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In this study, we examine principals’ data use within four districts are engaged in district-level professional learning around equity. Drawing on Gutierrez's framework for dimensions of equity, we consider how principals engage in data use in light of the dimensions of access, achievement, identity, and power. Findings suggest each district had its own definition of equity and engaged in work at advancing equity based on this unique definition. We conclude with implications for policy, preparation, and practice related to these different understandings of equity.

Background Renal mass biopsy (RMB) has had limited and varied utilization to guide management of renal masses (RM). Objective To evaluate utilization of RMB for newly diagnosed cT1 RMs across diverse practice types and assess associations of outcomes with RMB. Design, setting, and participants MUSIC-KIDNEY commenced data collection in September 2017 for all newly presenting patients with a cT1 RM at 14 diverse practices. Patients were assessed at ≥120 d after initial evaluation. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Demographics and outcomes were compared for patients undergoing RMB versus no RMB. Clinical and demographic characteristics were summarized by RMB status using a χ2 test for categorical variables and Student t test for continuous variables. A mixed-effects logistic regression model was constructed to identify associations with RMB receipt. Results and limitations RMB was performed in 15.5% (n = 282) of 1808 patients with a cT1 RM. Practice level rates varied from 0% to 100% (p = 0.001), with only five of 14 practices using RMB in >20% of patients. On multivariate analysis, predictors of RMB included greater comorbidity (Charlson comorbidity index ≥2 vs 0: odds ratio [OR] 1.44; p = 0.025) and solid lesion type (cystic vs solid: OR 0.17; p = 0.001; indeterminate vs solid: OR 0.58; p = 0.01). RMB patients were less likely to have benign pathology at intervention (5.0% vs 13.5%; p = 0.01). No radical nephrectomies were performed for patients with benign histology at RMB. The limitations include short follow-up and inclusion of practices with low numbers of RMBs. Conclusions Utilization of RMB varied widely across practices. Factors associated with RMB include comorbidities and lesion type. Patients undergoing RMB were less likely to have benign histology at intervention. Patient summary Current use of biopsy for kidney tumors is low and varies across our collaborative. Biopsy was performed in patients with greater comorbidity (more additional medical conditions) and for solid kidney tumors. Pretreatment biopsy is associated with lower nonmalignant pathology detected at treatment., Take Home Message Utilization of renal mass biopsy (RMB) within a statewide quality improvement collaborative (MUSIC-KIDNEY) was low overall, with wide practice variation. Predictors of RMB utilization included greater comorbidity and solid lesion type. The results of RMB performed before treatment greatly impacted management, particularly when a benign histological diagnosis was made. More widespread use of RMB could further reduce the number of radical nephrectomies with findings of only benign pathology.

The aims of this investigation were: (1) to compare residual stone-fragment (RSF) detection rates of ultra-low dose computed tomography (ULD-CT) and abdominal plain film (KUB) in urolithiasis patients undergoing shock-wave lithotripsy (SWL), and (2) to evaluate the downstream sequelae of utilizing these two disparate imaging pathways of differing diagnostic fidelity. A retrospective chart-review of patients undergoing SWL at two high-volume surgical centers was undertaken (2013–2016). RSF diagnostic rates of ULD-CT and KUB were assessed, and the impact of imaging modality used on subsequent emergency room (ER) visits, unplanned procedures, and cost-effectiveness was investigated. Adjusted analyses examined association between imaging modality used and outcomes, and Markov decision-tree analysis was performed to identify a cost advantageous scenario for ULD-CT over KUB. Of 417 patients studied, 57 (13.7%) underwent ULD-CT while the remaining 360 underwent KUB. The RSF rates were 36.8% and 22.8% in the ULD-CT and KUB groups, respectively (p = 0.019). A 5.6% and 18% of the patients deemed stone-free on ULD-CT and KUB, respectively, returned to the ER (p = 0.040). Similarly, 2.8% and 15.1% needed an unplanned surgery (p = 0.027). These findings were confirmed on multivariable analyses, Odds ratios CT-ULD versus KUB: 0.19 and 0.10, respectively, p

Reforming of the higher education system in Ukraine, improving the regulatory framework, the introduction of a new list of competence areas and specialties aimed to training of future specialists, led to the creation of specialty 227 "Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy". However, the standard of higher education at the first (bachelors) level in the specialty 227 "Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy" does not take into account the specifics of activities in the field of physical culture and sports. In turn, a fragment of the theoretical content of the subject area of specialty 017 "Physical Culture and Sports" is the basics of sports medicine, and the standard of higher education at the first (bachelor's) level in this specialty provides for the formation of competence in an individual’s emergency care and body’s pathological processes. The purpose of the study was to create the specification of structure and content of the educational and professional program "Physical Rehabilitation" at the first (bachelor's) level in the specialty 017 Physical Culture and Sport at Lviv State University of Physical Culture named after Ivan Boberskyi. Material and methods. The following research methods, system approach, methods of analysis and synthesis, documentary method, methods of scientific induction and deduction were used in the work. Results and discussion. It is shown that the educational-professional program of the first (bachelor's) level of higher education in the specialty 017 "Physical Culture and Sport" (physical rehabilitation) is aimed at the formation of professional competencies that integrate knowledge of medical rehabilitation and sports. It is established that the educational and professional program of the first (bachelor's) level of higher education in the specialty 017 "Physical Culture and Sport" (physical rehabilitation) at Lviv State University of Physical Culture named after Ivan Boberskyi with the standard 4-year term of bachelor's degree, is on the basis of complete general secondary education with 11-year study term has 240 ECTS credits and on the basis of complete general secondary education with a 12 years term of study – 180-240 ECTS credits, in accordance with the standard of higher education in Ukraine. Conclusion. Taking into account the above-mentioned peculiarities, we offered the nomenclature of special (professional, subject) competencies of the bachelor according to the educational-professional program "Physical rehabilitation" of the specialty 017 "Physical culture and sport"

Objective Transrectal ultrasound-guided (TRUS) prostate biopsy is associated with a 1%-5% risk of severe sepsis, despite the use of prophylactic antibiotics. Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of transperineal (TP) prostate biopsy in the outpatient setting under local anesthetic (LA). We demonstrate the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of our technique for performing TP biopsy under LA in the clinic setting using a reusable needle guide. Methods A biplanar ultrasound probe with an attached adjustable, reusable needle guide was evaluated for transperineal biopsy. A 17 gauge x 10 cm coaxial needle is attached to the needle guide. The skin is infiltrated, bilaterally, approximately 2 cm anterolateral to the anal verge with 1% lidocaine using a 25 gauge needle. A deeper prostatic block is then performed using a 20 gauge spinal needle. Administration of the anesthetic is delivered to the musculature of the pelvic floor, superficial-to-deep. Prostate samples are obtained using an 18 gauge x 25cm biopsy gun. All biopsies on a side can be obtained utilizing a single perineal skin puncture site. Patients who underwent office TP biopsy after May 2019 also completed a 10-item patient experience questionnaire regarding pain or discomfort experienced during the procedure. Results In 2019, a total of 74 patients underwent office TP prostate biopsy under local anesthesia using a reusable needle guide, while 564 underwent office TRUS biopsy. Prostate biopsy was positive for malignancy in 58.1% of TP patients vs 57.6% in TRUS patients (P = .93). TP biopsy had a lower utilization of prophylactic antibiotics compared to TRUS biopsy: 33.8% vs 99.5% (P Conclusion We demonstrate that office TP biopsy under LA with a reusable needle guide can be safely introduced with equivalent cancer detection rates whilst nearly eliminating the risk of urinary sepsis. This was achieved while also significantly reducing the use of prophylactic antibiotics. The procedure was well tolerated, with the most common complaint being local infiltration of anesthetic. We believe that office TP biopsy under LA can be performed with good patient tolerability, as almost 94% of patients were willing to undergo the procedure again. There is also the potential for reduction in overall cost with the use of a reusable needle guide.

Consistent and correct mask use is a critical strategy for preventing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 (1). CDC recommends that schools require universal indoor mask use for students, staff members, and others in kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12) school settings (2). As U.S. schools opened for the 2021-22 school year in the midst of increasing community spread of COVID-19, some states, counties, and school districts implemented mask requirements in schools. To assess the impact of masking in schools on COVID-19 incidence among K-12 students across the United States, CDC assessed differences between county-level pediatric COVID-19 case rates in schools with and without school mask requirements.

Beginning in January 2021, the U.S. government prioritized ensuring continuity of learning for all students during the COVID-19 pandemic (1). To estimate the extent of COVID-19-associated school disruptions, CDC and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory used a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) (2) statistical approach to estimate the most likely actual learning modality based on patterns observed in past data, accounting for conflicting or missing information and systematic Internet searches (3) for COVID-19-related school closures. This information was used to assess how many U.S. schools were open, and in which learning modalities, during August 1-September 17, 2021. Learning modalities included 1) full in-person learning, 2) a hybrid of in-person and remote learning, and 3) full remote learning.

PURPOSE Daily aspirin use following cardiovascular intervention is commonplace and creates concern regarding bleeding risk in patients undergoing surgery. Despite its cardio-protective role, aspirin is often discontinued 5-7 days prior to major surgery due to bleeding concerns. Single institution studies have investigated perioperative outcomes of aspirin use in robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN). We sought to evaluate the outcomes of perioperative aspirin (pASA) use during RPN in a multicenter setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a retrospective evaluation of patients undergoing RPN at 5 high volume RPN institutions. We compared perioperative outcomes of patients taking pASA (81 mg) to those not on aspirin. We analyzed the association between pASA use and perioperative transfusion. RESULTS Of 1,565 patients undergoing RPN, 228 (14.5%) patients continued pASA and were older (62.8 vs 56.8 years, p

We report a 31 year old female with urologic history significant for right ureteropelvic junction obstruction managed with open right pyeloplasty in 1996 with recurrent stricture managed with right ureterocalycostomy in 1997 along with right distal ureteroneocystostomy for iatrogenic distal ureteral stricture. She developed symptomatic stone episodes and recurrent urinary tract infections and elected to proceed with shockwave lithotripsy. Postoperatively she developed a large liver hemorrhage requiring supportive care and endovascular embolization.

Objective To describe and evaluate a risk-stratified triage pathway for inpatient urology consultations during the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. This pathway seeks to outline a urology patient care strategy that reduces the transmission risk to both healthcare providers and patients, reduces the healthcare burden, and maintains appropriate patient care. Materials and Methods Consultations to the urology service during a 3-week period (March 16 to April 2, 2020) were triaged and managed via one of 3 pathways: Standard, Telemedicine, or High-Risk. Standard consults were in-person consults with non COVID-19 patients, High-Risk consults were in-person consults with COVID-19 positive/suspected patients, and Telemedicine consults were telephonic consults for low-acuity urologic issues in either group of patients. Patient demographics, consultation parameters and consultation outcomes were compared to consultations from the month of March 2019. Categorical variables were compared using Chi-square test and continuous variables using Mann-Whitney U test. A P value Results Between March 16 and April 2, 2020, 53 inpatient consultations were performed. By following our triage pathway, a total of 19/53 consultations (35.8%) were performed via Telemedicine with no in-person exposure, 10/53 consultations (18.9%) were High-Risk, in which we strictly controlled the urology team member in-person contact, and the remainder, 24/53 consultations (45.2%), were performed as Standard in-person encounters. COVID-19 associated consultations represented 18/53 (34.0%) of all consultations during this period, and of these, 8/18 (44.4%) were managed successfully via Telemedicine alone. No team member developed COVID-19 infection. Conclusion During the COVID-19 pandemic, most urology consultations can be managed in a patient and physician safety-conscious manner, by implementing a novel triage pathway.

Introduction: Vaccine opponents indicate that the infant's immune system is inadequately developed to handle multiple vaccines which may overwhelm the immune system, leading to allergic diseases. Aim: To verify the association between the vaccine antigen overload derived from DTwP and the development of atopic sensitization and allergic diseases. Material and methods: Data from an earlier established birth cohort in Krakow, followed up to the 6th year of life were used. Allergic diseases such as eczema, hay fever and asthma were diagnosed by a physician and reported every half a year from the 1st to 6th year of life by the child’s parent. Skin prick tests (SPT) were performed in children at 5 years of age. The data on infants' vaccination were extracted from the physician's records. The status of vaccine antigen exposure was based on different types of vaccines against pertussis (DTwP or DTaP) in a primary course. Results were determined by multiple logistic regression, adjusted to potential confounders. Results: The analyzed population consisted of 234 children: 53.4% - boys and 46.6% - girls. Infants up to the age of 8 months were vaccinated with the primary course against pertussis, with DTwP - 60.7%, DTaP - 32.9% and further 6.4% with a mixed course (DTwP + DTaP). There were no significant relationships between any of vaccination groups and allergic disease and allergen sensitivity in the multiple logistic regression model with adjustment to potential confounders. Conclusions: The exposure to a large number of vaccine antigens derived from DTwP has no influence on the development of allergic diseases and atopic sensitization in children.

Background: Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) could be associated with a thermal oesophageal (EO) injury. To avoid this complication intraluminal EO temperature monitoring and ablation power reduction at the areas with excessive heating could be used. However, the reduced energy could limit the ablation lesion depth, without creation of lasting transmural scar and influence on long-term ablation results. Aim: The primary goal was to evaluate the homogeneity of forced ablation power reduction due to excessive EO heating in different parts of the left atrium. The secondary goal was to assess the influence of power reduction in different EO locations on long-term AF recurrence. Methods: We examined retrospectively 109 consecutive patients with symptomatic, medically refractory paroxysmal AF, who underwent pulmonary vein isolation using radiofrequency ablation. In 40.4% of the patients the EO course was central (group B) left atrium posterior wall, in 31.2% it was left sided (group A), and in 28.4% it was right sided (group C). Results: The maximal measured temperature (41.0 ± 1.0 vs. 39.2 ± 1.5 vs. 40.6 ± 0.7°C) and forced ablation power (15.9 ± 5.6 vs. 23.5 ± 6.1 vs. 17.4 ± 5.7 W) differed significantly according to the EO course (A, B, C, respectively). In six-month follow-up 76.15% of patients were free of arrhythmias. There was no statistically significant difference between groups (A-C) regarding the AF recurrence rate: 32.4% vs. 20.5% vs. 19.4% (p = 0.37). Conclusions: The maximal intraluminal EO temperatures and the necessary level of power reduction during AF ablation are inhomogeneous in different parts of the left atrium, but they are not associated with different six-month follow-up results.

The goal of this paper was to evaluate the current use of enterocystoplasty, a historical operation for bladder dysfunction but with continued and increasing modern relevance. Since the advent of third line neuromodulation techniques for neurogenic and idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB), the usage of enterocystoplasty has decreased. However, this procedure continues to be utilized in pediatric urology patients and the most refractory OAB patients. Adult urologist should be familiar with this operative technique in an effort to manage pediatric patients transitioning to adulthood. Minimally invasive techniques for this surgical procedure have been described with very limited outcome data. It is important for all urologists to be familiar with enterocystoplasty, both technically and with the unique needs of these patients postoperatively. Further studies evaluating the outcomes of this procedure in idiopathic overactive bladder patients and efforts to standardize recommendations for neurogenic bladder patients will help guide care in the future.

Precise geodetic levelling measurements use a measuring set consisting of a precise digital level and digital (bar coded) levelling staffs. Such a measuring set enables automation of height measurement records and obtaining the accuracy of double-run levelling at the level of ±0.2 mm/1 km. Under the existing legislation (international and domestic) levels and levelling staffs should be subject to periodic tests followed by the issuing of calibration certificates. Such tests are carried out with the use of comparators and specialized measuring stations. The paper presents the development and construction of such an instrument, namely the Vertical Comparator for the Calibration of Levelling Systems (hereinafter referred to as VCCLS) in the Laboratory of Geodetic Technologies (LGT) of the Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences (Pol. Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy we Wroclawiu; hereinafter: UPWr). Presented and discussed in the paper are experimental and research works concerning the construction and functionality of the comparator as well as the environment conditions in the LGT. An analysis of the results of testing of two levelling systems: of Leica and Trimble companies allowed for defining the extended uncertainty of the comparator (at the confidence level of 95%), which amounted to ±2.1 μm. The paper demonstrates the advantages of the original Vertical Comparator for the Calibration of geodetic Levelling Systems as compared to design solutions known from the professional literature. Designed and constructed at UPWr, the novel VCCLS is characterized by uncomplicated construction, simple adjustment of its interferometric measuring system and versatility as it can be used to test digital geodetic levelling systems which apply both digital and analog levelling staffs of different manufacturers (including Leica, Trimble, Topcon, Sokkia, Zeiss).

Introduction: Rotavirus is the main etiological cause of intestinal infections in children. Voluntary rotavirus vaccines were included in the Polish vaccination schedule in 2007. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a completed rotavirus vaccination course in preventing acute gastroenteritis in Polish infants during their first five years of life. Material and methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in Lesser Poland (Malopolska Province). The sample population included a group of 303 children who received the completed rotavirus vaccination course and 303 children not vaccinated against rotavirus. The date of the child’s acute gastroenteritis diagnosis and his or her vaccination history were extracted from the physicians’ records. Each kind of diagnosed acute gastroenteritis during winter-spring rotavirus seasons was treated as the endpoint. The relative risk of having gastrointestinal infection was assessed using the hazard ratio from the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results: In the examined group, 96 (15.8%) children had winter-spring gastrointestinal infections. In the non-vaccinated children, the cumulative incidence of these infections in the first 5 years of life was 20.8%, whereas in the children vaccinated with Rotarix it was only 10.9%. Those who were vaccinated with Rotarix had a 44% reduction in the risk of a winter-spring acute gastroenteritis infection compared to those not vaccinated with Rotarix (p = 0.005). Birth weight less than 2500 g increased the risk of the infection twofold and also reached statistical significance (p = 0.044). Conclusions: The results showed that Rotarix is effective in preventing acute gastroenteritis in Polish children during rotavirus seasons.

Numerical simulations of drawing and redrawing process of forming cylindrical elements from thin sheets are complicated issues due to the problem with describing finite elements in the complex calculation model. This type of simulation require the creation of the rheological model including the forming limit curve, the true-stress-strain curve and anisotropy defined in various directions. In addition, it is necessary to design optimal geometry of the forming tools. FEM calculations have been performed for 3XXX series aluminum tape in cold-hardening state. The initial data, boundary conditions have been defined, as well as technological data concerning the sheets have been specified experimentally. Numerical analysis of thin aluminum sheet drawing and redrawing process has been analyzed for 3 various sheet thicknesses, i.e.: 0,250 mm , 0,240 mm , 0,230 mm. Currently, the industry uses mainly sheets of 0.250mm thickness. A few manufacturers of beverage cans use sheets of thickness0.240mm while the sheet of thickness 0.230mmis the innovation which manufacturers try to introduce into the industry to minimize the quantity of material. For the selected thickness the clearance between the punch and the die has been calculated as well as the optimum hold-down force. The influence of sheet thickness on the distribution of thinning along generating line has been examined. In order to determine the thinnest possible sheet for obtaining the optimal thickness of the final product, the thinning of drawpiece has been analyzed. Moreover the value of deformations has been compared to FLC curve as well as the intensity of the stresses generated in the bottom and on side walls of the cup has been examined.

Background Patterns of lung function development during childhood can be helpful in understanding the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases. A variety of environmental and lifestyle factors, present from the prenatal period to adulthood, may affect or modulate lung function growth. The aim of this study was to investigate, the associations between individual growth trajectories of children's lung function during childhood and prenatal exposure to airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), which were hypothesized to adversely affect spirometry parameters. Material and methods The study group comprised 294 non-asthmatic, full term children from the Krakow birth cohort, who underwent annual spirometry testing at the ages of 4–9 years. Individual personal air monitoring of PM2.5 and PAH were performed over 48 h in the second trimester of pregnancy. Possible confounders or modifiers such as child's gender, height, atopic status and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) were considered. Polynomial multilevel mixed models were used to assess the growth rates of children's lung functions. Results Lung function trajectories differed significantly for boys and girls for FVC, FEV1 and FEF25–75. Girls had lower rates of increase than boys: − 20.5 (95%CI: − 32.4; − 8.6) ml/year (FVC); − 19.9 (95%CI: −30.7;−9.0) ml/year (FEV1); and − 32.5 (95%CI: − 56.9; − 8.2) ml/year (FEF25–75). Spirometry functions increased with age; however the growth rate decelerated over time. Significant lung function impairment (lower FVC and FEV1 levels) was observed from 4 to 9 years among subjects prenatally exposed to higher levels of PM2.5 as well as PAH, but not in the case of FEF25-75. No significant differences were observed in the rates of increase over time in relation to prenatal PM2.5 and PAH exposure. Conclusion Our results indicate that in non-asthmatic children high prenatal exposure to airborne PM2.5 and PAH is associated with lower trajectories of FVC and FEV1, but not the rate of increase over time, suggesting that the initial effect is not diminishing in time.

Imaging and Imaging Spectroscopy in the ultraviolet (UV), visible, and near infrared (NIR) part have a wide range of applications in astrophysics, planetary studies, heliophysics, commercial and medical diagnostics. A major part of system performance is contributed by the detector metrics. JPL-developed sensors developed using 2D-doping and custom coatings provide high performance across the UV, visible, and NIR region of the spectrum. Applying these 2-D surface and interface engineering technologies to detector structures with gain (e.g., Avalanche Photodiodes or APDs or electron multiplying charged-coupled devices or EMCCDs) enables photon-counting capabilities in solid state format rather than image tube detectors. Initially developed for space exploration applications for detecting faint signals in harsh environments while using low voltage and low power, these high efficiency detectors can be repurposed for medical applications that have much of the same requirements. For example, endogenous and induced fluorescence signatures in tissues as emergent diagnostic tools for abnormal tissue behaviors can potentially be detected using these detectors with high efficiency. Using JPL high efficiency imaging arrays, transient fluorescence signatures could be detected with small amount of stimulation. This brings the added advantage of precise fluorescence signature quantification, without damage to the host organism or tissue. In this work, we present fluorescence detection of phantom samples that serve as proof of concept demonstration while calibrating the instrument.

Background: Diabetes mellitus and admission blood glucose are important risk factors for mortality in ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patients, but their relative and individual role remains on debate. Objective: To analyze the influence of diabetes mellitus and admission blood glucose on the mortality of ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patients submitted to primary coronary percutaneous intervention. Methods: Prospective cohort study including every ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patient submitted to primary coronary percutaneous intervention in a tertiary cardiology center from December 2010 to May 2012. We collected clinical, angiographic and laboratory data during hospital stay, and performed a clinical follow-up 30 days after the ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. We adjusted the multivariate analysis of the studied risk factors using the variables from the GRACE score. Results: Among the 740 patients included, reported diabetes mellitus prevalence was 18%. On the univariate analysis, both diabetes mellitus and admission blood glucose were predictors of death in 30 days. However, after adjusting for potential confounders in the multivariate analysis, the diabetes mellitus relative risk was no longer significant (relative risk: 2.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.76 - 7.59; p-value: 0.13), whereas admission blood glucose remained and independent predictor of death in 30 days (relative risk: 1.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.02 - 1.09; p-value ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: In ST segment elevation myocardial infarction patients submitted to primary coronary percutaneous intervention, the admission blood glucose was a more accurate and robust independent predictor of death than the previous diagnosis of diabetes. This reinforces the important role of inflammation on the outcomes of this group of patients.

The controversial topic of the early exposure to mercury is regarding ethylmercury, which is present in the thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs). The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the early exposure to TCVs and cognitive development in children during the first 9 years of life. The cohort included 318 children vaccinated in an early period (neonatal and up to 6 months) against hepatitis B and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) using formulation with or without thimerosal. The children’s development was assessed using the Fagan test (6th month of life), the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID)-II (12th–36th month), the Raven test (5th, 8th year), and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-R) (6th, 7th, 9th year). Results were determined by multivariable linear and logistic regression, adjusted to potential confounders. Children exposed and not exposed to TCVs in the neonatal period had similar outcomes of cognitive-developmental tests; only the results of BSID-II at the 36th month and WISC-R at the 9th year were significantly higher for those exposed to TCVs. Developmental test results in children exposed to TCVs up to the 6th month of life also did not depend on thimerosal dose. Conclusion: TCV administration in early infancy did not affect children’s cognitive development.

Comparisons between dedicated risk scores in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in real-world clinical practice are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE), Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction (PAMI), Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI), and Zwolle scores in STEMI patients undergoing pPCI in contemporary clinical practice.This was a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with STEMI undergoing pPCI between December 2009 and November 2010 in a high-volume tertiary referral centre. The outcomes assessed were major cardiovascular events (MACEs) and death within 30 days. The diagnostic accuracy of the scores was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, and scores were compared using the DeLong method.During the study period, 501 patients were included. Within 30 days, 62 patients (12.4%) presented a MACE and 39 individuals (7.8%) died. All scores were statistically associated with death and MACE within 30 days (P0.01). The c-statistic and 95% confidence intervals for 30-day mortality were: GRACE, 0.84 (0.78-0.90); TIMI, 0.81 (0.74-0.87); Zwolle, 0.80 (0.73-0.87); and PAMI, 0.75 (0.68-0.82) (P0.01). There was no statistically significant difference regarding the accuracy of the TIMI, GRACE, and Zwolle scores for 30-day mortality, but the GRACE score was superior to the PAMI score (P0.01).The TIMI, GRACE, and Zwolle scores performed equally well as predictors of mortality in patients who underwent pPCI in current practice. These results suggest that these scores are suitable options for risk assessment in a real-world setting.

Presented work introduces methods for improving linearity of a heterodyne laser interferometer system. The heterodyne configuration exhibits high potential in demanding applications, like pico/nano positioning. Those applications require superior accuracy, more difficult to obtain in a homodyne configuration of the laser interferometer. The homodyne setup is more susceptible to external light, variation of DC offset and higher noises, especially the 1/f noise. Those issues are filtered out in the heterodyne configuration. The main disadvantage of heterodyne setup are higher measurement nonlinearities. In this paper there are first introduced sources of nonlinearities and their impact on the overall accuracy. According to those findings there are proposed techniques to eliminate error caused by parasite beams, i.e. nonlinearities. Presented method is based on digital signal processing and is reliable and easy to use. In the shown approach the nonlinearities correction is completely automatic. Such system is applicable for X/Y positioning stages. Presented configuration of the laser interferometer is able to track the displacement with 100 pm resolution up to 7 m/s of translation velocity. The resolution can be improved to 10 pm by limitation of maximal velocity. In the paper there is confirmed that errors caused by nonlinearities are in range of ±0.6 nm. Achieved accuracy is comparable to capacitance gauges with presented laser interferometer having much better dynamic range.

INTRODUÇÃO: A tromboaspiração é recomendada como método adjunto à intervenção coronária percutânea (ICP) primária, mas o insucesso em recuperar trombos é relativamente frequente. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as taxas de insucesso de tromboaspiração e identificar seus preditores, em uma série contemporânea de pacientes. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte prospectivo que incluiu pacientes consecutivos atendidos com infarto agudo do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST e submetidos à ICP primária com tromboaspiração no período de dezembro de 2009 a dezembro de 2011. Os procedimentos de tromboaspiração foram realizados por decisão do operador, e o sucesso foi definido como aspiração efetiva de trombo pelo cateter dedicado, com recuperação do fluxo coronário (fluxo TIMI > 0). RESULTADOS: Foram realizadas 1.055 ICPs primárias, sendo que a tromboaspiração foi utilizada em 37% dos casos, com taxa de sucesso de 70%. Foram identificados 254 pacientes com sucesso e 107 com insucesso da tromboaspiração. Insucesso de tromboaspiração foi associado a: idade, hipertensão, diabetes mellitus, dislipidemia, ICP prévia, escore de risco TIMI, Killip IV, contagem de leucócitos, fibrinogênio sérico, diâmetro de referência do vaso-alvo e TIMI 3 pré-procedimento. Pacientes com insucesso da tromboaspiração apresentaram tendência a maior mortalidade (11,6% vs. 5,9%; P = 0,09). CONCLUSÕES: Insucesso de tromboaspiração durante ICP primária ocorreu em 30% dos casos e esteve associado a tendência de maior mortalidade. A identificação de preditores clínicos, laboratoriais e angiográficos pode auxiliar no aprimoramento desses dispositivos e em sua técnica, além da escolha de pacientes mais adequados para seu emprego.

This paper presents the conceptual design of the IMaGInE (Innovative Mars Global International Exploration) Mission whose mission objectives are to deliver a crew of four astronauts to the surface of Deimos and a robotic exploration mission to Phobos for approx-imately 343 days during the years 2031 and 2032, perform surface excursions, technology demonstrations, and In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) of the Martian moons as well as site reconnaissance for future human exploration of Mars. This is the winning mission design of the 2016 Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts-Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) competition, awarded with the "Best in Theme," "Best Overall," and "Pio-neering Exceptional Achievement Concept Honor (PEACH)" prizes. This competition was sponsored by NIA and NASA.

Background Aspiration thrombectomy is used in primary percutaneous coronary interventions, but the importance of thrombus constituency has been scarcely investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate thrombus constituency and its association with clinical, laboratory, and angiographic findings in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Methods From April 2010 to May 2011, 562 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary interventions were considered for inclusion, and information on thrombi characteristics was available for 113 patients. Thrombus material were obtained and classified as white or red based on its constituency. Samples were analyzed by 3 independent pathologists blinded to clinical characteristics. Results The mean age of patients was 58.6 ± 12.7 years, and 69% were men. White thrombi were present in 31% of cases, and red thrombi, in 69%. Patients with white thrombi had smaller vessels and lower ischemic times. All other clinical, angiographic, and laboratory characteristics did not differ. White thrombi were smaller and associated with fibrin infiltration, whereas red thrombi were associated with red blood cell infiltration. Thirty-day death rates were lower in patients with white thrombi than red (0% vs 10.1%, respectively; P = .05), as were 30-day major adverse cardiac event rates (4.2% vs 13.9%; P = .10). Total ischemic time was well correlated with fibrin infiltration (R = �0.30; P b .01), red blood cell infiltration (R = 0.27; P b .01), and thrombus volume (R = 0.22; P = .02). Conclusions White thrombi were present in one-third of cases and were associated with lower ischemic times, higher fibrin infiltration, smaller thrombus volume, and lower mortality. These findings suggest that thrombus constituency may be a useful prognostic tool in this setting. (Am Heart J 2012;164:553-60.)

This study retrospectively reviewed 971 consecutive admissions to our epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) from July 2007 to May 2011 to compare falls and missed seizures before and after implementing stricter safety processes in May 2009. New safety processes included enhanced staff education, a falls prevention signed contract with patient/family, observation of video-EEG monitors only by EEG technologists, hourly nurse rounding, standby assistance for hygiene needs, and immediate review of adverse events. Wilcoxon's two-sample tests were used for statistical analysis of the two groups. Reduced events between pre-intervention (492 patients) and post-intervention (479 patients) were significant for missed seizures (26 pre- vs 6 post-intervention, p=0.009) but not for falls (12 pre- vs 7 post-intervention, p=0.694). Intensive safety efforts in the EMU produced a 15% reduction in the fall rate per 1000 patient days and a 77% decrease in missed seizures. This study shows stricter safety processes help improve EMU patient safety.

The goal of the study was to test the hypothesis that prenatal Paracetamol exposure increases the risk of developing eczema in early childhood and that this association may be stronger in children who are exposed in fetal period to higher concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The study sample consisted of 322 women recruited from January 2001 to February 2004 in the Krakow inner city area who gave birth to term babies and completed 5-year follow-up. Paracetamol use in pregnancy was collected by interviews and prenatal personal exposure to PM2.5 over 48 h was measured in recruited women in the second trimester of pregnancy. After delivery, every three months in the first 24 months of the newborn's life and every 6 months later, a detailed standardized face-to-face interview on the infant's health was administered to each mother by trained interviewers. During the interviews at each of the study periods after birth, a history of eczema was recorded. The incident rate ratio (IRR) for frequency of eczema events over the follow-up was estimated from the Poisson regression model and the overall effect of main exposure variables on eczema was assessed by odds ratios (ORs) by the logistic model. The estimated relative risk of eczema occurring whenever in the follow-up was related significantly neither with prenatal Paracetamol nor higher PM2.5 exposure, however, their joint effect was significant (OR interaction term=6.04; 95%CI: 1.04-35.16). Of potential confounders considered in the analysis only damp/moldy home significantly increased the risk of eczema (OR=1.53; 95%CI: 1.14-2.05). In contrast, there was an inverse significant association between the presence of older siblings and eczema (OR=0.55; 95%CI: 0.35-0.84). The joint effect of the main exposure variables significantly increased frequency of eczema events (IRR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.22-2.61). In conclusion, the findings of the study suggest that Paracetamol use by mothers in pregnancy is not an independent risk factor for eczema in children, however, even very small doses of Paracetamol taken in pregnancy may contribute to the occurrence of allergic symptoms in early childhood if there is prenatal co-exposure to higher airborne fine particulate matter.

The first objective of the study was to determine whether there is a relationship between the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination and autism in children. The second objective was to examine whether the risk of autism differs between use of MMR and the single measles vaccine.Case-control study.The 96 cases with childhood or atypical autism, aged 2 to 15, were included into the study group. Controls consisted of 192 children individually matched to cases by year of birth, sex, and general practitioners.Data on autism diagnosis and vaccination history were from physicians. Data on the other probable autism risk factors were collected from mothers. Logistic conditional regression was used to assess the risk of autism resulting from vaccination. Assessment was made for children vaccinated (1) Before diagnosis of autism, and (2) Before first symptoms of autism onset. Odds ratios were adjusted to mother's age, medication during pregnancy, gestation time, perinatal injury and Apgar score.For children vaccinated before diagnosis, autism risk was lower in children vaccinated with MMR than in the nonvaccinated (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.52) as well as to vaccinated with single measles vaccine (OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22-0.91). The risk for vaccinated versus nonvaccinated (independent of vaccine type) was 0.28 (95% CI: 0.10-0.76). The risk connected with being vaccinated before onset of first symptoms was significantly lower only for MMR versus single vaccine (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22-0.99).The study provides evidence against the association of autism with either MMR or a single measles vaccine.

The main goal of the study was to determine the relationship between prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) measured by PAH-DNA adducts in umbilical cord blood and early wheeze. The level of PAH-DNA adducts in the cord blood is assumed to reflect the cumulative dose of PAHs absorbed by the foetus over the prenatal period. The effect of prenatal PAH exposure on respiratory health measured by the incidence rate ratio (IRR) for the number of wheezing days in the subsequent 4 yr follow-up was adjusted for potential confounding factors such as personal prenatal exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), gender of child, maternal characteristics (age, education and atopy), parity and mould/ dampness in the home. The study sample includes 339 newborns of nonsmoking mothers 18–35 yr of age and free from chronic diseases, who were recruited from ambulatory prenatal clinics in the first or second trimester of pregnancy. The number of wheezing days during the first 2 yr of life was positively associated with prenatal level of PAH-DNA adducts (IRR = 1.69, 95%CI = 1.52–1.88), prenatal particulate matter (PM2.5) level dichotomized by the median (IRR = 1.38; 95%CI: 1.25–1.51), maternal atopy (IRR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.29–1.58), mouldy/ damp house (IRR = 1.43; 95%CI: 1.27–1.61). The level of maternal education and maternal age at delivery was inversely associated with the IRRs for wheeze. The significant association between frequency of wheeze and the level of prenatal environmental hazards (PAHs and PM2.5) was not observed at ages 3 or 4 yrs. Although the frequency of wheezing at ages 3 or 4 was no longer associated with prenatal exposure to PAHs and PM2.5, its occurrence depended on the presence of wheezing in the first 2 yr of life, which nearly tripled the risk of wheezing in later life. In conclusion, the findings may suggest that driving force for early wheezing (

Atherosclerosis is closely associated with disturbed flow characterized by low and oscillatory shear stress, but studies directly linking disturbed flow to atherogenesis is lacking. The major reason for this has been a lack of an animal model in which disturbed flow can be acutely induced and cause atherosclerosis. Here, we characterize partial carotid ligation as a model of disturbed flow with characteristics of low and oscillatory wall shear stress. We also describe a method of isolating intimal RNA in sufficient quantity from mouse carotid arteries. Using this model and method, we found that partial ligation causes upregulation of proatherogenic genes, downregulation of antiatherogenic genes, endothelial dysfunction, and rapid atherosclerosis in 2 wk in a p47phox-dependent manner and advanced lesions by 4 wk. We found that partial ligation results in endothelial dysfunction, rapid atherosclerosis, and advanced lesion development in a physiologically relevant model of disturbed flow. It also allows for easy and rapid intimal RNA isolation. This novel model and method could be used for genome-wide studies to determine molecular mechanisms underlying flow-dependent regulation of vascular biology and diseases.

A few-femtosecond X-ray streak camera has been realized using a pump–probe scheme that samples the transient response of matter to ionizing soft X-ray radiation in the presence of an intense synchronized terahertz field. Borrowing its concept from attosecond metrology, the femtosecond X-ray streak camera fills the gap between conventional streak cameras with typical resolutions of hundreds of femtoseconds and streaking techniques operating in the sub-femtosecond regime. Its single-shot capability permits the duration and time structure of individual X-ray pulses to be determined. For several classes of experiments in time-resolved spectroscopy, diffraction or imaging envisaged with novel accelerator- and laser-based short-pulse X-ray sources this knowledge is essential, but represents a major challenge to X-ray metrology. Here we report on the single-shot characterization of soft X-ray pulses from the free-electron laser facility FLASH. A streak camera for characterizing the ultrashort X-ray pulses produced by a free-electron laser is reported. The scheme has a single-shot capability, a resolution of a few femtoseconds and is expected to become a useful tool for X-ray metrology, including experiments involving time-resolved spectroscopy and imaging.

The main goal of the paper was to assess the pattern of risk factors having an impact on the onset of early wheezing phenotypes in the birth cohort of 468 two-year olds and to investigate the severity of respiratory illness in the two-year olds in relation to both wheezing phenotypes, environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and personal PM2.5 exposure over pregnancy period (fine particulate matter). The secondary goal of the paper was to assess possible association of early persistent wheezing with the length of the baby at birth. Pregnant women were recruited from ambulatory prenatal clinics in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Only women 18–35 years of age, who claimed to be non-smokers, with singleton pregnancies, without illicit drug use and HIV infection, free from chronic diseases were eligible for the study. In the statistical analysis of respiratory health of children multinomial logistic regression and zero-inflated Poisson regression models were used. Approximately one third of the children in the study sample experienced wheezing in the first two years of life and in about two third of cases (67%) the symptom developed already in the first year of life. The early wheezing was easily reversible and in about 70% of infants with wheezing the symptom receded in the second year of life. The adjusted relative risk ratio (RRR) of persistent wheezing increased with maternal atopy (RRR = 3.05; 95%CI: 1.30 – 7.15), older siblings (RRR = 3.05; 95%CI: 1.67 – 5.58) and prenatal ETS exposure (RRR= 1.13; 95%CI: 1.04 – 1.23), but was inversely associated with the length of baby at birth (RRR = 0.88; 95%CI: 0.76 – 1.01). The adjusted incidence risk ratios (IRR) of coughing, difficult breathing, runny/stuffy nose and pharyngitis/tonsillitis in wheezers were much higher than that observed among non-wheezers and significantly depended on prenatal PM2.5 exposure, older siblings and maternal atopy. The study shows a clear inverse association between maternal age or maternal education and respiratory illnesses and calls for more research efforts aiming at explanation of factors hidden behind proxy measures of quality of maternal care of babies. The data support the hypothesis that burden of respiratory symptoms in early childhood and possibly in later life may be programmed already in prenatal period when the respiratory system is completing its growth and maturation.

The main purpose of the study was to answer the question whether young children without clinical diagnosis of asthma but experiencing early wheezing disorders and therefore being at high risk of developing asthma may have cognitive deficits. In the ongoing birth cohort study wheezing symptoms were recorded postpartum over two first years of age and subsequently cognitive status of children at the age of 3 yr was assessed with the Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI). In the statistical analysis a wide range of modifying and confounding factors (maternal education, gender of children, prenatal exposure to lead and environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) were considered to assess the independent effect of early wheezing phenotypes on cognitive development of children. The MDI score correlated inversely with the number of wheezing days recorded over 24 months (r = -0.13, p = 0.007), lead cord blood concentration (r = -0.12, p = -0.02), number of siblings (r = -0.17, p = 0.0006) and the number of cigarettes smoked daily by other household members at home over the pregnancy period (r = -0.18, p = 0.0002). While the children who experienced wheezing over the first year of age showed deficit of 2 MDI scores (beta coeff. = -2.31, 95%CI: -4.63 to 0.02), those with persistent wheezing had the score deficit of 4 points (beta coeff. = -4.41, 95%CI: -8.27 to -0.55). To our knowledge, it is the first report in the iterature showing that early wheezing is associated the cognitive deficit in a community-recruited very young children. Observed cognitive deficit in early wheezers may be caused by RSV infections or can be related to lower lung function attributed to persistent wheezing, which reducing oxygen supply would affect rapidly developing brain.

Our primary purpose was to assess sex-specific fetal growth reduction in newborns exposed prenatally to fine particulate matter. Only women 18-35 years of age, who claimed to be non-smokers, with singleton pregnancies, without illicit drug use and HIV infection, free from chronic diseases were eligible for the study. A total of 481 enrolled pregnant women who gave birth between 37 and 43 weeks of gestation were included in the study. Prenatal personal exposure to fine particles over 48 h during the second trimester was measured using personal monitors. To evaluate the relationship between the level of PM(2.5) measured over 48 h in the second trimester of pregnancy with those in the first and the third trimesters, a series of repeated measurements in each trimester was carried out in a random subsample of 85 pregnant women. We assessed the effect of PM(2.5) exposure on the birth outcomes (weight, length and head circumference at birth) by multivariable regression models, controlling for potential confounders (maternal education, gestational age, parity, maternal height and prepregnancy weight, sex of infant, prenatal environmental tobacco smoke, and season of birth). Birth outcomes were associated positively with gestational age, parity, maternal height and prepregnancy weight, but negatively with the level of prenatal PM(2.5) exposure. Overall average increase in gestational period of prenatal exposure to fine particles by about 30 microg/m3, i.e., from 25th percentile (23.4 microg/m3) to 75th percentile (53.1 microg/m3) brought about an average birth weight deficit of 97.2g (95% CI: -201, 6.6) and length at birth of 0.7 cm (95% CI: -1.36, -0.04). The corresponding exposure lead to birth weight deficit in male newborns of 189 g (95% CI: -34.2, -343) in comparison to 17g in female newborns; the deficit of length at birth in male infants amounted to 1.1cm (95% CI: -0.11, -2.04). We found a significant interrelationship between self-reported ETS and PM(2.5), however, none of the models showed a significant interaction of both variables. The joint effect of various levels of PM(2.5) and ETS on birth outcomes showed the significant deficit only for the categories of exposure with higher component of PM(2.5). Concluding, the results of the study suggest that observed deficits in birth outcomes are rather attributable to prenatal PM(2.5) exposure and not to environmental tobacco smoke. The study also provided evidence that male fetuses are more sensitive to prenatal PM(2.5) exposure and this should persuade policy makers to consider birth outcomes by gender separately while setting air pollution guidelines.

Background: The primary purpose of the study was to establish a possible association between very low levels of prenatal exposure to lead and mental development of children at 12, 24 and 36 months of age. Methods: The study sample consisted of 444 children born to mothers who attended ambulatory prenatal clinics in Krakow inner city in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. We assessed exposure to lead by the cord blood lead measurements, and mental development in infancy and early childhood using the Bayley Mental Development Index (MDI). The relationship between prenatal lead exposure and MDI scores at each follow-up period was evaluated with linear multivariate regression. To test the overall effect of maternal exposure to lead during pregnancy on the Bayley test scores at 12, 24 and 36 months of age, we used the generalized estimating equations (GEE) longitudinal panel model as well. Results: The median lead level in cord blood was 1.23 μg/dl, in the range of 0.44–6.90 μg/dl. An adverse effect of prenatal lead exposure (log-transformed lead concentrations) on MDI scores at 12 months of age was of border significance (β = –5.42, 95% CI: –11.19 to 0.35). Subsequent testing of children at 24 months of age showed a significant inverse association of mental function and lead exposure (β = –7.65, 95% CI: –14.68 to –0.62). A significant deficit in cognitive function due to prenatal lead exposure was also confirmed at 36 months of age (β = –6.72, 95% CI: –12.5 to –0.89). The GEE panel model showed that the average deficit in the cognitive development attributable to lead exposure over 3 years was also significant (β = –6.62, 95% CI: –1.52 to –1.72). Mental function scores of girls were better than boys, and the effect of maternal education remained strongly significant in relation to mental function of 3-year-olds. Conclusion: The results of the study demonstrate that the neurotoxic impact of very low levels of prenatal lead exposure (below 5 μg/dl) may occur in infants and very young children, and suggest a revision of established health guidelines for prenatal lead exposure criteria.

We investigated the behavior of a frequency-stabilized 1 mW two-mode helium–neon laser in the presence of optical feedback. In this paper, we presented how the amplitude and frequency shift of the returning beam influence operation of the laser. We showed the conditions under which the He–Ne laser work is unstable and stable in frequency and where it is insensitive to the returning beam. We also showed how much the frequency of the returning beam has to be shifted in order to reduce the sensitivity of the laser on the back-reflection.

Background and purpose: To test whether development of enhanced vasoconstriction to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) in SHR was temporally related to hypertension, elevated vascular superoxide (O2−) levels, decreased NO bioavailability, or increased contractile effects of cyclooxygenase or rho-kinase and/or PKC. Experimental approach: We examined systolic blood pressure (SBP), vascular O2−, and 5-HT-induced contractile responses of aortic segments from 4- and 8-week-old WKY and SHR. Key results: SBP was 35% higher in SHR than WKY at 4 weeks and 60% higher at 8 weeks. Contractile responses to 5-HT were similar in WKY and SHR at 4 weeks, but were markedly augmented in SHR at 8 weeks. The NO synthase inhibitor, L-NAME, enhanced contractile responses to 5-HT markedly in both strains at 4 weeks and in WKY at 8 weeks, but only very modestly in SHR at 8 weeks. These functional differences were associated with higher O2− levels in SHR versus WKY at 8 weeks, but not at 4 weeks. The rho-kinase inhibitor, Y-27632, and the PKC inhibitor, Ro 31-8220, each only modestly attenuated contractions in WKY and SHR in each age group, and their effects in each strain were more pronounced at 8 weeks. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, had no effect on contractile responses. Conclusions and implications: Development of augmented vascular contractile responses to 5-HT in SHR is preceded by hypertension. It is associated with increased vascular O2− levels and reduced modulatory effects of NO, and is unlikely to be due to enhanced activity of rho-kinase, PKC or cyclooxygenase. British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 210–216; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.247; published online 16 June 2008

Objectives While the validity of self-reported smoking habits is generally judged as satisfactory, objective markers of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure may be more useful in validating the causal links between prenatal SHS and health effects. The cohort study in Krakow provided an opportunity for comparative assessment of fetal exposure to SHS based upon questionnaires and cord blood cotinine measurements. Methods The study sample included 467 newborns born to women recruited in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. To compare the validity of self-reported SHS and cord blood cotinine levels in assessing the association between fetal passive smoking and health effects of newborns, we separately examined the regression coefficients of birthweight on self-reported number of cigarettes smoked by other household members during the entire pregnancy and cord blood cotinine levels. Results In the non-exposed newborns the geometric mean of cord blood cotinine was 0.077 ng/ml and was significantly lower than in newborns with a maternal report of SHS. Cord cotinine levels were more highly correlated with a self-reported number of cigarettes smoked daily at home in the third trimester of pregnancy. The two measures of SHS (number of cigarettes and number of hours of daily exposure) were equally well correlated with cord blood cotinine levels. Using cotinine as the exposure variable, overall the association was not significant; but among the subgroup with cord cotinine levels above the median (≥0.083 ng/ml), the association with birthweight was significant (beta coefficient = −113.65, P = 0.041). Conclusion The study provides evidence that the assessment of fetal SHS exposure based on cord blood cotinine produced better estimates of the association between exposure and birth outcomes.

In the paper we analyze factors reducing the possible accuracy of the heterodyne laser interferometers. The analysis is performed for the avalanche-photodiode input stages but is in main points valid also for stages with other type of photodetectors. Instrumental error originating from optical, electronic and digital signal processing factors is taken into consideration. We stress factors which are critical and those which can be neglected at certain accuracy requirements. In the work we prove that it is possible to reduce errors of the laser instrument below 1 nm point for multiaxial APD based interferometers by precise control of incident optical power and the temperature of the photodiode.

Coal is a highly heterogeneous substance in terms of the inorganic and organic constituents and exhibits wide variability with respect to size and chemical composition of the particles. An estimation of the true value of the desired parameters of a bulk material, to certain of degree confidence, through analysis on a few grams of test sample is definitely a daunting problem. The basic purpose of collecting and preparing a sample of coal is to provide a test sample which when analyzed will provide the test results representative of whole material. In the paper, the results of comparison of the of coal sampling made by three independent laboratories (manual and automatically) are shown..

In the paper there are analyzed factors limiting resolution of precise laser interferometers working either in low frequency LF or in high frequency HF range. It is shown that the influence of the laser tube noises, although substantial, is not the most important. The influence of the electronic circuitry and signal processing is also evaluated.

Presented paper performs an analysis of quadrature signal processing algorithms for high demanding laser interferometry applications. Careful signal processing is required to minimize nonlinearities which come from optical path and components’ imperfections, and reduce overall instrumental error. Paper focuses on algebraic fits, because implementation for real time systems was a main requirement. The most demanding applications are stationary measurements where the position slightly fluctuates in the range below one fringe period. Therefore, analysis was performed for samples that were spread along a few milliradians of a full circle.