Copper-based fabric for healthcare professionals to prevent healthcare-associated infections: A futuristic/dreamed uniform

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have a major impact on public health worldwide. Till now, we are relying on hand washing and environmental disinfection, but the compliance rate of hand washing and adequate supply of materials is always a catch. Alongside patients, surfaces and supplies act as reservoirs of microorganisms in healthcare settings. The reduction in organisms may prove to be an effective strategy to decline HAIs. The use of gold and silver in commercial textiles is prohibited because of the high cost rather than having excellent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, so copper has become the best choice for researchers as it possesses similar properties to gold and silver and has other characteristics such as its durability, corrosion resistance, prestigious appearance, and ability to form complex shapes. It has been found that copper brings down the microbial burden of high-touch surfaces in healthcare settings. The fundamental properties of copper offer a theoretical advantage to regular cleaning, as the effect is continuous rather than episodic. So the use of copper-impregnated textiles in hospital areas whether in form of bed linen or uniforms for health professionals, as well as patients, can be a viable alternative to decline the levels of infection in healthcare settings, and with the discovery of copper-encapsulated hospital beds and fabrics, dividends will likely be paid in improved patient outcomes, lives saved, and healthcare cost saved. The application of copper in fabrics for healthcare professionals will be a sound initiative to prevent HAIs. The fabric may help decline the infection rate and mortality among hospitalized patients.

Efectos psicosociales de la desaparición forzada de jóvenes en Latinoamérica: una tarea pendiente* / Psychosocial effects of the forced disappearances of young people in Latin America: A pending task / Efeitos psicossociais do desaparecimento forçado de jovens na América Latina: Tarefa pendente

Resumen (analítico) Este artículo realiza una revisión del concepto de trauma psicosocial desde los fenómenos de violencia política en Latinoamérica y, en concreto, sobre la desaparición forzada de jóvenes en Colombia. Desde este análisis teórico-contextual, se plantea cuáles han sido las afectaciones personales, familiares y colectivas (atributos del trauma psicosocial) que este fenómeno de la desaparición forzada ha generado en el tejido social colombiano. A manera de reflexión final, las autoras proponen la necesidad de repensar las afectaciones psicosociales que han sido estudiadas de manera general, a partir de los daños a la sociedad representados en el hecho de desaparecer específicamente jóvenes y las implicaciones que esto ha tenido para el entramado social.

Abstract (analytical) This article reviews the concept of psychosocial trauma based on the phenomena of political violence in Latin America and specifically the forced disappearance of young people in Colombia. Based on this theoretical-contextual analysis, the study identifies that this phenomenon of forced disappearance has generated personal, family and collective affectations - involving attributes of psychosocial trauma - in the Colombian social fabric. As a final reflection, the authors propose the need to rethink the psychosocial effects of the damage to society caused by this violence, represented in the fact that young people have been forcibly disappeared and the implications that this has had for the social fabric.

Resumo (analítico) Este artigo revisa o conceito de trauma psicossocial a partir dos fenômenos de violência política na América Latina e, especificamente, do desaparecimento forçado de jovens na Colômbia. A partir desta análise teórico-contextual, considerase quais foram as consequências pessoais, familiares e coletivas -atributos do trauma psicossocial- que este fenômeno de desaparecimento forçado tem gerado no tecido social colombiano. Como reflexão final, os autores propõem a necessidade de se repensar os efeitos psicossociais que vêm sendo estudados de forma geral, a partir dos prejuízos à sociedade representados pelo desaparecimento específico dos jovens e das implicações que isso teve para a rede social.

Design and application of a split first aid suit for heat stroke / 中华危重病急救医学

In the trend of global warming and the increasing number of participating in high-intensity sports, the incidence of heat stroke is increasing year by year. Heat stroke is categorized to the class of heat emergent diseases. If there is no quick and effective treatment, the mortality rate is as high as 50%. Early, rapid, and effective cooling is the key point in the treatment of heat stroke. The early recognition and rapid lowering the core body temperature to 38.9 ℃ within 30 minutes of exertional heat stroke results in better clinical outcome with the fewest complications, however, the "golden 30 minutes" is far from enough to complete emergency transport and evaluation. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a first aid suit for heat stroke suitable for field treatment and transportation, so as to achieve the treatment goal of early rapid and effective cooling in field environment. For this purpose, the medical staff of the department of critical care medicine of the Eighth Medical Center of the Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital designed and developed the split first aid suit, which is suitable for heat stroke patient in the harsh environment lacking medical supplies and water during transportation. The medical staff who designed the first aid suit obtained a National Utility Model Patent of China (ZL 2020 2 1627326.4). The split heat stroke first aid suit is composed of four main parts: a sleeveless coat, a hat, sleeves and wrapped pants. All of them are made by temperature changeable fabric which is a composite material made by fine porous silica gel particles and potassium nitrate. The cuffs of the sleeveless top of the clothes part and the sleeves are connected as a whole by the connecting pieces; and the front end of the hem of the clothes part and the wrapped trousers are also connected as a whole by the connecting pieces, which is convenient for fixing and transportation. In order to control the water injection quantity, the water injection bag and the corresponding components are designed to ensure the same amount of water can be injected to the heat stroke first aid suit at each time, so the same frigorific effect can be attainable. The service temperature is 14-18 ℃, so it will not cause local frostbite to patients when used for a long time. This split-type first aid suit can be used in the movement, rescue and transportation of heat stroke patients. It is easy to carry and use with accurate cooling effect with low cost, moreover, it is reusable and can be widely used for on-site emergency and transportation of heat stroke patients.

Study on the adsorption of inflammatory cytokines and blood compatibility of graphene oxide electrostatic self-assembled polyester material / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the removal efficacy of inflammatory cytokines and blood compatibility of modified PBTNF. 【Methods】 Acrylic acid (AA) was firstly UV-grafted onto the surface of PBTNF to negatively charge the surface of the material. Subsequently, the three positively charged polyelectrolytes, DA, PEI, and CS were respectively electrostatic self-assembled with GO on the surface of PBTNF, forming two layers of film with GO as the outer layer: PBTNF-(DA/GO)2, PBTNF-(PEI/GO)2, PBTNF-(CS/GO)2. 【Results】 Scanning electron microscopy results showed that compared with the PBTNF grafted with AA, the adhesion of particles was observed on the surface of the three modified materials, and the photo shows that the color of the material surface was deepened after electrostatic self-assembly. The results of wettability showed that the surface hydrophilicity was significantly improved, indicating that the electrostatic self-assembled membrane was successfully immobilized on the surface of PBTNF. The removal efficiency (%) of IL-1β for PBTNF-(DA/GO)2, PBTNF-(PEI/GO)2 and PBTNF-(CS/GO)2 were 69.00±7.36 vs -2.35±2.69 vs -1.59±3.26 (P<0.05). The removal efficiency of IL-6 (%) were 40.15±1.86 vs -13.46±5.72 vs -1.21±3.41 (P<0.05). The removal efficiency of IL-8 (%) were 96.90±0.97 vs 17.84±11.74 vs 43.68±17.38 (P<0.05). The removal efficiency of TNF-α (%) was 44.46±2.50 vs 14.90±7.12 vs 20.64±1.22 (P<0.05). Plasma protein adsorption results (total protein, immunoglobulin G, albumin) and red blood cell deformability index showed that there was no statistical difference among the three modified PBTNFs and the control group (P>0.05). Although the red blood cell osmotic fragility (g/L) of the three modified PBTNFs is higher than that of the former: control group vs PBTNF-(DA/GO)2 vs PBTNF-(PEI/GO)2 vs PBTNF-(CS/GO)2: 4.39±0.05 vs 4.62±0.02 vs 4.48±0.03 vs 4.90±0.03 (P<0.05), the hemolysis rate (%) of them were all less than 5%, and PBTNF-(DA/GO)2 performed the lowest hemolysis rate which was (0.03±0.01)% (compared with PBTNF-(PEI/GO)2, P<0.05). The coagulation function test results showed that compared with the control group, the fibrinogen (g/L) of the three modified PBTNFs had no statistical difference (P>0.05); the activated partial thrombo plastin time (S) slightly extended, but all within the normal range of clinical standard; and the prothrombin time (S) of PBTNF-(CS/GO)2 was prolonged(P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Among the three positively charged polyelectrolytes, including DA, PEI, and CS, PBTNF-(DA/GO)2 performed the best removal rate of inflammatory cytokines, and the blood compatibility evaluation results showed that PBTNF-(DA/GO)2 had no significant effect on red blood cells and coagulation function. Consequently, in the study of inflammatory cytokines adsorption, DA is expected to be the optimal polyelectrolyte assembling with GO for further research.

A Personal Growth Experience that Strengthens the Social Fabric in the Intensive Encounter Groups / Experiencia intensiva de grupos de encuentro: un espacio de crecimiento personal que fortalece el tejido social

RESUMEN Este artículo examinó la relevancia de las experiencias intensivas de los grupos de encuentro en la formación académica y personal de los alumnos de la Maestría en Desarrollo Humano del Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente (Iteso). Se describieron los fundamentos de esta estrategia, la cual tiene como marco teórico la psicología humanista. Se llevó a cabo una investigación con participantes de un grupo de encuentro intensivo dirigido a alumnos y egresados de la Maestría en Desarrollo Humano, a quienes se les solicitó contestar un cuestionario acerca de las vivencias y aprendizajes más importantes. Los hallazgos destacaron que el encuentro promovió el fortalecimiento del tejido social, el desarrollo de actitudes y habilidades para la facilitación, así como experiencias y aprendizajes significativos que abonaron a su crecimiento personal; además, se reconoció la importancia de seguir ofreciendo este tipo de espacios en la Maestría en Desarrollo Humano.

ABSTRACT In this article we intend to show the relevance of Intensive Encounter Groups in the academic and personal formation of students of the Master's in Human Development (MDH) in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. We describe the bases for this strategy with its theoretical framework in Humanistic Psychology. A small research project was carried out with participants of an intensive encounter group made up of students and graduates of the MDH, through the application, during the event, of a questionnaire about the most important things they have experienced and learnt. The results indicate that the encounter promoted a strengthening of the social fabric, the development of attitudes and skills for facilitation, experiences, and meaningful learning, that contributed to personal development. In addition, the importance of offering this kind of space in the MDH framework was definitely recognized.

Enhancement of ?-amylase production in pelleted Aspergillus tamarii through optimization for desizing of cotton fabric

Aim: The present study was carried out to enhance the production of α-amylase by pelleted Aspergillus tamarii through optimization of various media compositions and cultivation conditions using shake flask and bioreactor experiments. Methodology: Shake flask experiments were conducted to study the effect of pH, temperature and starch concentration using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and other parameters, namely, nitrogen source, inoculum size and incubation days using single variable optimization technique for the pelleted growth of microorganism and amylase production. Scale up study was carried out for the assessment of results obtained from shake flask experiments using a laboratory scale bioreactor. In the bioreactor study, parameters, namely, pH control, agitation and aeration were considered. Results: Maximum amylase production using pelleted Aspergillus tamarii was achieved at initial pH 6.7, temperature 30.5 °C, 0.5% w/v starch, 0.1% w/v urea, 1.5% v/v inoculum size and 4 days of fermentation in the shake flask experiments. Filamentous growth was observed when the concentration of starch used was above 2%. The specific enzyme activity increased to 2.77 fold after partial purification. When enzyme was used for desizing cotton fabric, it produced 90% efficiency. The scale-up experiments revealed initial pH 6.7, agitation 300 rpm and aeration 1 vvm as the conditions suitable for pelleted growth, as well as to achieve maximum amylase production. Interpretation: The results indicate pelleted growth of Aspergillus tamarii and in turn achievement of maximum amylase activity depends on media composition and fermentation conditions used at the time of enzyme production. Efficient desizing of cotton fabric by amylase showed its effectiveness towards hydrolysis of starch and converting it to soluble products for easy removal.

Device and method for evaluating the performance of dry electrode for fabric surface bioelectricity / 生物医学工程学杂志

In order to quantitatively evaluate the performance of dry electrode for fabric surface bioelectricity, a set of active measuring devices that can simulate electrocardiosignal has been developed on the basis of passive system by our group. Five Ag/AgCl fabric dry electrodes were selected to test and evaluate the devices. The results show that the deviation ratios of peak time interval of the five electrodes are all less than 1%. The maximum voltage amplitude decay rate is 7.2%, and the noise amplitudes are lower than 0.004 mV. The variable coefficient of peak time offset is less than 8%. The variable coefficient of voltage amplitude is less than 2%. The variable coefficient of noise amplitude is less than 10%. Research shows the devices has good repeatability and stability in measuring the simulated electrocardiosignal. The active measuring devices proposed in this paper can provide a new method for performance evaluation and standard formulation of surface bioelectricity dry electrode.

Familias educadoras e instrumentos de paz: familia y escuela: un reto pendiente / Educating families and instruments of peace. Family and school: a pending challenge

La educación en valores para la paz una semilla que es urgente cosechar entre la familia y la escuela. El nuevo Acuerdo de Paz constituye una nueva Agenda nacional donde todos somos corresponsables: un nuevo Acuerdo Final para la Terminación del Conflicto y la Construcción de una Paz Estable y Duradera. Ser constructor de la paz estable y duradera significa apuntar a una educación de presente y de futuro. La guerra en la que nos destruimos la hacemos los unos contra los otros, la paz en la que nos reconstruimos la hacemos los unos con los otros. Al derecho fundamental a la educación se corresponde otro derecho igualmente fundamental: "la paz ha venido siendo calificada universalmente como un derecho humano superior, y requisito necesario para el ejercicio de todos los demás derechos y deberes de las personas y del ciudadano" (Acuerdo Final, 2016, p. 2). Todos los seres humanos tenemos derecho a ser educados para la paz. Muchas veces las guerras y los conflictos armados no consiguen alcanzar una o dos generaciones; la paz debe alcanzar todas las generaciones; las presentes y las futuras, para romper la recirculación de la violencia. Todos tenemos "derecho a una vida libre de violencia". Para ello Familia y Escuela deben trabajar en simbiosis como los primeros maestros y constructores de paz.

Education in values for peace a seed that is urgent to harvest between the family and the school. The new Peace Agreement constitutes a new national Schedule where we are all co-responsible: a new Final Agreement for the Termination of the Conflict and the Construction of a Stable and Lasting Peace. To be a stable and lasting peacebuilder means to aim at an education of the present and the future. The war in which we destroy ourselves is done against each other, the peace in which we rebuild is done with one another. The fundamental right to education corresponds to another equally fundamental right: "Peace has been universally qualified as a superior human right, and a necessary requirement for the exercise of all other rights and duties of individuals and citizens" (Final Agreement, 2016, p. 2). All human beings have the right to be educated for peace. Many times wars and armed conflicts fail to reach one or two generations; peace must reach all generations; present and future, to break the recirculation of violence. We all have "the right to a life free of violence." For this Family and School must work in symbiosis as the first teachers and builders of peace.

Research progress on fabric electrode technologies for electrocardiogram signal acquisition / 生物医学工程学杂志

In recent years, wearable devices grew up gradually and developed increasingly. Aiming at the problems of skin sensibility and the change of electrode impedance of Ag/AgCl electrode in the process of long-term electrocardiogram (ECG) signal monitoring and acquisition, this paper discussed in detail a new sensor technology-fabric electrode, which is used for ECG signal acquisition. First, the concept and advantages of fabric electrode were introduced, and then the common substrate materials and conductive materials for fabric electrode were discussed and evaluated. Next, we analyzed the advantages and disadvantages from the aspect of textile structure, putting forward the evaluation system of fabric electrode. Finally, the deficiencies of fabric electrode were analyzed, and the development prospects and directions were prospected.

Evaluation of alkali and thermotolerant lipase from an indigenous isolated Bacillus strain for detergent formulation

Background: Lipases are used in detergent industries to minimise the use of phosphate-based chemicals in detergent formulations. The use of lipase in household laundry reduces environmental pollution and enhances the ability of detergent to remove tough oil or grease stains. Results: A lipase-producing indigenous Bacillus subtilis strain [accession no. KT985358] was isolated from the foothills of Trikuta mountain in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The lipase (BSK-L) produced by this strain expressed alkali and thermotolerance. Lipase has an optimal activity at pH 8.0 and temperature 37°C, whereas it is stable at pH 6.0­9.0 and showed active lipolytic activity at temperatures 30 to 60°C. Furthermore, lipase activity was found to be stimulated in the presence of the metal ions Mn2+, K+, Zn2+, Fe2+ and Ca2+. This lipase was resistant to surfactants, oxidising agents and commercial detergents, suggesting it as a potential candidate for detergent formulation. BSK-L displayed noticeable capability to remove oil stains when used in different washing solutions containing buffer, lipase and commercial detergent. The maximum olive oil removal percentage obtained was 68% when the optimum detergent concentration (Fena) was 0.3%. The oil removal percentage from olive oil-soiled cotton fabric increased with 40 U/mL of lipase. Conclusions: This BSK-L enzyme has the potential for removing oil stains by developing a pre-soaked solution for detergent formulation and was compatible with surfactants, oxidising agents and commercial detergents.

The effectiveness evaluation of three packing methods for controlling sterilization wet package of medical apparatus by using non-woven fabrics / 中国医学装备

Objective: To explore the drying effect of pressure steam sterilization under different packing planes of non-woven fabrics so as to avoid the phenomenon of wet packages. Methods: 600 apparatus packages that packed by using non-woven fabrics were divided into A group(the packaging plane of apparatus bag used convex shape, that the center was higher and the periphery was lower), B group(The packaging plane of apparatus bag used horizontal shape) and C group (The packaging plane of apparatus bag used concave shape, that the center was lower and the periphery was higher)as random number table. All of the three groups adopted same package (the inner package was cotton and the outside package used non-woven fabrics of double-deck). Through pressure steam of impulse vacuum to achieve sterilization, and then the wet package rates of three groups were compared. Results: The wet package rates of the three groups were 1%, 8.5% and 37.5%, respectively, and the differences of wet package rates among the three groups were statistically significant (x2=10.135, P<0.05). Conclusion: The wet package rate of A group was lower than that of B group and C group, respectively. Therefore, this method of A group can ensure drying effect and guarantee the safety of clinical use.

Comparative study on particle pollution to the solution in the ampoule wrapped and broken by non-woven fabrics and medical gauze / 中华护理杂志

Objective To compare the particle pollution to the solution in the ampoule wrapped and broken by non-woven fabrics and medical gauze.Methods Totally 200 pcs of sterile water for injection(2 ml/pc) were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group,with 100 pcs for each.For the experimental group,the ampoules were wrapped and broken by disinfected non-woven fabrics.For the control group,the ampoules were wrapped and broken by medical gauze.The solution was sucked from the ampoule with a 10 ml syringe and injected into a measuring cup for testing.Results The quantity of particles in the solution in the experimental group was less than that in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05).Conclusion Wrapping and breaking the ampoule by disinfected non-woven fabrics can reduce particle pollution to the solution,and this method is easy to practice.

Microbial barrier effect of cotton cloth, non-woven fabric and disposable filter paper, as well as related parameters of cotton cloth / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To compare bacterial blocking rate of different medical packaging material,as well as weight loss rate,tear strength,and abrasion resistance of cotton cloth with different times of washing.Methods According to test methods for sterile medical device packaging,bacterial blocking rates of cotton cloth,non-woven fabric,and disposable filter paper were tested.Weight loss test,tensile test,and abrasion resistance test of cotton cloth were performed to test weight loss rate,tear strength,and abrasion resistance of cotton cloth with different times of washing.Results In test for microbial barrier ranking of porous package material,the average bacterial blocking rates of double-layer new cotton cloth,double-layer old cotton cloth,disposable filter paper,and nonwoven fabric were 62.15％,31.39％,82.04％,and 89.71％ respectively;after cotton cloth was washed 30 times,the weight loss rate decreased by 1.22％,tear strength decreased by 6.70％,fabric-rubbing test revealed there was no pilling.Conclusion Bacterial blocking effect ranked as follows:non-woven fabric,disposable filter paper,doublelayer cotton cloth.After 30 times of washing,the weight loss rate and tear strength decreased,and bacterial blocking effect was worse than that of new cotton cloth.

Is non‑woven fabric a useful method of packaging instruments for operation theatres in resource constrained settings.

Introduction: Studies have highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of woven and non‑woven fabrics. The present study assessed the change in resterilisation proportion after introduction of non‑woven fabric for packaging of instruments and to evaluate the cost‑effectiveness of non‑woven fabrics compared with woven fabrics. Materials and Methods: The present study is a secondary data analysis of resterilisation data collected from November 2009 to August 2013. We calculated the proportions (and their 95% confidence intervals) of resterilisation done every month. The proportion over time was compared using a Chi‑square test for trend. We used linear regression analysis to adjust for the number of surgeries performed every month. We also compared the cost of woven and non‑woven fabrics. Results: Of the total 117,335 surgical packets prepared during the study period, 1900 were resterilised; thus, the overall proportion was 1.62% (95% CI: 1.55% to 1.69%). The resterilisation proportion was 8.95% (95% CI: 7.73% to 10.17%) in November 2009 and was 0.38% (95% CI: 0.16% to 0.62%) in August 2013 (P < 0.001). After adjusting for the total number of surgeries conducted every month, we found that the number of packets resterilised reduced every month (per month reduction: ‑ 1.97, 95% CI: ‑ 2.76 to ‑1.18). The total cost (initial preparation and resterilisation) for 100 units of woven fabric is INR 6359.41 per month (confidence limit estimates: 6228.20 to 6430.62) and for non‑woven fabric was INR 6208.50 (confidence limit estimate: INR 6194.90 to 6223.35) (P < 0.01). Conclusions: The introduction of non‑woven spunbond‑meltblown‑spunbond fabrics did reduce the proportion of resterilisation of packaged instruments. The decline was sharp and sustained over time, even after accounting for the change in the number of procedures. Furthermore, though the switch from woven to non‑woven fabric was cost‑effective in our situation, it may not be directly translated to other scenarios.

Improvement Characteristics of Bio-active Materials Coated Fabric on Rat Muscular Mitochondria

This study surveys the improvement characteristics in old-aged muscular mitochondria by bio-active materials coated fabric (BMCF). To observe the effects, the fabric (10 and 30%) was worn to old-aged rat then the oxygen consumption efficiency and copy numbers of mitochondria, and mRNA expression of apoptosis- and mitophagy-related genes were verified. By wearing the BMCF, the oxidative respiration significantly increased when using the 30% materials coated fabric. The mitochondrial DNA copy number significantly decreased and subsequently recovered in a dose-dependent manner. The respiratory control ratio to mitochondrial DNA copy number showed a dose-dependent increment. As times passed, Bax, caspase 9, PGC-1alpha and beta-actin increased, and Bcl-2 decreased in a dose-dependent manner. However, the BMCF can be seen to have had no effect on Fas receptor. PINK1 expression did not change considerably and was inclined to decrease in control group, but the expression was down-regulated then subsequently increased with the use of the BMCF in a dose-dependent manner. Caspase 3 increased and subsequently decreased in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that the BMCF invigorates mitophagy and improves mitochondrial oxidative respiration in skeletal muscle, and in early stage of apoptosis induced by the BMCF is not related to extrinsic death-receptor mediated but mitochondria-mediated signaling pathway.

Immobilization and characterization of inulinase from Ulocladium atrum on nonwoven fabrics.

Ulocladium atrum inulinase was immobilized on different composite membranes composed of chitosan/nonwoven fabrics. Km values of free and immobilized U. atrum inulinase on different composite membranes were calculated. The enzyme had optimum pH at 5.6 for free and immobilized U. atrum inulinase on polyester nonwoven fabric coated with 3% chitosan solution (PPNWF3), but optimum pH was 5 for immobilized U. atrum inulinase on polyester and polypropylene nonwoven fabrics coated with 1% chitosan solution. The enzyme had optimum temperature at 40°C for immobilized enzyme on each of polyester and polypropylene composite membranes coated with 1% chitosan, while it was 50°C for free and immobilized enzyme on polypropylene nonwoven fabric coated with 3% chitosan solution. Free U. atrum inulinase was stable at 40°C but thermal stability of the immobilized enzyme was detected up to 60°C. Reusability of immobilized enzyme was from 38 to 42 cycles of reuse; after this, the immobilized enzyme lost its activity completely. In conclusion, immobilized U. atrum inulinase was considerably more stable than the free enzyme, and could be stored for extended periods.

Two and three-dimensional morphometric analysis of trabecular bone using X-ray microtomography (µCT)

INTRODUCTION: Trabecular bones have a porous microstructure and can be modeled as linear elastic solids, heterogeneous and anisotropic. In the literature, few investigations have compared the two- dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) morphometric analyses of cancellous bone. METHODS: In this investigation eighteen cylindrical samples of cancellous bone (10 mm of diameter and 20 mm of height) were obtained from six bovine head femurs, with similar values for the weight and age, of the same race and gender. The samples were harvested and freezed at - 20 °C before carrying out the microCT analysis. The CT-Analyzer software was used to measure in three directions (superior-inferior, lateral-medial and anterior-posterior) parameters such as trabecular thickness, trabecular separation, trabecular number and the eigenvalues of the fabric tensor (M). RESULTS: The Comparison of 2D and 3D analyses for the parameters: 2D (plate model) trabecular thickness, trabecular separation and trabecular number were statistically different (p = 0) showing that measurements are not similar to the 3D ones. However, 2D (rod model) trabecular thickness and 3D trabecular thickness measurements presented no significant difference (p = 0.26). The eigenvalues show that the bovine trabecular microstructure has a tendency to transverserly isotropic symmetry. DISCUSSION: The method proved to be quite interesting for the characterization of the bone structure through 3D measurements of trabecular bone morphometric parameters in the three possible directions of loading. The results show that x-ray microtomography (∝CT) is a technique of great potential for characterization and generating bone quality parameters for the diagnosis of bone metabolism diseases.

El sujeto y el lazo social en el psicoanálisis / Subject and social fabric in psychoanalysis / Le sujet et le lien social dans la psychanalyse

La psicología hace equivalentes las nociones de sujeto, persona, individuo y yo, y define su natu-raleza en función de su condición gregaria; no existen diferencias formales y se usan indiscrimi-nadamente estos términos. En el psicoanálisis hay una clara diferencia entre el yo y el sujeto, que corresponde a la definición freudiana de la descomposición de la personalidad psíquica, e interroga la concepción psicológica de unidad representativa de la personalidad. En el psicoa-nálisis el lazo social se define en términos de discurso y no diferencia entre sujeto individual y sujeto social, en tanto el discurso es el regulador del goce en todo lazo social donde está inscrito el sujeto...

Psychology becomes equivalent the notion of subject, person, individual, and the ego; and it defines its nature according to his/her gregarious condition: there are not any formal difference and its terms are used indiscriminately. There is a clear difference between the ego and the subject in psychoanalysis, this difference belongs to Freudian's definition of the decomposition of the psychical personality; it also questions the psy-chological notion of personality representative unit. Social fabric in psychoanalysis is defined on discursive terms and it does not make difference between individual subject and social subject, meanwhile the speech regulates the enjoyment in every social fabric where subject is registered...

La psychologie fait des notions de sujet, personne, individu et je, des équivalents et définit leur nature en fonction de leur condition grégaire. Il n’existe pas en psychologie de différences formelles de ces termes et ils sont utilisés indistinctement. Par contre dans la psychanalyse, il existe une diffé-rence claire entre le Je et le Sujet, qui correspond à la définition freudienne de la décomposition de la personnalité psychique, et qui interroge la con-ception psychologique de l’unité représentative de la personnalité. Dans la psychanalyse, le lien so-cial se défini en termes de discours et non pas de différence entre sujet individuel et sujet social, car le discours est le régulateur de la jouissance en tout lien social où le sujet est inscrit...

El niño homicida: La estirpe de Caín. Un estudio psicoanalítico / The murder child: Cain’s lineage. A psychoan-alytical study / L’enfant meurtrier: la lignee de caïn. Une etude psychanalytique

El artículo, es el informe de una investigación realizada en la Universidad de Antioquia sobre el fenómeno que se ha producido en Colombia en los últimos años, según el cual muchachos cada vez más jóvenes se comprometen en actos homi-cidas, con los cuales establecen un circuito a repetición en el que matan y se hacen matar ante la mirada perpleja del sistema jurídico. La inves-tigación, sirviéndose del psicoanálisis, se propu-so, no solamente intentar explicar el circuito mor-tífero, sino además producir una propuesta de intervención en la cual sea posible escuchar estos jóvenes, darles un lugar en el dispositivo jurídico que, permitiéndoles hacerse responsable de su acto, logre allanar su camino hacia la muer-te y favorezca el restablecimiento del lazo social...

The article is the research report from the Univer-sity of Antioquia about phenomenon in Colombia the last years, according to which younger and younger boys come into murder acts, establishing a repetitive circuit where they kill and are killed before the perplexed gaze of the legal system. Using the psychoanalysis, the research proposes to try to explain the deadly circuit as well as to produce an intervention answer, making possible to listen these young people and giving them a place inside the legal device –also allowing them become responsible for their acts– that achieve to calm their rush towards the death, and offering the reestablishment of the social fabric...

Ceci est le rapport d’une recherche menée à l’Université d’Antioquia sur le phénomène produit en Colombie les dernières années, où des enfants de plus en plus jeunes s’engagent dans des meurtres, en établissant un circuit de répétition où ils tuent et se font tuer face au regard perplexe du système juridique. Cette recherche,, en se servant de la psychanalyse, s’est proposée non seulement de tenter d’expliquer le circuit meurtrier mais aussi de produire une proposition d’intervention où il soit possible d’écouter ces jeunes, de leur donner une place à l’intérieur du dispositif juridique qui, en leur permettant de se faire responsables de leurs actes, réussisse à surmonter leur chemin vers la mort, et soit favorable au rétablissement du lien social...