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Relic Pinus cembra forests were among the least studied plant communities in the Western Carpathians. Their distribution in this mountain range is limited only to the Tatras. The lack of comprehensive research on the Polish and Slovakian sides of the Tatras led to considerable discrepancy regarding their distribution (300-1170 ha) as well as habitat conditions. Their occurrence on limestones and in the Western Tatras was contested. Therefore, the aim of this work was to determine the distribution and habitat conditions for the occurrence of Swiss stone pine forests in the Tatras. We mapped the entire range of the distribution of these forests, using the topographic method and digitized it in ArcGIS 10.2.2. Afterwards, we undertook spatial analysis, using DEM regarding their occurrence, depending on: altitude, inclination, solar radiation, exposure, geology and soil. To determine the preferable site conditions we used the logistic regression model. The total area of P. cembra forests in the Tatras is 916.93 ha. They occur in all mountain ranges within the Tatras. Altitude, inclination and solar radiation have significant impacts on the occurrence of these forests. The odds of the occurrence of P. cembra forests increased by 0.5% for every 1 m of altitude, by 2% for every 1° of inclination and decrease by 0.1% for every 1 MJ/m 2 /year of solar radiation. The majority of these forests grow in the altitude range 1300-1650 m a.s.l. (95%) and on slopes with 20-60° inclinations (80%). Swiss stone pine forests occur both on slopes with low (1900 MJ/m 2 ) and high annual solar radiation (3400 MJ/m 2 ). They prefer slopes with North-western exposure. They may grow both on granite and limestone, while the majority of them were mapped on granite. Pinus cembra forests grow on diverse soils, both acidic and alkaline. Nevertheless, most of them occur on Haplic Podzols (52%). The results may be applicable to the Tatra National Park for the conservation and monitoring of this Natura 2000 habitat.

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Mathematical methods of uniformity analysis were used to evaluate the results of classification of plant communities by the Braun-Blanquet method. This was done by both the freguency analysis method traditionally used in phytosociology and by the verification of the null hypothesis on the independent occurrence of species. The results obtained confirmed the validity of the following assumptions: 1) the number of high frequency species rises along with the decreasing rank of the syntaxon and 2) the proportion of species occurring interdependently (showing a positive or negative correlation) decreases

Studies of the role of bile acids have been conducted for many years. Thanks to constantly improving research methods, the systemic action of bile acids has been evaluated with increasing precision. It is now believed that disturbances in the synthesis, transformation and transport of bile acids may be one of the causes of functional bowel disorders. Constant renewal of the bile acid pool and secretion of bile acids into the gastrointestinal lumen is regulated by feedback loops. Bile acids play the role of signaling molecules by binding to the appropriate receptors and influencing the synthesis of other signaling molecules at the cellular level. Disturbances of synthesis, reabsorption and changes in the proportion of bile acids all lead to motor dysfunction and intestinal secretion. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, constipation or irritable bowel syndrome. This article discusses the basic issues of the synthesis and circulation of bile acids. On the basis of in vitro and in vivo findings, an outline of the regulation of physiological processes and the pathophysiology of diarrhea and constipation in the context of bile acids is presented. Understanding the role of bile acids in the pathophysiology of functional intestinal diseases creates new therapeutic options for patients suffering from functional diarrhea or constipation.