bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acoustic signatures of porous rocks permeated by partially saturated, aligned planar fractures
Authors: Salva Natalia N. , Paissan Gabriel H. , Solazzi Santiago G. , Rubino J. Germán
Published: October 2023

The presence of sets of vertical, parallel fractures is very common in the Earth's upper crust. Notably, open fractures exert critical control on the mechanical and hydraulic properties of the host formation. There is great interest in understanding how fractures interact with seismic waves, as this knowledge could be used to detect and characterize fractures from seismic data. When a seismic wave travels through a fractured formation, it induces oscillatory fluid pressure diffusion between the fractures and the embedding porous background, a physical process that produces attenuation and dispersion of the seismic wave. Although there are numerous studies on this topic, the case of parallel fractures saturated with different immiscible fluids, such as brine and CO2, remains rather unexplored. With these motivations, in this work, we propose an analytical approach to compute the phase velocity and attenuation of P‐waves travelling perpendicularly to a set of planar, parallel fractures. While we consider that the background is saturated with brine, the fractures can be saturated with brine or gas. Our numerical analysis shows for the first time that two manifestations of fluid pressure diffusion arise in these cases. One of them, associated with relatively high levels of attenuation, is due to fluid pressure diffusion occurring between consecutive fractures saturated with different fluids. In this case, the fluid pressure diffusion process is initiated at a fracture saturated with brine and reaches a consecutive fracture saturated with gas. The other fluid pressure diffusion manifestation, on the other hand, arises at higher frequencies, is characterized by lower levels of attenuation and results from the interaction in the background of fluid pressure diffusion processes initiated at consecutive fractures, irrespective of the fluid content. Finally, by considering a stochastic distribution of the two fluids and a classical frequency of interest in seismic experiments, we obtain P‐wave attenuation and phase velocity as functions of the fracture gas saturation. This approach could be of interest for the remote detection and quantification of pore fluids using seismic waves.
Explaining variation in plant‐herbivore associational effects in a tree biodiversity experiment
Authors: Leonard Samuel J. , Dirzo Rodolfo , Eisenhauer Nico , Rebollo Roberto , Schädler Martin , Ferlian Olga
Published: October 2023

Within biodiversity‐ecosystem function research, a major outstanding question is how herbivory, a critical ecosystem function at the base of the food web, changes along gradients of plant biodiversity.

Neighbourhood‐level associational effects are hypothesised to be a strong driver of biodiversity‐herbivory relationships, but we lack a successful framework that explains the wide variation observed in the sign and magnitude of plant‐herbivore associational effects.

In this study, we combine measurements from a tree biodiversity field experiment with simulation to provide a framework for explaining variation in plant‐herbivore associational effects, particularly when herbivores that feed on many different species (e.g. generalists) cause most damage. We show that monoculture herbivory levels of focal species and their neighbours predict the direction and strength of associational effects. We provide evidence that this may be due to a “spillover effect”, in which some insect herbivores attracted to focal individuals ultimately end up feeding on neighbouring individuals.

With an empirically parameterised simulation, we explain how spatial organisation modifies biodiversity‐ecosystem function relationships when associational effects operate. We suggest a set of experiments to test the generality of our conceptual framework, to elucidate the underlying mechanisms that produce the patterns we find, and to ultimately increase the predictability of plant‐herbivore associational effects. We conclude by discussing how our results might inform pest management in diversified agroecosystems and reforestation sites.

Synthesis. Our results provide a potential framework for explaining why positive and negative plant‐herbivore associational effects are often balanced in systems with primarily generalist herbivores and point to a path forward for predicting when increased plant biodiversity will be associated with increased, decreased or unchanged levels of insect herbivory on individual plant species in such systems.
The Speed of the Effects of Publicly Funded Research on Business R&D, Innovation and Innovation Behaviour: Evidence from UK Firms
Authors: Dimos Christos , Fai Felicia M. , Tomlinson Philip R.
Published: October 2023

This study contributes to the understanding of the speed of the effects of publicly funded research – R&D grants – on firm R&D, innovation and innovation behaviour. We argue that while the speed of the positive effects on R&D (i.e. input additionality; IA) tightly relates to public support programmes’ requirement of private contribution in R&D spending, the positive effects on innovation (i.e. output additionality; OA) and innovation behaviour (i.e. behavioural additionality; BA) are temporally delayed, linked to the explorative nature of learning associated with publicly funded projects and obstacles to changes in the innovation behaviour of firms. We empirically test our theoretical framework for a sample of R&D‐intensive UK firms to find that while IA occurs in the year following receipt of R&D grants, BA takes 3 years after receipt of R&D grants to occur. We do not find that grants have a positive effect on either product or process innovation. In measuring BA, we employ a ‘classical’ treatment and control group evaluation without relying on firms’ perceptions of how the receipt of grants affected their innovation behaviour. Our findings have significant implications for both management practice and policy.
Evaluation of changes in glycemic control and diabetic complications over time and factors associated with the progression of diabetic complications in Japanese patients with juvenile‐onset type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Masuda Takafumi , Katakami Naoto , Watanabe Hirotaka , Taya Naohiro , Miyashita Kazuyuki , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Kato Ken , Kuroda Akio , Matsuhisa Munehide , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: October 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in glycemic control and diabetic complications over time in Japanese patients with juvenile‐onset type 1 diabetes mellitus and to clarify the factors associated with the progression of diabetic complications.

Methods

We tracked 129 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (21.8 ± 4.1 years old [mean ± SD] with a diabetes duration of 12.6 ± 5.7 years) for up to 19 years and analyzed data on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and indicators related to the severity of diabetic complications (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR], urinary albumin excretion rate [UAE], carotid intima‐media thickness [CIMT], and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity [baPWV]) using linear mixed model and decision tree analysis.

Results

Although the HbA1c and UAE levels improved over time, the eGFR, CIMT, and baPWV worsened. Decision tree analysis showed that HbA1c and the glycoalbumin/HbA1c ratio for eGFR; HbA1c and systolic blood pressure for UAE; low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, glycoalbumin/HbA1c ratio, and body mass index (BMI) for CIMT; and HbA1c for baPWV were associated factors.

Conclusions

In this retrospective observational study, glycemic control and albuminuria improved; however, renal function and arteriosclerosis worsened over time. HbA1c levels, glycemic excursion, and blood pressure are associated with nephropathy progression. HbA1c levels, glycemic excursion, lipid levels, and BMI are associated with the progression of atherosclerosis.
Distal profunda femoris artery perforator island flap for distal thigh and knee reconstruction: a CT‐based anatomical analysis and a case‐series study
Authors: Finkemeyer James P. , Koehl Emmanuelle M. , Mah Eldon
Published: October 2023

Background

Locoregional flap options for reconstructing defects of the anterolateral distal thigh/knee region are limited. The distal profunda artery perforator island (PAPI) flap is a local fasciocutaneous propeller‐type flap that utilizes the most distal perforator of the profunda femoris artery. The aim of this study is to conduct a CT‐based angiographic analysis of the perforator system of the profunda femoris artery and present outcomes on the application of the PAPI flap in the management of post‐oncologic defects of the distal thigh and knee.

Methods

CT angiograms were utilized on the lower limbs of 25 healthy patients (mean age, 57 years; 76% male) and the number and location of septocutaneous perforators with a diameter greater than 1 mm were measured. A case series of patients undergoing reconstruction of post‐ablative defects which involved the anterolateral and posterior knee performed by the senior author were reviewed.

Results

CT angiography demonstrated a robust collection (mean 3.5, range 2 to 5) of septocutaneous perforators from the profunda femoris artery with the most distal perforator located 3.3 cm from the superior patella border. The PAPI flap was successfully used in 10 patients (6F; 4M; mean age 60.6 years; range 30 to 88 years) with a mean defect size of 87.5 cm2 (range 48 to 150 cm2). Hand‐held Doppler was used to detect the perforator. No flap loss was encountered, and no knee function limitation was noted at follow‐up. Minor complications include seroma (1) and intra‐articular infection (2).

Conclusions

We conclude that the distal PAPI flap is a reliable and versatile flap that has potentially wide applications.
Computational fluid dynamics study in children with obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Chung , Kang Kun‐Tai , Chen Yunn‐Jy , Weng Wen‐Chin , Lee Pei‐Lin , Hsiao Hung‐Ta
Published: October 2023

Objectives

This study aims to identify characteristics in image‐based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Design

Diagnostic study.

Setting

Hospital‐based cohort.

Participants

Children with symptoms suggestive of OSA were recruited and underwent polysomnography.

Main outcome measures

Three‐dimensional models of computational fluid dynamics were derived from cone‐beam computed tomography.

Results

A total of 68 children participated in the study (44 boys; mean age: 7.8 years), including 34 participants having moderate‐to‐severe OSA (apnea‐hypopnea index [AHI] greater than 5 events/h), and 34 age, gender, and body mass index percentile matched participants having primary snoring (AHI less than 1). Children with moderate‐to‐severe OSA had a significantly higher total airway pressure (166.3 vs. 39.1 Pa, p = .009), total airway resistance (9851 vs. 2060 Newton‐metre, p = .004) and velocity at a minimal cross‐sectional area (65.7 vs. 8.8 metre per second, p = .017) than those with primary snoring. The optimal cut‐off points for moderate‐to‐severe OSA were 46.2 Pa in the total airway pressure (area under the curve [AUC] = 73.2%), 2373 Newton‐metre in the total airway resistance (AUC = 72.5%) and 12.6 metres per second in the velocity at a minimal cross‐sectional area (AUC = 70.5%). The conditional logistic regression model revealed that total airway pressure, total airway resistance and velocity at minimal cross‐sectional area were significantly associated with an increased risk of moderate‐to‐severe OSA.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that CFD could be a useful tool for evaluating upper airway patency in children with OSA.
Has Brexit affected employment in Japanese affiliates in the UK?
Authors: Porto Massimiliano , Wierzbowska Agata
Published: October 2023

On 23 June 2016, a referendum was held in the United Kingdom (UK) to decide whether the country should leave or remain a member of the European Union (EU). The ‘Leave’ vote won by 52 per cent to 48 per cent of voters, leading to the EU–UK Withdrawal Agreement that came into force in 2020 and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement that came into force in 2021. Brexit is not exclusively a European matter; it affects third parties as well. In this article we examine the presence of Japanese affiliates in Europe during 2000–21 by analysing data obtained from the Toyo Keizai's Overseas Japanese Companies database. While the UK has been a major beneficiary of Japanese investments in Europe, its share of Japanese affiliates in Europe has decreased, especially during 2000–10. Brexit has had no negative impact on direct employment created by Japanese affiliates in the UK in the short term, but its impact in the long term could be exacerbated by any further policy divergence between the UK and the EU.
New insight into drivers of mammalian litter size from individual‐level traits
Authors: Weller Amanda K. , Chapman Olivia S. , Gora Sarah L. , Guralnick Robert P. , McLean Bryan S.
Published: October 2023

The digitization and open availability of life history traits measured directly from individuals provide a key means of linking organismal function to environmental and ecological contexts at fine resolution. These linkages play a critical role in understanding trait‐mediated response to global change, with particular need to resolve them for taxa that are secretive and hard to monitor, like most mammals. In this study, we use digitized museum specimen and census data to document how climate and body size each shape a key life history trait – litter size – in 39 small mammals across North America. We employ mixed models to test associations between litter size, climate and body size, with a focus on joint estimation of inter‐ and intraspecific trends. Among species, no single climate predictor explained a large amount of litter size variation. Instead, interactions between temperature‐related (continentality, solar irradiation) and moisture‐related (annual precipitation, relative humidity) indices, along with body size, exert a stronger influence on litter size. We observed maximal litter sizes for species inhabiting seasonal or xeric regions under conditions of increased moisture availability, or conversely, mesic or aseasonal regions under conditions of reduced moisture availability. These patterns are consistent with primary productivity as a mechanistic driver of litter size. At the intraspecific level, litter size responds to continentality and temperature‐related indices experienced by populations, but is most strongly shaped by body size of individual females. We also find evidence of phylogenetic covariation in these intraspecific trends. Our study demonstrates how life history traits assembled from individual‐level biodiversity records improve precision and granularity of ecological studies, help to parse among‐ and within‐species trends, and foster improved understanding of tradeoffs between energetic supply and demand (e.g. reproduction) in wild mammals.
The curse of spanning over millennium: Confucian culture and corruption in China
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Wenqi , Cheng Bowen
Published: October 2023

Over the past millennium, Confucian culture has prevailed in China as a typical informal institution, especially its emphasis on human feelings and interpersonal connections (guanxi) that coincides with the incentives for corruption. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that Confucian culture can generate positive effects on the formation of bureaucratic corruption in China. Using the variation in the number of jinshi across Chinese cities as a proxy for the degree of Confucian culture, and using the number of bribery recipients to measure corruption, we find that regions with more jinshi are associated with more bribe recipients. To address the endogeneity, we employ the Confucian sages in a given city as our instrumental variable. The instrumented results are consistent with our baseline claim. The findings remain robust after using a variety of tests, including using the percentage of bribe recipients instead of the number of bribe recipients, using the number of Confucius temples, Confucian academies and chaste women as alternative Confucian cultural measures, and controlling the impact of the North–South differences. In addition, we find the shock of foreign culture can mitigate the positive effect of Confucian culture on corruption. Finally, mechanism shows that the effect of Confucian culture on corruption can be attributed to the attitudes towards income unfairness, the excessive pursuit of vanity and the emphasis on interpersonal connections.
Toward Pedagogical Justice: Teaching Worlds that we can Collectively Build
Authors: Hernandez Chrissy A. Z. , Sabati Sheeva , Chang Ethan
Published: October 2023

How can educators create space for students to practice making the worlds we are trying to collectively build? Inspired by genealogies that are grounded in and emerge from social movements, this paper uplifts the possibilities, tensions, and new questions that emerge when we take seriously the role of our classroom pedagogies. The authors offer a reflexive, methodological approach that pushes against the theory/practice divide and that stays with the importance of inhabiting theory through practice. They reflect on the role their classroom pedagogies in enacting their commitments to justice, organizing their offerings around the following themes: (1) Enter, or how their learnings from previous teaching experiences shape praxis through the pauses, recalibrations, and persistent questions they provoke; (2) how they Open and create space in their classrooms through rituals and routines, and toward what ends; and finally, (3) how they aim to Build with their students within and beyond the bounds of the classroom. The authors share the guiding questions that prompted these reflections, as well as the echoes across their offerings, inviting readers to reflect on their own teaching practice in community.
Bill color is dynamic across the breeding season but not condition‐dependent in Atlantic puffins
Authors: Kochvar Katja H. , Wilson Amy C. , Bitton Pierre‐Paul
Published: October 2023

Sexually monomorphic species have been historically overlooked in the sexual/social selection literature, but there is growing evidence that mutual ornamentation can be driven by selective forces such as mutual sexual selection or selection for individual recognition. Examining the properties of a trait may elucidate which forces most likely play a role, especially when comparing the characteristics of quality and identity traits. Atlantic puffins (Fratercula arctica) are an example of a mutually ornamented monomorphic species, where both males and females display a bright orange‐red bill and orange gape rosette during the breeding season and are ornamented to similar degrees. In this study, we investigate whether the properties of the colorful bill and rosette, specifically lability across the breeding season and condition‐dependence, more closely align with signals of quality or identity. Our findings support prior work that the bill is sexually monochromatic from an avian visual perspective. We also determined that the bill changes in a discriminable way within individuals across the breeding season and is especially dynamic in the fleshy rosette. However, no metric of color on any region of the bill or rosette was significantly related to current body condition. Ultimately, we argue that bill color could potentially function as a quality signal, although further study is needed to determine which aspect of quality coloration signals, if not condition. These results provide a basis for experimentally evaluating the signal value of the colorful bill in Atlantic puffins (e.g., color manipulation experiments), and more broadly, a framework for investigating the properties of mutual ornamentation in avian species.
Long‐term follow‐up of patients with congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura receiving a plasma‐derived factor VIII (Koate) that contains ADAMTS13
Authors: Chrisentery‐Singleton Tammuella , Boggio Lisa N. , Carcao Manuel D. , Ibrahimi Sami , Khan Osman , Mahajerin Arash , Rajasekhar Anita , Sharma Vivek , Steele MacGregor , Torres Marcela , Rodino Frank J. , Carpenter Shannon L.
Published: October 2023

Background

Hereditary thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura (hTTP) is an ultra‐rare disorder resulting from an inherited deficiency of ADAMTS13, a von Willebrand factor (VWF)‐cleaving metalloprotease. The plasma‐derived factor VIII/VWF Koate (FVIII/VWFKoate) has been shown to contain ADAMTS13, allowing for its use to treat hTTP at home by the patient/caregiver.

Aim

Based on prior demonstration of safe and effective use of FVIII/VWFKoate in eight patients with hTTP, we conducted a retrospective study to gather additional data regarding the use of FVIII/VWFKoate for hTTP.

Methods

This was a multicentre, retrospective, noninterventional chart review of patients who had received FVIII/VWFKoate for the management of hTTP. Data collected included demographics, medical history, relevant family history, past use and tolerability of fresh frozen plasma, and details regarding FVIII/VWFKoate therapy.

Results

The cohort included 11 patients (seven males, four females) with hTTP, ranging in age at study entry from 2 to 28 years. The average duration of FVIII/VWFKoate therapy was 4.8 years (range, 0.5–6.5 years). Among nine patients using FVIII/VWFKoate as prophylaxis, the normalized annual rate of breakthrough TTP episodes ranged from 0.2 to 1.1 episodes/year. All nine patients who received FVIII/VWFKoate prophylaxis had thrombocytopenia recorded at baseline, while eight (88.9%) did not have thrombocytopenia after using FVIII/VWFKoate. There was one AE (unspecified) attributed to FVIII/VWFKoate.

Conclusion

These data suggest that FVIII/VWFKoate is a safe and well‐tolerated source of the missing ADAMTS13 enzyme in patients with hTTP, producing a marked reduction in thrombocytopenia prevalence, low frequency of TTP episodes, and with the added benefit of self‐ or caregiver‐administration.
Effect of vitamin D supplementation on management of anemia in hemodialysis patients with vitamin D deficiency: A double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Emarah Sameh Mohamed , Ahmed Mohamed Abd El Rahman , El Kannishy Ghada Mohamed , Abdulgalil Ahmed Elsaeed
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Anemia and vitamin D deficiency are common problems among hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study aimed to assess the impact of correction of vitamin D deficiency with vitamin D supplementation on the improvement of anemia in patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance HD.

Methods

This double‐blind, randomized, controlled study included 100 anemic HD patients with vitamin D deficiency who were randomly divided using the closed envelop method into two groups (1:1). The first group received vitamin D (50,000 IU) monthly for 6 months, and the other group received a placebo for the same period. 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured for both groups at the beginning of the study and after 6 months at the end of the study. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations were recorded monthly.

Findings

Vitamin D supplementation during the period of the study increased 25(OH)D levels in the vitamin D group more than the placebo group (p > 0.001). Serum ferritin, serum iron, and transferrin saturation did not differ significantly between both groups during the period of the study. Hb concentration in the vitamin D group increased more than that in the other group over the period of the study, and there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in all durations of follow‐up. Erythropoietin (EPO) dosage requirements were found to be lower in the vitamin D group than in the placebo group, and this was statistically significant (p > 0.001).

Discussion

Vitamin D supplementation in anemic ESRD patients on HD with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is safe and effective in improving anemia and decreasing EPO dosage.
Association between calcium channel blockers and the severity of actinic keratosis on face and scalp: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Gioppo Ingrid S. , de Castro Martins Ivanka M. , Santos Stefany S. , Preto João F. R. , Miola Anna C. , Miot Helio A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a skin condition associated with age, sun exposure, and immunosuppression. Certain drugs, such as photosensitizing medications and calcium channel blockers (CCBs), have been linked to AK. This study explores the impact of individual, behavioral, and exposure factors on the severity of AKs on the face and scalp.

Methods

A multicenter cross‐sectional study was conducted on immunocompetent individuals with at least one AK on their face or scalp and assessed demographic factors, sun exposure and protection, history of skin cancer, and medication use within the last 6 months. The primary outcome was the Actinic Keratosis Area and Severity Index (AKASI) score, and a hierarchical generalized linear model was used to evaluate the variation in AKASI scores, adjusting for gender, age, and skin phototype.

Results

Two hundred seventy subjects between 39 and 92 years were evaluated. The majority had phototype I or II (77%), male gender (51%), personal history of skin cancer (55%), and low adherence to sunscreen use (29%). The use of photosensitizing medications was reported by 61%. Through multivariate analysis, older age (βSE = 0.14; P < 0.01), lighter skin phototype (βSE = 0.15; P = 0.01), history of skin cancer (βSE = 0.12; P < 0.01), sunburning (βSE = 0.12; P < 0.01), and use of CCBs (βSE = 0.11; P = 0.02) were identified as independent risk factors for AK severity. Photosensitizing drugs were not identified as risk factors.

Conclusion

Older age, lower skin phototype classifications, and a personal history of skin cancer were confirmed as severity risk factors for AK, while the use of CCBs was associated with more severe AK.
A Cross‐Cultural Note on Durkheim's Theory of Suicide
Authors: Rootman Irving
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: A formulation of Durkheim's theory of suicide is tested using data from a sample of 55 societies covered by the Human Relations Area Files. The model predicts suicide rates in five “pure” conditions but only in one “mixed” condition. In addition, the rates differ in each of the four pure extreme conditions. It is concluded that “integration” may be more important than “regulation” in determining the suicide rate of societies, groups, or social conditions.
Reflections on A Contagion of Assassination*
Authors: Rothstein David A.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Intrapsychic factors and events in close interpersonal relationships are supplemented by events in the political climate which can affect a potential assassin so as to lower his defenses against homicidal assassination impulses and facilitate or precipitate an overt act. Such events can include another assassination, a natural death, or an abdication of a president or leader. The “contagious” nature of killing is discussed with respect to previous and recent assassinations. The paper explores the potential effects upon James Earl Ray of President Johnson's “abdication” speech, upon Lee Harvey Oswald of the assassination of President Ngo Dinh Diem of South Vietnam, and upon Arthur Bremer of President Nixon's Vietnam escalation speech.
Suicide Risk and MMPI Scores, Especially as Related to Anxiety and Depression*
Authors: Poeldinger W. J. , Gehring A. , Blaser P.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Thirty‐seven depressive patients were examined, nine of whom had attempted to commit suicide. An MMPI profile and check list was compiled on each patient in order to assess the risk of suicide. It was demonstrated that anxiety and depression are correlated with an increased risk. The specific type of fear is not important; it appears together with social maladjustment, is compressed, and then finds its expression in the cry for help that a suicidal tendency represents.
Suicide in Maine: A Social Psychological Approach
Authors: Abbiati David L.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This paper reports the results of a field study on five proximal social psychological variables derived from Farber's theory of suicide: Hope in the Future Time Perspective; Demands for Interpersonal Giving; the Availability of Succorance; Demands for the Exercising of Competence; and the degree of Toleration of Suicide. The subjects were mature, long‐term residents of counties of Maine that proved stable in their relative rate of suicide. The value for each variable was assessed by a questionnaire devised for this purpose by the author. The differences between the mean scale scores for the high and low suicide areas were analyzed by t‐tests. The between group differences for all variables were significant at or beyond the .01 level of significance. A correlational study indicated that the relationship among the five variables was compatible with Farber's theory of suicide. The research generally offers strong support for Farber's theory of suicide at the social psychological level of analysis.
A Psychotherapist's Reaction to His Patient's Death
Authors: Alexander Philip
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: A case history of a patient who died during the course of psychotherapy is initially presented in the form of an essay. Three therapeutic points (one related to the therapist's awareness of his anger toward the patient) are focused on in regard to working with the dependent, suicidal patient: the importance of being in touch with one's own anger toward the suicidal patient; the need to vary one's attitude and approach toward the dependent patient as he travels through different emotional phases; the importance of promptly involving significant friends and relatives in close observation of and relating to the acutely suicidal person. The emotions and psychodynamic factors in the author and other psychotherapists in response to the death of a patient are then examined, with particular emphasis on the therapist's allowing himself to mourn the personal loss.
Death Attitudes and Experiences of Rehabilitation Counselors
Authors: Bascue Loy O. , Lawrence, Richard E. , Sessions Jo Ann
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: A survey of the death attitudes and experiences of 54 rehabilitation counselors indicated that their personal beliefs could potentially influence service to disabled people, particularly in the areas of terminal illness and suicide. To balance such influence, continued training of counselors and research efforts concerning this problem are recommended.
Auditing the Quality of Care of a Crisis Center
Authors: Stelmachers Zigfrids T. , Baxter James W. , Ellenson Gerald M.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this paper is twofold: First, it defines and describes different types of audits and areas of patient care which lend themselves to a quality of performance review. Second, it describes an audit application at a hos pital‐based crisis intervention center and the corrective action taken on the basis of the findings. The major emphasis of the audit was to determine the quality of medical‐psychiatric consultation and to develop criteria for its initiation.
Successful ablation of a right concealed epicardial accessory pathway using ethanol infusion
Authors: Ma Shenghui , Zhu Qifeng , Shu Li , Lu Yi , Liu Chunhui , Cai Zhejun
Published: October 2023

Introduction

This study describes a rare case of concealed epicardial accessory pathway (AP) successfully ablated using ethanol infusion (EI) through a variant vessel connecting the right atrium (RA) and the right ventricle (RV) surface.

Methods and Results

A 58‐year‐old male referred to our hospital for prior failed AP ablation. Cardiac‐enhanced computerized tomography scan showed there was a variant vessel at the tip of right atrial appendage and a pulmonary artery (PA)‐RA fistula at the roof of RA. The earliest activation was present at the site of the PA‐RA fistula. A selective angiography showed that a small branch of the variant vessel covered the earliest excitation site of the AP. EI into this branch successfully repressed the AP without any recurrences within a follow‐up period of 3 months.

Conclusion

Endocardial ablation is challenging for epicardial APs related to cardiac structural variations. If small vascular branches near the earliest activation site can be found, EI can successfully ablate these types of epicardial APs.
Selective BET inhibitor RVX‐208 ameliorates periodontal inflammation and bone loss
Authors: Sun Mingxu , Clayton Nicholas , Alam Sheikh , Asmussen Niels , Wong Andrew , Kim Jin Ha , Luong Gary , Mokhtari Sasan , Pellei David , Carrico Caroline K. , Schwartz Zvi , Boyan Barbara D. , Giannobile William V. , Sahingur Sinem Esra , Lin Zhao
Published: October 2023

Aim

To determine the effects of RVX‐208, a selective bromodomain and extra‐terminal domain (BET) inhibitor targeting bromodomain 2 (BD2), on periodontal inflammation and bone loss.

Materials and Methods

Macrophage‐like cells (RAW264.7) and human gingival epithelial cells were challenged by Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) with or without RVX‐208. Inflammatory gene expression and cytokine production were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. RAW264.7 cells were induced to osteoclast differentiation. After RVX‐208 treatment, osteoclast differentiation was evaluated by histology, tartrate‐resistant‐acid‐phosphatase (TRAP) activity and the expression of osteoclast‐specific genes. The effect of RVX‐208 on osteoclast transcriptome was studied by RNA sequencing. Periodontitis was induced in rats by ligature and local RVX‐208 treatment was administered every other day. Alveolar bone loss was measured by micro‐computed tomography.

Results

RVX‐208 inhibited inflammatory gene expression and cytokine production in Pg‐infected cells. Osteoclast differentiation was inhibited by RVX‐208, as evidenced by reduced osteoclast number, TRAP activity and osteoclast‐specific gene expression. RVX‐208 displayed a more selective and less profound suppressive impact on transcriptome compared with pan‐BET inhibitor, JQ1. RVX‐208 administration prevented the alveolar bone loss in vivo.

Conclusions

RVX‐208 regulated both upstream (inflammatory cytokine production) and downstream (osteoclast differentiation) events that lead to periodontal tissue destruction, suggesting that it may be a promising ‘epi‐drug’ for the prevention of periodontitis.
Colonization, diversity, and seasonality of fishes at pelagic fish aggregating devices
Authors: Schneider Eric V. C. , Talwar Brendan S. , Killen Shaun S. , Russell Samantha , Van Leeuwen Travis E. , Bailey David M.
Published: October 2023

The pelagic zone of the ocean can be a challenging environment in which to conduct research and as a result we lack the robust baseline abundance and diversity data, compared to what is available in more accessible coastal habitats, to be able to track changes or stressors to the biota in this environment. Many large‐scale fisheries target pelagic fish, and much of the information available on these species is based on fisheries‐dependent data that may be biased towards hotspots and commercially valuable fishes. Here, a long‐term video and visual fish survey was conducted on two subsurface moored fish aggregating devices (FADs) in the pelagic waters of the central Bahamas to determine the feasibility of using moored pelagic FADs as tools for collecting fish abundance and diversity data. A wide range of species was documented, including large migratory fish that are the focus of commercial and recreational fisheries, and smaller often overlooked species on which little abundance or seasonality information exists. We found that FADs colonize quickly and reach a peak stable (albeit seasonally cyclical) abundance and diversity within the first several months after deployment. Species richness was higher in video surveys, but abundance was higher in visual surveys, except for sharks. Our results highlight the need to tailor survey methods to fit the context and study objective, and provide further evidence for the importance of fisheries‐independent data in monitoring pelagic species.
Assessment of the differences in oncologic outcomes between patients with high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma and uterine serous carcinoma
Authors: Kilic Fatih , Ersak Burak , Cakir Caner , Yuksel Dilek , Kilic Cigdem , Korkmaz Vakkas , Tokgozoglu Nedim , Toptas Tayfun , Boran Nurettin , Kimyon Comert Gunsu , Ureyen Isin , Tasci Tolga , Moraloglu Tekin Ozlem , Ustun Yaprak , Turan Taner
Published: October 2023

Aim

To evaluate whether the recurrence rates, recurrence patterns, and survival outcomes differed according to the primary site of the tumor in patients with high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) and uterine serous carcinoma (USC).

Methods

The population of this multicenter retrospective study consisted of patients who had USC or HGSOC. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) estimates were determined using the Kaplan–Meier method. Survival curves were compared using the log‐rank test.

Results

The study cohort consisted of 247 patients with HGSOC and 34 with USC. Recurrence developed in 118 (51.1%) in the HGSOC group and 14 (42.4%) in the USC group (p = 0.352). The median time to recurrence was 23.5 (range, 4–144) and 17 (range, 4–43) months in the HGSOC and USC groups, respectively (p = 0.055). The 3‐year PFS was 52% in the HGSOC group and 47% in the USC group (p = 0.450). Additionally, 3‐year DSS was 92% and 82% in the HGSOC and USC groups, respectively (p = 0.060).

Conclusions

HGSOC and USC are aggressive tumors with high recurrence and mortality rates in advanced stages. These two carcinomas, which are similar in molecular features and clinical management, may also have similar recurrence patterns, disease failure, and survival rates.
Ultradian hydrocortisone replacement alters neuronal processing, emotional ambiguity, affect and fatigue in adrenal insufficiency: The PULSES trial
Authors: Russell Georgina , Kalafatakis Konstantinos , Durant Claire , Marchant Nicola , Thakrar Jamini , Thirard Russell , King Jade , Bowles Jane , Upton Thomas , Thai Ngoc Jade , Brooks Jonathan C. W. , Wilson Aileen , Phillips Kirsty , Ferguson Stuart , Grabski Meryem , Rogers Chris A. , Lampros Theodoros , Wilson Sue , Harmer Catherine , Munafo Marcus , Lightman Stafford L.
Published: October 2023

Background

Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) mortality and morbidity remain unacceptably high, possibly arising as glucocorticoid replacement does not replicate natural physiology. A pulsatile subcutaneous pump can closely replicate cortisol's circadian and ultradian rhythm.

Objectives

To assess the effect of pump therapy on quality of life, mood, functional neuroimaging, behavioural/cognitive responses, sleep and metabolism.

Methods

A 6‐week randomised, crossover, double‐blinded and placebo‐controlled feasibility study of usual dose hydrocortisone in PAI administered as either pulsed subcutaneous or standard care in Bristol, United Kingdom (ISRCTN67193733). Participants were stratified by adrenal insufficiency type. All participants who received study drugs are included in the analysis. The primary outcome, the facial expression recognition task (FERT), occurred at week 6.

Results

Between December 2014 and 2017, 22 participants were recruited – 20 completed both arms, and 21 were analysed. The pump was well‐tolerated. No change was seen in the FERT primary outcome; however, there were subjective improvements in fatigue and mood. Additionally, functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed differential neural processing to emotional cues and visual stimulation. Region of interest analysis identified the left amygdala and insula, key glucocorticoid‐sensitive regions involved in emotional ambiguity. FERT post hoc analysis confirmed this response. There were four serious adverse events (AE): three intercurrent illnesses requiring hospitalisation (1/3, 33.3% pump) and a planned procedure (1/1, 100% pump). There was a small number of expected AEs: infusion site bruising/itching (3/5, 60% pump), intercurrent illness requiring extra (3/7, 42% pump) and no extra (4/6, 66% pump) steroid.

Conclusions

These findings support the administration of hormone therapy that mimics physiology.
Labour market impact of theCOVID‐19 pandemic in the West Bank and Gaza
Authors: Deng Jingyuan , Elmallakh Nelly , Flabbi Luca , Gatti Roberta
Published: October 2023

This article studies the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on men's labour supply in the West Bank and Gaza, both on the extensive (participation) and intensive (hours of work) margins. We find that the pandemic was associated with a decline in employment and labour supply in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, with large adjustments at the intensive margin. Afterwards, labour market indicators quickly bounced back to their pre‐pandemic levels, but less so for the most vulnerable segments of the workforce, such as informal workers, workers in blue collar occupations, the least educated, and residents in refugee camps.
How the switch to hummingbird pollination has greatly contributed to our understanding of evolutionary processes
Authors: Wessinger Carolyn A.
Published: October 2023

The evolutionary switch to hummingbird pollination exemplifies complex adaptation, requiring evolutionary change in multiple component traits. Despite this complexity, diverse lineages have converged on hummingbird‐adapted flowers on a relatively short evolutionary timescale. Here, I review how features of the genetic basis of adaptation contribute to this remarkable evolutionary lability. Large‐effect substitutions, large mutational targets for adaptation, adaptive introgression, and concentrated architecture all contribute to the origin and maintenance of hummingbird‐adapted flowers. The genetic features of adaptation are likely shaped by the ecological and geographic context of the switch to hummingbird pollination, with implications for future evolutionary trajectories.
Age‐related Changes with the Trabecular Bone of Ward's Triangle and Neck‐shaft Angle in the Proximal Femur: A Radiographic Study
Authors: Ding Kai , Zhu Yanbin , Li Jiaxing , Yuwen Peizhi , Yang Weijie , Zhang Yifan , Wang Haicheng , Ren Chuan , Chen Wei , Zhang Qi , Zhang Yingze
Published: October 2023

Objective

The Ward triangle is an important area used clinically to diagnose and assess osteoporosis and its fracture risk in the proximal femur. The main objective of this study was to investigate the rules of development and maturation of the trabeculae of Ward's triangle to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment proximal femur fracture.

Methods

From January 2018 to December 2019, individuals from 4 months to 19 years old who underwent hip growth and development assessments at the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University were selected retrospectively. The outpatient electronic medical record system was used to collect information such as age, gender, imaging images, and clinical diagnosis. The development score and maturity characteristics of the trabecular bone were analyzed using hip radiograph data. Correlation analysis was performed to identify the relationship among age, neck‐shaft angle and development and maturity score of the trabecular bone.

Results

A total of 941 patients were enrolled in this study, including 539 males and 402 females. Primary compression trabeculae were all present at 1 year of age and matured at 7 years of age and older; primary tension trabeculae were all present at 4 years of age and matured at 18 years of age. Secondary compression trabeculae were present at 4 years of age and matured at 18 years of age. In addition, the neck‐shaft angle progressively decreases from 4 months to 14 years of age but barely changes between 15 and 19 years of age.

Conclusion

In short, the development and maturation of the trabeculae in the ward’ triangle followed a specific temporal pattern that was related to the neck‐shaft angle. Therefore, these findings can help us understand structure and mechanical characteristics of proximal femoral trabeculae, and improve our understanding of the mechanism and treatment of proximal femoral fractures.
Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Leverage Reduction in the Treatment of Pediatric Salter–Harris IV and V Distal Femoral Physeal Fractures
Authors: Shu Wen , Ou ZiXuan , Feng QiYuan , Zhong Haobo , Tang Xin
Published: October 2023

Objective

Distal femoral physeal fractures (DFPF) are rare but severe injuries in children, and there is no consensus on treatments for Salter–Harris (S–H) IV and V type of DFPF yet. This study aimed to introduce a minimally invasive technique using percutaneous leverage reduction combined with Kirschner wires fixation in treating pediatric DFPF with S–H IV and V type of injury and evaluate the clinical results.

Methods

From July 2008 to June 2018, the authors' institute (Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College) retrospectively reviewed all patients diagnosed with pediatric DFPF. They were divided into two groups according to received treatment: children in the minimally invasive technique group were treated with a minimally invasive percutaneous leverage reduction technique, and the traditional technique group included the other children who received the conventional open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF). The surgical and clinical results of the two groups were collected and analyzed. The independent sample t‐test analysis and the chi‐square test were applied to compare continuous and categorical variables.

Results

A total of 14 pediatric patients were recruited, including five females and nine males with DFEF. All eight patients in the minimally invasive technique group and four of the six patients in the ORIF group were treated successfully. One patient in the minimally invasive technique group opted for conservative treatment due to his good functional recovery, while the other two patients in the ORIF group needed further surgery because of the limb length discrepancy. There was a difference in surgery duration (p < 0.001), intraoperative fluoroscopy numbers (p = 0.006), intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.001), radiological union time (p = 0.003) and knee flexion angle (p < 0.001) between two groups. Patients in the minimally invasive technique group all received total knee society (KSS) scores, while the average scores in the ORIF group were lower (100.00 vs. 97.67).

Conclusion

The minimally invasive technique is better than conventional ORIF in terms of surgery duration, intraoperative blood loss, radiological union time, knee flexion angle and average KSS score. This percutaneous leverage reduction technique might be a good alternative for treating S–H IV and V DFPF in children.