Genome Sequence of Kurthia Type Species Kurthia zopfii Strain ATCC 33403T

The genome of the type strain of the Kurthia genus, Kurthia zopfii ATCC 33403, was sequenced. Nonpathogenic K. zopfii has been isolated from intestinal contents, fecal material, meats, meat products, milk, water, and air, including air at high altitudes. The predicted genome size is 2,878,279 bp, with 37.05% G+C content

Genome Sequences for Three Strains of Kocuria rosea, Including the Type Strain

Genomes from three strains of Kocuria rosea were sequenced. K. rosea ATCC 186, the type strain, was 3,958,612 bp in length with a total G+C content of 72.70%. When assembled, K. rosea ATCC 516 was 3,862,128 bp with a 72.82% G+C content. K. rosea ATCC 49321 was 4,018,783 bp in size with a 72.49% G+C content

Effect of stem age on the response of stem diameter variations to plant water status in tomato

Plant water status plays a major role in glasshouse cultivation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). New climate control technologies alter the glasshouse climate and make it less dependent on solar radiation. However, irrigation strategies are still often based on solar radiation sums. In order to maintain a good plant water status, it is interesting to use plant-based methods such as monitoring sap flow (F) or stem diameter variations (SDV). Though SDV give important information about plant water status, an unambiguous interpretation might be difficult because other factors such as stem age, fruit load and sugar content of the stem also affect SDV. In this study, an analysis of the effect of stem age on the response of SDV to water status was performed by calibration of a mechanistic flow and storage model. This allowed us to determine how parameter values changed across the growing season. Tissue extensibility decreased over the growing season resulting in a lower growth rate potential, whereas daily cycles of shrinking and swelling of the stem became more pronounced towards the end of the growing season. Parameters were then adapted to time-dependent variables and implemented in the model, allowing long term simulation and interpretation of SDV. Sensitivity analysis showed that model predictions were very sensitive to initial sucrose content of the phloem tissue and the parameters related to plastic growth

Genetic characterization of Pepino mosaic virus isolates from Belgian greenhouse tomatoes reveals genetic recombination

Over a period of a few years, Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) has become one of the most important viral diseases in tomato production worldwide. Infection by PepMV can cause a broad range of symptoms on tomato plants, often leading to significant financial losses. At present, five PepMV genotypes (EU, LP, CH2, US1 and US2) have been described, three of which (EU, LP and US2) have been reported in Europe. Thus far, no correlation has been found between different PepMV genotypes and the symptoms expressed in infected plants. In this paper, the genetic diversity of the PepMV population in Belgian greenhouses is studied and related to symptom development in tomato crops. A novel assay based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was developed to discriminate between the different PepMV genotypes. Both RFLP and sequence analysis revealed the occurrence of two genotypes, the EU genotype and the CH2 genotype, within tomato production in Belgium. Whereas no differences were observed in symptom expression between plants infected by one of the two genotypes, co-infection with both genotypes resulted in more severe PepMV symptoms. Furthermore, our study revealed that PepMV recombinants frequently occur in mixed infections under natural conditions. This may possibly result in the generation of viral variants with increased aggressivenes

Writing On the Wall: Social Media the First 2,000 Years

Book Review over Tom Standage's book Writing On the Wall: Social Media the First 2,000 Year

Impact of Cell Density on Cx43 Expression in Endothelial Cells

Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids benefits the cardiovascular system by reducing blood vessel inflammatory responses. Our recent work showed omega-3 fatty acids decrease connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in cultured endothelial cells after 1 day. Our interest in Cx43 was as marker of inflammation as omega-3 fatty acids are strongly implicated as anti-inflammatory agents. Localized inflammatory responses drive the growth of the atherosclerotic plaques responsible for a majority of cardiovascular diseases. Anything that affects the inflammatory response will affect the growth (and stability which is also important) of those plaques. This poster will summarize current knowledge of atherosclerosis and inflammation as well as the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on inflammation

Effect of parenteral iron sucrose therapy to improve the feto-maternal prognosis related to iron deficiency anemia

Background: The objective was to determine the effect of parenteral iron sucrose therapy to improve the feto-maternal prognosis related to iron deficiency anemia.Methods: This was a longitudinal study conducted among 205 women admitted in a out-patient clinic of a tertiary care hospital and received iron sucrose. The iron sucrose dose was calculated from the following formula: weight before pregnancy (kg) -(110 g/L – actual hemoglobin [g/L]) X 0.24+ 500 mg. Treatment efficacy was assessed by measuring hemoglobin ferritin and other hematological parameters on the 30th  day, at delivery and at first day of postpartum.Results: Hemoglobin level was significantly (p<0.001) increased from baseline (8.33±1.13) to 30th (9.45±1.02), at delivery (11.89±0.89) and at first postpartum day (12.15±1.11).  However, TIBC significantly (p=0.01) decreased from baseline to first postpartum day.  Significant (p<0.0001) increase was also noted in serum ferritin and serum folate levels from baseline to 30th day, at delivery and at first postpartum day. MCV and MCH were significantly (p=0.01) increased from baseline to only at delivery and at first postpartum day. Percent change analysis showed that there was higher change in serum ferritin and serum folate levels than Hb, MCV and MCH levels. About one third (34%) of the patients did not complain any complications during supplementation. Conclusion: With regard to the use of intravenous iron in obstetrics, there is increasing evidence that iron sucrose is safe for the mother and the fetus using the recommended dosages and therapy regimens.