Comparative and Functional Genomics of Rhodococcus opacus PD630 for Biofuels Development

The Actinomycetales bacteria Rhodococcus opacus PD630 and Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 bioconvert a diverse range of organic substrates through lipid biosynthesis into large quantities of energy-rich triacylglycerols (TAGs). To describe the genetic basis of the Rhodococcus oleaginous metabolism, we sequenced and performed comparative analysis of the 9.27 Mb R. opacus PD630 genome. Metabolic-reconstruction assigned 2017 enzymatic reactions to the 8632 R. opacus PD630 genes we identified. Of these, 261 genes were implicated in the R. opacus PD630 TAGs cycle by metabolic reconstruction and gene family analysis. Rhodococcus synthesizes uncommon straight-chain odd-carbon fatty acids in high abundance and stores them as TAGs. We have identified these to be pentadecanoic, heptadecanoic, and cis-heptadecenoic acids. To identify bioconversion pathways, we screened R. opacus PD630, R. jostii RHA1, Ralstonia eutropha H16, and C. glutamicum 13032 for growth on 190 compounds. The results of the catabolic screen, phylogenetic analysis of the TAGs cycle enzymes, and metabolic product characterizations were integrated into a working model of prokaryotic oleaginy.Cambridge-MIT InstituteMassachusetts Institute of Technology. (Seed Grant program)Shell Oil CompanyNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (U.S.)United States. National Institutes of HealthNational Institutes of Health. Department of Health and Human Services (Contract No. HHSN272200900006C

The relationship between workplace bullying of clinical clerks of DLSUMC and burnout in S.Y. 2016-2017

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the relationship between workplace bullying of clinical clerks in DLSUMC and burnout in SY 2016-2017. One hundred twenty (121) clinical clerks were haphazardly surveyed for their experience on bullying and burnout during their clerkship year using the NASQ and MBI assessment tools, respectively. Data was analyzed through Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The study showed that the clinical clerks that were bullied had experienced bullying in the form of increased workload, rather than intimidation in the workplace. Results also revealed that 68.33% (82/120) of the respondents have qualified for burnout in terms of high levels of emotional exhaustion, the most of the three parameters. Burnout from depersonalization of work was observed in 41.67% (50/120). Only 39.17% (47/120) have burnout from inadequate personal accomplishment. With 93.6% of bullied clerks with burnout, and 68% of non-bullied clerks with burnout, the prevalence ratio of 1.37 indicated an increased association between workplace bullying and burnout. A larger sample size involving different medical schools was recommended