In the last decade, atmospheric plasma has been used to treating bacterial infections in humans due to its bactericidal effects; however, its efficacy in dogs is unclear. This study evaluated the in vitro bactericidal efficacy of atmospheric plasma on Staphylococcus pseudinter- medius and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two of the most important bacterial agents isolated from canine pyodermas. Three isolates each of S. pseudintermedius and P. aeruginosa obtained from dogs with pyoderma were subjected to atmospheric plasma. The isolates from the control group were not exposed to plasma, while those from the treatment groups were exposed to plasma for 15 (7.5 J/cm2), 30 (15 J/cm2), 60 (30 J/cm2), or 90 (45 J/cm2) seconds. After each treatment, a reduction in colony formation was observed. Bacterial viability was evaluated using the LIVE/ DEAD® BacLight™ Bacterial Viability Kit. The antibacterial effects were evaluated with Image J software and significance was assessed statistically in comparison to the control group. The bactericidal effect of atmospheric plasma against both bacteria increased significantly in a time-dependent manner. These results demonstrate the bactericidal capacity of atmospheric plasma, and suggest that it could serve as an alternative treatment method for canine pyoderma. Further studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of atmospheric plasma in dogs.

The results of experiments showed an effect of magnetized water on the effectiveness of some selected zoocides. The control of red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch) by Ortus 05 SC showed the highest effectiveness with strongly magnetized water, with use of one magnetizer and two semi-rings. On the other hand, the application of Magus 200 SC in combination with magnetized water showed a decreased effectiveness of insecticide. In the control of grain weevil (Sitophilus granarius L.), an increase in the effectiveness was found for the zoocides Talstar 100 EC, Karate 025 EC and Winylofos 550 EC in combinations with strongly magnetized water (three magnetizers or one magnetizer with two rings). In case of Sumi-Alpha 050 EC, high effectiveness of the treatment was obtained in combinations where water was magnetized in lesser degree, with use of one or two magnetizers. No significant differences were found in the effect of magnetized water on germination of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and cuckoo flower (Cardamine amara L.) plants.

Floristical studies on dumps of metallurgical complex (T. Sendzimir steelwork in Cracow) were carried out in the years I 982-1998. Several rare alien plant species: Bracliyactis ciliata Ledeb. - not recorded earlier in Poland, Gypsophila perfoliata L. - recorded in 2 localities only, Corispermum leptopterum (Asch.) lljin, Hordeum jubatum L., Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrader, and Salso/a kali L. subsp. ruthenica (lljin) Soó were found. They have been growing numerously and permanently on dumps for several years. Original and secondary geographical distribution, habitats in Poland and on dumps of metallurgical complex have been presented.