Draft Genome Sequence of the Photoheterotrophic Chloracidobacterium thermophilum Strain OC1 Found in a Mat at Ojo Caliente.

Metagenomics of an enrichment culture from a New Mexico hot spring allowed the description of a draft genome of a Chloracidobacterium thermophilum strain for the first time outside Yellowstone National Park with a surprisingly high degree of identity with the type strain.

Draft Genome Sequence of a Thermophilic Cyanobacterium from the Family Oscillatoriales (Strain MTP1) from the Chalk River, Colorado.

The draft genome (57.7% GC, 7,647,882 bp) of the novel thermophilic cyanobacterium MTP1 was determined by metagenomics of an enrichment culture. The genome shows that it is in the family Oscillatoriales and encodes multiple heavy metal resistances as well as the capacity to make exopolysaccharides.

Building a better mousetrap I: using Design of Experiments with unconfounded ions to discover superior media for growth and lipid production by Chlorella sp. EN1234.

An unconfounded Scheffe Mix approach was used to probe important ions and their interactions in supporting biomass and lipid production by Chlorella sp. EN1234. Six major cations and anions; NH4(+), NO3(-), Na(+), K(+) PO4(-) and Cl(-) were examined. Piepel plots and RSM analysis showed that in a number of cases, the major media anions PO4(-) and Cl(-) negatively influence final cell densities, and that maximal cell density is obtained with nitrate over ammonium, with an optimal effect when mixed with equal molar potassium. As well, although it is commonly assumed that lipid content increases in nitrogen deficient media, here little correlation between nitrogen content and total lipid content was found with mixtures that supported high lipid productivity. Thus these mixtures define the composition space within which further R&D might produce the best trade-off between total biomass production and high cellular lipid content.

Building a better mousetrap II: using Design of Experiments with unconfounded ions to compare the growth of different microalgae.

A large number of unconfounded media variations were used with a Scheffe Mix Model to examine in an unambiguous fashion the effects of variations in six important ions; NH4(+), NO3(-), Na(+), K(+), PO4(-), and Cl(-), on the growth of Chlorella vulgaris. This allows several novel observations on media components, for example, the inhibitory effects of chloride, to be made. Using a side by side comparison, it is shown that two strains of Chlorella show significant physiological and functional differences brought out by this approach. Testing selected formulations with a diverse set of algae demonstrated different effects on both growth and cellular lipid content, in some cases driving significant lipid production. This suggests that future work using a larger portion of media composition space could lead to the development of novel media supporting maximal biomass production and lipid production.

The use of Design of Experiments and Response Surface Methodology to optimize biomass and lipid production by the oleaginous marine green alga, Nannochloropsis gaditana in response to light intensity, inoculum size and CO2.

Biodiesel produced from microalgal lipids is being considered as a potential source of renewable energy. However, a number of hurdles will have to be overcome if such a process is to become practical. One important factor is the volumetric production of biomass and lipid that can be achieved. The marine alga Nannochloropsis gaditana is under study since it is known to be highly oleaginous and has a number of other attractive properties. Factors that might be important in biomass and lipid production by this alga are light intensity, inoculum size and CO2. Here we have carried out for the first time a RSM-DOE study of the influence of these important culture variables and define conditions that maximize biomass production, lipid content (BODIPY® fluorescence) and total lipid production. Moreover, flow cytometry allowed the examination on a cellular level of changes that occur in cellular populations as they age and accumulate lipids.

Characterization of the effects of heat stress on the DNA-intercalating dye EvaGreen for potential use with the joint biological agent identification and diagnostic system.

Although advances in real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology and equipment have facilitated field research, only a limited selection of reagents do not require cold storage. This study explored the temperature stability of the commercially available DNA-intercalating dye EvaGreen after exposure to a spectrum of temperatures for 176 days by analyzing quantification cycle (Cq) and end fluorescence levels during amplification of the invA gene of Salmonella typhimurium. To further characterize potential dye stability, the effects of small differences in dye volume were examined and dye samples were subjected to an Air Force deployment to the Middle East. Significant differences in Cq and end fluorescence were found; however, the magnitude of mean Cq differences was less than one cycle and the magnitude of mean fluorescence differences was less than that attributable to a difference of 0.25 µL of dye per 25 µL reaction. Liquid EvaGreen dye may thus be stable at temperatures as high as 65°C for up to 6 months for use in real-time PCR. These results warrant further investigation by using liquid EvaGreen dye to adapt traditional lab-based real-time PCR assays for Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System use and testing the assays in the field.

Use of zinc supplements to reduce upper respiratory infections in United States Air Force Academy cadets.

Although known primarily for its antioxidant function, zinc appears to be an important modulator for the production of immune cells as well as ensuring the proper action of various leukocytes such as neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, B and T lymphocytes. The primary study objective was to compare URI incidence between supplemented (zinc gluconate 15mg/day capsules) and non-supplemented (corn-starch placebo) groups. This study was a seven month randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 40 cadets to evaluate zinc's effectiveness in reducing the risk of upper respiratory infections (URIs). Self-reported symptoms as recorded by a weekly web site survey revealed that supplemented participants experienced significantly more symptom free episodes than those in the placebo group (p=0.01). No significant differences were found between groups in terms of physician diagnosed cases (p=0.99). Higher zinc dosage may be warranted to confer a protective effect under more challenging immunological conditions.

Use of the stages of change model in improving nutrition and exercise habits in enlisted Air Force men.

Thirty-nine U.S. Air Force enlisted men participated in a randomized controlled study that evaluated an experimental program designed to enhance fitness. Subjects were assigned to either a treatment (access to the program) or control (no access to program) group for 6 months. To improve treatment group fitness (as measured by VO2, subjects received individually tailored information (based on a behavior change model) via the Internet to encourage adoption of positive diet and exercise behaviors. Results showed no significant effect in improving fitness in treatment. However, significant effects were observed for secondary outcomes such as weight (controls, +1.0 kg vs. treatment, -2.2 kg, p < 0.05), body mass index (+0.3 kg/m2 vs. -0.7 kg/m2, p < 0.05), and percent body fat (+0.6% vs. -1.5%, p < 0.001). The data suggest that the individually tailored exercise information was not effective in encouraging sufficient exercise intensity to impact fitness. However, the dietary tailored information appears to have encouraged the adoption of more positive nutritional practices as demonstrated by the beneficial effects reflected in secondary outcomes.