"Development and characterization of edible films based on starch isolated from different Colombian potato varieties".

This work reports on the extraction and characterization of the behavior of starch from residues of several potato varieties (Criolla, Sabanera and Pastusa) of Colombian origin from the Andean region using different techniques and the evaluation of the effect of citric acid (CA) on the grain morphology. Additionally, films were produced with each one of the extracted starches and glycerol. Pastusa variety starch shows a higher granule size than the other varieties and Pastusa starch shows lower amylose content compared to Sabanera and Criolla. Criolla and Pastusa starches exhibit more thermal stability than Sabanera starch. Starch-glycerol films were also produced using the cast solving method. The films were mechanically analyzed by tensile test and the barrier properties were assessed by water vapor permeability (WVP). The tensile strength of the films varied in the 2.0-2.4 MPa range, while the elongation at break was comprised between 25 and 32 %. With regard to water vapor permeability, the obtained values fall within the 4-7 × 10-10 g m-1 s-1 Pa-1 range. It was observed that the thickness of the films and the protein content affected water vapor permeability, increasing this value at higher levels of thickness.

[Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method applied to anticoagulation of patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation]. / El método AMFE (Análisis Modal de Fallos y Efectos) aplicado a la anticoagulación de pacientes con fibrilación auricular no valvular.

OBJECTIVES: To contribute to the improvement of the process of anticoagulation in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) through awareness and training activities for Primary Care Physicians. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 38 focus groups, sequenced according to an adaptation of the Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) method. Each meeting was driven by «brainstorming¼ methodology. The geographical representation was homogeneous, with a total of 482 national. physicians (444 Primary Care Physicians, and 38 cardiologists). The meetings were held between March 28 and June 20, 2017. RESULTS: The main unsafe actions that can lead to a haemorrhagic or thrombotic event are incorrect anticoagulation or lack of patient follow-up. These events are mainly caused by training deficiencies in the management of NVAF, or by not taking into account possible interactions with vitamin K antagonist drugs. The main recommendations to alleviate these failures were focused on a good follow-up of patients with NVAF, on creating or updating the protocols or clinical practice guidelines, and on promoting the continuous training of physicians who usually manage patients with non-valvular AF treated with oral anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: A significant percentage of patients with NVAF are not correctly anticoagulated. Specific actions are required to alleviate this problem. Among them, the importance of a general anticoagulation training was emphasised, and particularly, the use of direct oral anticoagulants.

[Assessment of nutritional status in esophageal atresia]. / Valoración del estado nutricional en los pacientes afectos de atresia de esófago.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to find out whether patients who underwent esophageal atresia (EA) surgery suffered from nutritional problems, to compare the nutritional status of these patients with a control group, and to determine if there is a relationship between the type of atresia and the nutritional condition. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We selected 25 patients out of a total of 32 who underwent EA surgery in our hospital from 2000 to 2006. A retrospective was conducted study based on the information obtained from the medical histories. A case-control study was also carried out by selecting a control group from a randomized population. RESULTS: The analyses performed showed that the mean weight and height Z-score was always negative, but not below -2 SD. There was a significant decrease in the weight Z-score between 3 and 9 months and in the weight/size Z-score between 3 and 24 months. Significant differences in weight and size Z-score were found between cases and controls, but not in skin-fold thickness. Independently of the type of atresia and the presence or not of congenital heart defects, no significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences in the weight and height Z-score between cases and controls. We stress the need to be aware of the nutritional status in order to prevent changes that could lead to a further deterioration of the patient.

[Pediatric cerebrovascular accident secondary to fibromuscular dysplasia]. / Accidente cerebrovascular pediátrico secundario a displasia fibromuscular.

We present the case of a 13 year-old patient diagnosed with fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) by angiographic study, with "string of beads" image of internal carotid, after undergoing two ischemic strokes in nine days. Conservative treatment with acetylsalicylic acid at antiaggregant doses was decided. Twenty months later the clinical progress is favorable without presenting any new episodes. FMD is a very uncommon cause of stroke in childhood. Little is known about its etiology. In spite of it usually being an asymptomatic disease, it must be considered in cases of repeated or inexplicable strokes. Its prognosis and treatment is controversial, due to the limited number of pediatric patients with this pathology.