The impact of rainfall on the diurnal patterns of atmospheric pollen concentrations

Atmospheric precipitation removes the majority of biological and chemical pollutants from the lower parts of the troposphere. However, some studies infer increasing atmospheric pollen concentrations during precipitation events and/or thunderstorms, which are known to trigger allergic reactions (referred to as thunderstorm-triggered asthma). The aim of this study was to determine the impacts of precipitation on the diurnal variability of airborne pollen concentrations, with particular focus on the timing and intensity of precipitation events. We also considered the impacts of other meteorological elements on atmospheric pollen concentrations. The research was conducted in Rzeszów (SE Poland) from 2016 to 2018. We used two aerobiological and two meteorological stations in this study to determine potential spatial variability in the pollen response to rainfall, the diurnal precipitation changes, and the precipitation intensity in the city area. We determined the pollen response of four pollen types: Betula, Pinus, Poaceae, and Urtica, and we only included data from days that fulfilled restrictive criteria throughout all pollen seasons. We analysed a total of 81 days, which were divided into five groups according to precipitation intensity, the time of day of a precipitation event, and the type of pollen response to precipitation. Our results suggest that precipitation intensity was the dominant control on pollen concentrations; concentrations only decreased clearly under rainfall intensities of at least 5 $mm•h^{-1}$ and this value we recommended as threshold value for long lasting decrease of pollen concentrations in our region. Lower intensity rainfall events resulted in no change in atmospheric pollen concentrations throughout the day. We noted the occurrence of increased pollen concentration immediately before and during rainfall events. Further, other parameters were also found to influence pollen concentrations in the atmosphere, including relative humidity, the time of day, and biological factors such as the plant phenophase or the phase of a pollen season

Occurrence of pharmaceutical residues, personal care products, lifestyle chemicals, illicit drugs and metabolites in wastewater and receiving surface waters of Krakow agglomeration in South Poland

This is the first study of broad range of chemical classes CECs conducted in the upper Wisla river catchment including the biggest WWTPs in this region and surface waters. The list of compounds is extensive and the paper provides, for the first time, better understanding of environmental burden from PCPCs in Poland. Cumulative contribution of hypertension pharmaceuticals, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and lifestyle chemicals was 89% and 95% in wastewater influent, and 75% in wastewater effluent at both WWTPs. Significant removal efficiencies, exceeding 90%, were found for parabens, UV filters, NSAIDs, steroid estrogens, plasticizers, antibacterials/antibiotics, stimulants and metabolites and lifestyle chemicals. The comparison of the average mass loads of CECs between the influent and effluent, has shown that 27% and 29% of all detected CECs were removed by less than 50%. An increase of concentrations of CECs in the effluent was observed for 18% and 20% of all detected CECs in Kujawy and Plaszow WWTPs, respectively. Negative mass balances of fexofenadine, venlafaxine, o-desmethyltramadol, ketamine and temazepam were noted within WWTPs, which are a result of dissolution of persistent contaminants accumulated in aggregates and/or back-transformation or de-conjugation of metabolites into parent compounds. 44 CECs were detected in surface waters located upstream and downstream of the WWTPs. The concentrations of compounds were largely dependent on the dilution factor of WWTP discharge. The risk quotation (RQ) values for compounds present in surface waters were calculated in relation to their potential for bioaccumulation. Among compounds with high potential for bioaccumulation, with log KOW ≥ 4.5, diclofenac, atorvastatin and triclosan were found to be of high risk. Many CECs with high, moderate or even low environmental impact have shown high potential for bioaccumulation and should be considered as priority at the same risk level. Moreover, possible synergistic action is still of concern

The efficiency of botulinum toxin type A for the treatment of masseter muscle pain in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and tension-type headache

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction are often accompanied by symptoms of headache such as tension-type headache which is the most frequent spontaneous primary headache. Masseter muscle pain is commonly reported in this group. The purpose of the study was to assess the efficiency of intramuscular botulinum toxin type A injections for treating masseter muscle pain in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and tension-type headache. METHODS: This prospective outcome study consisted of 42 subjects of both genders aged 19–48 years diagnosed with masseter muscle pain related to temporomandibular joint dysfunction and tension-type headache. The subjects were treated by the intramuscular injection of 21 U (mice units) of botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Allergan) in the area of the greatest cross-section surface of both masseter bellies. Pain intensity was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS) and verbal numerical rating scale (VNRS) 1 week before the treatment and 24 weeks after the treatment. The obtained data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon matched pairs test (p ≤ 0,005). RESULTS: The results of this study showed a decrease in the number of referred pain episodes including a decrease in pain in the temporal region bilaterally, a reduction of analgesic drugs intake as well as a decrease in reported values of VAS and VNRS after injections (p = 0,000). CONCLUSIONS: The intramuscular botulinum toxin type A injections have been an efficient method of treatment for masseter muscle pain in patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and tension-type headache

Educational trails of the Racławka Valley Nature Reserve and their potential for geoeducation

The Racławka Valley is located west of Krakow, in the Krakow-Częstochowa Upland. This is a place of high bio- and geodiversity, where various rocks of different ages outcrop in vast excavation pits, narrow gorges or form characteristic monadnocks. The richness of various morphological forms and special habitats led to the constitution of a nature reserve, covering most of the Racławka Valley and adjacent, southern parts of the Szklarka Valley. Three educational trails lead through the reserve, connecting a number of geosites. The Geotourism Students’ Scientific Club (GSSC) from AGH University of Science and Technology examined the usability of these trails for geoeducation. After completing geotourism valorisation, adequate teaching materials were prepared, and different age groups were guided around the trails. Their comprehension has been verified by quizzes and opinions gathered through questionnaires. On the bases of these, the three educational trails were widely described and assessed in respect for their terrain difficulty, accessibility, and infrastructure. Each trail has a leitmotif and a specific theme, however geosites from different trails can be combined together to get a route of a chosen theme. The GSSC also released three new geotourism guidebooks, one for each trail, as a result of AGH rector's grant projects in the years 2018–2020.Dolina Racławki położona jest na zachód od Krakowa, na Wyżynie Krakowsko-Częstochowskiej. Stanowi ona obszar o dużejbio- i georóżnorodności, gdzie rozmaite skały o różnym wieku odsłaniają się w rozległych wyrobiskach, na ścianach wąwozów lub w postaci ostańców. Ze względu na bogactwo form morfologicznych i wykształcone na nich siedliska, większość doliny Racławkii przyległą, południową część doliny Szklarki objęto rezerwatem przyrody. Przez obszar rezerwatu prowadzą trzy ścieżki dydaktyczne łączące szereg geostanowisk. Koło Naukowe Geoturystyka (KNGt) z Akademii Górniczo-Hutniczej zbadało ich przydatność dla geoedukacji. Po dokonaniu waloryzacji geoturystycznej opracowano materiały dydaktyczne, a następnie po ścieżkach oprowadzono różne grupy wiekowe. Za pomocą quizów sprawdzono zrozumienie przez uczestników omawianych tematów, a opinie zebrano w formie ankiet. Działania te umożliwiły dokładne opisanie ścieżek oraz ich ocenę pod kątem trudności terenu, dostępnościi infrastruktury. Każda ze ścieżek ma motyw przewodni, można je jednak z powodzeniem łączyć, by zaplanować trasę o określonej tematyce. KNGt przygotowało też trzy przewodniki geoturystyczne po dolinie Racławki, po jednym dla każdej ze ścieżek, w ramach Grantu Rektora AGH w latach 2018–2020

Myofascial Trigger Points Therapy Modifies Thermal Map of Gluteal Region

Background. (ermal imaging may be effectively used in musculoskeletal system diagnostics and therapy evaluation; thus, it may be successfully applied in myofascial trigger points assessment. Objective. Investigation of thermal pattern changes after myofascial trigger points progressive compression therapy in healthy males and females. Methods. (e study included 30 healthy people (15 females and 15 males) with age range 19–34 years (mean age: 23.1 ± 4.21). (ermograms of myofascial trigger points were taken pre- and posttherapy and consecutively in the 15th and 30th minutes. Pain reproducible by palpation intensity was assessed with numeric rating scale. Results. Progressive compression therapy leads to myofascial trigger points temperature (p 0.02) and surface (p 0.01) in males. In females no statistically significant changes were observed. Manual treatment leads to a decrease in intensity of pain reproducible by palpation in males (p 0.03) and females (p 0.048). Conclusions. (e study indicates that myofascial trigger points reaction to applied therapy spreads in time and space and depends on participants’ sex

Co-occurrence of Artemisia and Ambrosia pollen seasons against the background of the synoptic situations in Poland

The Asteraceae family is one of the largest families, comprising 67 genera and 264 species in Poland. However, only a few genera, including Artemisia and Ambrosia are potential allergenic sources. The aim of the study was to estimate how often and to what degree Artemisia and Ambrosia pollen seasons co-occur intensifying human health risk, and how synoptic situations influence frequency of days with high pollen concentrations of both taxa. Artemisia and Ambrosia pollen data were collected, using the volumetric method, at 8 sites in Poland. Daily concentrations of Artemisia pollen equal to 30 grains or more and Ambrosia pollen equal to 10 grains or more were accepted as high values. Concentrations of more than 10 pollen grains were defined as high in the case of Ambrosia because its allergenicity is considered higher. High concentrations were confronted with synoptic situations. Analysis was performed on the basis of two calendars on circulation types of atmosphere in Poland (Niedźwiedź, 2006, 2015). Co-occurrence of Artemisia and Ambrosia pollen seasons is being found most often, when Ambrosia pollen season starts in the first half of August. If it happens in the last 10 days of August high pollen concentrations of Artemisia and Ambrosia do not occur at the same days. At three sites (Sosnowiec, Rzeszów, Lublin) high Ambrosia pollen concentrations during the Artemisia pollen season appear more often than in other sites under question. The high Artemisia pollen concentrations occur, when continental or polar maritime old air masses inflow into Poland. The impact of air masses on high Ambrosia pollen concentrations depends on site localizations. It is likely, that in the south-eastern part of Poland high Ambrosia pollen concentrations result from the pollen transport from east-south-south-westerly directions and the local sources. Co-occurrence of both taxa pollen seasons depends on the air masses inflow and appears more often in a southeastern part of Poland

Predyktory objawów depresyjnych u pacjentów po udarze mózgu – obserwacja trzymiesięczna

Background and purpose Depression is one of the most common post-stroke complications, which could impair rehabilitation outcome and quality of life, and could also increase mortality after stroke. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between demographic, socioeconomic and clinical (stroke risk factors, type of stroke, location of vascular lesion, cognitive functions) factors on the presence and severity of post-stroke depressive symptoms in patients after first ever stroke as well as on their social functioning. Material and methods A prospective, cohort study with a three-month observation period was performed in seven centres. Severity of depressive symptoms was assessed with the help of a short, 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), 3 months after stroke onset. Results On the basis of GDS (GDS ≤ 5 points or > 5 points) patients were allocated to a group without (n = 160) or with symptoms suggestive of depression (n = 82). The study groups did not differ with respect to age, sex or place of residence. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that independent predictors for the presence of symptoms suggestive of depression at 3 months after stroke were: low level of education, low income, greater severity of stroke, worse functional status, self-reported problems with daily-living activities and need of help in daily living activities. More than 60% of patients with depressive symptoms limited their social contacts. Patients with depressive symptoms were unsatisfied with their relations with life partners and friends. Conclusions Our study showed a complex aetiology of post-stroke depressive symptoms with an important role of socioeconomic factors. Depressive symptoms after stroke worsen existing health, social and economic problems, and cause social isolation of patients.Wstęp i cel pracy Depresja jest jednym z najczęstszych powikłań udaru mózgu, które znacząco wpływa zarówno na postęp rehabilitacji po udarze, jakość życia pacjentów, jak i umieralność. Celem badania była ocena wpływu czynników demograficznych oraz klinicznych związanych z udarem (czynniki ryzyka udaru mózgu, typ udaru, lokalizacja ogniska naczynio-pochodnego, nasilenie deficytu neurologicznego, funkcje poznawcze) na występowanie i nasilenie objawów depresyjnych u pacjentów po pierwszym w życiu udarze mózgu. Oceniano również funkcjonowanie społeczne pacjentów po udarze mózgu w zależności od nasilenia objawów depresyjnych. Materiał i metody Prospektywne, kohortowe badanie z 3-miesięcznym okresem obserwacji prowadzono w 7 ośrodkach. Nasilenie objawów depresyjnych po 3 miesiącach od udaru oceniano w 15-punktowej wersji Geriatrycznej Skali Depresji (Geriatric Depression Scale – GDS). Wyniki Na podstawie wyników uzyskanych w skali GDS (GDS ≤ 5 lub > 5 punktów) wyodrębniono grupę pacjentów bez depresji (n = 160) i z objawami sugerującymi depresję (n = 82). Chorzy z obu grup nie różnili się pod względem wieku, płci i miejsca zamieszkania. Znaczącymi predyk-torami występowania nasilonych objawów depresyjnych u pacjentów po udarze mózgu były: niższy poziom wykształcenia, niższe dochody, gorszy stan neurologiczny i funkcjonalny oraz trudności w życiu codziennym i potrzeba pomocy. Ponad 60% pacjentów z objawami depresyjnymi ograniczyło po udarze kontakty społeczne. Chorzy z objawami sugerującymi depresję oceniali gorzej swoje kontakty z rodziną i przyjaciółmi. Wnioski Badanie pokazuje złożoność przyczyn występowania objawów depresyjnych po udarze mózgu, wśród których istotną rolę odgrywają również czynniki społeczno-ekonomiczne. Występowanie objawów depresyjnych po udarze mózgu powoduje dodatkowo narastanie istniejących problemów oraz izolację społeczną chorych