La Guajira Research Articles

In-Vivo Surgical Approach of Subretinal Cysticercosis: A Case Report.

To report the clinical and imaging findings of a patient with right eye progressive vision loss, in whom ocular neurocysticercosis was diagnosed. The patient underwent vitreoretinal surgery with previous antihelmintic treatment, resulting in a successful extraction of the subretinal cyst. A patient with subretinal neurocysticercosis underwent a combination of ophthalmic examination, fundus photography, ocular ultrasound, brain MRI, and surgery. A 57-year-old female from La Guajira, Colombia presented with a 2-year history of unilateral subretinal neurocysticercosis and an overlying exudative inferior retinal detachment with multiple areas of RPE atrophy. Different methods of surgery were contemplated to achieve a favorable outcome, until deciding on a microincision vitrectomy surgery. An "in vivo" minimally invasive pars plana approach should be considered, given it has proven to be successful in removing intraocular cysts with no postoperative inflammatory response, preserving anatomic and functional integrity.

Mycosporine-like amino acids profile in red algae from high UV-index geographical areas (San Andrés Island and La Guajira) of the Colombian Caribbean coast

Mycosporine-like amino acids profile in red algae from high UV-index geographical areas (San Andrés Island and La Guajira) of the Colombian Caribbean coast

Assessing microplastic pollution along the Caribbean coast of La Guajira, Colombia.

Assessing microplastic pollution along the Caribbean coast of La Guajira, Colombia.

Assemblage of Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Soft Bottoms of the RIÍTO ARM, Rancheria River Deltaic System

Benthic macroinvertebrates associated with soft bottoms are a key element in the balance of aquatic ecosystems, as they play an important role in ecological processes, such as nutrient cycling, dispersal and particle capture, among others. For this reason, the objective of this work was to analyze the assembly of benthic macroinvertebrates associated with soft bottoms in the Riíto arm of the estuarine deltaic system of the Ranchería River, in the department of La Guajira (Colombia). This system has been shown to be highly changeable in previous studies, so it is necessary to carry out environmental monitoring. During the period from September 2022 to January 2023, temperature, pH, conductivity, transparency, depth, alkalinity and hardness of the water were measured in situ, as well as sediment samples were taken to determine its granulometry and organic matter, and to analyse benthic macroinvertebrates, at three sampling sites: Desembocadura (DB), Mirador (EM) and Villa Fátima (VF) along the El Riíto arm in the Rancheria River delta. Two species were found: Pyrgophorus platyrachis and Mytilopsis leucophaeta. The density of organisms was higher in MS, with 62.5 individuals per square meter, although the sampling sites presented only a slight separation according to their physicochemical characteristics, mainly due to the variability of oxygen saturation and mean sand. Only fine sand was associated with the density of P. platyrachis as the dominant species of the El Riíto arm (87.1 % of the total abundance). It is concluded that, according to the composition and abundance of organisms, DB and VF are different from EM, since the latter site showed the highest densities of organisms, which indicated slightly more favorable conditions for them. Likewise, it was evidenced that the physicochemical variability within the estuary is mainly temporary.

Children and adolescents as mental health policy makers in a Colombian indigenous territory

BackgroundThroughout history and systematically, the voices of children and adolescents have been ignored in the spaces of construction of public mental health policies, despite representing the age group most affected. The objective of this case study was to analyze the participation of children and adolescents in the construction of the mental health route in La Guajira, ColombiaMethodsA co-productive methodology framed in Participatory Action Research was adopted, highlighting its collaborative and dynamic approach. Focus groups were established and thematic analysis was implemented to deepen the understanding of participants' experiences and perspectives.ResultsIn the focus group made up of children and adolescents, meanings, barriers and recommendations were identified, which later formed part of a district decree. The need to be heard from their autonomy and their moments of development is highlighted, to integrate mental health into daily life beyond health services, to strengthen ties and support networks, to have safe spaces to express their needs, and receive a comprehensive, sensitive and continuous approach.ConclusionsThe core components highlighted in the creation of the mental health route start from the construction of a safe and trusting environment This study highlights the need to realize the right to participation of children and adolescents in public policy.

P-145. Parasitological characterization of stool samples from indigenous Wayuu children from La Guajira, Colombia

Abstract Background La Guajira, 396,511 children and most of them recognized as Wayuu indigenous population. They have many public health problems in primary services. This children are at high risk of suffering from intestinal parasitosis. The most common are Entamoeba histolytica (EH) and Giardia duodenalis (GD) in their infectious forms. The common source is contaminated food and water. Geohelminth (GH) infections can be complicated by pulmonary compromise and worsening health of children with nutritional problems. In Colombia, primary care for intestinal parasitosis is albendazole. As part of the social interest we want to know the main species that we can find in the feces of a group of these children to know if primary treatment with albendazole is sufficient. Coccidial structures by Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study. On December 2023 was assessing 44 coprological samples. Containers were labelled, consent and informed assent were signed. They were preserved in MIF reagent and stored at 4°C, processed by Formalin-Gasoline (F-G) with the addition of parasitological lugol for microscopic evaluation under 10x and 40x objectives. Coccidial structures were observed by Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining with a 100x objective, both calibrated with a micrometer. The variables was analized by frequencies and measures of central tendency. Trophozoite of Entamoeba histolytica Results 44 samples were included. Abnormal results were found in 42/44 (95.5%) by ZN technique; 44 (95.5%) Microsporidium and 23 (52.3%) Cryptosporidium. In the F-G and addition of parasitological lugol, abnormal results were found in 38/44 (86.4%). Regarding Protozoa, 18 (40.9%) were found GD cysts, 36 (81.8%) B. hominis, 8 (18.2%) E. nana, 12 (27.3%) EH trophozoites and 2 (4.5%) C. Mesnili. Regarding GH, 2 (4.5%) were found with S. stercoralis and A. lumbricoides and 1 (2.3%) H. nana. Both ZN staining and parasitological lugol staining showed 19 (43.2%)C. cayetanensis and 14 (31.9%) C. belli. Cysts of Giardia Duodenalis Conclusion The frequency of PI was 95.5%, 42 (95.5%) protozoan and 5 (11.4%) GH. The most frequent isolates were Microsporidium, B. hominis and GD. Perhaps we could offer another deworming treatment in this population. This description could be the basis for other studies in this population to offer better alternatives and make the public health situation in this scenario more visible to the government. Egg of Hymenolepis nana Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

The Energy Potential of Agricultural Biomass Residues for Household Use in Rural Areas in the Department La Guajira (Colombia)

Cooking with firewood in inefficient stoves primarily affects the rural population in poor and developing countries, usually lacking access to clean and modern energy sources. La Guajira, Colombia, is especially affected, with 40% to 60% of the departmental households relying on firewood, which increases to 80% in rural areas. In the department, only 40.4% of the population have access to natural gas, which drops to 6% in the indigenous reservations, while 68.4% have access to electricity, which reduces to 22% in indigenous reservations. Rural areas with agricultural production in the department can benefit from biomass wastes to address firewood consumption. This study quantified the agricultural biomass waste inventory in La Guajira to assess their availability for energy valorization as cooking fuel or, when possible, for electricity generation. The geolocalization of biomass wastes and rural communities was developed to overlap biomass production with the demand for firewood. Moreover, briquetting, anaerobic digestion, and direct combustion were considered small- and medium-scale options for the energy valorization of biomass wastes. Results highlighted the department’s yearly production of 292,760 to 522,696 t of agricultural biomass wastes between 2010 and 2023. These wastes could yield an estimated 381 to 521 TJ/year of electricity using direct combustion, coinciding with some 21% to 28% of the electricity demand in 2022 in La Guajira. Furthermore, this electricity potential could replace 57% to 78% of the demand for firewood in the department using electric stoves. Moreover, anaerobic digestion could produce from 8.6 to 10 million m3/year, enough to replace between 16% and 18% of the demand for firewood using biogas stoves. Finally, briquettes could replace between 28% and 49% of the firewood demand, considering the adoption of improved biomass stoves. Considering that direct combustion and anaerobic digestion technologies would be efficient on the medium scale, briquettes surfaced as the most viable approach at the small scale to take advantage of agricultural wastes to replace firewood in households in rural areas.

Attacks on Humans by Neotropical Otters.

Neotropical otters Lontra annectens (Carnivora, Mustelidae) are widely distributed in Central and South America. Studies on the behavior of this species are rare, resulting in the fact that its ethology is one of the lesser known among the mustelids. The Neotropical otter is considered solitary and territorial but not aggressive, and it generally shows a shy and elusive behavior. Here we described the first two documented cases of attack by Neotropical otters on humans. The first occurred in Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, and the second, in La Guajira, Colombia. Respectively, adult female and male humans were injured with differences in the severity of the wounds, clinical course, and outcomes. We recommend further research on the agonistic behavior of Neotropical otters. A protocol for attention to injuries caused by Neotropical otters is suggested.

Políticas, estrategias y tecnologías ambientales en las empresas mineras de yeso para una gestión sostenible en la Guajira, Colombia

Adopting responsible environmental practices ensures that natural resources are used sustainably. This is essential to ensure that future generations can also benefit from the resources and the environment. For this reason, the objective of this research is to analyze the environmental policies, strategies and technologies used in gypsum mining for sustainable management in La Guajira, Colombia. Considering that they are essential for various reasons, especially in environmental, industrial and extractive contexts such as mining. Furthermore, this study is descriptive and theoretical in nature, adopting a non-experimental research design due to its qualitative nature, so that the variables are not deliberately manipulated. The population of interest is made up of the mining companies Yesos Sdinyc S.A.S., Yesos Colombia S.A.S., and the artisanal gypsum mine in Manaure. The results revealed with regard to environmental policies within companies, there is a lack in their application; Regarding the implementation of environmental strategies and technologies, companies have taken the initiative to improve their mining activities. Despite the efforts of some of these companies to improve and contribute to environmental care, the adoption and implementation of comprehensive strategies that promote efficient management of natural resources and ensure responsible and sustainable operational practices in gypsum mining are recommended.

From surface to caves: new species of Diploexochus Brandt, 1833 (Oniscidea, Armadillidae) from Colombia, with the description of the first troglobitic species.

Two new species of Diploexochus are described, Diploexochuscacique sp. nov. from Cerro Bañaderos in Hatonuevo, La Guajira, and Diploexochustroglobius sp. nov. from Roca Madre Cave, Toluviejo, Sucre, both from the Tropical Dry Forest (TDF) areas of the Colombian Caribbean. The latter represent the first troglobitic species of the genus. Moreover, based on specimens from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Magdalena (type locality), Venezillobrevispinis is placed into Diploexochus and an identification key for all species of the genus is given. The present work describes the first troglobitic species of the genus, and expand the knowledge of its distribution in northern South America.

Mental health risk communication and community participation among an Indigenous people in Colombia.

To describe and analyze a community participation process to develop recommendations for adequate communication of mental health risks among the Wayuú people of Colombia. This qualitative study conducted focus groups in the Indigenous cities of Albania and Uribia, Colombia, from January to June 2024, to assess perspectives on mental health risk communication. Participants were adults (>18 years) residing in two municipalities in La Guajira (Uribia and Albania [the Indigenous capital of Colombia]) and included youth group leaders, Indigenous representatives, migrant population representatives, and representatives of official institutions in the region. Thematic analysis was used for data analysis. In total, 42 participants (mean [SD] age, 20.1 years; 24 [57.1%] women and 18 [42.9%] men) participated in four focus groups (two in Albania and two in Uribia). Three main themes were identified in the thematic analysis: consequences of poor communication; community advice for social communication; and recommendations for public mental health in health communication. Based on the data analysis, recommendations for mental health risk communication were proposed for both municipalities and for the territory of La Guajira, Colombia. The findings of this qualitative study highlight the need to improve mental health communication among the Indigenous community by leveraging their perspectives. The involvement of community leaders and the development of mental health communication strategies are needed.

Forecast of The Price of Milk Paid to Producers in the departments of Magdalena, Córdoba and La Guajira: An Empirical Study Based on the Box-Jenkins Methodology

Due to the changing nature of the prices of agricultural products, such as dairy products, the Colombian dairy sector is an industry that experiences constant fluctuations of a seasonal and often cyclical nature, which makes it crucial for the actors involved in this productive activity. know how these prices behave in the present and soon, to determine actions that impact on improving productivity and therefore competitiveness. Therefore, the objective of the research is to predict the total price per liter of milk paid to producers in the departments of Magdalena, Córdoba and La Guajira in the Colombian Caribbean, through the Box-Jenkins methodology, with the aim of take the respective measures, based on true and updated information. The data used in this study were obtained from the portal of the Milk Price Monitoring Unit (USP) system belonging to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR) from January 2008 to January 2023. The empirical results revealed that the models SARIMA, SARIMA and ARIMA (0,1,0) were chosen as the most appropriate to offer coherent results of the value of future predictions of the price per liter of milk paid to producers, suppliers of milk to the food sector in general, such as the production of coastal cheese. The results indicate that prices in these three departments present an increasing trend in the months of 2023.

Estimation of potential groundwater recharge in a growing touristic neotropical dry forest area

Estimation of potential groundwater recharge in a growing touristic neotropical dry forest area

Narrativa de mi experiencia como maestra, formadora e investigadora en territorio indígena wayuu: una autoetnografía

This article presents the trajectory of a teacher, trainer, and researcher in indigenous territory, anchored in autoethnography. Her work as an active participant in Colombia’s National Ministry of Education’s Todos a Aprender Program goes beyond mere knowledge transmission, being a journey of mutual and collective learning. It highlights the deep connection with the cultural reality and particularities of indigenous territories, as well as her role as a researcher and teacher committed to educational improvement in the La Guajira department. Autoethnography emerges as the ideal tool to reflect on her transformation as a teacher, analyzing the impact of her work and connections with the Wayuu indigenous community. Through this testimony, it seeks to open a reflective dialogue on the transformative power of education in indigenous contexts and contribute to understanding educational diversity and strengthening cultural fabric in these territories.

La Construcción y consolidación de la paz: acciones en el marco de la responsabilidad social de las mipymes en colombia

This article is the result of one of the objectives formulated in the research project, developed between the Minuto de Dios University Corporation - UNIMINUTO, Bogotá headquarters, the ITM Higher Education Institution of Medellín and the National Institute of Professional Technical Training - INFOTEP of San Juan del César (La Guajira), which seeks to propose Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies for MSME that encourage the linkage of these organizations to peace-building actions from the territory. It starts from the question: What are the actions within the framework of social responsibility, carried out by MSME, that enable the construction and consolidation of Peace in their territories? The reference places, the Metropolitan Area of Medellín, the municipality of San Juan del César and the municipality of Aguazul (Casanare), were taken into account as analysis scenarios. The topic of Social Responsibility for MSME is framed, in an analytical and descriptive manner, in the components presented by the ISO 26000 standard (ISO, 2010), and the lines of action formulated in the 2016 Peace agreement between the government of President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos and the extinct FARC Guerrilla (today the Comunes party) in Colombia. Based on the findings obtained, the business actions that are formulated in a CSR Plan must seek to deepen their relationship with the environment, positively impacting a stable and lasting construction of peace.

Systematic Analysis of Institutional Internationalization and Research Policies of Prioritized Institutions of The RCI (Colombian Network to Internationalize Higher Education)

The internationalization of research is the process that allows the execution of research actions in cooperation, linkage and integration among higher education institutions, IES, which also responds to the needs of social reality. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the institutional policies of internationalization and research of priority institutions of the Colombian Network for the Internationalization of Higher Education (RCI). The methodology of the study was qualitative, case study and documentary type, since higher education institutions such as Universidad de la Guajira, Universidad de la Costa CUC and ITSA University were taken and a documentary analysis was made of their internationalization policies where developed internationalization strategies and comparative and prospective analysis were identified with the support of MAXQDA software, with which categories were identified and represented graphically, The results revealed categories of analysis of the internationalization and research policy such as visibility, promotion strategies, mobility, talent attraction, training, dissemination, resources and incentives. In conclusion, the current dynamics demands collaboration and joint work among nations, even more so in the post-pandemic context, and the internationalization of research is conceived as a strategy inherent to higher education institutions, which enriches scientific production through the exchange and transfer of knowledge and good practices.

Multi-objective optimisation of hybrid renewable energy systems for Colombian non-interconnected zones

Multi-objective optimisation of hybrid renewable energy systems for Colombian non-interconnected zones

Aprovechamiento de residuos: propuesta en la producción de abonos orgánicos - alimento animal en la Mini-industria La Guajira

The use of waste in the production of organic fertilizers and animal feed, in the La Guajira Mini-industry, in the agro-productive scenario of the CPA July 26; The result is inserted into the Project: Municipal climate governance and sustainable agroforestry production of foods with low emissions and adapted to climate change in Cienfuegos and Pinar del Río, Cuba; descriptive, explanatory, non-experimental study, using theoretical and empirical methods. Results: characterization of the Mini-industry, and design of the proposed actions. Conclusions: carrying out a characterization from a social, economic and environmental perspective of the La Guajira Mini-industry, facilitated the understanding of potentialities - weaknesses in the treatment of waste, showed the need to propose new alternatives to contribute to the adaptation to the climate change, the design of a proposal of actions that articulates with the objectives of the Projects and in synergy with the Territorial Social Economic Development Strategy, promotes alternatives for the productive chain in the use of organic fertilizers and animal feed, all of which recognizes the social economic value of the La Guajira Mini-industry, favoring the development of the agro-productive scenario of the CPA July 26.

Methodology for Generating a Reference Wind Year for Offshore Wind Energy: A Case Study in La Guajira, Colombia

Due to its excellent potential, wind power has gained importance as a renewable energy source in Colombia, especially in the offshore Caribbean region. However, one of the main challenges in the development of offshore wind projects is the analysis of the wind resource. This study presents the generation of a specific typical meteorological year (TMY) for wind energy in the Colombian Caribbean region, known in the literature as Reference Wind Year (RWY). The methodology used was based on the Sandia method, widely accepted in the analysis of wind resources. A comparison between the cumulative distribution function (CDF) and the statistic approach Finkelstein-Schafer (FS) was applied to evaluate multiple meteorological parameters in the study area associated with wind resource potential assessment, such as wind speed and direction, temperature and atmospheric pressure, compiled for 10 years (2012-2021). The representative years were weighted according to their importance and combined into a dataset. The results indicated that the proposed method was able to generate highly representative and accurate data for the case study in La Guajira, Colombia, guaranteeing its suitability for implementation in other locations with different climatic conditions.

O60 SURVIVAL DISPARITIES AMONG INDIGENOUS GROUPS WITH HTN LINKED TO THEIR POPULATION CONCENTRATION

Background and objective: The indigenous groups are considered minority populations, primarily residing in rural areas. Cardiovascular disease stands as the leading cause of mortality, affecting native populations as well. This study aims to compare the overall survival (OS) rates among patients diagnosed with hypertension (HTN) in four Colombian departments where the population concentration of indigenous groups is over 10% compared to departments where it is less than 1%. Methods: Longitudinal retrospective cohort study. Population: Indigenous adults diagnosed with HTN from July 1st, 2014, to June 30 th, 2015, from the National Registry of Chronic Kidney Disease (NRCKD). The follow-up period was until July 30, 2023. We grouped indigenous communities according to their population concentration calculated by the Observatory of the Colombian Presidential Program for Human Rights. The probability of global survival from the date of diagnosis was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. An unadjusted Royston Parmar flexible regression model was fitted. Right-censoring was defined as abandonment or completion of follow-up without death occurring. Results: 67,353 indigenous prevalent cases were identified from July 1st, 2022 to June 30th, 2023, representing an HTN prevalence of 2.76%. Among them, 48.90% are in Cauca, Nariño, La Guajira, and Córdoba. Natives of Nariño registered a higher proportion of GFR stages 3 and 4, calculated using the CKD-EPI formula, compared to departments with a concentration of less than 1% (48.30% and 3.15% vs. 8.08% and 0.45% respectively). 2.600 cases were included in the survival analysis. Natives residents from Nariño and Cauca had the highest risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 7.66; 95% CI 3.33 – 17.59 and HR = 7.36; 95% CI 3.26 – 16.61) compared to groups living in departments with <1% concentration. Conclusions: In the Colombian health system, the hazard of all-cause mortality is higher for indigenous individuals with HTN living in Nariño and Cauca compared to those living in departments with less than 1% of the indigenous population.