Abstract β-Galactosidase (BGal) is the first enzyme involved in the catabolism of sphingolipids. Two pathologies have been directly associated with its deficiency: GM1 gangliosidosis and Morquio B. Morquio B is among the rarest types of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). We aim to document the β-galactosidase deficiency in Colombia. We evaluated leukocytes from 1492 healthy Colombian individuals and 923 patients, referred between 2005 and August 2014. Dried blood spot (DBS) samples from the same number of patients were evaluated. β-Galactosidase was measured with 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-d-galactoside. As a control enzyme, the total hexosaminidase activity was also evaluated. We identified 14 patients with GM1 gangliosidosis, 5 patients with Morquio B, and 1 patient with I-cell disease. We could establish a reference value for Bgal in Colombian leukocyte samples. GM1 gangliosidosis is the main pathology associated with a direct deficiency of BGal. The high number of patients found with MPS IVB indicates that there are patients who could be misdiagnosed due to an unawareness of the disease.

Purpose. To demonstrate the utility of 4D flow MR imaging for analyzing blood flow patterns and flow distribution in patients with congenital heart diseases. Methods: Six patients with congenital heart diseases were scanned using a standard cardiac MRI protocol, according to their condition. Additionally, 2D flow sequences of the great vessels, and a 4D flow sequence covering the entire heart were acquired. Flow patterns were visualized by using vector fields, streamlines and particle traces. Results: 4D flow technique depicted vortices and helical flow in the pulmonary artery of most patients, as well as in the aorta and superior vena cava of one patient with corrected aortic coarctation and a levoatrial cardinal vein. Conclusion: 4D flow MR imaging enables the identification of flow patterns difficult to detect with other diagnostic modalities. Comprehensive evaluation of flow patterns might help to understand the hemodynamic consequences of congenital heart diseases and their surgical procedures.

Objetivo. Demostrar la utilidad de 4D flow para el análisis de patrones y distribución de flujos en pacientes con cardiopatías congénitas. Métodos: Seis pacientes con cardiopatías congénitas fueron escaneados con un protocolo de resonancia magnética cardíaca estándar. Además se incluyeron secuencias de flujo 2D en los principales vasos del tórax y una secuencia 4D flow que cubría todo el corazón. Para la visualización de los patrones de flujo se emplearon vectores de velocidad, líneas de flujo y trazadores de partículas. Resultados: 4D flow reveló vórtices y hélices en la arteria pulmonar de la mayoría de los pacientes, y en la aorta y vena cava superior de un paciente con coartación aórtica reparada y vena cardinal levoatrial. Conclusiones: 4D flow permite identificar patrones de flujo en pacientes con cardiopatías congénitas, difíciles de observar con otros métodos diagnósticos. La evaluación de patrones de flujo podría contribuir a comprender las consecuencias hemodinámicas de diferentes cardiopatías congénitas.

The synanthropic index and other ecological aspects of the Muscidae family were evaluated through simultaneous monthly sampling in three different environments (urban, rural and forest) using van Someren-Rydon traps baited with human faeces, chicken viscera and decomposing fish and onion. Four traps were set up in each environment (one per bait item) for 48 hours per month, with samples taken every 12 hours. A total of 5726 specimens were collected, belonging to 19 species and 13 genera. Brontaea normata (+99,9), Brontaea quadristigma (+96,9), Synthesiomyia nudiseta (+96,5), Ophyra aenescens (+96,2), Musca domestica (+95,7) and Atherigona orientalis (+93,8) had the highest synanthropic indices, showing a marked preference for human environments. The most abundant species were B. normata (24,31%), Biopyrellia bipuncta (20,60%) and Pseudoptilolepis nigripoda (15,82%), the latter two showed a preference for uninhabited areas. A total of 11 new records for Colombia were found: Ophyra aenescens, Cyrtoneuropsis pararescita, Morellia basalis, Neomuscina dorsipuncta, Biopyrellia bipuncta, Pseudoptilolepis nigripoda, Neomuscina instabilis, Neomuscina currani, Polietina orbitalis, Neomuscina pictipennis and Cyrtoneuropsis maculipennis. Except for the first four species, the remainder presented negative synantrophy indexes (from minor to major), which would allow to use them as ecological indicators of the disturbance degree of dry forests in Colombia.

Se evaluó el índice de sinantropía al igual que otros aspectos ecológicos de la familia Muscidae, mediante muestreos mensuales simultáneos en tres ambientes (urbano, rural y bosque), para lo cual se utilizaron trampas van Someren Rydon cebadas con excremento humano, vísceras de pollo, pescado y cebolla en descomposición. En cada zona se instalaron cuatro trampas (una por atrayente), durante 48 horas cada mes, realizando colectas cada 12 horas. Se colectaron 5726 ejemplares pertenecientes a 19 especies y 13 géneros. Brontaea normata (+99,9), Brontaea quadristigma (+96,9), Synthesiomyia nudiseta (+96,5), Ophyra aenescens (+96,2), Musca domestica (+95,7) y Atherigona orientalis (+93,8), presentaron los índices de sinantropía mas altos, mostrando una marcada preferencia por los ambientes humanos. Las especies más abundante fueron B. normata (24,31%), Biopyrellia bipuncta (20,60%) y Pseudoptilolepis nigripoda (15,82%), las dos últimas con preferencia por áreas deshabitadas. Se encontraron un total de 11 reportes nuevos para Colombia: Ophyra aenescens, Cyrtoneuropsis pararescita, Morellia basalis, Neomuscina dorsipuncta, Biopyrellia bipuncta, Pseudoptilolepis nigripoda, Neomuscina instabilis, Neomuscina currani, Polietina orbitalis, Neomuscina pictipennis y Cyrtoneuropsis maculipennis. Exceptuando las primeras cuatro especies, las restantes presentaron índices de sinantropía bajos (de menor a mayor), lo que permitiría usarlas como indicadores ecológicos del grado de perturbación de los bosques secos en Colombia.