Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm. in the southwestern Baltic – Kattegat area

The past and present distribution of Lobaria pulmonaria in Denmark, northern Germany, northwestern Poland and nemoral parts of Skåne, Blekinge, southwesternmost Småland and southern Öland (Sweden) has been studied. Of 124 localities visited between 2015 and 2018, L. pulmonaria was confirmed at 64 sites, at each of which its habitat ecology and viability were investigated. It is almost extinct in Schleswig-Holstein, in southern Jutland, on the Danish Islands, in southwestern Skåne, in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and in the western part of Pomerania. It has disappeared almost completely from areas where mesophytic forests form the potential natural vegetation. The commonest habitats for L. pulmonaria are species-poor acidic beech and species-poor oak forests, and the commonest substrates are trunks of beech, followed by oak. L. pulmonaria specimens on about two thirds of the colonized trees were in a healthy condition. The situation is worst in Schleswig-Holstein and on the Danish Islands, but best in Blekinge and central and northern Jutland. Recent distribution seems to be influenced by both anthropogenic (e.g. air pollution by sulphur dioxide and nitrogen and forestry practices) and natural factors (precipitation, temperature, air humidity), as well as unnatural climatic factors (global warming).

Molecular Evolution and Epidemiological Characteristics of SARS COV-2 in (Northwestern) Poland

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) evolved into a worldwide outbreak, with the first Polish cases in February/March 2020. This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of the circulating virus lineages between March 2020 and February 2021. We performed variant identification, spike mutation pattern analysis, and phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses for 1106 high-coverage whole-genome sequences, implementing maximum likelihood, multiple continuous-time Markov chain, and Bayesian birth–death skyline models. For time trends, logistic regression was used. In the dataset, virus B.1.221 lineage was predominant (15.37%), followed by B.1.258 (15.01%) and B.1.1.29 (11.48%) strains. Three clades were identified, being responsible for 74.41% of infections over the analyzed period. Expansion in variant diversity was observed since September 2020 with increasing frequency of the number in spike substitutions, mainly H69V70 deletion, P681H, N439K, and S98F. In population dynamics inferences, three periods with exponential increase in infection were observed, beginning in March, July, and September 2020, respectively, and were driven by different virus clades. Additionally, a notable increase in infections caused by the B.1.1.7 lineage since February 2021 was noted. Over time, the virus accumulated mutations related to optimized transmissibility; therefore, faster dissemination is reflected by the second wave of epidemics in Poland.

Logboat Discovered in Lake Lubanowo, Western Pomerania

The paper presents a logboat found by an expedition from the University of Warsaw in Lake Lubanowo (northwestern Poland) during an underwater archaeological survey in 2020. It is the first logboat made of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica) registered in the area of Poland. The conventional radiocarbon date is 2350±30 BP; thus, the vessel may be attributed to the Jastorf or Pomeranian culture, as it was found in the border area between the territories of both units. Only a few logboats are known from the period preceding the Middle Ages in Poland. Other untypical traits are a transom, and a carefully formed beak-shaped bow. In the prow there is a rectangular hollow with a circular perforation inside of unclear function. One may consider it a fastening of an outrigger or other kind of floating attachment but also perhaps that the bow slot was intended either for a figurehead, for mooring, or to hold a torch during night-time fishing, or even functioned as a ‘stick-in-the-mud’ – type anchor.

The Effects of Tree and Stand Traits on the Specific Leaf Area in Managed Scots Pine Forests of Different Ages

The purpose of this study was to understand the relationships between stand structure (tree size, volume, biomass, social position, stand density) and the variability of specific leaf area (SLA) at the stand level, which could improve forest management modeling. The study was carried out on 100 trees selected from 10 stands of Scots pine located in northwestern Poland. The stands had been established in a similar way and were similarly managed. Five mid-aged (51–60 years) and five mature (81–90 years) pure Scots pine stands were selected. To obtain the SLA index, we used the direct method, which involves scanning ca. 50 needles from each part of the tree crown. The average SLA was from 4.65 to 6.62 m2·kg−1 and differed significantly according to the part of the crown measured (p < 0.0001) and the tree age (p < 0.0001). The smallest SLA was in the upper part of the crown and the largest in the lower part of the crown, which is in line with the known relation to the light exposure of needles. Mid-aged stands of Scots pine have higher SLA values than mature ones. Dominant trees in mid-aged stands have a lower SLA than more shaded intermediate ones, which is probably due to the different lighting conditions within the canopy. No clear relationship is observed between the stand density and the SLA.

Analysis of Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead Concentrations in Erythrocytes of Renal Transplant Recipients from Northwestern Poland

Cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) exhibit highly nephrotoxic properties, and their high concentrations can lead to renal failure. Much research has been conducted on the concentrations of heavy metals, microelements, and macroelements in the blood, but little is known about the concentration of Cd, Pb, and Hg in erythrocytes of renal recipients. The aim of this study is to determine the blood erythrocyte concentrations of toxic metals (Cd, Pb, and Hg) in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Additionally, we analyzed the effect of selected biological and environmental factors, including the intake of various immunosuppressive drug regimens and smoking, on these xenobiotic concentrations. The material consisted of erythrocyte samples from 115 patients of the Department of Nephrology, Transplantology, and Internal Medicine at Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 2, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, in northwestern Poland. Cd, Hg, and Pb levels in the erythrocytes were quantified by inductively coupled mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Equal concentrations of Cd were found in erythrocytes of both female and male transplant recipients. The highest level of Hg was seen in women, and women overall had statistically higher concentrations of Pb than men. Comparison of metal concentrations between those over 50 years and those under it showed that Pb concentration was also significantly higher in renal transplant recipients over 50. Pb concentration was almost twice as high in RTRs who used tacrolimus with mycophenolate mofetil than in RTRs who used cyclosporine A with mycophenolate mofetil. The highest level of Cd was seen in smokers, who had 3.25 µg/L. This value was significantly higher than in ex-smokers (p = 0.001) and with RTRs who had never smoked. There were significantly higher levels of Pb in the erythrocytes of RTRs who were ex-smokers than in those who had never smoked. A statistically significant correlation was found between Cd and Pb concentrations. Additionally, we have noticed significant positive correlation between Pb and age (R = 0.37), gender (R = 0.24) and significant negative correlation of Pb with GFR (R = −0.33). We have also found significant positive correlation between Hg and age (R = 0.21). In summary, our data suggest that, smoking is associated with Pb and Cd concentrations, and gender, age change depending on Pb concentration in erythrocytes of RTRs. Additionally, this is the first research that suggests that immunosuppressive regimen, depending on type of immunosuppressive drugs combination affects Pb concentration in erythrocytes of RTRs. It seems to be crucial information for patients who use immunosuppressive drugs.

Contribution to Knowledge of the Mycobiota of “Bory Tucholskie” National Park (Northwestern Poland): Macromycetes of Central European Lichen Scots Pine Forests of the Cladonio-Pinetum Juraszek 1927 Type

This paper presents the results of mycological observations of the <em>Cladonio- Pinetum </em>community in the “Bory Tucholskie” National Park in 2018. Active protection treatments have been performed to protect disappearing communities. This study was conducted using the permanent circular plot method, with each plot having an area of approximately 100 m². Observations were also carried out using the route method outside the plots. Consequently, 71 fungal taxa were found. Among the identified species of macromycetes are <em>Boletopsis grisea</em>, which is on the list of protected fungi, and seven species (<em>Boletopsis grisea</em>, <em>Cortinarius armeniacus</em>, <em>Dacrymyces capitatus</em>, <em>Deconica montana</em>, <em>Entoloma </em><em>rhodocalix</em>, <em>Tricholoma</em><em> </em><em>equestre</em>, and <em>Tricholoma</em><em> </em><em>colossus</em>) that are on the red list of macrofungi in Poland.

Mechanical performance of Scots pine wood from northwestern Poland – A case study

Scots pine is one of the most commercially important wood species in Europe. This study assessed the potential usefulness of pinewood from the Noteć Forest for construction purposes by evaluating its mechanical properties and investigating the influence of the site conditions on the pinewood performance. Additionally, the variability of the mechanical properties from the bark to the pith was analyzed. The results showed that the properties of pinewood varied significantly within the Noteć Forest despite similar growing conditions, which may be a result of genetic variation. Wood from Sowia Góra had the greatest density (566 kg/m3) and excellent mechanical performance (compressive strength of 64 MPa), while wood from Zamyślin exhibited the lowest density (526 kg/m3) and a lower compressive strength (54 MPa). Comparison of the properties of the pinewoods from various locations indicated that the general conditions in the forest stand, however crucial for tree growth, were not the only determinants of wood performance. The results also showed high variability in density and mechanical properties between juvenile and mature wood in all the examined trees. Overall, pinewood from the poor habitats of the Noteć Forest could be a useful raw material for various industrial purposes.

Severe convective storms and wind damage assessment over northwestern Poland

&lt;p&gt;Severe convective storms (SCS) cause widespread damages over Europe each year and can be responsible for billions of euros in losses. In addition, the expected increase in their frequency and intensity over the century represents a primary concern for insurers.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Parametric insurance, which compensates customers when an index reaches a predefined threshold, is a fast and transparent insurance solution, that requires a careful analysis of the risk and a correlation of the index with potential damages. For instance, to protect customers against wind related damages from SCS, an index based on wind speed could be used. Unfortunately, the modeling of precise surface wind fields associated with SCS remains a challenge and sources of observation are often patchy or not reliable. The goal is then to define a parameter that can be used to estimate the potential wind damage from SCS.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Relying on a 10-year climatology of lightning activity over Poland, our approach consists first in determining large scale environmental variables in the ERA5 reanalysis favorable to the occurrence of SCS. Then, a combination of variable is tested in correlation with wind related damages. Preliminary results suggest that lightning density is a good proxy to the intensity of convective cells, and to a lesser extent to wind related damages.&lt;/p&gt;

Andrzej Michałowski, Jakub Niebieszczański, Milena Teska, Patrycja Kaczmarska, Non-invasive magnetometric prospection in forested area: the case study of Mirosław site 37 in Northwestern Poland

The following article concerns the results of a combined non-invasive and invasive fieldworks in Mirosław, site 37 (Piła county, Wielkopolska voivodeship, Northern Poland). The site is a Wielbark culture barrow cemetery located in a forested area, thus limiting it access to a variety of methods. With the usage of a single-sonde gradientometer it was possible to survey the site by the means of magnetometry. The magnetic map of the site indicated presence of eroded mound (possibly due to ploughing) with associated grave-pit as well as numerous other anomalies, including the position of a burnt structure in between the barrows. Consecutive excavations were aimed to verify the interpretation of the magnetometry survey and confirmed the presence of an denudated barrow with a grave-pit within. In the light of results, the visible anomalies seen as a specific forest type of ploughing should be treated as the main factor of the barrow destruction. Also the earthworks revealed that the anomaly interpreted as a burnt structure appeared to be a hearth. All of the excavated objects were associated with the Wielbark culture, thus indicating the potential of investigating areas between the preserved barrows, which might bear other features of funeral rites and similar activities.

From the history of research into the Slavic lands and peoples in Polish archaeology to the early 1940's

The article presents the interest of Polish archaeology before 1945 in the prehistory and early history of the Slavs. The pioneers were Count Jan Potocki towards the end of the 18th century a representative of the Enlightenment period, and then Zorian Dołęga Chodakowski. Chodakowski’s work from 1818 about the Slavs before Christianity opened the Romantic period in Polish antiquarianism. At this time the greatest Polish poets were writing important works relating to the pre-Christian past of Poland, and a statue of the pagan god Światowid (Światowit) was found in the river Zbrucz. Studies of the earliest Slavs were continued by the positivists. At the beginning of the 20th century, one of them was E.Majewski from Warsaw, a promotor of the works of L. Niederle devoted to Slavic antiquities. In the period when the cultural-historical school dominated, prehistoric archaeology was becoming ever more closely associated with nationalism and politics (G. Kossinna). Majewski was one of the first critics of Kossinna’s method and works. In the years 1919–1944 Majewski’s pupil, L. Kozłowski, and J. Czekanowski studied the origin of the Slavs. Both were professors of the University in Lviv. Together with J. Kostrzewski, a prehistorian from Poznań, they regarded the Lusatian culture from the Late Bronze and Early Iron Age as ancient Slavic. This view was important as propaganda in the political and scholarly dispute with prehistorians of the Third Reich. Its significance increased after the discovery and start of excavations of a fortified settlement of the Lusatian culture in Biskupin, in northwestern Poland. During the Second World War, Biskupin was excavated by H. Schleif from the SS-Ahnenerbe. The intention was to refute Kostrzewski’s views. At the same time, Kostrzewski and Kozłowski were writing works intended to confirm the ancient Slavic character of the Lusatian culture. Today their views constitute an interesting chapter in the history of science. Key words: early history of the Slavs, Światowid, Biskupin, Romantic period, Lusatian culture.