Quantifying Decay Due to Wet Atmospheric Deposition on Basalt.

The study of building materials is important for a better conservation of built heritage. Worldwide, volcanic stones (including basalt, andesite and dacite) are among the least studied building materials. In this research, the decay of a red basalt due to wet atmospheric deposition was studied. Red basalt was exposed to artificial rain solutions, prepared from rain samples collected weekly from 2014-2019. In this research, the decay of stone-built heritage was indirectly studied emulating wet atmospheric accelerated weathering under three different volume weighted mean (VWM) compositions: global, acid and no-acid categories. Lixiviates were analyzed to better understand the deterioration mechanisms taking place inside the material. Decay was quantified as mass difference, water absorption capacity (WAC) and open porosity (OP) changes. Results show that the methodology used is suitable to research the decay of built heritage. The studied basalt is indeed prone to decay by wet atmospheric deposition. The main decay mechanisms are the washing of insoluble compounds, dissolution of minerals, salt crystallization and cation exchange. WAC and OP showed promising results of their appropriateness as monitoring variables of decay in situ. Acid conditions produce the most severe decay, but Ph effect is not as important as precipitation volume. Non-linear equations relating volume of precipitation with mass difference in red basalt are presented.

Synchronized Oscillations of Arterial Oxygen Saturation, Cerebral Tissue Oxygenation and Heart Rate in Preterm Neonates: Investigation of Long-Term Measurements with Multiple Einstein's Cross Wavelet Analysis.

BACKGROUND: In preterm neonates, the cardiovascular and cerebral vascular control is immature, making the brain vulnerable to an increased incidence of hypoxic and hyperoxic episodes. AIM: The aim of the study was to apply the recently developed multiple Einstein's cross wavelet analysis (MECWA) to quantify the coupling of fluctuations of peripherally measured arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) and heart rate (HR). METHODS: Two long-term measurements on preterm neonates with a gestational age at birth of 26.4 and 26.8 weeks and a postnatal age of 2.1 and 3.9 weeks were analyzed. MECWA was applied to SpO2, StO2 and HR. RESULTS: MECWA showed that the fluctuations of SpO2, StO2 and HR were synchronized in the low-frequency range with periods of ~1 h and ~0.5 h. The amplitudes of the synchronization frequencies were dependent on the individual neonate. DISCUSSION: MECWA is a useful novel tool to assess the coupling of physiological signals. The parameters determined by MECWA seem to be related to the chronobiological processes, as well as constant regulations of the cardiovascular and cerebral perfusion state. CONCLUSION: MECWA was able to identify long-term synchronization of the cardiovascular and cerebral perfusion state in preterm neonates with periods of ~1 h and ~0.5 h.

Comparación Clínica de radioterapia de intensidad modulada vs. radioterapia 3D en tratamiento neoadyuvante del cáncer de recto localmente avanzado / Clinical comparison of intensity modulated radiotherapy vs. 3D radiotherapy in neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer

El objetivo de este trabajo fue comparar ventajas potenciales de la radioterapia de intensidad modulada (IMRT) vs. la radioterapia 3D (3DRT) en el control loco-regional y la toxicidad aguda en pacientes con cáncer de recto localmente avanzado (CRLA). Se analizaron retrospectivamente 235 pacientes con adenocarcinoma de recto T2/T4 y N0/N1 sometidos a radioquimioterapia neoadyuvante entre febrero de 2010 y agosto de 2015. La modalidad radiante se correlacionó con los resultados clínicos (control local y a distancia) y las tasas de toxicidades agudas urinarias, hematológicas, gastrointestinales (GI) y dérmicas. Ciento cuarenta (59.6%) recibieron IMRT y 95 (40.4%) 3DRT. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 36 meses. Las tasas de recidiva local y metástasis a distancia fueron similares entre IMRT y 3DRT. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en control local (CL) ni en supervivencia global (SG) entre IMRT y 3DRT (p=0.56 y p=0.24, respectivamente), ni en colostomía libre para tumores rectales bajos (p=0.44). IMRT implicó menor toxicidad cutánea (p<0.001), hematológica (p<0.0001), urinaria (p=0.0017), y gastrointestinal (p=0.0006). La incidencia de diarrea grado ≥ 3 fue del 16% entre los pacientes del grupo 3DRT frente al 5% de del grupo IMRT. En el análisis univariado, el estadio clínico T, edad, KPS, y quimioterapia adyuvante se asociaron con mejor SG (todos p<0.05) y la dosis total de radiación se asoció con mejor período libre de enfermedad (p=0.0065) Postulamos que IMRT permitiría un aumento de dosis en forma segura con el potencial de aumentar la tasa de respuestas patológicas completas (RPC), en particular en tumores rectales bajos (AU)

The aim was to compare the advantages of IMRT vs. 3D in loco regional control and acute toxicity in patients with locally advanced rectum cancer. We analyzed retrospectively 235 patients with rectal adenocarcinoma T2/T4 and N0/N1 undergoing chemo radiation between February 2010 and August 2015. The radiant modality was correlated with clinical outcomes (local and systemic control) and rates of acute urinary, hematological, gastrointestinal and dermal toxicities. One hundred and forty patients (59.6%) received IMRT and 95 (40.4%) received 3D. The median follow-up time was 36 months. The rates of local recurrence and distant metastases were similar between IMRT vs. 3D. No statistically significant differences were found in local control or survival between IMRT and 3D (p=0.56 and p =0.24, respectively), nor in free colostomy for low rectal tumors (p= 0.44). IMRT resulted in lower dermal (p<0.001), hematological (p<0.0001), urinary (p=0.0017), and gastrointestinal toxicity (p=0.0006). The incidence of diarrhea grade ≥ 3 was 16% among 3D patients vs. 5% in IMRT. In the univariate analysis, clinical stage T, age, KPS, and adjuvant chemotherapy were associated with better overall survival (all p<0.05) and the total dose of radiation was associated with better disease-free period (p=0.0065). We postulate that IMRT would allow us to increase dose in a safe manner with the potential to increase rate of complete pathological responses, particularly in low rectal tumors (AU)

Cáncer anal: resultados clínicos, toxicidades y supervivencia libre de colostomía comparando técnicas de radioterapia conformada tridimensional versus radioterapia de intensidad modulada / Anal cancer: clinical results, toxicities and colostomy-free survival comparing three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy techniques versus intensity modulated radiotherapy

Las técnicas definitivas de quimio-radioterapia para el cáncer anal, radioterapia tridimensional conformada (3DCRT) o radioterapia de intensidad modulada (IMRT) dan excelentes resultados a largo plazo. Evaluamos resultados en centros de radiación basados en la comunidad. Se evaluaron retrospectivamente 281 pacientes tratados con quimio-radioterapia definitiva para carcinoma anal loco-regional, entre 2006 y 2014. El 95% realizó quimioterapia. Se evaluaron datos de toxicidades, progresión de la enfermedad y necesidad de colostomía durante el período de seguimiento. La supervivencia global, supervivencia libre de progresión y colostomía libre se calcularon con métodos de Kaplan-Meier. La edad media fue 63.7 años con seguimiento medio de 60 meses. Ciento sesenta y nueve pacientes recibieron IMRT y 112 recibieron 3DCRT. La dosis total media tumoral fue 54 Gy. El 80% experimentó complicaciones agudas, y el 56% requirió interrupción de tratamiento. No hubo diferencias significativas en supervivencia global, supervivencia libre de progresión, supervivencia libre de colostomía ni control local a dos años entre ambos grupos. La IMRT tuvo menos suspensión del tratamiento (48% vs. 65%) (p=0.0261). El grupo IMRT tuvo una reducción significativa de todas las toxicidades agudas ≥3 y gastrointestinales (GI) tardías, en comparación con los tratados con 3DCRT. Esta serie representa una de las mayores comparaciones 3DCRT vs. IMRT para el tratamiento definitivo de cáncer anal. Los resultados a largo plazo no difieren significativamente en función de la técnica de radioterapia (RT). La IMRT reduce todas las toxicidades ≥ grado 3 y la necesidad de interrupción en comparación con 3DCRT (AU)

The definitive techniques of chemo-radiotherapy for anal cancer, 3DCRT or IMRT, give excellent long-term results. We evaluated results in community-based radiation centers. We retrospectively evaluated 281 patients treated with definitive chemo-radiotherapy for locoregional anal carcinoma, between 2006 and 2014. The 95% performed chemotherapy. Toxicity data, progression of the disease, need of colostomy during the follow-up period were evaluated. Global survival (GS), progression free survival (PFS), and free colostomy survival (CFS) were calculated with Kaplan-Meier methods. Mean age was 63.7 years with a mean follow-up of 60 months. One hundred and sixty nine patients received IMRT and 112 received 3DCRT. The total mean tumor dose was 54 Gy. The 80% experienced acute complications, and 56% required treatment interruption. There was no significant difference in GS, PFS, CFS or local control at two years between both groups. The IMRT had less treatment discontinuation (48% vs. 65%) (p = 0.0261). The IMRT group had a significant reduction in all acute toxicities ≥3 and late gastrointestinal, compared with those treated with 3DCRT. This series represents one of the largest 3DCRT vs. IMRT comparisons for the definitive treatment of anal cancer. The long-term results do not differ significantly depending on the RT technique. The IMRT reduces all toxicities ≥ grade 3 and the need for interruption compared to 3DCRT (AU)

Enfoque de marco lógico: aplicación en vinculación con la sociedad de enfermería en el contexto universitario ecuatoriano / Logical framework approach: application in community engagement of nursing in the Ecuadorian university context

El enfoque de marco lógico es una metodología para el desarrollo de proyectos con impacto social con amplio uso en el mundo; que, además se utiliza en la educación universitaria como herramienta de planificación, ejecución y evaluación de iniciativas de vinculación con la sociedad. Entre sus ventajas se pueden mencionar: formato sencillo, alto grado de detalle en cada procedimiento, estimula la participación de los beneficiarios, consenso y empodera-miento de la colectividad y asegura la viabilidad de los componentes y acciones previstas. En el campo de la Enfermería, permite proporcionar cuidados culturalmente congruentes con énfasis en la promoción de la salud a grupos sociales; así como desarrolla experiencias de valor en esos profesionales. En este artículo de revisión se detalla cómo esta metodología y sus técnicas de interacción con la comunidad, permiten la elaboración, ejecución y monitoreo de proyectos en el contexto ecuatoriano

The logical framework approach is a methodology to develop projects with social impact with wide use in the world. It is also used in university education as a tool for planning, executing and assessing initiatives linked to society. Some of its advantages must be mentio-ned such as: simple format, high degree of detail in each procedure, stimulates the participa-tion of the beneficiaries, consensus and empowerment of the community and ensures the viability of the components and planned actions. It allows providing culturally congruent care with emphasis on the promotion of health to social groups in the field of Nursing, as well as developing valuable experiences in these professionals. This review article details how this methodology and its interaction techniques with the community allow the preparation, execution and monitoring of projects in the Ecuadorian context.

Niveles de protección contra la hemaglutinina del virus de influenza A/Johannesburg/82/96(H1N1) en un hogar de ancianas / Protection levels against the hemaglutinine of influenza A/Johannesburg/82/96 (H1N1) influenza virus in a care center for old ladies

La vacunación anual contra la influenza es una acción estratégica fundamental para reducir la morbilidad, la mortalidad y las complicaciones ocasionadas por esta enfermedad. Su aplicación se recomienda en los grupos de riesgo, sobre todo en los ancianos con peligro de desarrollar una influenza severa o complicada. Atendiendo a esta condición se evaluó, después de aplicar una dosis única (0,5 mL por vía intramuscular) de la vacuna Agrippal S1/Chiron, recomendada por la OMS para la temporada 1997-1998, la respuesta inmune humoral antihemaglutinina en 38 mujeres con una edad ³ a 65 años, todas pertenecientes a un hogar de ancianas (institución estatal) de La Habana, Cuba. Para ello se utilizó la técnica de inhibición de la hemaglutinación en muestras de suero, obtenidas a partir de la sangre extraída en tres etapas: prevacunación (inmediatamente antes de su aplicación), posvacunación (30 días después) y un año después de la inmunización durante la temporada de influenza 1997-1998. Al aplicar el test de Student en los resultados obtenidos se observó que al comparar los niveles de anticuerpos protectores detectados en la etapa posvacunal (78,94 por ciento) y al año de la inmunización (42,11 por ciento), con los identificados en la etapa prevacunal, existían diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p=0,0094 y p=0,0018), respectivamente. La comparación de los porcentajes de positividad detectados en las tres etapas investigadas (28,94 por ciento; 97,36 por ciento y 86,84 por ciento ) fue también significativo mediante el test de Chi cuadrado (p<0,00001). La respuesta a la inmunización antigripal obtenida en este grupo de riesgo apoya la política de revacunación en los ancianos, individuos donde se observan las mayores tasas de mortalidad por influenza y neumonía(AU)

Annual vaccination against influenza is an essential strategic action to reduce morbidity, complications and mortality due to this disease. This practice is specially recommended in risk groups, mainly in the elderly with high risk to develop a severe or complicated influenza. Taking into account this condition and after the application of a single dose (0.5 mL by intramuscular route) of the Aggrippal S1 vaccine/ Chiron vaccine, according to WHO for 1997-1998, the anti-hemagglutinin humoral response was evaluated in 38 women aged ³ 65 from a care center for old ladies (state institution) of the City of Havana, Cuba. It was used the Hemagglutination Inhibition technique in serum samples from blood extracted in three stages: pre-vaccination (immediately after the application), post-vaccination (30 days after), and one year after vaccination during the influenza season 1997-1999. The Student test was applied in the results and statistically significant differences were observed (p=0.00094 and p= 0.0018, respectively) when comparing the protective antibodies levels in post-vaccine stage (78.94 por ciento ) and those of one year after vaccination (42.11 por ciento) with the ones of the pre- vaccination stage. The comparison of positivity detected in the three stages (28.94 por ciento; 97.36 por ciento and 86.34 por ciento ) was also significant by Chi-squared test (p<0.00001). Response to anti-flu immunization achieved in this group supports re-vaccination practice in the elderly who shows the higher mortality rates due to influenza and pneumonia(AU)