Peer assessment as a method for measuring harmful internet use.

Harmful Internet use (HIU) describes unintended use of the Internet. It could be both self-harm and harming others. Our research goal is to develop a more accurate method for measuring HIU by this novel peer assessment. As such, it may become, with our call for more research, a paradigm shift supplementing every rating scale or other type of Internet use assessment. In addition to classic statistical analysis, structural equations have been employed. Results indicate that the true positive rate (TPR) is substantially higher than assessed in other studies.•Peer assessment improvement.•AUC for ROC was computed to establish cut-off points for the used scale.•Results obtained by the Structural Equation model indicate that parental care has a moderate influence on subjects' attempts to fight HIU.

A fully capable pianist with a congenital bilateral agenesis of extensor pollicis brevis muscle.

A 28-year-old male musical student has been presented with visible inability of active abduction and extension of the thumbs in both hands beyond the neutral position. The student has not been previously diagnosed and claimed no history of trauma or surgical procedures in the area of hands and no family history of such disabilities. The student remained capable of playing on keyboard instruments on high level due to compensation by hyperextension of the interphalangeal joint of both thumbs and showed no increased frequency of the injuries or playing-related disorders. The ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging showed complete bilateral agenesis of extensor pollicis brevis muscles and was classified as isolated congenital clasped thumb syndrome. Due to the age of the student and the agenesis of the muscles the conservative treatment was deemed inadequate and due to high functionality of the student as a musician and unforeseeable results it might have on a musician's career, surgical treatment has been disadvised.

Analysis of efficacy and safety of vismodegib therapy in patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma - real world multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most frequent non-melanoma skin cancer. The basis of treatment is surgical resection. The treatment of locally advanced and metastatic disease is currently based on sonidegb or vismodegib, small molecule inhibitors of the hedgehog signalling pathway. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to retrospectively analyse the efficacy and safety of treatment with vismodegib in 108 patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease treated from August 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2020. The primary objective was to evaluate the objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival rates. The secondary aims of the study were the disease control rate, the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and the estimation of the factors that potentially impact the treatment outcome and patient survival. METHODS: Patients treated in national drug programme were enrolled into this retrospective cohort study. Evaluation of the treatment efficacy was performed according to CT/MRI scans and by the response evaluation criteria in solid tumours (RECIST) 1.1. The safety evaluation was performed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v. 5.0 (CTCAE) classification and severity assessment. RESULTS: The median duration of treatment was 14 months (range 1-94 months). The median progression-free survival reached 30.5 months (95% CI; 24.8-36.3), and the progression-free survival rate after 6, 12 and 24-months were 92%, 78% and 61%, respectively. The median overall survival was 41.5 months (95% CI; 31.6-51.3), and the overall survival rate after 1, 2 and 3 years accordingly 86%, 73% and 60%. The univariant and multivariant analysis indicated that the female gender is an independent positive prognostic factor of progression-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: The response to treatment is the prognostic factor for response maintenance and better overall survival. The therapy was well tolerated with the safety profile consistent in general with known from previous studies.

Morphology of sesamoid bones in keyboard musicians.

BACKGROUND: The sesamoid bones are small, usually oval bone structures often found in joints and under the tendons. Although their precise function is not fully understood, it is agreed upon that they protect the joints and make movements faster and less energy consuming. Sesamoid bones are found in hands, especially around first, second and fifth metacarpophalangeal joint and the interphalangeal joint of the thumb. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study compares a group of 32 young musicians to 30 non-musicians of similar age and posture. The hands of the subjects were examined by ultrasound imaging for the presence of sesamoid bones. The results were noted and observed sesamoids were measured. RESULTS: The results seem to prove that although there are no difference in the amount or the location of the sesamoid bones between the musicians and the non-musicians, there is statistically significant tendency for the musicians to have bigger sum of the sesamoid's volume per hand (Fisher's test p-value = 0.034 < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was also observed an unusually shaped "Bactrian" sesamoid bone at the interphalangeal joint of the thumb in 8 cases in the musicians' group and 1 case in the control group. All participants with the aforementioned structure were female.

Genotype-dependent development of cellular and humoral immunity in the spleen and cecal tonsils of chickens stimulated in ovo with bioactive compounds.

Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics, delivered in ovo influence the colonization and development of the peripheral immune system in poultry. This study aimed to investigate the influence of the host genotype (broiler chickens [Ross 308] and old native Polish breed Green-legged Partridgelike [GP] chickens) on the number of B and T cells in the spleen and cecal tonsils (CT). The solution of a bioactive compound was injected in ovo on day 12 of egg incubation: prebiotics (galactooligosaccharides [GOS]), probiotics (Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris IBB477), and synbiotics (GOS + L. lactis). The samples were collected on day 7, day 21, and day 42 after hatching (n = 8). The number of Bu-1+ (B) cells, CD4+ cells, and CD8+ cells in the spleen and CT was estimated using immunohistochemistry. The number of germinal centers (GC) was determined in the spleen. In broilers, probiotics increased (P < 0.05) the number of CD4+ cells in the CT on day 7. On day 21, prebiotics raised (P < 0.01) the number of cells involved in cellular immunity in the CT (CD4+ and CD8+ cells) and spleen (CD8+ cells). On day 42, it was synbiotics that stimulated the colonization of both the CT and spleen by B cells, but colonization of the spleen only by CD4+ and CD8+ cells. In GP chickens, synbiotics enforced the cellular immunity (CD4+ or CD8+ cells) in the spleen at all time points. Synbiotics also stimulated the GC appearance on day 21 and day 42. In GP chickens, the influence of bioactive compounds on colonization of the CT was very limited. In broilers, we determined pronounced and age-dependent effects of prebiotics and synbiotics on the number of B and T cells in both the CT and spleen. In GP chickens, the most potent compound was synbiotics, which stimulated cellular immunity in the spleen but not in the CT. However, given the long-term effects on adaptive immune cells, synbiotics were the most potent compounds in both chicken genotypes.

Stage of goose embryo development at oviposition depending on genotype, flock age, and period of laying.

Embryo development and chick quality are influenced by parental genotype, age, nutrition, environment, and flock management. The aim of study was to determine if genotype, age of goose or eggs laid near the onset of egg production vs. eggs laid near the end of reproduction influence the stage of embryo at oviposition. Three experiments were undertaken. To compare genotypes (Experiment 1) 150 eggs were collected from 3-year-old commercial line White Koluda (WK) geese and from two breeds involved in a genetic resources conservation program, Zatorska (Za) and Bilgoraj (Bi). Age comparison (Experiment 2) was conducted with 200 eggs collected from 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year-old WK geese. To compare laying periods (Experiment 3), 150 WK eggs were collected at the first week of March and 100 at the second half of June. Eggs were stored for 72 h at 16°C, staged using Eyal-Giladi and Kochav (EGK, Roman numerals) and Hamburger and Hamilton (HH, Arabic numerals) procedures. Experiment 1: Individual breed differences were evident with Stage X EGK embryos comprising 42.4, 33.3, and 38.7% in the eggs examined from the WK, Bi, and Za, respectively. For all breeds combined, 38.8% of the embryos were in Stage X, but in the next order in WK there was stage XI (18.2%), while in geese from the genetic reserve it was stage XIII (Bi - 33.3; Za - 29.0%). Experiment 2: In eggs of 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old WK geese, the majority of embryos (38.7, 32.4 and 42.2%, respectively) were in Stage X. In contrast, in 4-year-old geese the embryos were in Stage XI (36.1%). Experiment 3: In eggs collected in March and in June most of embryos were in Stage X (33.7% and 43.6%, respectively). In addition, more developmentally advanced stages (XI-XIII) were similar in both periods. However, embryos in Stage 2 HH were only observed in eggs collected at the end of laying season. Interestingly, earlier stages (VI-IX) were observed exclusively in the eggs collected in March.

Secondary sexual traits and semen characteristic of chicken germline chimeras.

Birds obtained by embryo engineering are used to study embryo development and to produce transgenic birds. As this method of producing birds still generate strong emotions of the public opinion head ornaments, testes and semen characteristics of sex chimera roosters were examined to check whether they differ from chickens obtained by non-manipulated methods. Measurements of head ornaments, testes and semen were correlated with each other. Semen quality factor (SQF) was calculated, as well as the level of fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of bilateral traits (wattles and testes). Positive correlation was found for comb width and wattle length and comb thickness and sperm concentration. Semen characteristics and FA did not exceed the level encounter in other chicken lines. Results obtained indicate that germline chimeras are similar in appearance of secondary sexual traits, and semen and testes characteristics to chickens produced in non-manipulated way.

Effect of outpatient antibiotics for urinary tract infections on antimicrobial resistance among commensal Enterobacteriaceae: a multinational prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: We quantified the impact of antibiotics prescribed in primary care for urinary tract infections (UTIs) on intestinal colonization by ciprofloxacin-resistant (CIP-RE) and extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE), while accounting for household clustering. METHODS: Prospective cohort study from January 2011 to August 2013 at primary care sites in Belgium, Poland and Switzerland. We recruited outpatients requiring antibiotics for suspected UTIs or asymptomatic bacteriuria (exposed patients), outpatients not requiring antibiotics (non-exposed patients), and one to three household contacts for each patient. Faecal samples were tested for CIP-RE, ESBL-PE, nitrofurantoin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (NIT-RE) and any Enterobacteriaceae at baseline (S1), end of antibiotics (S2) and 28 days after S2 (S3). RESULTS: We included 300 households (205 exposed, 95 non-exposed) with 716 participants. Most exposed patients received nitrofurans (86; 42%) or fluoroquinolones (76; 37%). CIP-RE were identified in 16% (328/2033) of samples from 202 (28%) participants. Fluoroquinolone treatment caused transient suppression of Enterobacteriaceae (S2) and subsequent two-fold increase in CIP-RE prevalence at S3 (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.4), with corresponding number-needed-to-harm of 12. Nitrofurans had no impact on CIP-RE (aPR 1.0, 95% CI 0.5-1.8) or NIT-RE. ESBL-PE were identified in 5% (107/2058) of samples from 71 (10%) participants, with colonization not associated with antibiotic exposure. Household exposure to CIP-RE or ESBL-PE was associated with increased individual risk of colonization: aPR 1.8 (95% CI 1.3-2.5) and 3.4 (95% CI 1.3-9.0), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings support avoidance of fluoroquinolones for first-line UTI therapy in primary care, and suggest potential for interventions that interrupt household circulation of resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

The sonographic morphology of musculus palmaris longus in humans.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to describe morphology and morphometry of musculus palmaris longus and compare the outcome of Shaeffer's test with ultrasound imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty forearms of 20 healthy volunteers (11 females, 9 males) were tested by Shaeffer's test and ultrasound imaging. Anthropological measurements of the forearm and ultrasound guided measurements of musculus palmaris longus were taken. The outcome was tested for statistical significance by Fisher's test. RESULTS: The examination revealed agenesis of palmaris longus in 6 cases, as well as 6 muscles showing quality variations. The Shaeffer's test gave 4 false-negative results. 28 muscles were described as spindle-shaped and 8 as pennated or bipennated. However, all the spindle-shaped muscles demonstrated a tendon going inside of the muscle's belly ranging from 2 cm to 11.5 cm. The relation between the circumference of the forearm right below the elbow (mean: 15.38 cm, SD: 1.83 cm) and the approximated volume of the palmaris longus muscle's belly (mean: 4.72 cm3, SD: 1.57 cm3) proved to be statistically significant (Fisher's test p-value < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Uncommon morphological variations have been shown. Spindle-shaped muscles have proved to have their tendons continued inside them. Palmaris longus muscle's belly has proved to take significant amount of volume within the proximal forearm. Shaeffer's test has shown to have 10% false-negative ratio.

Exposure to extrinsic stressors, social defeat or bisphenol A, eliminates sex differences in DNA methyltransferase expression in the amygdala.

Chemical and psychological stressors can exert long lasting changes in brain function and behaviour. Changes in DNA methylation have been shown to be an important mechanism mediating long lasting changes in neural function and behaviour, especially for anxiety-like or stress responses. In the present study, we examined the effects of either a social or chemical stressor on DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) gene expression in the amygdala, an important brain region modulating stress responses and anxiety. In adult California mice (Peromyscus californicus) that were naïve to social defeat, females had higher levels of Dnmt1 expression in punch samples of the central amygdala (CeA) than males. In addition, mice that underwent social defeat stress showed reduced Dnmt1 and Dnmt3a expression in the CeA of females but not males. A second study using more anatomically specific punch samples replicated these effects for Dnmt1. Perinatal exposure (spanning from periconception through lactation) to bisphenol A or ethinyl oestradiol (oestrogens in birth control pills) also abolished sex differences in Dnmt1 expression in the CeA but not the basolateral amygdala. These findings identify a robust sex difference in Dnmt1 expression in the CeA that is sensitive to both psychological and chemical stressors. Future studies should aim to examine the impact of psychological and chemical stressors on DNA methylation in the CeA and also investigate whether Dnmt1 may have an underappreciated role in plasticity in behaviour.

Effect of selenium and vitamin E addition to the extender on liquid stored capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) semen quality.

Captive breeding has become an important tool in species conservations programmes, maintaining genetic diversity and restoring wild, endangered populations. In order to improve the reproductive efficiency of captive kept capercaillie, the purpose of the study was to determine the effect of selenium and vitamin E addition to semen extender on sperm characteristic during short-term storage. Ejaculates collected individually from four capercaillie were divided into two parts, diluted threefold with basic EK extender and EK enriched with 1 mg/ml of organic selenium and 8 mg/ml of vitamin E (EK+Se+E) and stored 24 hr at temp. +4°C. Spermatozoa morphology, motility and motility parameter were evaluated in net, diluted and stored semen samples. Significant (p < .05) differences between individual males were stated in relation to the majority of traits evaluated in the freshly collected semen. Comparing to the fresh semen, a significant (p < .05) decrease in percentage of live sperm in total (by 3.8% points on average) has been observed in samples diluted by EK extender, while in semen diluted with EK+Se+E extender this decrease was lower (1.5%pts on average) and not significant. Also per cent of motile sperm in EK+Se+E extender was higher (p < .05) then in EK (71.6% vs. 58.9%), but taking into account the values of individual males, both extender and male effect on liquid semen storage become apparent. Obtained data allow concluding that selenium and vitamin E addition to EK extender had positive effect on morphology and motility of capercaillie semen stored 24 hr at 4°C and can be recommended for similar studies carried out on other Galliformes species.

Expression of advanced glycation end-products and NFκB in chick embryos exposed to dioxins and treated with acetylsalicylic acid and α-tocopherol.

Dioxins have adverse and multifaceted effect on body functions. They are known to be carcinogens, immunotoxins, and teratogenic agents. In vivo, transformation of dioxins occurs after their interaction with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and leads to formation of proinflammatory and toxic metabolites. The aim of this study was to verify whether α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), could reduce the damage caused by the action of dioxins. Fertile chicken eggs were injected with a solution of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), followed by the injection of α-tocopherol or acetylsalicylic acid. Organs such as heart and liver were dissected from the chick embryos at d 13 and 19 of development and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis of presence of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) in tissues. The AGEs were used as the marker for exposure to dioxins, since it is well established that their level increases in dioxin-damaged tissues. Formation of AGEs was evaluated in embryos exposed to dioxin and treated with vitamin E and/or ASA (against dioxin-exposed, untreated controls). We have found that TCDD causes developmental disorders and increases the level of AGEs in chick embryo tissues. The use of such pharmacological agents as vitamin E, ASA, and combination of ASA and vitamin E, inhibited formation of the AGEs in 13-day-old embryos and reduced the AGEs level in embryos after 19 d of the development.

Goose embryonic development from oviposition through 16 hours of incubation.

Normal tables provide an objective step-wise description of the morphological development of an embryo. Such tables have been described for the chicken, turkey, quail, and duck embryos, but there is no such staging table for goose embryos. As the goose has one of the longest incubation periods of all the poultry species and embryo mortality during incubation is relatively high, a normal table of goose embryo development would be useful in assessing the morpho-genetic status of the goose embryo before and during incubation. In this study, embryos were isolated from commercial White Koluda goose eggs stored no longer than four days in a cool room (18°C) prior to incubation and after 4, 8, 12, and 16 h of incubation. Embryo staging was based on the normal tables described for the chicken by Eyal-Giladi and Kochav (EGK) and Hamburger and Hamilton (HH). Goose embryos from unincubated eggs were at Stage X and XI EGK and after 16 h of incubation the majority of embryos were between Stages 2 and 4 HH. Our results suggest that while the stage of development of the embryo in the unincubated goose egg is similar to that reported for the chicken, although the diameter of goose embryo is slighter larger. Following incubation, a goose embryo advances more slowly than a chicken embryo up to 16 h of incubation.

The presence of Tau protein in blood as a potential prognostic factor in stroke patients.

Tau protein is found in the blood of 40 - 50% of patients in the acute phase of a stroke, as a result of the degradation of neurons and damage to the blood-brain barrier. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of tau protein in the blood of stroke patients, as well as to evaluate the potential impact of tau protein presence in the blood of patients on their neurological state during the first 24 hours, and their functional condition three months after the stroke. Eighty-seven patients aged 39 - 99 (42 females and 45 males) diagnosed with stroke were enrolled in the prospective study (August 2014 - April 2015). The following parameters were analyzed in enrolled participants: the age at which first ischemic stroke occurred, neurological state during the first 24 hours (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale - NIHSS), blood tau protein and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations on day 2 of stroke, the functional condition on day 90 after stroke onset (mRankin). A multifactorial analysis was carried out to establish independent factors for the presence of serum tau protein and to identify independent factors for poor prognosis. Eighty-seven patients of the mean age of 71.7 ± 11.8 years (median 74; min. 39 max. 99 years) took part in the study. The tau protein was found in the serum of 42 (48.27%) patients in the concentrations between 29.56 and 19 023.50 ng/ml. The female sex was the only independent factor for the presence of tau protein in blood (RR 4.49 (1.68 - 11.97), P = 0.003). The mean BDNF concentration in the evaluated group was: 9.96 ± 5.21; median 10.39. Three independent factors for poor functional condition of patients on day 90 after the stroke were identified: the presence of tau protein in blood (RR 3.90 (1.45 - 10.49), P = 0.007), BDNF concentration below the mean value for the study (RR 14.49 (4.60 - 45.45); P = 0.000) and NIHSS score > 4 during the first 24 hours of stroke (RR 1.14; 95% CI: 1.00 - 1.31; P = 0.027). The presence of the tau protein, low BDNF concentrations, and moderate/serious neurological state during the first 24 hours of stroke can be considered as negative prognosis for the patient's functional condition. The coincidence of high BDNF concentrations and absence of tau in blood during the acute phase of an ischemic stroke is a predictor of patient's good state in 3 months after stroke.

Process evaluation of five tailored programs to improve the implementation of evidence-based recommendations for chronic conditions in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Although there is evidence that tailored implementation strategies can be effective, there is little evidence on which methods of tailoring improve the effect. We designed and evaluated five tailored programs (TPs) each consisting of various strategies. The aim of this study was to examine (a) how determinants of practice prioritized in the design phase of the TPs were perceived by health care professionals who had been exposed to the TPs and whether they suggested other important determinants of practice and (b) how professionals used the offered strategies and whether they suggested other strategies that might have been more effective. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-method process evaluation linked to five cluster-randomized trials carried out in five European countries to implement recommendations for five chronic conditions in primary care settings. The five TPs used a total of 28 strategies which aimed to address 38 determinants of practice. Interviews of professionals in the intervention groups and a survey of professionals in the intervention and control groups were performed. Data collection was conducted by each research team in the respective national language. The interview data were first analyzed inductively by each research team, and subsequently, a meta-synthesis was conducted. The survey was analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: We conducted 71 interviews; 125 professionals completed the survey. The survey showed that 76 % (n = 29) of targeted determinants of practice were perceived as relevant and 95 % (n = 36) as being modified by the implementation interventions by 66 to 100 % of professionals. On average, 47 % of professionals reported using the strategies and 51 % considered them helpful, albeit with substantial variance between countries and strategies. In the interviews, 89 determinants of practice were identified, of which 70 % (n = 62) had been identified and 45 % (n = 40) had been prioritized in the design phase. The interviewees suggested 65 additional strategies, of which 54 % (n = 35) had been identified and 20 % (n = 13) had been prioritized, but not selected in the final programs. CONCLUSIONS: This study largely confirmed the perceived relevance of the targeted determinants of practice. This contrasts with the fact that no impact of the trials on the implementation of the recommendations could be observed. The findings suggest that better methods for prioritization of determinants and strategies are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Each of the five trials was registered separately in recognized trial registries. Details are given in the respective trial outcome papers.

Development of cross-priming amplification for direct detection of the African Swine Fever Virus, in pig and wild boar blood and sera samples.

UNLABELLED: African swine fever (ASF) is considered a major threat to the production of pigs worldwide. The ASF aetiological agent, ASFV, is the sole member of the Asfivirus genus, belonging to the Asfarviridae family. An effective ASF vaccine is not currently available, thus the only measures of ASF spread control include, reliable and fast diagnosis. Officially approved, diagnostic methods include, virus isolation, serological assays, including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoperoxidase assay (IPT) and different modifications of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This paper describes the first development and application of a cross-priming amplification method (CPA) for the direct detection of genetic ASFV material, in blood and sera from pigs and wild boars. This method is specific only to ASFV DNA. The study showed that CPA had equal sensitivity, in comparison to the official, universal probe library (UPL) real-time PCR and reached 7·2 copies of standard plasmid DNA, containing a p72 gene fragment. This method was capable of detecting ASFV DNA in all examined blood samples, originating from pigs; n = 10 and wild boars; n = 76. The obtained results were also confirmed by the officially approved, real-time PCR. The developed CPA might be further used by local and county veterinary officers, hunters or pig farmers, for preliminary ASF diagnosis. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The spread of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) among infected pigs and wild boars, is currently one of the most important facets of virus transmission in eastern Europe. Cross-priming amplification (CPA) has been developed, for fast and direct development of genetic ASFV material in the blood and sera of infected pigs and wild boars. It has been shown that CPA is a rapid, sensitive and specific isothermal method for the detection of ASFV DNA, in directly collected blood or sera from pigs and wild boars.

Usage of Over-the-Counter and Herbal Products in Common Cold in Poland: Findings from Consumer Survey.

Upper respiratory tract infections are usually self-treated with synthetic and herbal over-the-counter products. The aim of the study was to assess the reasons for the purchase of those medications in Poland. We examined 413 adults, aged 18 and over (70.5% of them were women) using a questionnaire. The findings demonstrate that oral synthetic products were used by 76% of respondents, while herbal products by 30%. Synthetic products were used mainly by educated people under 65 years of age, students, and the employed. Herbal products were used mainly by older people. In conclusion, synthetic products against common cold are perceived as more effective. Such medications are used by people who probably would like to recover and return to professional activity as quickly as possible. As they generally use more medications, they are at increased risk of adverse effects resulting from drug interactions, and they should be a target group for health education programs.

The Usefulness of Captive Kept Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) as the Semen Donors for Artificial Insemination and Gene Pool Preservation In vitro.

Captive breeding of birds threatened by extinction in zoological gardens or other closed aviary centres is one of the methods allowing their protection and gene pool preservation ex situ in vivo. Such birds are usually kept in captivity lifelong and serve as parents of several new generations that can be further released into natural environment, or males are used as semen donors for artificial insemination and gene banking. Therefore, the fecundity of such flocks (number of laid egg and spermatozoa quantity and quality) is very important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of captive kept capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) as semen donors in three subsequent reproductive seasons, based on the assessment of manually collected semen quality. Male response to dorso-abdominal massage, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, motility and morphology were evaluated individually at three succeeding years. Depending on individual male properties and year of collection, the number of positive reactions to semen collection attempts (i.e. ending with ejaculation) varied from 44.4% to 100.0%; single ejaculate volume ranged from 10 to 300 µl, spermatozoa concentration from 10 × 10(6) per ml to 3520 × 10(6) per ml and percentage of live morphologically normal spermatozoa from 19.3 to 80.3%. The highest average value (66.7) of semen quality factor (SQF) was noted for a 2-year-old male (varying from 1.9 to 258.1), while the lowest for ten- (4.8; varying from 0.1 to 17.0) and 7-year-old (6.6; varying between 0.6 and 13.6). Assuming that for AI purposes, the ejaculate quality has to be at minimum 10 SQF, obtained results indicate that majority of capercaillie kept in captivity, both young (2-3 years old) and older (up to 10 years old), can be valuable semen producers in succeeding seasons.