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Unlabelled: In industrialized countries, increasing concentrations of harmful trace elements in the human environment increases their concentration in the organs, which in turn may be responsible for the growth of cancer including cancer of the kidney. Trace elements by increasing the concentration of active free radicals damage cell DNA, and in a consequence increase the risk of carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of biochemical markers providing an increase in the concentration of free radicals in the cell kidney cancer and renal cortical tissue, from which it originates and to attempt correlation of these markers with the concentration of carcinogenic trace elements identified in these same tissues using spectral analysis of PIXE (Proton induced X-Ray Emmision)., Materials and Methods: Of the 12 kidneys removed because of renal cell carcinoma clippings taken from the parenchyma of the kidney and kidney tumor, and then the concentration of markers of oxidative stress such as malonic dialdehyd (MDA), reduced form and oxidized glutathione and 1-ascorbic acid of the tissue. The concentration of elements was made by means of physical methods of analysis of multielemental PIXE (Proton Induced X-Ray Emission) in tumor tissue and kidney tissue of renal cortical tumor unchanged., Results: Malonic dialdehyd concentrations (MDA), reduced and oxidized forms of glutathione and 1-ascorbic acid were successively 2.11, 1.23, 0.84 and 2.25 microg/g for tissue kidney tumor and subsequently one, 58, 0.99, 0.58 and 2.3 microg/g in the kidney cortex from which the tumor originates. Demonstrated significant differences in MDA concentrations (p < 0.01) and the oxidized form of glutathione (p < 0.05). In the analysis of correlation between the concentrations of markers of the concentrations of elements are carcinogenic by IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) showed significant increase in the concentration of 1-ascorbic acid with increasing concentrations of lead in kidney tumor tissue. In the renal cortex increased concentrations of MDA and oxidized forms of glutathione was significantly correlated with increased levels of selenium., Conclusions: By markers of oxidative stress has been shown indirectly to increased metabolism of oxygen free radicals in kidney tumor tissue compared to kidney cortex tissue from which it derives. At the same time was selected markers concentration dependence of the concentration of the elements considered by the IARC human carcinogens. Confirmation of these results on a larger group of patients may become a contribution to the study of substances that protect the kidney against carcinogens storage elements or substances that reduce oxidative stress in the kidney.

Background: Given the range of natural mineral waters, natural spring waters and table waters, and their degree of mineralization (from low to the high), it can be assumed that they will become increasingly important as a source of minerals in everyday diet., Objective: The aim of the study was the assessment of the amount of bottled waters consumption as well as contained selected minerals in waters among female students., Material and Method: Study was conducted among 18-26 years old students from Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) and Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw (UKSW) (50 female from each), from May to October 2010 year. The study was performed by using the questionnaire concerned habitual consumption of bottled waters. Intake of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, silicon, chlorine and fluorine, as the major components of water declared on the label packaging, was also estimated., Results: Almost 40% of respondents consumed four glasses of water a day, about 24% - 2 glasses, about 24% - 3 glasses, 11% - 1 glass, but it was mainly low- and medium-mineralized water. The average daily intake of calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine and fluorine in the study population was respectively: 64.1, 26.5, 14.3, 1.9, 5.4, and 0.1 mg per person. Intake of silicon was 14, 4 mg/person/day. Among minerals only calcium and magnesium intake with waters was comparatively significant (6% and 8% of reference values, respectively)., Conclusions: Bottled waters were not a significant source of minerals, but they can be a valuable addition to daily diet. There is a need to promote the drinking of natural mineral waters, spring waters and table waters, especially highly-mineralized and low-sodium waters as a source of well-absorbed minerals.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the intake of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, potassium and sodium with drinking water among 19-26 years old women, students at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW)., Material and Methods: Data on intake of drinking water and food products were collected based on 4-day record method. Information about kind of water usage to prepare beverages and meals were obtained by using a specific questionnaire. Minerals concentrations in water samples were assessed using the atomic spectrophotometer absorption (ASA) technique., Results: The average consumption of drinking water equaled 870 +/- 389 cm3/d (100-2738 cm3/d). The drinking water used by the women for meals or beverages preparation contributed in 9,8% of calcium and 3,8% of magnesium to their daily diet. Contribution of tap water in the intake of calcium and magnesium depended on the contents of these minerals in water, and amounted from 6,0% (< or = 68,3 mg calcium on dm3 water--1st quartile) to 14,8% (> 112 mg/dm3--4th quartile) for calcium and from 2,9% (< or = 10,9 mg/dm3) to 4,7% (> 15,4 mg/dm3) for magnesium. The contribution of iron, zinc, potassium and sodium was low, and not exceeded 2%. Comparing the average content of minerals in non-boiled and boiled tap water the cooking process influenced the levels of calcium (95,8 +/- 31,8 vs 89,7 +/- 31,1 mg/dm3), magnesium (12,1 +/- 3,24 vs. 12,7 +/- 3,04 mg/dm3), zinc (0,35 +/- 0,87 vs. 0,17 +/- 0,89 mg/dm3), potassium (3,31 +/- 2,67 vs. 3,66 +/- 4,18 mg/dm3) and sodium (23,2 +/- 15,4 vs. 25,9 +/- 17,2 mg/dm3). Nevertheless, from the nutritional point of view the differences in the concentrations of these minerals were insignificant. Conclusions. Drinking water can be an important source of calcium and magnesium in diet, wherein the amount of the supplied element depends on its content in drinking water used for preparing beverages and/or meals.

The market of dietary supplements develops extremely fast in the whole world, also in Poland. A great popularity is ascribed to preparations aiding slimming diet. The application of dietary supplements aimed at reducing body's weight is a result of trends connected with the popularity of a healthy lifestyle and the care about one's appearance. Dietary supplements produced on the basis of natural products frequently contain significant amounts of mineral compounds, including microelements indispensable for man (in strictly specified amounts), among others: nickel and chromium. The subject of the study was 16 chosen dietary supplements aiding slimming in which the levels of chromium and nickel were determined. The samples were mineralized "dry" at the temperature of 480 degrees C. The ashes were dissolved in 15%-aqueous solution of HCl (Suprapur, Merck). The levels of the investigated elements were determined in Pye Unicam SP192 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer: nickel - by the extraction method from the organic phase, chromium - directly from a mineralised substance. Determined levels of nickel ranged from 0.11 microg/g in Nivelazione-"kapsulki na noc" supplement to 3.35 microg/g in Teavera preparation, and of chromium from 0.12 microg/g (Adipobon mono) to 22.93 microg/g (Chitobon-preparation with the addition of chromium). The levels of nickel and chromium in the studied supplements were different and depended on the preparation content. The capsules of some preparations, e.g., those with the addition of organic chromium contained levels of chromium exceeding AI dose for this element.

Artificial feeding of infants is applied in situations when breastfeeding is impossible for various reasons. Such feeding is based on modified cow's milk made similar in composition to human milk. The aim of this study was to examine the content of Mg, Ca, K and Na in infant and follow-on formulae. The study also evaluated how the formulae satisfy the demand for these minerals in children of different age groups. The study has revealed that an excess supply of the minerals occurred in infant formulae (from 0 to 6 months) comparing to the recommended values (AI, EAR, RDA).

The aim of this study was to estimate the influence of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc contents in drinking water on chosen parameters of nutritional status of these minerals in 164 elder people, 75-80 age, living in Warsaw region. Blood, hair and saliva were collected to assess the calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc nutritional status, while the samples of drinking water were collected to determine these minerals in water Mineral concentrations in blood, hair saliva and water were assessment using the atomic spectrophotometer absorption method It was showed that contribution of drinking water to calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc intake was: 15%, 4%, 5%, 9%, respectively. The relationship between the contents of these minerals in drinking water and their levels in the blood, hair and saliva had low correlation coefficients. It probably showed that homeostasis was maintained in the human body and other factors such as demographic or lifestyle factors were important.

The subject of the research were samples of overgrown adenoids removed by adenoidectomy 56 children, including 30 boys and 26 girls, exposure and unexposure from passive smoking, living in the administrative area of Chorzów. The statistic characteristic of Fe and Mn occurrence is presented in the thesis. The studies were carried out on the changes of Fe and Mn and other elements, (B, Al, La, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, As, Se, Hg, V, Be, Mo, Sn, V, Ti, Sb, Bi, TI, Zr, Ca, Mg, Na, Ba, Sr, Li) respectively. The elemental composition of adenoids was determined with ICP-AES method (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy). The studies on Fe and Mn occurrence in adenoids showed the presence of its higher concentrations in exposure boys (Fe - 116.13 microg/g; Mn - 0.70 microg/g), in comparison with exposure girls from passive smoking (93.06 microg/g; Mn - 0.57 microg/g).

The aim of this study was investigation influence sex and place living (industrial region or village) to concentration of: Ca, K, Mg and Na in pharyngeal tonsils (n = 84) from children exposed and unexposed to tobacco smoke and analysis kind of interactions between trace elements. Determination of these elements contents were performed by ICP-AES. It was found higher concentrations of Ca and Na in pharyngeal tonsils from boys (389 microg//g) and girls (356 microg/g) unexposed to tobacco smoke to comparison to expose to ETS boys (304 microg/g) and girls (298 microg/g). Higher concentrations of Ca and Na was found in this samples from children unexposed on ETS, living in industrial area to comparison to unexposed to ETS children living in village region. Higher concentration of K and Mg was found in exposed to ETS girls and boys in comparison to unexposed to ETS children, and higher level of these metals were found in exposed to tobacco smoke children living in industrial region and village.

This project is aimed to estimate the effect of passive smoke on the levels of selected trace elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na) in pharyngeal tonsils of children in several group of age (2-5 years, 6-9 years, 10-15 years). This trace elements were determined using ICP-AES method. It was concluded that the exposure to the cigarette smoke in pharyngeal tonsils is a factor producing the changes in the levels of essential elements: geometric mean of Ca was the highest in pharyngeal tonsils of children in 10-15 years old unexposure to ETS (410 microg/g). The least level of Ca - 281 microg/g was observed in this samples in the same group of age, but in children exposure by ETS. High levels of K was observed in pharyngeal tonsils of children exposure to passive smoking in all of group of age to comparison to unexposure by ETS. The greatest content - 27479 microg/g was in pharyngeal tonsils in exposure to ETS in 6-9 years old was observed, but the least - 16478 microg/g in 10-15 years old. Change of content of Mg was from 764 to 784 microg/g in samples from children exposure by ETS to comparison 720-744 microg/g in children unexposure by ETS. High level of Na was observed in pharyngeal tonsils from children exposure to ETS in all of group of age to comparison to unexposure. This study showed that the kind of interaction dependent on age and exposed by ETS. The changes of given elements were different for children passive smoking and no passive smoking in several group of age.

The content of macroelements (phosphorus, calcium, magnesium potassium and sodium) and microelements (copper, zinc, iron, manganese, chromium, selenium, fluorine and iodine) in the following smoked fish: sprat, mackerel, salmon, smoked herring and trout were determined. The most of calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, copper and manganese contain smoked sprat. The amount of calcium in fish's remaining species is considerably lower, and phosphorus approximated to his content in sprat. The selenium and the fluorine occur on approximate level in all examined fish, however the amount of iodine was diverse but high. Smoked salmon and trout contain the most iodine, and the least smoked herring, sprat and mackerel. Contribution of fish in the recommended daily intake for mineral elements was estimated.

Dietary habits of elderly people (46 women and 46 men) with cardiovascular diseases were analysed. The study was based on the 24-h food intake recall. Data were collected from each respondent only once from February 2006 to May 2006. The results show that dietary intakes of elderly people differed from recommended optium diet. The percentage of energy coming from fats and carbohydrates was too high. We observed excessive intake of phosphorus among investigated people but intake of other minerals there was not sufficient. Analysis of average day rations showed, that safe level of vitamins A, B12 and a bit of vitamin C was exceeded. We observed vitamin D and folates deficiencies. Supplementation of diet was incorrect. Respondents abused supplements containing vitamins: A, E, C and B. People investigated did not attach importance to mineral deficiency supplementation.

In a pilot study perfluorinated compounds such as perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), perfluorohexane suflonate (PFHS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTeDA), perfluorohexadecanoic acid (PFHxDA) and perfluorooctadecanoic acid (PFOcDA) have been determined in the Japanese and Polish brands of bottled mineral water and in tap water. Bottled mineral water from both countries contained ultratrace amounts of some perfluorinated compounds, and higher degree of contamination showed tap water. PFOS and PFOA concentrations were much below threshold level for toxic effects, and Hazard Quotient (HQ) was much < 1.

The study objective was to evaluate the realization of the reducing diet recommended in the treatment of overweight or obesity (1500 kcal) with regard to the caloric value and the content of basic nutrients, vitamins and bioelements. The study was conducted on a group of 48 women. Daily food rations were evaluated based on a week's dietary register. Results were averaged in each patient and compared to the norms worked out by the Institute of Food and Feeding in Warsaw for subjects with low physical activity. The mean energetic value of the diets was found to meet the requirements. Approximately 50% of the obese women consumed high-protein, low-fat and low-carbohydrate food rations. The analysis of vitamin content in daily food rations showed insufficient intake of vitamin E (in 89.6% of women), thiamin (83.3%), riboflavin (93.7%), niacin (60.4%), vitamin B6 (87.5%), folic acid (89.6%) and vitamin C (72.9%). Vitamin A intake was higher than the recommended norm in 47.9% of women. The lowest realization was noted in the case of potassium (64.6% of rations below the norm), calcium (100% below the norm), magnesium (64.6% below the norm). However, dietary sodium and phosphate content in most obese women exceeded the norms. The intake was too low in the case of iron (in 91.7%), zinc (in 97.9%) and copper (in 100%). It seems that long-term compliance with such a diet requires additional individual supplementation.

Concentrations of Ca, P, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn were determined in nuts, almonds as well as in dry fruits available on Polish market. The contents of minerals in 100 g of nuts were as follows: 55.8-261 mg Ca; 294-724 mg P; 1.11-3.06 mg Fe; 2.05-4.98 mg Zn; 0.5-1.38 mg Cu and 0.93-5.75 mg Mn. Among the analysed dry fruits, the greatest concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, zinc and cooper were recorded for figs, while apricots contained the highest levels of iron and manganese. Based on the data obtained it was possible to estimate the realization of the recommended daily intake of essential elements with the 100 g portion of analysed products for an adult person.

The aim of the paper was to assess the minerals contents in daily food rations of low physically active women. The data on minerals intake were collected using 24-hour recall and diet history questionnaire. The intake of Ca, Fe, K, Zn and Mg was very low; Ca--47.9% of recommended level, Fe--65% of recommended level, K, Zn and Mg from 55% to 68% of recommended level. The study showed unsatisfactory low consumption of milk and dairy products, cereal products, vegetables and fruits, which are rich source of minerals.

The content of macro- and microelements and toxic metals in the most popular canned sprat was described in this paper. The research included the following canned sprat: sprat in tomato, smoked and steamed sprat in oil. The following analyses were carried out: content of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, chromium, selenium, fluorine, iodine, cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic. Fluorine, iodine, selenium, and calcium and phosphorous are provided to customer organism in large amount by canned sprat, however canned sprat cannot be considered as a source of copper, chromium, and manganese. On the base of assessment data one canned sprat (weight 170 g) provides to customer organism more than 50% recommended daily intake of calcium and phosphorus, 85-233% fluorine, 62.5% iodine, 43% recommended selenium, more than 25% zinc, about 15% daily intake of magnesium, potassium and iron. It was found that all of the analyzed canned sprat contained relatively low content of cadmium, lead, mercury and arsenic, thus confirming the established safety standards.

The ASA method was used to determine the content of copper, zinc, manganese and iron in the selected vegetables (lettuce, radish, spinach, chives, sorrel) obtained from the following allotments: Lublin centre, the city surrounding and from the marketplace and the supermarket. The vegetables bought at the supermarket were characterized higher concentration of copper and zinc in comparison with the vegetables coming from the allotments in the Lublin centre, the city surrounding and also from the marketplace. All the tested vegetables were rich in iron, however accumulated insignificant amount of copper. The trace elements content in the tested vegetables were not significant and were not harmful to people's health.

Ready to use infant food, namely 7 types of fruit and vegetable juices, 7 types of vegetable-meat soups and 8 types of dinner vegetable-meat meals, was investigated by the flame AAS towards the copper and the zinc content. The average levels of the copper and the zinc were respectively--for the juices: 0.31 mg/kg and 0.51 mg/kg, for the soups: 0.38 mg/kg and 2.60 mg/kg, for the dinner meals: 0.42 mg/kg and 2.98 mg/kg. Consumption of a single unit pack of all the 3 types of food products will cover 29% of recommended daily copper intake and 22% of zinc.

The PCA (Principal Components Analysis) was used to estimation of the role of smoking in the changes of elements contents in gallstones. The concentration of given elements were determined by ICP-AES method. It was stated that smoking regardless of sex, influence on the occurrence of elements in hydroxyapatites of gallstones, in particular it concerns changes of As, Pb, Zn, Se, Ti contents. PCA method let to describe the role of selected elements in entire chemical composition of gallstones coming from smoking women.

The aim of this paper was to assess the contribution of food product groups and drinking water to mineral and trace elements supply. On the basis of 3-day record data it was found that the intake of calcium and copper by 75-80 years old elderly living in Warsaw area (Poland) was insufficient. The same for iron among women and zinc among men was observed. The RDA for energy was covered in 90% by men's diets and in 78% by women's diets. Dairy products were the main source of calcium (48%), cereals were the main source of magnesium (29%), while iron came mainly from cereals (31%) and meat products (21%). Two latter groups of products also significantly contributed in zinc intake by the elderly (29% and 25% respectively). Cereals (33%) and potatoes (16%) were the main sources of copper. Drinking water had significant share only in calcium (14%) and zinc (9%) intake. Cereals, vegetables, dairy and meat products gave relatively more minerals to men's diets, while potatoes, fruits, eggs and other products (fats, sugar, sweets etc.)--to women's diets.

The studies on cadmium food intake in years 1993-1997 were carried out in six types of households i.e. workers, worker-farmers, farmers, pensioners and retired, self-employed households and families maintaining themselves on non-income sources. Using household budget data and "Tables of trace elements in food products" mean and maximum food intake of cadmium was calculated and compared to provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) taking into consideration main sources of them. The obtained results indicated that the mean cadmium food intake did not exceed PTWI value but maximum intake of one was 38% higher than PTWI. Cadmium intake depended on type of household being highest at farmers, pensioners and retired persons. The main food sources of cadmium were: cereals supplied 43% of one, vegetables and their products supplied 30% cadmium and meat products supplied 15%.

Trace elements are essential for the proper functioning of the body. Changes in bioelements concentration were observed in numerous pathologic conditions. The aim of this study was evaluation of trace elements concentration in neoplasmatic tissues of the larynx. The study comprised 52 patients operated for cancer of the larynx. Levels of magnesium, zinc and copper in neoplasmatic tissues of the larynx were determined using atomic absorbtion spectrophotometry. The results were compared with the control group. Elevated levels of magnesium were observed in neoplasmatic tissues of the larynx. Zinc and copper levels were lowered in comparison with the control group. The results were statistically analysed.

The examination of the content of arsenic, nickel, copper, selenium, zinc, iron, cadmium, lead, cobalt, antimony and tin in the tissue of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma was carried out. Material was taken from tumour of the larynx of 22 patients during laryngectomy. The control group was made up by healthy tissue of the larynx taken from 14 patients during diagnostic examinations. Trace elements were determined by means of BAIRD plasma spectrometer. Higher values of the concentration of arsenic, nickel, copper, cadmium, lead and cobalt were found in the tissue with carcinoma of the larynx as compared with the control group. The concentration of selenium, zinc, and iron in the carcinoma tissue was lower than in the healthy tissue. The concentration of antimony and tin was similar to that of the control group.

Trace elements in blood serum is significantly changed in hemodialysed patients. The result of our experiment showed the manner and directions of the evaluated trace elements -Sr, Zn, Ni, Ba, B, Si, Mn and Cu movements. It was confirmed that reverse osmosis is efficient in the most tracers elimination, except Si, B, and Cu. The trace elements being present in the whole arrangement diffuse easily through the dialysers membrane used in our experiment, except Ni. In the membrane of the new, non-rinsed dialyser we detected Pb, Fe, V, Be, Ti and Al. It could possibly be the source of their contamination into the human organism. ICP-AES method of trace elements analysis reveals the possibilities of precisely, fast and simultaneous evaluation of big number various trace elements.

The levels of Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb and Cd were determined in fresh vegetables obtained from central storerooms of the WSO in Katowice which were intended for market in that Province. Vegetable samples were taken from the stores twice in the months from September to March in the years 1986-1987. At the same time similar analyses were done of raw milk and milk for consumption from the market and from certain dairy cooperatives in the Province. Besides the above metals, in the samples dry mass, ash, protein (by Kjeldahl method), calorie values (by burning in calorimetric bomb ZKL-4) were determined. The study included these mineral components which are necessary in human physiological requirements, and those which can be toxic if consumed in excess, and also those which cumulate selectively in plants and in animal and human organisms. The mutual relationships were evaluated of these components in the analysed food products based on calculated correlation coefficients. After the chemical analysis of these products it was found that the levels of Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Cd and Pb varied depending on the product and site of origin of the sample. The levels of heavy metals, such as Cd and Pb, were exceeding the acceptable values in the edible parts of vegetables grown in the Province of Katowice and intended for the market in that Province. The lowest levels of toxic metals and the highest content of mineral components indispensable for physiological functions were found in the vegetables brought from the neighbouring Province of Kielce.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

On the basis of the data of the Chief Census Bureau, concerning the consumption of more than 80 food products, we reproduced in years 1987 and 1988 in Lublin, Olsztyn, Poznań, Warszawa and Wrocław the food rations characteristic of manual workers' families and of other families with medium incomes. In samples of these diets, chromium, cobalt and nickel were determined by the ASA method, and selenium-spectrophotometrically. Daily intakes were: for cobalt 15-32 micrograms, chromium 65-187 micrograms, nickel 138-316 micrograms and selenium 93-233 micrograms. It was found that the investigated food rations cover the requirements of these elements, and create no risk of their excess in food. The present results indicate that the levels of the investigated elements are mainly related to the kind of food products and to their composition, whereas they depend to a lesser extent on the region in which the food ration has been reproduced.

Using the method of atomic absorption spectrometry the levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, strontium, nickel, manganese, copper were determined in the hard tissues of milk teeth with and without caries and the interrelations between these elements were analysed The obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis with an IMP 85 m computer. In the present study the analysis of the interrelations between elements was based on correlations and regression analyses. Many statistically significant interrelations were revealed between Mn and Fe, Mn and Zn, Mn and Cu, Mn and Ni, Fe and Zn, Fe and Cu, Fe and Ni, Zn and Cu, Zn and Ni. A decrease of the correlation coefficients was noted in carietic teeth. For the highly correlated elements equations of simple regression were calculated. A significant correlations was noted between caries and the levels of Mg, Zn, Fe, Sr, Ni, Mn, Cu in the hard tissues in milk teeth. The carietic milk teeth contained less Mg, Fe, Sr, Ni, Mn and Cu and much more Zn as compared to teeth without caries.

An analytical method was elaborated for determination of blood zinc and magnesium based on previously known methods. Blood zinc and magnesium were determined in whole stored blood, plasma and erythrocyte mass. The results obtained by this method were compared with the results of spectrophotometry of atomic absorption (SAA). They showed a rise in the plasma zinc and magnesium levels in blood stored with ACD at +4 degrees -- +6 degrees C. during three weeks.

The investigations were carried out on 6 boars aged from 10 to 12 months. Before operation, 5 ejaculates were collected from each animal. In the second stage of the investigations, the boars were subjected to the following procedures: the deferent ducts were cut and ligated, and the bulbo-urethral glands and vesicular glands were removed. Four to 28 ejaculates were collected after each operation. The ejaculates obtained at the individual stages of the experiments were subjected to the following tests: introductory assessment, concentration and morphology of spermatozoa, and biochemical investigations concerning the concentration of Mn, Co, Cd, Fe, Cr, Ni, Sr, Ag and Li. The authors proved that the secretions from the individual segments of the reproductive organ of the boar are different in respect of their biochemical composition. The secretion of the testicles and epididymides determines the concentration of Mn, Cd and Cr in the ejaculate of the animals. The level of Mn and Fe seems to be largely influenced by the secretion from the vesicular glands and deferent ducts. The secretion of the prostate and urethral glands is responsible for the level of Cr and Ni in semen plasma, and also for the concentration of Mn, Ca and Fe. The concentration of Fe in the semen of boars distinctly depends on the presence of spermatozoa and of the secretion of the bulbo-urethral glands. The AAS method failed to detect traces of Ag and Li in the ejaculates of these boars; Co was present in vestigial amounts only.

The aim of the studies was determination of the influence of irrigation with the water of the river Ner on the content of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in soil, plants and organism of bulls fed on the hay grown on the irrigated soil. The soil irrigated with waste water, its vegetation and 30 bulls of the Black and White breed used in this experiment. The bulls were divided into three groups. The experiment was repeated twice and lasted 93 days each time. The animals from group I and II were given the hay from the meadows irrigated with waste water. The second group of bulls received the hay from the soil which was irrigated more intensively. The animals from group III received the hay from non-irrigated soils. The daily ration of food consisted of 5 kilograms of hay and 3 kilograms of dry beet pulp. Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were found in the soil, in hay and in the bulls blood serum. Magnesium was found in the bull's hair. The irrigation with the Ner's water increased the amount of calcium and magnesium in the soil and its vegetation. No influence of the irrigation with waste water on the content of phosphorus in hay was observed. No definite relationship between the levels of Ca, P and Mg in food and in the bull's blood serum was observed; however, a relation between the amount of magnesium in food and in the bull's hair was found.

By means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry, the authors determined the concentration of calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper and plumbum in the spermatic fluid of 32 men infertile at the time of the examination. Assuming the number of sperms as the main criterion, the material was divided in three groups: I--lack of sperms (5.men), II--more than 40 million sperms in 1 ml of the spermatic fluid (8 men) and group III--less than 40 million sperms in the spermatic fluid (19 men). Different degrees of asthenozoospermia were taken into consideration--in group II--4 cases, in group III--14 cases. The mean values of the levels of the elements defined in mg/dm3, the range of the levels and standard deviations have been presented in the table. Statistical calculations made according to the T-Student test on the IBM/PC computer according to the Epistat programme did not show statistical significance between the particular groups as to the elements examined. It seems that the examination of the level of trace elements in the semen based on the clinical classification, without considering environmental conditions of life and work, way of nutrition and other possible factors does not present greater value.