Menarche and reproductive health in Spanish Roma women from a reproductive justice perspective: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the perceptions of Roma women about their experience of menarche and reproductive health considering the principles of reproductive justice. DESIGN: Qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with Roma women ages 18 through 67 in different neighborhoods in the southeast of Spain. Using a thematic analysis, we analyzed experiences related to menarche and menstruation and their significance for reproductive health, the preparation for the phase of menarche and intergenerational support. RESULTS: The Roma women interviewed shared their approach to the experiences of menarche and menstruation as children in their family environments with a focus on access to information provided by other women in the family and community for reproductive health management. In their discourses we observed that the onset of menstruation supposes a rupture in the public and private spaces of girls and women. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that women and girls do not gain access to information that contributes to their reproductive wellbeing through their experience of menarche. Access to resources and skills to manage biological changes in adolescents could contribute to reducing the impact of cultural myths, false ideas and taboos that prevent advocacy and empowerment on issues of reproductive justice.

This study shows that the public spaces surrounding Roma women do not provide the tools and resources to promote and maintain their wellbeing and reproductive health after the onset of this important time. Sexual and reproductive health is not addressed during the time of childhood nor adolescence. Roma women lack a framework with an established discourse on reproductive justice, along with the necessary institutional resources. Preparation for and follow-up of the onset of menstruation among Roma women could be a key for their health. These results coincide with qualitative studies carried out in women from different cultural origins, in which menarche and menstruation are experienced as a transcendental fact. In other contexts, similar to Roma women, this stage in women's health lacks resources and information and an adequate approach from the perspective of reproductive health, which conditions the menstrual, sexual and reproductive health of women across their lifespan. Roma women experience menarche as a significant change in the life of a woman. They describe having lived the process as an abandonment of childhood and the beginning of an adult life, one that is implicitly linked to maternity and couple relationships. The results show that they defend the continuity of childhood among the new generation. Roma women express that they experienced menarche as an event that was traumatic, embarrassing and confusing. Menarche and menstruation are attended to in private and among the family, and masculine figures do not participate. The mother is the only transmitter of information and support during the process.

Reconstruction of Large Full-Thickness Lower Eyelid Defects With Remnant Eyelid Rotation, Semicircular Skin and Muscle Flap, and Lateral Tarsoconjunctival Flap.

PURPOSE: To describe and assess the results of reconstruction of large, full-thickness defects of the central or medial lower eyelid using a semicircular skin flap, rotation of the remnant lateral eyelid, and a lateral tarsoconjunctival flap. METHODS: The surgical approach is described, and the authors performed a retrospective chart review of consecutive patients between 2017 and 2023 reconstructed with this technique. Outcomes were assessed for size of eyelid defect, vision, subjective symptoms, facial and palpebral aperture symmetry, eyelid position and closure, corneal examination, surgical complications, and need for subsequent surgical intervention. Postoperative appearance was graded on malposition, distortion, asymmetry, contour deformity, and scarring (MDACS). RESULTS: Charts of 45 patients were identified. The average size of the lower eyelid defect was 18 mm (ranging from 12 to 26 mm). Facial and palpebral aperture symmetry were acceptable and all patients had preserved visual acuity and eyelid position and closure. The MDACS cosmetic score was perfect (0) in 15.6% (7/45) of eyelids, good (1-4) in 80.0% (36/45) of eyelids, and mediocre (5-14) in 4.4% (2/45) of eyelids. Second stage reconstruction was not necessary in 32 (71.1%) cases. There were no serious surgical complications, but minor complications included redness of the eyelid margin and pyogenic granulomas. CONCLUSIONS: Medial rotation of the remnant lower eyelid with a lateral semicircular skin and muscle flap over a lateral tarsoconjunctival flap was very effective in this series. Benefits include scarring within the facial skin tension lines, maintained vision throughout the recovery period, no eyelid retraction, and often single stage reconstruction.

Metastatic Epithelioid Sarcoma of the Eyelid in a 47-Year-Old Man: A Case Report.

Epithelioid sarcoma is a rare soft tissue neoplasm of uncertain differentiation that typically affects the distal extremities. Primary orbital epithelioid sarcoma is rare, and no reports exist characterizing metastases of this tumor to the orbit and ocular adnexa. In this article, the authors describe a rare case of eyelid metastasis in a 47-year-old man with epithelioid sarcoma of the right fibula diagnosed 16 months earlier who was otherwise doing well on the adjuvant tazemetostat therapy. In addition, the authors perform a retrospective review of cases of primary orbital epithelioid sarcoma reported in the literature, of which 4 patients responded favorably to surgical excision whereas 2 others eventually died as a direct result of their disease.

A Lab-on-a-Chip Approach for the Detection of the Quarantine Potato Cyst Nematode Globodera pallida.

The potato cyst nematode (PCN), Globodera pallida, has acquired significant importance throughout Europe due to its widespread prevalence and negative effects on potato production. Thus, rapid and reliable diagnosis of PCN is critical during surveillance programs and for the implementation of control measures. The development of innovative technologies to overcome the limitations of current methodologies in achieving early detection is needed. Lab-on-a-chip devices can swiftly and accurately detect the presence of certain nucleotide sequences with high sensitivity and convert the presence of biological components into an understandable electrical signal by combining biosensors with microfluidics-based biochemical analysis. In this study, a specific DNA-probe sequence and PCR primers were designed to be used in a magnetoresistive biosensing platform to amplify the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal DNA of G. pallida. Magnetic nanoparticles were used as the labelling agents of asymmetric PCR product through biotin−streptavidin interaction. Upon target hybridization to sensor immobilized oligo probes, the fringe field created by the magnetic nanoparticles produces a variation in the sensor's electrical resistance. The detection signal corresponds to the concentration of target molecules present in the sample. The results demonstrate the suitability of the magnetic biosensor to detect PCR target product and the specificity of the probe, which consistently distinguishes G. pallida (DV/V > 1%) from other cyst nematodes (DV/V < 1%), even when DNA mixtures were tested at different concentrations. This shows the magnetic biosensor's potential as a bioanalytical device for field applications and border phytosanitary inspections.

In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds of Freeze-Dried Orange Juice Co-Product Formulated with Gum Arabic and Modified Starch.

The large amount of waste generated by the orange juice industry has sparked the interest of many researchers in incorporating recycling systems and following a much more sustainable circular economy model. This work proposes the valorization of the co-product generated in the orange juice extraction industry after freeze-drying for its subsequent reuse as a natural ingredient in the food industry. In addition, the possible protective effect of gum Arabic and corn starch esterified with octenyl succinic groups, in proportions optimised in previous studies 0.25 and 0.45 g/g orange co-product dry solutes, on the main bioactive compounds of orange peel during the freeze-drying process has been studied. The samples were characterised for their content of vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids), flavonoids (hesperidin and narirutin), total phenols and total carotenoids, as well as their antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP assays). In addition, samples were digested, mimicking the human enzymatic oral gastro-intestinal digestion process, and the bioaccessibility of the bioactive compounds was evaluated. It was observed that the addition of both biopolymers improved the stability of the hydrophilic compounds during freeze-drying. This conservative effect was more remarkable for higher biopolymer concentrations. However, no protective effect on carotenoid compounds was observed. This trend was reflected in the antioxidant activity of the different samples. In addition, the incorporation of biopolymers improved the bioaccessibility of the bioactive compounds studied. In conclusion, the results supported the feasibility of the freeze-dried orange juice co-product as a natural, sustainable source of health-promoting compounds.

Bioavailability of Bioactive Compounds from Reconstituted Grapefruit Juice as Affected by the Obtention Process.

Much attention has been paid to the health benefits of including fruits and vegetables in the diet. However, for the compounds responsible for this beneficial effect to be effective at the level of the human organism, they must be available for absorption after digestion. In this sense, in vivo studies are needed to demonstrate the bioavailability of these compounds and their physiological activity. In order to provide information in this regard, this study collects data on the levels of vitamin C (VC) and naringenin (NAG) in the blood serum of the 11 volunteer participants in this trial, before and after consuming two different grapefruit juices. The juices were prepared by rehydrating the grapefruit powder obtained by freeze-drying (FD) the fruit puree or by spray-drying (SD) the liquefied grapefruit. No significant differences (p > 0.05) neither by juice nor by participant were observed in any case. The mean relative increase of VC, NAG and the radical scavenging ability (RSA) in blood serum due to grapefruit juices intake was 12%, 28% and 26%, respectively. Just VC showed a positive and significant Pearson's correlation with RSA. The mean bioavailability of VC was quantified as 1.529 ± 0.002 mg VC/L serum per 100 mg of VC ingested.

Phenotypic Variability and Genetic Diversity of the Pathogenic Fungus Macrophomina phaseolina from Several Hosts and Host Specialization in Strawberry.

Macrophomina phaseolina, is a pathogenic soil-borne fungus that affects more than 500 plant species, causing various types of disease to several crops, among which is the crown and root rot disease in strawberry. Its wide variability has been characterized reiteratively in the literature, but little is known about its virulence mechanisms. Morphological, physiological, genetic and phytopathogenic parameters were evaluated among 32 isolates of Macrophomina from different hosts occurring in Argentina and Spain. Colony characteristics, average size of microsclerotia, chlorate phenotype and mycelial growth at different temperatures (5º-40 °C), and pH (3.0-8.0) were recorded. The morphological and physiological traits were heterogeneous and did not show any association with the genetic structure nor with their pathogenicity. Most of the isolates (71.9%) exhibited chlorate-sensitive phenotype. The optimal growth temperature range was between 25 °C and 35 °C, and the optimal pH varied between 4.0 and 6.0. The genetic structure analyzed with four DNA markers (EF-1α, ITS, CAL and TUB) showed little diversity among isolates of M. phaseolina, with no clear association with the country of origin, but a significant association with the host. Based on their phylogenetic affinity, one isolate was reclassified as M. pseudophaseolina and another one as M. tecta. It is the first report of M. pseudophaseolina causing charcoal rot on beans, in Argentina, and the first report of M. tecta outside Australia. Pathogenicity tests on strawberry plants revealed marked host specialization, being the isolates obtained from strawberry more virulent than those from other hosts.

Bilateral Dacryoadenitis and Central Nervous System Involvement in a Child With Kimura Disease.

Kimura's disease (KD) is a systemic inflammatory condition characterized by lymphadenopathy and subcutaneous nodules in the head and neck region. The lesions have a distinctive histopathological pattern formed by follicular hyperplasia, eosinophilic infiltrates, fibrosis, and vessel proliferation. The disease may occur at all ages but predominates among young males with autoimmune dysfunctions. Visceral and orbital involvement is uncommon. We report a girl with KD who developed bilateral enlargement of the lacrimal glands and a lesion in the left lateral ventricle of the brain indistinguishable from a central nervous system neoplasia. A biopsy of both the lacrimal gland and the lateral ventricle was consistent with KD.

Impact of freeze-drying conditions on the sensory perception of a freeze-dried orange snack.

BACKGROUND: The health benefits provided by fruit mean that there is continuous interest in offering consumers new products to stimulate its consumption. To this end, dehydrated fruit snacks may be an interesting option. In this study, we evaluated the impact of freezing rate (slow and high), shelf temperature (40 and 50 °C), and working pressure (5 and 100 Pa) on the perception and acceptability of a freeze-dried orange snack obtained from an orange puree. RESULTS: Of the different freeze-drying conditions studied, working pressure was the variable with the greatest effect. The lowest working pressure (5 Pa) led to samples being obtained with a slightly lower water content, which was perceived with higher citrus flavor and crispiest. The highest pressure (100 Pa) led to samples with a greater water content, perceived with a more yellow intense color. Nevertheless, there is no significant consumer preference for any of the different processed samples. The number of force peaks, which is positively correlated with the crispness, shows a significant and negative correlation (r = -0.91) with the water content of the sample. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that considerations other than the sensory can determine the best conditions of the freeze-drying process with which to obtain an orange snack. The number of force peaks obtained from a penetration test may be proposed as a tool for instrumental analysis of the snack's crispness that supplies information closely resembling customer perception of this attribute. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Kinesiotaping Diminishes Delayed Muscle Soreness but does not Improve Muscular Performance.

This study aimed at determining the effect of kinesio-taping (KT) on muscle performance and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after exercise induced muscle damaged. Sixty-six healthy men volunteered to participate (age:18-25 y/o), who performed 200 isokinetic lengthening contractions of the dominant quadriceps. Then subjects were randomized to either control (no treatment), sham (no tape tension), or KT (10% tape tension) groups. Muscle performance was assessed by peak torque and muscular work during maximal isometric and concentric isokinetic contractions. DOMS intensity was assessed using a visual analog scale. Measurements were taken pre-exercise (Pre), 48 h and 96 h post-exercise. Repeated measures ANOVA was used for comparisons within group, and ANCOVA for comparisons among groups. Muscle damage was confirmed in all participants by an increase in CK activity level (p<0.01). Decrease in isometric and isokinetic peak torque was detected at 48 h in the control and sham groups (p<0.01). Muscular work decreased in all groups at 48 h (p<0.01). No differences between groups were detected in muscular performance variables. Increase in DOMS intensity was determined in all groups at 48 h. Comparisons between groups showed lower DOMS intensity in the KT group at 48 h. KT decreased DOMS intensity perception after exercise-induced muscle damage; however, it did not impact muscular performance.

Childhood obesity: Aetiology, comorbidities, and treatment.

Obesity is currently considered a global epidemic, and its implications in mortality and morbidity in a paediatric patient and in adulthood are increasingly important. The objective of this article is to review in detail the definition of obesity according to age group, and, in turn, the epidemiology of this entity worldwide and in South America. Available evidence about pathophysiology and, additionally, associated comorbidities are reported in some of the most important and clinically relevant body systems. The recommendations on pharmacological and nonpharmacological management through changes in lifestyle and relevant aspects of bariatric surgery in the paediatric population are also described.

Detection of MRSA of Lineages CC130-mecC and CC398-mecA and Staphylococcus delphini-lnu(A) in Magpies and Cinereous Vultures in Spain.

The aim of this study was to determine the carriage rate of coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) in wild birds and to characterize recovered isolates. Tracheal samples from 324 wild birds, obtained in different Spanish regions during 2015-2016, were screened for CoPS carriage. The antimicrobial resistance profile and the virulence gene content were investigated. Molecular typing was performed by spa, agr, MLST, SCCmec, and S. delphini group classification. CoPS were recovered from 26 samples of wild birds (8.3%), and 27 isolates were further characterized. Two CoPS species were detected: S. aureus (n = 15; eight cinereous vultures and seven magpies) and S. delphini (n = 12; 11 cinereous vultures and one red kite). Thirteen S. aureus were methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and the remaining two strains were methicillin-susceptible (MSSA). Twelve MRSA were mecC-positive, typed as t843-ST1583/ST1945/ST1581/ST1571 (n = 11) and t1535-ST1945 (n = 1) (all of clonal-complex CC130); they were susceptible to the non-ß-lactams tested. The remaining MRSA strain carried the mecA gene, was typed as t011-ST398-CC398-agrI-SCCmec-V, and showed a multiresistance phenotype. MSSA isolates were ascribed to lineages ST97-CC97 and ST425-CC425. All S. aureus lacked the studied virulence genes (lukS/F-PV, tst, eta, etb, and etd), and the IEC type E (with scn and sak genes) was detected in four mecC-positive and one MSSA isolates. S. delphini strains were methicillin-susceptible but showed resistance to at least one of the antimicrobials tested, with high penicillin (75%, with blaZ gene) and tetracycline [58%, with tet(K)± tet(L)] resistance rates. All S. delphini isolates presented the virulence genes lukS-I, siet, and se-int, and four carried the clindamycin-resistance lnu(A) gene.

Relationship between erosive tooth wear and beverage consumption among a group of schoolchildren in Mexico City.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between erosive tooth wear (ETW) and consumption of different kinds of beverages in a group of schoolchildren 11-14 years old in Mexico City. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in a sample of students (n = 512) in Mexico City. The Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) was used to quantify ETW. Beverage consumption (BC) was determined using a frequency questionnaire; beverages included pure water, natural fruit juices, milk, hot beverages, and soft drinks. Ordinal logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between the presence of ETW and BC. RESULTS: In total, 45.7% of the schoolchildren showed an initial loss of surface texture (BEWE = 1) and 18.2% a distinct defect involving loss of dental tissue (BEWE ≥ 2) in at least one tooth. For each glass (350 ml) of milk/week, the odds of not having erosive wear (BEWE = 0) versus having an initial loss of surface texture (BEWE = 1) or of having an initial loss of surface texture versus the presence of a defect involving the loss of dental tissue (BEWE ≥ 2) decreased 4% (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99, p = 0.008); for each portion of sweet carbonated beverage consumed (350 ml), the odds increased 3% (OR = 1.03, 95% CI 1.001-1.07, p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: The intake of milk and milk-based products could be a dietary means of helping prevent ETW, especially if their consumption could replace sweet carbonated drink consumption. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowing the impact of beverage consumption on ETW helps to provide suitable recommendations for the prevention and control of ETW in order to promote tooth longevity.

Insights into the development of grapefruit nutraceutical powder by spray drying: physical characterization, chemical composition and 3D intestinal permeability.

BACKGROUND: The development of functional and nutraceutical foods comes from a greater awareness of the relationship between food and health by consumers. In recent years, the idea of purifying and encapsulating bioactive compounds through techniques such as spray drying has been well received by the food industry. The development and characterization of a grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) nutraceutical powder obtained by spray drying is of great interest owing to the different bioactive compounds and the potential health effects. RESULTS: The grapefruit powder was characterized by a low water amount (1.5 g water per 100 g powder) and a high porosity (75%). The color parameters were L* = 80.0 ± 1.8, hab * = 61.7 ± 0.4 and Cab * = 11.4 ± 0.6. The IC50 values determined for the freeze-dried oxalic acid extract (FDOA) and the freeze-dried methanol-water extract (FDMW) were 0.48 and 0.72 mg mL-1 respectively, while the total phenolic content (TPC) ranged between 1274 and 1294 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per 100 g dry basis (d.b.). Regarding total flavonoid content (TFC), FDOA presented the highest amount (6592 mg quercetin equivalent (QE) per 100 g d.b.). For both extracts, the cell viability in Caco-2 and HT29-MTX was above 90% at 100 µg mL-1 . The bioavailability of the bioactive compounds was analyzed through a 3D intestinal model. Delphenidin-3-glucoside and hesperitin-7-O-glucoside presented a permeation higher than 50%, followed by hesperidin which was close to 30%. CONCLUSION: This work allows to establish that the formulation of grapefruit powder has great potential as a nutraceutical food, with spray drying being a good alternative technique in the food industry. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Differences in coping strategies among young adults and the elderly with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Coping with cancer and the oncologist-patient relationship can vary depending on the patient's age. Our aim is to examine and compare young and elderly adults with non-metastatic, resected cancer. METHODS: Two groups of patients were selected, young (< 40 years) and elderly (> 70) with a diagnosis of non-metastatic, resected cancer requiring adjuvant chemotherapy from a pre-exiting, national database (NEOCOPING Study). Epidemiological variables were collected and subjects' emotional responses, perceptions of the physician-patient relationship, support network, fears, and regret about the decision to receive chemotherapy were assessed with questionnaires validated in previous studies: Mini-Mental Adjustment to Cancer, Brief Summary Inventory (18 items), European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30, Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire-Physician's version, Shared Decision-Making Questionnaire-Patient's version, and Informed Risk (physician and patient versions). RESULTS: Data from 46 young and 46 elderly participants were collected. The most common neoplasms in both groups were breast (50%) and colorectal (22%). The younger adults had a higher level of education and were actively employed (72% vs. 7%). The leading coping strategy in the younger cohort was hope, and resignation among the elderly. Young adults sought more social support and the impact of diagnosis was more negative for them than for older individuals. No significant differences were detected in quality of life; both age groups demanded more time at their first visit with the doctor, while the older group exhibited greater satisfaction with shared decision-making. At the end of adjuvant chemotherapy, neither age group regretted their decision to receive said treatment. CONCLUSION: Higher levels of education, greater demands of the labour market, and the advent of the age of information have entailed drastic changes in the physician-patient relationship paradigm. This is especially true in the younger cancer patient population, who require more information and active participation in decision-making, can display more anxiety about their diagnosis, but also greater capacity to fight.

Kushneria phyllosphaerae sp. nov. and Kushneria endophytica sp. nov., plant growth promoting endophytes isolated from the halophyte plant Arthrocnemum macrostachyum.

Two endophytic bacteria (EAod3T and EAod7T) were isolated from the aerial part of plants of Arthrocnemum macrostachyum growing in the Odiel marshes (Huelva, Spain). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated their affiliation to the genus Kushneria. 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains EAod3T and EAod7T showed the highest similarity to Kushneria marisflavi DSM 15357T (99.0 and 97.6 %, respectively). Digital DNA-DNA hybridization studies between the draft genomes of strain EAod3T and K. marisflavi DSM 15357T corresponded to 28.5 % confirming the novel lineage of strain EAod3T in the genus Kushneria. Cells of both strains were Gram-staining-negative, aerobic and motile rods able to grow at 4-37 °C, at pH 5.0-8.0 and tolerate 0.5-25 % NaCl (w/v). They presented ubiquinone Q9 and C16 : 0, C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acids. The predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Based on the phenotypic and phylogenetic results, strains EAod3T (=CECT 9073T=LMG 29856T) and EAod7T (=CECT 9075T=LMG 29858T) are proposed as new representatives of the genus Kushneria, and the proposed names are Kushneria phyllosphaerae sp. nov. and Kushneria endophytica sp. nov., respectively. The whole genome sequence of strain EAod3T has a total length of 3.8 Mbp and a G+C content of 59.3 mol%.

MULTI-CRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS AS A DECISION-SUPPORT TOOL FOR DRUG EVALUATION: A PILOT STUDY IN A PHARMACY AND THERAPEUTICS COMMITTEE SETTING.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop and to assess a specific Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework to evaluate new drugs in an hospital pharmacy and therapeutics committee (P&TC) setting. METHODS: A pilot criteria framework was developed based on the EVIDEM (Evidence and Value: Impact on DEcisionMaking) framework, together with other relevant criteria, and assessed by a group of P&TC's members. The weighting of included criteria was done using a 5-point weighting technique. Two drugs were chosen by evaluation: an orphan-drug for Gaucher disease, and a nonorphan drug for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Evidence matrices were developed, and value contribution of each drug was evaluated by P&TC's members. An agreed final framework was obtained through a discussion between the P&TC's members. RESULTS: After criteria assessment, the pilot framework included eight quantitative criteria: "disease severity," "unmet needs," "comparative efficacy/effectiveness," "comparative safety/tolerability," "comparative patient-reported outcomes," "comparative cost consequences-cost of treatment," "comparative cost consequences-other medical costs," and "quality of evidence"; and one contextual criterion: "opportunity costs and affordability." The most valued criteria were: "comparative safety/tolerability," "disease severity," and "comparative efficacy/effectiveness." When assessing the drugs most valued characteristics of the MCDA were the possibility that all team may contribute to drug assessment by means of scoring the matrices and the discussion to reach a consensus in drug positioning and value decision making. CONCLUSIONS: The reflective MCDA would integrate quantitative and qualitative criteria relevant for a P&TC setting, allowing reflective discussions based on the criteria weighting score.

Kocuria salina sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from the rhizosphere of the halophyte Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and emended description of Kocuria turfanensis.

A novel, non-motile coccoid, Gram-positive and non-endospore forming bacterium, designated Hv14bT, was isolated from the rhizosphere of the halophyte Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. It was observed to be catalase positive and oxidase negative and able to hydrolyse starch. MK-8(H2) was identified as the dominant menaquinone and the major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unidentified glycolipid. The 16S rRNA genes showed the highest 16S rRNA sequence identity with K. polaris DSM 14382T, K. rosea DSM 20447T and K. turfanensis DSM 22143T. Based on the phenotypic and molecular features and DNA-DNA hybridization data, it is concluded that strain Hv14bT is proposed to represent a novel species in the genus Kocuria, Kocuria salina sp. nov., with the type strain Hv14bT=DSM 28714T=CECT 9229T.