Limited evidence for genetic differentiation or adaptation in two amphibian species across replicated rural-urban gradients.

Urbanization leads to complex environmental changes and poses multiple challenges to organisms. Amphibians are highly susceptible to the effects of urbanization, with land use conversion, habitat destruction, and degradation ranked as the most significant threats. Consequently, amphibians are declining in urban areas, in both population numbers and abundance, however, the effect of urbanization on population genetic parameters remains unclear. Here, we studied the genomic response to urbanization in two widespread European species, the common toad Bufo bufo (26 localities, 480 individuals), and the smooth newt Lissotriton vulgaris (30 localities, 516 individuals) in three geographic regions: southern and northern Poland and southern Norway. We assessed genome-wide SNP variation using RADseq (ca. 42 and 552 thousand SNPs in toads and newts, respectively) and adaptively relevant major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II genes. The results linked most of the genetic differentiation in both marker types to regional (latitudinal) effects, which also correspond to historical biogeography. Further, we did not find any association between genetic differentiation and level of urbanization at local scales for either species. However, urban smooth newts, but not toads, have lower levels of within-population genome-wide diversity, suggesting higher susceptibility to the negative effects of urbanization. A decreasing level of genetic diversity linked to increasing urbanization was also found for MHC II in smooth newts, while the relationship between MHC class I diversity and urbanization differed between geographic regions. We did not find any effects of urbanization on MHC diversity in the toad populations. Although two genetic environment association analyses of genome-wide data, LFMM and BayPass, revealed numerous (219 in B. bufo and 7040 in L. vulgaris) SNPs statistically associated with urbanization, we found a marked lack of repeatability between geographic regions, suggesting a complex and multifaceted response to natural selection elicited by life in the city.

The genomic response to urbanization in the damselfly Ischnura elegans.

The complex and rapid environmental changes brought about by urbanization pose significant challenges to organisms. The multifaceted effects of urbanization often make it difficult to define and pinpoint the very nature of adaptive urban phenotypes. In such situations, scanning genomes for regions differentiated between urban and non-urban populations may be an attractive approach. Here, we investigated the genomic signatures of adaptation to urbanization in the damselfly Ischnura elegans sampled from 31 rural and urban localities in three geographic regions: southern and northern Poland, and southern Sweden. Genome-wide variation was assessed using more than 370,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped by ddRADseq. Associations between SNPs and the level of urbanization were tested using two genetic environment association methods: Latent Factors Mixed Models and BayPass. While we found numerous candidate SNPs and a highly significant overlap between candidates identified by the two methods within the geographic regions, there was a distinctive lack of repeatability between the geographic regions both at the level of individual SNPs and of genomic regions. However, we found "synapse organization" at the top of the functional categories enriched among the genes located in the proximity of the candidate urbanization SNPs. Interestingly, the overall significance of "synapse organization" was built up by the accretion of different genes associated with candidate SNPs in different geographic regions. This finding is consistent with the highly polygenic nature of adaptation, where the response may be achieved through a subtle adjustment of allele frequencies in different genes that contribute to adaptive phenotypes. Taken together, our results point to a polygenic adaptive response in the nervous system, specifically implicating genes involved in synapse organization, which mirrors the findings from several genomic and behavioral studies of adaptation to urbanization in other taxa.

The impact of sleep disorders on the daily activity and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis patients - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed at determining the relationship between sleep disorders and daily activity and quality of life (QoL) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of databases was carried out. We used the Cochrane guidelines to perform the meta-analysis following the PRISMA statement. Fifteen full-text papers were ultimately included in the subsequent statistical analyses. The study was registered in the PROSPERO database (No. CRD42021245664). RESULTS: In group 1, the mean sleep quality score measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was 6.93. The mean QoL score for the physical domain and the mental domain of the Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36) was 38.15 and 41.83, respectively. In group 2, the mean PSQI score was 7.21. The mean daily activity score measured with the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was 0.80. A strong negative correlation was observed between the PSQI scores, and the SF-36 total score each unit increase in the SF-36 total score was associated with an average decrease of 0.35 points in the PSQI score. A one-point increase in the PSQI score was associated with an average decrease of 2.4 points in the QoL score measured with SF-36. CONCLUSIONS: RA patients have a low quality of sleep. Sleep disorders correlate negatively with the QoL scores in the physical and mental domains.

Relationship between maximum eye temperature and plasma cortisol concentration in racehorses during intensive training.

The aim of the study was to determine the utility of maximum eye temperature measured by infrared thermography (IRT) as a stress indicator compared with plasma cortisol concentration in Thoroughbred and Arabian racehorses. The study included thirty racehorses undergoing standard training for racing. Measurements of maximum eye temperature and blood collection for plasma cortisol concentration were carried out before training (BT), and within 5 (5AT) and 120 minutes (120AT) after the end of the each training session in three repetitions, with a monthly interval. Both parameters were elevated at 5AT compared to BT (p⟨0.001). Compared to BT, at 120AT the maximum eye temperature remained elevated (p⟨0.001) and plasma cortisol concentration decreased (p⟨0.001). The study indicated significant weak correlations (r=0.220; p⟨0.001) between both measurements at all time points. The results support the use of IRT technique to monitor the response of horses to stress, potentially improving animal management and welfare.

Quality of life of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare condition, with an incidence of 15-50 cases per million annually. Available studies demonstrate that despite the longer survival of PAH patients, their quality of life (QoL) deteriorates as the condition progresses. Consequently, the goals of PAH therapy have expanded from increasing survival to improving health-related quality of life. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to summarize the available evidence about the level of QoL in patients with PAH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was performed using the Cochrane guidelines for conducting meta-analysis following the PRISMA statement. The meta-analysis includes findings from 11 studies evaluating the QoL of PAH patients at baseline and at follow-up (12 weeks) using the Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36), the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) and the Cambridge Pulmonary Hypertension Outcome Review (CAMPHOR). RESULTS: The mean physical component score (SF-36) for the group was 37.2 points (95% CI: 33.24-41.16) and the heterogeneity coefficient was I²=97.71% (p < 0.001). The mean mental component score (SF-36) was 46.38 (95% CI: 44.21-48.56) and the heterogeneity coefficient was I²=87.92% (p < 0.001). The result indicates improved QoL 12 weeks after the intervention, though three papers did not fully confirm this. The greatest improvement in QoL was found in patients treated with bosentan and iloprost and the smallest improvement in QoL was found in patients treated with epoprostenol sodium. The heterogeneity coefficient was I²=91.36%, p < 0.001 for CAMPHOR and I²=97.65%, p < 0.001 for MLHFQ. CONCLUSIONS: PAH patients tend to have a poor QoL, mainly in the physical functioning domain, less so in the psychological functioning domain. QoL may be improved by therapeutic interventions, mainly pharmaceutical ones. Patients with PAH also tend to suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, or sleep disorders. All these factors are significantly correlated with poorer QoL.

Impact of temperature on the physicochemical, structural and biological features of copper-silica nanocomposites.

Classical wet chemical synthesis was used to fabricate a hybrid composite that contained copper nanoparticles (average size ∼1 nm), which were embedded into a silicon oxide carrier. The structural and chemical alternations in the copper-functionalized silica were investigated in systems that were sintered at 573 K, 873 K, 1173 K, and 1473 K. A general trend, which was associated with the transformation of metallic copper with a cubic structure into copper(II) oxide with a monoclinic structure in the heat-treated systems, was found. XPS and FTIR spectroscopies also revealed the presence of copper(I) oxide, which formed a shell around the CuO. SEM and TEM showed gradual densification of the hybrid system at ever higher sintering temperatures, which corresponded with the gradual copper agglomeration. A temperature of 873 K was determined to be the temperature at which amorphous silica was transformed into cristoballite and tridymite, as well as the formation of a bulk-like copper structure. In relation to the physicochemical and structural data, high antimicrobial features that had a relatively low toxicity effect on the normal human fibroblasts (NHDF) below 250 mg/L was found for the initial copper-silica composite and the samples that were sintered at 573 K. In turn, a significant decrease in the biological impact was observed in the samples that were sintered at temperatures above 573 K. As a result, the paper discusses the model of structural modifications in copper-silica nanocomposite concerning their biological impact that was developed.

Magnetocaloric materials with ultra-small magnetic nanoparticles working at room temperature.

Through the use of the Monte Carlo simulations utilising the mean-field approach, we show that a dense assembly of separated ultra-small magnetic nanoparticles embedded into a non-magnetic deformable matrix can be characterized by a large isothermal magnetic entropy change even upon applying a weak magnetic field with values much smaller than one Tesla. We also show that such entropy change may be very significant in the vicinity of the room temperature which effect normally requires an application of a strong external magnetic field. The deformable matrix chosen in this work as a host for magnetic nanoparticles adopts a thin film form with a large surface area to volume ratio. This in turn in combination with a strong magneto-volume coupling exhibited by this material allows us to show its suitability to be used in the case of a variety of applications utilising local cooling/heating such as future magnetic refrigerants.

Evaluation of Serum Acute Phase Protein Concentrations in Dogs with Circumanal Gland Tumours.

The aim of this study was to determine the serum concentrations of acute phase proteins (APPs), including C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) in dogs with circumanal gland tumours. Investigations were conducted on 39 male dogs of mixed breed. The animals were divided into four groups depending on the degree of tumour malignancy and type of hormones that were dominant in the bloodstream. All measurements of serum APPs were conducted by the use of commercial diagnostic kits. In dogs with benign tumours, the concentrations of each APP decreased during therapy, while in dogs with malignant tumours, despite anti-tumour therapy, concentrations of APPs in serum increased markedly. The results of this study suggest that changes in serum concentrations of CRP, SAA and Hp during anti-hormone therapy may be a reliable marker for differentiating tumour grade and degree of malignancy. Including APPs in routine diagnostics may assist with formulating a prognosis for the outcome of the disease, before implementing anti-tumour therapy. Moreover, monitoring the effectiveness of therapy may be possible based on the determination of serum APP concentrations.

Physicochemical and structural features of heat treated silver-silica nanocomposite and their impact on biological properties.

In the last few decades, many nanostructures with varying properties and possible applications have been developed. These materials have been intended to work in various environmental temperature conditions. In this context, the main challenge has been to comprehend the impact of synergic interaction between individual elements included in non-annealed materials in relation to systems subjected to temperature impact. Another problem has corresponded to the impact of thermal modification on organisms such as bacteria and human cells. Such problems can be solved by the fabrication of a nanocomposite with mono-dispersed 8 nm silver (Ag0 or Ag+) embedded into a silica carrier, followed by the analysis of the impact of heat treatment under various temperature conditions on its physicochemical features. Therefore, methodical studies reported in this text have shown an increase of silver particle size up to 170 nm, a decrease of its concentration, as well as the formation of sub-nanometer Ag+ and/or Ag2+ clusters as the temperature rises to 1173 K. In turn, the structurally disordered silica carrier had been entirely transformed to cristobalite and tridymite only at 1473 K as well as partial reduction of Ag2+ to Ag+. Simultaneously, inhibition of growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as an increase in cytotoxicity towards human cells was observed as the temperature rose. As a final point, for the first time, a "pseudo" phase diagram of the structural alterations in the Ag/SiO2 nanocomposite has been created, as well as a model of silver-silica transformation to biological systems has been developed.

Evaluation of T regulatory lymphocytes and serum concentration of selected cytokines in dogs with perianal tumors.

The purpose of this study was to determine concentrations of IL-2, IL-10, TGF-ß1 in serum and T regulatory cell (Treg) percentage in peripheral blood of dogs with perianal tumours. Investigations were conducted on 32 male dogs of mixed breed. The animals were divided into 4 experimental groups and control group. The groups were established depending on the tumour malignancy degree and the type of dominant hormones. All measurements of serum cytokine concentrations were conducted by the use of commercial diagnostic ELISA kits. Treg lymphocyte percentage was measured by flow cytometry. In both groups with benign tumours cytokine levels decreased during therapy, whilst in groups with malignant tumors, in spite of applying anti-tumour therapy, concentrations of cytokines in serum markedly increased. The mean percentage of Treg lymphocytes in dogs with benign tumours (group I and II) was significantly lower than the mean percentage of these cells in control group at all time points, but after applying of anti-hormonal therapy, the significant increase of Treg percentage was observed compared to baseline values. By contrast, in both groups with malignant tumours (group III and IV), the mean percentage of Treg lymphocytes was significantly higher at the beginning of the experiment comparing with the control group as well as both groups with benign tumours and this percentage increased during anti-tumour therapy. The results of this study suggest that monitoring changes in cytokine serum concentrations and Treg percentage in the bloodstream during anti-hormonal therapy may constitute a subsidiary marker in the monitoring of therapy effectiveness, in prognosis the outcome of a disease or in differentiating tumour degree of malignancy.

Screening for Mollicutes microorganisms in perinatal calf mortality cases in Polish dairy herds.

Perinatal calf mortality in dairy herds has been reported worldwide. The etiology of stillbirth is multifactorial, and can be caused by various species of bacteria and environmental factors. Among them some potential pathogens from the Mollicutes class such as Mycoplasma (M.) spp. and Ureaplasma (U.) diversum can be isolated from the bovine genital tract and other organs of the suspected cattle. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the bacteria belonging to the Molli- cutes class i.e. M. bovis, M. bovigenitalium, M. canadense, M. canis, M. arginini, M. bovirhinis, M. dispar, M. alkalescens and U. diversum could have an impact on perinatal calf mortality in selected Polish dairy farms. The material was: 121 stillborn calves (SB), 21 live born calves (C) and 131 cows (dams) from 30 Polish Holstein-Friesian herds. Samples were examined from all the SB calves' and six control euthanized calves' abomasal contents and lung samples collected during necropsy, and from the dams' serum and placenta. In dams the serological ELISA, and in calves and placenta samples molecular PCR/denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, methods were used. Screening of dams' sera for antibodies to M. bovis (ELISA) showed seven dams positive for M. bovis, whereas none of the nine examined Mollicutes microorganisms were detected in the placenta and calves.

Divergence history of the Carpathian and smooth newts modelled in space and time.

Information about demographic history is essential for the understanding of the processes of divergence and speciation. Patterns of genetic variation within and between closely related species provide insights into the history of their interactions. Here, we investigated historical demography and genetic exchange between the Carpathian (Lissotriton montandoni, Lm) and smooth (L. vulgaris, Lv) newts. We combine an extensive geographical sampling and multilocus nuclear sequence data with the approximate Bayesian computation framework to test alternative scenarios of divergence and reconstruct the temporal and spatial pattern of gene flow between species. A model of recent (last glacial period) interspecific gene flow was favoured over alternative models. Thus, despite the relatively old divergence (4-6 mya) and presumably long periods of isolation, the species have retained the ability to exchange genes. Nevertheless, the low migration rates (ca. 10(-6) per gene copy per generation) are consistent with strong reproductive isolation between the species. Models allowing demographic changes were favoured, suggesting that the effective population sizes of both species at least doubled as divergence reaching the current ca. 0.2 million in Lm and 1 million in Lv. We found asymmetry in rates of interspecific gene flow between Lm and one evolutionary lineage of Lv. We suggest that intraspecific polymorphism for hybrid incompatibilities segregating within Lv could explain this pattern and propose further tests to distinguish between alternative explanations. Our study highlights the importance of incorporating intraspecific genetic structure into the models investigating the history of divergence.

Chlamydia prevalence in Polish pig herds.

Chlamydiae are frequently encountered intracellular Gram-negative bacteria. In pigs, these bacteria in combination with other pathogens contribute to the induction of a multi-aetiological syndrome. One of the major characteristics of Chlamydia spp. is their ability to cause prolonged, often subclinical infections. While the economic consequences of Chlamydia spp. infections in pig farms are not fully established, we know that reproductive disorders and other syndromes correlated with Chlamydia infection can lead to financial loss as a result of a reduction in pork production. Additionally, Chlamydia spp. presents a potential zoonotic hazard, therefore determining the prevalence of Chlamydia in pig populations is critical. In the present study 97 pig herds from Poland were involved. To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia PCR and CFT tests were used. In total 797 vaginal samples, 797 conjunctival samples, and 235 serum samples were collected and tested. The study took place from 2011 to 2014. We found Chlamydia spp. present in 71·2% of all tested farms. The percentage of animals testing positive on any given farm varied from 20% to 100%.

Molecular Inversion Probes for targeted resequencing in non-model organisms.

Applications that require resequencing of hundreds or thousands of predefined genomic regions in numerous samples are common in studies of non-model organisms. However few approaches at the scale intermediate between multiplex PCR and sequence capture methods are available. Here we explored the utility of Molecular Inversion Probes (MIPs) for the medium-scale targeted resequencing in a non-model system. Markers targeting 112 bp of exonic sequence were designed from transcriptome of Lissotriton newts. We assessed performance of 248 MIP markers in a sample of 85 individuals. Among the 234 (94.4%) successfully amplified markers 80% had median coverage within one order of magnitude, indicating relatively uniform performance; coverage uniformity across individuals was also high. In the analysis of polymorphism and segregation within family, 77% of 248 tested MIPs were confirmed as single copy Mendelian markers. Genotyping concordance assessed using replicate samples exceeded 99%. MIP markers for targeted resequencing have a number of advantages: high specificity, high multiplexing level, low sample requirement, straightforward laboratory protocol, no need for preparation of genomic libraries and no ascertainment bias. We conclude that MIP markers provide an effective solution for resequencing targets of tens or hundreds of kb in any organism and in a large number of samples.

Maximizing negative thermal expansion via rigid unit modes: a geometry-based approach.

Existent rigid unit mode (RUM) models based on rotating squares, which may explain the phenomenon of negative thermal expansion (NTE), are generalized so as to assess the NTE potential for novel systems made from rectangular or rhombic rigid units. Analytical models for the area coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of these innovative networks are derived in an attempt to determine the optimal geometrical parameters and connectivity for maximum NTE. It was found that all systems exhibit NTE, the extent of which is determined by the shape and connectivity of the elemental rigid units (side lengths ratio or internal angle). It was also found that some of the networks proposed here should exhibit significantly superior NTE properties when compared with the well-known network of squares, and that for optimal NTE characteristics, pencil-like rigid units should be used rather than square-shaped ones, as these permit larger pore sizes that are more conducive to NTE. All this compliments earlier work on the negative Poisson's ratio (auxetic) potential of such systems and may provide a route for the design of new materials exhibiting superior thermo-mechanical characteristics including specifically tailored CTEs or giant NTE characteristics.

A serological and molecular study on the occurrence of mycoplasmas in European bison (Bison bonasus) from two areas of Eastern Poland.

European bison (Bison bonasus) from two different areas of Eastern Poland showing gross pathology possibly associated with mycoplasma infections were tested for ruminant Mycoplasma species using serological and molecular methods. Fifty-five samples, blood or tissue were collected from 28 animals during 2013-2014. Six sera were positive for Mycoplasma bovis. The ELISA and complement fixation test for Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides gave a few weak reactions, but were negative by immunoblotting and molecular methods.

Results of liver transplantation from old donors.

INTRODUCTION: Faced with a shortage of organs for liver transplantation, the use of grafts from older donors is justified. However, there remains little consensus on how this use impacts the graft and patient outcomes after transplantation from these older donors. The aim of the present analysis was to assess the graft and patient outcomes after liver transplantation from deceased donors >60 years of age. METHODS: From January 2007 to January 2011, 505 subjects were identified as liver graft donors after brain death, of which 7.35% were ≥60. To determine the effect of donor age on graft and patient outcomes, we analyzed donor age, recipient age, the Model for End-State Liver Disease (MELD) score of recipients at the time of transplantation, early posttransplant complications, and mortality. RESULTS: The posttransplant follow-up was 29 ± 25.5 months, and 3-year patient mortality from donors, grouped according to age, was 7.92% with donors <30; 15.78% with donors 30-50, 10.68% with donors 50-60, and 12.50% with donors >60. After analysis of patient and graft survival based on donor graft age, 3-year patient survival according donor age was 89.29% with donors <30, 83.85% with donors 30-50, 89.89% with donors 50-60, and 87.50% with donors >60. Analysis showed overall patient and graft survival rates from older donors were not worse than those from younger donors (P > .1). Among the cases, 3-year patient survival according to MELD score was 91.19% with a MELD of I, 85.37% with a MELD of II, and 67.67% with a MELD of III; differences in graft and patient survival when comparing low MELD I and high MELD III were significantly different (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: A more advanced age of a donor should not be a contraindication for liver transplantation. The present analysis shows that liver grafts from donors >60 can be used safely in older recipients who presented with relatively low MELD scores. Analyses also indicate that high MELD obtained before transplantation may be an important prognostic factor for graft and patient survival.

Influence of season and nutritional status on the direct effects of leptin, orexin-A and ghrelin on luteinizing hormone and growth hormone secretion in the ovine pituitary explant model.

The aim of this study was to examine whether leptin (anorexigenic peptide), orexin-A, and ghrelin (orexigenic peptides) could directly (ie, independently of hypothalamic influences) affect the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone (GH) by adenohypophyseal (AP) explants obtained from normally fed or fasted (48 h) ewes during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons. In addition, a specific ovine super leptin antagonist (SLAN-3) was used to assess the interactions between leptin and ghrelin and/or orexin-A. Pituitary glands from 16 ovariectomized Polish Longwool ewes that had received estradiol-releasing subcutaneous implants were collected in the breeding (November; n = 8) and nonbreeding (May; n = 8) seasons. The AP explants were incubated for 240 min in a gas-liquid interface and treated with leptin (50 ng/mL), ghrelin (100 ng/mL), orexin-A (100 ng/mL), and SLAN-3 (500 ng/mL) with orexin-A or ghrelin. Treatments with leptin and SLAN-3 + orexin-A increased (P < 0.05) LH concentrations in the cultures of AP explants from fasted animals in the breeding season. Orexin-A increased (P < 0.05) LH secretion by AP explants from both fasted and fed animals in the breeding season. Ghrelin stimulated (P < 0.05) GH secretion by AP explants collected from fasted animals in nonbreeding season and from normally fed ewes in both seasons. Leptin decreased (P < 0.05) GH secretion by AP explants collected from fasted ewes in both seasons and from nonfasted ewes in the breeding season. However, the treatment with SLAN-3 + ghrelin resulted in greater (P < 0.05) GH concentrations compared with leptin treatment of AP explants from fasted ewes in the breeding season and from normally fed ewes in nonbreeding season. In summary, leptin, orexin-A, and ghrelin exerted direct effects on AP secretory function in an ex situ model and both the reproductive season and nutritional status of the animals impinged on the direct effects of the peptides on LH and GH release. Specifically, orexin-A was more potent than leptin in directly stimulating LH secretion in cycling ewes, whereas ghrelin and leptin generally had opposing effects on the secretory function of somatotrophs in sheep.

Development, validation and high-throughput analysis of sequence markers in nonmodel species.

DNA sequences derived from multiple regions of the nuclear genome are essential for historical inferences in the fields of phylogeography and phylogenetics. The appropriate markers should be single-copy, variable, easy to amplify from multiple samples and easy to sequence using high-throughput technologies. This may be difficult to achieve for species lacking sequenced genomes and particularly challenging for species possessing large genomes, which consist mostly of repetitive sequences. Here, we present a cost-effective, broadly applicable framework for designing, validating and high-throughput sequencing of multiple markers in nonmodel species without sequenced genomes. We demonstrate its utility in two closely related species of newts, representatives of urodeles, a vertebrate group characterized by large genomes. We show that over 80 markers, c. 600 bp each, developed mainly from 3' untranslated transcript regions (3'UTR) may be effectively multiplexed and sequenced. Data are further processed using standard, freely available bioinformatic tools, producing phase-resolved sequences. The approach does not require barcoded PCR primers, and the cost of library preparation is independent of the number of markers investigated. We hope that this approach will be of broad interest for researchers working at the interface of population genetics and phylogenetics, exploring deep intraspecific genetic structure, species boundaries and phylogeographies of closely related species.

Serological studies to determine the occurrence of Johne's disease and mycoplasma infection in the Northern-East Polish population of European bison (Bison bonasus).

A serological study of twenty three European bison (Bison bonasus) derived from Northern-East Poland for the seroprevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, Mycoplasma bovis, Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC, Mycoplasma agalactiae and Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae was conducted. Only specific antibodies to M. bovis were detected in two animals (8.7%) which were connected with the clinical signs and macroscopic anatomopathological lesions.