The family milpa system (FMS) is of great importance to food security and the livelihoods of rural families in Mexico. However, the performance of the system can be compromised due to inappropriate agricultural practices. Therefore, a suitable evaluation strategy is required to identify the best management of resources. Nonetheless, at present, there is no holistic understanding around the nature–society interface that allows us to predict the global behavior of the FMS. Thus, this study assesses the global performance of a Poblano FMS through emergy-based indices. The emergy evaluation was carried out by accounting for the available energy of different qualities used in the system, which were subsequently converted to one kind of energy (solar emjoules). The percentage of renewable emergy (%Ren) used in the system was 72.16%. The emergy self-support ratio (ESR) showed that 74% of the emergy used came from free local resources. The emergy investment ratio (EIR) of 0.36 indicated that the emergy use was efficient. The emergy yield ratio (EYR) was 3.78, which in terms of net emergy (NE), was equivalent to a gain of 1.35 × 10¹⁶ sej ha⁻¹ y⁻¹. The environmental loading ratio (ELR) was 0.39, which indicated a low potential environmental impact. The emergy sustainability index (ESI) was high (9.80) compared to other agricultural systems. The performance of the FMS is superior compared to other agricultural systems, including ecologic and recycling systems. However, the use of resources is not optimum and needs to be improved to reach maximum empower.

Fungal biodiversity and ethnomycological knowledge are fundamental components of the biocultural identity of communities within the La Malinche National Park (PNM), a region of ecological and cultural significance in Mexico. This study documented the diversity of wild fungi and their uses in San Miguel Canoa, Puebla, through field excursions with local mushroom gatherers, interviews, and qualitative analysis. Key species such as Russula delica, Boletus aff. edulis, and Amanita basii were identified, playing a vital role in local gastronomy with traditional recipes like mole and pipián. Intergenerational knowledge transmission, crucial for identifying edible fungi and avoiding intoxications, highlights the importance of oral tradition. However, deforestation, illegal logging, and land-use change threaten fungal diversity, a problem exacerbated by the lack of effective conservation policies. The discussion highlights the interplay between biodiversity and culture, emphasizing the significance of the Wild Mushroom Fair organized by the Yolaltepetl collective as an effort to disseminate ethnomycological knowledge and promote the conservation of the PNM. Such community-driven initiatives represent a sustainable model that integrates environmental protection with cultural strengthening. The study concludes that protecting the PNM requires a holistic approach, merging ecological conservation with the recognition of biocultural knowledge. This is essential to preserve both biodiversity and cultural heritage, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

Food security among college students is an increasing concern, with potential implications for their health, academic performance, and future well-being. This study investigated food security within a college community in Mexico, focusing on food availability, access (both economic and physical), and consumption patterns. A mixed-methods approach was employed at Ciudad Universitaria, BUAP, Mexico, between 2023 and 2024. Stratified random sampling was used, resulting in a final sample of 606 students. Data were collected through structured questionnaires covering sociodemographic characteristics and eating habits, the ELCSA, structured cafeteria observations, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and three focus groups. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests (p < 0.05). Post hoc analysis with Bonferroni adjustment confirmed that origin (p = 0.0017), mode of transportation (p = 2.31 × 10⁻⁵) and private vehicles (p = 1.77 × 10⁻⁵) were the key determinants. Although the environment offered a variety of options, processed and ultra-processed products dominated the food choices. A total of 95.9% of students purchased food on campus, yet only 21.8% reported engaging in healthy eating habits. Focus groups revealed that students’ food choices were influenced by availability, access, and perceptions of affordability and convenience. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve food security and promote healthier dietary practices within the college setting.

La exportación de brócoli (Brassica oleracea) de México a Estados Unidos representa una parte significativa del comercio agrícola de este producto. El estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar las principales causas de rechazo en las exportaciones de brócoli fresco de México hacia Estados Unidos. La metodología incluyó la consulta de bases de la FDA filtrando registros, la categorización de los rechazos como: residuos de plaguicidas, contaminación microbiológica y niveles excesivos de metales pesados. La detección de pesticidas, fue la causa más frecuente de rechazo, con 16 incidentes. La detección de compuestos como chlorothalonil y malatión subraya la necesidad de mejorar las prácticas agrícolas y el manejo postcosecha. La presencia de Salmonella spp. en algunas registros destaca la importancia de implementar medidas de higiene. El análisis estadístico reveló relaciones significativas entre el lugar de procedencia del brócoli y los motivos de rechazo, así como entre el lugar y el compuesto químico detectado.

Background/Objectives: Candida species are among the leading causes of fungal infections, especially in immunosuppressed patients. In recent years, the increase in non-albicans species has altered the epidemiological landscape, requiring updated local surveillance data. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the epidemiological pattern of Candida spp. involved in various clinical manifestations. Methods: This was a retrospective observational descriptive study of clinical Candida isolates recovered from patients at a single tertiary care hospital in Puebla, Mexico, between 2021 and 2022. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected from medical records. Candida spp. isolates were recovered from the hospital’s clinical specimen collection and identified using conventional methods and phylogenetic analysis. Results: Ninety isolates were recovered from a total of 88 patients during the study period. The majority of patients were women (60.2%), and among the age groups, the largest proportion corresponded to older adults (≥60 years, 25%). Candida was most frequently isolated from the urinary tract (47.7%), followed by the respiratory tract (19.3%) and the vulvovaginal tract (14.7%). Candida albicans was the predominant species (51.1%), followed by Nakaseomyces glabratus (32.2%) and other species such as Pichia kudriavzevii (5.5%), Candida tropicalis (3.3%), Candida dubliniensis (3.3%), Candida parapsilosis (2.2%), and Candida orthopsilosis (1.1%). The study showed discrepancies between conventional identification methods and molecular analysis. Of the 33 isolates evaluated using culture methods, only 21 matched the identification by PCR and phylogenetic analysis. In the case of the BD Phoenix automated system, 20 matches with and 13 discrepancies from the molecular tests were recorded. Conclusions: Our findings revealed the significant presence of species belonging to the non-albicans family in specific clinical contexts, highlighting the urgent need to monitor the epidemiological profile. The observed discrepancies between phenotypic and molecular identification methods suggest that species identification based solely on phenotypic approaches should be interpreted with caution.

The assessment of indoor air quality and fungal bioaerosols in hospitals is critical due to nosocomial infections. Aspergillus, a primary opportunistic pathogen causing aspergillosis, is heavily implicated in Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). This cross-sectional study evaluated fungal contamination in critical, emergency, and transition areas of a tertiary care hospital in Puebla, Mexico, during 2025. A physical matrix of 208 environmental samples (48 active bioaerosols and 110 infrastructure surfaces) plus 50 human biological specimens was systematically analyzed, identifying 29 fungal genera. Environmental samplings revealed a consistent mycological profile dominated by Penicillium spp. (35%), followed by Aspergillus (predominantly A. fumigatus, 16%) and Cladosporium (8%). Conversely, human clinical specimens exhibited a distinct profile characterized by yeast predominance, led by Candida (C. albicans, 26%), while Aspergillus was limited to A. flavus (12%). Epidemiological evaluation using the NTP-290 valuation questionnaire confirmed that the infrastructure met sick building criteria. Shannon-Wiener index analysis showed low, stable fungal diversity in the operating theater (), while high-traffic zones like the general waiting room and laboratory exhibited high diversity (up to ) with marked seasonal variability. These findings demonstrate high microenvironmental exposure risks, providing essential baseline data to engineer mitigation strategies and prevent nosocomial outbreaks.