The Complete Genome of Propionibacterium freudenreichii CIRM-BIA1T, a Hardy Actinobacterium with Food and Probiotic Applications

Background: Propionibacterium freudenreichii is essential as a ripening culture in Swiss-type cheeses and is also considered for its probiotic use [1]. This species exhibits slow growth, low nutritional requirements, and hardiness in many habitats. It belongs to the taxonomic group of dairy propionibacteria, in contrast to the cutaneous species P. acnes. The genome of the type strain, P. freudenreichii subsp. shermanii CIRM-BIA1 (CIP 103027T), was sequenced with an 11-fold coverage. Methodology/Principal Findings: The circular chromosome of 2.7 Mb of the CIRM-BIA1 strain has a GC-content of 67% and contains 22 different insertion sequences (3.5% of the genome in base pairs). Using a proteomic approach, 490 of the 2439 predicted proteins were confirmed. The annotation revealed the genetic basis for the hardiness of P. freudenreichii, as the bacterium possesses a complete enzymatic arsenal for de novo biosynthesis of aminoacids and vitamins (except panthotenate and biotin) as well as sequences involved in metabolism of various carbon sources, immunity against phages, duplicated chaperone genes and, interestingly, genes involved in the management of polyphosphate, glycogen and trehalose storage. The complete biosynthesis pathway for a bifidogenic compound is described, as well as a high number of surface proteins involved in interactions with the host and present in other probiotic bacteria. By comparative genomics, no pathogenicity factors found in P. acnes or in other pathogenic microbial species were identified in P. freudenreichii, which is consistent with the Generally Recognized As Safe and Qualified Presumption of Safety status of P. freudenreichii. Various pathways for formation of cheese flavor compounds were identified: the Wood-Werkman cycle for propionic acid formation, amino acid degradation pathways resulting in the formation of volatile branched chain fatty acids, and esterases involved in the formation of free fatty acids and esters. Conclusions/Significance: With the exception of its ability to degrade lactose, P. freudenreichii seems poorly adapted to dairy niches. This genome annotation opens up new prospects for the understanding of the P. freudenreichii probiotic activity

Extracellular matrix and stem cell niche in the regenerating planarian

Oral Presentations: Session 3 - Reproduction & Development and Public Health: 3.2

The study of extracellular matrix and stem cell niche in planarian

Poster Presentation - Theme 1: Reproduction and Development: 1.18The 15th Research Postgraduate Symposium (RPS 2010), the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China, 1-2 December 2010

Validating of the interpersonal mindfulness in parenting scale in Hong Kong Chinese

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Extracellular matrix and stem cell niche in the regenerating planarian

Oral Presentations: Session 3 - Reproduction & Development and Public Health: 3.2

Analgesic Effect of Electroacupuncture in Postthoracotomy Pain: A Prospective Randomized Trial

Background: The role of electroacupuncture in postthoracotomy pain control is uncertain. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the role of electroacupuncture in the management of early postthoracotomy wound pain. Methods: A total of 27 patients with operable non-small cell lung carcinoma who received thoracotomy were recruited and randomized to receive either electroacupuncture or sham acupuncture in addition to routine oral analgesics and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia for postoperative pain control. All patients received acupuncture twice daily with visual analog pain score recorded for the first 7 postoperative days. Specific chest acupoints (LI 4, GB 34, GB 36, and TE 8) were targeted. Patient-controlled analgesia was used for the first 3 postoperative days in all patients, and the cumulative dosage used was recorded. Results: Two patients were excluded after randomization because of complications unrelated to acupuncture. Interventions and data collection were completed for the remaining 25 patients (13 in the electroacupuncture group; 12 in the sham acupuncture group). There was a trend for lower visual analog scale pain scores in the electro-acupuncture group between postoperative days 2 and 6, although this did not reach statistical significance. The cumulative dose of patient-controlled analgesia morphine used on postoperative day 2 was significantly lower in the electroacupuncture group (7.5 ± 5 mg versus 15.6 ± 12 mg; p < 0.05). Such delay of onset of pain control may be related to the frequency of electroacupuncture used. Conclusions: Electroacupuncture may reduce narcotic analgesic usage in the early postoperative period. A prospective randomized controlled trial using different electroacupuncture frequency is warranted to verify this benefit. © 2006 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons.link_to_subscribed_fulltex

Extracellular matrix and the stem cell niche in the regenerating planarian

Poster Presentation - Theme 1: Cell Biology, Musculoskeletal System, Reproduction & Development: no. 1.18The 16th Research Postgraduate Symposium (RPS 2011), the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 7-8 December 2011