Structural, magnetic, and magnetostrictive properties of two-sublattice Tb _0.27Dy _0.73 (Fe _1−xAl _x) ₂ polycrystalline intermetallic ferrimagnets ( x = 0−0.2 and 1.0) were studied using X-ray powder diffraction, magnetometry, and strain gauge magnetostriction measurements. Temperature dependences of magnetization starting from 80 K were presented, and Curie temperatures were estimated. Coercive force, residual, and saturation magnetizations were determined from the magnetic hysteresis loops at room temperature. Longitudinal, transversal, form and volume magnetostrictions were investigated against the x parameter and the intensity of the magnetic field. The piezomagnetic coefficients were determined and the maximum value at the field below 1 kOe, even enhanced than that in Terfenol-D, was observed for the material Tb _0.27Dy _0.73 (Fe _0.9Al _0.1) ₂. It means that this compound is promising for use in magnetoelectric composites.

The analysed midforest peatlands are located in Natura 2000 sites: PLH060034 Uroczyska Puszczy Solskiej and PLH060031 Uroczyska Lasów Janowskich. The aim of the study was to evaluate plant communities as well as identify rare and legally protected plant, fungal, and animal species occurring in these areas. The analysed peatlands are characterised by a high diversi-ty of plant communities. They also provide habitats for legally protected and rare fauna and flora species. The peatlands exhibit high aesthetic and health-enhancing values.

B a c k g r o u n d: Parechovirus and enterovirus belong to a family of Picornaviridae, nonenveloped, small-sized RNA viruses, responsible for multiple human diseases. Recent introduction of molecular tests enabled the identifi cation of parechovirus and enterovirus infections. Our aim was a retrospective analysis of signs and symptoms associated with confirmed parechovirus or enterovirus infections among children treated in the Department of Neonatology, St. Louis Regional Children’s Hospital in Kraków, Poland.

M e t h o d s: Based on laboratory records, we identified all cases of parecho- or enterovirus infections confirmed by identification of viral RNA in nasal swab or cerebrospinal fluid samples. Hospital records and laboratory tests results of selected patients were then analyzed, and selected data were summarized, with emphasis on clinical and laboratory findings at admission.

R e s u l t s: We identified 11 cases of parechovirus and three of enterovirus infections. All cases were neonates admitted to hospital with fever and irritability. Except for leukopenia in 50% of patients, no significant abnormalities were noted in blood counts and serum biochemistry, including low C-reactive protein and procalcitonin. In nine cases, cerebrospinal fluid was collected, the fluid protein concentrations and cell counts were moderately increased. Final diagnosis was meningitis in 12 children, and other viral infections in two.

C o n c l u s i o n s: Viral infection, including parecho- and enteroviruses, should be considered in the etiology of fever and meningitis in neonates. The available molecular tests allow for detection of viral genetic material even in a scant biological specimen collected from neonates.