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This paper made an attempt to indicate the findings of the author's research from the experiences of the implementation of the project "Including disabled senior citizens in creative activities in 2013-2015". The issues of disabled senior citizens have been an object of interest over the recent years though it still has not had a proper place in science and practice. In the situation of a painful lack of initiatives, the Foundation for Propagation of Disability Art and Culture of the in Warsaw, as the only institution for promoting creative activity of the disabled in Poland, undertook a number of activities in order to include this social group in the world of culture and art. It appears that participation in creative initiatives has a very positive effect on the quality of the social functioning of disabled senior citizens in their isolation from their own families.

This article researches higher education (HE) managers' perception of graduate professional success and higher education institutions' (HEI) activity aimed at enhancing graduate employability. The issue is worth examining not only because of growing relative unemployment rates among HE graduates but also because it is a part of a heated discussion on the contemporary evolution of HEIs. We analysed 36 semi-structured interviews with representatives of HEIs offering studies in the field of science in six countries (Austria, Germany, Italy, Poland, Slovenia and Turkey). Our analysis showed that there are three approaches observed, depending to a large extent on the balance between different HE stakeholders within subdomains (triple-helix theory). Our results support the hypothesis of diversification of HEIs' models varying from the traditional ivory-tower-type university (with a dominating role of academic oligarchy) to the market-oriented educational enterprise (where the business sector is a key driver of change).

Analyzes the problems of educational funds and scholarships in Polish areas incorporated within Russia after the third partition of the Commonwealth. Traces the history of educational funding during the early 1800s and provides statistics on the breakdown of monies appropriated by government, religion and individuals. (RW)

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating neuromuscular disorder with limited treatment options. Nusinersen is the first disease-modifying therapy to treat children and adults with SMA. This study aimed to review the safety, tolerability, and efficacy data of a nusinersen treatment program in Polish children. A total of 298 patients aged from 0 to 18 years were included in the nusinersen treatment program in Poland between March 1 and September 20, 2019. All patients were prospectively followed for at least one year. The mean age at treatment onset was 6.9 years. SMA type 1 symptoms were reported in 127 patients (43.5%), SMA type 2 symptoms in 68 cases (23.3%), and SMA type 3 in 93 patients (31.8%). No patient met the inefficiency criteria defined in the program. One year after treatment initiation, all patients assessed by the CHOP-INTEND scale had improved or remained stable. The mean change in CHOP-INTEND score was an increase of 8.9 points between baseline and after one-year treatment (p < 0.001). Except for 2 fatal cases, not related to the treatment, no serious adverse events were reported. The results of our study indicate that treatment with nusinersen is beneficial for children with SMA regardless of their age, baseline functional status, or the number of SMN2 gene copies. Therapy with nusinersen was effective and well tolerated by patients. • Nusinersen was beneficial for SMA children regardless of their age, functional status, or the number of SMN2 gene copies. • The percentage of responding patients increases over time. • Better functional status at baseline were associated with better response. • In patients assessed in the CHOP-INTEND scale, better response was also associated with younger age of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saproxylic species from different taxonomic groups often occur only on certain types of deadwood with specific qualitative characteristics. The various types of deadwood are very dynamic elements of forest ecosystems, associated with many site and stand features, as well as with the type of forest management. Using a pool of 29,098 sample plots spread across Poland, we analyzed 30 different deadwood types defined on the basis of three characteristics: position (standing, lying), degree of decomposition, and size. Statistical hurdle models were used to assess changes in the volume of individual deadwood types based on a broad range of independent variables. Depending on the type of management, terrain, site fertility, stand volume, tree density, and stand age, the models revealed substantial differences in the volume of different deadwood types, ranging from 0 to approx. 4 m3 ha−1. It was found that the volume of most deadwood types (except for a few, mostly with diameters under 15 cm) increases with stand age or stand volume. In managed forests at all stages of stand development there is a deficiency of thick deadwood. Both standing and lying deadwood at different decay stages is available continuously, irrespective of the values of individual independent variables, but considerable differences exist. While most lying deadwood exhibits higher levels of decomposition, in standing deadwood the proportions of different decay stages are strongly associated with tree diameter at breast height. The developed models make it possible to predict the volume of individual deadwood types for a broad range of independent variables. The current work presents several examples, with the results showing extremely complex relationships between deadwood diversity and site and stand features at every stage of forest development, with continuous changes in the volume and proportions of different deadwood types. In general, at the landscape level Polish forests contain both standing and lying deadwood at all decay stages in more or less equal proportions. However, in forest management one should pay special attention to the dimensions of retained deadwood. The absence of thick deadwood is particularly conspicuous in lowland managed forests. • The total deadwood volume consists of many deadwood types with very different characteristics. • Statistical models based on stand features describe the diversity of dead wood with high accuracy. • The diversity of the deadwood changes with the age of the stand, the method of management and habitat conditions. • Some types of deadwood are not found in all forests, especially thick deadwood is completely removed. • Management of deadwood resources should be largely based on its diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism is the property of Termedia Publishing House and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A multi-temporal digital terrain models [DTM] study of a coastal cliff section at Kaszuby Coast (northern Poland) is presented in this paper. The analytical study was based on five LiDAR-derived DTM acquired between 2010 and 2016. The main idea was to compare changes year by year or every two years (depending on the available material). The DTM were analysed using various geoprocessing techniques, and as a result the map of slope and the gradient of maximum changes in z-value were prepared. The analysis of the temporal variations of these parameters were also prepared and allowed to visualize and track the landslides that occurred within the cliff. What is more, the areas of sediment increasement and decreasement, as well as the average rates of vertical displacement within the landslides and sediment balance on the beach were estimated. The studies allowed also to discuss the interrelation between the mass wasting processes and the protective infrastructure on the seashore. The information gathered allows us to find the mechanisms and development of landslides on the steep cliff coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The advancement of silver fir to high sapling stage is worse outside its range. • Climate factors were important at the beginning of the regeneration. • The advancement to higher classes depends on stand composition and stand structure. • Mono-layered structure of planted stands hamper advancement of fir regeneration. • Improper silviculture limits success of fir regeneration outside the natural range. Abstract Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is one of the most important forest tree species in Europe potentially prone to climate changes. The northern limit of its distribution is in central Poland but fir stands were planted also in northern part of the country. It gives opportunity to investigate the potential for silver fir to expand into northern (cooler) Europe which could be an important issue in the face of changing climate. The aim of this research was to identify factors influencing the establishment and advancement of silver fir regeneration within and outside its natural range. Using data collected on sample plots in 48 stands, we examined influences of climatic and stand factors on establishment and development of silver fir regeneration. The Boruta algorithm was used to identify variables relevant for particular stages of fir regeneration (short and tall seedlings and saplings). The variable location (indicating that the analysed plot was located inside or outside the natural range of silver fir) was not the most important variable for any size classes of silver fir regeneration (Boruta algorithm). We found that the mean values of diameter of breast height (DBH) and height of the dominant firs were larger for northerly plantations than for stands within the natural range. The density of seedlings was similar within and outside the natural range but density of saplings was lower, especially tall saplings. Climatic variables (continentality index and summer heat: moisture ratio) were significant in the models predicting the probability of establishing tall seedlings and short saplings. Stand composition was an important factor for all the regeneration stages. For short seedlings, local (sample plot) stand composition was important. The establishment of short seedlings was negatively influenced by shade-tolerant species (sum of the heights of the shade-tolerant trees per plot). Species composition at the forest stand spatial scale was more important for tall seedlings and saplings. The proportion of Scots pine in forest stand volume positively influenced the establishment of tall seedlings. We found that with the growth of regeneration, the role of free space availability increased. The occurrence of tall seedlings and saplings was negatively influenced by increased space filling. Introducing silver fir outside of its natural range requires adjustment to management practices such as creation of vertically diversified mixed stands, decreasing stand stocking, regulation of stand species composition. A lack of experience with silver fir silviculture in northern Poland is one of important factors limiting the advancement of regeneration to the stage of high saplings outside the natural range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • ECM fungal communities of nursery grown admixture tree species are highly diverse. • Hornbeams and limes hosted 23 ECM fungal taxa each, while birches hosted 21 taxa. • ECM communities of hornbeams and birches were the most divergent. • Limes hosted the most consistent ECM communities regardless of the soil chemistry. • Most abundantly found fungal species belonged to genera Tuber and Hebeloma. Abstract In many European countries, recent policies and forest management have been striving to restore and increase forest biodiversity. One of the ways to achieve this goal is by increased planting of admixture tree species, such as birch, hornbeam or lime, after clearcutting or in older, otherwise homogenous forest stands. However, because admixture forest tree species present less economical value than trees such as pine or oak, they are object of fewer studies, and in this context their mycorrhizal relations are not fully known. Describing them would further aid the use of such trees in forest management. This study focused on the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal communities of two-years-old silver birch (B. pendula L.), European hornbeam (C. betulus L.) and small-leaved lime (T. cordata Mill.) seedlings under bare-root forest nursery conditions. The ECM fungal partners of the studied trees were identified based on the molecular approach, and the uncovered community structure was analyzed in context of the local soil chemical parameters. We found that the ECM fungal communities of admixture tree species in bare-root nurseries are of high diversity, and contain a wide array of fungal species. Our study identified the highest taxa richness (23 taxa) associated with the roots of hornbeams and limes, followed closely (21 taxa) by birch. Surprisingly, ECM fungal communities of lime (family Malvaceae) were more similar to hornbeam and birch (family Betulaceae) than the two were to each other. The lime ECM fungal communities were also the least divergent across the five tested nurseries, showing little response to differences in the soil chemistry. The most abundant and frequent fungi found in the study were Tuber (average relative abundance: 18.9%) and Hebeloma (average relative abundance: 18.4%) species. Some of the fungal taxa we recorded have never before been identified under nursery conditions (e.g., Lactarius pubescens , Leccinum holopus , Pachyphloeus melanoxantha , Russula grata). Pachyphloeus melanoxantha is a rare species in Europe, and this study recorded one of its first records in Poland. Our results present not only a description of ECM associations of tested trees (providing the first ever description of young hornbeam ECM communities), but also may have practical implications both for producing planting stock of these admixture trees, and for the later replanting of those into forest stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecular and petrographic characteristics of organic matter in internal sediments from the Mississippi Valley-type lead-zinc deposits in southern Poland reveal immature and well-preserved organic matter. Huminite reflectance values of organic matter in all internal sediments are low, with a mean value of 0.29%, corresponding to a lignite range of coalification. Most organic compounds in the organic matter (e.g., cadalene, retene, simonellite, perylene, and β-sitosterol and its transformation products stigmastanol and stigmasta-3,5-dien-one), as well as lignin degradation compound products (e.g., benzoic acid, vanillin, 4-benzaldehyde, benzenedicarboxilic acids, and hydroxybenzoic acids), are of terrestrial origin. Monosaccharides with dominant α- and β-glucose were identified as possible remnants of cellulose degradation products, suggesting an excellent state of organic matter preservation, given that monosaccharides are preserved only under c onditions of limited oxygen after sedimentation, resulting from the rapid accumulation of internal sediments in meteoric paleokarst cavities followed by insignificant diagenesis. Petrologic and palynological data on internal sediments clearly indicate a Middle Triassic age for organic matter and for the development of a Triassic meteoric karst system immediately after Anisian carbonate sedimentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents measurement results recorded by noise and traffic volume monitoring station located in Krakowska Street, Kielce. Poland. The measurements were performed in the period from January to December 2013, twenty-four hours a day and with a sampling time of 1 minute. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. A type A uncertainty was evaluated. A new parameter COV L Aeq was proposed for variability assessment of the equivalent sound pressure level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Silver fir occupy sites with raised water table at north-eastern limit of its distribution. • Black alder outcompete silver fir from the most wet parts of forest stand. • In mixed lowland forest fir seedling establishment is limited by seeds availability. • Less intensive cuttings aimed at promotion of fir sapling are better than salvage cuttings. Silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) is a typical mountain tree species, but it can also grow in lowlands below 300 m a.s.l., where it must coexist with a variety of competitors. Much less were studied in the northeastern part of its natural range, where annual precipitation varies between 500 and 600 mm, distinctly less than in the mountains. The general objective of this study was to investigate the regeneration process of silver fir in mixed lowland forests in regions with water shortage. The evaluation of spatial relationships between old, dominant and newly established trees was used to clarify the mechanisms of tree species coexistence. The study was conducted in managed and protected stands in Janów Forests in the southeastern part of Poland. We selected mature forest stands (oldest trees older than 100 years) representing three types of mixed stands in nature reserves, as well as in comparable managed forests. Data was collected on 500 m2 sample plots established randomly in each stand category (20 sample plots × 6 stands). Silver fir as the target tree showed statistically significant segregation from other species in 15 cases. Small silver fir trees were associated with large pines in two forest types and segregated form large firs in one. The spatial relationships between fir and black alder were negative. Black alder was the second species with the most statistically significant spatial relationships with other tree species (11 cases). Alders separated from large pines and large firs and from medium and small silver firs. Strong segregation of medium-sized hornbeam from the small class of silver fir was observed. Our study showed that silver fir natural regeneration and colonization of new areas at the northeastern limit of its range are limited by low seed rain density, interactions with other competing species, and local site conditions. Areas with moderately high water table are potentially suitable for fir regeneration, but black alder has a competitive advantage in wetter parts of forest stand. The major advantage of such sites is the absence of beech populations, which are an important competitor to fir in the central European mountains, but a likely equally important limitation would be the presence of hornbeam populations. Our results suggest that less intensive cuttings at carefully selected places are more conducive to fir regeneration than more intensive salvage cuttings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the simplest methods of employing solar energy is using the heat generated in solar collectors for the heating of household water. When there is a lack of heat collected from the tanks holding the water, while a large amount of sunlight is present on the collectors, stagnation occurs. One of the main effects of stagnation is faster degradation of solar fluid. Our paper suggests that changing the solar fluid to water can bring benefits, as it is non-toxic, publicly available, and allows for easy dosing of the system. The main objective of this paper is the calculation of the amount of energy needed to keep the temperature of the water in the installation above freezing throughout the year. This allows the comparison between water and antifreeze as energy carriers. In the current paper, we only consider the use of the installation for hot water, because the demand for it is generally constant throughout the year. The use of water is advantageous during filling, since it is cheaper and non-toxic. It is more convenient for supplementing, filling, and emptying the installation. If water is left in the plant all year round, however, the user must bear in mind the energy costs of maintaining the collectors at temperatures above 0 °C, and the increased cost of providing the pump drive to the collector during these cold periods. In the case of flush installations for the winter, these costs are not incurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author presents his views on legal framework of trade union activities in Poland in meeting minimum requirements of modem labor markets, and suggests need to reconstruct the existing legal model, establish trade unions and protect the labor rights and interests collectively.

• Macrofungal diversity after the cessation of forest management was assessed. • Forest reserves and managed forests hosted partly different fungal communities. • ECM fungi and parasites were more tightly linked to tree traits. • Saprotrophs were mostly affected by climate and substrate. • Conservation-relevant species predominated in forest reserves. We report the first robust estimate of macrofungal assemblages in European mixed coniferous forest to better understand species diversity under two management strategies (managed vs. not managed) and to rate the recovery of forest reserves, transformed from formerly managed stands, to their natural state. Following extensive repeated sampling in three regions of Poland, we found 318 fungal species from different trophic groups. The two forest management strategies showed similar cumulative fungal species richness and values for Shannon, evenness, and Simpson's dominance indices, suggesting that both management strategies did not generate factors stimulating or limiting species richness and biodiversity. In contrast, site as well as forest management strategy affected the composition of all fungal trophic groups, with site being a stronger influencing factor. Different fungal ecological groups responded differently to environmental drivers, with ectomycorrhizal symbionts and parasites being more tightly linked to tree traits than saprotrophs, which were affected mostly by climate and substrate. Indicator species associated mainly with managed forests comprised predominantly wood-inhabiting fungi. Conservation-relevant species (red-listed in Poland) were noted in both forest reserves and managed forests; however, they predominated in the former. The results indicated a rather slow process of transformation of fungal communities in forest reserves originating from previously managed forests. The major conclusion of this study is that managed forests complement forest reserves in fungal diversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant pathogen, Phytophthora cryptogea, was recovered from 4/5 of the 75 poinsettias collected from two greenhouse farms. The poinsettias showed stunting and wilting as well as stem base and root rot symptoms. Representative isolates of the species from two poinsettia cultivars, colonized stem parts, leaf petioles, leaf blades and root parts. Stem parts of 6 cultivars were colonized at a slower rate than other poinsettia organs. Isolate from Euphorbia pulcherrima also colonized stem parts and leaf blades of E. amygdaloides, E. cyparissias, and E. polychroma. Isolates of P. cryptogea from the other 6 plant hosts, colonized the overground parts of poinsettia cv. Allegro. This is the first report describing symptoms and colonization of poinsettia cultivars by P. cryptogea in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The early history of the VDZ is nearly unknown. Surprisingly many historical materials of great value were discovered while reorganizing the library and archives of Wrocław (Breslau) Zoo. One of these discoveries is the nearly full set of the minutes from the meetings of the directors of German zoos starting from the first meeting in 1887 up to the 41st meeting held in 1929. To fill in the gap of the knowlegde about the history of VDZ we give a list of the meetings with some citations of each minutes. The full and complete list of all the meetings from the years 1887 – 1929 is given, with the dates, place and list of the participants. All names, titles and numeration cited here are exactly as printed in the original minutes. Also the citations, randomly derived from the minutes are given here exactly as in the original minutes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum Polonorum. Agricultura is the property of University of Technology & Life Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection Research is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• Browsing substantially limit a success rate when oak is planting without fence. • Group planting reduced the level of browsing compared to traditional planting. • The spring topping of fast-growing admixture species reduced damage level. • Combination of both methods might secure planting success under heavy browsing. Interest in oak species in European forestry has been increasing as they are regarded as having high ability to cope with accelerating anticipated climate changes during the next 50 years. However, improvements in regeneration and silvicultural methods are needed due to oak stands' high management costs and vulnerability to browsing. Thus, three methods of establishing oak stands were compared in terms of effects on growth and browsing damage in an area of north-eastern Poland with high browsing pressure of roe and red deer. The treatments were traditional monoculture, double-row planting and group planting, each at initial planting densities of 6600, 3300 and 2400 seedling per hectare. Three precommercial thinnings (PCTs) were applied in each planting treatment to reduce competition from early successional species: traditional removal close to the ground in spring, topping in spring and topping in summer. Observed frequencies of oak saplings damaged by browsing depended on both the planting method and PCT treatment. The frequencies were lower under group planting than under the traditional and double-row planting treatments. The frequencies also decreased with increases in the oaks' height. The results indicate that the optimal PCT treatment to minimise browsing damage depends on the planting pattern. The lowest frequency of damage was in plots where group or double-row planting was combined with spring topping and traditional planting was combined with summer topping. Under heavy herbivory pressure, group planting might be optimal due to its potential to both reduce browsing damage and improve profitability by eliminating fencing costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Plant Protection Research is the property of Institute of Plant Protection and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Psychiatria Polska is the property of Editorial Committee of Polish Psychiatric Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Psychiatria Polska is the property of Editorial Committee of Polish Psychiatric Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article discusses the impossibility of developing a rational attitude towards the past and the difficulties in the articulation of interests in Poland. It is striking to think how quickly anticommunism as the slogan which stimulated public support for the new order lost its effectiveness. To many people a total rejection of the past means also the rejection of their own past. No one likes being told that his life did not make sense. That is an essential factor which weakness the support for the anticommunist and decommunization slogans. Majority of the population do not seen any connection between their actions and the interests which those actions serve. The problems can be solved by the working of mechanism and not persons. The essential mechanism is that of a change of structure and ownership in the national economy. It will force the emergence of interests. Genuine privatization may mean a drama for many groups: it will turn out even more clearly that those who contributed most to the fall of communism need not in the least be those who gain most from that fall. The point is to devise mechanisms which would adsorb such inevitable consequences and to convince the groups which are threatened that it pay, to retrain, to engage in new activity.

Features new exposition in the Museum of Pharmacy at the Medical Academy of Cracow, Poland. Collection of pharmaceutical culture in Poland; Cellar rooms; 19th-century pharmacies; Collections of antique apothecary jars; Apothecary garret.

The article examines the problems encountered by city and rural dwellers of Poland regarding organized recreation. The tradition of going for a holiday became popular before World War II but only among the intelligentsia. Workers, even the best paid, usually stayed in the cities during their short holidays, partly because the lack of tradition, partly because there was no institution arranging recreational excursions on a mass scale. Among unskilled workers, the youngest group stands out because the smallest percentage did not go on holidays at all and the biggest percentage went regularly. Among skilled workers, a similar difference appears among the youngest and middle aged generation, on the one hand and the oldest on the other hand. As far as non-manual workers are concerned, age has the least influence on the frequency of going for a holiday. Along with research among city dwellers, investigation also was conducted on spending holiday time by rural population. To organize holiday trips for country people is in practice rather difficult first of all because the actual response of the peasant would be probably much inconsistent with the favourable attitude toward going for holidays suggested by the aforesaid findings.

• Bird breeding communities vary greatly depending on the characteristics of the gardens. • The features of the gardens determine the even or uneven distribution of bird species. • The function of gardens as food sources increased from spring to winter. • Some gardens only provide a nesting place for birds, there are no places suitable for foraging. • It is necessary to compensate for some lost features of gardens in order to preserve bird species. Demographic data show booming metropolitan populations and the related rapid spread of urbanized areas. Cities already harbor numerous diverse habitats, including gardens, varying greatly both in terms of floristics and architectural attributes. The way gardens are designed and managed is of crucial importance for the birds associated with them. The present work provides a comprehensive overview of garden features, which were used in cluster analysis to distinguish several garden types. The birds occurring in gardens located on the outskirts of the city in southern Poland were analyzed in three phenological periods (breeding season, autumn, winter). Depending on garden type, bird density ranged from 10.8 to 57.4 breeding pairs per ha, with 0.8–8.3 species per garden. The species similarity Jaccard index of bird assemblages was from 0.10 to 0.75. The evenness index revealed some garden types with very even species distributions, as well as some types that were strongly dominated by a single species. Garden features also affected proportions between groups of species with different nesting preferences (cavity nesters, canopy nesters, birds nesting in building, and those nesting in shrubs and near the ground). The function of gardens as food sources increased from spring to winter. The garden attributes that significantly affected the occurrence of breeding birds were high tree density and hedges, building walls and attics available for birds, as well the presence of chicken coops. In terms of feeding, of importance was not only lush vegetation, but also places where different types of food were provided for birds, poultry, and domestic and farm animals. As the unfolding changes in urban and suburban areas are likely to result in the disappearance of some garden features and the associated niches, it will be necessary to compensate for them with a view to conserving bird species such as the house sparrow. To that end, appropriate educational and advisory programs should be offered to garden owners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Manifold benefits and advantages of mixed tree stands have been known for many decades. • Appropriate tools are needed to effectively control development of mixed forests. • A solution of this problem is offered by demographic equilibrium approach. • A utility of the approach is confirmed in an exemplary forest sustainability unit. Manifold benefits and advantages of mixed tree stands have been known for many decades. However, while developing and maintaining multiaged and mixed-species forests with complex stand structures has often been advocated and has recently become a worldwide priority, it is not a simple task. One important reason for this is a lack of appropriate methods for controlling long-term development of such stands. Here, we present a possible solution for this problem by applying the demographic equilibrium approach to guide stocking and structure regulation in mixed stands. We tested the practical usefulness of this approach using permanent-plot inventories from 2002, 2011 and 2018, in mixed tree stands in the Experimental Sustainability Unit (ESU) Browsk 28C, in the managed part of Białowieża Forest (NE Poland). For our analysis, ESU Browsk 28C (about 30 ha) was treated as a silvicultural planning unit. First, on the basis of target stand types defined in Polish Silvicultural Guidelines (2012) and forest sites occurring at the study site, desirable tree species composition was determined. Eleven tree species of varying life histories and ecological attributes were included: aspen, birch, alder, pine, oak, maple, ash, elm, spruce, lime, and hornbeam. In the second step equilibrium diameter distributions were constructed for each species, taking into account species-specific growth and mortality rates, as well as targeted proportional representation. Next, theoretical species-specific equilibrium diameter distributions were visually and quantitatively compared with empirical distributions from permanent sample plots. Finally, departures of empirical from theoretical distributions served as a basis for silvicultural recommendations and prescriptions. We prioritized silvicultural measures (such as patch cuts opening larger gaps in forest canopy, proper site treatment, planting, protection against browsing by large herbivores), promoting compositionally diverse forest reproduction and recruitment as essential to long-term maintenance of demographic sustainability in mixed forest stands. We conclude that the demographic equilibrium approach is particularly valuable for creating and maintaining complex forest structures in multi-species stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory diseases have been the fourth most common cause of death in Poland in recent years. Respiratory infection, especially pneumonia, can lead to exacerbation of chronic cardiovascular disease.Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial pathogen causing community-acquired pneumonia. Pneumococci are also the most common pathogen complicating the course of infection with the influenza virus. Pneumonia, especially invasive pneumococcal disease, is associated with risk of death in the course of respiratory failure or sepsis and also with worsening of the prognosis for existing cardiovascular disease. Despite those facts, recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination are still not well established in cardiovascular guidelines. This expert opinion aims to summarize current knowledge on the importance of preventing invasive pneumococcal disease in cardiac patients.

Cardiovascular diseases account for 43% of deaths in Poland. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the number of cardiovascular deaths by as much as 16.7%. Lipid metabolism disorders are observed in about 20 million Poles. Lipid disorders are usually asymptomatic, they cause a significant increase in the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Up to 20% of patients who experience an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may experience a recurrence of a cardiovascular event within a year, and up to 40% of these patients may be re-hospitalized. Within 5 years after a myocardial infarction, 18% of patients suffer a second ACS and 13% have got a stroke. Lipid-lowering therapy is an extremely important element of comprehensive management, both in primary and secondary prevention, and its main goal is to prevent or extend the time to the onset of heart or vascular disease and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. A patient with a history of ACS belongs to the group of a very high risk of a cardiovascular event due to atherosclerosis. In this group of patients, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels should be aimed below 55 mg/dl (1.4 mmol/l). Many scientific guidelines define the extreme risk group, which includes not only patients with two cardiovascular events within two years, but also patients with a history of ACS and additional clinical factors: peripheral vascular disease, multivessel disease (multilevel atherosclerosis), or multivessel coronary disease, or familial hypercholesterolemia, or diabetes with at least one additional risk factor: elevated Lp(a) >50 mg/dl or hsCRP >3 mg/l, or chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m²). In this group of patients, the LDL-C level should be aimed at below 40 mg/dl (1.0 mmol/l). Achieving therapeutic goals in patients after ACS should occur as soon as possible. For this purpose, a high-dose potent statin should be added to the therapy at the time of diagnosis, and ezetimibe should be added if the goal is not achieved after 4-6 weeks. Combination therapy may be considered in selected patients from the beginning. After 4-6 weeks of combination therapy, if the goal is still not achieved, adding a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 protein inhibitor or inclisiran should be considered. In order to increase compliance with the recommendations, Polish Cardiac Society and Polish Lipid Society propose to attach in the patient's discharge letter a statement clearly specifying what drugs should be used and what LDL-C values should be achieved. It is necessary to cooperate between the patient and the doctor, to follow the recommendations and take medicines regularly, to achieve and maintain therapeutic goals.

Despite advances in the treatment of heart failure (HF), the rate of hospitalisation for exacerbations of the disease remains high. One of the underlying reasons is that recommended guidelines for the management of HF are still too rarely followed in daily practice. Disease exacerbation requiring inpatient treatment is always afactor that worsens the prognosis, and thus signals disease progression. This is also akey moment when therapy should be modified for HF exacerbation, or initiated in the case of newly diagnosed disease. Inpatient treatment and the peri‑discharge period is the time when the aetiology and mechanism of HF decompensation should be established. Therapy should be individualised based on aetiology, HF phenotype, and comorbidities; it should take into account the possibilities of modern treatment. According to the recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), patients with HF should receive multidisciplinary management. Cooperation between the various members of the multidisciplinary team taking care of patients with HF improves the efficiency and quality of treatment. This document expands and details the information on the peri‑discharge management of HF contained in the 2021 ESC guidelines and the 2022 American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC)/Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA) guidelines.

Aims: We aim to report trends in unplanned hospitalizations among newly diagnosed heart failure patients with regard to hospitalizations types and their impact on outcomes., Methods and Results: A nation-wide study of all citizens in Poland with newly diagnosed heart failure based on ICD-10 coding who were beneficiaries of either public primary, secondary, or hospital care between 2013 and 2018 in Poland. Between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2019, there were 1 124 118 newly diagnosed heart failure patients in Poland in both out- and inpatient settings. The median observation time was 946 days. As many as 49% experienced at least one acute heart failure hospitalization. Once hospitalized, 44.6% patients experienced at least one all-cause rehospitalization and 26% another heart failure rehospitalization. The latter had the highest Charlson co-morbidity index (1.36). The 30 day heart failure readmission rate was 2.96%. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed very early readmissions (up to 1-7 days) were associated with better survival compared with rehospitalization between 8 and 30 days. All-cause mortality was related to the number of hospitalization with adjusted estimated hazard ratios: 1.550 (95% CI: 1.52-158) for the second HF hospitalization, 2.158 (95% CI: 2.098-2.219) for third, and 2.788 (95% CI: 2.67-2.91) for the fourth HF hospitalization and subsequent ones, as compared with the first hospitalization., Conclusions: Among newly diagnosed heart failure patients in Poland between 2013 and 2019, nearly half required at least one unplanned heart failure hospitalization. The risk of death was growing with every other hospital reoccurrence due to heart failure., (© 2022 The Authors. ESC Heart Failure published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Society of Cardiology.)

The Polish expert opinion of the Heart Failure Association of the Polish Cardiac Society on the 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure points to differences in many aspects related to heart failure in Poland compared with other European countries. These differences include population issues, epidemiology, diagnostic and treatment options, or the organization of healthcare. This expert opinion also includes a review of new results of clinical trials completed after the publication of the ESC guidelines.

Heart failure (HF) is a global health problem inherent in an aging population with coexisting cardiovascular diseases. Based on data from the Polish National Health Fund (Polish, Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia), approximately 1.2 million people in Poland currently suffer from HF, and 140 000 of them die annually. Recently, Poland was ranked fifth among the European Union countries regarding the number of patients with diagnosed HF and first in terms of the number of HF hospitalizations (547 per 100 000 population) among 34 countries associated in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. In recent years, a significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF), which has resulted in a reduction in cardiovascular and total mortality. Despite these advantages, 5-year survival in the course of HF is still worse than that observed in some types of cancer, both in the populations of men and women. Hence, the search for drugs improving the prognosis in this group of patients is still ongoing. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors represent a new group of drugs that will undoubtedly be a milestone in the treatment of patients with HFrEF. This expert opinion covers the history of dapagliflozin, which, from a drug dedicated to the treatment of type 2 diabetes, has become one of the most effective drugs improving prognosis and quality of life as well as reducing the number of hospitalizations in patients with HF. This document presents the opinion from the experts of the Heart Failure Working Group of the Polish Cardiac Society on the most relevant studies on dapagliflozin and indications for its use.

Levosimendan is a new inodilator which involves 3 main mechanisms: increases the calcium sensitivity of cardiomyocytes, acts as a vasodilator due to the opening of potassium channels, and has a cardioprotective effect. Levosimendan is mainly used in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure (class IIb recommendation according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines). However, numerous clinical trials indicate the validity of repeated infusions of levosimendan in patients with stable heart failure as a bridge therapy to heart transplantation, and in patients with accompanying right ventricular heart failure and pulmonary hypertension. Due to the complex mechanism of action, including the cardioprotective and anti- -aggregating effect, the use of levosimendan may be particularly beneficial in acute coronary syndromes, preventing the occurrence of acute heart failure. There are data indicating that levosimendan administered prior to cardiac surgery may improve outcomes in patients with severely impaired left ventricular function. The multidirectional mechanism of action also affects other organs and systems. The positive effect of levosimendan in the treatment of cardiorenal and cardiohepatic syndromes has been shown. It has a safe and predictable profile of action, does not induce tolerance, and shows no adverse effects affecting patients survival or prognosis. However, with inconclusive results of previous studies, there is aneed for awell-designed multicenter randomized placebo-‑controlled study, including an adequately large group of outpatients with chronic advanced systolic heart failure.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2), a new coronavirus that induces acute respiratory failure among other conditions, is the cause of the rapidly spreading coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‑19), affecting thousands of people around the world. The present expert opinion is a synthetic summary of the current knowledge on the various aspects of heart failure in patients with COVID‑19. The aim of the paper was to provide clinicians with necessary information useful in daily clinical practice.

Introduction: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in nontransplant settings have reparative properties. However, their role in heart transplantation (HT) is not well defined., Objectives: The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate changes in EPC levels in relation to post‑HT rejection., Patients and Methods: EPC levels were measured in 27 HT recipients for 6 months after HT. Acute cellular rejection (ACR) or antibody‑mediated rejection (AMR) were assessed by right ventricular endomyocardial biopsy., Results: ACR and AMR were observed in 7 (25.9%) and 6 (22.2%) patients, respectively. The ACR status at 1 month post‑HT did not differ with respect to EPC immediately post‑HT. At 1 month post‑HT in patients without ACR or AMR, EPC levels were significantly reduced compared with the measurements immediately post‑HT (P <0.001). On further follow‑up, EPC levels were similar regardless of the rejection events. Nonetheless, greater changes (coefficient of variation) in EPClog (logarithmic transformation) were associated with the risk of AMR or ACR compared with those without any rejection event (median [lower-upper quartile], 15 [13-18] vs 8 [5-13]; P = 0.02 and 22 [14-26] vs 8 [5-13]; P = 0.01, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the coefficient of variation of EPClog of 12 was the optimal cutoff value for the prediction of rejection (area under the curve = 0.85). Higher levels were associated with greater risk of ACR or AMR (P <0.005)., Conclusions: Early reduction of EPC levels was related to a lower risk of ACR or AMR. Greater changes of EPC‑levels during follow‑up were associated with a significantly higher risk of rejection.

Older age and high morbidity of the society contribute to a growing number of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) requiring effective cancer treatment, including radiotherapy (RT). The effect of RT on a CIED may vary depending on the type and physical parameters of radiation, location of the treated lesion, indications for electrotherapy, and the type of CIED. In the most dramatic scenarios, it may cause an irreversible damage to the CIED, with serious clinical consequences. The lack of precise guidelines may limit the access to RT for many patients with CIEDs who would otherwise benefit from the therapy or may lead to a therapy without taking the necessary precautions, which may worsen the prognosis. Therefore, clear and unequivocal recommendations for assessing patient eligibility for RT are aimed at ensuring that adequate precautions are taken as well as at providing patients with concomitant cardiovascular and oncologic diseases with access to safe and effective RT.