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Mycetoma is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016. It is characterized by the progressive growth of nodules and granulomatous lesions on the legs, arms, and trunk. It is potentially disfiguring and causes disability or amputations in working-age people from marginalized areas. The causative agents can be fungi (eumycetoma) or actinobacteria (actinomycetoma), the latter being the most common in America and Asia. Nocardia brasiliensis is the most important causal agent of actinomycetoma in the Americas. Taxonomic problems have been reported when identifying this species, so this study aimed to detect the 16S rRNA gene variations in N. brasiliensis strains using an in silico enzymatic restriction technique. The study included strains from clinical cases of actinomycetoma in Mexico, isolated from humans and previously identified as N. brasiliensis by traditional methods. The strains were characterized microscopically and macroscopically, then subjected to DNA extraction and amplification of the 16S rRNA gene by PCR. The amplification products were sequenced, and consensus sequences were constructed and used for genetic identification and in silico restriction enzyme analysis with the New England BioLabs® NEBcutter program. All study strains were molecularly identified as N. brasiliensis; however, in silico restriction analysis detected a diversity in the restriction patterns that were finally grouped and subclassified into 7 ribotypes. This finding confirms the existence of subgroups within N. brasiliensis. The results support the need to consider N. brasiliensis as a complex species.

We present the draft genome sequence of the halotolerant strain Bacillus paralicheniformis TXO7B-1SG6.

Background: Gram-negative bacilli are primarily responsible for the most common pediatric infections. Frequently, Escherichia fergusonii is identified as E. coli because of its close genetic proximity. Objectives: We aimed at the isolation and identification of multi-resistant strains of E. fergusonii, affecting children under two months of age. Methods: Strains were isolated from infectious processes and were identified phenotypically and molecularly. The microdilution method (MicroScan, autoSCAN-4) and the disk diffusion method (modified Kirby Bauer) were used to analyze antibiotic susceptibility. Results: Strains isolated were multi-resistant. Molecular identification provided the correct taxonomic assignment. Escherichia fergusonii strains were wrongly identified as E. coli with the phenotypic identification method. In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae were identified. The best sensitivity results were obtained with Ceftazidime/avibactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam. Conclusions: We provided the first report of isolation and identification of multi-resistant E. fergusonii strains affecting children under two months of age in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Actinobacteria are prokaryotes with a large biotechnological interest due to their ability to produce secondary metabolites, produced by two main biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs): polyketide synthase (PKS) and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS). Most studies on bioactive products have been carried out on actinobacteria isolated from soil, freshwater or marine habitats, while very few have been focused on halophilic actinobacteria isolated from extreme environments. In this study we have carried out a comparative genomic analysis of the actinobacterial genus Saccharomonospora, which includes species isolated from soils, lake sediments, marine or hypersaline habitats. A total of 19 genome sequences of members of Saccharomonospora were retrieved and analyzed. We compared the 16S rRNA gene-based phylogeny of this genus with evolutionary relationships inferred using a phylogenomic approach obtaining almost identical topologies between both strategies. This method allowed us to unequivocally assign strains into species and to identify some taxonomic relationships that need to be revised. Our study supports a recent speciation event occurring between Saccharomonospora halophila and Saccharomonospora iraqiensis. Concerning the identification of BGCs, a total of 18 different types of BGCs were detected in the analyzed genomes of Saccharomonospora, including PKS, NRPS and hybrid clusters which might be able to synthetize 40 different putative products. In comparison to other genera of the Actinobacteria, members of the genus Saccharomonospora showed a high degree of novelty and diversity of BGCs.

The draft genome sequence of Saccharomonospora piscinae KCTC 19743T, with a size of 4,897,614 bp, was assembled into 11 scaffolds containing 4,561 open reading frames and a G+C content of 71.0 mol%. Polyketide synthase and nonribosomal peptide synthetase gene clusters, which are responsible for the biosynthesis of several biomolecules, were identified and located in different regions in the genome.

This chapter discusses the main reasons for viewing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) as emerging contaminants. Their access routes into the environment are specified, in particular into natural and wastewater, and current evidence about their possible toxic effects is described. Mention is made of the most commonly used methods for routine determination from sampling to final quantification of NSAIDs in water samples of diverse origins. The most important aspects of sampling, extraction, and concentration, including microextraction methods, are detailed. The methods most commonly used in separation, identification, and quantification of NSAIDs in water are described. These methods include, in particular, gas and liquid chromatography systems and capillary electrophoresis that are coupled to different detectors. It was concluded that it is necessary to develop new methodologies that allow continuous monitoring at even lower costs than presently available.

Background: Some studies show changes in the microbiota in people undergoing antineoplastic treatment. Currently, there is not enough evidence of this effect in the treatment of cervical cancer (CC). The objective was to determine changes in the diversity of local cervical bacteria in women with CC receiving chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and brachytherapy. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal, and prospective study was conducted in 68 women with locally advanced CC with a treatment plan based on the administration of chemotherapy, external beam radiotherapy, and brachytherapy. Cervical-vaginal fluid samples were taken during antineoplastic treatment. The samples were used to isolate bacterial strains. The bacteria were identified at the molecular level by comparing sequences of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Results: The bacteria identified belonged to three phyla: Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Nine genera and 25 species of bacteria were identified. The most frequent species were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Corynebacterium amycolatum, and Enterococcus faecalis. There were statistically significant differences when comparing bacterial diversity found in the different stages of treatment (≤0.05). Bacterial diversity decreased as antineoplastic treatment progressed and increased at the end of therapy. Conclusion: Antineoplastic treatments generate changes in the diversity of local cervical bacterial communities of women with CC.

Purpose. Under certain circumstances, Actinomyces behaves as an opportunistic microorganism and can cause actinomycosis, a chronic and inflammatory granulomatous infection. The purpose of this project was to detect the presence of Actinomyces in cervical exudates from women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and women with cervical cancer. Methodology. Cervical samples from 92 women were divided into three groups: CIN, cervical cancer and healthy women. Metagenomic DNA extraction was performed following the Qiagen QIAamp Mini Kit protocol. A specific fragment (675 bp) was amplified by PCR in order to detect the presence of Actinomycetales. Samples in which Actinomycetales was detected were subjected to separate amplification reactions with primer pairs for A. israelii, A. viscosus, A. meyeri and A. odontolyticus. Amplified products were observed by 2 % agarose gel electrophoresis. Results. Actinomyces were found in 10 % of women with CIN, 36.6 % of women with cervical cancer and 9 % of healthy women. The species identified in this study were A. meyeri in 14/92 samples (15.2 %), A. viscosus in 10/92 samples (10.8 %), A. odontolyticus in 4/92 samples (4.3 %) and A. israelii in 6/92 samples (6.5 %). Conclusion. Patients with cervical cancer had a higher prevalence of the presence of Actinomyces compared to the CIN and control groups. This is the first study in which a deliberate search of this genus has been performed in women with cervical pathologies. The use of specific primers for each species facilitated their detection in comparison with traditional isolation methods. More information is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the complex role that bacterial communities may play in the development of cancer (and vice versa).

Mycobacteriumgenus causes a variety of zoonotic diseases. The best known example is the zoonotic tuberculosis due toM. bovis. Much less is known about “nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM),” which are also associated with infections in humans. The Mexican standard NOM-ZOO-031-1995 regulates the presence ofM. bovisin cattle; however, no regulation exists for the NTM species. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify nontuberculous mycobacteria species from cattle of local herds in the south region of the State of Mexico through the identification and detection of the 100 bp molecular marker in the 23S rRNA gene with subsequent sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Milk samples (35) and nasal exudate samples (68) were collected. From the 108 strains isolated, 39 were selected for identification. Thirteen strains isolated from nasal exudates amplified the 100 bp molecular marker and were identified asM. neoaurum(six strains),M. parafortuitum(four strains),M. moriokaense(two strains), andM. confluentis(one strain). ExceptM. parafortuitum, the other species identified are of public health and veterinary concern because they are pathogenic to humans, especially those with underlying medical conditions.

With the purpose of understanding the social dimension of infectious diseases caused by actinomycetes, we present the complexity of the triad balance of agent-environment-host through the structural genetic model, highlighting reality levels, structural causes, health risks and risk behaviours. We discuss the possibility of recovering the subjective experience of the patient as a member of a community of sufferers, who present levels of extreme poverty, and whose risk behaviours are determined by networks of meanings with which they interpret the experience of being alive, appropriating and reconstructing the traditions and beliefs that have allowed them to live in a world that is adverse to them.

The draft genome sequence of Saccharomonospora sp. strain LRS4.154, a moderately halophilic actinobacterium, has been determined. The genome has 4,860,108 bp, a G+C content of 71.0%, and 4,525 open reading frames (ORFs). The clusters of PKS and NRPS genes, responsible for the biosynthesis of a large number of biomolecules, were identified in the genome.

Una opcion para biorremediar ambientes salinos contaminados con compuestos organicos hidrofobicos, es el uso de microorganismos haloalcalofilos o haloalcalotolerantes capaces de producir biosurfactantes estables y consumir al compuesto hidrofobo. El biosurfactante solubiliza al contaminante haciendolo biodisponible para el microrganismo. De estudios previos se conocia la capacidad de siete actinobacterias haloalcalotolerantes para transformar el antraceno. En este trabajo, a estas siete mas 11 mas aisladas de ambientes salinos, se les determino la capacidad para producir biosurfactantes con propiedades emulsificantes. A las que la mostraron, fueron seleccionadas para saber si utilizaban al antraceno como unica fuente de carbono y energia. La capacidad para producir biosurfactante fue determinada por los metodos de actividad hemolitica, gota colapsada y difusion del diametro de la gota. La propiedad emulsificante y la estabilidad de la emulsion se caracterizaron con el indice de emulsificacion y el indice de emulsificacion relativo, respectivamente. De 18 actinobacterias evaluadas, cinco cepas mostraron capacidad para producir biosurfactantes con propiedades emulsificantes, alta estabilidad en la emulsion y utilizacion de antraceno como unica fuente de carbono y energia. De estas cinco, dos son haloalcalofilas pertenecientes a la especie Nocardiopsis salina y tres son haloalcalotolerantes pertenecientes a las especies: Kocuria palustris, Microbacterium testaceum y Kocuria rosea. En un estudio previo se determino la capacidad transformadora de antraceno en las tres cepas haloalcalotolerantes, por lo tanto los resultados de este estudio sugieren proponerlas como candidatas para procesos de biorremediacion de ambientes salinos contaminados con compuestos hidrofobos. Asimismo se sugiere determinar la misma capacidad para las dos cepas haloalcalofilas.

The draft genome sequence of Saccharomonospora sp. strain LRS4.154, a moderately halophilic actinobacterium, has been determined. The genome has 4,860,108 bp, a G+C content of 71.0%, and 4,525 open reading frames (ORFs). The clusters of PKS and NRPS genes, responsible for the biosynthesis of a large number of biomolecules, were identified in the genome.

"La tuberculosis es una enfermedad crónica diagnosticada por baciloscopía. En 1992, Roller y col. identi?caron un marcador molecular característico de bacterias Gram positivas con alto contenido de guanina y citosina. El objetivó de este artículo fue ampli?car este marcador molecular en muestras de esputo para detectar la presencia de micobacterias. Se recolectaron 28 muestras de esputo, se les ampli?có el marcador molecular, se inocularon en los medios de cultivo Lowenstein-Jensen y Stonebrink y a las cepas aisladas se les ampli?có el gen rRNA 16S para su identi?cación. Seis muestras ampli?caron el marcador molecular. Cinco cepas tu vieron una semejanza del 100% con el complejo tuberculosis y una cepa 99% con Mycobacterium conceptionense . Con la ampli?cación del marcador molecular, se logró detectar la presencia de micobacterias en muestras de esputo."

The aim of this paper was to determine in 32 patients from 4 different Mexican hospitals the frequency of opportunistic bacteria in the 2010 to 2011 time period. The patients were divided in 4 groups. Group 1 included 21 HIV positive patients with acute respiratory syndrome. Four HIV positive patients with tuberculosis symptoms were included in Group 2; two patients with tuberculosis symptoms and one asymptomatic person formed Group 3. Reference Group 4 included 4 patients from whom 4 strains ofMycobacteriumspp. had been reported. The strains were isolated and identified by 16S rRNA gene amplification, API 20E and 50CH, biochemical test, and antibiotic sensitivity. The strains found were 10Pantoea agglomerans, 6Mycobacteriumspp., 6Pseudomonasspp. and 10 strains of normal floral species:Thermoactinomycetes bacterium(1),Enterococcus faecium(2),Bacillus licheniformis(1),Lactobacillus rhamnosus(2),Streptococcus oralis(2),Streptococcus anginosus(1), andEnterobacter hormaechei(1).

"Aunque la tuberculosis en el ser humano es causada principalmente por el Mycobacterium tuberculosis, también puede adquirirse por otras micobacterias, como Mycobacterium bovis, responsable de la tuberculosis en bovinos y segunda causa de dicha enfermedad en humanos. Esta investigación se llevó a cabo en cincuenta y siete hatos lecheros pertenecientes a siete municipios del estado de México, México, donde se obtuvieron setecientos veintidós muestras de leche y trece de esputo de los trabajadores, en contacto con el ganado. Las muestras fueron procesadas mediante la tinción de Ziehl - Neelsen para la detección de bacilos ácido alcohol resistentes, encontrándose positivas 25 muestras de leche y cuatro de esputo. Las 25 muestras de leche positivas pertenecen a diez de los 57 hatos estudiados y los 10 hatos con muestras positivas se distribuyen en los siete municipios incluidos. Las cuatro muestras de esputo positivas pertenecen solo a dos hatos, uno del municipio de Zacazonapan y el otro del municipio de Temascaltepec. En el hato de Zacazonapan se detectaron cinco muestras de leche positivas de 12 tomadas (42%) y también fueron positivas las dos muestras de esputo tomadas. En el hato de Temascaltepec se detectaron siete muestras de leche positivas de 18 tomadas (39%) y resultaron positivas las dos muestras de esputo obtenidas. Los datos sugieren la presencia de esta zoonosis en estos dos hatos. El objetivo del presente estudio fue detectar la presencia de Mycobacterium spp. en bovinos del estado de México y personas en contacto con ellos"

In this paper is presented the percentage of fatty acids composition of three Artemia franciscana Mexican populations of epicontinentals waters; two are from natural environments (Coahuila and San Luis Potosf) and one (Texcoco) is a culture fed with Spirulina. Determination of fatty acids composition in each population, was performed by extraction of total lipid by the soxhlet method and the fatty acids methyl esters were determined by gas chromatography. The results show that Artemia of Texcoco contains the six fatty acids recommended for the culture of fish and crustaceans (16:0; 16:1; 18:1; 18:2w6; 18:3w3 and 20:5w3); Artemia from San Luis Potosi showed the poorest content in these acids and Artemia from Coahuila, although it showed a wide profile, it lacks the linolenic acid. When comparing results among the three populations with ecological data that have been published, it can be pointed out that the environment is decisive for this crustacean; Artemia from Texcoco fed with Spirulina showed the largest variety of fatty acids; the other two populations are wild, and lives in different habitats, Artemia of Coahuila is found in waters that are rich in sulfates and Artemia of San Luis Potosf lives in evaporation saltern ponds, built with stone blocks and therefore with scarce phytoplankton growth. Both Artemia populations showed deficiencies in essential fatty acids, mainly the last one.

Se evaluó una fracción proteínica con actividad hemoaglutinante (fracción AL27), aislada del veneno de la serpiente Agkistrodon piscivorus, en su aptitud para inhibir in vitro al virus de parainfl uenza-3 bovino (VPIB-3), ya sea por su capacidad de bloquear receptores celulares o por su adherencia a las espículas de la hemoaglutinina viral. La adición de #8804; 1.062 #956;g/mL de AL27 en cultivos MDBK, previa a la infección con el VPIB-3 (título 105.6 DICC50%), impidió el daño o destrucción de los tejidos, manteniendo la viabilidad celular entre 69.43% y 84.86%. Asimismo, tras la mezcla de ambos reactantes en proporción 1:1 (1 mL AL27 en concentración #8804; 1.062 #956;g/mL + 1 mL VPIB-3 con título 105.6 DICC50%) e incubación a 37°C durante 1 h, se detectó al microscopio electrónico una aparente unión de AL27 con las espículas de hemoaglutinina virales. El bloqueo del VPIB-3 por AL27 se dedujo mediante la reducción del título viral de 105.6 a 102.0 DICC50%. Además, se detectó probable identidad entre AL27 y VPIB-3, por el reconocimiento de una proteína común de 21 kDa al realizar un Western blot con suero hiperinmune anti-Agkistrodon piscivorus. Los resultados muestran la factibilidad de que la fracción AL27 pueda ser empleada como agente antiviral.

Food security is the main concern of government due to malnutrition worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess macronutrients and amino acids in five species of grasshoppers, consumed in rural and urban communities. Samples were captured in different agro climatic environment conditions, wherever vegetation grows, and the macronutrients were raw, analyzed in dry basis by the AOAC methods and amino acids by cation exchange chromatography. The obtained data showed a high protein content, ranging from 70% to 75%; lipids 4% to 6%; minerals 3% to 5%; fiber 6% to 8% and soluble carbohydrates 6% to 18%, including essential amino acids that play an important role in human metabolism, with tryptophan as limiting factor. The different species of the studied grasshoppers are high in proteins, essential macromolecules for human life that decrease protein-energy malnutrition; the excess of amino acids after releasing the amino group will provide energy, as well as soluble carbohydrates. They also have minerals that are needed to prevent anemia, and fiber, non-digestible carbohydrates essential in a healthy diet. In conclusion, the daily consumption of 5 or 6 grasshoppers is a good source of nutrients that will provide optimal health to population.

En este trabajo se presenta la composición y el porcentaje de ácidos grasos de tres poblaciones mexicanas de Artemia franciscana de aguas epicontinentales; dos provienen de lugares silvestres (Coahuila y San Luis Potosí) y una (Texcoco) de un cultivo alimentado con Spirulina. Para la determinación de los ácidos grasos de cada población se extrajeron los lípidos totales por el método soxhlet y se esterificaron los ácidos grasos; posteriormente, mediante cromatografía de gases se determinó la composición y el porcentaje de los mismos. Los resultados muestran que la población de Texcoco contiene los seis ácidos grasos relevantes para peces y crustáceos en la acuicultura (16:0; 16:1; 18:1; 18:2w6; 18:3w3 y 20:5w3); mientras que la Artemia de San Luis Potosí resultó ser la más pobre en estos ácidos y la población de Coahuila, aunque mostró un perfil amplio, carece del ácido linolénico, ácido esencial y precursor de otros. Al comparar estos resultados, con datos ecológicos de estas tres poblaciones publicados previamente, se puede señalar que el ambiente es determinante para este crustáceo ya que Artemia de Texcoco provenía de un cultivo alimentado con Spirulina y fue la población que mostró mayor variedad de ácidos grasos. Las otras dos poblaciones son silvestres, con hábitats diferentes, la Artemia de Coahuila vive en aguas ricas en sulfatos y la de San Luis Potosí habita en vasos evaporadores de sal construidos con piedra de cantera y por lo tanto con escaso crecimiento de fitoplancton, ambas poblaciones mostraron deficiencias de ácidos grasos esenciales, sobre todo ésta últimaIn this paper is presented the percentage of fatty acids composition of three Artemia franciscana Mexican populations of epicontinentals waters; two are from natural environments (Coahuila and San Luis Potosí) and one (Texcoco) is a culture fed with Spirulina. Determination of fatty acids composition in each population, was performed by extraction of total lipid by the soxhlet method and the fatty acids methyl esters were determined by gas chromatography. The results show that Artemia of Texcoco contains the six fatty acids recommended for the culture of fish and crustaceans (16:0; 16:1; 18:1; 18:2w6; 18:3w3 and 20:5w3); Artemia from San Luis Potosí showed the poorest content in these acids and Artemia from Coahuila, although it showed a wide profile, it lacks the linolenic acid. When comparing results among the three populations with ecological data that have been published, it can be pointed out that the environment is decisive for this crustacean; Artemia from Texcoco fed with Spirulina showed the largest variety of fatty acids; the other two populations are wild, and lives in different habitats, Artemia of Coahuila is found in waters that are rich in sulfates and Artemia of San Luis Potosí lives in evaporation saltern ponds, built with stone blocks and therefore with scarce phytoplankton growth. Both Artemia populations showed deficiencies in essential fatty acids, mainly the last one

In this paper is presented the percentage of fatty acids composition of three Artemia franciscana Mexican populations of epicontinentals waters; two are from natural environments (Coahuila and San Luis Potosf) and one (Texcoco) is a culture fed with Spirulina. Determination of fatty acids composition in each population, was performed by extraction of total lipid by the soxhlet method and the fatty acids methyl esters were determined by gas chromatography. The results show that Artemia of Texcoco contains the six fatty acids recommended for the culture of fish and crustaceans (16:0; 16:1; 18:1; 18:2w6; 18:3w3 and 20:5w3); Artemia from San Luis Potosi showed the poorest content in these acids and Artemia from Coahuila, although it showed a wide profile, it lacks the linolenic acid. When comparing results among the three populations with ecological data that have been published, it can be pointed out that the environment is decisive for this crustacean; Artemia from Texcoco fed with Spirulina showed the largest variety of fatty acids; the other two populations are wild, and lives in different habitats, Artemia of Coahuila is found in waters that are rich in sulfates and Artemia of San Luis Potosf lives in evaporation saltern ponds, built with stone blocks and therefore with scarce phytoplankton growth. Both Artemia populations showed deficiencies in essential fatty acids, mainly the last one.