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Biomedical subjects

A A Arce

Publications and source records attributed to A A Arce.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

[Changes of the complement system in myelodysplastic syndromes].

PURPOSE: To search complement system activity and detection of circulating immune complexes in a group of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) classified as with relatively favourable and unfavourable prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 28 patients with MDS were examined, 12 with refractory anaemia and 4 with refractory ringed sideroblastic anaemia, both subgroups of relatively favourable prognosis; 9 patients with refractory anaemia with blastic excess and 3 with refractory anaemia with blastic excess in transformation, subgroups of unfavourable prognosis. We determined factor B, alternate and classical hemolytic activity, as well as C3 and C4 quantification of the complement system. Circulating immune complexes detection was performed by the C1q deviation test and polyethylene glycol 6000 precipitation method at 3.75% final concentration. RESULTS: A significant decrease in C3 level, alternate haemolytic activity and factor B was demonstrated in the unfavourable prognosis subgroups in comparison with patients of favourable prognosis and normal controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest the possibility of subclinical infections in patients with unfavourable prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

A survey of psychiatrists with APA certification in administrative psychiatry.

OBJECTIVE: Psychiatrists with American Psychiatric Association certification in administrative psychiatry were surveyed to determine their perceptions of the benefits of certification, their certification-related learning activities and interests, and their recommendations for enhancing the value of certification. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed in January 1994 to all 427 psychiatrists who had obtained certification in administrative psychiatry. A total of 254 usable responses were received. Respondents were divided into two age groups, younger than 50 years and age 50 and older, for comparison purposes. RESULTS: Fifty-five percent of the older group (204 psychiatrists) and 89 percent of the younger group (50 psychiatrists) responded. Nine percent of the older group and 18 per cent of the younger group held advanced degrees in administration, mainly master's degrees in public health. Both groups devoted 62 percent of their time to administrative work. Roughly 80 percent of both groups would recommend that colleagues seek administrative certification. Both groups rated self-satisfaction and increased skills as the greatest benefits of certification, and increased income as the least. As learning activities, the older group was more likely to participate in mentorships, and the younger group in self-study and continuing education activities. CONCLUSIONS: Interest in administrative psychiatry and certification should be stimulated by increased emphasis on administration in residency programs and in continuing education, linkages with degree programs, recognition of administrative psychiatry as a subspecialty by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and increased support from APA and the American Association of Psychiatric Administrators.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

An overview of community residences as alternatives to hospitalization.

Medical, social, legal, and economic factors have placed constraints on hospital-based care for the mentally ill. Ready and consistent access to alternatives to inpatient care will become a critical element in the delivery system as more acutely ill and disabled patients have to be managed outside hospitals. This article describes types of community residences and their use as alternatives to hospitalization.

Community Mental Health Centers↗
PubMed1983

A psychiatric profile of street people admitted to an emergency shelter.

During the winter of 1981-82 the City of Philadelphia operated an adult emergency shelter for two months. After reviewing the available records, the authors compiled a psychiatric profile of the 193 residents admitted to the shelter. They grouped the residents into three classes: habitual street people, the episodic homeless, and those who did not usually live on the street but were undergoing an acute crisis. Although a large number of the street people who suffered from diagnosable mental illness improved with adequate treatment, the authors found it was extremely difficult to relocate many of the shelter residents. They discuss other problems such as the need for psychiatric expertise in treating the homeless and the lack of coordinated effort among several city government departments.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1982

Application of cognitive behavioral techniques in the treatment of Hispanic patients.

This article describes certain aspects of the cultural dynamics of lower socioeconomic Hispanic populations. Specifically, there is discussion of a particular view of the world among Hispanics that emphasizes a concrete orientation and discourages the outward expression of anger or aggression. The Cognitive Behavior model, which is structured and goal-oriented, and which addresses attitudes surrounding the expression of anger/aggression, is briefly described, and recommended as a particularly effective approach with Hispanic clients in individual and group therapy and in outpatient and partial hospitalization settings.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

Psychiatric training issues: the Puerto Rican perspective.

A critical aspect of the problem of mental health service delivery to Hispanics is the inadequacy of manpower resources, especially the lack of professional workers with a knowledge of the Hispanic culture and language. Two factors--underrepresentation of Hispanics at professional levels and curriculum deficits in training programs--account for the persistence of inadequate manpower. The author discusses both themes from the Puerto Rican perspective, emphasizing the development of didactic and practical learning experiences for both Puerto Rican and non-Hispanic trainees and their implications for diagnosis and treatment. Training models are discussed.

Acculturation↗
PubMed1981

Homosexual incest.

Within the past two years, we have encountered two cases where homosexual incest seemed to be a potent predisposing factor in extreme pathological behavior. In order to better understand what we were contending with, an extensive search and review of the literature was undertaken and the two case histories analyzed in detail. Our conclusions include: (1) that homosexual incest is at times unrecognized by therapists and therefore not dealt with to alleviate torment and sometimes to avert tragic consequences; and (2) that it is underreported so that information is lacking and essential dialogue on dynamics and treatment rarely occurs. It is hoped that this article will stimulate awareness of the phenomenon and foster exchange of ideas regarding etiology, psychodynamics, and intervention.

Adult↗
PubMed1980

Cost containment in a community mental health center.

Faced with a major operational deficit and the end of its federal staffing grant, a community mental health center established a cost-containment committee and developed a program to engage staff support. The committee, including members of the clinical and administrative staffs and the community board, meets weekly to review requests for expenditures. In its first 11 months, it completed action on 212 requests and returned many others for further justification. Most cost savings were in the area of personnel, through such steps as nonreplacement of staff, replacement with less senior staff, and position consolidation. Other results of the committee's activities have been greater staff productivity, an increase in third-party payments, establishment of various personnel guidelines, and the acquisition of additional county funds to help cover the deficit from the termination of the staffing grant.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗