Abstract Pyroligneous acid (PA) was obtained by condensation of the vapors produced in the thermal decomposition of culms residues from Guadua angustifolia Kunth (G. angustifolia) cultivated in Colombia, with and without previous preservation treatment with borax salts. Chemical characterization by GC-MS showed that PA extracts has high content of phenolic compounds. Mequinol, isocreosol, 4-ethylphenol, 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol, 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxytoluene and 2,6-dimethoxyphenol were the most abundant substances, identified. The total phenolic content (TPC) and DPPH free radical scavenging activity, were investigated. TPC showed a concentration of 1.959 mg GA g-1±0.010 and 3.844 mg GA g-1±0.027 to PAC and PAS samples. These samples also exhibited high DPPH activity of 70.975%±0.921 and, 16.667%±0.298, respectively. The chemical composition, TPC and DPPH results indicate that the PA extracts obtained from G. angustifolia may be used as a raw material in the food industry as natural preservative, in medicine as alternative to antibiotics and in agriculture as insect repellent and foliar fertilizer.

Resumen Uno de los grandes retos que ha traído consigo la crisis mundial provocada por la contingencia sanitaria, debida a la COVID-19, ha sido el diseño, la fabricación y distribución de elementos básicos de protección para el personal médico y sanitario que hace parte de los equipos de salud. Las consideraciones aportadas por la siguiente nota técnica tienen el objetivo de optimizar el diseño y la fabricación digital de pantallas de protección facial de impresión en 3D, creando diademas en ácido poliláctico (PLA) y lámina de cloruro de vinilo polimerizable transparente (PVC). Bajo parámetros antropométricos se determinaron las dimensiones de la diadema, determinando así la distancia para su uso con gafas y tapabocas sin sacrificar la visión periférica del usuario. A través de análisis de elementos finitos, se evaluó el comportamiento del material frente a diferentes esfuerzos., Así se definieron variables óptimas de grosor para altura de capa, ancho de línea, grosor de la pared, densidad de relleno y velocidad de impresión. Se evidencia disminución en los tiempos de fabricación. Por otro lado, el proceso de desinfección se realizó antes, durante y después del proceso de ensamble y posterior empaquetado. La desinfección de las pantallas se realiza por método de inmersión en glutaraldehído al 1 % o 2 %, el cual es un desinfectante de alto nivel y es usado comúnmente en hospitales y dispositivos médicos puesto que tiene propiedades bactericidas, fungicidas, virucidas, tuberculicidas, esporicidas y prionicidas.

Abstract A major challenge posed by the global crisis caused by the health contingency due to COVID-19 has been to design, manufacture, and distribute basic personal protective equipment among health professionals. The considerations described in this technical note are aimed at optimizing the design and digital manufacturing of 3D printed face protection shields composed of polylactic acid (PLA) headbands and transparent polymerizable vinyl chloride (PVC) film. The headband dimensions were determined by anthropometric parameters, thus establishing the distance to be used with glasses and mouthpieces without sacrificing the user’s peripheral vision. The behavior of the material was evaluated under different stresses using finite element analysis. As a result, the optimal values for layer height, line width, wall thickness, fill density, and print speed were defined. However, these parameters caused a decrease in production times. The face shields were sanitized before, during, and after the assembly process and subsequent packaging by immersion in 1% or 2% glutaraldehyde, which is a high-level disinfectant commonly used in hospitals and medical devices because of its bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal, tuberculocidal, sporicidal, and prionicidal properties.

Resumen Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y desenlaces al tratamiento de los pacientes con tuberculosis resistente a isoniazida (Hr-TB) en una institución del suroccidente colombiano. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se incluyeron pacientes con confirmación diagnóstica, aislamiento microbiológico, pruebas de susceptibilidad a fármacos y evidencia de Hr-TB. Resultados: Se incluyeron 32 pacientes con Hr-TB entre 2006-2018 que corresponden al 6% (32/528) de resistencia del total de casos. El 78% (n=25) fueron casos nuevos, resistencia primaria, y el 22% (n=7) previamente tratados, resistencia adquirida. La comorbilidad más frecuente fue infección por VIH (n=9). El patrón de Hr-TB mostró en 23 (72%) casos con alto nivel, 4 (12%) de bajo nivel y 5 (16%) con bajo y alto nivel. El análisis de resultados al tratamiento se realizó a 22 pacientes, presentando el 50% cura, el 41% tratamiento completo y 9% muerte relacionada con la tuberculosis. Conclusiones: La Hr-TB predomina en los casos nuevos, lo que supone un obstáculo al tratamiento donde no se realizan las pruebas de susceptibilidad de forma rutinaria.

Abstract Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes to the treatment of patients with isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis (Hr-TB) in an institution in southwest Colombia. Materials and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted. Patients with diagnostic confirmation, microbiological isolation, drug susceptibility tests, and evidence of Hr-TB were included. Results: Thirty-two patients with Hr-TB were included between 2006-2018, corresponding to 6% (32/528) of resistance in total cases. 78% were new cases, primary resistance, and 22% previously treated, acquired resistance. The most frequent comorbidity was HIV infection (n = 9). The pattern of Hr-TB showed in 23 (72%) cases with high level, 4 (12%) of low level and 5 (16%) with low and high level. The analysis of treatment results was performed on 22 patients, presenting 50% cure, 41% completed treatment, and 9% death related to tuberculosis. Conclusions: Hr-TB predominates in new cases, which is an obstacle to treatment where susceptibility tests are not performed routinely.

RESUMO O implante intravítreo de dexametasona é um sistema anti-inflamatório de liberação sustentada que libera 0,7 mg de dexametasona na cavidade vítrea. O relato de caso a seguir descreve uma complicação rara: injeção acidental do implante de Dexametasona no cristalino. Uma mulher de 73 anos foi diagnosticada com oclusão da veia central da retina e edema macular cistóide. O tratamento inicial incluiu três doses intravítreas mensais de tratamento com fator de crescimento endothelial anti-vascular, que não tiveram sucesso. O tratamento foi então mudado para um implante intravítreo de dexametasona. Dez semanas depois, o implante foi observado no córtex posterior do cristalino. Como não houve melhora, a paciente foi submetida à cirurgia de facoemulsificação, durante a qual parte do cristalino migrou para a cavidade vítrea. Portanto, foi realizada vitrectomia completa via pars plana 23-gauge com administração de aflibercepte intravítreo durante a cirurgia. Lesões no cristalino devido a implantes intravítreos de dexametasona são uma complicação rara e geralmente resulta do procedimento de injeção. Abordagens cirúrgicas ou conservadoras imediatas devem ser consideradas caso a caso.

ABSTRACT The intravitreal dexamethasone implant is a sustained-release anti-inflammatory drug system that releases 0.7 mg of dexamethasone into the vitreous cavity. The following case report describes a rare complication: accidental injection of the dexamethasone implant into the crystalline lens. A 73-year-old woman was diagnosed with central retina vein occlusion and cystoid macular edema. Initial tSreatment included three monthly intravitreal doses of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment, which was not successful. Treatment was then modified to an intravitreal dexamethasone implant. Ten weeks later, the implant was observed in the posterior cortex of the crystalline lens. Because no improvement had occurred, the patient underwent phacoemulsification surgery, during which part of the lens migrated into the vitreous cavity. Therefore, 23-gauge pars plana complete vitrectomy was performed with trans-surgical administration of intravitreal aflibercept. Crystalline lens injury due to an intravitreal dexamethasone implant is a rare complication and typically results from the injection procedure. Immediate surgical or conservative approaches should be considered on an individual basis.

Abstract: Microenterprises in Ecuador represent 90.78% of the total number of companies, which means a set of organizations of vital importance for the country, which highlights the contribution in economic terms and employment. But like any other company, competition in a globalized world is the key point for survival and continuity over time. The objective of this research is to determine the degree of competitiveness of microenterprises within the Manta Canton - Ecuador according to the perception of their representatives. Therefore, a quantitative-based descriptive study was carried out to measure the perception of microenterprise entrepreneurs through the adaptation of a proven measuring instrument. The characteristics and particularities that have been shown throughout this research are complemented in theoretical and practical terms, in terms of informality, low training, poor planning, financial difficulties, among others. The behavior of the data demonstrates a two-to-one ratio in the responses according to those in disagreement, thereby measuring acceptable competitiveness by microenterprises in Manta.

Resumen: Las microempresas en el Ecuador representan el 90,78% del total de empresas y constituyen un conjunto de organizaciones de vital importancia para el país, que se destacan por el aporte en lo económico y en el empleo. Pero al igual que cualquier otra empresa, la competencia en un mundo globalizado es el punto clave para lograr la supervivencia y continuidad en el tiempo. El objetivo de la presente investigación es determinar el grado de competitividad de las microempresas dentro del Cantón Manta - Ecuador según la percepción de sus representantes. Por ello se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de base cuantitativo, a fin de medir la percepción de los empresarios de microempresas a través de la adaptación de un instrumento de medición comprobado. Las características y particularidades que se han mostrado a lo largo de esta investigación se complementan en lo teórico y práctico, en cuanto a la informalidad, baja capacitación, poca planificación, dificultades financieras, entre otros. El comportamiento de los datos demuestra una proporción dos a uno en las respuestas de acuerdo con relación a las de en desacuerdo, midiendo de esta manera una competitividad aceptable por parte de las microempresas en Manta.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Aeromonas species are renowned enteric pathogens with virulence determinants linked to human diseases, such as gastroenteritis, skin, soft-tissue and muscle infections, and septicemia. A recent concern of resistance in this organism has emerged, especially the presence carbapenemases. Herein we describe a case series of emerging carbapenem-resistant Aeromonas species infection in our hospital in Cali, Colombia. Materials and methods: Cases from 2012 to 2018 are reported. Clinical data was abstracted from the clinical charts and laboratory information. Phenotypic detection of resistance was identified using the VITEK®2 system (BioMérieux) and broth microdilution MicroScan WalkAway plus System (Beckman Coulter). CARBA NP-test and multiplex qPCR assay was performed in 11 isolates to identify genes encoding carbapenemases (blaKPC, blaVIM, blaIMP and blaNDM ). Results: 21 cases of Aeromonas infection in hospitalized patients with phenotypic resistance to carbapenems were studied. The median age was 50 years, 55% (12/21) were male, and 67% (14/21) were healthcare-associated infections (HAI). Aeromonas hydrophila was the most common species (19/21). Forty-three percent (9/21) of the patients were immunocompromised. The mortality was 33% (7/21), and in patients with bacteremia was 100%. Most patients received empirical treatment with meropenem and failed to this treatment. PCR amplification tests showed negative results for the carbapenemases analyzed. Conclusion: Emerging phenotypic carbapenem-resistant infection has been seen in our hospital, most as HAI. High mortality was found, especially in immunocompromised patients and in those who failled empirical treatment with carbapenems. As the main carbapenemases tested were negative, carbapenem-resistant could be attributed to an intrinsic metallo-β-lactamase, CphA encoded by the cphA gene, possible hyperproduction of ampC β-lactamase and/or porins expression.

Resumen Introducción: El ambiente de las unidades de cuidado intensivo neonatal está influenciado por numerosas fuentes de emisión de ruido, que contribuyen a elevar los niveles de ruido y que pueden provocar deficiencias auditivas entre otras alteraciones fisiológicas y psicológicas sobre el neonato, así como problemas al personal asistencial cuando se exceden los niveles. Objetivo: Evaluar el nivel y fuentes de emisión del ruido en la unidad de cuidado intensivo neonatal. Métodos: Se muestreo durante 20 días continuos cada 60 segundos en escala de ponderación frecuencias A y espacial fast, con un sonómetro tipo I, se registraron los parámetros acústicos de nivel medio, máximo y mínimo, y percentil 10, 50 y 90. Se integraron en periodos horarios y por turno, y se estudiaron mediante un análisis de varianza. Las fuentes se caracterizaron en tercios de octavas. Resultados: El nivel medio reportado fue 64.00 ±3.62 dB(A), con máximo de 76.04 ±5.73 dB(A), mínimo de 54.84 ±2.61 dB(A) y ruido de fondo de 57.95 ±2.83 dB(A). Se identificaron cuatro fuentes con rango entre 16.8-63.3 dB(A). El análisis estadístico mostró diferencias significativas entre una media y otra con valores mayores en las primeras horas del día. Conclusión: Los valores presentados superan los estándares sugerido por diversas organizaciones. Las fuentes identificadas y medidas registraron mayor aporte en las frecuencias bajas.

Abstract Introduction: The environment of neonatal intensive care units is influenced by numerous sources of noise emission, which contribute to raise the noise levels, and may cause hearing impairment and other physiological and psychological changes on the newborn, as well as problems with care staff. Objective: To evaluate the level and sources of noise in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods: Sampled for 20 consecutive days every 60 seconds in A-weighting curves and fast mode with a Type I sound level meter. Recorded the average, maximum and minimum, and the 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles. The values are integrated into hours and work shift, and studied by analysis of variance. The sources were characterized in thirds of octaves. Results: The average level was 64.00 ±3.62 dB(A), with maximum of 76.04 ±5.73 dB(A), minimum of 54.84 ±2.61dB(A), and background noise of 57.95 ±2.83 dB(A). We found four sources with levels between 16.8-63.3 dB(A). Statistical analysis showed significant differences between the hours and work shift, with higher values in the early hours of the day. Conclusion: The values presented exceed the standards suggested by several organizations. The sources identified and measured recorded high values in low frequencies.

ABSTRACT Introduction: People who use heroin and cocaine have more sexual activity, risk behaviors associated with injection and inconsistent condom use, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections and the presence of HIV. Objective: To identify socio-demographic factors, sexual behavior and injection heroin risk in users, according to additional consumption of cocaine in five cities in Colombia. Method: 1017 injecting drug users over 18 years were surveyed; by sampling generated by the respondent, reasons of raw prevalence (OR) were calculated and adjusted through logistic regression, with their respective according to cocaine consumption. Results: 60% of injected heroin users also used cocaine; this population were largely male, unmarried, under 25 years, belonging to low socioeconomic status and involved in dealing drugs. Risk behaviors in the last injection of the drug were higher in those who also used cocaine. Condom use at last intercourse was lower and a higher prevalence of HIV was observed in cocaine users. Discussion and conclusion: It was determined that injecting drug users who use cocaine are faced with a high probability of HIV and less condom use, as well as greater sexual risk behavior and related to injection. Attention is required with preventive and social measures to reduce the use of psychoactive drugs, polydrug use and the consequences of these drugs in Colombia.

RESUMEN Introducción: Las personas que consumen heroína y cocaína presentan una mayor actividad sexual, conductas de riesgo relacionadas con la inyección y un uso inconsistente del condón, lo que aumentaría el riesgo de infecciones de transmisión sexual y la presencia de VIH. Objetivo: Identificar factores sociodemográficos, conductas sexuales y de inyección en usuarios de heroína, según consumo o no de cocaína en cinco ciudades de Colombia. Método: Se encuestaron 1017 usuarios de drogas inyectables mayores de 18 años. Por medio de muestreo generado por el entrevistado, se calcularon razones de prevalencia crudas (OR) y ajustadas a través de una regresión logística, con sus respectivos IC 95% según el consumo de cocaína. Resultados: El 60% de los usuarios de heroína inyectada consumían también cocaína. Esta población en gran parte eran hombres, solteros, menores de 25 años, pertenecientes a estratos socioeconómicos bajos e involucrados en el microtráfico. Los comportamientos de riesgo en la última inyección de la droga fueron mayores en quienes también consumían cocaína. El uso de condón en la última relación sexual fue menor y se observó una mayor prevalencia de VIH en los consumidores de cocaína. Discusión y conclusión: Se logró determinar que los usuarios de drogas inyectables que consumen cocaína se enfrentan a una alta probabilidad de presentar VIH y menor uso del condón, así como mayores comportamientos de riesgo sexual y relacionados con la inyección. Se requiere atención con medidas preventivas y sociales que disminuyan el policonsumo y las consecuencias de estas drogas en Colombia.

Las barreras para la innovación han sido estudiadas desde hace más de 40 años, sin embargo, en la mayoría de estos estudios el tema ha sido abordado de una forma cualitativa, lo que indica que se requieren herramientas que permitan cuantificar el efecto de las barreras para la innovación dentro de las organizaciones. En esta ocasión, se presentan los resultados de la herramienta, coeficiente ''U'' de innovación, desarrollada por investigadores de la Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, la cual fue aplicada a 400 empresas de diversos sectores. La herramienta está conformada por un total de 18 barreras internas y externas, y permite detectar las barreras controlantes (o más importantes) por sector y región; así como un coeficiente que clasifica las empresas en rangos de alto, medio y bajo en cuanto a facilidades para innovar. Sin embargo, ha surgido la necesidad de aumentar el número de barreras y de generar otros indicadores por empresa. La metodología para el cálculo de barreras para la innovación en empresas puede ser la base para la medición de los obstáculos de innovación en regiones, cluster y sectores, ya que reflejaría un indicador de las barreras más representativas en cada uno de ellos y sería útil para generar estrategias eliminar esas barreras a través de políticas públicas y convocatorias con proyectos específicos que permitan la eliminación de las barreras para la innovación.

The barriers for innovation have been studied for the past 40 years. However, in most of these studies, the subject has been examined in a qualitative way. Consequently, certain tools are required to measure the barriers of innovation inside the organizations. This time, the results of the barriers of an innovation tool is presented; this tool has been developed by researchers from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, which was applied to 400 businesses from different areas. The tool is composed by a total of 18 internal and external barriers, and allows the controllable barriers to be determined by identifying the sector and region. Furthermore, there is a coefficient that classifies the businesses in ranges from high, medium and low in terms of innovation´s facilities. The methodology for the calculation of the barriers for innovation in business can be the base to measure innovation obstacles in regions, clusters and sectors, because it provides an indicator of the most representative barriers in each of them. This can be useful to generate some strategies to close or eliminate those barriers through public policies and summons with specific projects.

La hiperplasia macro nodular bilateral o hiperplasia adrenal nodular bilateral independiente de la hormona adrenocorticotrópica es una de las causas menos frecuentes de hipercortisolismo, su diagnóstico supone un reto y no se tiene claridad de cuál es la mejor aproximación terapéutica. El muestreo venoso adrenal que frecuentemente se utiliza para hacer la distinción del sitio de producción hormonal en el hiperaldosteronismo primario podría ser una herramienta útil en este contexto ya que podría brindar información que pudiera guiar el tratamiento. Presentamos el caso de una paciente con síndrome de Cushing ACTH independiente en quien el uso del muestreo venoso adrenal con algunas modificaciones cambio de manera radical el tratamiento y permitió confirmar una hiperplasia adrenal macro nodular.

The primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia or the independent adrenocorticotropic hormone bilateral nodular adrenal hyperplasia is a rare cause hypercortisolism, its diagnosis is challenging and there is no clear way to decide the best therapeutic approach. Adrenal venous sampling is commonly used to distinguish the source of hormonal production in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism. It could be a useful tool in this context because it might provide information to guide the treatment. We report the case of a patient with ACTH independent Cushing syndrome in whom the use of adrenal venous sampling with some modifications radically modified the treatment and allowed the diagnosis of a macronodular adrenal hyperplasia.

Main findings We report what to our knowledge is the first case of a giant multicystic cystadenoma of the Cowper's glands. An otherwise healthy 41-year-old man presented with acute urinary retention. Physical examination showed a perineal mass. Different imaging techniques demonstrated a multicystic tumor and en bloc excision was performed. Histological evaluation showed that the tumor arised from the bulbourethral glands; immunohistochemistry proved positive staining for high molecular weight cytokeratin. Case hypothesis Cystic tumors in the pelvis can arise from different structures. Malignancy should be ruled out. Surgical excision can be diagnostic and curative. Future implications When evaluating a pelvic cystic tumor, Cowper's glands cystadenoma may be a differential diagnosis and must be considered. Similar to prostate cystadenomas, en bloc excision is the optimal treatment.

Este artículo identifica en una muestra de 21 empresas del sector agroindustrial del departamento de Antioquia - Colombia factores claves de innovación, que establecen una relación con los conceptos básicos de la estructura del acido desoxirribonucleico (ADN), con el fin de ayudar a las empresas a gestionar su estructura para la innovación. Para el desarrollo de este estudio se tomaron las variables definidas por el perfil innovador de la Metodología de Gestión Tecnológica por Proyectos 'MGT', la cual describe un perfil de las empresas respecto a las cuatro dimensiones de innovación: producto, proceso, mercadeo y organización [1] definidas por la Organización para la Cooperación y Desarrollo Económico [2]. Posteriormente se construyó una base de datos con los resultados del perfil innovador de empresas del sector agroindustrial obtenidos de la herramienta MGT; por último se implementó la herramienta estadística de análisis multivariable la cual permitió definir los factores claves de innovación más frecuentes e importantes de las empresas a las cuales se les aplicó la metodología 'MGT'[3].

This article identifies in a sample of 21 agribusiness companies in the department of Antioquia - Colombia innovation key factors that establish a relationship with the basics of the structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), in order to help businesses structure to manage innovation. For the development of this study were taken variables defined by the innovative profile of the Methodology of Technology Management by Projects 'MGT which describes a profile of companies regarding the four dimensions of innovation: product, process, marketing and organization [1] defined by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development [2]. Later he built a database with the results of the innovative profile of agribusiness companies gathered from the MGT, and finally implemented the statistical tool of multivariate analysis which allowed us to define the key factors of innovation more frequent and important business to which we applied the methodology 'MGT' [3].

Este artigo identifica uma amostra de 21 empresas no setor de agronegócios do departamento de Antioquia - Colômbia fatores-chave da inovação, em seguida, estabelecer uma relação com o básico da estrutura do ácido desoxirribonucléico (ADN), a fim de ajudar as empresas estrutura para gerir a inovação. Para o desenvolvimento deste estudo foram tomadas pelo perfil de variáveis definidas Metodologia de Gestão de Projetos Inovadores de Tecnologia 'MGT', que descreve um perfil das empresas em relação as quatro dimensões da inovação: produto, processo, marketing e organização [1] definida pela Organização para a Cooperação e Desenvolvimento Econômico [2]. Mais tarde, ele construiu um banco de dados com os resultados do perfil inovador de empresas do agronegócio se reuniram a partir da MGT, e finalmente implementou a ferramenta estatística de análise multivariada que ajudou a definir os principais fatores de inovação, negócios mais freqüentes e importantes a que nós aplicamos a metodologia 'MGT' [3].

This paper presents a comprehensive survey of PAHs in coastal sediments of Bahia Blanca, Argentina and provides useful information of their levels of concentration, sources, ecotoxicological assessment and carcinogenic PAHs profile of local emissions. Sediments were analyzed following Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, USA) protocols by means of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, showing total concentrations of PAHs in a range from 103 to more than 2,000 ng.g-1 (mean: 527 ± 114 ng.g-1; median: 507 ng.g-1). A dynamic state of PAHs pollution was demonstrated for the area which was defined by widespread low to moderate levels, but including punctual zones with high pollution processes. Molecular ratios calculations determined a generalized overimposition of pyrolitic PAHs over the petrogenic input. The pyrolitic pattern moved to a biomass burning origin during summer, the period of highest recorded fires. In addition, the ecotoxicological guidelines approach for PAHs chemical concentrations in sediment defined a rare occurrence of biological effects for the majority of sampled sites; however, frequent effects were expected for punctual locations. Further, Total Benzo-a-pyrene equivalents from several sampling stations were found to be above international regulations. Finally, the PAHs carcinogenic dose was calculated using the BaP equivalent factors approach and compared with other worldwide coastal studies by means of Hierarchical Cluster Analysis.

Se presenta un estudio exhaustivo de sedimentos del estuario de Bahía Blanca (Argentina) para determinar su impacto por Hidrocarburos Aromáticos Policíclicos (PAHs). Los sedimentos fueron procesados siguiendo protocolos de la Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, USA) y analizados por Cromatografía Gaseosa-Espectrometría de Masas, hallándose un rango de concentraciones total, desde 103 a más de 2,000 ng.g-1 p.s. (p.s.= peso seco; Total PAHs = sumatoria de 17 PAHs), una concentración media de 527 ± 114 ng.g-1 y una mediana de 507 ng.g-1. Se demostró la existencia de un nivel dinámico de contaminación por PAHs, definido por valores bajos a moderados que incluyeron zonas puntuales con altos niveles. El análisis de origen mediante el uso de índices moleculares determinó un predominio de deposiciones pirolíticas sobre las de origen petrogénico, siendo dominantes las emisiones provenientes de la quema de biomasa durante los meses más cálidos. La calidad ecotoxicológica de los sedimentos se abordó utilizando el enfoque de niveles guía, hallándose para la mayoría de los sitios muestreados una predicción de efectos adversos infrecuentes sobre la biota adyacente, con sitios puntuales para los cuales se predijo la aparición frecuente de efectos. Utilizando el concepto de equivalentes de Benzo-a-pireno se calculó su carga total, la cual se halló en ocasiones por sobre los valores indicados en diversas regulaciones internacionales. Finalmente se evaluó la dosis carcinogénica aportada por los 7 PAHs carcinogénicos y su perfil de concentraciones se contrastó estadísticamente con otros sitios costeros del mundo utilizando análisis de grupos jerarquizados.

Os autores apresentam dois casos de insuficiência supra-renal secundária à infiltração das adrenais pelo Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. O primeiro paciente tinha sido tratado de paracoccidioidomicose crônica multifocal 11 anos atrás. No segundo paciente, o diagnóstico da micose foi feito de forma simultânea com o da insuficiência adrenal. Em ambos os pacientes, o diagnóstico foi feito pela visualização direta do fungo nas biopsias adrenais. Eles foram tratados com suplementos hormonais com itraconazol por seis a 12 meses, sem recaídas durante o período de acompanhamento.

The authors report two cases of adrenal insufficiency secondary to infiltration of the adrenal glands by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The first patient had been treated for a chronic multifocal form of paracoccidiodomycosis 11 years ago. The diagnosis of the mycosis was done simultaneous with that of the adrenal insufficiency in the second patient. In both patients the diagnosis was done by direct visualization of fungus in adrenal biopsies. They were treated with hormonal supplements and itraconazol by 12 and six months, without relapses during the follow-up period.

En este trabajo se caracterizaron piezas cilíndricas de níquel electroformadas a partir de un baño Watts con corriente directa en moldes de acrílico. Se evaluó la influencia de la densidad de corriente, la relación de aspecto y el régimen de flujo sobre las características de las piezas. La caracterización incluyó: conformación externa e interna, análisis de microestructura y análisis de microdureza. Bajo todas las condiciones de operación se lograron piezas con un buen acabado superficial y adecuada reproducción del molde acrílico. El análisis conformacional reveló que los defectos se ubican preferentemente en la parte interna y hacia el último tercio del crecimiento. Las piezas más homogéneas y con menos defectos fueron las depositadas con densidad de corriente de 10 A dm-2 y velocidad de flujo 10 mm s-1 en un molde de 0.4 mm de diámetro. Los valores de dureza se ubicaron alrededor de 250 HV, pero se encontraron valores de hasta 400 HV.

In this work cylindrical nickel pieces electroformed from an standard Watts bath with direct current in acrylic moulds were characterised. The influence of current density, aspect ratio and flow regime on the piece’s characteristics was evaluated. The characterisation included: external and internal conformation analysis, microstructure and microharness analysis. Pieces with a good superficial finish and adequate acrylic mould reproduction where obtained under all tested conditions. The conformational analysis revealed that the defects were located preferably in the internal part and toward the last third of the growth. The most homogeneous and with less defects pieces were those deposited with current density 10 A dm-2, bath speed 10 mm s-1 and diameter 0.4 mm. Hardness values were located around 250 HV, but values up to 400 HV were observed.