History Of Episodes Research Articles

Assessing potential risk factors for metamizole-induced leukopenia.

Metamizole is a non-opioid analgesic agent that can rarely cause agranulocytosis, a severe form of leukopenia. The aim of this study was to assess previously identified potential risk factors for the development of metamizole-induced leukopenia. A retrospective, observational, matched case-control study was performed in a single-center setting. Patients who developed leukopenia in the setting of metamizole therapy were included as cases and matched 1:3 on the basis of age and sex to control patients who did not develop leukopenia when treated with metamizole. The data were obtained from the medical records of patients hospitalized at Cantonal Hospital Baselland between 2015 and 2020. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Eighty-six cases and 258 matched controls aged between 18 and 102 years were included. Fifty-seven percent were female. Previous leukopenic episodes (odds ratio (OR): 4.02, 95% CI: 1.95-8.28, p < 0.001) and a history of penicillin allergy (OR: 2.49, 95% CI: 1.03-6.03, p = 0.044) were found to be independent risk factors for metamizole-induced leukopenia. A history of previous leukopenic episodes and a history of penicillin allergy were confirmed as risk factors for metamizole-induced leukopenia. In our opinion, metamizole should be avoided in patients with these risk factors.

Transient Voice Loss after Spinal Anaesthesia for Lower Limb Surgery: A Case Report

Transient Voice Loss after Spinal Anaesthesia for Lower Limb Surgery: A Case Report

Mistakes are not an option: aggression from peers and other correlates of anxiety and depression in pediatricians in training.

Pediatricians in training are a population at risk for anxiety and depression: they face long working hours, they are confronted with the suffering and death of a vulnerable population and may have personal characteristics that put them in danger. Nonetheless, few studies have looked at their prevalence and associated factors. We aimed to compare demographic, professional activities, adversities and perfectionism personality features between a group of pediatricians in training with depression and/or anxiety and a group of pediatricians in training without depression nor anxiety and, to identify the variables that increase the probabilities of depression and/or anxiety in pediatricians in training. Pediatric residents who voluntarily answered an online survey distributed via personal and institutional social media channels from October 2019 to April 2021, as part of a cross-sectional study with medical specialists and residents from Mexico were included. Demographic information, professional activities and adversities, perfectionism personality features (Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale), depression and anxiety (ICD-11 PHC) were evaluated. For comparison purposes Chi-square tests (χ2) and independent sample t-tests were used. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify those variables that increase the probabilities of depression and/or anxiety. 934 pediatric residents answered the survey. 11.6% reported having depression and 20% anxiety. Being single, a history of anxious or depressive episodes, being the resident in charge of a patient who died, aggressions from colleagues and a high concern for errors were associated with current depression and/or anxiety. Screening for depressive and anxious symptoms should be routinely performed from entry to the residency to favor early intervention. A shift from promoting perfectionism to a more compassionate training could serve a population facing so many adversities.

EEG features in young female patients with depressive states at different stages of endogenous mental diseases

To search for neurophysiological correlates of the characteristics of the brain functional state in patients with endogenous depression with an ultra-high risk of developing psychosis in comparison with EEG parameters of patients without symptoms of a risk of developing psychosis and patients who have suffered psychotic episode. The study included 92 female patients, aged 16-26 years, at the stage of remission, divided into three groups: with depression without symptoms of ultra-high risk of developing psychosis (group 1, n=42), with depression and attenuated psychotic symptoms, but without a history of a psychotic episode (group 2, n=32) and with depression that developed after experiencing a psychotic episode (group 3, n=18). In all patients, pre-treatment multichannel background EEG was recorded with spectral power analysis in narrow frequency sub-bands. According to EEG data, the functional state of the cerebral cortex of patients in group 1 at the stage of remission was approaching normal. The EEG of group 2 and group 3 differed from the EEG of group 1 by significantly lower values of EEG spectral power in the alpha3 sub-band (11-13 Hz) in the occipital leads and a significantly increased content of theta1 (4-6 Hz) activity in the central-parietal areas. Such EEG frequency structure of patients in groups 2 and 3 reflects a reduced functional state of associative areas, and may also indicate dysfunction of the frontal parts of the cerebral cortex. These EEG features of patients in groups 2 and 3 are consistent with a significantly greater severity of their positive and negative symptoms on SAPS and SANS compared to group 1. In patients with depression at the stage of remission who have symptoms of an ultra-high risk of developing psychosis and in those who have suffered a psychotic episode, a reduced functional state of the associative and frontal areas of the cerebral cortex is noted, which may underlie the characteristics of their clinical condition.

Lay historical narratives and ethnic identity: High school students about the NATO bombing of FR Yugoslavia

The 1999 NATO bombing of FR Yugoslavia is a historical episode of immense importance to Serbia?s society today. However, younger generation does not have any personal account of this event: their historical understandings are based on personal accounts from witnesses, mass media and social institutions such as the system of education. Previous research shows that historical narratives represent one of the most important contents of ethnic identity. With these issues in mind, the focus of our research was to examine high school students? narratives regarding the 1999 events and their relation to one?s ethnic identity. We used a combination of quantitative (correlational design) and qualitative (thematic analysis) methodology on a sample of 120 high school students. The quantitative aspect of this paper focused on the interplay between one?s degree of understanding national history and their ethnic identity. Our analysis suggests that individuals whose ethnic identification is stronger have a more detailed and specific representation of this historical event. On the other hand, our qualitative analysis showed that historical narratives of high school students often lack important information or structure (in worst case, they are completely absent). Nonetheless, themes contained in the few historically specific narratives consistently offer a black-and-white picture of this historical episode. Lastly, guidelines for future research as well as implications of our findings for educational process are discussed.

A retrospection in the poem “Doroshenko” by I. Kalynets

In the poem “Doroshenko”, Iryna Kalynets actualises both the issue of the struggle for territorial unity and the disclosure of the problems of social inequality as one of the sources of disagreement between people. The article considers the historical events of Ruina and the image of Petro Doroshenko as interpreted by the Ukrainian poetess Iryna Kalynets. The analysis of the author’s interpretation of the historical personality from the historical and family points of view was carried out. Ity could be argued that the historical events of the 17th century resonate with events of our time. The purpose of the study is to analyse the author’s ways of displaying retrospective elements in the poem “Doroshenko” by Iryna Kalynets. The structure of the retrospective category and its organisation in the poem are analysed. To achieve the goal of the research, the following methods of literary analysis were applied: biographical, contextual, historical and ethnographic. An attempt was made to single out the variations in the meaning of the term-concept “retrospection”. It is indicated that when using retrospection, a purposeful and weighted selection of historical episodes takes place. Retrospective episodes receive an additional semantic and emotional load, they are presented artistically processed by the imagination of the poetess. Retrospection in the poem “Doroshenko” by Iryna Kalynets can be characterized as suggestive, as it is based on associations, additional semantic and intonation shades, hints, vagueness. The article notes one of the stages of the poem’s existence. The poem was presented to Vasyl Stus for his birthday. In response, the author received “feedback” — comments on a separate section. It is noted that a characteristic feature of the presentation of the image of Hetman Doroshenko is the absence of portrait details. Instead, emotions, actions, toponymy, and historical background are important. I. Kalynets is worried about the problem of betrayal (at the household and state levels). The poet is interested in the issue of social inequality. The article emphasizes the methods of modeling the image of a Cossack elder. Research attention is also focused on the lack of clarity in the presentation of Cossacks. The functioning of lexemes denoting the concept of “denunciation” is analyzed. An attempt is made to interpret Christmas attributes.

역사 안에서 완성되는 구원으로서의 종말

This study undertakes a theological critique of historical interpretation and eschatological thought within the corpus of Belgian theologian Edward Schillebeeckx, whose scholarship was prominent in the Netherlands. Drawing from the insights of M. D. Chenu, Schillebeeckx embraces a historiographical stance informed by the methodologies of the Annales School, which postulates historical progression through a lens that allows for the interweaving of Divine will and human action in the pursuit of God. This vista sets the stage for history's protagonists to be perceived not only as the Divine orchestrator of salvation but also as humanity, in partnership with the Divine directive.&#x0D; At the crux of this engagement is the fundamental belief in Divine self-disclosure and creativeness, which aligns humanity with the Divine will, confirming the thesis of God as the sovereign architect of history.&#x0D; Schillebeeckx's historiographical methodology recognizes the intricate interaction between the vicissitudes of socio-economic frameworks and shifts in ideological paradigms, associating such seismic shifts — comparable to historical cleavages — with the ecclesiastic vocation of navigating the path to salvation. His eschatological construct, an outgrowth of this historical interpretation, contends that the ultimate realization of salvation unfolds within the historical episode wherein individuals pursue self-fulfillment, placing this pursuit at the heart of eschatological discourse. Within this paradigm, God is posited as the definitive horizon for humanity, traversing from historical antecedents through the contemporary to the eventual.&#x0D; In this theological architecture, the Divine does not precipitate the eschaton by abruptly rectifying historical wrongs. Rather, the Divine presence engages with humanity in a concerted struggle against injustice, marshaling human agency toward redemptive ends throughout this journey. Schillebeeckx’s eschatological vision, characterized by its critical negation, offers a prophetic eschatology that integrates the theme of humanity's historical absence at the pivotal intersection where dogmatic theology's principal treatises meet.

Discipline Dynamics of Chymistry and Rejection of Alchemy

This paper applies Patton and Al-Zayadi’s scientonomic framework for understanding disciplines to a case study of the development of the chemical discipline ("chymistry") from the 17th century through the early 18th century in Western Europe. Using evidence from the tradition of textbook publication that emerged in the seventeenth-century chymistry, we reconstruct the top-level of the question hierarchy of chymistry. Analyzing how these questions and their associated theories were received, we first show how, starting in the 1660s, alchemy transitioned from a synonym of chymistry to chymistry’s subdiscipline with a more limited scope. We identify that the rejection of alchemy's core questions occurred in the 1720s based on the reception of these questions in scientific publications and by academic institutions. Hence, we conclude that the subdiscipline of alchemy became rejected in the 1720s. In order to conduct our case-study, we closely follow Newman and Principe's research on early modern alchemy and chymistry in our reconstruction of the episode. However, using the scientonomic framework in analyzing this case study reveals the specific dynamics of this instance of sub-discipline rejection. Our deepened understanding of this hallmark historical episode of disciplinary rejection indicates the value of Patton and Al-Zayadi’s theoretical framework for observational scientonomic research.

10,600 nm High Level-Laser Therapy Dosimetry in Management of Unresponsive Persistent Peripheral Giant Cell Granuloma to Standard Surgical Approach: A Case Report with 6-Month Follow-Up.

Peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) is a non-neoplastic, tumour-like reactive lesion that exclusively involves the gingiva and/or the alveolar crest. The surgical approach with a scalpel has been the golden standard of treatment for PGCG, but the scientific literature reports a high rate of lesion recurrence. Hence, this unique case report aimed to evaluate the efficacy of λ 10,600 nm high-level laser therapy (HLLT) in eradicating persistent, aggressive, and recurrent PGCG that failed to respond to standard surgical treatment. A fit and healthy thirty-four-year-old Caucasian male presented with a two-month history of recurrent episodes of an oral mucosal lesion involving the buccal and lingual interdental papillae between the lower right second premolar (LR5) and lower right first molar (LR6), which was surgically excised with a scalpel three times previously. A λ 10,600 nm-induced HLLT was chosen as a treatment modality at a lower peak power of 1.62 W, measured with a power metre, emitted in gated emission mode (50% duty cycle), whereby the average output power reaching the target tissue was 0.81 W. The spot size was 0.8 mm. Ninety seconds was the total treatment duration, and the total energy density was 7934.78 J/cm2. Patient self-reporting outcomes revealed minimal to no post-operative complications. Initial healing was observed on the 4th day of the post-laser treatment, and a complete healing occurred at two-weeks post-operatively. The histological analysis revealed PGCG. This unique case report study demonstrated the efficacy of λ 10,600 nm-induced HLLT and its superiority to eradicate persistent aggressive PGCG over the standard surgical approach with minimal to no post-operative complications, accelerating wound healing beyond the physiological healing time associated with no evidence of PGCG recurrence at the six-month follow-up timepoint. Based on the significant findings of this unique study and the results of our previous clinical studies, we can confirm the validity and effectiveness of our standardised λ 10,600 nm laser dosimetry-induced HLLT and treatment protocol in achieving optimal outcomes. Randomised controlled clinical trials with large data comparing λ 10,600 nm with our dosimetry protocol to the standard surgical treatment modality at long follow-up timepoints are warranted.

Radioiodine therapy with individualized dose protocol in a feline patient with hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the most prevalent endocrinopathy in felines, especially in elderly cats. It consists of a multisystemic condition resulting from increased production of T3 and T4 by the thyroid gland. The etiology of the disease is due, in most cases, to adenomatous hyperplasia or glandular adenoma that leads to increased hormone production. The pathogenesis and risk factors of the disease are not yet well defined. Factors such as the consumption of endocrine disruptors have already been associated with the disease. The most common clinical manifestations are polyphagia associated with weight loss, vomiting and diarrhea, polyuria, polydipsia, hyperactivity and palpable nodules in the thyroid’s topography. Diagnosis is made based on anamnesis, clinical signs, results of laboratory and imaging tests, and measurement of thyroid and pituitary hormones. There are several therapeutic protocols such as the use of oral drugs, surgery, iodine-restricted diets and radioiodine therapy. This report aimed to describe the case of a feline, female, mixed breed, 11 years old, with a history of slight weight loss and sporadic episodes of emesis. Based on history and anamnesis, physical evaluation and findings from laboratory and imaging tests, including thyroid scintigraphy, the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was made. The treatment carried out was the application of radioactive iodine with an individual dose based on the protocol proposed by Peterson and Rishniw (2021). Three months after the procedure, the values found for the hormonal tests (total T4 and TSH) were within the reference range and, currently, the patient is in a state of euthyroidism.

One hundred malaria attacks since birth. A longitudinal study of African children and young adults exposed to high malaria transmission

Despite significant progress in malaria control over the past twenty years, malaria remains a leading cause of child morbidity and mortality in Tropical Africa. As most patients do not consult any health facility much uncertainty persists about the true burden of the disease and the range of individual differences in susceptibility to malaria. Over a 25-years period, from 1990 to 2015, the inhabitants of Dielmo village, Senegal, an area of intense malaria transmission, have been monitored daily for their presence in the village and the occurrence of diseases. In case of fever thick blood films were systematically examined through microscopy for malaria parasites and patients received prompt diagnosis and treatment. We analysed data collected in 111 children and young adults monitored for at least 10 years (mean 17.3 years, maximum 25 years) enrolled either at birth (95 persons) or during the two first years of life. A total of 11,599 episodes of fever were documented, including 5268 malaria attacks. The maximum number of malaria attacks in a single person was 112. Three other persons suffered one hundred or more malaria attacks during follow-up. The minimum number of malaria attacks in a single person was 11. The mean numbers of malaria attacks in children reaching their 4th, 7th, and 10th birthdays were 23.0, 37.7, and 43.6 attacks since birth, respectively. Sixteen children (14.4%) suffered ten or more malaria attacks each year at ages 1-3 years, and six children (5.4%) each year at age 4-6 years. Long-term close monitoring shows that in highly endemic areas the malaria burden is higher than expected. Susceptibility to the disease may vary up to 10-fold, and for most children childhood is an endless history of malaria fever episodes. No other parasitic, bacterial or viral infection in human populations has such an impact on health. The Pasteur Institutes of Dakar and Paris, the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, and the French Ministry of Cooperation provided funding.

Low vitamin B12 blood levels in sickle cell disease: Data from a large cohort study in Tanzania.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with high rates of undernutrition and stunting. Undernutrition in combination with chronic haemolysis may lead to deficiencies in micronutrients necessary for erythropoiesis. Here we examined selected levels of ferritin, vitamins B2 , B6 , B9 and B12 , and vitamin C that were measured in blood samples from 820 SCD patients from Tanzania with no history of hospital admission, infections or painful episodes in the previous 30 days. We studied children (0-8 years), early adolescents (9-14 years), late adolescents (15-17 years) and adults (≥18 years). Severely low levels of vitamin B12 were observed across the four age groups. Despite the lowered vitamin B12 concentrations, total homocysteine concentrations were normal across both genders in all age groups. We found no significant gender-related differences between the other measured micronutrients. In this large SCD population, spanning the whole life cycle, a low level of vitamin B12 was consistently found across both genders and all age groups. Given the pivotal role of vitamin B12 in cellular metabolism, particularly in erythropoiesis, more studies are required to unravel how to better detect clinically relevant vitamin B12 deficiency among SCD patients, and thus to identify more precisely those who need supplementation of vitamin B12 .

Outcomes of abscess tonsillectomy in patients awaiting tonsillectomy: A comparison with interval tonsillectomy

PurposePeritonsillar abscesses (PTA) occasionally occur in patients who have a concurrent history of recurrent tonsillitis or prior PTA episodes. These patients sometimes meet the indications for elective tonsillectomy even prior to the current PTA event. Abscess (“Quinsy”) tonsillectomy (QT) could serve as definitive treatment in this specific subgroup, though it is not performed often. The purpose of this study was to compare the perioperative outcomes between immediate QT and tonsillectomy performed several days (delayed QT) or weeks (Interval tonsillectomy, IT) after incision and drainage (I&D) of the PTA in this specific subgroup. Materials and methodsA retrospective perioperative outcomes analysis of patients undergoing tonsillectomy (2002−2022) compared QT to delayed QT and IT in patients with PTA meeting AAO-HNS elective tonsillectomy criteria. Results110 patients were included: 55 underwent IT, 36 underwent delayed QT, and 19 underwent immediate QT. Postoperative hemorrhage rates were 14.5 %, 11.1 %, and 5.3 % for IT, delayed QT, and immediate QT, respectively (P = 0.08). Mean hospitalization durations were 7.98, 6.92, and 5.37 days for IT, delayed QT, and immediate QT, respectively (P < 0.01). IT had a higher readmission rate due to pain compared to QT (14.5 % vs. 1.9 %, p = 0.032). ConclusionImmediate QT in PTA patients eligible for elective tonsillectomy is associated with lower postoperative hemorrhage, shorter admission time, and potentially reduced postoperative pain compared to I&D and delayed or interval tonsillectomy. These findings suggest that immediate QT should be considered as a primary treatment in this subgroup of eligible patients.

Homozygous missense variant F12 (Gly506Asp) associated with severe factor XII deficiency: a case report

BackgroundFactor XII deficiency can be related to either homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in the F12 gene. The disease is commonly known as Hageman trait and is inherited in both autosomal recessive or dominant patterns. Clinically, factor XII deficiency is not associated with bleeding but conversely has been linked to thrombotic events, recurrent pregnancy loss, and hereditary angioedema. Molecular data of F12 deficiency are scarce and have revealed varying results between cases. However, most of the reported variants are missense mutations, gross deletions, or small insertion. Factor XII deficiency has been reported in the Saudi population in several studies, either as isolated case reports or included within the studies of rare bleeding factors deficiency. However, molecular data are lacking as no case report of genetic studies related to factor XII deficiency has been published in our local population, to the best of our knowledge.Case reportHerein we describe a homozygous missense variant involving exon 12 within F12 gene (5:176,830,269 G>A; p.Gly506Asp) in a 36-year-old Saudi multiparous female referred from the surgical clinic with significantly high activated partial thromboplastin time during preoperative assessment for sleeve gastrectomy. The patient had no history of bleeding episodes during the previous deliveries nor any tooth extractions. She had single event of spontaneous abortion during the 15th week of gestation without any bleeding complication. There was no history of thrombosis or skin manifestations, and she was not taking any medicines. There was no family history of bleeding or thrombosis. Family history revealed consanguinity as the parents are first-degree cousins. Physical examination was unremarkable. Upon investigation, the prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time was fully corrected by a 1:1 mixing study with normal pool plasma while lupus anticoagulant tests were negative. Factor assays and von Willebrand factor tests are all within normal ranges except for factor XII, which was severely deficient. A homozygous missense variant involving exon 12 within F12 gene (5:176,830,269 G>A; p.Gly506Asp) was identified.ConclusionF12 (5:176,830,269 G>A; p.Gly506Asp) variant is likely to be a pathogenic variant among homozygous factor XII-deficient patients. Genetic counseling and management of the patients and families should be based on clinical evaluation.

Raised CK and acute kidney injury following intense exercise in three patients with a history of exercise intolerance due to homozygous mutations in SLC2A9

Acute rhabdomyolysis (AR) leading to acute kidney injury has many underlying etiologies, however, when the primary trigger is exercise, the most usual underlying cause is either a genetic muscle disorder or unaccustomed intense exercise in a healthy individual. Three adult men presented with a history of exercise intolerance and episodes of acute renal impairment following intense exercise, thought to be due to AR in the case of two, and dehydration in one. The baseline serum CK was mildly raised between attacks in all three patients and acutely raised during attacks in two of the three patients. Following referral to a specialized neuromuscular centre, further investigation identified very low serum urate (<12 umol/L). In all three men, genetic studies confirmed homozygous mutations in SLC2A9, which encodes for facilitated glucose transporter member 9 (GLUT9), a major regulator of urate homeostasis. Hereditary hypouricaemia should be considered in people presenting with acute kidney injury related to intense exercise. Serum urate evaluation is a useful screening test best undertaken after recovery.

An update on Excess Savings in Selected Advanced Economies

In a previous FEDS Note, de Soyres, Moore, and Ortiz (2023), we conducted a comparison of household excess savings across advanced and emerging economies over different historical episodes. In that analysis, we found that the stock of excess savings accumulated during the pandemic in the U.S. was exhausted by 2023Q1, while other advanced economies were not expected to deplete their excess reserve until late in 2023.

Management of a double H-type tracheoesophageal fistula without esophageal atresia: a case report

BackgroundDouble congenital tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) without esophageal atresia, known as double H-type fistula, is an extremely uncommon malformation. Due to its nonspecific symptoms and the small size of the fistula in infancy, H-type tracheoesophageal fistula is rarely diagnosed in the neonatal period and is also challenging to repair.Case presentationWe report a rare case of double H-type tracheoesophageal fistula in a 2-day-old newborn, identified with a time-lapse and repaired separately. The diagnosis was established through repeated bronchoscopy, with methylene blue injected through an esophagoscope. A right thoracotomy was performed to undertake the surgical repair after cannulating the fistula with a vascular guide wire. Five months later, the infant, who had a history of recurrent episodes of coughing and shortness of breath, was diagnosed with acute respiratory distress, and a second TEF was detected by bronchoscopy. A cervical incision was used to repair the second H-type fistula.ConclusionsDouble H-type tracheoesophageal fistula should be considered while correcting a tracheoesophageal fistula, especially if the symptoms continue after the first operation. Repeated radiological contrast studies and bronchoscopy with methylene blue injected through an esophagoscope help the early diagnosis.

Religious Moderation in Constantinople in the Resolution of Political Conflicts in the 14th Century

The Islamic conquest of Constantinople in the 14th century is a captivating historical episode in history that continues to intrigue historians. It stands out due to the involvement of two major world religions - Islam and Christianity. Furthermore, this conquest marked the end of the Roman civilization. One notable aspect of this conquest was the harmonious relationship between Muslims and Christians, which persisted before and after the event. This study aims to explore the implementation of religious moderation in Constantinople to resolve political conflicts. Adopting a historical methodology, the research collects data through extensive documentation and literature studies, employing a socio-political approach. The findings highlight that religious moderation played a crucial role in conflict resolution during the 14th century in Constantinople. The concept of religious moderation was not only applied before the conquest, but also after it. Before the conquest, the value of moderation was demonstrated through peaceful negotiations between the Islamic kingdom and the Catholic prelate in Rome. Several treaties were agreed upon, emphasizing the importance of faith and peaceful dialogue over resorting to military confrontation. Following the conquest, Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih exemplified religious moderation by engaging in negotiations with the inhabitants of Hagia Sophia. They agreed an agreement allowing Christians to continue practicing their faith despite being under Islamic rule. Additionally, al-Fatih displayed respectful treatment towards the prelate and Christian warlords, further exemplifying the value of moderation. The findings of this study shed light on the significance of religious moderation in resolving conflicts and offer a fascinating insight into the history of Constantinople during this period

Romanian Art History During the 1950s as a Form of Social History of Art

Summary The Romanian Workers’ Party – the political party that led Romania from 1947 until 1965 – need for legitimisation led to the rewriting of history in a way that the history of Romania was presented as a linear progression finally leading to communism. In art history, art also became a linear phenomenon, progressively advancing towards Socialist Realism. The tactics of constructing the new narrative in art history during the 1950s and the beginning of the 1960s can be read as a form of the social history of art. Although the methodology could have led to remarkable results, ethical boundaries were violated: only some historical episodes and moments from artists’ biographies were selected. Within this context, this study investigates whether papers and monographs about Romanian painters active in the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century can be read as a form of social history of art.

The Mixed Tendency in Bipolar Disorder: An Operational Proposal for the Integration of Mixed Episodes in Predominant Polarity

Predominant Polarity (PP) is an established specifier of Bipolar Disorder (BD), holding significant clinical implications. Nevertheless, there exists no consensus on how to incorporate mixed states into PP, leaving patients prone to mixed recurrences that are unclassified. In a comprehensive study involving 701 euthymic BD patients, we sought to redefine PP by introducing a novel metric, the “mixed tendency”, and establish a practical threshold to identify patients with a “mixed phenotype”. Furthermore, we investigated potential associations between the mixed phenotype and specific PP categories. Our findings revealed that the mixed tendency correlated significantly with early BD type I, lifetime suicide attempts, self-aggressive behaviour, and lifetime number of affective episodes (&gt;5). Using a ROC curve analysis, we determined an optimal cut-off point for the mixed tendency at 0.228, suggesting that patients with ~25% of lifetime mixed episodes relative to total affective episodes should be identified as having a mixed phenotype. Notably, the mixed phenotype was positively associated with undetermined PP and negatively with manic and depressive PP. This study introduces a promising approach to incorporating mixed episodes into the PP definition, potentially enabling tailored interventions for patients with a substantial history of mixed episodes. However, further research in large, longitudinal cohorts is essential to validate these findings.