Climate warming and aridification impact tree species across their distribution ranges, but long-term assessments of these influences at the species’ range edges are scarce. The growth of rare species abundant in mesic environments such as the English yew (Taxus baccata) could be enhanced by climate warming near the poleward limit of the species range, whereas aridification pressure could be more important near the equatorward distribution limit. We tested these hypotheses by quantifying the responses of yew radial growth to climate indices (NAO, North Atlantic Oscillation) and variables (temperature, precipitation) near the northern (Poland) and southern (Spain) range limits. Tree-ring networks were built in each country encompassing a total of 68 sites and 1191 trees. In the northern edge, yew growth was limited by low temperatures from late winter to spring, driven by the NAO variability. In the southern edge, yew growth was constrained by low spring-summer precipitation and drought, and responses to climate were heterogeneous due to more variable regional climatic conditions. In the north, climate variables enhancing growth showed a positive trend, indicating an improvement of growing conditions as climate keeps warming. In contrast, in the south, most climate variables constraining growth did not display temporal trends. In northern Europe, our results suggest a potential improvement of yew growth and productivity in response to warmer conditions. In the southern edge, cool-wet refuges would play an important role by mitigating aridification and drought stress.

The European yew (Taxus baccata L.) is a long-lived conifer of ecological, cultural, and historical importance across Eurasia. Despite its remarkable resilience, wide distribution, and symbolic importance, the species has experienced a long-term decline due to a complex interplay of climatic fluctuations, megafaunal extinctions, human exploitation, and insufficient regeneration. Recent studies in palaeoecology, archaeology, dendroecology, and conservation have revealed a species with greater ecological plasticity and a broader historical distribution than previously assumed. However, many fundamental questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding its biogeographical history, population dynamics, recruitment processes, and the drivers of its decline.This review stems from prior investigations of yew in the French Pyrenees and, more broadly, across Europe. These efforts led to a transdisciplinary seminar and opened a collaboration uniting >30 researchers across Eurasia. By synthesizing a wide array of data and perspectives, the article highlights key knowledge gaps and outlines emerging research priorities. These are organized thematically—past, present, and future—and include 25 questions on the species' ecological niche, life-history strategies, human interactions, genetic resilience, and conservation under global change. The article advocates for a shift towards integrative and long-term conservation strategies that embrace the historical legacies of yew populations, the general ecology of the species along with local ecological context dependence, and the urgency of future threats. By identifying pressing research needs, this review seeks to lay the foundation for new collaborative initiatives and to support evidence-based conservation of this emblematic yet understudied species.

A dendrochronological study was conducted on a submontane raised bog, Bór na Czerwonem, in the Orava–Nowy Targ Basin in Southern Poland. In the past, the bog was drained to enable peat extraction. In recent years, a number of measures considered as active protection were undertaken, including the construction of ridges and locks, filling of the drainage trenches, and clearance of most of the tree stand on the bog dome. Pinus sylvestris, P. × rhaetica, and P. mugo were the focuses of the study, which aimed to determine the age of the genus stand and its age structure and to identify the factors influencing tree ring width. The age of the trees indicates a post-war succession induced by large-scale drainage in 1942, although single trees were present on the bog dome as early as the late 19th century, and probably earlier. High values of pith eccentricity at ground level testify to substratum instability and the impact of strong winds on tree ring formation. The growth–climate relationships change with the progressive climate change: the significance of insolation increases, while the significance of the absolute air temperature decreases. The thermal and pluvial conditions of the summer in the previous growth season, however, make the strongest impact on the tree ring width in the following growth season. The health of the trees left growing on the bog, due to the constantly rising water level, will likely deteriorate, and a decreasing number of seedlings will be observed. A full assessment of the conducted restoration efforts, however, will be possible after years of monitoring of the bog environment.

The ongoing climatic changes are causing the extinction of numerous species or their withdrawal from previously occupied areas. The environmental and economic significance of introduced species may increase. The aim of the present study was to examine the rate of growth of coniferous species growing in northwestern Poland and to analyze the tree ring width–climate relationships. Six tree species were selected for this study. Two of these species have natural occurrences in Poland: Pinus sylvestris and Larix decidua. The remaining four species were introduced from North America: Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Thuja plicata, Pseudotsuga menziesii, and Pinus strobus. Samples were collected from 131 trees using a Pressler borer at 1.3 m above ground. Tree ring widths were measured down to 0.01 mm. Climatic data were retrieved from a weather station located 23 km from the study plot. The average tree ring width reaches the lowest value for the P. sylvestris chronology (1.62 mm/year) and for P. strobus (1.69 mm/year), and the highest value is reached for T. plicata (2.80 mm/year) and P. menziesii (2.56 mm/year). The analysis of weather conditions in the designated pointer years and the response function analysis indicate that winter and early spring air temperature is the factor responsible for the formation of wide tree rings in the following species studied: P. sylvestris, C. lawsoniana, P. menziesii, and T. plicata. For L. decidua and P. strobus, the climate–growth relationships are different: weather conditions in the previous growth year are important, and it is the weather in the late spring and summer months. Two of the investigated introduced species (T. plicata and P. menziesii) are characterized by very good acclimatization and are best adapted to the new habitat during the current climate changes. These tree species can constitute a basis for replacing native species, which, due to increasingly severe droughts and higher temperatures, are doing less and less well in their current habitats. Foresters wanting to conduct sustainable forest management will look for replacement species that are well adapted to new habitat conditions in order to maintain the continuity of forest cover.

During an interdisciplinary study of the mire “Pod Małym Śnieżnikiem”, a very old specimen of the Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) was encountered. The aim of the present work was to perform a detailed examination of this tree, to compare it to other spruce trees on the mire, and to provide support for establishing protection for this tree stand. Tree-ring cores were sampled at 1.3 m above ground using Pressler borer, in two field campaigns: in June and July 2023, the latter campaign aiming to find the oldest trees. A total of 46 trees were sampled, yielding 84 measuring radii. Tree ring widths were measured down to 0.01 mm under a stereomicroscope. The oldest sampled tree yielded a total of 370 tree rings in the two radii, representing the period 1653–2022. The average tree ring width for TM15 equals 0.33 mm/year, and shows low values (on average 0.19 mm/year) for the period 1742–1943, i.e., during the Little Ice Age cooling. TM15 does not stand out from other trees from the population with respect to height or trunk diameter. A comparison of the age of this tree to the oldest spruce trees in Poland indicates that it is one of the longest living specimens of this species. Considering the natural character of the stand, the remaining flora and the peat-forming processes taking place within the mire “Pod Małym Śnieżnikiem”, we argue that the mire should become protected by the law as soon as possible in order to preserve this valuable high-mountain habitat.

The quantity and distribution of summer rainfall in Poland is one of the main elements of weather and makes a strong impact on the economy, mostly agriculture, stockbreeding, and forestry and the associated industries. Droughts or heavy rains, occurring increasingly more frequently in summer, are a threat for human activity. This study presents a nearly 500-year-long reconstruction of precipitation in the June–July period for northwestern Poland based on an analysis of tree-ring widths in the native oak species (Quercus spp.) from 24 study plots located in Western Pomerania. Due to the frequent droughts occurring in the last four decades, and due to strong air pollution in the 1960s–1990s, we chose the period 1901–1941 as the calibration period. The performed reconstruction is characterized by a high annual variability in precipitation sums for June and July of the year of the tree-ring formation from 1565 to 2020, with an average rainfall sum for this period equal to 131.7 mm (standard deviation: 28.4 mm). Periods with rainfall shortages in summer occurred in the following years: 1579–1596, 1629–1637, 1650–1655, 1669–1672, 1703–1706, 1739–1748, 1757–1760, 1765–1768, 1808–1811, 1838–1841, 1856–1859, 1958–1961, 1965–1968, 1981–1983, and 2002–2006. Periods with higher than average rainfall in June and July occurred in the following years: 1573–1578, 1605–1609, 1613–1617, 1638–1642, 1694–1698, 1776–1780, 1791–1794, 1828–1831, 1852–1855, 1863–1866, 1877–1879, and 1944–1946. Our reconstruction was verified based on the historical records, available from the XVI century onward. Not all the reconstructed summer precipitation values, however, were confirmed by historical records. Notably, however, the historical data are often incomplete and imprecise. Further, the tree-ring width in the oak depends not only on the precipitation in June and July but also, e.g., on the pluvial conditions late in the previous growth season.

During an interdisciplinary study of the mire “Torfowisko pod Małym Śnieżnikiem”, a very old specimen of the Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) was encountered. The aim of the present work was to perform a detailed examination of this tree, to compare it to other spruce trees on the mire, and to provide support for establishing protection for this tree stand. Tree ring cores were sampled at 1.3 m above ground using a Pressler borer, in two field campaigns: June and July 2023, the latter campaign aiming to find the oldest trees. A total of 46 trees were sampled, yielding 84 measured radii. Tree ring widths were measured down to 0.01 mm under a stereomicroscope. The oldest sampled tree yielded a total of 370 tree rings in the two radii, representing the period 1653–2022. The average tree ring width for this oldest tree equals 0.33 mm/year, and shows low values (on average 0.19 mm/year) for the period 1742–1943, i.e., during the Little Ice Age cooling. Changes in the tree ring width coincide with periods of cooling and warming in the nearby Tatra Mountains. The oldest tree does not stand out from other trees from the population with respect to height or trunk diameter. A comparison of the age of this tree to the oldest spruce trees in Poland indicates that it is one of the longest living specimens of this species. Considering the natural character of the stand, the remaining flora, and the peat-forming processes taking place within the mire “Pod Małym Śnieżnikiem”, we argue that the mire should become protected by the law as soon as possible in order to preserve this valuable high mountain habitat.

Fifteen years after a murder and an act of cannibalism, the police in Szczecin have conducted an investigation, in which neither the time of the murder, nor the victim identity were known, no body was found, and the defendants have not confessed. Due to the circumstantial nature of the investigation and the trial, a number of analyses were performed, and expert opinions were requested as part of the inquiry. A dendrochronological study of a birch tree growing on the shore of Lake Żabie was one of the analyses lending credibility to the testimony of one of the defendants and pointing to the murder site. The aim of this study was to determine the age and size of the birch tree in the 1998–2002 period, and to determine whether the tree was a distinctive feature of the landscape through the period in question. Field work was performed in April 2019, under the supervision of the police. The birch tree was measured and samples collected using a Pressler borer. The measurements and observations revealed that the birch tree, due to its size, and the absence of other trees of this species in this segment of the lake shore, may have been a characteristic landscape element in the late 1990s and early 2000s. According to the police officer and the prosecutor in charge of the case, the results of the dendrological analysis have lent a strong credibility to the testimony of one of the defendants and other findings of the investigation.

Although the hawthorn is not a forest-forming species, and it has no high economic significance, it is a very valuable component of forests, mid-field woodlots or roadside avenues. The literature, however, lacks information on the growth rate, growth phases, or growth–climate–habitat relationship for trees of this genus. This work aimed to establish the rate of growth of Craraegus monogyna and C. xmedia Bechst growing in various parts of Poland, in various habitats; analyze the growth–climate relationship; and distinguish dendrochronological regions for these species. Samples were taken using a Pressler borer from nine populations growing in different parts of Poland, from a total of 192 trees (359 samples). The tree-ring width was measured down to 0.01 mm. The average tree-ring width in the studied hawthorn populations ranged from 1.42 to 3.25 mm/year. Using well-established cross-dating methods, nine local chronologies were compiled with tree ages between 45 and 72 years. Dendroclimatic analyses (pointer year analysis, correlation and response function analysis) were performed for a 33-year period from 1988 to 2020, for which all local chronologies displayed EPS > 0.85. The tree-ring width in the hawthorn populations depended mostly on temperature and rainfall through the May–August period. High rainfall and the lack of heat waves through these months cause an increase in cambial activity and the formation of wide tree rings. Conversely, rainfall shortages through this period, in conjunction with high air temperatures, caused growth depressions. Cluster analysis enabled the identification of two dendrochronological regions among the hawthorn in Poland: a western and eastern region, and a single site (CI), whose separation was most likely caused by contrasting habitat and genetic conditions. The obtained results highlight the need for further study of these species in Poland and other countries.

This study concerns dendrochronology and dendroclimatology of yew growing in Poland. The yew (Taxus baccata L.), a long-lived, slow-growing tree, is regarded as a species threatened with extinction. The eastern boundary of its range transects Poland. The analyses were performed on 34 yew populations which are protected as parts of nature reserves, as nature monuments, or which are planned to be protected. Samples were collected using Pressler borer from a total of 774 trees yielding 1307 profiles. Classical dating techniques (including crossdating method) were subsequently used to reconstruct 34 local chronologies. Average tree-ring width was 0.84 mm and ranged from 0.27 to 1.47 mm. For most stands, the age of the yew trees is overestimated. The studied populations most frequently are 100-200 years old, and the oldest yew trees in Poland are growing in the KS population (age estimated at 500-600 years). Average tree-ring width was found to be strongly dependent on the chronology length/tree age. The 674 pointer years calculated for the local chronologies served as a basis for determining pointer years for the entire study area. Negative years include: 1862, 1865, 1917, 1927, 1940, 1947, 1956, 1963, 1969, 1976, 1979, 1993, 1996, and 2003. Positive years are: 1884, 1914, 1916, 1965, 1977, 1988, 1997, and 2007. Analysis of weather conditions in those years demonstrated a strong relationship between treering width and air temperature in winter, pre-spring, and early spring. Higher-than-average temperatures during those seasons correlate positively with yew tree-ring width. Response function analysis performed for local and regional chronologies point to a dominant role of air temperature in December of the year preceding growth and in January, February, and March of the current year (linear relationships). June precipitation is an additional factor affecting tree-ring width in some areas of northern and northwestern Poland: the higher the precipitation, the wider the tree-rings. The results obtained, particularly those concerning growth-climate relationships and dendroclimatic regionalisation, can be used in the on-going programme of yew restitution in Poland.

As the outcome of COVID-19 is associated with oxidative stress, it is highly probable that polymorphisms of genes related to oxidative stress were associated with susceptibility and severity of COVID-19. The aim of the study was to assess the association of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) gene polymorphisms with COVID-19 severity in previously vaccinated and unvaccinated Polish patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. A total of 92 not vaccinated and 84 vaccinated patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 were included. The WHO COVID-19 Clinical Progression Scale was used to assess COVID-19 severity. GSTs genetic polymorphisms were assessed by appropriate PCR methods. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed, including logistic regression analysis. GSTP1 Ile/Val genotype was found to be associated with a higher risk of developing a severe form of the disease in the population of vaccinated patients with COVID-19 (OR: 2.75; p = 0.0398). No significant association was observed for any of the assessed GST genotypes with COVID-19 disease severity in unvaccinated patients with COVID-19. In this group of patients, BMI > 25 and serum glucose level > 99 mg% statistically significantly increased the odds towards more severe COVID-19. Our results may contribute to further understanding of risk factors of severe COVID-19 and selecting patients in need of strategies focusing on oxidative stress.

Although the horse chestnut is not a native element of the Polish dendroflora, it is frequently planted in cities (parks, avenues, yards), and forms many road-side avenues outside of cities. At present, most horse chestnut trees display the effects of infection by the horse chestnut leaf miner (HCLM) or by the fungus Guignardia aesculi. The present study is based on a group of horse chestnut trees forming an avenue in NW Poland, in the vicinity of Krzymow. The avenue was planted in the 2nd decade of the 20th century. The trees forming the avenue are growing in a mid- -field habitat (FIELD) and in a forest habitat (FOREST), which enables a comparison among trees growing in these habitats. Dendrometric analyses were performed on 100 trees, and den- drochronological analyses were performed for 32 trees, with equal number of trees sampled in each habitat. The FIELD chronology spans 103 years (1916-2018), the FOREST chronology spans 101 years (1918-2018). Our study aimed to compare the height and crown diameter of the horse chestnut trees growing in a forest and in a mid-field habitat, to examine the rate of radial growth, and to compare the growth-climate relationships in trees from each habitat. The horse chestnut trees growing in the forest habitat are higher than those from the mid-field habitat. The crown diameter is comparable in both habitats, and the breast-height diameter (1.3 m above ground, DBH) is higher in the trees growing in the mid-field habitat. The horse chestnut trees from the mid-field habitat are healthier, their leaves are infected to a lesser extent and fall off later. Also their annual increments are wider. Also the minimum, mean and maximum tree-ring widths, and the cumulative radial growth are higher for the mid-field habitat. We also found differences in the growth-climate relationships established for each site, especially for the year preceding growth (the analyzes were performed for temperature (T) over the period 1948-2018, for precip- itation (P) over the period 1951-2018 and for sunshine duration (SD) over the period 1965-2018). For the trees growing in the mid-field habitat, air temperature and sunshine duration for July and August of the previous year are highly significant (negative correlation). Precipitation (posi- tive correlation) and sunshine duration (negative correlation) in September of the year preceding growth are significant for the forest trees. These differences may result from the disparate features of the studied habitats, and the contrasting intensity of tree infestation by HCLM and by the fungus G. aesculi.

This study focuses on analyzing the growth rate and growth–climate relationship in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing on coastal dunes of different ages on the Southern Baltic coast. Podzols have developed on these dunes. Depending on dune age, however, podzols are characterized by a different degree of development and richness, which represents the main factor differentiating the studied habitats: the oldest brown dunes (BD), younger yellow dunes (YD), and the youngest white dunes (WD). Samples were taken from 68 trees using Pressler borers. Using classic cross-dating methods, local chronologies were compiled that served as the basis for further analyses. Basic analyses of soil properties were also performed. Trees growing on brown dunes display the widest tree-rings and the highest rate of cumulative radial growth. Both rates are the lowest for trees growing on white dunes (WD). The dominant meteorological factor shaping tree-ring widths is late winter/early spring air temperature (February/March). However, in poorer habitats with inferior soil air–water conditions, rainfall sums and rainfall distribution through the year become progressively more significant factors. On white dunes (WD), the strongest growth–climate correlations are obtained for summer precipitation. These results identify habitat richness as the main factor shaping growth dynamics in Scots pines growing on dunes. Due to the protective function of the studied tree stands (coast protection), and in light of the rising sea levels and increasing storm intensities, further studies are required, aiming at understanding all interrelationships occurring in these valuable ecosystems.

Common horse???chestnut is frequently infested by the insect pest horse???chestnut leaf miner [HCLM]. The caterpillar, feeding on leaf parenchyma, cause browning and dehydration of leaves, which may be shed as early as in summer. The major aims of this study were: (1) to assess the effect of infestation by HCLM on ring???width dynamics in common horse???chestnut; (2) to determine the date of invasion of the pest; and (3) to compare the growth???climate response in the period before and after the invasion of HCLM. In north???western Poland, samples from 30 horse??? ???chestnut trees for the dendrochronological analysis were taken with help of a Pressler increment borer. The ring???width chronology was developed using standard dendrochronological methods. Dendroclimatological analyses were made in 2 periods: before the determined date of HCLM invasion (till 1999) and after the invasion (2000???2016). In 2000, in spite of favourable weather conditions, a reduced growth rate was observed in 91% of the analysed trees. The period of strong reductions lasted till 2010. Before the invasion, radial growth rate was dependent on tem??? perature and precipitation in May and June of the current year, whereas after the invasion, the growth???climate response was dependent on temperature and precipitation in the preceding year and the correlation was stronger. Surprisingly, in recent years (2011???2016), in spite of infestation by HCLM every year, the health condition of the analysed trees has improved and tree???ring width has increased.

Aim of the research: To investigate whether the polymorphisms of GSTP1, GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes are associated with colorectal cancer in a sample of Polish patients with and without type 2 diabetes. Material and methods: Over 200 patients aged > 40 years were recruited and divided into 4 age-matched groups: patients with diagnosed type 2 diabetes, patients with diagnosed type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer, patients with colorectal cancer and without type 2 diabetes and patients without type 2 diabetes and without colorectal cancer. DNA for genetic testing was isolated from blood samples. The GST gene polymorphism was examined using qPCR method, with TaqMan probes. It included GSTP1 SNP Ile105Val (rs1695) polymorphism, and deletion of copies of GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes (genotypes GSTT1 null/null and GSTM1 null/null). Results: The analysis of the frequency of GST gene polymorphisms in the group of patients with type 2 diabetes and colorectal cancer compared to patients with type 2 diabetes showed no statistically significant differences. There were also no statistically significant differences in the distribution of GST gene polymorphisms between patients with diabetes or/and colorectal cancer and population without these diseases. Conclusions: Extending the analysis to further genetic and environmental factors and taking into account their mutual interactions is needed to search for the relationship between type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Sawara cypress [Chamaecyparis pisifera (Siebold & Zucc.) Endl.] is originally from Japan. It was introduced to Europe in the latter half of the 19th century (in England and Holland in 1861, and in Poland in 1864). The aim of this study was to examine the influence of climatic conditions on tree-ring width among Sawara cypress populations growing in Poland. Additionally, other indicators determining the growth-climate relationship for the studied tree species were investigated such as false rings, missing rings, or frost rings. Five stands of Sawara cypress from northwestern and central Poland were selected for study. Samples were taken from 97 trees, using Pressler borers at breast-height. Tree-ring widths were measured down to 0.01 mm. Climatic data came from weather stations located the nearest to the study plots. Tree-ring width in the studied populations of Sawara cypress varies (from 1.94 to 4.47 mm). The oldest Sawara cypresses grow in Glinna Arboretum and are nearly 130 years old. The youngest ones grow in Rogów Arboretum (67 years old) and Wirty Arboretum (58 years old). Ten regional pointer years, including six negative and four positive ones, were determined for local chronologies. Negative pointer years were associated with the occurrence of cold winters and water shortages in summer. Positive pointer years are mostly periods with a warm winter season, early and warm spring, and with high precipitation totals during summer months. Correlation and response function analysis corroborates the results yielded by pointer year analysis. False rings carry an additional information on pluvial conditions in the summer period, and frost rings are an aid in dating dendrochronological series and indicate the occurrence of both very cold winters and persistent ground frost occurrences in the spring period. In comparison to native conifers, the Sawara cypress can be regarded as a fast-growing species. The knowledge of acclimatization, growth rate, and growth-climate relationship may be useful, especially in the time of a rapidly changing climate, increasing human impact, and highly intensified invasion of insect and fungal species attacking native forest-forming taxa.

Common horse-chestnut is frequently infested by the insect pest horse-chestnut leaf miner [HCLM; Cameraria ohridella (Deschka & Dimić, 1986), Gracillariidae, Lepidoptera]. The larvae, feeding on leaf parenchyma, cause browning and dehydration of leaves, which may be shed as early as in summer. The major aims of this study were: (1) to assess the effect of infestation by HCLM on ring-width dynamics in common horse-chestnut; (2) to determine the date of invasion of the pest; and (3) to compare the growth-climate response in the period before and after the invasion of HCLM. In 2017 in north-western Poland, samples from 30 horse-chestnut trees for the dendrochronological analysis were taken with help of a Pressler increment borer. The ring-width chronology was developed using standard dendrochronological methods. Dendroclimatological analyses were made in 2 periods: before the determined date of HCLM invasion (till the year 1999) and after the invasion (in 20002016). In 2000, in spite of favourable weather conditions, a reduced growth rate was observed in 91% of the analysed trees. The period of strong reductions lasted till 2010. Before the invasion, radial growth rate was dependent on temperature and precipitation in May and June of the current year, whereas after the invasion, the growth-climate response was dependent on temperature and precipitation in the preceding year and the correlation was stronger. Surprisingly, in recent years (2011–2016), in spite of infestation by HCLM every year, the health condition of the analysed trees has improved and tree-ring width has increased.

Intermediate hawthorn (Crataegus × media Bechst.) is broadly distributed in Europe but very rarely examined by dendrochronologists. In NW Poland, it is one of three naturally occurring hawthorn species, growing mainly at forest margins, along roads, in mid-field woodlots, and on uncultivated land. Biocenotically, it is a very valuable species. This study aimed to determine the age of trees, tree-ring dynamics, and growth–climate relationship for intermediate hawthorn. Signature years were also determined. Samples for analysis were collected from 22 trees growing in a typical agricultural landscape in a monospecific mid-field woodlot comprised of several hundred specimens of various ages and forms (shrubs and trees). Using classic methods of dendrochronological dating, a 40-year long chronology spanning 1981–2020 was constructed. The radial growth rate of intermediate hawthorn is comparable to other tree species forming stands in NW Poland and equals 2.41 mm/year. Considerable intersubject variability is noted, from 1.48 to 4.44 mm/year. The chronology was also used for dendroclimatological analyses, including correlation and response function and signature years. Of the meteorological parameters analyzed, annual incremental growth in hawthorn is the most strongly shaped by precipitation totals from May to August of the current vegetation year: high rainfall favors the formation of wide tree-rings. Statistically significant growth–climate relationships were also obtained for winter months (December of the preceding vegetation year, January and February), for which period negative correlation and regression values are noted for air temperature and insolation. Furthermore, high precipitation, low-temperature and low insolation late in the preceding vegetation year (especially in August) make a positive influence on the condition of trees in the upcoming growing season. Signature year analysis clearly pointed to precipitation as the dominant factor in shaping tree-rings in the studied hawthorn population. As there are no dendrochronological papers concerning indigenous hawthorn species, future studies should be expanded to include diverse geographic locations and habitat conditions and should include all three species of hawthorn occurring in Poland.

The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional status of adult homeless people using both anthropometric and biochemical measurements. The analysis comprised anthropometric indicators, i.e., body mass index and waist circumference, and the following biomarkers: red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, white blood cells, complete lymphocyte count, neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio, platelets-to-lymphocytes ratio, platelets-to-leukocytes ratio, C reactive protein level, serum iron concentration, serum albumin concentration, total serum protein, fasting lipids and blood glucose level. There were representative Polish homeless people enrolled (n = 580). The analysis of the conducted studies proved that there is a greater frequency of overweight and obesity than underweight in the target population. The major problem was abdominal obesity that was present statistically more frequently in women than men (p < 0.001). In the majority of cases, homeless people were found to have normal complete blood count parameters. In obese people, there were statistically significant both elevated and decreased hematocrit levels, a significant decrease in red blood cells, elevated serum glucose, triglycerides and total protein level (p < 0.05). The presence of abdominal obesity, elevated glucose concentration, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides, and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum together with smoking increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.