Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Care Bundles on Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) Prevention in Adult ICUs: A Systematic Review

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remains a common risk in mechanically ventilated patients. Different care bundles have been proposed to succeed VAP reduction. We aimed to identify the combined interventions that have been used to by ICUs worldwide from the implementation of “Institute for Healthcare Improvement Ventilator Bundle”, i.e., from December 2004. A search was performed on the PubMed, Scopus and Science Direct databases. Finally, 38 studies met our inclusion criteria. The most common interventions monitored in the care bundles were sedation and weaning protocols, semi-recumbent positioning, oral and hand hygiene, peptic ulcer disease and deep venus thrombosis prophylaxis, subglottic suctioning, and cuff pressure control. Head-of-bed elevation was implemented by almost all studies, followed by oral hygiene, which was the second extensively used intervention. Four studies indicated a low VAP reduction, while 22 studies found an over 36% VAP decline, and in ten of them, the decrease was over 65%. Four of these studies indicated zero or nearly zero after intervention VAP rates. The studies with the highest VAP reduction adopted the “IHI Ventilator Bundle” combined with adequate endotracheal tube cuff pressure and subglottic suctioning. Multifaced techniques can lead to VAP reduction at a great extent. Multidisciplinary measures combined with long-lasting education programs and measurement of bundle’s compliance should be the gold standard combination.
A numerical and analytical investigation into non-Hermitian Hamiltonians

A numerical and analytical investigation into non-Hermitian Hamiltonians. G.J.C. Wessels University of Stellenbosch Private Bag X1, 7602 Matieland, South Africa Thesis: MSc (PMA) November 2008 In this thesis we aim to show that the Schrodinger equation, which is a boundary eigenvalue problem, can have a discrete and real energy spectrum (eigenvalues) even when the Hamiltonian is non-Hermitian. After a brief introduction into non-Hermiticity, we will focus on solving the Schrodinger equation with a special class of non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, namely PT symmetric Hamiltonians. PT -symmetric Hamiltonians have been discussed by various authors [1, 2, 3, 4, 5] with some of them focusing specifically on obtaining the real and discrete energy spectrum. Various methods for solving this problematic Schrodinger equation will be considered. After starting with perturbation theory, we will move on to numerical methods. Three different categories of methods will be discussed. First there is the shooting method based on a Runge-Kutta solver. Next, we investigate various implementations of the spectral method. Finally, we will look at the Riccati-Pade method, which is a numerical implemented analytical method. PT -symmetric potentials need to be solved along a contour in the complex plane. We will propose modifications to the numerical methods to handle this. After solving the widely documented PT -symmetric Hamiltonian H = p − (ix) with these methods, we give a discussion and comparison of the obtained results. Finally, we solve another PT -symmetric potential, illustrating the use of paths in the complex plane to obtain a real and discrete spectrum and their influence on the results.
Primary components of the ideal class group of an Iwasawa-theoretical abelian number field

Let S be a non-empty ﬁnite set of prime numbers, and let F be an abelian extension over the rational ﬁeld such that the Galois group of F over some subﬁeld of F with ﬁnite degree is topologically isomorphic to the additive group of the direct product of the p -adic integer rings for all p in S . Let m be a positive integer that is neither congruent to 2 modulo 4 nor divisible by any prime number outside S but divisible by all prime numbers in S . Let Ω denote the composite of p n -th cyclotomic ﬁelds for all p in S and all positive integers n . In our earlier paper [ 3 ], it is shown that there exist only ﬁnitely many prime numbers l for which the l -class group of F is nontrivial and the m -th cyclotomic ﬁeld contains the decomposition ﬁeld of l in Ω . We shall prove more precise results providing us with an eﬀective upper bound for a prime number l such that the l -class group of F is nontrivial and that the m -th cyclotomic ﬁeld contains the decomposition ﬁeld of l in Ω . Introduction.
A Systematic Review of the Aerobic Exercise Program Variables for Patients with Non-Specific Neck Pain: Effectiveness and Clinical Applications

Studies have shown that aerobic exercise (AE) may improve symptoms related to non-specific neck pain (NNP); however, the variables of the exercise programs and the overall effectiveness of AE have not been evaluated in a systematic review. Therefore, this review aimed to describe and discuss the variables of the AE programs used in clinical trials for patients with NNP. Included studies were analyzed for the selected AE variables such as intensity, frequency, duration, delivery, supervision, and adherence. The PEDro scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the studies. From the literature search, six studies met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. After reviewing all the included studies, it was found that a range of AE interventions were used such as cycling, brisk walking, aerobics, stationary bike, treadmill running, circuit training, and swimming. Further, the duration was between 30 and 45 min for each session, with or without progressive increases from week to week. The intervention periods ranged from 1 month to 6 months in duration. Most studies used AE three times per week. Furthermore, exercise intensity was measured with either subjective (BORG) or objective measures (heartrate reserve). Justification for the specified intensity and reporting of adverse events was reported only in two studies and differed between studies. Exercise interventions were poorly reported. This review showed that moderate-intensity AE undertaken three times per week, in patients with NNP, may be beneficial for pain and function; however, the development of reporting standards is essential for the successful replication of studies.
Linear and nonlinear viscoelasticity of discotic nematics under transient Poiseuille flows

The start-up, reversal, and cessation of capillary Poiseuille flows of uniaxial isothermal incompressible discotic nematic liquid crystals are characterized using analytical, computational, and scaling methods, for low (linear regime) and high (nonlinear regime) pressure drops. In the linear regime, transient flows provide information on the main viscoelastic material properties, including the steady shear Miesowicz’ viscosity, the transient reorientation viscosity, as well as the viscosity reduction due to backflow. It is shown that cessation of weak flow provides a way to measure pressure drops. Transient flows in the nonlinear regime involve orientation-dependent material functions. The flow rate in start-up is characterized by an overshoot and strain scaling, similar to stress overshoot in simple shear. Recoil after cessation of flow is shown to be a direct function of stored Frank elastic energy. Scaling and computation show that the maximum recoil volume is shown to be close to R3, where R is the ca.
Mediterranean Diet and Melatonin: A Systematic Review

The Mediterranean diet (MD) has beneficial effects on human health, which is evidenced by the observation of lower incidence rates of chronic diseases in Mediterranean countries. The MD dietary pattern is rich in antioxidants, such as melatonin, which is a hormone produced mainly by the pineal gland and controls several circadian rhythms. Additionally, melatonin is found in foods, such as fruit and vegetables. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the melatonin content in Mediterranean foods and to evaluate the influence of the MD on melatonin levels in both humans and model organisms. A comprehensive search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) and data were extracted. A total of 31 records were chosen. MD-related foods, such as tomatoes, olive oil, red wine, beer, nuts, and vegetables, showed high melatonin contents. The consumption of specific MD foods increases melatonin levels and improves the antioxidant status in plasma.
Severity of Binge Eating Behavior among Overweight College Students in Taiwan and Associated Factors

Background: Binge eating (BE) is considered a marker of obesity and overweight and a significant characteristic of feeding and eating disorders. Despite the high prevalence of obesity on college campuses, the issue of BE among college students in Taiwan has received little attention. The aim of this study was to investigate BE behavior among overweight college students in Taiwan and associated factors. Methods: This study utilized a cross-sectional survey. A total of 300 overweight college students were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered Binge Eating Scale (BES) and a body weight composition monitor (Model No. OMRON, HBF-126) and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression analysis. Results: The average BES score was 10.67 (SD = 6.66, 0–34). With a BES score of 17 as the cut-off point, 17.3% (n = 52) of the participants were found to have moderate or severe BE behavior. Analysis of the demographic and psychosocial data using Spearman’s rho rank correlation coefficient revealed that sex, body mass index (BMI), uncontrolled eating, weight loss diets, academic stress, peer competition, interpersonal distress, and unpleasant or major life events were significantly correlated with BE behavior and its probability (rs = −0.14–0.15, p < 0.05). Furthermore, logistic regression analysis indicated that the odds ratio of the BES scores of female participants and those who stated to have experienced uncontrolled eating, weight loss diets, peer competition, and interpersonal distress was 1.05–6.04 times those of male participants and those without such experiences (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study found that nearly one-fifth of participants presented moderate to severe levels of BE behaviors, and these were significantly correlated with sex and external environmental stress. This study suggests early intervention from campus psychological health personnel to provide proper therapy.
An Improved Continuous Sensitivity Equation Method for Optimal Shape Design in Mixed Convection

This article presents an optimal shape design methodology for mixed-convection problems. The Navier-Stokes equations and the continuous sensitivity equations (CSEs) are solved using an adaptive finite-element method to obtain flow and sensitivity fields. A new procedure is presented to extract accurate values of the flow derivatives at the boundary, appearing in the CSE boundary conditions for shape parameters. Flow and sensitivity information are then employed to calculate the value and gradient of a design objective function. A Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) optimization algorithm is used to find optimal shape parameter values. The proposed approach is first verified on a problem with a closed-form solution, obtained by the method of manufactured solutions. The method is then applied to determine the optimal shape of a model cooling system.
Invariant Finsler metrics on homogeneous manifolds

In this paper, we study invariant Finsler metrics on homogeneous manifolds. We first give an algebraic description of these metrics and obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for a homogeneous manifold to have invariant Finsler metrics. As a special case, we study bi-invariant Finsler metrics on Lie groups and obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for a Lie group to have bi-invariant Finsler metrics. Finally, we provide some conditions for a homogeneous manifold to admit invariant non-Riemannian Finsler metrics and present some interesting examples.
A hybrid model of mathematics support for science students emphasizing basic skills and discipline relevance

The problem of students entering university lacking basic mathematical skills is a critical issue in the Australian higher-education sector and relevant globally. The Maths Skills programme at La Trobe University has been developed to address under preparation in the first-year science cohort in the absence of an institutional mathematics support centre. The programme was delivered through first-year science and statistics subjects with large enrolments and focused on basic mathematical skills relevant to each science discipline. The programme offered a new approach to the traditional mathematical support centre or class. It was designed through close collaboration between science subject coordinators and the project leader, a mathematician, and includes resources relevant to science and mathematics questions written in context. Evaluation of the programme showed it improved the confidence of the participating students who found it helpful and relevant. The programme was delivered through three learning modes to allow students to select activities most suitable for them, which was appreciated by students. Mathematics skills appeared to increase following completion of the programme and student participation in the programme correlated positively and highly with academic grades in their relevant science subjects. This programme offers an alternative model for mathematics support tailored to science disciplines.
Hubble Space Telescope Faint Object Camera Spectroscopy of the Narrow-Line Region of NGC 4151. I. Gas Kinematics

We present the results from a detailed kinematic analysis of both ground-based, and Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Faint Object Camera long-slit spectroscopy at subarcsecond spatial resolution of the narrow-line region (NLR) of NGC 4151. In agreement with previous work, the extended emission gas (R > 4'') is found to be in normal rotation in the galactic plane, a behavior that we were able to trace even across the nuclear region, where the gas is strongly disturbed by the interaction with the radio jet and connects smoothly with the large-scale rotation defined by the neutral gas emission. The HST data, at 0. ″029 spatial resolution, allow us for the first time truly to isolate the kinematic behavior of the individual clouds in the inner narrow-line region. We find that, underlying the perturbations introduced by the radio ejecta, the general velocity field can still be well represented by planar rotation down to a radius of ~0. ″5 (30 pc), the distance at which the rotation curve has its turnover. The most striking result that emerges from our analysis is that the galaxy potential derived fitting the rotation curve changes from a "dark halo" at the extended narrow-line region distances to being dominated by the central mass concentration in the NLR, with an almost Keplerian falloff in the 1′′ < R < 4′′ interval. The observed velocity of the gas at 0. ″5 implies a mass of M ~ 109 M☉ within the inner 60 pc. The presence of a turnover in the rotation curve indicates that this central mass concentration is extended. The first measured velocity point (outside the region saturated by the nucleus) would imply an enclosed mass of ~5 × 107 M☉ within R ~ 0. ″15 (10 pc), which represents an upper limit to any nuclear point mass.
The Utility of Amino Acid Metabolites in the Diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder and Correlations with Depression Severity

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and disabling condition with a high disease burden. There are currently no validated biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of MDD. This study assessed serum amino acid metabolite changes between MDD patients and healthy controls (HCs) and their association with disease severity and diagnostic utility. In total, 70 MDD patients and 70 HCs matched in age, gender, and ethnicity were recruited for the study. For amino acid profiling, serum samples were analysed and quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to classify putative candidate biomarkers. MDD patients had significantly higher serum levels of glutamic acid, aspartic acid and glycine but lower levels of 3-Hydroxykynurenine; glutamic acid and phenylalanine levels also correlated with depression severity. Combining these four metabolites allowed for accurate discrimination of MDD patients and HCs, with 65.7% of depressed patients and 62.9% of HCs correctly classified. Glutamic acid, aspartic acid, glycine and 3-Hydroxykynurenine may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers, whereas glutamic acid and phenylalanine may be markers for depression severity. To elucidate the association between these indicators and clinical features, it is necessary to conduct additional studies with larger sample sizes that involve a spectrum of depressive symptomatology.
Emerging Prevalence and Clinical Features of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica Infection in Southwest China: A 9-Year Retrospective Study and Systematic Review

Background Elizabethkingia meningoseptica infections have gradually emerged as life-threatening nosocomial infections worldwide, accompanied by increasing incidence, multidrug resistance and poor outcomes. However, the epidemiology and clinical features of E. meningoseptica infection are still limited in mainland China. Methods Patients with E. meningoseptica infections from 2011 to 2019 in southwestern China were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical features, infection patterns and outcomes were extracted from medical records and analyzed. A comprehensive systematic review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines from conception to August 23, 2021. Results Ninety-two patients were ultimately included, with the prevalence rapidly rising from 0 in 2011 to 0.19 per 1000 inpatients in 2019. A total of 93.48% of E. meningoseptica isolates were multidrug resistant, including 100% resistance to carbapenem. Furthermore, 75% of E. meningoseptica infections were concomitant with other pathogens. The mortality of our cohort was 36.96%, with risk factors for mechanical ventilation (OR=9.51, P=0.004), male sex (OR=0.27, P=0.031) and more concomitant pathogens. After propensity score matching, central venous catheters, exposure to carbapenem and antifungal drugs, and underlying tumors were associated with E. meningoseptica infection. Sixteen articles were also summarized, with reported mortality rates ranging from 11.0% to 66.6%. Blood and respiratory tract were the common sources. Piperacillin/tazobactam, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, fluoroquinolone and minocycline were the most sensitive antibiotics. Inappropriate antibiotic treatment was the most commonly reported risk factor for mortality. Conclusion Nosocomial infection with E. meningoseptica has become an emerging problem with high mortality in southwestern China. Inappropriate antibiotic treatment and central venous catheters are risk factors for infection and death and should receive adequate attention.
Release of HMGB1 and Toll-like Receptors 2, 4, and 9 Signaling Are Modulated by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and Salmonella Typhimurium in a Gnotobiotic Piglet Model of Preterm Infants

Gnotobiotic (GN) animals with defined microbiota allow us to study host–microbiota and microbiota–microbiota interferences. Preterm germ-free (GF) piglets were mono-associated with probiotic Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 (BB12) to ameliorate/prevent the consequences of infection with the Salmonella Typhimurium strain LT2 (LT2). Goblet cell density; expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) 2, 4, and 9; high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1); interleukin (IL)-6; and IL-12/23p40 were analyzed to evaluate the possible modulatory effect of BB12. BB12 prevented an LT2-induced decrease of goblet cell density in the colon. TLRs signaling modified by LT2 was not influenced by the previous association with BB12. The expression of HMGB1, IL-6, and IL12/23p40 in the jejunum, ileum, and colon and their levels in plasma were all decreased by BB12, but these changes were not statistically significant. In the colon, differences in HMGB1 distribution between the GF and LT2 piglet groups were observed. In conclusion, the mono-association of GF piglets with BB12 prior to LT2 infection partially ameliorated the inflammatory response to LT2 infection.
Dielectric Characterization of Core-Shell Structured Poly(vinylidene fluoride)-grafted-BaTiO3 Nanocomposites

Dielectric properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride)-grafted-BaTiO3 (PVDF-g-BT) core-shell structured nanocomposites obtained from Reversible Addition Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization of VDF were investigated by Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS). The dielectric constant increased along with the BT content, about +50% by addition of 15 vol% of BT, which was around 40% more than expected from predictions using the usual dielectric modeling methods for composite materials, to be ascribed to the effect of the interfacial core-shell structure. The known dielectric relaxations for PVDF were observed for the neat polymer as well as for its nanocomposites, not affected by the presence of nanoparticles. A relaxation process at higher temperatures was found, due to interfacial polarization at the amorphous-crystalline interface, due to the high crystallinity of materials produced by RAFT. Isochronal BDS spectra were exploited to detect the primary relaxation of the amorphous fraction. Thermal analysis demonstrated a very broad endotherm at temperatures much lower than the usual melting peaks, possibly due to the ungrafted fraction of the polymer that is more easily removable by repeated washing of the pristine material with acetone.
Extreme precipitation records in Antarctica

Monitoring extreme precipitation records (EPRs), that is, the most extreme precipitation events, is a challenge in Antarctica due to the reduced number of stations available in the continent and the limitations of the instrumentation for measuring solid precipitation. Still, extreme precipitation events may contribute substantially to the variability of ice sheet snow accumulation and even may cause important ecological impacts. This article presents the Antarctic EPRs at different temporal scales, studying the relationship between precipitation amount and temporal duration through a power scaling law, ranging from 1 day to 2 years. This is achieved using precipitation datasets from the ERA5 reanalysis and the RACMO2 regional climate model. Moreover, we present a selection of EPRs case studies examining the synoptic mechanisms that produce such events in Antarctica. Despite ERA5 EPRs are usually lower than those found in RACMO2, they present similar scaling exponents. EPRs are found in Loubet and south Graham Coasts, in the central section of the Antarctic Peninsula, and in the north of Alexander Island, where orographic enhancement increases precipitation amounts. As expected, Antarctic EPRs are much lower than world‐wide EPRs, ranging from 6 to 10% at short temporal scales (from 1 to 10 days) and from 10 to 20% at long temporal scales (from 90 days to 2 years) in ERA5. Regional variability of extreme precipitation scaling exponents show similar spatial patterns than previously calculated precipitation concentration. On the other hand, the lack of summer events in Antarctic EPRs evidences that stronger fluxes in winter play a key role on extreme precipitation during EPR events, which are mainly produced by long‐range transport of moisture by atmospheric rivers impinging on Antarctic mountains.