Effect of probiotic cultures on the angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activity of whey-based fermented beverages.

Fermented whey-based beverages were elaborated using commercial probiotics cultures (CHR HANSEN): BCT-1®, ABT-4®, ABC where A: Lactobacillus acidophilus, B: Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis, C: Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei and T: Streptococccus thermophiles. Three treatments were prepared with these probiotics cultures and a treatment without cultures added as a control. All beverage were maintained at 4 °C and evaluated during their shelf life at 0, 7, 14 and 21 days. The variables analyzed were peptide concentration, proteolysis, ACE-inhibitory activity and, peptide and aromatic amino acid profiles. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to assess the relationship between these variables. All whey-based fermented beverages added with probiotics presented ACE inhibitory activity (22-100%). However, whey-based beverage without probiotics added had the highest ACE inhibitory activity (100%), and it was maintained during its shelf life. Fermented beverage with ABT-4® culture had an ACE inhibitory activity from 80 to 100% during its shelf life. Thus can be attributed to the release of peptides during processing. Meanwhile, significative correlations were observed between variables varying this depending on the treatment, both, in magnitude and in direct or inverse direction (0.684-0.986). The ACE inhibitory activity was correlated to proteolysis and peptide and aromatic amino acids profiles. And, the IC50 was observed in the range of 0.01-0.055 mg/mL.

Antibacterial activity of agave fructans against salmonella typhimurium.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of Agave fructans against the Salmonella Typhimurium in "in vitro" experiments. The result of the antimicrobial activity was 263.89 ± 0, 414.95 ± 12.83, 494.54 ± 13.88, 522.29 ± 0, 580.41 ± 14.92 AU for 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% of Agave fructans (AF) respectively. In addition, there is a significant effect on the growth of the bacteria with all the percentages of AF evaluated (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.859) with respect to the control. The growth rate of Salmonella with 25% AF was statistically significant compared to the control (-0.7353 ± 0.586, 0.0079 ± 0.002 D.O./h, respectively; p > 0.01). Agave fructans could be an alternative to prevent the infections caused by Salmonella.

Dielectric Properties of Beverages (Tamarind and Green) Relevant to Microwave-Assisted Pasteurization.

Dielectric properties (DPs) of two beverages, tamarind and a green drink (based on mix fruits of pineapple, guava, lemon, and nopal), were studied. The DPs were determined using the open-ended coaxial probe method in the frequency range from 0.25 to 25 GHz at 10, 30, 50, and 70 °C. The dielectric constant decreased when both frequency and temperature increased above 1000 MHz. For both beverages, the dielectric loss factor increased with increasing frequency and increasing temperature. In addition, dielectric constant values ranged from 59.7 to 82.5, and the dielectric loss factors were between 5.8 and 31.1. The penetration depth (dp ) of electromagnetic waves in the beverages increased proportionally to temperature at frequencies above 1000 MHz; dp values ranged from 0.2 to 7.5 cm. Because of its complexity and the amount of ingredients and the interactions between them, the green drink showed higher values of dielectric constants in comparison with the tamarind beverage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The dielectric properties of the studied beverages, how they behave at different temperatures, and the penetration depth reached by microwave at the allocated frequencies, provide important parameters for further heating treatments, such as heating (microwave-assisted pasteurization) and for modeling/simulation purposes.

Psychometric evaluation of the muscle appearance satisfaction scale in a Mexican male sample.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the muscle appearance satisfaction scale (MASS) shows acceptable psychometric properties in Mexican bodybuilders. METHODS: A total of 258 Mexican male bodybuilders were recruited. Two self-report questionnaires, including the MASS and drive for muscularity scale (DMS), were administered. Six models of the latent structure of the MASS were evaluated, using confirmatory factor analysis with maximum likelihood, considering robust Satorra-Bentler correction to estimate the fit of the models to the data. RESULTS: Similar to the original MASS, the series of CFA confirmed that the Mexican version was well represented with the 17-item five-factor structure, which showed a good model fit [Satorra-Bentler Chi-square (109, n = 258) = 189.18, p < 0.0001; NNFI = 0.91; CFI = 0.93; IFI = 0.93; RMSEA = 0.05 (0.04, 0.07)]. Internal consistency was estimated with McDonald's omega, which was acceptable for the MASS (0.88), and their subscales (0.80 to 0.89), except for muscle checking scale (0.77). Test-retest reliability analysis showed stability of the MASS total as well as of the subscale scores over a 2-week period (intraclass correlation coefficients = 0.75-0.91). Construct validity was demonstrated by a significant positive correlation between MASS and DMS results (r = 0.75; p = 0.0001). These results were similar to those of previous studies, which demonstrate the scale's usefulness. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the suitability of the MASS and its subscales to measure muscle dysmorphia symptoms in Mexican male bodybuilders.

Evaluación psicométrica de la escala de felicidad de Lima en una muestra mexicana / Psychometric Evaluation of the Happiness Scale of Lima in a Mexican Sample

Resumen México está entre los países más felices del mundo a pesar de sus bajas puntuaciones en prácticamente todos los elementos que proveen bienestar, y requiere de indicadores psicosociales que expliquen la felicidad de los mexicanos. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar las propiedades psicométricas de la escala de felicidad de Lima (EFL) en una muestra heterogénea mexicana. La EFL considera la felicidad como un comportamiento multidimensional con una importante carga cultural para población latina. Se realizaron análisis factorial exploratorio y análisis factorial confirmatorio mediante el método de ecuaciones estructurales. Los estudios se efectuaron con dos muestras heterogéneas de 600 mexicanos cada una. Los resultados obtenidos llevaron a identificar un modelo bifactorial donde el afecto positivo correlaciona positivamente con la satisfacción con la vida.

Abstract Mexico among the happiest countries in the world despite their low scores on virtually all elements that provide well-being, requires psychosocial indicators that explain the happiness of Mexicans. The objective of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the lime happiness scale (LHS) in a heterogeneous Mexican sample. The LHS considers happiness as a multidimensional behavior with an important cultural burden for the Latino population. Exploratory factorial analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were performed using the structural equations method. The studies were carried out with two heterogeneous samples of 600 Mexicans each. The results obtained led to the identification of a bifactorial model where positive affect correlates positively with satisfaction with life.

Adaptación y propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Estima Corporal en mujeres y varones mexicanos / Adaptation and psychometric properties of Body Esteem Scale in Mexican women and men

Resumen: Con la finalidad de explorar la relación entre estima corporal y ajuste psicológico, es importante contar con medidas válidas y confiables. En México no se cuenta con herramientas para evaluar la estima corporal, por lo que el propósito de este estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala de Estima Corporal en mujeres (n = 304) y varones (n = 250) de 11 a 33 años. El análisis factorial exploratorio (ejes principales con rotación oblicua) derivó dos factores con consistencia interna adecuada para mujeres y hombres (α = 0.86 a 0.91). La estabilidad temporal de la escala y sus factores fue aceptable para las mujeres (α= 0.66 a 0.75); en cambio, para los hombres, el factor Atractivo Físico y Sexual obtuvo un índice por debajo de lo aceptable (α= 0.55). Solo en las mujeres, la estima corporal correlacionó con la autoestima, el índice de masa corporal y la masa grasa. La Escala de Estima Corporal es una medida prometedora para evaluar la estima corporal en mujeres mexicanas; sin embargo, la validez de constructo no fue del todo confirmada para varones. Se discuten las fortalezas y limitaciones metodológicas de este estudio, y la dirección de futuras investigaciones.

Abstract: To explore the relationship between body esteem and psychological adjustment it is important to have valid and reliable measures. However, in Mexico we do not have tools to assess body esteem. The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of Body Esteem Scale in females (n = 304) and males (n = 250), the age of participants ranged from 11 to 33 years. The principal axis analysis with oblique rotation derived dos factors with adequate internal consistency for women and men (α = 0.86 to 0.91). The temporal stability of the scale and their factors was acceptable for women (α = 0.66 a 0.75); however, for men, Physical and Sexual Attractiveness factor obtained a lower index than acceptable (α = 0.55). Finally, for women, body esteem correlated with self-esteem, body mass index and fat mass. Body Esteem Scale is a promising measure to assess body esteem in Mexican women; however, construct validity were not entirely confirmed for males. Methodological strengths and limitations of this study, as well as the direction of future research are discussed.

Programa para Modificar Alteraciones de la Imagen Corporal en Estudiantes de Bachillerato / Program to Modify Body Image Disturbances in High School Students

Los trastornos del comportamiento alimentario están asociados a diversos problemas de salud, por lo que resulta relevante prevenir su aparición. Este estudio evaluó el impacto de un programa de prevención selectiva diseñado para modificar las alteraciones de la imagen corporal. Participaron 15 mujeres de 15 a 18 años de edad reclutadas por medio de anuncios colocados en una escuela pública de nivel bachillerato ubicada en la zona norte de la Ciudad de México. Las participantes fueron asignadas aleatoriamente a una de dos condiciones: programa cognitivo-conductual (n = 8) y grupo control en lista de espera (n = 7) y completaron tres medidas (Cuestionario de Imagen Corporal, Escala de Siluetas Corporales y Cuestionario de Evitación de la Imagen Corporal), antes y después de la intervención, la cual comprendió 7 sesiones (dos por semana) de 2 horas cada una. El ANOVA de medidas repetidas indicó una reducción en la insatisfacción corporal y en la evitación de actividades sociales. Los resultados aportan evidencia a favor del uso de programas de prevención cognitivo conductuales.

Eating disorders are associated with several health problems, so it is important to prevent its occurrence. This study evaluated the impact of a selective prevention program designed to modify body image disturbances. Sample included 15 women from 15 to 18 years old, recruited through advertisements placed in a public high school situated in north zone of Mexico City. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: cognitive-behavioral (n = 8) and wait list control group (n = 7) and completed three measures (Body Shape Questionnaire, Contour Drawing Rating Scale, and Body Image Avoidance Questionnaire) before and after the intervention, which included 7 sessions (two per week) for 2 hours each. The repeated measures ANOVA indicated a reduction in body dissatisfaction and avoidance of social activities. The results provide evidence for the use of cognitive behavioral prevention programs.

Identidad social y protesta política en la transición democrática mexicana / Social identity and political protest at mexican's democratic transition

Se realizó un estudio para analizar la influencia del componente de la identidad social en las acciones de protesta política en el marco del desafuero del alcalde de la Ciudad de México. De los elementos que componen la identidad social sólo la estructura de la situación intergrupal y la identificación grupal resultaron ser variables con capacidad predictiva, así se evidencia que la pertenencia a organizaciones, el grado de inclusión en la identificación y la valoración política no impactan en la decisión de participar en acciones de protesta (AU)

Identidad social y protesta política en la transición democrática mexicana / Social identity and political protest at mexican's democratic transition

Se realizó un estudio para analizar la influencia del componente de la identidad social en las acciones de protesta política en el marco del desafuero del alcalde de la Ciudad de México. De los elementos que componen la identidad social sólo la estructura de la situación intergrupal y la identificación grupal resultaron ser variables con capacidad predictiva, así se evidencia que la pertenencia a organizaciones, el grado de inclusión en la identificación y la valoración política no impactan en la decisión de participar en acciones de protesta