bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retrospective Analysis of Point-of-Care and Laboratory-Based Hemoglobin A1c Testing
Authors: Clark Jennifer L , Rao Lokinendi V
Published: July 2018

Background

Glycemic control is essential to diabetic management, and hemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c) has long been used for this purpose. Though laboratory-based testing is standard, point-of-care (POC) systems provide rapid results in clinic, allowing more timely patient management. A negative bias with POC testing has been observed, and our aim is to further characterize these discrepancies at our institution.

Methods

A medical record search identified patients who underwent laboratory-based and/or POC Hb A1c testing (DCA Vantage™) at our medical center from July 2015 to April 2016. Patients who underwent both tests within 30 days were grouped by age, sex, and test interval (same day, <1 day, ≤15 days, or ≤30 days). Mean laboratory-based and POC values were compared using the paired t-test. Correlation statistics were determined using the Deming regression.

Results

In total, 40503 data points were gathered from the database, comprising 28555 laboratory-based Hb A1c tests and 11948 POC-based Hb A1c tests. A total of 28292 unique patients were identified, of which 493 underwent both tests within 30 days. While DCA and laboratory-based testing was highly correlated, there was a mean negative bias of 0.18% with POC testing. Bias was greater for women [0.17% higher (95% CI, 0.063%–0.284%), P = 0.002] and children aged 0–13 years [0.52% higher (95% CI, 0.141%–0.891%), P = 0.007].

Conclusions

There is a consistent negative bias with POC testing, most pronounced in the female and pediatric populations. Further studies will determine what variables contribute to this discrepancy and how clinical management is modified. POC testing using the DCA Vantage should be interpreted cautiously.
Near-Patient Thrombin Generation in Patients Undergoing Elective Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Moorlag Martijn , Schurgers Evelien , Krishnamoorthy Ganeshram , Bouwhuis Anne , Lindhout Theo , Kelchtermans Hilde , Lance Marcus D , de Laat Bas
Published: July 2018

Background

Measuring thrombin generation (TG) in plasma increasingly gained attention as a diagnostic tool in the field of thrombosis and hemostasis. To include the contribution of all blood cells, recently, the whole blood TG method was developed.

Methods

We changed the calculation method of the standard calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) to a method only taking into account the data until the peak of TG, thereby considerably reducing the time from blood draw to result. By redesigning the method, the blood volume per test was reduced to 15 μL.

Results

For all TG parameters, the interassay variation proved to be below 15%. The interindividual variation of all parameters was comparable to the CAT method. Thirty-three patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery were included to investigate whether our assay correlates with postoperative blood loss. On dividing patients into severe and mild bleeders, significant differences between both groups were found for the peak endogenous thrombin potential (peakETP) and peak values determined by our near-patient device. Importantly, patients with a peakETP below the median experienced significantly more blood loss compared to those with a peakETP above the median. A similar division based on the peak as well as the body mass index of the patient yielded similar significant differences. A combination of the peakETP, the body mass index, and the lag time even resulted in a better predictor of blood loss compared to each parameter separately.

Conclusions

Our adapted whole blood TG assay can be used near patients and is indicative for the amount of blood loss post cardiothoracic surgery.
Comparison of the Alere i and BD Veritor Assays for the Rapid Detection of Influenza A and B Viruses
Authors: Berry Gregory J , Oladipo Olajumoke , Wittnebert Debbie , Loeffelholz Michael J , Petersen John R
Published: July 2018

Background

The use of point-of care testing (POCT) in patient management decisions is becoming increasingly common. Our goal was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 2 commercially available rapid POCT devices for influenza viruses A and B: the Alere™ i Instrument (Alere, Scarborough) and the BD Veritor™ System (BD Diagnostics).

Methods

Paired nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from patients (18–71 years) presenting with influenza-like symptoms at 3 outpatient clinics. A total of 65 samples were obtained. The Alere i and BD Veritor were performed according to the manufacturers' instructions. Discordant results were resolved using real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR).

Results

In a head-to-head comparison involving symptomatic adult patients visiting outpatient clinics during the 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 influenza seasons, the Alere i and BD Veritor had 90.63% agreement in the detection of influenza A virus and a statistically significant observed κ coefficient of 0.754 (P <0.0001). Discordant results between the Alere i and BD Veritor were further investigated using RT-PCR, showing that the BD Veritor missed 5 positive influenza A virus results (false negatives) and detected 1 false positive, while the Alere i results agreed with all RT-PCR results. There were no discordant results between the Alere i and BD Veritor in the detection of influenza B virus.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the Alere i has higher sensitivity and specificity than the BD Veritor in the detection of influenza A virus. Both assays showed equal performance in the detection of influenza B virus.
Automated Sample Preparation Enables LC-MS/MS as a Routine Diagnostic Analysis for Serum Testosterone
Authors: Stone Judith A , van Staveren Dave R , Fitzerald Robert L
Published: July 2018

Background

The advantage of LC-MS/MS for analyzing serum testosterone in female, pediatric, and hypogonadal male patient samples is well accepted (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2010;95:4542–8). However, many clinical laboratories still use testosterone immunoassays because of the technical challenges of LC-MS/MS (Clin Chem 2010;56:1234–44). Although LC-MS/MS has been shown to have better accuracy and specificity than immunoassay, better reproducibility has been more elusive because of the complexities of sample preparation (Clin Chem 2008;54:1290–7; Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2013;14:185–205).

Methods

We evaluated replacing automated immunoassay with LC-MS/MS for all testosterone analyses at the University of California San Diego Health System Center for Advanced Laboratory Medicine. We used a novel extraction media, AC Extraction Plate™ (AC Plate), from Tecan Schweiz with automated liquid handling for LC-MS/MS sample preparation. We modified the existing vendor application and validated the method for matrix effect, recovery, precision, trueness [accuracy relative to certified reference material (CRM)], specificity, reportable range, sample stability, and correlation with other methods.

Results

Method performance was excellent, with a reportable range of 4–1560 ng/dL (0.14–54.13 nmol/L), between-day CV <6%, mean accuracy for CRM of <4.0% bias, no interference from hemolysis, icterus, lipemia, serum separator tube gel, or common steroids/metabolites, and mean bias of 1.3% vs 4 other LC-MS/MS testosterone methods. A retrospective analysis of calibration stability suggests that sparse and/or historical calibration is feasible for routine use.

Conclusions

We conclude that automated extraction with the AC Plate and a focus on robustness during method development delivered ease of use and method performance consistent with adopting LC-MS/MS for all testosterone testing.
Validation of a Capillary Electrophoresis Assay for Monitoring Iodine Nutrition in Populations for Prevention of Iodine Deficiency: An Interlaboratory Method Comparison
Authors: de Macedo Adriana Nori , Macri Joseph , Hudecki Patricia L , Saoi Michelle , McQueen Matthew J , Britz-McKibbin Philip
Published: July 2018

Background

A capillary electrophoresis (CE) assay was recently introduced as a new method for monitoring iodine nutrition in large-scale epidemiological studies. However, further tests revealed unanticipated matrix-dependent interferences when analyzing submicromolar levels of iodide in human urine as the predominate ionic form of dietary iodine. Herein, we describe a rigorous validation study that was used to identify sources of bias and establish modifications to the original CE method to improve method accuracy.

Methods

An interlaboratory method comparison using CE with UV detection and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was performed to quantify urinary iodide concentrations (n = 71) independently at McMaster University and Hamilton General Hospital, as well as the CDC as part of their quality assurance program. A positive bias in the original CE method was indicated, and buffer conditions were subsequently optimized to overcome matrix interferences for reliable iodine status determination.

Results

Positive bias in CE was attributed to variable concentrations of sulfate, a major urinary anion interference with similar mobility to iodide under the conditions originally reported. By increasing the concentration of α-cyclodextrin in the background electrolyte, the CE method was able to tolerate urinary sulfate over its normal physiological range without loss in signal response for iodide. The optimized CE assay generated results that were consistent with ICP-MS using 2 different internal standards (187Re and 130Te) with a median bias under 10%.

Conclusions

CE offers a simple, selective, and cost-effective separation platform for surveillance of the iodine status of a population requiring only small volumes (<10 μL) of biobanked urine specimens, which is comparable to previously validated screening methods currently used in global health initiatives for prevention of iodine deficiency disorders.
Opiate & Benzodiazepine Confirmations: To Hydrolyze or Not to Hydrolyze is the Question
Authors: Johnson-Davis Kamisha L
Published: July 2018

Background

Opiates/opioids and benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed drug therapies for acute and chronic pain. Urine drug testing is often employed to assess adherence to these mediations. Opioids and benzodiazepines are drug classes that undergo extensive metabolism through glucuronidation/sulfation. Conjugated glucuronide and sulfate drug metabolites can be difficult to detect by immunoassay and mass spectrometry methods. Consequently, false-negative or false-positive results can have a damaging impact on patient care. A common dilemma among drug-testing laboratories is whether to perform preanalytical hydrolysis to increase detection of drugs that are highly conjugated as metabolites.

Methods

The purpose of hydrolysis is to cleave the glucuronide or sulfate compounds to enhance analyte detection by increasing the parent drug concentration of those drugs that are primarily metabolized by glucuronidation or sulfation. Hydrolysis procedures can be performed by acid, base, or enzyme sources (β-glucuronidase).

Results

Preanalytical hydrolysis can improve the overall detection of most opioids and benzodiazepine drugs. However, the limitation of this procedure is that the process can be time-consuming and prolong the turnaround time to result. In addition, chemical hydrolysis has the potential to degrade opioid and benzodiazepine drugs, whereas incomplete hydrolysis and variable hydrolysis efficiencies can occur with an enzymatic approach.

Conclusions

Preanalytical hydrolysis can improve the sensitivity of drug detection for drug classes such as opiates/opioids and benzodiazepines, which are highly metabolized by glucuronidation and sulfation and should be implemented in analytical procedures to convert conjugated metabolites into the free (unbound) form.
New Bugs and New Drugs: Updates in Clinical Microbiology
Authors: Lainhart William , Yarbrough Melanie L , Jean Sophonie , Burnham Carey-Ann D
Published: July 2018

Background

The landscape of clinical microbiology laboratories is changing. As new technologies are introduced, we are better able to detect and identify pathogens and to recognize and characterize emerging antimicrobial resistance mechanisms.

Content

In this review, a selected cross-section of current hot topics in clinical microbiology is discussed. These topics include (a) diagnostics for urinary tract and sexually transmitted infections; (b) phenotypic and genotypic methods of detecting carbapenem resistance and discussion of newly approved anti-infective agents for these multi-drug resistant organisms; and (c) the significance, epidemiology, and identification of the emerging pathogens Mycobacterium chimaera and Candida auris.

Communication between clinical microbiologists and their clinical colleagues is imperative to convey the significance of emerging pathogens and resistance determinants, as well as the performance characteristics of new diagnostic methods. Additionally, as antimicrobial resistance is surging, it is important to comprehensively evaluate the resistance profiles of clinical isolates to facilitate antimicrobial stewardship and inform infection prevention measures. Although antimicrobial resistance is a global public health crisis, it is encouraging that new anti-infective agents are in the pipeline and being approved for use in patients.
Removing Cerebrospinal Fluid Antibody Orders from the Test Menu Results in a Dramatic Decrease in Order Volume
Authors: Beal Stacy G , Tremblay Elizabeth , Harris Neil , Rand Kenneth
Published: July 2018

Background

Antibody tests for Borrelia burgdorferi (agent of Lyme disease), Toxoplasma gondii, and cytomegalovirus in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are rarely useful. One reason for misutilization of laboratory tests is simply the convenience offered by a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system.

Methods

The cytomegalovirus (CMV) antibodies-CSF, B. burgdorferi antibodies-CSF, and T. gondii antibodies-CSF orders were removed from the test menu. A provider could still order these tests using a miscellaneous order. We collected monthly volumes of test orders before and after the tests were removed from the CPOE.

Results

Orders for CSF antibody testing for B. burgdorferi, T. gondii, and CMV decreased by 91%, 93%, and 98%, respectively (P < 0.01), after they were removed from the CPOE test menu. This result correlates to a savings of $50053.44 per year. Additionally, we did not see a paradoxical increase in CMV PCR or T. gondii PCR orders after the intervention.

Conclusions

Removal of test orders from the CPOE dramatically decreased test order volume, which led to substantial cost savings and availability of CSF for more useful tests. There was no compensatory increase in order volume for related tests, indicating that providers were not looking for alternate tests.
Evaluation of Pain and Specimen Quality by Use of a Novel 25-Gauge Blood Collection Set With Ultra-Thin Wall Cannula and 5-Bevel Tip Design
Authors: Mouser Amy , Uettwiller-Geiger Denise , Plokhoy Elizabeth , Berube Julie , Ahuja Aparna Jha , Stankovic Ana K
Published: July 2018

Background

Phlebotomy has significant impact on overall patient satisfaction. Smaller gauge needles, such as a 25 gauge, may lessen patient discomfort but increase hemolysis and tube-filling times. Our studies evaluated the effect of a 5-bevel, 25-gauge blood collection set (BCS) with ultra-thin wall cannula [BD Vacutainer® UltraTouch™ Push Button BCS (UltraTouch)] on patient pain and anxiety compared with two 3-bevel, thin-wall, 23-gauge BCSs [BD Vacutainer® Safety-Lok™ (Safety-Lok) and Greiner Bio-One Vacuette® (Vacuette)]. Our studies also evaluated the 25-gauge UltraTouch for sample quality and tube filling compared with the 3-bevel, thin-wall, 23-gauge BD Vacutainer Push Button BCS.

Methods

We conducted 2 studies with 214 subjects to compare pain and anxiety regarding future phlebotomy with the 3 aforementioned devices. Another study with 52 subjects assessed hemolysis in specimens collected with the UltraTouch and Push Button BCS; bench testing evaluated tube-filling times with these devices. A questionnaire captured pain upon needle insertion, overall pain, and anxiety regarding future phlebotomy. Hemolysis was evaluated visually, by Hemolysis Index and hemolysis-sensitive indicators potassium (K) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

Results

A statistically significant decrease was noted for overall pain with UltraTouch compared with Vacuette and with insertion pain compared with Safety-Lok. There was no significant difference in anxiety regarding future phlebotomy. No increase was observed in Hemolysis Index, K or LDH. Tube-filling times were comparable for each device.

Conclusions

The 25-gauge UltraTouch provided less overall pain compared with the 23-gauge Vacuette, less pain upon needle insertion than the 23-gauge Safety-Lok, and no compromise in specimen quality or flow rate.
Effectiveness of Laboratory Practices to Reduce Specimen Labeling Errors at the Time of Specimen Collection in Healthcare Settings: A Laboratory Medicine Best Practices (LMBP) Systematic Review
Authors: Sandhu Paramjit K , Bandyopadhyay Kakali , Hunt William , Taylor Thomas H , Birch Rebecca J , Krolak John , Ernst Dennis J
Published: July 2018

Background

Specimen labeling errors have long plagued the laboratory industry, putting patients at risk of transfusion-related death, medication errors, misdiagnosis, and patient mismanagement. Many interventions have been implemented and deemed to be effective in reducing specimen error rates. The objective of this review was to identify and evaluate the effectiveness of laboratory practices and interventions to develop evidence-based recommendations for the best laboratory practices to reduce labeling errors.

Content

The standardized Laboratory Medicine Best Practices InitiativeTM A-6 methods were used to conduct this systematic review. Total evidence included 12 studies published from 1990 to September 2015. Combined data from 7 studies found that the interventions developed from improved communication and collaboration between the laboratory and clinical staff resulted in substantial decreases in specimen labeling errors [median relative percent change in labeling errors: −75.86; interquartile interval (IQI): −84.77, −58.00]. Further data from the subset of 4 studies showed a significant decrease in specimen labeling errors after the institution of the standardized specimen labeling protocols (median relative percent decrease in specimen labeling errors: −72.45; IQI: −83.25, −46.50).

Based on the evidence included in this review, interventions that enhance communication and collaboration between laboratory and healthcare professionals can decrease the number of specimen identification errors in healthcare settings. However, more research is needed to make any conclusion on the effectiveness of other evaluated practices in this review, including training and education of the specimen collection staff, audit and feedback of labeling errors, and implementation of new technology (other than barcoding).
Lowering the Bar for Mass Spectrometry: A Comparison between Immunoassay and Rapid Time-of-Flight for Presumptive Screening of Drugs in Urine
Authors: Rasmussen Natalie N , Barker Adam , Strathmann Frederick G
Published: July 2018

Background

Immunoassay-based techniques and creatinine quantification have historically been the methods of choice for urine drug screening. Positive presumptive drug screen results are reflexed to more specific, confirmatory testing using gas or liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. False positives and false negatives with immunoassay techniques are common problems that have substantial down-stream consequences for patient care, laboratory operations, and total costs.

Methods

The final workflow included rapid enzymatic hydrolysis, rapid liquid chromatographic methods, and time-of-flight mass spectrometry for detection. In total, 84 drugs and metabolites were included and reported qualitatively using 11 isotopically labeled internal standards selected to represent compound classes, retention time, and expected abundances to control for method inefficiencies and matrix suppression/enhancement. The method performance validation included 420 individual urine specimens.

Results

Of the 420 samples screened by immunoassay, 117 failed to confirm by mass spectrometry and were immunoassay false positives. None of these 117 samples screened positive on the liquid chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-TOF-MS) assay. The LC-TOF-MS method failed to detect 1 sample in each of the following classes: buprenorphine, ethanol markers, and opiates owing to concentrations below the established cutoffs. Out of 579 samples, 275 (47.4%) screened positive by LC-TOF-MS for nicotine and at least 2 of its metabolites. Quantitative creatinine comparison to an existing Jaffe method yielded a slope of 0.91 and a correlation coefficient of 0.96.

Conclusions

We investigated whether immunoassay-based drug screening and creatinine quantification could be sufficiently replaced by a rapid LC-TOF-MS screen with higher specificity and accuracy than existing methods. The LC-LC-TOF-MS method is a sensitive and more specific way to screen for drugs, providing creatinine quantification and potential novel specimen validity testing with the inclusion of nicotine metabolites.
Evidence-Based Validation of Hemolysis Index Thresholds by Use of Retrospective Clinical Data
Authors: Mays James A , Greene Dina N , Merrill Anna E , Mathias Patrick C
Published: July 2018

Background

Semiquantitative hemolysis indices (HIs) are used by chemistry analyzers to measure sample integrity, but there is little standardization in HI reporting or validation of analyte-specific HI flagging. Additional methods of HI threshold validation are needed.

Methods

We retrospectively queried serum and plasma potassium measurements, HIs, and contemporaneous whole blood potassium measurements. Serum and plasma values were compared to whole blood values drawn within 6 h (n = 6422 pairs), and discrepancies between values were compared across HIs. We also retrieved orders of potassium-lowering medications occurring shortly after release of potassium results from hemolyzed samples.

Results

While nonhemolyzed samples showed high agreement, a significant percentage of released hemolyzed samples (36.1% of the most hemolyzed group) were discrepant by 1 mEq/L or more. In total, 15.5% of patients with an order from the hyperkalemia order set had the order after a hemolyzed value; the majority of those patients (42 of 46; 91.3%) received a potassium-lowering medication, most of whom did not have a redraw before drug administration.

Conclusions

Retrospective review of discrepancies identified marked inconsistencies among higher HI samples and identified opportunities for improving the laboratory reporting policy, offering a clinical validation of the HI thresholds for potassium. Clinicians generally treated patients with hemolyzed samples, underscoring the importance of maintaining sample quality.
Multicenter Evaluation of Helicobacter pylori IgG Antibody Seroprevalence Among Patients Seeking Clinical Care in the US
Authors: Jalaly Jalal B , Couturier Marc Roger , Burnham Carey-Ann D , Gronowski Ann M , Munigala Satish , Theel Elitza S
Published: July 2018

Background

Current American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) guidelines suggest that Helicobacter pylori serologic testing may be helpful to rule out H. pylori in areas with low disease prevalence. However, even in low prevalence regions, the positive predictive value of a positive serologic result remains low. Additionally, both the ACG and the American Gastroenterological Association recommend that this noninvasive testing be avoided entirely for patients 55 years and older.

Methods

The objective of this multicenter retrospective study was to assess H. pylori seroprevalence rates among symptomatic patients and serologic test utilization at the local, state, and national level. Submitted specimens were presumed to be collected from patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms suspicious for an H. pylori etiology. Results for H. pylori IgG serologic tests performed between 2005 and 2014 were collected from 5 medical centers. Data were evaluated in the context of professional practice guidelines, with a focus on patients ages 55 years and older.

Results

Nationwide seropositivity among symptomatic individuals is approximately 25%, and 4 of 5 centers reported decreasing seropositivity rates over this 10-year period. State-specific seropositivity among symptomatic patients ranged from 12.4% in the state of Washington to 33.9% in Mississippi.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that for 48 states >25% of all H. pylori serologic testing was performed in individuals ≥55 years. Despite recommendations to avoid serologic evaluation for H. pylori infection, this study indicates that serology continues to be used at high rates across age-groups.
Real-Time PCR to Detect α-1 Antitrypsin S and Z Alleles in Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Tissue
Authors: Pac Lincoln J , Cheeney Gregory , Westerhoff Maria , Konnick Eric Q , Greene Dina N , Lockwood Christina M
Published: July 2018

Background

α-1 Antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency is an autosomal recessive genetic disease with incomplete penetrance that can cause pulmonary and liver disease. Multiple methods are available to determine A1AT genotype using peripheral blood specimens, but none are validated to detect A1AT alleles in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue.

Methods

A real-time PCR assay was validated to detect the SERPINA1 S and Z alleles (NM_000295.4: c.863A>T, p.E288V and c.1096G>A, p.E366K, respectively) in FFPE liver tissue using allele-specific dual hybridization probes and melting curve analysis. Validation experiments were performed on genomic DNA samples (n = 11) with A1AT genotypes previously determined by orthogonal methods.

Results

The S and Z allele assays accurately genotyped all FFPE validation specimens that had a threshold cycle <32. Validation samples produced mean melting temperatures of 55.4 °C (SD = 0.30) for mutant S alleles, 48.6 °C (SD = 0.28) for non-S alleles, 61.2 °C (SD = 0.34) for mutant Z alleles, and 54.7 °C (SD = 0.19) for non-Z alleles. Samples failing to meet quality control parameters were infrequent.

Conclusions

Poor PCR amplification because of low nucleic acid concentration in small biopsy specimens and time-dependent degradation in specimens stored for extended periods were the most common reasons for assay failure. The ability to determine A1AT genotype from archived surgical pathology specimens can facilitate research on the role of A1AT globules in liver disease.
Arquisur Revista N° 7
Authors: Revista ARQUISUR
Published: July 2018

Arquisur Revista N° 7
Reflexiones y propuestas críticas: Los libros de texto y las finalidades de la enseñanza de la Historia
Authors: Abellán Fernández Jordi
Published: July 2018

Los libros de texto cumplen una función muy importante en la adquisición del conocimiento histórico y en la definición del trabajo docente, en muchos casos de forma velada. El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar un procedimiento de análisis que permita a los usuarios de los manuales disponer de información precisa y completa acerca de las intenciones educativas y los principios pedagógicos en que se sustentan. Con este cometido, en el artículo se propone una serie de pautas y criterios de valoración basados en las principales tradiciones curriculares e historiográficas y en un modelo de estructura conceptual sobre las finalidades de la enseñanza de la historia.
Las narrativas y las prácticas docentes: Repensando la práctica docente: ¿cómo analizar la sociedad hispanoamericana de los siglos XVI y XVII?
Authors: Reinares Juan Francisco
Published: July 2018

El objetivo de este trabajo es realizar una «investigación práctica de mi práctica de enseñanza» con el sentido que le da Ana Zavala (2008). Es por ello que se analiza la compleja conformación de la sociedad hispanoamericana durante los siglos XVI y XVII a través de la confrontación de diferentes fuentes bibliográficas. En este sentido, se lo vinculó con una experiencia personal realizada con esta problemática en la práctica docente de nivel superior en la cátedra Historia Americana I de la carrera de Profesorado en Historia de la Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias de la UNL (Santa Fe, Argentina), donde se identificaron las limitaciones y posibilidades de la propuesta elaborada y llevada a cabo. Dicha situación permitió reflexionar en torno a la propuesta de práctica sobre la temática trabajada, destacando la importancia que tiene revisar nuestras prácticas y reflexionar sobre ellas, para   pensar en alternativas y nuevas metodologías de trabajo.
Estudio Retrospectivo de casos de Hemoglobinuria Bacilar Diagnosticados en bovinos de la provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Authors: MICHELOUD Juan Francisco , SPATH Ernesto Martín , García JA , Cantón G J , Moreira A R , Odriozola E R
Published: July 2018

La hemoglobinuria bacilar (HB) es una enfermedad infectocontagiosa, aguda, producida Clostridium haemolyticum, que afecta principalmente a bovinos y es predispuesta por diferentes factores. En este artículo se realiza un estudio retrospectivo de los casos de HB diagnosticados en bovinos de la provincia de Buenos Aires, por el Servicio de Diagnóstico Veterinario Especializado de INTA Balcarce durante el período 1969-2015 y los casos reportados por veterinarios privados en el Programa de Interacción Profesional en el área de influencia del Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur del INTA durante el periodo 2001-2007. Se observó marcada estacionalidad de la enfermedad durante los meses de invierno y una asociación con un avanzado estado de preñez de los animales (88% de los casos). Solo en un 15,9 % de los casos se pudo confirmar una infestación simultánea con Fasciola hepatica en los rodeos donde se diagnosticó la enfermedad. En un 47,9 % de estos episodios los animales habían recibido previamente dos dosis de vacuna contra HB. HB es endémica e insidiosa en ciertas regiones de nuestro país. La información sobre algunos aspectos de su etiopatogenia y el control es escasa, dificultando su prevención. Estas áreas deberían ser exploradas en el futuro para tratar de mejorarlas.
Para una relectura de la critica a la razón de Theodor W. Adorno y Max Horkheimer
Authors: Abril Francisco
Published: July 2018

La temática que se aborda en este artículo es la crítica a la razón elaborada por Max Horkheimer y Theodor W. Adorno en tres obras fundamentales: Dialéctica de la Ilustración, Crítica de la razón instrumental y Minima Moralia. Las preguntas que se buscan responder son las siguientes: ¿Constituye el pensamiento conjunto de los autores una crítica radical? Si así fuera, ¿no implicaría una serie de problemas meta teóricos y contradicciones (como ser, cuestionar a la razón que sirve de fundamento a su pensamiento)? El escrito se divide en dos partes. En la primera se abordan los motivos recurrentes de la crítica a la razón. En la segunda, se elabora una sucinta reconstrucción de dos interpretaciones contrapuestas de las obras mencionadas: por un lado, la de los miembros de la segunda generación de la Escuela de Frankfurt, en particular la de Jiirgen Habermas y la de Albrecht Wellmer; por otro lado, la del comentarista español Juan José Sánchez. El aporte teòrico de este artículo consiste en advertirle a este último autor que, en su justificado afán de distanciarse de la lectura habermasiana y de la postmoderna, termina debilitando el tono contradictorio y negativo de la filosofía conjunta de Adorno y Horkheimer.
La inasible experiencia de la Modernidad
Authors: Galfione María Verónica
Published: July 2018

Nuestro objetivo en el presente trabajo es enfatizar las tensiones que existen entre el uso de los conceptos de ironía y ensayo, que hace Lukács en El Alma y las formas, y el modo en que tales conceptos son empleados por Friedrich Schlegel, a fines del siglo XVIII. A tal efecto nos valdremos de las categorías de episteme moderna y episteme de las formas, tal como son formuladas por Elías Palti. Creemos que es posible, en virtud de ellas, detectar ciertas rupturas a nivel discursivo que permanecen ocultas bajo la aparente continuidad de algunos tópicos y cuyo desconocimiento dificulta la lectura de El alma y las Formas.
La conciencia pura del tiempo y el método analítico en la "Deducción trascendental de las categorías (A)” de Kant
Authors: Giovannini Eduardo N.
Published: July 2018

El objetivo del artículo es ofrecer una interpretación de la Deducción Transcendental de las Categorías (A) que ponga en relación dos de sus aspectos más distintivos y fundamentales: la referencia permanente al carácter temporal de la conciencia humana, y la utilización del método analítico de exposición. Se defenderá la tesis de que la conexión entre ambos aspectos es esencial, en tanto que es precisamente la adopción del método analítico lo que determina que se le confiera a la conciencia pura del tiempo un rol fundamental en la estructura del argumento. Con esta tesis se intenta ofrecer una lectura alternativa de la Deducción A, que se diferencie de la habitual según la cual la apelación constante de Kant a la representación pura del tiempo —y a las síntesis que lo hacen posible— es una consecuencia directa del carácter psicologista que la distingue.
Democracia deliberativa y ética del discurso
Authors: Prono Santiago N.
Published: July 2018

La teoría de la democracia deliberativa constituye una de las propuestas filosófico- políticas más importantes de los últimos años para la reconstrucción normativa del Estado democrático de derecho, y que, al igual que la ética del discurso, constituye una derivación teórica del enfoque de la racionalidad discursiva. Ahora bien, una cuestión que es necesario analizar es qué tipo de relación se plantea entre ambas teorías. Esta es una tarea pendiente, porque para algunos de los exponentes de tal teoría ética, ella parece asumir el rol de conducir y guiar de un modo exclusivo las decisiones políticas, lo cual implica una reducción de la Filosofía política al campo de la ética olvidando que dicha Filosofía, si bien presupone la ética, tiene sus propios principios. El presente artículo analiza entonces esta teoría política desde un punto de vista interno, señalando los problemas que podrían seguirse a partir de abordar filosóficamente el cuestión de la política democrática exclusivamente desde la perspectiva de la ética del discurso.
El realismo pragmático en la concepción habermasiana de la verdad
Authors: Candioti María Elena
Published: July 2018

En Verdad y Justificación Habermas presenta una reelaboración de la idea de verdad, señalando la insuficiencia de una concepción limitada a lo discursivo y expresa su intención de articular la perspectiva pragmático-trascendental con un naturalismo débil. El artículo analiza el alcance del “realismo pragmático” de base kantiana con el que Habermas intenta reforzar la diferencia respecto a las posiciones contextualistas, dando un lugar preponderante a los procesos de corrección y ajuste. En este sentido, se considera la incidencia de H. Putnam en el pensamiento habermasiano, especialmente en lo que concierne a una concepción del lenguaje que permite restituir a éste su función referencial, y a una nueva comprensión de la experiencia en cuanto lingüísticamente mediada. Finalmente se precisan las implicaciones de esta revisión de la idea de verdad tanto en el orden cognitivo como en el orden del discurso práctico y el modo en que quedan planteadas a partir de allí las relaciones entre verdad y justicia.
El método fenomenológico como posibilidad de integración entre ética y ontología
Authors: González Carmen
Published: July 2018

En el presente trabajo se tratará de mostrar de que modo la experiencia como momento fundamental del método fenomenológico permite recuperar el vínculo entre sujeto y mundo que el idealismo moderno puso en cuestión. Se señala también que, tanto en la filosofía de Husserl como en la de Scheler, esta misma experiencia tiene una carga, tal vez excesiva, en un caso de emocionalidad y en el otro de actividad intelectiva, pero ambas desvinculadas. Esta desvinculación de los dos momentos que integran el proceso cognoscitivo y experiencial —afección e intelección— es lo que impide el paso definitivo hacia la vinculación entre ética y ontología. Finalmente mostramos cómo en la filosofía de Karol Wojtyla es posible superar esta separación desde la recuperación del momento de experiencia de sí mismo, y, así, es posible volver a plantear la relación entre ontología y ética.
Comunidad, realidad y pragmatismo
Authors: Damiani Alberto M.
Published: July 2018

El propósito de este trabajo es explicar la concepción de la realidad sostenida por Charles Sanders Peirce. El trabajo comienza con una presentación de dicha concepción en tres artículos de Peirce: “The fixation of belief” (1877) y “How to make our ideas clear” (1878) and “Questions concerning certain faculties claimed for man” (1868). Luego se examinan algunas críticas a dicha concepción. La conclusión es que esas críticas dependen de una comprensión incorrecta de esta concepción.
El doble acceso fenomenológico-ético a la realidad del otro en la filosofía de Paul Ricoeur
Authors: Grassi Martín
Published: July 2018

Este trabajo pretende introducir al lector en la problemática de la intersubjetividad desde la perspectiva de Paul Ricoeur, considerando el doble acceso, ético y gnoseológico, a la realidad del otro. Se estudiará en primer lugar cómo, a los ojos de Ricouer, la fenomenología husserliana debe enfrentar su prueba más definitoria, la de la explicitación del fenómeno de la intersubjetividad, y cómo puede superarla. En segundo lugar, se mostrará cómo Ricoeur no reduce el acceso al otro a la constitución egológica, sino que, por el contrario, la subordina al a priori ético del respeto, que pone al otro como otro antes de cualquier tipo de constitución fenomenológica o de aproximación simpática. Es nuestra intención mostrar que no se trata en Ricouer de excluir ninguno de los dos accesos, sino que se trata de una fenomenología genética que rastrea lo extraño desde lo propio, atendiendo ante todo a la intencionalidad ética del hombre como lo definitorio en el orden intersubjetivo.
Signo y lenguaje
Authors: Scivoletto Gonzalo
Published: July 2018

Este trabajo forma parte de un estudio más amplio sobre la “hermenéutica trascendental” de Apel. En tal contexto, el estudio crítico de Lafont sobre Heidegger ofrece nuevas perspectivas sobre la cuestión del significado, la referencia, la verdad y la objetividad que están íntimamente conectados con la filosofía de Apel y su distinción entre constitución del sentido y justificación de la validez. En primer lugar, nos ocupamos de lo que Lafont denomina “idealismo lingüístico”. Luego, abordamos la crítica que la autora realiza a Ser y Tiempo, tomando como hilo conductor la cuestión del “signo” y la distinción “habla-lenguaje” (Rede-Sprache). En tercer lugar, tratamos el debate (entre la propia Lafont y Carman) sobre el carácter lingüístico o prelingüístico del significado. Finalizamos presentando algunas inquietudes respecto de una concepción de la referencia directa, defendida también por Apel.
Francisco José de Caldas y Thenorio y la arquitectura en la Nueva Granada
Authors: Villalobos Rubiano Jesús Antonio
Published: July 2018

El eminente científico neogranadino Francisco José de Caldas, prócer de la independencia de Colombia, se destaca por su legado científico, pero se ha dejado de lado una faceta de su vida: los aportes que realizó en el estudio, análisis, práctica y enseñanza de la arquitectura en la Nueva Granada. En el transcurso de sus viajes por el virreinato de la Nueva Granada, analizó las construcciones de las diferentes ciudades que visitó, a partir de su amplio conocimiento de Palladio y Vignola, como del estilo barroco, que para esa época se imponía. Igualmente, realiza descripciones de monumentos arqueológicos de la arquitectura inca emplazados en la Presidencia de Quito. Finalmente, como parte del ejército neogranadino, construye fortificaciones, fábricas de pólvora y cañones, y funda la primera academia militar donde se enseña por primera vez en Colombia, de manera oficial, Arquitectura.
Arte público y políticas culturales en el posconflicto: potencias, retos y límites
Authors: Roque Romero Adriana
Published: July 2018

En el presente artículo se aborda la pregunta sobre el lugar del arte en la coyuntura de la transición al posconflicto colombiano, en relación con las políticas culturales. Desde una aproximación teórica filosófica, se aborda las prácticas artísticas desde los planteamientos de régimen estético, política y reparto de lo sensible, del filósofo francés Jacques Rancière, para entender la potencia propia de las prácticas artísticas en el posconflicto como una potencia del disenso, de la apertura de espacios de novedad donde las narrativas, heridas y la constitución misma de la comunidad entran en cuestión. Para entender el lugar de las políticas culturales en este contexto, se plantea la posibilidad de pensar la importancia del arte público, con sus virtudes y peligros. Finalmente, se introduce la necesidad de repensar las políticas culturales para permitir expresiones y manifestaciones artísticas propias de una situación de transición y de posconflicto.
Construir la escena local. Apuestas y prácticas en las artes visuales de la ciudad de La Plata
Authors: David López Matías
Published: July 2018

A partir del concepto de “escena artística”, este artículo indaga en las características de los proyectos culturales de la ciudad de La Plata: los modos de gestión, las formas de articulación y las políticas estéticas. El análisis se focaliza en algunas situaciones y actores de la escena de las artes visuales para interrogar por la emergencia y potencialidad de los modos de producir y gestionar desde las prácticas locales alternativas, indagando en sus relaciones con las políticas culturales. Para ello, se recurre a las observaciones, mapeos y entrevistas en profundidad reveladas en el trabajo de campo. El objetivo es contribuir al análisis de los procesos culturales contemporáneos.
No hay quinto malo y no es un toro
Authors: Gómez Moreno Pedro Pablo
Published: July 2018

Llegamos al número cinco de Estudios Artísticos, emocionados por haber conseguido hasta la fecha publicar más de cuarenta artículos de interés. En este año (2018) hemos cambiado la periodicidad de la revista de anual a semestral como resultado de la confianza que los autores depositan en este proyecto editorial. Por otra parte, contamos ya con tres indexaciones internacionales: en La Red Iberoamericana de Innovación y Conocimiento Científico -REDIB, en el Directory of Open Acces Journal -DOAJ y en Actualidad Iberoamericana. Al mismo tiempo, nos preparamos para participar en la próxima convocatoria de PUBLINDEX en Colombia. Todo esto, unido a ajustes evidentes en el formato de nuestra versión impresa y configuración del equipo editorial, nos da la confianza suficiente para seguir trabajando en el posicionamiento académico de Estudios Artísticos: revista de investigación creadora, en el panorama de las revistas especializadas que piensan el arte desde el Sur Global.
Un arte disensual a partir de Jacques Rancière
Authors: González Vásquez Angélica
Published: July 2018

A partir de las teorizaciones del filósofo francés, Jacques Rancière, en este ensayo se indaga en la relación entre arte y política, particularmente en nociones tales como “interrupción”, “irrupción” o “disenso”. Lejos de entender arte y política como realidades separadas, se busca encontrar hilos de conexión y de tensión en donde cada espacio contiene sus propios principios de acción y de manifestación. Tomando elementos esenciales de la reflexión del filósofo francés, en el escrito se aborda la posibilidad de pensar el “nudo” polémico por el cual arte y política, en su propia especificidad, redistribuyen lo “sensible” de una comunidad, hacen visibles los sujetos y los objetos que antes no eran contados como partes; esto llevará en la parte final a reflexionar sobre las políticas actuales del arte posutópico
Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Takokak (Solanum Torvum) Ethanol Extract in Rats Exposed to 7,12-Dimethylbenz[A]Anthracene (Dmba)
Authors: Rahman Nur , Marliyati Sri Anna , Martua Damanik Muhammad Rizal , Anwar Faisal
Published: July 2018

Background: Takokak fruit (Solanum torvum) is a type of eggplant containing solasodin, solamargin, solasonin and other phytochemicals components with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of takokak ethanol extract on TNF-α, IL6, and SOD levels.Methods: Experimental factorial study design, with the effect of takokak extract concentration factor (0, 400 and 800 mg/kgBW), takokak extract administration time factor including preventive (weeks 1-7) and curative (weeks 6-12) administration, and necropsy factor (necropsy in weeks 12 and 16). The data obtained included rats body weight, TNF-α, IL-6 and SOD levels.Results: The result showed that the interaction between takokak concentration and handling has significant effect on the increase of TNF-α levels (p=0.003) and the decrease of IL-6 levels (p=0.000). Interaction between takokak concentration, handling and necropsy has significant effect on the increase of SOD levels (p=0.010).Conclusion: Takokak ethanol extract has significant effect on the increase of TNF-α, and SOD levels, and the decrease of IL-6 levels.
Profile of Hypospadias Cases in Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Maritska Ziske , Santosa Ardy , Ariani Mahayu Dewi , Juniarto Achmad Zulfa , Faradz Sultana MH
Published: July 2018

Background: Hypospadia is believed to be a multifactorial disease.  The risk factors that may induce the formation of hypospadias are environmental factors, endocrine disruptors, and genetic factors. The aim of this study was to describe the profile of hypospadias patients who visited the Center for Biomedical Research (CEBIOR), Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia.Methods: This study is an observational study, using patients’ medical record in CEBIOR from 2010 to 2012. The hypospadias cases were classified into syndromic, isolated and severe hypospadias based on their phenotype. The history of pregnancy, birth characteristics, and family history of the patients were described.Results: There were 120 cases of hypospadias, consisted of 48.33% severe hypospadias, 41.67% mild isolated hypospadias and 10% syndromic hypospadias. There were 38.33% hypospadias cases whose mothers were being exposed to repellant usage and 39.17% cases whose fathers were smoking. Forty (33.33%) probands’ mothers were aged above 35 years old when they gave birth to their affected son.Conclusion: Majority of hypospadias cases were severe and mild isolated. Environtmental factors including maternal age more than 35 years old, use of repellant, and smoking fathers were found in this study.
Effect of Nigella Sativa on IL-10 in MB Leprosy that Received MDT-WHO Therapy
Authors: Primasanti Febrina , Suryaatmadja Lewie , Djoko R. Sri
Published: July 2018

Background: Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease presents a broad clinical spectrum that is correlated with the immunological response of the patient, mainly related to Th1/Th2 cells. IL-10 is a major cytokine produced by Th2 cells inhibits imunostimulatory cytokine produced by Th1 cells. Suppressive effects of IL-10 in monocytes and cytokine synthesis by Th1 cells presumably because IL-10 has a general suppressive effect on immune function. Nigella sativa has a potent potentiating effect on cellular immunity through suppression of Th2 cells and IL-10, resulting in potentiation of Th1 cells. Method: The study design is a randomized pretest and posttest controlled design involving 40 subjects of MB leprosy patients. Serum levels of IL-10 were measured by ELISA. Result: The mean decrease in serum levels of IL-10 (IL-10 delta) in the treatment group (average fell 3.12 pg/ml) is greater than the control group (average rose 0.21 pg/ml), where the difference is statistically significant (p = 0.029). Nigella sativa giving significant correlation with a decrease in IL-10 compared to the control group (p=0.044, OR: 10.23). Conclusion: supplementation of Nigella sativa 3 x 1000 mg for 2 months in patients with MB leprosy can reduce levels of IL-10, thus increasing the cellular immune response in patients with MB leprosy.