Search

Although Agave angustifolia Haw is one of the most cultural and industrial promising species in Mexico, no extensive genomic resources were available. Herein, we explore the transcriptome data set of this species. Total RNA from stem, roots, young and mature leaves was purified and sequenced by NovaSeq6000 system. From the de novo assembly of A. angustifolia, a total of 358,170 transcripts with average length of 1117 bp, N50 of 858 bp, and GC mean content of 43.5% were obtained. About 48.7% of the transcripts had open reading frame (ORF). Hence, 63.4% and 42.7% of the ORFs were annotated using Blastp and Blastx against UniProtKB database, respectively, uncovering the presence of at least 29,273 genes in the A. angustifolia transcriptome. The six pairwise comparisons between plant tissues resulted in the identification of 123,181 differentially expressed transcripts (23,978 were upregulated and 79,203 were downregulated). Several carbohydrate metabolism pathways were significantly enriched from the comparisons between leaves and stems. Thus, genes regulated for the fructan, starch and sucrose biosynthesis were discussed. Furthermore, genes involved in cellulose synthesis were explored being the members of the cellulose synthase genes subfamily were highly expressed in young leaf, while the members of the cellulose synthase-like subfamily were preferentially expressed in mature leaf. Moreover, A. angustifolia transcriptome served for the identification of 30,766 SSR and 21,686 VNTR potential markers. Overall, the transcriptomic data generated in this study provide an invaluable resource to understand the biology of A. angustifolia, offering new insight to understand their physiology and adaptation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between macronutrient intake and bone mineral density (BMD) using non-substitution and substitution statistical approaches. Design: Longitudinal analysis. Settings and Participants: 1,317 adults in the Health Worker Cohort Study in Mexico. Measurements: These participants were assessed at baseline (2004–2006) and follow-up (2010–2012). Dietary intakes were assessed using validated food frequency questionnaires. BMD at the different sites was performed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Hybrid-mixed effects regression models were performed to evaluate the associations of interest. Results: Cross-sectional associations were found between fiber intake and higher total hip and femoral neck BMD in women and longitudinal associations with loss of femoral neck BMD in men. An increase in 5% energy intake from carbohydrate was associated with a BMD loss at several site in women and total hip and femoral neck in men. In both sexes, an increase in 5% energy intake of animal protein or fat was associated with a site-specific BMD gain after six years. Substitution analysis showed that the energy intake replacement from fat or carbohydrate by protein had an increase in BMD at different sites in women; while in men, it was only significant when replacing carbohydrate. Substitution of protein or fat by carbohydrates was associated with lower BMD in women, and only protein replacement by carbohydrates in men. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that carbohydrate intake was associated with loss of BMD, while animal protein and fat intake was associated with gain of BMD among the Mexican population. Macronutrient substitutions resulted in significant associations; however, additional studies are needed to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation evaluated the pre-Hispanic food called “nicuatole” based on corn, from the Central Valleys region of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. The objective of the present work was to present preliminary results of the physicochemical and proximate properties of the pre-Hispanic food locally known as “nicuatole”. The sample was prepared based on the traditional endemic recipe of the population of San Agustín Yatareni, Oaxaca, Mexico. To determine the physicochemical composition, samples of 10 g and 3 g were used for the tests (pH and density) and nutritional tests (moisture, proteins, lipids, minerals, and carbohydrates) based on the methods described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemistry (AOAC). As results, it was obtained that it has a pH of 6.18 and a density of 1.0812 g*mL-1. The main results of the proximal analysis and chemical composition of “nicuatole” were 2.1325% protein; 1.54% ash; 66.3738% humidity content; 0.7563% lipids; 9.6271% carbohydrates; 13.1731% fiber. The pre-Hispanic food known as “nicuatole” can be considered a healthy alternative for the Mexican population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Agrícolas is the property of Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agricolas y Pecuarias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Flourensia cernua is a bush that grows in the semi-desert regions of Mexico. It has been used in traditional medicine due to its healing properties and currently represents an alternative source of bioactive molecules for different areas of the agri-food and health industries. The objective of this study was to extract and characterize the purified polyphenolic compounds (PPCs) and essential oils (EOs) of F. cernua leaves, determine the total flavonoid content, evaluate the antioxidant activity by three different assays, and determine, for the first time, its inhibitory effect against enzymes involved in the degradation of carbohydrates (α-amylase and α-glucosidase). In addition, the analysis of functional groups (by FTIR-ATR assay) and the identification of the chemical constituents present in both essential oils and phenolic compounds were carried out by GC/MS and UPLC-QToF/MS2, respectively. The results indicate that PPCs and EOs are rich in flavonoid-type compounds. In addition, they showed potential for free-radical scavenging and the inhibition of the lipid oxidation process. The analyzed EOs and PPCs had potential against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, which are related to high blood sugar levels. FTIR-ATR analysis allowed for the identification of functional groups characteristic of polyphenolic compounds and the chemical constituents of EOs. Finally, compounds such as caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, and germacrene-D were identified by GC/MS assay and luteolin 7-O-rutinoside and apigenin-6-C-glucosyl-8-C-arabinoside by UPLC/QToF-MS2. The results indicate that the PPCs and EOs of F. cernua have the potential to be used as antioxidant and enzyme inhibitor agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the associations of trimester-specific maternal prenatal carbohydrate (CHO) intake with offspring adiposity and metabolic health during peripuberty.Design: Prospective cohort study in which maternal dietary intake was collected via validated FFQ during each trimester. Offspring adiposity and metabolic biomarkers were evaluated at age 8-14 years. We used multivariable linear regression to examine associations between total energy-adjusted maternal CHO intake and offspring BMI z-score, skinfold thickness and metabolic syndrome risk z-score calculated as the average of waist circumference, fasting glucose, fasting C-peptide, TAG:HDL and systolic blood pressure + diastolic blood pressure/2.Setting: Mexico City, Mexico.Participants: 237 mother-child pairs in the Early Life Exposure in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants cohort.Results: We found non-linear associations of maternal CHO intake during pregnancy with offspring metabolic health during peripuberty. After adjusting for maternal age, and child age, sex and pubertal status, children whose mothers were in the fourth v. first quartile of total CHO intake during the third trimester had 0·42 (95 % CI -0·01, 0·08) ng/ml lower C-peptide and 0·10 (95 % CI -0·02, 0·22) units lower C-peptide insulin resistance (CP-IR). We found similar magnitude and direction of association with respect to net CHO intake during the first trimester and offspring C-peptide and CP-IR. Maternal CHO intake during pregnancy was not associated with offspring adiposity.Conclusions: In this study of mother-child pairs in Mexico City, children born to women in the highest quartile of CHO intake during pregnancy had lowest C-peptide and CP-IR during peripuberty. Additional research is warranted to replicate and identify mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios is the property of Universidad Juarez Autonoma de Tabasco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Ciencia e Ingenieria Neogranadina is the property of Ciencia e Ingenieria Neogranadina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

To examine the association of dietary fluoride intake, total carbohydrate consumption and other key dietary variables with dental caries experience among adolescents, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted in a sample of 402 participants from the Early Life Exposures in Mexico to Environmental Toxicants cohort. The presence and severity of dental caries were assessed using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) to calculate the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth or surfaces (D1MFT/D4MFT). The dietary intake of fluoride, energy, carbohydrates, and food groups was estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Multivariate zero-inflated negative binomial regression models and negative binomial regression models were run to estimate the association of fluoride intake (mg/day) and total carbohydrate intake (g/day) with the D1MFT/D4MFT index. We found that 80% of the adolescents experienced dental caries (D1MFT >0), with 30% presenting cavitated lesions (D4MFT >0). The mean scores for D1MFT and D4MFT were 6.2 (SD 5.3) and 0.67 (SD 1.3), respectively. The median intake of fluoride estimated by the FFQ was 0.015 mg/kg/day. This intake was statistically higher in participants with a D4MFT = 0 compared to those with a D4MFT >0 (0.90 vs. 0.82 mg/day; 0.016 vs. 0.014 mg/kg/day; p < 0.05). For D1MFT, D1MFS, D4MFT, and D4MFS scores, a higher fluoride consumption (mg/day) from foods and beverages was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the number of lesions. The reported frequency of consumption of sugary foods in a whole day was statistically higher in those with D1MFT >0 than in those with D1MFT = 0 (p < 0.05). The total carbohydrate intake (g/day) was positively associated with dental caries experience. We conclude that a higher fluoride intake through foods and beverages is associated with a lower dental caries experience among adolescents; this effect was seen even when the dietary intake of fluoride was 0.015 mg/kg/day, which is lower than the average intake recommendation. In contrast, a higher total carbohydrate intake and the frequency of intake of sugary foods were associated with a higher dental caries experience, with no apparent threshold for the effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was the characterization of chromatic, nutritional and nutraceutical properties of fifteen native maize genotypes of the races: conico norteño, elotes cónicos, raton, conico norteño × elotes cónicos, raton × elotes cónicos, Celaya × elotes cónicos, elotes cónicos × conico norteño from the northeast of Mexico. The results showed that the values of the color parameters L*, C* and h in genotypes range from 25.13 to 63.64, 2.41 to 33.58 and 14.36 to 359.19, respectively. The percentage of nutritional component varied from carbohydrates (71.30–74.88), protein (9.72–12.57) and moisture (7.98–9.67). The samples were rich in P, K, Mg, Zn and Fe. The total phenols content (free + bound) ranged from 349.39 to 485.71 mgGAE/100 g, showing bound fractions higher content than free fractions. The total flavonoids (free + bound) were from 24.00 to 105.75 mgCE/100 g, and for eight of the genotypes the bound fractions were higher than free fractions. Condensed tannins were only found in free fractions with values ranging from 33.70 to 158.55 mgCE/100 g. Total anthocyanins ranged from 1.38 to 74.52 mgC3GE/100 g. In HPLC analysis, ferulic acid (103.34–164.90 mg/100 g) was the main phenolic compound followed by coumaric acid (5.57–15.52 mg/100 g) and they were only identified in bound extracts. Finally, the antioxidant capacity (free + bound) expressed in µmolTE/100 g was from 1127.70 to 1875.70, 2826.90 to 4263.90, 730.94 to 1340.65 and 3484.80 to 5592.60 in DPPH, ABTS, FRAP and ORAC, respectively, and IC50 to DPPH and ABTS were expressed in mg/mL. In conclusion, significant correlation was found between chromatic versus antioxidant capacity, and anthocyanin content. In addition, higher phenolic content were found in bound extracts, and a genetic diversity was observed between maize genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agave durangensis is a wild endemic species of Mexico, which supports a regional mescal industry. The reproduction of A. durangensis is mainly sexual, conferring it a high variability. For the mescal manufacturing, A. durangensis is collected from wild populations, affecting their reproductive success and demographic performance. We evaluated the morphological variation, carbohydrate content, and genetic structure of A. durangensis plants coming from a single mother plant, to identify lines with some agroindustry potential. Three different morphological and genetic groups were distinguished. According to Mantel tests (r = 0.71), statistical correlations between morphological (Mahalanobis distance) and genetic (Fst) distances (r= 0.71), as well as between carbohydrate content similarity matrix and morphological traits (r= 0.477) were found. The high correlation values suggested that the use of genetic markers combined with morphological traits could be useful as a tool for the selection of high carbohydrate production lines to establish cultivars, which would have conservational implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agro Productividad is the property of Colegio de Postgraduados and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The whiskey industry is dominated by whiskey styles with recipes that contain corn as the primary grain. However, little research has been conducted to investigate whiskey specific distinctions arising from different corn varieties and growing environments (i.e. terroir). Further, no studies have investigated the aroma or flavor impacts of different varieties and terroirs. Here, three different commodity yellow dent hybrid corn varieties were grown on different farms in Texas, spanning from the Texas Panhandle to the Mexico-United States border. Using novel small-batch mashing techniques, a newly developed new-make (i.e. unaged whiskey,immediate by-product of distillation) bourbon sensory lexicon, a trained sensory panel, high-performance liquid chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/olfactometry (GC-MS/O), we report for the first time a method for evaluating sample effects on alcohol yield and flavor in new-make bourbon whiskey. We discover that variety, terroir and their interactions, previously ignored, can substantially affect valuable sensory aspects of whiskey, suggesting the importance of scientifically evaluating corn genetics and agronomy for developing better whiskey. Excitingly, our data suggest milled corn with higher levels of benzadehyde, readily measured by GC-MS/O, correlates with improved sensory aspects of distillate, which must be expensively evaluated using a trained human sensory panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Chapingo Serie Horticultura is the property of Universidad Autonoma Chapingo and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nutritional composition, content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of the four Mexican varieties of Ayocote beans (Phaseolus coccineus L.) were studied. Ayocote beans were found to be a promising source of proteins, carbohydrates, fibre and minerals. Sucrose (55.6–62.2 g/kg) and stachyose (24–24.4 g/kg) were considered as the major sugar and oligosaccharide, respectively. Glutamic acid was the most abundant amino acid (32.2 to 35.8 g/kg), while cysteine was present at the lowest concentration (2.3–2.4 g/100 kg). Purple variety contains the highest amount of total phenolic compounds (2075.9 mg GAE/kg), total flavonoids (1612.9 mg QE/kg) and total anthocyanins (1193.2 mg CGE/kg). This variety also exhibited the most effective antioxidant activities, which were evaluated by DPPH (17,040 µmol TE/kg) and ORAC (51,620 µmol TE/kg). The results obtained reveal a high potential for wider use of Ayocote bean as a remarkable source of bioactive compounds and health-promoting food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consumption of fried foods in Mexico is high, even though fats in fried foods are associated with noncommunicable chronic diseases. Objective: Evaluate the chemical composition and fat quality obtained from fried corn churros prepared and consumed in Navojoa, state of Sonora, Mexico. Materials and Methods: Four samples obtained from commercial establishments were subjected to proximal chemical analysis and determination of fat quality indices (acidity, alkalinity, iodine and anisidine), according to Mexican standards. Results: The nutritional breakdown of the samples is shown in the following ranges, expressed as grams % (g %): fats (23.7 ± 0.2 and 35.2 ± 1.0 g %), proteins (2.5 ± 0.0 and 8.1 ± 1.4 g %), carbohydrates (54.1 ± 0.3 and 64.4 ± 0.5 g %), and energy (kcal) (485 ± 3 and 531 ± 1) with significant differences between samples (p<0.05). The highest fat and energy content was presented by sample B2 and the best nutritional profile by sample B4. Sample B1 exceeded the maximum limits of acidity (4.8) and alkalinity (10.6) with a significant inter-sample difference (p <0.05). Conclusion: The energy density of the sampled fried corn churros is high (above 4 kcal/gram), as well as the fat content, especially in sample B2. Sample B4 presents the best nutrition profile and sample B1 the greatest oxidative deterioration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between socioeconomic status (SES) and chronic disease has recently become more evident in middle- and low-income countries. We hypothesized that poor socioeconomic conditions, such as food insecurity, low educational level, or low SES, may restrict access to a healthy diet and may be associated with cardiometabolic risk independently of body fat. This study examined the relation between socioeconomic indicators, body fat, and cardiometabolic disease risk markers in a random sample of mothers living in Queretaro, Mexico. Young and middle-aged mothers (n = 321) answered validated questionnaires to determine SES, food insecurity, and educational level and a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire to determine dietary patterns and the cost of individual diet. Clinical measurements included anthropometry, blood pressure, lipids profile, glucose, and insulin. Obesity was present in 29% of the participants. Women with moderate food insecurity had higher waist circumference, glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance than women with food security. High triglyceride concentration and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were associated with lower SES and lower educational level. Women who consumed a lower carbohydrate diet had higher SES, higher education, and better cardiovascular risk markers. The higher carbohydrate diet profile was the least expensive diet. There was an inverse association between the cost and energy-density of foods. In conclusion, food insecurity was associated with glycemic control markers, and lower SES and education were related to a low-cost, higher carbohydrate diet and to a greater cardiovascular risk. The influence of the social environment on obesity and cardiovascular diseases needs to be further explored., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

There is a current need to develop low-cost strategies to degrade and eliminate industrially used colorants discharged into the environment. Colorants discharged into natural water streams pose various threats, including: toxicity, degradation of aesthetics and inhibiting sunlight penetration into aquatic ecosystems. Dyes and colorants usually have complex aromatic molecular structures, which make them very stable and difficult to degrade and eliminate by conventional water treatment systems. The results in this work demonstrated that heavy metal-resistant Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain UANL-001L isolated from the northeast region of Mexico produce an exopolysaccharide (EPS), during growth, which has colorant adsorption potential. The EPS produced was purified by precipitation and dialysis and was then physically and chemically characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and chemical elemental analysis. Here, the ability of the purified EPS produced to adsorb methylene blue (MB), which served as a model colorant, is studied. MB adsorption by the EPS is found to follow Langmuir Adsorption Isotherm kinetics at 25°C. Further, by calculating the Langmuir constant the adsorption capabilities of the EPS produced by the Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain UANL-001L is compared to that of other adsorbents, both, microbially produced and from agroindustrial waste. The total adsorption capacity of the EPS, from the Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain UANL-001L, was found to be two-fold greater than the best bioadsorbents reported in the literature. Finally, apart from determining which heavy metals stimulated EPS production in the strain, the optimal conditions of pH, heavy metal concentration, and rate of agitation of the growing culture for EPS production, was determined. The EPS reported here has the potential of aiding in the efficient removal of colorants both in water treatment plants and in situ in natural water streams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maize silage is appreciated for dairy cows due to its high energy content. Mexico is a centre of origin for maize and small-scale dairy farmers use landrace 'criollo' maize silages to feed their herds. However, the characteristics of landrace 'criollo' maize silages in terms of starch content, which defines their nutritional value in terms of energy, are not known. The objective was to characterise criollo maize silages in terms of starch content. Seventy-seven silage samples from 2011 to 2015 were analysed for contents of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and starch content. A factor analysis using principal component analysis as an extraction method was undertaken, and a hierarchical cluster analysis performed. Five factors affected the starch content of silages and five maize silage clusters identified. There was a positive association between IVDMD and metabolisable energy and between crude protein and acid detergent fibre; moreover, a positive relation was found between dry matter and maize starch contents. Significant differences were found (P < 0.001) for the contents of IVDMD, ME, ashes, OM, DM, and starch. The DM content of group 1 silage did not show any significant differences from other groups, except with group 2 silage, which had the lowest contents of DM and starch. Therefore, group 1 and 5 silage had the highest DM and starch contents, while group 3 silage had the highest IVDMD values and ME contents; finally, group 4 had the highest ash contents. Starch content in criollo maize silages was higher that reports for other maize races and is influenced by climate conditions and dry matter content., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Background/Objective: Insulin resistance (IR) is a metabolic disorder that is increasing worldwide and has been associated with several negative health outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between different dietary patterns and IR among Mexican children and adolescents. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis on baseline data from Mexican children and adolescents aged 7-18 years participating in the Health Workers Cohort Study. We included 916 children and adolescents of both sexes. Fasting serum glucose and insulin levels were determined by standardized methods. We defined IR using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) as ≥3.5. Factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. The associations of interest, those between IR and dietary patterns, were analyzed with multiple logistic regression models. Results: IR prevalence was 20.3% among girls and boys aged 7-18 years, for whom the prevalence of overweight and obesity was 29.7%. We identified 3 major dietary patterns in this group: 'Western', 'prudent' and 'high protein/fat'. For the purposes of this analysis we compared the upper versus the lower quintile of each dietary pattern. Independently of other covariates, participants in the highest quintile of the Western pattern had 92% greater odds of IR (OR 1.92,95% Cl: 1.08-3.43) compared with those in the lowest quintile. Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that high carbohydrate diets like our Western dietary pattern may increase IR in young people. This result emphasizes the importance of preventive nutrition interventions geared toward Mexican children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The perennial saltgrass nipa (Distichlis palmeri, Poaceae) is endemic to northern Gulf of California tidal marshes flooded with hypersaline (38–42gL−1) seawater. Nipa was a wild harvest staple of the Cocopah people of the Río Colorado delta. We investigated the physiology, anatomy, chromosome number, and agronomic potential of nipa as a global food crop. Nipa seeds had 60–93% germination on salinities ranging from 0 to 30gL−1. Relative Growth Rates (RGR) on both flooded and aerobic conditions remained above 4% d−1 up to 30gL−1, about half the RGR on freshwater. Nipa grain (caryopses) had 7–8% protein, 8% sugar and 79% total digestible carbohydrates (mostly starch) and only 2% ash and 8% fiber, equal to conventional grains in apparent nutritional value. Shoots were low in ash and sodium, and compared favorably to alfalfa forage in protein, digestible carbohydrates and energy contents. Mature female stands in the Colorado River delta produced an estimated 1.25tha−1 of grain, but over two years in the greenhouse only partial flowering was observed. Nevertheless, D. palmeri appears to be worth developing as a perennial grain and forage crop, especially for salinized, flooded soils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Seven new triterpene glycosides, erylosides R1 (1), T1 (3), T2 (4), T3 (5), T4 (6), T5 (7), and T6 (8) along with the known formoside (2) were isolated from the sponge Erylus formosus collected along the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Glycoside 1 was determined as a trisaccharide, glycoside 2 as a tetrasaccharide while glycosides 3–8 were hexasaccharide. Their carbohydrate chains were unprecedented and have never been found in oligosaccharides from other biological sources, except Erylus spp. Three carbohydrate chains in the glycosides 3 and 6, 4 and 7, 5 and 8 correspondingly are new. The glycosides 1–5 have penasterol as aglycone while glycosides 6–8 proved to be glycoconjugates of 24-methylene-14-carboxy-lanost-8(9)-en-3β-ol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To gain new insights into the variability of particulate organic carbon (POC) fluxes and to better understand the factors controlling the POC/234Th ratios in suspended and sinking particulate matter, we investigated the relationships between POC/234Th ratios and biochemical composition (uronic acids, URA; total carbohydrates, TCHO; acid polysaccharides, APS; and POC) of suspended and sinking matter from the Gulf of Mexico in 2005 and 2006. Our data show that URA/POC in sediment traps (STs), APS/POC in the suspended particles, and turnover times of particulate 234Th in the water column and those of bacteria in STs inside eddies usually increased with depth, whereas particulate POC/234Th (10–50μm) and the sediment-trap parameters (POC flux, POC/234Th ratio, bacterial biomass, and bacterial production) decreased with depth. However, this trend was not the case for most biological parameters (e.g., phytoplankton and bacterial biomass) or for the other parameters at the edges of eddies or at coastal-upwelling sites. In general, the following relationships were observed: 1) 234Th/POC ratios in STs were correlated with APS flux, and these ratios in the 10–50μm suspended particles also correlated with URA/POC ratios; 2) neither URA fluxes nor URA/POC ratios were significantly related to bacterial biomass; 3) the sum of two uronic acids (G2, glucuronic, and galacturonic acid, which composed most of the URA pool) was positively related to bacterial biomass; and 4) the POC/234Th ratios in intermediate-sized particles (10–50μm) were close to those in sinking particles but much lower than those in >50μm particles. The results indicate that acid polysaccharides, though a minor fraction (~1%) of the organic carbon, act more likely as proxy compound classes that might contain the more refractory 234Th-binding biopolymer, rather than acting as the original 234Th “scavenger” compound. Moreover, these acid polysaccharides, which might first be produced by phytoplankton and then modified by bacteria, also influence the on-and-off “piggy-back” processes of organic matter and 234Th, thus causing additional variability of the POC/234Th in particles of different sizes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Psacalium decompositum (Gray) H.E. Rob. & Brett (Asteraceae), popularly known as "matarique," is a medicinal plant used in Mexico for the empirical treatment of diabetes mellitus. Previous studies with P. decompositum roots demonstrated that an aqueous fraction containing carbohydrates (WMP-fraction) exhibited a notable hypoglycemic effect in experimental animals. However, studies to identify these carbohydrates have not yet been performed. The goal of this investigation was to isolate and characterize the principal compounds in the WMP-fraction by spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis. Additionally, we sought to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of these compounds in healthy and alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The results show that the chemical structures of the major compounds in the WMP-fraction correspond with fructan-type oligosaccharides and have a hypoglycemic effect in healthy and diabetic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimate the income elasticity for a variety of macro- and micronutrients using a sample of poor rural households in Mexico. The nutrient-income elasticity is estimated using both parametric and semiparametric methods. A special focus is placed on the nonlinearity of the relationship between nutrient intake and income and on measurement error and endogeneity issues. One major finding is that income elasticity for calories is close to zero when we control for measurement error issues. For some nutrients, namely fats, vitamin A and C, calcium, and heme iron, we find a sizeable positive income elasticity robust to the choice of the estimator and percentiles at which it is evaluated. These nutrients are also those for which we find the largest deficiency in our sample. In addition, we find that for the poorest households in our sample, the deficiency of total energy, protein, and zinc is not accompanied by a positive income elasticity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus is the first cause of death in Mexico, which becomes a public health problem affecting 10% of adults older than 20 years. Objective: To report the results of an intensive and physio-pathogenic treatment scheme applied to diabetic patients assisted in a second level hospital. Patients and methods: Patients with diabetes diagnosis established at Metabolic Syndrome Clinic of General Hospital Dr. Miguel Silva, Morelia, Michoacan. All physicians assisted their patients following the specific guidelines about indication of diet, exercise and drugs (simple carbohydrate, starch and saturated fats restriction, increased intake of monounsaturated fats and soluble fiber-rich foods and practicing of aerobic exercise). Results: One hundred ninety-two patients with a mean age of 54.7 years were assisted, with evolution since diagnosis, in average, of 6.9 years. With the intensive treatment significant decrements in fasting glycemia, postprandial glycemia, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C and diastolic blood pressure were registered. Conclusions: Intensive medical assistance of diabetes, which includes lipids and blood pressure goals, besides of glucose's, has demonstrated to reduce the cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-year survey in six commercial shrimp hatcheries of the states of Sonora and Sinaloa, in the Mexican northwest, aiming to investigate the variability of the outdoor biomass production and composition of microalgae showed wide differences in daily mean yields, from 0.68 to 1.71×1012 cells m−3 and between 23.9 and 73.9 g m−3 of dry organic biomass.These differences were mostly related to the type of culture containers and consequent differences in light penetration. The best yields were in 0.7 m deep polyethylene tanks and the lowest in 1 m deep concrete tanks with a small surface to volume ratio.Protein, carbohydrate and lipid yields followed the same trends as biomass production and were mostly associated with the design of the culture containers and, in part, with the geographic location of the hatcheries.Variability was high also within laboratories, and this was related to seasonal climatic differences. In Sonora, cell concentrations were negatively related to temperature, but organic biomass production increased with the increase of this climatic variable, probably because of larger cell sizes. In contrast, the data obtained in Sinaloa showed that cell concentration and organic biomass are directly related to temperature and inversely to light.Proteins and lipids were negatively related to temperature in Sonora but not in Sinaloa, where high carbohydrates were associated with low temperatures.Fatty acid profiles were highly variable in all cases and were not associated with the type of culture containers or, with the possible exception of 18C unsaturates, with the geographic location of the laboratories, indicating as probable sources of variability between and within hatcheries either the handling routines or the composition of the growth media. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In Mexico, mistletoes have several applications in traditional medicine due to the great variety of compounds with biological activities that have not been characterized to date. The goals of the present study are to analyze the composition of minerals and phytochemical compounds in Mexican mistletoes Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum qualitatively and quantitatively, identify the compounds using HPLC-MS, and assess the antimicrobial potential in phytopathogenic microorganism control. Mineral content was evaluated with X-ray fluorescence. Three types of extracts were prepared: ethanol, water, and aqueous 150 mM sodium chloride solution. Characterization was carried out using qualitative tests for phytochemical compound groups, analytical methods for proteins, reducing sugars, total phenol, flavonoids quantification, and HPLC-MS for compound identification. The antimicrobial activity of mistletoe's liquid extracts was evaluated by microplate assay. K and Ca minerals were observed in both mistletoes. A qualitative test demonstrated alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, and quinones. Ethanolic extract showed flavonoids, 3845 ± 69 and 3067 ± 17.2 mg QE/g for Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum, respectively, while aqueous extracts showed a total phenol content of 65 ± 6.9 and 90 ± 1.19 mg GAE/g Phoradendron bollanum and Viscum album subs. austriacum, respectively. HPLC-MS identified largely hydroxycinnamic acids and methoxycinnamic acids. Clavibacter michiganenses was successfully inhibited by aqueous extract of both mistletoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measure the effect of a large nationwide tax reform on sugar-added drinks and caloric-dense food introduced in Mexico in 2014. Using scanner data containing weekly purchases of 47,973 barcodes by 8,130 households and an RD design, we find that calories purchased from taxed drinks and taxed food decreased respectively by 2.7% and 3%. However, this was compensated by increases from untaxed categories, such that total calories purchased did not change. We find increases in cholesterol (12.6%), sodium (5.8%), saturated fat (3.1%), carbohydrates (2%), and proteins (3.8%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) were determined in sediments from Santa María La Reforma (SAMARE) coastal lagoon and Mocorito River, Mexico. Furthermore, biochemical composition of organic matter in sediments was analyzed to assess their trophic status. The PTEs concentrations followed the order Fe > Pb ∼ Zn > Cr ∼ Cu > Ni ∼ As ∼ Co > Cd. Except for As, PTEs showed correlation between them indicating a common source. As and Pb were above the threshold levels of toxic effect, but they did not exceed the levels of probable effect for biota. Metals were correlated with carbohydrates and As with lipids. Low protein/carbohydrate ratios suggest that decomposed detritus of nitrogen-rich algae as well as fresh mangrove litter can be present. These biochemical proxies suggest that meso-oligotrophic conditions prevail in SAMARE. Considering that fishing activities are practiced and that the northern portion of SAMARE was classified as a RAMSAR site, the information presented is useful to generate strategies for the management of this ecosystem. • Except for As, the PTEs showed correlation among them indicating a common source. • Arsenic and Pb concentrations were above the threshold levels of toxic effect. • The PTEs were correlated with carbohydrates main component of labile organic matter. • Low PRT/CHO ratios suggest a mixture of nitrogen-rich algae and mangrove residues. • These biochemical proxies suggest that meso-oligotrophic conditions prevail in SAMARE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence of the role that dietary carbohydrates (total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total sugars, dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL)) exerts on insulin levels in adolescents is controversial. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the association between dietary carbohydrates and insulin resistance in adolescents from Chiapas, México. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 217 adolescents. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary and biochemical data were obtained. Total carbohydrates, dietary fiber, total sugars, dietary GI and GL were calculated from 24 h recalls. Two validated cut-off points for the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were used as surrogates of insulin resistance. Fasting insulin levels ≥ 14.38 μU/mL were considered as abnormal. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to assess the association between tertiles of dietary carbohydrates and insulin resistance or hyperinsulinemia. In our study, adolescents with the highest dietary fiber intake had lower odds of HOMA-IR > 2.97 (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.13-0.93) when adjusted for sex, age, body fat percentage and saturated fatty acids intake. No significant associations were found for the rest of the carbohydrate variables. In summary, high-fiber diets reduce the probability of insulin resistance in adolescents from marginalized areas of Chiapas, México.

Increases in wastewater discharges and the generation of municipal solid wastes have resulted in deleterious effects on the environment, causing eutrophication and pollution of water bodies. It is therefore necessary to investigate sustainable bioremediation alternatives. Wastewater treatment using consortia of microalgae-bacteria is an attractive alternative because it allows the removal and recycling of nutrients, with the additional advantage of biomass production and its subsequent conversion into valuable by-products. The present study aims to integrate wastewater and landfill leachate treatment with the production of microalgal biomass, considering not only its valorization in terms of lipid and carbohydrate content but also the effect of nutrient limitation on biomass formation. The effect of treating a mixture of raw wastewater with different leachate ratios (0%, 7%, 10% and 15%) was investigated using a microalgae-bacteria consortium. Two microalgae (Desmodesmus spp. and Scenedesmus obliquus) were used. Nutrient removal, biomass concentration, carbohydrate, lipid and Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAMEs) content and morphological changes were evaluated. Removals of 82% of NH 4 + and 43% of orthophosphate from a wastewater-leachate mixture (containing 167 mg/L NH 4 + and 23 mg/L PO 4 3- ) were achieved. The highest final yield was obtained using Desmodesmus spp. (1.95 ± 0.3 g/L). The microalgae were observed to accumulate high lipid (20%) and carbohydrate (41%) contents under nutrient limiting conditions. The concentration of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) also increased. Morphological changes including the disintegration of coenobia were observed. By using a mixture of wastewater-leachate it is possible to remove nutrients, since microalgae tolerate high ammonia concentrations, and simultaneously increase the algal biomass concentration containing precursors to allow biofuel production., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this study was to describe daily fluid consumption in a sample of pregnant or lactating adult women. Women between 18 and 45 years of age, residents of Mexico City, stratified by socioeconomic status were asked to register their total fluid intake during 7 consecutive days. A total of 153 pregnant and 155 lactating women were recruited. On average, they drank 2.62 L/day and 2.75 L/day, respectively. Forty-one percent of pregnant women drank less than the recommended 2.3 L fluids/day, and 54% of women drank less than the recommended intake of 2.7 L/day during the first semester of lactation. Plain water contributed to 33% of total fluid intake, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) contributed to 38% of total fluid intake. Up to 50% of pregnant and lactating women drank more than 1 L/day of SSB, which contributed to 632 kcal/day (27.5% of recommended dietary intake) and to 700 kcal/day (28% of recommended dietary intake), respectively. The high rates of overweight and obesity found in Mexican population, particularly among women, should alert us to the consumption of SSB during pregnancy and lactation, as excessive intake of these beverages may increase the risks of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and other chronic disorders.

Digestive capabilities of nectar-feeding vertebrates to assimilate sugars affect their ability to acquire and store energy and could determine the minimal temperatures at which these animals can survive. Here, we described the sugar digestive capability of Leptonycteris nivalis and related it with its capacity to live in cold environments. We measured the enzymatic activity, food intake rate and changes in body mass of bats feeding at four different sucrose concentrations (from 5 to 35% wt./vol.). Additionally, we used a mathematical model to predict food intake and compared it with the food intake of bats. L. nivalis was able to obtain ~111.3kJ of energy regardless of the sugar concentration of their food. Also, bats gained ~2.57g of mass during the experimental trials and this gain was independent of sugar concentration. The affinity (1/Km) of sucrase (EC 3.2.1.48) was one order of magnitude higher relative to that reported for its sister species Leptonycteris yerbabuenae (0.250 and 0.0189mmol(-1)L, respectively), allowing this species to have a higher energy intake rate. We propose that the high ability to acquire energy conferred L. nivalis the faculty to invade cold environments, avoiding in this way the ecological competition with its sympatric species L. yerbabuenae., (Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Inc.)