Northern Part Of Poland Research Articles

BIOMARKERS OF LIPID AND PROTEIN OXIDATION IN THE MUSCLE TISSUE OF RAINBOW TROUT (ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS WALBAUM) TREATED IN VITRO WITH ROOT AND STEM EXTRACTS OF GREATER CELANDINE (CHELIDONIUM MAJUS L.)

The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the oxidative stress biomarkers [TBARS, carbonyl derivatives of oxidative modification of proteins (OMP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] in the muscle tissue of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) after in vitro incubation with the root and stem extracts derived from greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L., CM) (at final concentrations of 5 and 2.5 mg/mL) collected in South Park in Słupsk in the Pomeranian Province (northern part of Poland). The current study demonstrated the increase in TBARS levels after in vitro incubation of rainbow trout muscle tissue with stem and root extracts of CM at a final concentration of 5 mg∙mL-1 compared to untreated control samples. There was a statistically significant increase in TBARS levels compared to controls. We obtained similar results after in vitro incubation with root and stem extracts of CM at a final concentration of 2.5 mg∙mL-1 with rainbow trout muscle tissue, where we also observed a statistically non-significant increase in TBARS levels. There was a decrease in the levels of aldehydic derivatives and ketonic derivatives of OMP in muscle tissue after incubation with extracts from roots and stems of CM at final concentrations of 5 mg∙mL-1 compared to untreated controls. There was a decrease in the levels of aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of OMP in muscle tissue after incubation with extracts from roots and stems of CM at final concentrations of 2.5 mg∙mL-1 compared to untreated controls. TAC levels in rainbow trout muscle tissue after in vitro incubation with extracts of CM roots and stems at final concentrations of 5 and 2.5 mg∙mL-1 were not statistically significantly increased. The present study investigated the antioxidant potential of CM. Extracts from CM roots and stems exert their activity by inhibiting protein damage.

НА МОДЕЛІ КРОВІ ЛЮДИНИ ЧИСТОТІЛУ ВЕЛИКОГО (CHELIDONIUM MAJUS L.)IN VITROАНТИОКСИДАНТНА АКТИВНІСТЬ ЕКСТРАКТІВ ЛИСТЯ ТА СТЕБЛАТкаченко Г.,Тюпова Т., Літовка А., Лукаш О.,Кургалюк Н.total antioxidant capacityKeywords:ChelidoniummajusL.,root and stemextracts, blood samples, lipid peroxidation,CM extracts.samples. Thisstudy provides new insights into the understanding of the antioxidant properties ofsamples with root extracts of CM (at a final dose of 2.5 mg/mL) compared to untreated controlwas a

НА МОДЕЛІ КРОВІ ЛЮДИНИ ЧИСТОТІЛУ ВЕЛИКОГО (CHELIDONIUM MAJUS L.)IN VITROАНТИОКСИДАНТНА АКТИВНІСТЬ ЕКСТРАКТІВ ЛИСТЯ ТА СТЕБЛАТкаченко Г.,Тюпова Т., Літовка А., Лукаш О.,Кургалюк Н.total antioxidant capacityKeywords:ChelidoniummajusL.,root and stemextracts, blood samples, lipid peroxidation,CM extracts.samples. Thisstudy provides new insights into the understanding of the antioxidant properties ofsamples with root extracts of CM (at a final dose of 2.5 mg/mL) compared to untreated controlwas a

NDVI as a potential tool for forecasting changes in geographical range of sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus L.)

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

The Identification of the Abundance of European Larch Trees in Polish Forests

The purpose of the study was to identify the abundance of European larch trees in Polish forests, taking into account the size of areas and their location. A dendrometric analysis (volume, age of trees) was performed as a source of knowledge on the availability of the raw material base as a response to the production needs of wood products in Poland. The detailed data were made available in 2023 by the Directorate General of State Forests on the basis of a license specifying the conditions of use of the vector record of the forest numerical map and appraisal description data. European larch trees are in areas all around Poland. They grow throughout the country, with most stands located in the southern and northern parts of Poland. Stands with a dominant share of larch in the species composition (i.e., those that are part of trees stands with a minimum area of 0.1 ha) occupy 44,813 ha and occur in 17,553 stand divisions. The analysis of productivity showed that the average height of larch stands in Poland ranges from 5 m to 45 m. Tree stands are predominately 26–30 m in height. Most stands with trees over 30 m high are located in the RDFS Krosno (over 15% of the entire forest area with larch as the dominant species). European larch stands in Poland are characterized by significant differences in the average DBH. They are correlated with the age of the stands.

Assessment of Meteorological Drought Trends in a Selected Coastal Basin Area in Poland—A Case Study

The aim of this study is to investigate the patterns and trends of drought occurrence in the northern part of Poland on the example of the Łeba river basin in the years 1956–2015. The study of meteorological drought was conducted on the basis of the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) on the scale of 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Annual precipitation totals did not show significant changes in the analyzed period, except for the station in Wejherowo, which is characterized by a significant increasing trend. The analysis of the long term of the variability average annual air temperature showed its statistically significant increase in the analyzed area at the rate of about 0.2 °C per decade. During the analyzed period, 14 to 84 meteorological droughts were identified, with durations ranging from 200 to 300 months. As the period of accumulating values of SPI, the number of droughts decreased, while their total duration increased. Most droughts were mild in nature, while extreme droughts accounted for between 5.2% and 10.7% of the duration. Drought intensification was shown only for SPI-1 in February and March in Wierzchucino station. On the other hand, a decreasing trend in SPI values was noted during longer periods of accumulation (SPI-6, 9, and 12).

Management of Environmental Life Cycle Impact Assessment of a Photovoltaic Power Plant on the Atmosphere, Water, and Soil Environment

Photovoltaic power plants are considered to be environmentally friendly solutions to the production of electricity. Solar energy conversion does not release toxic compounds into the environment. However, the construction of solar power plant components (photovoltaic modules, sup-porting structure, inverter station, electrical installation) is extremely consumptive of energy and materials. Massive volumes of minerals, fossil fuels, and electricity are consumed during the manufacturing process. Efficient management of energy and environmental resources seems to be critical for national policy. It is crucial to admit that the post-consumer management of the components of a photovoltaic power plant is connected with a certain quantity of energy and matter and a negative impact on the natural environment. A life cycle assessment was carried out on a real 2 MW photovoltaic power plant located in the northern part of Poland. The analysis was carried out applying the ReCiPe 2016 model and the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. The impact of the examined renewable energy system was evaluated using 22 impact categories and 3 emission areas (air, water, soil). Life Cycle Assessment analysis was carried out for 2 post-consumer development scenarios (landfill and recycling). The examination of the collected results reveals that photovoltaic modules are the element causing the most negative environmental repercussions connected to the release of dangerous compounds into the atmosphere. Post-consumer development in the form of recycling would provide major environmental benefits and reduce detrimental environmental consequences across the whole life cycle of the photovoltaic power plant. The obtained research results enabled the formulation of pro-environmental recommendations aimed at the long-term development of the life cycle of solar power plants.

LIPID PEROXIDATION AND THE TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY IN THE PLASMA OF SHETLAND PONY MARES AND STALLIONS INVOLVED IN RECREATIONAL HORSEBACK RIDING: ROLE OF PHOTOPERIOD AND EXERCISE

This study focuses on the photoperiod-induced variability in the levels of biomarkers of lipid peroxidation (2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the blood of Shetland pony mares and stallions before and after exercise. We have analyzed the effect of photoperiods and exercise on the levels of TBARS and TAC in the blood of Shetland pony mares and stallions involved in recreational horseback riding in the central Pomeranian region (Pomeranian Voivodeship, northern part of Poland). Twenty-one healthy adult Shetland ponies (11 mares and 10 stallions) aged 6.5 ± 1.4 years old were used in this study. All horses participated in recreational horseback riding. Training started at 10:00 AM, lasted 1 hour, and consisted of a ride of cross country by walking (5 min), trotting (15 min), walking (10 min), trotting (10 min), walking (5 min), galloping (5 min), and walking (10 min). Blood was drawn from the jugular veins of the animals in the morning, 90 minutes after feeding, while the horses were in the stables (between 8:30 and 10 AM), and immediately after the exercise test (between 11 AM and 12 AM). Blood samples were taken once per season for one year: summer and winter. The level of lipid peroxidation was determined by quantifying the concentration of 2-thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) for determining the malonic dialdehyde (MDA) concentration. The TAC level in samples was estimated by measuring the TBARS level after Tween 80 oxidation. In the stallions and mares before exercise (at rest) in the summer photoperiod, we obtained minimum TBARS values, while maximum levels were determined in the winter photoperiod. In our study, the TAC level illustrated the baseline levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems, which were different in the mares than in the stallions (statistically significant in the winter photoperiod) both before and after exercise (winter photoperiod). The results of the current study demonstrated that changes in the lipid peroxidation and the total antioxidant capacity in the blood of Shetland ponies are photoperiod-, sex-, and exercise-dependent. The maximum statistically significant values for the effect of the photoperiod-exercise combination defined as the F values were observed. The multivariate analysis of the influence of the three parameters: photoperiods, sex, and exercise on the lipid peroxidation and the total antioxidant capacity in the blood of the ponies indicated the leading role mainly of the photoperiod factor, and next the exercise and sex factors.

PHOTOPERIOD-DEPENDENT ALTERATIONS IN OXIDATIVELY MODIFIED PROTEINS IN THE PLASMA OF SHETLAND PONY MARES AND STALLIONS INVOLVED IN RECREATIONAL HORSEBACK RIDING

This study focuses on the photoperiod-induced variability in the levels of oxidatively modified proteins in the plasma of Shetland pony mares and stallions before and after exercise. We have analyzed the effect of photoperiods and exercise on the levels of aldehydic (AD) and ketonic (KD) derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins (OMP) in the blood of Shetland pony mares and stallions involved in recreational horseback riding in the central Pomeranian region (Pomeranian Voivodeship, northern part of Poland). Twenty-one healthy adult Shetland ponies (11 mares and 10 stallions) aged 6.5 ± 1.4 years old were used in this study. All horses participated in recreational horseback riding. Training started at 10:00 AM, lasted 1 hour, and consisted of a ride of cross country by walking (5 min), trotting (15 min), walking (10 min), trotting (10 min), walking (5 min), galloping (5 min), and walking (10 min). Blood was drawn from the jugular veins of the animals in the morning, 90 minutes after feeding, while the horses were in the stables (between 8:30 and 10 AM), and immediately after the exercise test (between 11 AM and 12 AM). Blood samples were taken once per season for one year: summer and winter. The level of oxidatively modified proteins (OMP) was evaluated by the content of protein carbonyl derivatives in the reaction with 2,4-dinitro-phenylhydrazine (DNFH). There was a statistically significant reduction in the levels of aldehydic derivatives of OMP in the plasma of ponies during the winter photoperiods only after exercise in both sexes. A decrease in the levels of ketonic derivatives of OMP in the summer photoperiod was observed. These changes were observed independently of the sex and only after exercise. Levels of aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of OMP varied depending on the photoperiod and exercise session in our studies. These changes were dependent on the baseline levels of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense systems in the ponies, which differed between the mares and the stallions (statistically significant differences in the winter period) both before and after exercise (winter). Keywords: oxidatively modified proteins, plasma, exercise, seasonal alterations, photoperiods, Shetland ponies, mares and stallions.

Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in the Muscle Tissue of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) Treated in vitro by Extracts of Chelidonium majus L.

Consistent with our previous studies, we continue to evaluate the antioxidant potential of representatives belonging to the Papaveraceae family collected from the northern part of Poland using a muscle tissue model of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). Therefore, in the present study, oxidative stress biomarkers (2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins (OMP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) and also activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) were used for evaluating the in vitro antioxidant activity of root and stalk extracts derived from great celandine Chelidonium majus L. (CM) collected in urban and rural agglomerations of Kartuzy district (Pomeranian province, northern part of Poland). Freshly collected roots and stalks were washed, weighed, crushed, and homogenized in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) (in the proportion of 1:19, w/w) at room temperature. Incubation of salmon muscle tissue with extracts derived from both the stalks and roots of CM harvested from rural areas resulted in a decrease in lipid peroxidation. The incubation of salmon muscle tissue with extracts derived from both the stems and roots of CM harvested from rural areas resulted in a decrease in lipid peroxidation. Similarly, the use of extracts derived from the roots of CM collected from urban areas resulted in a decrease in TBARS levels. These results suggest that it can be argued that the presence of secondary plant metabolites in CM extracts protects structures of cell membranes against the damaging effects of free radicals. On the other hand, analysis of levels of protein oxidation after incubation of muscle tissue with CM extracts showed that extracts derived from both roots and stalks of CM harvested from urban areas reduced levels of ketonic derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins. Analyzing the total antioxidant capacity after the incubation with CM extracts under in vitro conditions, we concluded that extracts mainly derived from the stalks of CM harvested from both urban and rural areas effectively increase TAC levels. These results are reflected after analysis of antioxidant enzyme activity, where we observed statistically significant increases in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. On the other hand, the incubation of CM extracts with muscle tissue resulted in a statistically significant decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity compared to the control samples.

Dose-Dependent Alterations in the Biomarkers of Lipid and Protein Oxidation in the Blood of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus after in vitro Incubation with Extracts of Chelidonium majus L.

The role of oxidative stress in the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus is both critical and pivotal. Several molecular event cascades in different metabolic pathways such as glycolytic, hexosamine, protein kinase C, polyol and advanced glycation end-product pathways have been identified as pro-oxidative processes and are usually upregulated in diabetics. Consistent with our previous studies, we continue to evaluate the antioxidant potential of great celandine (Chelidonium majus L., CM), a representative of the Papaveraceae family, collected from northern parts of Poland using the blood samples of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, in the present study, oxidative stress biomarkers (2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of oxidative modification of proteins (OMP)) were used to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the stalk and root extracts of CM in final doses of 5 mg.mL-1, 2.5 mg.mL-1, 1.25 mg.mL-1 and 0.63 mg.mL-1. Plant materials were collected from natural habitats on the territory of the Kartuzy district in the Pomeranian province (northern part of Poland). The use of extracts derived from both roots and stalks of CM collected from both urban and rural agglomerations in final doses of 5 mg.mL-1, 2.5 mg.mL-1, and 1.25 mg.mL-1 resulted in a significant enhancement of lipid peroxidation in the blood samples. On the contrary, only incubation of blood samples with stalk extracts of CM collected from urban areas at a final dose of 0.63 mg.mL-1 resulted in a no-significant decrease in TBARS levels contributing to the protection of lipid structures in membranes. Similar results were obtained by analyzing levels of aldehydic derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins in the blood samples after in vitro incubation with the extracts, where final doses of 5 mg.mL-1, 2.5 mg.mL-1, and 1.25 mg.mL-1 significantly increased the oxidation process in protein structures. Analysis of levels of ketonic derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins showed that the use of root extracts of CM collected from urban agglomerations in final doses of 2.5 and 1.25 mg.mL-1 reduced levels of oxidatively modified proteins, while the use of stalk extracts of CM harvested from urban agglomerations in a final dose of 0.63 mg.mL-1 statistically significantly reduced levels of ketonic derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins compared to the control samples. These in vitro studies indicate that extracts derived from this plant are a significant source of natural metabolites that could be cytotoxic in final doses of 5 mg.mL-1, 2.5 mg.mL-1, and 1.25 mg.mL-1 to the blood of patients with T2DM. Only a final dose of 0.63 mg.mL-1 no significantly changed levels of lipid and protein oxidation in the blood samples.

Dose-Dependent Changes in the Levels of Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Muscle Tissue of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum) after In Vitro Treatment by Extracts Derived from Stalks and Roots of Great Celadine (Chelidonium majus L.)

Consistent with our previous studies, we continue to evaluate the antioxidant potential of representatives belonging to the Papaveraceae family collected from the northern part of Poland using a muscle tissue model of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum). Therefore, in the present study, oxidative stress biomarkers [2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein oxidative modification carbonyl derivative content, total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of stalk and root extracts of Chelidonium majus L. (CM) at doses of 5 mg·mL-1, 2.5 mg·mL-1, 1.25 mg·mL-1, and 0.63 mg·mL-1. Muscle tissue homogenates of rainbow trout were used in this study. Phosphate buffer was used as a positive control. After incubation of the mixture at 25 °C for 2 h with continuous mixing, samples were used for biochemical studies. Results of our study revealed that a dose of CM extracts of 0.63 mg·mL-1 showed the highest antioxidant activity in the muscle tissue of rainbow trout. The extracts derived mainly from the roots of CM collected from rural areas were effective in reducing the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers by reducing lipid peroxidation markers, which may suggest that the active substances such as alkaloids (chelidonine, sanguinarine, berberine), flavonoids, phenols in these plants can effectively protect the membrane structures in muscle cells of salmonids. We also observed statistically significant reductions in levels of both aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins in muscle tissue of rainbow trout after incubation with CM extracts at this dose compared to the controls. The comparison of these results shows that CM extracts can effectively inhibit protein damage by scavenging free radicals and/or activation of antioxidant defenses. The secondary metabolites of CM, i.e. polyphenols and alkaloids, are most likely responsible for this effect. Using doses of 5 mg·mL-1, 2.5 mg·mL-1, and 1.25 mg·mL-1 of both root and stalk extracts in vitro study, statistically significant increases in levels of TBARS and OMP were observed. Screening of species belonging to the family Papaveraceae for other biological activities, including antioxidant activity, is essential and may be effective in the search for preventive measures in the pathogenesis of diseases caused by oxidative stress in human and veterinary medicine.

ДОЗОЗАЛЕЖНІ ЗМІНИ БІОМАРКЕРІВ ОКИСНЕННЯ ЛІПІДІВ ТА БІЛКІВ У М'ЯЗОВІЙ ТКАНИНІ РАЙДУЖНОЇ ФОРЕЛІ (ONCORHYNCHUS MYKISS WALBAUM) ПІСЛЯ ІНКУБАЦІЇ IN VITRO З ЕКСТРАКТАМИ ЧИСТОТІЛУ ВЕЛИКОГО (CHELIDONIUM MAJUSL.)

Consistent with our previous studies, we continue to evaluate the antioxidant potential of representatives of the Papaveraceae family collected from the northern part of Poland on the model of muscle tissue of rainbow trout. Therefore, in the current study, oxidative stress biomarkers [2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins (OMP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of extracts derived from stalks and roots of great celandine (Chelidonium majus L., CM) at a final dose of 5 mg/mL, 2,5 mg/mL, 1,25 mg/mL and 0,63 mg/mL. Homogenate of muscle tissues derived from rainbow trout was used in this in vitro study. Phosphate buffer was used as a positive control (blank). After incubation of the mixture at 25°C for 120 min with continuous mixing, samples were used for biochemical studies. Our studies have shown that the use of extracts at a final dose of 5 mg/ml and 2.5 mg/ml resulted in a statistically significant increase of lipid peroxidation biomarkers (TBARS levels) in the muscle tissue of rainbow trout. The final dose of extract 1.25 mg/ml caused a statistically significant increase in the levels of aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of OMP, and this is reflected when measuring the levels of TAC. On the other hand, the use of extracts at a final dose of 0.63 mg/ml derived from both roots and stems of CM resulted in statistically significant reduced levels of TBARS, as well as aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of OMP in the muscle tissue of rainbow trout after in vitro incubation. The comparison of these results showed that CM extracts can effectively inhibit the production of oxidatively modified carbonyls by scavenging free radicals. The secondary metabolites of CM, i.e. polyphenols, are most likely responsible for this effect. Screening of species of the family Papaveraceae for other biological activities, including antioxidant activity, is essential and may be effective in the search for preventive measures in the pathogenesis of some diseases, as well as in the prevention and treatment of some disorders in veterinary and medicine. Keywords: rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum), muscle tissue, oxidative stress, 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins (OMP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC).

Effects of Extracts Derived from Roots and Stems of Chelidonium majus L. on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Model of Equine Plasma

Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L., Papaveraceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant, with an upright and spreading stem, large leaves, and yellow flowers collected on the tops of the stems in rare umbel inflorescence. The main aim of the study was an assessment of the oxidative stress biomarkers [2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), carbonyl derivatives content of protein oxidative modification (OMP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] and also activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ceruloplasmin) in the equine plasma after treatment by extracts derived from roots and stems of C. majus collected from rural and urban agglomerations. Plant materials were collected from natural habitats on the territory of the Kartuzy district in the Pomeranian province (northern part of Poland). Our results demonstrated that statistically significant reductions in lipid peroxidation byproducts were noted after incubation with extracts derived from roots of C. majus collected from both urban (by 35 %, p <0.05) and rural (by 34 %, p <0.05) agglomerations compared to the control samples. Stem extracts derived from C. majus also reduced TBARS levels, but only extracts derived from C. majus were collected from the rural areas; a statistically significant decrease (by 21 %, p <0.05) was observed compared to the control samples. The lowest values in the content of the aldehydic derivatives of OMP were observed after incubation with extracts derived from roots of C. majus collected from both rural and urban areas. On the other hand, levels of ketonic derivatives of OMP were significantly increased after incubation with extracts derived from stems of C. majus collected from both rural and urban areas compared to the control samples, in contrast to extracts derived from roots of C. majus collected from urban areas, where there was a statistically significant reduction in ketonic derivatives of OMP (by 15 %, p<0.05) compared to the control samples. A significant increase in the TAC levels was observed after incubation with root and stem extracts of C. majus collected from both urban and rural areas, but the highest values were observed after incubation with extracts derived from roots of C. majus collected from rural areas (by 66.7 %, p <0.05) compared to the control samples. Stem extracts of C. majus collected from urban agglomerations were found to be most effective in increasing catalase activity (by 115 %, p <0.05). Both root and stem extracts of C. majus collected from rural areas caused a statistically significant reduction in ceruloplasmin levels. These in vitro studies indicate that extracts from this plant are a significant source of natural antioxidants that could prevent the progression of various disorders caused by oxidative stress. However, the proportions of secondary metabolites responsible for the antioxidant activity of C. majus extracts are currently unclear. Therefore, further studies are needed to isolate and identify the antioxidant compounds present in the plant extracts. Screening of C. majus plant for other biological activities including antioxidant activities is essential and may be effective for searching the preventive agents in the pathogenesis of some metabolic diseases.

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extracts Obtained from Roots and Stems of Chelidonium majus L. Against Enterococcus Faecalis Strains

The present study is in vitro research aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extracts derived from roots and stems of Chelidonium majus L. against two Enterococcus faecalis strains to assess the possible use of this plant in preventing infections caused by this pathogen. Plant materials were harvested from natural habitats on the territory of the Kartuzy district in the Pomeranian province (northern part of Poland). The collected roots and stems were brought into the laboratory for antimicrobial studies. Freshly washed samples were weighed, crushed, and homogenized in 96 % ethanol (in proportion 1:19, w/w) at room temperature. The extracts were then filtered and investigated for their antimicrobial activity. The Enterococcus faecalis (Andrewes and Horder) Schleifer and Kilpper-Balz (ATCC®51299™) and linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecalis strain locally isolated were used in the current study. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done on Muller-Hinton agar by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test protocol. The results of the current study showed that C. majus possess weak antimicrobial properties against the tested Enterococcus faecalis strains. The ethanolic extracts derived from roots of C. majus collected from rural areas exhibited the maximum antimicrobial activity against linezolid-resistant E. faecalis strain (the mean of inhibition zone diameters was 8.85±0.42 mm) compared to the control samples (7.1 ±0.91 mm). Stem extracts derived from C. majus collected from rural areas showed similar properties against the Enterococcus faecalis (Andrewes and Horder) Schleifer and Kilpper-Balz (ATCC®51299™) strain (8.77 ±1.21 mm) compared to the control samples. Root extracts derived from C. majus collected from urban and rural areas exhibited weak antibacterial ability against linezolid-resistant E. faecalis strains (6.46±0.32 mm and 7.78 ±0.34 mm, respectively), as well as weak antibacterial ability against E. faecalis ATCC®51299™strains (7.9 ±1.08 mm and 7.97±0.85 mm, respectively) compared to the control sample (7.1 ±0.99 mm). The results of this study can induce to provide a new perspective for the use of various Papaveraceae families as medicinal plants to improve the antibacterial responses using other strains. Identification of precise molecular mechanisms responsible for inhibition of bacterial growth by these extracts requires further research.

Political Preferences of the Ukrainian National Minority in Poland in the Elections to the European Parliament

The paper describes, interprets, and characterizes the results of elections to the European Parliament in Poland based on the voting behaviour of the Ukrainian national minority. In the article, four European elections 2004, 2009, 2014, and 2019 were considered. The research hypothesizes is that the Ukrainian national minority could have a distinct voting behaviour from their region of permanent living and voted obviously for the representatives of liberal and leftist political forces rather than for far-right and right, or even far-left candidates on the elections to the European Parliament. In the years 2004-2019, an interesting phenomenon could be observed in the elections to the European Parliament in the area of communes inhabited by the Ukrainian population. In the «Ukrainian» municipalities located in the northern part of Poland, where the electorate was rather liberal (Civic Platform) or possibly anti-system (Self-Defence) the election results did not differ from the rest of the regions. This phenomenon was inherent in both the West Pomeranian and Warmia-Masurian voivodships. On the other hand, in the Komańcza commune, which is located in the Subcarpathian voivodship, in which the conservative electorate has been the strongest, the results of the voting in the “Ukrainian” commune were significantly different from other communes of the region. In other words, the results of the elections in Komańcza were much more similar to the results obtained in northern and western Poland than to the results in the South-Eastern Poland. The article concludes that, in general, those municipalities, where the citizens of Ukrainian descent consist at least 10% of the overall population, vote for more liberal parties to the European Parliament. Instead, the support of rightwing political parties like Law and Justice, Kukiz’15, Korvin Confederation as a right-wing parties is much lower. Even during elections to the European Parliament in 2019, Law and Justice, victorious in the rest of the country, evidently had lower support in “Ukrainian” municipalities. The Civic Platform is perceived as a much more moderate party, guaranteeing, in their opinion, representatives of the Ukrainian minority a greater sense of security and comfort of living in the Polish state.

Suburban Morphology Dynamics: The Case of the Tricity Agglomeration, Poland

Suburbanization is a phase of the development of cities that consists in the growth of the suburban zone at the expense of the city center, which becomes gradually depopulated. The phenomenon of uncontrolled suburbanization (urban sprawl) causes infrastructural (including transport), environmental, social, economic, and legal problems. This paper presents the results of a study of the phenomenon of suburbanization conducted on the basis of vector data using two methods: one based on the use of a grid of primary square fields, and one based on the use of concentric zones/rings. The analyses were conducted in the surroundings of the Tricity agglomeration, which is located in the northern part of Poland on the Gulf of Gdansk, and covered the period from 2000 to 2018. Using a grid of primary fields, the areas of the greatest increase and decrease in the developed areas, irrespective of administrative boundaries, were determined for the selected periods, and the areas of the constant positive and negative balance of the buildings were identified. Using concentric rings, the process of the shifting of the new development zones was traced. The paper also refers to the route of the Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway (PKM), which was commissioned in 2015, and its potential impact on suburbanization in the Tricity area. The results made it possible to trace the suburbanization process in time and space and to learn the advantages and disadvantages of the use of vector data in spatial studies.

The disappearance of ice cover on temperate lakes (Central Europe) as a result of climate warming

This paper presents changes in the ice regime of lakes located in the northern part of Poland. It has been established that in the period 1960–2019, there was a successive decline in the ice extent of lakes, clearly visible in individual parameters; formation of ice cover is delayed by 3.0 days/decade (on average for all lakes), its decline occurred earlier by 3.8 days/decade, and the length of ice cover is shorter by 6.8 days/decade. Moreover, the maximum thickness of the ice cover is becoming thinner, and this process has progressed at an average rate of 2.3 cm/decade. The aforementioned situation shows strong relations with air temperature. It was particularly evident in the late 1980s, when a change in the thermal regime took place, which was documented in most of the analysed parameters, as demonstrated in the study. It has been established that from that period up to now, the decline of ice cover tends to start 19 days earlier, the duration of ice cover is shorter by 22 days, and the ice cover is 8 cm thinner, on average. The observed transformation affects the imbalance of the existing equilibrium in lakes, which can be related to both biotic and abiotic processes.

Characteristics of air temperature in Poland from 1994 to 2019 based on hourly data

AbstractThis study was conducted to understand the characteristics of hourly air temperature across Poland over the period 1994–2019. For this purpose, hourly temperature observations from 38 stations were used. It was found that the average temperature at all stations in the period 2007–2019 (second half of data) is higher than that in the period 1994–2006 (first half of data). The increase in the average temperature in autumn was smaller than that in the other seasons. In the northern part of Poland, the increase in the average temperature in spring was more notable compared with that in the other seasons. In the southern part of Poland, the increase in the average temperature in winter and summer was more notable compared with that in the other seasons. At all stations, a statistically significant increasing trend in the average temperature was seen in the period 1994–2019. This trend was highest at Warszawa (0.067°C/year) and lowest at Kraków Balice (0.029°C/year). At all stations, the frequency of relatively low/high temperatures was lesser/higher in the period 2007–2019 compared with that in the period 1994–2006 indicating that temperature distribution has shifted toward a warmer climate. In comparison to the period 1994–2006, in the period 2007–2019, in the southern region of Poland, a large increase in the average number of hours per year above high percentiles and a large decrease in the average number of hours per year below low percentiles was observed. Also, it was found that warm/cold spells are becoming more/less frequent in Poland. In many stations, compared with the period 1994–2006, in the period 2007–2019, an increase in the length of the longest spell of hours above the 99th percentile and below the first percentile was observed.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extracts Obtained from Roots and Stalks of Chelidonium majus L. against Escherichia coli Strains

Nowadays, antibiotic resistance among pathogenic bacteria is increasingly common. The Chelidonium majus L. is one of the most widely used genera in folk medicine, where it is popular for its antibacterial activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of five ethanolic extracts obtained from stalks and roots of C. majus collected from the rural and urban agglomerations on the territory of the Kartuzy district in the Pomeranian province (northern part of Poland) against Escherichia coli strains. The Escherichia coli (Migula) Castellani and Chalmers (ATCC® 25922™) and Escherichia coli Castellani and Chalmers (ATCC® 25922™) strains were used in the current study. It has been observed that ethanolic extracts derived from stalks and roots of C. majus collected from rural and urban areas revealed weak antibacterial activity (7.95–8.25 mm as the diameters of inhibition zone) compared to the control samples. Our results revealed that the extracts derived from stalks and roots of C. majus have shown weak antibacterial activity against the tested strains. The detailed chemistry of the active compounds and possible mechanism(s) of actions of the bio-molecules responsible for the observed activity was not addressed in the current study. Thus, further evaluation for the nature of active compounds (bio-molecules) and detailed mechanism(s) of their interaction with microbial strains are recommended.

ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS DERIVED FROM STALKS AND ROOTS OF CHELIDONIUM MAJUS L. AGAINST DIFFERENT TYPES OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS AND ESCHERICHIA COLI STRAINS

A convincing number of studies indicate that chelidonine and sanguinarine together with other secondary metabolites exhibit potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. This prompted us to examine the antimicrobial efficacy of greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L.), a representative of the Papaveraceae family collected from the northern part of Poland, against Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus Rosenbach (ATCC®29213™) and S. aureus NCTC 12493 as well as Escherichia coli (Migula) Castellani and Chalmers (ATCC®25922™) and Escherichia coli (Migula) Castellani and Chalmers (ATCC®35218™). Taking into account the above considerations and based on previous results obtained in our laboratory, in the present work we decided to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of ethanolic extracts derived from stems and roots of C. majus against different types of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains. Fresh collected stalks and roots were washed, weighed, crushed, and homogenized in 96 % ethanol (in proportion 1:19) at room temperature. The extracts were then filtered and investigated for their antimicrobial activity. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the agar disk diffusion assay. The antimicrobial activity of extracts derived from stems of C. majus was highest against Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus Rosenbach (ATCC®29213™) and S. aureus NCTC 12493 strains. Since the antimicrobial efficacy of medicinal plants varies according to the accumulation of secondary metabolites (i.e. alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, etc.), it is not surprising that differences in this efficacy have been noted even using samples taken from the same plant but from different parts of the plant (stalks, roots). The antimicrobial activity of crude ethanolic extracts obtained from stems and roots of greater celandine can be attributed to specific compounds or a combination of compounds. The present study lays the foundation for future research to confirm the potential use of C. majus as a candidate for the treatment of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in human and veterinary medicine.