Multilocus sequence analysis of putative Vibrio mediterranei strains and description of Vibrio thalassae sp. nov.

A multilocus sequence analysis based on partial gyrB, mreB, rpoD and pyrH genes was undertaken with 61 putative Vibrio mediterranei/V. shilonii strains from different hosts (mussels, oysters, clams, coral, fish and plankton) or habitat (seawater and sediment) and geographical origins (Mediterranean, Atlantic and Pacific). A consistent grouping was obtained with individual and concatenated gene sequences, and the clade, comprising 54 strains, was split into three subclades by all methods: subclade A (40 strains, including AK1, the former type strain of Vibrio shilonii), subclade B (8 strains) corresponding to the species V. mediterranei, and subclade C (six strains) representing a new species, V. thalassae sp. nov., with strain MD16^T (=CECT 8203^T = KCTC 32373^T) as the proposed type strain.     

On a Basic Assumption in the Line Transect Method

This paper deals with one of the basic assumptions made in estimating population density by the line transect sampling method. Theory has been developed in this paper for estimating, density using a gamma distribution. The results have been applied to data on ruffed grouse.     

Ice age: Cryopreservation in assisted reproduction – An update

Since the first reported birth following in vitro fertilization in 1978, further developments in assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments have produced at least 8 million babies worldwide. Cryopreservation techniques have been central to this treatment revolution, increasing cycle efficacy by allowing the banking of supernumerary embryos for later use, as well as affording the prospective patient more time in cases of anticipated fertility decline. Additionally, these techniques have demonstrated promise in increasing the safety of ART treatments, by reducing complications such as ovarian hyperstimulation, leading to increased support for the introduction of a ‘total freeze’ policy involving deferred embryo transfers. Importantly, the effective cryopreservation of both spermatozoa and oocytes has permitted long-term gamete storage without degradation of quality, facilitating gamete banking for personal use or fertility treatment. Here, we will summarise the indications for applying cryopreservation methods in clinical reproductive medicine, highlighting recent technical advances and examining the evidence base that supports the continued use of cryopreservation in ART.