A Proof Assistant Based Formalisation of a Subset of Sequential Core Erlang

We present a proof-assistant-based formalisation of a subset of Erlang, intended to serve as a base for proving refactorings correct. After discussing how we reused concepts from related work, we show the syntax and semantics of our formal description, including the abstractions involved (e.g. the concept of a closure). We also present essential properties of the formalisation (e.g. determinism) along with the summary of their machine-checked proofs. Finally, we prove expression pattern equivalences which can be interpreted as simple local refactorings

Basilar Artery Changes in Fabry Disease

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Phase field approach to optimal packing problems and related Cheeger clusters

In a fixed domain of $\Bbb{R}^N$ we study the asymptotic behaviour of optimal clusters associated to $\alpha$-Cheeger constants and natural energies like the sum or maximum: we prove that, as the parameter $\alpha$ converges to the "critical" value $\Big (\frac{N-1}{N}\Big ) _+$, optimal Cheeger clusters converge to solutions of different packing problems for balls, depending on the energy under consideration. As well, we propose an efficient phase field approach based on a multiphase Gamma convergence result of Modica-Mortola type, in order to compute $\alpha$-Cheeger constants, optimal clusters and, as a consequence of the asymptotic result, optimal packings. Numerical experiments are carried over in two and three space dimensions

Polymer Induced Bundling of F-actin and the Depletion Force

The inert polymer polyethylene glycol (PEG) induces a "bundling" phenomenon in F-actin solutions when its concentration exceeds a critical onset value C_o. Over a limited range of PEG molecular weight and ionic strength, C_o can be expressed as a function of these two variables. The process is reversible, but hysteresis is also observed in the dissolution of the bundles, with ionic strength having a large influence. Additional actin filaments are able to join previously formed bundles. Little, if any, polymer is associated with the bundle structure. Continuum estimates of the Asakura-Oosawa depletion force, Coulomb repulsion, and van der Waals potential are combined for a partial explanation of the bundling effect and hysteresis. Conjectures are presented concerning the apparent limit in bundle size

Follow-up after paediatric intensive care treatment: parental postraumatic stress

Aim: To study the prevalence of posttraumatic stress in parents after an acute admission to a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and to determine risk factors for the development of posttraumatic stress. Methods: Parents completed posttraumatic stress questionnaires three months after their child's discharge. This questionnaire measures both symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and enables determination of the full psychiatric diagnosis of PTSD. Medical and demographic data concerning their child were gathered from physical evaluations three months after discharge. Of 250 eligible families, 144 (57.6%) participated in this study. The questionnaires were completed by 140 mothers and 107 fathers. Results: More than three-quarters of the parents experienced persistent symptoms of PTSD. In 21 mothers (15.0%) and 10 fathers (9.3%), the full psychiatric diagnosis of PTSD was determined. In six families, both parents had PTSD. Furthermore, a significant positive correlation was found between symptoms of PTSD of the mothers and the fathers. No obvious medical risk factors could be distinguished. Conclusion: The unexpected admission of a child to a PICU is a stressful event associated with parental posttraumatic stress. Treatment should not end after discharge. Follow-up care is warranted and research should be focused on prevention of these symptoms. © 2007 The Author(s)

Effect of Exercise on Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review

Background: In recent years, physical exercise has been investigated for its potential as a therapeutic tool in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing hemodialysis maintenance treatment (HD). It has been shown that regular practice of moderate-intensity exercise can improve certain aspects of immune function and exert anti-inflammatory effects, having been associated with low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and high levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Purpose: The aim of this review is to examine the studies carried out in this population that analyzed the effect of intradialytic exercise on the inflammatory state and evaluate which exercise modality is most effective. Methods: The search was carried out in the MEDLINE, CINAHL Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from inception to June 2022. The PEDro scale was used to assess methodological quality, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and MINORS were used to evaluate the risk of bias. The quality of evidence was assessed with GRADE scale. The outcome measures were systemic inflammation biomarkers. Results: Mixed results were found in terms of improving inflammation biomarkers, such as CRP, IL-6 or TNFα, after exercise. Aerobic exercise seems to improve systemic inflammation when performed at medium intensity while resistance training produced better outcomes when performed at high intensity. However, some studies reported no differences after exercise and these results should be taken with caution. Conclusions: The low quality of the evidence suggests that aerobic and resistance exercise during HD treatment improves systemic inflammation biomarkers in patients with ESRD. In any case, interventions that increase physical activity in patients with ESRD are of vital importance as sedentary behaviors are associated with mortality. More studies are needed to affirm solid conclusions and to make intervention parameters, such as modality, dose, intensity or duration, sufficiently clear

The STOP-BANG questionnaire and the risk of perioperative respiratory complications in urgent surgery patients: A prospective, observational study

Introduction The STOP-BANG (SB) questionnaire, a tool originally proposed for identifying patients at risk of obstructive sleep apnoea, may also identify patients at increased risk of perioperative complications (when > 3). Perioperative complications, including respiratory ones, are more frequent in emergency surgery. This study aimed at evaluating whether the SB is predictive of perioperative respiratory complications in urgent surgery. Methods Consecutive adult patients admitted for an urgent surgery under general anaesthesia were included. The STOP-BANG questionnaire was completed before anaesthesia. Perioperative respiratory complications were prospectively recorded during surgery and in the postoperative care unit (PACU). Results One hundred and eighty-nine patients were included (women 46%, median age 60 [43–78] years old) of which 104 (55%) were SB+. Diabetes mellitus and arrhythmia were more frequent in the SB+ patients than in SB-. The ASA class was higher in SB+ patients compared with SB-, but type and duration of surgery were statistically similar. The incidence of respiratory complications was higher in SB+ patients both during surgery (21% versus 6%, P < 0.002) and in the PACU (57% versus 34%, P = 0.0015). Furthermore, SB+ patients had a prolonged length of hospital stay (6 [3–12] versus 4 [2–7] days, P = 0.0002). In a multivariate analysis, the STOP-BANG score was independently associated with respiratory complications (OR [CI 95%] = 1.44 [1.03–2.03], P = 0.03). Conclusions An elevated STOP-BANG score (≥  3) is associated with an increased risk of perioperative respiratory complications and with prolonged length of stay in urgent surgery patients