Fibrinogen binds to nontoxigenic and toxigenic Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains

The production of fibrinous exudates may play an important role in determining the outcome of bacterial infection. Although pseudomembrane formation is a characteristic feature of diphtheria, little is known about the fibrinogen (Fbn)-binding properties of Corynebacterium diphtheriae strains and the influence of the gene that codes for diphtheria toxin (tox gene) in this process. In this study we demonstrated the ability of C. diphtheriae strains to bind to Fbn and to convert Fbn to fibrin. Bacterial interaction with rabbit plasma was evaluated by both slide and tube tests. Interaction of microorganisms with human Fbn was evaluated by both enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated (FITC) Fbn binding assays. Nontoxigenic and toxigenic strains formed bacterial aggregates in the presence of plasma in the slide tests. The ability to convert Fbn to a loose web of fibrin in the plasma solution in the tube tests appeared to be a common characteristic of the species, including strains that do not carry the tox gene. Fbn binding to C. diphtheriae strains occurred at varying intensities, as demonstrated by the FITC-Fbn and ELISA binding assays. Our data suggest that the capacity to bind to Fbn and to convert Fbn to fibrin may play a role in pseudomembrane formation and act as virulence determinants of both nontoxigenic and toxigenic strains

First microsatellite markers for the European robin (Erithacus rubecula) and their application in analysis of parentage and genetic diversity

The European Robin is a small passerine bird associated with woodlands of Eurasia and North Africa. Despite being relatively widespread and common, little is known of the species’ breeding biology and genetic diversity. We used Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to develop and characterize microsatellite markers for the European Robin, designing three multiplex panels to amplify 14 microsatellite loci. The level of polymorphism and its value for assessing parentage and genetic structure was estimated based on 119 individuals, including seven full families and 69 unrelated individuals form Poland’s Białowieża Primaeval Forest and an additional location in Portugal. All markers appeared to be highly variable. Analysis at the family level confirmed a Mendelian manner of inheritance in the investigated loci. Genetic data also revealed evidence for extra-pair paternity in one family. The set of markers that we developed are proven to be valuable for analysis of the breeding biology and population genetics of the European Robin

Possibility of inclusion of the Sobibór Forests into Importand Birds Areas and Special Protection Areas networks

One of the greatest challenges of nature conservation is to identify and locate networks of protected areas, which will preserve the biodiversity. The paper aims to show the ornithological value of the Sobibór Forests (E Poland) and to emphasize the fact that the network of Important Bird Areas (IBA) and Special Protection Areas within Natura 2000 (SPA) may require additions. The study was conducted in the period of 2008−2016, mainly on forested areas occupying 256 km2. The Sobibór Forests are characterized by a large diversity of habitats, but are mainly covered by Scots pine Pinus sylvestris. High diversity of wetlands and marshlands make the Sobibór Forest unique within the country. Three methodologies were used to estimate population size of chosen species: sampling, census and random observations. 31 species from Annex I of the Birds Directive plus 25 species of SPEC or non−SPECE category were observed which allows to consider this area as one of the most valuable for avifauna in Poland. Six breeding species classify the Sobibór Forests as the IBA and SPA. These species include Black Stork Ciconia nigra (8−13 breeding pairs), Common Crane Grus grus (80−120 breeding pairs), Grey Great Owl Strix nebulosa (0−7 breeding pairs i.e. 50−100% of Polish breeding population), Eagle Owl Bubo bubo (6 breeding pairs), White−backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos (40−70 breeding pairs) and Grey−headed Woodpecker Picus canus (20−40 breeding pairs). Six other species show potential for qualification, but not enough data has been collected yet. The list of this specie includes: Short−toed Snake Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago, Stock Dove Columba oenas, European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus, Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis and Bluethroat Luscinia svecica. The Sobibór Forests occupy a small area compared to other IBA forests. However, the number of breeding species classifies the surveyed area as 7th among other IBAs. Moreover all eligible species may be considered as a bioindicators of the natural state of the forest. This is proof of the high natural value of this area