bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computed tomography (CT) scanning of the head before lumbar puncture in children with suspected meningitis: A prospective observational study
Authors: Al Yafei Khalid , Toaimah Fatihi , Hezam Khalid , El-Tatawy Lamia , Kamal Khalid C
Published: May 2017

Background: Cranial computed tomography (CT) scan is a commonly performed neuroimaging prior to lumbar puncture (LP) in children with suspected meningitis to rule out intracranial hypertension or space occupying lesions. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of physicians' prediction of CT abnormal cerebral findings in pediatric meningitis.

Subjects and methods: A prospective observational study design was performed over a 12-month period. Eligible patients were admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) where a structured questionnaire was filled independently by two physicians before undergoing cranial CT scan and prior to LP.

Results: In this study, 72 patients met the inclusion criteria with a mean age of 7.04 ± 3.38 years. The mean physicians' prediction score of abnormal CT findings was 6.0 ± 3.0 vs. 2.48 ± 2.01 of no abnormalities (difference 3.5 ± 1.0 (95% CI: 1.5, 5.5; p = 0.001). Relative risk of CT abnormalities associated with decreased level of consciousness was 7.33 (95% CI: 1.5, 33.67), Glasgow coma scale was 23.3 (95% CI: 7.7, 70.7), and abnormal posture was 8.9 (95% CI: 1.9, 41.7). Apart from mild headache (2.8%), vomiting (2.8%), dizziness (4.2%), no serious complications related to LP procedure have been reported.

Conclusion: Physician's clinical decision could predict absence of abnormal findings on cranial CT scan before LP in children with suspected meningitis. Our results suggest that LP could be performed with avoidance of CT scanning of the head in pediatric meningitis provided the presence of normal consciousness level, Glasgow coma scale ≥ 13 and normal neurologic examination.
Proteinuria as a biomarker of acute kidney injury in severe burn patients
Authors: Alsheikhly Ahmed Subhy Humadi , Alsheikhly Mazin
Published: May 2017

Introduction: Proteinuria in burn patients is common, and it could be associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) with bad outcomes. We evaluated the incidences, outcomes, characteristics and determinants of proteinuria as a biomarker and its influence on AKI and outcomes in burn patients.

Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on a group of patients with burn injuries admitted though Emergency Department to burn unit of Hamad General Hospital during a five-year period. Positive urine analysis (R/M) readings were defined as mild ( ±  or 1+) or heavy ( ≥  2+) proteinuria, and AKI was diagnosed and staged according to the Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End Stage (RIFLE) classification system. Patient characteristics, management and outcomes were evaluated as well for associations with proteinuria.

Results: Of the selected admitted patients to the burn unit during the study period (n = 249), 86 (34.5%) were classified as having proteinuria. In the patients whose total burn surface areas (TBSA) were > 30% (n = 50), 37 patients (74%) had proteinuria and 27 of these patients (72.9%) met AKI criteria. No patients without proteinuria developed AKI. Intensive care unit (ICU) mortality rates were 1%, 16 % and 30% (P <  0.001) in the groups with no, mild and heavy proteinuria, respectively.

Conclusions: We observed a high prevalence of proteinuria in patients with severe burns (>30% TBSA). Severely burned patients with proteinuria had a high risk of developing AKI and a poor prognosis for survival. This suggests that proteinuria should be used as a biomarker for identifying burn patients at risk of developing AKI.
Predicting mortality of patients with cirrhosis admitted to medical intensive care unit: Experience of a single tertiary center in Qatar
Authors: Elzoi Abdel-Naser , Suliman Shireen , Alhasan Rania , Abdullah Ali , Badi Ahmed
Published: May 2017

Background/aims: Prognosis for patients with cirrhosis admitted to medical intensive care unit (MICU) is poor. The objective of this study was to assess the predictors for hospital mortality and admission of cirrhotic patients to MICU in Qatar.

Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive adult cirrhotic medical-ICU patients whom hospitalized from 2007 through 2012 to Hamad General Hospital-Qatar. We compared them to cirrhotic patients who admitted to medical wards during same period of time. All data were recorded and analyzed with respect to demographic parameters, clinical features and laboratory as well as radiology characteristics on day one of admission to MICU. Cirrhosis diagnosis was established either with a liver biopsy or the combination of physical, laboratory and radiologic findings. Predictors of mortality were defined by logistic regression analysis.

Results: The cohort comprised 109 cirrhotic MICU patients, 86.2% were males and their mean age ± SD = 51.6 ± 11.5. MICU-cirrhotic had longer hospital length of stay (LoS) than medical wards-cirrhotic (both for survivors and non-survivors). Mortality was higher for the MICU-cirrhotic group than medical wards group (27 (24.8%) deaths vs. 12 (5.3%) deaths, respectively, p = 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, older age >60 years (p = 0.04), APATCH-II score (p = 0.001) and MELD score (p = 0.02) were independent predicting factors for overall mortality. Furthermore, admission with severe hepatic encephalopathy, upper gastrointestinal bleeding and SOFA score were independent predicting factors for MICU admission.

Conclusion: Severe hepatic encephalopathy, upper gastrointestinal bleeding and SOFA score predict MICU admission of cirrhotic patients. Among MICU cirrhotic patients, older age, APATCH-II score and MELD score predict mortality.
Marginal analysis in assessing factors contributing time to physician in Emergency Department using operations data
Authors: Moinudheen Jibin , Pathan Sameer A. , Bhutta Zain A. , Jenkins Dominic W. , Silva Ashwin D. , Sharma Yogdutt , Saleh Warda A. , Khudabakhsh Zeenat , Irfan Furqan B. , Thomas Stephen H.
Published: May 2017

Background: Standard Emergency Department (ED) operations goals include minimization of the time interval (hereafter tMD) between patients' initial ED presentation and initial physician evaluation.

Methods: The study was conducted using one month (May 2015) of an ED administrative database (EDAD), in HGH-ED, during the study month the ED saw 39,593 cases. The first step was generation of a multivariate model identifying the parameters associated with delay in tMD. In the second step, predictive marginal probability analysis was used to calculate the relative contributions of key covariates as well as demonstrate the likely tMD impact on modifying those covariates with operational improvements. Analyses were conducted with STATA 14 MP, with significance defined at p <  .05 and confidence intervals (CIs) reported at the 95% level.

Results: In an acceptable linear regression model that accounted for just over half of the overall variance in tMD (adjusted r2 .51), important contributors to tMD included shift census (p = .008), shift time of day (p = .002), and physician coverage n (p = .004). Marginal predictive probability analysis was used to predict the overall tMD impact (improvement from 50 to 43 minutes, p <  .001) of consistent staffing with 22 physicians.

Conclusions: The analysis identified expected variables contributing to tMD with regression demonstrating significance and effect magnitude of alterations in covariates including patient census, shift time of day, and physician n. Marginal analysis provided operationally useful demonstration of the need to adjust physician coverage numbers, prompting changes at the study ED.
Evaluation of an early screening tool for detection and prevention of fall in Emergency Department
Authors: Chacko Bejoy , Abujaber Ahmed Latef , James Jinson Karayil
Published: May 2017

Background: Anticipating falls in the Emergency Department is a very challenging task as it's often the most unpredictable setting. Fall risk assessment tools used in inpatient units do not adequately capture the risk factors present in patients presenting to the Emergency Department. The MORSE scale is implemented only at a latter phase of patient admission to the inpatient unit. The purpose of this study is to develop and implement a simple, fast and effective tool to identify the risk of fall at the triage.

Methods: We designed a tool to identify patients at risk of fall. We planned to randomly assign 200 patients equally in to the test and control arm. We created the Fall Risk Assessment Tool specifically for the use in the Emergency Department. The study was conducted at Hamad General Hospital, Emergency Department triage area. If a patient was identified as at risk for fall, a Fall risk sticker was pasted on top of the ED paper to indicate the risk. Any patient identified as at risk was re-evaluated throughout their stay in the Emergency Department.

Results: Hundred patients identified as at risk for fall at the initial triage were re-evaluated for fall risk using standard MORSE scale. Reassessment showed 67% of the cases identified at the initial triage come under high risk category using Morse scale, 31% had moderate risk and only 2% had low risk. There were no reported cases of fall. Hundred patients, excluded as low risk for fall at the initial triage were re-evaluated for risk for fall using the standard Morse Scale. Reassessment showed 98% of the excluded patient's came in the low risk category and 2% had moderate risk as per the MORSE scale.

Conclusion: Our tool was as safe as and effective in predicting falls as the MORSE Scale.
Adherence to antimicrobial guidelines in the Emergency Department at a community hospital in Qatar
Authors: Abdelaziz Hani , Daoud Mohsen , Al-Mozien Shayma'a , Abdel Rhman Mahasin , Ahmed Arwa , Olabi Abeer , Al Hadi Hassan , Abdelaziz Osama , Mullaveettil Shaheed , Villa Spice , Ahmed Muayad , El Enany Rasha
Published: May 2017

Background: Non-adherence to antimicrobial guidelines is a major factor leading to emergence of antimicrobial drug resistance.

Objective: This study was carried out to investigate the adherence to local antimicrobial guidelines in the Emergency Department (ED) at Al Wakra Hospital in the state of Qatar.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional, retrospective study was carried out in the Emergency Department of Al Wakra Hospital in Qatar. Prescriptions of 219 patients were investigated to study the adherence to antimicrobial guidelines. The relation of sex, age and emergency unit type to antimicrobial adherence as well as the appropriateness of antimicrobial prescribed on discharge were also evaluated.

Results: Overall adherence and non-adherence to local antimicrobial guidelines was found to be 41% and 59% of prescriptions respectively (P-value = 0.007). Participants had mean age of 42 ± 15.5. More adherence to guidelines was found among female patients and in critical care units. Furthermore, antimicrobial prescribed to patients on discharge was found to be appropriate in 60% of patients (P-value = 0.04).

Conclusion: Education of physicians and additional studies should be conducted in order to further investigate and improve adherence to antimicrobial guidelines.
An unusual case of spontaneous rupture of the renal pelvis - A case report
Authors: Alkahky Sherif , Qotb Mohamed , Abdul Aziz Azhar
Published: May 2017

Background: Spontaneous rupture of the renal pelvis is very rare and hence diagnosis may be delayed. Diagnosis of the rupture is best evaluated by CT and treatment is primarily removal of the underlying cause, followed by conservative management.

Presentation: An otherwise healthy 31-year-old male suffered abdominal pains and vomiting. His pain was at the right iliac fossa and suprapubic areas, which he rated as 7/10(NRS). He also reported dysuria of 2 days but with no other associated symptoms. On examination, Patient was vitally stable. On palpating his abdomen, there was right iliac fossa tenderness but no rebound tenderness, guarding nor rigidity, and the remainder of the examination was unremarkable. He received repeated analgesics; IV acetaminophen 1 g, 4 doses of IV fentanyl and in view of persistent pain and 2 additional doses of IV morphine. Abdominal ultrasonography were suggestive of distal right ureteric stone measuring 6 mm in diameter and mildly dilated upper and lower calyces with mild perinephric fluid. Along with, Tubular non-compressible structure 9 mm in diameter seen in RIF surrounded by minimal amount of fluid, giving an impression of query acute appendicitis with right distal ureteric stone. CT abdomen with double contrast revealed no features of acute appendicitis. However, there was a 4 mm stone in the lower end of the right ureter causing obstruction. Delayed series films showed rupture of the renal pelvis.

Conclusion: Rupture of renal calyx should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis for an unusual acute abdomen, not responsive to analgesics.
Simplifying simulated practice for healthcare professionals and educators
Authors: Alinier Guillaume , Meyer John , Naidoo Vernon , Campbell Craig
Published: May 2017

Introduction: Simulation is almost synonymous with computerised mannequins although they are not always essential components of the learning experience as what often matters most is the facilitation process of the learning experience rather than the technology.

Methods: We developed Visually Enhanced Mental Simulation (VEMS) for staff to demonstrate cognitive and decision making skills away from the practical context. Scenario participants are oriented by facilitators to the VEMS process which is a simulation approach that involves a whiteboard, laminated cards, and a poster to represent equipment and the patient. It requires participants to verbalise thoughts and actions including equipment settings, and actual communication with the patient and bystanders represented by the facilitators. Information like physiological parameters and interventions made by the participating crew are written on the whiteboard. Scenarios use the same scripts as what is prepared for full-scale simulation and are followed by a debriefing. It is complemented by parallel skills sessions, and ultimately both aspects are combined into full-scale scenario-based simulation.

Results: VEMS has been facilitated with uni/multi-professional teams of healthcare professionals for pre-hospital, interfacility, and handover scenarios. Comparison between VEMS and mannequin-based scenarios is ongoing and currently shows just a slightly less positive rating for VEMS although they advocate for this modality prior to full-scale simulation. VEMS reduces pressure on equipment demand and the staff engagement is such that similar clinical practitioner's mistakes are “observed” in both types of simulation approaches.

Conclusion: VEMS can be run almost anywhere as it requires a minimum of equipment but still requires time and experienced facilitators. Briefing about the process and expectations are as important as the preparation of the scenario script and clinical knowledge and facilitation style of the facilitators. VEMS can be very engaging for multiprofessional teams and address learning outcomes similar to what would be achieved in full-scale simulation.
Carbamates are not cardio mate
Authors: Ebrahim Ahmed , Alessai Galal , Jaafar Rana , Hoffman Robert , Pathan Sameer
Published: May 2017

Introduction: The mechanism for carbamate toxicity is reversible cholinesterase inhibition, which leads to accumulation of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction.1 The cardiac manifestations of carbamate toxicity are rare. We report a case of carbamate toxicity with atrial fibrillation as the cardiac manifestation.

Case presentation: A 28-year-old patient, previously healthy, presented to the ED complaining of diplopia, dizziness, palpitation, and one episode of vomiting. The symptoms began two hours before when he was spraying pesticide at a farm. According to the patient he sprayed 9 liters of pesticide over a short period of two hours. The patient was not using any personal protective equipment. The pesticide used was later identified as Lannate, which contain Methomyl (carbamate). On examination, a chemical odor was noted. His initial vital signs were normal except heart rate of 134/min. The patient was decontaminated in the decontamination room to avoid further exposure. He had constricted pupils of 2 mm. There were no other signs of organophosphate or carbamate toxicity. His initial ECG showed atrial fibrillation (AF) with fast ventricular response rate. The pseudo-cholinesterase level was. The toxicology service was consulted, and they advised not to start antidote treatment only for the AF, as other signs and symptoms were absent. The cardiology on call assessed the patient and started amiodarone infusion presuming new onset of AF. The patient's rhythm reverted back to sinus 12-hour post-presentation. He was discharged next day with a diagnosis of paroxysmal AF secondary to carbamate poisoning.

Discussion: AF in carbamate toxicity is rare and only few cases have been reported in the literature.2,3 It is postulated that, enhanced nicotinic activity stimulates postganglionic sympathetic terminals and produces a dramatic release of norepinephrine.4 Norepinephrine mediates its arrhythmogenic effects by increasing automaticity of cardiac cells and by decreasing the cardiac muscle fibrillatory threshold.5
Evaluation of an intervention to decrease false positive blood culture contamination rates in Emergency Department
Authors: Venugopal Parvathy
Published: May 2017

Background: The HGH Microbiology lab indicator showed that our blood culture contamination rate has been consistently higher than the international benchmark thereby we aim to reduce it in the critical area of Emergency Department by 50% by the end of July 2015 and at least 90% by end of February 2016.

Methods: A pilot area was chosen in the Emergency Department to do a study for 44 weeks after which blood culture kits (previously trolleys & trays were used) containing sterile gloves, masks, and blood culture supplies were introduced into the Critical area of ED-HGH in August 2015. Training included- new instructions to have two staff members present when drawing blood cultures (preceptor-preceptee methodology) thereby prohibiting drawing blood cultures from pre-existing lines and proper follow-up of every step. False positive blood culture rates were measured in the weeks preceding and the weeks following, this intervention.

Results: In the 8 weeks following the intervention, the average false positive blood culture contamination rate in HGH ED reached 1.9% (which was the benchmark) out of 318 blood culture samples. In the 6 months preceding, the blood culture contamination rates ranged from 4% to 1.5% each month.

Conclusions: Blood culture kits and educational training on proper technique resulted in significant reduction (>60%) in the false positive blood culture rate in the Critical areas of ED-HGH. Studies at other institutions have suggested that reducing the false positive blood culture rate could decrease costs by preventing unnecessary hospitalizations and administration of unnecessary antibiotics, as well as helping to prevent the development of multi-drug resistant organisms. 0000-0003-0866-6512 0000-0002-1057-2438.
Class smoke-free pledge impacts on nicotine dependence in male adolescents: A cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Al-Sheyab Nihaya , Alomari Mahmoud A , Shah Smita , Gallagher Robyn
Published: May 2017

Background: To test the effectiveness of a school-based, peer-led smoking and asthma education program, known as the Triple A (Adolescent Asthma Action) in Jordan (TAJ), with an additional class smoke-free pledge strategy (TAJ-Plus) as compared to the TAJ alone on smoking-related knowledge and perception, nicotine dependence, and asthma control in male high school students in Jordan four months post-intervention.

Methods: In this cluster-randomized controlled trial, four public male high schools in Irbid, Jordan were randomly assigned to receive the TAJ-Plus (n = 215) or the TAJ (n = 218). TAJ educators were 3rd year male undergraduate nursing students (n = 9) who received training in a one-day workshop. These educators then trained senior students from the four schools to be Peer Leaders (n = 53), who then taught peers in grades 7 and 8 (n = 433). The Peer Leaders in the TAJ-Plus schools implemented the smoke-free pledge within the 7th and 8th graders, who voluntarily signed the pledge for four months. Data were collected from students in grades 7 and 8 using self-administered questionnaires at baseline and four months post-intervention.

Results: Students from the TAJ-Plus group reported significant improvements in smoking-related knowledge and perception (p < 0.001) and lower nicotine dependence (p < 0.001) as compared to the TAJ group. Improvement in asthma control was greater (p = 0.03) in non-smokers versus smokers.

Conclusions: Voluntary group commitment smoke-free through a pledge is feasible, and an incentive to motivate adolescents to abstain from smoking. Using social influences approaches in schools is useful in countering current aggressive tobacco marketing campaigns in Arab youth. TRN: NCT01938976
Does knowing hands only CPR improve willingness to use it?
Authors: Kakish Edward , Debelly Jessica M , Bahhur Nael L , Kazan Viviane M
Published: May 2017

Background: Approximately 1,000 U.S. citizens suffer from sudden cardiac arrest daily outside of the hospital setting. Providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves survival if appropriately administered; however, many are resistant to initiate mouth to mouth. Hands only CPR (HOCPR) was developed by the American Heart Association to improve technique retention and increase the willingness to administer CPR.

Methods: Participants watched a teaching video from the American Heart Association, followed by a mannequin demonstration. Participants then filled out a survey immediately after practicing HOCPR on the mannequin and at one month.

Results: 75 Subjects received HOCPR training and completed a survey and 44 (59%) of the subjects completed a one month follow-up survey. The initial survey revealed that 100% (n = 75) were able to correctly recall the HOCPR process and 79% (n = 59) were very likely to provide HOCPR to a person suffering from a cardiac episode. 76% (n = 57) were more willing to assist a person in need as a result of not having to provide breathes to the person in need. At the one month follow-up, 100% (n = 59) of the respondents remembered the order of steps and 73% (n = 32) were willing to provide HOCPR since no rescue breathing was required. After learning the material, 15% (n = 11) of the participants tried to teach their family and friends about HOCPR.

Conclusion: HOCPR is a simple method which the average person is able to recall after a brief training in proper technique. Subjects were more willing to provide HOCPR and teach family and friends.
Diagnostic value of procalcitonin and other related inflammatory markers for severe sepsis and septic shock: A single tertiary center experience
Authors: Elzo Abdel-Naser , George Saibu , Thomas Merlin , Rafiqui Sumaira , Desouza Karen , Al-Maslamani Muna
Published: May 2017

Background/objective: Several inflammatory biomarkers of infection including procalcitonin (PCT) and C – reactive protein (CRP) have been shown to be useful in diagnosis of infection in different clinical settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of serum PCT, CRP and White Blood Cells (WBC) as markers of sepsis in critically ill patients in Qatar.

Materials and methods: The PCT levels and other related inflammatory markers (CRP and WBC) were measured in 137 adult patients with a suspected diagnosis of sepsis and admitted to Internal Medicine inpatient service (i.e., Medical Wards and Medical Intensive Care Unit) at Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation-Qatar during the period from January 2011 to December 2013.

Results: The serum PCT was measured by chemoluminiscence immunoassay and the results were compared with other inflammatory markers between the patients with and without proven sepsis. A significantly higher PCT level was observed among patients with severe sepsis and septic shock compared to those without sepsis (19.34 ± 50 and 25.91 ± 61.3 vs. 4.72 ± 10, respectively; (p = 0.011). No significant differences were found in CRP and WBC between these groups. Non-survivors of both septic and non-septic groups had a mean PCT level of 22.48 ± 8.26 significantly higher than that measured in survivors of both groups (p = 0.01), a difference not evident in other inflammatory parameters.

Conclusion: PCT is a highly efficient inflammatory laboratory parameter for the diagnosis of severe sepsis and septic shock but WBC and CRP levels were of little value. PCT value assists in diagnosis of septic shock hence supporting appropriate disposition of patients. Levels of PCT also have prognostic implications with regards to mortality suggesting intensification of antibiotic therapy and supportive measures including appropriate family counseling.
Evaluation of multiple trauma patients presenting to Emergency Department at Al Wakra Hospital
Authors: Osman Hanaa Ahmed Abdelrahman , Abdelazia Hany , Gouily Ahmed , Kasim Muayad
Published: May 2017

Background: Multiple trauma patients are evaluated and managed by the Emergency Department (ED) in Al Wakra. The assessment, management, and disposition of this population have become a significant workload component. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trauma service at Al Wakra ED.

Methods: In our study, we aimed to collect data on the trauma patients, admitted between July 2014 and October 2015, who presented to the ED, at Al Wakra Hospital, and then transferred to the major trauma unit at Hamad General Hospital (HGH), Doha, if further subspecialty management was needed. The data analyzed was for demographic characteristics, triage categories, and need for transfer to the level one trauma center for further management.

Results: Total of 59 patients with multiple trauma were admitted to Al Wakra ED, with mean age of 28 ± 19 years. Of these 91% were male. Based on the trauma severity, majority of the cases were level 2 trauma (92.73%), while trauma level 1 and trauma level 3 were (5.45%) and (1.82%) respectively. The most frequent anatomical type was head trauma (62.71%) followed by extremities trauma (33.9%). Other types included chest trauma (23.73%), spinal trauma (18.64%) and abdominal trauma (15.25%). The most common consultation services requiring transfer to level trauma center at HGH, were the neurosurgery (59.32 %) followed by the orthopedics (33.9%). It was found that 61.2% of the patients were admitted. The mean length of stay (LOS) was 8.35 days, while the median LOS was 4 days.

Conclusions: The Emergency Department at Al Wakra Hospital was able to receive and do the initial stabilization of multi-trauma patients. However, lack of certain sub-specialties mainly neurosurgery required transfer of two thirds of the patients to level one trauma center for further management. This may point to the future need of implementing neurosurgery services at Al Wakra Hospital.
La nueva economía popular: ¿una utopía realizable?
Authors: Montoya Aquiles
Published: May 2017

No hay resúmenes disponiblesRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 131, 2012: 7-21
Liberación, humanización, politización. En recuerdo de Aquiles Montoya
Authors: Editor El
Published: May 2017

Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 131, 2012: 3-6
Exiliados interiores
Authors: Montoya Aquiles
Published: May 2017

No hay resúmenes disponiblesRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 131, 2012: 45-52
Sobre la razón cínica
Authors: Editor El
Published: May 2017

Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 132, 2012: 139-142
“De lo que se trata es de lograr una hegemonía nueva” Entrevista con el investigador cubano Gilberto Valdés, del grupo GALFISA
Authors: Alvarenga Luis
Published: May 2017

No hay resúmenes disponiblesRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 132, 2012: 273-293
De la insolidaridad social, hacia la necesidad de globalizar la solidaridad
Authors: Rivera Cristina
Published: May 2017

La II Jornada de Reflexión Económica “Padre Francisco Javier Ibisate”, representa un momento y un espacio para recordar con profundo cariño y admiración al padre Ibisate, por ser un vivo ejemplo de humanidad y profunda consistencia. Es, además, un espacio para reflexionar de manera crítica sobre el actual entorno económico mundial, en un contexto de crisis sistémica.Por ello, en este comentario se trae a colación una postura sostenida por el padre Ibisate sobre nuestra realidad social en la fase actual del capitalismo; y su incidencia en la configuración de este “mosaico desintegrado”. Para ello, entre varios escritos del economista, dos resultan claves para analizar su pensamiento y visión sobre nuestra realidad, así como su perspectiva de una posible transformación: “Cumbre mundial sobre el desarrollo social de 1995: La pobreza, el desempleo y la integración social” y “La estrecha ruta hacia la globalización de la solidaridad”. Por otra parte, al plantear la visión del autor, también se pretende mostrar algunas nociones que contribuyan a visualizar algunas de las manifestaciones de la dimensión social y humana de la crisis actual.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 133, 2012: 355-368
La teoría del valor trabajo y los precios en China
Authors: Sánchez César , Montibeler Everlan Elias
Published: May 2017

El presente trabajo muestra la fuerte relación entre valores y precios en China con los datos de 2002. Además de mostrar esta relación con medidas de asociación como el coeficiente de correlación y determinación, se complementa el estudio con medidas de proximidad como la desviación absoluta media simple y ponderada, etc. Además se realiza un análisis simple de regresión entre los diferentes tipos de precios y se efectúa una estimación de las variables fundamentales para la economía oriental: tasa de beneficio, tasa de plusvalía, composición de capital simple y verticalmente integrada. Se concluye, en línea a otros trabajos que, el trabajo como requerimientos de trabajo directo e indirecto, explica prácticamente el 97% del movimiento de los precios de mercado, además, la tasa de beneficio de China parece mostrar en 2002 un nivel comparativamente mayor a países como España. China ha crecido su PIB en términos reales sobre el 8%, esta buena salud parece tener una sincronía con los niveles de su rentabilidad en esos años.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 133, 2012: 399-410
Es difícil despertar a una persona que finge estar dormida
Authors: Miller Katherine
Published: May 2017

La palabra “dormido”, en esta aseveración, talvez es una metáfora para un estado psicológico en que una persona está empañado con ilusiones y engaños. Además, “finjiendo” estar “dormido” implica una intencionalidad: finjir estar inconciente del mundo alrededor, pero adrede, con intención. Fingiendo estar dormido hasta el punto que no se lo puede despertar sin dificultad es un estado de conciencia que esconde la astucia que, a la misma vez, resiste esfuerzos de despertarlo a otra realidad.Es una ironía elemental estar despierto y dormido a la misma vez. Muy listo quien puede mantener estas dos visiones simultáneamente. Se piensa en las visiones de sueño de los tiempos medievales: Piers Plowman finjiendo ser pastor de ovejas, acostado, dormido y simultáneamente despierto, al lado de una riachuelo mientras comenta, en su poema, sobre la justicia e injusticia de este mundo desde su sueño. Consideramos a Pablos en El Buscón de Francisco de Quevedo, disfrazado en vestuario de la nobleza, imaginando que no lo van a reconocer. O Pip en Grandes Esperanzas de Charles Dickens, víctima de su ilusión adoptada intencionalmente que está siendo preparado para casarse con Estela.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 133, 2012: 489-498
Cuaderno del 94, de Ricardo Bogrand: entre el reencuentro y la nostalgia
Authors: Vázquez Pérez Marlene
Published: May 2017

La guerra siempre es desgarradora. Aunque quede lejos y sus noticias nos lleguen solo por los medios de comunicación masiva, o de manipulación, o desinformación, según el caso. Es una marca de la que no se recuperan jamás ni las víctimas, ni los victimarios, ni los que se resisten a ser aniquilados y luchan por instaurar un orden mejor y más justo aún a costa de ese sacrificio horrendo pero irremediable.Esa cicatriz queda también en los testigos, distantes o no, del conflicto armado. Incluso, quienes, por alguna razón de fuerza mayor viven desde el exilio una conflagración bélica en la tierra natal, escapan tal vez a las balas, pero no a la zozobra ni al dolor. La incertidumbre, que corta el aliento y el sosiego, será el estado de ánimo permanente, y no están totalmente a salvo de ella ni siquiera los que se desprenden de sus orígenes y queman definitivamente las naves. En el horizonte estará, alejándose cada vez que demos un paso, como la Utopía de que nos hablara Eduardo Galeano, la esperanza de volver al terruño; hasta que un día, nunca se sabrá cuándo, se hará finalmente realidadRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 133, 2012: 507-509
Genocidio cultural: diálogos teóricos, históricos y culturales sobre la represión de 1932
Authors: Martínez Martínez Ricardo
Published: May 2017

En la historia de las ideas sobre los acontecimientos de la rebelión y la respuesta estatal de 1932 en El Salvador se debaten concepciones sobre cómo nombrar y dar explicación a aquellos sucesos, esto la luz de nuevas evidencias primarias oficiales, testimonios recabados recientemente y diversos enfoques analíticos e interpretativos.Este artículo se integra de 4 apartados que buscan hilar ideas, tesis y planteamientos sobre las perspectivas de estudio en la descripción, primero, de las causas tanto de la rebelión como de la respuesta represiva del gobierno militar liderado por el General Maximiliano Hernández Martínez; segundo, los conceptos y términos empleados en los diversos enfoques estudiados para describir la eliminación de amplios contingentes humanos en los sucesos de enero de 1932; tercero, la propuesta teórico metodológica del uso del término “genocidio cultural” como el concepto que describe, desde mi punto de vista, con mayor precisión la respuesta violenta de los órganos del Estado salvadoreño dirigido por una dictadura cívico militar. Y el cuarto y último apartado se refiere las discusiones sobre el origen de este concepto, el genocidio cultural, desde un análisis filosófico y de la historia de las ideas que le dieron cause a partir del periodo conocido como la modernidad.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 133, 2012: 411-459
Mi patria es el lenguaje
Authors: González Huguet Carmen
Published: May 2017

Para la autora, el lenguaje abarca mucho más que un repertorio de palabras o un sistema de signos par comunicarnos. Es, como dice en este discurso leído en el contexto de su ingreso a la Academia Salvadoreña de la Lengua, el espacio en el que habitamos. Si es justo decir que percibimos el mundo a través de los sentidos, es igualmente acertado considerar que la realidad llega a nuestra mente filtrada, teñida y tamizada por la lengua. Esa creación nuestra que a su vez nos da a la luz todos los días. La creamos y nos crea. Existimos en ella y ella vive en nosotros.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 134, 2012: 519-524
“There are some people that, if they don’t know, you can’t tell ‘em” (“Ahora, hay algunas personas que si no saben, igual no les puedes explicar”)
Authors: Miller Katherine
Published: May 2017

No hay resúmenes disponiblesRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 134, 2012: 567-580
La responsabilidad de la convicción: el pacifismo cristiano
Authors: González Antonio
Published: May 2017

En los debates éticos y políticos, es frecuente apelar a la “responsabilidad” para justificar decisiones que aparecen atentar contar ciertos valores morales. Este tipo de apelaciones son frecuentes cuando se trata de justificar el uso de la violencia. En este texto se analiza la diferencia entre la llamada “ética de la convicción” y la “ética de la responsabilidad”. En este contexto, se harán algunas consideraciones sobre la doctrina tradicional de la “guerra justa” y la situación del pacifismo cristiano originario.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 134, 2012: 581-598
Comunicación y proceso revolucionario en El Salvador. La prensa clandestina en la configuración y desarrollo de las organizaciones insurgentes (1970-1980)
Authors: Cortina Orero Eudald
Published: May 2017

Desde comienzos de la década de 1970, diferentes organizaciones político-militares, como las Fuerzas Populares de Liberación (FPL) y el Ejército Revolucionario del Pueblo (ERP), se irían conformando en El Salvador, fruto tanto de divergencias en el seno del Partido Comunista (PCS) como de la radicalización de amplias franjas de la juventud salvadoreña. Este trabajo aborda el rol desarrollado en este proceso por la prensa clandestina como una herramienta de consolidación orgánica y homogeneización de la militancia de estas organizaciones emergentes. Publicaciones que no sólo marcarían pautas de acción sino que irían configurando un nuevo universo militante que girará en torno a la lucha armada, con sus propios símbolos y códigos, y mediante el que las organizaciones insurgentes buscarán, en primer lugar, diferenciarse y, posteriormente, convertirse en alternativa respecto a los proyectos políticos de la izquierda legal o electoral.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 134, 2012: 607-638
Introducción a la concepción ecomunitarista de la TV en el socialismo del siglo XXI
Authors: López Velasco Sirio
Published: May 2017

Mucho se ha escrito acerca de la estructura, funcionamiento y papel de los medios de comunicación (incluyendo ala TV) en la sociedad capitalista, desde perspectivas predominantemente filosóficas, sociológicas, psicológicas, económicas y/o técnicas. En este documento se pretende continuar a delinear el perfil que debe tenerla TVen la sociedad socialista del siglo XXI. Ahora bien, ello nos obliga a aclarar previamente nuestra concepción del socialismo del siglo XXI, del ecomunitarismo de la ética y del papel que los comunicadores están llamados a desempeñar en la nueva sociedad naciente.Realidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No. 134, 2012: 639-676
Identidades y discursos femeninos/feministas en Nicaragua y El Salvador
Authors: Ferguson Ann
Published: May 2017

No abstractRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No.139, 2013: 51-69
Hannah Arendt: pensar la política después de Auschwitz; pero, ¿cómo?
Authors: Catalán José Ramón
Published: May 2017

No AbstractRealidad: Revista de Ciencias Sociales y Humanidades No.139, 2013: 105-152
Introduction
Authors: Falque Emmanuel
Published: May 2017

This introductory chapter provides an overview of the book's main themes. It talks about descending, philosophically, into the abyss to discover there the Chaos of our existence as well as its embodiment, until we come to read the figure of the sacrificial lamb. Next, we stay with man to uncover his animality, to recognize his organic nature and differentiate his sexuality. Then, theologically, we see the Son of God, as “embodied God” transforming our animality at Easter, giving his own body to be eaten, and giving himself up to eros while awaiting “agape” [the Christian “love-feast”]. Thus, we can make our dwelling place in him, gather together in a “common flesh,” or Ecclesia, and entirely live there.
Philosophy to Its Limit
Authors: Falque Emmanuel
Published: May 2017

This chapter argues that in doing “philosophy to its limit” there will always be the residue of the body as there will be a Chaos and Tohu-Bohu. So, we can head toward the limit of the phenomenon as we make our way to the threshold of a bodying life capable of engendering what is in our true humanity. Paul Ricoeur underlines that “each work responds to a determinate challenge”—a notion that could very well describe the relation to the author's previous books of what he undertakes here. “And what connects it to its predecessors seems to be less the steady development of a unique project than the acknowledgement of a residue left over by the previous work, a residue which gives rise in turn to a new challenge”.
The Staging of the Last Supper
Authors: Falque Emmanuel
Published: May 2017

This chapter analyzes the problem of the sacrificial lamb. Ever since Vatican II, public discussions of the eucharist have been dominated by reflections on the eucharist either as a meal (a “repast”) or an “action of grace” (eu-charis): the food that gives us strength; the sharing with fellow guests; the one who presides, and so on. However, a curtain has been drawn over the meaning of what is to be eaten—probably because the significance of transubstantiation, something inherited from medieval categories, is not simple to explain. For the bread to become the body and the wine to become the blood, in the Christian staging of consecration during the repast of the Last Supper, we need to connect with and transform the flesh sacrificed and the blood offered in the Jewish staging of the sacrificial lamb (on the altar of the Temple).
Eros Eucharisticized
Authors: Falque Emmanuel
Published: May 2017

This chapter deals with the meaning of the eucharistic eros. It argues that there is a habitus (i.e., a custom unconsciously associated with it by those who participate), or, we could say, there are reasons to eat in the act of the eucharist. As St. Paul says, you must “examine yourselves [dokimazetô eauton]” before eating and drinking, while “discerning [diakrinôn]” what you eat and drink (1 Cor. 11:28, 29). There are no shortcuts here, and this participation in the eucharist is not something that can be defined in isolation. Everything depends on the angle from which we look: in subjective terms, or in terms of objective reality.
“This Is My Body”
Authors: Falque Emmanuel
Published: May 2017

This chapter attempts to think through the transformation of our embodiedness in the act of the eucharist (eucharistic content), having rooted it in an animality that is converted into humanity through recognition of its filiation (eucharistic heritage), and before performing the donation in an agape that loses nothing of its erotic genesis even in relinquishing its own body to the body of the other (eucharistic modality). This is my body takes over from the Passover of animality, waiting for the “lost body” while the viaticum nourishes us on our voyage, as it keeps us in God. As we have seen, there is a cultural problem. The formula hoc est corpus meum constitutes for Western thought our Om mani padne (Sanskrit mantra recited in Buddhism), our Allah ill'allah (Islamic creed: There is no god but God), and our Schema Israel (section of the Torah recited in Jewish prayer: Hear O Israel), and so it needs to be analyzed as such. Above all, it is a statement made when the this has become my body and will purportedly be reified at the same time as it is spoken by the priest.
How to write an ending?
Authors: Minh-ha Trinh T.
Published: May 2017

This chapter discusses the aftermath of bin Laden's death and the war in Iraq. In questioning the meaning of victory during wartime, the chapter examines how bin Laden's memory endures and the contentions surrounding his death and legacy. It also questions the sense of American patriotism in the aftermath of his death before turning to the larger questions of the Patriot Act and national security, in considering what it means to be a free citizen in a post-bin Laden world. Finally, the chapter turns toward U.S. foreign policy, particularly of the circumstances surrounding the United States' occupation of and departure from Iraq—which, while signaling the end of one war, appears to be the prelude to another.
The mole’s empire
Authors: Minh-ha Trinh T.
Published: May 2017

This chapter further examines the human costs of war, first discussing quantitative measures of victory (for the United States) versus qualitative (for al-Qaeda) and how they compare with each other. On a broader scope the chapter lingers on the concept of time as it applies to war. In today's battles across the world, if on the side of the occupying forces, “victory” is short lived and accordingly defined with time—meaning, at most, preventing catastrophe—on the side of those fighting against occupation and colonization, victory remains defiantly linked to strategic outcomes. As long as battles à la David and Goliath persist, there will be claims for David-versus-Goliath victories and gleeful stories of heroism woven around them. The chapter then returns to an oft-remembered setting for such David-versus-Goliath conflicts—Vietnam.
The world is watching
Authors: Minh-ha Trinh T.
Published: May 2017

This chapter focuses on Tibet. It first explores the symbolic power of tears and expressions of sadness, before giving way to a discussion on Tibetan resistance against Chinese attempts at liberation and modernization, as well as Chinese brutality against Tibet. But the chapter goes beyond Sino-Tibetan relations, arguing that Tibet is an international issue—one that continually brings itself to the world's attention. With the nation's turbulent history and unique position in the world, Tibet stands out as one of the most sensitive security and political issues for China, though one that is usually kept in low profile and remains almost invisible in certain parts of the Middle Empire. Within and beyond the Great Wall, the chapter argues, Tibet is China's—and the UN's—“Big Denial.”
Walk for rain
Authors: Minh-ha Trinh T.
Published: May 2017

This chapter illustrates the healing and nourishing powers of rain as portrayed in another walk—this time with the persona caught by a sudden rainfall, who journeys on despite the apparent inconvenience. Here, the rain is presented as natural, and very much welcome and desirable, and a wholly pedestrian experience despite the commonly held assumption that getting “caught in the rain” is rarely perceived as a good occurrence. Alongside these reflections are further insights on wartime attitudes as well as a brief flashback into the author's time visiting Senegal, where the intense heat of the day gives way to a sudden downpour, and the attitudes of the locals and the foreigners toward the change in weather is hereto compared and contrasted.
Interval of resistance
Authors: Minh-ha Trinh T.
Published: May 2017

This chapter illuminates aspects of Tibetan resistance in the face of Chinese suppression. Rather than focusing on the censorships and erasures—be they physical or conceptual—the chapter focuses instead on how Tibetans celebrate the “emptiness” left behind. It turns to three primary images—the empty chair, holes in newspapers, and the lotus—to signify how, rather than successfully eradicating the memory of the Dalai Lama, they have instead generated hope for the people they are trying to suppress. Beyond Tibet, the chapter looks at other ways in which these symbols have come to define resistance to the wars peculiar to China.
The screensaver’s light
Authors: Minh-ha Trinh T.
Published: May 2017

This chapter expands on the subject of the Dalai Lama. It first returns to this book's core theme, lovecidal, or “love suicided,” in describing the actions of the self-immolators. At the core of the testimonies and notes they left behind is the call for life-affirming actions—that is, for the protection of Tibetan cultural identity and for solidarity among Tibetan people in determining their destiny. Two of the wishes voiced almost unanimously were: the return of the Dalai Lama and the freedom of Tibet. Though the Dalai Lama is highly regarded within and outside of Tibet, the chapter shows a different side to the man—a self-described “simple Buddhist monk” as eager to open dialogues with schoolchildren as he is with heads of state.