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The physiotherapist professional activities, in the beginning were focused only in the clinical field, nowadays it has many different action fields including Physical Activity. Physical activity can be viewed from two dimensions: one biological, which is defined as any activity which requires energy expenditure involving the combined action of multiple systems; on the other side social, understood as a human activity concerning subjectivity conditions influenced by the environment where the individual and the community are developed. Given these dimensions as well as national and international benchmarks this paper’s objective is to present a series of reflections that the authors have done regarding the physiotherapist professional performance in the field of physical activity and the large possibilities derived from their practice in this field.

Agavins are reserve carbohydrates found in agave plants; they present texture-modifying properties and prebiotic capacity by increasing the viability of the intestinal microbiota. Through its hydrolysis, agave syrup (AS) can be obtained and can be used as a sweetener in food matrices. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the variation in the content of agavins and AS on the physical, structural, and viability properties of Saccharomyces boulardii encapsulates incorporated into gelatin gummies. An RSM was used to obtain an optimized formulation of gelatin gummies. The properties of the gel in the gummy were characterized by a texture profile analysis and Aw. The humidity and sugar content were determined. A sucrose gummy was used as a control for the variable ranges. Alginate microcapsules containing S. boulardii were added to the optimized gummy formulation to obtain a synbiotic gummy. The viability of S. boulardii and changes in the structure of the alginate gel of the microcapsules in the synbiotic gummy were evaluated for 24 days by image digital analysis (IDA). The agavins and agave syrup significantly affected the texture properties (<1 N) and the Aw (>0.85). The IDA showed a change in the gel network and an increase in viability by confocal microscopy from day 18. The number of pores in the gel increased, but their size decreased with an increase in the number of S. boulardii cells. Agavins and cells alter the structure of capsules in gummies without affecting their viability.

C-phycocyanin (CPC) is an antioxidant protein that, when purified, is photosensitive and can be affected by environmental and gastrointestinal conditions. This can impact its biological activity, requiring an increase in the effective amount to achieve a therapeutic effect. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop a microencapsulate of a complex matrix, as a strategy to protect and establish a matrix for the controlled release of CPC based on polysaccharides such as agavins (AGV) using ionic gelation. Four matrices were formulated: M1 (alginate: ALG), M2 (ALG and AGV), M3 (ALG, AGV, and κ-carrageenan: CGN), and M4 (ALG, AGV, CGN, and carboxymethylcellulose: CMC) with increasing concentrations of CPC. The retention and diffusion capacities of C-phycocyanin provided by each matrix were evaluated, as well as their stability under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The results showed that the encapsulation efficiency of the matrix-type encapsulates with complex composites increased as more components were added to the mixtures. CMC increased the retention due to the hydrophobicity that it provides by being in the polysaccharide matrix; CGN enabled the controlled diffusive release; and AGV provided protection of the CPC beads under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Therefore, matrix M4 exhibited an encapsulation efficiency for CPC of 98% and a bioaccessibility of 10.65 ± 0.65% after the passage of encapsulates through in vitro digestion.

Irritable bowel syndrome displays three different subtypes: constipation (IBS-C), diarrhea (IBS-D), and mixed (IBS-M). Treatment with dietary fiber is used, with consideration given both to the chemical composition of the fiber and to the different subtypes of IBS. The IBS-D subtype is usually treated with a low-FODMAPs diet, whereas the IBS-C subtype suggests prebiotics and probiotics to promote microbiota restoration. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of employing agave fructans as the soluble fiber of a jelly (Gelyfun ® gastro) containing 8 g per serving in the IBS-C group (n = 50), using a randomized, double-blind, time-limited trial for four weeks. We evaluated changes in the frequency and types of bowel movements through the Bristol scale, and the improvement of the condition was evaluated using quality of life (IBS-QOL) and anxiety-depression (HADS) scales. The main results were that the number of bowel movements increased by more than 80%, with at least one stool per day from fifteen days onwards, without a laxative effect for the group treated. Finally, the quality of life with the prebiotic jelly was significantly improved compared to the placebo in all specific domains, in addition to significantly reducing anxiety and depression.

Prebiotic effects have been attributed to agave fructans through bacterial and yeast fermentations, but there are few reports on their use as raw materials of a carbon source. Kefir milk is a fermented drink with lactic acid bacteria and yeast that coexist in a symbiotic association. During fermentation, these microorganisms mainly consume lactose and produce a polymeric matrix called kefiran, which is an exopolysaccharide composed mainly of water-soluble glucogalactan, suitable for the development of bio-degradable films. Using the biomass of microorganisms and proteins together can be a sustainable and innovative source of biopolymers. In this investigation, the effects of lactose-free milk as a culture medium and the addition of other carbon sources (dextrose, fructose, galactose, lactose, inulin and fructans) in concentrations of 2, 4 and 6% w / w , coupled with initial parameters such as temperature (20, 25 and 30 °C), % of starter inoculum (2, 5 and 10% w / w ) was evaluated. The method of response surface analysis was performed to determine the optimum biomass production conditions at the start of the experiment. The response surface method showed that a 2% inoculum and a temperature of 25 °C were the best parameters for fermentation. The addition of 6% w / w agave fructans in the culture medium favored the growth of biomass (75.94%) with respect to the lactose-free culture medium. An increase in fat (3.76%), ash (5.57%) and protein (7.12%) content was observed when adding agave fructans. There was an important change in the diversity of microorganisms with an absence of lactose. These compounds have the potential to be used as a carbon source in a medium culture to increase kefir granule biomass. There was an important change in the diversity of microorganisms with an absence of lactose, where the applied image digital analysis led to the identification of the morphological changes in the kefir granules through modification of the profile of such microorganisms.

Agave angustifolia is a xerophytic species widely used in Mexico as an ingredient in sweet food and fermented beverages; it is also used in traditional medicine to treat wound pain and rheumatic damage, and as a remedy for psoriasis. Among the various A. angustifolia extracts and extract fractions that have been evaluated for their anti-inflammatory effects, the acetonic extract (AaAc) and its acetonic (F-Ac) and methanolic (F-MeOH) fractions were the most active in a xylene-induced ear edema model in mice, when orally administered. Four fractions resulting from chemically resolving F-Ac (F1-F4) were locally applied to mice with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA)-induced ear inflammation; F1 inhibited inflammation by 70% and was further evaluated in a carrageenan-induced mono-arthritis model. When administered at doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg, F1 reduced articular edema and the spleen index. In addition, it modulated spleen and joint cytokine levels and decreased pain. According to a GC-MS analysis, the main components of F1 are fatty-acid derivatives: palmitic acid methyl ester, palmitic acid ethyl ester, octadecenoic acid methyl ester, linoleic acid ethyl ester, and oleic acid ethyl ester.

Encapsulation is a process in which a base material is encapsulated in a wall material that can protect it against external factors and/or improve its bioavailability. Among the different encapsulation techniques, ionic gelation stands out as being useful for thermolabile compounds. The aim of this work was to encapsulate Saccharomyces boulardii by ionic gelation using agavins (A) and whey protein (WP) as wall materials and to evaluate the morphostructural changes that occur during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Encapsulations at different levels of A and WP were analyzed using microscopic, spectroscopic and thermal techniques. Encapsulation efficiency and cell viability were evaluated. S. boulardii encapsulated at 5% A: 3.75% WP (AWB6) showed 88.5% cell survival after the simulated gastrointestinal digestion; the bead showed a significantly different microstructure from the controls. The mixture of A and WP increased in the survival of S. boulardii respect to those encapsulated with alginate, A or WP alone. The binary material mixture simultaneously allowed a controlled release of S. boulardii by mostly diffusive Fickian mechanisms and swelling. The cell-release time was found to control the increment of the Damköhler number when A and WP were substrates for S. boulardii , in this way allowing greater protection against gastrointestinal conditions.

Agavaceae contains about 480 species, commonly used in the production of alcoholic beverages such as tequila and mezcal, making it a resource of economic and cultural importance. Uses of this plant rely mainly on the stem; other components such as the leaves are discarded, generating agro-industrial waste, despite being a source of bioactive and nutraceutical products. Reports show anti-inflammatory and anti-neuroinflammatory effects of these species, with flavonoids and saponins being mainly responsible. Neuroinflammation is a brain process that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders and its effects contribute greatly to mortality and morbidity worldwide. This can be triggered by mechanisms such as glial reactions that lead to the release of inflammatory and oxidative molecules, causing damage to the CNS. Treatments do not cure chronic disease associated with inflammation; they only slow its progression, producing side effects that affect quality of life. Plant-based therapy is promising for treating these diseases. Pharmacological activities have been described for the Agavaceae family; however, their role in neuroinflammation has not been fully investigated, and represents an important target for study. This review synthesizes the existing literature on the biologically active compounds of Agave species that are related in some way to inflammation, which will allow us to propose a line of research with this genus on the forefront to orient experimental designs for treating neuroinflammation and associated diseases.

The objective of this work was to obtain biomaterials as gelatin films or biofilms produced by casting, reinforced with a microfiber (MF) from Agave angustifolia Haw bagasse and bentonite (BN) nanoparticles and evaluate the effect of such reinforcements at different concentrations. Agave microfibers were obtained by a non-abrasive chemical method. Three formulations based on gelatin with glycerol were reinforced with microfiber, bentonite and both materials with 1.5, 3.5 and 5.5% w / w solids content. Physicochemical properties were determined using SEM and FTIR, thickness, soluble matter and moisture. The XRD, barrier, mechanical and thermal properties were measured. The films' micrographs showed agglomerations on the surface. Interactions between its functional groups were found. The solubility increased when the MF concentration increased. The thickness of the films was between 60 and 110 μm. The crystallinity ranged from 23 to 86%. The films with both MF and BN and 3.5% w / w solids had the lowest barrier properties, while the film with 5.5% w / w solids showed the highest mechanical properties, being thermally resistant. Overall, Agave microfibers together with bentonite were able to improve some of the films' properties, but optimized mixing conditions had to be used to achieve good particle dispersion within the gelatin matrix to improve its final properties. Such materials might have the potential to be used as food packaging.

Chronic neuroinflammation is a key component of many neurodegenerative disorders. Chronic activation of this process produces pro-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins and reactive oxygen species that induce brain injury and neuronal dysfunction. Agave species contain saponins, compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. Extracts from A. tequilana (At), A. angustifolia (Aan), A. Americana (Aam) (125 mg/kg) and cantalasaponin-1 (5 and 10 mg/kg, isolated from Aam ) were administered to male ICR mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation, after which inflammatory cytokines were measured in brain homogenates by using an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) test. All agave extracts and cantalasaponin-1, reduced brain concentration of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. Moreover, Cantalasaponin-1 increased the brain concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Agave extracts and derived compounds show promising results in the development of novel drugs for neuroinflammatory disease therapy.

β-sitosterol β-d-glucoside (BSSG) was extracted from "piña" of the Agave angustifolia Haw plant by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) with a KOH solution such as a catalyst and a conventional maceration method to determine the best technique in terms of yield, extraction time, and recovery. The quantification and characterization of BSSG were done by high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS). With an extraction time of 5 s by MAE, a higher amount of BSSG (124.76 mg of β-sitosterol β-d-glucoside/g dry weight of the extract) than those for MAE extraction times of 10 and 15 s (106.19 and 103.97 mg/g dry weight respectively) was shown. The quantification of BSSG in the extract obtained by 48 h of conventional maceration was about 4-5 times less (26.67 mg/g dry weight of the extract) than the yields reached by the MAE treatments. MAE achieved the highest amount of BSSG, in the shortest extraction time while preserving the integrity of the compound's structure.

Thirty-four water samples were collected all along the course of River Yautepec, Morelos State, Central Mexico, in three different zones based on the physical and anthropogenic setting. In situ measurements of physical characteristics (temperature, pH, conductivity, and turbidity) were also performed at each sampling station. Likewise, total/dissolved metal concentrations (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cd, As, and Pb) were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Located in a peri-urban and volcanic zone of Central Mexico, the river system presented impacts of both natural and anthropogenic activities. Results revealed differences in pH values (6.7-8.23) in all the three zones probably due to the influences of volcanic ash and local geological formations, whereas conductivity levels (635-1098 μs/cm) were high indicating the effect of agricultural and industrial activities. The relative order of the concentrations of metals in both the total and dissolved fractions was observed to be in the following order: zone I, Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > As > Cd > Hg; zone II, Fe > Zn > Pb > Ni > Mn > Cu > Cr > Cd > As > Hg; zone III, Fe > Pb > Zn > Mn > Ni > Cu > As > Cd > Cr > Hg. Calculated heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) values indicated less contamination. However, concentrations of Fe and Pb were observed to be higher than the permissible limits set forth by the Mexican government for human consumption. Henceforth, the prerequisite for maintaining and improving the health of a river system depends on continuous long-term monitoring of the dynamic ecosystem for sustainable management.

The main objective of this work was to optimize the process of fractionation of the bagasse of Agave angustifolia Haw, applying organosolv assisted with microwaves. The DCC was used to evaluate the effect of independent variables such as ethanol concentration (40, 50, and 60%) and reaction time (1, 1.5, and 2 h) on yield, cellulose and lignin percentages. Lignocellulosic fractions (F1 and F2) were obtained by means of organosolv assisted with microwave in an open system (atmospheric pressure) and a closed system (controlled pressure). The lignocellulosic fractions were microstructurally characterized. The highest extraction yields (70.39%) were reached in the open system at 50% ethanol for 1.5 h. The highest percentages of LK (5.05%) were obtained in the closed system at 60% ethanol for 2 h. The SEM photomicrograph showed that the microstructure of F1 was retained even after treatment with 60% ethanol for 2 h, and the exposure of the fibrillar part was observed obtaining the disposition of pectin.

In Mexico Agave angustifolia has traditionally been used to treat inflammation. The aim of this study was to measure the anti-inflammatory effect of the extract of A. angustifolia, the isolation and identification of active compounds. From the acetone extract two active fractions were obtained, (AsF13 and AaF16). For the characterization of pharmacological activity, the acute inflammatory model of mouse ear edema induced with TPA was used. The tissue exposed to TPA and treatments were subjected to two analysis, cytokine quantification (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) and histopathological evaluation. The active fraction (AaF16) consisted principally of 3-O-[(6'-O-palmitoyl)-β-D-glucopyranpsyl] sitosterol. In AaF13 fraction was identified β-sitosteryl glucoside (2) and stigmasterol (3). The three treatments tested showed a concentration-dependent anti-inflammatory effect (AaAc Emax = 33.10%, EC50 = 0.126 mg/ear; AaF13 Emax = 54.22%, EC50 = 0.0524 mg/ear; AaF16 Emax = 61.01%, EC50 = 0.050 mg/ear). The application of TPA caused a significant increase on level of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα compared with basal condition, which was countered by any of the experimental treatments. Moreover, the experimental treatments induced a significant increase in the levels of IL-4 and IL-10, compared to the level observed when stimulated with TPA. Therefore, the anti-inflammatory effect of Agave angustifolia, is associated with the presence of 3-O-[(6'-O-palmitoyl)-β-D-glucopyranosyl] sitosterol.

Inulin-type fructans are the most studied prebiotic compounds because of their broad range of health benefits. In particular, plants of the Agave genus are rich in fructans. Agave-derived fructans have a branched structure with both β-(2→1) and β-(2→6) linked fructosyl chains attached to the sucrose start unit with a degree of polymerization (DP) of up to 80 fructose units. The objective of this work was to assess the prebiotic potential of three Agave angustifolia Haw fructan fractions (AFF) with different degrees of polymerization. The three fructan fractions were extracted from the agave stem by lixiviation and then purified by ultrafiltration and ion exchange chromatography: AFF1, AFF2 and AFF3 with high (3-60 fructose units), medium (2-40) and low (2-22) DP, respectively. The fructan profile was determined with high-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD), which confirmed a branched fructan structure. Structural elucidation was performed by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy. The AFF spectrum shows characteristic fructan bands. The prebiotic effect of these fractions was assessed in vitro through fermentation by Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains. Four growth patterns were observed. Some bacteria did not grow with any of the AFF, while other strains grew with only AFF3. Some bacteria grew according to the molecular weight of the AFF and some grew indistinctly with the three fructan fractions.

Species of the agave genus, such as Agave tequilana, Agave angustifolia and Agave americana are used in Mexican traditional medicine to treat inflammation-associated conditions. These plants' leaves contain saponin compounds which show anti-inflammatory properties in different models. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory capacity of these plants, identify which is the most active, and isolate the active compound by a bio-directed fractionation using the ear edema induced in mice with 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) technique. A dose of 6 mg/ear of acetone extract from the three agave species induced anti-inflammatory effects, however, the one from A. americana proved to be the most active. Different fractions of this species showed biological activity. Finally the F5 fraction at 2.0 mg/ear induced an inhibition of 85.6%. We identified one compound in this fraction as (25R)-5α-spirostan-3β,6α,23α-triol-3,6-di-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (cantalasaponin-1) through 1H- and 13C-NMR spectral analysis and two dimensional experiments like DEPT NMR, COSY, HSQC and HMBC. This steroidal glycoside showed a dose dependent effect of up to 90% of ear edema inhibition at the highest dose of 1.5 mg/ear.

Background: Digital image analysis has an important role in geographical provenance of grains, as it can provide parameters of size, shape and color, which are important quality parameters for the design of engineering processes such as drying and milling of grains. In this study, digital image analysis was used to classify nine rice cultivars based on different morphometric parameters using the three sides of the grain (lateral, ventral and axial), Feret diameter, and 10 different form factors and color parameters (CIE L*, a* and b*)., Results: Result of principal component analyisis was an equation with seven variables (area, perimeter, length, width, thickness, sphericity and color), which was useful for distinguishing between nine different cultivars. The morphometric and color parameters for the Mor A-98 and Mor A-92 varieties showed they had 88% similarity. The variability was expressed with a confidence of 95%., Conclusion: Multivariate analysis indicated that the lateral side is the most sensitive for the classification of Mexican rice grains because of its color and morphometric characteristics. These results showed the application of image analysis for the future classifications of grains., (Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry.)

The morphostructure of grain rice Morelos A-98 was characterized in five stages of physiological maturation, in order to generate morphometric information during the filling process. Micrographic images from optical and scanning electron microscopy coupled to a digital capture system were used. Images were digitally processed to measure different descriptors such as shape, fractal dimension, and surface texture. Results showed that, two weeks after anthesis, an accelerated grain filling was observed, particularly on those grains positioned in the distal panicle zone, compared to those located in the base of this one. As deposition of assimilates in the grain increased, the area and perimeter of the transversal cut of the grains also increased (P ≤ 0.05); meanwhile, the rounded shape factor tended to increase as well (P ≤ 0.05), while the elliptic shape factor decreased. As the dehydrated endosperm passed from "milky" to "doughy" stages, values of fractal dimension area and endosperm perimeter as well as surface texture values showed that grain borders tended to become smoother and that there was a greater structured endosperm area (P ≤ 0.05).

The influence of Triton X-100 on Beta vulgaris L. permeabilized cell culture viability, regrowth, and ability to produce betacyanines was evaluated in this study. A non-destructive method based on the analysis of images in the RGB (red, green, blue) system was developed to estimate betacyanines content. A treatment for 15 min with 0.7 mM Triton X-100 induced the release of 30% of betacyanines without loss of cell viability (>or=70%). After this permeabilization treatment, B. vulgaris cultures regrew normally, reaching a maximum biomass concentration of 48% higher than non-permeabilized cultures after 14 days of culture. Also, maximum betacyanines concentration was only 25% lower than that of non-permeabilized cultures.