Respiratory tract infections (RTI) are one of the most frequent reasons for medical consultations. As air temperature decreases, but also in connection with other meteorological parameters, evident seasonal fluctuations in the number of consultations for RTI can be observed. The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) is a complex meteorological index derived from an analysis of human thermal balance that depends on air temperature, air humidity, and wind speed. Our aims were to check if this index, although never used before for that purpose, is an adequate tool for forecasting seasonal increases in RTI prevalence. This study is a retrospective analysis of patients' consultations with general practitioners in the period of 2012-2015 (453,674 records) recorded in the city of Olsztyn (Poland), which is characterized by a cold climate type (Dfb). The values of air temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative air humidity, wind speed, and UTCI were used for a statistical analysis and a mathematical analysis of curve fitting in order to determine correlations between analyzed meteorological parameters and a number of medical consultations for RTI. Analysis of the number of medical consultations for RTI revealed an evident seasonal pattern in a 4-year observation period, with a strong inverse correlation between the number of patients with RTI and the UTCI. A statistically significant increase in the number of patients with RTI appeared when the UTCI decreased, especially when it reached the classes of strong cold stress and very strong cold stress. In conclusion, the UTCI is a valuable predictive parameter for forecasting seasonal increases in RTI cases. Its decrease may initiate a seasonal increased prevalence. This effect is strongest about the 10th day following a change in the thermal climate conditions and is not continuous. A larger number of consultations for RTI after weekends and holidays (the Monday effect) may blur the results of statistical analyses.

Lipid disorders, especially hypercholesterolemia, are one of the most thoroughly investigated cardiovascular risk factors. Their correlation with biometeorological conditions has been reported, with authors stressing seasonal increases of total cholesterol (TC) levels, mostly occurring in winter. This study aims at determining the correlation between the level of lipid parameters (LP) and meteorological conditions, analyzing seasonal variations in LP levels, and attempting to answer the following questions: do changes in LP levels result from the organism’s response to cold or heat stress, or are they secondary to seasonal dietary variations? An observational study comprised ambulatory patients from the city of Olsztyn (Poland), for whom laboratory test were performed in 2016–2018, with 106,325 records of TC, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides (TG). LP levels were matched with atmospheric conditions on the day when the test was conducted and expressed by the universal thermal climate index (UTCI). We demonstrated seasonal increases of TC in cold stress (in wintertime) and of TG in heat stress (summer). The analysis of LP levels in specific periods revealed the increase of TC levels after holidays (i.e., Christmas and Easter) in men by 4.56%, and the increase of TG levels in women by 13.46% in the same period. Our results suggest the secondary, diet-dependent underlying cause of the observed changes. This work contributes to the discussion concerning the impact of biometeorological factors on LP levels and may be of significance when planning population-dedicated preventive activities.

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Introduction: Viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, are airborne and transmitted mainly via droplets. This type of transmission is particularly significant for people remaining in common closed space. It is also crucial in the case of homeless people who remain periodically in shelters, considering that in this subpopulation it is often problematic to follow anti-epidemic hygiene measures. Aim: The aim of this work was the assessment of COVID-19 incidence in the Shelter for the Homeless named after Sabina Kusznierów in Olsztyn (Poland), and the analysis of the development of a micro-epidemic. Material and methods: Data were collected from the Shelter for the Homeless named after Sabina Kusznierów in Olsztyn. The retrospective analysis embracing the period of December 2020 and March 2021 was performed for 82 shelter residents. Attendance lists and personal identification numbers (PESEL) constituted the basis for obtaining the results of SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests from the gabinet.gov.pl portal. Results and discussion: Each of those residents remained overnight in the shelter at least once. In total, 50% of the analyzed individuals became infected. No cases of reinfection were noted. This work presents a case of COVID-19 transmission in closed space in which ‘patient zero’ appeared on December 18, 2020. Conclusions: The described epidemic demonstrates the classic scenario of an infectious disease transmission in closed space. Owing to the implications for society, ease of the infection transmission in the general population, and the lack of other real measures to influence this subpopulation, we believe that this group should be prioritized when planning vaccinations during possible subsequent waves of infections, if such should occur.

An official journal of the Polish Society of Internal Medicine founded by professor Władysław Antoni Gluziński 7 Cancer epidemiology in chronic kidney disease. G. Piecha 9 Treatment of cancer in patients with chronic kidney disease: the nephrologist's point of view. M. Klinger 11 Chemotherapy in patients with chronic kidney disease: the oncologist's point of view. K. Sosińska-Mielcarek 13 Targeted therapies and chronic kidney disease. J. Małyszko 16 Radiation therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease. J. Chudek 18 Glomerulonephritis and tumors: the nephrologist's point of view. A. Oko 20 Renal manifestations of lymphoproliferative disorders. D. Wołowiec 22 Monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance: a nephrologist's perspective. K. Krzanowska 25 Thrombotic microangiopathy as a manifestation of cancer or a complication of chemotherapy. M. Myślak, J. Mazurkiewicz, M. Piątak 27 Kidney lesions secondary to malignancy: a pathologist's perspective. A. Perkowska-Ptasińska 29 Tumor lysis syndrome. M. Nowicki 31 Malignancy-related electrolyte and acid-base disorders. M. Domański, K. Ciechanowski 33 Dialysis in a patient with acute renal failure and malignancy. R. Gellert 35 Acute kidney injury in patients with cancer: the role of palliative care. M. Lichodziejewska-Niemierko 37 Progressive kidney failure in a patient with a neuroendocrine neoplasm treated with a somatostatin analogue. A. Zawiasa-Bryszewska, G. Mełeń-Mucha, M. Goździk, M. Wągrowska-Danilewicz, I. Kurnatowska 39 Membranous nephropathy: anti-PLA 2 R-guided diagnosis versus clinical reality. J. Borawski, B. Labij-Reduta, B. Naumnik 41 Cancer in patients with end-stage renal disease and kidney transplant recipients. L. Pączek, B. Czarkowska-Pączek, A. Ślizień-Dębska 43 The risk of cancer associated with immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients. M. Sawosz, T. Bączkowska 45 Treatment of skin tumors in organ transplant recipients. B. Imko-Walczuk, D. Kadylak, A. Dębska-Ślizień 48 Cancer in a transplanted kidney. A. Dębska-Ślizień 50 New perspectives in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. M. Matuszewski 52 Colorectal cancer secondary to kidney transplantation: a need for prophylaxis.