Abstract In recent years, resistant starch (RS) and slowly digestible starch (SDS) have been linked to the prevention of chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as obesity and its complications. Southern Mexico has an important role in the tuber crop production of M. esculenta and I. batatas, which contain considerable amounts of starch. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological and physicochemical changes of M. esculenta and I. batatas after pyrodextrinization, including the production of RS and SDS. The factors used in this study were the starch/acid ratio (2.2 HCl) (80:1 and 160:1 p/v); temperature (90 °C and 110 °C) and reaction time (1 and 3 h). The highest production of RS in M. esculenta was obtained with the highest starch/acid ratio and temperature, and the lowest reaction time. For pyrodextrins, loss of crystallinity and an increase in swelling power and water absorption capacity were observed. The highest production of RS in I. batatas was obtained with the highest starch/acid ratio and reaction time, and the lowest temperature. Crystallinity and enthalpy of gelatinization decreased in modified starches. The solubility, swelling power and water absorption capacity increased in both sources.

Abstract Policy evaluation and guidance on fluoride use and sugar consumption in Latin American and Caribbean countries (LACC) may provide a scientific evidence basis for policymakers, dental professionals, civil society organizations and individuals committed to improving public oral health. A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the extent of implementation of policies/guidelines on fluoride use, and sugar consumption in LACC. The study had two stages. First a questionnaire covering four major areas was developed: fluoridation of public water supplies; salt fluoridation; fluoride dentifrices, and sugar consumption. Then, the questionnaire was applied to collect data among representative participants in public oral health from LACC. Ninety-six participants from 18 LACC answered the questionnaire. One-hundred seventy documents were attached, and 285 links of websites were provided by the respondents. Implementation of policies and guidelines on water and table salt fluoridation and processed and ultra-processed food consumption were found in most countries, with some issues in the consensus and coverage. Thus, differences were identified in the extent of implementation of public oral health strategies on sugar consumption and fluoridation among the countries. There is no consensus on the policies in LACC to reduce sugar consumption and for the use of fluoride. A few policies and guidelines were applied in isolated countries, with a variety of strategies and standards. For future actions, it will be important to encourage the development of strategies and public policies within countries, and to evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies in reducing dental caries and in improving oral health in LACC.

Abstract Introduction: resistant starch (RS) is not completely digested in the human intestine but is fermented in the colon; intestinal pH decreases as short-chain fatty acids are produced. This is beneficial for health, and for preventing and treating rectal colon cancer. Pyrodextrinization and enzymatic hydrolysis are modifications to native starch (NS) that may increase the amount of RS. Objective: the objective of this project was to evaluate the effects of M. cavendishAAA native and both chemically and enzymatically modified starches on tumor markers in rats. Methods: modifications (chemical and enzymatic) were made to M. cavendishAAA NS, and were evaluated in rats with 1,2-DMH. Male Sprague Dawley rats (25) were used, divided into five experimental groups: PC, NC, NS, PI, and ERM. During 4 weeks they received the experimental diet assigned to each group. The PC, NS, PI and ERM groups received 2 weekly s.c. (subcutaneous) injections of 1,2-DMH (40 mg/kg) (third and fourth week). In feces, pH, β-glucuronidase enzyme, and short-chain fatty acids were evaluated, and a histopathological study was performed of the intestine to detect microscopic lesions. Results: the activity of β-glucuronidase decreased (p < 0.05) for NS, PI and ERM vs. PC. The highest proportion of butyric acid was observed in the NS (p < 0.05) vs. NC group. Sixty percent of enteritides were severe in grade in the PC group, and 40 % in the experimental groups. Conclusions: native starch granules resisted pyrodextrinization, but treatment with α-amylase broke the structure of the pyrodextrin granule. According to the treatments given to the rats, as the amount of RS present in the diet increases (NS), the neoplastic cells do not advance beyond the basement membrane, suggesting a possible cell-protective or anticancer effect.

Resumen Introducción: el almidón resistente (AR) no se digiere completamente en el intestino humano sino que se fermenta en colon; disminuye el pH intestinal, ya que se producen ácidos grasos de cadena corta, interviniendo de manera benéfica en el tratamiento preventivo y curativo del cáncer de colon rectal. La pirodextrinización y la hidrólisis enzimática son modificaciones al almidón nativo (AN) que pueden incrementar la cantidad de AR. Objetivo: el objetivo de este proyecto fue evaluar los efectos del almidón nativo de M. cavendishAAA y de los almidones modificados química y enzimáticamente sobre diversos marcadores tumorales en ratas. Métodos: se realizaron modificaciones (química y enzimática) del AN del banano M. cavendishAAA y se evaluaron en ratas tratadas con 1,2-DMH. Se utilizaron 25 ratas Sprague Dawley machos divididas en cinco grupos experimentales: CP, CN, AN, PI y MER. Durante 4 semanas recibieron la dieta experimental asignada a cada grupo. Los grupos CP, AN, PI y MER recibieron 2 inyecciones s.c. (subcutáneas) semanales de 1,2-DMH (40 mg/kg) (semanas 3 y 4). En las heces se evaluaron el pH, la enzima β-glucuronidasa y los ácidos grasos de cadena corta, y se realizó un estudio histopatológico del ciego y el colon para detectar lesiones microscópicas. Resultados: la actividad de β-glucuronidasa disminuyó (p < 0,05) para los grupos AN, PI y MER en comparación con el CP. La mayor proporción de ácido butírico se observó en el AN (p < 0,05) frente al CN. El 60 % de las enteritis fueron de grado severo en el CP, mientras que en los grupos experimentales fueron de 40 %. Conclusiones: los gránulos de almidón nativo resistieron la pirodextrinización pero el tratamiento con α-amilasa rompió la estructura del gránulo de pirodextrina. De acuerdo a los tratamientos suministrados a las ratas, conforme mayor es la cantidad de AR presente en la dieta (AN), las células neoplásicas no avanzan más allá de la membrana basal, sugiriendo un posible efecto protector o anticancerígeno celular.

SUMMARY Nasopalatine Canal (NPC) is an important structure that may be susceptible to damage during surgical procedures in the anterior maxilla, therefore a thorough examination of the anatomy and variants of the NPC is imperative for a good diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan. Objective: To perform an anatomic characterization of NPC using Computed Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Material and methods: 154 images of CBCT were evaluated, in which the NPC was analyzed in terms of length, shape, and inclination with respect to the hard palate and the maximum anteroposterior of the incisive foramen (IF) in men and women of 18 years of age and onwards. Results: to the evaluation of the NCP in sagittal slices of CBCT, it presented different forms, it was found to the cylindrical shape as the most common in 89 patients (58%), followed by the funnel shape in 38 (25%), and the less frequent were the shape of hourglass in 20 (13%) and spindle (5%). The average length of the NCP was 10.83 mm (± 2.13), the average of the anteroposterior diameter of the FI was 3.44 mm (± 0.80) and the average angulation of the CNP in relation to the hard palate was 16.44 ° (± 7.32). Conclusions: The study showed the variability of NCP in the Peruvian population, like in shape, length and inclination, as well as the diameter of the FI.

RESUMEN El Conducto Nasopalatino (CNP) es una estructura importante que puede ser susceptible de daño durante procedimientos quirúrgicos en el maxilar superior anterior; por lo tanto examinar meticulosamente la anatomía y variantes del CNP se hace imperativo para un buen diagnóstico y un apropiado plan de tratamiento. Objetivo: Realizar una caracterización anatómica del CNP utilizando Tomografía Computarizada de Haz Cónico (TCHC). Material y métodos: Se evaluaron 154 imágenes de TCHC, en las que se analizó CNP en cuanto a su longitud, forma, e inclinación con respecto al paladar duro y el diámetro anteroposterior del foramen incisivo (FI) en hombres y mujeres de 18 años de edad en adelante. Resultados: A la evaluación del CNP en cortes sagitales de TCHC presentó diferentes formas; se encontró que la forma más común fue la cilíndrica en 89 pacientes (58%), seguida de la forma de embudo en 38 (25%), y las menos frecuentes fueron la forma a de reloj de arena en 20 (13%) y de huso en 7 (5%). La longitud promedio del CNP fue de 10,83 mm (± 2,13), el promedio del diámetro anteroposterior del FI fue de 3,44 mm (± 0,80) y la angulación promedio en relación al paladar duro fue de 16,44° (± 7,32). Conclusiones: El estudio mostró la variabilidad del CNP en la población peruana, tanto en la forma, longitud e inclinación, así como también en el diámetro del FI.

Abstract Introduction: insulin resistance (IR) is the preliminary stage of diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. These diseases can be controlled through medication, yet the consumption of functional foods (FF) may be one complementary treatment option. Ingredients for these FF could be the pyrodextrin and enzymatically resistant maltodextrin (ERM) obtained from the native starch (NS) of M. cavendish in this study. Objective: to evaluate the effects of modified banana starch on glycemic control and blood pressure in rats with high sucrose diet (HSD). Methods: we utilized 25 male Wistar rats 20 of which received a HSD and five were fed a normal diet and purified water (PW) for 12 weeks. At the end of week 8, the rats fed a HSD were divided into four groups: positive control (PC), native starch (NS), pyrodextrin (PI), and enzymatically resistant maltodextrin (ERM). The negative control (NC) comprised the five rats fed PW. We evaluated the glucose tolerance test, blood pressure (BP), insulin levels, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and triglycerides. Results: differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy of the modified starches demonstrated that the pyroconversion treatment did not visibly affect the NS granules, while ERM was modified by the action of α-amylase. Starch treatments reduced glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and BP in comparison with PC (p < 0.05). Glucose AUC (0-120 min) was also decreased after starch treatments with respect to PC (p < 0.05). Conclusion: NS and its modified products exerted beneficial effects on glycemic control, lipid metabolism, and BP in obese rats fed a HSD. Although the modified starches presented lower resistance to digestion than NS, their expected properties were maintained.

Resumen Introducción: la resistencia a la insulina es la etapa preliminar de enfermedades como hipertensión y diabetes. Estas pueden controlarse a través de fármacos; sin embargo, el consumo de alimentos funcionales (AF) puede ser una opción de tratamiento complementario. Ingredientes para estos AF podrían ser la pirodextrina y la maltodextrina enzimáticamente resistente (MER), las cuales se obtuvieron a partir de la modificación al almidón nativo (AN) de M. cavendish para este estudio. Objetivo: evaluar los efectos del almidón modificado de banano sobre el control glucémico y la presión arterial en ratas con dieta alta en sacarosa. Métodos: se utilizaron 25 ratas macho cepa Wistar, de las cuales 20 fueron alimentadas con dieta alta en sacarosa (DAS) y cinco consumieron dieta normal con agua purificada (AP) durante 12 semanas. Al finalizar la octava semana, las ratas que consumieron DAS fueron divididas en cuatro grupos: control positivo (CP), almidón nativo (AN), pirodextrina (PI) y maltodextrina enzimáticamente resistente (MER). El control negativo (CN) fueron las cinco ratas que consumieron AP. Se evaluaron tolerancia a la glucosa, presión arterial (PA), niveles de insulina, colesterol total, lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL) y triglicéridos. Resultados: la calorimetría diferencial y la microscopía electrónica de barrido demostraron que el tratamiento de piroconversión no afectó visiblemente a los gránulos de AN, mientras que la MER fue modificada por acción de la α-amilasa. Los tratamientos de los almidones redujeron glucosa, insulina, índice de HOMA-IR y presión arterial en comparación con CP (p < 0,05). El área bajo la curva de la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa (0-120 minutos) fue también disminuida posterior al consumo de los almidones con respecto a CP (p < 0,05). Conclusión: el AN y sus productos modificados tienen efectos benéficos sobre el control glucémico, el metabolismo lipídico y la presión arterial en ratas obesas que consumieron una dieta alta en sacarosa. Aunque los almidones modificados presentaron menos almidón resistente que el AN, sus propiedades esperadas fueron mantenidas.

Antecedentes. La metodología de evaluación del riesgo de violencia ha evolucionado en los últimos tiempos. Las predicciones efectuadas en el sistema judicial requieren determinaciones basadas en evidencias y transparencia en sus procedimientos. Objetivos. Evaluar la validez concurrente y predictiva de la versión argentina de la Lifestyle Criminality Screening Form Revised -LCSF-R-, denominada escala de cribado de estilo de vida delictivo revisada -ECEViD R-. Material y métodos. Luego de traducir al español y adaptar al medio local la LCSF-R, se evaluó una cohorte de 100 personas candidatas consecutivas a liberación o alta del servicio penitenciario de la provincia de Buenos Aires con la ECEViD R y otras tres escalas: la Psychopathic Checklist Revised (PCL R), la Assessing Risk For Violence (HCR 20) y la Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (VRAG). El reclutamiento duró quince meses y el seguimiento, en promedio, dos años y medio. Se consignaron eventos violentos y delitos no violentos; se chequearon pérdidas por fallecimiento y salida del país. Se recabó la información mediante fuentes de información múltiples. Resultados. Éstos permiten sostener la validez concurrente de la ECEViD. Respecto de la validez predictiva no se obtuvieron resultados positivos significativos. Conclusión. Los autores sugieren que la ECEViD R resulta ser un instrumento candidato apropiado para el cribado en evaluaciones de riesgo de violencia, dado el comportamiento similar presentado con instrumentos m ás complejos.

Background. The violence risk assessment methodology has evolved in recent times. The predictions made in the judicial system require evidence based determinations and transparency in its procedures Objective. To evaluate the concurrent and predictive validity of the Argentinean version of Lifestyle Criminality Screening Form Revised -LCSF-R-, denominated escala de cribado de estilo de vida delictivo revisada -ECEViD R-. Materials and method. After the translation into Spanish and adaptation to the local way of LCSF-R. A cohort of 100 candidates to liberation or discharge of the Penitentiary Service of the State of Buenos Aires was evaluated with ECEViD and with other three scales: Psychopathic Checklist Revised -PCL R-, Assessing Risk for Violence -HCR 20- and Violence Risk Appraisal Guide -VRAG-. The recruitment lasted 15 months and the follow-up, in average, 2 years and a half. Violent events and not violent crimes were recorded; losses were checked by death and by exit of the country. Multiple sources of information were used. Results. The results allow to supporting the concurrent validity of the ECEViD. With regard to the predictive validity no significant positives results were obtained. Conclusions. The authors suggest that the ECEViD R turns out to be an instrument suitable candidate for the screening in violence risk evaluations, because of their similar behavior to more complex instruments.