bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommendations to Plan a National Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Haneef Romana , Schmidt Jürgen , Gallay Anne , Devleesschauwer Brecht , Grant Ian , Rommel Alexander , Wyper Grant MA , Oyen Herman Van , Hilderink Henk , Ziese Thomas , Newton John
Published: March 2021

Background: The InfAct (Information for Action) project is a European Commission Joint Action on Health Information which has promoted the potential role of burden of disease (BoD) approaches to improve the current European-Health Information System (EU-HIS). It has done so by raising awareness of the concept, the methods used to calculate estimates and their potential implications and uses in policymaking. The BoD approach is a systematic and scientific effort to quantify and compare the magnitude of health loss due to different diseases, injuries, and risk factors with estimates produced by demographic characteristics and geographies for specific points in time. Not all countries have the resources to undertake such work, and may therefore start with a more restricted objective, e.g., a limited number of diseases, or the use of simple measures of population health such as disease prevalence or life expectancy. The main objective to develop these recommendations was to facilitate those countries planning to start a national burden of disease study. Results: These recommendations could be considered as minimum requirements for those countries planning to start a BoD study and includes following elements: 1. Define the objectives of a burden of disease study within the context of your country, 2. Identify, communicate and secure the benefits of performing national burden of disease studies, 3. Secure access to the minimum required data sources, 4. Ensure the minimum required capacity and capability is available to carry out burden of disease study, 5. Establish a clear governance structure for the burden of disease study and stakeholder engagement/involvement, and 6. Choose the appropriate methodological approaches. These were guided by the results from our survey performed to identify the needs of European countries for BoD studies, a narrative overview from four European countries (Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands and Scotland) and the summary of a comparative study of country health profiles with national health statistics. Conclusions: These recommendations as minimum requirements would facilitate efforts by those European countries who intend to perform national BoD studies.
Brief Report: An Evolutionary Basis to Cancer Growth
Authors: Fini Mehdi , Gaucher Eric , Boutwell Brian , Nakagawa Takahiko , Wright Richard , Sanchez-Lozada Laura , Andrews Peter , Stenmark Kurt , Johnson Richard
Published: March 2021

Background. Recently we have reviewed the evidence that excessive intake of fructose, present in added sugars, may be a unique nutrient that stimulates tumor growth while also causing obesity and metabolic syndrome, thereby providing one of the reasons why obesity is associated with increased risk for various cancers. Prior studies have suggested that one of the reasons fructose increases the risk for cancer may be due in part to its metabolite uric acid, and both a meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization study confirm uric acid is a risk factor. Here we suggest that a mutation in uric acid metabolism may have provided survival advantage to our ancestors but ironically increase our risk for cancer today.Methods. Ancestral humans lost the gene uricase during the mid-Miocene where it led to higher uric acid levels that facilitated the effects of fructose to stimulate fat accumulation. Here we tested whether a loss of uricase would also facilitate tumor growth. Experiments were performed in mice in which uricase was inactivated by either knocking out the gene or by inhibiting uricase with oxonic acid. We also studied mice transgenic for uricase. These mice were injected with breast cancer cells and followed for 4 weeks.Results. The inhibition or knockout of uricase was associated with a remarkable increase in tumor growth and metastases. In contrast, transgenic uricase mice showed reduced tumor growth.Conclusion. A loss of uricase increases the risk for tumor growth. Prior studies have shown that the loss of the mutation facilitated the ability of fructose to increase fat which provided a survival advantage for our ancestors that came close to extinction from starvation in the mid Miocene. Today, however, excessive fructose intake is rampant and increasing our risk not only for obesity and metabolic syndrome, but also cancer. Obesity-associated cancer may be due, in part, to a mutation 15 million years ago that acted as a thrifty gene.
Predictors of Extubation Failure In Thymomatous Myasthenia Gravis Patient After Thymectomy: Ten Years of Data From A Tertiary Teaching Hospital In Mainland China
Authors: Du Anqi , Li Xiao , An Youzhong
Published: March 2021

Background: Thymectomy was consider to be the first line therapy for Patients with thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis(T-MG). But weaning is still a big challenge for MG patents, especially after surgery. The ideal time for extubation and the risk factors of extubation failure is uncertain. This study was to investigate the risk factors of extubation failure in T-MG patients after thymectomy.Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive T-MG patients admitted in intensive care unit after thymectomy and need mechanical ventilation at least 6h between January 2010 and December 2019. Weaning was according to a unified process. Extubation failure was defined as need for reintubation within 48h after extubation or death during ventilation. Univariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of extubation failure.Results: 38 patients were included. 13 patients (34.2%) were extubation failure and with longer ventilation duration (153 vs. 29 h, p < 0.05) and hospital stay (26 vs. 13 days, p < 0.05). Univariate regression shows the ratio of transsternal thymectomy, the incident of never or diaphragm injury during the surgery or the PTMC, atelectasis, pneumonia during ventilation (p<0.05). Furthermore, even passed SBT, a higher HR, RR and lower SpO2 also indicate high risk of exutbation failure(p<0.05).Conclusions: Extubation failure is relatively common in T-MG patients after thymectomy. Minimizing surgical trauma may contributes to successful extubation. But the incidence of PTMC or pulmonary compliances during ventilation was associate with high risk of extubation failure. A higher HR, RR and lower SpO2 after SBT and also can be a reliable indicator.
eDOTS: a new system applied for improving the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis patients from Kashgar villages and Urumqi streets in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Guo Gang , Sun Li , Wushoue Qimanguli , Jia Bin , Yusufu Muladier , Wen Shu , Abudureyimu Tuerhong , Peng Xiaowang , Liu ZhenJiang , Mamuti Xirizat , Chen Yanggui , Zhang Jian , Yang Yuling , Huangfu Liusheng , Li Jun , Zhang Wenbao
Published: March 2021

Background: Although the direct observed treatment strategy (DOTS) has been used for the control of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region for more than 30 years, the disease is still highly endemic in the region. To increase PTB treatment ability and control efficacy, we developed a new electronic DOTS (eDOTS) system for reminding, monitoring and educating PTB patients taking antibiotics.Methods: A total 167 cases with active PTB from Kashgar villages and Urumqi streets in Xinjiang were involved in the study referring to the criteria published by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China. All the participants in Kashgar or Urumqi were randomly assigned into eDOTS group or DOTS group. Among them, 81 patients were from Kashgar villages with 43 patients using eDOTS system and 38 patients with traditional DOTS as control. Eighty six patients were from Urumqi streets with 50 patients using eDOTS and 36 patients using DOTS. T test and ANOVA were used to compare the image scores and treatment compliance rates before and after treatment of these patients between groups.Findings: PTB patients from villages in Kashgar treated with DOTS showed only 27.9% the patients took TB antibiotics regularly. However, with help of village and hospital doctors through the eDOTS system, the medical compliance was increased to 77.2%. The treatment compliance of patients from township (100%) using eDOTS was significantly higher than that of those patients from the rural villages (48.8%) in the first 6 weeks (t=-32.781, p<0.001). The comparison of lung X-ray(DR) scores showed that the patients using eDOTS either from the villages or from township had significantly lower scores than these patients using DOTS by 1.81 points，95% CI (0.72-2.90) and 1.05 points, 95% CI (0.15-1.95) respectively after 25 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: eDOTS is an effective means for treating TB patients through daily reminding and monitoring TB patients taking antibiotics. Easy contact link with doctors and special education programs for encouraging patients finishing their treatment course can increase the treatment compliance, which is more conducive to improving the control efficacy of TB in remote and poor areas.
Clinical characteristics and survival of patients concurrently diagnosed with lung cancer and active pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Lee Hwa Young , Heo Jung Won , Kang Hye Seon , Kang Ji Young , Kim Jin Woo , Lee Sang Haak , Kim Seung Joon , Yeo Chang Dong
Published: March 2021

Background

Active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) occasionally coexists with lung cancer. However, the clinical and radiologic characteristics of this cooccurrence have not been fully evaluated.
Methods

Patients diagnosed with lung cancer and active pulmonary TB from January 2009 to December 2017 in four hospitals of the Catholic University of Korea were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical characteristics, including the TB diagnosis methods, lung cancer pathology, staging, initial radiographic features, and survival were analyzed and compared to 575 lung cancer patients without active pulmonary TB from the same hospitals.
Results

Forty-eight (0.48%) of the 9,936 lung cancer patients had active pulmonary TB confirmed by positive culture results or polymerase chain reaction analysis for M. tuberculosis at the time of the initial cancer diagnosis. The majority of the patients (95.9%) had non-small cell lung cancer and 56.2% of the lung cancers were located in the both upper lobes. In the initial computed tomography, the most frequent findings were a mass-like lesion (79.2%) and separate nodules (75%). When compared to lung cancer patients without TB, the body mass index (BMI) was lower (21.4 vs. 23.1, P = 0.001) in patients with TB. Moreover, the lung cancer patients with TB had advanced clinical stages compared to patients without TB; T3-4 (70.9% vs. 50.6%, P = 0.002), N2-3 (85.2% vs. 55.6%, P < 0.001); M1 (65.9% vs. 44.5%, P = 0.007). Patients' age, histology, location, and the presence of epidermal growth factor receptor mutations were not statistically different between the two groups. Interestingly, lung cancer with TB was associated with lower mortality (hazard ratio = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.2 1– 0.60).
Conclusions

Rarely diagnosed concurrent active tuberculosis in lung cancer patients was associated with lower BMI and advanced clinical stages. Active investigation of and treatment for active pulmonary TB in lung cancer patients could improve patient outcomes.
Extending resolution of structured illumination microscopy with sparse deconvolution
Authors: Zhao Weisong , Zhao Shiqun , Li Liuju , Huang Xiaoshuai , Xing Shijia , Zhang Yulin , Qiu Guohua , Han Zhenqian , Shang Yingxu , Sun De-en , Shan Chunyan , Wu Runlong , Zhang Shuwen , Chen Riwang , Xiao Jian , Mo Yanquan , Wang Jianyong , Ji Wi , Chen Xing , Ding Baoquan , Liu Yanmei , Mao Heng , Song Baoliang , Tan Jiubin , Liu Jian , Li Haoyu , Chen Liangyi
Published: March 2021

The spatial resolutions of live-cell super-resolution microscopes are limited by the maximum collected photon flux. Taking advantage of a priori knowledge of the sparsity and continuity of biological structures, we develop a deconvolution algorithm that further extends the resolution of super-resolution microscopes under the same photon budgets by nearly twofold. As a result, sparse structured illumination microscopy (Sparse-SIM) achieves ~60 nm resolution at a 564 Hz frame rate, allowing it to resolve intricate structural intermediates, including small vesicular fusion pores, ring-shaped nuclear pores formed by different nucleoporins, and relative movements between the inner and outer membranes of mitochondria in live cells. Likewise, sparse deconvolution can be used to increase the three-dimensional resolution and contrast of spinning-disc confocal-based SIM (SD-SIM), and operates under conditions with the insufficient signal-to-noise-ratio, all of which allows routine four-color, three-dimensional, ~90 nm resolution live-cell super-resolution imaging. Overall, sparse deconvolution may be a general tool to push the spatiotemporal resolution limits of live-cell fluorescence microscopy.
Conditioned medium from the stem cells of human exfoliated deciduous teeth ameliorates neuropathic pain in a partial sciatic nerve ligation model
Authors: Liu Yao , Kano Fumiya , Hashimoto Noboru , Xia Linze , Hibi Hideharu , Iwamoto Tsutomu , Matsuka Yoshizo , Tanaka Eiji , Yamamoto Akihito
Published: March 2021

BackgroundAlthough recent studies have revealed the powerful antinociceptive effect of human dental pulp stem cells in an animal model for diabetes and osteoarthritis, its analgesic mechanisms are still largely elusive. We have previously reported that conditioned medium (CM) from dental pulp stem cells of deciduous teeth (SHED-CM) or its components, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and the secreted ectodomain of sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin-9 (sSiglec-9), directly induces anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, however the antinociceptive activity of induced M2 is unknown. In this study, we investigated the antinociceptive effect of SHED-CM, MCP-1, and sSiglec-9 or secretome from M2-induced by SHED-CM (M2-CM) against neuropathic pain (NP) using a partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSL) mouse model and analyzed the mechanical bases of their antinociceptive effects. MethodsPSL mice were treated using SHED-CM with or without mannosylated-Clodrosome, specifically depleting M2 macrophages, recombinant MCP-1 and sSiglec-9 protein, M2-CM, or fibroblast-CM. Human Schwann cells activated by TNF-α in vitro were treated with M2-CM. The expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, neuroprotective factors, the nociceptive receptor, and markers for M1, M2, and activated glial cells in injured sciatic nerve (SCN), dorsal root ganglion, or spinal cord were evaluated by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Mechanical allodynia of PSL mice was analyzed via von Frey test. ResultsIn the behavioral test, intravenous administration of SHED-CM greatly improved the PSL-induced hypersensitivity. SHED-CM treatment recruited M2 macrophages in the injured SCN and ipsilateral L4/L5 dorsal root ganglion and suppressed microglial activation in the spinal cord. Speciﬁc depletion of the M2 by mannosylated-Clodrosome markedly reduced the antinociceptive effect of SHED-CM. Intravenous administration of both MCP-1/sSiglec-9 and M2-CM ameliorated the PSL-induced hypersensitivity. We found that M2-CM directly suppressed the expression of nociceptive receptors as well as proinflammatory mediators in Schwann cells. ConclusionTaken together, our data suggest that SHED-CM ameliorates NP through the induction of the analgesic anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. Thus, SHED-CM may present as a potential novel therapeutic candidate for NP.
CASP5 and CR1 as Potential Biomarkers for Kawasaki Disease: An Integrated Bioinformatics-Experimental Study
Authors: Rahmati Yazdan , Mollanoori Hasan , Najafi Sajad , Esmaeili Sajad , Alivand Mohammad-Reza
Published: March 2021

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a pediatric inflammatory disorder causes coronary artery complications. The disease overlapping manifestations with a set of symptomatically like diseases such as bacterial and viral infections, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, infection of unknown etiology, group-A streptococcal and adenoviral infections, and incomplete KD could lead to misdiagnosis of the disease. In the present study, we applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify network modules of co-expressed genes in GSE73464 and also, limma package was used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in KD expression arrays composed of GSE73464, GSE18606, GSE109351, and GSE68004. By merging the results of WGCNA and limma, we detected hub genes. Then, analyzed the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 16 patients and 8 control subjects using Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) to evaluate the previous results. We assessed the diagnostic potency of the screened genes by plotting the area under curve (AUC). We finally identified 2 genes CASP5 and CR1 which were shown to potentially discriminate KD from other similar diseases and also from healthy people. The results of RT-PCR and AUC confirmed the diagnostic potentials of two suggested biomarkers for KD.
Exploring the Contexts, Mechanisms and Outcomes of a Dental Anxiety Service in Norway: A Realist Evaluation
Authors: Bryne Emilie , Hean Sarah Catherine Patricia Duff , Evensen Kjersti Berge , Bull Vibeke Hervik
Published: March 2021

Background: Torture, abuse and dental phobia are often precursors to developing a pathological relationship with dental care due to elevated anxiety and the risk for re-traumatisation. Consequently, this patient group tends to avoid dental services, leaving them with severe tooth decay that affects both their general and psychosocial health. Norwegian dental services have implemented a specific dental service targeting this patient group, aiming to both alleviate their dental anxiety and restore their oral health. The outcomes of this service have been positive, but for this model to be transferrable to other national contexts, it is necessary not just to understand whether the service works, but also how and why it works. Therefore, this study developed theories on how the structure of the service alleviates dental anxiety and restores patients’ oral health. Although developed specifically in a Norwegian context, these theories may be applicable to other national and international contexts. Methods: This realist evaluation comprised sequential, multiple methods encompassing a review of service and policy documentation (n=12), followed by realist interviews with service developers and deliverers (n=12). Guided by a retroductive approach consisting of coding, cataloguing and configuring through content analyses and context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) heuristics, the analyses generated four programme theories.Results: First, the state-subsidised dental service affects service access and service uptake. Second, this service can be adapted and tailored to regional resources to meet the needs of the heterogenous patient group. Third, regional service teams are cohesive because of a lack of national communication and cooperative practice. Fourth, the complexity of migration processes and poor dissemination practices leads to poor recruitment of torture survivors to the service. Conclusions: The service follows a hybrid bottom-up, top-down approach, allowing teams to practise discretion and tailor their approach to meet individual needs. With its bi-dimensional structure, the service reaches a patient population that would otherwise avoid dental services. Service uptake is beneficial as patients report experiencing improved quality of life. However, the service is struggling to reach torture survivors, which may be attributable to multiple contextual factors. More research is therefore required to understand the lack of service uptake among torture survivors.
Effect of Hospital and Surgeon Volume on Hospital Costs for Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: HUA YECHU , Thirukumaran Caroline , Li Yue
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Higher hospital or surgeon volume is shown to be associated with better patient outcomes following primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, little research exists on the relationship between hospital and surgeon volume and inpatient costs of TKA. To explore the volume-cost relationship for primary TKA and to determine whether both hospital volume and surgeon volume are independently associated with lower inpatient costs. Methods: Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) claims data from the New York State Department of Health were used to identify 102,386 adults who underwent primary TKA from 2013 to 2016. Surgeon volume was defined as the number of TKA cases a surgeon had operated during the previous 365 days of the current case. Hospital volume was defined in a similar way. Hospital and surgeon volumes were categorized as tertile groups. Generalized linear models adjusted for patient, hospital, surgeon, and market covariates.Main Outcome Measures: Inpatient cost calculated as total charges multiplied by cost-to-charge ratios (CCR) and adjusted for inflation.Results: Compared with patients operated by low-volume surgeons in low-volume hospitals, patients of high-volume surgeons in high-volume hospitals had significantly lower inpatient costs (adjusted cost savings = $3,384 per TKA case, 95% confidence interval $3,184 - $3,583, P < 0.001). The inverse volume-cost relationship tended to be stronger in more recent years.Conclusions: TKAs performed at hospitals and by surgeons with higher volumes had significantly lower inpatient costs, especially in more recent years. Regionalization of TKA to high-volume hospitals and surgeons may achieve both better patient outcomes and cost savings.
rTMS and Suicidality in Adulthood; An Exploratory Open-Labeled Neuromodulative Approach to Battle Suicide
Authors: Sharifi Farshad , Mahjouri Mohammad Yoosef , Palizban Fahimeh , Arzaghi Seyed Masoud
Published: March 2021

Background: Suicidal attempts are one of the most critical issues with a huge burden on family and health systems all around the world. To decrease the hazardous outcomes of this issue, mental health systems are trying to apply the most effective and safe interventions. In this regard, repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS ) as a non-invasive approach could be a proper treatment approach. We investigated the impact of rTMS method on the treatment of the patients with suicidal ideation. For this purpose, the application of rTMS when integrating with Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA) data has been assessed.Methods: As an open-labeled study we enrolled 7 adult men who were recently rescued from suicidal attempts and referred to our psychiatric clinic for three consecutive months (2018). The severity of suicidal ideation was measured by the Beck Scale of Suicidal Ideation (SSI) and brain activity via Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (LORETA), administered at baseline and the end of the treatment course. Repetitive TMS was delivered to the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFC) with a ﬁgure-eight solid core coil at 110% motor threshold, 10 Hertz (Hz) and 4 second (s) train duration, (3000 pulses) (total 12 sessions; 36,000 stimuli). Six sessions daily and six sessions within two weeks were scheduled.Results: According to the results of psychiatric re-interview, LORETA, and SSI scores of all patients revealed an impressive and statistically significant decrease in suicidal ideation. No side effects were seen during the treatment course.Conclusions: Scheduled three consecutive weeks rTMS course was significantly effective in remitting acute suicidal ideation in adult men regardless of psychiatric diagnosis. Larger double-blinded studies must be conducted to validate the clinical usage of this safe and non-invasive treatment approach in the area of psychiatry.
Dynamic Instability in Young Adults with Symptomatic Hip Dysplasia: Analysis using a Computer-Assisted Image-Matching Procedure
Authors: Imai Hiroshi , Shiraishi Yoshitaka , Sakai Shinichiro , Miyawaki Joji , Mashima Naohiko , Miura Hiromasa
Published: March 2021

Background: Repeated microtrauma often causes damage to the periarticular soft tissues. This damage, together with the lack of acetabular bony coverage, such as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), can contribute to various degrees of dynamic instability of the hip joint and cause progressive osteoarthritic changesThe purpose of this study was to use an image-matching procedure to compare dynamic instability of the hip joint in patients with DDH who did or did not undergo periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). Methods: Six patients (6 hips) with symptomatic DDH were enrolled. A 6-month trial of nonsurgical management was initiated at the first visit. PAO was performed in 3 patients who experienced persistent pain after conservative treatment. The dynamic instability of all 6 hips was evaluated. Results: Japanese Orthopaedic Association hip scores improved significantly in all hips regardless of PAO. At the first visit, the center-edge angle, Sharp angle, vertical-center-anterior angle, and acetabular head index were not significantly different between the PAO and non-PAO groups. Dynamic instability was defined as the 3D translation of the femoral head center for the acetabular center at hip abduction angles from 0° to 30°. In the non-PAO group, the mean sagittal, axial, and coronal translations were 2.4 mm, 2.2 mm, and 1.1 mm, respectively, and in the PAO group they were 2.4 mm, 7.2 mm, and 2.7 mm, respectively. There was a significant difference in axial translation between the 2 groups. Conclusion:Dynamic instability leads to periarticular soft tissue damage and insufficient bony coverage, and causes progressive osteoarthritic changes. Dynamic instability in the axial plane induces persistent hip pain after nonsurgical management. Affected patients should undergo PAO as soon as possible.
Validity and Reliability Evidence of Professional Obsolescence Scale According to Different Test Theories
Authors: AKBABA ALTUN Sadegül , BÜYÜKÖZTÜRK Şener , YILDIRIM SEHERYELİ Merve
Published: March 2021

This study aims to develop a scale that will determine the factors causing professional obsolescence in the field of education. In this context, the Professional Obsolescence Scale (POS) has been developed to determine the professional and organizational obsolescence of primary, secondary and high school administrators. In this scale development process, steps were followed in line with the suggestions of Crocker and Algina (2006) and Cronbach (1984). Firstly, 63 items were prepared and 991 school principals participated the study. R (version 4.0.1) software was used to analyze the data. Item and test parameters and information functions have been estimated using Samejima’s Graded Response Model based on Item Response Theory. Principal Axis Analysis was performed for the construct validity of the scale, and four-dimensions structure with 47 items has been obtained. These dimensions are named as “Being Open to Professional Development”, “Job-Ability Harmony in Profession”, “Organizational Support in Professional Development”, “Professional Burnout”. The scores obtained from each dimension are evaluated within themselves. It has been observed that each dimension fulfills the conditions of unidimensionality, local independence, model-data fit and parameter invariance. According to the Classical Test Theory, Cronbach Alpha coefficients are between 0.807 and 0.945. The Stratified Alpha coefficient calculated for the whole scale is 0.94. According to the Item Response Theory, the marginal reliability coefficients were between 0.857 and 0.936 and the empirical reliability coefficients were found between 0.854 and 0.938.
‘Tommy goes out into the night to seek an elf’: o (des-)tecer e o (des-)dizer do sujeito nas obras de Robert Duncan e de Jess
Authors: Capinha Graça
Published: March 2021

Starting from Richard Feynman’s ideas on the meaning of it all and the notions of enthalpy and entropy, this paper discusses the question of an identity negative construction – an unweaving and unsaying of the self – in the works of poet Robert Duncan and his life-companion, the Chemistry graduate, and painter, Jess (Collins). In a political and sexual poetics, both artists deal with the violence of language in the construction of a model of representation that has no option but to confront the hegemonic discourse (as a way of struggling “with forms to liberate Form”, as Duncan would put it). Both artists deal with the catching of light (beauty/knowledge/wisdom) in the darkness, catching the fragments of a Whole (be it nation, community, love, or the Cosmos itself) that is permanently unreachable, and, yet, they know they are participating in its movement, in “It”. Their joint project of a grand collage composes a radical consciousness of alterity and performativity that takes a metonymic all-inclusive language as a democratic construction of the real.
Fios de memória que atravessam o mar
Authors: Schmidt Simone
Published: March 2021

From a feminist and decolonial approach, this article intends to analyze poems by two Portuguese-speaking authors: the Brazilian Conceição Evaristo and Odete Semedo, from Guinea-Bissau. In this comparative reading, we seek to highlight aspects of gender and race that are manifested in the poetics of the two authors, who, through their writing, bear witness of violence and inequalities experienced as consequences of Portuguese colonial history.
Espelho de Narciso ou de Oxum? A poesia erótica negro-brasileira antologizada
Authors: Silva Claudicélio Rodrigues da
Published: March 2021

This article discusses the representation of sexuality and eroticism in the poetry made by black Brazilian writers, having the anthology Pretumel de chama e gozo (2015), organized by Cuti and Akins Kintê, as its subject of study. What’s the point of producing a black erotic writing when the conservative and excludent political environment demands from black activism the fight for racial equality and black people’s insertion in several social instances? Isn’t eroticism in the service of violence and sexual exploitation of black bodies? How is it possible to think about a different kind of eroticism, that mitigates the stigma inherited from a slave society? The discussion undertaken here wants to point to investigative routes in black authorship eroticism more than answer the questions above.
Liturgische Theologie als Praxisreflexion. Qualitative Forschung unter Benediktineroblaten
Authors: Quartier Thomas
Published: March 2021

The relation between liturgical practice and theological reflection is by no means self-evident, especially in a secularized society. How can academic theology be rooted in liturgical life, and how can liturgical involvement play a vital role in the task of theology to reflect on liturgical tradition and practice? Liturgical theology is an attempt to bridge that gap between practice and reflection. The voice of practitioners as part of theological discourse is an important ingredient for this hermeneutical dialogue. Monastic life offers a space where liturgical and theological life can meet, especially in Benedictine abbeys. There, liturgical experience (theologia prima) is directly linked to theological reflection (theologia secunda), which leads to critical impulses for both, liturgy and theology, inside and outside abbey walls. Today, monastic communities are shrinking, but there is a growing interest in liturgical life among affiliated members of abbeys: the number of Benedictine oblates are growing. What is their view on liturgical experience, reflection and criticism? In this article, I present findings from a qualitative survey among fifty-three Dutch Benedictine oblates. Their answers are analyzed by coding procedures and interpreted theologically. They form an example of liturgical theology as practice-reflection.
Feasibility and Initial Outcomes of a Group-Based Teletherapy Psychiatric Day Program for Adults With Serious Mental Illness: Open, Nonrandomized Trial in the Context of COVID-19
Authors: Puspitasari Ajeng J , Heredia Dagoberto , Coombes Brandon J , Geske Jennifer R , Gentry Melanie T , Moore Wendy R , Sawchuk Craig N , Schak Kathryn M
Published: March 2021

Background

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, many behavioral health services have transitioned to teletherapy to continue delivering care for patients with mental illness. Studies that evaluate the outcome of this rapid teletherapy adoption and implementation are pertinent.

Objective

This single-arm, nonrandomized pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and initial patient-level outcomes of a psychiatric transitional day program that switched from an in-person group to a video teletherapy group during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Patients with transdiagnostic conditions who were at risk of psychiatric hospitalization were referred to the Adult Transitions Program (ATP) at a large academic medical center in the United States. ATP was a 3-week intensive outpatient program that implemented group teletherapy guided by cognitive and behavioral principles delivered daily for 3 hours per day. Feasibility was assessed via retention, attendance rate, and rate of securing aftercare appointments prior to ATP discharge. Patients completed standardized patient-reported outcome measures at admission and discharge to assess the effectiveness of the program for improving quality of mental health, depression, anxiety, and suicide risk.

Results

Patients (N=76) started the program between March and August of 2020. Feasibility was established, with 70 of the 76 patients (92%) completing the program and a mean attendance of 14.43 days (SD 1.22); also, 71 patients (95%) scheduled at least one behavioral health aftercare service prior to ATP discharge. All patient-level reported outcomes demonstrated significant improvements in depression (95% CI –3.6 to –6.2; Cohen d=0.77; P<.001), anxiety (95% CI –3.0 to –4.9; Cohen d=0.74; P<.001), overall suicide risk (95% CI –0.5 to –0.1; Cohen d=0.41; P=.02), wish to live (95% CI 0.3 to 1.0; Cohen d=0.39; P<.001), wish to die (95% CI –0.2 to –1.4; Cohen d=0.52; P=.01), and overall mental health (95% CI 1.5 to 4.5; Cohen d=0.39; P<.001) from admission to discharge.

Conclusions

Rapid adoption and implementation of a group-based teletherapy day program for adults at risk of psychiatric hospitalization appeared to be feasible and effective. Patients demonstrated high completion and attendance rates and reported significant improvements in psychosocial outcomes. Larger trials should be conducted to further evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of the program through randomized controlled trials.
Valoración del paisaje urbanoambiental de Juriquilla y Santa Rosa Jáuregui, Querétaro, México
Authors: Hernández Guerrero Juan Alfredo
Published: March 2021

Las ciudades están compuestas por paisajes dinámicos y heterogéneos de compleja valoración y disímil gestión urbana y ambiental. Para analizar esa complejidad, se valoró la calidad del paisaje urbano-ambiental de Juriquilla y Santa Rosa Jáuregui en la ciudad de Querétaro. Se emplearon videograbaciones del paisaje, indicadores urbanos y ambientales, interpolación de distancia inversa y evaluación multicriterio. En los resultados, Santa Rosa Jáuregui presentó baja calidad del paisaje urbano-ambiental y se identificaron zonas de atención prioritarias; en Juriquilla la calidad fue alta con zonas intermedias y de monitoreo. Se concluye con una propuesta replicable y de apoyo para la planeación territorial.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Educational Institutions and their Instructional Approaches
Authors: Neupane Bishal , Pishva Davar
Published: March 2021

This paper examines various impacts of COVID-19 on Educational Institutions and demonstrates the results of their counter measures. In particular, it focuses on their online educational counter measure strategies and critically analyzes the system in terms of their numerous advantages, disadvantages and information security loopholes. It considers the advent of COVID-19 as a trigger for the improvement of educational approaches and foresees the continuous role of online education even after COVID-19. It demonstrates how a natural blend of online and traditional educational approach can improve both educational quality, its user oriented flexibility as well as reduce the adverse impacts of limited resources. While showing its conveniences, various economic and educational benefits, it also examines associated numerous security risks. It identifies security loopholes of online education as the main obstacle for its successful continuous adoption and provides necessary guidelines for its counter measures at various levels.
CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT AS PREDICTORS OF DEPRESSIVE TENDENCIES AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN IDEATO NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF IMO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: BLESSING CHIOMA ISIGUZO , IFEOMA UGWUMSINACHI IGWE-OFOEKWE
Published: March 2021

This study investigated child abuse and neglect as predictors of depressive tendencies among adolescents in secondary schools in Ideato North Local Government Area (L.G.A.) of Imo State, Nigeria. The study adopted a correlational survey research design. Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The study population comprised all the public and private secondary school adolescents in Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State. The population consists of thirteen thousand seven hundred and fifteen (13,715) adolescent students in secondary schools. A sample of 1364 students was used for the study representing 10% of the entire population using the clustered sampling technique. A questionnaire titled Physical and Sexual Abuse Scale (PSAS) and Depressive Tendencies Scale (D.T.S.) were validated. The reliability coefficients of the instruments were 0.94 and 0.89, respectively using Cronbach alpha statistics, which guarantee the use of the instruments for the study. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to answer the research questions, while the two hypotheses were tested at a probability level of 0.05 using ANOVA. It was found out among others that physical and sexual abuses predict depressive tendencies among adolescent students. It was recommended that government should enact legislation against child abuse and neglect, there should be awareness programmes for children through a collaboration of parents and teachers/caregivers, principals should recognize the roles of educational psychologists and school counselors in the fight against sexual abuse and neglect, parents and guardians should also be properly enlightened through seminars and workshops by government and N.G.O.s to prevent and protect their children and wards against any forms of child abuse and neglect.
A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL AND INTERVENTIONAL STUDY ON THE ROLE OF DOCTOR OF PHARMACY/CLINICAL PHARMACIST IN IDENTIFICATION, REPORTING AND MINIMIZATION OF DRUG-RELATED PROBLEMS IN PULMONARY AND CARDIOLOGY DEPARTMENTS OF ESI HOSPITAL
Authors: GHANBARLOU NASIBEH , REKHA MEKKANTI MANASA , NAZI MAHSA
Published: March 2021

Objective: The present study aims at implementing the doctor of pharmacy services in the identification and reporting of drug-related problems in the in-patient units of cardiology and pulmonary medicine departments of ESI Hospital, Bangalore.

Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted from September 2018 to March 2019. Determination and categorization of drug-related problems (DRPs) were performed by the pharmacist using the PCNE classification scheme for drug-related problems V5.01. The DRPs identified by the pharmacist were reported and interventions made were subsequently recorded.

Results: 180 drug-related problems were identified in the study, among which the major problems were drug-drug interactions (13.88%), followed by generic substitution (10%). The mean drug-related problem per patient was found to be 1.06. A total of 196 interventions were made by the clinical pharmacists among which, 109 (55.61%), 56 (28.57%), 17 (8.67%) interventions were at the prescriber, drug, patient levels, and 14 (7.14%) cases were the rest of interventions or activities. Distributions based on type and degree of acceptance of interventions showed that among 56 drug regimen change interventions proposed by the pharmacist, only 55.35% were accepted. The results further indicated that out of 68 monitoring required interventions made by the pharmacist, and among 17 cases that required counseling by the pharmacist in verbal, 77.94% and 88.36% of cases were accepted, respectively. Also, regarding the cases that required communication between the pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, 85.36% of a total of 41 samples and all of 14 adverse drug reporting cases made in a formal note form were accepted.

Conclusion: The clinical pharmacist’s/doctor of pharmacy professional’s timely interventions in the patient’s drug therapy is required to prevent or minimize the occurrence and the risk of DRP. Rational drug therapy and optimal medication safety can be achieved by clinical pharmacy services.
ASSESSMENT OF ANTIBIOTIC USAGE PATTERN IN PATIENTS OF PEDIATRIC DEPARTMENT-A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: NAZI MAHSA , K. A. MRS. ANISHA , GHANBARLOU NASIBEH
Published: March 2021

Objective: The study aimed to assess the antibiotic usage pattern in patients of the pediatric department in ESI Hospital, Indiranagar, Bangalore.

Methods: A prospective six-month observational study was conducted in the pediatric department. The history of the patients was collected from the case sheets and the patient demographic details were also collected. The details of antibiotics prescribed and the other therapy applied to the patients were collected in terms of dosage, duration, and route of administration. The antibiotic consumption was assessed based on qualitative and quantitative indicators which assess the appropriateness of antibiotic use, and the dosage of antibiotics prescribed, respectively. Regarding the qualitative evaluation of antibiotic consumption, the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline was considered to appraise compliance with indication and dosing.

Results: Distribution of drug prescription indicators showed that the average number of drugs per encounter was 3.7, which is more than the standards suggested by WHO and should be reduced as much as possible to mitigate polypharmacy and its consequences. 93.45% of encounters existed leastwise with one or more antibiotics, which was higher than the WHO standards. Almost 56.08% of drugs were prescribed considering their generic name, which was very much lower than the ideal percentage recommended by WHO.

Conclusion: The percentage of encounters with one or more antibiotics was very higher than the WHO standard percentage, which indicates the irrationality of antibiotic prescribing. To minimize the irrationality of prescriptions and their inappropriateness, effective interventions and compliance with antibiotic prescribing guidelines are required.
“Los que viven por sus manos… y los otros”. Una visita a la Unidad Popular a través de la nueva historia laboral
Authors: Vilches Diego
Published: March 2021

Este ensayo planea sobre el periodo de la Unidad Popular a través de la revisión de las investigaciones de Heidi Tinsman (La tierra para el que la trabaja), Peter Winn (Tejedores de la revolución) y Franck Gaudichaud (Poder popular y cordones industriales). El argumento es que estas obras, que pueden ser enmarcadas dentro de lo que a fines de la década del ochenta se llamó la Nueva Historia Laboral, logran describir el proceso de politización y radicalización de los sectores populares chilenos entre 1970 y 1973. A diferencia de los primeros estudios sobre el periodo de la UP, focalizados en el sistema de partidos, los trabajos de Winn, Tinsman y Gaudichaud, al reconstruir las experiencias de campesinos y trabajadores, logran, por un lado, describir el significado utópico y concreto que la vía chilena al socialismo tuvo para ellos y, por el otro, rescata su decisiva influencia en el desenlace del gobierno de Allende. Al reconstruir la agencia de estos sectores, y la historicidad del proceso revolucionario chileno, estos trabajos también logran superar las visiones que explican el quiebre de la democracia como el resultado de la excesiva polarización del sistema político chileno.
Ensayando una política pública de asistencia mental: El movimiento de higiene mental en Chile, 1891-1948
Authors: Araya Ibacache Claudia
Published: March 2021

Desde la inauguración de la Casa de Orates en 1852 y durante toda la segunda mitad de ese siglo, los alienistas abogaron ante el Gobierno por la medicalización de la Institución. A este grupo le siguió, a partir de fines del siglo XIX, otro grupo de psiquiatras que apelaron nuevamente a la autoridad gubernamental buscando esta vez la transformación del asilo en hospital psiquiátrico. La investigación que presento cubre el período que va entre las propuestas de este segundo grupo y el año 1948, cuando se organiza la Asociación Chilena Pro-Salud Mental, filial de su homónima latinoamericana. Se presenta un amplio arco de iniciativas que va desde la promoción de instancias asociativas hasta la formulación de proyectos de institucionalización de los nuevos modelos asistenciales. Postulo como hipótesis que, a partir del modelo asistencial preventivo, propuesto para el desarrollo de la higiene mental, surgieron los primeros discursos en torno a la necesidad de una política pública de salud mental en Chile.
Legal Regulation of the Penal Enforcement Inspectorate Employees’ Powers in the Implementation of Preventive Measures in the Form of House Arrest
Authors:   Perm Institute of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, Fetishcheva L.M.
Published: March 2021

Topical issues of Penal Enforcement Inspectorate employees’ powers at the implementation of criminal executive suppression measures in the form of house arrest are considered. Examples of problematic issues that arise when the implementation of house arrest by PEI officers is not regulated by law, are given. Conclusions are drawn about the need to amend both the criminal procedure legislation and other normative legal acts in order to optimize the work of PEI officers.
El psicoanálisis moderno, ¿una antipsiquiatría?
Authors: Paláu Castaño Luis Alfonso
Published: March 2021

Traducción del francés al español de Luis Alfonso Paláu-Castaño

«La primera cosa que sorprende al observador exterior cuando lee los textos de algunos psicoanalistas lacanianos1 es su admiración incondicionada por lo que llaman la “psiquiatría clásica”, a tal punto que esto toma la forma de una “antiantipsiquiatría” (de acá en adelante acompañada por ¡una forclusión del nombre de Michel Foucault!). Evidentemente, se me podrá reprochar —a todo lo largo de este texto— por haber escogido mis blancos y no haber tenido suficientemente en cuenta la diversidad de las posiciones en el campo psicoanalítico. Es una verdadera dificultad para todos los que están en el exterior: cada vez que usted cita un psicoanalista, no puede olvidar que él solo se representa a sí mismo y que usted estará equivocado por hacer pasar su posición por la de todos sus colegas. ¿Pero, cómo escapar a este problema? Confieso no tener la solución, sino multiplicando (¿no suficientemente?) las precauciones oratorias. Sea lo que sea, si este texto logra atraer la atención de los psicoanalistas sobre la amplitud del desafío que representan los medicamentos psicotrópicos y la necesidad de salir de la vana oposición entre psiquiatría humanista y psiquiatría deshumanizante, habrá alcanzado su objetivo.»