Microplastics on sandy beaches of the southern Baltic Sea.

Microplastic occurrence and composition were investigated along the Polish coast (southern Baltic Sea) on 12 beaches differing in terms of intensity of their touristic exploitation, urbanisation and sediment characteristics. Their mean concentrations varied between 76 and 295 items per kg dry sediment. Fibres and plastic fragments were the dominant microplastic types. Overall, no relationship was found between their concentrations and sediment characteristics. Fine sediments were not identified as microplastic pollution traps. The highest microplastic concentrations were recorded at some urban beaches indicating that population density and the level of coastal infrastructure development are important factors affecting microplastic pollution level on beaches. On the other hand, microplastic concentrations in national parks did not differ substantially from the other beaches. Our results suggest that sediment accumulation processes may exceed microplastic accumulation, and overcome the effect of tourism and/or urbanisation, highlighting the role of the beach hydrodynamic status in structuring beach microplastic pollution.

Genetic similarities and differences between discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus patients within the Polish population.

INTRODUCTION: Many studies have shown that some SNPs might be a risk factor for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but little is known about potential susceptibility loci of the skin types of the disease. Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most common form of the cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Nevertheless, a genetic contribution to DLE is not fully recognized. AIM: We aimed to analyze three SNPs located in the STAT4 (rs7574865), ITGAM (rs1143679) and TNXB (rs1150754) genes in both DLE and SLE patients from Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: SNPs were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Statistical significance of the differences between patient and control groups in both allele and genotype frequencies were calculated using two tailed Fisher's exact test. The correction for multiple testing by the Bonferroni adjustment and odds ratio were also calculated. RESULTS: For the first time, we have shown that the polymorphisms located in the STAT4 (rs7574865), but not in the ITGAM (rs1143679) nor the TNXB (rs1150754) genes, might be associated with the development of DLE within the Polish population. The variation of the three investigated SNPs was found to be associated with SLE in our dataset. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study suggest differences in the molecular background between DLE and SLE within the Polish population.

RNA isolation from bloodstains collected on FTA cards - application in clinical and forensic genetics.

Aim of the study: In recent years, RNA analysis has been increasingly used in clinical and forensic genetics. Nevertheless, a major limitation of RNA-based applications is very low RNA stability in biological material, due to the RNAse activity. This highlights the need for improving the methods of RNA collection and storage. Technological approaches such as FTA Classic Cards (Whatman) could provide a solution for the problem of RNA degradation. However, different methods of RNA isolation from FTA cards could have diverse effects on RNA quantity and quality. The purpose of this research was to analyze the utility of three different methods of RNA isolation from peripheral blood collected on FTA Classic Cards (Whatman). The study also aimed at assessing RNA stability in bloodstains deposited on FTA cards. Material and methods: The study was performed on peripheral bloodstains collected from 59 individuals on FTA Classic Cards (Whatman). RNA was isolated with High Pure RNA Isolation Kit (Roche Diagnostics), Universal RNA/miRNA Purification (EURx) and TRIzol Reagent (Life Technologies). RNA was subjected to quantitative analysis followed by reverse transcription and Real - Time PCR reaction. Results: The study has shown that FTA Classic Cards (Whatman) are useful tools for storing bloodstains at room temperature for RNA analysis. Moreover, the method of RNA extraction employing TRIzol Reagent (Life Technologies) provides the highest efficiency and reproducibility for samples stored for no more than 2 years. Conclusions: The FTA cards are suitable for collecting and storing bloodstains for RNA analysis in clinical and forensic genetics.