Variability of the dynamics of forest development processes in the Bieszczady beech forests in relation to exposition and altitude

The paper discusses the variability of the dynamics of volume growth, ingrowth and loss in the beech stands in the younger optimal phase of development. The material collected from the permanent circular sample plots established in the Bieszczady National Park (BNP) was classified into four groups relating to their location (elevation of up to and above 1000 m a.s.l and exposition: northern and southern). A significant decline in volume growth was found at higher altitudes and in northern expositions. There were no statistically significant differences in volume ingrowth and loss in relation to the analysed topographic factors

Physiological Peculiarities of Lignin-Modifying Enzyme Production by the White-Rot Basidiomycete Coriolopsis gallica Strain BCC 142

Sixteen white-rot Basidiomycota isolates were screened for production of lignin-modifying enzymes (LME) in glycerol- and mandarin peel-containing media. In the synthetic medium, Cerrena unicolor strains were the only high laccase (Lac) (3.2–9.4 U/mL) and manganese peroxidase (MnP) (0.56–1.64 U/mL) producers while one isolate Coriolopsis gallica was the only lignin peroxidase (LiP) (0.07 U/mL) producer. Addition of mandarin peels to the synthetic medium promoted Lac production either due to an increase in fungal biomass (Funalia trogii, Trametes hirsuta, and T. versicolor) or enhancement of enzyme production (C. unicolor, Merulius tremellosus, Phlebia radiata, Trametes ochracea). Mandarin peels favored enhanced MnP and LiP secretion by the majority of the tested fungi. The ability of LiP activity production by C. gallica, C. unicolor, F. trogii, T. ochracea, and T. zonatus in the medium containing mandarin-peels was reported for the first time. Several factors, such as supplementation of the nutrient medium with a variety of lignocellulosic materials, nitrogen source or surfactant (Tween 80, Triton X-100) significantly influenced production of LME by a novel strain of C. gallica. Moreover, C. gallica was found to be a promising LME producer with a potential for an easy scale up cultivation in a bioreactor and high enzyme yields (Lac-9.4 U/mL, MnP-0.31 U/mL, LiP-0.45 U/mL)

Trace elements in dust samples from Warsaw road tunnels

The contents of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, S, V and Zn in road dust samples taken from the inside of seven road tunnels in the area ofWarsaw by ICP-OES technique were quantified. These deposits are characterized by high content of copper (ranging from 44 to387 mg/kg) and contents of chromium (15–36 mg/kg), nickel (9–17 mg/kg), lead (19–37 mg/kg) and zinc (101–258 mg/kg) increased in comparison to those typical of soils in the Polish Lowlands. In turn, the examined dust samples contain cadmium, cobalt and vanadium in concentrations close to the average for soils in this region

Electrical stimulation therapies for spinal fusions: current concepts

Electrical stimulation therapies have been used for more than 30 years to enhance spinal fusions. Although their positive effects on spinal fusions have been widely reported, the mechanisms of action of the technologies were only recently identified. Three types of technologies are available clinically: direct current, capacitive coupling, and inductive coupling. The latter is the basis of pulsed electromagnetic fields and combined magnetic fields. This review summarizes the current concepts on the mechanisms of action, animal and clinical studies, and cost justification for the use of electrical stimulation for spinal fusions. Scientific studies support the validity of electrical stimulation treatments. The mechanisms of action of each of the three electrical stimulation therapies are different. New data demonstrates that the upregulation of several growth factors may be responsible for the clinical success seen with the use of such technologies