bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jacobienne locale d'une courbe formelle relative
Authors: Contou-Carrère Carlos
Published: December 2013

This article is devoted to the proof of a relative duality formula on a noetherian scheme

S

, giving rise on the spectrum of a field

S=\operatorname{Spec}\,k

to local symbols of class field theory. Relative local symbols are obtained in terms of the universal property of a couple

(\Im,f)

, of a

S

-group functor

\Im

, associated to a

S

-formal curve

\mathfrak X

locally of the form

\mathfrak X=\operatorname{ Spf}\, A[[T]]

(

S=\operatorname{Spec}\,A)

.

\Im

is a

S

-group extension of the completion

\check{W}

of the universal

S

-Witt vectors group

W

, by the group of units

{\cal O}_{S}[[T]]^{*}

. We associate an

S

-functor

\Im_{\text omb}

to

\Im

, and we define an Abel–Jacobi morphism

f:\mathfrak A=\operatorname{Spec}\ A[[T]][T^{-1}],\longrightarrow \,\Im_{\text omb}

, setting up a group isomorphism:

\operatorname{Hom}_{S-gr}(\Im,G)\simeq G(\mathfrak A),

where

G

denotes a commutative smooth

S

-group scheme. We define an

S

-bihomomorphism

\Im \times \Im \longrightarrow \mathbb G_m

which is a local symbol (The Tame Symbol), identifying

\Im

to its own Cartier dual group

\check\Im=\underline{\operatorname{Hom}} (\Im;\mathbb G_m)

, and inducing the above isomorphism for

G=\mathbb G_m

. It follows that

\Im

may be interpreted as the relative Loop Group:

\mathbb G_m(\mathfrak A) : S' \longrightarrow \mathbb G_m(\mathfrak A_{\{S'\}}) ,

S'=\operatorname{Spec} A'

denotes a

S

-scheme, and we write

\mathfrak A_{\{S'\}}=\operatorname{Spec} A'[[T]][T^{-1}]

, and as the

A

-universal group of Witt-Bivectors.

The couple

(\Im,f)

may be seen as the local analogue of the relative Rosenlicht Jacobian (Generalized Jacobian) defined by a

S

-smooth curve

X

.
Behavior of Welschinger Invariants Under Morse Simplifications
Authors: Brugallé Erwan , Puignau Nicolas
Published: December 2013

We relate Welschinger invariants of a rational real symplectic 4-manifold before and after a Morse simplification (i.e deletion of a sphere or a handle of the real part of the surface). This relation is a consequence of a real version of Abramovich-Bertram formula which computes Gromov-Witten invariants by means of enumeration of

J

-holomorphic curves with a nongeneric almost complex structure

J

. In addition, we give some qualitative consequences of our study, for example the vanishing of Welschinger invariants in some cases.
Fourier-Mukai Partners of Canonical Covers of Bielliptic and Enriques Surfaces
Authors: Sosna Pawel
Published: December 2013

We prove that the canonical cover of an Enriques surface does not admit non-trivial Fourier-Mukai partners. We also show that the canonical cover of a bielliptic surface has at most one non-isomorphic Fourier-Mukai partner. The first result is then applied to birational Hilbert schemes of points and the second to birational generalised Kummer varieties
Le théorème de Schanuel pour un corps non commutatif
Authors: Rémond Gaël , Zehrt-Liebendörfer Christine
Published: December 2013

We prove a version of Schanuel's theorem in the noncommutative case: we provide an asymptotic formula for the number of one-dimensional left subspaces of

D^N

of height at most

H

, where

D

is a finite dimensional rational division algebra,

N

a positive integer and

H

a real number. The height, as considered in a previous paper, is defined with the help of a maximal order in

D

and a positive anti-involution. We give a completely explicit main term involving class number, regulator, discriminant and zeta function of

D

. We also compute an explicit error term.
Designing and Implementing a Regional Active Transportation Monitoring Program through a County-MPO-University Collaboration
Authors: Ryan Sherry , Sidelinger Dean E. , Saitowitz Shelley , Browner Deirdre , Vance Stephan , McDermid Lindsey
Published: December 2013

Purpose.

This article describes a unique effort underway in San Diego County to establish a regional nonmotorized data collection system in support of long-range planning for bicycle and pedestrian systems, and physical activity promotion and monitoring.

Design.

Case study of a novel approach to siting a regional active travel data collection program.

Setting.

San Diego County, California.

Subjects.

None.

Intervention.

Installation of 54 automated bicycle and pedestrian counting units at 35 sites across San Diego County.

Measures.

Equipment siting criteria including population density, employment density, median household income, planned bicycle network, and planned land uses.

Analysis.

Mapping, stakeholder input, site visits.

Results.

A comprehensive network of 76 sites identified and proposed for long-range implementation.

Conclusion.

This research establishes a siting methodology that holds promise for replication in other regions. San Diego's counting program is one of the most comprehensive automated data collection systems of any region in the United States.
The Potential for Pocket Parks to Increase Physical Activity
Authors: Cohen Deborah A. , Marsh Terry , Williamson Stephanie , Han Bing , Derose Kathryn Pitkin , Golinelli Daniella , McKenzie Thomas L.
Published: December 2013

Purpose.

To assess the use of new pocket parks in low-income neighborhoods.

Design.

The design of the study was a quasi-experimental post-test only comparison.

Setting.

Los Angeles, California, was the setting for the study.

Subjects.

Subjects were park users and residents living within .5 mile of three pocket parks and 15 neighborhood parks.

Intervention.

The creation of pocket parks.

Measures.

We used the System of Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) tool to measure park use and park-based physical activity, and then surveyed park users and residents about their park use.

Analysis.

We surveyed 392 and 432 household members within .5 mile of the three pocket parks before and after park construction, respectively, as well as 71 pocket park users, and compared them to 992 neighborhood park users and 342 residents living within .5 mile of other neighborhood parks. We compared pocket park use to playground area use in the larger neighborhood parks. We used descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations for the analysis.

Results.

Overall, pocket park use compared favorably in promoting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity with that of existing playground space in nearby parks, and they were cost-effective at $0.73/MET hour (metabolic equivalent hour) gained. Pocket park visitors walked an average of .25 miles to get to a park.

Conclusions.

Pocket parks, when perceived as attractive and safe destinations, may increase physical activity by encouraging families with children to walk there. Additional strategies and programs may be needed to encourage more residents to use these parks.
Support for Physical Activity Policies and Perceptions of Work and Neighborhood Environments: Variance by BMI and Activity Status at the County and Individual Levels
Authors: Gustat Jeanette , O'Malley Keelia , Hu Tian , Tabak Rachel G. , Goins Karin Valentine , Valko Cheryl , Litt Jill , Eyler Amy
Published: December 2013

Purpose.

To examine support for local policies encouraging physical activity and perceived neighborhood environment characteristics by physical activity and weight status of respondents across U.S. counties.

Design.

We used a random-digit-dial, computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI) to conduct a cross-sectional telephone questionnaire in selected U.S. counties in 2011.

Setting.

Counties with high prevalences of obesity and sedentary behavior (HH; n = 884) and counties with low prevalences of obesity and sedentary behavior (LL; n = 171) were selected nationally.

Subjects.

Adult respondents from HH (n = 642) and LL (n = 566) counties.

Measures.

Questions were asked of respondents, pertaining to support for physical activity policies in various settings, neighborhood features, time spent in physical activity and sedentary behaviors, self-reported weight and height, and personal demographic information.

Analysis.

Means and frequencies were calculated; bivariable and multivariable linear and logistic regression models, developed. Models were adjusted for individual characteristics and county HH/LL status.

Results.

Respondents in LL counties perceived their neighborhood and work environments to be more supportive of healthy behaviors and were more supportive of local physical activity policies than respondents in HH counties (p < .001 for all). Positive neighborhood environment perceptions were related to reduced body mass index, increased physical activity, and decreased sedentary behavior.

Conclusion.

Policy support and neighborhood environments are associated with behaviors. Results can inform targeting policy agendas to facilitate the improvement of environments (community, work, and school) to be more supportive of physical activity.
Evaluating the Implementation and Active Living Impacts of a State Government Planning Policy Designed to Create Walkable Neighborhoods in Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Hooper Paula , Giles-Corti Billie , Knuiman Matthew
Published: December 2013

Purpose.

Evaluate the implementation of a government planning policy (Liveable Neighbourhoods Guidelines) and its impacts on residents' walking behaviors.

Design.

Cross-sectional study of participants from the RESIDential Environments project (RESIDE).

Setting.

Nineteen “liveable” and 17 “conventionally designed” housing developments across Perth, Western Australia.

Subjects.

Five hundred ninety-four participants from RESIDE who resided in 36 housing developments.

Measures.

Developed in geographic information systems to assess the on-ground implementation of 43 policy requirements. Policy compliance was defined as the degree to which construction of the developments adhered to the standards outlined. Walking behaviors were measured using the Neighborhood Physical Activity Questionnaire. K-means cluster analyses identified groups of homogeneous developments with respect to policy implementation.

Analysis.

Logistic regression with generalized estimating equations estimated the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the likelihood of undertaking any and ≥ 60 minutes of transport and recreational walking associated with (1) policy compliance and (2) different clusters of developments.

Results.

There were few significant differences in on-ground outcomes between the two development types. Despite incomplete implementation, the odds of walking for transport increased with overall levels of policy compliance (OR= 1.53, 95% CI 1.13–2.08) and compliance with the community design (OR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.13–1.42), movement network (OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.38–4.50), and lot layout elements (OR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.06–1.50).

Conclusion.

Consistent with the aims of the policy, residents in walkable (i.e., liveable) neighborhoods may be more physically active.
Emporiophobia (Fear of Markets): Cooperation or Competition?
Authors: Rubin Paul H.
Published: December 2013

Widespread emporiophobia (fear of markets) has important policy implications, since it leads voters to demand anti‐market policies. There are many reasons for this anti‐market attitude; however, economists could reduce emporiophobia if we stressed cooperation rather than competition in writings and policy discussions. In a sample of introductory textbooks, competition is mentioned on average eight times as often as cooperation. The fundamental economic unit is the transaction, and transactions are cooperative. The benefit of a market economy—increased consumer surplus—comes from cooperation through transactions, not from competition. Competition in a market economy is competition for the right to cooperate. Competition is important because it guarantees that the best cooperators will win and because it establishes the efficient terms for cooperation, but cooperation is fundamental. For most people, competition has negative connotations since it focuses on losers, while cooperation implies a win–win situation. Other implications involve the morality of the market, “giving back,” and characteristics of market failures.
Jeux de hasard et d'argent chez les adolescents en centre jeunesse : comparaison en fonction des lois
Authors: Savard Cathy , Giroux Isabelle , Ferland Francine , Goulet Annie , Jacques Christian
Published: December 2013

Adolescents under the care of Youth centers present with many risk factors related to the development of pathological gambling. This study describes gambling habits of participants under the Young Offenders Act (YOA) and participants under the Youth Protection Act (YPA), and compare these gambling habits to those of high school teenagers. Face to face interviews were conducted with 74 adolescents from two youth centers in Quebec, Canada. Results show that YOA adolescents report different gambling habits than YPA participants. The YOA adolescents constitute a subgroup at risk of developing gambling problems. Further, adolescents perceive that their time spent in Youth centers has almost no impact on their gambling habits. Findings illustrate the importance to create a prevention program targeting adolescents under the care of Youth centers.
Personality factors associated with problem gambling behavior in university students
Authors: Buckle Jennifer L. , Dwyer Sonya Corbin , Duffy Jim , Brown Kelly L. , Pickett Nichole D.
Published: December 2013

This study investigated sex differences and personality factors associated with gambling behavior in a non-clinical sample of young men and women. The participants were 212 university students (62 men and 150 women) and their mean age was 18.7 years. The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) was used to assess problem gambling behavior and the NEO Five-Factor Inventory Form S (College Age) was used to assess personality traits. The results indicated that men were more likely to endorse indicators of gambling problems than were women, with sex differences in different endorsed gambling activities. Of the five personality factors investigated, low Openness to experience and low Agreeableness were most strongly associated with higher scores on the SOGS, indicative of potentially problematic gambling behavior. Further analysis illustrated that for men in particular, low Openness to experience was a key personality factor in relation to higher SOGS scores.
Estimating the prevalence of adult problem gambling in Italy with SOGS and PGSI
Authors: Barbaranelli Claudio , Vecchione Michele , Fida Roberta , Podio-Guidugli Sara
Published: December 2013

Two assessment measures, the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), were administered to 1,979 participants (53% males, mean age 44.81 years). Results from exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses showed the presence of one single dimension underlying the SOGS and PGSI items. The 2 scales showed high levels of reliability. SOGS and PGSI results were highly correlated and showed positive and significant correlations with measures of gambling behaviour. Probable pathological gamblers identified by SOGS represented 2.05% (95% confidence interval 'CI' '1.17, 2.93') of the adult Italian population, and problem gamblers identified by PGSI represented 2.17% (95% CI '1.26, 3.07') of the population. A more conservative estimate of the prevalence of problem gambling in Italy, corresponding to 1.01% (95% CI '0.39, 1.63') of the adult population, was identified by considering only those participants for whom SOGS and PGSI were in perfect agreement concerning risk categories.
Tangled web: investigating Canadian lottery scandals
Authors: Smith Garry
Published: December 2013

This commentary examines the major lottery scandals in Ontario and British Columbia that broke in 2006, with particular emphasis on the precipitating conditions, sustaining factors, consequences, lessons learned, and resolutions. The aim of this article is to identify fundamental causes and common threads so that future lottery scandals might be averted. The scandals discussed here resulted from a combustible mix of easy-to-circumvent rules, profit-seeking agendas, and light-touch self-regulation. Although tighter controls were imposed on the two provincial lottery corporations after the scandals, neither organization appears to have markedly altered its pre-scandal culture or business plan. Various gambling regulatory styles are noted in the paper and because the current governmental practice of self-regulation is thought to have contributed to the two Canadian lottery scandals, a system of independent gambling oversight is recommended.
Differences between autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases: its role in clinical practice of rheumatologist
Authors: J. Kucharz Eugeniusz
Published: December 2013

Choroby autoinflamatoryjne (autoinflammatory diseases) to grupa chorób zapalnych uwarunkowanych genetycznie, w których patogenezie uczestniczy odporność wrodzona. Jest to cecha, która odróżnia je od chorób autoimmunologicznych związanych z zaburzeniami tolerancji wobec własnych antygenów w ramach odporności nabytej. Choroby autoinflamatoryjne i autoimmunologiczne są powiązane, stanowią jednak kontinuum. Wiele objawów chorób autoinflamatoryjnych występuje u chorych leczonych przez reumatologa i wydaje się, że choroby te nie są takie rzadkie, jak rzadko są rozpoznawane.
Productivity loss as a result of rheumatic diseases – absenteeism and presenteeism
Authors: Raciborski Filip , Władysiuk Magdalena , Bebrysz Magdalena , Samoliński Bolesław
Published: December 2013

Choroby reumatyczne wpływają nie tylko na zdrowie chorego, lecz także na jego życie prywatne i zawodowe. Wyniki badań pokazują, iż schorzenia te powodują zarówno zwiększoną absencję (opuszczanie dni pracy), jak i nieefektywną obecność w pracy (prezenteizm), co przekłada się na ogólną utratę produktywności. W ciągu 10 lat od wystąpienia pierwszych objawów choroby pracę przerywa 32–50% chorych na reumatoidalne zapalenie stawów (RZS). Szacuje się, że prezenteizm w RZS generuje stratę 3,2 dnia, a absencja 0,2 dnia na każde 20 dni roboczych.

Badania dotyczące utraty produktywności opierają się głównie na narzędziach kwestionariuszowych. W chorobach reumatycznych do najczęściej stosowanych należą: Rheumatoid Arthritis Specific Work Productivity Survey (WPS-RA), Workplace Activity Limitations Scale (WALS), Work Instability Scale for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA-WIS), Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) oraz Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI).
Sacroiliac joint as a potential cause of sciatica-like syndrome in lumbar-sacral back pain
Authors: Krawczyk-Wasielewska Agnieszka , Skorupska Elżbieta , Samborski Włodzimierz
Published: December 2013

Etiologia i patomechanizm powstawania bólu w okolicy lędźwiowo--krzyżowej (L-S) kręgosłupa od lat są obiektami badań klinicznych. Ból w tym obszarze często jest kojarzony z dyskopatią. W badaniach klinicznych coraz częściej zwraca się uwagę także na inne przyczyny bólu, takie jak: dysfunkcja stawu krzyżowo-biodrowego, choroba zwyrodnieniowa stawu biodrowego czy dysfunkcja drobnych stawów kręgosłupa. W związku z możliwością występowania różnych przyczyn bólu w zakresie dolnego odcinka kręgosłupa wprowadzono podział na komponent bólu korzeniowego i rzekomokorzeniowego. Liczne badania kliniczne potwierdzają tezę wskazującą na stawy krzyżowo-biodrowe jako jedną z najczęstszych przyczyn bólu rzekomokorzeniowego. Wzorzec bólu charakterystyczny dla tego stawu jest zgodny z jego unerwieniem i w znacznym stopniu pokrywa się z lokalizacją dolegliwości o charakterze korzeniowym. Wzorzec posturalny w obydwu grupach chorych z bólami kręgosłupa lędźwiowo-krzyżowego także wykazuje wiele podobieństw. Różnicowanie tych dwóch przyczyn bólu kręgosłupa L-S tylko na podstawie objawów jest prawie niemożliwe.
Biosymilars in the treatment of rheumatic diseases
Authors: Wiland Piotr
Published: December 2013

Dostępność leków biopodobnych o porównywalnej skuteczności i bezpieczeństwie przy niższej cenie może zwiększyć liczbę chorych poddanych leczeniu biologicznemu. CT-P13 jest lekiem biopodobnym do infliksymabu, który był porównywany z lekiem innowacyjnym w dwóch badaniach klinicznych. Oba badania miały na celu ocenę potencjalnej równoważności obu leków zgodnie z wytycznymi Europejskiej Agencji Medycznej. Badanie PLANETRA było badaniem III fazy, w którym oceniano skuteczność i bezpieczeństwo CT-P13 w porównaniu z infliksymabem w skojarzeniu z metotreksatem u 602 chorych z aktywnym reumatoidalnym zapaleniem stawów. Badanie PLANETAS było badaniem I fazy, które miało na celu ocenę farmakokinetyki, skuteczności i bezpieczeństwa obu leków – biopodobnego i innowacyjnego – podawanych w monoterapii u 250 chorych na zesztywniające zapalenie stawów kręgosłupa. Obie próby są pierwszymi na świecie badaniami klinicznymi, w których udowodniono porównywalną skuteczność i bezpieczeństwo leku biopodobnego i leku referencyjnego w terapii chorób reumatycznych.
Amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis: role of serum amyloid A gene (SAA1) polymorphism and Chlamydia trachomatis infection in the Belarusian patient population
Authors: Soroka Nikolay F. , Tushina Anastasiya K.
Published: December 2013

Cel pracy: Amyloidoza jest ważnym, ciężkim powikłaniem reumatoidalnego zapalenia stawów (RZS). Badanie zaplanowano w celu oceny polimorfizmu genu kodującego surowiczy amyloid A, a także zakażenia Chlamydia trachomatis jako czynników ryzyka rozwoju amyloidozy u pacjentów z RZS.

Materiał i metody: Zbadano 104 pacjentów z ustalonym rozpoznaniem RZS. Chorych podzielono na dwie grupy: grupę AA-dodatnią (wtórna amyloidoza potwierdzona w badaniu histopatologicznym próbki tkanki) (45 chorych) oraz AA-ujemną (59 osób).

U wszystkich pacjentów zbadano występowanie polimorfizmu SAA1 oraz zakażenia Chlamydia trachomatis.

Wyniki: Nie stwierdzono istotnych zmian pomiędzy częstością występowania allela -13T/C w obu grupach pacjentów. Allel -13T nie jest obligatoryjny dla rozwoju amyloidozy AA u białoruskich chorych na RZS. Porównanie grup pod kątem genotypu i częstości występowania trzech alleli wykazało statystycznie znamienne różnice. Najbardziej zauważalne różnice obserwowano w przypadku genotypu SAA1 a/a –c2 = 31,1 (p < 0,001). U 43 z 45 AA-dodatnich pacjentów z RZS (96%) stwierdzono genotyp SAA1 a/a, natomiast u AA-ujemnych pacjentów fenotyp ten występował zaledwie u 32%. Podobną tendencję obserwowano w zakresie częstości allela a: c2 = 47,01 (p < 0,001).

Aż u 84% z 45 AA-dodatnich pacjentów z RZS w przebiegu choroby odnotowano jednoczesne zakażenie Chlamydia trachomatis. W grupie AA-ujemnej powiązanie RZS z infekcją stwierdzono zaledwie u 10 (17%) z 59 pacjentów (p < 0,004).

Iloraz szans (OR) wyliczony dla genotypu SAA1 a/a wynosił 45,26, a 95% przedział ufności (95% CI) 9,9–206,8; OR dla zakażenia Chlamydia trachomatis wynosił 26,6; 95% CI: 9,26–76,37.

Wniosek: Ryzyko wtórnej amyloidozy u pacjentów z RZS w sposób znamienny zależy od genotypu SAA1 i obecności zakażenia Chlamydia trachomatis.
Prevalence of Yersinia spp., Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in healthy blood donors’ sera
Authors: Machcińska Maja , Noworyta Jacek , Brasse-Rumin Maria , Gago Jolanta , Ząbek Jakub
Published: December 2013

Cel pracy: Yersinia spp., Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydophila pneumoniae oraz Borrelia burgdorferi należą do różnych jednostek taksonomicznych. W piśmiennictwie drobnoustroje te opisywane są jako odpowiedzialne za m.in. różnego rodzaju stany zapalne stawów o ewentualnej etiologii zakaźnej, jak również współistniejące z nimi powikłania układowe. Celem pracy była ocena występowania przeciwciał swoistych dla badanych drobnoustrojów w surowicach zdrowych dawców krwi.

Materiał i metody: Do badań wykorzystano 90 surowic zdrowych dawców krwi. Badania na obecność przeciwciał antybakteryjnych wykonywane były metodą immunoenzymatyczną ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).

Wyniki: Szczegółowa analiza wykazała, że niezależnie od klasy badanych przeciwciał najczęściej wykrywano przeciwciała dla Chlamydophila pneumoniae (52,2% surowic) oraz Yersinia spp. (55,6% surowic), co może wskazywać na przebyte wcześniej zakażenie o tej etiologii. Zdecydowanie rzadziej wykrywano w surowicach dawców krwi przeciwciała przeciwko Borrelia burgdorferi (12,2% surowic) i Chlamydia trachomatis (6,6% surowic). Nie zaobserwowano znaczących zależności obecności przeciwciał dla badanych drobnoustrojów od wieku i płci badanych dawców. Zaobserwowano wysoki odsetek surowic dawców krwi (42,2%), w których wykazano współwystępowanie przeciwciał dla 2–4 badanych drobnoustrojów, w tym aż 27,8% surowic wykazywało obecność przeciwciał dla Yersinia spp. + Chlamydophila pneumoniae jednocześnie. Świadczyć to może o krzyżowej reaktywności albo częstym kontakcie z drobnoustrojem i/lub przebytej infekcji.

Wnioski: Otrzymane wyniki w znacznym stopniu mogą obniżyć wartość diagnostyczną badań serologicznych w niesklasyfikowanych zapaleniach stawów. Uzyskane dane jednoznacznie pokazują, że wyniki diagnostyki serologicznej w kierunku ewentualnych zapaleń stawów o podejrzewanej etiologii bakteryjnej muszą zawsze przebiegać w ścisłej korelacji z dokładnie przeprowadzonym wywiadem lekarskim oraz obrazem klinicznym.
Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants – a new diagnostic problem or the solution of a diagnostic riddle
Authors: Maślińska Maria , Perricone Carlo , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: December 2013

Autoimmunologiczny/autozapalny zespół indukowany przez adiuwanty (ASIA) jest nowo zdefiniowanym zespołem powiązanym z niepożądanym skutkiem zastosowania adiuwantów. Obserwacje ostatnich lat wykazały, że podobne sytuacje kliniczne mogą być związane z hiperreaktywnością odpowiedzi immunologicznej oraz prozapalnym działaniem zastosowanych adiuwantów. Przewlekła stymulacja układu immunologicznego przez substancje stosowane jako adiuwanty może prowadzić do wystąpienia licznych objawów, takich jak: przewlekłe zmęczenie, zapalenie stawów, bóle mięśni, pogorszenie zdolności poznawczych czy zaburzenia neurologiczne. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest przedstawienie, w jaki sposób i dlaczego adiuwanty – mimo iż mają być pozbawione specyficznego wpływu na odpowiedź immunologiczną – mogą się stać przyczyną rozwoju chorób autoimmunologicznych.
Selected aspects of the epidemiology and microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis
Authors: Zwolska Zofia , Augustynowicz-Kopeć Ewa
Published: December 2013

Wykrycie Mycobacterium tuberculosis w materiale chorego stanowi najbardziej obiektywny dowód procesu chorobowego. Metody mi­krobiologiczne stosuje się do wyznaczenia optymalnej terapii i monitorowania leczenia chorego. Mikrobiologiczna diagnostyka gruźlicy charakteryzuje się dużą specyficznością i znacznie odbiega od typo­wej, powszechnie znanej diagnostyki klinicznej. Otrzymanie prawidłowego wyniku zależy od wielu czynników, w tym wyeliminowania błędów przedlaboratoryjnych oraz niezamierzonych błędów laboratoryjnych. Niestety, niektóre z nich można jedynie ograniczyć, wiążą się one bowiem z obiektywnymi trudnościami wynikającymi z czuło­ści i specyficzności metod, specyficzności materiałów klinicznych przysyłanych do diagnostyki oraz sprawności urządzeń technicznych, jakimi dysponuje laboratorium. Obecnie obserwuje się stałą poprawę w wyposażeniu i wprowadzaniu nowych, bardziej przydatnych metod w diagnostyce. Bliska współpraca klinicystów i personelu laboratorium jest niezbędnym elementem gwarantującym wysoką jakość usług medycznych w opiece nad chorym.
Juvenile dermatomyositis. Diagnostics of functional deficiencies of body position
Authors: Żuk Beata , Stanicka Katarzyna , Żuk-Drążyk Berenika , Księżopolska-Orłowska Krystyna
Published: December 2013

Młodzieńcze zapalenie skórno-mięśniowe (MZS-M) należy do młodzieńczych idiopatycznych miopatii zapalnych. Jest to rzadka autoimmunologiczna choroba o niejasnej etiologii. Charakteryzuje się występowaniem waskulopatii klinicznie objawiającej się osłabieniem mięśni ksobnych kończyn dolnych, górnych oraz grzbietu, zmianami skórnymi na twarzy, szyi i w okolicach stawów. W odróżnieniu od postaci występujących u dorosłych charakteryzuje ją częste występowanie wapnicy w układzie szkieletowo-mięśniowym.

Celem pracy jest przedstawienie klinicznej diagnostyki deficytów funkcjonalnych w postawie ciała chorych na MZS-M dla potrzeb fizjote-rapii. Niezbędnym elementem badania funkcjonalnego chorych na MZS-M jest obserwacja swobodnych ruchów oraz przyjmowanych postaw ciała. Oprócz określenia deficytów funkcjonalnych układu ruchu młodocianych należy wykonać testy funkcjonalne różnicujące symetrię lub asymetrię napięć mięśni zajętych procesem chorobowym.
THE ROLE OF ELASTOMERS IN THE STUDY OF POLYMER CRYSTALLIZATION
Authors: Mandelkern Leo
Published: December 2013

Crystallization in polymers involves the development of three-dimensional order in the system. In this respect crystalline polymers resemble very closely the crystalline state of monomeric systems. In contrast to low molecular weight systems, however1 polymers never crystallize completely. The crystallinity level can vary from a few to 90% depending on the molecular constitution of the polymer chains and the external crystallization conditions. Consequently, a polycrystalline system having a complex morphology develops. When a polymer system crystallizes, either quiescently, or when held in a deformed state, there are major changes in properties from the typical rubber-like elasticity of noncrystalline (amorphous) polymers. These changes are particularly evident in many physical and mechanical properties. Therefore, it is important to understand the nature of the crystallization process and the structure and morphology that evolves. In addition to their intrinsic scientific interest these factors have great bearing on properties and the end-uses of polymeric substances. In this connection, elastomers, particularly natural rubber, have played a vital role that has led to our present understanding of the crystallization behavior of polymers, and the properties of the crystalline state. The significance of these pioneering contributions has not been generally recognized in today's study of the diverse number of crystalline polymers that constitute the present world of commerce.
The Contribution of Momentary Perspectives to Entrepreneurial Learning and Creativity
Authors: Rae David
Published: December 2013

This article explores how conceptualizing ‘the moment’ in entrepreneurship contributes to understanding entrepreneurial processes of learning and creativity. The significance of ‘the aha moment’ in entrepreneurial behaviour is widely used at a popular level but has not been well explored in relation to knowledge of human learning. The ‘moment’ is taken to be a point in time when we experience conscious mental awareness of what is going on and are able to generate meaning from this awareness, and to remember our thinking and responses. The aims of the article are: (a) to explore the connections between the concept of the moment in entrepreneurship and processes of learning and creativity; (b) to develop a framework that can be used to understand momentary perspectives in entrepreneurship; and (c) to explore the implications for entrepreneurial education and practice.
Research Note: A Sustainable Hypothesis for Tourist Hotels: Evidence from International Hotel Chains
Authors: Chen Long-Fei
Published: December 2013

This paper takes a brief empirical look at a sustainable hypothesis in terms of the Malmquist–Luenberger (ML)1 index, using data from the island of Taiwan. The findings suggest that international hotel chains (ITH)2 have better average energy efficiency when globally accounting for carbon emissions reductions. Thus it is recommended that public policymakers promote green hotel policies and encourage independent hotel operators to become contracted members of international hotel chains for sustainable development with fewer carbon emissions.
Diversidad arbórea en cercas vivas y dos fragmentos de bosque en la comunidad de Santa Adelaida, Estelí
Authors: Siles Pablo , Martínez Rayo Jorge , Andino Rugama Flavia , Molina Leonel
Published: December 2013

Las cercas vivas son sistemas agroforestales utilizados por productores y promovidos por instituciones y organismos de desarrollo. Éstas cumplen con diferentes funciones de conservación, especialmente en paisajes fragmentados. En este estudio se presenta la diversidad arbórea de cercas vivas comparándola con dos fragmentos de bosques intervenidos en el trópico seco de Estelí, Nicaragua. Las familias más especiosas en elpresente estudio fueron Mimosaceae, Moraceae, Fabaceae, Meliaceae, Bignonaceae y Boraginaceae, siendo, Leguminosae (Mimosaceae, Fabaceae y Caesalpinaceae) el grupo con más especies e individuos con respecto a las otras familias encontradas.Las especies más abundantes en el estudio fueron Bursera simaruba, Guazuma ulmifolia, Trichilia havanensis, Lysiloma divaricatum y Diospyros salicifolia. Las cercas vivas estudiadas presentan una alta diversidad florística. Sin embargo, muestran un alto porcentaje de especies introducidas y especies reproducidas asexualmente. Consideramos que las cercas vivas presentes en esta localidad tienen un rol potencial en la conservación de especies arbóreas (y posiblemente en la fauna),pero presentan una contribución menor en la provisión de servicios y productos a los productores. Por ende, ofrecen la oportunidad de incrementar y mejorar el aporte hacia productores por medio de cambios en la composición florística.
Planning for Serious Illness by the General Public: A Population-Based Survey
Authors: Goodridge Donna , Quinlan Elizabeth , Venne Rosemary , Hunter Paulette , Surtees Doug
Published: December 2013

Background. While rates of advance care documentation amongst the general public remain low, there is increasing recognition of the value of informal planning to address patient preferences in serious illness. Objectives. To determine the associations between personal attributes and formal and informal planning for serious illness across age groups. Methods. This population-based, online survey was conducted in Saskatchewan, Canada, in April, 2012, using a nonclinical sample of 827 adults ranging from 18 to 88 years of age and representative of age, sex, and regional distribution of the province. Associations between key predictor variables and planning for serious illness were assessed using binary logistic regression. Results. While 16.6% of respondents had completed a written living will or advance care plan, half reported having conversations about their treatment wishes or states of health in which they would find it unacceptable to live. Lawyers were the most frequently cited source of assistance for those who had prepared advance care plans. Personal experiences with funeral planning significantly increased the likelihood of activities designed to plan for serious illness. Conclusions. Strategies designed to increase the rate of planning for future serious illness amongst the general public must account for personal readiness.
Effectiveness of a new short-stay unit for elective low complexity patients’ admissions to improve patient flow
Authors: Ortiga Berta , Bartolome Carlos , Acebes Xenia , Viso Mari Fe , Marca Guillem , Garcia Alfredo
Published: December 2013

Background/Objective: Specialized care in an acute hospital is the highest resource consuming type of health care. Performance improvement in health care should look for a better application of medical knowledge and resource consuming at the same time as managers locally redesigned processes and organizations in order to be more cost-effective at healthcare services delivery. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of creating a short-stay unit for elective patients as an alternative to the elective patients being admitted in an acute ward. Methods: We included all elective patients admitted in a university hospital between the 1st of January and the 31st of December 2007, as well as those admitted during the same period of 2009, after two hospital wards transformation into a short-stay unit. We used the Hospital General Database for collecting information on years 2007 and 2009. Main key performance indicators were length of stay, pre-surgery length of stay, rotation rate, discharge planning rate and cost. For statistical bivariate analysis, we used a Chi-squared for linear trend for qualitative variables and a T-test and a Wilcoxon signed ranks test and a Mann-Whitney test for non-normal continuous variables. Significance at p < .05 was assumed throughout. Results: We included 10,678 patients, 4,423 during 2007 and 6,255 during 2009. Mean length of stay was 4.3 days (IC 95%: 4.09-4.51) in 2007 and 2.8 days (IC 95%: 2.61-3.01) in 2009 (p < .05). Pre-surgery length of stay was reduced from 0.5 days (IC 95%: 0.44-0.56) in 2007 to 0.2 days (IC 95%: 0.17-0.23) in 2009 (p < .05). The rotation rate was of 92 patients/bed in 2007 and of 126 patients/bed in 2009 (p < .05). The median number of planned discharges grew from 43.05% in 2007 to 86.01% in 2009. Closing two hospital wards at weekends has generated savings of €805,376.32 through the reduction of 22 nurse employees. Conclusions: In conclusion, this approach to hospital bed management in a tertiary hospital has proven both possible and efficient. The creation of short-stay units for elective patient admissions allowed an increase in productivity per hospital bed due to a higher rotation rate and a reduction in human resources costs due to closing hospital wards at weekends.
Electro-Catalytic Production of Lactulose: Statistical Modeling and Experimental Validation
Authors: Aissa Amara Ait , Aider Mohammed
Published: December 2013

Full factorial experimental design was used to optimize the operating conditions of lactose converting into lactulose under electro-activation conditions. The ANOVA showed a high correlation coefficient R2 (0.9889) and a low root mean square error (1.4 ± 0.15%) values for the regression model of the experimental design, indicating the good predictive nature of the model. The obtained results after optimisation showed that the optimum electro-isomerization conditions are the electric current of 300 mA, temperature of 10 °C, and reactor configuration in which a cation exchange membrane separated the central compartment from the cathodic one in which the electro-isomerization reaction was conducted. According to the optimized conditions, the maximum lactose conversion into lactulose was 30 ± 1.23%. As by-products of the electro-activation, only small amounts of galactose were observed.
Diagnostic Role of Immunohistochemistry in the Evaluation of Breast Pathology Specimens
Authors: Zhao Larry , Yang Xiaofang , Khan Ashraf , Kandil Dina
Published: December 2013

Context.—Immunohistochemistry plays a vital role in the evaluation of breast pathology specimens.

Objective.—To discuss the role of myoepithelial cell markers in the evaluation of various breast lesions. Other markers, such as E-cadherin and those used to differentiate mammary carcinoma from metastatic tumors to the breast, and markers used in the differential diagnosis of Paget disease, are also discussed.

Data Sources.—Data were obtained from review of the pertinent peer-reviewed literature.

Conclusions.—Myoepithelial cell markers vary in their sensitivity and specificity, and one should be aware of the potential pitfalls in interpretation. Using panels of 2 or more myoepithelial cell markers is always recommended, either singly or in cocktail forms. Although negative E-cadherin staining supports the diagnosis of lobular origin, positive staining does not rule it out. Immunohistochemistry can be helpful in differentiating Paget disease from its mimics. Although metastatic tumors to the breast are rare, a triple-negative immunophenotype and absence of an in situ component should be a “red flag” for such possibility, especially in patients with clinical history of an extramammary malignancy.
Fibroepithelial Tumors of the Breast: Pathologic and Immunohistochemical Features and Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Yang Xiaofang , Kandil Dina , Cosar Ediz F. , Khan Ashraf
Published: December 2013

Context.—The 2 main prototypes of fibroepithelial tumors of the breast include fibroadenoma and phyllodes tumor (PT). Although both tumors share some overlapping histologic features, there are significant differences in their clinical behavior and management. Phyllodes tumors have been further divided into clinically relevant subtypes, and there is more than one classification scheme for PT currently in use, suggesting a lack of consistency within different practices. Accurate differentiation between fibroadenoma and PT, as well as the grading of PT, may sometimes be challenging on preoperative core needle biopsy. Some immunohistochemical markers have been suggested to aid in the pathologic classification of these lesions.

Objective.—To discuss the salient histopathologic features of fibroepithelial tumors and review the molecular pathways proposed for the initiation, progression, and metastasis of PTs. Also, to provide an update on immunohistochemical markers that may be useful in their differential diagnosis and outline the practice and experience at our institution from a pathologic perspective.

Data Sources.—Sources included published articles from peer-reviewed journals in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine).

Conclusions.—Fibroepithelial tumor of the breast is a heterogenous group of lesions ranging from fibroadenoma at the benign end of the spectrum to malignant PT. There are overlapping histologic features among various subtypes, and transformation and progression to a more malignant phenotype may also occur. Given the significant clinical differences within various subtypes, accurate pathologic classification is important for appropriate management. Although some immunohistochemical markers may be useful in this differential diagnosis, histomorphology still remains the gold standard.
Proficiency Testing Experience With College of American Pathologists' Programs at a University Hospital in China From 2007 to 2011
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Dai Qingkai , Jiang Yongmei
Published: December 2013

Context.—The first-class hospital laboratories are required to participate in a proficiency testing (PT) program by the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China. The College of American Pathologists (CAP) PT programs have increasingly become laboratories' preferred choices because of the well-prepared specimens, more comprehensive programs, scientific evaluation, and useful educational opportunities involved.

Objective.—To evaluate the PT performance of our laboratory from 2007 to 2011 through the selected analytes and tests.

Design.—The PT results of 22 commonly performed tests in 15 events were evaluated. The rates of unacceptable results for all analytes and tests during the 5-year study period were compared with χ2 test. Reasons for all unacceptable results were sorted into 8 groups.

Results.—A total of 13 of 22 analytes and tests (59.1%) achieved full scores (100%), whereas 6 analytes and tests failed to reach the goal of getting a score of 80% or higher in PT. Seen from the relative distance of the results from the target as a percentage of allowed deviation, the performance of some analytes was excellent, including albumin, amylase, lactate dehydrogenase, potassium, protein, total, uric acid, red blood cell, white blood cell, and hemoglobin. Rates of unacceptable results for all analytes demonstrated a trend of decline. The top 3 reasons for unacceptable results were identification errors in morphologic tests, specimen problems, and technical problems (25.74%, 23.76%, and 14.85%, respectively).

Conclusions.—The PT performance demonstrated a trend of improvement from 2007 to 2011. Proficiency testing contributed to the improvement of laboratory performance, especially the promotion of better patient care.
Performance Validation in Anatomic Pathology: Successful Integration of a New Classification System Into the Practice Setting Using the Updated Lung Non–Small Cell Carcinoma Recommendations
Authors: Murugan Paari , Stevenson Michael E. , Hassell Lewis A.
Published: December 2013

Context.—The new, international, multidisciplinary classification of lung adenocarcinoma, from the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer/American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society, presents a paradigm shift for diagnostic pathologists.

Objective.—To validate our ability to apply the recommendations in reporting on non–small cell lung cancer cases.

Design.—A test based on the new non–small cell lung cancer classification was administered to 16 pathology faculty members, senior residents, and fellows before and after major educational interventions, which included circulation of articles, electronic presentations, and live presentations by a well-known lung pathologist. Surgical and cytologic (including cell-block material) reports of lung malignancies for representative periods before and after the educational interventions were reviewed for compliance with the new guidelines. Cases were scored on a 3-point scale, with 1 indicating incorrect terminology and/or highly inappropriate stain use, 2 indicating correct diagnostic terminology with suboptimal stain use, and 3 indicating appropriate diagnosis and stain use. The actual error type was also evaluated.

Results.—The average score on initial testing was 55%, increasing to 88% following the educational interventions (60% improvement). Of the 54 reports evaluated before intervention, participants scored 3 out of 3 points on 15 cases (28%), 2 of 3 on 31 cases (57%), and 1 of 3 on 8 cases (15%). Incorrect use of stains was noted in 23 of 54 cases (43%), incorrect terminology in 15 of 54 cases (28%), and inappropriate use of tissue, precluding possible molecular testing, in 4 out of 54 cases (7%). Of the 55 cases after intervention, participants scored 3 out of 3 points on 46 cases (84%), 2 of 3 on 8 cases (15%), and 1 of 3 on 1 case (2%). Incorrect use of stains was identified in 9 of 55 cases (16% of total reports), and inappropriate use of tissue, precluding possible molecular testing, was found in 1 of the 55 cases (2%).

Conclusions.—The study results demonstrated marked improvement in the pathologists' understanding and application of the new non–small cell lung cancer classification recommendations, which was sufficient to validate our use of the system in routine practice. The results also affirm the value of intensive education on, and validation of, pathologists' use of a classification or diagnostic algorithm.