The new neoliberal turn in Argentina: Omnipotence, the sacrificial mandate, and the craving for punishment

This article examinesreconfigurations of neoliberalism asthese can be traced in emergent forms of ideological interpellation in Argentina. Privileging an analysis of dominant modes of public discourse, we posit an inextricable relationship between—and simultaneous deployment of—the “punitive” elements of thisinterpellation and its new, entrepreneurial dimension. Thislastcomponent, opposed to the first only nominally, exalts individual potency and delivers an “amicable” appeal to a wholesome and reconciled common life. Taking into account the Janus-faced, omnipotent, moralizing, and sacrificialcharacter of this new community of “entrepreneurscum punishers,” we focus on the idiosyncratic forms that this relationship takes in our current historical conjuncture, distinguishing it from previousinflections and ideologicalconfigurations of neoliberalism in contemporary Argentina. Finally, we seek to understand the ethical and political implications of this specific interpellative mode for the process ofsubject formation.Fil: Catanzaro, Gisela Mara. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales. Instituto de Investigaciones "Gino Germani"; ArgentinaFil: Stegmayer, Maria Bertilde. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Remarks on some tardigrades of the African fauna with the description of three new species of Macrobiotus Schultze 1834

Ten species of tardigrades are recorded. Three of them, Macrobiotus radiatus, Macrobiotus vanescens, and Macrobiotus iharosi are new for science; two species, Macrobiotus sapiens Binda & Pilato 1984 and Isohypsibius kristenseni Pilato et al. 1989, are new for the African fauna. Macrobiotus radiatus n. sp. differs from the other species of the harmsioorthi group in the characters of the eggs and in other characters regarding various structures (buccal armature, or placoids length, or the insertion point of the stylet supports, or the claws length). Macrobiotus vanescens n. sp. is similar to Macrobiotus richtersi Murray 1911 and to Macrobiotus peteri Pilato et al. 1989 but differs from them in some characters regarding the bucco-pharyngeal apparatus, the claws and the eggs. Macrobiotus iharosi n. sp. differs from Macrobiotus echinogenitus Richters 1904 in the characters of the eggs, and from Macrobiotus sapiens Binda & Pilato 1984 in some characters of the bucco-pharyngeal apparatus and of the claws

Boswellia serrata Preserves Intestinal Epithelial Barrier from Oxidative and Inflammatory Damage

Aminosalicylates, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants are currently the therapeutic choices in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), however, with limited remission and often serious side effects. Meanwhile complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is increasing, particularly herbal medicine. Boswellia serrata is a traditional Ayurvedic remedy with anti-inflammatory properties, of interest for its usefulness in IBDs. The mechanism of this pharmacological potential of Boswellia serrata was investigated in colonic epithelial cell monolayers exposed to H2O2 or INF-\u3b3+TNF-\u3b1, chosen as in vitro experimental model of intestinal inflammation. The barrier function was evaluated by the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and paracellular permeability assay, and by the tight junction proteins (zonula occludens-1, ZO-1 and occludin) immunofluorescence. The expression of phosphorylated NF-\u3baB and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were determined by immunoblot and cytofluorimetric assay, respectively. Boswellia serrata oleo-gum extract (BSE) and its pure derivative acetyl-11-keto-\u3b2-boswellic acid (AKBA), were tested at 0.1-10 \u3bcg/ml and 0.027\u3bcg/ml, respectively. BSE and AKBA safety was demonstrated by no alteration of intestinal cell viability and barrier function and integrity biomarkers. H2O2 or INF-\u3b3+TNF-\u3b1 treatment of Caco-2 cell monolayers significantly reduced TEER, increased paracellular permeability and caused the disassembly of tight junction proteins occludin and ZO-1. BSE and AKBA pretreatment significantly prevented functional and morphological alterations and also the NF-\u3baB phosphorylation induced by the inflammatory stimuli. At the same concentrations BSE and AKBA counteracted the increase of ROS caused by H2O2 exposure. Data showed the positive correlation of the antioxidant activity with the mechanism involved in the physiologic maintenance of the integrity and function of the intestinal epithelium. This study elucidates the pharmacological mechanisms mediated by BSE, in protecting intestinal epithelial barrier from inflammatory damage and supports its use as safe adjuvant in patients affected by IBD

Resolvin D1 Halts Remote Neuroinflammation and Improves Functional Recovery after Focal Brain Damage Via ALX/FPR2 Receptor-Regulated MicroRNAs

Remote damage is a secondary phenomenon that usually occurs after a primary brain damage in regions that are distant, yet functionally connected, and that is critical for determining the outcomes of several CNS pathologies, including traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries. The understanding of remote damage-associated mechanisms has been mostly achieved in several models of focal brain injury such as the hemicerebellectomy (HCb) experimental paradigm, which helped to identify the involvement of many key players, such as inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy. Currently, few interventions have been shown to successfully limit the progression of secondary damage events and there is still an unmet need for new therapeutic options. Given the emergence of the novel concept of resolution of inflammation, mediated by the newly identified ω3-derived specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators, such as resolvins, we reported a reduced ability of HCb-injured animals to produce resolvin D1 (RvD1) and an increased expression of its target receptor ALX/FPR2 in remote brain regions. The in vivo administration of RvD1 promoted functional recovery and neuroprotection by reducing the activation of Iba-1+ microglia and GFAP+ astrocytes as well as by impairing inflammatory-induced neuronal cell death in remote regions. These effects were counteracted by intracerebroventricular neutralization of ALX/FPR2, whose activation by RvD1 also down-regulated miR-146b and miR-219a-1-dependent inflammatory markers. In conclusion, we propose that innovative therapies based on RvD1-ALX/ FPR2 axis could be exploited to curtail remote damage and enable neuroprotective effects after acute focal brain damage

Correlazione tra alitosi e trattamento ortodontico? Questioni di corretti stili di igiene orale. Case report

Nel trattamento delle malocclusioni, la terapia ortodontica fissa è la più suffragata (Fig. 1a). Anche se uno degli obiettivi del trattamento ortodontico in soggetti con malocclusioni è migliorare oltre che la funzione anche la salute parodontale, la terapia stessa può provocare una maggiore incidenza di infiammazioni con conseguente sanguinamento gengivale, recessioni e la ritenzione di placca1. Poiché la rugosità superficiale e l’energia libera di superficie sono correlati con l’accumulo di placca2, la presenza di un dispositivo ortodontico aumenta tale deposito con conseguente infiammazione gengivale in soggetti con malocclusione3. È ben documentato che il trattamento ortodontico con apparecchi fissi si accompagni a un aumentato rischio di gengiviti dovuto all’accumulo di placca batterica attorno agli attacchi2,3 (Figg. 1b-1d). L’alitosi di origine orale è associata con il metabolismo microbico sul dorso lingua, nella saliva e nella placca dentale4 (Figg. 2a-2b); dunque l’intensità dell’alito cattivo è significativamente associata con la quantità di composti volatili endorali contenenti solfuro. Questi composti sono prodotti da batteri gram-negativi orali che metabolizzano aminoacidi presenti nella dieta e producono gas, come solfuro di idrogeno (H2S)5. Ci sono generalmente tre metodi accettati per la valutazione del cattivo odore orale: misurazione organolettica, gas cromatografia (GC) e monitoraggio solfuro portatile6. Studi hanno dimostrato la correlazione a breve termine del cattivo odore orale nella terapia ortodontica fissa, mentre effetti a lungo termine non sono ancora stati documentati7-10

Inflexiones del neoliberalismo y sus efectos sobre la subjetividad: imperativos y paradojas de una nueva discursividad pública en la Argentina reciente

Este artículo se propone interrogar recientes reconfiguraciones del discurso neoliberal en Argentina a partir del análisis de nuevas formas de interpelación ideológica desplegadas por el actual gobierno nacional. Para ello nos detendremos primero en tres aspectos que han sido resaltados en nuestro medio por las interpretaciones críticas de este novedoso fenómeno: estigmatización, deshistorización y anti-intelectualismo. En segundo lugar, nos referiremos a la figura del emprendedor y al tópico discursivo de la potencia ilimitada en tanto resortes privilegiados en las interpelaciones efectuadas por el actual gobierno. En tercer lugar, focalizaremos en cómo esta modalidad de interpelación le ofrece al sujeto una satisfacción, una ganancia libidinal sostenida en un inédito repudio de lo imposible. Por último, resumiendo lo expuesto en los apartados anteriores en una serie de paradojas inherentes a estas nuevas formas de interpelación, intentaremos explicitar la singularidad de esta inflexión de la ideología neoliberal contemporánea y las dificultades categoriales que enfrentamos a la hora de su conceptualización.This article intends to interrogate recent reconfigurations of Neoliberalism taking as a point of departure the analysis of new forms of ideological interpellation in Argentina. In order to do so we consider, in the first place, three aspects which have been highlighted by the local critiques of this new phenomenon: stigmatization, dehistorization and anti-intellectualism. In second place, we refer to the figure of the entrepreneur and the topic of unlimited potency as key elements in the interpellations performed by the current Argentinean government. In the third place, we focus on the way this type of interpellation offers satisfaction to the subject, imlpying a kind of joiussance, sustained in an unprecedented denial of the impossible. Finally, through a reformulation of what has been previously stated in a series of paradoxes inherent to this new modes of interpellation, we essay to characterize the singularity of this inflection of neoliberal ideology, as well as the difficulties we find in order to conceptualize it.Fil: Catanzaro, Gisela Mara. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales. Instituto de Investigaciones "Gino Germani"; ArgentinaFil: Stegmayer, Maria Bertilde. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo; Argentin

Figures of speach: narrative as an ethical-political problem

Este trabajo se propone interrogar cierta relación del lenguaje con lo ético-político, atendiendo al vínculo entre historicidad, temporalidad y acontecimiento, a partir de las originales formulaciones producidas por Walter Benjamin en su texto “El narrador”. En el entramado de las figuras del consejo, la interminabilidad de la tarea y la escucha, con las que Benjamin construye la constelación de la narración, lo otro aparece como algo que tiene que manifestarse -y no meramente como aquello sobre lo cual el lenguaje produce efectos-; el lenguaje se muestra como el sitio trabajosamente abierto para esa manifestación –y no como el lugar de un esclarecimiento final-; y su politicidad inherente queda asociada a una “actividad paciente” orientada a la justicia antes que a una pura acción. Por último, el recorrido buscará establecer la actualidad de este ensayo, a distancia de lecturas nostálgicas y/o apocalípticas.This paper aims to examine some relationships of language with the ethical-political domain, taking into account the link between historicity, temporality and event, and assuming as a point of departure the original formulations produced by Walter Benjamin in his text "The Storyteller". Through the figures of “Council”, the “endlessness” of the task, and “listening”, which constitute the constellation of “narrative” drawn up by Benjamin, the other appears as something that has to manifest itself - and not merely as that instance on which language produces effects; the language is listed as the site laboriously open for this demonstration - and not as the place of a final clarification; and its inherent political nature is associated with a "patient activity" justice-oriented -rather than a pure action. Finally, we seek to establish the actuality of this essay, at distance from wistful and/or apocalyptic readings.Fil: Stegmayer, Maria Bertilde. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales. Instituto de Investigaciones "Gino Germani"; ArgentinaFil: Catanzaro, Gisela Mara. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires; Argentin

Quality assessment of medical record as a tool for clinical risk management: a three year experience of a teaching hospital Policlinico Umberto I, Rome

Introduction: The medical record was defined by the Italian Ministry of Health in 1992 as "the information tool designed to record all relevant demographic and clinical information on a patient during a single hospitalization episode". Retrospective analysis of medical records is a tool for selecting direct and indirect indicators of critical issues (organizational, management and technical). The project’s aim being the promotion of an evaluation and self-evaluation process of medical records as a Clinical Risk Management tool to improve the quality of care within hospitals. Methods: The Authors have retrospectively analysed, using a validated grid, 1,184 medical records of patients admitted to the Teaching Hospital “Umberto I” in Rome during a three-year period (2013-2015). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS for Windows © 19:00. All duly filled out criteria (92) were examined. “Strengths” and "Weaknesses" were identified through data analysis and Best and Bad Practice were identified based on established criteria. Conclusion: The data analysis showed marked improvements (statistically significant) in the quality of evaluated clinical documentation and indirectly upon behaviour. However, when examining some sub-criteria, critical issues emerge; these could be subject to future further corrective action

Protective effects of \u3c8 taraxasterol 3-O-myristate and arnidiol 3-O-myristate isolated from Calendula officinalis on epithelial intestinal barrier

The triterpene esters psi taraxasterol-3-O-myristate (1) and amidio1-3-O-myristate (2) were tested for their ability to protect epithelial intestinal barrier in an in vitro model. Their effects on ROS production and on trans-epithelial resistance were investigated on CaCo-2 cell monolayers both in basal and stress -induced conditions. Both compounds were able to modulate the stress damage induced by H2O2 and INF gamma + TNF alpha, showing a potential use as model compounds for the study of new therapeutic agents for intestinal inflammations

Derivation and validation of a predictive mortality model of in-hospital patients with Acinetobacter baumannii nosocomial infection or colonization

Purpose Acinetobacter baumannii (Ab) is a Gram-negative opportunistic bacterium responsible for nosocomial infections or colonizations. It is considered one of the most alarming pathogens due to its multi-drug resistance and due to its mortality rate, ranging from 34 to 44,5% of hospitalized patients. The aim of the work is to create a predictive mortality model for hospitalized patient with Ab infection or colonization. Methods A cohort of 140 sequentially hospitalized patients were randomized into a training cohort (TC) (100 patients) and a validation cohort (VC) (40 patients). Statistical bivariate analysis was performed to identify variables discriminating surviving patients from deceased ones in the TC, considering both admission time (T0) and infection detection time (T1) parameters. A custom logistic regression model was created and compared with models obtained from the "status" variable alone (Ab colonization/infection), SAPS II, and APACHE II scores. ROC curves were built to identify the best cut-off for each model. Results Ab infection status, use of penicillin within 90 days prior to ward admission, acidosis, Glasgow Coma Scale, blood pressure, hemoglobin and use of NIV entered the logistic regression model. Our model was confirmed to have a better sensitivity (63%), specificity (85%) and accuracy (80%) than the other models. Conclusion Our predictive mortality model demonstrated to be a reliable and feasible model to predict mortality in Ab infected/colonized hospitalized patients