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Francisco Molina

    Francisco Molina

    Resumen es: En el marco de la formulacion del Plan de Ordenamiento del Recurso Hidrico (PORH) para las direcciones territoriales Tahamies y Zenufana de la jurisdicci...
    Seismic testing of large-size models is nowadays possible thanks to the pseudodynamic (PsD) method, which resembles a quasi-static method with the application of slowly varying forces to the test structure. Low testing velocity may change... more
    Seismic testing of large-size models is nowadays possible thanks to the pseudodynamic (PsD) method, which resembles a quasi-static method with the application of slowly varying forces to the test structure. Low testing velocity may change the behaviour of the materials with respect to their behaviour at real velocity due to strain rate effect (SRE). The SRE during a PsD test is not relevant for the classical construction materials. However, it can be very important for some new materials, such as rubber or silicon, mostly used in isolators or energy dissipative devices. Silicone fluid viscous dampers are an example of these dissipative devices, and they will be the subject of this paper. It is possible to extend the PsD method range of application to structures equipped with dissipative devices by introducing a correction technique (CT) developed by the European Laboratory for Structural Assessment (European Commission) in Ispra, Italy. This technique consists of an on-line linear m...
    An upgraded hybrid cyber-physical technique was introduced to assess the seismic response of a reinforced concrete motorway bridge and the effectiveness of the friction-pendulum seismic isolation. The two independent roadway bridge was... more
    An upgraded hybrid cyber-physical technique was introduced to assess the seismic response of a reinforced concrete motorway bridge and the effectiveness of the friction-pendulum seismic isolation. The two independent roadway bridge was built in the 1960s in Italy and it spans over twelve couples of portal frame piers. Two of the piers (scale 1:2.5) and two seismic isolators setups detached from the piers were constructed at the European Laboratory for Structural Assessment (ELSA). Altogether eighteen actuators where installed, of which six controlled horizontal displacements and twelve ensured vertical loading on the piers and isolators. To obtain the dynamic response of the whole bridge, the part not present physically in the laboratory was modelled numerically. In the upgraded cyber-physical technique, two processes were running in parallel, one for the numerical model and the other controlling the motion of the physical model in the laboratory. These two processes had different t...
    Objective: To develop and validate a tool for evaluating balance and neuromotor function in patients with fibromyalgia (FMS). Methods: Brainstorming, the nominal group technique, and pilot-testing were used to select a battery of 20... more
    Objective: To develop and validate a tool for evaluating balance and neuromotor function in patients with fibromyalgia (FMS). Methods: Brainstorming, the nominal group technique, and pilot-testing were used to select a battery of 20 functional balance tests that were included in a screening tool. A total of 108 subjects (62 with fibromyalgia syndrome, 22 aged over 65 years, and 24 healthy subjects) participated in this validation study. Factor validity, internal consistency, the ability to discriminate between patients and healthy subjects, and concurrent validity with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), and other tools for measuring balance, such as the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC-16), the Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and posturographic parameters, were evaluated. Results: The factorial analysis extracted four...
    The link between fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and obesity has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among body mass index (BMI) and body composition parameters, including fat mass, fat... more
    The link between fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and obesity has not been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among body mass index (BMI) and body composition parameters, including fat mass, fat mass percentage, and visceral fat, as well as FMS features, such as tender point count (TPC), pain, disease activity, fatigue, sleep quality, and anxiety, in a population of FMS women and healthy controls. A total of seventy-three women with FMS and seventy-three healthy controls, matched on weight, were included in this cross-sectional study. We used a body composition analyzer to measure fat mass, fat mass percentage, and visceral fat. Tender point count (TPC) was measured by algometry pressure. The disease severity was measured with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ-R) and self-reported global pain was evaluated with the visual analog scale (VAS). To measure the quality of sleep, fatigue, and anxiety we used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality...
    ... is limited to the 1st translational mode, see Table 38.1; additional information may be found in [4]. The evolution of the ... However, when structures experience inelastic phenomena in seismic engi-neering, it is much more effective... more
    ... is limited to the 1st translational mode, see Table 38.1; additional information may be found in [4]. The evolution of the ... However, when structures experience inelastic phenomena in seismic engi-neering, it is much more effective to deal with hysteretic ... For a SDoF system it gives ...
    The precipitation of struvite (MgNH4PO4.6H2O) from wastewater streams simultaneosuly recovers nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) for reuse as fertilisers. Struvite crystallisation is controlled by pH, saturation index, temperature and other... more
    The precipitation of struvite (MgNH4PO4.6H2O) from wastewater streams simultaneosuly recovers nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) for reuse as fertilisers. Struvite crystallisation is controlled by pH, saturation index, temperature and other ions in the solution (e.g., Ca2+, Mg2+ and CO32−). This work studies the effect of pH and temperature on phosphorus and nitrogen removal via struvite precipitation and the quality of the resulting precipitate product (i.e., crystal size, morphology and purity). Struvite was precipitated in batch reactors from the supernatant produced during anaerobic sludge dewatering at a wastewater treatment works, under controlled pH (8, 9 and 10) and temperature (25, 33 and 40 °C) conditions. The optimal P removal as struvite, reduction of the co-precipitation with Ca and the increase in particle size of the struvite precipitates were determined. The results showed that temperatures of 33 °C and 40 °C are not recommended for struvite precipitation—i.e., at 33 °C...
    A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess dietary intake in 92 FMS compared to 96 healthy control patients and to examine the potential associations between daily intake and pain and the severity of symptoms in women with FMS. The... more
    A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess dietary intake in 92 FMS compared to 96 healthy control patients and to examine the potential associations between daily intake and pain and the severity of symptoms in women with FMS. The tender point count (TPC), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQR) were assessed. FIQ-R correlated negatively with phosphorus ( r = −.230, p = .028), iron ( r = −.320, p = 0.002), zinc ( r = −.238, p = .023), vitamin B1 ( r = −.218, p = .038), vitamin B6 ( r = −.123, p = .012), folic acid ( r = −.250, p = .017), and vitamin C ( r = −.217, p = .039). A negative correlation was also found between VAS pain and the intake of vitamin B6 ( r = −.322, p = .002). Lower intakes of certain micronutrients correlated with higher scores in FIQ-R and a lower intake of vitamin B6 correlated with higher scores in VAS pain, supporting the potential relevance of these micronutrients in the severity of symptoms and in leve...
    El aumento en el uso de combustibles fósiles y el desarrollo industrial, ha llevado al aumento de la concentración de hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) en los recursos naturales incluyendo el aire, el agua y el suelo, esto ha... more
    El aumento en el uso de combustibles fósiles y el desarrollo industrial, ha llevado al aumento de la concentración de hidrocarburos aromáticos policíclicos (HAP) en los recursos naturales incluyendo el aire, el agua y el suelo, esto ha derivado en el incremento de enfermedades respiratorias, dérmicas, cancerígenas, mutagénicas y teratogénicas en la población. Esta revisión, tiene como objetivo presentar las fuentes de emisión, transporte, destino, los principales congéneres de HAP, sus propiedades fisicoquímicas, el muestreo pasivo, las técnicas de extracción y la aplicación de metodologías analíticas en agua y sedimentos como la cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas, que permiten la evaluación de estas sustancias y garantizar la calidad de los recursos hídricos. En Colombia se han presentado dificultades en la implementación de estas técnicas de extracción e identificación de HAP debido a su elevado costo y al desconocimiento de los riesgos ambientales y a la sa...
    Patients diagnosed with traumatic or non-traumatic spinal pain and idiopathic scoliosis frequently suffer from imbalance. The evaluation of the perception of verticality by means of visual tests emerges as a quick and easy tool for... more
    Patients diagnosed with traumatic or non-traumatic spinal pain and idiopathic scoliosis frequently suffer from imbalance. The evaluation of the perception of verticality by means of visual tests emerges as a quick and easy tool for clinical management of the balance disorders. Several studies have assessed the visual perception of verticality in spinal diseases obtaining controversial results. The aim of our study is to analyze the perception of visual verticality in subjects with several spinal diseases in comparison with healthy subjects. A meta-analysis was carried out. PubMed MEDLINE, Scopus, WoS, CINAHL, and SciELO databases were searched until January 2020. The standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated to analyze differences between patients and healthy controls. Fifteen studies with a total of 2052 patients were included. In comparison with healthy subjects, a misperception of verticality was found in patients with spinal pain when the perception of the verticality wa...
    We have recently reported that patients with fibromyalgia (FM) may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Olive oil reportedly has cardioprotective effects. We examined the influence of olive oil consumption on cardiovascular... more
    We have recently reported that patients with fibromyalgia (FM) may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Olive oil reportedly has cardioprotective effects. We examined the influence of olive oil consumption on cardiovascular risk factors in FM. This preliminary study was performed on blood samples of women with FM who consumed 50 mL of organic olive oil daily for 3 weeks. Patients were randomized into two groups: 15 women ingested extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and 15 refined olive oil (ROO). Cardiovascular risk markers were measured at baseline (pre measure) and after consumption of olive oil (post measure). Red blood cell count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; both p < 0.05) declined significantly post-treatment in the EVOO group. Consumption of ROO increased mean platelet volume and reduced platelet distribution width (PDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, ESR and fibrinogen (all p < 0.05). Significant differences were found in pre–post change between the ...
    Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the shear bond strength of two types of MIM (Metal Injection Molding) technology brackets, one with conventional mesh base and the other with rail-shaped mesh base. Materials... more
    Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate in vitro the shear bond strength of two types of MIM (Metal Injection Molding) technology brackets, one with conventional mesh base and the other with rail-shaped mesh base. Materials and Methods: Forty human premolars received the bonding of 2 types of brackets: Group 1- 20 Synergy metal brackets (Rocky Mountain) with conventional mesh base and Group 2-20 H4 brackets (OrthoClassic) with rail-shaped mesh base. Both brackets were bonded with Resilience photopolymerizable resin (OrthoTechnology). The specimens were coupled to a Tinius Olsen universal test machine where the shear test was performed using a chisel. In addition, the amount of remaining resin in tooth crown with the ImageJ program was evaluated and the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI). Intergroup comparison was performed by the independent t test and Chi-square test. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups for any of the measures eval...
    Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate thrombosis-related parameters (blood coagulation parameters, platelet indices, red blood cell [RBC] count, and inflammatory markers) in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). Method: We... more
    Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate thrombosis-related parameters (blood coagulation parameters, platelet indices, red blood cell [RBC] count, and inflammatory markers) in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). Method: We carried out a case–control study with 35 women with FM and 12 age-matched healthy volunteers to analyze fibrinogen levels, prothrombin time, cephaline time, platelet count, platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), RBC count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Results: The results showed significantly increased fibrinogen levels ( p < .05), platelet count ( p < .05), PDW ( p = .059), RBC count ( p < .05), and PLR ( p < .05) in women with FM versus the healthy volunteers. Prothrombin time ( p < .05) and MPV ( p < .05) were significantly lower in patients with FM than in the controls. Conclusions: Elevated platelet and RBC counts, PDW values, and fibrinogen levels as well as decrea...
    Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex syndrome characterized by widespread pain. Its etiology is unclear, and diagnosis is difficult. The aim of this study was to assess plasma levels of monoamine neurotransmitters (catecholamines, indolamines,... more
    Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex syndrome characterized by widespread pain. Its etiology is unclear, and diagnosis is difficult. The aim of this study was to assess plasma levels of monoamine neurotransmitters (catecholamines, indolamines, and intermediate metabolites) in patients with FM and healthy controls to investigate possible alterations in the metabolism of these molecules in FM. We also examined potential relationships between monoamine neurotransmitters and clinical features of FM. The predictive value of these molecules in FM was determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis. We measured plasma catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine), as well as indolamines and intermediary metabolites (serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT], 5-hydroxyindolacetic acid [5-HIAA], 5-hydroxytryptophan [5-HTP], and N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine [Nac-5-HT]) in 35 women with FM and 12 age-matched healthy women. Higher levels of norepinephrine and lower levels of dopam...
    This multinational, randomized, double-blind trial, (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02149121) was designed to demonstrate equivalence in pharmacokinetics and efficacy between CT-P10 and innovator rituximab (RTX) in patients with... more
    This multinational, randomized, double-blind trial, (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02149121) was designed to demonstrate equivalence in pharmacokinetics and efficacy between CT-P10 and innovator rituximab (RTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Adults with active RA were treated with CT-P10, United States-sourced RTX (US-RTX; Rituxan®), or European Union-sourced RTX (EU-RTX; MabThera®) at weeks 0 and 2. The co-primary pharmacokinetic endpoints were area under the serum concentration-time curve (AUC) from time zero to last measurable concentration (AUC), AUC from time zero to infinity (AUC), and maximum concentration (C) after two infusions. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline to week 24 in Disease Activity Score using 28 joints-C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP). Pharmacodynamics, immunogenicity, and safety were also assessed. 372 patients were randomly assigned to CT-P10 (n = 161) or RTX (n = 211 [US-RTX, n = 151; EU-RTX, n = 60]). For the co-primary pha...
    To investigate the incidence of disadvantageous events by using the Global Trigger Tool in an intensive care unit (ICU). A retrospective descriptive study was performed in a 12-bed university ICU in the city of Medellin, Colombia.... more
    To investigate the incidence of disadvantageous events by using the Global Trigger Tool in an intensive care unit (ICU). A retrospective descriptive study was performed in a 12-bed university ICU in the city of Medellin, Colombia. Clinical charts of hospitalized patients were reviewed, between January 1 and December 31, 2016, with the following inclusion criteria: subjects aged over 18 years, with at least 24 h of hospitalization and who had a complete medical history that could be accessed. Interventions: Trained reviewers conducted a retrospective examination of medical charts searching for clue events that elicit investigation, in order to detect an unfavorable event. Measurements: Information was processed through SPSS software version 21; for numerical variables, the mean was reported with standard deviation (SD). Percentages were calculated for qualitative variables. Two hundred and forty-four triggers occurred, with 82.4% of subjects having presented with at least one and an ...
    CT-P10 is a biosimilar candidate of innovator rituximab (RTX) that demonstrated a comparable clinical profile to RTX in a phase I randomized controlled trial (RCT) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01534884).... more
    CT-P10 is a biosimilar candidate of innovator rituximab (RTX) that demonstrated a comparable clinical profile to RTX in a phase I randomized controlled trial (RCT) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01534884). This open-label extension (OLE) study (NCT01873443) compared the efficacy and safety of CT-P10 in patients with RA who received CT-P10 from the outset (i.e., from the start of the RCT and also in the OLE; 'maintenance group') with those who received RTX during the RCT and switched to CT-P10 during the OLE ('switch group'). Patients who completed the RCT were recruited. Based on the Disease Activity Score using 28 joints (DAS28) and predefined safety criteria, patients could receive up to two courses of CT-P10 during the OLE. Efficacy [DAS28 and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response], safety and immunogenicity were assessed. Eighty-seven patients were enrolled; 58 and 29 had previously received CT-P10 or RTX, respective...
    CT-P10 is a biosimilar of innovator rituximab (RTX), a biological therapy used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have responded inadequately to anti-tumor necrosis factor agents. Our objective was to compare the... more
    CT-P10 is a biosimilar of innovator rituximab (RTX), a biological therapy used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have responded inadequately to anti-tumor necrosis factor agents. Our objective was to compare the clinical profile of CT-P10 versus RTX in patients with RA who received up to two courses of treatment and were followed for up to 72 weeks. In this multicenter double-blind phase I study, patients were randomized 2:1 to receive CT-P10 1000 mg or RTX 1000 mg at weeks 0 and 2. Based on disease activity, patients could receive a second course of treatment between weeks 24 and 48. Efficacy endpoints, including mean change from baseline in Disease Activity Score using 28 joints (DAS28), safety, immunogenicity, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics were evaluated. In total, 154 patients were randomized to CT-P10 or RTX (n = 103 and 51, respectively); 137 (n = 92 and 45) completed the first course of treatment, of whom 83 (n = 60 and 23) were re-treated. Improve...
    Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disease that imposes physical, psychological, and social limitations. We have reported that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of FM. Olive oil has been shown to be effective treatment... more
    Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disease that imposes physical, psychological, and social limitations. We have reported that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of FM. Olive oil has been shown to be effective treatment against the oxidative stress associated with several diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of olive oil on oxidative stress and health-related parameters in FM. This preliminary study was performed on blood samples of 23 women diagnosed with FM who consumed 50 ml of organic olive oil daily for 3 weeks. Subjects were randomized into two groups: one ingested extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and the other refined olive oil (ROO), which have different antioxidant content. The patients' oxidative (lipid, protein, and DNA oxidation) and antioxidative (antioxidant enzyme activities and compounds) profiles were examined before and after the treatment period. Functional capacity and physical and mental health status were assessed usin...
    Pneumonia in patients with head trauma occurs commonly; however, few data are available to evaluate the effects of the infection on the prognosis. The incidence and microbiological findings were described, and the associated risk factors... more
    Pneumonia in patients with head trauma occurs commonly; however, few data are available to evaluate the effects of the infection on the prognosis. The incidence and microbiological findings were described, and the associated risk factors were established with the appearance of pneumonia in patients with severe brain trauma. A prospective cohort study was conducted that included 39 patients with severe brain trauma and who required mechanical ventilation; initially, none had pneumonia. These patients were observed during a 24-month period in an attempt to discern the principal risk factors associated with the onset of pneumonia. Pneumonia occurred in 31 (80%) of the 39 patients, and 28 of these presented early pneumonia. The most frequent germ in patients with pneumonia was Staphylococcus aureus with a percentage of the 42.4%. In the multivariate analysis, the single statistically significant risk factor was the presence of hypotension and vasopressor support with a RR = 27.9 (95% CI = 1.0-749.9, p < 0.05). No significant differences in the days of mechanical ventilation or mortality in both groups. The major mortality-associated risk factor in patients with pneumonia was a low Glasgow score at admittance with an OR = 2.19 (95% CI 1.03 - 4.65), p < 0.05. The incidence of pneumonia in patients with severe brain trauma is high; however, its appearance does not affect the prognosis. The single significant risk factor was the presence of hypotension and vasopressor support.
    The incidence of pressure ulcers in the literature varies from 4.7% to 18.6%. In our study, we have aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors associated with the occurrence of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. Scope:... more
    The incidence of pressure ulcers in the literature varies from 4.7% to 18.6%. In our study, we have aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors associated with the occurrence of pressure ulcers in critically ill patients. Scope: Medical-surgical intensive care unit. Design: Prospective observational study in the period of September 2005 to August 2006.

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