PhylArray: phylogenetic probe design algorithm for microarray

International audienceMOTIVATION: Microbial diversity is still largely unknown in most environments, such as soils. In order to get access to this microbial 'black-box', the development of powerful tools such as microarrays are necessary. However, the reliability of this approach relies on probe efficiency, in particular sensitivity, specificity and explorative power, in order to obtain an image of the microbial communities that is close to reality. RESULTS: We propose a new probe design algorithm that is able to select microarray probes targeting SSU rRNA at any phylogenetic level. This original approach, implemented in a program called 'PhylArray', designs a combination of degenerate and non-degenerate probes for each target taxon. Comparative experimental evaluations indicate that probes designed with PhylArray yield a higher sensitivity and specificity than those designed by conventional approaches. Applying the combined PhyArray/GoArrays strategy helps to optimize the hybridization performance of short probes. Finally, hybridizations with environmental targets have shown that the use of the PhylArray strategy can draw attention to even previously unknown bacteria

Promoting optimal parenting and children’s mental health : a preliminary evaluation of the How-to Parenting Program

Parenting quality is widely accepted as a primary predictor of children’s mental health. The present study examined the effectiveness of a parenting program in fostering optimal parenting and child mental health. The selected program was How to talk so kids will listen & listen so kids will talk (How-to Parenting Program). This program was selected because its content corresponds closely to what the parenting style literature suggests is optimal parenting (i.e., includes structure, affiliation and autonomy support). Eleven groups of six to twelve parents were conducted in 7 local grade schools. The program, offered by two trained leaders, consisted of eight weekly sessions and taught a total of 30 skills. A total of 82 parents completed questionnaires both prior to and after the program. Participants’ children between eight and 12 years old (N = 44) completed questionnaires at school, at both assessment points. Repeated measures ANOVAs using parent reports indicated that structure, affiliation and autonomy support were increased after the program, compared to baseline. The level of child internalizing and externalizing problems also decreased significantly. Importantly, children reports confirmed that parental autonomy support increased from pre to post-test and child-reported well-being improved as well. The preliminary evidence from this pre-test versus post-test repeated measures design suggests that the How-to Parenting Program is effective in improving parenting style and in promoting children’s mental health and that future evaluation research examining the potential of this program is warranted

Integration of a molecular linkage group containing the broomrape resistance gene Or5 into an RFLP map in sunflower.

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Molecular characterization, organ distribution and stress-mediated induction of two glutathione peroxidase-encoding mRNAs in sunflower (Helianthus annuus)

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Variabilité moléculaire de populations d’Orobanche cumana de différents pays européens.

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Study of the variability and evolution of Orobanche cumana populations infesting sunflower in different European countries

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Quantification des populations bactériennes des laits crus par hybridation fluorescente in situ (FISH)

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La surface de trayon des vaches laitières : un réservoir de biodiversité ?

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Staphylococcus aureus transcriptomic response to inhibition by H2O2-producing Lactococcus garvieae.

Growth of the foodborne pathogen Staphylococcus aureus can be inhibited in milk and in cheese by the hydrogen peroxide-producing Lactococcus garvieae N201 dairy strain. Transcriptomic responses of two S. aureus strains, the S. aureus SA15 dairy strain and the MW2 human pathogenic strain, to this growth inhibition were investigated in Brain-Heart Infusion broth under a high or a low aeration level. We demonstrated that S. aureus MW2 had a higher resistance to L. garvieae inhibition under the high aeration level: this correlated to a higher survival under hydrogen peroxide exposure. Conversely, the two strains were similarly inhibited under the low aeration level. Expression of S. aureus genes involved in response to H2O2 or other stresses as well as in cell division was generally repressed by L. garvieae. However, differential expressions between the two S. aureus strains were observed, especially under the high aeration level. Additionally, expression of virulence-related genes (enterotoxins, regulatory genes) was modulated by L. garvieae depending on the aeration level and on the S. aureus strain. This study led to new insights into potential molecular mechanisms of S. aureus inhibition by Lactic Acid Bacteria via H2O2 production

Biodiversity and factors of variation of microbial flora on the teats of dairy cows

International audienceTo determine how farming practices and the intrinsic characteristics of individual dairy cows can influence the composition of the microbial community on teat skin, sixteen dairy farms in the Cantal region of France were studied. Microbial groups of the teat skin of 6 dairy cows per farm were counted using 10 dairy-specific media. Farms were classed into three groups according to the milking hygiene practices, the litter and the forage. Cows were also classed into three groups according to individual characteristics. Teat hygiene seems to be the factor that causes the greatest changes in the level of microbial flora on the teat. Whatever the type of practice, rather young cows are associated with lower levels of microbial flora on the teat skin. The microbial community on cow teat skin belonging to 3 groups of farms was evaluated by combining a culture-dependent method and a direct molecular approach. The diversity of this microbial community was large as 79.8% of clones corresponded to unidentified and 66 identified species belonging to most of those commonly found in raw milk. Then teat skin is an interesting source or vector of biodiversity for milk