Review of mathematical models of water quality

Water is one of the main elements of the environment which determine the existence of life on the Earth, affect the climate and limit the development of civilization. Water resources management requires constant monitoring in terms of its qualitative-quantitative values. Proper assessment of the degree of water pollution is the basis for conservation and rational utilization of water resources.Water quality in lakes and dams is undergoing continuous degradation caused by natural processes resulting from eutrophication and due to anthropogenic reasons. One of the tools that are used to solve problems of surface water pollution is modelling of changes which take place in lake waters and associated water quality changes. In the last thirty years a rapid development of mathematical modelling of water resources quality has been observed. A number of computer models have been designed which are successfully applied in practice in many countries, including Poland. This paper presents an overview of mathematical models for assessment of water quality in dam reservoirs. Description of the WASP program which will be used for modelling water quality in the Sulejów Reservoir was the focal point

The impact of air circulation on purity of the air flowing over urban and industrial agglomeration (a study case of Łódź)

Zanalizowano zmiany poziomu zanieczyszczenia pyłem zawieszonym i SOz mas powietrznych napływających nad zachodnie i wschodnie peryferie Łodzi. Stwierdzono wyraźne zmniejszenie tego poziomu, a także jego zaJeźność od typu cyrkulacji atmosferycznej. Wykazano, że obserwowana w miastach Polski poprawa sytuacji aerosanitarnej wynika z uwarunkowań zewnętrznych. Wykazano również wpływ zmian frekwencji poszczególnych typów cyrkulacji (wpływ okresowości procesów cyrkulacyjnych) na zanieczyszczenie powietrza w aglomeracjach miejsko-przemysłowych.Changes in dust and S02 concentration in the air masses flowing onto western and eastern suburbs of Łódź are analyzed. A significant decrease in these values was observed and dependence of the concentration on the type of air circulation was found. It was shown that improvement in the aero-sanitary conditions was caused by external factors. It was also shown that changes in the frequency of particular circulation types had influence on the air pollution in urban and industrial agglomerations

Cancer cachexia in thoracic malignancy: a narrative review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Thoracic malignancies are amongst the most lethal of all cancers. Cancer cachexia lacks unanimously accepted diagnostic criteria, and therefore is referenced to as a conceptual framework whereby cancer cachexia is ‘an ongoing loss of skeletal muscle mass (termed sarcopenia), with or without loss of fat mass that cannot be reversed by conventional nutritional support and leads to progressive functional impairment’. This review summarises the current evidence base in this field, including imaging techniques currently used to define sarcopenia, inflammatory and metabolic changes associated with the syndrome and ongoing research into potential treatment strategies. RECENT FINDINGS Sarcopenia is a key component of the cancer cachexia syndrome. It is common in patients with both early-stage and advanced NSCLC. Patients with sarcopenia have more treatment-related side effects and poorer overall survival compared with nonsarcopenic patients. SUMMARY Early identification of cancer cachexia may facilitate stratification of patients most-at-risk and initiation of emerging anticachexia treatments. If these are proven to be effective, this strategy has the potential to improve tolerance to anti-cancer therapies, improving the quality of life, and perhaps the survival, of patients with thoracic malignancies

Difficulties in management of tuberculous pneumonia in a patient with liver failure in the course of chronic hepatitis B and concomitant failure of the transplanted kidney

A 62-year-old woman with liver failure in the course of chronic hepatitis B and concomitant failure of the transplanted kidney was treated for tuberculous pneumonia. The treatment was initiated with rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide. Both renal and hepatic side effects required modification of this scheme. After 1 month of treatment sputum smears tested for acid-fast bacilli converted to a negative result and the chest X-ray demonstrated complete resolution of pulmonary infiltrates. Further therapy resulted in serious deterioration of the liver failure and fatal outcome.A 62-year-old woman with liver failure in the course of chronic hepatitis B and concomitant failure of the transplanted kidney was treated for tuberculous pneumonia. The treatment was initiated with rifampin, isoniazid and pyrazinamide. Both renal and hepatic side effects required modification of this scheme. After 1 month of treatment sputum smears tested for acid-fast bacilli converted to a negative result and the chest X-ray demonstrated complete resolution of pulmonary infiltrates. Further therapy resulted in serious deterioration of the liver failure and fatal outcome

L-Carnitine Reduces in Human Conjunctival Epithelial Cells Hypertonic- Induced Shrinkage through Interacting with TRPV1 Channels

Background/Aims: Ocular surface health depends on conjunctival epithelial (HCjE) layer integrity since it protects against pathogenic infiltration and contributes to tissue hydration maintenance. As the same increases in tear film hyperosmolarity described in dry eye disease can increase corneal epithelial transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channel activity, we evaluated its involvement in mediating an osmoprotective effect by L-carnitine against such stress. Methods: Using siRNA gene silencing, Ca2+imaging, planar patch- clamping and relative cell volume measurements, we determined if the protective effects of this osmolyte stem from its interaction with TRPV1. Results: TRPV1 activation by capsaicin (CAP) and an increase in osmolarity to≈450 mOsM both induced increases in Ca2+levels. In contrast, blocking TRPV1 activation with capsazepine (CPZ) fully reversed this response. Similarly, L-carnitine (1 mM) also reduced underlying whole-cell currents. In calcein-AM loaded cells, hypertonic-induced relative cell volume shrinkage was fully blocked during exposure to L-carnitine. On the other hand, in TRPV1 gene-silenced cells, this protective effect by L-carnitine was obviated. Conclusion: The described L-carnitine osmoprotective effect is elicited through suppression of hypertonic-induced TRPV1 activation leading to increases in L-carnitine uptake through a described Na+-dependent L-carnitine transporter

Urban heat island in Cracow in the light of artificial neural networks application in the description of air temperature field in Europe

Analizowano rolę miejskiejwyspy ciepła w Krakowie w kształtowaniu warunków tennicznych z punktu widzenia klimatologii. Obliczenia przeprowadzone przy wykorzystaniu sztucznych sieci neuronowych wykazały, że miejska wyspa ciepła (czasami zaznaczająca się blitdzo wyrażnie) nie ujawnia wpływu antropogenicznej emisji ciepła na wzrost średniej temperatury powietrza.The role of urban heat island in Cracow in the formation of thermal conditions from the point of view of climatology was analyzed. Calculations made with the use of the artificial neural networks proved that the urban heat island (sometimes very distinctly marked) had no remarkable effect on the mean air temperature increase in the period of high anthropogenic heat emissions

How do relatives remember the dying of lung cancer patients after 2-8 years? A qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with family members

Background. The aim of our study was to assess how relatives remember the dying of lung cancer patients several years after their death. Methods. The family members of 45 non small-cell lung cancer patients who died up to 7 years after radical surgical treatment were telephoned and asked to meet the research team. Only 20 of them agreed to talk about the dying and death of their relatives; for the rest the issue was still too painful. During the meeting with 2 researchers, participants were asked to comment freely on the points of the Assessment of Dying in Lung Cancer Patients questionnaire and to score the Quality of Dying Apgar. Results. Family members of 15 of the patients stated recognizing the dying of their loved one. They concluded this on the basis of exacerbation of symptoms, "typical" appearance, change in behaviour or particular words the patient said to them. The median score of the quality of dying was 6.5/10 (range 3-9). Lower scoring was observed for patients who died in hospital, without the family present at the moment of death and with uncontrolled symptoms. Only 5 of the relatives assessed pain and other symptom control as satisfactory. Other family members remembered pain (n = 9), dyspnoea (n = 8), delirium (n = 4) and other symptoms as disturbing the dying in a severe or moderate way. Three relatives assessed that their loved one's dying was not "dignified", mostly due to the severe physical suffering, the nursing being crucially remiss at the hospital and the patient's being alone at the moment of death. All family members were able to describe the healthcare professionals' attitudes and even repeat the statements they heard from them. Conclusion. We have demonstrated that several years after death many of the words and the behaviour of the dying patients were still alive in their relatives' memories. The family members remember how the healthcare professionals behaved and what they said to them. While caring for dying people, we should bear in mind that the way in which we behave may either give strength to the family or destroy their peace of mind for many years.Background. The aim of our study was to assess how relatives remember the dying of lung cancer patients several years after their death. Methods. The family members of 45 non small-cell lung cancer patients who died up to 7 years after radical surgical treatment were telephoned and asked to meet the research team. Only 20 of them agreed to talk about the dying and death of their relatives; for the rest the issue was still too painful. During the meeting with 2 researchers, participants were asked to comment freely on the points of the Assessment of Dying in Lung Cancer Patients questionnaire and to score the Quality of Dying Apgar. Results. Family members of 15 of the patients stated recognizing the dying of their loved one. They concluded this on the basis of exacerbation of symptoms, "typical" appearance, change in behaviour or particular words the patient said to them. The median score of the quality of dying was 6.5/10 (range 3-9). Lower scoring was observed for patients who died in hospital, without the family present at the moment of death and with uncontrolled symptoms. Only 5 of the relatives assessed pain and other symptom control as satisfactory. Other family members remembered pain (n = 9), dyspnoea (n = 8), delirium (n = 4) and other symptoms as disturbing the dying in a severe or moderate way. Three relatives assessed that their loved one's dying was not "dignified", mostly due to the severe physical suffering, the nursing being crucially remiss at the hospital and the patient's being alone at the moment of death. All family members were able to describe the healthcare professionals' attitudes and even repeat the statements they heard from them. Conclusion. We have demonstrated that several years after death many of the words and the behaviour of the dying patients were still alive in their relatives' memories. The family members remember how the healthcare professionals behaved and what they said to them. While caring for dying people, we should bear in mind that the way in which we behave may either give strength to the family or destroy their peace of mind for many years

The last months of lung cancer patients’ lives, in the memory of their relatives. A qualitative study based on in-depth interviews with family members

Background. The aim of the study was to assess how family members remember the final months of their loved ones 2–8 years after their death. We focused particularly on their recognition of the patients’ physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Methods. The family members of 45 non small-cell lung cancer patients who died up to 7 years after radical surgical treatment were telephoned and asked to meet the research team. Only 20 of them agreed to talk about the dying and death of their relatives; for the rest the issue was still too painful. During the meeting with two researchers, participants were asked to comment freely on the points of the Assessment of Dying in Lung Cancer Patients questionnaire. Results. Almost all the relatives interviewed in our study were able to recognize the beginning of the terminal phase. They connected the beginning of dying with the deterioration of the physical and/or psychological status of patients, such as the exacerbation of weakness and/or other symptoms or with clearly distinguished incidents such as cancer recurrence or hip fracture. The majority were able to define the length of this phase as being several months (median = 3, range 1–11 months). The most common physical symptoms mentioned by the relatives interviewed were, in sequential order: pain (n = 13) and fatigue (n = 13), anorexia (n = 9), dyspnoea (n = 7) and cachexia (n = 7). Of the 20 decedents, 18 regularly received painkillers at least at some period during their final months. Apart from medicines prescribed by the doctors, 9 patients were treated with “anticancer” herbs, or homeopathy, or by bioenergotherapy. From the relatives’ perspectives, the main approach was focused on the physical aspects of care while there was a lack of psychological and social support, the latter often causing severe financial burden. Most relatives believed that chaplains are the main source of spiritual comfort and there was easy access to such a service both in their parish and in the hospice or hospitals. Conclusion. Our study showed that the families remembered feelings of loneliness and helplessness when confronted with the psychological suffering of their loved ones and the financial burdens caused by the caregivers. Professionals involved in palliative care should acknowledge that holistic care requires sensitivity, not only to the physical but also to the psychosocial and spiritual aspects of end-of-life care.Background. The aim of the study was to assess how family members remember the final months of their loved ones 2–8 years after their death. We focused particularly on their recognition of the patients’ physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs. Methods. The family members of 45 non small-cell lung cancer patients who died up to 7 years after radical surgical treatment were telephoned and asked to meet the research team. Only 20 of them agreed to talk about the dying and death of their relatives; for the rest the issue was still too painful. During the meeting with two researchers, participants were asked to comment freely on the points of the Assessment of Dying in Lung Cancer Patients questionnaire. Results. Almost all the relatives interviewed in our study were able to recognize the beginning of the terminal phase. They connected the beginning of dying with the deterioration of the physical and/or psychological status of patients, such as the exacerbation of weakness and/or other symptoms or with clearly distinguished incidents such as cancer recurrence or hip fracture. The majority were able to define the length of this phase as being several months (median = 3, range 1–11 months). The most common physical symptoms mentioned by the relatives interviewed were, in sequential order: pain (n = 13) and fatigue (n = 13), anorexia (n = 9), dyspnoea (n = 7) and cachexia (n = 7). Of the 20 decedents, 18 regularly received painkillers at least at some period during their final months. Apart from medicines prescribed by the doctors, 9 patients were treated with “anticancer” herbs, or homeopathy, or by bioenergotherapy. From the relatives’ perspectives, the main approach was focused on the physical aspects of care while there was a lack of psychological and social support, the latter often causing severe financial burden. Most relatives believed that chaplains are the main source of spiritual comfort and there was easy access to such a service both in their parish and in the hospice or hospitals. Conclusion. Our study showed that the families remembered feelings of loneliness and helplessness when confronted with the psychological suffering of their loved ones and the financial burdens caused by the caregivers. Professionals involved in palliative care should acknowledge that holistic care requires sensitivity, not only to the physical but also to the psychosocial and spiritual aspects of end-of-life care

TRPV6 modulates proliferation of human pancreatic neuroendocrine BON-1 tumour cells

Highly Ca2+ permeable receptor potential channel vanilloid type 6 (TRPV6) modulates a variety of biological functions including calcium-dependent cell growth and apoptosis. So far, the role of TRPV6 in controlling growth of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour (NET) cells is unknown. In the present study, we characterize the expression of TRPV6 in pancreatic BON-1 and QGP-1 NET cells. Furthermore, we evaluate the impact of TRPV6 on intracellular calcium, the activity of nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) and proliferation of BON-1 cells. TRPV6 expression was assessed by real-time PCR and Western blot. TRPV6 mRNA expression and protein production were down-regulated by siRNA. Changes in intracellular calcium levels were detected by fluorescence calcium imaging (fura-2/AM). NFAT activity was studied by NFAT reporter assay; cell proliferation by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), MTT and propidium iodine staining. TRPV6 mRNA and protein are present in BON-1 and QGP-1 NET-cells. Down-regulation of TRPV6 attenuates BON-1 cell proliferation. TRPV6 down- regulation is associated with decreased Ca2+ response pattern and reduced NFAT activity. In conclusion, TRPV6 is expressed in pancreatic NETs and modulates cell proliferation via Ca2+-dependent mechanism, which is accompanied by NFAT activation