What are the drivers of female success in food-deceptive orchids?

A large suite of floral signals, and environmental and biotic characteristics influence the behavior of pollinators, affecting the female success of food-deceptive orchids. In this study, we examined the many factors shaping the reproductive output of three orchid taxa: Dactylorhiza majalis, D. incarnata var. incarnata, and D. fuchsii. We applied a statistical model to correlate female success (number of fruit sets) with individual characteristics (plant and inflorescence height, number of flowers, and spur length), number of pollinaria removed, flowering time, and density of floral units of co-flowering rewarding plants. Our findings suggested that the broad spectrum of variations in Dactylorhiza's morphological traits, floral display, and flowering phenology within different environmental contexts has a significant impact on their reproductive success. The number of fruits increased with an increase in the number of pollinaria removed in the studied Dactylorhiza taxa. In contrast, a higher number of flowers per inflorescence and higher inflorescences in relation to individual height always decreased fruit set. We observed that low number of co-flowering rewarding plants in populations could affect the Dactylorhiza reproductive output as magnets and competitor plants. The synchronization of flowering, or lack thereof, between Dactylorhiza and rewarding plants can limit reproductive success. This demonstrates that the food deception strategy is multidirectional, and reproductive output can vary considerably both spatially and temporally within the context of this strategy.

A method for the analysis of methylmercury and total Hg in fungal matrices

The aim of the study was to develop an efficient method for the determination of monomethyl-mercury (MeHg) and total mercury (THg) content in materials such as fungal sporocarps and sclerotia. Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) with the assigned values of MeHg and THg as well as the control materials (dried mushrooms) with known content of THg were evaluated for method validation. Recovery of MeHg from reference materials was at the following levels: from tuna fish at 87.0 ± 2.3% (THg at 101.9 ± 1.2%), from fish protein at 99.4 ± 1.3% (THg at 92.70 ± 0.41%), and from dogfish liver at 96.45 ± 0.73%. Recovery of THg from the fungal control material CS-M-5 was at 104.01 ± 0.60% (contribution of MeHg in THg content was at 6.2%), from CS-M-4 at 101.1 ± 2.0% (contribution at 3.2%), from CS-M-3 at 100.55 ± 0.67% (contribution at 0.6%), and from CS-M-2 at 101.5 ± 2.7% (contribution at 3.7%). The content of MeHg in randomly selected wild fungi and their morphological parts was in the range from 0.006 to 0.173 mg kg^-1 dry weight (dw). In the case of THg, the concentration values were in the range from 0.0108 to 10.27 mg kg^-1 dw. The MeHg content in the control materials with the assigned THg values was determined. Since the control materials play an important role in all elements of the quality assurance system of measurement results, they can be used to analyse MeHg as the first control material for fungi. KEY POINTS: • An extraction procedure for MeHg analysis in fungi was developed and optimized. • Recovery of MeHg from the certified reference non-fungal materials was > 87%. • Fungal control materials with assigned THg concentration can serve also for MeHg analysis.

Weak effects of birds, bats, and ants on their arthropod prey on pioneering tropical forest gap vegetation

The relative roles of plants competing for resources versus top-down control of vegetation by herbivores, in turn impacted by predators, during early stages of tropical forest succession remain poorly understood. Here we examine the impact of insectivorous birds, bats and ants exclusion on arthropods communities on replicated 5x5 m of pioneering early successional vegetation plots in lowland tropical forest gaps in Papua New Guinea. In plots from which focal taxa of predators were excluded we observed increased biomass of herbivorous and predatory arthropods, and increased density, and decreased diversity of herbivorous insects. However, changes in the biomass of plants, herbivores and arthropod predators were positively correlated or uncorrelated between these three trophic levels and also between individual arthropod orders. Arthropod abundance and biomass correlated strongly with the plant biomass irrespective of the arthropods' trophic position - a signal of bottom-up control. Patterns in herbivore specialization confirm lack of a strong top-down control and were largely unaffected by the exclusion of insectivorous birds, bats and ants. No changes of plant-herbivore interaction networks were detected except for decrease in modularity of the exclosure plots. Our results suggest weak top-down control of herbivores, limited compensation between arthropod and vertebrate predators, and limited intra-guild predation by birds, bats and ants. Possible explanations are strong bottom-up control, a low activity of the higher order predators, especially birds, possibly also bats, in gaps, and continuous influx of herbivores from surrounding mature forest matrix.

Determination of PAHs, PCBs, Minerals, Trace Elements, and Fatty Acids in Rapana thomasiana as an Indication of Pollution

The aim of this investigation was to introduce several analytical methods for determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), minerals, trace elements, and fatty acids in Rapana thomasiana as a marine pollution indicator organism. The chemical differences of the gastropod Ra. thomasiana from polluted and nonpolluted sites of the Black Sea on the Bulgarian coast were investigated. Chromatography and high-resolution inductively coupled plasma/MS analyses were used for evaluation of PAHs, PCBs, fatty acids, minerals, and trace elements. These methods can be applied to other marine products.

Elemental composition of selected species of mushrooms based on a chemometric evaluation

The aim of the study was to determine 16 elements by FAAS and ICP-AES in ca. 1500 samples of 22 species of mushrooms collected from different regions of Poland and the area around Umeå in Sweden. Chemometric techniques were applied to differentiate samples with respect to their geographical origin and interspecies differentiation. Samples of Cantharellus cibarius (Fr.), Boletus edulis (Bull.) and Leccinum scabrum (Bull.) Gray from Morąg, Augustów, the Zaborski Landscape Park, Tarnobrzeg and Umeå were discriminated by factor 1 and factor 2. Some species, i.e. Cantharellus cibarius, Boletus edulis, Boletus pinophilus (Pilát & Dermek), Leccinum aurantiacum (Bull.) Gray, Leccinum scabrum and Leccinum versipelle (Fr. & Hök) Snell from one region of Poland (Augustów or Morąg) were discriminated by K, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and Cd. The results enabled an assessment of the hypothetical percentage realisation of the recommended dietary intake (RDA) for the bio-elements in question and of provisional tolerable weekly intakes (PTWI) of toxic metals from the consumption of 100 g of mushrooms. The most abundant element in all the mushroom samples was K, especially in Gomphidius glutinosus (Schaeff. ex Fr.) (Umeå - Sweden) and Cantharellus cibarius (Poland - Morąg). Lycoperdon perlatum (Pers.) from Poland and Sweden tended to accumulate the highest levels of Mg, Fe, Zn and Cu. The highest percentage of RDA was obtained for K, Mg and Cu. Based on the estimated PTWI, it can be concluded that no health hazard is associated with the consumption of these mushrooms.

Recent Advances and Challenges in Steroid Metabolomics for Biomarker Discovery

BACKGROUND

Steroid hormones belong to a group of low-molecular weight compounds which are responsible for maintenance of various body functions, thus, their accurate assessment is crucial for evaluation of biosynthetic defects. The development of reliable methods allowing disease diagnosis is essential to improve early detection of various disorders connected with altered steroidogenesis. Currently, the field of metabolomics offers several improvements in terms of sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic methods when opposed to classical diagnostic approaches. The combination of hyphenated techniques and pattern recognition methods allows to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the slightest alterations in steroid metabolic pathways and can be applied as a tool for biomarker discovery.

METHODS

We have performed an extensive literature search applying various bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed articles concentrating on the applications of hyphenated techniques and pattern recognition methods incorporated into the steroid metabolomic approach for biomarker discovery.

RESULTS

The review discusses strengths, challenges and recent developments in steroidbased metabolomics. We present methods of sample collection and preparation, methods of separation and detection of steroid hormones in biological material, data analysis, and interpretation as well as examples of applications of steroid metabolomics for biomarker discovery (cancer, mental and central nervous system disorders, endocrine diseases, monitoring of drug therapy and doping control).

CONCLUSION

Information presented in this review will be valuable to anyone interested in the application of metabolomics for biomarker discovery with a special emphasis on disorders of steroid hormone synthesis and metabolism.

Mercury concentration and the absolute and relative sizes of the internal organs in cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo (L. 1758) from the breeding colony by the Vistula Lagoon (Poland)

This work analyses the effect of mercury on the condition of cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) from an extensive breeding colony in northern Poland, the largest in Europe. A total of 55 birds (44 adults and 11 immature) were obtained. Total mercury (Hg) concentrations were measured in the liver, kidneys, breast muscles, heart, gullet (oesophagus), stomach, intestines, trachea, lungs and eyeballs. The total body mass (TBM) and empty body mass (EBM) were measured, and the body parts taken for analysis were weighed. The relative mass of the tissues and the L/K index were expressed as percentages. Based on the L/K index the birds were divided into three condition classes: (A) very good, (B) good and (C) moderate. The mean TBM and EBM in these cormorants were 2286 and 2184 g respectively. The greatest contributions to EBM were from the breast muscles (~11%), liver (3.7%) and intestines (3.0%). The stomach, gullet, lungs, heart and kidneys made up from ~1.0-2.8% EBM, and the trachea and eyeballs < 0.4%. 31 of the 55 birds analysed were allocated to class B; mean Hg levels in them were the highest in the kidneys, liver, lungs and muscles (18.3, 9.78, 2.70, 1.86 µg/g dw respectively); they were ≤ 1 µg/g in the other tissues. In ecotoxicology it is assumed that a hepatic concentration > 16.7 µg Hg/g dw can lead to adverse effects in the reproduction of non-marine birds. In the light of the present results, the reproductive parameters of the cormorants from the colony in northern Poland, though mostly in good or very good condition, may be depressed as a result of elevated Hg levels in their body tissues.

Evaluation of Macro- and Microelement Levels in Black Tea in View of Its Geographical Origin

The aim of this study was to evaluate the elemental composition of black tea samples and their infusions in view of their geographical origin. In total, 14 elements were analyzed, 13 (Ca, K, Mg, Na, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, Cd, and Pb) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, and P by UV-Vis spectrometry, after mineralization of samples. It was found that K was the most abundant macroelement in the analyzed samples, whereas among microelements, the highest concentration was found for Mn. Based on the obtained data, the percentage of elements leached into the infusions as well as the daily elemental intake from tea were calculated. The daily intake from tea was compared to the recommended daily allowances (RDAs), and the highest percentages of the RDAs were found for Mn (15 %) and Co (10 %). To study the relations between elemental composition and country of origin of samples, factor analysis and cluster analysis were applied. These multivariate techniques proved to be efficient tools able to differentiate samples according to their provenance as well as plantation within the common regions.

Metabolomic Biomarkers in Urine of Cushing's Syndrome Patients

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is a disease which results from excessive levels of cortisol in the human body. The disorder is associated with various signs and symptoms which are also common for the general population not suffering from compound hypersecretion. Thus, more sensitive and selective methods are required for the diagnosis of CS. This follow-up study was conducted to determine which steroid metabolites could serve as potential indicators of CS and possible subclinical hypercortisolism in patients diagnosed with so called non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas (AIs). Urine samples from negative controls (n = 37), patients with CS characterized by hypercortisolism and excluding iatrogenic CS (n = 16), and patients with non-functioning AIs with possible subclinical Cushing’s syndrome (n = 25) were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and gas chromatograph equipped with flame ionization detector (GC/FID). Statistical and multivariate methods were applied to investigate the profile differences between examined individuals. The analyses revealed hormonal differences between patients with CS and the rest of examined individuals. The concentrations of selected metabolites of cortisol, androgens, and pregnenetriol were elevated whereas the levels of tetrahydrocortisone were decreased for CS when opposed to the rest of the study population. Moreover, after analysis of potential confounding factors, it was also possible to distinguish six steroid hormones which discriminated CS patients from other study subjects. The obtained discriminant functions enabled classification of CS patients and AI group characterized by mild hypersecretion of cortisol metabolites. It can be concluded that steroid hormones selected by applying urinary profiling may serve the role of potential biomarkers of CS and can aid in its early diagnosis.

Bio- and toxic elements in edible wild mushrooms from two regions of potentially different environmental conditions in eastern Poland

In the present study, the composition of bio-elements (K, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn) and toxic elements (Ag, Cd) in seven edible mushrooms from the rural and woodland region of Morąg (north-eastern Poland) and the rural and industrial region of the Tarnobrzeska Upland (south-eastern Poland) were investigated using a validated method. The species examined were Boletus edulis, Cantharellus cibarius, Leccinum aurantiacum, Leccinum versipelle, Lycoperdon perlatum, Suillus luteus, and Xerocomus subtomentosus. Final determination was carried out by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) after microwave-assisted decomposition of sample matrices with solutions of concentrated nitric acid in the pressurized polytetrafluoroethylene vessels. The contents of the alkali elements and alkali earth elements were determined in the species surveyed. The alkali elements, earth alkali elements, and transition metals (Ag, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) were at typical concentrations as was determined for the same or similar species elsewhere in Poland and Europe. The results may suggest a lack of local and regional emissions of those metallic elements from industrialization of some sites in the Tarnobrzeska Plain. Cadmium was at elevated concentrations in L. versipelle from the Tarnobrzeska Plain but the reason-pollution or geogenic source-was unknown, while it was at typical concentrations in other species.

Analytical Assessment of Bio- and Toxic Elements Distribution in Pu-erh and Fruit Teas in View of Chemometric Approach

This study concerns application of flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) in assessment of macro- and microelement and toxic metal levels (Mg, Ca, K, Na, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Cr, Ni, Co, Cd and Pb) in dark (Pu-erh) and fruit tea leaves and their infusions. Phosphorus was also determined in the form of phosphomolybdate by spectrophotometric method. The reliability of the method was checked using three certified reference materials. The results of analysis were in agreement with the certified values, with analytical recovery ranging from 86 to 113 %. Significant correlations (p < 0.001) were found between concentrations of P, Zn, K, Ni, Fe, Co, Cr, and Pb in Pu-erh tea, whereas in fruit tea, such interdependences were found between Mg, Fe, P, Ni, and Co. Kruskal-Wallis test results have related differences in Pu-erh tea quality as well as technological processing of fruit tea to their mineral composition. In order to characterize tea elemental content, chemometric techniques such as factor analysis (FA) and cluster analysis (CA) were used. Their application allowed on differentiation of samples in view of the fermentation type, technological processing, and overall quality.

Monitoring of essential and heavy metals in green tea from different geographical origins

The present study measured the concentrations of toxic metals (Cd, Pb) and other elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, Ni) in tea leaves and their infusions. The total metal contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Phosphorus concentration was determined using an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. Assessment of the mineral composition enabled determination of the leaching percentage and the risk of exceeding provisional tolerable weekly intake for Cd through daily tea consumption. The concentrations of bioelements were analyzed based on the recommended daily intake values for each. According to recently established standards, green tea was found to be a rich source of Mn. The average Pb and Cd levels in a 200-mL beverage were 0.002 and 0.003 mg, respectively. Indian teas had the highest percentage of Cd leaching (43.8%) and Chinese tea had the lowest (9.41%). Multivariate analysis techniques such as factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to differentiate samples according to geographical origin (China, India, or Japan). Potassium, P, Mn, Fe, Cu, Co, and Cd were effective descriptors for the identification of tea samples from China, India, and Japan.

(137)Cs, (40)K and (210)Po in marine mammals from the southern Baltic Sea

This study provides information on baseline concentrations of the radionuclides Cesium-137, Potassium-40 and Polonium-210 in sea mammals from the Baltic Sea. The radionuclides were analyzed in the liver, kidney and muscle of harbor porpoises, striped dolphins, and gray and ringed seals from the Polish coast by γ- and α-spectrometry. Median (137)Cs activities were 14.8, 13.2 and 23.2 Bq kg(-1) w.w. in the liver, kidney and muscles, respectively. Activities of (40)K and (210)Po in the respective tissues were found to be 79.1, 79.8 and 111 Bq kg(-1) for (40)K and 58.1, 59.2 and 32.9 Bq kg(-1) for (210)Po. The measured (137)Cs concentrations were extraordinarily high in comparison to those reported in sea mammals from other locations. However, dose assessments did not imply health effects from (137)Cs exposure in Baltic Sea mammals. Correlations between (137)Cs tissue activities and reported sea water concentrations highlight the potential use of marine mammals for biomonitoring purposes.

Comparative assessment of essential and heavy metals in fruits from different geographical origins

The aim of this investigation was to estimate and compare essential and heavy metals contents in 98 commercially available fresh fruits from different geographic regions using multivariate techniques. The concentrations of 12 elements (calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, phophorus, cobalt (Co), manganese, iron, chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), zinc and copper) were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry with deuterium-background correction. Phosphorus was determined in the form of phosphomolybdate by a spectrophotometric method. Reliability of the procedure was checked by analysis of the certified reference materials tea (NCS DC 73351), cabbage (IAEA-359) and spinach leaves (NIST-1570). Recoveries of the elements analysed varied between 85.5 and 103%, and precisions for the reference materials were 0.13-6.08%. Based on recommended dietary allowance and adequate intake estimated for essential elements, it was concluded that accessory fruits such as pineapples, raspberries and strawberries supply organism with the highest amounts of bioelements. Although accessory fruits were also found to be the greatest source of Ni among all the analysed fruits, in all the fruits Ni was more abundant than Cr and Co. Significant correlation coefficients (p < 0.001, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) were found between concentrations of some metals in fresh fruits. Application of ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis test and multivariate techniques such as factor analysis and cluster analysis enabled us to differentiate particular botanical families and types of fruits.

Evaluation of honeys and bee products quality based on their mineral composition using multivariate techniques

The aim of this investigation was to estimate honeys and bee products quality in view of their mineral composition using multivariate techniques. Fourteen elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, Co, Mn, Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) were determined in 66 honeys and bee products from different places of Poland and Europe and various botanical origins. The total metals contents were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry using deuterium-background correction after wet digestion with nitric acid in an automatic microwave digestion system. Phosphorus was determined in the form of phosphomolybdate by a spectrophotometric method. Reliability of the procedure was checked by analysis of the certified reference materials tea (NCS DC 73351) and cabbage (IAEA-359). The analytical data indicated a good level of quality of honeys, especially with regard to the concentration of toxic trace elements, such as Cd and Pb. Results were submitted to multivariate analysis, including such techniques as factor and cluster analyses in order to evaluate the existence of data patterns and the possibility of classification of honeys from different botanical origins according to their mineral content. The nine metals determined were considered as chemical descriptors of each sample. There was a significant influence of the botanical and geographical provenance as well as technological processing on the elemental composition of honeys.

Mercury in different feather types from Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo L.) inhabiting the Vistula Lagoon ecosystem in Poland

Total mercury levels in different feather types (down, contour, tail and flight) in Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo L.) were determined using CV-AAS. Feathers from Great Cormorants inhabiting the Vistula Lagoon ecosystem have an average Hg level of 7.14 ± 3.99 (μg/g w.w.). Age-dependent concentrations of Hg were statistically significant (ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.0001). There were also significant differences in Hg levels in different parts of feathers from adults and immature birds (ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis, p < 0.0001). Cormorant chick feathers appear to be a potential biomonitor of Hg pollution in the Vistula Lagoon ecosystem, but this subject requires further research.

Characterization of Rapana thomasiana as an indicator of environmental quality of the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria

The aim of this investigation was to determine the contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), minerals, trace elements and bioactivity in the gastropod Rapana thomasiana, which can be used as an environmental bioindicator organism. The chemical differences between Rapana thomasiana from polluted (RapaPol) and non-polluted (RapaNPol) sites of the Black Sea coast in Bulgarian were investigated. Chromatography and high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS) were used for evaluation of PAHs, PCBs, minerals and trace elements. Methanol extracts from RapaPol and RapaNPol (to a lesser degree) contained relatively high amounts of free phenolics (2.50 +/- 0.3 and 1.57 +/- 0.18 mg GAE/g DW, respectively) and exhibited the following respective levels of antioxidant activities determined by two radical-scavenging assays (microMTE/g DW): 1.8 +/- 0.2 and 0.98 +/- 0.08 by 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method (DPPH); 1.74 +/- 0.17 and 1.04 +/- 0.12 by cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC). The total amounts of elements, PAHs and PCBs were higher in RapaPol than in RapaNPol. The obtained indices of Rapana thomasiana can serve as a bioindicator of the environmental ecological quality.

[Evaluation of selected cereal products as a source of thiamine and niacin in diet]

BACKGROUND

The priority of the modern diet should be as follows, low processed cereal products that contain high level fiber and vitamins B as well as the products that have low glycemic index. The best source of thiamine and niacin are grain food products which regulate body energy balance, nervous system, circulation as well as fulfill the role as cofactors of enzymes in the human body.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine and evaluate the concentration of thiamine and niacin in selected cereal products.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Eleven kinds of pasta and rice were used in this studies. Thiamine and niacin were determined in the free form. During the analytical process the acid hydrolysis and enzymatic technique were used. The HPLC method with ultraviolet for determination of thiamine and niacin were applied. The content of thiamine was determined by the length of the 254 nm and niacin 258 nm waves in various cereal products.

RESULTS

The obtained results shown that the best source of thiamine and niacin was wild rice (0.59 +/- 0.02 mg and 6.13 +/- 0.06 mg respectively) while the lowest content of analyzed vitamins was in the examined vitamin-enriched pasta bits (0.06 +/- 0.01 mg and 0.42 +/- 0.02 mg).

CONCLUSIONS

The analyzed cereal products were characterized by a variable content of tested vitamins. The most significant amount of vitamins B is higher in the examined rice than pasta. It was shown that the richest source of thiamine and niacin was the wild rice.

Biomagnification of mercury in trophic relation of Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and fish in the Vistula Lagoon, Poland

Total mercury (Hg) concentrations were determined by CV-AAS in selected tissues (liver, kidney, and muscle) of the Great Cormorant and some fish species (herring, ruffe, European smelt, tench, roach, Crucian carp, and Prussian carp) from the Vistula Lagoon ecosystem (Poland). Significant correlations between Hg concentrations in the kidneys and muscle of cormorants (U test, p<0.05) were found; levels of the metal were highest in the birds' liver and kidneys. Total Hg concentrations in the fish decreased in the following order: roach > Prussian carp > Crucian carp > tench > European smelt > ruffe > herring. The biomagnification factor of Hg for the cormorant relative to the fish decreased in the following sequence: herring > ruffe > European smelt > tench > Crucian carp > roach = Prussian carp. It was significantly greater than unity, especially for the cormorant-herring trophic relationship. This implies that Hg is biomagnified in the cormorant in relation to its prey.

[Nutritional status and physical activity among citizens of Pomorze]

Physical activity constitute a key factor of healthy lifestyle. Physical activity decreases the risk of many chronic diseases--notably obesity, diabetes, coronary heart disease and cancer. It is recommended to be physically active at least 90 min (3 days per 30 min) of vigorous activity or 150 min (5 days per 30 min) of moderate activity per week. The aim of the study was evaluation of physical activity level and indication of physical activity influence on BMI value. The obtained results indicate that 36.5% (40.4% of female "F" and 28% of male "M") did not perform any physical activity by way of sport. Moreover 36.5% (36.8% F and 32% M) performed sport activities 1-2 times per week and the average time of single activity of 73.9% (77.2% F and 64.0% M) was at least 30 min. It was also revealed that young citizens of Pomorze with correct BMI values were twice more active than young citizens of Pomorze with decreased or increased BMI values.

[Pasta quality in view of its elemental composition]

Concentrations of iron, zinc, copper and manganese were determined in 13 different kinds of pasta available in sale. The concentrations of chemical elements were analysed, after wet mineralization, by flame atomic absorption spectrometry - AAS with deuterium background correction. Reliability of the procedure was checked by analysis of certified reference materials. The average concentrations (mg/100 g) of minerals in pasta were as follows: 16.3 for calcium; 159 for potassium; 1.93 for iron and 1.35 for zinc. These measurements allowed to estimate the realisation of the recommended daily intake of bioelements with the analysed products for an adult person. The highest percentage of realisation was estimated for wholewheat pasta. Statistical analysis has shown a strong influence of the flour type (wholemeal, semolina, wheat) used in pasta production on elements concentrations.

Evaluation for magnesium and vitamin B6 supplementation among Polish elite athletes

Contemporary sport requires a lot of effort from sportsmen, frequently exceeding their maximum physical and mental efficiency. Athletes often report poor dietary habits and reach for magnesium and vitamin B supplements to avoid dietary deficiencies. The aim of this study was to determine magnesium and vitamin B6 content in daily food rations of Polish athletes and to verify the justification of diet supplementation. Magnesium and vitamin B6 concentrations were determined in 62 collected and 12 reconstructed daily food rations of elite Polish runners. Flame atomic absorption spectrometry and HPLC methods were used for quantification of magnesium and vitamin B6, respectively. The analyzed female diets provided daily 256 +/- 111 mg of magnesium and 2.04 +/- 0.63 mg of vitamin B6 whereas male diets provided 284 +/- 58 mg of magnesium and 2.12 +/- 0.68 mg of vitamin B6. Computer analysis calculated 159-181% higher content o magnesium and vitamin B6 comparing to determined laboratory values. The results of this study indicate that in the analyzed daily food rations of athletes low magnesium intake was observed, thus diet supplementation with this mineral may be justified. Daily food rations fulfilled RDA for vitamin B6, thus supplementation with this vitamin was not justified.

Age, sex and spatial dependent variations in heavy metals levels in the Glaucous Gulls (Larus hyperboreus) from the Bjørnøya and Jan Mayen, Arctic

Heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) concentrations were determined in different tissues (muscle, kidney, liver, brain, gonads, heart and feathers) of Glaucous Gulls (Larus hyperboreus) from Bjørnøya and Jan Mayen. The age and spatial dependent variations in heavy metals were quantified and interpreted in view of the three chemometric techniques, i.e. non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test, redundancy gradient analysis and detrended correspondence analysis. The Glaucous Gulls from Bjørnøya contained significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of Cd, Cu and Zn than those inhabited Jan Mayen. Adult birds were characterized by greater (p < 0.01) concentration of muscle, hepatic and renal heavy metals in comparison to chicks. Insignificantly higher slope constant Zn/Cd for the liver than for the kidney may reflect insignificant Cd exposure. Estimate of transfer factor (TF) allows us to assess variations in heavy metal concentrations during the individual development of Glaucous Gulls. It may be stated that there is a distinct increase of bioaccumulation of all the studied metals during subsequent stages of the bird life.

Determination of PAHs, PCBs, minerals, trace elements, and fatty acids in Rapana thomasiana as an indication of pollution

The aim of this investigation was to introduce several analytical methods for determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), minerals, trace elements, and fatty acids in Rapana thomasiana as a marine pollution indicator organism. The chemical differences of the gastropod Ra. thomasiana from polluted and nonpolluted sites of the Black Sea on the Bulgarian coast were investigated. Chromatography and high-resolution inductively coupled plasma/MS analyses were used for evaluation of PAHs, PCBs, fatty acids, minerals, and trace elements. These methods can be applied to other marine products.

Bioaccumulation of mercury in the pelagic food chain of the Lake Baikal

Mercury (Hg) concentrations were analyzed in the livers of Baikal seals and in plankton, zoobenthos and fish which constitute food items for the seals. Concentrations of Hg in the liver of Baikal seals were up to two orders of magnitude lower than those in seals inhabiting other lakes. The low levels of Hg are due to the low levels of the Hg in the fish from the family Comephoride, which reflect the very low concentrations of Hg in Baikal water. The development stage (pups and adults) and the sex of the seals have significant influence on their hepatic Hg concentrations. The differences between Hg accumulation in adult males, adult females and pups could be attributed to the reproductive cycle of the Baikal seals. In spite of low concentrations, Hg is characterized by high values of the concentration factor (CF) for the livers of for Baikal seals. Biomagnification factors (BMFs) suggest biomagnifications of Hg in the fish-seal trophic link.

Heavy metals in Macoma balthica and extractable metals in sediments from the southern Baltic Sea

Concentrations of Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, Co and Cd in soft tissues of Macoma balthica and their extractable forms in the adjacent sediments from 15 sampling sites in the southern Baltic Sea were determined by AAS. The samples were collected during cruises of M/S Hestia and R/V Baltica in July-August 2006. In order to estimate the degree of element bioaccumulation in the molluscs with respect to their extractable forms of the associated sediments, the bioaccumulation factor (BF) was calculated. ANOVA clearly indicates spatial differences between the concentrations of the metals, and factor analysis (FA) confirms that spatial variations exist between the concentrations of metals in M. balthica and their extractable forms in the adjacent sediments from the Gulf of Gdańsk and open Baltic waters. This differentiation can be explained by differences in environmental parameters between these two areas. M. balthica may be useful as a biomonitor of heavy-metal bioavailability and contamination in the Baltic Sea.

Distribution and relationships of trace metals in the isopod Saduria entomon and adjacent bottom sediments in the southern Baltic

The concentrations of Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Mn and Zn in Saduria entomon and adjacent bottom sediments from the southern Baltic were determined by FAAS. In order to estimate the strength of correlations between accumulated elements in these crustaceans and surficial sediment, bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were calculated. The results of factor analysis (FA) and the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA) clearly indicate geographical differences between the concentrations of these elements. Cd, Co, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn levels were higher in S. entomon from the Gulf of Gdańsk, whereas Cr and Mn levels were higher in the crustaceans inhabiting open Baltic waters. The concentrations of Ag and Cu were comparable in both regions. There was a tendency for metal concentrations to distinguish organisms inhabiting the muddy bottom from those living in sandy sediments. The granulometric composition of the sediment appears to influence trace metal bioavailability. The results show that S. entomon could be a valuable sentinel organism for biomonitoring heavy metal contamination in the southern Baltic.

Application of the high-performance liquid chromatography method with coulometric detection for determination of vitamin B(6) in human plasma and serum

A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method (HPLC) with coulometric electrochemical detection has been developed and validated for the simultaneous analysis of pyridoxamine-5'-phosphate (PMP), pyridoxamine (PM), pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP), pyridoxal (PL), pyridoxine (PN) and 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA) in human plasma and serum. The isocratic separation was achieved on C(18) column (250mmx4.6mm, I.D., 5microm) with a mobile phase consisted of 35mM sodium phosphate containing 2.5mM heptanesulfonic acid, adjusted to pH 3.2 with 85% orthophosphoric acid and 12% methanol (v/v). Within-run and between-run precisions expressed by the relative standard deviations were less than 2.7% and 7.7% for all the analysed vitamins and 4-PA, respectively. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were: 0.8 and 2.6nM, 1.1 and 3.8nM, 1.5 and 4.5nM, 1.3 and 4.2nM, 1.1 and 3.7nM, 2.1 and 6.3nM for PMP, PM, PLP, PL, PN and 4-PA, respectively. The recoveries ranged from 90.4% to 98.4%. Stability of vitamins was checked under a variety of storage conditions. The developed application demonstrated acceptable sensitivity, precision, accuracy, stability, and linearity over the physiological concentration range. The major advantage of the proposed method is its great simplicity.

[Assessment of energy intake in HIV--positive adults]

The purpose of this study was to determine energy intake in HIV-positive adults. In the study participated 150 adults. Energy intake and percentage of energy from protein, carbohydrate and fat were measured using 24-hour dietary recalls and computer program Wikt 1.3. The results of the study showed that energy intakes were below the dietary reference values for HIV-positive. Moreover the analyzed diets contained too small protein and carbohydrate contents but too high level of fat. Despite of this fact, the majority of respondents had correct BMI value.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for the Determination of Folic Acid in Fortified Food Products

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, coupled with coulometric electrochemical detection, was successfully applied for the quantification of added folic acid (FA) in fortified fruit juices and cereal products. The method allowed good separation of the 5-HCO-H(4) folate and folic acid in cereal samples. The retention times of vitamins were repeatedly determined by isocratic elution using 40 mM sodium phosphate dibasic, heptahydrate buffer, and 8% acetonitrile (v/v) (0.9 mL/min, pH 5.5) as mobile phase with the Supelco LC 18 column 5 mum (25 cm x 4.6 mm). Folate concentrations were measured using a trienzyme (hog kidney folate conjugase, alpha-amylase, and protease) folate extraction method.

[Nutritional habits and diet supplementation of Polish middle and long distance representative runners (years 2004-2005)]

Nutrition is essential element of sport training. Owing to providing to diet optimal amount of nutritive components sportsmen can realize adequate training process. Athletes often use supplements believing that they can help them to achieve sport success. The nutrition way of Polish athletes seems to be inappropriate. Diet contained too much fat and delivered too less nutritive constituents to cover daily dietary intake. Analysis also demonstrated differences between estimated and determined content of nutritive constituents in the food studied.

[Butterfish as a source of niacin]

The present study provides information about the concentrations of niacin in butterfish products. The concentrations of vitamin were determined by microbiological analytical methods. The results demonstrate that the analyzed fish were a good source ofniacin. Butterfish can provide the human organism with contents of niacin corresponding to 27 - 43% for female and 25 - 39% for male of RDA.

[Estimation of selected bioelements content in vegetables]

Concentrations of Ca, P, Fe, Zn and Cu were determined in 30 different kinds of fresh vegetables available in sale. The contents of chemical elements (except phosphorus) were analysed, after dry mineralization, by flame atomic absorption spectrometry--AAS with deuterium background correction. The phosphorus was determined in the form of phosphormolybdate blue by spectrophotometric method. Reliability of the procedure was checked by the analysis of certified reference materials. The average contents (mg/100 g) of minerals in vegetables were as follows: 2.57 - 165 for Ca; 22.1 - 95.4 for P; 0.07 - 0.82 for Zn; 0.01 - 0.16 for Cu and 0.27 - 3.31 for Fe. These measurements allowed to estimate the realisation of the recommended daily intake of bioelements with the analysed vegetables for an adult person.

Comparison of green algae Cladophora sp. and Enteromorpha sp. as potential biomonitors of chemical elements in the southern Baltic

The contents of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Mn, K, Na, Ca and Mg were determined in the green algae Cladophora sp. from coastal and lagoonal waters of the southern Baltic. Factor analysis demonstrated spatial differences between concentration of chemical elements. The algae from the southern Baltic contained more Na and K while the anthropogenic impact of Cu, Pb and Zn was observed in the case of Cladophora sp. and Enteromorpha sp. from the Gulf of Gdansk at the vicinity of Gdynia. This area is exposed to emission of heavy metals from municipal and industrial sources with the main contribution of shipbuilding industry and seaport. The statistical evaluation of data has demonstrated that there exists a correlation between concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn in both green algae collected at the same time and sampling sites of the Gulf of Gdansk. Our results show that in the case of absence of one species in the investigated area it is still possible to continue successfully the biomonitoring studies with its replacing by second one, i.e. Cladophora sp. by Enteromorpha sp. and vice versa; in consequence reliable results may be obtained.

Differentiation of market coffee and its infusions in view of their mineral composition

The concentrations of 14 elements (Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, Co, Mn, Fe, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb) were determined in market coffee samples after dry mineralisation of both dry samples and infusions evaporated to dryness. The total metal contents were analysed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS) using deuterium-background correction. Phosphorus was determined in the form of phosphomolybdate by spectrophotometric method. Reliability of the procedure was checked by the analysis of the certified reference materials Tea (NCS DC 73351), Cabbage (IAEA-359) and Spinach leaves (NIST-1570). It was concluded, based on RDA calculated for essential metals, that coffee infusions are not an important source of bioelements in human diet. In the case of toxic elements Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) was estimated and there is no health hazard associated with exposure to Cd and Pb via coffee consumption. Significant correlation coefficients (p<0.001, p<0.01 and p<0.05) were found between concentrations of some metals in coffee. Factor analysis and canonical analysis were applied to the data processing in order to characterise the market coffee samples. The 12 metals determined were considered as chemical descriptors of each sample. Based on the mineral composition, it was possible to differentiate chemometrically particular types of coffee distinguishing arabica from robusta, ground from instant coffee, and their infusions.

[Investigation of the contents of essential elements in nuts, almonds and dry fruits]

Concentrations of Ca, P, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn were determined in nuts, almonds as well as in dry fruits available on Polish market. The contents of minerals in 100 g of nuts were as follows: 55.8-261 mg Ca; 294-724 mg P; 1.11-3.06 mg Fe; 2.05-4.98 mg Zn; 0.5-1.38 mg Cu and 0.93-5.75 mg Mn. Among the analysed dry fruits, the greatest concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, zinc and cooper were recorded for figs, while apricots contained the highest levels of iron and manganese. Based on the data obtained it was possible to estimate the realization of the recommended daily intake of essential elements with the 100 g portion of analysed products for an adult person.

Distribution and relationships between selected chemical elements in green alga Enteromorpha sp. from the southern Baltic

The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Mn) and macroelements (K, Na, Ca and Mg) were determined in green alga Enteromorpha sp. from the coastal zone of the southern Baltic including Gulf of Gdańsk and Vistula Lagoon in 2000-2003. In order to estimate the degree of accumulation of each element by the green alga, concentration and discrimination factors (CFs) with respect to seawater were calculated. The results of factor analysis (FA) and ANOVA clearly indicate geographical differences between concentrations of chemical elements. Enteromorpha sp. from Vistula Lagoon and the southern Baltic exhibited higher levels of Mn and Ni, and Na and K, respectively. Anthropogenic impact of Cu, Pb and Zn, possibly originated from municipal sewage, was identified in alga samples collected in the Gulf of Gdańsk, especially in the vicinity of Gdynia. From comparison our data with those published earlier results that Pb content in Enteromorpha sp. from the Gulf of Gdańsk decreased within 1978-2003 reflecting reducing use of leaded petrol in Baltic countries in this period. The alga Enteromorpha sp. can be used for biomonitoring surveys of metal contaminants in coastal areas of the Baltic Sea.

Interspecific distribution and co-associations of chemical elements in the liver tissue of marine mammals from the Polish Economical Exclusive Zone, Baltic Sea

Concentrations of Al, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Si, Sr, Tl, V, Zn, Ca, K, Mg, Na and P in the livers of marine mammals obtained from by-catches or stranded on beaches on the Polish Baltic coast were determined by ICP-MS or ICP-AES and CV AAS. Interspecific diversity with respect to the contents of these elements was found in cetaceans and pinnipeds. The diverse Cd contents in the livers of these mammals can be attributed to the variable concentrations of this element in their food. Mercury was correlated with age and can reach high concentration associated with higher level of Se in older specimens. No significant relationships were found between concentration of the chemical elements studied and nutritional status/condition of the Baltic harbour porpoises as well as between their concentration in specimens from the Gulf of Gdańsk and open Baltic. It seems that the nutritional and health status of the specimens studied is generally enough good since the specimens studied were not stranded on beach because of starvation but almost incidentally caught in salmon gill nets. Strong correlations were found between the macroelements analysed, i.e. for the Ba-Ca-Sr, Ca-K, Ca-Mg, Mg-P, Zn-Mg and Zn-P assemblies. Significantly higher content of Al was found in males of harbour porpoises.

Essential and toxic elements in seafood available in poland from different geographical regions

The concentrations of 15 elements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Co, Ni, Cr, Se, Cd, Pb, Hg, Ca, Na, K, and Mg) were determined in the edible parts of shellfish on sale in the local market in Gdańsk. The samples consisted of three groups--crustaceans, molluscs, and surimi--that are processed to different degrees. For the purposes of this analysis, they were dried, homogenized, and digested in an automatic microwave system. The samples were analyzed quantitatively for Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, Mg, Na, K, and Ca (F-AAS), Cd and Pb (GF-AAS), Se (HG-AAS), and Hg (CV-AAS). The elemental levels detected in shellfish were compared to those in cod, herring, pork, beef, chicken, and eggs. The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of essential elements and the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) of toxic elements were estimated. With factor analysis of the data, taxonomically different groups of raw and processed shellfish could be distinguished.