Blanca Edelia González-Martínez

Cholesterol assimilation, acid and bile survival of probiotic bacteria isolated from food and reference strains

ABSTRACT The evidence shows that probiotics can reduce cardiovascular diseases associated to high cholesterol levels, but it occurs just when they survive gastrointestinal conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of reference strains (RS) and food isolates strains (FIS) to survive acid and bile and to determine in-vitro cholesterol assimilation. FIS were more tolerant to acid than RS, showing significantly different growth response. FIS were more resistant to the presence of bile, in order descendent to oxgall, taurocholic acid, and cholic acid. The survival percentages ranged from 0% to 100%, presenting strain dependence. The most tolerant strains were tested for cholesterol test, showing RS lower percentages than FIS. In FIS, the percentage was negatively affected when the concentration of bile salt was increased. Therefore, to study the viability of different strains in gastrointestinal conditions is crucial because of the strain-dependence nature.

Basic‐education mexican teachers' knowledge of biotechnology and attitudes about the consumption of genetically modified foods*

Over the past few years, a new research field has emerged, focusing on the social‐scientific criteria for the study of opinions toward genetically modified foods (GMFs), since these may be limiting factors for the success or failure of these products. Basic education is the first step in the Mexican education system, and teachers may wield an outsized influence on the attitudes and preferences of children, prospective future consumers of these products. To better understand the current state of knowledge of biotechnology issues and opinions toward the consumption of GMF of Mexican teachers, a questionnaire was distributed, and 362 Mexican teachers of basic education responded. The survey included questions about the benefits and risks of consuming GMF. The mean percentage of teachers expressing knowledge of a given topic in biotechnology was 50%. More than 60% of teachers believed that GMFs would be useful in preventing world hunger, while 39.2% considered GMF to be hazards for future generations. Although 47.0% reported not having enough knowledge about these topics, almost all (90.3%) respondents expressed an interest and willingness to learn about biotechnology. In light of the fact that teachers of basic education represent the first and potentially most lasting stage in the education of young children, this survey establishes the urgent need to develop strategies to improve the scientific knowledge of teachers and to facilitate decision making and the promotion of scientific and technological advances for their students.