Alteration of Fermentative Metabolism Enhances Mucor circinelloides Virulence.

The fungus Mucor circinelloides undergoes yeast-mold dimorphism, a developmental process associated with its capability as a human opportunistic pathogen. Dimorphism is strongly influenced by carbon metabolism, and hence the type of metabolism likely affects fungus virulence. We investigated the role of ethanol metabolism in M. circinelloides virulence. A mutant in the adh1 gene (M5 strain) exhibited higher virulence than the wild-type (R7B) and the complemented (M5/pEUKA-adh1+) strains, which were nonvirulent when tested in a mouse infection model. Cell-free culture supernatant (SS) from the M5 mutant showed increased toxic effect on nematodes compared to that from R7B and M5/pEUKA-adh1+ strains. The concentration of acetaldehyde excreted by strain M5 in the SS was higher than that from R7B, which correlated with the acute toxic effect on nematodes. Remarkably, strain M5 showed higher resistance to H2O2, resistance to phagocytosis, and invasiveness in mouse tissues and induced an enhanced systemic inflammatory response compared with R7B. The mice infected with strain M5 under disulfiram treatment exhibited only half the life expectancy of those infected with M5 alone, suggesting that acetaldehyde produced by M. circinelloides contributes to the toxic effect in mice. These results demonstrate that the failure in fermentative metabolism, in the step of the production of ethanol in M. circinelloides, contributes to its virulence, inducing a more severe tissue burden and inflammatory response in mice as a consequence of acetaldehyde overproduction.

Aerobic processes for bioleaching manganese and silver using microorganisms indigenous to mine tailings.

Mining wastes containing appreciable concentrations of silver are considered alternative sources for metal extraction, although these wastes are often refractory due to the presence of manganese oxides. The high cost and/or environmental impact of the hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical extraction processes make it necessary to search for biotechnological processes for the solubilization of manganese compounds. This paper describes the characterization of chemoorganotrophic microorganisms indigenous to the tailings of a silver mine located in Coahuila, México, regarding their capability to remove manganese and silver present in these residues by lixiviation. The Bacterial and fungal strains isolated were identified by sequencing the rDNA 16S and ITS-1-ITS-2 genomic regions, respectively; the bacterial strains correspond to isolates of Roseospira sp. and Sphingomonas sp., whereas the fungal strains include isolates of Cladosporium sp. A, Cladosporium sp. B and Penicillium chrysogenum. These fungal strains show an effective capacity to lixiviate manganese and silver from solid mine residue when incubated in 9 k medium; it was found that under these conditions, leaching of metals occurs due to a mixed biotic-abiotic process, which yields manganese and silver leaching efficiencies in the ranges of 58-74% and 40-67%, respectively. The fungal strains grown in the LMM medium and the bacterial strains incubated in the PDB medium caused leaching of manganese with a lower efficiency in the range of 0.17-0.24% and 1.42-1.73%, respectively; under these conditions, silver leaching by fungal and bacterial strains appeared to be reduced (< 0.1%).Through in vitro cultures, it was determined that P. chrysogenum and Sphingomonas sp. showed the highest levels of silver resistance.

CrpP Is a Novel Ciprofloxacin-Modifying Enzyme Encoded by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa pUM505 Plasmid.

The pUM505 plasmid, isolated from a clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate, confers resistance to ciprofloxacin (CIP) when transferred into the standard P. aeruginosa strain PAO1. CIP is an antibiotic of the quinolone family that is used to treat P. aeruginosa infections. In silico analysis, performed to identify CIP resistance genes, revealed that the 65-amino-acid product encoded by the orf131 gene in pUM505 displays 40% amino acid identity to the Mycobacterium smegmatis aminoglycoside phosphotransferase (an enzyme that phosphorylates and inactivates aminoglycoside antibiotics). We cloned orf131 (renamed crpP, for ciprofloxacin resistance protein, plasmid encoded) into the pUCP20 shuttle vector. The resulting recombinant plasmid, pUC-crpP, conferred resistance to CIP on Escherichia coli strain J53-3, suggesting that this gene encodes a protein involved in CIP resistance. Using coupled enzymatic analysis, we determined that the activity of CrpP on CIP is ATP dependent, while little activity against norfloxacin was detected, suggesting that CIP may undergo phosphorylation. Using a recombinant His-tagged CrpP protein and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, we also showed that CIP was phosphorylated prior to its degradation. Thus, our findings demonstrate that CrpP, encoded on the pUM505 plasmid, represents a new mechanism of CIP resistance in P. aeruginosa, which involves phosphorylation of the antibiotic.

Antimicrobial activity of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) cultivar Avenger against pathogenic bacteria, phytopathogenic filamentous fungi and yeast.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to show whether the edible part of broccoli has antibacterial and antifungal activity against micro-organism of importance in human health and vegetable spoilage, and to test if this effect was partially due to antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). METHODS AND RESULTS: Crude extracts were obtained from florets and stems of broccoli cultivar Avenger and the inhibitory effect was demonstrated against pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri, Shigella sonnei, Proteus vulgaris), phytopathogenic fungi (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Asperigillus niger) and yeasts (Candida albicans and Rhodotorula sp.). It was shown that samples treated with proteolytic enzymes had a reduction of approximately 60% in antibacterial activity against Staph. xylosus, suggesting that proteinaceous compounds might play a role in the inhibitory effect. Antimicrobial components in crude extracts were thermoresistant and the highest activity was observed under acidic conditions. It was shown that antifungal activity of broccoli's crude extracts might not be attributed to chitinases. CONCLUSIONS: Organic broccoli cultivar Avenger has antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, yeast and phytophatogenic fungi. Data suggest that this effect is partially due to AMPs. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Broccoli's crude extracts have activity not only against pathogenic bacteria but also against phytophatogenic fungi of importance in agriculture. We suggest for first time that the inhibitory effect is probably due to AMPs.

Distribution of IFITM3 polymorphism (dbSNP: rs12252) in mestizo populations in four states of Mexico.

Interferon-inducible transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) participates in the defense against viral infections. This study identified and compared the frequency of the IFITM3 rs12252 polymorphism in 410 individuals in western Mexico. The western Mexican allelic frequencies (frequency of the "C" allele = 0.18) differ from some American, East Asian and European populations.

Contribution of polymorphisms in the LEP, LEPR and RETN genes on serum leptin and resistin levels in young adults from Mexico.

Polymorphisms in the LEP (G-2548A and A19G), LEPR (A326G, A668G and G3057A) and RETN (C-420G and G+62A) genes were documented according to their association with alterations in biochemical parameters such as glucose, insulin and lipid profiles, along with serum leptin and resistin concentrations. The aim of the study was to establish any contribution of the G-2548A and A19G polymorphisms of the LEP gene, the A326G, A668G and G3057A polymorphisms of the LEPR gene, and the C-420G and G+62A polymorphisms of the RETN gene to serum leptin and resistin levels in Mexican young adults. Clinical and biochemical variables, serum leptin and resistin levels, and genotype profiles were analysed in 66 Mexican young adults. Seven polymorphisms in the LEP, LEPR and RETN genes were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms analysis. Individuals carrying allele 3057A of the G3057A polymorphism in the LEPR gene showed significantly higher leptin concentrations than those bearing the genotype G/G (43.78 ± 39.11 vs 28.20 ± 14.12 ng/mL; p = 0.021). There were no associations of serum leptin or resistin levels according to the genotype of the other six analysed polymorphisms. Our results suggest that the allele 3057A of the LEPR G3057A polymorphism contributes to increased serum leptin levels in Mexican young adults.

Protective role of +294 T/C (rs2016520) polymorphism of PPARD in Mexican patients with colorectal cancer.

PPARD encodes for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta, which plays a significant role in controlling lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, inflammation, cancer growth, progression, and apoptosis. Accumulated evidence suggests that the polymorphism rs2016520 in PPARD is associated with lipid metabolism, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to determine whether the single nucleotide polymorphism +294T/C (rs2016520) in PPARD is associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) in the Mexican population. Genomic DNA from 178 CRC patients and 97 healthy blood donors was analyzed. The polymorphism was identified by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results demonstrated that patients with the T/C genotype for the +294T/C (rs2016520) polymorphism present a protective role against CRC [odds ratio (OR) = 0.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.22-0.69; P = 0.0008]. This association was also evident for the T/C genotype in the stratified analysis by tumor-node-metastasis stages I+II (OR = 0.26, P = 0.0332) and III+IV (OR = 0.44, P = 0.0067). However, in the stratified analysis by tumor location, we observed an increased risk of rectal cancer (OR = 7.57, P = 0.0403) vs colon cancer (OR = 4.87, P = 0.234) in patients carrying the C/C genotype and under the dominant and recessive models of inheritance. In conclusion, for the first time, the association between the +294T/C (rs2016520) polymorphism and colorectal cancer has been studied in Mexican patients. Our results reveal that variations in PPARD may play a significant role in genetic susceptibility to colorectal cancer.

TCF7L2 and CCND1 polymorphisms and its association with colorectal cancer in Mexican patients.

Accumulative evidence suggests that alterations due to mutations or genetic polymorphisms in the TCF7L2 and CCND1 genes, which are components of the Wnt signaling pathway, contributes to carcinogenesis. The present study was designated to clarify whether common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the transcription factor 7- like 2 (TCF7L2) and cyclin D1 (CCND1) genes are associated with colorectal cancer risk in Mexican patients. A case-control study including 197 colorectal cancer patients and 100 healthy subjects was conducted in a Mexican population. Identification of polymorphisms was made by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. The association was calculated by the odds ratio (OR) test. The results demonstrate that patients with the T/T genotype for the rs12255372 polymorphism of the TCF7L2 gene present an increased colorectal cancer risk (OR=2.64, P=0.0236). Also, the risk analysis for Tumor-Nodule-Metastasis (TNM) stage and tumor location showed association with this polymorphism under the over-dominant model of inheritance (OR=1.75, P=0.0440). A similar relation was observed for the genotype T/T of the rs7903146 polymorphism and the rectal location of cancer (OR=7.57, P=0.0403). For the rs603965 polymorphism of the CCND1 gene, we observed a protection effect for the colon cancer location under the dominant model (OR=0.49, P=0.0477). These results reveal a significant role of the analyzed polymorphisms in the TCF7L2 and CCND1 genes on the susceptibility or protection for developing colorectal cancer in the Mexican population.

SEVERE HYDROCEPHALUS, KIDNEY AND SKELETAL ANOMALIES IN A FEMALE PATIENT WITH MILD NEUROLOGICAL ALTERATIONS.

The appearance of untreated severe hydrocephalus with long-term survival is infrequent; here we report a case with these characteristics, mild neurological alterations and kidney and skeletal anomalies. A female patient showed severe hydrocephalus (initially mistaken with hydranencephaly) at 4 years old and left kidney ectopia (initially mistaken with renal agenesis); however, she was derived to the neurology service until she was 12 years old, when she began to present migraine and seizures. At 13 years old the patient was diagnosed with arrested hydrocephalus secondary to aqueduct stenosis, and the seizures worsen thereafter from atonic seizures to complex partial seizures (at 14 years old), presenting generalized seizures at 15 years old. At 17 years old, the seizures were more frequent despite the anticonvulsant treatment and also presented automations, she was also diagnosed with genu recurvatinn and scoliosis. The seizures finally diminished and partially controlled at 19 years old. Despite a cerebral mantle < 2.0 cm at the computer tomography, the patient always presented a satisfactory intellectual development. In this case, the relatively good and long evolution of the severe hydrocephalus is probably related with the late-onset of the disease that permitted a better development of the brain; however, the worsening of the seizures after the hydrocephalus arrested, suggests that arrest is not necessarily associated with a compensation and better evolution of the disease, at least at the beginning of the process. The presence of kidney ectopia and skeletal alterations did not associate with a known genetic disease, however a possible inheritance mechanism is not discarded.

Microbial interactions with chromium: basic biological processes and applications in environmental biotechnology.

Chromium (Cr) is a highly toxic metal for microorganisms as well as plants and animal cells. Due to its widespread industrial use, Cr has become a serious pollutant in diverse environmental settings. The hexavalent form of the metal, Cr(VI), is considered a more toxic species than the relatively innocuous and less mobile Cr(III) form. The study of the interactions between microorganisms and Cr has been helpful to unravel the mechanisms allowing organisms to survive in the presence of high concentrations of Cr(VI) and to detoxify and remove the oxyanion. Various mechanisms of interactions with Cr have been identified in diverse species of bacteria and fungi, including biosorption, bioaccumulation, reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III), and chromate efflux. Some of these systems have been proposed as potential biotechnological tools for the bioremediation of Cr pollution using bioreactors or by in situ treatments. In this review, the interactions of microorganisms with Cr are summarised, emphasising the importance of new research avenues using advanced methodologies, including proteomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses, as well as the use of techniques based on X-ray absorption spectroscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Heterologous expression, purification and biochemical characterization of endochitinase ChiA74 from Bacillus thuringiensis.

ChiA74 is a secreted endochitinase produced by Bacillus thuringiensis. Previously we have partially characterized the physical parameters that affect enzymatic activity of ChiA74 in crude preparations of bacterial secretomes. In the present study, we cloned the chiA74 open reading frame (ORF) lacking the 5' sequence coding for its secretion signal peptide (chiA74Δsp) into a cold shock expression vector (pColdI) for production of the enzyme in Escherichia coli BL21-Rosetta 2. As a result, the N-terminal end of ChiA74Δsp ORF was fused to an artificial sequence of 28 amino acid, including a 6× histidine tag for purification of recombinant 6×His tagged-ChiA74Δsp (rChiA74, ∼74kDa). Along with a protein of ∼74kDa, we co-purified its ∼55kDa processed form which was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Optimal endochitinase activity of purified rChiA74 occurred at pH 7 and 40°C. Most divalent cations (e.g. Ba(+2), Ca(+2), Mn(+2), Mg(+2), Zn(+2) and Cu(+2)) at concentration of 10mM reduced chitinase activity by ∼30%, and Hg(+2) (10mM) drastically inhibited ChiA74 activity by ∼75-100%. The Vmax, Km and kcat for rChiA74 were 0.11±0.01nmol/min, 2.15µM±0.45 and 3.81s(-1), respectively, using 4-MU-GlcNAc3 as substrate. Using purified rChiA74 and colloidal chitin as substrate, chitin-derived oligosaccharides with degree of polymerization of 2 and 1 were detected.

Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis producing endochitinase ChiA74Δsp inclusions and its improved activity against Aedes aegypti.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to produce stable inclusions of chitinase ChiA74Δsp in Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) and to assay its insecticidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae. METHODS AND RESULTS: Bti was transformed with chiA74Δsp regulated by its own promoter or by the strong chimeric cytAp/STAB-SD promoter system to generate two recombinant Bti strains. These recombinants produced their native parasporal bodies composed of Cry4Aa, Cry4Ba, Cry11Aa and Cyt1Aa and ChiA74Δsp inclusions, and showed a approx. threefold increase in both endochitinase activity and viable spore count when compared with the parental strain. Both recombinants were approximately twofold more toxic (LC50s 8·02, 9·6 ng ml(-1) ) than parental Bti (19·8 ng ml(-1) ) against 4(th) instars of A. aegypti larvae. CONCLUSIONS: ChiA74Δsp inclusions, together with the insecticidal crystals and spores of Bti increased the toxicity against A. aegypti larvae by at least twofold. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: We report for the first time the engineering of Bti to produce spore-parasporal body-ChiA74∆sp inclusions in the same sporangium, which are released together following autolysis. Our work lays a foundation for engineering Bti to produce more efficacious combinations of Cry4Aa, Cry4Ba, Cry11Aa, Cyt1Aa and chitinase inclusions.

Detection of ß-exotoxin synthesis in Bacillus thuringiensis using an easy bioassay with the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.

UNLABELLED: The insecticidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis is owing to the action of Cry and Cyt proteins. In addition to the synthesis of insecticidal proteins, some strains are able to synthesize ß-exotoxin, which is highly toxic to humans. In this regard, it is very important to have a simple method to detect ß-exotoxin to avoid the commercial production of this type of strains. In this work, we developed a simple and fast method, using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to detect indirectly the synthesis of ß-exotoxin by B. thuringiensis strain. Using this assay, we detected that ~60% of Mexican native strains (i.e. LBIT-471, 491, 492, 497, 507, 511, 515, 536 and 537) were toxic to the nematode (44-97% mortalities) and their ß-exotoxin (ßEx(+) ) production, including a positive control (NRD-12), was confirmed by HPLC. In addition, the negative controls (ßEx(-) ) LBIT-436 (HD-1) and LBIT-438 and also the native strains LBIT-499, 500, 521, 522, 533 and 542, did not show a detrimental effect against nematodes larvae, neither the synthesis of ß-exotoxin as determined by HPLC. Finally, we did not find a correlation between B. thuringiensis strains with similar plasmid patterns and the ß-exotoxin production. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In this work, we implemented a qualitative and fast bioassay using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to detect the production of ß-exotoxin in different strains of Bacillus thuringiensis. We show that this assay is useful to detect ß-exotoxin in B. thuringiensis with high reliability, helping to discriminate strains that could not be used as bioinsecticides because of their putative risk to humans. Data show that qualitative bioassay with nematodes is a potential alternative to fly larvae bioassays, and correlated with the determination of ß-exotoxin by HPLC.

Tumor necrosis factor haplotype diversity in Mestizo and native populations of Mexico.

The so-called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) block includes the TNFA, lymphotoxin alpha and beta (LTA and LTB) genes with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and microsatellites with an allele frequency that exhibits interpopulation variability. To date, no reports have included both SNPs and microsatellites at the TNF block to study Mestizo or Amerindian populations from Mexico. In this study, samples of five Mexican Mestizo populations (Durango, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, and Tierra Blanca) and four native-Mexican populations (North Lacandonians, South Lacandonians, Tepehuanos, and Yaquis) were genotyped for two SNPs (LTA+252A>G and TNFA-308G>A) and four microsatellites (TNFa, d, e, and f), to analyze the genetic substructure of the Mexican population. Allele and haplotype frequencies, linkage disequilibrium (LD), and interpopulation genetic relationships were calculated. There was significant LD along almost all of the TNF block but the lowest D' values were observed for the TNFf-TNFd pair. Mestizos showed higher allele and haplotype diversity than did natives. The genetic differentiation level was reduced among Mestizos; however, a slightly, but significant genetic substructure was observed between northern and southern Mexican Mestizos. Among the Amerindian populations, the genetic differentiation level was significantly elevated, particularly in both North and South Lacandonians. Furthermore, among Southern Lacandonians, inhabitants of Lacanja town were the most differentiated from all the Mexicans analyzed. The data presented here will serve as a reference for further population and epidemiological studies including these TNF polymorphisms in the Mexican population.

Role of Bacillus subtilis error prevention oxidized guanine system in counteracting hexavalent chromium-promoted oxidative DNA damage.

Chromium pollution is potentially detrimental to bacterial soil communities, compromising carbon and nitrogen cycles that are essential for life on earth. It has been proposed that intracellular reduction of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] to trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] may cause bacterial death by a mechanism that involves reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced DNA damage; the molecular basis of the phenomenon was investigated in this work. Here, we report that Bacillus subtilis cells lacking a functional error prevention oxidized guanine (GO) system were significantly more sensitive to Cr(VI) treatment than cells of the wild-type (WT) strain, suggesting that oxidative damage to DNA is involved in the deleterious effects of the oxyanion. In agreement with this suggestion, Cr(VI) dramatically increased the ROS concentration and induced mutagenesis in a GO-deficient B. subtilis strain. Alkaline gel electrophoresis (AGE) analysis of chromosomal DNA of WT and ΔGO mutant strains subjected to Cr(VI) treatment revealed that the DNA of the ΔGO strain was more susceptible to DNA glycosylase Fpg attack, suggesting that chromium genotoxicity is associated with 7,8-dihydro-8-oxodeoxyguanosine (8-oxo-G) lesions. In support of this notion, specific monoclonal antibodies detected the accumulation of 8-oxo-G lesions in the chromosomes of B. subtilis cells subjected to Cr(VI) treatment. We conclude that Cr(VI) promotes mutagenesis and cell death in B. subtilis by a mechanism that involves radical oxygen attack of DNA, generating 8-oxo-G, and that such effects are counteracted by the prevention and repair GO system.

Antimicrobial edible films and coatings for meat and meat products preservation.

Animal origin foods are widely distributed and consumed around the world due to their high nutrients availability but may also provide a suitable environment for growth of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. Nowadays consumers demand high quality food with an extended shelf life without chemical additives. Edible films and coatings (EFC) added with natural antimicrobials are a promising preservation technology for raw and processed meats because they provide good barrier against spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. This review gathers updated research reported over the last ten years related to antimicrobial EFC applied to meat and meat products. In addition, the films gas barrier properties contribute to extended shelf life because physicochemical changes, such as color, texture, and moisture, may be significantly minimized. The effectiveness showed by different types of antimicrobial EFC depends on meat source, polymer used, film barrier properties, target microorganism, antimicrobial substance properties, and storage conditions. The perspective of this technology includes tailoring of coating procedures to meet industry requirements and shelf life increase of meat and meat products to ensure quality and safety without changes in sensory characteristics.

Bacterial biodiversity from anthropogenic extreme environments: a hyper-alkaline and hyper-saline industrial residue contaminated by chromium and iron.

Anthropogenic extreme environments are among the most interesting sites for the bioprospection of extremophiles since the selection pressures may favor the presence of microorganisms of great interest for taxonomical and astrobiological research as well as for bioremediation technologies and industrial applications. In this work, T-RFLP and 16S rRNA gene library analyses were carried out to describe the autochthonous bacterial populations from an industrial waste characterized as hyper-alkaline (pH between 9 and 14), hyper-saline (around 100 PSU) and highly contaminated with metals, mainly chromium (from 5 to 18 g kg(-1)) and iron (from 2 to 108 g kg(-1)). Due to matrix interference with DNA extraction, a protocol optimization step was required in order to carry out molecular analyses. The most abundant populations, as evaluated by both T-RFLP and 16S rRNA gene library analyses, were affiliated to Bacillus and Lysobacter genera. Lysobacter related sequences were present in the three samples: solid residue and lixiviate sediments from both dry and wet seasons. Sequences related to Thiobacillus were also found; although strains affiliated to this genus are known to have tolerance to metals, they have not previously been detected in alkaline environments. Together with Bacillus (already described as a metal reducer), such organisms could be of use in bioremediation technologies for reducing chromium, as well as for the prospection of enzymes of biotechnological interest.

Bacteriocins of Bacillus thuringiensis can expand the potential of this bacterium to other areas rather than limit its use only as microbial insecticide.

Various strains of Bacillus thuringiensis are among the most successful entomopathogenic bacteria used commercially as biopesticides owing to their ability to synthesize insecticidal crystal (Cry) and cytolytic (Cyt) protein toxins during sporulation, and vegetative insecticidal (VIPs) proteins during the vegetative phase of growth. Whereas much is known about the molecular biology of Cry, Cyt, and VIPs, comparatively little is known about other proteins and metabolites synthesized by B. thuringiensis that could also have applied value. Here, we review recent reports on bacteriocins synthesized by this bacterium as they relate to antibacterial activity, molecular genetics, biophysical and biochemical properties, and methods used to separate and purify these antimicrobial peptides. We highlight the potential of bacteriocins for use as food preservatives, antibiotics, plant protection, and plant growth promoters. We suggest that B. thuringiensis could be used not only in biological control of insects but also in other agronomical and industrial areas of public interest.

[Effectiveness of the fixed combination of type II native collagen, omega-3 and astaxanthin in patients with knee osteoarthritis]. / Efectividad de la combinación fija de colágeno nativo tipo II, omega-3 y astaxantina en pacientes con osteoartritis de rodilla.

INTRODUCTION: osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the world and is defined as the gradual loss of cartilage in the joints, mainly that of the knee. It is considered a cause of disability in older adults and is characterized by pain, stiffness and loss of mobility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: observational study to evaluate the effect of the combination of non-hydrolyzed type II native collagen (CII-NH), omega-3 (Om-3) and astaxanthin (AX), in a population of 182 patients with knee osteoarthritis grade I/II. Measurements of thigh circumference, arcs of movement and pain were obtained through international scales such as the visual analogue pain scale (VAS), the Lequesne index and the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scale. Medical check-ups were performed every 30 days for three months. The Statgraphics software (Statgraphics Technologies, Virginia) was used, the evaluation of the variables and the statistical significance were determined by t Student test and the results are shown as a mean. RESULTS: it was shown that daily consumption increases mobility, decreases knee pain and inflammation in patients within three months. Additionally, there was a reduction in the consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) by the study subjects. CONCLUSION: the fixed combination of non-hydrolyzed type II collagen, omega-3 and astaxanthin, generates, in the short term, a decrease in inflammation and stiffness in patients with osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: la osteoartritis es una de las enfermedades crónicas con mayor prevalencia en el mundo y se define como la pérdida gradual de cartílago en las articulaciones, principalmente la de rodilla. Es considerada como una causa de discapacidad en adultos mayores y se caracteriza por dolor, rigidez y pérdida de la movilidad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio observacional para evaluar el efecto de la combinación de Sólo debe decir, colágeno nativo tipo II, omega-3 (Om-3) y astaxantina (AX), en una población de 182 pacientes con artrosis de rodilla grado I/II. Se obtuvieron las mediciones de circunferencia del muslo, arcos de movimiento y dolor a través de las escalas internacionales como la escala visual analógica de dolor (EVA), el índice de Lequesne y escala Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Las revisiones médicas se realizaron cada 30 días durante tres meses. Se utilizó el software Statgraphics (Statgraphics Technologies, Virginia), la evaluación de las variables y la significancia estadística fueron determinadas por la prueba t de Student y los resultados se muestran como media. RESULTADOS: se demostró que el consumo diario incrementa la movilidad, disminuye el dolor y la inflamación de rodilla en los pacientes en un lapso de tres meses. Adicionalmente se registró una reducción en el consumo de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINE) por parte de los sujetos de estudio. CONCLUSIÓN: la combinación fija colágeno nativo tipo II, omega-3 y astaxantina, genera, en el corto plazo, disminución de la inflamación y la rigidez en pacientes con osteoartritis.

Fungal Alcohol Dehydrogenases: Physiological Function, Molecular Properties, Regulation of Their Production, and Biotechnological Potential.

Fungal alcohol dehydrogenases (ADHs) participate in growth under aerobic or anaerobic conditions, morphogenetic processes, and pathogenesis of diverse fungal genera. These processes are associated with metabolic operation routes related to alcohol, aldehyde, and acid production. The number of ADH enzymes, their metabolic roles, and their functions vary within fungal species. The most studied ADHs are associated with ethanol metabolism, either as fermentative enzymes involved in the production of this alcohol or as oxidative enzymes necessary for the use of ethanol as a carbon source; other enzymes participate in survival under microaerobic conditions. The fast generation of data using genome sequencing provides an excellent opportunity to determine a correlation between the number of ADHs and fungal lifestyle. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the latest knowledge about the importance of ADH enzymes in the physiology and metabolism of fungal cells, as well as their structure, regulation, evolutionary relationships, and biotechnological potential.