mRNA expression and immunohistochemical localization of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS-2) in the muscular niche of Trichinella spiralis.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate iNOS mRNA expression in muscular phase of experimental trichinellosis and to localize iNOS protein in T. spiralis-infected muscles using specific anti-iNOS monoclonal antibodies. The expression of iNOS mRNA in skeletal muscles from Trichinella spiralis-infected mice was examined using the reverse transcription PCR assay. Fragments of skeletal muscles were also subjected to the immunohistochemical reaction using specific anti-iNOS monoclonal antibodies followed by Dako-Ark test. mRNA for iNOS measured on day 21 after infection was expressed in the muscular phase of trichinellosis. Positive immunostaining for iNOS occurred in infiltrating mononuclear cells around the encapsulated larvae. iNOS-positive cells could be traced from the 21st day post infection (dpi); on 42 dpi and 90 dpi most cells expressed iNOS. By assessing expression of protein and its mRNA it can be concluded that iNOS is active in the pathology of skeletal muscle tissue in experimental trichinellosis

The Impact of Climate Change on the High Water Levels of a Small River in Central Europe Based on 50-Year Measurements

Climate change affects many elements of the natural environment and strongly influences the hydrology of rivers. In this study, we investigated trends in temperature, precipitation, and the water level characteristics in the small lowland river Lebiedzianka in northeastern Poland for the 50 year long period of observations (1970–2019). We recorded significant increase in air temperature and potential evapotranspiration, but the annual sum of precipitation did not change. We found significant downward trends for annual runoff. The results show a steady decrease in the number of days with high water levels. These changes caused by global warming will have a strong impact on forest habitats associated with high water levels and periodic inundations. In Europe, many of these precious habitats are protected under the Natura 2000 network as sites of high heritage value; nevertheless, their sustainability will be at risk due to the ongoing changes in their hydrological regime

The influence of drought on the water uptake by Scots pines (Pinus sylvestris L.) at different positions in the tree stand

Periodically occurring drought is typical for the climate of Poland. In habitats supplied exclusively with rain water, tree stands are frequently exposed to the negative effects of water deficit in the soil. The aim of this study was to examine the water uptake and consumption of two individual Scots pine trees under drought conditions. The trees were located at different positions within the stand and at the time of study were over 150 years old. Soil moisture, availability of soil water and the quantity of water uptake by the individual trees were examined by measuring the water velocity inside the trunks (Thermal Dissipation Probe method)

Variability of precipitation and ground water level in the Białowieża National Park

The Białowieża National Park (BPN) as a part of Primeval Forest Białowieża is a natural forest object, unique on the international scale. Wet and water-logged soils constitute a large area of the BPN indicating a considerable importance of water conditions on the state of this forest. In the paper we characterised the history of hydro-technical and land reclamation investments which influenced the changes in water relationships. The regulation of water conditions through rivers' training, building of water reservoirs and drainage trenches were made in XIX century as well as after the Second World War. The main objective of the investigation was to check if negative trends exist in climatic conditions and ground water level. The results of the research on the climatic and water conditions indicate that the mean levels of ground water in BPN in the period 1985-2001 were the following: 280 cm below soil surface in the biotops with autogenic soils, 130 cm in semi-hydrogenic soils, and 24 cm in water-logged biotops. In all these values showed decreasing trends. In the first two above mentioned biotops ground water level became lowered by about 40 cm during 17 years of observation. Varying trends of precipitation and air temperature were observed on the BPN area over the recent 17 years. The rise of mean air temperature, especially in winter periods, was registered. The precipitation varied: in 1955-1966 the mean annual rainfall (580 mm) was lower than in 1967-1982 when it amounted to 720 mm. In 1982-2001 the rainfall again was lower (603 mm) than the many-years' average (633 mm). The water conditions are one of basic factors decesive for forest sustainability. The predicted climatic changes are listed as serious threats to forests, their effects, however, can be limited, i.a. through suitable forest and water management

Climate Warming and Drought in the Bialowieza Forest from 1950–2015 and Their Impact on the Dieback of Norway Spruce Stands

The Bialowieza Primeval Forest (BF) is one of the well-known forests in Central Europe. The most common tree species in BF was Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst), comprising 26%. However, a mass dieback of spruce has occurred during recent years. The spruce dieback in Bialowieza Forest is directly caused by the spruce bark beetle. However, the mass appearance of this pest can be a consequence of global warming and drought. Changes in air temperature were presented and drought indices were calculated as follows: standardized precipitation index, Palmer drought severity index, climatic water balance and soil water storage deficit. The warming of the climate of Bialowieza from 1950 to 2015 is comparable to that observed throughout central Europe. The temperature increased by 1.27 °C. The occurrence of drought from 1950 to 1966 and from 1985 to 2015 had a similar frequency. From 1963 to 1966, the volume of removed deadwood from the managed part of Bialowieza Forest was 27 thousand m3 but from 2012 to 2016, the volume was more than one million m3

Ground Water Modelling for the Restoration of Carex Communities on a Sandy River Terrace

Management for sustainable river valleys requires balancing their natural values against the need for agricultural and recreational development on surrounding lands. The Southern Całowanie Peatland near the city of Warsaw sits on a sandy terrace and has well preserved Carex and Molinia stands existing in part of the area, especially where water tables are less than 1.5 m below the surface. The existing drainage network in this southern part has been poorly maintained and could be reestablished to help raise water levels for restoration of the peatland. Modflow was used to look at influence of drainage channel water levels on the overall water table height in the area. By raising water levels in the drainage system by 0.5 m it was found that 29% of the area would become suitable for increasing Carex and Molinia communities