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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.

A la fecha, la pandemia por COVID-19 ha generado una serie de terapéuticas con el objetivo de mejorar las condiciones de salud de quien la padece; sin embargo, los pacientes que dan de alta hospitalaria aún no están completamente sanos, debido a las secuelas respiratorias que probablemente prevalecen en muchos de los pacientes. En este tenor, es importante educar en salud a este tipo de pacientes para así mejorar las principales secuelas respiratorias presentes, ya que si no se continua con alguna terapéutica, la sedestación durante la etapa de recuperación puede causar repercusiones periféricas que terminan por reducir la tolerancia al esfuerzo por parte del paciente y empeorar su estado clínico, postergando su recuperación por más tiempo.

Recently, it was demonstrated that doxorubicin (Dox.HCl), a chemotherapeutic agent, could be photoactivated by Cerenkov radiation (CR). The objective of the present work was to develop a multimodal chemotherapy-radiotherapy-photodynamic therapeutic system based on reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) loaded with Dox.HCl and 177Lu-DOTA. 177Lu acts as a therapeutic radionuclide and CR source. The system can be visualized by nuclear imaging. Fluorescence microscopy showed that rHDL-Dox specifically recognized cancer cells (T47D) that are positive for SR-B1 receptors. Encapsulated Dox.HCl was released into the cells and produced reactive oxygen species when irradiated with a 450-nm laser (photodynamic effect). The same effect occurred when Dox.HCl was irradiated by 177Lu CR. Through in vitro experiments, it was confirmed that the addition of 177Lu-DOTA to the rHDL-Dox nanosystem did not affect the specific recognition of SR-B1 receptors expressed in cells, or the cellular internalization of 177Lu-DOTA. The toxicity induced by the rHDL-Dox/177Lu nanosystem in cell lines with high (T47D and PC3), poor (H9C2) and almost-zero (human fibroblasts (FB)) expression of SR-B1 was evaluated in vitro and confirmed the synergy of the combined chemotherapy-radiotherapy-photodynamic therapeutic effect; this induced toxicity was proportional to the expression of the SR-B1 receptor on the surface of the cells used. The HDL-Dox/177Lu nanosystem experienced uptake by tumor cells and the liver-both tissues with high expression of SR-B1 receptors-but not by the heart. 177Lu CR offered the possibility of imparting photodynamic therapy where laser light could not reach.

The objectives of this study were to examine cytotoxic and genotoxic damage in human BJ fibroblasts caused by three pesticides used worldwide by trypan blue dye exclusion assays and to measure the relative level of phosphorylated histone H2A.X by flow cytometry at different concentrations. Captan-based fungicide and methyl thiophanate-based fungicide (100 and 1000 µΜ) showed immediate cytotoxic effects; furthermore, after 24 h, captan-based fungicide, chlorothalonil-based fungicide and methyl thiophanate-based fungicide caused cytotoxic effects in the concentration ranges of 40-100 µM, 30-100 µM and 150-1000 µM, respectively. All fungicides generated DNA damage in the treated cells by activating ATM and H2A.X sensor proteins. The three fungicides tested generated DNA double-stranded breaks and showed cytotoxicity at concentrations 33, 34, and 5 times lower (captan, chlorothalonil and thiophanate-methyl respectively) than those used in the field, as recommended by the manufacturers.

Resumen Introducción. Los edulcorantes son aditivos que se consumen en los alimentos. Pueden ser naturales (sacarosa y estevia) o artificiales (sucralosa). Actualmente, se consumen rutinariamente en múltiples productos, y sus efectos en la mucosa y la microbiota del intestino delgado aún son controversiales Objetivo. Relacionar el consumo de edulcorantes y su efecto en el sistema inmunitario y la microbiota del intestino delgado en ratones CD1. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 54 ratones CD1 de tres semanas de edad divididos en tres grupos: un grupo de tres semanas sin tratamiento, un grupo tratado durante seis semanas y un grupo tratado durante 12 semanas. Se les administró sacarosa, sucralosa y estevia. A partir del intestino delgado, se obtuvieron linfocitos B CD19+ y células IgA+, TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor-beta) o el factor de crecimiento transformador beta (TGF-beta), IL-12 e IL-17 de las placas de Peyer y de la lámina propia. De los sólidos intestinales se obtuvo el ADN para identificar las especies bacterianas. Resultados. Después del consumo de sacarosa y sucralosa durante 12 semanas, se redujeron las comunidades bacterianas, la IgA+ y el TGF-beta, se aumentó el CD19+, y además, se incrementaron la IL-12 y la IL-17 en las placas de Peyer; en la lámina propia, aumentaron todos estos valores. En cambio, con la estevia mejoraron la diversidad bacteriana y el porcentaje de linfocitos CD19+, y hubo poco incremento de IgA+, TGF- β e IL-17, pero con disminución de la IL-17. Conclusión. La sacarosa y la sucralosa alteraron negativamente la diversidad bacteriana y los parámetros inmunitarios después de 12 semanas, en contraste con la estevia que resultó benéfica para la mucosa intestinal. Abstract Introduction: Sweeteners are additives used in different foods. They can be natural (sucrose and stevia) or artificial (sucralose). Currently, they are routinely consumed in multiple products and their effects on the mucosa of the small intestine and its microbiota are still controversial. Objective: To relate the consumption of sweeteners and their effect on the immune system and the microbiota of the small intestine in CD1 mice. Materials and methods: We used 54 three-week-old CD1 mice divided into three groups in the experiments: 1) A group of three weeks without treatment, 2) a group treated for six weeks, and 3) a group treated for 12 weeks using sucrose, sucralose, and stevia. We obtained CD19+ B lymphocytes, IgA+ antibodies, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b), and interleukins 12 and 17 (IL-12 and -17) from Peyer's patches and lamina propria cells while DNA was obtained from intestinal solids to identify bacterial species. Results: After 12 weeks, sucrose and sucralose consumption caused a reduction in bacterial communities with an increase in CD19+, a decrease in IgA+ and TGF-b, and an increase in IL-12 and -17 in the Peyer's patches while in the lamina propria there was an increase in all parameters. In contrast, stevia led to an improvement in bacterial diversity and percentage of CD19+ lymphocytes with minimal increase in IgA+, TGF-b, and IL-12, and a decrease in IL-17. Conclusion: Sucrose and sucralose caused negative alterations in bacterial diversity and immune parameters after 12 weeks; in contrast, stevia was beneficial for the intestinal mucosa.

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

La pandemia de COVID-19 ha generado en el mundo entero una severa crisis nunca antes vista, representado un reto clínico debido a la afección multiorgánica que puede presentarse. En este respecto, la Fisioterapia desempeña un papel importante en la atención del paciente desde niveles críticos hospitalarios hasta su alta y posterior a ello; sin embargo, hasta la fecha se han marcado estándares de atención que a profesionales como lo son, en este caso los fisioterapeutas, los coloca en una situación donde es necesario estar a la vanguardia en el tema para solventar los problemas respiratorios y las probables secuelas que se presentan en este tipo de pacientes. El trabajo que se presenta profundiza en estos problemas.

Beside partial coverage in three reviews so far (1994, 2009, 2019), there is no review on genotoxic studies dealing with mercury (Hg) and human exposure using the most usual genotoxic assays: sister chromatid exchanges (SCE), chromosomal aberrations (CA), cytochalasin B blocked micronucleus assay (CBMN), and single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE or alkaline comet assay). Fifty years from the first Hg genotoxicity study and with the Minamata Convention in force, the genotoxic potential of Hg and its derivatives is still controversial. Considering these antecedents, we present this first systematic literature overview of genotoxic studies dealing with Hg and human exposure that used the standard genotoxic assays. To date, there is not sufficient evidence for Hg human carcinogen classification, so the new data collections can be of great help. A review was made of the studies available (those published before the end of October 2021 on PubMed or Web of Science in English or Spanish language) in the scientific literature dealing with genotoxic assays and human sample exposure ex vivo, in vivo, and in vitro. Results from a total of 66 articles selected are presented. Organic (o)Hg compounds were more toxic than inorganic and/or elemental ones, without ruling out that all represent a risk. The most studied inorganic (i)Hg compounds in populations exposed accidentally, occupationally, or iatrogenically, and/or in human cells, were Hg chloride and Hg nitrate and of the organic compounds, were methylmercury, thimerosal, methylmercury chloride, phenylmercuric acetate, and methylmercury hydroxide.

Objetivo: dar a conocer el estado de la información del consumo de antioxidantes sintéticos en alimentos ultraprocesados en México con base en los productos de la canasta básica. Metodología: se seleccionaron los alimentos disponibles, envasados o enlatados, que comprende la canasta básica mexicana de tiendas de conveniencia y misceláneas representativas de los 125 municipios del Estado de México. Se registró la información del contenido y concentración de los antioxidantes sintéticos (AS) butilhidroxianisol (BHA), butilhidroxitolueno (BHT) y terbutilhidroquinona (TBHQ), posteriormente los alimentos se clasificaron bajo el sistema NOVA. Resultados: se encontraron 53 productos alimenticios derivados de la canasta básica mexicana que son comercializados envasados o enlatados, el 71% menciona el tipo de antioxidante utilizado y solo el 18% la concentración. De acuerdo con la clasificación NOVA, más del 73% de los alimentos pertenecen a la clasificación cuatro de productos ultraprocesados, de los cuales solo once reportan el antioxidante sintético utilizado, ninguno menciona la concentración. Limitaciones: se carece de información del contenido y concentración del antioxidante utilizado en la etiqueta de información nutricional. Conclusiones: solo el 18% de los productos analizados informa la concentración del antioxidante sintético utilizado, consecuentemente la ingestión diaria admisible puede ser subestimada. Es necesario realizar más investigaciones sobre la exposición dietética a AS en los mexicanos.

Se sabe que es relativamente común que aparezcan roces entre compañeros, jefes y subordinados; sin embargo, no se deben confundir situaciones caracterizadas frecuentemente por violencia psicológica, límite ejercido por una persona o en su caso por un grupo de personas, de forma metódica y durante un largo tiempo, contra una persona en el área laboral. En la búsqueda de información con respecto al tema en la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México, no se pudo encontrar alguna vía de atención formal, que diera respuesta a la atención específicamente del mobbing; por lo cual, se propone una investigación que presentará una propuesta de Política Pública, en la Universidad con la intención de mejorar la atención con respecto al mobbing.

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.

An iron reducing enrichment was obtained from sulfate reducing sludge and was evaluated on the capability of reducing Fe3+ coupled to acetate oxidation in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). Three molar ratios for acetate/Fe3+ were evaluated (2/16, 3.4/27 and 6.9/55 mM). The percentages of Fe3+ reduction were in a range of 80–90, 60–70 and 40–50% for the MFCs at closed circuit for the molar ratios of 2/16, 3.4/27 and 6.9/55 mM, respectively. Acetate consumption was in a range of 80–90% in all cases. The results obtained at closed circuit for current density were: 11.37 mA/m2, 4.5 mA/m2 and 7.37 mA/m2 for the molar ratios of 2/16, 3.4/27 and 6.9/55 mM, respectively. Some microorganisms that were isolated and identified in the MFCs were Azospira oryzae, Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34, Enterobacter bugandensis 247BMC, Citrobacter freundii ATCC8090 and Citrobacter murliniae CDC2970-59, these bacteria have been reported as exoelectrogens in MFC and in MFC involving metals removal but not all of them have been reported to utilize acetate as preferred substrate. The results demonstrate that the isolates can utilize acetate as the sole source of carbon and suggest that Fe3+ reduction was carried out by a combination of different mechanisms (direct contact and redox mediators) utilized by the bacteria identified in the MFC. Storage of the energy generated from the 2/16 mM MFC system arranged in a series of three demonstrated that it is possible to utilize the energy to charge a battery.

Investigacion basada en el potencial bio-tecnologico de las micro-especies que habitan los cenotes de la Peninsula de Yucatan

En el occidente del Estado de Mexico, la mitad de los ingresos hospitalarios por insuficiencia renal cronica (IRC) no asociada a diabetes mellitus ni a hipertension arterial corresponden a personas menores de 40 anos. Por lo tanto, esta IRC se considera de causas desconocidas (IRCd). En este trabajo se estudio la asociacion entre la presencia de metales y factores de riesgo para IRCd. Se realizo un estudio transversal analitico de 100 casos y 100 testigos. Se aplico un cuestionario para conocer las adicciones y exposiciones (alimentarias, ocupacionales y medicamentosas) de los sujetos. En 50 casos y 50 testigos se determino la concentracion de los metales arsenico, cadmio, mercurio y plomo en muestras de cabello. Finalmente, se construyo un mapa con la posicion de la vivienda de los 100 pacientes. Con base en una regresion logistica bivariada se determino que existe una asociacion estadisticamente significativa entre la IRCd y el consumo de tabaco, exposicion ocupacional a la construccion y herreria, y exposicion a arsenico. Es necesaria una muestra mayor para comprobar la exposicion ocupacional a la industria del papel, al consumo de paracetamol, naproxeno y cadmio. Los valores obtenidos en este trabajo para estas variables mencionadas son solo informativos. Los casos estudiados se localizan en la cuenca del Rio Lerma, uno de los mas contaminados del pais. La IRCd presente en el Estado de Mexico parece ser muy similar a la de Siri Lanka y la del Pacifico centroamericano, por lo que se requieren estudios a mayor escala.

An iron reducing enrichment was obtained from sulfate reducing sludge and was evaluated on the capability of reducing Fe

Uno de los problemas más importantes en la etapa de adulto mayor es la pérdida de las capacidades funcionales, y dicha condición puede llevar a diversas implicaciones tanto de tipo económico como social. Se realizó un estudio con 300 adultos mayores, de las cuales en su mayoría fueron mujeres con una edad promedio de 71 años. Se concluye que las condiciones de dependencia social en los entrevistados son del 61%, refiriendo que requieren del cuidado de alguna persona, y con respecto a la dependencia económica, el 79% de los encuestados refieren contar con algún tipo de ingreso mensual de más de $1,000 MNX, de los cuales son percibidos en un 62% por un apoyo gubernamental y un 15% por algún tipo de pensión.

Introduction: Sweeteners are additives used in different foods. They can be natural (sucrose and stevia) or artificial (sucralose). Currently, they are routinely consumed in multiple products and their effects on the mucosa of the small intestine and its microbiota are still controversial. Objective: To relate the consumption of sweeteners and their effect on the immune system and the microbiota of the small intestine in CD1 mice. Materials and methods: We used 54 three-week-old CD1 mice divided into three groups in the experiments: 1) A group of three weeks without treatment, 2) a group treated for six weeks, and 3) a group treated for 12 weeks using sucrose, sucralose, and stevia. We obtained CD19+ B lymphocytes, IgA+ antibodies, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-b), and interleukins 12 and 17 (IL-12 and -17) from Peyer’s patches and lamina propria cells while DNA was obtained from intestinal solids to identify bacterial species. Results: After 12 weeks, sucrose and sucralose consumption caused a reduction in bacterial communities with an increase in CD19+, a decrease in IgA+ and TGF-b, and an increase in IL-12 and -17 in the Peyer’s patches while in the lamina propria there was an increase in all parameters. In contrast, stevia led to an improvement in bacterial diversity and percentage of CD19+ lymphocytes with minimal increase in IgA+, TGF-b, and IL-12, and a decrease in IL-17. Conclusion: Sucrose and sucralose caused negative alterations in bacterial diversity and immune parameters after 12 weeks; in contrast, stevia was beneficial for the intestinal mucosa.Introducción. Los edulcorantes son aditivos que se consumen en los alimentos. Pueden ser naturales (sacarosa y estevia) o artificiales (sucralosa). Actualmente, se consumen rutinariamente en múltiples productos, y sus efectos en la mucosa y la microbiota del intestino delgado aún son controversiales Objetivo. Relacionar el consumo de edulcorantes y su efecto en el sistema inmunitario y la microbiota del intestino delgado en ratones CD1. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaron 54 ratones CD1 de tres semanas de edad divididos en tres grupos: un grupo de tres semanas sin tratamiento, un grupo tratado durante seis semanas y un grupo tratado durante 12 semanas. Se les administró sacarosa, sucralosa y estevia. A partir del intestino delgado, se obtuvieron linfocitos B CD19+ y células IgA+, TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor-beta) o el factor de crecimiento transformador beta (TGF-beta), IL-12 e IL-17 de las placas de Peyer y de la lámina propia. De los sólidos intestinales se obtuvo el ADN para identificar las especies bacterianas. Resultados. Después del consumo de sacarosa y sucralosa durante 12 semanas, se redujeron las comunidades bacterianas, la IgA+ y el TGF-beta, se aumentó el CD19+, y además, se incrementaron la IL-12 y la IL-17 en las placas de Peyer; en la lámina propia, aumentaron todos estos valores. En cambio, con la estevia mejoraron la diversidad bacteriana y el porcentaje de linfocitos CD19+, y hubo poco incremento de IgA+, TGF-b e IL-17, pero con disminución de la IL-17. Conclusión. La sacarosa y la sucralosa alteraron negativamente la diversidad bacteriana y los parámetros inmunitarios después de 12 semanas, en contraste con la estevia que resultó benéfica para la mucosa intestinal.

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.

Background. One of the problems in Mexico about the use and quantification of pesticides, is that there is a lack of efficient regulation and monitoring because there is no detailed information on its use, so this work analyzes the use of pesticides in Mexico. Objective. To know the current situation of the use of chemical pesticides used in Mexico. Methodology. A search and systematic review of scientific publications related to pesticides in Mexico during the last 20 years in indexed or arbitrated journals. Results. The analysis of these investigations indicates that in Mexico in 2018> 61,000 tons of pesticides were imported, although in 2017 the production was greater than 106 thousand tons. One of the problems in Mexico, as in other countries, is that there is a lack of efficient regulation and monitoring of the use of pesticides. During the last two decades the total consumption of pesticides in Mexico increased between 57-65%, the data from the available sources of their consumption show differences of the annual average of 27%, equivalent to 14,000 t per year, greater than the consumed in 2016 by countries such as Uruguay, Greece, Portugal, the Netherlands and Honduras. Implications. In order to reduce this problem, it is proposed to implement a "national logbook for the registration and use of pesticides" that includes the type of pesticide used, brand, active ingredient, applied dose (Kg / ha) and frequency of application. Conclusions. The obvious inconsistency of thousands of tons between national and international statistics is due to an inadequate quantification of pesticide use, a characteristic that occurs not only in Mexico. This situation is a serious global threat with environmental, economic and social implications, since the potential ecological damage is underestimated. Knowing the actual amount of pesticides used and will allow promoting real strategies aimed at reducing their use.

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.

Doxorubicin (DOX), an effective chemotherapeutic agent, has a wide excitation band centred at 480 nm. Cerenkov radiation (CR) is considered an internal light source in photodynamic therapy (PDT). DOX could be photoactivated by CR and thus, enhancing its cytotoxicity. In this work

Chronic pain is one of the most important causes of disability worldwide and represents a major public health challenge. The presence of inflammation is a common underlying mechanism of chronic pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), COX2-selective and non-selective, showing analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, are useful options for the treatment of chronic pain. Non-metabolized pharmaceutical products and their metabolites are excreted and enter sewage as biologically active substances. The accumulation of emerging pollutants, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients and their metabolites in the aquatic environment, has recently become a serious problem due to their bioaccumulation and ecotoxicity potential that affects living organisms. Pharmaceutical products considered as emerging pollutants are partially removed during the treatment of wastewater that contains them and are detected in groundwater, surface water, and wastewater effluent, as well as in drinking water at concentrations ranging from a few nanograms per liter to 15 μg/L. The elimination of these contaminants is essential due to the toxicity that causes in the organisms. Biological techniques that include microorganisms in their processes could be more effective for the elimination of pharmaceutical contaminants compared to the physicochemical techniques currently used.

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.

Some microorganisms (such as bacteria) are capable of producing renewable energy without harassing the environment. Microbial fuel cells (MFC) offer thepossibility of transforming organic matter into electricity by using the metabolism of these microorganisms, creating ions within the subproducts of the metabolism that go to the extracellular environment. An electrode is set into the MFC that works as a final acceptor that attracts the electrons released by the microorganisms after consuming organic matter. To date, many microorganisms with the capability of liberating electrons through their metabolism have been identified. However only few are able of doing so without chemical mediators, which is why the search of new exoelectrogen microorganisms is of great importance. On the present work, two different MFC were employed for optimizing the isolation of exoelectrogenic bacteria gathered from mud of the Lerma river and from the Centro Interamericano de Recursos del Agua water treatment plant. Voltage generated by these microorganisms was compared with that created by Geobacter sulfurrenducens , one of the most efficient bacteria in this field. Overall, the obtained data show that the isolated bacteria at the National Institute of Nuclear Research facilities (identified by ribosomal RNA as Clostridium sordellii and C. bifermentans ) have a good voltage generation, although not as good as the one from G. sulfurrenducens . Results indicate that the strategy employed in the research is suitable for efficiently locating, isolating and identifying exoelectrogenic bacteria that may be used later on for the in situ generation of electricity in polluted areas.

Currently for bacterial identification and classification the rrs gene encoding 16S rRNA is used as a reference method for the analysis of strains of the genus Nocardia. However, it does not have enough polymorphism to differentiate them at the species level. This fact makes it necessary to search for molecular targets that can provide better identification. The sodA gene (encoding the enzyme superoxide dismutase) has had good results in identifying species of other Actinomycetes. In this study the sodA gene is proposed for the identification and differentiation at the species level of the genus Nocardia. We used 41 type species of various collections; a 386 bp fragment of the sodA gene was amplified and sequenced, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed comparing the genes rrs (1171 bp), hsp65 (401 bp), secA1 (494 bp), gyrB (1195 bp) and rpoB (401 bp). The sequences were aligned using the Clustal X program. Evolutionary trees according to the neighbour-joining method were created with the programs Phylo_win and MEGA 6. The specific variability of the sodA genus of the genus Nocardia was analysed. A high phylogenetic resolution, significant genetic variability, and specificity and reliability were observed for the differentiation of the isolates at the species level. The polymorphism observed in the sodA gene sequence contains variable regions that allow the discrimination of closely related Nocardia species. The clear specificity, despite its small size, proves to be of great advantage for use in taxonomic studies and clinical diagnosis of the genus Nocardia.

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).