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The emergence and re-emergence of tick-borne bacteria (TBB) as a public health problem raises the uncertainty of antibiotic resistance in these pathogens, which could be dispersed to other pathogens. The impact of global warming has led to the emergence of pathogenic TBB in areas where they were not previously present and is another risk that must be taken into account under the One Health guides. This review aimed to analyze the existing information regarding antibiotic-resistant TBB and antibiotic-resistance genes (ARG) present in the tick microbiome, considering the potential to be transmitted to pathogenic microorganisms. Several Ehrlichia species have been reported to exhibit natural resistance to fluoroquinolones and typhus group Rickettsiae are naturally susceptible to erythromycin. TBB have a lower risk of acquiring ARG due to their natural habitat, but there is still a probability of acquiring them; furthermore, studies of these pathogens are limited. Pathogenic and commensal bacteria coexist within the tick microbiome along with ARGs for antibiotic deactivation, cellular protection, and efflux pumps; these ARGs confer resistance to antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, beta-lactamase, diaminopyrimidines, fluoroquinolones, glycopeptides, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines. Although with low probability, TBB can be a reservoir of ARGs.

An ultrasound, a non-thermal technique, can be employed to increase a probiotic’s biomass and its fermentation products. The effects of high-intensity ultrasounds (20%, 30%, and 40% amplitudes for 3 min) on the growth and fermentative profile of Lactobacillus acidophilus and helveticus were studied. The use of an ultrasound decreased the Lag phase and increased the maximum growth potential; however, the effect depended on the amplitude used. For both probiotics, the β-galactosidase activity increased in the treatments with a 20% amplitude—3 min and 30% amplitude—but decreased in the treatment with a 40% amplitude—3 min in comparison to the values found in the control treatment. The two probiotics showed a decrease in the protein concentration when compared with the control treatment. Both probiotics presented the lowest values of proteolysis in the treatments with a 30% amplitude—3 min. Lactic, acetic, and citric acids were the organic acids that were present in the highest concentration and formic acid was not detected in either of the two probiotics. It can be concluded that the ultrasound amplitude has a noticeable influence on the growth and fermentation profiles of both probiotics. The results from this study could be used in subsequences investigations to enhance the postbiotic production of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus.

Physical exercise (PE) is recommended for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), but the molecular and biological mechanisms that impact the inflammatory process and joint destruction in RA remain unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of PE on the histological and transcriptional changes in the joints of adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model. AIA rats were subjected to PE on a treadmill for eight weeks. The joints were subjected to histological and microarray analysis. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by PE in the arthritic rats were obtained from the microarray. The bioinformatic analysis allowed the association of these genes in biological processes and signaling pathways. PE induced the differential expression of 719 genes. The DEGs were significantly associated with pathogenic mechanisms in RA, including HIF-1, VEGF, PI3-Akt, and Jak-STAT signaling pathways, as well as response to oxidative stress and inflammatory response. At a histological level, PE exacerbated joint inflammatory infiltrate and tissue destruction. The PE exacerbated the stressed joint environment aggravating the inflammatory process, the hypoxia, and the oxidative stress, conditions described as detrimental in the RA joints. Research on the effect of PE on the pathogenesis process of RA is still necessary for animal models and human.

Sonoporation stimulates cell growth as it improves the permeability of the membrane and increases the uptake of impermeable molecules in the extracellular matrix. We evaluated the effects of substrates (whey, whole, and skim milk) and ultrasonic treatments (ultrasonication and thermosonication) on the antioxidant activity (AA) of water-soluble kefir postbiotics (WSKPs). The samples were evaluated in terms of antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, FRAP, and ORAC), water-soluble protein content, proteolysis (SDS-PAGE profiles), and cell membrane permeability. The levels of AA in all WSKPs depended on the substrate and method of obtaining them. However, the WSKPs from whey had higher antioxidant activity with DPPH (11.11 mg TE/100 mL), ABTS (12.77 mg TE/100 mL), and FRAP (5.18 mg TE/100 mL). Also, the WSKPs from whey had the highest values for water-soluble protein (1.45–1.32 mg/mL) and proteolysis degree and the lowest percentage of dead cells (11.4–28%). These results suggest that the production of WSKPs from whey might add value to whey production. Furthermore, WSKPs have potential as a functional ingredient in the production of beverages or foods with antioxidant activity.

Physical exercise generates a systemic response in the immune system. It has been observed that cell populations respond to exercise stimuli, especially Natural Killer cells, whose number increase within minutes of starting physical exertion. This study aimed to evaluate the acute effect of moderate- and high-intensity exercise on immunological markers in healthy women. As specific objectives, the percentages of CD3-CD56+ Natural Killer total cells, CD56brightCD16dim effector subpopulation, CD56dimCD16bright cytotoxic subpopulation, NKG2A inhibition receptor, NKG2D activation receptor, and NKT cells were analyzed. In addition, the levels of the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, and TNF and the chemokines CCL5/RANTES, CXCL9/MIG, CCL2/MCP-1, and CXCL10/IP-10 were also analyzed. Natural Killer total cells showed an increase in their percentage in both exercise protocols (p = 0.001 for the moderate-intensity group and p = 0.023 for the high-intensity group); however, only in the high-intensity exercise session was there an increase in the CD56dimCD16bright cytotoxic subpopulation (p = 0.014), as well as a decrease in CD56brightCD16dim effector subpopulation (p = 0.001) and their NKG2A inhibition receptor (p = 0.043). An increase in IL-6 was observed after the high-intensity exercise session (p = 0.025). Conclusions. Physical exercise influences immunological markers and shows an acute response to moderate- or high-intensity exercise.

Chihuahua is the largest state in Mexico. The ecosystem of this region is composed of large area of bushes, forests, and grasslands, which allows for a specific diversity of fauna; among them are interesting species of non-lethal scorpions. Most of the Chihuahuan scorpions have been previously morphologically and molecularly described; however, this manuscript could be the first to describe the composition of those venoms. This work aimed at the collection of two scorpion species from the region of Jiménez (Southwest of the State of Chihuahua), which belong to the species Chihuahuanus cohauilae and Chihuahuanus crassimanus; the two species were taxonomically and molecularly identified using a 16S DNA marker. Reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) of C. coahuilae and C. crassimanus venoms allowed the identification of three fractions lethal to mice. Additionally, three fractions of each scorpion displayed an effect on house crickets. In the end, three new fractions from the venom of C. coahuilae were positive for antimicrobial activity, although none from C. crassimanus venom displayed growth inhibition. Despite being a preliminary study, the venom biochemical analysis of these two uncharacterized scorpion species opens the opportunity to find new molecules with potential applications in the biomedical and biotechnological fields.

In 2021, 273 Rocky Mountain spotted fever cases were reported nationwide in Mexico. In Chihuahua City, fourteen samples were obtained from children suspected of rickettsial infection. The analysis of samples (January to December 2021) showed prevalence rates of 28.5%, 43%, and 28.5% for Rickettsia rickettsii, Ehrlichia canis, and both pathogens in coinfection, respectively. The analysis of clinical haematological and biochemistry analytes showed alterations; 100% of the children had elevated liver enzymes and coagulation times, 64% showed leukocytosis due to neutrophilia, 55% had thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, and hypoalbuminemia, and 45% showed normocytic normochromic anaemia. Statistically significant differences were observed in the expression of the chemokines IL-8, RANTES, CXCL9/MIG, and CXCL10/IP-10 across the coinfected and control groups, and the difference in IP-10 expression was significant for patients infected by R. rickettsii compared to the control group. Additionally, significant differences were observed for expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IFNγ, and TNFα among the R. rickettsii-positive group compared to the control group. On the other hand, the coinfected group exhibited modified levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 compared with the control group. Finally, significant differences were observed for CD8+ T lymphocyte subpopulations between individuals positive for R. rickettsii and those positive for E. canis.

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) requires multidisciplinary teamwork to explore new methodological designs with the aim of approaching treatment strategies on different fronts. In principle, the rationale for the use of convalescent plasma is consistent from both an efficacy and safety point of view. Although there are still few completed randomized trials, the latest published results regarding efficacy are inconclusive. Immediate studies should target convalescent plasma preparations with a high titer of anti–SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and given early in the disease course. Regarding safety, its use with minimum risk factors or side effects is well documented. However, comparative research studies that involve the determination of antibody titers to support efficacy are required. Moreover, regulatory agencies and national blood systems should take a positive position via evaluation, supervisory, and control systems to maintain a blood-tissue store that meets the needs of the community and its hospitals.

The antimicrobial and immunomodulatory capacities of the peptide Css54 and the chemokine MCP-1 were tested. The first, a peptide isolated from the venom of the scorpion Centruroides suffusus suffusus was synthesized chemically. In contrast, the second is a monocyte chemoattractant expressed as a recombinant protein in our lab. It was observed in vitro that Css54 inhibited the growth of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (6.2 µg/mL). At high concentrations, it was toxic to macrophages (25 µg/mL), activated macrophage phagocytosis (1.5 µg/mL), and bound Salmonella LPS (3 µg/mL). On the other hand, the recombinant MCP-1 neither inhibited the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium nor was it toxic to macrophages (up to 25 µg/mL), nor activated macrophage phagocytosis or bound Salmonella LPS (up to 3 µg/mL). Although it was observed in vivo in mice Balb/C that both Css54 and MCP-1 did not resolve the intraperitoneal infection by S. Typhimurium, Css54 decreased the expression of IL-6 and increased IL-10, IL-12p70, and TNF-α levels; meanwhile, MCP-1 decreased the expression of IFN-γ and increased IL-12p70 and TNF-α. It was also observed that the combination of both molecules Css54 and MCP-1 increased the expression of IL-10 and TNF-α.

In vitro assays of phagocytic activity showed that the peptide Pin2[G] stimulates phagocytosis in BMDM cells from 0.15 to 1.25 μg/mL, and in RAW 264.7 cells at 0.31 μg/mL. In the same way, the peptide FA1 induced phagocytosis in BMDM cells from 1.17 to 4.69 μg/mL and in RAW 264.7 cells at 150 μg/mL. Cytokine profiles of uninfected RAW 264.7 showed that Pin2[G] increased liberation TNF (from 1.25 to 10 μg/mL) and MCP-1 (10 μg/mL), and FA1 also increased the release of TNF (from 18.75 to 75 μg/mL) but did not increase the liberation of MCP-1. In RAW 264.7 macrophages infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, the expression of TNF increases with Pin2[G] (1.25–10 μg/mL) or FA1 (18.75–75 μg/mL). In these cells, FA1 also increases the expression of IL-12p70, IL-10 and IFN-γ when applied at concentrations of 37.5, 75 and 150 μg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, stimulation with 1.25 and 10 μg/mL of Pin2[G] promotes the expression of MCP-1 and IL-12p70, respectively. Finally, peptides treatment did not resolve murine gastric infection, but improves their physical condition. Cytokine profiles showed that FA1 reduces IFN-γ and MCP-1 but increases IL-10, while Pin2[G] reduces IFN-γ but increases the liberation of IL-6 and IL-12p70. This data suggests a promising activity of FA1 and Pin2[G] as immunomodulators of gastric infections in S. Typhimurium.

La transformación es la introducción y expresión de ADN exógeno por células bacterianas. La eficiencia de la transformación puede medirse en unidades formadoras de colonia/ml (UFC/ml) y es susceptible al método utilizado, a la cepa bacteriana utilizada para la expresión y al propio vector. En este trabajo se busca evaluar las diferencias en la eficiencia de transformación de dos plasmidos de expresión (pExp-Lib y pSF-CMVUb-puro-SV40 Ori Sbfl), en cuatro cepas diferentes de E. coli (DH5, BL21, XL1-Blue y TG1) utilizando un método de preparación de células competentes basado en el uso de MgCl2 /CaCl2 . En todas las cepas utilizadas, el crecimiento bacteriano y la eficiencia de transformación fueron mayores para las cepas con el vector pExp, a excepción de BL21, donde la eficiencia fue más elevada para el vector pSF.

The ashwin gene, originally identified in Xenopus laevis, was found to be expressed first in the neural plate and later in the embryonic brain, eyes, and spinal cord. Functional studies of ashwin suggest that it participates in cell survival and anteroposterior patterning. Furthermore, ashwin is expressed zygotically in this species, which suggests that it participates in embryonic development. Nevertheless, the expression of this gene has not been studied in mammals. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the ashwin expression pattern in bovine fetal and adult tissues, as well as in three independent samples of immature and mature oocytes, and in two- to four-, and eight-cell embryos, morula, and blastocysts. Spatiotemporal expression was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR); ashwin mRNA was detected in all tissues analyzed, immature and mature oocytes, and two- to eight-cell embryos. It was down-regulated in morula and blastocysts, suggesting that this expression profile is similar to that of maternal genes. Immunohistochemical localization of the ashwin protein in fetal and adult ovaries and testes reveals that this protein is consistently present during all stages of follicular development and during bovine spermatogenesis. These observations lead us to propose ashwin as an important gene involved in mammalian reproduction.

The ability of plant agglutinins to distinguish between erythrocytes of different blood types led Boyd and Shapleigh (1954) to propose for them the name lectins, from the Latin “legere”, to pick out or choose. This term was later generalized to embrace all sugar-specific agglutinins of non-immune origin, irrespective of source and blood type specificity. It was toward the end of the 19th century that evidence first started to accumulate for the presence in nature of proteins possessing the ability to agglutinate erythrocytes. Such proteins were referred to as hemagglutinins, or phytoagglutinins, because they were originally found in extracts of plants. It is generally believed that the earliest description of such a hemagglutinin was by Peter Hermann Stillmark in 1888. This hemagglutinin, which was also highly toxic, was isolated from seeds of the castor tree (Ricinus communis) and was named ricin. Subsequently, H. Hellin demonstrated the presence of another toxic hemagglutinin, abrin, in extracts of the jequirity bean (Abrus precatorius). Well known for being the first to crystallize the enzyme urease, for which he was later awarded the Nobel Prize, James B. Sumner in 1919 isolated from jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) a crystalline protein that he named concanavalin A, unknowingly obtaining a pure hemagglutinin for the first time. Nearly two decades passed before Sumner and Howel (1936) reported that concanavalin A agglutinates cells such as erythrocytes and yeasts and also precipitates glycogen from solution. They further showed that hemagglutination by concanavalin A was inhibited by sucrose, demonstrating for the first time the sugar specificity of lectins.