Evaluation of the Effect of Binary Fly Ash-Lime Mixture on the Bearing Capacity of Natural Soils: A Comparison with Two Conventional Stabilizers Lime and Portland Cement.

This study evaluates a binary mixture of fly ash and lime as a stabilizer for natural soils. A comparative analysis was performed on the effect on the bearing capacity of silty, sandy and clayey soils after the addition of lime and ordinary Portland cement as conventional stabilizers, and a non-conventional product of a binary mixture of fly ash and Ca(OH)2 called FLM. Laboratory tests were carried out to evaluate the effect of additions on the bearing capacity of stabilized soils by unconfined compressive strength (UCS). In addition, a mineralogical analysis to validate the presence of cementitious phases due to chemical reactions with FLM was performed. The highest UCS values were found in the soils that required the highest water demand for compaction. Thus, the silty soil added with FLM reached 10 MPa after 28 days of curing, which was in agreement with the analysis of the FLM pastes, where soil moistures higher than 20% showed the best mechanical characteristics. Furthermore, a 120 m long track was built with stabilized soil to evaluate its structural behavior for 10 months. An increase of 200% in the resilient modulus of the FLM-stabilized soils was identified, and a decrease of up to 50% in the roughness index of the FLM, lime (L) and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)-stabilized soils compared to the soil without addition, resulting in more functional surfaces.

Prevalence of genetic mutations in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (aatd) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is an underrecognized genetic disorder associated mainly with pulmonary emphysema and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). All individuals with COPD regardless of age or ethnicity should be tested for AATD, but in Colombia its prevalence in unknown. MAIN OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of the genetic mutations, present in AATD in adult patients with COPD in Colombia, using a genotyping test on cells from the oral mucosa. METHODS: This was a multicentre, observational, cross-sectional study which included adult patients attending seven COPD care centres in Colombia. Demographic data, medical history, including history of exposure to smoking and biomass smoke, most recent spirometry, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment received, serum AAT levels, and mutations detected by the genotyping test were recorded for all the recruited patients. For the comparison of variables between the groups with and without mutation, we used the X2 test for the qualitative variables and the Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test according to their distribution. MAIN FINDINGS: We collected a sample of 1,107 patients, the median age was 73.8 years (87.6-79.9). Mutations were documented in 144 patients (13.01%), the majority had the M/S mutation (78.50%), followed by M/Z (9.72%). One patient had a ZZ mutation and two patients had null alleles. In total, 23 patients had mutations associated with serum AAT deficiency (levels below 60 mg/dl). CONCLUSIONS: Genetic mutations were documented in 13.01% of patients with COPD in Colombia and 2.07% were AATD-related, showing that there is a significant number of underdiagnosed patients.

Carbonation Behavior of Mortar Made from Treated Recycled Aggregates: Influence of Diammonium Phosphate.

This research aims to improve the quality of recycled concrete fine aggregates (RFA) by using diammonium hydrogen phosphate (DAP). We aimed to understand the effect of DAP treatment on durability performance due to the carbonation action of mortars with the partial and total substitution of treated RFA. The results showed a maximum reduction in the RFA water absorption of up to 33% using a minimum DAP concentration due to a pore refinement as a consequence of the formation of calcium phosphates such as hydroxyapatite (HAP). The carbonation phenomenon did not have a significant effect on the durability of mortars with DAP-treated RFA, as we did not find a decrease in the compressive strength; the carbonation depth of the mortars with 100% treated RFA decreased up to 90% and 63% for a w/c of 0.45 and 0.50, in comparison with mortars with 0% treated RFA. An inversely proportional relationship was found between the accelerate carbonation and the compressive strength, showing that higher percentages of treated RFAs in the mortar promoted an increase in compressive strength and a decrease in the carbonation rate, which is behavior associated with a lower permeability of the cement matrix as one of the consequences of the microstructural densification by DAP treatment.

Evaluación de conocimientos sobre oxigenoterapia y lectura del flujómetro en el personal de salud de pediatría del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia / Knowledge Evaluation of Oxygen Therapy and Flowmeter's Reading among Health Workers in the Pediatric Unit at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia

Introducción: el oxígeno (O2) es un medicamento que puede generar efectos adversos. Discrepancias en la lectura del flujómetro y metas de saturación de oxígeno (SpC>2) pueden repercutir en la toma de decisiones clínicas, paraclínicas y estancia hospitalaria de pacientes pediátricos. Objetivo: evaluar conocimientos sobre SpO2, efectos adversos del O2 y lectura del flujómetro en el personal de salud del Departamento de Pediatría del Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia. Métodos: estudio transversal, mediante encuesta autodiligenciada en una muestra por conveniencia durante diciembre de 2016 y enero de 2017. Evaluación de conocimientos sobre oxigenoterapia, SpC>2, efectos adversos y lectura del flujómetro mediante fotografías de flujómetros del hospital con diferente fracción inspirada de oxígeno (FiC>2). Resultados: de 259 personas, el 77% respondió la encuesta. El 22% de los participantes respondió que la SpC>2 aumenta o se mantiene igual cuando el niño duerme; el 78% sabía de complicaciones del uso prolongado de O2, y el 67%, las relacionadas con la administración de una FiC>2 mayor a la necesaria. Con relación a la población neonatal, el 10% consideró que se deben buscar metas de SpO2 iguales o superiores al 96%; entre el 9% y el 19% de las lecturas en las diferentes fotografías de flujómetros fueron respuestas incorrectas. Discusión: es necesario reforzar conceptos actualizados sobre oxigenoterapia, con énfasis en metas de saturación, efectos adversos y lectura de flujómetro mediante campañas educativas periódicas.

Introduction: Supplemental oxygen is considerad a pharmaceutical drug; therafora, it can produce adverse effects. Lack of consensus regarding the reading of oxygen flowmeters and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpC>2) goals can influence clinical and paraclinical decisions and hospital stay length. Objective: To assess knowledge on oxygen therapy, adverse effects, SpC>2 goals and oxygen flowmeter's reading among personnel in the Pediatric Unit at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia. Methodology: Cross-sectional study derived from convenience sampling through a self-applied poli between December 2016 and January 2017. The poli evaluated topics on supplemental oxygen therapy fundamentáis and adverse effects, SpC>2 goals and flowmeter readings through flowmeters photographs indicating a specific ffaction of inspirad oxygen (FÍO2). Results: Response rate was 77% from 259 subjects. 22% considered that the oxygen saturation either increases or remains the same during sleep periods in children. 78% participants knew at least one complication associated to prolonged oxygen therapy and 67% due to supplementary oxygen concentration greater than required amounts. In neonatal population, 10% considered oxygen saturation efectos adversos y lectura de flujómetro mediante campañas educativas periódicas.

Pentalogía de cantrell (ectopia cordis): reporte de un caso / Pentalogy of cantrell (ectopia cordis): report of one case

La pentalogía de Cantrell involucra defectos de la línea media abdominal supraumbilical, parte inferior del esternón, diafragma anterior, pericardio diafragmático y malformaciones congénitas intracardiacas (1, 2). Su pronóstico está supeditado al diagnóstico temprano, la severidad de la malformación cardiaca y las anomalías asociadas (3). Se reporta el caso de una gestante de 28 semanas con diagnóstico fetal de pentalogía de Cantrell: ectopia cordis verdadera toraco-abdominal (con anomalía intracardiaca) y fisura esternal, y se resalta el diagnóstico prenatal que permitió definir su pronóstico y planear el manejo.

Pentalogy of Cantrell involves defects of the midlline supraumbilical abdomen, lower sternum, anterior diaphragm, diaphragmatic pericardium and intracardiac congenital defects. Prognosis depends on early diagnosis, severity of cardiac malformation and associated anomalies. We report the case of a 28 weeks pregnant woman with fetal diagnosis of pentalogy of Cantrell: true thoraco-abdominal ectopia cordis (with intracardiac anomaly) and sternal cleft, and highlight prenatal diagnosis that allowed to define prognosis and plan management.

Evaluación de costos de un programa de oxigenoterapia domiciliaria / Evaluation of costs of a program of domiciliary oxygen therapy

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las enfermedades cardio respiratorias están entre las entidades con mayor carga en incapacidad y muerte en el mundo. La administración de oxigeno a largo plazo en hipoxemia crónica severa mejora la sobrevida, sin embargo, es una terapia costosa e implica una carga económica para los sistemas de salud. En Colombia los costos de esta terapia no han sido cuantifcados.OBJETIVO: Describir los costos de la administración de oxígeno a largo plazo en un grupo de pacientes inscritos en un programa de oxigeno domiciliario en Pereira, Colombia.MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo. Se describen las características clínicas y se calculan los costos de la administración de: oxígeno, medicamentos, vacunación, nebulizaciones y atención hospitalaria.RESULTADOS: Un total de 215 pacientes fueron evaluados con una mediana de edad de 70 años, el 78,1% tenían enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, la mediana de PaO2 fue de 50 mmHg. El promedio del consumo mensual de oxígeno fue 4 cilindros al mes, 28,3% de los pacientes cumplían con las 15 horas de utilización al día. Finalmente el costo anual por consumo de oxígeno fue 322,200 US y del programa 561,555 US (Hospitalización 188,650 US, Medicamentos 17,670 US, Urgencias 16,445 US, Nebulizaciones 14,040 US, Vacunación 2,550 US).CONCLUSIÓN: Los costos de la terapia con oxígeno domiciliario a largo plazo son altos, debe optimizarse la prescripción, la adherencia de los pacientes al tratamiento y la aplicación de las guías de práctica clínica para lograr una adecuada utilización de los recursos evitando costos excesivos.

INTRODUCTION: Cardio-respiratory diseases are the largest causes of death and disability in the world. Long-term oxygen therapy in severe chronic hypoxemic improves survival, however, it is one expensive therapy and exert a large burden on the health systems. In Colombia the cost of this therapy are not quantifed.OBJECTIVE: Describe the costs of the administering long-term oxygen in a group of patients enrolled in a program of domiciliary oxygen in Pereira, Colombia.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study prospective descriptive. We describe the clinical characteristics and calculated the costs of administration of: oxygen, medication, vaccination, nebulization and hospital care.RESULTS: A total of 215 patients were evaluated with a median age of 70 years, 78.1% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, median PaO2 was 50 mmHg. The average monthly consumption of oxygen was 4 cylinders per month, 28.3% of patients met the 15 hours of use per day. Finally, the annual cost of oxygen consumption was 322,200 US. and 561.555 US. program (Hospitalization 188,650 US, 17.670 US Drugs, Emergency 16.445US, Nebulization 14.040 US, Vaccinations 2.550 US).CONCLUSION: The costs of therapy with long-term home oxygen are high, needs to be optimized prescription, patient adherence to treatment and application of clinical practice guidelines to ensure proper utilization of resources by avoiding excessive costs.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in scholars from Bucaramanga, Colombia: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are strongly associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, thus the increasing trend in their prevalence among children and adolescents from developing countries requires a further understanding of their epidemiology and determinants. METHODS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was designed to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among 6-10 year-old children from Bucaramanga, Colombia. A two-stage random-cluster (neighborhoods, houses) sampling process was performed based on local city maps and local statistics. The study involves a domiciliary survey; including a comprehensive socio-demographic, nutritional and physical activity characterization of the children that participated in the study, followed by a complete clinical examination; including blood pressure, anthropometry, lipid profile determination, fasting glucose and insulin levels. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome will be determined using definitions and specific percentile cut-off points for this population. Finally, the association between components of metabolic syndrome and higher degrees of insulin resistance will be analyzed through a multivariable logistic regression model. This study protocol was designed in compliance with the Helsinki declaration and approved by the local ethics board. Consent was obtained from the children and their parents/guardians. DISCUSSION: A complete description of the environmental and non-environmental factors underlying the burden of metabolic syndrome in children from a developing country like Colombia will provide policy makers, health care providers and educators from similar settings with an opportunity to guide primary and secondary preventive initiatives at both individual and community levels. Moreover, this description may give an insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms mediating the development of cardio-metabolic diseases early in life.

Sentido de la madre adolescente en edad escolar / Sense of the adolescent school aged mothers

La presente investigación se realizó con el fin de conocer cómo la madre adolescente sortea su maternidad con la adquisición de conocimientos académicos. El abordaje se realizó mediante la observación participante y entrevistas a profundidad, posteriormente se realizo el análisis. Se identificó que para la adolescente escolar el sentido de ser madre implica la conjugaciónde tres elementos: madurez, responsabilidad y entrega las cuales se interrelacionan y permiten visualizar que en la adolescente hay una imposibilidad de volver a ser.

The actual investigation was made to find out how the teenager mom may choose her mother hood of how to earn academic, understanding. The issue took place, during the observation, and deep interviews. Afterthat, some analysis was made to identify that for a high school teenager, the sense of being a mom imply the conjugation of three elements, such as, maturity, responsibility, and to give her self to people which, these get, comtogether, allowing, to visualize, that, being a teenager, it is impossible, to be the same ones again.

Creencias y costumbres en el cuidado del recién nacido y la Influencia en su salud, en la comuna 5 de la ciudad de Manizales / Beliefs and customs in neonatal care and its influence on the newborn’s health, in the Comuna 5 of Manizales

Se realizó un estudio de tipo cualitativo con diez madres de la comuna 5 de la ciudad de Manizales, con el objetivo de identificar cuáles son las creencias y costumbres practicadas en relación con el cuidado del recién nacido y como influyen en su salud; a fin de recomendar estrategias de promoción y prevención. Para ello se aplicó una entrevista abierta en la cual la madre podía expresar sus conocimientos y experiencias acerca del tema a investigar. Los resultados más relevantes que se encontraron fue la mayor presencia de factores de riesgo tales como:– No lactancia materna exclusiva.– Uso de fajeros y sustancias distintas al alcohol para la limpieza del muñón umbilical.– Uso de lociones y talcos en la piel del recién nacido. Asociados a déficit de conocimientos sobre los cuidados adecuados, y cierta presión de tipo familiar. Pese a ello, las madres aceptan y practican recomendaciones del personal de salud.Se encontró el uso de prácticas protectoras como; Hábitos higiénicos generales en el manejo del bebé y esquema de inmunizaciones completo para la edad. Estos hallazgos orientan al personal de salud a mejorar y reforzar los programas educativos dirigidos a ésta población y motivar a éstos a una mayor participación.