The Description of Pseudoalteromonas apostichopi sp. nov., Vibrio apostichopi sp. nov., and Marinobacter apostichopi sp. nov. from the Fertilized Eggs and Larvae of Apostichopus japonicus.

Three novel bacterial strains, FE4T, FE10T, and LA51T, which are phylogenetically affiliated to the genera Pseudoalteromonas, Vibrio, or Marinobacter, respectively, isolated from fertilized eggs and juveniles of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus were characterized by a genome-based taxonomical approach including multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) combined with classical phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterizations. A molecular network reconstructed on the basis of nucleotide sequences of four phylogenetic maker protein genes revealed that the strains FE4T, FE10T, and LA51T were closely related to Pseudoalteromonas shioyasakiensis, Vibrio lentus, and Marinobacter similis, respectively. Average nucleotide identity (ANI) comparisons against phylogenetically related species to FE4T, FE10T, and LA51T demonstrated that each newly described strain could not be identified as any previously described species within each genus showing < 95% ANI: 91.3% of FE4T against P. shioyasakiensis JCM 18891 T, 92.6% of FE10T against "V. bathopelagicus" Sal10, and 92.6% of LA51T against M. similis A3d10T, in maximum, respectively. Here, we show molecular phylogenetic, genomic, phenotypic, and chemotaxonomic features of the newly described species FE4T, FE10T, and LA51T. We also propose Pseudoalteromonas apostichopi sp. nov. with FE4T (JCM 36173 T = LMG 33143 T) as the type strain, Vibrio apostichopi sp. nov. with FE10T (JCM 36174 T = LMG 33144 T) as the type strain, and Marinobacter apostichopi sp. nov. with LA51T (JCM 36175 T = LMG 33145 T) as the type strain.

Genome taxonomy of the genus Neptuniibacter and proposal of Neptuniibacter victor sp. nov. isolated from sea cucumber larvae.

A Gram-staining-negative, oxidase-positive, strictly aerobic rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain PT1T, was isolated from the laboratory-reared larvae of the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. A phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequences revealed that PT1T was closely related to Neptuniibacter marinus ATR 1.1T (= CECT 8938T = DSM 100783T) and Neptuniibacter caesariensis MED92T (= CECT 7075T = CCUG 52065T) showing 98.2% and 98.1% sequence similarity, respectively. However, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (DDH) values among these three strains were 72.0%-74.8% and 18.3%-19.5% among related Neptuniibacter species, which were below 95% and 70%, respectively, confirming the novel status of PT1T. The average amino acid identity (AAI) values of PT1T showing 74-77% among those strains indicated PT1T is a new species in the genus Neptuniibacter. Based on the genome-based taxonomic approach, Neptuniibacter victor sp. nov. is proposed for PT1T. The type strain is PT1T (JCM 35563T = LMG 32868T).

Evaluation of a training program for counselors in contraception and prevention of STIs and a website-based support system.

In Japan, the incidences of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are increasing among young people. To address these issues, we initiated the following steps: 1) processes supporting contraception and prevention of STIs were created for counseling and construction of an algorithm for that process; 2) a system was developed using a website to support the program for training counselors, and provide practical support during and after the training; and 3) a program for the counselor was developed and is being evaluated. The counseling process was visualized by an algorithm notion method developed by Tsuru et al. Participants registered on the website, enabling them to confirm the lecture contents, record their self studies and submit issues. In order to evaluate this program, a preliminary survey and short tests after the lectures were completed. Participants were nurse-midwives who graduated at a nursing university. 27 participants were expected to complete the program. The answer ratios in the short tests were significantly improved compared to them in the preliminary survey. All participants submitted issues via the website. Further development of the system is planned so that the website can provide practical support by trained counselors and build on the accumulated practical results. Further refinement of the developed algorithm is required so that trained counselors can use it regularly via the website.

Anthocyanin Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Various Berries Cultivated in Korea.

This study examined the anthocyanin composition and antioxidant activity of various berries cultivated in Korea: blueberry, crowberry, Korean black raspberry, mulberry, and strawberry. The anthocyanins in berries were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, and each component was quantitatively analyzed. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of berries was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging, 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical cation decolorization, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and ferric ion reducing antioxidant (FRAP) assays. The results revealed that the total content of anthocyanins in crowberry was 35.1 mg/g of extract, which was higher than that in the other four major berry species (1.9-27.7 mg/g of extract). Nineteen anthocyanins were identified in the various berries. The major anthocyanins of crowberry were cyanidin-3-galactoside and delphinidin-3-galactoside, and those from Korean black raspberry were cyanidin-3-rutinoside and cyanidin-3-sambubioside-5-rhamnoside. These two berries also had relatively strong antioxidant activity accompanied by high total polyphenol contents. Thus, consumption of crowberry and Korean black raspberry may be beneficial in reducing the risk of developing lifestyle-related chronic diseases because of their strong antioxidant activity.