bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Clinical Sensitivity of a Reflexive Algorithm to Minimize False-Negative Test Results by a Urine Benzodiazepine Immunoassay Screen
Authors: Mullins Garrett R , Reeves Amanda , Yu Min , Goldberger Bruce A , Bazydlo Lindsay A L
Published: July 2018

Background

Urine drug testing is an essential component of treating patients for chronic pain and/or anxiety and is used to monitor compliance during treatment. A common algorithm is to use an immunoassay as a urine drug screen (UDS), followed by mass spectrometry to confirm all presumptive positive samples. Many UDSs, however, have significant limitations, and false-negative test results can be common due to lack of antibody specificity.

Methods

Urine samples were screened by a benzodiazepine immunoassay followed by confirmatory testing using LC-MS/MS to determine an initial false-negative test rate for the screen. Attempts to improve the false-negative test rate included hydrolysis before screening and optimization of the absorbance cutoff required for a positive result.

Results

Hydrolysis corrected 41% of false-negative test results in samples containing parent benzodiazepines and/or metabolites but had no effect on samples containing only clonazepam. Of the confirmed false-negative test results, 85% (17 of 20) demonstrated absorbance values between 20 and 100, with 100 being the cutoff for a positive result. Implementing an optimized absorbance cutoff of 20, rather than 100, for a reflexive confirmation testing algorithm decreases the false-negative test rate of detecting benzodiazepine from 47% to 2%.

Conclusions

Hydrolyzing samples before the benzodiazepine screen provided a modest improvement in the false-negative test rate; however, the screen still missed samples containing clonazepam. Optimization of the absorbance cutoff to reflex samples to LC-MS/MS markedly improved the false-negative test rate for all benzodiazepines.
Sample Type and Storage Conditions Affect Calprotectin Measurements in Blood
Authors: Pedersen Lise , Birkemose Erling , Gils Charlotte , Safi Sara , Nybo Mads
Published: July 2018

Background

Calprotectin, a complex of calcium-binding proteins, is abundant in granulocytes. Increased levels of plasma calprotectin have been found in patients with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, a number of preanalytical factors may affect calprotectin measurement in blood samples.

Methods

Twelve blood samples [4 tubes, 1 each of lithium-heparin (Li-heparin), EDTA, and serum] were drawn from each of 14 healthy individuals. To evaluate the effect of temperature and storage time in the lag time between collection and centrifugation, samples were kept for 2 h at 4 °C, 20 °C, or 37 °C, before centrifugation. Leukocyte, neutrophil, and monocyte counts were measured in EDTA samples on a Sysmex XN-10 hematology analyzer to investigate the relationship between calprotectin concentrations and the granulocyte count.

Results

Calprotectin measurements in EDTA samples were not influenced by temperature or time lag between collection and analysis. Compared to EDTA plasma, significantly higher calprotectin concentrations were found in serum and Li-heparin plasma samples. Furthermore, calprotectin concentrations increased in serum and Li-heparin samples when stored at higher temperatures. There was a linear relationship between the serum calprotectin concentration and neutrophil count in EDTA whole blood.

Conclusions

EDTA is the most suitable anticoagulant for determination of calprotectin in plasma, as this sample matrix does not seem to be affected by temperature or time between sample collection and analysis. Of particular note, neutrophil activation by either clotting or centrifugation should be avoided during the preanalytical process.
Interpretation of Pain Management Testing Results Using Case Examples
Authors: Sobolesky Philip M , Smith Breland E , Pesce Amadeo J , Fitzgerald Robert L
Published: July 2018

Background

Because of the increasing volume of opiate-related overdoses, clinical testing of urine for drugs and related compounds in pain management clinics has become increasingly important. Interpreting findings of drugs present in urine specimens requires knowledge of pharmacokinetics, metabolism, drug purity, and cutoff concentrations used to report a positive result.

Content

This case-based mini-review provides examples of how to interpret immunoassay and quantitative confirmatory urine drug-testing results. Particular emphasis is placed on interpretation of opiate and benzodiazepine results, as these drugs have complicated metabolic profiles.

Both determining patient medication compliance and identifying the presence of additional drugs provides important information to the treating physician involved in managing pain. Mass spectrometry-based methods are required to identify specific drugs present and can provide important quantitative data for interpreting opiate medication compliance.
Adjusted Plasma Chloride and Bicarbonate Concentrations: An Approach to Identifying Acid–Base Disorders
Authors: Feldman Mark , Dickson Beverly
Published: July 2018

Background

Chloride disorders (hypochloremia, hyperchloremia) and bicarbonate disorders (hypobicarbonatemia, hyperbicarbonatemia) are common in clinical medicine and indicate metabolic and/or respiratory acid–base disorders. The normally inverse relationship between chloride and bicarbonate concentrations in the blood is altered, however, by changes in fluid balance, i.e., water excess or deficit, with resulting changes in sodium and other electrolyte concentrations and by anion gap metabolic acidosis, which lowers bicarbonate concentrations but not the chloride concentrations.

Methods

We used formulas derived over a decade ago that utilize dry slide laboratory technology to adjust plasma chloride and bicarbonate concentrations for changes in water balance, as reflected in changes in plasma sodium concentrations and in the plasma anion gap. We then prospectively validated these formulas in 736 consecutive adults, 499 having abnormal basic metabolic panel results and 237 having normal panel results, using modern wet laboratory technology.

Results

Plasma chloride and bicarbonate concentrations were inversely correlated (2-tailed P-value <0.0001), but the correlations were only modest (Spearman r: −0.48 for the abnormal group and −0.41 for the normal group). After adjusting the plasma chloride and bicarbonate concentrations using the 2 prior formulas, the inverse correlations were very high, with Spearman r: −0.998 for the abnormal group and −0.999 for the normal group.

Conclusions

Adjusting plasma chloride and bicarbonate concentrations for any water imbalance and anion gap alterations leads to very high inverse correlations between these 2 anions, allowing accurate assessment of either subtle or overt acid–base disorders.
Development of a Novel Homogeneous Assay for Remnant Lipoprotein Particle Cholesterol
Authors: Hirao Yuhko , Nakajima Katsuyuki , Machida Tetsuo , Murakami Masami , Ito Yasuki
Published: July 2018

Background

Quantification of remnant lipoprotein particle cholesterol (RLP-C) by automated assay is useful in routine clinical laboratories to assess coronary artery disease risk and diagnose type III hyperlipoproteinemia.

Methods

Enzymes and surfactants were screened to establish a homogeneous RLP-C assay using the chylomicron-VLDL, LDL, and HDL fractions isolated by ultracentrifugation, along with the RLP fraction isolated by immunoaffinity gel. All data were generated using a Hitachi analyzer.

Results

A specific cholesterol esterase with a polyoxyethelene styrenated phenyl ether derivative (surfactant) was used for the establishment of a homogeneous RLP-C assay. This cholesterol esterase with subunits of >40 kDa (H-CE) was found to react with lipoproteins other than RLP, whereas this enzyme with subunits of <40 kDa (L-CE) reacted with RLP. H-CE was applied for the first reaction step with the specific surfactant to decompose non-RLP lipoproteins, degrading non-RLP cholesterol into water and oxygen in the presence of cholesterol oxidase and catalase. For the second step, L-CE was applied to release cholesterol from RLP, and then the released RLP-C was determined in a standard cholesterol oxidase and peroxidase system. This new homogeneous assay exhibited good correlation with the RLP-C immunoseparation method.

Conclusions

We established a simple, rapid, automated homogeneous assay for RLP-C. The assay can determine RLP-C levels in 10 min in a fully automated manner, processing a large number of samples in routine clinical laboratories.
The Becton Dickinson Barricor Tube Does Not Introduce Isobaric Interferences in Mass Spectrometry-based Measurements of Testosterone
Authors: Mazur Chase , Hayden Joshua
Published: July 2018

Background

Testosterone analysis by mass spectrometry is essential for accurate low-level results. Unfortunately, the commonly used gel-based separator tubes introduce an intense, isobaric interference that can coelute with testosterone and impede analysis. The new Becton Dickinson (BD) BarricorTM tube (BT) uses an elastomer separator that might not introduce such interferences.

Methods

Testosterone concentrations and chromatograms were obtained for plasma samples from plasma separator tubes (PSTs) and the new BTs using a laboratory-developed liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method.

Results

Intense signals close to the testosterone retention time were observed in the testosterone quantifier transition (289.2→97.0) from the PSTs; resolving these signals required longer chromatographic run times. No isobaric interferences were introduced by the BTs, allowing for shorter chromatographic run times and faster inject-to-inject times.

Conclusion

BTs do not introduce the interferences observed in PSTs in LC-MS/MS testosterone analysis. These tubes can be used as a single tube that both separates cells and is amenable to LC-MS/MS testosterone analysis without additional chromatographic run times.
Validation of an Enclosed Blood Collection System in a Pediatric Laboratory
Authors: Weinzierl Elizabeth P , Brawley Cindy , Adams James L , Rogers Beverly B
Published: July 2018

Background

Preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical issues are often magnified in pediatric laboratories, and traditional vacuum-based blood tubes can contribute to some of these issues. Because of this, we investigated adopting an enclosed blood collection system that can perform vacuum or gentle aspiration blood collection, eliminating syringes, transfer device, and transfer steps, as well as potentially minimizing preanalytical error in the pediatric laboratory. We embarked on a validation of this tube system, in comparison with our current collection tubes, across most in-house tests at a large pediatric hospital.

Methods

Twenty adult volunteers were recruited. Blood was drawn into lithium heparin, serum, EDTA, and citrate tubes of each commercial tube type for comparison. For some tests, remnant blood from pediatric syringe draws was used when available. Samples were then processed and analyzed across all general areas of the clinical laboratory, and correlations of the results from the 2 tube systems were performed.

Results

Across 95 tests in the core laboratory and blood bank, almost all demonstrated clinically acceptable comparisons, with most R values >0.90. Only 3 of 95 tests demonstrated clinically significant differences between the tube systems.

Conclusions

Our validation of the enclosed blood collection system demonstrated acceptable results when compared with our current collection tubes. Additionally, with some minor modifications, our automated instruments could utilize ultralow-volume tubes from the enclosed blood collection system for direct tube sampling, which is impossible using our current small-volume tubes with our main chemistry analyzer.
Clinical Impact of Circulating Irisin on Classified Coronary Plaque Characteristics
Authors: Hirayama Kenshi , Ishii Hideki , Kikuchi Ryosuke , Suzuki Susumu , Aoki Toshijiro , Harada Kazuhiro , Sumi Takuya , Negishi Yosuke , Shibata Yohei , Tatami Yosuke , Tanaka Akihito , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: July 2018

Background

Myokines are hormones secreted by skeletal muscles during physical activity. Low myokine levels may contribute to metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disorders. Irisin, a newly identified myokine, has been the focus of recent research. The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between circulating irisin levels and tissue characteristics of nonculprit left main coronary artery (LMCA) plaques with the use of integrated backscatter (IB) intravascular ultrasound (IVUS).

Methods

This observational study enrolled 55 Japanese patients following successful percutaneous coronary intervention for lesions in the left anterior descending arteries or left circumflex arteries. Circulating myokine levels, including myostatin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and irisin, were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tissue characteristics of LMCA plaque were evaluated by IB-IVUS.

Results

Circulating irisin levels were negatively associated with percent lipid volume (%LV) [r = −0.31 (95% CI, −2.52 to −0.21), P = 0.02] and positively associated with percent fibrous volume (%FV) [r = 0.32 (95% CI, 0.22–2.20), P = 0.02]. The optimal cutoff value of circulating irisin for the prediction of lipid-rich LMCA plaques was 6.02 μg/mL [area under the curve = 0.713, P < 0.01 (95% CI, 0.58–0.85)]. Multivariate linear regression analysis identified circulating irisin levels as independent predictors for %LV and %FV of the LMCA [β = −0.29 (95% CI, −2.53 to −0.07), P = 0.04 and β = 0.30 (95% CI, 0.10–2.23), P = 0.03, respectively].

Conclusions

Circulating irisin levels are significantly associated with tissue characteristics of nonculprit LMCA plaques.
Accurate Estimation of Drug Intake Day by Microsegmental Analysis of a Strand of Hair by Use of Internal Temporal Markers
Authors: Kuwayama Kenji , Nariai Maika , Miyaguchi Hajime , Iwata Yuko T , Kanamori Tatsuyuki , Tsujikawa Kenji , Yamamuro Tadashi , Segawa Hiroki , Abe Hiroko , Iwase Hirotaro , Inoue Hiroyuki
Published: July 2018

Background

Segmental hair analysis can be useful for estimating the time of drug intake. However, this estimation is currently only accurate to within several months. We previously conducted microsegmental analysis of a strand of hair to visualize drug distribution at a spatial resolution of 0.4 mm, which corresponds to daily hair-growth length. Herein, we describe a procedure for accurately estimating the day of drug intake by using internal temporal markers (ITMs) to mark a timescale in the analyzed strand of hair.

Methods

Five drugs were administered in a single dose to the subjects, and then administration was stopped for several weeks. Two subsequent cycles of drug administration and similar withdrawal were performed. For analysis, a strand of hair was plucked from the subject's scalp. The first intake day was considered as the unknown and the drugs administered second and third were regarded as the ITMs. The first intake day was estimated based on the distance from hair root end to 3 drug peaks and 3 known days (hair sampling and 2 ITM cycles).

Results

The drug concentration–hair segment curve had 3 peaks, which reflected the 3 drug cycles. The use of ITMs reduced the error of the true intake day to within 2 days, because the growth rate of the analyzed strand of hair was accounted for by the 2 ITMs.

Conclusions

The estimated accuracy showed little dependency on drug and individual variation. This procedure for estimating the time of drug intake down to a particular day can be used in drug-related crimes, drug abuse and compliance, and for medical diagnosis.
Novel Benzodiazepines (Clonazolam and Flubromazolam) Identified in Candy-Like Pills
Authors: Pope Jeffrey D , Weng Choy Kay , Drummer Olaf H , Schneider Hans G
Published: July 2018

Objectives

To identify the contents of pills found on an intoxicated patient by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTof).5 To highlight the potential ability that this technique can add to the clinical laboratory.

Methods

Illicit PEZ-like pills purchased from an online vendor, containing unknown substances, were investigated by UHPLC-QTof. Accurate mass and experimental data were obtained. Tentative identifications were subsequently confirmed with commercial standards.

Results

Accurate mass data, high-energy mass spectra, elucidation software, and a review of the scientific literature enabled the tentative identification of clonazolam and flubromazolam in the PEZ-like pills. On the basis of these tentative identifications, commercial standards were purchased to confirm the initial findings. On subsequent reinterrogation of the data, flubromazolam was identified in the urine specimen of the patient.

Conclusions

Utilizing high-resolution mass data, 2 novel benzodiazepines were tentatively identified by reinterrogation of a routine analysis for drugs of abuse. Use of UHPLC-QTof in a clinical toxicology laboratory provides additional capabilities to explain and potentially improve treatment of patients presenting to the emergency department with symptoms possibly due to toxic substance ingestion.
The Definition and Scope of Diagnostic Error in the US and How Diagnostic Error is Enabled
Authors: Laposata Michael
Published: July 2018

Background

The quality of healthcare in the US has been progressively addressed by 3 reports from the National Academy of Medicine, the latest of which, entitled “Improving Diagnosis in Health Care,” was issued in 2015 from a 21-member panel (the author of this report was a member). The report is a review of the longstanding problem of diagnostic error. The infrastructure of healthcare delivery in the US has inadvertently made diagnostic error a major contributor to the high cost of care and preventable poor patient outcomes.

Content

This review describes the failures in US healthcare delivery that have led to the overwhelming number of deaths attributable to diagnostic error. Each failure is associated with recommendations to eliminate it. The review begins with a description of the scope of the diagnostic error problem and then discusses each of the issues that need to be addressed to reduce the number of misdiagnoses.

The problem of diagnostic error in the US is a large one. Some the contributing factors to this large problem can be resolved at a small expense and with modest change; others require a major overhaul of aspects of medical practice. For the first time, Americans have a “to-do list” to reduce our diagnostic error problem and be on par with other developed countries that are recognized as providing less costly care with better patient outcomes.
Secure data access control with perception reasoning
Authors: Mateen Abdul , Rauf Abdul , Hanan Abdullah Abdul , Ashraf Mahmood
Published: July 2018

In spite of all security issues in the cloud system, distributed cloud environment requires an access control model which should be context aware to handle all issues intelligently. It must include role activation process based on the user's context information. In role activation process, the knowledge of reason used for data collection and usage is declared; this can allow the administrator to declare the policies which are context based. Therefore, there is dynamic activation of role permission due to the association of role with context. The complications in the role based access control model reduced by classifying the users into classes or groups having their own access control standards. Access to specific resources and granting/ denying is based on requesting the user identity. Cloud environments consist of different entities, number of resources and user where general access control model fails to cover all the aspects. Here, in the proposed access control with perception reasoning, entities are extended using Extensible Access Control Mark-up Language (XACML) where trust module monitors the random and dynamic behavior of the user with recognizing and restricting the malicious user for illegal data access. By issuing and identity tag to malicious user includes classification of task and data tag with data in the database.
The delimitation of freedom of speech on the Internet: the confrontation of rights and digital censorship
Authors: Aranda Serna Francisco José , Belda Iniesta Javier
Published: July 2018

With the emergence of the Internet, the exercise of freedom of opinion and information expanded to infinity, as well as the possibility of endless infractions and offenses derived from the unlimited use of freedom of speech. Given these circumstances, a proper delimitation is necessary between the use of freedom of speech on the Internet and the conflicts that occur. However, the legislator sometimes offers contradictory and ineffective solutions because they do not adapt clearly to this new social phenomenon. The current legislation will have to deal with major challenges especially related to the issue of attribution of responsibility for content dumping into the network, protection of minors and regulation of participation systems. It is also clear that in several current legislations, freedom of speech is a right that has been eroded since the emergence of the Internet. However, because of their international character and cultural differences between countries, such guidelines should not be uniform.
Duração do ciclo e danos por altas e baixas temperaturas em gladíolo em função da época de plantio
Authors: Schwab Natalia Teixeira , Streck Nereu Augusto , Uhlmann Lilian Osmari , Becker Camila Coelho , Ribeiro Bruna San Martim Rolim , Langner Josana Andreia , Tomiozzo Regina
Published: July 2018

The planting date is an important factor affecting the developmental cycle and quality of final product. Indications from the literature are that gladiolus is a species that can be cultivated throughout the year, but in some periods, adverse conditions may occur, reducing the quality of the flower. Two field experiments (Experiment 1: August 2011 to July 2012 and Experiment 2: August 2012 to July 2013) were conducted in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, to quantify the influence of planting dates on the duration of the developmental cycle and on the quality of flower stems in gladiolus, identifying possible damages by high and low temperatures in the final product. It is concluded that it is possible to cultivate gladiolus throughout the year, but the duration of gladiolus cycle is higher when planting is carried out in periods of low temperatures, and this is important for scheduling the planting date, mainly for meeting specific market demand (commemorative dates). Extreme temperatures (above 35 ºC and below 0 ºC) reduce the commercial flowers quality and even cause the death of plants.
An Urgent Human Health Dilemma Facing Refugees and their Host Caregivers?
Authors: Silbermann Michael , Baider Lea , Respini Daniela , Tralongo Paolo , Daher Michel , Obeidat Rana , Gafer Nahla , Razzaq Fadhil Samaher Abdul , Rassouli Maryam , Cheli DPSy Simone , Eniu Alexander
Published: July 2018

The continuous waves of refugees from Africa and the Middle East to Europe present major inter¬cultural challenges to European health professionals and to society at large. A recent workshop in Sicily brought together local physicians, nurses, psychologists and managers of governmental agencies, along with representatives from Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Tunisia, Jordan and the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) to develop training programs aimed at formulating dialogue between regional professionals and refugees. A major barrier refugees face is a lack of verbal and cultural communication, which hinders their smooth absorption into the new society. Cultural mediators who speak Arabic and Italian and understand the refugees' faith, tradition and beliefs are vital to successfully build bridges of trust between caregivers and refugees. Most asylum seekers experience anxiety, fear, and depression upon arrival in Europe. To achieve trust, all workshop participants agreed to develop a palliative care model that would best suit the unique circumstances now facing some Mediterranean countries and assist in overcoming the suffering of refugees during their initial stay in Europe. Such a model would include bio-psychosocial elements, essential for a culturally sensitive approach and based on core ethical principles.
Pasado y presente en Ricoeur y de Certeau. Algunas consideraciones
Authors: Lythgoe Esteban
Published: July 2018

El presente artículo compara el modo en que Ricoeur y de Certeau conciben la relación entre el escrito histórico y el pasado. Se sostiene que existe una importante modificación en el pensamiento de Ricoeur sobre esta cuestión en el período comprendido entre Tiempo y narración y La memoria, la historia, el olvido. En el primero, la articulación entre narración histórica y pasado se produce en la puesta en intriga mientras que la segunda vuelve a una concepción de la historia basada en el acontecimiento, cambio que acerca al filósofo al pensamiento de Certeau. Seguidamente, matizamos la crítica que el filósofo le realizara a de Certeau en Tiempo y narración acerca de su tesis acerca de que la narración histórica es distinta del pasado. Por último, concluimos justificando nuestra tesis de que el desarrollo de La memoria, la historia, el olvido logra salvarse de esta crítica gracias al uso que Ricoeur hace del concepto de representación.
Finitud y yo absoluto. La crítica de Heidegger a Fichte
Authors: Gabriel Markus , Maureira Pacheco Max
Published: July 2018

En su lectura de la Wissenschaftslehre de 1794, Heidegger acusa a Fichte de no ser capaz de concebir la finitud del conocimiento. El argumento esgrimido por Heidegger es que el rechazo fichteano de la noción de “cosa en sí” implica una negación de la ñnitud. En el presente trabajo se defiende la posición opuesta: Fichte no sólo reconoce enteramente la finitud del conocimiento, sino que la funda también en una dimensión práctica cercana a la noción de Heidegger de “cuidado” (Sorge).
Otto Neurath: relevancia y actualidad de su concepción pluralista de la racionalidad
Authors: Prono María Inés
Published: July 2018

La re-evaluación del empirismo lógico ha permitido poner en cuestión la visión tradicional, que, además de atribuir al mismo unidad doctrinaria, lo hacía aparecer como defendiendo un ingenuo empirismo fundamentista fortalecido lógicamente. En este trabajo se indaga sobre la concepción pluralista de la racionalidad en Otto Neurath, partiendo del supuesto de que esta aproximación permite, por una parte, señalar las limitaciones de la visión tradicional sobre el empirismo lógico y, por otra, mostrar la relevancia y actualidad de la propuesta del mencionado autor. Dividimos nuestro análisis en tres partes: (i) ciencia unificada y pluralismo; (ii) concepción pragmática, razón y decisión; (iii) unidad de razón teórica y práctica. Este recorrido nos permitirá evaluar algunas tensiones internas a la perspectiva de Neurath y también su concepción pluralista y pragmática de la racionalidad, en la que se aprecia la articulación de conocimiento, lenguaje y acción, tan característica del ‘giro pragmático’ de la filosofía contemporánea.
Entre “totalitarismos” y “utopías”. Lecturas del pensamiento político del siglo XIX
Authors: Galfione María Carla
Published: July 2018

El debate entre los eclécticos y los saintsimonianos respecto del objeto y el sentido de la filosofía y su relación con la política, que se desarrolla luego de 1830, y en relación con las diversas visiones de la monarquía constitucional francesa, nos sirve aquí para regresar sobre los modos de concebir la filosofía política. En nuestro trabajo seguimos de cerca este debate, repasamos algunas lecturas contemporáneas del siglo XIX y nos detenemos en particular en el pensamiento de Pierre Leroux. El alcance y el sentido que adoptan con Leroux los conceptos de religión, política y democracia son condición de posibilidad para pensar en una filosofía política que, dando lugar a la religión, pueda revalorizar el vínculo entre libertad, acción política y democracia.
La condición de la aporía y la apuesta kantiana
Authors: Altamirano Manuel
Published: July 2018

En este trabajo reviso tanto la constitución contemporánea (postestructuralista) de lo puede llamarse la condición aporética de nuestro pensamiento filosófico, basándome principalmente en textos de Jaques Derrida y Ernesto Laclau, como en la constitución de esta condición aporética por parte de Immanuel Kant en la Dialéctica Trascendental de la Crítica de la Razón Pura. Centrándome en este tema, (1) analizo la apuesta por la cual Kant se abre paso ante la imposibilidad de tránsito implicada por esta aporía o antinomia para desembocar en una filosofía práctica que privilegia la idea de libertad, y (2) reviso la relación de esta condición aporética con la fundamental idea trascendental de lo incondicionado, y otros conceptos vinculados. Luego, en un apartado final, establezco cinco grandes diferencias que impone nuestra época con respecto a la solución kantiana, argumentado por qué y en qué lugar del sistema kantiano debemos provocar una cesura, rescatando sólo la actitud por la cual se abre paso ante la condición aporética, y que podemos emular todavía hoy, pero dejando de lado ideas como imperativo categórico o deber, conceptos ante los cuales propongo desplazamientos más acordes a nuestras constricciones actuales.
Aspectos narrativos de la identidad personal
Authors: Blanco Illari Juan Ignacio
Published: July 2018

En este trabajo quisiera mostrar la necesidad de recurrir a una concepción narrativa de la identidad personal. Para ello, tomo las corrientes actuales de la identidad personal e intento señalar sus lagunas y debilidades. Dichas debilidades se deben al olvido de la dimensión narrativa en el tratamiento del problema. Primeramente, analizo la línea “descriptiva” de la identidad, toma el trabajo de Parfit e intento mostrar el contraste con los argumentos narrativistas de Maclntyre y Ricoeur. Luego repaso la teoría normativa en la versión elaborada por Tugendhat. Allí muestro de qué modo la identidad narrativa permite una mejor comprensión del problema. En efecto, la identidad personal parecería involucrar una mixtura de posesión y desposeimiento, acción y pasividad, que sólo la narración puede armonizar dando a la identidad unidad y completitud.
El pensamiento como principio
Authors: López Diana María
Published: July 2018

Nuestro trabajo se orienta a presentar lo desarrollado por Hegel sobre el pensamiento de Descartes en sus Vorlesungen über die Geschichte der Philosophie, teniendo en cuenta tres momentos: 1) la opción de Hegel por los Principios; 2) el lugar de Descartes en la “historia de la filosofía”; y 3) algunas conclusiones en torno a la tesis de que “avanzar en el pensamiento” sólo es posible en la medida en que uno reconozca a la historia de la filosofía no como una “galería de opiniones” sino como una fuente inagotable de problemas y cuestiones.
De la serie El jardín perdido
Authors: Ramone Hanna
Published: July 2018

En este artículo se presenta una de las series fotográficas de la artista Hanna Ramone: El Jardín perdido. La serie construye una reflexión acerca del problema social de los feminicidios. Este fenómeno afecta a mujeres de todas las edades y nacionalidades, quedando la mayoría de veces impune. En El Jardín perdido, nace el deseo de mostrar un empoderamiento generado desde una colectividad que pugna por la igualdad y la comprensión del cuerpo a partir de una instancia política. Existe una visión que reacciona y busca visibilizar una problemática que tras los siglos sigue presentándonos una deformada imagen de lo humano. La artista construye un entramado desde lo heterogéneo de los cuerpos, una resistencia desde una mirada particular donde la fotografía se transforma en portavoz del lenguaje corpóreo, como presencia imponente que se conjuga en un grito libertario.
Algunas consideraciones analíticas sobre el performance musical
Authors: Suárez Marrero Pablo Alejandro
Published: July 2018

Con el presente trabajo se busca allanar la zanja que existe entre los abordajes tradicionales del discurso musical y los estudios de performance. Para la realización de investigaciones artísticas sobre performances musicales se debe tener en cuenta dicha expresión como subjetividad cambiante a lo largo de su devenir histórico, construido en las diversas “formas de hacer” que la da a conocer; y como objeto que perdura y es cognoscible a través de la escucha analítica de sus soportes de difusión. Entonces, para el abordaje crítico de los performances musicales resulta importante la triangulación de los resultados provenientes de diferentes estrategias analíticas, con los cuales se deconstruiría un todo único, divisible sólo a nivel epistemológico pero indivisible como forma particular de producción subjetiva. Esto redunda en las relaciones de condicionamiento mutuo existentes entre las expresiones artísticas y su marco generador, así como su uso en la conformación de un discurso performativo propio.
Remedios Varo: caminante en la búsqueda de lo surreal
Authors: Franco Colorado David
Published: July 2018

Este artículo propone un análisis reflexivo de dos obras de la artista, Remedios Varo, con el fin de mostrar su particular modo de ser artista surrealista. En el análisis de sus obras se verá el inicio de una búsqueda arquetípica, el dibujo como lenguaje propio del automatismo psíquico, la imagen, el desapego y las connotaciones biográficas de la artista. Además, indagamos cómo la artista se propone una reivindicación liberadora de su identidad, pensando el círculo como movimiento cíclico del devenir, así como algunas tensiones entre el surrealismo y el psicoanálisis. Todo ello, nos permite pensar la obra de Varo como surrealista y femenina, en los intersticios del inconsciente individual y el inconsciente colectivo del mundo capitalista.
JAK2 V617F Analysis in Indonesian Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Patients
Authors: Saktini Fanti , Santosa Santosa , Faradz Sultana MH
Published: July 2018

Background : Three subtypes of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs): Polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) showed overlapping phenotype. There has been no specific cytogenetic marker identified in these subtypes. JAK2 V617F mutation prevalence in Caucasian MPNs was first reported as 97% in PV, 57% in ET, and 50% in PMF.Objective: This study was done to define the prevalence of JAK2 V617F mutation and to identify cytogenetic markers in MPNs.Methods : The study design was cross-sectional. Patients who were admitted to Dr. Kariadi Hospital with clinical diagnosis of MPNs were referred for bone marrow cytogenetic analysis in Telogorejo Hospital. JAK2 V617F mutation was tested for using Amplification Refractory Mutation System Polymerase Chain Reaction (ARMS-PCR) from peripheral blood vein. Clinical data were secondary data retrieved from hospital medical records.Results :  There was no cytogenetic abnormality found in all MPNs patients. The prevalence of JAK2 V617F mutation in MPNs patients was 73,68%. Mutation prevalence distribution in each subtypes were 100% in PV, 63,6% in ET and 100% in PMF. Conclusion : Chromosomal abnormality was not found using conventional cytogenetic analysis. More sensitive methods might elucidate submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities in these patients. The prevalence of JAK2 V617F mutation was comparable with studies in Caucasian. It is recommended that JAK2 V617F testing should be incorporated in the management therapy of MPNs in Indonesia.
The Effect of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on LOX-1 and COX-2 in High Fat Diet Rats
Authors: Lakhder Ibrahem Omran , Suromo Lisyani , Djamiatun Kis
Published: July 2018

Background: High fat diet is a diet containing large amounts of fat consistently, the increase dietary fat and cholesterol which have a key role in growing health problems. Extra virgin olive oil associated with prevention of LDL oxidation, beneficial changes in lipid ratios and low risk for CHD.Objective: to determine the anti-inflammatory effect  of extra virgin olive oil extract to  levels of COX-2 and LOX-1 in the blood in rats induced by high fat dietMethods: This research is an experimental study that used randomized posttest only control group design. 30 Wistar rats which were divided into five groups:  group of control (-) which received  normal diet and group of control (+) which received  high fat diet without  EVOO treatment and three high fat diet groups treated by EVOO 1 mL/kg/day, 2 mL/kg/day and 3 mL/kg/day orally for 2 months. The blood was collected from eyes rats and serum separation by centrifuge. COX-2, LOX-1 concentration was measured by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: The result of this study showed higher COX-2 concentrations in groups treated with EVOO than control group. COX-2 serum levels of negative control where significantly lower than those of rats treated with 2 ml/kg/day (p = 0.047) and 3 ml/kg/day EVOO (p = 0.014). The COX-2 serum levels of group received 1 ml/kg/day were significantly lower than those of rats received 3 ml/kg/day EVOO (p = 0.027). And showed  not significantly deferent among all groups (p = 0.570).Conclusions: The conclusion of this study has showed that extra virgin olive oil extract might have minor anti inflammatory and antioxidant effect in rats.
Attributions for Rejection and Acceptance in Young Adults With Borderline and Avoidant Personality Features
Authors: Berenson Kathy R. , Nynaes Olga , Wakschal Emily S. , Kapner Laura M. , Sweeney Erin C.
Published: July 2018

Individuals with borderline and avoidant personality disorders show interpersonal dysfunction that includes maladaptive responses to rejection and reduced emotional benefits from acceptance. To identify the attributional styles that may underlie these difficulties, we examined causal attributions for rejection and acceptance among undergraduates high in features of each disorder and a healthy comparison group. In Study 1, participants rated how likely they were to attribute hypothetical rejection and acceptance experiences to positive and negative qualities of the self and others, as well as external circumstances. In Study 2, we examined these same attributions in daily diary assessments of real rejection and acceptance experiences. Although the two studies showed some differences in results, they both linked borderline personality features with suspicious, selfbolstering responses and avoidant personality features with perceived inferiority. Distinct attributional styles may contribute to the distinct interpersonal problems characteristic of these conditions.
Does Cognitive Bias Modification Prior to Standard Brief Cognitive Behavior Therapy Reduce Relapse Rates in Hair Pulling Disorder? A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Maas Joyce , Keijsers Ger P.J. , Rinck Mike , Becker Eni S.
Published: July 2018

Background: In line with previous research in alcohol addiction, we tested whether an Approach-Avoidance Training (AAT) prior to standard six-session Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Hair Pulling Disorder (HPD) reduced problematic relapse, commonly found in this population. Method: Prior to CBT, 54 outpatients with a primary diagnosis of HPD were randomly assigned (double-blind) to either a training condition (n = 27), learning to avoid hair-pulling-related stimuli, or to a control condition (n = 27). Symptom severity was assessed with the Massachussetts General Hospital Hairpulling Scale, Severity Urge Resistance Frequency Scale, Self-Control Cognition Questionnaire, and Alopecia Scale. Results: In line with existing research, CBT showed to be an effective treatment for HPD in the short-term. There was no significant symptom increase after one and three months, but effect sizes were reduced approximately by half at the twelve-month measurement. The AAT training prior to CBT did not result in enhanced symptom reduction or reduced relapse after CBT. Conclusions: AAT training could not resolve the substantial relapse after successful CBT. Future research should take into account the complexity of stimuli that elicit hair pulling (e.g., tactile stimuli) and consider investigating other types of biases.
Modeling the Structure of the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure: Conceptual, Empirical, and Analytic Considerations
Authors: Somma Antonella , Borroni Serena , Drislane Laura E. , Patrick Christopher J. , Fossati Andrea
Published: July 2018

This study sought to characterize the factor structure of the Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (TriPM) using data from a sample of 1,082 community-dwelling Italian adults. Exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) was used to compare the fit of a bifactor model for each TriPM scale, in which specific-content factors were specified along with a general factor, with the fit of a single, general-factor model. Robust weighted least square (WLSMV) ESEM supported a bifactor latent structure of the TriPM items for all individual scales. When we jointly factor analyzed the 58 TriPM items, a WLSMV ESEM three-factor structure showed adequate fit; the three ESEM factors were akin to TriPM Boldness, Meanness, and Disinhibition theoretical dimensions, respectively, and could be effectively replicated across gender subgroups. Our findings support the three-factor structure of TriPM items, at least in Italian community-dwelling adults, and provide further evidence for the construct validity of the TriPM.
Screening for Bipolar Disorder and Finding Borderline Personality Disorder: A Replication and Extension
Authors: Zimmerman Mark , Chelminski Iwona , Dalrymple Kristy , Martin Jacob
Published: July 2018

The authors’ group previously reported that patients who screened positive on the Mood Disorders Questionnaire (MDQ), the most frequently studied screening scale for bipolar disorder, were as likely to be diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) as with bipolar disorder. A limitation of that study was that the authors examined the performance of the MDQ in patients presenting for various psychiatric disorders, including depression. The recognition of bipolar disorder and its differential diagnosis with BPD is of greatest clinical relevance in depressed patients. In the present report from the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS) project, the authors attempted to replicate their initial findings in a new sample of psychiatric outpatients, and they also examined the performance of the MDQ in depressed patients. The results of the present study were consistent with the original report, thereby indicating that the MDQ is not effective in helping distinguish bipolar disorder from BPD.
Maternal Regulation of Pups’ Cortical Activity: Role of Serotonergic Signaling
Authors: Courtiol Emmanuelle , Wilson Donald A. , Shah Relish , Sullivan Regina M. , Teixeira Catia M.
Published: July 2018

A developing brain shows intense reorganization and heightened neuronal plasticity allowing for environmental modulation of its development. During early life, maternal care is a key factor of this environment and defects in this care can derail adaptive brain development and may result in susceptibility to neuropsychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which those maternal interactions immediately impact the offspring’s brain activity to initiate the pathway to pathology are not well understood. We do know that multiple neurotransmitter systems are involved, including the serotonergic system, a key neuromodulator involved in brain development and emotional regulation. We tested the importance of the serotonergic system and pups’ immediate neural response to maternal presence using wireless electrophysiological recordings, a novel approach allowing us to record neural activity during pups’ interactions with their mother. We found that maternal contact modulates the P10–P12 rat pups’ anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activity by notably increasing local-field potential (LFP) power in low-frequency bands. We demonstrated, by blocking serotonergic receptors, that this increase is mediated through 5-HT2 receptors (5-HT2Rs). Finally, we showed in isolated pups that enhancing serotonergic transmission, using a selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitor, is sufficient to enhance LFP power in low-frequency bands in a pattern similar to that observed when the mother is in the nest. Our results highlight a significant contribution of the serotonergic system in mediating changes of cortical activity in pups related to maternal presence.
ΔFosB Decreases Excitability of Dorsal Hippocampal CA1 Neurons
Authors: Eagle Andrew L. , Williams Elizabeth S. , Beatty Joseph A. , Cox Charles L. , Robison Alfred J.
Published: July 2018

Both the function of hippocampal neurons and hippocampus-dependent behaviors are dependent on changes in gene expression, but the specific mechanisms that regulate gene expression in hippocampus are not yet fully understood. The stable, activity-dependent transcription factor ΔFosB plays a role in various forms of hippocampal-dependent learning and in the structural plasticity of synapses onto CA1 neurons. The authors examined the consequences of viral-mediated overexpression or inhibition of ΔFosB on the function of adult mouse hippocampal CA1 neurons usingex vivoslice whole-cell physiology. We found that the overexpression of ΔFosB decreased the excitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons, while inhibition increased excitability. Interestingly, these manipulations did not affect resting membrane potential or spike frequency adaptation, but ΔFosB overexpression reduced hyperpolarization-activated current. Both ΔFosB overexpression and inhibition decreased spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents, while only ΔFosB inhibition affected the AMPA/NMDA ratio, which was mediated by decreased NMDA receptor current, suggesting complex effects on synaptic inputs to CA1 that may be driven by homeostatic cell-autonomous or network-driven adaptations to the changes in CA1 cell excitability. Because ΔFosB is induced in hippocampus by drugs of abuse, stress, or antidepressant treatment, these results suggest that ΔFosB-driven changes in hippocampal cell excitability may be critical for learning and, in maladaptive states, are key drivers of aberrant hippocampal function in diseases such as addiction and depression.
Characterizing the vulnerability of intertidal organisms in Olympic National Park to ocean acidification
Authors: Jones Jonathan M. , Passow Uta , Fradkin Steven C.
Published: July 2018

Ocean acidification (OA) will have a predominately negative impact on marine animals sensitive to changes in carbonate chemistry. Coastal upwelling regions, such as the Northwest coast of North America, are likely among the first ecosystems to experience the effects of OA as these areas already experience high pH variability and naturally low pH extremes. Over the past decade, pH off the Olympic coast of Washington has declined an order of magnitude faster than predicted by accepted conservative climate change models. Resource managers are concerned about the potential loss of intertidal biodiversity likely to accompany OA, but as of yet, there are little pH sensitivity data available for the vast majority of taxa found on the Olympic coast. The intertidal zone of Olympic National Park is particularly understudied due to its remote wilderness setting, habitat complexity, and exceptional biodiversity. Recently developed methodological approaches address these challenges in determining organism vulnerability by utilizing experimental evidence and expert opinion. Here, we use such an approach to determine intertidal organism sensitivity to pH for over 700 marine invertebrate and algal species found on the Olympic coast. Our results reinforce OA vulnerability paradigms for intertidal taxa that build structures from calcium carbonate, but also introduce knowledge gaps for many understudied species. We furthermore use our assessment to identify how rocky intertidal communities at four long-term monitoring sites on the Olympic coast could be affected by OA given their community composition.