vol. 12 núm. 22 (2014)

Objective: To trace and follow chemical reagents from their initial use to their final disposition in the General Chemistry teaching laboratories at Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca, Bogotá, D.C- Colombia. Materials and Methods: Laboratory guidelines were reviewed to determine type of reagents for General Chemistry practices and their corresponding volumes. Physical and chemical analyses were subsequently conducted on the identified compounds independent of their level of acidity. Results: Ionic species were identified and attributed to the type of solvent and their solubility properties. Once laboratory practices are completed, reagents continue to react and thereby is of the utmost importance to assure proper storage and handling conditions.

Objective: This work is aimed at evaluating the response of the marginal bone crest using the implant’s platform as a reference. The study considered patients with alloplastic grafts from Madrob® to establish the role of bone integrity in locating dental implants. Materials and Methods: The benchmark and prospective studies were conducted on 30 subjects .A total of 81 alveoli alloplastic implants were analyzed post-exodontia. The response of the marginal bone crest was evaluated after 3, 6, 9, 12, 24 and 36 months via clinical and radiographic controls Results: For the period between 12 and 36 months, mesial prevailed over distal bone loss. Mesial and distal gains of about 0,05 mm were equally important for the period between 24 and 36 months. p-values less than 0,001 indicate that differences between times are all significant. The ANOVA indicates that all the variances are homogeneous and small between 0,18mm and 0,22mm.

Objective: This study aimed at optimizing the amplification conditions of the B1 gene (35 copies in the ge­nome) of T. gondii in cases of possible brain toxoplasmosis. Materials and methods: DNA was extracted from the peritoneal exudate of mice inoculated with the RH strain of T. gondii. Total exudate volume was 17 mL with a concentration of 1x107 parasites/mL. PCR conditions for the B1 gene were further optimized.Results: Serial dilutions from 1x106 to 1x10-1 parasites/mL were needed for amplifying a fragment of 132 bp . This set the detection limit for 1 T. gondii tachyzoite.

Objective: To determine the presence of bacterial human pathogens in irrigation water of the savannah of Bogota high watershed. Materials and methods: Samples were collected from 8 municipalities, 8 of which were randomly selected for a number of tests including detection of total coliforms via filtration membrane, Most Probable Number (MPN) for fecal coliforms; isolation on selective media and biochemical identification using the BD-BBL CRYSTAL system. Results: Direct or diffuse fecal contamination approached 41.7% of selected samples while aquatic-terrestrial normal flora the remaining 58.3%. According to the percentage of E.coli and count of total coliforms, the analyzed water is not suitable for agricultural use and represents a risk for human health.

Objective: Identify phosphate solubilizing activity of strains of the genus Bacillus, as an alternative to improving soil for agricultural production. Materials and methods: For the study, 11 strains of the genus Bacillus were collected from rhizosphere of plants and fireplaces of broiler chicken producers. Two strains were used as negative control, and stored at -70C prior to reactivation for identifying phosphate solubilizing activity. Results: 11 strains showed Phosphate solubilizing abilities. Each strain studied exhibited different solubility rates

Objective: Characterize molecular alterations of hemoglobin in Afro-Colombian subjects, ranging in age from 18 to 50 years. Analyses were conducted via complete blood count, peripheral blood smear, C-Reactive Protein, serum Ferritin, Soluble Transferrin Receptor (sTfR) and electrophoresis. Materials and Methods: A total of 56 subjects were analyzed, 10 men and 46 women. Results: Subjects (from the Aguablanca District in the City of Cali) showed alterations in the hemoglobin chain associated with Hemoglobin S, Hemoglobin C and possible thalassemias due to Fetal Hemoglobin and augmented Hemoglobin A2. Additionally, a small incidence of subclinical deficiencies of iron at different stages was also detected.

Objective: To determine the presence of 2299delG and C759F mutations in 37 non-related subjects from Colom­bia suffering from RP and sensorineural deafness. Materials and methods: Exon 13 of USH2A gene was directly sequenced in all subjects selected for the study. Results: In this work, the 2299delG mutation was only observed in subjects suffering from Usher syndrome type II while the C759F mutation was not detected in any subject.

Objetive: To conduct histological analyses of toe lesions for commercial broiler at the slaughterhouse of Pollo Olympico S.A., Colombia, with the ultimate goal of proposing recommendations about sanitary containment. Materials and Methods: Poultry subjects were sampled in 10 farms of Pollo Olympico S.A. Macroscopic inspections were conducted on 129.551 animals while the microscopic ones were on 330 toe lesions. Histological analyses evaluated type and depth of inflammatory lesions as well as the presence of fungal infections Results: Macroscopic analyses revealed inflammatory process mediated by heterophiles (73,1%), mixed infiltrates (19%) and mononuclear (7.9%). Lesions were mainly localized at the sub-corneal level (77.9%) and showed no signs of fungal structures, giant cells or vascular presence.

Development of a Web-based atlas for collaborative image sharing, processing and analysis of diagnostic images. Materials and methods: Use of Web 2.0 Personalized Learning Environment tools for social learning and knowledge construction and sharing. Results: The platform allows registered users to upload, visualize, process and comment medical images in a collaborative manner. The system contains a social network module for open case discussion, a video conference and webinar module for real time case analysis, and an image visualization, annotation and processing module for image analysis. The developed open-access platform serves as a large community-created and validated free-repository of diagnostic medical images to be used for training, research as well as reference and second opinion of cases.