Searches for Ultra-High-Energy Photons at the Pierre Auger Observatory

The Pierre Auger Observatory, which is the largest air-shower experiment in the world, offers unprecedented exposure to neutral particles at the highest energies. Since the start of data collection more than 18 years ago, various searches for ultra-high-energy (UHE, E greater than or similar to 10^(17) eV) photons have been performed, either for a diffuse flux of UHE photons, for point sources of UHE photons or for UHE photons associated with transient events such as gravitational wave events. In the present paper, we summarize these searches and review the current results obtained using the wealth of data collected by the Pierre Auger Observatory

"We need to talk!" Barriers to GPs' communication about the option of physician-assisted suicide and their ethical implications: results from a qualitative study

GPs usually care for their patients for an extended period of time, therefore, requests to not only discontinue a patient's treatment but to assist a patient in a suicide are likely to create intensely stressful situations for physicians. However, in order to ensure the best patient care possible, the competent communication about the option of physician assisted suicide (PAS) as well as the assessment of the origin and sincerity of the request are very important. This is especially true, since patients' requests for PAS can also be an indicator for unmet needs or concerns. Twenty-three qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted to in-depth explore this multifaceted, complex topic while enabling GPs to express possible difficulties when being asked for assistance. The analysis of the gathered data shows three main themes why GPs may find it difficult to professionally communicate about PAS: concerns for their own psychological well-being, conflicting personal values or their understanding of their professional role. In the discussion part of this paper we re-assess these different themes in order to ethically discuss and analyse how potential barriers to professional communication concerning PAS could be overcome

Interprofessional Silence at the End of Life: Do Swiss General Practitioners and Hospital Physicians Sufficiently Share Information About Their Patients?

Empirical research suggests that the quality of patient care at the end of life (EOL) is influenced by the effectiveness of the collaboration between the general practitioners (GPs) and hospital physicians (HPs).; To identify possible difficulties and barriers to effective collaboration at the EOL between GPs and HPs from the perspective of Swiss GPs.; Twenty-three qualitative semi-structured interviews with GPs were transcribed and analyzed using Mayring's content analysis. Interdisciplinary clinical-ethical analysis focused on the quality of GP and HP professional collaboration.; GPs described the quality of collaboration with HPs as poor, in particular the lack of communication. There were two main issues to emerge. First, infrequent communication with HPs could negatively affect the care of the patient. Second, GPs were concerned with the lack of information about hospital care and involvement in medical decision making given their longstanding relationships with their patients.; The research showed that Swiss GPs were concerned with the quality of their patients' EOL care and the current level of GP/HP collaboration. GPs appealed for greater involvement with EOL care decisions based on their relationship of care and knowledge of patient preferences. These findings require further critical evaluation to explore the potential advantages for patient care. Existing evidence suggests that there are measurable health benefits from successful GP/HP collaborations. A change in the way GPs maintain involvement with their patients during hospitalizations would be warranted if it resulted in a better use of resources, better patient experiences, and better health outcomes