bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying the barriers faced by obstetricians and registrars in screening or enquiry of intimate partner violence in pregnancy: A systematic review of the primary evidence
Authors: Lu Corrine , Georgousopoulou Ekavi , Baloch Surriya , Walton‐Sonda Dianne , Hegarty Kelsey , Sethna Farah , Brown Nick A.T.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionally affects women compared to men. The impact of IPV is amplified during pregnancy. Screening or enquiry in the antenatal outpatient setting regarding IPV has been fraught with barriers that prevent recognition and the ability to intervene.

Aims

The aim of this systematic review was to determine the barriers that face obstetricians/gynaecologists regarding enquiry of IPV in antenatal outpatient settings. The secondary objective was to determine facilitators.

Methods

Primary evidence was searched using Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Maternity and Infant Care, PubMed and Proquest from 1993 to May 2023. The included studies comprised empirical studies published in English language targeting a population of doctors providing antenatal outpatient care. The review was PROSPERO‐registered (CRD42020188994). Independent screening and review was performed by two authors. The findings were analysed thematically.

Results

Nine studies addressing barriers and two studies addressing facilitators were included: three focus‐group or semi‐structured interviews, six surveys and two randomised controlled trials. Barriers for providers centred at the system level (time, training), provider level (personal beliefs, cultural bias, experience) and provider‐perceived patient level (fear of offending, patient readiness to disclose). Increased experience and the use of validated tools were strong facilitators.

Conclusion

Barriers to screening reflect multi‐level obstruction to the identification of women exposed to IPV. Although the antenatal outpatient clinic setting addresses a particular population vulnerable to IPV, the barriers for obstetricians are not unique. The use of validated cueing tools provides an evidence‐based method to facilitate enquiry of IPV among antenatal women, assisting in identification by clinicians. Together with education and human resources, such aids build capacity in women and obstetric providers.
Fetal sex and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus in gravidae with multiple gestation pregnancies
Authors: Sassin Alexa M. , Sangi‐Haghpeykar Haleh , Aagaard Kjersti M.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

There is an increasing incidence of pregnancies with twin gestations. One outcome more likely to occur with multiple gestations is gestational diabetes mellitus. Studies have suggested that in singleton pregnancies, fetal sex may affect insulin resistance. However, the effects of fetal sex in twins and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus are unknown. We hypothesized that rates of gestational diabetes mellitus and degree of insulin resistance might vary in twin gestations based on the fetal sex pairing: male–male, male–female or female–female. We aimed to employ a large population‐based database to ascertain any correlations between fetal sex and gestational diabetes mellitus in multifetal gestations.

Material and methods

A two‐hospital, single academic institution database comprised of over 39 000 participants with pregnancy data from August 2011 to January 2022 was employed. All twin deliveries of live‐born neonates >24 weeks’ gestational age from gravidae without preexisting diabetes or twin–twin transfusion syndrome were included. Entries were then grouped based on the fetal sex of the pairing. The presence or absence of gestational diabetes and type of gestational diabetes – diet‐controlled (gestational diabetes mellitus classification A1) vs medication‐controlled (gestational diabetes mellitus classification A2) – were identified. Statistical analysis was performed using a generalized linear mixed method, and a P‐value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

We identified 1924 twin deliveries that met the inclusion criteria in our database (male–male =652; male–female = 638; female–female = 634). We found no association between fetal sex pairing and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus. There was a significant association between the fetal sex pairing and the type of gestational diabetes mellitus developed, with 32.0% of male–male twins, 33.3% of male–female twins and 58.3% of the female–female twin deliveries associated with medication‐controlled gestational diabetes classification A2: male–female vs female–female (P = 0.05) and male–male vs female–female (P = 0.046).

Conclusions

While gestational diabetes mellitus is of multifactorial origin, we found a significant association between the fetal sex pairing and the treatment needed for gravidae with twins who develop gestational diabetes mellitus. A higher proportion of female–female twins was associated with gestational diabetes classification A2 compared with male–female or male–male deliveries. Further research on the physiology driving this association is warranted.
How can we better evaluate paediatric progression of myopia and associated risk factors? Lessons from the COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review
Authors: Lau Jerrald , Koh Wei‐Ling , Ng Janelle Shaina , Lee Daphne , Peh Cherie Hui , Lam Janice , Tan Ker‐Kan , Koh Victor
Published: October 2023

Purpose

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, home‐based and remote learning—particularly using electronic devices—was rapidly pushed out. Increased near‐work, screen time exposure and lack of outdoor time are risk factors that contribute to childhood myopia, but it is difficult to adopt recommendations from prior publications as a consistent limitation in the literature is the heterogeneity of research methodology. This review seeks to systematically evaluate how observational studies published during the pandemic have quantified and measured risk factors and myopia in school‐going children and adolescents.

Methods

Three scientific databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus) were systematically searched from March 2020 to April 2022. Findings from relevant studies were descriptively summarised in relation to the PICOS‐based objective of the review.

Results

The final sample of 13 studies included research from six countries and comprised 1 411 908 children and adolescents. The majority of studies (N = 10; 76.9%) used spherical equivalent refraction (SER) of −0.5 dioptres or lower as a common definition of myopia. Most studies (77.8%) measuring screen time exposure found it higher during COVID‐19 compared to pre‐COVID, but only one study used objective measurement of screen time. The average critical appraisal score of the sample was only 66.1%, with a considerable number of studies failing to identify and adjust for potential confounders.

Conclusion

Future studies should consider emergent objective and validated measures of risk factors, account for potential a priori confounders and covariates and ensure more representativeness in the sociodemographic makeup of their samples.
Effect of sovereign wealth funds in commodity‐exporting economies when commodity prices affect interest spreads
Authors: Kitano Shigeto , Takaku Kenya
Published: October 2023

We reconsider the role of a sovereign wealth fund in commodity‐exporting economies facing recent volatile fluctuations of commodity prices due to the COVID‐19 shock. We examine the welfare‐improving effect of a sovereign wealth fund from the new perspective of the link between commodity prices and interest rate spreads, which is unique to emerging economies. We show that a sovereign wealth fund becomes more effective in improving welfare for commodity‐exporting economies with a stronger link between their commodity prices and interest rate spreads.
Vegetation patch dynamics in rangelands: How feedbacks between large herbivores, vegetation and soil fauna alter patches over space and through time
Authors: Smit Christian , Buyens Isabelle P. R. , le Roux Peter C.
Published: October 2023

Aim

Large herbivore grazing is a popular conservation management tool to promote vegetation structural diversity of rangelands. However, vegetation patch dynamics, that is, how patches of grazing‐defended tall vegetation and grazer‐preferred short lawns shift over space and time, is poorly understood. Here, we describe a new conceptual framework for patch dynamics within rangelands, combining theories of classical cyclical succession, self‐organization and multitrophic feedbacks between grazers, vegetation and bioturbating soil fauna.

Location

We use the cattle‐grazed salt marsh of the island Schiermonnikoog, The Netherlands, as a model system. The grazed salt marsh is characterized by distinct tall vegetation patches dominated by the grazing‐defended rush Juncus maritimus and grazing‐intolerant grass Elytrigia atherica, surrounded by a matrix of grazing lawn (dominated by Festuca rubra).

The Framework

Based on previous observational and experimental studies, we propose a cyclical patch dynamic where plant species composition and structure transitions through four phases: patch initiation (a) occurs when the grazing‐defended rush J. maritimus establishes in the grazed lawn. Patch establishment (b) follows when the grazing‐intolerant grass E. atherica establishes in the patch due to associational defence by J. maritimus and produces a large amount of litter that attracts the key bioturbating amphipod Orchestia gammarellus. Patch expansion (c) occurs when O. gammarellus activities improve soil properties of the patch, which favours E. atherica growth, leading to E. atherica competitively displacing J. maritimus in the centre of the patch. Patch degeneration (d) follows when cattle enter the enlarged patch to consume E. atherica in the centre, trample the soil, displace O. gammarellus and decrease vegetation cover, opening space for grazing‐lawn species to invade. The cycle restarts when remnants of the rush J. maritimus in the degenerated patches (or individuals recently established from seed dispersal) initiate new patches in the grazing lawn.

Synthesis

Our proposed patch‐dynamic model provides a means to describe the mechanisms driving vegetation patch dynamics and serves as a foundation for further experimental and observational exploration, not only for this specific system, but more generally for grazed systems worldwide that show patches of typical grazing‐defended and grazer‐preferred vegetation.
A Day in the Life of Design—at the US Digital Service
Authors: Chisnell Dana
Published: October 2023

She came in as a design researcher from the private sector. Now she's one of a team helping to bring user‐centered design to government agencies. She sees the USDS as an important place for designers to be, and to make themselves known.

Even the daily planning meeting wasn't able to kill the sheer pleasure of seeing design make a difference in the working life of The Business.
Learning from Nature: Design Drives Evolution
Authors: Lam Busayawan , Fininis Nikolaos
Published: October 2023

Consider: An organization is like a living organism. It grows and evolves and finds ways to adapt to change. It interacts with its environment and sometimes develops symbiotic relationships with other organisms. How can design help organizations evolve from the inside and adapt to changes in what's outside?

An organization is much like a living organism; it's an open system that can learn to adapt to changes in its environment. What do Darwin's theory, organizational theory, and design management have to say about organizational survival?
Conserve the open media ecosystem! Legal and ethical considerations when using online repositories for AI training in ecological research
Authors: Lilkendey Julian
Published: October 2023

Ecological researchers who train Artificial Intelligence models using digital media have to be cognizant of legal and ethical implications when sourcing such content from online repositories. The way forward? Complying with Creative Commons licensing requirements, obtaining consent from media creators and adhering to FAIR data principles. Collective action from researchers, repositories, licence providers, and legislators is needed to conserve this complex open media ecosystem. This way, we can continue to develop innovative applications to address pressing ecological issues while maintaining the trust of content creators and respecting the legal and ethical framework of online media use.
Bringing equine adipose tissue into focus
Authors: McCullagh Sophie , Keen John , Dosi Miranda , Morgan Ruth
Published: October 2023

Adipose tissue is not only required for energy storage but is an essential endocrine organ with a central role in the pathology of obesity. The understanding of its role, both in human and equine medicine, is continually evolving. With obesity being an ever‐growing problem in equine populations, gaining owner compliance is critical when implementing management plans. The aim of this review is to encourage the inclusion of the concept of adiposity in discussions with horse owners on obesity and metabolic syndrome. In doing this, we hope to improve clients' understanding and, therefore, maximise the impact of diagnostic tests, monitoring tools and management.
Membrane protein chaperone and sodium chloride modulate the kinetics and morphology of amyloid beta aggregation
Authors: Sun Christopher , Slade Leah , Mbonu Prisca , Ordner Hunter , Mitchell Connor , Mitchell Matthew , Liang Fu‐Cheng
Published: October 2023

Protein aggregation is a biological phenomenon caused by the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides are derived from the cleavage of a larger membrane protein molecule and accumulate to form plaques extracellularly. According to the amyloid hypothesis, accumulation of Aβ aggregates in the brain is primarily responsible for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Therefore, the disassembly of Aβ aggregates may provide opportunities for alleviating or treating AD. Here, we show that the novel protein targeting machinery from chloroplast, chloroplast signal recognition particle 43 (cpSRP43), is an ATP‐independent membrane protein chaperone that can both prevent and reverse Aβ aggregation effectively. Using of thioflavin T dye, we obtained the aggregation kinetics of Aβ aggregation and determined that the chaperone prevents Aβ aggregation in a concentration‐dependent manner. Size exclusion chromatography and sedimentation assays showed that 10‐fold excess of cpSRP43 can keep Aβ in the soluble monomeric form. Electron microscopy showed that the fibril structure was disrupted in the presence of this chaperone. Importantly, cpSRP43 utilizes the binding energy to actively remodel the preformed Aβ aggregates without assistance by a co‐chaperone and ATP, emphasizing its unique function among protein chaperones. Moreover, when sodium chloride concentration is higher than 25 mm, the Aβ aggregation rate increases drastically to form tightly associated aggregates and generate more oligomers. Our results demonstrate that the presence of cpSRP43 and low NaCl levels inhibit or retard Aβ peptide aggregation, potentially opening new avenues to strategically develop an effective treatment for AD.
Increasing hepatitis B vaccination coverage and decreasing hepatitis B co‐infection prevalence among people with HIV‐1 in Germany, 1996–2019. Results from a cohort study primarily in men who have sex with men
Authors: Krings A. , Schmidt D. , Kollan C. , Meixenberger K. , Bannert N. , Münstermann D. , Tiemann C. , Bremer V. , Gunsenheimer‐Bartmeyer B. ,   the German HIV‐1 Seroconverter Study Group
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Viral hepatitis co‐infection among people living with HIV is known to accelerate the progression of liver disease and AIDS. An increased prevalence and incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among people living with HIV demands continuous monitoring to adapt targeted prevention strategies to reach the global goals of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat.

Methods

We determined the prevalence and incidence of HBV for the years 1996–2019 from yearly blood sample testing and questionnaire reports among people living with HIV belonging to a nationwide, multicentre observational, prospective cohort study.

Results

Among this study population of 3479 participants, the majority (87%) indicated that being men who have sex with men (MSM) was their likely HIV transmission route; 51% were recruited from Berlin. HBV prevalence for acute/chronic and resolved infections decreased from 4.1% and 45% in 1996–1999 to 1.3% and 16% in 2019, respectively. Simultaneously, participants with a serological status indicating HBV vaccination increased from 25% in 1996–1999 to 69% in 2019. Among vaccinated participants with relevant information (n = 1135), 38% received their first HBV vaccination after HIV infection. The HBV incidence rate in 565 eligible participants decreased from 6.9/100 person‐years in 2004–2007 to 0.45/100 person‐years in 2015.

Conclusion

Increasing vaccination coverage because of a general HBV vaccination recommendation and catch‐up vaccination efforts among risk groups decreased HBV infection prevalence over time among this study population of people living with HIV, primarily MSM and from Berlin. Despite this success, the prevalence and incidence of HBV remains higher than in the general population in Germany. This emphasizes the need for continued HBV prevention by promoting HBV vaccination and HBV screening at regular intervals based on the individual risk behaviour.
Variable choice affects estimations of vulnerability to climate change
Authors: Oswald Krista N. , Conradie Shannon R.
Published: October 2023

For practical reasons, assessments of species' vulnerability to rising temperatures are often limited to measuring responses to a single ecological response variable, but this could result in an underestimation of vulnerability. Using the Cape Rockjumper Chaetops frenatus (‘Rockjumper’) we examined the thermal risk to nestling Rockjumpers for sublethal (i.e. reduced nestling mass gain) and lethal (i.e. increased nest predation) consequences of sustained hot weather under both current and predicted future climatic conditions (RCP 8.5). We used a direct approach to examine these risks, first as independent ecological responses and then as combined risk driven by both response variables (mass gain and predation risk). This study revealed that the inclusion of multiple climate‐related responses affected the predicted vulnerability to climate change. Further, our analyses showed that increased vulnerability to climate change will vary within the Rockjumper's habitat. Our results demonstrate that the variability in predicted thermal risk depends on which response variable was used, with implications for how and where conservation practitioners direct their already limited resources.
A comparative evaluation of three consecutive artificial intelligence algorithms released by Techcyte for identification of blasts and white blood cells in abnormal peripheral blood films
Authors: Lincz Lisa F. , Makhija Karan , Attalla Khaled , Scorgie Fiona E. , Enjeti Anoop K. , Prasad Ritam
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Digital pathology artificial intelligence (AI) platforms have the capacity to improve over time through “deep machine learning.” We have previously reported on the accuracy of peripheral white blood cell (WBC) differential and blast identification by Techcyte (Techcyte, Inc., Orem, UT, USA), a digital scanner‐agnostic web‐based system for blood film reporting. The aim of the current study was to compare AI protocols released over time to assess improvement in cell identification.

Methods

WBC differentials were performed using Techcyte's online AI software on the same 124 digitized abnormal peripheral blood films (including 64 acute and 22 chronic leukaemias) in 2019 (AI1), 2020 (AI2), and 2022 (AI3), with no reassignment by a morphologist at any time point. AI results were correlated to the “gold standard” of manual microscopy, and comparison of Lin's concordance coefficients (LCC) and sensitivity and specificity of blast identification were used to determine the superior AI version.

Results

AI correlations (r) with manual microscopy for individual cell types ranged from 0.50–0.90 (AI1), 0.66–0.86 (AI2) and 0.71–0.91 (AI3). AI3 concordance with manual microscopy was significantly improved compared to AI1 for identification of neutrophils (LCC AI3 = 0.86 vs. AI1 = 0.77, p = 0.03), total granulocytes (LCC AI3 = 0.92 vs. AI1 = 0.82, p = 0.0008), immature granulocytes (LCC AI3 = 0.67 vs. AI1 = 0.38, p = 0.0014), and promyelocytes (LCC AI3 = 0.53 vs. AI1 = 0.16, p = 0.0008). Sensitivity for blast identification (n = 65 slides) improved from 97% (AI1), to 98% (AI2), to 100% (AI3), while blast specificity decreased from 24% (AI1), to 14% (AI2) to 12% (AI3).

Conclusion

Techcyte AI has shown significant improvement in cell identification over time and maintains high sensitivity for blast identification in malignant films.
Nurses' COVID‐19‐related fear and anxiety and their attitudes to the COVID‐19 vaccine: A descriptive and correlational study
Authors: Ayaz‐Alkaya Sultan , Erdal Aysun , Kacar Dilek , Kayan Sultan , Ersoy Tuğçe
Published: October 2023

Background

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 has caused psychological distress such as anxiety and fear among nurses worldwide. Nurses are a creditable source of vaccine‐related information and have a primary role in building confidence regarding vaccines.

Aim

The present study was designed to investigate the fear and anxiety of nurses regarding novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) and their attitudes towards the COVID‐19 vaccine. The predictors of fear, anxiety and attitudes towards the vaccine were also investigated.

Methods

A descriptive and correlational design was used. The study was conducted in three public hospitals from different parts of the Turkey, and 405 nurses from the three hospitals were recruited by stratified sampling.

Results

Anxiety and negative attitudes towards the vaccine were positively related to fear of COVID‐19. Age and fear were also positively associated with anxiety related to COVID‐19. Nurses who had received the vaccine and those who were fearful had a positive attitude towards the vaccine.

Conclusion

Psychosocial support programmes should be implemented to improve psychological resilience and coping strategies in nurses and organized education programmes are needed to increase positive attitudes towards vaccination.
A robotic venous leg ulcer system reveals the benefits of negative pressure wound therapy in effective fluid handling
Authors: Orlov Aleksei , Ciliberti Marino , Somma Rosa , Gefen Amit
Published: October 2023

We applied a market‐leading, single‐use negative pressure wound therapy device to a robotic venous leg ulcer system and compared its fluid handling performance with that of standard of care, superabsorbent and foam dressings and compression therapy. For each tested product, we determined a metrics of retained, residual, evaporated and (potential) leaked fluid shares, for three exudate flow regimes representing different possible clinically relevant scenarios. The single‐use negative pressure wound therapy system under investigation emerged as the leading treatment option in the aspects of adequate fluid handling and consistent delivery of therapeutic‐level wound‐bed pressures. The superabsorbent dressing performed reasonably in fluid handling (resulting in some pooling but no leakage), however, it quickly caused excessive wound‐bed pressures due to swelling, after less than a day of simulated use. The foam dressing exhibited the poorest fluid handling performance, that is, pooling in the wound‐bed as well as occasional leakage, indicating potential inflammation and peri‐wound skin maceration risks under real‐world clinical use conditions. These laboratory findings highlight the importance of advanced robotic technology as contemporary means to simulate patient and wound behaviours and inform selection of wound care technologies and products, in ways that are impossible to achieve if relying solely on clinical trials and experience.
Understanding the effect of video conferencing learning environments on students' engagement: The role of basic psychological needs
Authors: Shi Yafei , Cheng Qi , Wei Yantao , Tong Mingwen , Yao Huang
Published: October 2023

Background

Video conferencing learning offers a more accessible and flexible learning mode for students who cannot attend face‐to‐face class in person. However, research about the video conferencing learning is still lacked, especially for students' engagement in this setting.

Objectives

This study adopts the self‐system model of motivational development to uncover effects of the video conferencing learning environment (VCLE) to students' engagement.

Methods

Two hundred and ninety‐eight primary school students involved in the VCLE were surveyed. The partial least square structural equation modelling was employed to explore the link between the VCLE and students' engagement with a mediating role of basic psychological needs satisfaction (BPNS).

Results and Conclusions

Results showed that the BPNS played a mediating role in the processes from the VCLE to engagement. Both pedagogical and social affordance had a significant effect on the BPNS. However, their influences were different. Specifically, pedagogical affordance yielded a stronger effect on the BPNS for autonomy than social affordance. The predicting power of social affordance on BPNS for relatedness and competence was stronger than pedagogical affordance. Generally, social affordance yielded more contributions to behavioral and emotional engagement than pedagogical affordance. Moreover, BPNS for competence was the only significant mediator between the VCLE and behavioral engagement, and it owned the strongest mediating power on the relationship between the VCLE and emotional engagement, followed by autonomy, and the smallest of relatedness. This study suggests that practitioners and researchers should give more consideration to improve social affordance of the VCLE and to meet students' BPNS especially for competence in order to design and implement an engaged video conferencing course.
Effects of parameters on radiofrequency guidewire ablation: In vitro and in vivo experiments
Authors: Zuo Zhongyin , Li Sainan , Xuan Fengqi , Zhang Jie , Liu Zichen , Zhang Shibei , Liang Ming , Wang Zulu
Published: October 2023

Background

A novel ablation technique with guidewire has emerged as a promising approach for mapping and ablation of arrhythmias originating from left ventricular summit. However, its biophysical characteristics have not been fully clarified.

Methods and Results

In the in vitro experiment, guidewire ablation (GA) was performed in vessel models of 1.17 and 2.24 mm to determine the maximum safety power. Then with the maximum safety power, the predictive value of generator impedance (GI) drop on lesion radius was explored. In the in vivo experiment, the feasibility of the maximum safety power and lesion formation was verified in the living swine. It was found that in both groups, the incidence of steam pops increased along with the raise of ablation power, and the maximum safety power was 10 W for the 1.17‐mm group and 15 W for the 2.24‐mm group. There was a strong linear correlation between GI drop and maximum lesion radius (in 1.17 mm‐10‐W group: r = .961; in 2.24 mm‐15‐W group: r = .918). In the in vivo experiment, besides ventricular fibrillation happened once, no other complications were observed, and lesions were found at both 48‐h and 8‐week groups.

Conclusions

The safety power of GA should be adjusted according to the diameter of the vessel. Besides, the GI drop can predict the lesion radius during GA.
Predictors of pulmonary vein non‐reconnection in the second procedure after ablation index‐guided pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation and its impact on the outcome
Authors: Okamatsu Hideharu , Okumura Ken , Onishi Fumitaka , Yoshimura Akino , Negishi Kodai , Tanaka Yasuaki , Tsurugi Takuo , Nakao Koichi , Sakamoto Tomohiro , Koyama Junjiro
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Although first‐pass isolation (FPI) of the pulmonary vein (PV) has been suggested as a marker for PV isolation (PVI) durability, it has not been confirmed. Non‐PV atrial fibrillation (AF) triggers were the main target in patients without PV reconnection in the second ablation procedure, but the outcome was unclear. We aimed to validate FPI as a marker of PVI durability and evaluate the outcome after the second procedure in patients without PV reconnection by comparing it to those with reconnection.

Methods

Among the 2087 patients undergoing the first ablation index‐guided radiofrequency AF ablation, 309 with atrial tachyarrhythmias (ATs) recurrence and undergoing the second procedure were studied. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between the patients without PV reconnection (PV non‐reconnection group, n = 142) and with reconnection (PV reconnection group, n = 167).

Results

FPI in both PV sides in the first ablation procedure was significantly more frequent in the PV non‐reconnection group (77.5%) than in the PV reconnection group (45.5%) (p < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that FPI (odds ratio, 3.71 [95% confidence interval, 2.23–6.19], p < .001) was the only predictor of PV non‐reconnection. Radiofrequency applications for non‐PV AF triggers were more frequently performed in the PV non‐reconnection group (40.8% vs. 24.6%, respectively, p < .001). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that AT recurrence‐free rate was significantly lower in the PV non‐reconnection group (1‐year recurrence‐free rate, 62.7% vs. 75.4%, respectively; p = .01 by log‐rank test).

Conclusion

FPI was the only independent predictor of PV non‐reconnection. Despite aggressive ablation for non‐PV triggers, AT recurrence was more frequent in patients with PV non‐reconnection.
The market for general counsel
Authors: Aggarwal Dhruv Chand
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the first systematic descriptive study of the market for general counsel (GCs) in publicly traded US companies. Using a hand‐collected dataset, I track the backgrounds and careers of 3409 GCs, and establish basic facts about the hiring, firing, demographics, and politics of inhouse counsel. Most GCs are outsiders to their companies, not having previously worked in subordinate positions within the legal department or served as external counsel. I find that the share of women GCs has risen sharply over time, with GCs now about five times as likely to be female as chief executive officers (CEOs). GCs have also become more Democratic‐leaning over time, in sharp contrast to business‐side employees such as CEOs. GC tenures have decreased significantly over time. Outsider GCs are especially likely to be fired from their positions, controlling for biographical details, firm financials, and alleged misconduct by their employer.
Serotonergic neurons are involved in the counter‐regulatory response to hypoglycemia
Authors: Martin Hugo , Coursan Adeline , Lallement Justine , Di Miceli Mathieu , Kandiah Janany , Raho Ilyès , Buttler Jasmine , Guilloux Jean‐Philippe , De Deurwaerdere Philippe , Layé Sophie , Routh Vanessa H. , Guiard Bruno P. , Magnan Christophe , Cruciani‐Guglielmacci Céline , Fioramonti Xavier
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Intensive insulin therapy provides optimal glycemic control in patients with diabetes. However, intensive insulin therapy causes so‐called iatrogenic hypoglycemia as a major adverse effect. The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) has been described as the primary brain area initiating the counter‐regulatory response (CRR). Nevertheless, the VMH receives projections from other brain areas which could participate in the regulation of the CRR. In particular, studies suggest a potential role of the serotonin (5‐HT) network. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the contribution of 5‐HT neurons in CRR control.

Methods

Complementary approaches have been used to test this hypothesis in quantifying the level of 5‐HT in several brain areas by HPLC in response to insulin‐induced hypoglycemia, measuring the electrical activity of dorsal raphe (DR) 5‐HT neurons in response to insulin or decreased glucose level by patch‐clamp electrophysiology; and measuring the CRR hormone glucagon as an index of the CRR to the modulation of the activity of 5‐HT neurons using pharmacological or pharmacogenetic approaches.

Results

HPLC measurements show that the 5HIAA/5HT ratio is increased in several brain regions including the VMH in response to insulin‐induced hypoglycemia. Patch‐clamp electrophysiological recordings show that insulin, but not decreased glucose level, increases the firing frequency of DR 5‐HT neurons in the DR. In vivo, both the pharmacological inhibition of 5‐HT neurons by intraperitoneal injection of the 5‐HT1A receptor agonist 8‐OH‐DPAT or the chemogenetic inhibition of these neurons reduce glucagon secretion, suggesting an impaired CRR.

Conclusion

Taken together, these data highlight a new neuronal network involved in the regulation of the CRR. In particular, this study shows that DR 5‐HT neurons detect iatrogenic hypoglycemia in response to the increased insulin level and may play an important role in the regulation of CRR.
Using multiple wavelengths in order to improve the facial contouring procedure by the lipolysis and sculpting
Authors: Choi Jun , Yi Kyu‐Ho
Published: October 2023

Background

The process of fat redistribution during aging is well‐known to fat accumulation toward inferior and medial areas of the face. Utilizing laser devices with simultaneous multiple wavelengths has been employed for fat lipolysis and body and facial sculpting.

Materials and Methods

The study is case series that had been taken over 10 women (24–45 years old) participated in this study to address fatty tissue redistribution with aging, which was treated using a triple‐wavelength laser (755, 810, and 1064 nanometers) device (Soprano Titanium, Alma, Israel). Each participant underwent up to three treatments at three‐week periods and was followed up for 6 months after the last treatment. Clinical photographs were taken before and after the treatments to evaluate the efficacy.

Results

The 10 participants scored a satisfaction result with the GAIS and the VAS scores, measuring pain perception during the procedure. Only two patients experienced minor pain during treatment, and no participants reported significant side effects.

Conclusion

Employing a laser device with multiple wavelengths would represent an innovative approach, offering the advantage of no downtime and a painless procedure for facial contouring treatments.
The Legal Origins of Financial Development: Evidence from the Shanghai Concessions
Authors: LEVINE ROSS , LIN CHEN , MA CHICHENG , XU YUCHEN
Published: October 2023

The primary challenge to assessing the legal origins view of comparative financial development is identifying exogenous changes in legal systems. We assemble new data on Shanghai's British and French concessions between 1845 and 1936. Two regime changes altered British and French legal jurisdiction over their respective concessions. By examining the changing application of different legal traditions to adjacent neighborhoods within the same city and controlling for military, economic, and political characteristics, we offer new evidence consistent with the legal origins view: the financial development advantage in the British concession widened after Western legal jurisdiction intensified and narrowed after it abated.
“Human or machine?” performing androids, “Elektro‐Homos,” and the “Phroso” and “Moto Phoso” manias on the popular stage around 1900
Authors: Jürgens Anna‐Sophie
Published: October 2023

“Human or Puppet?” A once popular, now forgotten performance routine explored this question on the popular stage. Concentrating on rare historical materials, this paper uncovers how “Human or Puppet?” performances looked like and how they built on and added to the early twentieth‐century cultural discourse, and trope, of the human machine. Extending the notion of “popular modernity” this paper provides a better sense of the stories, cultural work, and aesthetic achievements emerging from the interplay of popular arts and (imaginaries of) technology, and clarifies how the braiding of (an idea of) machinery and clowning contributed to creating new comic forms.
Mechanisms of temperature acclimatisation in the psychrotolerant green alga Coccomyxa subellipsoidea C‐169 (Trebouxiophyceae)
Authors: Kania Kinga , Drożak Anna , Borkowski Andrzej , Działak Paweł , Majcher Katarzyna , Sawicka Paulina D. , Zienkiewicz Maksymilian
Published: October 2023

Despite the interest in different temperature acclimatisations of higher plants, few studies have considered the mechanisms that allow psychrotolerant microalgae to live in a cold environment. Although the analysis of the genomes of some algae revealed the presence of specific genes that encode enzymes that can be involved in the response to stress, this area has not been explored deeply. This work aims to clarify the acclimatisation mechanisms that enable the psychrotolerant green alga Coccomyxa subellipsoidea C‐169 to grow in a broad temperature spectrum. The contents of various biochemical compounds in cells, the lipid composition of the biological membranes of entire cells, and the thylakoid fraction as well as the electron transport rate and PSII efficiency were investigated. The results demonstrate an acclimatisation mechanism that is specific for C. subellipsoidea and that allows the maintenance of appropriate membrane fluidity, for example, in thylakoid membranes. It is achieved almost exclusively by changes within the unsaturated fatty acid pool, like changes from C18:2 into C18:3 and C16:2 into C16:3 or vice versa. This ensures, for example, an effective transport rate through PSII and in consequence a maximum quantum yield of it in cells growing at different temperatures. Furthermore, reactions characteristic for both psychrotolerant and mesophilic microalgae, involving the accumulation of lipids and soluble sugars in cells at temperatures other than optimal, were observed. These findings add substantially to our understanding of the acclimatisation of psychrotolerant organisms to a wide range of temperatures and prove that this process could be accomplished in a species‐specific manner.
Local government cyber insecurity: Causes and recommendations for improvement
Authors: Norris Donald F. , Mateczun Laura , Hatcher William , Meares Wesley L. , Heslen John
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we address several facets of the problem we call local government cyber insecurity—a problem that plagues such governments across the nation, if not the world. We describe this problem and discuss its manifestations in local governments. This is followed by our analysis of why, on average, local government cybersecurity is managed and practiced so poorly. Next, we discuss several constraints on local governments that may help to explain why so many of these governments are not able to provide highly effective cybersecurity. We then discuss steps that local governments can and should take to improve their cybersecurity, including adopting dedicated cybersecurity budgets, adopting several highly recommended cybersecurity policies, and following best cybersecurity practices.
Recent approaches in the use of antioxidants and proteomic modifications in ram semen preservation
Authors: Khalil Wael A. , Sharaf Asmaa E. , Khalifa Ezz I. , El‐Harairy Mostafa A. , Swelum Ayman A. , Abdelnour Sameh A.
Published: October 2023

Sperm preservation is a well‐established technique in reproductive biotechnology that is widely used to maintain the genetic quality of male individuals. However, there are several factors during the preservation process that can affect the vitality, functionality, and quality of sperm, thereby reducing their fertility potential after thawing. One of these factors is the synthesis of high levels of oxidative stress (OS) during semen preservation, which can have detrimental effects on sperm health and functionality. To counter the negative impact of OS on sperm, researchers have explored the supplementation of several exogenous antioxidants in the extenders used to preserve ram sperm. This approach has shown promising results in improving sperm health, functionality, and fertility potential in ram. Additionally, the preservation process can induce modifications in the ram sperm proteome. By employing targeted proteomics techniques, researchers have been able to identify and modify specific proteins in cryopreserved ram sperm, potentially offering further improvements in the quality of the cryopreserved ram sperm. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the antioxidants and targeted proteomics modifications that have been investigated for enhancing ram sperm preservation. These advancements aim to mitigate the negative effects of OS and optimize the techniques used in preserving ram sperm.
‘After the fashion of Italy’: Richard Brome and Italian culture
Authors: Paravano Cristina
Published: October 2023

The article discusses Richard Brome's engagement with Italy and its cultural legacy in his corpus. Apparently, the playwright's interest in Italy does not seem particularly profound since his works offer several examples of well‐known and worn‐out cultural stereotypes. Nevertheless, at a closer look, the dramatist may be indisputably listed among the early modern English playwrights who were drawn to Italian culture, art and language. Brome's use of Italian settings and his references to Italy and its literary, cultural and theatrical tradition work as a vehicle for a form of political and moral ideology which reflects the concerns of his country in the 1620s and 1630s. As happened for many playwrights from the period, Italy became a screen for the projection of moral, political and social anxieties as well as a mirror to look at England from another perspective. The analysis of Brome's oeuvre offers a fresh and unexpected angle on an area dominated by Shakespearean criticism while re‐igniting the interest in a playwright who has been an understudied figure in the critical debate, despite his contribution to the development of the Anglo‐Italian discourse in the Caroline age.
Autogenic and allogenic controls on turbidite lobe stacking pattern and architecture: The case of the Turonian to Coniacian deep‐water turbidite lobe complexes (Dønna Terrace, offshore Mid‐Norway)
Authors: Grime Romain , Sorrel Philippe , Boulesteix Kevin , Landru Sebastien , Bouche Alexandre , Rice Tim , Bowlin Benjamin Kyle , Pittet Bernard
Published: October 2023

The mechanisms controlling the stacking patterns of deep‐water turbidite lobes are currently open to a wide range of interpretations. A study of Turonian to Coniacian turbidite lobe complexes in the greater Marulk area (Dønna Terrace, Norwegian Sea) was undertaken to examine the balance and respective influences of various controlling factors using a large sediment core, well‐log and seismic dataset. A four‐tiered lobe hierarchy is described based on a detailed sedimentological study of three Cretaceous turbidite lobe systems, involving a variety of sedimentary processes and flow regimes. The inferred depositional stacking patterns were then used to identify autogenic and allogenic forcings on the large‐scale depositional architecture of turbidite lobes. Autogenic processes (best observed in core data) control the self‐regulation of sediment dispersal and the broad evolution of lobe sub‐environments. Conversely, allogenic forcings (best observed in well‐log data) regulate axial migration within the turbidite lobe succession, and control sediment pulses and ultimately the general evolutionary trend of the turbidite lobe complex. Beyond this, an updated approach is proposed here aiming at deciphering autogenic‐dominant and allogenic‐dominant processes at different hierarchical levels in both confined and unconfined turbidite lobe deposits, which may help with assigning appropriate inputs for geomodels for an improved understanding of the internal and external controls on lobe depositional architecture. It is advocated that this approach may eventually be used in other depositional systems, such as in deltaic complexes from coastal settings, both in actual and ancient sediments.
The Algorithm Will See You Now
Authors: Heimer Carol A.
Published: October 2023

For decades, eliminating preventable error has been presented as an audacious, responsible, even noble goal for healthcare organizations. Bosk proposed to show the folly of this aspiration. This essay moves Bosk's work forward by placing ideas about reducing error in the context of other attempts to routinize work, on the one hand, and casting doubt of the viability of such programs, on the other. Other scholars have reshaped our understanding of human behavior by revising key assumptions to make them more psychologically and sociologically realistic. Using Simon's revision of global rationality and Kahneman's revision of expected utility theory as examples, this essay takes a first stab at suggesting which assumptions of the preventable error paradigm need revising. Because we do not fully understand how we gather and process information about each other, this essay argues that we should preserve opportunities for more holistic information gathering, both by ethnographers and medical staff. Importantly, those include occasions when medical workers (not algorithms) encounter, observe, and listen to patients as full human beings (not their digital twins).
Perfection and Humanity: Memories of Charles L. Bosk
Authors: Keirns Carla C.
Published: October 2023

Sociologist Charles Bosk studied medical error for more than five decades. His core insight was that medicine is a human enterprise, marked by all of the hope, passion, frailty, and pathos of human nature. This often led him away from the kinds of engineering solutions that have been proposed in patient safety and process engineering, and toward a radical understanding of culture, character, and human responsibility.
Day People, Night People: Being Chuck Bosk
Authors: Neuman Mark D.
Published: October 2023

Through Forgive and Remember, Charles Bosk made the world of surgical complications and closed‐door morbidity and morbidity conferences visible to a wide audience, helping to remake medical errors from a private into a public issue. In so doing, his work helped to motivate a generation to advocate for higher‐quality, safer health care. But Bosk's introduction to The Price of Perfection: The Cost of Error also highlights how the managerial tools that advocates applied to these problems—“checklists, safety huddles, briefings and debriefings”—invariably missed deeper lessons that Bosk took from his work. Here, a former student and collaborator of Bosk's reflects on Bosk's legacy in relation to the patient safety movement he helped create and the lasting impact of his work on the culture of medical practice.