Summary Background and aims : Zephyranthes brachyandra belongs to a tribe of ornamental Amaryllidaceae native of South America, whose genera circumscription and phylogenetic relationships are still unclear. Cytologically, Z. brachyandra is a tetraploid whose chromosomes are of similar size and morphology, hindering the identification of its 2n = 24 chromosomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the stability of the many CMA+ and DAPI+ bands and the occurrence of B chromosomes by a cytomolecular approach. M&M : For this investigation we conducted a cytomolecular analysis with CMA/DAPI staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization with 5S and 35S rDNA probes, and the TTTAGGG telomeric probe. Results : In the present work, a cytomolecular analysis of Z. brachyandra, revealed a large and variable number of CMA+ and DAPI+ heterochromatic bands and 5S and 35S rDNA sites, and a regular distribution of the TTTAGGG telomeric sequences. In addition, one individual was monotrisomic with 2n = 24, and another one had a B chromosome. Both numerical and structural chromosome alterations were clearly characterized by CMA/DAPI bands and rDNA sites. Conclusions : Comparing the present data with the cytological data for other species of Zephyranthes, it becomes clear that a cytomolecular approach is fundamental to the understanding of the chromosome variation and cytotaxonomy of the group.

Resumen Introducción y objetivos : Zephyranthes brachyandra pertenece a una tribu de Amaryllidaceae ornamentales nativa de América del Sur, cuya circunscripción de géneros y relaciones filogenéticas aún no están claras. Citológicamente, Z. brachyandra es un tetraploide cuyos cromosomas son de tamaño y morfología similar, lo que dificulta la identificación de sus 2n = 24 cromosomas. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la estabilidad de las numerosas bandas CMA+ y DAPI+ y la aparición de cromosomas B mediante un enfoque citomolecular. M&M : Para esta investigación realizamos un análisis citomolecular con tinción CMA/ DAPI e hibridación fluorescente in situ con sondas de ADNr 5S y 35S, y la sonda telomérica TTTAGGG. Resultados : En el presente trabajo se realizaron varios análisis citomoleculares de Z. brachyandra, que revelaron un número alto y variable de bandas heterocromáticas CMA+ y DAPI+ y de sitios de ADNr 5S y 35S, además de una distribución típica de las secuencias teloméricas TTTAGGG. Además, un individuo era monotrisómico con 2n = 24 y otro tenía un cromosoma B. Las alteraciones cromosómicas tanto numéricas como estructurales se caracterizaron claramente por bandas CMA / DAPI y sitios de ADNr. Conclusión : Al comparar los datos actuales con la literatura citológica de otras especies del género Zephyranthes, queda claro que un enfoque citomolecular es fundamental para la comprensión de la variación cromosómica y la citotaxonomía del grupo.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a relação entre os níveis de 25(OH)D3 e o desfecho fatal em pacientes acima de 60 anos submetidos a correção cirúrgica de fratura de quadril. Métodos: coorte prospectiva de pacientes submetidos a correção cirúrgica de fraturas de quadril. À admissão, foram medidos os níveis de 25(OH)D3, entre outros parâmetros. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por, pelo menos, um ano e a mortalidade foi registrada. Resultados: foram incluídos 209 pacientes no estudo, com média de idade de 79,5 ± 7,6 anos entre os sobreviventes e 80,7 ± 8,2 anos entre os que morreram no primeiro ano de pós-operatório (p=0,346). Os níveis de 25(OH)D3 dos sobreviventes foram significativamente maiores do que os dos pacientes que morreram (p=0,003). Após o ajuste para variáveis de confusão, níveis de 25(OH)D3 abaixo de 12,5ng/mL foram fator de risco significativo, independentemente da mortalidade (OR ajustado 7,6; IC 95% 2,35 24,56). Conclusões: níveis séricos de 25(OH)D3 abaixo de 12,5ng/mL aumentaram significativa e independentemente o risco de morte no primeiro ano após o reparo cirúrgico de fratura de quadril de baixa energia em pacientes com mais de 60 anos de idade na região geográfica onde este estudo foi realizado. A albumina baixa também teve associação significativa com a mortalidade nesses pacientes. Todos os outros fatores não tiveram associações significativas.

ABSTRACT Objective: to evaluate the relationship between 25(OH)D3 levels and fatal outcome in patients over 60 years of age undergoing surgical repair of hip fractures. Methods: prospective cohort of patients undergoing surgical repair of hip fractures. At admission, 25(OH)D3 levels were measured, among other parameters. Patients were followed for at least 1 year, and incident mortality was recorded. Results: 209 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 79.5 ± 7.6 years among survivors and 80.7 ± 8.2 years among those who died in the first postoperative year (p=0.346). The 25(OH)D3 levels of survivors were significantly higher than those of patients who died (p=0.003). After adjusting for confounding variables, 25(OH)D3 levels below 12.5ng/mL were significant risk factors regardless of mortality (adjusted OR: 7.6; 95% CI: 2.35 to 24.56). Conclusions: our data show that serum 25(OH)D3 levels below 12.5ng/mL significantly and independently increased the risk of mortality in the first year after surgical repair of low-energy hip fracture in patients over 60 years of age in the geographic region where this study was conducted. Low albumin also showed a significant association with mortality in these patients. All other factors had no significant associations.

ABSTRACT Determination of the chromosome base number of a taxon is fundamental to understanding karyotypic variation and its implications for the evolution of that group. This usually requires careful evaluation of cytological literature and robust phylogenetic support. The base number for the family Rutaceae (x = 9 or x = 18) has long been the subject of debate. Here, we analyzed the banding pattern, rDNA sites, and genome size of Dictyoloma vandellianum, subfamily Cneoroideae, the sister group of the remaining Rutaceae, and revised critical points about the chromosome base number of the family. We found that this species has n = 9, which differs from the n = 18 possessed by other cytologically known Cneoroideae species. Thus, n = 9 occurs in the main clades of Rutaceae and is the most probable base number of the family. The hypothesis of x = 18 as the base number is no longer sustainable, although n = 18 is very common in Rutaceae. Moreover, the fluorescent banding pattern and the relatively large genome size (1C = 1.3 pg) of D. vandellianum suggest that its chromosomal organization is highly divergent from Aurantieae, the only large Rutaceae clade where species with n = 9 are greatly dominant.

Abstract Adenia is an Old World genus of Passifloroideae closely related to Passiflora. The two genera comprise the large majority of Passifloroideae species, although most studies are concentrated on Passiflora. Cytological analyses reveal that changes in chromosome numbers played an important role in the evolution of Passiflora, whereas in the remaining genera little is known, hindering the identification of the base number of the family. Here we analyzed the chromosome number and the 35S rDNA sites of three species of Adenia and reevaluated the base number (x) of the subfamily Passifloroideae and the family Passifloraceae, including chromosome data for Turneroideae and Malesherbioideae. The chromosome number of Adenia species seemed to be stable with 2n = 24 or 48 and one or two pairs of rDNA sites, very similar to Passiflora subgenus Astrophea, suggesting a common ancestral karyotype with x = 12. Differently, Turneroideae and Malesherbioideae present x = 7. A whole genomic duplication detected after the separation of Passifloroideae and Malesherbioideae suggests that the base number of Passifloraceae most probably was x = 7, which by dysploidy and polyploidy generated x = 12 for the subfamily Passifloroideae.

Abstract 35S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sites are the regions where the ribosomal genes 18S, 5.8S and 25S, responsible for the formation of the nucleoli, are found. The fact that rDNA sites have non-random distribution on chromosomes suggests that their positions may influence their transcription. To identify if the preferentially transcribed rDNA sites occupy specific position, six species (nine cytotypes) of the genus Nothoscordum were analyzed using two different techniques to impregnate the nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) with silver nitrate. Both techniques strongly stained NORs, but one of them also stained the proximal region of all chromosomes, suggesting the existence of another group of argentophilic proteins in this region. In species with rDNA sites in acrocentric and metacentric chromosomes, sites located on the short arms of the acrocentric chromosomes were preferentially activated. On the other hand, in species with rDNA sites restricted to the short arms of the acrocentrics, all of them were activated, whereas in those species with sites restricted to the terminal region of metacentric chromosomes, the frequency of active sites was always lower than expected. This indicate that, at least in Nothoscordum, the transcription of an rDNA site is influenced by its chromosomal position, and may explain, at least partially, the strongly non-random distribution of these sites in plant and animal chromosomes.

Abstract The genome size varies widely among angiosperms but only a few clades present huge variation at a low phylogenetic level. Among diploid species of the genus Cuscuta the genome size increased enormously in at least two independent lineages: in species of subgenus Monogynella and in at least one species (C. indecora) of the subgenus Grammica. Curiously, the independent events lead to similar karyotypes, with 2n = 30 mostly metacentric chromosomes. In this paper we compared the patterns of heterochromatic bands and rDNA sites of C. indecora and C. monogyna, aiming to evaluate the role of these repetitive fractions in these karyotypes. We found out that the large genomes of these species were incremented by a huge number of small heterochromatic CMA+ and DAPI+ bands and 5S and 35 rDNA sites, most of them clearly colocalized with CMA+ bands. Silver nitrate impregnation revealed that the maximum number of nucleoli per nucleus was low in both species, suggesting that some of these sites may be inactive. Noteworthy, the tandem repeats did not generate large bands or sites but rather dozens of small blocks dispersed throughout the chromosomes, apparently contributing to conserve the original karyotype symmetry.

Resumo Objetivo Verificar o valor preditivo do escore de Lee para a mortalidade no primeiro ano pós operatório de fraturas de fêmur proximal. O estudo também avaliou a capacidade preditiva isolada de outras variáveis. Método Uma amostra de 422 pacientes com fraturas do fêmur proximal submetidos a cirurgia foi avaliada neste estudo. Os dados foram coletados por meio de revisão de prontuários, consultas presenciais e contatos telefônicos. Resultados O escore de Lee foi aplicado em 99,3% dos pacientes com fraturas de fêmur proximal submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico. A taxa de mortalidade da amostra foi de 22%, a maioria classificada como classe I de risco. O escore de Lee não apresentou associação significativa com a mortalidade (p = 0,515). Os valores elevados de creatinina sérica (p = 0,001) e a idade (p = 0,000) estiveram diretamente associados com o desfecho de morte. Conclusões O escore de Lee não é preditivo para amortalidade emumperíodo de um ano após cirurgia de fraturas de fêmur proximal; entretanto, observou-se significância estatística entre a idade e a dosagem sérica da creatinina, isoladamente, com o desfecho de morte.

Abstract Objective To verify the predictive value of the Lee score for mortality in a one-year period after proximal femur fracture surgery. The present study also evaluated the isolated predictive capacity of other variables. Methods A sample of 422 patients with surgically-treated proximal femur fractures was evaluated. Data was collected through a review of medical records, appointments, and contact by telephone. Results The Lee score was applied to 99.3% of the patients with proximal femur fractures submitted to surgical treatment. Themortality rate was of 22% of the sample, and the majority were classified as class I risk. The Lee score had no significant association with mortality (p = 0.515). High levels of serum creatinine (p = 0.001) and age (p = 0.000) were directly associated with death. Conclusion The Lee score was not predictive of mortality in a one-year period after proximal femur fracture surgery; however, a statistical significance was observed between age and serum creatinine levels, considered separately, and death.

Resumo Objetivo Investigar a incidência de fraturas pantrocantéricas nos casos de fraturas trocantéricas tratadas com parafuso dinâmico de quadril em nosso serviço. Métodos Uma amostra de 54 pacientes comfraturas trocantéricas tratadas comparafuso dinâmico dequadril foi incluída neste estudo retrospectivo. Foramavaliadas radiografias précirúrgicas para classificação das fraturas com o sistema AO/OTA, identificação de osteoporose radiográfica emensuração da espessura da cortical lateral, enquanto nas imagens pósoperatórias imediatas foi avaliada a presença de fratura pantrocantérica. Resultados Aamostrafinal apresentou a incidência de 16,7%defraturaspantrocantéricas. A espessura da parede lateral foi significativamentemais baixa no grupo coma complicação (p < 0,001). Embora a incidência de fraturas classificadas como 31.A2 tenha sido maior no grupo com fratura pantrocantérica, a diferença não foi significativa (p = 0,456). Conclusão O percentual de fraturas pantrocantéricas nesse serviço encontra-se em acordo com trabalhos prévios. Houve associação entre espessura da cortical lateral e ocorrência de fratura iatrogênica da parede lateral. Não houve diferença significativa entre classificação das fraturas e fratura pantrocantérica, possivelmente devido ao tamanho da amostra.

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of pantrochanteric fractures in cases of trochanteric fractures treated with dynamic hip screw in our service. Methods A sample of 54 patients with trochanteric fractures treated with dynamic hip screws was included in this retrospective study. Preoperative radiographs were evaluated for fracture classification using the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (Association for the Study of Internal Fixation, in German)/Orthopedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) system for the identification of radiographic osteoporosis and for the measurement of the lateral femoral wall thickness. In the immediate postoperative images, the presence of pantrochanteric fracture was evaluated. Results The final sample presented an incidence of 16.7% of pantrochanteric fractures. The thickness of the lateral wall was significantly lower in the group with the complication (p < 0.001). Although fractures classified as 31-A2 were more numerous in the group with pantrochanteric fracture, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.456). Conclusion The percentage of pantrochanteric fractures in this service is in accordance with previous studies. There was an association between lateral femoral wall thickness and the occurrence of iatrogenic fracture of the lateral cortex. There was no significant difference between fracture classification and pantrochanteric fracture, possibly due to sample size.

A portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was evaluated in the in situ analysis of fresh sugar cane leaves for real time plant nutrition diagnosis. Fresh leaf fragments (n = 10 sugar cane varieties; 20 fragments per leaf; 2 measurement sites per fragment) were irradiated and the averaged data from X-ray characteristic emission lines intensities (for K, Ca, S and Si Kα lines) were in close agreement with mass fraction data obtained by a validated comparative method. The linear correlation coefficients (r) ranged from 0.9575 for Ca to 0.9851 for Si. The obtained limits of detection were at least two-fold lower than the critical nutrient levels. Manganese can also be properly determined, but validation still requires more robust calibration models. The proposed method is a straightforward approach towards the fast evaluation of the nutritional profile of plants avoiding time-consuming steps, which involve drying, grinding, weighing, and acid digestion.

Residual solutions containing Cr(VI) ions can be harmful to the environment as well as to human health. Hence, practical and efficient methods for the treatment of such solutions are welcome. In this note, the treatment with commercial steel wool pads of a Cr(VI) residual solution from electrochemical coloration processes of stainless steel is described in detail. Successful treatment was achieved when an amount of steel wool equivalent to 20% in excess in relation to the theoretical stoichiometric amount was used, followed by chemical precipitation with sodium hydroxide up to pH 10-11 and separation by filtration under reduced pressure. The treatment yielded a final solution with concentrations of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) ions of only 0.29 ± 0.02 mg L-1 and < 0.01 mg L-1, respectively. These concentration values are significantly lower than the maximum limits established by CONAMA for industrial wastewaters, attesting the efficiency of the treatment.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar o resultado pós-operatório dos pacientes com fratura do tornozelo pelo mecanismo de supinação-rotação externa que foram submetidos a retirada do parafuso transindesmoidal (PT). MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo que avaliou os resultados pós-operatórios tardios de 35 pacientes operados entre janeiro de 2013 e junho de 2015. Foram incluídos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento da ruptura da sindesmose tibiofibular distal com fixação com PT e que não apresentavam lesões cirúrgicas concomitantes em outros sítios que não o tornozelo. Pacientes que não foram devidamente acompanhados no pós-operatório foram excluídos. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa nos desfechos avaliados entre os pacientes que tiveram o PT removido e os que permaneceram com o PT. CONCLUSÃO: A retirada do PT não alterou significativamente o resultado clínico dos pacientes tratados cirurgicamente com PT por fraturas do tipo supinação-rotação externa.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the postoperative results of patients with supination-external rotation ankle fractures who underwent syndesmotic screw (SS) removal. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study assessing the late postoperative results of 35 patients operated from January 2013 to June 2015. Patients undergoing treatment of rupture of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis with SS fixation and who did not have any concomitant surgical injuries in sites other than the ankle were included. Patients who did not complete appropriate follow-up after surgery were excluded from the study. RESULTS: There was no statistical significant difference in the evaluated outcomes among the patients who had their SS removed and those who remained with the SS. CONCLUSION: SS removal did not significantly alter the clinical results of patients surgically treated with SS for supination-external rotation fractures.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade de um programa de atenção ao idoso com fratura de quadril decorrente de queda, aplicado a uma rede pública de assistência, no município de Canoas, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo de coorte, prospectivo de caráter quantitativo. Foram incluídos no estudo 182 idosos acima de 60 anos com diagnóstico de fratura de quadril. A amostra foi dividida em dois grupos, um grupo submetido a tratamento usual (n=91) e outro grupo de pacientes incluído em um programa para atenção ao idoso com fratura de quadril (n=91). O programa teve como eixo principal um protocolo clínico e um protocolo de acesso. O tratamento de escolha foi cirúrgico em todos os casos. Na análise estatística, as variáveis categóricas foram descritas por frequências absolutas e relativas. Para comparar variáveis numéricas o teste de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado. Na comparação de proporções, os testes qui-quadrado de Pearson ou exato de Fisher foram aplicados. O nível de significância adotado foi de 5%. Resultados: A média de idade foi de 79,4 anos, com prevalência do sexo feminino. A morbidade mais frequente foi a hipertensão. Após a implementação do programa houve redução do tempo médio decorrido entre a fratura e o início da cirurgia, da média de permanência, da taxa de infecção do trato urinário, da taxa de óbito e dos custos assistenciais. Conclusão: O programa de atenção ao idoso com fratura de quadril modificou os resultados esperados porque reduziu a mortalidade, a média de permanência hospitalar, as complicações pós-operatórias e os custos dos tratamentos durante a internação.

Abstract Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of a care program for elderly persons with hip fractures due to a fall, based on a public network in Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: a prospective cohort study of quantitative character was carried out. A total of 182 elderly person above 60 years diagnosed with hip fractures were included. The sample was divided into two groups, one who underwent their usual treatment (n=91) and another who were included in a care program for elderly persons with hip fractures (n=91). The program had as its main axis a clinical Protocol and an Access Protocol. The treatment of choice was surgical in all cases. In statistical analysis, categorical variables were described by absolute and relative frequencies. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare numeric variables. In the comparison of proportions, the Pearson's Chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test were applied. The significance level adopted was 5%. Results: The average age was 79.4 years, with a prevalence of the female gender. The most frequent morbidity was hypertension. After the implementation of the program there was a reduction in the average time between the fracture and the beginning of surgery, the average length of hospitalization, the urinary tract infection rate, the death rate and care costs. Conclusion: The care program of elderly persons with hip fractures modified the expected results as it reduced mortality, average hospital stay, postoperative complications and the costs of treatment during the hospitalization.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Analisar a mortalidade, em um ano de seguimento, de pacientes com fratura da extremidade proximal do fêmur submetidos a procedimento cirúrgico no hospital universitário da nossa instituição. MÉTODO: Foram revisados 213 prontuários de pacientes internados com 65 anos ou mais, conforme a ordem de admissão no Serviço de Ortopedia e Traumatologia de janeiro de 2012 a agosto de 2013. RESULTADOS: A taxa de mortalidade em um ano foi de 23,6%. A mortalidade foi maior em mulheres, numa proporção 3:1. Anemia (p = 0,000) e demência (p = 0,041) estiveram significativamente associadas ao grupo óbito. Pacientes que permaneceram internados por até 15 dias e os que tiveram alta hospitalar em até sete dias após a cirurgia apresentaram um aumento na sobrevida. CONCLUSÃO: Em nossa amostra de pacientes com fratura de fêmur submetidos a procedimento cirúrgico, a taxa de mortalidade foi de 23,6%; as principais comorbidades associadas a esse desfecho foram anemia e demência.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To analyze the mortality rate at one-year follow-up of patients with hip fracture who underwent surgery at the university hospital of this institution. METHOD: The authors reviewed 213 medical records of hospitalized patients aged 65 years or older, following to the order they were admitted to the orthopedics and traumatology service from January 2012 to August 2013. RESULTS: One-year mortality rate was 23.6%. Mortality was higher among women, with a 3:1 ratio. Anemia (p = 0.000) and dementia (p = 0.041) were significantly associated with the death group. Patients who remained hospitalized for less than 15 days and who were discharged within seven days after surgery showed increased survival. CONCLUSION: In the present sample of patients with hip fracture who underwent surgery, one-year mortality rate was 23.6%, and the main comorbidities associated with this outcome were anemia and dementia.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados clínicos do tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas intra-articulares do calcâneo (TCFIAC) e comparar o uso de placa própria para calcâneo (PPC) e placa reta (PR) . MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo que avaliou o resultado pós-operatório de 25 pacientes entre 2013 e 2015. Foram incluídos pacientes submetidos ao TCFIAC e que não apresentavam lesões cirúrgicas concomitantes. Pacientes que não foram devidamente acompanhados no pós-operatório foram excluídos da análise. RESULTADOS: A indisponibilidade da PPC em serviços com recursos limitados, associada à disponibilidade e ao menor custo da PR, pode ter sido fator de confusão no presente estudo. Contudo, não houve diferença estatística entre os resultados das fraturas tratadas com PPC ou PR. CONCLUSÃO: A inferência estatística permite concluir que, na ausência da PPC, é possível usar a PR com desfechos clínicos semelhantes.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results of surgical treatment of intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus, comparing the use of calcaneal plate and flat plate. METHODS: This was a retrospective study assessing the postoperative results of 25 patients between 2013 and 2015. Patients undergoing surgical treatment of intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus without concomitant surgical lesions were included. Patients who did not complete appropriate follow-up after surgery were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The unavailability of calcaneal plates at resource-limited settings, associated with the availability and lower cost of flat plates, may have been a confounding factor in the present study. However, there was no statistical difference between the outcomes of fractures treated with calcaneal plates or flat plates. CONCLUSION: Statistical inference shows that, when calcaneal plates are not available, it is possible to use flat plates with similar clinical outcomes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a taxa de infecção em pacientes adultos com fratura exposta atendidos em dois hospitais terciários no município de Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul. Métodos: Estudo quantitativo descritivo feito no Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Canoas (HPSC). Foram elegíveis os pacientes entre 18 e 60 anos internados com fratura exposta no setor de traumatologia e ortopedia da emergência do HPSC, de janeiro a maio de 2014, e que foram acompanhados por um ano. Resultados: Foram incluídos 133 pacientes com fratura exposta, a maioria do sexo masculino (92,48%), com média de 36 anos. Houve predomínio de fraturas do tipo III, de Gustilo e Anderson. A taxa de infecção foi de 18,80%, mais frequente em fraturas do tipo III, de Gustilo e Anderson (72%). As bactérias mais frequentemente identificadas nas infecções foramStaphylococcus aureuseEnterobacter aerogenes. Conclusão: A taxa de infecção em fraturas expostas de pacientes atendidos inicialmente na emergência do HPSC foi de 18,80%. As infecções ocorreram predominantemente em fraturas do tipo III, de Gustilo e Anderson. As bactérias com maior incidência nas infecções foramStaphylococcus aureuseEnterobacter aerogenes.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the infection rate in adult patients with open fractures treated at two tertiary hospitals in the city of Canoas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.. Methods: This quantitative descriptive study was conducted at Hospital de Pronto Socorro de Canoas. Eligible participants were adults aged 18-60 years with open fractures who were admitted to the orthopedic trauma service from January to May 2014 and followed-up for one year.. Results: A total of 133 patients with open fractures were included; most were men (92.48%), with a mean age of 36 years. There was a predominance of Gustilo-Anderson type III fractures. The infection rate was 18.80%, being more frequent in Gustilo-Anderson type III fractures (72.00%). The most commonly observed bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterobacter aerogenes., . Conclusion: The infection rate in open fractures of patients initially treated at the emergency department of HPSC was 18.8%. The infections occurred predominantly in Gustilo-Anderson type III fractures. The bacteria with the highest incidence in infections were Staphylococcus aureus and Enterobacter aerogenes.