SZACOWANIE PIONOWEGO ROZKŁADU WIATRU NA PODSTAWIE WYMIARU FRAKTALNEGO TERENU

We propose a novel technique for estimation of vertical wind distribution. Proposed modification of logarithmic profile relies on introducing topography dependent dispersion parameter calculated based on fractal dimension of topography. Initial results compared against full scale wind measurement show high agreement. Proposed methodology brings promise of precise a priori calculations of wind profile in case of non-flat, nonhomogeneous surface roughness terrain, improving the precision of wind potential estimation for wind energy sector.W niniejszej pracy prezentujemy nowatorską technikę estymacji pionowego rozkładu wiatru. Proponujemy modyfikację stosowanego obecnie rozkładu logarytmicznego przez związanie parametru rozkładu z wymiarem fraktalnym terenu. Wstępne wyniki porównane z rzeczywistymi odczytami wiatru wskazują dużą zgodność. Proponowana metodologia pozwala na skuteczne włączenie topografii i nierównomiernej szorstkości terenu do estymacji rozkładu, w sposób znaczny zwiększając dokładność estymacji potencjału energetycznego

The endocrine background of meningioma carcinogenesis

Meningiomas, being mostly benign tumors, are derived from the arachnoid cap cells, their etiopathogenesis is based on various factors. The etiology of sporadic meningiomas is not yet known. Many factors have been identified as possible causes of the development of intracranial meningiomas. These include head trauma, viral infections, deletion in the NF2 gene, the use of cell phones, and sex hormones. The review is based on a endocrine factors, playing a role in meningioma carcinogenesis.             The carcinogenesis of meningioma appeals to be profoundly dependent from hormonal factors. Mayor ones, usually underlined in according to their prognostic significance, are female sex hormones. Due to this, meningiomas are twice as more likely to occur in female than in male patients. The other group of hormones appointed to play a role in meningioma carcinogenesis are adipokines in general – and leptin in particular. Leptin secretion correlates with BMI elevation, what may explain the confirmed linking between obesity and brain tumors. The scientific literature has documented the occurrence of meningioma in five patients with CAH, but the role of cortical axis and/or ACTH secretion impairments is still under consideration. Authors didn’t find any publication about the role of thyroid disorders in meningioma carcinogenesis. The carcinogenesis of meningioma appeals to be profoundly dependent from hormonal factors. The effects of female sex hormones and adipokines are under a significant consideration, and may be useful in severity prediction. Basic science research should be focused on ACTH secretion in meningioma and possible common genetic etiopathogenesis of meningioma and CAH

Energy drinks - product ingredients and their potential toxicity

Energy drinks (NE) are popular stimulants among adolescents and adults. They are commercial, advertised, widely available products that contain increased amounts of caffeine, and are designed to reduce feelings of fatigue in favor of increased mental and physical performance. In addition to caffeine, various ingredients such as vitamins, dyes or substances that impart a certain flavor are added to NEs. Many cases have been described of the harmful effects of NE used alone and in combination with alcohol on the human body: including on the digestive system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system or kidneys. We decided to analyze and compare with each other the composition of NEs from the most popular manufacturers available in most Polish grocery stores. We then briefly described the most important substances available in NE and reviewed the literature on their potential toxicity.  It is reasonable for physicians and teachers to educate young people and their parents about the harmfulness of NE, especially when children are suspected of taking large amounts. Further observations and studies monitoring the harmfulness of NEs are needed, and the drinks themselves should be subject to special surveillance

Pineal cyst-related sleep disorders – a narrative review

The pineal gland is an endocrine gland, which is responsible for the human circadian rhythm, through the regulation of its hormone – melatonin. The most common pathology of a pineal gland is pineal cyst – its population incidence is estimated as 1-23%, depending on the publication. The most common symptoms of a pineal cyst include headache (87%), visual field defects (54%), nausea/vomiting (34%), and dizziness/vertigo (31%). Among the majority of patients with the asymptomatic pineal cyst, the wait-and-see strategy is proper.             According to the newest meta-analyze, the prevalence of sleep disturbances among patients with pineal cyst estimates to be 17%. The results of direct melatonin level measurements in pineal cysts remain unclear. The study focused on sleep disturbances in pediatric patients with pineal cysts and showed a significantly higher score on Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) in the domains of disorders of excessive sleepiness and disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep than the control groups. The impact of lesion on sleep quality correlated with its size.             The pineal cyst may be considered a rare, and potentially reversible, cause of sleep disorders. Nevertheless, according to the present reports (often opposite to each other), this thesis and the mechanism of its occurrence need to be further researched

Psoriasiform lesions as a side effect of SGLT-2 therapy

SGLT-2 inhibitors (flozins) are one of the new classes of anti-diabetic drugs, used from 2012. They are highly recommended in case of intolerance or contraindication of metformin, but in Poland they are used usually as third-line drug after metformin and sulfonylurea. They growing popularity is caused by their significance in cardiovascular risk reduction and preventive role in according to diabetes complications like chronic kidney disease, or diabetes-induced dementia. The aid of this article is to summarize the knowledge on the risk of psoriasis development in diabetic patients cured with flozins.             In according to the newest studies, flozins may be considered as a pro-psoriatic factor, increasing the risk of this skin disease, especially in patients with diabetic kidney disease. But on the other hand, SGLT-2 inhibitors have significantly decreasing effect on cardiovascular risk, which is increased in psoriatic patients

Multidisciplinary approach for a severe head burn caused by high-voltage electrical shock - a case report

In modern reconstructive medicine, personalized bone substitutes provide therapeutic hope for patients with non-standard bone defects. The study aims to present a description of a case of using a personalized bone substitute material, taking into account the vascular connections formed after a previous skin transplant.  The 29-year-old patient was admitted to the plastic surgery department urgently after being electrocuted with high voltage. Due to extensive scalp burns, a skin graft was performed in the area of previously removed skin along with a charred skull bone vault.  After a few months, the patient was qualified for cranioplasty with the use of personalized bone substitutes. The necessity to make cuts around the vascular connections present in the transplanted tissue was the main difficulty in the for the operator.  The operation was successful and the recovery was uneventful. The patient was discharged home in good general and local condition.  The presented case illustrates the need to take into account creating vascular connections with the use of personalized bone substitutes in patients after skin transplants

Diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnoea in patients with pauses in Holter ECG monitoring: case series

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a common disease in today’s society and may affect even more of the population in the near future. Ailments and complications of OSA result from a decrease in the muscle tone of the soft palate, which causes shallow breathing or complete apnoea. The consequences of such episodes may be the development of arterial hypertension, the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias, and also the deterioration of the quality of life. Diagnosis is based on polysomnography in people with suspected OSA. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy is the most effective treatment for OSA. A case series is presented in which patients with OSA risk factors and nocturnal pauses in Holter ECG monitoring (HEM) were diagnosed due to suspected OSA. In the polysomnographic test, severe OSA was diagnosed and CPAP therapy was introduced. Follow-up HEM performed during treatment showed complete resolution or significant reduction in the number and length of nocturnal pauses. Based on the case series, current medical knowledge and guidelines for pacemaker implantation, it was concluded that in the event of pauses in the HEM, the diagnosis of OSA should be considered in each patient, especially if the pauses occur predominantly at night and the patient is at high risk of OSA. Such a procedure may protect the patient from serious complications related to the pacemaker implantation. It should be emphasized, however, that CPAP therapy requires close cooperation of the patient because it brings effects only when it is used for each sleep

Severe course of radiation-induced meningioma — a new insight in screening for patients after radiotherapy?

Meningiomas, being mostly benign tumours, are derived from the arachnoid cap cells. Their etiopathogenesis is based on various factors, including past radiation. The presented case of a 25-year-old patient, who developed a radiation-induced superior sagittal sinus meningioma based on his past head radiation distributed during acute lymphocytic leukaemia. The tumour’s clinical image presented at first as headache, nausea, and dizziness, computer tomography and subsequently MRI were performed. The imaging examination revealed a very extensive, contrast-enhanced tumour mass located centrally on both sides and within the superior sagittal sinus. With the most likely diagnosis of parasagittal meningioma, the patient was qualified for tumour excision. The surgery was performed successfully resulting in maximal safe subtotal resection. After the surgery, the patient developed complications including hydrocephalus, which resulted in 5-months long hospitalization. The presented case illustrated the need for increased clinical attention in patients threatened by radiation (including radiotherapy), focused on possible head lesions