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Lead poses severe effects on living organisms, and since Pb2+ ions tend to accumulate in different organs, it is crucial to monitor Pb2+ concentration in samples such as water and soil. One of the approaches is the utilization of biosensors combined with aptamer-based layers for the electrochemical detection of lead ions. Herein, we present the studies of applying miniaturized screen-printed transducers as solid surfaces to fabricate aptamer layers. As the research is the direct continuation of our previous studies regarding the use of gold disk electrodes, the working parameters of elaborated aptasensors were defined, including the range of linear response (10–100 nM), selectivity as well as stability, regeneration, and feasibility of application for the analysis of real samples. This was achieved using voltammetric techniques including cyclic and square-wave voltammetry in the presence of methylene blue redox indicator.

Abstract The aim of the experiment was to determine the yield of Miscanthus × giganteus M 19 in the first three years of cultivation and its bioaccumulation of Zn and Ni in aboveground and underground parts in response to different doses of sewage sludge and substrate left after the production of white mushrooms. Miscanthus × giganteus is a grass species that adapts to different environmental conditions and can be grown in various climatic zones of Europe and North America. In April 2018 the experiment was established in a randomized block design and with four replications in central-eastern Poland. Waste organic materials (municipal sewage sludge and mushroom substrate) were applied to the soil in 2018 in the spring before the rhizomes of giant miscanthus were planted. Each year (from 2018 to 2020) biomass was harvested in December. The yield of fresh and dry matter and the total content of Zn and Ni, after wet mineralization of plant samples, were determined by optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). After the third year of cultivation, the content of Zn and Ni in rhizomes and in the soil was determined again. In relation to control, an increase in the yield of miscanthus biomass in response to organic waste materials was noted. Plants responded to mushroom substrate (SMS) with the highest average yield (16.89 Mgha−1DM), while on the control plot it was 13.86 Mg ha−1DM. After the third year of cultivation, rhizomes of Miscanthus x giganteus contained higher amounts of Zn (63.3 mg kg−1) and Ni (7.54 mg kg−1) than aboveground parts (40.52 and 2.07 mg kg–1), which indicated that heavy metals were retained in underground parts.

The aim of the four-year field experiment was to determine the effect of the foliar application of auxin, a synthetic growth hormone, used on its own and in combination with various iron concentrations on the yield and forage quality of Medicago x varia T. Martyn, the Kometa cultivar. The research was conducted in three replications at the experimental facility of Siedlce University (52°10′03"N; 22°17′24"E, Poland) between 2014 and 2017. The treatment combinations were as follows: K – control (distilled water); A – indole-3-butyric acid (IBA - synthetic auxin); A+F1 – auxin (indole-3 butyric acid) with iron (II) sulphate (IV) heptahydrate at 3% concentration; A+F2 – auxin (indole-3 butyric acid (IBA)) with iron (II) sulphate heptahydrate at 5% concentration; A+F3 – auxin (indole-3 butyric acid (IBA) with iron (II) sulphate heptahydrate at 7% concentration. Between 2014 and 2017 hybrid alfalfa was harvested at the beginning of the bud stage, three times a growing season. Each growth cycle, plants were sprayed once at the 9-leaf stage. During a harvest 0.5 kg of fresh matter was collected from each plot to determine the content of aboveground dry matter and to perform chemical analyses. The highest yield, 44% higher than for control plants, was noted on the plot treated with auxin applied together with iron sulphate at 5% concentration, and the lowest on the control plot. Foliar application of auxin with iron improved the quality of alfalfa forage, affecting the content of total and digestible protein and crude fibre and dry matter digestibility.

The article aimed to present arguments for the necessity of changes in the real estate tax system. The concept of a zone-based tax was introduced, which could replace the existing system quickly, addressing some of the raised issues of social injustice while providing additional revenues to municipalities. The selection of appropriate zoning criteria from the residents’ perspective remains an open question. An integral part of the article is an empirical analysis based on the example of the city of Wrocław, encompassing a combination of three different zoning criteria: proximity to public transportation stops, educational institutions, and cultural centers. The results of computer simulations were compared with the actual distribution of transaction prices for residential properties from January 2022 to March 2023.

Selenium is an essential inorganic compound in human and animal nutrition, involved in the proper functioning of the body. As a micronutrient, it actively contributes to the regulation of various metabolic activities, i.e., thyroid hormone, and protection against oxidative stress. However, Se exhibits a narrow concentration window between having a positive effect and exerting a toxic effect. In higher doses, it negatively affects living organisms and causes DNA damage through the formation of free radicals. Increased reactivity of Se anions can also disrupt the integrity and function of DNA-repairing proteins. As the permissible concentration of Se in drinking water is 10 µg/L, it is vital to develop sensitive and robust methods of Se detection in aqueous samples. In this study, for the first time, we proposed a selective aptamer for selenate ion detection, chosen following the SELEX process, and its application in the construction of an electrochemical aptasensor towards SeO42− ions. Measurement conditions such as the used redox marker and pH value of the measurement solution were chosen. The proposed aptasensor is characterized by good selectivity and an LOD of 1 nM. Conditions for biosensor regeneration and storage were also investigated in this research.

The aim of the experiment was to assess the effects of various organic materials on Dactylis glomerata yield, on the content of selected macroelements (K, Ca and Mg) and on K:Ca, K:Mg and K:(Ca + Mg) ratios. As a valuable forage plant, Dactylis glomerata (cocksfoot grass) is a common grass in Poland both in grassland and in arable fields. Its rapid spring growth and its resistance to drought, low temperatures, but also to frequent mowing and pests, makes it a common species in meadows, pastures and grassland, both permanent and alternating. In order to achieve the research goal, a three-year pot experiment was established in a greenhouse. The experiment was conducted in a completely random design, in four replications. In the autumn before the experiment, soil was mixed with organic materials (chicken manure, mushroom substrate and rye straw) and put into pots. To selected units, an additional amount of mineral N was applied in the first year and NPK fertilizers in consecutive years. Mineral fertilizers were applied at the beginning of the growing period. Compared to control, the application of mineral and organic fertilizers resulted in a significant increase in Dactylis glomerata yield. The highest biomass yield (average over the growing periods) was recorded on the unit treated with manure, straw and mineral fertilizers (27.64 g . pot-1) and on the one with mushroom substrate applied together with rye straw and mineral fertilizers (26.47 g . pot-1). The K:(Ca+Mg) ratio in the forage was normal and averaged 0.933, but mineral fertilizers, compared to other treatments, narrowed it.

Protein-based microarrays are important tools for high-throughput medical diagnostics, offering versatile platforms for multiplex immunodetection. However, challenges arise in protein microarrays due to the heterogeneous nature of proteins and, thus, differences in their immobilization conditions. This article advocates DNA-directed immobilization (DDI) as a solution, emphasizing its rapid and cost-effective fabrication of biosensing platforms. Thiolated single-stranded DNA and its analogues, such as ZNA® and PNA probes, were used to immobilize model proteins (anti-CRP antibodies and SARS-CoV nucleoprotein). The study explores factors influencing DDI-based immunosensor performance, including the purity of protein-DNA conjugates and the stability of their duplexes with DNA and analogues. It also provides insight into backfilling agent type and probe surface density. The research reveals that single-component monolayers lack protection against protein adsorption, while mixing the probes with long-chain ligands may hinder DNA-protein conjugate anchoring. Conventional DNA probes offer slightly higher surface density, while ZNA® probes exhibit better binding efficiency. Despite no enhanced stability in different ionic strength media, the cost-effectiveness of DNA probes led to their preference. The findings contribute to advancing microarray technology, paving the way for new generations of DDI-based multiplex platforms for rapid and robust diagnostics.

The financial crisis and significant deterioration of public finances have led to the strength- ening of instruments aimed at ensuring the financial stability of the state, including fiscal rules. The article1 focuses on the fiscal rules binding the local self-government units (LGUs) of the European Union. An attempt was made to answer the question of how the design of fiscal rules in LGUs has changed, especially in crisis situations, and what was the effectiveness of these regulations. The results of statistical analyses covering the period 2001-2020 are shown. As the aggregated values with such a large variety of local financial systems are difficult to compare, the article presents the results of two case studies (Portugal and Poland), where no significant correlations were found between the number or strength of fiscal rules and the budget deficit indicators. Summarising the analysis of the financial situation of the Polish and Portuguese municipalities, it can be stated that the financial health of LGUs varies greatly depending on the size of the municipality, which makes it difficult to formulate general conclusions regarding the links between the fiscal rules and the financial condition of LGUs.

Increasingly cultivated all over the world, energy crops, with their large biomass production, can be used to produce liquid biofuel and biogas. The aim of the research was to evaluate the yield and selected energy parameters of prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata L.) treated with different doses of municipal sewage sludge and mushroom substrate. Heat of combustion, calorific values and ash content were investigated in the first three years of its cultivation. Carried out between 2018 and 2020, the research was based on a field experiment established at an experimental facility in Central-Eastern Poland. Organic waste doses, each of them introducing 170 kg N ha−1, were applied once in spring 2018 before planting pieces of Spartina pectinata rhizomes. The experimental factors (organic waste doses and years of research) significantly affected the yield of prairie cordgrass. Significantly, the highest yield of its biomass was produced in response to municipal sewage sludge applied together with mushroom substrate (O25 + PP75) and in response to mushroom substrate applied on its own (SMS). Those values, averaged over three years of research, were, respectively, 4.23 and 4.18 Mg ha−1. Organic waste treatment had a significant impact on ash content in dry matter. On average, the highest ash content in dry matter was recorded in response to mushroom substrate (5.73%) and the lowest (4.98%) in plants treated with the highest dose of sewage sludge together with the lowest dose of mushroom substrate (O75 + PP25). The higher dry matter content in plant biomass was, the better the energy parameters were.

To meet the requirements of novel therapies, effective treatments should be supported by diagnostic tools characterized by appropriate analytical and working parameters. These are, in particular, fast and reliable responses that are proportional to analyte concentration, with low detection limits, high selectivity, cost-efficient construction, and portability, allowing for the development of point-of-care devices. Biosensors using nucleic acids as receptors has turned out to be an effective approach for meeting the abovementioned requirements. Careful design of the receptor layers will allow them to obtain DNA biosensors that are dedicated to almost any analyte, including ions, low and high molecular weight compounds, nucleic acids, proteins, and even whole cells. The impulse for the application of carbon nanomaterials in electrochemical DNA biosensors is rooted in the possibility to further influence their analytical parameters and adjust them to the chosen analysis. Such nanomaterials enable the lowering of the detection limit, the extension of the biosensor linear response, or the increase in selectivity. This is possible thanks to their high conductivity, large surface-to-area ratio, ease of chemical modification, and introduction of other nanomaterials, such as nanoparticles, into the carbon structures. This review discusses the recent advances on the design and application of carbon nanomaterials in electrochemical DNA biosensors that are dedicated especially to modern medical diagnostics.

Abstract Most point-of-care tests (POCT) use swabs for sampling and/or for applying a sample on the test. A variety of swabs differing in tip materials is commercially available. Different tip materials have different chemical and physical characteristics which might influence the specimen collection and release. We investigated properties of various types of swabs used in clinical diagnostics with focusing on two kinds of analytes, DNA and proteins, which are most often used targets in POCT. As the model samples we used diphtheria toxoid NIBSC 69/017 for investigating recovery of protein analytes such as antigens and bacterial strains of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, diphtheria toxin-producing Corynebacterium diphtheriae NCTC 10648, and the clinical isolate nontoxigenic C. diphtheriae 5820/15 for investigating the recovery of nucleic acids. We investigated four types of swabs most commonly used in clinical diagnostics in terms of absorption capacity and efficiency of release of nucleic acids and proteins. Volume uptake was measured in milligrams. For DNA release various washing out buffers were used and the amount of released DNA was measured spectrophotometrically. The amount of protein released from the swabs were examined using the Lowry assay. We observed statistically significant differences (p

This article reports findings on screen-printed electrodes employed in microfluidic diagnostic devices. The research described includes developing a series of graphene- and other carbon form-based printing pastes compared to their rheological parameters, such as viscosity in static and shear-thinning conditions, yield stress, and shear rate required for thinning. In addition, the morphology, electrical conductivity, and electrochemical properties of the electrodes, printed with the examined pastes, were investigated. Correlation analysis was performed between all measured parameters for six electrode materials, yielding highly significant (p-value between 0.002 and 0.017) correlations between electron transfer resistance (Ret), redox peak separation, and static viscosity and thinning shear-rate threshold. The observed more electrochemically accessible surface was explained according to the fluid mechanics of heterophase suspensions. Under changing shear stress, the agglomeration enhanced by the graphene nanoplatelets’ interparticle affinity led to phase separation. Less viscous pastes were thinned to a lesser degree, allowing non-permanent clusters to de-agglomerate. Thus, the breaking of temporary agglomerates yielded an unblocked electrode surface. Since the mechanism of phase ordering through agglomeration and de-agglomeration is affected by the pastes’ rheology and stress during the printing process and requires no further treatment, it can be appropriately labeled as a self-assembling electrode material.

Recently nucleic acids gained considerable attention as selective receptors of metal ions. This is because of the possibility of adjusting their sequences in new aptamers selection, as well as the convenience of elaborating new detection mechanisms. Such a flexibility allows for easy utilization of newly emerging nanomaterials for the development of detection devices. This, in turn, can significantly increase, e.g., analytical signal intensity, both optical and electrochemical, and the same can allow for obtaining exceptionally low detection limits and fast biosensor responses. All these properties, together with low power consumption, make nucleic acids biosensors perfect candidates as detection elements of fully automatic portable microfluidic devices. This review provides current progress in nucleic acids application in monitoring environmentally and clinically important metal ions in the electrochemical or optical manner. In addition, several examples of such biosensor applications in portable microfluidic devices are shown.

The aim of the experiment was to assess the effects of mineral and mushroom substrate nitrogen on the yield and selected parameters of Festulolium braunii. To this end, a two-year field experiment was conducted between 2017 and 2018. Spent mushroom substrate was applied at three levels (10, 15 and 20 Mg·ha−1) and mineral nitrogen at four (30, 68, 105 and 180 kg·ha−1). Mineral phosphorus and potassium were used at one level only, with 60 and 150 kg·ha−1, respectively. The research also included the effects of the interaction between organic and mineral fertilizers and the determination of an optimal amount of nitrogen resulting in good-quality forage and a high yield. The plant used in the experiment was Festulolium braunii, an intergeneric hybrid of the Sulino variety. Treatment combinations significantly affected its yield, the content of total and digestible protein, as well as the energy values. For most forage parameters, the beneficial effects of mushroom substrate nitrogen and mineral nitrogen interaction were demonstrated, compared to the effects of mineral nitrogen applied on its own. The largest significant increase in the amount of biomass, was by 16% in comparison to plants treated with mineral fertilizers only (N4PK); a significant increase in energy level (by 17%), was recorded for grass treated with 15 Mg·ha−1 of mushroom substrate together with 68 kg·ha−1 of mineral nitrogen (SMS2 + N2PK). The highest dose of nitrogen contained in mushroom substrate applied together with the smallest amount of mineral nitrogen (SMS3 + N1PK) resulted in the highest increase in total and digestible protein concentrations in the grass, 18% and 21% more, respectively, than in plants treated with mineral fertilizers only. The interaction of mineral and mushroom substrate nitrogen did not significantly affect the digestibility of the forage and its concentration of net energy of lactation (NEL).

Rapid and accurate detection and identification of pathogens in clinical samples is essential for all infection diseases. However, in the case of epidemics, it plays a key role not only in the implementation of effective therapy but also in limiting the spread of the epidemic. In this study, we present the application of two nucleic acid isothermal amplification methods—reverse transcription helicase dependent amplification (RT-HDA) and reverse transcription loop-mediated amplification (RT-LAMP)—combined with lateral flow assay as the tools for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, which caused the ongoing global pandemic. In order to optimize the RT-had, the LOD was 3 genome copies per reaction for amplification conducted for 10–20 min, whereas for RT-LAMP, the LOD was 30–300 genome copies per reaction for a reaction conducted for 40 min. No false-positive results were detected for RT-HDA conducted for 10 to 90 min, but false-positive results occurred when RT-LAMP was conducted for longer than 40 min. We concluded that RT-HDA combined with LFA is more sensitive than RT-LAMP, and it is a good alternative for the development of point-of-care tests for SARS-CoV-2 detection as this method is simple, inexpensive, practical, and does not require qualified personnel to perform the test and interpret its results.

The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of lawn grasses cultivated in monoculture and fertilizated by soil conditioners to establish lawn grasses used extensively in terms of their impact on the overall aspect. The following grass species were used in the experiment: Lolium perenne, Festuca rubra and Poa pratensis. They were sown on their own, each of them at the rate of 28 g m-2. Another experimental factor tested in the research was soil conditioners – Substral, Humus Activ Papka, Eko-Użyźniacz, UG-max. At the end of each growing season between 2013 and 2015 an assessment of grass was carried out. Among other things its general appearance was assessed using a 9-point rating scale. This assessment was conducted in three seasons: spring, summer, and autumn. Obtained results showed, that lawn appearance ratings varied throughout the research, both in terms of the season, the species of grass, and soil conditioners. This proves that soil conditioner effects depend on temperature and moisture conditions, and that there is an interaction affecting grass appearance between soil conditioners and the weather conditions. Lawn grass species responded strongly to different weather conditions by changing their appearance in different seasons and years.

Nucleic acid extraction and purification are crucial steps in sample preparation for multiple diagnostic procedures. Routine methodologies of DNA isolation require benchtop equipment (e.g., centrifuges) and labor-intensive steps. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as solid-phase sorbents could simplify this procedure. A wide range of surface coatings employs various molecular interactions between dsDNA and magnetic nano-sorbents. However, a reliable, comparative evaluation of their performance is complex. In this work, selected Fe3O4 modifications, i.e., polyethyleneimine, gold, silica, and graphene derivatives, were comprehensively evaluated for applications in dsDNA extraction. A family of single batch nanoparticles was compared in terms of morphology (STEM), composition (ICP-MS/MS and elemental analysis), surface coating (UV-Vis, TGA, FTIR), and MNP charge (ζ-potential). ICP-MS/MS was also used to unify MNPs concentration allowing a reliable assessment of individual coatings on DNA extraction. Moreover, studies on adsorption medium (monovalent vs. divalent ions) and extraction buffer composition were carried out. As a result, essential relationships between nanoparticle coatings and DNA adsorption efficiencies have been noticed. Fe3O4@PEI MNPs turned out to be the most efficient nano sorbents. The optimized composition of the extraction buffer (medium containing 0.1 mM EDTA) helped avoid problems with Fe3+ stripping, which improved the validity of the spectroscopic determination of DNA recovery.

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effects of the foliar application of Tytanit, at the same time comparing it with the effects of mineral nitrogen, on the cellulose and hemicellulose content and its effect on Festulolium braunii digestibility. The experiment was founded in the spring of 2014 in the field of the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce, Poland. The plant used in the experiment was the Felopa variety of Festulolium braunii. The effects of Tytanit foliar application at a concentration of 0.2% and 1% and of mineral nitrogen at a dose of 80 and 160 kg/ha were studied in the experiment. During its full use (2015–2017), Festulolium braunii was harvested three times. The content of cellulose and hemicellulose was determined by near-infrared reflection spectroscopy (NIRS) using the NIRFlex N-500. The higher dose of 1% Tytanit contributed to an increase in cellulose content of Festulolium braunii (334.8 g kg−1), at the same time decreasing hemicellulose content (175.0 g kg−1), lignification degree (7.1%), dry matter digestibility (59.71%), and total digestible nutrient content (52.99%).

Laser toners appear as attractive materials for barriers and easily laminated interphases for Lab-on-a-Foil microfluidics, due to the excellent adhesion to paper and various membranes or foils. This work shows for the first time a comprehensive study on the adsorption of antibodies on toner-covered poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET@toner) substrates, together with assessment of such platforms in rapid prototyping of disposable microdevices and microarrays for immunodiagnostics. In the framework of presented research, the surface properties and antibody binding capacity of PET substrates with varying levels of toner coverage (0–100%) were characterized in detail. It was proven that polystyrene-acrylate copolymer-based toner offers higher antibody adsorption efficiency compared with unmodified polystyrene and PET as well as faster adsorption kinetics. Comparative studies of the influence of pH on the effectiveness of antibodies immobilization as well as measurements of surface ζ-potential of PET, toner, and polystyrene confirmed the dominant role of hydrophobic interactions in adsorption mechanism. The applicability of PET@toner substrates as removable masks for protection of foil against permanent hydrophilization was also shown. It opens up the possibility of precise tuning of wettability and antibody binding capacity. Therefore, PET@toner foils are presented as useful platforms in the construction of immunoarrays or components of microfluidic systems.

This paper presents the results of research on the Ba, Li and Ti content in six species of herbs sampled from mid-field wet depressions and from the soil. These temporary flooded depressions were surrounded by arable crops, permanent grassland and shrubby vegetation. The research area was located in the eastern part of the Mazovian Voivodeship, east-central Poland. The following plants were used in the experiment: corn mint (Mentha arvensis L.), purple marshlocks (Comarum palustre L.), silverweed (Potentilla anserina L.), yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.), yellow loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris L.) and gypsy-wort (Lycopus europaeus L.). The Li, Ba and Ti content of plants, bottom sediment and soil was determined by the ICP-AES method after previous dry mineralization. Of the six herb species, Mentha arvensis L. was with the greatest accumulation potential of the chemical elements. However, no excessive Ba, Li and Ti content was found in herbs growing at different distances from arable fields, permanent grassland and shrubby vegetation. The highest Ba content was found in periodically flooded soil (zone II), while the highest amounts of Li and Ti were recorded in non-flooded soil (zone III).

The structure of the financial system of local government units (LGUs) determines the efficiency of its operation and development opportunities. Such a system should take into account both appropriately assigned sources of its own revenues as well as properly estimated expenditure needs, and equalization transfers. This paper focuses on the revenue side, more precisely – on the fiscal capacity of local governments. The paper begins by analyzing the concept of fiscal capacity in foreign and Polish literature. Then, three different types of fiscal capacity are distinguished, which is justified by the different purposes for which such capacities can be used. The remainder of the paper presents the amounts of fiscal capacity of various types of Polish LGUs in 2010-2017. An attempt was also made to identify external factors affecting the amount of this capacity.

A three-year field experiment was set up in the experimental facility of the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce (52°12'N, 22°28'E) in the autumn of 2011. It was carried out in a split-plot design, in three replicates, with plots of 3 m2 as experimental units. The purpose of the research was to examine whether soil conditioners (UGmax, Eko-Użyźniacz, Humus Active Papka) available on the market and used in farming substantially increase the yield of dry matter, together with total protein and soluble carbohydrate content, in selected grass species (Dactylis glomerata L., Lolium perenne L.). Out of all treatments, UGmax with mineral fertilisation increased the yield of dry matter, total protein, and soluble carbohydrates to the highest level. The soil conditioners applied in the experiment positively affected the content of nutrients, which could have contributed to an increase in forage intake by animals. These results confirm the advantages of their use in organic farming, creating the possibility of a partial reduction of mineral fertilisers use.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of Tytanit foliar application, also comparing it with that of nitrogen, on the content of Festulolium braunii fibre fractions, its nutritional value and feed intake. The experiment showed that forage of better quality could be obtained by reducing the amounts of traditional nitrogen fertilisers, or excluding them and using a product containing titanium instead. The experiment commenced in the spring of 2014 in the field of the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce. The plant used in the experiment was the Felopa variety of Festulolium braunii. The effects of Tytanit foliar application at a concentration of 0.2% and 1% and of mineral nitrogen at a dose of 80 and 160 kg ha−1 were studied. Festulolium braunii was harvested three times a year in the period 2015–2017. The amounts of NFD, ADF, and ADL in the plant material were determined by near-infrared reflection spectroscopy (NIRS) using the NIRFex N-500. Relative feed value (RFV) and dry matter intake (DMI) were calculated. The higher dose of Tytanit supplied to Festulolium braunii contributed to an increase in NDF and ADF fraction content and a reduction in RFV and ADL fraction and DMI.

Replicated three times, the research was conducted in the experimental field between 2011 and 2014. Three soil conditioners with the following trade names: UGmax, Eko-Użyźniacz, and Humus Active Papka were used in the experiment, separately or together with NPK fertilisers. They were all used on plots sown with two species of grass, Dactylis glomerata of the Bora variety and Lolium perenne of the Info variety. The plant material from both grass species was tested for the concentration of ADL fraction (% DM), cellulose (% DM), and hemicellulose (% DM). It was found that the concentration of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and the ADL fraction was significantly higher in the biomass of Dactylis glomerata than in the biomass of Lolium perenne. The grass from the plot with the UGmax soil conditioner applied had the highest amount of cellulose and hemicellulose. The lowest amount of those organic compounds was found in the grass treated with UGmax together with mineral fertilisers and in plants treated with Humus Active, together with mineral fertilisers. However, the fertilisers and conditioners did not increase the ADL content in both grass species.

The rapid progress in the development of surface plasmon resonance-based immunosensing platforms offers wide application possibilities in medical diagnostics as a label-free alternative to enzyme immunoassays. The early diagnosis of diseases or metabolic changes through the detection of biomarkers in body fluids requires methods characterized by a very good sensitivity and selectivity. In the case of the SPR technique, as well as other surface-sensitive detection strategies, the quality of the transducer-immunoreceptor interphase is crucial for maintaining the analytical reliability of an assay. In this work, an overview of general approaches to the design of functional SPR-immunoassays is presented. It covers both immunosensors, the design of which utilizes well-known and often commercially available substrates, as well as the latest solutions developed in-house. Various approaches employing chemical and passive binding, affinity-based antibody immobilization, and the introduction of nanomaterial-based surfaces are discussed. The essence of their influence on the improvement of the main analytical parameters of a given immunosensor is explained. Particular attention is paid to solutions compatible with the latest trends in the development of label-free immunosensors, such as platforms dedicated to real-time monitoring in a quasi-continuous mode, the use of in situ-generated receptor layers (elimination of the regeneration step), and biosensors using recombinant and labelled protein receptors.

This paper focuses on the current state of art as well as on future trends in electrochemical aptasensors application in medical diagnostics. The origin of aptamers is presented along with the description of the process known as SELEX. This is followed by the description of the broad spectrum of aptamer-based sensors for the electrochemical detection of various diagnostically relevant analytes, including metal cations, abused drugs, neurotransmitters, cancer, cardiac and coagulation biomarkers, circulating tumor cells, and viruses. We described also possible future perspectives of aptasensors development. This concerns (i) the approaches to lowering the detection limit and improvement of the electrochemical aptasensors selectivity by application of the hybrid aptamer–antibody receptor layers and/or nanomaterials; and (ii) electrochemical aptasensors integration with more advanced microfluidic devices as user-friendly medical instruments for medical diagnostic of the future.

The study was focused on the impact of an extract of Ecklonia maxima on selected morphological features of yellow pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex C. Lawson), prickly spruce (Picea pungens Engelm.) Variety Glauca, thuja (Thuja occidentalis) variety Smaragd. The experiment was established in April 12, 2012 on the forest nursery in Ceranów. April 15, 2013 was introduced research agent in the form of a spraying an aqueous solution extract of Ecklonia maxima with trade name Kelpak SL. Biologically active compounds in the extract are plant hormones: auxin and cytokinin. There were studied increment in plant height, needle length of yellow pine, twigs length in prickly spruce and thuja. The measurements of increment in length of twigs and needles were made in each case on the same, specially marked parts of plants and have carried them on the 27th of each month beginning in May and ending in September. The results were evaluated statistically using the analysis of variance. Medium differentiations were verified by Tukey's test at a significance level p ≤ 0.05. The study showed that the diversity of traits features in the experiment was depended on the extract, the tree species and the measurement time. The best results after the extract using showed a pine and spruce. Seaweed preparation contributed to increment increased of trees height for in the pine and spruce and the needles length of pine and twigs of spruce. The species showing no reaction to the extract was thuja.

The aim of this paper is to assess the effects of different doses of sewage sludge compost mixed with wheat straw on heavy metal content in Italian ryegrass and in soil. A two year experiment with the Italian ryegrass was set up in autumn 2012. The experimental design consisted of a control plot, a plot with NPK fertiliser and three plots with three different doses of municipal sewage sludge compost (5, 10 and 15 Mg of fresh matter·ha-1). Those different compost doses contained the amounts of Nitrogen equivalent to 60, 120 and 180 kg N·ha-1. The two lower doses of compost were supplemented with nitrogen fertiliser so that the amount of this chemical element introduced to the soil of all plots with compost stood at 180 kg·ha-1. During 2013 and 2014 seasons the grass was cut three times a year after about a 30-day growing period. After dry mineralisation the content of Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd in the plant samples was measured with the ICP-AES method. The fertilisers applied significantly diversified the content of chemical elements in the grass and in the soil. The highest dose of compost resulted in the highest concentration of Zn, Cu and Cd in the grass while the highest concentration of Ni and Pb was in the soil and the grass from the plot where the mid dose of compost had been applied. Cadmium concentration in the soil was the highest in the plot where the mid dose was applied. The experiment proved that compost made with sewage sludge and wheat straw is beneficial for plants.

The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of liming and various doses of municipal sewage sludge (5, 10, and 15% of the weight of the soil) on cobalt total content and its speciation. The incubation experiment lasted 420 days and was conducted in controlled laboratory conditions. Soil was sampled after 30, 60, 90, and 120 days and then, with a break of 180 days, after 360 and 420 days. In all samples, cobalt total content was determined by means of ICP-AES (emission spectrophotometer), and fractions of this metal were measured with the seven-step Zeien and Brümmer method, with seven of them separated: F1–easily soluble, F2–exchangeable, F3–bound to MnOx, F4–bound to organic matter, F5–bound to amorphous FeOx, F6–bound to crystalline FeOx, and F7–residual. Compared to the control, the average content of total cobalt in the soil increased more than two times in experimental units with higher doses of sewage sludge (10% and 15% of the weight of the soil). The metal was mainly bound to the residual fraction, where it constituted 40% of its total content, while in the organic fraction, its share was 20%. In the soil incubated with sludge, cobalt in mobile fractions constituted a small percentage of its total content. Liming limited the release of this metal.

The aim of the research was to assess the content of protein and soluble sugars and the yield of Festulolium braunii treated with different fertilizers. The effects of Tytanit foliar application at a concentration of 0.2% and 1% and of mineral nitrogen at a dose of 80 and 160 kg/ha were studied in the experiment. When the grass was fully developed (2015–2017), Festulolium braunii was harvested three times a year. Mineral nitrogen fertilizer in combination with Tytanit increased the yield and the concentration of proteinin the plants. Each year the highest yield was recorded on plots treated with mineral nitrogen at a dose of 160 kg ha−1 in combination with the foliar application of Tytanit at a concentration of 1%. In the 1st and 2nd years of the research, Festulolium braunii treated with one dose of Tytanit at a concentration of 1% contained more soluble sugars than plants from plots treated with nitrogen.

The framework of presented study covers the development and examination of the analytical performance of surface plasmon resonance-based (SPR) DNA biosensors dedicated for a detection of model target oligonucleotide sequence. For this aim, various strategies of immobilization of DNA probes on gold transducers were tested. Besides the typical approaches: chemisorption of thiolated ssDNA (DNA-thiol) and physisorption of non-functionalized oligonucleotides, relatively new method based on chemisorption of dithiocarbamate-functionalized ssDNA (DNA-DTC) was applied for the first time for preparation of DNA-based SPR biosensor. The special emphasis was put on the correlation between the method of DNA immobilization and the composition of obtained receptor layer. The carried out studies focused on the examination of the capability of developed receptors layers to interact with both target DNA and DNA-functionalized AuNPs. It was found, that the detection limit of target DNA sequence (27 nb length) depends on the strategy of probe immobilization and backfilling method, and in the best case it amounted to 0.66 nM. Moreover, the application of ssDNA-functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as plasmonic labels for secondary enhancement of SPR response is presented. The influence of spatial organization and surface density of a receptor layer on the ability to interact with DNA-functionalized AuNPs is discussed. Due to the best compatibility of receptors immobilized via DTC chemisorption: 1.47 ± 0.4 · 1012 molecules · cm−2 (with the calculated area occupied by single nanoparticle label of ~132.7 nm2), DNA chemisorption based on DTCs is pointed as especially promising for DNA biosensors utilizing indirect detection in competitive assays.

In the study the physicochemical properties of selected municipal sewage sludge were compared using the reports on waste generation from the years 2007–2012 in the Mazovia voivodship. The selection was done on the basis of different methods of sludge processing and the number of equivalent inhabitants (NEJ) supported by sewage. Physical and chemical properties of municipal sewage sludge were significantly dependent on the method of purification and treatment methods. These sludges were characterized by a high content of organic matter and macronutrients. The amount of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Hg and Zn) were within acceptable standards for municipal sewage sludge used in agriculture. Municipal sewage sludge treated by biological method with higher nutrients removal did not create bacteriological danger and were used in agriculture, generally to the cultivation of all agricultural products. Sewage sludge sanitized with lime and subjected to anaerobic digestion did not meet bacteriological standards, which eliminated their use in agriculture.

The study concerned the number of microorganisms colonizing the humus layer and under plough soil from the cultivation of perennial ryegrass mixtures with red clover, which were fed by biostimulant based on the phytohormones and different doses of nitrogen. Nitrogen was applied at four levels-control (no nitrogen), 50, 100 and 150 kg N∙ha-1, biostimulant in two combinations - with and without preparation. Soil material to assess the size of individual groups of microorganisms was collected from each experimental plot in autumn 2010 from the humus (0-20 cm) and under plough layers (20-40 cm). The analysis of soil samples for a total number of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi was conducted at the Department of Agricultural Microbiology IUNG-PIB in Pulawy. Results of studies have shown that more colonies of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi were colonized the humus horizon. Biostimulant application in this cultivation led to a decrease of the total number of colonies of the all soil microorganisms groups but improved the ratio of bacteria to fungi. Increasing doses of mineral nitrogen by the limiting of the bacteria number and intensive development of soil fungi, helped to narrow the B/F ratio.

The distribution of zinc, nickel and chromium in the leaves and branches of three varieties of Salix viminalis differentiated fertilized was investigated. The biomass of Salix viminalis was harvested for investigation in the first and second year of application of mineral fertilizers and waste activate sludge in doses which contained 50, 150 and 200 kg of total nitrogen. The content of investigated metals was significantly differentiated upon the part of plant and fertilization. The amount of zinc, nickel and chromium were higher in leaves than in branches. The biomass of Salix viminalis contained the highest amount of zinc and the lowest of chromium. The highest content of zinc was determined in the biomass of Salix purpurea but lowest nickel and chromium in S. alba. The fertilization had differentiated influence upon the content of determined elements.

The aim of study was to compare the effects of two growth regulators on selected morphological features of yellow pine. In April 2012, 9 plants of yellow pine Lawson variety were planted to the soil. In April 15, 2013 a research agent in a form of following growth regulators: Asahi SL and Moddus 250-EC was introduced. There were the following experimental objects: C – control (only water spraying), As – Asahi spraying, Md – Moddus spraying. The tested features were: increase in plant height (cm), the increase in needle length (cm) of yellow pine. Measurements of increases in length of needles were made in each case on the same specially marked parts of the plants and performed on 27th of each month from beginning of May to ending of September. Among the used of growth regulators the greatest influence on the height increase of the tested trees as well as on the needle length of yellow pine more affected regulator Moddus. The largest total increase in the needles length of yellow pine was on the object with Modus and Asahi, and on control object it was significantly lower than on objects with growth regulators.

In a pot experiment conducted in a greenhouse, the effect of CCC Bercema growth inhibitor to reduce vegetative shoot growth of perennial ryegrass and cocksfoot was studded. The experiment was set up in triplicate. Growth regulator was applied once, in a form of an aqueous solution. The following experimental objects were specified: control object, Bercema with a concentration of 10%, 20% and 30%. Ten measurements were performed every 3 days. The study was conducted under conditions of 12-hour artificial light daily. The results were statistically analyzed using two-factorial variance analysis . It was found that the greatest shoot growth reduction of ryegrass due to the highest inhibitor concentration (B- 30%), but for cocksfoot under the influence of the minimal concentration (B- 10%), compared to the control object. It has been noted that cocksfoot is more sensitive to the applied growth regulator, resulted in significantly greater inhibition of shoot regrowth than for ryegrass. In the experiment with the perennial ryegrass significant differences in the growth of shoots were found under the influence of inhibitor application at a concentration of 30%, compared to the control object. In the case of cocksfoot, all the concentration increases of Bercema inhibitor significantly differentiated the shoots regrowth.

The aim of the article is to present the diversity of the local government units' debt in 2008-2015. The analysis takes into account the distinction between different types of the units (gminas, powiats, voivodships), but in the case of gminas it also includes separation of cities with powiat status - as the leading units in total local government debt structure. Special attention is given to the debt of local government units in its regional context, where you can see many interesting relationships. The paper begins with a presentation of the share of self-government debt in total public debt in Poland. The last section is focused on an analysis of local government units' debt in 2015, with particular emphasis on so called an individual debt repayment indicator, which has been applicable as of 1 January 2014.