Abstract INTRODUCTIOn: Studies on Chagas disease-related mortality assist in decision-making in health policies. We analyzed the epidemiological characteristics, temporal trends, and regional differences in Chagas disease-related mortality in Colombia from 1979 to 2018. METHODS: A time-series study was conducted using death records and population data from the National Administrative Department of Statistics, using categorizations from the International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 systems. All deaths with Chagas disease as an underlying or associated cause of death were included. Crude and age-sex standardized mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants and the annual percent change (APC) were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 7,287,461 deaths recorded in Colombia during 1979-2018, 3,276 (0.04%) deaths were related to Chagas disease-2,827 (86.3%) as an underlying cause and 449 (13.7%) as an associated cause. The average annual age-sex standardized mortality rate was 0.211 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.170-0.252) deaths/100,000 inhabitants, with a significant upward trend (APC = 6.60%; 95% CI: 5.9-7.3). The highest Chagas disease-related death rates were in males (0.284 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), those ≥65 years old (1.296 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), and residents of the Orinoco region (1.809 deaths/100,000 inhabitants). There was a significant increase in mortality in the Orinoco (APC = 8.28%; 95% CI: 6.4-10.2), Caribbean (APC = 5.06%; 95% CI: 3.6-6.5), and Andean (APC = 4.63%; 95% CI: 3.9-5.3) regions. CONCLUSIONS: Chagas disease remains a major public health issue in Colombia with high mortality rates in older age groups, a wide geographic distribution, regional differences, and the potential to increase.

Abstract: This work proposes a sequential combination of steam explosion and organosolv delignification for Pinus radiata fractionation. An efficient pretreatment to fully optimize the use of lignocellulosic materials is the key to make a biorefinery profitable, especially for softwoods, known to be more recalcitrant than other lignocellulosic raw materials. Steam explosion has a dual effect on biomass as morphological and chemical changes are introduced. A delignifying stage has been stated to be necessary in order to ease hydrolytic enzymes accessibility to cellulose while avoiding non-productive bonds with the lignin present. Three steam explosion conditions were tested (170°C, 5 min; 180°C, 10 min; 170°C, 5+5 min) followed by an organosolv delignification stage, carried out at two different conditions (170°C, 60 min; 170°C, 90 min). All treatment yields, delignification extent, and hydrolysis yields were determined to evaluate each stage. The steam explosion treatment did not produce high delignification extent. Maximum global delignification (50,4%) was achieved when combining the two-cycle steam explosion with the most severe post-treatment condition tested. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the cellulosic residue improved after organosolv delignification; however, hydrolysis yields did not exceed 35%. The chemical changes undergone by softwood lignins are presumably responsible for the low digestibility.

Resumen Introducción: la hipertensión arterial es responsable de gran parte de la carga de enfermedad cardiovascular; sin embargo, el papel del sueño en su etiología aun es controversial. Objetivo: determinar la asociación entre atributos del sueño y cambio de la presión arterial. Métodos: estudio de cohorte prospectiva, de base comunitaria, en adultos jóvenes asintomáticos para enfermedad cardiovascular, seguidos por 12,4 años. En la línea de base se determinaron factores sociodemográficos y del comportamiento, y se caracterizó el sueño nocturno usual en términos de calidad, duración y presencia de ronquido. Se realizó medición estandarizada de índices antropométricos y presión arterial. La hipertensión arterial se definió como reporte de tratamiento antihipertensivo o cifras de presión arterial ≥140/90 mm Hg. Resultados: se evaluaron de manera prospectiva 1.032 participantes (media de edad: 36,8 años, 64% hombres; en la línea de base). La incidencia de hipertensión arterial fue de 15,1% (IC95%: 12,8 - 17,4), con evidencia de mayor riesgo en los roncadores, atenuado posteriormente al ajuste por adiposidad (p>0,05). Se observó un gradiente entre la duración del sueño y el cambio en la presión arterial sistólica/diastólica (2,2/1,3 mm Hg en quienes reportaron 6-8 horas/día y 2,7/1,6 mm Hg en quienes reportaron > 8 horas/día, respecto a < 6 horas/día). Ni la calidad subjetiva del sueño ni el reporte de siesta se asociaron con la presión arterial. Conclusión: los resultados sugieren que la duración prolongada del sueño podría incrementar la presión arterial en la población.

Abstract Introduction: Arterial hypertension is responsible for large part of the cardiovascular disease load. However, the role of sleep in its aetiology remains controversial. Objective: To determine the relationship between sleep attributes and the change in blood pressure. Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried out on a community basis in young adults asymptomatic for cardiovascular disease, followed up for 12.4 years. At baseline, sociodemographic and behavioural factors were determined. At the same, time nocturnal sleep was characterised in terms of quality, duration and presence of snoring. Standardised anthropometric indices and blood pressure were measured. Arterial hypertension was defined as a report of anti-hypertension treatment or blood pressure figures ≥140/90 mm Hg. Results: A total of 1,032 participants were prospectively evaluated (mean age 36.8 years, 64% males; at baseline). The incidence of arterial hypertension was 15.1% (95% CI: 12.8 - 17. 4), with evidence of a higher risk in snorers, with a subsequent reduction on adjusting for adiposity (P>.05). A gradient was observed between the duration of sleep and the change in systolic/diastolic arterial pressure (2.2/1.3 mmHg in those who reported 6-8 hours/day, and 2.7/1.6 mmHg in those who reported > 8 hours/day, compared to < 6 horas/day). Neither the subjective quality of the sleep nor the report of a siesta was associated with the blood pressure. Conclusion: The results suggest that the prolonged duration of sleep could increase blood pressure in the population.

Resumo: Este artigo trata de descrever os resultados de um protocolo de recuperação dos participantes na coorte CHICAMOCHA, após 12 anos sem acompanhamento, e identificar fatores associados ao re-contato. Em um estudo de coorte prospectiva com 1.644 participantes em Bucaramanga, Colômbia (idade media 36 anos; desvio padrão = 8.5 anos; 63% homens), foi implementado protocolo de recuperação dos participantes que incluiu quatro estratégias sequenciais: (1) contato telefônico; (2) envio de correspondência; (3) visita ao domicílio; e (4) publicação de avisos na imprensa. Depois dos passos 1-2, tentou-se refrescar a informação de contato em bases de dados governamentais para voltar a aplicar paralelamente a sequência 1-2 nas pessoas que não foram contatadas. Foram calculadas as taxas de contacto brutas e ponderadas por estratégia do protocolo de recuperação dos participantes e o rendimento global. Foi estimada a associação entre as características dos participantes na linha de base e o seu estado depois do protocolo de recuperação dos participantes por meio de regressão logística múltipla. Foram contatados 1.258 (76,4%) participantes; o 65% (n = 825) através de contacto telefônico. As taxas de contato ponderadas foram: 41% contato telefônico, 14,6% correspondência e 31% visitas. O contato através de avisos no jornal foi virtualmente nulo. Uma idade > 36 anos (OR = 1,48); estrato socioeconômico baixo (OR = 1,42) ou ser proprietário de casa na linha de base (OR = 2,05) foram associados ao re-contato. Consistente com outras descrições, o contato telefônico é a estratégia do re-contato com maior rendimento em estudos longitudinais. Os indivíduos com características que aumentam a mobilidade geográfica poderiam precisar de períodos de acompanhamento mais estreitos e estratégias de contacto adicionais.

Abstract: This article seeks to describe the results of a participant recovery protocol in the CHICAMOCHA cohort after 12 years of follow-up and to identify factors associated with re-contact. In a prospective cohort study with 1,644 participants in Bucaramanga, Colombia (mean age 36 years; standard deviation = 8.5 years; 63% men), we implemented a participant recovery protocol that included 4 sequential strategies: (1) phone contact; (2) sending mail; (3) visiting the household; and (4) Publishing notices in the press local. Following steps 1-2, we attempted to update contact information through government databases in order to once again apply steps 1-2 for individuals who had not been contacted. We calculated crude and weighted rates of contact by participant recovery protocol strategy and overall return. We estimated the association between baseline participant characteristics and their state after participant recovery protocol through multiple logistical regression. We contacted 1,258 (76.4%) participants; 65% (n = 825) through phone contact. Weighted rates of contact were: 41% phone contact, 14.6% mail and 31% visits. Contact through newspaper ads was practically null. Age > 36 years (OR = 1.48); low socioeconomic stratum (OR = 1.42) or being a home owner at baseline (OR = 2.05) were associated with re-contact. Consistent with other descriptions, phone contact is the re-contacting strategy with greatest returns in longitudinal studies. Individuals with characteristics that increase geographical mobility may require shorter follow-up periods and additional contact strategies.

Resumen: Este artículo describe los resultados de un protocolo de recuperación de participantes (PRP) en la cohorte CHICAMOCHA, tras 12 años desde el último seguimiento, e identificar factores asociados al re-contacto. En un estudio de cohorte prospectiva de 1.644 participantes en Bucaramanga, Colombia (edad media 36 años; desviación estándar = 8.5 años; 63% hombres), se implementó el PRP que incluyó 4 estrategias secuenciales: (1) contacto telefónico; (2) envío de correspondencia; (3) visita al domicilio; y (4) publicación de avisos de prensa. Luego de los pasos 1-2, se buscó refrescar la información de contacto en bases de datos gubernamentales para reaplicar paralelamente la secuencia 1-2 en no contactados. Se calcularon tasas de contacto crudas y ponderadas por estrategia del PRP y el rendimiento global. Se estimó la asociación entre las características de los participantes en línea de base y su estado después del PRP mediante regresión logística múltiple. Se contactaron 1.258 (76,4%) participantes; el 65% (n = 825) por contacto telefónico. Las tasas de contacto ponderadas fueron: 41% contacto telefónico, 14,6% correspondencia y 31% visitas. El contacto por avisos de prensa fue virtualmente nulo. Una edad > 36 años (OR = 1,48); estrato socioeconómico bajo (OR = 1,42) y ser propietario de vivienda en la línea de base (OR = 2,05) se asociaron al re-contacto. Consistente con otros reportes, el contacto telefónico es la estrategia de re-contacto con mayor rendimiento en estudios longitudinales. Los individuos con características que aumentan la movilidad geográfica podrían requerir de periodos de seguimiento más estrechos y estrategias de contacto adicionales.

Abstract: This article seeks to describe the results of a participant recovery protocol in the CHICAMOCHA cohort after 12 years of follow-up and to identify factors associated with re-contact. In a prospective cohort study with 1,644 participants in Bucaramanga, Colombia (mean age 36 years; standard deviation = 8.5 years; 63% men), we implemented a participant recovery protocol that included 4 sequential strategies: (1) phone contact; (2) sending mail; (3) visiting the household; and (4) Publishing notices in the press local. Following steps 1-2, we attempted to update contact information through government databases in order to once again apply steps 1-2 for individuals who had not been contacted. We calculated crude and weighted rates of contact by participant recovery protocol strategy and overall return. We estimated the association between baseline participant characteristics and their state after participant recovery protocol through multiple logistical regression. We contacted 1,258 (76.4%) participants; 65% (n = 825) through phone contact. Weighted rates of contact were: 41% phone contact, 14.6% mail and 31% visits. Contact through newspaper ads was practically null. Age > 36 years (OR = 1.48); low socioeconomic stratum (OR = 1.42) or being a home owner at baseline (OR = 2.05) were associated with re-contact. Consistent with other descriptions, phone contact is the re-contacting strategy with greatest returns in longitudinal studies. Individuals with characteristics that increase geographical mobility may require shorter follow-up periods and additional contact strategies.

Resumen: Este artículo describe los resultados de un protocolo de recuperación de participantes (PRP) en la cohorte CHICAMOCHA, tras 12 años desde el último seguimiento, e identificar factores asociados al re-contacto. En un estudio de cohorte prospectiva de 1.644 participantes en Bucaramanga, Colombia (edad media 36 años; desviación estándar = 8.5 años; 63% hombres), se implementó el PRP que incluyó 4 estrategias secuenciales: (1) contacto telefónico; (2) envío de correspondencia; (3) visita al domicilio; y (4) publicación de avisos de prensa. Luego de los pasos 1-2, se buscó refrescar la información de contacto en bases de datos gubernamentales para reaplicar paralelamente la secuencia 1-2 en no contactados. Se calcularon tasas de contacto crudas y ponderadas por estrategia del PRP y el rendimiento global. Se estimó la asociación entre las características de los participantes en línea de base y su estado después del PRP mediante regresión logística múltiple. Se contactaron 1.258 (76,4%) participantes; el 65% (n = 825) por contacto telefónico. Las tasas de contacto ponderadas fueron: 41% contacto telefónico, 14,6% correspondencia y 31% visitas. El contacto por avisos de prensa fue virtualmente nulo. Una edad > 36 años (OR = 1,48); estrato socioeconómico bajo (OR = 1,42) y ser propietario de vivienda en la línea de base (OR = 2,05) se asociaron al re-contacto. Consistente con otros reportes, el contacto telefónico es la estrategia de re-contacto con mayor rendimiento en estudios longitudinales. Los individuos con características que aumentan la movilidad geográfica podrían requerir de periodos de seguimiento más estrechos y estrategias de contacto adicionales.

Resumo: Este artigo trata de descrever os resultados de um protocolo de recuperação dos participantes na coorte CHICAMOCHA, após 12 anos sem acompanhamento, e identificar fatores associados ao re-contato. Em um estudo de coorte prospectiva com 1.644 participantes em Bucaramanga, Colômbia (idade media 36 anos; desvio padrão = 8.5 anos; 63% homens), foi implementado protocolo de recuperação dos participantes que incluiu quatro estratégias sequenciais: (1) contato telefônico; (2) envio de correspondência; (3) visita ao domicílio; e (4) publicação de avisos na imprensa. Depois dos passos 1-2, tentou-se refrescar a informação de contato em bases de dados governamentais para voltar a aplicar paralelamente a sequência 1-2 nas pessoas que não foram contatadas. Foram calculadas as taxas de contacto brutas e ponderadas por estratégia do protocolo de recuperação dos participantes e o rendimento global. Foi estimada a associação entre as características dos participantes na linha de base e o seu estado depois do protocolo de recuperação dos participantes por meio de regressão logística múltipla. Foram contatados 1.258 (76,4%) participantes; o 65% (n = 825) através de contacto telefônico. As taxas de contato ponderadas foram: 41% contato telefônico, 14,6% correspondência e 31% visitas. O contato através de avisos no jornal foi virtualmente nulo. Uma idade > 36 anos (OR = 1,48); estrato socioeconômico baixo (OR = 1,42) ou ser proprietário de casa na linha de base (OR = 2,05) foram associados ao re-contato. Consistente com outras descrições, o contato telefônico é a estratégia do re-contato com maior rendimento em estudos longitudinais. Os indivíduos com características que aumentam a mobilidade geográfica poderiam precisar de períodos de acompanhamento mais estreitos e estratégias de contacto adicionais.

Objetivo: en el año 2012 se desarrolló para Colombia la guía de práctica clínica para manejo de la hipertensión arterial (HTA). Esta evaluación económica (EE) fue desarrollada para identificar la costo-efectividad de los diferentes tratamientos farmacológicos usados como monoterapia, y soportar las recomendaciones en la guía. Diseño: se simuló una cohorte de pacientes adultos, con diagnóstico de hipertensión arterial. La EE se basó en un modelo desarrollado para el National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) del Reino Unido. Este modelo fue adaptado para Colombia en consumo de recursos y costos. La efectividad de las intervenciones y probabilidades de transición fueron actualizadas para 2012. Resultados: los resultados del análisis del caso de referencia (hombre y mujer de 65 años, 2% de riesgo anual de enfermedad CV, 1% de falla cardiaca, 1.1% de diabetes, 20 años de seguimiento), mostraron que los años de vida ajustados por calidad (QALY) obtenidos con la terapia de diuréticos, inhibidores de enzima convertidora/bloqueadores del receptor de angiotensina (ACEi/ARB) y calcioantagonistas fue 9.24, 9.24 y 9.26, respectivamente. Los costos favorecen a los diuréticos (COP $6 498 624), en comparación con ACEi/ARB o calcioantagonistas (COP $13 178 919, y COP $27 774 098), respectivamente. La terapia con betabloqueadores y la no intervención fueron dominadas. Conclusiones: la opción de tratamiento con diuréticos tipo tiazidas como mono-terapia inicial es la más costo-efectiva. La principal diferencia entre las alternativas está dada especialmente por las diferencias en el costo de los medicamentos, ya que la efectividad es similar entre los tratamientos con diuréticos y ACEi/ARB, y sólo discretamente mejor con calcio-antagonistas. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 279-287).

Objective: in 2012 the guide of clinical practice for management of arterial hypertension (AHT) was developed for Colombia. This economic evaluation (EE) was developed to identify the cost effectiveness of different pharmacological treatments used as monotherapy, and to support the recommendations in the guidelines. Design: a cohort of adult patients with a diagnosis of hypertension was simulated. The EE was based on a model developed for the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) in the UK. This model was adapted for Colombia in resource consumption and costs. The effectiveness of interventions and transition probabilities were updated for 2012. Results: the results of the analysis of the reference case (man and woman of 65.2% annual risk of cardiovascular disease, 1% of heart failure, 1.1% of diabetes, 20 years of follow-up) showed that quality-adjusted life year (QALY) obtained with diuretic therapy, converting enzyme inhibitors / angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEi / ARB) and calcium antagonists was 9.24, 9.24 and 9.26, respectively. Costs favor diuretics (COP $6 498 624) compared with ACEi / ARB or calcium antagonists (COP $ 13 178 919 and $ 27 774 098 COP), respectively. Therapy with beta-blockers and non-intervention were dominated. Conclusions: the choice of treatment with thiazide-type diuretics as initial monotherapy is the most cost-effective. The main difference between alternatives is given especially by differences in drug costs, since the effectiveness is similar between treatments with diuretics and ACEi / ARB, and only slightly better with calcium antagonists. (Acta Med Colomb 2015; 40: 279-287).