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Drainage and peat extraction may have a negative impact on existing hydrological conditions and, consequently, on the conditions of wetland ecosystems. The aim of this study was to assess human impact on the studied Trzcińskie Mokradła Peatland by comparing the concentrations and trace element (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni) pools in the study area (extracted vs. non-extracted areas of peatland). The concentration of trace elements in organic soils and their pools were analysed in relation to their depth in the soil profiles, content of organic matter, soil pH values and the degree of decomposition of organic materials (peat, mursh). Fifteen soil profiles (90 samples) were examined. The total soil elements content was determined after digestion in a mixture of HCl+HNO3. The element pools were calculated and expressed in g m−2 of soil in 0–30 cm and 30–50 cm layers. Soils showed acidic or slightly acidic reactions. The high concentrations of Pb and Zn were mainly observed in the upper horizons. The deeper layers enriched with mineral fractions were also enriched in metals like Cr and Ni.

The aim of the study was to show the impact of the peat extraction on the development and properties of organic soils and plant habitat in post-extraction sites. The study was conducted in the complex of the Trzcińskie Mokradła Peatlands (Sudetes Mts., SW Poland). The Trzcińskie Mokradła Peatlands began to form in Preboreal (10960–9330 ±50BP) so that they are one of the oldest peatlands in the Sudetes. We analyzed 8 soil profiles (42 samples). Peat forming process there is still active in the moderate or strong degree (PtII-PtIII). The floristic composition of the studied areas was typical of transition peatlands. Successive dry and moist periods were observed in the developed of organic soils. The time gaps in peat profiles covering hundreds of years prove their extraction in the past.

We present 62 yrs old patient in whom megaloblastic anaemia due to vitamin B12 depletion was caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. An eradication treatment with the vitamin B12 supplementation within 7 days resulted in withdrawal of the abnormalities in the blood smear. The inflammation of gastric mucosa with intestine metaplasia is still observed. According to the letters these changes may persist up to 2-3 years after treatment ending.

Interdependencies between thyroid function and the respiratory system in physiological and pathological conditions are presented in the paper. The dependencies discussed below result from the proximity of both this structures and metabolic interactions between them. Thyroid hormones start to play a role, as early as in the foetus stage, in forming the respiratory system (including beta-receptors formation and surfactant production). They influence the respiratory volume in adults (mainly by changing the anatomical structure of the connective tissue and by influence upon respiratory muscles) and the respiratory flow (by hypersensitivity and bronchospasm induction). They also stimulate the respiratory centre in the brain stem. The respiratory flow in the airways depends also on the thyroid size. It has been proven, that the thyroid expansion (struma) causes tracheal compression and ventilation disturbances of an obstructive type. In conclusion, for a normal respiratory function it is essential to keep the homeostasis of the thyroid hormones serum concentration and the proper volume of the thyroid gland. Laboratory and clinical tests useful in estimating the impact of a wide range of thyroid pathology on the respiratory tract are described in the paper. We also emphasize the usefulness of the spirometry in these cases.

We are presenting a 76-year-old women with abdominal pain, constipation and lost of weight. On basis of performed tests we diagnosed sarcoidosis of peripheral and retroperitoneal lymph nodes.

We are presenting a case of 29-year-old woman with neutropenia, in whom congenital asplenia was discovered. On the basis of performed tests made in our Department we diagnosed connective tissue disease. The patient was treated with glycocorticoids with good clinical response: normalization of hematological changes and disease remission.

Background: The influence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on the development of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) was recently detected, but the status of trace elements in etiology of the diseases is relatively poorly recognized. Individually observed symptoms of cholestasis do not seem to be related to the above conditions., Material and Methods: A group of 22 PCT patients (37-73 years old, mean 54.9 years), including 10 cases (45.5%) of serum HCV-RNA positive, as evaluated by automatic Cobas AmplicorTM Hepatitis C ver. 2.0 assay (Roche Diagnostics), was assessed. None of the patients have recently abused alcohol. Serum levels of copper and bilirubin, activity of gammaglutamyltranspeptidase (GGTP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured in all patients., Results: We have found statistically significant differences between both mean serum activity of GGTP (145.9 U/l vs. 58.3 U/l, p = 0.004) and mean serum copper levels (131.9 mg/dl vs. 79 mg/dl, p = 0.003) in patients infected with HCV compared to the other PCT patients, respectively. Mean serum ALP activity was also higher, but the difference was not of statistical importance (106.9 U/l vs. 90.9 U/l, p = 0.24); mean serum bilirubin concentration was significantly lower in HCV-infected patients (0.55 mg/dl vs. 0.85 mg/dl, respectively, p = 0.035)., Conclusion: In our group of PCT patients we have noticed a higher serum copper level and higher activity of both GGTP and alkaline phosphatase, but lower level of serum bilirubin in patients infected with HCV as compared with those not infected. This observation does not confirm suggestions concerning the role of HCV in promotion of cholestatic liver disease in PCT patients. The influence of HCV infection on the metabolism of copper and GGTP activity is connected rather with the inflammatory lesions in the liver of PCT patients infected with HCV. Bilirubin metabolism in PCT patients requires further studies for its elucidation.