Can rail transport-related contamination affect railway vegetation? A case study of a busy railway corridor in Poland.

Rail transport is considered a serious risk to the environment; however, its environmental impact has been addressed insufficiently with many resulting uncertainties. A busy railway corridor was used to determine if the side of a railway track could distort the assessment of soil contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and if soil phytotoxicity changes up to 50 m away from the track. The studied soils showed a moderate to heavy level of contamination with Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. Cu, Ni and Zn content decreased significantly with the distance from the track while Pb content increased slightly, probably because the Pb came predominantly from exhaust gases, while the source of the remaining elements was the abrasion of railway infrastructure components. The side of the railway track proved to be a significant factor that influenced Ni and Pb content in particular. The phytotoxicity test predominantly showed a slight inhibition of plant growth with a maximum value reaching 70.4% but with an absence of significant differences in phytotoxicity between the distances. The ecological risk assessment did not reveal a serious threat to the environment from the PTEs in the soil. Based on the results, it is appropriate to define a heavily polluted zone at a minimum distance of 50 m from the track, and both sides of the railway track should be assessed so that the actual level of contamination is not underestimated. Further research is needed on this issue urgently due to the severe and hitherto overlooked environmental risks associated with rail transport.

Colonization of Warsaw by the red fox Vulpes vulpes in the years 1976-2019.

The red fox is one of the most adaptable carnivores inhabiting cities. The aim of our study was to describe the process of Warsaw colonization by the red fox. We focused on: (1) the fox distribution in Warsaw on the basis of presence-absence data (2005-2012) over a grid of 1 × 1 km2, (2) the process of settlement in 29 green areas (study periods 1976-1978, 2004-2012, and 2016-2019) in relation to habitat type, and (3) temporal and spatial patterns of the red fox incidents (1998-2015) reported by Warsaw citizens. We found out that: (1) the red fox penetrated the whole city (i.e. its presence was confirmed in all squares of the grid), (2) 21% of the green areas were colonized in 1976-1978 but 93% in 2016-2019. Forests and riparian habitats were occupied more frequently than parks and cemeteries in 1976-1978 with no difference in the further years; (3) the probability of the fox incidents increased over years, was higher in June-October, on working days, and around noon, and with the share of discontinuous urban fabric in the buffers around incident locations. Nevertheless, the incidents only partially reflect population abundance trends and activity patterns of the species, so should be treated cautiously.

Musical hallucinations in cerebrovascular disease.

Purpose: Musical hallucinations (MH) are a subset of complex auditory hallucinations in which individuals perceive music in the absence of an external auditory stimulus. It is a rare phenomenon, first described by Ballinger in 1846, with diverse presentations from familiar childhood melodies to a simple pitch which evolved into the harmonies Robert Schumann incorporated in his sole Violin Concerto. Views: This uncommon phenomenon has diverse etiologies, including psychiatric and neurological backgrounds, which guide its classification and methods of treatment. The pathophysiological basis of MH remains understood incompletely, potentially resulting from lesions anywhere along the auditory pathway, from the external auditory canal to the auditory cortex. The strong association between MH and hearing impairment has led researchers to hypothesize that MH represent a "release phenomenon," in which sensory deprivation, eliminating the afferent input to the auditory sensory network, instigates spontaneous activity within a system - comparable to the Charles Bonnet syndrome, in which visual impairment precipitates the development of visual hallucinations (so called auditory Charles Bonnet syndrome), and phantom limb syndrome, in which amputees experience sensations in a limb that is not no longer there. In this paper, we report on six cases of MH in patients with cerebrovascular disease, who presented to the neurology department at the Poznan University of Medical Sciences from 2015 to 2018. Conclusions: We discuss the findings of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of six cases of MH in patients with cerebrovascular disease, and the treatment leading to its resolution. We briefly review the literature on MH in patients with cerebrovascular diseases, discussing their suggested pathophysiology, clinical presentations and response to medical treatment.

EXOME REPORT: Novel mutation in ATP6V1B2 segregating with autosomal dominant epilepsy, intellectual disability and mild gingival and nail abnormalities.

Mutations in ATP6V1B2, which encodes the B2 subunit of the vacuolar H + ATPase have previously been associated with Zimmermann-Laband syndrome 2 (ZLS2) and deafness-onychodystrophy (DDOD) syndrome. Recently epilepsy has also been described as a potentially associated phenotype. Here we further uncover the role of ATP61VB2 in epilepsy and report autosomal dominant inheritance of a novel missense variant in ATP6V1B2 in a large Polish family with relatively mild gingival and nail problems, no phalangeal hypoplasia and with generalized epilepsy. In light of our findings and review of the literature, we propose that the ATP6V1B2 gene should be considered in families with autosomal dominant epilepsy both with or without intellectual disability, and that presence of subtle gingival and nail problems may be another characteristic calling card of affected individuals with ATP6V1B2 mutations.

The combined effect of phytostabilization and different amendments on remediation of soils from post-military areas.

Army bases and battle fields are areas of high pollution due to the chemicals released there. Soils in these areas suffer from these uses of the land, and ecosystem services are affected. Although, in the 20th century, the production of bombs and the locations of battle fields and army bases were widespread, there is little research on the impact of war on nature. Moreover, there is a need to rehabilitate the disturbed soils. The contents and ecological risks of Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cr in the topsoil from a post-military area (north-eastern Poland) were investigated. In addition, a vegetation experiment was performed with the technique of aided phytostabilization on soils from the study area. The novelty of this study is the assessment of the usefulness of soil amendments (chalcedonite, limestone, activated carbon) in heavy metal (HM) phytostabilization in contaminated soils from post-military areas. Soil samples were also examined for pollution quantification indicators, including the index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and degree of contamination, and subjected to the Ostracodtoxkit test. The mean contents of the tested HMs were higher than those stipulated in soil environmental quality standards. The highest Igeo (7.38) and CF (346) values were those of Cr and Zn, respectively. The highest increase in soil pH was observed after the application of limestone to the soil. The greatest reduction in Cu, Ni, and Cd contents was caused by addition of limestone. The contents of HMs in Festuca rubra were higher in its roots than in its above-ground parts.

Influence of magnetostimulation therapy on rheological properties of blood in neurological patients.

The aim of the study is to test the influence of in vivo magnetostimulation on the rheological properties of blood in neurological patients. Blood circulation in the body depends both on the mechanical properties of the circulatory system and on the physical and physicochemical properties of blood. The main factors influencing the rheological properties of blood are as follows: hematocrit, plasma viscosity, whole-blood viscosity, red cells aggregability, deformability, and the ability of red cells to orient in the flow. The blood samples were collected from neurological patients with pain. Blood samples were collected twice from each patient, that is, before the magnetostimulation and immediately after the therapy. For each blood sample, the hematocrit value was measured using the standard method. Plasma viscosity and whole-blood viscosity were measured by means of a rotary-oscillating rheometer Contraves LS40. Magnetic field was generated by the instrument Viofor JPS® and the magnetostimulation treatments were performed using M1P2 and M1P3 programs. The analysis of the results included estimation of the hematocrit value (Hct), plasma viscosity (ηp), whole-blood viscosity and rheological parameters of Quemada's model: k0, k∞, γ'c. Plasma viscosity values were obtained from the shear rate dependence of shear stress using the linear regression method. The results obtained in the study suggest that the blood rheological properties change in accord with applied magnetostimulation program.

[Association study between exon 4 NFKBIL1 polymorphism and multiple sclerosis]. / Analiza polimorffizmu eksonu 4 NFKBIL1 w populacji chorych na stwardnienie rozsiane.

UNLABELLED: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is conceptualised as a complex autoimmune inflammatory disorder in which several environmental factors act together in a genetically susceptible individual to cause disease. Epidemiological data confirmed that genetic factors are involved in MS pathogenesis. Genes responsible for MS predisposition still await to be identified. The only consistent genetic finding, establishes so far, is the association between MS and a number of HLA haplotypes (locus 6p21.3). NFKBIL1 gene (locus 6p21.31) is one of candidate genes. One of NFKBIL1 gene coding sequence polymorphisms is a non-synonymous thymine-cytosine substitution at position 738 (exon 4) resulting in cysteine-arginine substitution at position 224 of encoded protein. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the NFKBIL 1 exon 4 contribution to MS genetic predisposition and its relationship to the clinical course of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 107 unrelated MS patients (77 female ones) attended in Department of Neurology Medical University of Poznari participated in this study. Control group included 110 healthy age and sex matched unrelated volunteers (71 female). Investigation of NFKBIL1 exon 4 polymorphism was performed with use of the single strand conformation polymorphism technique (SSCP). RESULTS: NFKBIL1 exon 4 polymorphism was observed in 10 patients and 9 control samples (9.35% and 8.18% respectively). The results remained statistically insignificant (p = 0.8136). Associations between the polymorphism and course of MS, clinical symptoms at onset, sex (p = 0.2851) and optic neuritis (ON) (p = 0.0865) were also insignificant. However, lack of statistical significance in the two latter parameters suggests insufficient size of the patients and control groups, as the absolute percentage values were remarkably different (respectively: 7.59% female vs. 14.28% male; 2.5% ON-positive vs. 13.4% ON-negative). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study do not provide evidence for the association between the NFKBIL1 exon 4 polymorphism and MS predisposition in the investigated Polish population. However, it may have a restricted result on MS course and a protecting effect on optic neuritis in MS patients.

Comparative analysis of chosen hemorheological methods in a group of stroke patients.

Blood viscosity is one of the most important factors determining the blood flow. In this report we describe changes in whole blood viscosity in a group of patients after stroke measured as a function of the shear rate (flow curve) and also blood visco-elastic properties measured using oscillatory methods (dynamical mechanical analysis). The principle of the latter method is based on the measurement of the amplitude and phase of the sample oscillations driven by controlled harmonic strain. All measurements were performed by means of a rotary-oscillatory rheometer Contraves LS-40.

Hemorheological changes after intravenous gammaglobulin administration in patients with neurological disorders.

Hemorheological changes due to intravenous gammaglobulin (IVIg) administration have been considered to influence blood viscosity and this way the blood flow in microcirculation. The study was carried out in the group of 10 patients with various neurological disorders (seven with polyradiculoneuropathy, two suffering from myasthenia and one with multiple sclerosis). Patients were treated routinely with intravenous gammaglobulin infusion (Sandoglobulin, Sandoz, 24 g a day in the course of 5 days therapy). The following hemorheological factors were estimated: relative blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, red cell deformability and erythrocytes aggregation. For rheological examination the microviscosimeter Low Shear 40 (Contraves) was used. Each patient was examined two times: before treatment initiation and at the end of therapy after five days. At the comparison of first and last measurements a significant increase of plasma viscosity (p<0.04) was found, whereas erythrocyte deformability was significantly improved (p<0.05). The value of relative blood viscosity at shear rate of 0.1 s(-1) was significantly decreased (p<0.05) and statistically unchanged at other studied shear rates. The results suggest an existence of a protective feedback mechanism in the studied group of patients which has been exemplified by the red cell elasticity improvement.

Hemorheological changes dependent on the time from the onset of ischemic stroke.

This work aimed at estimation and comparison of chosen rheological parameters of blood in two group of patients in acute and remote stroke phase. The analysis included the values of shear stress, plasma viscosity, relative blood viscosity, hematocrit value and the parameters of rheological Quemada model of blood flow. The main two groups (30 persons each) consisted of patients after cerebral ischemic episode, remaining under permanent medical control, the first one in the acute and the second in the remote phase. The reference group (20 persons) included the patients who never suffered from any circulatory system disorders and who did not take any drugs affecting the hemorheological parameters. The results suggest that after a distinct increase of most of the hemorheological parameters in the acute stroke phase, a gradual improvement was observed in the remote phase. Since in the latter group the plasma viscosity remained on elevated level, we suggest a creation of a specific feedback mechanism leading to a decrease of the blood viscosity and thus better perfusion of brain. The analysis of Quemada model parameters indicates that the decrease of blood viscosity may result from the increased red cell deformability.

Blood fluidity and thermography in patients with diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease in comparison to healthy subjects.

The study aimed at initial determination and analysis of selected rheological parameters of blood in the group of diabetics and patients after myocardial infarction and compare the results to the symptoms observed in thermographical studies. The parameters studied were: whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, relative blood viscosity and hematocrit value. A group of 60 subjects took part in the study. The control group (20 persons) included the healthy subjects who had never suffered from any circulatory system disorders and who did not receive any drugs affecting the hemorheological parameters. The group of diabetics included 18 patients and the group after myocardial infarction included 20 patients. Blood viscosity measurements were performed by means of a rotary-oscillatory reometer Contraves LS 40 at the decreasing shear rate ranging from 100-0.01 s(-1) during a period of 5 minutes. For each blood sample the hematocrit value was measured using the standard method. The plasma viscosity was calculated from the linear regression of the shear rate dependence of the shear stress measured by means of the Contraves LS 40 reometer.

[Bilateral "crocodile tears syndrome" associated with Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome--case report]. / Obustronny zespól krokodylich lez w przebiegu zespolu Melkerssona-Rosenthala--opis przypadku.

We present a rare case of bilateral crocodile tears syndrome (CTS) in the course of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome is characterised by a triad of recurrent orofacial swelling, relapsing facial paralysis, and fissured tongue. The classic triad is infrequent and oligosymptomatic variants are seen more frequently. CTS is a rare complication of facial nerve paralysis characterised by inappropriate lacrimation on the side of the palsy in response to salivary stimuli. It results from aberrant reinnervation of the lacrimal gland by salivary parasympathetic fibres. The therapeutic approach for an acute bout of Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome consists mainly of steroid administration. CTS management is composed of anticholinergic drugs and surgical procedures. Botulin toxin injection into the lacrimal gland is the most modern therapeutic option. In the case presented CTS developed in a 50-year-old man after 5 incidents of facial palsy due to Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome. The case deserves attention due to the rarity of the observed symptoms and signs.

[Comparison of whole blood viscosity in vascular diseases]. / Porównanie lepkosci krwi pelnej w wybranych stanach chorobowych ukladu naczyniowego.

The viscosity of whole blood taken from patients suffering from different diseases was studied. The measurements of blood viscosity were performed in the shear rate range 0.01-100 s-1 in three groups of patients. The first group consisted of 60 patients without known cardiovascular disorders referred for a non-vascular minor surgery (patients did not take any drugs influencing vascular system). The second group (30 persons) consisted of patients after cerebral ischemic episode, remaining under permanent medical control. The third group consisted of 100 patients after myocardial infarction. In the group of patients suffering from vascular system disorders (second and third) the blood viscosity has been significantly lower then in the first group. Such results might suggest that in patients with vascular system disorders blood viscosity has been decreased in the way of specific feedback mechanism, whereas the beneficial hemorrheological influence of secondary prevention seems to be questionable.

The changes of low-shear-rate hemorheological properties depending on the fluid used for transfusion.

We investigated the influence of kind of fluids used for transfusion - crystalloids and colloids - on the rheological parameters of blood with a special focus on the range of low shear rates. The blood viscosity measurements were performed with the use of a rotary-oscillatory rheometer Contraves LS 40. The investigation includes the measurements of blood viscosity and a hematocrit value at three stages: before, just after and two hours after transfusion. On the basis of results obtained for a group of patients prepared for procedures in epidural anaesthesia we concluded that the dilution effect for colloids (HES and dextran) was maintained longer then for crystalloids (Ringer solution). Measurements of blood viscosity at the shear rate of 1 s(-1) showed that this viscosity had the smallest value in the group of patients with HES 200/0.5 as a transfusion fluid (p<0.001).