bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction Ameliorates the Inflammation State in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Rats via Remodeling Gut Microbiota and Suppressing the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Chang Zhuang-peng , Deng Gui-feng , Shao Yun-yun , Xu Ding , Zhao Yi-nan , Sun Yi-fan , Zhang Shi-quan , Hou Rui-gang , Liu Jun-jin
Published: May 2021

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota plays a vital role in the occurrence of multiple endocrine disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction (SGD), a classical Chinese prescription, has been widely used in the treatment of PCOS for decades. In previous studies, we found that SGD treatment could effectively reduce ovarian inflammation in PCOS rats. However, whether the anti-inflammation effect of SGD involves the regulation of the gut microbiota remains elusive.

Methods: Letrozole-induced PCOS rat models were established, and the therapeutic effects of SGD were evaluated. Specifically, body weight, serum hormone concentrations, estrus phase and ovary histopathology were assessed. Then the structure of gut microbiota was determined by 16s rRNA sequencing. Additionally, the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and LPS were measured by ELISA kits. The key gene and protein expressions of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot.

Results: SGD could effectively reduce body weight, regulate estrous cycles and ameliorate hyperandrogenism in PCOS rats. In addition, SGD treatment decreased releases of pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhanced the expressions of tight junction (occludin and claudin1), and then prevented a translocation of LPS into bloodstream. SGD could significantly reduce the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, decrease the abundance of LPS-producing pathogens Proteobateria and enrich the abundance of Butyricicoccus, Coprococcus, Akkermansia Blautia and Bacteroides in PCOS rats. Furthermore, SGD blunted the key gene and protein expressions of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway both in vivo and in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells.

Conclusion: SGD administration could ameliorate the inflammatory response in PCOS rats by remodeling gut microbiome structure, protecting gut barrier, and suppressing TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Tibetan Medicine Duoxuekang Capsule Ameliorates High-Altitude Polycythemia Accompanied by Brain Injury
Authors: Chen Ke , Li Ning , Fan Fangfang , Geng ZangJia , Zhao Kehui , Wang Jing , Zhang Yi , Tang Ce , Wang Xiaobo , Meng Xianli
Published: May 2021

Objective: Duoxuekang (DXK) capsule is an empirical prescription for Tibetan medicine in the treatment of hypobaric hypoxia (HH)-induced brain injury in the plateau. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and underlying molecular mechanisms of DXK on HH-induced brain injury.

Methods: UPLC–Q-TOF/MS was performed for chemical composition analysis of DXK. The anti-hypoxia and anti-fatigue effects of DXK were evaluated by the normobaric hypoxia test, sodium nitrite toxicosis test, and weight-loaded swimming test in mice. Simultaneously, SD rats were used for the chronic hypobaric hypoxia (CHH) test. RBC, HGB, HCT, and the whole blood viscosity were evaluated. The activities of SOD and MDA in the brain, and EPO and LDH levels in the kidney were detected using ELISA. H&E staining was employed to observe the pathological morphology in the hippocampus and cortex of rats. Furthermore, immunofluorescence and Western blot were carried out to detect the protein expressions of Mapk10, RASGRF1, RASA3, Ras, and IGF-IR in the brain of rats. Besides, BALB/c mice were used for acute hypobaric hypoxia (AHH) test, and Western blot was employed to detect the protein expression of p-ERK/ERK, p-JNK/JNK, and p-p38/p38 in the cerebral cortex of mice.

Results: 23 different chemical compositions of DXK were identified by UPLC–Q-TOF/MS. The anti-hypoxia test verified that DXK can prolong the survival time of mice. The anti-fatigue test confirmed that DXK can prolong the swimming time of mice, decrease the level of LDH, and increase the hepatic glycogen level. Synchronously, DXK can decrease the levels of RBC, HGB, HCT, and the whole blood viscosity under the CHH condition. Besides, DXK can ameliorate CHH-induced brain injury, decrease the levels of EPO and LDH in the kidney, reduce MDA, and increase SOD in the hippocampus. Furthermore, DXK can converse HH-induced marked increase of Mapk10, RASGRF1, and RASA3, and decrease of Ras and IGF-IR. In addition, DXK can suppress the ratio of p-ERK/ERK, p-JNK/JNK, and p-p38/p38 under the HH condition.

Conclusion: Together, the cerebral protection elicited by DXK was due to the decrease of hematological index, suppressing EPO, by affecting the MAPK signaling pathway in oxidative damage, and regulating the RAS signaling pathway.
Self-Calibrated Measurement of Frequency Response for Broadband Photodetectors Based on Two-Tone Photonic Sampling
Authors: Wang Mengke , Xu Ying , He Yutong , Liu Zhao , Zhang Yali , Zhang Zhiyao , Li Heping , Zhang Shangjian , Liu Yong
Published: May 2021

A self-calibrated method to measuring the frequency responses of broadband photodetectors (PDs) is proposed based on photonic pulse sampling of two-tone microwave signal, with the help of a mode-locked laser diode (MLLD) and a Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM). Firstly, the repetition frequency of the optical comb from the MLLD divides the whole measuring frequency range into several segments. Then, a close-spaced two-tone signal modulates every comb tooth through the MZM and generates the sum- and difference-frequency products, working as the probing signal to extract the frequency response of the PD in every segment. Hyper-fine frequency response of the PD at any frequency point can be obtained in every segment by subtly varying the center frequency of the two-tone signal while keeping the difference frequency fixed. Finally, the whole frequency response of the PD in ultra-wide frequency range is obtained by seamlessly stitching the segmental frequency responses. In our experiment, measurement of a commercial PD is demonstrated up to 49.765 GHz with an optical comb at the repetition frequency of 9.953 GHz and a two-tone modulation up to 4.9765 GHz. The measured results are compared with those by using the traditional methods to check accuracy. Moreover, the uneven responses of the MLLD and the MZM are fully subtracted, verifying the ultra-wideband, hyperfine and self-calibrated measurement of PDs based on the two-tone photonic sampling.
Subject-Specific Calculation of Left Atrial Appendage Blood-Borne Particle Residence Time Distribution in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Sanatkhani Soroosh , Nedios Sotirios , Menon Prahlad G. , Bollmann Andreas , Hindricks Gerhard , Shroff Sanjeev G.
Published: May 2021

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia that leads to thrombus formation, mostly in the left atrial appendage (LAA). The current standard of stratifying stroke risk, based on the CHA2DS2-VASc score, does not consider LAA morphology, and the clinically accepted LAA morphology-based classification is highly subjective. The aim of this study was to determine whether LAA blood-borne particle residence time distribution and the proposed quantitative index of LAA 3D geometry can add independent information to the CHA2DS2-VASc score. Data were collected from 16 AF subjects. Subject-specific measurements included left atrial (LA) and LAA 3D geometry obtained by cardiac computed tomography, cardiac output, and heart rate. We quantified 3D LAA appearance in terms of a novel LAA appearance complexity index (LAA-ACI). We employed computational fluid dynamics analysis and a systems-based approach to quantify residence time distribution and associated calculated variable (LAA mean residence time, tm) in each subject. The LAA-ACI captured the subject-specific LAA 3D geometry in terms of a single number. LAA tm varied significantly within a given LAA morphology as defined by the current subjective method and it was not simply a reflection of LAA geometry/appearance. In addition, LAA-ACI and LAA tm varied significantly for a given CHA2DS2-VASc score, indicating that these two indices of stasis are not simply a reflection of the subjects' clinical status. We conclude that LAA-ACI and LAA tm add independent information to the CHA2DS2-VASc score about stasis risk and thereby can potentially enhance its ability to stratify stroke risk in AF patients.
Comparative Analysis of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Secretome Under Pinus pinaster and P. pinea Stimuli
Authors: Silva Hugo , Anjo Sandra I. , Manadas Bruno , Abrantes Isabel , Fonseca Luís , Cardoso Joana M. S.
Published: May 2021

The pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the pine wilt disease’s (PWD) causal agent, is a migratory endoparasitic nematode skilled to feed on pine tissues and on fungi that colonize the trees. In order to study B. xylophilus secretomes under the stimulus of pine species with different susceptibilities to disease, nematodes were exposed to aqueous pine extracts from Pinus pinaster (high-susceptible host) and P. pinea (low-susceptible host). Sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH-MS) was used to determine relative changes in protein amounts between B. xylophilus secretions, and a total of 776 secreted proteins were quantified in both secretomes. From these, 22 proteins were found increased in the B. xylophilus secretome under the P. pinaster stimulus and 501 proteins increased under the P. pinea stimulus. Functional analyses of the 22 proteins found increased in the P. pinaster stimulus showed that proteins with peptidase, hydrolase, and antioxidant activities were the most represented. On the other hand, gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the 501 proteins increased under the P. pinea stimulus revealed an enrichment of proteins with binding activity. The differences detected in the secretomes highlighted the diverse responses from the nematode to overcome host defenses with different susceptibilities and provide new clues on the mechanism behind the pathogenicity of this plant-parasitic nematode. Proteomic data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD024011.
Resilience Assessment Scale for the Prediction of Suicide Reattempt in Clinical Population
Authors: Sánchez-Teruel David , Robles-Bello María Auxiliadora , Muela-Martínez José Antonio , García-León Ana
Published: May 2021

The objective of this work was to construct and validate an instrument for assessing resilience to suicide attempts in a Spanish clinical population that has made a previous attempt, and to verify its efficacy for predicting future suicide reattempts at 6 months. For the construction of a Scale of Resilience to Suicide Attempts (SRSA) the theoretical-rational strategy was used. The constructed SRSA-18 consisted of 18 items and 3 subdimensions (internal and external protection and emotional stability), had high internal consistency (α = 0.88; ω = 0.89) and a high positive correlation with the Suicide Resilience Inventory-25, SRI-25 (r = 0.91; p < 0.01), and to a lesser extent with general resilience scales such as the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, CD-RISC (r = 0.79; p < 0.01) and the Resilience Scale of 14 items, RS-14 (r = 0.76; p < 0.01). Additionally, a specific SRSA-18 score predicted future suicide reattempts 6 months after the first attempt. This new scale (SRSA-18) assesses in a brief and rapid way, through protective factors rather than risk factors, the level of resilience to the suicide attempt in specific clinical subpopulations in hospital emergency services, being able to prevent suicide reattempts with higher lethality.
Outcomes of COVID-19 Admissions in the New York City Public Health System and Variations by Hospitals and Boroughs During the Initial Pandemic Response
Authors: Dinesh Anant , Mallick Taha , Arreglado Tatiana M. , Altonen Brian L. , Engdahl Ryan
Published: May 2021

Introduction: In the initial pandemic regional differences may have existed in COVID-19 hospitalizations and patient outcomes in New York City. Whether these patterns were present in public hospitals is unknown. The aim of this brief study was to investigate COVID-19 hospitalizations and outcomes in the public health system during the initial pandemic response.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on COVID-19 admissions in New York City public hospitals during the exponential phase of the pandemic. All data were collected from an integrated electronic medical records system (Epic Health Systems, Verona, WI). Overall, 5,422 patients with at least one admission each for COVID-19 were reviewed, with a study of demographic characteristics (including age, gender, race, BMI), pregnancy status, comorbidities, facility activity, and outcomes. Data related to hospitalization and mortality trends were also collected from City of New York website. These data often involved more than one facility and/or service line resulting in more location or treatment facility counts than patients due to utilization of services at more than one location and transfers between locations and facilities.

Results: Higher mortality was associated with increasing age with the highest death rate (51.9%) noted in the age group >75 years (OR 7.88, 95%CI 6.32–10.08). Comorbidities with higher mortality included diabetes (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.33–1.70), hypertension (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.44–1.83), cardiovascular conditions (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.47–1.87), COPD (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.39–2.50). It was deduced that 20% of all New York City COVID-19 positive admissions were in public health system during this timeframe. A high proportion of admissions (21.26%) and deaths (19.93%) were at Elmhurst Hospital in Queens. Bellevue and Metropolitan Hospitals had the lowest number of deaths, both in borough of Manhattan. Mortality in public hospitals in Brooklyn was 29.9%, Queens 28.1%, Manhattan 20.4%.

Conclusion: Significant variations existed in COVID-19 hospitalizations and outcomes in the public health system in New York City during the initial pandemic. Although outcomes are worse with older age and those with comorbidities, variations in hospitals and boroughs outside of Manhattan are targets to investigate and strategize efforts.
Data-Driven and Machine-Learning Methods to Project Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Trend in Eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Huang Wenbo , Ao Shuang , Han Dan , Liu Yuming , Liu Shuang , Huang Yaojiang
Published: May 2021

Background:The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a major public health crisis worldwide, and the Eastern Mediterranean is one of the most affected areas.

Materials and Methods:We use a data-driven approach to assess the characteristics, situation, prevalence, and current intervention actions of the COVID-19 pandemic. We establish a spatial model of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic to project the trend and time distribution of the total confirmed cases and growth rate of daily confirmed cases based on the current intervention actions.

Results:The results show that the number of daily confirmed cases, number of active cases, or growth rate of daily confirmed cases of COVID-19 are exhibiting a significant downward trend in Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia under the current interventions, although the total number of confirmed cases and deaths is still increasing. However, it is predicted that the number of total confirmed cases and active cases in Iran and Iraq may continue to increase.

Conclusion:The COVID-19 pandemic in Qatar, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia will be largely contained if interventions are maintained or tightened. The future is not optimistic, and the intervention response must be further strengthened in Iran and Iraq. The aim of this study is to contribute to the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Literacy and Regional Heterogeneities in China: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Li Zhenhua , Tian Yongquan , Gong Zhicheng , Qian Long
Published: May 2021

Background: Health literacy is essential to population health, yet few studies have described the geographic variation in health literacy in China. This study aimed to investigate the level of health literacy, its regional heterogeneities, as well as influencing factors of health literacy in 25 provinces or municipalities in China.

Methods: The study was conducted among residents aged 15–69 years from 25 provinces or municipalities in China in 2017. Health literacy was measured using the Chinese Health Literacy Scale. MapInfo software was used to map the geographic distribution. Multiple logistic regression was used to adjust for the factors associated with the health literacy level in the overall and regional samples.

Results: A total of 3,482 participants were included in the study, comprising 1,792 (51.5%) males and 1,690 (48.5%) females. Notable geographic variation was observed in health literacy levels. The proportion of respondents with adequate health literacy was 22.3% overall, 33.0% in the eastern region, 23.1% in the central region, and 17.6% in the western region. The proportion of adequate health literacy in the different provinces and municipalities ranged from 10.5% (Xinjiang) to 47.0% (Beijing). Being a female [odds ratio (OR) = 1.353; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.146–1.597], having a high education level [OR ranging from 2.794 (CI: 1.469–5.314) to 9.458 (CI: 5.251–17.036)], having a high economic status [OR ranging from 1.537 (CI: 1.248–1.891) to 1.850 (CI: 1.498–2.284)], having a good self-rated health status [OR ranging from 2.793 (CI: 1.534–5.083) to 3.003 (CI: 1.672–5.395)], and having frequent community health education (OR = 1.588; 95% CI: 1.066–2.365) were independently associated with adequate health literacy.

Conclusions: The health literacy level in the 25 provinces or municipalities of China is relatively low compared to the developed countries, and there are heterogeneities among different regions, between urban and rural areas, and among different social groups. Tailored health education and promotion strategies are needed for different subgroups of residents.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs About COVID-19 Among Adults in the United States
Authors: Reiter Paul L. , Katz Mira L.
Published: May 2021

Background: Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs are cognitive outcomes that serve as key determinants of engaging in health behaviors, likely including vaccination and other mitigation behaviors against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Studies have begun examining people's knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about COVID-19, but little is known about how these cognitive outcomes differ across racial/ethnic groups.

Methods: An online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of adults ages 18 and older in the United States (n = 2,006) in May 2020, about 2 months after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. Multivariable regression models were used to examine differences in knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about COVID-19 across racial/ethnic groups (non-Latinx white, non-Latinx black, non-Latinx of another race, or Latinx).

Results: Knowledge tended to be lower among non-Latinx blacks and Latinx participants compared to non-Latinx whites. For example, fewer non-Latinx blacks responded correctly that COVID-19 is not caused by the same virus that causes influenza (adjusted OR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.49–0.90), and Latinx participants were less likely to respond correctly that people with COVID-19 do not always show symptoms of being sick (adjusted OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45–0.87). For beliefs and attitudes, non-Latinx blacks (β = −0.09) and non-Latinx participants of another race (β = −0.05) reported lower perceived likelihood of getting COVID-19 in the future compared to non-Latinx whites, while Latinx participants reported greater perceived stigma of COVID-19 (β = 0.08) (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Several differences in cognitive outcomes about COVID-19 exist across racial/ethnic groups, including gaps in knowledge and varied beliefs and attitudes. Results identify modifiable targets for public health programs promoting vaccination and other mitigation behaviors against COVID-19.
“We Don't Feel so Alone”: A Qualitative Study of Virtual Memory Cafés to Support Social Connectedness Among Individuals Living With Dementia and Care Partners During COVID-19
Authors: Masoud Sara S. , Meyer Kylie N. , Martin Sweet Lauryn , Prado Patricia J. , White Carole L.
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Loneliness and low social support can be detrimental to the health of individuals living with Alzheimer's and related dementias (ADRD) and family care partners. Restrictions on gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19 create an even greater risk for social isolation. Memory Cafés are a highly replicated program that provide individuals living with ADRD and care partners an opportunity to socialize in an inclusive and supportive environment without fear of judgment, pressure, or stigma. Following restrictions on in-person gatherings, virtual Memory Cafés offer regular social engagement opportunities in an online format. While the Memory Café model has been replicated globally, their effects on loneliness and perceived social support are generally unknown. Even less is known about their impact when operating in a virtual environment.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews in Spanish and English were conducted with individuals living with dementia and family care partners who regularly attend Memory Cafés hosted by partners in a Texas Memory Café Network. Interviews took place online using video conferencing software, were transcribed, then analyzed for common themes using a combined inductive and deductive approach.

Results: A total of 17 interviews were conducted with persons living with dementia (n = 5) and family care partners (n = 12) who attend Memory Cafés to learn about their perceived experiences of social connectedness since COVID-19. Care partners included spouses (n = 8) and adult children (n = 4). Interviews included attendees of different Memory Café models, including in-person only (n = 2), virtual only (n = 9), and those who attend both models (n = 6). Five key themes were identified: (1) Reprieve; (2) What is still possible; (3) Connectedness; (4) Inclusivity; and (5) Value added, with ten sub-themes supporting these main themes.

Discussion: Findings substantiate evidence that Memory Cafés offer important benefits for families living with dementia, providing vital new insight into the potential for virtual Memory Cafés to offer similar benefits. Findings have implications beyond the context of COVID-19, where virtual models may support the social connectedness of those living in geographically marginalized and underserved areas. Virtual models may not address the needs of all families experiencing dementia due to lack of access to technology and limitations for virtual engagement with those experiencing later stage dementia.
Robot Gaze Behavior Affects Honesty in Human-Robot Interaction
Authors: Schellen Elef , Bossi Francesco , Wykowska Agnieszka
Published: May 2021

As the use of humanoid robots proliferates, an increasing amount of people may find themselves face-to-“face” with a robot in everyday life. Although there is a plethora of information available on facial social cues and how we interpret them in the field of human-human social interaction, we cannot assume that these findings flawlessly transfer to human-robot interaction. Therefore, more research on facial cues in human-robot interaction is required. This study investigated deception in human-robot interaction context, focusing on the effect that eye contact with a robot has on honesty toward this robot. In an iterative task, participants could assist a humanoid robot by providing it with correct information, or potentially secure a reward for themselves by providing it with incorrect information. Results show that participants are increasingly honest after the robot establishes eye contact with them, but only if this is in response to deceptive behavior. Behavior is not influenced by the establishment of eye contact if the participant is actively engaging in honest behavior. These findings support the notion that humanoid robots can be perceived as, and treated like, social agents, since the herein described effect mirrors one present in human-human social interaction.
Science Diplomacy in Ecuador: Political Discourse and Practices Between 2007 and 2017
Authors: Bonilla Kleinsy , Serafim Milena , Bámaca-López Efraín
Published: May 2021

The decade 2007–2017 was a period in which the Republic of Ecuador experienced a series of economic, social, cultural, and political transformations. This research focused on science, technology, and innovation (STI) changes with implications for Ecuador's foreign policy. One of the core components incorporated was Ecuador's engagement with foreign governments and various regional and global actors to further scientific and technological advances. These far-reaching collaborations aimed to reduce gaps the country experienced in science and research. Moreover, to incorporate Ecuador into worldwide initiatives to tackle cross-border issues, such as climate change and environmental sustainability. These measures included academic and scientific mobility through an extensive scholarship program, the Prometeo Fellowship Program, the Yasuni ITT Initiative, the creation of emblematic research universities, and certain guidelines released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador related to these policies. This article reports on qualitative research in which President Rafael Vicente Correa Delgado's political discourse was analyzed, along with key STI policies promoted in his administrations. The objective of this study was to establish different implications from the Science Diplomacy perspective (SD); particularly, reflecting on the consistency between the political rhetoric and the policy implementation. Evidence suggests that the political discourse materialized into concrete STI policies that could partially explain positive transformations in various aspects of the STI context in Ecuador. Institutional strengthening, international mobility (inward and outward), increased scientific output, and foreign policy practices involving SD which can be traced in the studied period. SD strategies could have been more effective and lasting if they were not discontinued upon Correa's departure from the Presidency.
Child Sexual Abuse as Lifespan Trauma Within the Context of Intimate Partner Violence: Experiences of Caribbean Women
Authors: Jones Adele D.
Published: May 2021

Background: There is a dearth of research which explores sexual abuse from perspectives of Caribbean women, despite its high prevalence in the region. While sexual violence is universal, tackling it requires a deep understanding of the contextual specificities in which it arises and of the intersections of gender with other sources of oppression and marginalisation. It also calls for the recognition that intimate partner violence against women is not separate from, but linked to violence against girls, not only because both are forms of gender-based violence but because together they speak to its historical, persistent and accumulative effects.

Methods: In-depth intensive interviews were carried out with 35 women from Barbados and Grenada, aged 18–60 years who had experienced intimate partner violence under one of the following circumstances: during pregnancy (n = 15), as a woman a with disability (n = 8), as a woman living with HIV (n = 12). Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and thematically analyzed.

Results: The participants experienced multiple forms of violence within their relationships, often concurrently. Twenty-one of the women had been subject to sexual violence and of these, 19 had experienced sexual abuse as children; these experiences were viewed as interconnected and bolstered by the high level of violence-acceptance reported within communities. Women were subject to different forms of control by their partners depending upon prevailing discourses related to their circumstances (as pregnant, disabled, or HIV positive); being ‘vulnerable’ was synonymous with having one’s agency as an independent, autonomous person constrained and little external help was available.

Conclusion: The study identified a clear chain of sexual behaviors, each of which fuel different layers of the problem: the prevalence of early sexualization of children is associated with the prevalence of child sexual abuse; child sexual abuse is pervasive in large part, because of the normalisation and social acceptance of violence against women and girls; “cultural” normalcy, in turn, fuels attitudes which contribute to sexual violence against women and women in especially vulnerable circumstances face additional risks. Integrated policy, which tackles these as interconnected issues is called for.
Indicadores financieros y rentabilidad en bancos grandes y medianos ecuatorianos, periodo: 2016-2019
Authors: Calahorrano Arias Gabriela Alejandra , Chacón Guerrero Francisco Andrés , Tulcanaza Prieto Ana Belén
Published: May 2021

Este estudio examina el impacto de los indicadores financieros en la rentabilidad de los bancos privados ecuatorianos, entregando una metodología útil para la identificación de los factores internos relevantes que influyen en el rendimiento de la entidad y permiten así, que la toma de decisiones del corto y largo plazo sea más eficiente. La investigación realizada utilizó un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple basado en mínimos cuadrados ordinarios, analizando indicadores de liquidez, morosidad, calidad de activos, y apalancamiento como variables independientes, mientras que el rendimiento sobre activos (ROA) y el rendimiento sobre patrimonio (ROE) constituyeron las variables dependientes. El estudio utilizó 192 observaciones provenientes de las entidades bancarias: Banco de Guayaquil, Produbanco, Banco Internacional, y Banco Bolivariano durante el periodo 2016-2019. Los resultados de este estudio demuestran (1) una relación negativa significativa entre los indicadores de liquidez y morosidad con el rendimiento y (2) una relación positiva significativa entre la calidad de activos y apalancamiento con el ROA y ROE. Con estos resultados, se concluye que las variables independientes son relevantes en el rendimiento bancario, por lo que se las debe monitorear continuamente para su control efectivo. Este manuscrito, complementa a la literatura financiera al introducir un análisis estadístico del periodo 2016-2019, entregando una investigación previa a la ocurrencia de la pandemia Covid19, de manera que, se recomienda que estudios futuros realicen un análisis posterior a la emergencia sanitaria y se comparen dichos resultados para determinar los efectos en la rentabilidad de los bancos provocados por la pandemia.
Siła Brazylii we współczesnym świecie
Authors: Łoś Robert
Published: May 2021

Brazil’s position has been increasing since the end of the 20th century. It is determined by changes in the contemporary international order. The reforms in Brazil are followed an increase in the country’s economic, military and soft power. Brazil has a chance to achieve the position of a regional power using its resources of strength, but also diplomacy and commitment to building influence through institutions.
Dekada niepodległości Sudanu Południowego. Od weak state do collapsed state
Authors: Dorywalski Sebastian , Veretilnyk Oleksandr
Published: May 2021

On July 9, 2021, the Republic of South Sudan celebrate the 10th anniversary of its independence. This study is an analysis of the functioning of South Sudan as a fullfledged member of the international community. We also analyzed the mistakes made by the government of this young country over the years of its independence and found out what consequences they led.
LUCIANO BARDI, WOJCIECH GAGATEK, CARINE GERMOND, KARL MAGNUS JOHANSSON, WOLFRAM KEISER, SILVIA SASSANO The European Ambition. The Group of the European People’s Party and European Integration
Authors: Kaczorowska Małgorzata
Published: May 2021

The book by Luciano Bardi, Wojciech Gagatek, Carine Germond, Karl Magnus Johansson, Wolfram Keiser, Silvia Sassano, „The European Ambition. The Group of the European People’s Party and European Integration” is the result of the six authors’ cooperation and research on the evolution and activities of the Christian Democratic Group (CD) and then the European People’s Party (EPP). It constitutes a contribution to a series of publications analyzing the evolution of the European political groupings and their unique influence on the politics and development of the European Union. In the first part of the work, Wolfram Keiser characterizes the genesis, nature and evolution of the CD/EPP Group. In this chapter, author does not shy away from showing the political and historical background of the decisions made by the EPP. In the second chapter we find an in-depth analysis of the impact that the EPP had on the development of further institutional reforms and preparation of the EU treaties, including an exceptional impact on the constitutionalization and strengthening of the position of the European Parliament (EP). Carine Germond in the third part analyzes the role of the Group in creating and conducting policy within the European Union. She chose four most important areas: economic and monetary policy, social, ecological/environmental and agricultural policy for her analysis. Chapter four offers considerations on the impact and shaping of another important sphere – the EU’s external relations, including foreign security and defense, trade (including foreign trade), development policy and finally the EU enlargement policy. In chapter five, Luciano Bardi deals with the EPP from the perspective a political party and its influence on the development of the European party system. He placed the analysis of the EPP’s position as a key actor on the European Parliament’s party scene in the context of the EPP’s role in relations with EU institutions, in the foreground with the EP, but also with the Commission and the European Council. The work is based on the analysis of program documents, election manifestos of one of the most important political groups at the pan-European level, which have still the greatest influence on political decisions made in the EU. It must be stressed, this is valuable and very interesting work, and the reader will certainly not be disappointed with this publication.
El abuso sexual en la infancia: un análisis cognitivo-evolutivo
Authors: Costantini Enrico , Miti Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Se trata el tema del abuso sexual infantil a través de la terapia con tres pacientes adultas que ejemplifican las distintas posibilidades: la sospecha, la certeza y la mentira. Los Autores subrayan cómo el abuso sexual infantil intrafamiliar casi siempre es la punta de un iceberg cuya base se tiene que buscar en la precoz y luego crónica alteración de la relación de cuidado-apego que, a través de la construcción de los modelos operativos de sí mismo, del otro y de la relación, determinará una activación excesiva, fuera de contexto o simultánea de los distintos Sistemas Motivacionales Interpersonales.
Curar las heridas: la psicoterapia de las víctimas de abuso sexual
Authors: Sabatello Ugo , Perozzi Elena , Di Cori Renzo
Published: May 2021

A partir de una descripción genérica de la oportunidades y de los riesgos que plantea el tema del abuso sexual en la infancia, los autores se centran en la importancia de la terapia, que en estos casos tiene como objetivo hacer posible la elaboración de una experiencia traumática que inicialmente no puede ni siquiera ser reconocida. A través del trabajo terapéutico el menor que ha sido abusado tiene que poder experimentar, tal vez por primera vez, una relación de confianza y de protección. El terapeuta debería por tanto evitar atrincherarse detrás de los esquematismos de la teoría, utilizándola más bien para exponerse en la relación.
Terapia para supervivientes con mujeres golpeadas
Authors: Walker Lenore E.
Published: May 2021

Algunas mujeres golpeadas necesitan psicoterapia además del apoyo de los amigos y de la familia para poder curarse de los efectos psicológicos del abuso. En muchos casos estas mujeres desarrollan el Síndrome de la Mujer Golpeada, una subcategoría del Trastorno por Estrés Postraumático. Tienen recuerdos intrusivos del abuso que no pueden controlar, ya sea que ocurran durante la noche, como pesadillas, o durante el día, como pensamientos recurrentes, flashbacks, o reexperimentando las emociones que rodearon a los incidentes abusivos, tal como si estuvieran ocurriendo otra vez. También son comunes las reacciones psicofisiológicas ante la exposición a algo que les recuerde el abuso previo. Síntomas de niveles altos de ansiedad y excitación fisiológica junto con depresión y evitación del otro completan los grupos de síntomas. El tratamiento consta de 7 pasos que incluyen, primero, ayudar a la mujer a que pueda nombrar el abuso, valorarla y que encuentre seguridad. Luego es necesario tratar directamente los síntomas del estrés postraumático e intentar reducir la ansiedad y la depresión y motivar a la mujer para que aprenda otras formas de afrontamiento de la ansiedad y de otros síntomas de trauma que no impliquen la negación, la represión o la disociación. Una
Reflexiones polémicas sobre el maltrato. Algunos feed-backs de un seminario titulado “narrativas de amor, narraciones de maltrato”
Authors: Linares Juan Luis
Published: May 2021

Artículo sobre maltrato, donde el autor expone las bases teóricas de su módelo de abordaje al maltrato. Casos.
Tratamiento y prevención de la violencia de género desde un programa municipal dirigido a mujeres
Authors: Calle Soledad , Pérez-Portabella Monserrat , Salido Carmen
Published: May 2021

Este artículo trata sobre la importancia del tratamiento y la prevención de la violencia de género, con un programa dirigido a mujeres, para mejorar la vida de aquellas mujeres que sufren la violencia de sus parejas.
Una perspectiva cultural de la resistencia
Authors: Reid Theodore
Published: May 2021

El propósito de este artículo es demostrar que los valores culturales inconscientes son una fuente no reconocida de resistencia. Desde esta perspectiva, la resistencia puede ser un resultado del conflicto del paciente entre los valores culturales inconscientes y los valores contraídos conscientemente o, puede ser resultado del conflicto entre los valores culturales (inconscientes) del terapeuta y del paciente. Estas causas de resistencia pueden operar en situaciones en las cuales el terapeuta y el paciente comparten parámetros tales como la raza y la clase.
Una perspectiva constructivista de la cognición: implicaciones para las terapias cognitivas
Authors: Feixas Guillem
Published: May 2021

Desde la epistemología constructivista se considera la cognición como la actividad básica del vivir: interpretar la experiencia, otorgar significado al flujo de los acontecimientos. Por tanto, no se la ve como una actividad intelectual, racional o mental sino holística porque implica al sujeto en su totalidad; aunque se pueda manifestar en forma de pensamientos, emociones, imágenes, etc. Las distintas terapias cognitivas de inspiración constructivista comparten la visión de la persona como un agente que construye de forma proactiva los acontecimientos, incorporando los significados generados en un sistema cuyo núcleo es el sentido de identidad. Los esfuerzos para promover el cambio pueden provocar resistencias a menos que se armonicen con la necesidad esencial de la persona de proteger su sentido de identidad, continuidad y, en consecuencia, su unicidad.
Resultados de una psicoterapia humanístico-existencial: un homenaje a rollo may
Authors: Bugental James F.T.
Published: May 2021

El sentido de la vida no es otro que el de aceptar las circunstancias inexorables que la configuran, transformándolas en las condiciones de una creación propia. Con este objetivo, la terapia trata de convertirse en un camino para llegar a experimentar la propia existencia como real, siendo consciente de las propias potencialidades y conseguir ser capaz de actuar en base a ellas.
Viaje al país de nunca jamás: trastornos alimentarios y conflictos en torno a la identidad sexual
Authors: Pubill María José
Published: May 2021

Las narrativas de la anorexia versan sobre la identidad de ser mujer en un contexto social determinado, en el que el cuerpo (sobre todo, el femenino) se convierte en un objeto “para el otro” y, en consecuencia un objeto alienado. Un objeto del deseo masculino, de la competencia femenina, del éxito social y profesional, del consumo de toda serie de productos cosméticos, dietéticos, de moda, e incluso de salud. La anorexia aparece como un desarrollo posible en la encrucijada del momento evolutivo -la adolescencia- en el que se pone en juego la propia identidad sexual.
Bulimia: ¿cómo llenar un vacio existencial? Una aproximación a los trastornos de la alimentación
Authors: Mallor Plou Pilar
Published: May 2021

Este artículo considera los trastornos alimentarios desde una perspectiva evolutiva y existencial como manifestación de una dificultad para otorgar significado a la propia existencia. Diversos testimonios de pacientes anoréxicas y bulímicas sirven de hilo conductor al desarrollo del entramado argumental.
Inteligencia emocional en psicología clínica y en psicoterapia
Authors: Oberst Ursula , Lizeretti Natale
Published: May 2021

Este artículo presenta una revisión del estado actual del concepto de la Inteligencia Emocional (IE), tanto en su conceptualización teórica como en su aplicación en el ámbito de la psicología clínica y de la psicoterapia. Se presentan los dos principales modelos teóricos de la Inteligencia Emocional y sus instrumentos de medida y se hace una breve revisión crítica de las investigaciones empíricas al respecto. Después se revisa lo que hasta ahora se ha conjeturado e investigado respecto a la relación entre Inteligencia Emocional y los trastornos mentales y de personalidad. El último apartado discute la posible utilidad de aplicar los modelos de Inteligencia Emocional a la práctica de la psicoterapia.
La relevancia de la inteligencia emocional para la psicología clínica. Inteligencia emocional y alexitimia
Authors: Parker James D.A. , Wood Laura M. , Eastabrook Jennifer M.
Published: May 2021

Este artículo examina la relevancia del constructo de inteligencia emocional (IE) para la psicología clínica. Aunque exista poca investigación directa sobre el constructo de Inteligencia Emocional, varios constructos relacionados con ella han generado una cierta cantidad de literatura en el ámbito de la psicología clínica, particularmente él de alexitimia. Aunque inicialmente se ha asociado con pacientes con problemas psicosomáticos, alexitimia se ha vinculado a una variedad de trastornos clínicos. En varias poblaciones no clínicas se ha asociado también con una variedad de problemas de salud y estilo de vida, igual que con problemas interpersonales. Individuos que puntúan alto en medidas de alexitimia muchas veces son clientes poco aptos para muchas formas de psicoterapias que trabajan con insight. Como respuesta a esto, varios psicoterapeutas han adaptado formas de psicoterapia existentes para trabajar con estos individuos. Como se resume en este artículo, estas modificaciones intentan mejorar la capacidad del cliente para tomar conciencia de sus problemas para procesar y experimentar emociones. En el presente artículo también se describen técnicas especialmente recomendables para la intervención con grupos de pacientes.
Sincretismo, eclectismo e integración en psicoterapia
Authors: Villegas Manuel
Published: May 2021

Ante la evidencia del progresivo acercamiento de distintos modelos terapéuticos en la práctica clínica y la equiparación de sus resultados en los estudios sobre eficacia terapéutica se produce una aceptación creciente por parte de profesionales y teóricos de los puntos de vista eclécticos. Sin embargo, el concepto de eclecticismo no está bien definido y se presta a muchas confusiones. El artículo desarrolla un primer intento de categorización, distinguiendo entre sincretismo, eclecticismo e integracionismo, plantea posibles alternativas y termina proponiendo un modelo integrativo en base a una perspectiva metateórica.
La psicoterapia como proceso reconstructivo: implicaciones de las teorías integrativas para la investigación de resultados
Authors: Harter Stephanie
Published: May 2021

La investigación de resultados en psicoterapia no ha conseguido encontrar diferencias consistentes entre la efectividad de diferentes enfoques terapéuticos. En este artículo se propone la aplicación de la metateoría constructivista a la investigación psicoterapéutica como posible salida ante este impasse. La falta de un marco teórico de referencia coherente ha limitado la investigación, dando lugar a grupos de comparación mal definidos y conceptualmente indistinguibles. A pesar de que la hipótesis de los factores comunes de Frank (1982) aporta una explicación potencial a la efectividad de enfoques de tratamiento divergentes, no facilita la descripción comprehensiva de los procesos de cambio humano necesaria para predecir los factores que pudieran incrementar la efectividad terapéutica. La teoría de constructos personales (Kelly, 1955) y otros enfoques constructivistas compatibles con ella, aportan un marco de referencia heurístico más com¬prehensivo que no sólo da cuenta de la efectividad de diferentes enfoques, sino que también sugiere estrategias potenciales para maximizar tal efectividad.
Tratamiento de un caso de depresión y alcoholismo. Integración complementaria de psicoterapia y terapia conductual.
Authors: Moreno J. Garcia
Published: May 2021

Un caso de depresión y alcoholismo moderado, pero progresivamente compulsivo, fue tratado conjuntamente con Terapia Psicodinámica y "Sensibilización Encubierta" (Upper y Cautela, 1983), consiguiéndose una mejoría de la depresión, con niveles tolerables por la paciente, y una eliminación del alcoholismo, manteniéndose así durante el seguimiento de seis meses. Probablemente sea interesante en casos parecidos juntar la efectividad holística de la Psicoterapia con la efectividad puntual de la Terapia Conductual.
Metateoría constructivista: implicaciones para la psicoterapia
Authors: J. Mahoey Michael
Published: May 2021

En este artículo se pasa revista brevemente a las implicaciones de la metateoría constructivista para la conceptualización y la práctica de la psicoterapia. Se sostiene que el terapeuta constructivista construye a su cliente como un proceso activo y en continuo desarrollo, y que los problemas psicológicos se enfocan no como fallos fragmentarios o deficiencias, sino como expresiones de las discrepancias normales entre las capacidades de adaptación del individuo y los retos a que tiene que enfrentarse. De esta forma, el proceso psicoterapéutico se considera como un experimento de ensayo y error sobre diferentes (nuevas) formas de "estar en el mundo". Desde un punto de vista ideal, terapeuta y cliente crean una alianza terapéutica íntima y emocionalmente densa, en la que y a través de la cual puede el cliente experimentar y explorarse a sí mismo y al mundo que le rodea. Estos aspectos prácticos encajan perfectamente con gran parte de los presupuestos de las principales metateorías psicoterapéuticas, por lo que se considera que la metateoría constructivista puede ser útil solamente en la medida en que facilita los intentos de integración conceptual.
De la revolución cognitiva a la intervención sistémica en términos de complejidad: la relación entre teoría y práctica en la evolución de un terapeuta cognitivo
Authors: Guidano Vittorino F.
Published: May 2021

En este artículo el Dr. Guidano repasa las vicisitudes de su propia trayectoria intelectual en la práctica de la psicoterapia, desde el conductismo al cognitivismo racionalista y de éste al cognitivismo sistémico.
Nota informativa sobre el encuentro anual de la SEPI (Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration)
Authors: Feixas i Viaplana Guillem
Published: May 2021

Nota informativa encuentro anual SEPI
Comentario de libros
Authors: Botella Lluis
Published: May 2021

FEIXAS, G., Y VILLEGAS, M. (1990). Constructivismo y Psicoterapia. Barcelona: Promociones y Publicaciones Universitarias.