Resumo O herpes zoster (HZ), ou zona, é causado pela reativação do vírus varicela zoster latente. Trata-se de uma doença com elevada incidência, associada a grande morbilidade, que pode originar ou agravar uma situação de fragilidade do doente, o que realça a importância da vacinação. Entre os fatores de risco para HZ e nevralgia pós-herpética (NPH), a sua principal complicação, encontram-se a idade, a imunossupressão e a presença de doenças crónicas. A vacinação é uma estratégia eficaz na prevenção do HZ e da NPH. Em Portugal, estão disponíveis duas vacinas contra o HZ: a vacina viva atenuada e a vacina recombinante, a qual apresenta elevada eficácia contra o HZ e suas complicações, especialmente nas populações de maior risco, imunodeprimidas e com imunossenescência que têm contraindicação para a formulação viva atenuada. Contudo, a vacina contra o HZ não consta do Programa Nacional de Vacinação nem existem recomendações nacionais específicas para a imunização. Assim, a Sociedade Portuguesa de Medicina Interna e a As-sociação Portuguesa de Medicina Geral e Familiar elaboraram um documento de consenso que estabelece orientações para a vacinação contra o HZ. Recomenda-se a vacinação contra o HZ em todos os adultos com idade igual ou superior a 50 anos, assim como em adultos com idade entre 18 e 49 anos com risco elevado de zona, nomeadamente doentes com comorbilidades médicas ou imunossupressão. Os adultos imunocompetentes devem ser preferencialmente imunizados com a vacina recombinante, podendo receber a vacina viva atenuada em situações pontuais; os adultos imunocomprometidos só podem ser imunizados com a vacina recombinante. Recomenda-se a vacinação de indivíduos com antecedentes de zona e a imunização com a vacina recombinante de indivíduos previamente vacinados com a vacina viva atenuada. Salienta-se ainda a relevância da promoção da literacia do doente aquando do ato de prescrição da vacina contra o HZ, bem como o papel ativo do médico na sensibilização para a importância da vacinação contra esta patologia.

Abstract Herpes zoster (HZ), or shingles, is caused by the reactivation of the latent varicella zoster virus. It is a high-incidence disease, associated with great morbidity, which might create or worsen a patient’s frailty condition, thus reinforcing the importance of vaccination. Among the risk factors for HZ infection and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), its major complication, are age, immunosuppression and the presence of chronic conditions. Vaccination is an efficacious strategy to prevent HZ and PHN. In Portugal, there are two available HZ vaccines: the live attenuated vaccine and the recombinant vaccine, which demonstrated a high efficacy against HZ and its complications, particularly in the populations with higher risk, immunosuppressed and with immunosenescence for whom live attenuated vaccine is contraindicated. No-twithstanding, the HZ vaccine is not included in the National Vaccination Program and there are not specific national recommendations for immunization. Hence, the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine and the Portuguese Association of General and Family Medicine elaborated a consensus re-port establishing guidelines for HZ vaccination. Vaccination against HZ is recommended for all adults aged 50 years and over, as well as for adults aged between 18 and 49 years at high risk for HZ, namely patients with comorbidities or immunosuppression. Immunocompetent adults should be preferentially immunized with the recombinant vaccine, although they might receive the live attenuated vaccine in punctual situations; immunocompromised adults should only be immuni-zed with the recombinant vaccine. The vaccination of individuals with a previous HZ episode is recommended, and individuals with prior immunization with the live attenuated vaccine should receive the recombinant vaccine. Promoting patient’s literacy when prescribing HZ vaccine is highly relevant, and the physician should have an active role in raising awareness about the importance of shingles vaccination.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Although there is ample scientific evidence on the pandemic, the impact of COVID-19 on health services from the perspective of healthcare personnel has been little explored. Objective: To explore the experiences in health services of epidemiologists in training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Exploratory, qualitative-descriptive study, with ethnographic research tools for data collection such as observation, field diary and group interview; as well as grounded theory for the construction of categories that allowed to understand the studied phenomenon. For the formation of the focus group, seven epidemiologists in training from a Colombian university participated, with prior informed consent. The topic was introduced, with the subsequent application of the focus group guide tools, consensus posters, response sheets and an observation guide. Results: Hospital collapse and emerging restructuring of health services were generated, promoting other care strategies such as telemedicine. Study participants experienced fear attending patients on stressful days, with shortages of supplies and medicines; they were stigmatized, which generated "anxiety and work stress." However, they learned "to better classify cases" and with the increase in patients they were able to perceive inequities that represented a professional and human challenge. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has been valid as a learning process with new training perspectives to be able to act in the face of health events of global interest, with the necessary application and management of protocols, which can change the focus of health care and allow epidemiology to move towards education, promotion and prevention.

RESUMEN Introducción: Aunque existen numerosas evidencias científica sobre la pandemia, el impacto de la COVID-19 en los servicios de salud desde la perspectiva del personal asistencial ha sido poco explorado. Objetivo: Explorar las experiencias en los servicios de salud de epidemiólogos en formación durante la pandemia COVID-19. Métodos: Estudio exploratorio, cualitativo-descriptivo, con herramientas de investigación etnográfica para la toma de datos como la observación, diario de campo y entrevista grupal; así como teoría fundamentada para la construcción de categorías que permitieron comprender el fenómeno de estudio. Para la conformación del grupo focal, participaron siete epidemiólogos en formación de una universidad colombiana, previo consentimiento informado. Se realizó la introducción de la temática, con la posterior aplicación de los instrumentos guía de grupo focal, carteles de consenso, hojas de respuesta y guía de observación. Resultados: Se generó colapso hospitalario y reestructuración emergente de servicios de salud, promoviendo otras estrategias de atención como la telemedicina. Los participantes del estudio experimentaron temor atendiendo pacientes en jornadas estresantes, con desabastecimiento de insumos y medicamentos; fueron estigmatizados, lo que les generó “ansiedad y estrés laboral”. Sin embargo, aprendieron “a clasificar mejor los casos” y con el aumento de los pacientes pudieron percibir inequidades que representaron un desafío profesional y humano. Conclusiones: La pandemia de COVID-19 ha sido válida como proceso de aprendizaje con nuevas perspectivas de formación para poder actuar ante eventos sanitarios de interés mundial, con la necesaria aplicación y manejo de protocolos, lo cual puede cambiar el enfoque de la atención en salud y permitir que la epidemiología avance hacia la educación, promoción y prevención.

Abstract Traditional packaging made from non-renewable compounds such as petroleum has a negative impact on the environment, which has led to a growing body of research on biodegradable packaging. This paper details the characterization of a biocomposite which was made from cassava bran, coffee husk, and water (BCCW). After this, a layer of polylactic acid (PLA) was added, mixed with nisaplin 1000UI, and 8, 10, 12% concentrations of oregano (Origanum vulgare L) essential oil (OVEO) in order to create an active biocomposite (AB) which could be used as an antimicrobial material in the packaging of pork. In vitro inhibitory effects were evaluated against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. After obtaining the active biocomposite, the characterization was performed by means of Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Water Vapor Permeability (WVP), a Mechanical Property analysis, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Using the concentration with the highest inhibition against pathogenic bacteria, antimicrobial tests were carried out after the application of the AB in pork meat for 0, 1, 3, 5, and 10 days. Inhibition tests against pathogenic bacteria showed that nisin had a greater effect on Gram positive bacteria, while OVEO had an effect on both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. FT-IR analysis allowed for the characterization of the molecular interactions of OVEO and nisin in the matrix compounds of the different biocomposites by identifying and interpreting their respective vibration bands. According to the statistical analysis, the different concentrations of the biocomposites affect WVP (p <0.05). BCCW showed the highest permeability to water vapor, whereas the other treatments did not show significant differences. The mechanical properties test of the AB showed that the different treatments had a significant effect (p <0.05) on the maximum flexural strength and flexural modulus. These values decreased with the application of the PLA layer, the concentrations of the biocomposites did not have a significant maximum deformation effect (p> 0.05). The DSC test on the ABs showed two melting peaks and an increase in the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PLA, a finding that indicates greater thermal stability in the ABs. SEM images revealed that the nisaplin and OVEO particles were uniformly distributed in the PLA polymer matrix on the surface of the ABs. The ABs showed a significant reduction in Listeria monocytogenes in pork as of day 3 and in the other pathogens as of the 10th day. The biocomposite containing OVEO and nisaplin, showed good potential to be used to food packaging.

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome del túnel carpiano es la neuropatía por atrapamiento más común que genera compresión del nervio mediano. La cirugía de liberación abierta del nervio mediano tiene un papel importante, especialmente, en pacientes que no responden al manejo conservador o con diagnóstico de síndrome del túnel carpiano con criterios de gravedad. El propósito de este estudio fue describir los resultados funcionales, la satisfacción y la fuerza objetiva a mediano (6-24 meses) y largo plazo (>24 meses) con la técnica abierta convencional en la población local. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo con datos retrospectivos de resultados clínicos funcionales a mediano y largo plazo en pacientes sometidos a cirugía de liberación abierta del nervio mediano como tratamiento del síndrome del túnel carpiano. Se determinaron el nivel funcional según el BCTQ y la FSS, la fuerza de agarre con un dinamómetro electrónico y la satisfacción. Resultados: Se realizaron 100 procedimientos entre mayo de 2012 y septiembre de 2018, con un seguimiento posoperatorio >6 meses. La mayoría eran mujeres (83%) con una mediana de la edad de 59 años. El 97% obtuvo resultados buenos y excelentes a mediano plazo y el 90%, a largo plazo, con una mediana de fuerza de 17 kg (RIC 7,4) y una satisfacción de 90 (RIC 20) a mediano y largo plazo. Conclusiones: La cirugía abierta de liberación del nervio mediano en pacientes con síndrome del túnel carpiano logra resultados buenos y excelentes a mediano y largo plazo en cuanto a funcionalidad, fuerza y satisfacción.

Abstract Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy that causes compression of the median nerve. Open median nerve release surgery plays an important role, especially in patients with failed conservative management or with a diagnosis of severe CTS. The purpose of the following study is to describe the functional outcomes, satisfaction, and objective strength in the medium (6 to 24 months) and long term (greater than 24 months) with the conventional open technique in the local population. Materials and Methods: Descriptive observational study based on retrospective data of functional clinical outcomes in the medium and long term in patients undergoing open release surgery of the median nerve as a treatment for CTS. Functional level according to the BCTQ and FSS, grip strength with an electronic dynamometer, and satisfaction were determined. Results: 100 procedures were performed between May 2012 and September 2018, with a follow-up of more than 6 months. The majority were women (83%) with a total median age of 59 years showing good to excellent results in the 97% in the medium term and 90% in the long term, with a median strength of 17 kg (Interquartile range: 7.4) and satisfaction of 90 (Interquartile range: 20). Conclusions: Open surgery to release the median nerve in patients with CTS shows good to excellent functional outcomes, satisfaction, and strength in the medium and long term.

Resumen Las señales acústicas son una de las formas de comunicación más importante en la fauna, incluso en la ubicación espacial de los individuos y sus presas. El estudio de las señales acústicas fortalece los campos de investigación en ecología, comportamiento, identificación taxonómica, uso de hábitat e incluso el efecto de las actividades humanas sobre diferentes especies animales. Además, es una herramienta para la cuantificación y monitoreo de la biodiversidad. En este trabajo presentamos un análisis de los estudios basados en bioacústica que se han desarrollado en Colombia, con el fin de establecer una línea base e identificar vacíos en el conocimiento, sus fortalezas y debilidades, para discutir los retos futuros para el desarrollo de la investigación sobre bioacústica en el país. Nuestra búsqueda de información se concentró en publicaciones de tipo científico, trabajos de grado y presentaciones en conferencias, a partir de plataformas de datos electrónicos, usando diferentes palabras claves. En total obtuvimos 321 trabajos, en los que los grupos taxonómicaos más estudiados fueron las aves (36.4%) y los anfibios (35%). La mayoría de los trabajos se concentran en la región Andina (63%). La bioacústica es un campo con un creciente interés y, por ende, resulta necesario el trabajo colaborativo y multidisciplinario, la consolidación en las metodologías y el fortalecimiento y enriquecimiento de las colecciones de sonidos del país.

Abstract Acoustic signals are one of the most important ways of communication for fauna. The study of acoustic signals constitutes a valuable tool to obtain information on ecology, behavior, taxonomic identification, and the effect of human activities in natural environments and different animal species. Furthermore, it offers the possibility of quantifying and monitoring biodiversity in different Colombian ecosystems. In this work, we present an analysis of the research on bioacoustics that have been developed in Colombia, to establish a baseline, identify gaps in knowledge, strengths, weaknesses and discuss future challenges for bioacoustics research in Colombia. We searched information on scientific publications, degree papers, and electronic database conference presentations, using different keywords. We obtained 321 results;studies using acoustic tools are much more common in birds (36.4%) and amphibians (35%) than in any other taxonomic group, and there is a bias towards studying bioacoustics in the Andean region. However, this is a field with growing interest, and, therefore, there is a need for collaborative and multidisciplinary work, a consensus on methodologies, along with the strengthening and enrichment of the country’s sound collections.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar las características clínicas de los pacientes con gota y la forma de utilización de los medicamentos antigotosos en Colombia. Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal en el que se analizaron 310 historias clínicas de pacientes atendidos en el último trimestre del 2016 y que recibieron un medicamento antigotoso. Se identificaron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas, farmacológicas, comorbilidades y paraclínicas. Para cada medicamento antigotoso se determinó si el uso fue según las recomendaciones aprobadas por la Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Se realizaron análisis descriptivos, bivariados y multivariados. Resultados: Se evaluaron pacientes de 14 diferentes ciudades de Colombia, con un predominio masculino del 70,3% (n = 218) y una mediana de edad de 64 arios (RIC: 26-94 arios). El antigotoso más frecuentemente utilizado fue alopurinol (n = 255; 82,3%), seguido de colchicina (n = 54; 17,4%). Los diagnósticos hallados como indicación fueron: hiperuricemia (n = 181; 58,4%), gota (n = 34; 11%), artritis gotosa (n = 28; 9%). El 74,5% (n = 231) de las prescripciones tenía un uso aprobado según la FDA, especialmente alopurinol en el manejo de gota e hiperuricemias, mientras que colchicina se encontró siendo utilizada en indicaciones no aprobadas (n = 44; 81,4%). Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron hipertensión (68,4%) y dislipidemia (55,8%). Conclusiones: Los pacientes con gota en tratamiento farmacológico tienen una elevada frecuencia de comorbilidades cardiovasculares, y están siendo tratados con alopurinol para la prevención a largo plazo, mientras que una menor proporción recibe colchicina que comúnmente es utilizada para indicaciones no aprobadas por las agencias reguladoras.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the clinical characteristics of patients with gout, and the prescription patterns of anti-gout medications in Colombia. Methods: Cross-sectional study, that analysed the data from 310 medical records of patients treated in the last quarter of 2016, and who received an anti-gout medication. Sociodemographic, clinical, pharmacological, comorbidities, and paraclinical variables were identified. For each anti-gout drug used, it was determined whether the use was in accordance with Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved recommendations. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Patients from 14 different cities in Colombia were evaluated, with a male predominance of 70.3% (n = 218) and a median age of 64 years (RIC: 26-94 years). The most frequently used anti-gout medication was allopurinol (n = 255; 82.3%), followed by colchicine (n = 54; 17.4%). The main diagnoses found as an indication were: hyperuricaemia (n=181, 58.4%), gout (n = 34; 11.0%), and gouty arthritis (n = 28; 9.0%). Almost three-quarters (74.5%; n = 231) of the prescriptions had an approved use according to the FDA, especially allopurinol in the management of gout and hyperuricaemia, while colchicine was found to be used in unapproved indications (n = 44, 81.4%). The most frequent comorbidities were hypertension (68.4%) and dyslipidaemia (55.8%). Conclusions: Patients with gout who are under pharmacological treatment have a high frequency of cardiovascular comorbidities. They were being treated with allopurinol for long-term prevention, while a smaller proportion received colchicine, which is often used for indications not approved by regulatory agencies.

RESUMEN Introducción. La insuficiencia venosa crónica afecta alrededor del 5% de la población adulta en el mundo; una de sus mayores complicaciones son las úlceras en miembros inferiores, las cuales tienen una prevalencia mundial del 2%. Las úlceras afectan la calidad de vida de los pacientes e impactan al sistema de salud debido a los altos costos de atención que genera. El tratamiento de referencia es la terapia compresiva y la cura húmeda de las heridas, sin embargo estas intervenciones pueden no ser efectivas cuando las lesiones se complican. Presentación del caso. Paciente femenina de 66 años con úlceras venosas en miembros inferiores acompañadas de fiebre y dolor local que no respondían a las terapias convencionales. La paciente fue tratada con un nuevo sustituto dérmico basado en una membrana acelular de colágeno tipo I que contribuye al cierre de la úlcera al estimular el remplazo del tejido lesionado por tejido similar al sano, con lo cual tuvo mejoría a las 16 semanas; después de 8 meses de terminado el tratamiento no se presentó recurrencia de las lesiones. Conclusiones. La membrana acelular de colágeno tipo I desarrollada por el Grupo de Trabajo en Ingeniería de Tejidos del Departamento de Farmacia de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia es efectiva en el tratamiento de úlceras venosas en miembros inferiores y su bajo costo facilita el acceso de toda la población a terapias basadas en su aplicación.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Chronic venous insufficiency affects about 5% of the global adult population. Venous leg ulcers are one of the most frequent complications of this pathology, with a global prevalence of 2%. This disease affects both the quality of life of patients and, due to the high cost of the treatment, the health system. Compressive therapy and moist wound healing have been the gold standard treatment. However, when complications occur, they may not be effective. Case report: This is the case of a 66-year-old female patient with venous ulcers on her lower limbs and symptoms of fever and local pain that did not respond to conventional therapies. The patient was treated with a new dermal substitute made of an acellular type-I collagen membrane, which promotes the closure of the ulcer by stimulating the replacement of injured tissue with tissue similar to the healthy one. The condition of the patient improved at 16 weeks, and after 8 months of treatment there was no recurrence of the lesions. Conclusions: Acellular type-I collagen membrane developed by the Tissue Engineering Working Group of the Department of Pharmacy of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia is effective in treating venous ulcers of the lower limbs. Its low cost facilitates the access of the whole population to therapies based on its application.

A demência é uma síndrome neurológica de agravamento progressivo, sem cura, cuja prevalência tem vindo a aumentar devido ao envelhecimento da população. Existe um grande desconhecimento entre profissionais de saúde e cuidadores relativamente à melhor abordagem da alimentação nos doentes com demência avançada. Dado não existirem recomendações nacionais acerca deste tema, foi elaborado um documento de consenso da Sociedade Portuguesa de Medicina Interna e da Associação Portuguesa de Nutrição Entérica e Parentérica que explicita as orientações existentes relativas à abordagem dos problemas alimentares nos doentes com demência avançada. A demência avançada é uma condição terminal em que deve ser privilegiado o conforto do doente, frequen-temente acamado, incapaz de comunicar verbalmente e com dificuldade na alimentação. Nesta população, a literatura atual não recomenda o uso de alimentação por sonda (nasogástrica, nasojejunal, gastrostomia percutânea ou jejunostomia percutânea), que está associada a maior risco de infeção, maior utilização de meios de contenção e desenvolvimento de úlceras de decúbito. Como alternativa, recomenda-se a alimentação por via oral de acordo com a tolerância e vontade do doente (alimentação de conforto). Do ponto de vista ético e legal, é legítimo não proceder à artificialização da alimentação na fase terminal da demência caso este procedimento seja contrário aos valores da pessoa e não se objetivem benefícios. Esta decisão deve ser tomada após discussão multidisciplinar incluindo o doente (se possível), representante legal, cuidadores, família e equipa de profissionais de saúde envolvidos, elaborando um plano individual de cuidados que permita a tomada de decisões no melhor interesse do doente.

Dementia is a progressive neurological syndrome without cure whose prevalence is increasing due to population ageing. There is a lack of knowledge among healthcare professionals and caregivers regarding the best feeding approach in patients with advanced dementia. As there are no national recommendations on this subject, a consensus report from the Portuguese Society of Internal Medicine and the Portuguese Enteral and Parental Nutrition Society was made, clarifying existing guidelines regarding the approach of eating difficulties in these patients. Advanced dementia is a terminal condition where patient comfort should be the goal. These patients are usually bedbound, have limited ability to communicate verbally and have difficulty eating. In this population, current literature does not support tube feeding (nasogastric tube, nasojejunal tube, percutaneous gastrostomy or percutaneous jejunostomy feeding), which is associated with higher rates of infection, greater use of chemical and physical restraints and development of pressure ulcers. As an alternative, careful hand feeding should be offered (comfort feeding). From an ethical and legal standpoint, it is acceptable not to use tube feeding in the terminal phase of dementia if it is against patient values and offers no benefits. This decision should be made using a multidisciplinary approach including the patient (if possible), legal representative, caregivers, family and healthcare professionals, in order to establish an individual care plan allowing decision making in the patient’s best interest.

In Portugal, in 2018, 64.5% of dialysis patients were elderly and nearly a quarter were older than 80 years. Aging is a heterogeneous process: in some patients, there is a marked clinical improvement under renal replacement therapy (RRT) although others show an inexorable functional decline. Despite advances in dialysis, patient mortality rates remain high. These two phenomena have been difficult to understand and it may be difficult to decide which patients may benefit from RRT or conservative care. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is an instrument used by geriatricians to evaluate functionality and geriatric syndromes, allowing recognition of problems that would not otherwise be identified. It has been used to individualize and tailor therapies. CGA allows frailty identification (the major geriatric syndrome) and might better predict clinical prognosis and interventions' effectiveness. Physical frailty is a multifactorial condition that is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and its reversibility is hardly predictable when RRT is started so CGA might contribute to a better understanding of frailty in these patients. Therefore, it is possible that CGA application to CKD older patients would contribute to the selection of patients who might benefit the most from RRT and to improve patient clinical condition. This article aims to review geriatric syndromes and frailty in CKD patients, CGA potential to evaluate them and possible models to apply it.

Introdução: A colite ulcerosa (CU) é uma doença crónica mas o seu carácter progressivo, com danos estruturais, encontra-se insuficientemente estudado. Objetivos: Analisar um grupo de doentes, sem viés de referenciação, quanto ao percurso clínico, aos danos morfológicos e ao estado funcional. Métodos: Avaliaram-se os doentes com diagnóstico de CU estabelecido entre 01-01-2000 e 31- 12-2004, com residência na área de referenciação directa do hospital, tendo-se determinado a medicação usada, a taxa de colectomia, os danos estruturais (“cano de chumbo”, estenoses, pseudopolipos, pontes fibrosas) ou funcionais ano-rectais (avaliação prospectiva com Cleaveland Clinic Incontinence Score, CCIS e Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life, FIQL). Resultados: Identificaram-se 104 doentes, 47% do sexo feminino, idade média no diagnóstico de 38 ± 17 anos, proctite 24%, colite esquerda 57%, pancolite 19%. Em 3 doentes não foi possível obter dados de seguimento. Dos doentes estudados 56% tiveram necessidade de corticoterapia, 38% de imunossupressores e 16% de anti-TNFs. Após um seguimento médio de 13 ± 2 anos, encontraram-se danos estruturais em 25 doentes (24%), protocolectomia em 5%, “cano de chumbo” 15%, pseudopolipos 16% e estenoses e pontes fibrosas 3%. Verificamos referência a disfunção ano-rectal em 49% (maioritariamente episódios prévios e autolimitados de incontinência) mas incluindo incontinência persistente em 10% (CCIS 8 ± 4.8). Verificou-se uma incidência aumentada de danos estruturais e disfunção ano-rectal nos doentes com necessidade de corticoides (p = 0.001), imunossupressores (p < 0.001) e anti-TNF (p = 0.002) e uma relação entre os danos estruturais e a disfunção ano-rectal (p < 0.001). Não existiu associação entre a idade e a disfunção ano-rectal, incluindo episódios de incontinência. Conclusões: A CU é uma doença com consequências estruturais e funcionais num subgrupo significativo de doentes. Este facto deve ser integrado na definição da estratégia terapêutica.

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic disease but its progressive character, with structural damage, is insufficiently studied. Objectives: To analyze a group of patients without referral bias, regarding its clinical course, the morphological damage, and functional status. Methods: We evaluated UC patients diagnosed between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2004, living in the direct referral area of the hospital and determined the medication use, colectomy rate, structural damage (“lead pipe,” stenosis, pseudopolyps, fibrous bridges), and anorectal function (prospective evaluation with the Cleveland Clinic Incontinence Score [CCIS] and the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life Scale). Results: We identified 104 patients, 47% female, with a mean age at diagnosis of 38 ± 17 years, 24% with proctitis, 57% with left colitis, and 19% with pancolitis. In 3 patients, it was not possible to obtain follow-up data. Of the studied patients, 56% needed corticosteroid therapy, 38% immunosuppressants, and 16% anti-tumor necrosis factors (anti-TNFs). After a mean follow-up of 13 ± 2 years, we found structural damage in 25 patients (24%): 5% with proctocolectomy, 15% with “lead pipe,” 16% with pseudopolyps, and 3% with stenosis and fibrous bridges. Reference to functional anorectal disorders was identified in 49%, mostly previous and self-limited episodes of incontinence, but including persistent incontinence in 10% (CCIS 8 ± 4.8). There was an increased incidence of structural damage and anorectal dysfunction in patients who needed corticosteroid therapy (p = 0.001), immunosuppressants (p < 0.001), and anti-TNFs (p = 0.002) and an association of structural damage with anorectal dysfunction (p < 0.001). There was no association between age and anorectal dysfunction, including incontinence episodes. Conclusions: UC is a disease with structural and functional consequences in a significant subset of patients. This should be incorporated when defining the therapeutic strategy.

Summary: Sociodemographic, occupational and environmental factors associated with headache were explored in 686 workers of the informal sector of the economy in the center of Medellin, Colombia, through a transversal descriptive study with analytical intention, primary sources of information, and application of assisted survey that included the headache self-report. The prevalence of headache was 47,8%. The biological condition was associated with a higher prevalence of headache, as well as the feeling of exaggerated heat or cold in the workplace and considering that air pollution affected their work as informal workers. Being a woman is a condition that explains the higher prevalence of headache. The socio-demographic, occupational and environmental conditions can contribute to a greater labor vulnerability of this working population, which can affect their health status, being the headache one of the ailments that must be addressed to improve their living and working conditions.

RESUMEN: Se exploraron factores sociodemográficos, laborales y ambientales asociados a la cefalea en 686 trabajadores del sector informal de la economía en el centro de Medellín, Colombia a través de un estudio descriptivo transversal con intención analítica, fuentes primarias de información, y aplicación de encuesta asistida que incluyó el auto reporte de cefalea. La prevalencia de cefalea fue del 47,8%, se asoció a mayor prevalencia de cefalea la condición biológica, el sentir calor o frío exagerado en el puesto de trabajo y considerar que la contaminación del aire afectaba su labor como trabajadores informales. Ser mujer es una condición que explica mayor prevalencia de cefalea. Las condiciones sociodemográficas, laborales y ambientales, pueden aportar a una mayor vulnerabilidad laboral de esta población trabajadora, la cual puede afectar su estado de salud, siendo la cefalea una de las dolencias que deben ser atendidas para mejorar sus condiciones de vida y de trabajo.

ABSTRACT Giardiasis is a disease caused by Giardia duodenalis, an intestinal protozoan that causes acute diarrhea and gastroenteritis in humans. Given the characteristic intermittent excretion of this parasite, there is a high probability of false negative results during diagnosis. The Parasitology Group of Colombia's National Institute of Health identified immunizing proteins present in the parasite's cysts and trophozoites in Colombian Giardia isolates with commercial and patentability potential. A descriptive exploratory study was conducted that focused on characteristics of the technique under study, its state of development, and the commercial viability of the invention. A total of 390 patents were found and five similar inventions were selected that did not pose any risk regarding an eventual patent application. Of the 36 Giardia diagnostic kits available on the market and the 21 health licenses granted as of December 2017, only four and three, respectively, offer techniques similar to the technique studied, but none of them has a related patent on record. The technique under development is innovative and can be applied in the field of public health in the Region of the Americas with foreseeable benefits.

RESUMEN La giardiasis es una enfermedad causada por Giardia duodenalis, protozoario enteropatógeno que también es responsable de la enfermedad diarreica aguda y la gastroenteritis en humanos. Dadas las características de excreción intermitente propias de este parásito, la probabilidad de obtener resultados falsos negativos durante el proceso de diagnóstico es alta. En el Grupo de Parasitología del Instituto Nacional de Salud de Colombia se identificaron proteínas inmunogénicas presentes en quistes y trofozoítos del parásito en aislamientos colombianos de Giardia con potencial comercial y posibilidad de ser patentadas. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio descriptivo a partir de las características de la técnica en estudio, su estado de desarrollo y la viabilidad comercial de la invención. Se encontraron 390 patentes y se seleccionaron cinco invenciones similares que no representaban ningún riesgo frente a una eventual solicitud de patente. De los 36 estuches para el diagnóstico de Giardia disponibles en el mercado y las 21 licencias sanitarias otorgadas hasta diciembre del 2017, sólo cuatro y tres, respectivamente, proponen técnicas similares a la de la estudiada, pero ninguna de ellas cuenta con un registro de patente relacionado. La técnica en desarrollo es innovadora y puede aplicarse en el campo de la salud pública en la Región de las Américas con beneficios previsibles.

RESUMO A giardíase é uma doença causada pela Giardia duodenais, protozoário enteropatogênico causador de doença diarreica aguda e gastroenterite em seres humanos. Como uma das características deste parasita é a excreção intermitente, a probabilidade de se obter resultados falso-negativos no processo diagnóstico é alta. O Grupo de Parasitologia do Instituto Nacional de Saúde da Colômbia identificou proteínas imunogênicas presentes em cistos e trofozoítos do parasita em isolados colombianos de Giardia com potencial comercial e possibilidade de patenteamento. Foi realizado um estudo exploratório descritivo das características da técnica em estudo, situação de desenvolvimento e viabilidade comercial da invenção. Foram encontradas 390 patentes e selecionadas cinco invenções similares sem risco de eventual pedido de patente. Dos 36 kits de diagnóstico de Giardia comercializados e 21 licenças sanitárias concedidas até dezembro de 2017, apenas quatro kits e três licenças de produtos empregam técnicas semelhantes à estudada, mas nenhum deles tem um registro de patente relacionado. A técnica em desenvolvimento é inovadora e pode ser empregada em saúde pública na Região das Américas com benefícios esperados.