Coassembly of Complementary Polyhedral Metal-Organic Framework Particles into Binary Ordered Superstructures.

Here we report the formation of a 3D NaCl-type binary porous superstructure via coassembly of two colloidal polyhedral metal-organic framework (MOF) particles having complementary sizes, shapes, and charges. We employed a polymeric-attenuated Coulombic self-assembly approach, which also facilitated the coassembly of these MOF particles with spherical polystyrene particles to form 2D binary superstructures. Our results pave the way for using MOFs to create sophisticated superstructures comprising particles of various sizes, shapes, porosities, and chemical compositions.

Self-assembly of colloidal metal-organic framework (MOF) particles.

Self-assembly of colloidal particles into ordered superstructures enables the development of novel advanced materials for diverse applications such as photonics, electronics, sensing, energy conversion, energy storage, diagnosis, drug or gene delivery, and catalysis. Recently, polyhedral metal-organic framework (MOF) particles have been proposed as promising colloidal particles to form ordered superstructures, based on their colloidal stability, size-tunability, rich polyhedral shapes, porosity and multifunctionality. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of strategies for the self-assembly of colloidal MOF particles into ordered superstructures of different dimensionalities, highlighting some of their properties and applications, and sharing thoughts on the self-assembly of MOF particles.

Assembly of Covalent Organic Frameworks into Colloidal Photonic Crystals.

Self-assembly of colloidal particles into ordered superstructures is an important strategy to discover new materials, such as catalysts, plasmonic sensing materials, storage systems, and photonic crystals (PhCs). Here we show that porous covalent organic frameworks (COFs) can be used as colloidal building particles to fabricate porous PhCs with an underlying face-centered cubic (fcc) arrangement. We demonstrate that the Bragg reflection of these can be tuned by controlling the size of the COF particles and that species can be adsorbed within the pores of the COF particles, which in turn alters the Bragg reflection. Given the vast number of existing COFs, with their rich properties and broad modularity, we expect that our discovery will enable the development of colloidal PhCs with unprecedented functionality.

Rational Synthesis of a Hierarchical Supramolecular Porous Material Created via Self-Assembly of Metal-Organic Framework Nanosheets.

Hierarchically porous materials with high stability and tailorable pore characters have potential for mass transfer applications, including bulky molecule capture and separation, heterogeneous catalysis, and drug delivery. The scope of functionalities can be notably broadened by employing metal-organic framework (MOF) sheets with tunable thickness as giant molecular building blocks for self-assembly into hierarchical supramolecular porous coordination materials. However, synthesizing MOF sheets with controllable bulkiness has proved challenging for scientists. We present a rational yet unprecedented bottom-up strategy to prepare a novel two-dimensional MOF sheet [Zn(BPDI)(Py)2] (BPDI = N,N'-bis(glycinyl)pyromellitic diimide; Py = pyridine) with unusual and highly desired tunable thickness. These sheets self-organize into a unique three-dimensional supramolecular coordination material (NEU-1) with tailorable porosity. To assess its technological relevance, NEU-1c is tested as a support of amine sorbent for CO2 capture. Multichannel porous NEU-1c solves the conventional trade-off suffered by supported amine carbon dioxide adsorbents between increasing amine content and decreasing access to amine sites. Our synthesis process opens the door to novel MOF nanosheets and unique hierarchical supramolecular porous materials with tailorable porosity.

Characteristics and mortality of elderly patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of a district hospital.

AIM: To study all the elderly patients (≥75 years) who were admitted in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Spanish hospital and identify factors associated with mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, observational data collected prospectively in patients ≥75 years recruited from the ICU in the period of January 2004 to December 2010. RESULTS: During the study period, 1661 patients were admitted to our unit, of whom 553 (33.3%) were older than 75 years. The mean age was 79.9 years, 317 (57.3%) were male, and the overall in-hospital mortality was 94 patients (17% confidence interval 14-20.3%). When comparing patients who survived to those who died, we found significant differences in mean age (P = 0.001), Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation II and Simplified Acute Physiology Scoring II (SAPS II) on admission (P < 0.0001, postoperative patients (P = 0.001), and need for mechanical ventilation (P < 0.0001). Comparing age groups, we found statistically significant differences in SAPS II (P = 0.007), diagnosis of non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (P = 0.014), complicated postoperative period (P = 0.001), and pacemaker (P = 0.034). Mortality between the groups was statistically significant (P = 0.004). The survival between the group of 65 and 74 years and patients >75 years was not significant (P = 0.1390). CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of elderly patients in our unit is high, with low mortality rates. The age itself is not the sole determinant for admission to the ICU and other factors should be taken into account.

Karyotype versus genomic hybridization for the prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities: a metaanalysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) compared with karyotyping for the detection of numerical and structural chromosomal alterations in prenatal diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: A metaanalysis was performed using searches of PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, Cochrane Register of Diagnostic Test Accuracy Studies, Google Scholar, gray literature, and reference manuals. No language restriction was imposed. We included cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies published from January 1980 through March 2014 in the analysis. Studies of pregnant women who received chorionic villus biopsies, amniocentesis, or cordocentesis and then underwent CGH and karyotype analysis were included. Two independent reviewers assessed each study by title, abstract, and full text before its inclusion in the analysis. Methodological quality was assessed using QUADAS2, and a third reviewer resolved any disagreement. Conclusions were obtained through tests (sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios) for the presence of numerical and structural chromosomal abnormalities. The reference used for these calculations was the presence of any abnormalities in either of the 2 tests (karyotype or CGH), although it should be noted that in most cases, the karyotyping test had a lower yield compared with CGH. Statistical analysis was performed in RevMan 5.2 and the OpenMeta[Analyst] program. RESULTS: In all, 137 articles were found, and 6 were selected for inclusion in the systematic review. Five were included in the metaanalysis. According to the QUADAS2 analysis of methodology quality, there is an unclear risk for selection bias and reference and standard tests. In the other elements (flow, time, and applicability conditions), a low risk of bias was found. CGH findings were as follows: sensitivity 0.939 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.838-0.979), I(2) = 82%; specificity 0.999 (95% CI, 0.998-1.000), I(2) = 0%; negative likelihood ratio 0.050 (95% CI, 0.015-0.173), I(2) = 0%; and positive likelihood ratio 1346.123 (95% CI, 389-4649), I(2) = 0%. Karyotype findings were as follows: sensitivity 0.626 (95% CI, 0.408-0.802), I(2) = 93%; specificity 0.999 (95% CI, 0.998-1.000), I(2) = 0%; negative likelihood ratio 0.351 (95% CI, 0.101-1.220), I(2) = 0%; and positive likelihood ratio 841 (95% CI, 226-3128), I(2) = 10%. CONCLUSION: This systematic review provides evidence of the relative advantage of using CGH in the prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal and structural abnormalities over karyotyping, demonstrating significantly higher sensitivity with similar specificity.

Varicella zoster encephalitis mimicking stroke.

Physicians need to consider a broad differential diagnosis when evaluating a patient presenting with a suspected stroke. The rates of overdiagnosis of stroke in studies of consecutive patients vary from 19% to 31%. The two most common stroke mimics are hypoglycemia and seizure, but several etiologies have been reported.We reported the case of a 41-year-old patient presenting to the emergency department with aphasia and right-side hemiparesis, initially suspected to have stroke and finally diagnosed of varicella-zoster encephalitis.

Abdominal hernias secondary to non-penetrating trauma. A systematic review.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is a protrusion of contents through a defect in the abdominal wall as a consequence of a blunt injury. The objective of this review was to describe demographic and clinical aspects of this rare pathology, identifying the optimal moment for surgical intervention, evaluating the need to use mesh, and analyzing the effectiveness of surgical treatment. Thus, a systematic review using PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was carried out between January 2004 and March 2024. Computed tomography is the gold-standard imaging test for diagnosis. Open surgery is generally the preferred approach, particularly in emergencies. Acute TAWH can be treated by primary suture or mesh repair, depending on local conditions, while late cases usually require mesh.

Digestive bleeding due to jejunal diverticula: diagnosis and management.

A jejunal diverticular haemorrhage is the second most common complication of jejunum diverticula. It can manifest clinically as acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding and is common to imitate acute rectal bleeding. Bleeding is usually associated with or without haemodynamic stability. Its diagnosis is challenging, requiring imaging examinations. Treatment is conservative management or surgery.

Fabrication of Oriented Polycrystalline MOF Superstructures.

The field of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has progressed beyond the design and exploration of powdery and single-crystalline materials. A current challenge is the fabrication of organized superstructures that can harness the directional properties of the individual constituent MOF crystals. To date, the progress in the fabrication methods of polycrystalline MOF superstructures has led to close-packed structures with defined crystalline orientation. By controlling the crystalline orientation, the MOF pore channels of the constituent crystals can be aligned along specific directions: these systems possess anisotropic properties including enhanced diffusion along specific directions, preferential orientation of guest species, and protection of functional guests. In this perspective, we discuss the current status of MOF research in the fabrication of oriented polycrystalline superstructures focusing on the specific crystalline directions of orientation. Three methods are examined in detail: the assembly from colloidal MOF solutions, the use of external fields for the alignment of MOF particles, and the heteroepitaxial ceramic-to-MOF growth. This perspective aims at promoting the progress of this field of research and inspiring the development of new protocols for the preparation of MOF systems with oriented pore channels, to enable advanced MOF-based devices with anisotropic properties.

Metal-Organic Framework-Based Antimicrobial Touch Surfaces to Prevent Cross-Contamination.

Infection diseases are a major threat to global public health, with nosocomial infections being of particular concern. In this context, antimicrobial coatings emerge as a promising prophylactic strategy to reduce the transmission of pathogens and control infections. Here, antimicrobial door handle covers to prevent cross-contamination are prepared by incorporating iodine-loaded UiO-66 microparticles into a potentially biodegradable polyurethane polymer (Baycusan eco E 1000). These covers incorporate MOF particles that serve as both storage reservoirs and delivery systems for the biocidal iodine. Under realistic touching conditions, the door handle covers completely inhibit the transmission of Gram-positive bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis), Gram-negative bacterial species (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii), and fungi (Candida albicans). The covers remain effective even after undergoing multiple contamination cycles, after being cleaned, and when tinted to improve discretion and usability. Furthermore, as the release of iodine from the door handle covers follow hindered Fickian diffusion, their antimicrobial lifetime is calculated to be as long as approximately two years. Together, these results demonstrate the potential of these antimicrobial door handle covers to prevent cross-contamination, and underline the efficacy of integrating MOFs into innovative technologies.

Iatrogenic enterovesical fistula secondary to a permanent urinary catheter.

An enterovesical fistula is a rare entity resulting from inflammatory, neoplastic and iatrogenic processes. It can manifest clinically as pneumaturia and recurrent urinary tract infections. Its diagnosis is supported by imaging examinations and its treatment is primarily surgical.

Flexible amorphous metal-organic frameworks with π Lewis acidic pore surface for selective adsorptive separations.

Selective separation of light hydrocarbons (LHs) and adsorption of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) remain expensive and complex scientific challenges in the petrochemical industry. Shape-selective adsorbent materials can cost-effectively face these demands. Two new porous, dynamic and amorphous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), NEU-3 [= Zn(PMDA)(Py)2] and NEU-4 [= Fe(PMDA)(Py)2] are disclosed. These MOFs along with NEU-1c [= Zn(BPDI)(Py)2] and NEU-2 [= Fe(BPDI)(Py)2] display an electron-deficient pore surface due to predesigned π-electron-deficient ligands. They are unique smart guest-responsive materials owing to their π Lewis acidic pore surface and presumably their framework flexibility. A variety of effective adsorptions and adsorptive separations is achieved by using beds of NEU-1c, NEU-2, NEU-3 and NEU-4. Promising for further investigations into the petrochemical industry, NEU-4 shows ultrahigh benzene adsorption, recognition capability, selectivity for benzene over its analogues, and high stability and regenerability.

Occupational Psychosocial Factors in Primary Care Continuing Care Staff.

This involves studying the psychosocial factors among the emergencies staff of primary care and seeing if there are differences with the primary health care staff at the Primary Care of the Integrated Care Management of Talavera de la Reina (Spain). Descriptive epidemiological study of type transversal. They have participated 51 emergencies staff of primary care and 50 primary health professionals from a sample of urban and rural health centres. The F-Psico 3.1 questionnaire has been used to evaluate the nine psychosocial risk factors. The emergencies staff quantify the psychosocial factors of working time (19.6 SD 5.7) and autonomy (69.8 SD 23.2) as a higher risk situation compared to the other health care staff with 3.7 SD 4, 7 and 52.1 SD 21.8, respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, the role performance is valued as a lower risk situation by the emergencies staff of primary care (p < 0.05). The workload assessment is the only difference between the emergencies staff of primary care in urban centres (61.5 SD 17.6) and rural (45.2 SD 18.4) (p < 0.05). Women have the highest workload (p < 0.05). It is necessary to apply preventive measures and policies applicable to women who work in emergencies, especially in urban areas to reduce their workload.

Validation of a predictive model for successful vaginal birth after cesarean section.

INTRODUCTION: A strategy for reducing the number of cesarean sections is to allow vaginal delivery after cesarean section. OBJECTIVE: To validate two predictive models, Metz and Grobman, for successful vaginal delivery after a cesarean section. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study involving women with previous history of a previous segmental cesarean section, single pregnancy ≥37 weeks and cephalic presentation. The proportion of vaginal delivery in all pregnant women was determined, and it was compared with those (women) with successful delivery after cesarean section. Then, there were elaborated the models, and their predictive capacity was determined by curve-receiver-operator. RESULTS: The proportion of successful delivery in pregnant women with a previous cesarean section and indication of vaginal delivery was 85.64%. The observed proportion of birth for each decile predicted in the Grobman model was less than 15%, except for the 91-100% decile, where it was 64.09%; the area under the curve was 0.95. For the Metz model, the actual successful delivery rate was lower than predicted in scores between 4 and 14, and within expected for a score between 15 and 23; the area under the curve was 0.94. CONCLUSIONS: The vaginal delivery rate after cesarean was lower than expected according to the predictive models of Grobman and Metz. The implementation of these models in a prospective way can lead to a higher rate of successful birth.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Una estrategia de reducción del número de cesáreas es permitir el parto vaginal después de cesárea. OBJETIVO: Validar dos modelos predictivos, Metz y Grobman, para el parto vaginal exitoso después de una cesárea. MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo con mujeres con antecedente de una cesárea segmentaria previa, embarazo único ≥37 semanas y presentación cefálica . Se determinó la proporción de parto vaginal en todas las gestantes y se comparó con aquellas con parto exitoso después de cesárea, se elaboró los modelos y se determinó la capacidad predictiva de ellos mediante curva-receptor-operador. RESULTADOS: La proporción de parto exitoso en gestantes con cesárea previa e indicación de parto vaginal fue 85.64%. La proporción de parto observado para cada decil predicho en el modelo de Grobman fue inferior al 15%, excepto para el decil 91-100%, en el que fue 64.09%, el área bajo la curva fue 0.95. Para el modelo de Metz, la proporción de parto exitoso real fue menor a lo predicho en puntajes entre 4-14 y dentro de lo esperado para puntaje entre 15-23, con un área bajo la curva de 0.94. CONCLUSIONES: La tasa de parto vaginal después de cesárea fue menor a lo esperado de acuerdo a los modelos predictivos de Grobman y Metz. La implementación de estos modelos en forma prospectiva puede llevar una mayor tasa de parto exitoso.

Validation of diagnostic tests for histologic chorioamnionitis: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic performance of different diagnostic tests for histologic chorioamnionitis in patients at more than 20 weeks of gestation. METHODS: A systematic search was carried out through MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, CENTRAL and unpublished literature. Observational studies included with pregnant women (>20 weeks) with chorioamnionitis. The reference standard was the histopathological study of the placenta, umbilical cord and fetal membranes. Two independent researchers extracted data and performed a meta-analysis of diagnostic tests. RESULTS: Twenty-nine articles were included. The studies provided evidence in the form of maternal clinical and serological tests; tests of vaginal fluid, amniotic fluid or the umbilical cord; fetal monitoring and ultrasound tests. To assess the performance of maternal serum CRP, 13 studies were included, showing a combined sensitivity of 68.7% (95%CI 58%-77%) and a combined specificity of 77.1% (95%CI 67%-84%). Maternal leukocytosis was evaluated in four publications, showing a combined sensitivity of 51% (95%CI 40%-62%) and a combined specificity of 65% (95%CI 50%-78%). CONCLUSIONS: CRP and maternal leukocytosis, showed a low sensitivity and specificity. The sonographic evaluation of the fetal thymus is also more sensitive for the diagnosis of histologic chorioamnionitis than the fetal biophysical profile.

Desenlaces clínicos y radiológicos del tratamiento quirúrgico de la cadera paralítica en pacientes con parálisis cerebral en Bogotá, Colombia / Clinical and radiological outcomes of surgical treatment for paralytic hip in cerebral palsy patients in Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción. La parálisis cerebral (PC) produce una alteración del tono y del balance muscular que puede generar luxación paralítica de cadera (LPC), especialmente en los pacientes más comprometidos Objetivo. Describir los desenlaces clínicos y radiológicos de los pacientes con PC que recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico de la LPC en el Instituto Roosevelt. Materiales y métodos. Estudio observacional retrospectivo realizado en 92 pacientes entre 4 y 18 años con PC y LPC operados entre 2010 y 2014. Se realizaron análisis bivariados para realizar comparaciones entre los hallazgos clínicos y radiológicos antes de la operación de corrección de la LPC y al finalizar el periodo posoperatorio mediante las pruebas de McNemar, T de student y U de- Mann-Whitney. Resultados. La media de edad fue 7,45 años, el 84,8% de los pacientes tenía PC espástica y el 59,8% fue clasificado en el nivel V del Gross motor function classification system. Se realizaron 155 cirugías en los 92 pacientes, los procedimientos más frecuentes fueron reducción cerrada y osteotomías pélvica, femoral varizante y femoral desrotadora. En el posoperatorio el dolor y la dificultad para realizar el aseo, sedestación y abducción de caderas disminuyeron significativamente (p<0,001). Además, hubo diferencias estadísticas en los índices y ángulos radiológicos pre y posoperatorios. Conclusión: Si bien se encontró una mejoría significativa en los desenlaces clínicos y radiológicos evaluados, los procedimientos reconstructivos y de salvamento predominaron, en detrimento de los preventivos, por lo que es necesario fortalecer los programas de seguimiento y prevención de la LPC y sus complicaciones en la institución para disminuir morbilidad en los pacientes con PC

Introduction: Cerebral palsy (CP) causes an alteration of muscle tone and balance that may lead to paralytic hip dislocation (PHD), especially in the most severely affected patients. Objective: To describe the clinical and radiological outcomes of patients with CP who underwent surgical treatment of PHD at the Instituto Roosevelt. Methodology: Retrospective observational study performed on 92 patients aged 4 to 18 years with CP and PHD operated on between 2010 and 2014. Bivariate analyses were performed to compare clinical and radiological findings before and after the surgery to correct PHD using McNemar's test, Student's t-test, and Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: The mean age was 7.45 years, 84.8% of the patients had spastic CP, and 59.8% were classified at level V of the Gross Motor Function Classification System. A total of 155 surgeries were performed in the 92 patients, the most frequent procedures being closed reduction and pelvic, femoral varus, and femoral derotation osteotomies. After surgery, pain, and difficulty in personal care, sitting and hip abduction decreased significantly (p<0.001). In addition, statistical differences were found between preoperative and postoperative radiological indices and angles. Conclusion: Although a significant improvement was found in the clinical and radiological outcomes evaluated, reconstructive and salvage procedures predominated over preventive ones, thus making it necessary to strengthen follow-up and prevention programs for PHD and its complications in the institution in order to reduce morbidity in patients with CP

Dexamethasone treatment does not improve the outcome of women with HELLP syndrome: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of dexamethasone for treatment of HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count) syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, double-blind clinical trial was conducted among 132 women with HELLP syndrome who were assigned randomly to treatment or placebo groups. Pregnant women in the experimental group received 10-mg doses of dexamethasone intravenously every 12 hours until delivery and 3 additional doses after delivery. Puerperal women received 3 10-mg doses of dexamethasone after delivery. The same schedule was used in the placebo group. The main outcome variable was the duration of hospitalization. In addition, we evaluated treatment effects on the time to recovery of laboratory and clinical parameters and on frequency of complications. RESULTS: The mean duration of hospitalization of patients who received dexamethasone therapy was shorter than in the placebo group (6.5 vs 8.2 days), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = .37). No significant differences were found in the time to recovery of platelet counts (hazard ratio, 1.2; 95% CI, 0.8-1.8), lactate dehydrogenase (hazard ratio, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.5-1.5), aspartate aminotransferase (hazard ratio, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-1.1) and to the development of complications. The results were found in both pregnant and puerperal women. CONCLUSION: The results of this investigation do not support the use of dexamethasone for treatment of HELLP syndrome.