In Vitro Studies with UK-18,892, a New Aminoglycoside Antibiotic

The antibacterial activity of UK-18,892, a new semisynthetic aminoglycoside, was examined against aminoglycoside-susceptible and aminoglycoside-resistant clinical isolates of gram-negative bacilli and Staphylococcus aureus. UK-18,892 had a similar degree of activity to those of amikacin and kanamycin A against aminoglycoside-susceptible bacteria but was less potent than gentamicin against all isolates except Providencia spp. UK-18,892 was highly active against aminoglycoside-resistant bacteria, inhibiting 93% of the 268 isolates examined at 12.5 μg/ml. Amikacin was similarly active, whereas gentamicin inhibited only 14% of these isolates at 12.5 μg/ml.     

A kinetic study of the in vitro uptake of [3H]dopamine over a wide range of concentrations by rat striatal preparations

The uptake of [3H]dopamine was investigated in a number of rat striatal preparations. Kinetic analysis of the rate of uptake by striatal slices indicated that at least two different saturable mechanisms for the catecholamine exist in this region, in addition to a first-order component. One of the uptake mechanisms has a high affinity for [3H]dopamine and the other a low affinity. Distinct high and low affinity systems were also observed for the uptake of [3H]dopamine by dispersed cell preparations of the rat striatum. Striatal synaptosomes appeared to have only a high affinity mechanism and a first-order component. The high affinity mechanisms are active transport mechanisms but the low affinity mechanisms are not unequivocably active transport systems. It is concluded that at least two sites for the uptake of [3H]dopamine exist in the striatum and that the low affinity system is unlikely to be found at the presynaptic nerve ending and is not due to the presence of blood vessels.     

Embodied relational research: How can researchers' competences in exploring existential aspects be enhanced?

Background

This methodological essay discusses the following question: How can researchers' competences in exploring existential aspects related to healthcare be enhanced? Exploring this novel perspective on caring practice may help us better understand and communicate about experiences and issues that matter to others (e.g. patients/users). Two things are needed: firstly, a vocabulary mirroring an “aesthetic-holistic” research approach allowing us to capture the essence of “what it is like” and secondly, the development of skills and competences allowing us to understand complex aspects of caring that are embodied, ethically sensitive and sustainable.

Aim

To identify personal competences and approaches underpinning research exploring “what it is like”—understanding human existence.

Discussion

The discussion addresses three questions: (A) What does human science exploring human existence search for? (B) Which researcher competences are required? (C) Which theoretical and practical approaches and dimensions may enhance the researchers' competences? We argue that we should find “ourselves” not only grasped through language and a qualitative research-methodological approach but also in what is reflected in the relation between self, language (dialogue) and the other. It is crucial to listen to the world in an ontological way. Emotions, feelings and bodily sensed understandings can, in some situations, bar us from stepping further into meta-physical listening and from adopting a being-in-the-world stance. In this relational perspective, the researcher may adopt an attentive pace and aesthetical attunement that transcend what cannot be reached through the language of logical, rigorous, precise and rational words, tuning into the ontological mood that exists as the tacit backdrop of our existence. This approach we dub “Embodied Relational Research.”

Conclusion

Researchers who explore humanity may benefit from cultivating awareness, sensitivity and understanding while displaying openness towards the other (the patients' or users' experiences). In this context, contemplative and creative dimensions are important to apply.     

Ethnic disparities in the use of restrictive practices in adult mental health inpatient settings: a scoping review

Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology - To identify and summarise extant knowledge about patient ethnicity and the use of various types of restrictive practices in adult mental health...