The Influence of the Direction of Wood Cutting on the Vibration and Noise of Chainsaws

Chainsaws generate high levels of vibrations and noise during work. Regardless of the type of their drive (electric, combustion) chainsaws excel TLVs (Threshold Limited Values) of vibration accelerations and the A-weighted sound level specified for eight-hour working day. The intensity of a vibro-acoustic impact of chainsaws on their operators depends on many factors. One of them is the type of the drive. This is due to significant differences in chainsaw design (inter alia characteristics of the drive, rotational speed, quasi-constant for an electric drive and variable for a combustion one). For chainsaws of the same or alike power and different type of the drive levels of vibrations and noise may vary. In this article noise levels and frequency weighted vibration accelerations for different direction of cutting kerf have been compared. Tests were performed with the same interchangeable cutting set (guide bar, cutting chain). The repeatability of conditions of the cutting process was ensured

Platelet-rich plasma therapy in the treatment of androgenic alopecia – review

Hair loss is a problem that affects many people around the world. Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss affecting up to 50% of men and 40% of women over the age of 50. This type of hair loss is mediated by androgens, the strongest of which is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone influences the weakening hair follicles. The problem of excess DHT and the associated androgenic hair loss may concern people practicing sports, especially aerobic disciplines of moderate and high intensity. In the recent decades, many topical and oral therapies have been introduced to delay and stop hair loss. However, commonly used medications have only a partial and temporary effect, therefore alternative treatment methods are needed. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is known, among other things, for its use in orthopedics. The use of PRP may benefit athletes in the treatment of injuries to tendons, ligaments, muscles and cartilage. Many publications indicate good results with the use of PRP in the treatment of hair loss. The aim of this study is to summarise the published reports on the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on hair loss prevention in people with androgenic alopecia (AGA) and to analyse the papers discussing androgen levels in physically active people

The Assessment of the Relationship Between Genetic Determinants of Migraine and Thyroid Dysfunction - Review

Introduction and objective: The purpose of this paper is a systematic review of articles and research in the context of the relationship between genetic determinants of migraine and thyroid dysfunction. Materials and methods: A non-systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out according to the following keywords:  PubMed was searched and 76 articles published up to 2023 were analyzed. Description of the state of knowledge: Epidemiological studies confirm the co-occurrence of migraine and thyroid dysfunction, especially hypothyroidism, which are considered to be diseases with a strong genetic background. Thyroid function parameters such as TSH and fT4 are susceptible to genetic influences. However, there is a lack of consistent interpretation of the observational results, which highlights the need for further research. Analysis of gene overlaps and links between headache and thyroid function, based on GWAS data, could shed light on the complex genetic interactions underlying this association. Summary: The genetic associations revealed in the study enhance our comprehension of the intricate relationship between migraine and thyroid dysfunction. These findings not only offer the prospect of developing biomarkers for identifying migraine patients who might benefit from thyroid hormone therapy but also underscore the promising potential of future genetic studies in providing biological insights to advance clinical decision-making in understanding and addressing these interconnected phenomena

The application of L-theanine for patients with mental health conditions - a review

L-theanine is an amino-acid found in green tea (Camellia sinensis), a beverage consumed by people all around the world. Its chemical structure is similar to L-glutamic acid. L-theanine acts as an antagonist of AMPA and kainate receptors as well as partial co-agonist of the NMDA receptors. The application may be associated with several health benefits, such as improvements in cognition, reduction of stress and anxiety-like symptoms. Although the dosage of L-theanine in green tea, which is around 20 mg per tea, is not very likely to have meaningful impact on mental health, supplementation of doses 200-400 mg/day has shown some promising advantages.Despite some evidence towards beneficial impact of L-theanine on mental health, longer-term and larger cohort clinical studies are required in order to justify its application for patients suffering from such diseases as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and sleep disorders. What is more, it is more possible to act as a therapy augmentation in particular cases, rather than conventional therapy replacement

Osteoarticular complications in diabetes - literature review

Due to the increasing number of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus scientists raise awareness of different symptoms that patients might present. The disease results from a defect in insulin secretion or action. Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes causes damage and dysfunction of organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels. Diabetes can occur at any age and always requires treatment.  A common non-specific symptom of untreated DM may be osteoarticular complications. Typical symptoms of diabetes include polyuria, increased thirst, dehydration, weakness and drowsiness. Complications of the disease include eyes, kidneys, nerves, microangiopathies, diabetic foot syndrome, bones, joints, skin. In all patients, the most important thing is to control glycemia from the beginning of the diseas

The relationship between magnesium deficiency and anxiety, the therapeutic effects of magnesium supplementation – literature review

Introduction and purpose: The main aim of our study is to summarise existing knowledge and draw conclusions about the impact of magnesium deficiency on the occurrence of anxiety. Methodology: The literature available in the National Library of Medicine database at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov and Google Scholar was reviewed. Articles were searched by using keywords: magnesium, deficiency, supplementation, anxiety disorders. Forty-seven research papers and meta-analyses were analysed. Description of the state of knowledge: Magnesium is an extremely important mineral in the human body involved in many physiological processes. A deficiency of this element affects the whole body and can cause mental disorders - including anxiety disorders. There are many theories showing a link between magnesium and anxiety disorders in both humans and animals. Magnesium has been shown to influence the function of neurotransmitters affecting the experience of anxiety. Supplementation in people with hypomagnesaemia has been proven to improve their health and well-being. However, it should be noted that supplements on the market vary in the bioavailability of the mineral, and the frequency of intake and dosage also affect the bioavailability of magnesium. Conclusions: It is important to ensure adequate levels of magnesium in the diet, given its impact on the proper functioning of the human body (including the nervous system) and the fact that most people consume insufficient amounts of this macronutrient. Evidence of a link between magnesium levels and anxiety has led to increased interest in the potential efficacy of magnesium supplementation to alleviate anxiety symptoms

The use of platelet-rich plasma injections in the treatment of meniscal injuries - review of the literature

Introduction: In the knee joint are two menisci, which are fibrocartilaginous structures. The tears of the meniscus are one of the most common injuries within knee. Arthroscopy with suturing of torn or menisectomy are the most popular methods of treatment, however in long term observation menisectomy often results in osteoarthritis 10-20 years after surgery. For this reason, less invasive treatment methods are being sought, such as platelet-rich plasma injections. Platelet-rich plasma has many growth factors, which stimulates healing. Objective: The aim of this study is to review latest the literature on the use of platelet-rich plasma injections in the patients with meniscus tears. Material and methods: A literature review was conducted on databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar using the terms: ”meniscus”, “meniscus tear”, “platelet-rich plasma”, “platelet-rich plasma injections”, “meniscus injuries treatment’. Conclusions: The injuries of meniscus are very common, and often must be treated by arthroscopy. Platelet-rich plasma has a positive impact on tissue healing. Platelet-rich plasma injuries in the patients with meniscal tears repair lead to improve healing rates compare with patients without PRP injections, but there is no guidelines and further studies are necessary

The Assessment of the Relationship Between Genetic Determinants of Migraine and Thyroid Dysfunction - Review

Introduction and objective: The purpose of this paper is a systematic review of articles and research in the context of the relationship between genetic determinants of migraine and thyroid dysfunction. Materials and methods: A non-systematic review of the scientific literature was carried out according to the following keywords:  PubMed was searched and 76 articles published up to 2023 were analyzed. Description of the state of knowledge: Epidemiological studies confirm the co-occurrence of migraine and thyroid dysfunction, especially hypothyroidism, which are considered to be diseases with a strong genetic background. Thyroid function parameters such as TSH and fT4 are susceptible to genetic influences. However, there is a lack of consistent interpretation of the observational results, which highlights the need for further research. Analysis of gene overlaps and links between headache and thyroid function, based on GWAS data, could shed light on the complex genetic interactions underlying this association. Summary: The genetic associations revealed in the study enhance our comprehension of the intricate relationship between migraine and thyroid dysfunction. These findings not only offer the prospect of developing biomarkers for identifying migraine patients who might benefit from thyroid hormone therapy but also underscore the promising potential of future genetic studies in providing biological insights to advance clinical decision-making in understanding and addressing these interconnected phenomena

Osteoarticular complications in diabetes - literature review

Due to the increasing number of patients suffering from diabetes mellitus scientists raise awareness of different symptoms that patients might present. The disease results from a defect in insulin secretion or action. Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes causes damage and dysfunction of organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and blood vessels. Diabetes can occur at any age and always requires treatment.  A common non-specific symptom of untreated DM may be osteoarticular complications. Typical symptoms of diabetes include polyuria, increased thirst, dehydration, weakness and drowsiness. Complications of the disease include eyes, kidneys, nerves, microangiopathies, diabetic foot syndrome, bones, joints, skin. In all patients, the most important thing is to control glycemia from the beginning of the diseas

A Device for Measuring the Rotational Speed of a Chain Sprocket of a Petrol Chainsaw

The procedure for determining the frequency-weighted RMS values of vibration accelerations in the case of petrol chainsaws proposes equal time shares of three operation modes of the chainsaw. In order to assess the actual operator’s vibration exposure, it is necessary to precisely determine the above-mentioned shares. In real-life conditions operation of chainsaws is characterized by frequent and significant rotational speed changes depending on the operation mode. Therefore, a prototype of dedicated device for measuring the rotational speed of a chain sprocket was developed. The article presents development requirements, encountered problems and their solutions, the prototype itself and functional test results