Mesorhizobium septentrionale sp nov and Mesorhizobium temperatum sp nov., isolated from Astragalus adsurgens growing in the northern regions of China

Ninety-five rhizobial strains isolated from Astragalus adsurgens growing in the northern regions of China were classified into three main groups, candidate species 1, 11 and 111, based on a polyphasic approach. Comparative analysis of full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences of representative strains showed that candidate species I and 11 were Mesorhizobium, while candidate species 111, which consisted of non-nodulating strains, was closely related to Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The phylogenetic relationships of the three candidate species and some related strains were also confirmed by the sequencing of glnA genes, which were used as an alternative chromosomal marker. The DNA-DNA relatedness was between 11.3 and 47-1 % among representative strains of candidate species I and 11 and the type strains of defined Mesorhizobium species. Candidate III had DNA relatedness of between 4(.)3 and 25(.)2 % with type strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Agrobacterium rubi. Two novel species are proposed to accommodate candidate species I and 11, Mesorhizobium septentrionale sp. nov. (type strain, SIDW014(T) =CCBAU 11014(T) = HAMBI 2582(T)) and Mesorhizobium temperatum sp. nov. (type strain, SIDW018(T) = CCBAU 11018(T) =HAMBI 2583(T)), respectively. At least two distinct nodA sequences were identified among the strains. The numerically dominant nodA sequence type was most similar to that from the Mesorhizobium tianshanense type strain and was identified in strains belonging to the two novel species as well as other, as yet, undefined genome types. Host range studies indicate that the different nodA sequences correlate with different host ranges. Further comparative studies with the defined Agrobacterium species are needed to clarify the taxonomic identity of candidate species 111

The introduction of clinical genetic testing in Ethiopia: Experiences and lessons learned

Limited data are available on genetic testing laboratories in low‐ and middle‐income countries including those in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). To characterize the need for genetic testing in SSA we describe the experience of MRC‐ET Advanced Laboratory, a genetic testing laboratory in Ethiopia. Test results were analyzed based on indication(s) for testing, referral category, and diagnostic yield. A total of 1311 tests were run using the full MRC‐Holland catalogue of Multiplex‐Ligation Probe Amplification assays. Of all samples, 77% were postnatal samples, 15% products of conception (POC), and 8% amniotic samples. Of postnatal samples, the most common testing categories were multiple congenital anomalies (32%), disorders of sex development (17%), and Obstetrics/Gynecology (16%). Forty‐three percent of postnatal samples were diagnostic, 11% were variants of uncertain significance (VUS), and 46% were normal with Trisomy 21 the most common diagnosis. Of POC samples, 10% were diagnostic, 34% revealed VUSs, and 55% were normal with Trisomy 18 the most common diagnosis. Of amniotic samples 17.5% were diagnostic, 3% revealed VUSs, and 79% were normal with Trisomy 18 the most common diagnosis. There is increasing demand for genetic testing in Ethiopia. Diagnostic genetic testing in SSA deserves increased attention as testing platforms become more affordable.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/170246/1/ajmga62396.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/170246/2/ajmga62396_am.pd

Cloning of four chitinase genes and a lectin gene in Galega orientalis

The legume goat's rue (Galega orientalis) and its microsymbiont Rhizobium galegae have an unusually strict host-bacteria specificity. The reason for this is not known. We have identified and analysed six genes in G. orientalis assumed to be involved in the recognition processes between legumes and rhizobia. The genes were isolated from a library made from nodulating roots. The genes were identified by sequence analysis as class la, Ib and class IV chitinases, a lectin, and a presumptive defensin. The chitinase and lectin sequences were used to complete phylogenetic trees. In the phylogenetic tree, the G. orientalis lectin gene is placed in the same group as Pisum sativum Nlec, Blec and Robinia pseudoacacia LEC3. These genes have been suggested to be involved in different developmental processes. Defensins are involved in several defence functions, and recently there have been a few publications on defensins involved in nodulation. 2 The activity of chitinases in different tissues and in nodulated roots was investigated by western blots and activity gels. G. orientalis has at least four different active chitinases. The sequences described in the article have the following GenBank accession codes: AY253984, AY253985, AY253986, AY253987, AY253988, AY333428

A 1‐year and 4‐month‐old child with mucopolysaccharidoses type II: A clinical case report from Ethiopia

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a class of lysosomal storage disorders resulting in progressive disease manifestations and are caused by pathogenic variants in genes coding for enzymes needed to degrade glycosaminoglycans. While most of the seven MPSs are autosomal recessive disorders, MPS II, also known as Hunter syndrome, is inherited in an X‐linked recessive manner and is the most common MPS. Here, we report a 1‐year and 4‐month‐old boy who presented with delayed developmental milestones, back deformity, and left scrotal swelling noticed by parents at one year of age. He has coarse facial appearance with macrocephaly, widened wrists, congenital dermal melanocytosis on his back, kyphotic deformity in the thoracolumbar area and left‐sided inguinal hernia all consistent with a suspected MPS II diagnosis. The MPS II diagnosis was subsequently confirmed with genetic testing of the IDS gene. To our knowledge, this is the first case of MPS II reported from Ethiopia. This case shows the importance of early clinical recognition of genetic conditions and the utility of genetic testing for confirmation. The diagnosis provided important surveillance and natural history information for the patient’s providers and family.Mucopolysaccharidosis type II/Hunter syndrome is an X‐linked recessive lysosomal storage disorder. We report a 1‐year and 4‐month‐old boy with coarse facial appearance, macrocephaly, dermal melanocytosis, widened wrists, kyphotic deformity, and left‐sided inguinal hernia, consistent with MPS II, subsequently confirmed with genetic tests. There is no family history, parents are counselled.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/171000/1/ccr35122_am.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/171000/2/ccr35122.pd

Discordant Phylogenies within the rrn Loci of Rhizobia

It is evident from complete genome sequencing results that lateral gene transfer and recombination are essential components in the evolutionary process of bacterial genomes. Since this has important implications for bacterial systematics, the primary objective of this study was to compare estimated evolutionary relationships among a representative set of α-Proteobacteria by sequencing analysis of three loci within their rrn operons. Tree topologies generated with 16S rRNA gene sequences were significantly different from corresponding trees assembled with 23S rRNA gene and internally transcribed space region sequences. Besides the incongruence in tree topologies, evidence that distinct segments along the 16S rRNA gene sequences of bacteria currently classified within the genera Bradyrhizobium, Mesorhizobium and Sinorhizobium have a reticulate evolutionary history was also obtained. Our data have important implications for bacterial taxonomy, because currently most taxonomic decisions are based on comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Since phylogenetic placement based on 16S rRNA gene sequence divergence perhaps is questionable, we suggest that the proposals of bacterial nomenclature or changes in their taxonomy that have been made may not necessarily be warranted. Accordingly, a more conservative approach should be taken in the future, in which taxonomic decisions are based on the analysis of a wider variety of loci and comparative analytical methods are used to estimate phylogenetic relationships among the genomes under consideration

Isolation and Molecular Identification of Lactic Acid Bacteria Using 16s rRNA Genes from Fermented Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.)) Dough

Injera is soft fermented baked product, which is commonly prepared from teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.)) flour and believed to be consumed on daily basis by two-thirds of Ethiopians. As it is a product of naturally fermented dough, the course of fermentation is done by consortia of microorganisms. The study was aimed at isolating and identifying some dominant bacteria from fermenting teff (Eragrostis tef) dough. A total of 97 dough samples were collected from households, microenterprises, and hotels with different fermentation stage from Addis Ababa. The bacterial isolates obtained from the fermenting teff dough samples were selected on the basis of their acid production potentials. A total of 24 purified bacterial isolates were found to be Gram-positive (they are coccus and rod under microscope) and were good acid producers. Genomic DNA of bacterial isolates were extracted using Invisorb® Spin DNA Extraction kit. 16S rRNA of bacterial isolates were amplified using the bacteria universal primers (rD1 and fD1). The amplified product was sequenced at Genewiz, USA. Sequence analysis and comparison with the resources at the database were conducted to identify the isolated microbes into species and strain levels. The bacterial isolates were identified as Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus brevis, Enterococcus durans, Enterococcus hirae, Enterococcus avium, and Enterococcus faecium. All identified lactic acid bacteria were able to produce acid at 12 h time of incubation. This study has confirmed the presence of different bacterial species in the fermenting teff dough and also supports the involvement of various groups of bacterial species in the course of the fermentation

Data from: Galega orientalis is more diverse than Galega officinalis in Caucasus – whole-genome AFLP analysis and phylogenetics of symbiosis-related genes

Legume plants can obtain combined nitrogen for their growth in an efficient way through symbiosis with specific bacteria. The symbiosis between Rhizobium galegae and its host plant Galega is an interesting case where the plant species G. orientalis and G. officinalis form effective, nitrogen fixing, symbioses only with the appropriate rhizobial counterpart, R. galegae bv. orientalis and R. galegae bv. officinalis respectively. There is plenty of information available on the symbiotic properties of nitrogen fixing rhizobia, while more information is needed on the properties of the host plants. The Caucasus region in Eurasia has been identified as the gene centre (centre of origin) of G. orientalis, although both G. orientalis and G. officinalis can be found in this region. In this study, the diversity of these two Galega species in Caucasus was investigated to test the hypothesis that in this region G. orientalis is more diverse than G. officinalis. The amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting performed here showed that the populations of G. orientalis and R. galegae bv. orientalis are more diverse than those of G. officinalis and R. galegae bv. officinalis respectively. These results are consistent with the centre of origin status of Caucasus for G. orientalis. Phylogenies of the symbiosis-related plant genes NORK and Nfr5 were congruent with the AFLP result from a diversity point of view. Finally, the results of this work indicate that the NORK and Nfr5 genes of Galega follow the same evolutionary pattern as conserved plant genes