Physicochemical changes in Amaranthus spp grains, flour, isolated starch, and nanocrystals during germination and malting.

Amaranth is a pseudocereal that contains between 50 and 60% starch, gluten-free protein, and essential amino acids. This study investigates the physicochemical changes in Amaranthus spp. grains, flour, isolated starch and nanocrystals during germination and malting. The moisture content increased from 8.9% to 41% over 2 h of soaking. The percentage of germination increased rapidly, reaching 96% after 60 h, a remarkable advantage over other cereals. The nutrient composition varied, including protein synthesis and lipid degradation. Lipid concentration decreased during malting, except for soaking, which increased by 62%. Scanning electron microscopy shows that germination does not cause morphological changes on the outer surface of the grains, while transmission electron microscopy indicates the presence of isolated nanocrystals with orthorhombic crystal structure confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The viscosity profile shows a decrease in peak viscosity. Therefore, amaranth is a potential pseudocereal that can be used as an additive in the production of fermented beverages.

Study of the changes on the physicochemical properties of isolated lentil starch during germination.

In this work, the changes in the composition of the flours and in the morphological, structural, thermal, vibrational, rheological, and functional properties of the isolated lentil starch during the germination process were investigated. The fiber, fat, and ash content of the flours decreased and the protein content increased, while the apparent amylose content of the starch granules remained constant. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the starch granules remained intact during germination, and no enzymatic activity of α- and ß-amylases was observed. X-ray diffraction shows that the starch has nanocrystals with hexagonal structure which predominate over the nanocrystals with orthorhombic structure and are classified as C-type starch. The most important result is that these nanocrystals do not play an important role during germination. As the germination time progresses, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) shows a decrease in the gelatinization temperature (Tp) of the starch, ranging from 70.34 ± 0.25 °C for the native lentil starch to values of 67.16 ± 0.37 °C for the starch on the fourth day of germination (ILS4), this transition being related to the solvation of the nanocrystals. On the other hand, the pasting profiles show no significant changes during germination, indicating that no significant changes in starch content occur during germination. Starch degradation is essential for the production of malt for fermented beverages. This fact makes sprouted lentils not a candidate for the short-term fermentation required in the beverage industry.

In Situ Photoacoustic Study of Optical Properties of P-Type (111) Porous Silicon Thin Films.

Porous silicon (PSi) on p++-type (111) silicon substrate has been fabricated by electronically etching method in hydrofluoric acid (HF) media from 5 to 110 mA/cm2 of anodizing current density. The problem of determining the optical properties of (111) PSi is board through implementing a photoacoustic (PA) technique coupled to an electrochemical cell for real-time monitoring of the formation of porous silicon thin films. PA amplitude allows the calculation of the real part of the films refractive index and porosity using the reflectance self-modulation due to the interference effect between the PSi film and the substrate that produces a periodic PA amplitude. The optical properties are studied from specular reflectance measurements fitted through genetic algorithms, transfer matrix method (TMM), and the effective medium theory, where the Maxwell Garnett (MG), Bruggeman (BR), and Looyenga (LLL) models were tested to determine the most suitable for pore geometry and compared with the in situ PA method. It was found that (111) PSi exhibit a branched pore geometry producing optical anisotropy and high scattering films.

Design, fabrication, and optical characterization of one-dimensional photonic crystals based on porous silicon assisted by in-situ photoacoustics.

We present a methodology to fabricate one-dimensional porous silicon (PSi) photonic crystals in the visible range by controlled etching and monitored by photoacoustics. Photoacoustic can record in-situ information about changes in the optical path and chemical reaction as well as in temperature, refractive index, and roughness during porous layers formation. Radiometry imaging can determine the carrier distribution of c-Si substrate that is a fundamental parameter to obtain high-quality PSi films. An electrochemical cell was calibrated through a series of single PSi layers that allows knowing the PA amplitude period, porosity, and roughness as a function of the current density. Optical properties of single layers were determined using the reflectance response in the UV-Vis range to solve the inverse problem through genetic algorithms. PhC structures were designed using the transfer matrix method and effective media approximation.Based on the growth kinetics of PSi single layers, those structures were fabricated by electrochemical etching monitored and controlled by in-situ photoacoustics.

Effect of the addition of potassium and magnesium ions on the thermal, pasting, and functional properties of plantain starch (Musa paradisiaca).

Starch is a biopolymer widely used in the industry; however, rarely used in its native form, making necessary its modification. This work studied the effect of the inclusion of potassium and magnesium ions on the physicochemical properties of plantain starch. Ionic solutions were prepared at five concentrations between 0.0 and 0.3 M. The gelatinization, thermal degradation, viscosity, swelling power, morphological and structural changes were studied. Results showed that ion addition increased the swelling and solubility index. Both ions affected the gelatinization temperature; shift in characteristic temperatures was observed. The more significant change in the viscosity profile was showed in the final region; both ions permitted the re-ordering of the polymeric chains, but magnesium showed a greater trend towards viscosity recovery. In the thermogravimetric analysis, a lower degradation temperature was observed for starch added with ions. Structural analysis showed that for higher concentrations of potassium the addition was not carried out and crystallographic phase potassium chloride appears in the diffractogram. All the results showed that the ions inclusion produced changes in the physicochemical properties on starch, but magnesium had a greater effect on its polymeric matrix according to infrared spectroscopy, which could be due to its high electronegativity and low molecular weight.

Efecto de los estilos de vida en jóvenes universitarios Mexicanos sobre la densidad mineral ósea / Effect of lifestyles in Mexican university students on bone mineral density

Fundamentos: Es necesario detectar factores de riesgo para prevenir osteoporosis. Por lo que se determinó la influencia de los estilos de vida sobre la formación ósea con densidad mineral ósea (DMO) y calciuria en jóvenes universitarios mexicanos de ambos sexos y entre 18-25 años. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal, que incluyó a 101 jóvenes divididos en dos grupos: con DMO normal y con DMO baja. Se realizó una densitometría dual de Rayos X y además se midió el ratio calcio/creatinina. Se obtuvo la frecuencia y recordatorio habitual de alimentos, la realización de ejercicio, y el consumo de café, refrescos de cola, alcohol, cigarrillos y Cannabis sativa. Resultados: un 7,9% presentó DMO baja y el 36,6% hipercalciuria. Protección en mujeres con cintura normal, no consumo Cannabis sativa y normocalciuria. Correlaciones positivas en mujeres: DMO lumbar vs minutos actividad física y Vitamina D; DMO del fémur vs masa magra; y correlación negativa entre DMO y consumo de sodio. En hombres se obtuvo una correlación negativa entre DMO lumbar e ingesta de café. Ambos sexos con DMO baja presentaron riesgo de 5,1 veces superior de tener hipercalciura y 1,1 de padecer obesidad adiposa. Conclusiones: Ambos sexos se protegen mediante la realización de actividad física aeróbica y manteniendo una circunferencia cintura normal. En mujeres se recomienda no consumir Cannabis sativa, el consumo de vitamina D y un bajo consumo de sodio. En hombres se recomienda disminuir café (AU)

Background: It is necessary to detect risk factors to prevent osteoporosis. Therefore the aim of this work was to determinate the influence of lifestyle on the bone formation with bone mineral density (BM D) and calciurea in Mexican students, of both sexes, between 18-25 years. Methods: cross-sectional study, which included 101 young people divided in two groups: normal BMD and low BMD. A dual X-ray densitometry was performed, and also the calcium/creatinine ratio was measured. Frequency and record of food, exercise, and consumption of coffee, cola, cigarettes, alcohol and Cannabis sativa were obtained. Results: 7.9% had low BMD and 36.6% had hypercalciuria. Protection in women is due to maintain normal waist, not consumption Cannabis sativa and normocalciuria. Positive correlation in women: lumbar BMD vs minutes of physical activity and vitamin D; femur BMD vs lean mass; and negative correlation between BMD and sodium intake. In men, a negative correlation was found between coffee intake and the BMD of the lumbar region. Both sexes with low BMD presented a 5.1-fold higher risk of having hypercalcius and 1.1 with adipose obesity. Conclusion: There is a protection in both sexes by performing aerobic physical activity and maintaining a normal waist circumference. In women the recommendation is not consuming Cannabis sativa, taking vitamin D and low sodium intake. In men it is recommended to reduce coffee intake (AU)

Characterization of crystalline structures in Opuntia ficus-indica.

This research studies the crystalline compounds present in nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica) cladodes. The identification of the crystalline structures was performed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The crystalline structures identified were calcium carbonate (calcite) [CaCO3], calcium-magnesium bicarbonate [CaMg(CO3)2], magnesium oxide [MgO], calcium oxalate monohydrate [Ca(C2O4)•(H2O)], potassium peroxydiphosphate [K4P2O8] and potassium chloride [KCl]. The SEM images indicate that calcite crystals grow to dipyramidal, octahedral-like, prismatic, and flower-like structures; meanwhile, calcium-magnesium bicarbonate structures show rhombohedral exfoliation and calcium oxalate monohydrate is present in a drusenoid morphology. These calcium carbonate compounds have a great importance for humans because their bioavailability. This is the first report about the identification and structural analysis of calcium carbonate and calcium-magnesium bicarbonate in nopal cladodes, as well as the presence of magnesium oxide, potassium peroxydiphosphate and potassium chloride in these plants. The significance of the study of the inorganic components of these cactus plants is related with the increasing interest in the potential use of Opuntia as a raw material of products for the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.

[The relationship of nutritional status, body and mandibular bone mineral density, tooth loss and fracture risk (FRAX) in pre-and postmenopausal women with periodontitis]. / Relación del estado nutricio, densidad mineral ósea tanto corporal como mandibular, pérdida dentaria y riesgo de fractura (FRAX), en mujeres pre y postmenopáusicas con periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION: During menopause there is weight gain and a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) that has been related with periodontal disease (incidence between 5-30%); therefore, it is essential to assess the risk factors related with anthropometry and BMD. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI), skeletal composition, waist circumference, tooth loss, fracture risk, BMD of the spine, hip, femur, and mandible in pre and post-menopausal women with periodontitis. SUBJECTS AND METHODOLOGY: We studied 60 women aged 35-60 years, divided in 4 groups (n = 15): CONTROL GROUP: premenopausal women without periodontitis; Experimental group 1: premenopausal women with periodontitis; Experimental group 2: postmenopausal women without periodontitis; and Experimental group 3: postmenopausal women with periodontitis. Periodontitis was diagnosed by means of a computerized digital periodontal probe; BMD of the mandible by means of digital radiograph with X ray conversion, the number of teeth by digital panoramic radiograph. We measured: BMI, skeletal composition, waist circumference, risk fracture by the FRAX questionnaire. RESULTS: The variables with a negative correlation with periodontitis were: weight, BMI, and BMD of the mandible with risk fracture (p < 0.05). The group that showed differences (ANOVA) was EG3: with older age, lower height, lower BMD of the mandible, and lower number of teeth (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Periodontitis in the presence of menopause is related with older age, lower height, low BMD of the mandible, and lower mayor number of teeth. Higher fracture risk is associated with low weight and BMI and low BMD of the mandible.

Introducción: Durante la menopausia existe aumento de peso y disminución de densidad mineral ósea (DMO) el cual se ha relacionado con enfermedad periodontal (incidencia entre 5 a 30%), de ahí que sea indispensable evaluar factores de riesgo relacionados con antropometría y DMO. Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre el índice de masa corporal (IMC), complexión esquelética, circunferencia de cintura, pérdida dentaria, riesgo de fractura, DMO de columna, cadera, fémur y mandíbula en mujeres pre y postmenopáusicas con periodontitis. Sujetos y metodología: Se estudiaron 60 mujeres de 35-60 años, se estudiaron 4 grupos (n = 15): Grupo control: mujeres premenopáuscas sin periodontitis, Grupo experimental 1: mujeres premenopáusicas con periodontitis, Grupo experimental 2: mujeres postmenopáusicas sin periodontitis y Grupo experimental 3: mujeres postmenopáusicas con periodontitis. La periodontitis fue diagnosticada con sonda periodontal digital computarizada, la DMO de mandíbula por radiografía digital con conversión de rayos X, el número de dientes por radiografía panorámica digital. Se obtuvo: el IMC, la complexión esquelética, circunferencia de cintura, riesgo de fractura mediante el cuestionario FRAX. Resultados: Las variables con correlaciones negativas a periodontitis: peso, IMC y DMO mandibular con riesgo de fractura (P < 0,05). El grupo con diferencias (ANOVA) fue el GE3: con mayor edad y con menor: talla, DMO mandibular y número de piezas dentarias (P < 0,05). Conclusión: La periodontitis con presencia de menopausia se relaciona con mayor edad, menor talla, DMO mandibular baja y menor número de piezas dentarias. Con mayor riesgo de fractura en mujeres: con bajo peso e IMC y DMO mandibular.

Relación del estado nutricio, densidad mineral ósea tanto corporal como mandibular, pérdida dentaria y riesgo de fractura (FRAX), en mujeres pre y postmenopáusicas con periodontitis / The relationship of nutritional status, body and mandibular bone mineral density, tooth loss and fracture risk (FRAX) in pre-and postmenopausal women with periodontitis

Introducción: Durante la menopausia existe aumento de peso y disminución de densidad mineral ósea (DMO) el cual se ha relacionado con enfermedad periodontal (incidencia entre 5 a 30%), de ahí que sea indispensable evaluar factores de riesgo relacionados con antropometría y DMO. Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre el índice de masa corporal (IMC), complexión esquelética, circunferencia de cintura, pérdida dentaria, riesgo de fractura, DMO de columna, cadera, fémur y mandíbula en mujeres pre y postmenopáusicas con periodontitis. Sujetos y metodología: Se estudiaron 60 mujeres de 35-60 años, se estudiaron 4 grupos (n = 15): Grupo control: mujeres premenopáuscas sin periodontitis, Grupo experimental 1: mujeres premenopáusicas con periodontitis, Grupo experimental 2: mujeres postmenopáusicas sin periodontitis y Grupo experimental 3: mujeres postmenopáusicas con periodontitis. La periodontitis fue diagnosticada con sonda periodontal digital computarizada, la DMO de mandíbula por radiografía digital con conversión de rayos X, el nú- mero de dientes por radiografía panorámica digital. Se obtuvo: el IMC, la complexión esquelética, circunferencia de cintura, riesgo de fractura mediante el cuestionario FRAX. Resultados: Las variables con correlaciones negativas a periodontitis: peso, IMC y DMO mandibular con riesgo de fractura (P < 0,05). El grupo con diferencias (ANOVA) fue el GE3: con mayor edad y con menor: talla, DMO mandibular y número de piezas dentarias (P < 0,05). Conclusión: La periodontitis con presencia de menopausia se relaciona con mayor edad, menor talla, DMO mandibular baja y menor número de piezas dentarias. Con mayor riesgo de fractura en mujeres: con bajo peso e IMC y DMO mandibular (AU)

Introduction: During menopause there is weight gain and a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) that has been related with periodontal disease (incidence between 5-30%); therefore, it is essential to assess the risk factors related with anthropometry and BMD. Objective: To assess the relationship between body mass index (BMI), skeletal composition, waist circumference, tooth loss, fracture risk, BMD of the spine, hip, femur, and mandible in pre and post-menopausal women with periodontitis. Subjects and methodology: We studied 60 women aged 35-60 years, divided in 4 groups (n = 15): Control group: premenopausal women without periodontitis; Experimental group 1: premenopausal women with periodontitis; Experimental group 2: postmenopausal women without periodontitis; and Experimental group 3: postmenopausal women with periodontitis. Periodontitis was diagnosed by means of a computerized digital periodontal probe; BMD of the mandible by means of digital radiograph with X ray conversion, the number of teeth by digital panoramic radiograph. We measured: BMI, skeletal composition, waist circumference, risk fracture by the FRAX questionnaire. Results: The variables with a negative correlation with periodontitis were: weight, BMI, and BMD of the mandible with risk fracture (p < 0.05). The group that showed differences (ANOVA) was EG3: with older age, lower height, lower BMD of the mandible, and lower number of teeth (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Periodontitis in the presence of menopause is related with older age, lower height, low BMD of the mandible, and lower mayor number of teeth. Higher fracture risk is associated with low weight and BMI and low BMD of the mandible (AU)

[Impact of risk factors for osteoporosis on bone mineral density in perimenopausal women of the City of Querétaro, México]. / Impacto de los factores de riesgo en osteoporosis sobre la densidad mineral osea en mujeres perimenopáusicas de la Ciudad de Querétaro, México.

It is essential to evaluate osteoporosis risk factors, mainly the modifiable, like the lifestyle, in Mexican women in order to prevent it, since it is a serious public health problem. We studied 805 women (35-55 years old) in the City of Queretaro, México. We obtained: personal data, family history, habits, such as smoking, alcohol, caffeine (coffee and soft drink of cola) and physical activity. Participants complete the questionnaire on 19 risk factors for osteoporosis (International Osteoporosis Foundation) one of them with risk. We evaluated: body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular risk and corporal complexion. Bone densitometry was performed in two diagnostic regions: lumbar spine and total hip and participants were classified as normal bone mass density (BMD), low BMD and osteoporosis. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 7% and of low BMD was 34%, predominantly in the lumbar region and in those with menopause. In osteoporotic women, the age was higher (51 years) and 85% menopausal women, also lower values of weight, height, BMI, waist circumference and hip than women with normal bone mass density. The significantly modifiable risk factors were: low weight, smoking and consumption of soft drink of cola with 6,5, 1,2 and 1,4 (odds ratio), respectively (p < 0.05). The significantly non-modifiable risk factors were: menopause (surgical), history of fracture and risk. It is concluded that within the modifiable risk factors for the prevention ofosteoporosis, those with the greatest impact were low weight, cigarette and soft drink of cola.

Impacto de los factores de riesgo en osteoporosis sobre la densidad mineral ósea en mujeres perimenopáusicas de la Ciudad de Querétaro, México / Impact of risk factors for osteoporosis on bone mineral density in perimenopausal women of the City of Querétaro, México.

Es indispensable evaluar los factores de riesgo en osteoporosis, principalmente los modificables, como: los estilos de vida, para prevenirla, ya que es un grave problema de salud pública. Se estudiaron 805 mujeres (35-55 años) de la ciudad de Querétaro, México. Se obtuvieron datos personales, historia familiar, hábitos como: fumar, actividad física, consumo de alcohol y de cafeína (refresco de cola y café). Las participantes completaron el cuestionario de riesgo de osteoporosis (19 factores, con uno, existe riesgo) (International Osteoporosis Foundation). Se evaluó: Índice de Masa Corporal (IMC), riesgo cardiovascular y complexión corporal (Talla/Circunferencia de muñeca). Se realizó una densitometría ósea (DXA) en dos regiones diagnósticas: columna lumbar y cadera total y las participantes se clasificaron en: densidad mineral ósea (DMO) normal, DMO baja y osteoporosis. La prevalencia de osteoporosis fue de 7% y de DMO baja fue de 34%, predominantemente en región lumbar y en aquellas con menopausia. La edad fue mayor en mujeres osteoporóticas (51 años) y el 85% menopáusicas, con valores menores de: peso, talla, IMC, circunferencia de cintura y cadera, que las normales. Los factores de riesgo modificables que aumentaron el riesgo fueron: bajo peso, fumar y consumo de refresco de cola con 6,5, 1,2 y 1,4 (razón de momios) respectivamente (p<0,05). Factores no modificables significativos: menopausia (quirúrgica), historia de fractura y riesgo de osteoporosis. Se concluye que dentro de los factores de riesgo modificables para la prevención de osteoporosis de mayor impacto en esta muestra son: bajo peso, cigarrillo y el refresco de cola.

It is essential to evaluate osteoporosis risk factors, mainly the modifiable, like the lifestyle, in Mexican women in order to prevent it, since it is a serious public health problem.We studied 805 women (35-55 years old) in the City of Queretaro, México. We obtained: personal data, family history, habits, such as smoking, alcohol, caffeine (coffee and soft drink of cola) and physical activity. Participants complete the questionnaire on 19 risk factors for osteoporosis (International Osteoporosis Foundation) one of them with risk. We evaluated: body mass index (BMI), cardiovascular risk and corporal complexion. Bone densitometry was performed in two diagnostic regions: lumbar spine and total hip and participants were classified as normal bone mass density (BMD), low BMD and osteoporosis. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 7% and of low BMD was 34%, predominantly in the lumbar region and in those with menopause. In osteoporotic women, the age was higher (51 years) and 85% menopausal women, also lower values of weight, height, BMI, waist circumference and hip than women with normal bone mass density. The significantly modifiable risk factors were: low weight, smoking and consumption of soft drink of cola with 6,5, 1,2 and 1,4 (odds ratio), respectively (p <0,05). The significantly non-modifiable risk factors were: menopause (surgical), history of fracture and risk. It is concluded that within the modifiable risk factors for the prevention of osteoporosis, those with the greatest impact were low weight, cigarette and soft drink of cola.

Effects of drying process on the physicochemical properties of nopal cladodes at different maturity stages.

Chemical proximate analysis was done in order to determine the changes of nutritional characteristics of nopal powders from three different maturity stages 50, 100, and 150 days and obtained by three different drying processes: freeze dried, forced air oven, and tunnel. Results indicate that nopal powder obtained by the process of freeze dried retains higher contents of protein, soluble fiber, and fat than the other two processes. Also, freeze dried process had less effect on color hue variable. No changes were observed in insoluble fiber content, chroma and lightness with the three different drying processes. Furthermore, the soluble fibers decreased with the age of nopal while insoluble fibers and ash content shows an opposite trend. In addition, the luminosity and hue values did not show differences among the maturity stages studied. The high content of dietary fibers of nopal pad powder could to be an interesting source of these important components for human diets and also could be used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry.

Aplicación de celda fotoacústica diferencial en la determinación de la permeabilidad de agua en hueso descalcificado / Application of differential photoacoustic cell to determine water permeability in decalcified bone

La espectroscopia mediante celda fotoacústica diferencial (CFD) tiene la capacidad de medir in situ el desarrollo de diversos procesos dinámicos, entre otros la difusión de agua a través de una membrana. Mediante esta técnicase realizó el estudio de permeación de agua en huesos de rata Wistar sanos y descalcificados. Los huesos descalcificados fueron tratados mediante estimulación electromagnética a fin de evaluar la actividad celular en el hueso y, en su caso, detener la descalcificación del mismo. En este trabajo fue posible determinar la viabilidad de la CFD para la evaluación de densidad ósea indirectamente, siendo posible efectuar la evaluación in situ de permeación de agua, así como la cantidad de agua retenida en la estructura ósea al finalizar las pruebas en CFD.