Mechanical Properties of an Eco-friendly Concrete with partial replacement of POC and Rubber

Concrete plants consume 10 billion tons of natural aggregates annually from quarries and gravel plants for produce concrete, this demand requires exploiting natural resources from mountains and rivers producing an ecological imbalance. One solution is to use Palm Oil Clinker (POC), which is eliminated in large quantities in the dumps and rivers without taking advantage of its puzolanic, binding and resistance properties as an aggregate in the concrete; another alternative is to apply rubber from abandoned and discarded tires as waste in landfills or burned, without taking advantage of its performance of improvement in concrete, increasing its resistance to impact and fatigue. Unable to find joint POC and rubber information, this research studies its influence replacing 2.5% rubber (grained and crushed) with 10%, 12.5% and 15% POC in the fine aggregate on traditional concrete; results indicate that with 12.5% of POC as the ideal percentage, the compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strength rise between 2.16 - 9.54%, so the concrete obtained has a cost of less than 4.09% and has 3.65% less CO2 emission

Toxocaríase humana: inquérito soroepidemiológico na cidade amazônica de Yurimaguas, Peru

The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of the infection by Toxocara in the general population of the Amazonian city of Yurimaguas, Peru. From March to August 2008, a total of 300 subjects were sampled and tested by means of a Toxocara ELISA-IgG test. A clinical and epidemiological questionnaire was used to assess the symptomatology and risk factors associated with human toxocariasis. The overall rate of seropositivity was 35.66%, with a significant high proportion in children (p < 0.001). The clinical evaluation revealed that 95.33% of the seropositive group had some type of symptomatology: headache (66.36%), respiratory compromise (63.55%), abdominal pain (54.21%), cutaneous signs (40.19%) and ocular manifestations (36.45%), and almost all of them were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, 56.07% of the seropositive subjects presented at least one intestinal pathogen parasite with predominance of helminthes, but without significant association (p = 0.334). The analysis of risk factors showed only that the use of public places and geophagia exhibited a significant association with the seropositivity (p < 0.001). Clinical, serological and epidemiological findings associated to infection with Toxocara were observed in the present study and future studies should be done to assess this serious health problem.O objetivo do presente estudo foi estimar a soroprevalência da infecção por Toxocara em população geral da cidade de Yurimaguas, Peru. Entre os meses de Março e Agosto de 2008, foi estudado um total de 300 pessoas por exame imunológico mediante Toxocara ELISA-IgG teste. Uma ficha clínico-epidemiológica foi utilizada para avaliar a sintomatologia e os fatores de risco associados à toxocaríase. A freqüência geral de anticorpos na população foi de 35,66% com proporção significativamente maior de positividade em meninos de um a 10 anos (p < 0.001). A avaliação clínica revelou que 95.33% do grupo de soropositivos apresentava algum tipo de sintomatologia associada à toxocaríase: 66,36% cefaléia, 63,55% sintomas respiratórios, 54,21% dor abdominal, 40,19% sinais cutâneos e 36,45% manifestações oculares e quase todos estes sinais foram estatisticamente associados ao resultado da sorologia (p < 0.001). Além disso, 56,07% das pessoas com sorologia positiva tinham pelo menos algum parasito intestinal patogênico e com predominância de helmintos, mas sem nenhuma associação significativa (p = 0.334). A análise dos fatores de risco mostrou que o uso de lugares públicos e história de geofagia tiveram significativa associação com a sorologia positiva (p < 0,001). Conclui-se que existem evidências clínicas, sorológicas e epidemiológicas de infecção por Toxocara na população estudada e futuros estudos são necessários para avaliar este sério problema de saúde pública

Freqüência de toxocaríase humana numa população rural de Cajamarca, Peru, mediante o uso do teste DOT-ELISA

The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of human toxocariasis in Cauday district, Cajamarca, Peru, using a dot-ELISA test. From June to October 2005, a total of 256 adult subjects were studied. Blood samples were collected for serology by a dot-ELISA test and for hematological examination. Parasitological examination was also carried out in stool samples to check cross-reactions in the dot-ELISA. The frequency observed was 44.92%, with a significant higher proportion of positivity in male subjects. From subjects with positive serology, 45.6% had respiratory symptoms, 40.44% abdominal pain, 32.35% hepatic symptoms, 14.7% cutaneous signs, 13.23% ocular manifestations, 43.38% eosinophilia, and all of these were statistically associated to serology. Among the population evaluated, 90.23% (231/256) were parasitized. From subjects with positive serology, 92.17% had at least one intestinal parasite and the most frequent were: Blastocystis hominis (68.38%), Giardia lamblia (28.68%), Hymenolepis nana (20.0%), Ascaris lumbricoides (15.65%), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (13.24%), Cyclospora cayetanensis (4.41%), Cryptosporidium sp. (1.47%), Enterobius vermicularis (0.87%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0.87%), Taenia sp. (0.87%), and Trichuris trichiura (0.87%). The rate of false positives in the dot-ELISA test was improved by serum absorption each with A. suum antigens, with a decrease of cross-reactions. In conclusion, human toxocariasis is highly frequent in this population and some risk factors like dog/cat ownership, presence of pets within house, and previous history of geophagia were observed in the present study.O propósito do presente estudo foi estimar a freqüência da toxocaríase no distrito de Cauday, Cajamarca, Peru, usando o dot-ELISA teste. Entre junho e outubro de 2005, um total de 256 pessoas foram avaliadas. Coletaram-se amostras de sangue para o teste de dot-ELISA e para o exame hematológico e amostras de fezes para exame parasitológico. A freqüência geral de anticorpos anti-Toxocara observada foi de 44,92%, com maior proporção significativa de positividade em pessoas do sexo masculino. Das pessoas com sorologia positiva, 45,6% apresentavam sintomas respiratórios, 40,44% dores abdominais, 32,35% moléstias hepáticas, 14,7% sinais cutâneos, 13,23% manifestações oculares, 43,38% eosinofilia e todos estes fatores foram estatisticamente associados à sorologia. Entre as pessoas avaliadas 90,23% estavam parasitadas e 92,17% das pessoas com sorologia positiva tinham algum parasito intestinal, sendo os mais freqüentes: Blastocystis hominis (68,38%), Giardia lamblia (28,68%), Hymenolepis nana (20,0%), Ascaris lumbricoides (15,65%), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (13,24%), Cyclospora cayetanensis (4,41%), Cryptosporidium sp. (1,47%), Enterobius vermicularis (0,87%), Strongyloides stercoralis (0,87%), Taenia sp. (0,87%) e Trichuris trichiura (0,87%). A taxa de falsos positivos no teste dot-ELISA foi melhorada pela absorção dos soros com antígenos de A. suum, com diminuição das reações cruzadas. Em conclusão, a toxocaríase humana é altamente freqüente nesta população e fatores de risco como ter um cão/gato, presença dos animais dentro de casa e estória prévia de geofagia foram observados durante o presente estudo

Soroprevalência da toxocaríase humana em três comunidades andinas do Nordeste de Lima, Peru

The aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of human toxocariasis in three Andean communities from the Northeast of Lima, Peru. A total of 303 subjects including children and adults were studied and blood samples were collected to detect anti-Toxocara antibodies by ELISA-IgG test and by hematological examination; stool samples were collected also for parasitological examination. The overall seroprevalence of toxocariasis observed in the total population was 20.46%, with a significant high proportion in children from one to 10 years old (p = 0.034). Among the subjects with positive serology, 32.26% of them had respiratory disturbances, 22.58% hepatomegaly, 17.74% ocular signs or symptoms, 14.51% abdominal pain, 9.68% neurological involvement, and 4.84% cutaneous signs, but none of these clinical features were associated to a positive serology by multivariate analysis. Furthermore, 79.03% of seropositive subjects also harbored at least one intestinal parasite, which was associated to a positive serology (p < 0.05). The presence of pets within the houses, a previous history of pica or geophagia and the use of public places were also present in this population, but only the latter was associated to the serology (p < 0.05). In conclusion, clinical, serological, and epidemiological evidences for larval Toxocara infection were found in the studied population.O propósito do presente trabalho foi estimar a soroprevalência da toxocaríase humana em três comunidades andinas do Nordeste de Lima, Peru. Foi estudado um total de 303 pessoas, entre crianças e adultos. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue para a detecção de anticorpos anti-Toxocara e para a análise hematológica, além de amostras fecais para o exame parasitológico. A soroprevalência geral da população foi de 20,46% com proporção significativamente maior de positividade em crianças de um a 10 anos (p = 0,034). Das pessoas com sorologia positiva, 32,26% apresentavam sintomas respiratórios, 22,58% moléstias hepáticas, 17,74% manifestações oculares, 14,51% dor abdominal, e 4,84% sinais cutâneos. Além disso, 79,03% das pessoas com sorologia positiva tinham pelo menos algum parasito intestinal com associação significativa (p < 0.05). A presença de cachorros dentro das casas, história de pica ou geofagia e o uso dos lugares públicos também estiveram presentes nesta população, mas o ultimo deles só esteve associado com a sorologia positiva (p < 0.05). Conclui-se que existem evidências clínicas, sorológicas e epidemiológicas de infecção por larvas de Toxocara na população estudada

Training load and heart rate variability in acute exposure to hypobaric hypoxia: A case study

Objetivo: Analizar el control de la carga de entrenamientoen la estrategia de aclimatación empleada por dos atletas amateur (mujer y hombre) antes de una ascensión exitosa a 5460 metros. Metodología: Durante 195 días consecutivos se realizaron mediciones basales de variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca (VFC). Se obtuvieron cuatro muestras de sangre durante la semana previa al evento principal (Pre), inmediatamente antes de la ascensión (Pre A), después (Post A) y una semana de recuperación (Post C). Resultados:Los registros diarios de VFC matutinos parecen ser una forma útil para monitorizar el estado de equilibrio simpático-parasimpático en montañistas antes de abordar las sesiones de entrenamiento. Se observó que ambos sujetos aumentaron sus niveles de leucocitos y neutrófilos exhibiendo variaciones sobre 60% entre las condiciones pre A y post B. Eritrocitos, hematocrito y hemoglobina presentaron tras la exposición aguda a 5460 m disminuciones, lo que coincide conlas diferencias porcentuales en plaquetas entre ambos sujetos (-3% y -51%). Conclusiones: Los registros diarios de VFC matutinos y de 5 minutos de duración parecen ser una forma útil para monitorizar el estado de equilibrio simpático-parasimpático. Se observaron cambios significativos en algunas células de la serie blanca.Aim: To analyzethe control of training load for an acclimatization strategy employed by two amateur athletes (female and male) prior to a successful ascent to 5460 meters. Methodology:Baseline heart rate variability (HRV) measurements were taken for 195 consecutive days. Four blood samples were taken the week before the main event (Pre), pre-ascent (Pre A), post-ascent (Post A), and one-week post-ascent (Post C). Results:Daily morning HRV recordings were useful for monitoring the state of sympathetic-parasympathetic balance in mountaineers prior to tackling training sessions. Both subjects had increased leukocytes and neutrophil levels, exhibiting variations over 60% between pre-A and post-B conditions. Erythrocytes, hematocrit, and haemoglobin decreased after acute exposure to 5460 m, coinciding with changes in platelet levels between both subjects (-3% and -51%). Conclusions:Daily morning and 5-min HRV recordings are a useful way for monitoring the state of sympathetic-parasympathetic balance. Significant changes were observed in some white blood cells

Carga de entrenamiento y variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca en una exposición aguda a la hipoxia hipobárica: Estudio de caso

Objetivo: Analizar el control de la carga de entrenamiento en la estrategia de aclimatación empleada por dos atletas amateur (mujer y hombre) antes de una ascensión exitosa a 5460 metros. Metodología: Durante 195 días consecutivos se realizaron mediciones basales de variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca (VFC). Se obtuvieron cuatro muestras de sangre durante la semana previa al evento principal (Pre), inmediatamente antes de la ascensión (Pre A), después (Post A) y una semana de recuperación (Post C). Resultados: Los registros diarios de VFC matutinos parecen ser una forma útil para monitorizar el estado de equilibrio simpático-parasimpático en montañistas antes de abordar las sesiones de entrenamiento. Se observó que ambos sujetos aumentaron sus niveles de leucocitos y neutrófilos exhibiendo variaciones sobre 60% entre las condiciones pre A y post B. Eritrocitos, hematocrito y hemoglobina presentaron tras la exposición aguda a 5460 m disminuciones, lo que coincide con las diferencias porcentuales en plaquetas entre ambos sujetos (-3% y -51%). Conclusiones: Los registros diarios de VFC matutinos y de 5 minutos de duración parecen ser una forma útil para monitorizar el estado de equilibrio simpático-parasimpático. Se observaron cambios significativos en algunas células de la serie blanca

Validation of the Spanish version of the Franciscan Hospital for Children Oral Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire

The Franciscan Hospital for Children Oral Health-Related Quality of Life questionnaire (FHC-OHRQOL-Q) is an instrument designed specifically for parents and caregivers of patients with special needs that has not yet been applied in Spain. The aim of this study was to adapt it to Spanish and evaluate its reliability and validity in patients with intellectual disability (ID) treated under general anesthesia. The study was conducted in two different stages: a) cross-cultural adaptation of the original questionnaire, and b) cross-sectional study on 100 parents and caregivers who completed the piloted FHC-OHRQOL-Q. The patients were examined according to the WHO methodology. Dental treatments performed were recorded. Statistical tests were used to evaluate reliability (internal consistency) and validity (content, criterion, construct and discriminant) of the instrument. The mean age was 24 years (range=4-71 years). The most frequent causes of ID were psychomotor retardation (25%) and cerebral palsy (24%). The items most frequently answered by parents and caregivers were eating and nutrition problems (80%) and bad breath/taste (57%). Reliability (Cronbach?s alpha coefficient) was considered excellent (alpha=0.80-0.95). The analysis of the factorial validity yielded similar results to the original questionnaire. The high response rate of items (>96%) allowed content validity. Criterion validity was confirmed by a significant correlation with questions on oral health and oral well-being. Discriminant validity was demonstrated by the significant association of ?21.5 years of age with worse oral symptoms (p=0.034) and parental concerns (p=0.005), DMFT index ?3 with daily life problems (p=0.02), ?4 decayed teeth with daily life problems (p=0.001), and >2 dental extractions with oral symptoms (p=0.000), daily life problems (p=0.002) and parent´s perceptions (p=0.043). The FHC-OHRQOL-Q in Spanish is a reliable and valid instrument to apply in clinical practice to evaluate the impact of OHRQOL in mostly adult patients with ID, accessible to Spanish-speaking parents and caregivers

Mercado de formación y disponibilidad de profesionales de ciencias de la salud en el Perú

Objectives. To describe the availability and demand of professional training programs for eight health science professions in Peru. Study the profiles of the physicians, nurses and midwives that these programs train and their competencies to work at the primary health care level. Materials and methods. Cross-sectional study using data on the volume of applicants, students and graduates of these eight professional training programs during the period 2007 - 2011. In addition, the curricula of professional training programs for physicians, nurses and midwives from public and private universities were analyzed, along with competency profiles developed by Professional Colleges and the Ministry of Health. Results. Admission rates in public and private universities vary by program: 4% and 28% respectively for medical schools, and 18% and 90% for nursing. Graduation rates were estimated at approximately 43% and 53% of students entering medicine and nursing training programs respectively. Contrasting the profiles of recently graduated professionals in medicine, nursing and midwifery, with the skills required by the Ministry of Health for professionals working in primary care the first level of care, indicate that these recently graduated professionals are not necessarily or specifically trained to work in primary care. Conclusions. Demand for professional training in health sciences exists and its supply is met predominantly by private universities. Competency profiles developed by the MOH for the basic professional health team in primary care shows a clear disconnect regarding the current supply of trained professionals.Objetivos. Describir el mercado de formación y la disponibilidad de profesionales de ocho carreras de ciencias de la salud en Perú. Además, examinar los perfiles de los médicos, enfermeros y obstetras que se forman y sus competencias para trabajar en el primer nivel de atención. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal utilizando datos de volumen de postulantes, ingresantes y graduados de ocho profesiones durante el periodo de 2007–2011. También se analizaron los planes de estudio de programas de formación de médicos, enfermeros y obstetras de universidades públicas y privadas, y los perfiles de competencias elaborados por los colegios profesionales y el Ministerio de Salud (MINSA). Resultados. Las tasas de ingreso en universidades públicas y privadas varían según la carrera: 4 y 28% respectivamente para Medicina Humana, y 18 y 90% para Enfermería. Además, se estima que se gradúan aproximadamente 43 y 53% de los estudiantes que ingresan a Medicina y Enfermería, respectivamente. El análisis del perfil de los profesionales recientemente graduados en Medicina, Enfermería y Obstetricia, al ser contrastados con el perfil de competencias priorizadas para los profesionales que laboran en el primer nivel de atención elaborado por el MINSA, indican que no están necesariamente ni específicamente formados para trabajar en este nivel de atención. Conclusiones. Existe demanda de formación para profesionales de ciencias de la salud y predomina la oferta por parte de universidades privadas. Los perfiles de competencias desarrollados por el MINSA muestran un claro divorcio con respecto a la oferta actual de profesionales formados

Mecanismos de participación ciudadana en los Planes de Abandono de lotes de hidrocarburos en Perú – El caso del ex Lote 1-AB

El objetivo de la investigación es determinar qué mecanismos de participación ciudadana resguardarían mejor el derecho de acceso a la información ambiental en los planes de abandono por vencimiento en los contratos de los lotes para la exploración y explotación de hidrocarburos, a la luz del nuevo Reglamento de Participación Ciudadana para la realización de las Actividades de Hidrocarburos y del reciente Acuerdo de Escazú. Se realizó la recopilación y el análisis de información secundaria relacionada con la participación ciudadana y acceso a la información pública en evaluación del impacto ambiental de actividades extractivas, logrando algunas características de los mecanismos de participación ciudadana más idóneos. Se distinguen los mecanismos formales bajo la conducción de la autoridad ambiental competente y los mecanismos no formales impulsados por el operador del lote por iniciativa propia; asimismo, se recomienda revisar regulación con mayor nivel de efectividad frente a grupos vulnerables como pueblos indígenas. El trabajo busca mayor predictibilidad en la participación ciudadana que garantice la sostenibilidad en el ciclo de vida de las inversiones en el país, impactando positivamente en la confianza y legitimidad de la evaluación del impacto ambiental con las poblaciones del área de influencia de actividades de hidrocarburos