Hepatotoxicity of anabolic androgenic steroids in sport

Introduction and purpose: Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse is a common practice among professional as well as recreational athletes. The prevalence of this phenomenon seems to be continuously escalating, too. Even though AAS abuse may provide a desirable haematopoietic and musculotrophic effect, it causes a wide variety of local and systemic side effects. This review aims to demonstrate the AAS induced hepatotoxicity, it is based on the medical literature from the last 10 years. Brief description of the state of knowledge: Orally administered 17-α-alkylated steroids are considered to be the most hepatotoxic. They increase the number of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which directly injure the liver tissue. It may be manifested as an elevation of liver enzymes, peliosis hepatis or distinctive acute cholestasis. Furthermore, ASS abuse for a prolonged period of time may induce the growth of hepatocellular adenoma and hepatocellular cancer. Moreover, AAS intake can lead to liver enlargement, development of toxicant-associated fatty liver disease (TAFLD) and increase the risk of HCV and HBV infection. Conclusions: The collaboration of scientists, doctors, sports associations and governments is substantial. Introduction of innovative AAS detection methods and enforcement of stricter anti doping law may contribute to prevention of health consequences resulting from AAS abuse among athletes

Migraine headaches as a complication of the atrial fibrillation ablation procedure: case report

The balloon cryoablation (CA) procedure is an established method for the permanent treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Like other surgical interventions, it is associated with the potential development of early and late complications, including neurological ones such as migraine. We report a case of migraine headaches after the CA procedure. 25-year-old man with paroxysmal AF, without comorbidities, underwent balloon CA. On the second day after the procedure, the patient developed visual symptoms typical of migraine aura. After 30 minutes, these symptoms disappeared and appeared classic migraine headache attack. Similar episodes occurred over the following days. A focal central nervous system lesion was ruled out and a diagnosis of migraine with aura was made. The patient received a typical migraine attack treatment. The attacks ceased within two weeks. 3 months later during the follow-up visit at the neurology clinic no abnormalities were detected. We decided to check if the migraine is a rare complication of AF ablation surgery. Many studies do not include migraine headaches at all in the neurological complications of ablation. However, based on some studies, it may seem that the incidence of migraine as a complication of ablation is underestimated

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

Measurement report : effect of wind shear on PM10PM_{10} concentration vertical structure in the urban boundary layer in a complex terrain

The paper shows wind shear impact on $PM_{10}$ vertical profiles in Kraków, southern Poland. The data used consist of background data for two cold seasons (September 2018 to April 2019 and September 2019 to April 2020) and data for several case studies from November 2019 to March 2020. The data are composed of $PM_{10}$ measurements, model data, and wind speed and direction data. The background model data come from operational forecast results of the AROME model. $PM_{10}$ concentration in the vertical profile was measured with a sightseeing balloon. Significant spatial variability of the wind field was found. The case studies represent the conditions with much lower wind speed and a much higher $PM_{10}$ level than the seasonal average. The inversions were much more frequent than on average too. Wind shear turned out to be the important factor in terms of $PM_{10}$ vertical profile modification. It is generated due to the relief impact, i.e. the presence of a large valley, blocked on one side with the hills. The analysis of $PM_{10}$ profiles from all flights allows us to distinguish three vertical zones of potential air pollution hazards within the valley (about 100 m deep) and the city of Kraków: (1) up to about 60 m a.g.l. - the zone where during periods of low wind speed, air pollution is potentially the highest and the duration of such high levels is the longest, i.e. the zone with the worst aerosanitary conditions; (2) about 60-100 m a.g.l. - transitional zone where the large decrease in $PM_{10}$ levels with height is observed; (3) above 100-120 m a.g.l. - the zone where air quality is significantly better than in zone 1, either due to the increase in the wind speed or due to the wind direction change and advection of different, clean air masses