Introduction: In recent years, more and more often the increase in incidence of allergies is observed. According to the WHO, they are getting the fourth position amongst the most frequent diseases after cancers, cardiovascular diseases and AIDS. Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening, systemic or generalised immediate hypersensitivity reaction. The analysis of the causes and the clinical picture of anaphylaxis in patients treated at single academic hospital centre was the purpose of the study., Material and Methods: The study was based on retrospective analysis of case records of the patients hospitalised at the Chair and Department of Allergology, Clinical Immunology and Internal Diseases, the Jan Biziel University Hospital in Bydgoszcz in the years 2005-2010. 132 patients, in whom anaphylactic reaction appeared, were analysed. The examined population included 70 men and 62 women at 16-95 years of age., Results: The conducted examinations allowed to obtain information about the causes and the course of anaphylactic reactions. The problem of hypersensitivity to substances of various origin (biological or synthetic) can concern everyone irrespective of sex and age. Nevertheless, the phenomenon of anaphylaxis more often occurred in the examined men than women. Most cases of anaphylactic reactions were reported in the 26-50 age range. Based on the presented results, no regularity was observed in anaphylaxis clinical picture and its causative factor., Conclusions: It is difficult to forecast the course of the reaction based on the causative factor, for anaphylactic reaction is characterised by a great individual changeability and intensity of the first symptoms.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of white stork Ciconia ciconia as a potential reservoir of Campylobacter spp. Antimicrobial resistance and the presence of putative virulence genes of the isolates were also examined. A total of 398 white stork chicks sampled in Western Poland in habitats with high density of breeding were examined. Rectal swabs were collected during breeding season 2009-2012 from storks developing in a relatively pure environment (Odra meadows), in polluted areas (a copper mining-smelting complex), and in suburbs. Of the anal swabs collected, 7.6% were positive for Campylobacter among chicks (5.3% samples positive for C. jejuni and 2.3% samples positive for C. coli). Samples from polluted areas had the highest prevalence of Campylobacter (12.2%). The prevalence of resistance among C. jejuni and C. coli isolates from young storks was as follows: to ciprofloxacin (52.4%, 44.4%), and to tetracycline (19%, 77.8%). All of the analyzed isolates were susceptible to macrolides. The resistance to both classes of antibiotics was found in the 23.3% of Campylobacter spp. All Campylobacter spp. isolates had cadF gene and flaA gene responsible for adherence and motility. CdtB gene associated with toxin production was present in 88.9% of C. coli isolates and 57.1% of C. jejuni isolates. The iam marker was found more often in C. coli strains (55.6%) compared to C. jejuni isolates (42.9%). Our results confirm the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in the white stork in natural conditions and, because it lives in open farmlands with access to marshy wetlands, the environmental sources such as water reservoirs and soil-water can be contaminated from white stork feces and the pathogens can be widely disseminated. We can thus conclude that Campylobacter spp. may easily be transmitted to waterfowl, other birds, and humans via its environmental sources and/or by immediate contact.

Background and Aims: This study objectively analyzed postural instability and cognitive function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and a group of healthy elderly and middle-aged individuals., Methods: The study included ten healthy middle-aged individuals (range 42-57 years), 14 healthy elderly individuals (range 60-90 years) and 15 PD patients (range 58-93 years). Center of pressure (COP) parameters were determined by means of computed static posturography during free standing with open and closed eyes. The level of cognitive functioning was examined with mini mental state examination (MMSE) and counting backwards test (CBT)., Results: Parkinson's disease patients showed significantly lower MMSE scores compared to healthy middle-aged (p = 0.004) and elderly individuals (p = 0.03). Mean duration of CBT in PD patients was significantly longer than in healthy subjects. COP parameters correlated with age of subjects and cognitive function (MMSE score). No significant differences in any stabilographic parameters were observed between healthy elderly subjects and PD patients., Conclusions: Age is the most significant factor impacting upon the static balance of older individuals during free standing. Compared to middle-aged and elderly individuals without central nervous system impairment, patients with PD present with significant delay in cognitive processes associated with executive function.

Over recent years, a considerable increase in the popularity of cryostimulation and whole body cryotherapy (WBC) procedures has occurred both among healthy individuals and in various groups of patients, including those with primary untreated hypertension. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of WBC on the functional parameters of cardiovascular system in normotensive and primarily hypertensive individuals. The study included 26 young male volunteers with normal blood pressure range (NormoBP) and 13 with essential arterial hypertension (HyperBP). Each subject was exposed to cryotherapeutic factor (whole-body cryotherapy/cryostimulation, WBC) at a temperature of approximately -115°C to -125°C for a period of 3 min. The cardiovascular and autonomic parameters were measured noninvasively with Task Force® Monitor. Measurements in a supine position and tilt test were performed "before WBC" and "after WBC". Our study revealed that cryogenic temperatures exert strong modulatory effect on the cardiovascular system. Both groups showed adaptive changes of myocardial and vascular parameters in response to rapid cooling of virtually the whole body surface. While the profiles of some of these changes were similar in both the groups, also several considerable intergroup differences were documented. Consequently, the cryostimulation and cryotherapy treatment should be prescribed carefully to individuals who present with cardiovascular failure of any degree., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The cardiovascular, autonomic and thermal response to whole-body cryostimulation exposure are not completely known. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate objectively and noninvasively autonomic and thermal reactions observed after short exposure to very low temperatures. We examined 25 healthy men with mean age 30.1 ± 3.7 years and comparable anthropomorphical characteristic. Each subject was exposed to cryotherapeutic temperatures in a cryogenic chamber for 3 min (approx. -120 °C). The cardiovascular and autonomic parameters were measured noninvasively with Task Force Monitor. The changes in core body temperature were determined with the Vital Sense telemetric measurement system. Results show that 3 min to cryotherapeutic temperatures causes significant changes in autonomic balance which are induced by peripheral and central blood volume changes. Cryostimulation also induced changes in core body temperature, maximum drop of core temperature was observed 50-60 min after the stimulation. Autonomic and thermal reactions to cryostimulation were observed up to 6 h after the exposure and were not harmful for examined subjects., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Cardiac hypertrophic remodelling and systolic dysfunction are common in patients with mitochondrial disease and independent predictors of morbidity and early mortality. Endurance exercise training improves symptoms and skeletal muscle function, yet cardiac adaptations are unknown., Methods and Results: Before and after 16-weeks of training, exercise capacity, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and phosphorus-31 spectroscopy, disease burden, fatigue, quality of life, heart rate variability (HRV) and blood pressure variability (BPV) were assessed in 10 adult patients with m.3243A>G-related mitochondrial disease, and compared to age- and gender-matched sedentary control subjects. At baseline, patients had increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI, p<0.05) and LV mass to end-diastolic volume ratio, and decreased longitudinal shortening and myocardial phosphocreatine/adenosine triphosphate ratio (all p<0.01). Peak arterial-venous oxygen difference (p<0.05), oxygen uptake (VO2) and power were decreased in patients (both p<0.01) with no significant difference in cardiac power output. All patients remained stable and completed ≥80% sessions. With training, there were similar proportional increases in peak VO2, anaerobic threshold and work capacity in patients and controls. LVMI increased in both groups (p<0.01), with no significant effect on myocardial function or bioenergetics. Pre- and post-exercise training, HRV and BPV demonstrated increased low frequency and decreased high frequency components in patients compared to controls (all p<0.05)., Conclusion: Patients with mitochondrial disease and controls achieved similar proportional benefits of exercise training, without evidence of disease progression, or deleterious effects on cardiac function. Reduced exercise capacity is largely mediated through skeletal muscle dysfunction at baseline and sympathetic over-activation may be important in pathogenesis., (Copyright © 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Autonomic dysfunction has been reported in patients with NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and is associated with clinical presentations. To date, there are no therapies to improve autonomic regulation in people with NAFLD. The present study defines the impact of a short-term exercise programme on cardiac autonomic and haemodynamic regulation in patients with NAFLD. A total of 17 patients with clinically defined NAFLD [age, 55±12 years; BMI (body mass index), 33±5 kg/m²; liver fat, 17±9%] were randomized to 8 weeks of resistance exercise or a control group to continue standard care. Resting and submaximal exercise (50% of peak oxygen consumption) autonomic and cardiac haemodynamic measures were assessed before and after the intervention. Resistance exercise resulted in a 14% reduction in HR (heart rate) and 7% lower SBP (systolic blood pressure) during submaximal exercise (16 beats/min, P=0.03 and 16 mmHg, P=0.22). Sympathovagal balance, expressed as LF/HF (low-frequency/high-frequency) ratio of the mean HR beat-to-beat (R-R) interval, was reduced by 37% (P=0.26). Similarly sympathovagal balance of DBP (diastolic blood pressure) and SBP variability decreased by 29% (P=0.33) and 19% (P=0.55), respectively in the exercise group only. BRS (baroreflex sensitivity) increased by 31% (P=0.08) following exercise. The mean R-R interval increased by 23% (159 ms, P=0.09). Parasympathetic regulation was decreased by 17% (P=0.05) and overall sympathovagal balance in BP regulation (LF/HF ratio) increased by 26% (P=0.02) following resistance exercise. Resting haemodynamic measures remained similar between groups. Resistance exercise therapy seems to improve autonomic and submaximal exercise haemodynamic regulation in NAFLD. Further studies are required to define its role in clinical management of the condition.

Whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) is an increasing applied cryotherapeutic method, that involves application of a cryotherapeutic factor to stimulate the body by the means of intense hypothermia of virtually the body's entire area. This method is still not well recognized in Western Europe. However in recent years it is becoming increasingly popular in sports medicine and also in clinical application. Cryotherapeutic agents used in WBC are considered to be a strong stress stimulus which is associated with a variety of changes in functional parameters, particularly of the cardiovascular and autonomic nervous systems. However, such strong influence upon the entire body could be associated with the risk of unexpected reactions which might be dangerous for homeostasis. The present study evaluated the complex hemodynamic physiological reactions in response to WBC exposure in healthy subjects. Thirty healthy male volunteers participated. Each subject was exposed to WBC (-120°C) for 3-min. None of the participants had been exposed to such conditions previously. The research was conducted with modern and reliable measurements techniques, which assessed complex hemodynamic reactions and skin temperature changes non-invasively. All measurements were performed four times (before WBC, after WBC, WBC+3h and WBC+6h) with a Task Force Monitor (TFM - CNSystems, Medizintechnik, Gratz, Austria). Body superficial temperature was measured by infrared thermographic techniques - infra-red camera Flir P640 (Flir Systems Inc., Sweden). Our results show a significant decrease in heart rate, cardiac output, and increase in stroke volume, total peripheral resistance and baroreceptors reflex sensitivity. These changes were observed just after WBC exposure. At stages WBC+3h and WBC+6h there was observed a significant drop in baroreceptors reflex sensitivity due to increased thermogenesis. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that WBC strongly stimulates the baroreceptor cardiac reflex in response to body fluid changes which sequentially modulate HR and BP control in supine and resting healthy subjects. The study was performed on randomized and homogenic group of young healthy subjects. Our findings are important for WBC safety determination in research and clinical studies., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The healing process and the angiogenesis associated with it, is a very important but currently poorly understood area. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been reported to modulate the process of tissue repair by stimulation of cellular reaction such as migration, proliferation, apoptosis and cellular differentiation. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of laser radiation in the range of visible and infrared light on the proliferation of vascular endothelial cells in vitro and the secretion of angiogenic factors: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Vascular human endothelial cells (Ecs) were exposed to radiation with laser beam of the wavelengths: 635 nm (1.875 mW/cm²) and 830 nm (3.75 mW/cm²). Depending on the radiation energy density, the experiment was conducted in four groups : I) the control group (no radiation, 0 J/cm²); II) 635 nm - the energy density was 2 J/cm²; III) 635 nm - 4 J/cm²; IV635 nm - 8 J/cm², II) 830 nm - the energy density was 2 J/cm²; III) 830 nm - 4 J/cm²; IV) 830 nm - 8 J/cm². The proliferation and concentration of VEGF-A and TGF-β were examined. LLLT with wavelength 635 nm increases endothelial cell proliferation. Significant increase in endothelial cell proliferation and corresponding decrease in VEGF concentration may suggest the role for VEGF in this process. The wavelength of 830 nm was associated with a decrease in TGF-β secretion.

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of cats and dogs as a potential reservoir of Campylobacter spp. Rectal swabs from 83 dogs and 71 cats were examined. Samples were obtained from the animals aged between 2 weeks and 24 months living in shelters, private households, farms and from veterinary clinics located in Bydgoszcz region during routine check-up. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 4.81% dogs and 9.86% cats, respectively. C. jejuni was predominant in this study. All strains were isolated in autumn and winter from the animals living in farms and private houses. All the animals positive for Campylobacter prevalence had access to small water basins, accidental source of food and had contact with wild birds, poultry or their feaces. Isolates characterization revealed high prevalence of Campylobacter virulence genes-flaA, cadF and cdtB. 91% of isolated strains were susceptible to erythromycin. 81% among isolated strains were susceptible to azithromycin, 64% to tetracycline and 36% to ciprofloxacin. For 2 C. jejuni strains isolated from cats Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) profiling indicated 80% homology between them.

Concentration of minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium [Ca], magnesium, iron [Fe], copper, zinc [Zn], manganese [Mn], and cobalt) as well as toxic metals (cadmium [Cd], lead [Pb]) were determined in five tissues (liver, lung, kidney, muscle, and bone) of nestling rooks (Corvus frugilegus; 1 to 13 days old) found dead in seven breeding colonies in eastern Poland. Cd concentration in all analyzed tissues was in the narrow range of 17.0-17.2 mg/kg dry weight (dw) Cd, which in the light of the literature data indicates acute contamination by this toxic metal. Similarly, we found increased levels of Pb, which in all tissues ranged between 5.0 and 6.2 mg/kg dw. Results of multivariate general linear model (GLM) testing of the effect of three variables (tissue type, colony, and nestling age) on tissue concentrations of various metals showed significance for Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn. Only concentrations of Ca, Fe, and Zn differed significantly between the analyzed tissues. GLM analysis did not show any statistically significant differences in tissue levels of minerals and both toxic metals among examined rookeries, which indicates the widespread presence of nonpoint Cd and Pb pollution linked to agricultural activity and similar levels of these inorganic contaminants on crop fields (feeding grounds) around breeding colonies. We concluded that high levels of both toxic metals, Cd and Pb, probably resulting from the diet of nestling rooks, are based mainly on a diet of ground-dwelling beetles gathered on crop fields.

Introduction: Autonomic dysfunction is common in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This study set out to derive an autonomic biomarker using a comprehensive assessment of heart rate and blood pressure variability., Methods: Heart rate and non-invasive continuous blood pressure measurements (task force monitor) at rest and on standing were performed in CFS (Fukuda n = 68) and matched controls (n = 68) to derive high frequency (HF; parasympathetic) and low frequency (LF; sympathetic) heart rate variability (HRV), systolic (SBPV) and diastolic (DBPV) blood pressure variability. Variables of significance were combined using receiver operator curves to explore the diagnostic utility of parameters particularly at rest., Results: At rest, LF-HRV (sympathetic) was significantly increased in CFS compared to controls, while parasympathetic markers were significantly reduced (P = 0.006). Total DBP spectral power was increased (P = 0.0003) across all domains, with a shift towards sympathetic and away from parasympathetic SBPV (P = 0.05). On standing, overall SBPV response was significantly reduced with reductions in both sympathetic and parasympathetic components of SBPV (all P < 0.0001). Change in LF-DBP and relative balance of LF/HF DBP on standing differed between CFS and controls (P < 0.0001). Using the 85% sensitivity levels, we determined a threshold for three chosen resting BPV parameters of LF DBP >3.185, rest HF DBP >0.86, rest total DBP >7.05. Achieving all of these differentiated between CFS and controls with 77% sensitivity and 53% specificity., Conclusion: This study has shown that there are objectively measured abnormalities of blood pressure variability in CFS and that these abnormalities have the potential to be a bedside diagnostic tool.

Background: The purpose of our experiment was to determine whether laser stimulation can improve microcirculation in the posterior regions of the brain in patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI)., Material/methods: We studied 25 patients (20 female, 5 male, mean age 64) diagnosed with chronic VBI. All were evaluated using the De Klyn test, followed by qualitative assessment of stability using a Berg Balance Scale and evaluation of global stability using an electronic balance platform. A CTL-1100 low power laser was used with standard parameters. We established a protocol for laser irradiation at 5 points along the vertebral artery in the cervical region bilaterally. Irradiation was performed 10 times over two weeks., Results: Significant improvement occurred after therapy in headache (p=0.0005), vertigo (p<0.0000), and tinnitus (p=0.0387). No significant differences were observed in nausea or nystagmus caused by head rotation. The Berg Balance Scale results showed significant differences in almost all features. There was a tendency towards improved stability in all parameters, and statistically significant differences in the total surface of support and the spread surface of support for the left foot., Conclusions: Laser stimulation as applied in this study can be useful in the treatment of patients with VBI. The main reason for improvement in global stability, balance, and other VBI symptoms is better blood perfusion.

The presence of the flaA, cadF, cdtB and iam genes of Campylobacter spp. was determined with the PCR method. The materials to investigate were 56 C. jejuni and 23 C. coli strains isolated from clinical samples (children and domestic animals). It was found that all of the Campylobacter spp. isolates from children with diarrhoea and domestic animals had cadF gene, responsible for adherence. The flaA gene was present in all Campylobacter spp. isolates derived from children and cats. Occurrence of flaA gene was confirmed in 100% of C. jejuni strains obtained from dogs. The high prevalence of the cdtB gene associated with toxin production was observed in this study (100%-Campylobacter spp. isolates obtained from dogs and cats, 97.9%-Campylobacter spp. isolates from children). The isolates showed a wide variation for the presence of iam gene. The lowest prevalence (23.5%) was detected in Campylobacter spp. obtained from dogs. The highest rates of iam detection (91.6%) were revealed in C. coli isolates from children.

The aim of this work was to determine interrelationships among macroelements Na, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe, microelements Zn, Cu, Mn, and Co, and toxic heavy metals Pb and Cd in the blood of white stork Ciconia ciconia, during postnatal development, in different Polish environments, and their impact on the activity of antioxidant enzymes. We considered the content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARSs), i.e., malondialdehyde (MDA), and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ceruloplasmine (CP), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR). Blood samples were collected from storks developing at Odra meadows (Kłopot; southwestern Poland). They were compared with blood of chicks from several suburban sites located 20 km away from Zielona Góra (0.1 million inhabitants; southwestern Poland) and near Głogów, where a copper smelter is situated. We also conducted research in the Pomeranian region (Cecenowo; northern Poland). We collected blood samples via venipuncture of the brachial vein of chicks in 2005-2007. They were retrieved from the nest and placed in individual ventilated cotton sacks. The blood was collected using a 5-ml syringe washed with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). We found significant interactions between macro- and microelements and enzymatic activity and TBARS products. We noticed the predominance of Cd and Pb participation in element-enzyme interactions. Simultaneously, we found interrelationships between cadmium and Na, K, Ca, Mg, and Fe and the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, CP, GR, and TBARS products in the blood of white stork chicks. In the case of lead these relationships were not numerous and they were significant for Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, and Co. Correlations with enzymes were significant for Pb-CAT and Pb-TBARS. We noted that activities of most enzymes (SOD, CAT, CP, GR) and TBARS products are determined by their interactions with physiological elements Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn and toxic heavy metals. White stork chicks ranged in age from 17 to 59 days. Concentrations of elements in the blood were age related. Among enzymes, only SOD, CAT, and GPx were age related. Young storks differed in the case of element concentration (except for Ca, Zn, and Cd) and enzymatic activity. We found that significant element-element interaction/enzyme activity predominated in the case of physiological elements and toxic metals, which we explain by the intensive and prevailing access of toxic metals in redox reactions. This causes changes in the priority of these metals, reflected by their influence on the enzymatic activity of antioxidant enzymes. The content of Cd and Pb in blood of young storks from different regions tends to affect the lipid peroxidation process negatively. However, in many cases we observed an increase in enzymatic activity with an increase in heavy metals. This indicates the changes in oxidative stress intensity in chicks in response to environmental differentiation. The increase in lipoperoxidation modifies antioxidant enzyme activity and causes changes in SOD, CAT, CP, GPx, and GR activity in chicks from various regions, principally increases in enzyme activity in chicks from polluted environments and suburbs. We suggest that the source of heavy metals in chicks' blood might be used as a biological test system of adaptation to oxidative stress. We also report that a high level of heavy metals is accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation. Thus young storks are probably significantly susceptible to environmental conditions. They demonstrated initiation of lipoperoxidation and oxidative modification of proteins that coincide with chemical elements, as a possible antioxidant defense system.

The aim of this study was to investigate the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the blood of White Stork Ciconia ciconia chicks (aged 19-54 days) in Poland in 2006. We took under consideration superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ceruloplasmine (CP), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and the content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (malondialdehyde) in polluted (copper manufacture), suburban areas, at the Odra meadows, and at swamps near Baltic Sea in the Pomeranian region. We examined the levels of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Cd, and Pb and compared ecophysiological determinations for developing storks. Blood samples of wing venous were collected from 91 chicks from 33 nests. The degree of activity of antioxidant enzymes studied has been different in White Stork chicks' blood from Poland regions, as a rule. We have stated a relatively high level of CAT, GPx, SOD, and GR activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in chicks from polluted areas. However, relative value for GR in storks from Odra meadows was considerably higher (about 112 nmol NADPH(2)/min ml) than those in chicks from other environments (56-84 nmol on average). Relatively high levels of CAT, CP, and GPx (2.7 mkM/min l, 22.2 mg/l, and 3.8 nmol GSH/min ml, respectively) were also stated in chicks nested in swamps near Baltic Sea. Simultaneously, we have stated differences (p<0.02-p<0.001) in the level of elements (besides Ca) in blood of young storks from the studied areas. We found a high level of toxic metals, e.g. Cd, either from swamps near Baltic Sea (2.7 mg/kg) or from Głogów smelter (2.2mg/kg), whilst Pb concentration was high in chicks from Głogów (7.2 mg/kg). Cd and Pb levels in blood of chicks were different in individuals from each region (p<0.001). Birds from a smelter have the highest level of these elements, whereas the lowest one was stated in chicks from Odra meadows (Cd: 1.45, Pb: 0.84 mg/kg). Thus, Cd could be a useful marker of response for polluted stress. We also observed a relatively high level of Mg in chicks from both Pomeranian (7000 mg/kg) and polluted (about 6000 mg/kg) areas. Potassium, zinc, and cobalt levels were highest in chicks from suburbs (4.65, 10.1, and 2.7 mg/kg, respectively) and polluted regions (3.8, 9.7, and 5.6 mg/kg, respectively), whilst Cu and Mn were highest in those from polluted (10.9 and 47.6 mg/kg, respectively) and Pomeranian regions (11 and 42.2 mg/kg, respectively). Concentrations of Na, K, and Ca in chicks from Głogów smelter (143.2, 3.8, and 115.9 mg/kg, respectively) were often similar to those from Odra meadows (147.8, 3.6, and 112.5 mg/kg, respectively). This was probably due to a similar degree of homeostatic regulations of an organism. The levels of Mg, Fe, Zn, and Cu were often different (p<0.02-p<0.001) in the blood of White Stork chicks from the studied areas. Co, Pb, and Cd levels were higher (p<0.001) in chicks from Głogów smelter than in those from Odra meadows. It is evidence for importance of anthropopression, which influenced the course of biogeochemical processes and the bioaccumulation of toxic metals locally. This takes place also in chicks from swamps near Baltic Sea, in which the level of Cd was high (2.7 mg/kg); so we can state the high intensity of intoxication in this region. We can conclude that the use of hematological research assesses the condition of birds and might give a positive association with miscellaneous environmental loads. The high concentration of toxic heavy metals involved greater intensity of antioxidant enzymes' activity. Environmental intoxication causes an increase of lipoperoxidation intensity in growing chicks and changes the response of their immunological system.