Z4\mathbb{Z}_4-symmetric perturbations to the XY model from functional renormalization

We employ the second order of the derivative expansion of the nonperturbative renormalization group to study cubic ($\mathbb{Z}_4$-symmetric) perturbations to the classical $XY$ model in dimensionality $d\in [2,4]$. In $d=3$ we provide accurate estimates of the eigenvalue $y_4$ corresponding to the leading irrelevant perturbation and follow the evolution of the physical picture upon reducing spatial dimensionality from $d=3$ towards $d=2$, where we approximately recover the onset of the Kosterlitz-Thouless physics. We analyze the interplay between the leading irrelevant eigenvalues related to $O(2)$-symmetric and $\mathbb{Z}_4$-symmetric perturbations and their approximate collapse for $d\to 2$. We compare and discuss different implementations of the derivative expansion in cases involving one and two invariants of the corresponding symmetry group.Comment: 13 pages, 6 figure

Microfungi of Carpinus betulus from Poland. I. Annotated list of microfungi

The compiled microfungi list comprises 115 taxons noted in Poland, of them, 28 parasitic. 10 species of microfungi were host specialized (exclusive, or partially exclusive for hornbeam)

Antimicrobial consumption and resistance in adult hospital inpatients in 53 countries:results of an internet-based global point prevalence survey

Summary: Background: The Global Point Prevalence Survey (Global-PPS) established an international network of hospitals to measure antimicrobial prescribing and resistance worldwide. We aimed to assess antimicrobial prescribing and resistance in hospital inpatients. Methods: We used a standardised surveillance method to collect detailed data about antimicrobial prescribing and resistance from hospitals worldwide, which were grouped by UN region. The internet-based survey included all inpatients (adults, children, and neonates) receiving an antimicrobial who were on the ward at 0800 h on one specific day between January and September, 2015. Hospitals were classified as primary, secondary, tertiary (including infectious diseases hospitals), and paediatric hospitals. Five main ward types were defined: medical wards, surgical wards, intensive-care units, haematology oncology wards, and medical transplantation (bone marrow or solid transplants) wards. Data recorded included patient characteristics, antimicrobials received, diagnosis, therapeutic indication according to predefined lists, and markers of prescribing quality (eg, whether a stop or review date were recorded, and whether local prescribing guidelines existed and were adhered to). We report findings for adult inpatients. Findings: The Global-PPS for 2015 included adult data from 303 hospitals in 53 countries, including eight lower-middle-income and 17 upper-middle-income countries. 86 776 inpatients were admitted to 3315 adult wards, of whom 29 891 (34·4%) received at least one antimicrobial. 41 213 antimicrobial prescriptions were issued, of which 36 792 (89·3%) were antibacterial agents for systemic use. The top three antibiotics prescribed worldwide were penicillins with β-lactamase inhibitors, third-generation cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones. Carbapenems were most frequently prescribed in Latin America and west and central Asia. Of patients who received at least one antimicrobial, 5926 (19·8%) received a targeted antibacterial treatment for systemic use, and 1769 (5·9%) received a treatment targeting at least one multidrug-resistant organism. The frequency of health-care-associated infections was highest in Latin America (1518 [11·9%]) and east and south Asia (5363 [10·1%]). Overall, the reason for treatment was recorded in 31 694 (76·9%) of antimicrobial prescriptions, and a stop or review date in 15 778 (38·3%). Local antibiotic guidelines were missing for 7050 (19·2%) of the 36 792 antibiotic prescriptions, and guideline compliance was 77·4%. Interpretation: The Global-PPS showed that worldwide surveillance can be accomplished with voluntary participation. It provided quantifiable measures to assess and compare the quantity and quality of antibiotic prescribing and resistance in hospital patients worldwide. These data will help to improve the quality of antibiotic prescribing through education and practice changes, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries that have no tools to monitor antibiotic prescribing in hospitals. Funding: bioMérieux

Nursing considerations to complement the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines

Objectives: To provide a series of recommendations based on the best available evidence to guide clinicians providing nursing care to patients with severe sepsis. Design: Modified Delphi method involving international experts and key individuals in subgroup work and electronic-based discussion among the entire group to achieve consensus. Methods: We used the Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines as a framework to inform the structure and content of these guidelines. We used the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to rate the quality of evidence from high (A) to very low (D) and to determine the strength of recommendations, with grade 1 indicating clear benefit in the septic population and grade 2 indicating less confidence in the benefits in the septic population. In areas without complete agreement between all authors, a process of electronic discussion of all evidence was undertaken until consensus was reached. This process was conducted independently of any funding. Results: Sixty-three recommendations relating to the nursing care of severe sepsis patients are made. Prevention recommendations relate to education, accountability, surveillance of nosocomial infections, hand hygiene, and prevention of respiratory, central line-related, surgical site, and urinary tract infections, whereas infection management recommendations related to both control of the infection source and transmission-based precautions. Recommendations related to initial resuscitation include improved recognition of the deteriorating patient, diagnosis of severe sepsis, seeking further assistance, and initiating early resuscitation measures. Important elements of hemodynamic support relate to improving both tissue oxygenation and macrocirculation. Recommendations related to supportive nursing care incorporate aspects of nutrition, mouth and eye care, and pressure ulcer prevention and management. Pediatric recommendations relate to the use of antibiotics, steroids, vasopressors and inotropes, fluid resuscitation, sedation and analgesia, and the role of therapeutic end points. Conclusion: Consensus was reached regarding many aspects of nursing care of the severe sepsis patient. Despite this, there is an urgent need for further evidence to better inform this area of critical care

Antimicrobial Strategies and Economic Considerations for Polymeric Medical Implants.

Healthcare acquired infections (HAI's) are a worldwide problem that can be exacerbated by surgery and the implantation of polymeric medical devices. The use of polymer based medical devices which incorporate antimicrobial strategies are now becoming an increasingly routine way of trying to prevent the potential for reduce chronic infection and device failure. There are a wide range of potential antimicrobial agents currently being incorporated into such polymers. However, it is difficult to determine which antimicrobial agent provides the greatest infection control. The economics of replacing current methods with impregnated polymer materials further complicates matters. It has been suggested that the use of a holistic system wide approach should to be developed around the implantation of medical devices which minimises the potential risk of infection. However, the use of such different approaches is still being developed. The control of such infections is important for individual patient health and the economic implications for healthcare services

Grzyby mikroskopijne grabu Carpinus betulus w Polsce

The compiled microfungi list comprises 115 taxons noted in Poland, of them, 28 parasitic. 10 species of microfungi were host specialized (exclusive, or partially exclusive for hornbeam).Praca zawiera krytyczną listę grzybów mikroskopijnych zebranych na grabie w Polsce. Ogółem odnotowano 115 taksonów, w tym 28 gatunków pasożytniczych. Najliczniejszym gatunkiem okazał się grzyb Gnomonia fimbriata, odnotowano także bardzo rzadkie gatunki jak Camarops plana, C. polysperma, Lasiosphaeria hirsuta, Lophiostoma curreyi, Nemania atropurpurea, Oidium carpinii inne. Stwierdzono także obecność 10 gatunków wyłącznych dla grabu (wyspecjalizowanych troficznie): Camarops plana, Diaporthe carpini, Encoelia carpini, Gnomonia fimbriata, Massaria carpinicola, Melampsoridium carpini, Melanconis spodiaea, Oidium carpini, Pezicula carpineai Phyllosticta carpini

Cephalotrichum stemonitis zasiedlający bakteryjny biofilm w kopalni złota w Polsce

Cephalotrichum stemonitis and its synanamorph Echinobotryum atrum isolated from bacterial biofilm is presented.Praca zawiera opis grzyba Cephalotrichum stemonitis i jego synanamorfy Echinobotryum atrum wyizolowanych z bakteryjnego biofilmu z Sztolni Gertrudy w Kopalni Złota w Złotym Stoku. Pierwsza informacja o tym gatunku podana z Polski przez T. Dominika i I. Majchrowicz jest niezbyt dokładna. Diagnostyczną cechą gatunku C. stemionitis jest obecność synanamorfy E. atrum o czym wymienieni autorzy nie wspominają. Podano również podstawowe dane o siedliskach i ekologii tego gatunku. Izolacja tego rzadkiego gatunku grzyba z bakteryjnego biofilmu nie była dotychczas notowan