Whole genome sequence of lactic acid bacterium Pediococcus acidilactici strain S1

Abstract Pediococcus acidilactici strain S1, a lactic acid-fermenting bacterium, was isolated from makgeolli-a Korean traditional fermented alcoholic beverage. Here we report the 1,980,172 bp (G + C content, 42%) genome sequence of Pediococcus acidilactici strain S1 with 1,525 protein-coding sequences (CDS), of which 47% could be assigned to recognized functional genes. The genome sequence of the strain S1 might provide insights into the genetic basis of the lactic acid bacterium with alcohol-tolerant.

Draft genome sequence of a caprolactam degrader bacterium: Pseudomonas taiwanensis strain SJ9

Abstract Pseudomonas taiwanensis strain SJ9 is a caprolactam degrader, isolated from industrial wastewater in South Korea and considered to have the potential for caprolactam bioremediation. The genome of this strain is approximately 6.2 Mb (G + C content, 61.75%) with 6,010 protein-coding sequences (CDS), of which 46% are assigned to recognized functional genes. This draft genome of strain SJ9 will provide insights into the genetic basis of its caprolactam-degradation ability.

Draft genome sequence of sulfur-reducing archaeon Thermococcus thioreducens DSM 14981T

Abstract Thermococcus thioreducens DSM 14981T, a sulfur-reducing archaeon, was isolated from the rainbow hydrothermal vent site on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Herein, we report the draft genome sequence of T. thioreducens DSM 14981T; we obtained 41 contigs with a genome size of 2,052,483 bp and G + C content of 53.5%. This genome sequence will not only help understand how the archaeon adapts to the deep-sea hydrothermal environment but also aid the development of enzymes that are highly stable under extreme conditions for industrial applications.

Draft genome sequence of alcohol-tolerant bacteria Pediococcus acidilactici strain K3

Abstract Pediococcus acidilactici strain K3 is an alcohol-tolerant lactic acid bacterium isolated from nuruk, which is a traditional Korean fermentation starter for makgeolli brewing. Draft genome of this strain was approximately 1,991,399 bp (G+C content, 42.1%) with 1525 protein-coding sequences (CDS), of which 44% were assigned to recognized functional genes. This draft genome sequence data of the strain K3 will provide insights into the genetic basis of its alcohol-tolerance.

Learning curves for strabismus surgery in two ophthalmologists.

Purpose: To identify the average turning point by comparing the learning curves of two surgeons learning to perform strabismus surgery. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent procedures to correct exotropia between January 2010 and December 2014 followed for at least 3 months were retrospectively assessed. The first 70 patients on whom each of two ophthalmologists (A and B) performed surgery to treat strabismus were divided into 7 cohorts comprising 10 patients each based on the chronological order of the surgery. Factors, including patient age, preoperative angle of deviation, operative time, and success or failure of the operation, were compared between the two surgeons. Learning curves were calculated based on changes in operative time and operation success rate. Operation success was determined by measuring the angle of deviation at a distance of 5 m 3 months after the operation. Results: A turning point was observed after 40 cases for Surgeon A and 50 cases for Surgeon B based on the operative time learning curve. No turning point was observed in the operation success rate learning curve based on the absence of a specific trend. Success rate by cohort was not significantly different between the two surgeons (P > 0.05). Surgeon B had a significantly longer mean operative time than Surgeon A (P = 0.045). Conclusions: Approximately 50 cases are required for an ophthalmologist to reach a turning point in strabismus surgery. This outcome can be used as a guideline when training surgeons to perform strabismus surgery.

Effect of Radiofrequency Device for the Treatment of Facial Rhytides

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of radiofrequency device for treatment of facial rhytides. METHODS: Twenty-three patients of more than 50 years of age with Glogau photoaging scale type III, IV were included in this study. A Surgitron Dual Frequency device was used for facial rhytides, and a total of four treatment sessions spaced one week apart were performed. Clinical assessment was performed at one week, and at one, three, and six months after the last treatment session. The degree of objective & subjective improvement was determined using a five-step graded scale. Objective improvement was determined by two blinded assessors using before and after photographs. Subjective improvement was determined by questionnaire about rhytides improvement, patient satisfaction and prospect for another treatment session. RESULTS: Significant improvement in facial rhitides was observed in the majority of patients until three months after treatment according to photography assessment. Self-estimation scores paralleled the photography scores and thus were also high until 3 months after treatment. Treatment of the periocular area was most effective.The procedure was associated with minimal downtime, and therewas no serious complication. CONCLUSIONS: treatment for facial rhitides using the Surgitron Dual Frequency device is effective in a relatively short time. This technology is a relatively easy treatment method because of the minimal downtime and minimal risk associated its use, making periodic repetition efficient for treating facial rhytides.