Inkjet Printing of Nanoscale Functional Patterns on 2D Crystalline Materials and Transfer to Soft Materials.

Nanometer-scale control over surface functionality is important in applications ranging from nanoscale electronics to regenerative medicine. However, approaches that provide precise control over surface chemistry at the nanometer scale are often challenging to use with higher throughput and in more heterogeneous environments (e.g., complex solutions, porous interfaces) common for many applications. Here, we demonstrate a scalable inkjet-based method to generate 1 nm-wide functional patterns on 2D materials such as graphite, which can then be transferred to soft materials such as hydrogels. We examine fluid dynamics associated with the inkjet printing process for low-viscosity amphiphile inks designed to maximize ordering with limited residue and show that microscale droplet fluid dynamics influence nanoscale molecular ordering. Additionally, we show that scalable patterns generated in this way can be transferred to hydrogel materials and used to create surface chemical patterns that induce adsorption of charged particles, with effects strong enough to overcome electrostatic repulsion between a charged hydrogel and a like-charged nanoparticle.

Surface-Templated Glycopolymer Nanopatterns Transferred to Hydrogels for Designed Multivalent Carbohydrate-Lectin Interactions across Length Scales.

Multivalent interactions between carbohydrates and proteins enable a broad range of selective chemical processes of critical biological importance. Such interactions can extend from the macromolecular scale (1-10 nm) up to much larger scales across a cell or tissue, placing substantial demands on chemically patterned materials aiming to leverage similar interactions in vitro. Here, we show that diyne amphiphiles with carbohydrate headgroups can be assembled on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) to generate nanometer-resolution carbohydrate patterns, with individual linear carbohydrate assemblies up to nearly 1 µm, and microscale geometric patterns. These are then photopolymerized and covalently transferred to the surfaces of hydrogels. This strategy suspends carbohydrate patterns on a relatively rigid polydiacetylene (persistence length ∼ 16 nm), exposed at the top surface of the hydrogel above the bulk pore structure. Transferred patterns of appropriate carbohydrates (e.g., N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, GlcNAc) enable selective, multivalent interactions (KD ∼ 40 nM) with wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), a model lectin that exhibits multivalent binding with appropriately spaced GlcNAc moieties. WGA binding affinity can be further improved (KD ∼ 10 nM) using diacetylenes that shift the polymer backbone closer to the displayed carbohydrate, suggesting that this strategy can be used to modulate carbohydrate presentation at interfaces. Conversely, GlcNAc-patterned surfaces do not induce specific binding of concanavalin A, and surfaces patterned with glucuronic acid, or with simple carboxylic acid or hydroxyl groups, do not induce WGA binding. More broadly, this approach may have utility in designing synthetic glycan-mimetic interfaces with features from molecular to mesoscopic scales, including soft scaffolds for cells.

Nanostructured Surface Functionalization of Polyacrylamide Hydrogels Below the Length Scale of Hydrogel Heterogeneity.

Hydrogels are broadly used in applications where polymer materials must interface with biology. The hydrogel network is amorphous, with substantial heterogeneity on length scales up to hundreds of nanometers, in some cases raising challenges for applications that would benefit from highly structured interactions with biomolecules. Here, we show that it is possible to generate ordered patterns of functional groups on polyacrylamide hydrogel surfaces. We demonstrate that, when linear patterns of amines are transferred to polyacrylamide, they pattern interactions with DNA at the interface, a capability of potential importance for preconcentration in chromatographic applications, as well as for the development of nanostructured hybrid materials and supports for cell culture.

Nanometer-Scale Precision Polymer Patterning of PDMS: Multiscale Insights into Patterning Efficiency Using Alkyldiynamines.

Most high-resolution interfacial patterning approaches are restricted to crystalline inorganic interfaces. Recently, we have shown that it is possible to generate 1 nm resolution functional patterns on soft materials, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), by creating highly structured striped patterns of functional alkyldiacetylenes on a hard crystalline surface, photopolymerizing to set the molecular pattern as a striped-phase polydiacetylene (sPDA), and then covalently transferring the sPDAs to PDMS. Transfer depends on the diacetylene polymerization, making it important to understand design principles for efficient sPDA polymerization and cross-linking to PDMS. Here, we combine single-molecule and fluorescence-based metrics for sPDA polymerization and transfer, first to characterize sPDA polymerization of amine striped phases, and then to develop a probabilistic model that describes the transfer process in terms of sPDA-PDMS cross-linking reaction efficiency and number of reactions required for transfer. We illustrate that transferred patterns of alkylamines can be used to direct both adsorption of CdSe nanocrystals with alkyl ligand shells and covalent reactions with fluorescent dyes, highlighting the utility of functional patterning of the PDMS surface.

One-Dimensional (1D) Nanostructured Materials for Energy Applications.

At present, the world is at the peak of production of traditional fossil fuels. Much of the resources that humanity has been consuming (oil, coal, and natural gas) are coming to an end. The human being faces a future that must necessarily go through a paradigm shift, which includes a progressive movement towards increasingly less polluting and energetically viable resources. In this sense, nanotechnology has a transcendental role in this change. For decades, new materials capable of being used in energy processes have been synthesized, which undoubtedly will be the cornerstone of the future development of the planet. In this review, we report on the current progress in the synthesis and use of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructured materials (specifically nanowires, nanofibers, nanotubes, and nanorods), with compositions based on oxides, nitrides, or metals, for applications related to energy. Due to its extraordinary surface-volume relationship, tunable thermal and transport properties, and its high surface area, these 1D nanostructures have become fundamental elements for the development of energy processes. The most relevant 1D nanomaterials, their different synthesis procedures, and useful methods for assembling 1D nanostructures in functional devices will be presented. Applications in relevant topics such as optoelectronic and photochemical devices, hydrogen production, or energy storage, among others, will be discussed. The present review concludes with a forecast on the directions towards which future research could be directed on this class of nanostructured materials.

Biomimetic Catalysts Based on Au@ZnO-Graphene Composites for the Generation of Hydrogen by Water Splitting.

For some decades, the scientific community has been looking for alternatives to the use of fossil fuels that allow for the planet's sustainable and environmentally-friendly development. To do this, attempts have been made to mimic some processes that occur in nature, among which the photosystem-II stands out, which allows water splitting operating with different steps to generate oxygen and hydrogen. This research presents promising results using synthetic catalysts, which try to simulate some natural processes, and which are based on Au@ZnO-graphene compounds. These catalysts were prepared by incorporating different amounts of gold nanoparticles (1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%) and graphene (1 wt.%) on the surface of synthesized zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs), and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs), along with a commercial form (commercial ZnO) for comparison purposes. The highest amount of hydrogen (1127 µmol/hg) was reported by ZnO NWs with a gold and graphene loadings of 10 wt.% and 1 wt.%, respectively, under irradiation at 400 nm. Quantities of 759 µmol/hg and 709 µmol/hg were obtained with catalysts based on ZnO NPs and commercial ZnO, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of all composites increased with respect to the bare semiconductors, being 2.5 times higher in ZnO NWs, 8.8 times higher for ZnO NPs, and 7.5 times higher for commercial ZnO. The high photocatalytic activity of the catalysts is attributed, mainly, to the synergism between the different amount of gold and graphene incorporated, and the surface area of the composites.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Diagnosis of Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy in Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the cost-effectiveness ratio of different courses of action for the diagnosis of Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy in Colombia. METHODS: The cost-effectiveness analysis was performed from the Colombian health system perspective. Decision trees were constructed, and different courses of action were compared considering the following tests: immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blot (WB), multiplex polymerase chain reaction, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and the complete sequencing of the dystrophin gene. The time horizon matched the duration of sample extraction and analysis. Transition probabilities were obtained from a systematic review. Costs were constructed with a type-case methodology using the consensus of experts and the valuation of resources from consulting laboratories and the 2001 Social Security Institute cost manual. Deterministic sensitivity and scenario analyses were performed with one or more unavailable alternatives. Costs were converted from Colombian pesos to US dollars using the 2014 exchange rate. RESULTS: In the base case, WB was the dominant strategy, with a cost of US $419.07 and a sensitivity of 100%. This approach remains the dominant strategy down to a 98.2% sensitivity and while costs do not exceed US $837.38. If WB was not available, IHC had the best cost-effectiveness ratio, followed by MLPA and sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: WB is a cost-effective alternative for the diagnosis of patients suspected of having Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy in the Colombian health system. The IHC test is rated as the second-best detection method. If these tests are not available, MLPA followed by sequencing would be the most cost-effective alternative.

TiO2-Based Nanomaterials for the Production of Hydrogen and the Development of Lithium-Ion Batteries.

The photocatalytic activity of different titanium oxide nanowires containing gold (Au@TiO2NWs), and gold-graphene (Au@TiO2NWs-graphene), was evaluated by studying the reaction of hydrogen production by water splitting under UV-vis light. The composites showed high surface areas, with values above 300 m2 per gram, even after the incorporation of gold and graphene on the surface of titanium oxide nanowires. The highest hydrogen production of Au@TiO2NWs was 1436 µmol h-1 g-1, under irradiation at 400 nm, and with a gold loading of 10 wt %. This photocatalytic activity was 11.5 times greater than that shown by the unmodified TiO2NWs. For the Au@TiO2NWs-graphene composites, the highest hydrogen amount obtained was 1689 µmol h-1 g-1, at loadings of 10 and 1 wt % of gold and graphene, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of the gold-graphene compounds was 1.2 times greater than that shown by the titanium oxide catalysts and 13.5 times higher than the bare TiO2NWs. Even at wavelengths greater than 500 nm, the compounds exhibited yields of hydrogen above 1000 µmol h-1 g-1, demonstrating the high catalytic activity of the compounds. In addition, TiO2-based materials are of great interest for energy storage and conversion devices, in particular for rechargeable lithium ion batteries. TiO2 has a significant advantage due to its low volume change (<4%) during the Li ion insertion/desertion process, short paths for fast lithium ion diffusion, and large exposed surface, offering more lithium insertion channels. However, the relatively low theoretical capacity and electrical conductivity of TiO2 greatly hamper its practical application. In this work, free-standing electrodes composed by TiO2NWs and carbon nanotubes, CNT@TiO2NWs, were used as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. As a result, the electronic conductivity and mechanical properties of the composite were greatly improved and a good cycling performance was obtained in these batteries. This research shows the potential of TiO2-based materials for the development of new catalysts for hydrogen production and energy storage systems.

Subtipos neurocognitivos de esquizofrenia / Neurocognitive Subtypes of Schizophrenia

Objetivo. Identificar empíricamente subtipos neurocognitivos de esquizofrenia y establecer la asociación de estos con características clínicas. Métodos. Se aplicaron pruebas de atención sostenida, función ejecutiva, reconocimiento facial de emociones, memoria verbal y de trabajo a 253 sujetos con esquizofrenia. A partir de los resultados de estas pruebas se identificaron los subtipos mediante análisis de clases latentes. Posteriormente, se evaluó la asociación de cada subtipo con características clínicas. Resultados. Se identificaron cuatro subtipos: 1) déficit cognitivo global, 2) déficit de memoria y función ejecutiva, 3) déficit de memoria y reconocimiento de emociones y 4) sin déficit cognitivo. Al comparar con el subtipo sin déficit cognitivo, se observó que tanto el de déficit de memoria y función ejecutiva como el de déficit cognitivo global tenían mayor frecuencia individuos de sexo masculino, desempleados, con deterioro grave y adherentes al tratamiento. Sin embargo, en el subtipo con déficit cognitivo global la diferencia fue más alta y presentaron una frecuencia más baja de antecedentes de episodios depresivos (OR 0,39; IC95%: 0,16 a 0,97). El subtipo de déficit de memoria y reconocimiento emocional tenía más sujetos con deterioro grave (OR 5,52; IC95%: 1,89 a 16,14) y desempleo (OR 2,43; IC95%: 1,06 a 5,55), pero menos con antecedentes de episodios depresivos (OR 0,21; IC95%: 0,07 a 0,66). Conclusión. Los resultados muestran cuatro subtipos neurocognitivos de esquizofrenia con un posible espectro de severidad, asociándose en un extremo con mayor disfunción, y en el otro con mayor psicopatología afectiva y menor adherencia al tratamiento

Objective. To empirically identify schizophrenia neurocognitive subtypes and establish their association with clinical characteristics. Methods. Sustained attention, executive function, facial emotion recognition, verbal learning, and working memory tests were applied to 253 subjects with schizophrenia. We identified neurocognitive subtypes by a latent class analysis of the tests results. After, we made a search for the association of these subtypes with clinic characteristics. Results. We identified four neurocognitive subtypes: 1) 'Global cognitive deficit', 2) 'Memory and executive function deficit', 3) 'Memory and facial emotion recognition deficit,' and 4) 'Without cognitive deficit.' In comparison with the subtype 'without cognitive deficit,' we found that the 'memory and executive function deficit subtype' and the 'global cognitive deficit subtype' had a higher frequency of male, unemployed, severe impairment, and adherence to treatment participants. However, in the 'global cognitive deficit subtype' the differences were higher and there was also a lower frequency of past major depressive episodes (OR 0.39; 95%CI: 0.16 to 0.97). The 'memory and facial recognition deficit subtype' had a higher probability of severe impairment (OR 5.52; 95%CI: 1.89 to 16.14) and unemployed (OR 2.43; 95%CI: 1.06 to 5.55) participants, but also a lower probability of past depressive episodes (OR 0.21; 95%CI: 0.07 to 0.66). Conclusion. Our results suggest the existence of four neurocognitive subtypes in schizophrenia with a spectrum of dysfunction and severity. We found higher dysfunction in those with worse cognitive dysfunction, and higher affective psychopathology and less treatment adherence in those with less cognitive dysfunction

A systematic review of risk factors associated with the introduction of Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis (MAP) into dairy herds.

The objective of this study was to systematically collect and appraise the scientific evidence related to risk factors associated with the introduction of Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis (MAP) into a herd of cattle. An electronic search was conducted to collect relevant references addressing 2 specific questions: are i) purchasing/introduction of cattle into a herd, and ii) presence of wildlife or domestic animals, risk factors for the introduction of MAP into a herd? The screening was based on titles and abstracts and selected studies were fully analyzed. Seventeen manuscripts published between 1996 and 2011 were ultimately analyzed. Unit of interest was mainly the herd (n = 17). The specific description of the risk factors studied varied between studies. The principal study design was cross-sectional (n = 15). The review indicated that purchase/introduction of animals was an important risk factor and that the importance of wildlife or other domestic species as a mechanism for transmission into a cattle herd was not measurable.

Revue systématique sur les facteurs de risque associés à l'introduction deMycobacterium aviumspp.paratuberculosis(MAP) dans les troupeaux laitiers. L'objectif était la collecte et l'évaluation systématique des preuves scientifiques liées à des facteurs de risque associés à l'introduction de Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis (MAP) dans un troupeau.Une recherche électronique a été réalisée pour trier des publications afin de répondre à 2 questions : Est-ce que i) l'achat/introduction de bovins dans un troupeau, et ii) la présence d'animaux sauvages et domestiques sont des facteurs de risque pour l'introduction de MAP dans un troupeau. La sélection a été effectuée en se basant sur les titres, les résumés, et les études choisies ont été entièrement analysés.Dix-sept manuscrits publiés entre 1996 et 2011 ont été sélectionnés. L'unité d'intérêt a principalement été le troupeau (n = 17). Les descriptions des facteurs de risque étudiés variaient d'une étude à l'autre. La majorité des études étaient de type transversal (n = 15).L'achat d'animaux est un facteur de risque bien documenté confirmant l'introduction de la paratuberculose dans le troupeau. Toutefois, malgré la présence de MAP dans les populations domestiques et sauvages à proximité du bétail, l'importance de ce facteur de risque dans la transmission à un troupeau n'était pas mesurable.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Verbal working memory in individuals with schizophrenia and their first degree relatives: relationship with negative and disorganized symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there are differences in verbal working memory amongst subjects with schizophrenia, their first degree relatives and controls, and to evaluate the influence of symptoms on these differences, as an initial step to assess whether this cognitive function is an endophenotype. METHODS: We examined 197 cases with schizophrenia, 197 first degree relatives and 200 controls through psychiatric interviews and the Letters and Numbers Sequencing test (LNS). Performance was compared among the three groups adjusting for age, sex and education level. Adjustment for "negative symptoms" and "disorganization" was performed afterwards. RESULTS: Subjects with schizophrenia showed lower performance in the LNS than their first degree relatives and the healthy controls; the effect sizes were 0.75 and 1.18 respectively. There was a small difference between relatives and controls (effect size =0.38). These differences were significant after adjustment for negative and disorganized symptoms, but the effect sizes became smaller: 0.26 for relatives vs. subjects with schizophrenia, 0.56 for controls vs. subjects with schizophrenia and 0.33 for relatives vs. controls. Among individuals with schizophrenia, performance in the LNS was not associated with disorder duration, disease onset age, antipsychotics, history of depressive episodes or substance use disorders. CONCLUSION: Results suggest verbal working memory may be considered as an endophenotype in schizophrenia.

Memoria de trabajo verbal en individuos con esquizofrenia y sus familiares de primer grado: Relación con los sintomas negativos y desorganizados / Verbal working memory in individuals with schizophrenia and their first degree relatives: relationship with negative and disorganized symptoms

Objetivo: Determinar si hay diferencias en la memoria de trabajo verbal entre sujetos con esquizofrenia, familiares de primer grado y controles, y evaluar la influencia que pueden tener en estas diferencias los síntomas del trastorno, como un paso para establecer si esta función cognitiva es un endofenotipo. Métodos: A 197 sujetos con esquizofrenia, 197 familiares de primer grado y 200 controles comunitarios, se les hizo evaluación psiquiátrica y se les aplicó la prueba sucesión de letras y números (SLN). Se comparó el desempeño de los tres grupos ajustando por edad, sexo y escolaridad, y luego se ajustó también por síntomas negativos y desorganizados. Resultados: Los sujetos con esquizofrenia mostraron un menor desempeño en la SLN con respecto a sus familiares de primer grado no-afectados y los controles, con tamaños de efecto de 0,75 y 1,18 respectivamente. Hubo una diferencia pequeña pero significativa entre familiares y controles (tamaño de efecto =0,38). Estas diferencias siguieron siendo significativas después de ajustar por síntomas negativos y desorganizados, pero los tamaños de efecto disminuyeron a: 0,26 para familiares vs sujetos con esquizofrenia, 0,56para controles vs sujetos con esquizofrenia y 0,33 para familiares vs controles. Entre los sujetos con esquizofrenia, el desempeño en la SLN no se asoció significativamente con duración del trastorno, edad de inicio, uso de antipsicóticos, ni historia de episodios depresivos o trastornos por uso de sustancias. Conclusión: Los resultados sugieren que la memoria de trabajo verbal puede ser considerada un endofenotipo de la esquizofrenia (AU)

Objective: To determine whether there are differences in verbal working memory amongst subjects with schizophrenia, their first degree relatives and controls, and to evaluate the influence of symptoms on these differences, as an initial step to assess whether this cognitive function is an endophenotype. Methods: We examined 197 cases with schizophrenia, 197 first degree relatives and 200 controls through psychiatric interviews and the Letters and Numbers Sequencing test (LNS). Performance was compared among the three groups adjusting for age, sex and education level. Adjustment for “negative symptoms” and “disorganization” was performed afterwards. Results: Subjects with schizophrenia showed lower performance in the LNS than their first degree relatives and the healthy controls; the effect sizes were 0.75 and 1.18 respectively. There was a small difference between relatives and controls (effect size =0.38). These differences were significant after adjustment for negative and disorganized symptoms, but the effect sizes became smaller: 0.26 for relatives vs. subjects with schizophrenia, 0.56 for controls vs. subjects with schizophrenia and 0.33 for relatives vs. controls. Among individuals with schizophrenia, performance in the LNS was not associated with disorder duration, disease onset age, antipsychotics, history of depressive episodes or substance use disorders. Conclusion: Results suggest verbal working memory may be considered as an endophenotype in schizophrenia (AU)

Evidencia serológica de circulación de Leptospira spp en Rattus norvegicus naturalmente expuestos en una zona urbana colombiana / Serological evidence of Leptospira spp circulation in naturally-exposed rats (Rattusnorvegicus) in a Colombian urban area

Objetivo Determinar la frecuencia de anticuerpos dirigidos contra especies de Leptospira patógenas en reservorios naturales, con el propósito de establecer evidencia de su papel potencial en la dispersión ambiental de Leptospira y por consiguiente su actuación como agente diseminador de la infección tanto al humano como a otras especies susceptibles. Materiales y métodos El muestreo se llevó a cabo en la Plaza Minorista durante el periodo comprendido entre agosto de 2006 y abril de 2007, en el cual se capturaron 254 roedores Rattus norvegicus. Se obtuvo sangre de estos por punción cardiaca y el suero resultante se procesó con la prueba de Microaglutinación. Resultados El análisis serológico para verificar las serovariedades circulantes de Leptospira spp, dio como resultado que 64 roedores (25,2 por ciento, 95 por ciento CI=19,5-30,1) tuvieron títulos positivos para al menos una de las 11 serovariedades probadas. Conclusiones Los datos muestran que no solo la serovariedad Icterohaemorrhagiae está asociada con esta especie reservoria; también lo están otras serovariedades como Grippothyphosa y Canícola. El estudio permitió determinar la frecuencia de anticuerpos contra especies patógenas de Leptospira para reservorios procedentes de una zona urbana colombiana. Estos datos son relevantes para las entidades de salud pública por constituir la base para la implementación de campañas de control adecuadas para esta zona del país y como modelo de otros estudios similares en otras ciudades colombianas.

Objective Assessing the frequency of antibodies directed against pathogenic Leptospira species found in natural reservoirs for establishing evidence of their potential role in the environmental dispersion of Leptospira and consequent dissemination of the infection to humans as well as to other susceptible species. Material and methods A survey was carried out in the Plaza Minorista from August 2006 to April 2007 in which 254 rats (Rattusnorvegicus) were captured. Blood was obtained from these rodents by cardiac puncture and the resulting serum was used for microagglutination tests. Results Serological analysis for verifying Leptospira spp circulating serovars resulted in 64 rodents (25.2 percent;19.5-30.1 95 percentCI) having positive antibody titres for at least 11 of the serovars tested. Conclusions Frequency data regarding the antibodies so detected showed that the Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar was not the only one possibly associated with this reservoir species, but also with others such as the Grippothyphosa and Canícolaserovars. The study determined the frequency of antibodies against pathogenic Leptospira species for reservoirs from an urban area in Colombia. This data is relevant for public health authorities and might constitute the basis for implementing appropriate control campaigns for this area of the country and, likewise, this work could serve as a model for similar studies in other Colombian cities.

[Serological evidence of Leptospira spp circulation in naturally-exposed rats (Rattusnorvegicus) in a Colombian urban area]. / Evidencia serológica de circulación de Leptospira spp en Rattus norvegicus naturalmente expuestos en una zona urbana colombiana.

OBJECTIVE: Assessing the frequency of antibodies directed against pathogenic Leptospira species found in natural reservoirs for establishing evidence of their potential role in the environmental dispersion of Leptospira and consequent dissemination of the infection to humans as well as to other susceptible species. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey was carried out in the Plaza Minorista from August 2006 to April 2007 in which 254 rats (Rattusnorvegicus) were captured. Blood was obtained from these rodents by cardiac puncture and the resulting serum was used for microagglutination tests. RESULTS: Serological analysis for verifying Leptospira spp circulating serovars resulted in 64 rodents (25.2 %;19.5-30.1 95 %CI) having positive antibody titres for at least 11 of the serovars tested. CONCLUSIONS: Frequency data regarding the antibodies so detected showed that the Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar was not the only one possibly associated with this reservoir species, but also with others such as the Grippothyphosa and Canícolaserovars. The study determined the frequency of antibodies against pathogenic Leptospira species for reservoirs from an urban area in Colombia. This data is relevant for public health authorities and might constitute the basis for implementing appropriate control campaigns for this area of the country and, likewise, this work could serve as a model for similar studies in other Colombian cities.

Tratamiento de pacientes con fracturas por proyectil de arma de fuego de baja velocidad, Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl, Medellín, 2002-2003 / Management of the patient with grade 1 open fractures by low-velocity gunshots in San Vicente de Paul University Hospital, 2002-2003

El propósito del presente trabajo fue evaluar el resultado del manejo de fracturas grado I producidas por proyectil de arma de fuego de baja velocidad, sin lavado y desbridamiento quirúrgico en el momento del ingreso al hospital. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo evaluando las historias clínicas de los pacientes que ingresaban con este diagnóstico al servicio de urgencias adultos del HUSVP entre enero de 2002 y junio de 2003. Se hizoseguimiento de 77 fracturas en 74 pacientes, hasta lograr la consolidación clínica y radiológica de las fracturas. Todos los pacientes recibieron tratamientoantibiótico según los protocolos del servicio de ortopedia. Se encontró mayor frecuencia de fracturas de huesos largos: tibia (19 por ciento), fémur (18 por ciento) y húmero (17 por ciento). Ningún paciente requirió lavado quirúrgico durante el manejo. Del total de fracturas, 53,2 por ciento recibieron manejo no quirúrgico, 40,2 por ciento reducción abierta y fijación interna y 6,6 por ciento fijación externa; ninguno de los pacientes presentó signos de infección durante la evolución. Con este trabajo se puede recomendar el tratamiento sin lavado y desbridamiento quirúrgico para los pacientes con fracturas grado I producidas por proyectil de arma de fuego de baja velocidad.

Comportamiento de la trombolisis en las unidades móviles de emergencia, Estudio de 1 año / Thrombolysis performance in emergency mobile units. A one-year study

El uso de la Estreptoquinasa recombinante como tratamiento trombolítico en el infarto agudo del miocardio, demuestra que además de conseguir la lisis deltrombo produce mejoramiento de la función ventricular, lo que mejora el rendimiento cardiaco. Sé realizo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de los pacientes con infarto agudo del miocardio atendidos por la Emergencia MedicaMóvil del Hospital Universitario” Arnaldo Milián Castro, trasladados desde diferentes municipios de la provincia durante el periodo de Enero del 2003 a Enero del 2004 con el objetivo de valorar la efectividad de la trombolisis en el infarto agudo del miocardio. El universo y muestra estuvieron constituido por 46 pacientes que fueron trasladados por las unidades móviles de emergencia Seanalizaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, ventana terapéutica, tiempo de comienzo del tratamiento trombolítico, mortalidad y reacciones adversas altratamiento. Predominó el sexo masculino con 29 pacientes (63.04 por ciento), además el grupo de edades más afectado fue de 66 a 75 años con 13 paciente (28.03 por ciento), el mayor numero de pacientes trombolisados tuvieron una ventana terapéutica de 3-5 horas desde que comenzaron los síntomas. Además es significativo la relación de la mortalidad con la ventana terapéutica ya que no hubo fallecidos en los pacientes que recibieron el tratamiento fibrinolítico en las primeras 8 horas decomenzado los síntomas y la reacción adversa más frecuente fue la hipotensión arterial en 40 pacientes (86.9 por ciento)(AU)

Biopsia cerebral a mano alzada guiada por tomografía / Cerebral biopsy by a handfree procedure

Se presenta la experiencia del Servicio de Neurocirugía del Hospital Universitario San Vicente de Paúl con un procedimiento alternativo para realizar una biopsia cerebral, el cual se lleva a cabo a mano alzada y guiado por tomografía sin utilizar un marco estereotáxico. Se resalta su utilidad en los casos de lesiones supratentoriales y con tamaño mayor de 3 centímetros, en centros donde no se disponga de los métodos estereotáxicos tradicionales.

Rinoporidiosis conjuntival (oculosporidiosis) / Conjuntival rhinosporidiosi (oculosporidiosis): report of a case

Se presenta un caso de rinosporidiosis localizada en la conjuntiva; la paciente tenía 15 años, residía en Nechí, Antioquia, y su lesión fue diagnosticada inicialmente como hemangioma. El diagnóstico de rinosporidiosis se hizo por el estudio histológico.

A case of localized conjunctival rhinosporidiosis (oculosporidiosis) of the left eye in a fifteen year old woman is presented. The patient lived in Nechl, Antioquia, Colombia, and the Initial diagnosis was a hemangioma. The correct diagnosis was established by means of histological examination of the excised lesion