Comparative genomics analysis of Nitriliruptoria reveals the genomic differences and salt adaptation strategies.

The group Nitriliruptoria, recently classified as a separate class of phylum Actinobacteria, has five members at present, which belong to halophilic or halotolerant Actinobacteria. Here, we sequenced the genomes of Egicoccus halophilus EGI 80432T and Egibacter rhizosphaerae EGI 80759T, and performed a comparative genomics approach to analyze the genomic differences and salt adaptation mechanisms in Nitriliruptoria. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that Euzebya tangerina F10T has a closer phylogenetic relationship to Euzebya rosea DSW09T, while genomic analysis revealed highest genomic similarity with Nitriliruptor alkaliphilus ANL-iso2T and E. halophilus EGI 80432T. Genomic differences of Nitriliruptoria were mainly observed in genome size, gene contents, and the amounts of gene in per functional categories. Furthermore, our analysis also revealed that Nitriliruptoria possess similar synthesis systems of solutes, such as trehalose, glutamine, glutamate, and proline. On the other hand, each member of Nitriliruptoria species possesses specific mechanisms, K+ influx and efflux, betaine and ectoine synthesis, and compatible solutes transport to survive in various high-salt environments.

Impact of lumbar interbody fusion surgery on postoperative outcomes in patients with recurrent lumbar disc herniation: Analysis of the US national inpatient sample.

Little information is available on associations between different lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) surgeries and postoperative outcomes. The present study aims to comprehensively investigate whether different LIF techniques are associated with postoperative outcomes such as complications and length of hospital stay. The United States Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was searched for patients diagnosed with recurrent lumbar disc herniation who underwent lumbar interbody fusion (LIF) surgeries between 2005 and 2014. Patients were categorized based on LIF approaches: anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF); lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF); or posterior lumbar interbody fusion/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF/TLIF). A total of 2625 patients were included in this study. After adjusting for age, severity of illness, and comorbidities, patients who received LLIF and PLIF/TLIF approaches had significantly shorter hospital stays than those receiving ALIF (LLIF vs. ALIF, ß = -0.64; PLIF/TLIF vs. ALIF, ß = -0.40). In addition, patients who received LLIF and PLIF/TLIF approaches had significantly lower risk of digestive system complications compared to those receiving ALIF (LLIF vs. ALIF, aOR = 0.25; PLIF/TLIF vs. ALIF, aOR = 0.18). In conclusion, in patients with recurrent lumbar disc herniation, LLIF and PLIF/TLIF approaches are associated with shorter hospital stays and lower risk of digestive system complications than ALIF. However, LIF approaches do not correlate significantly with the risk of postoperative bleeding or nervous system complications.

Antiviral activity of merimepodib against foot and mouth disease virus in vitro and in vivo.

Foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), a member of family Picornaviridae, belongs to the genus Aphthovirus, which causes foot and mouth disease (FMD), a highly transmissible disease that affects cloven-hoof animals. In spite of the fact that efficient vaccines are available, effective antiviral molecules for FMD are needed to reduce viral infection during early stages of infection. In this study, merimepodib was found to efficiently inhibit FMDV replication in a dose-dependent manner. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of merimepodib antiviral activity against two distinct FMDV strains (O/MYA98/BY/2010 and A/GD/MM/CHA/2013) was estimated to be 7.859 and 2.876 µM, respectively, while the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of merimepodib was found to be 47.74 µM. Furthermore, treatment with 30 µg merimepodib efficiently prolonged the survival time of suckling mice infected with FMDV. Taken together, these results suggested that merimepodib has the potential to be a novel antiviral agent against FMDV.

Antiviral effect of amiloride on replication of foot and mouth disease virus in cell culture.

Recently, amiloride was shown to potently suppress Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) replication. In the current study, we investigated whether amiloride could also exhibit antiviral activity against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), which belongs to the same family (Picornaviridae) as CVB3. We found that amiloride exerted antiviral activity in a dose-dependent manner against two strains of FMDV in IBRS-2 cells, with slight cytotoxicity at 1000 µM. Besides, amiloride did not inhibit the attachment and entry of FMDV in IBRS-2 cells, but prevented early viral replication. These data implied that amiloride could be a promising candidate for further research as a potential antiviral drug against FMDV infection.

Croceibacterium gen. nov., with description of Croceibacterium ferulae sp. nov., an endophytic bacterium isolated from Ferula sinkiangensis K. M. Shen and reclassification of Porphyrobacter mercurialis as Croceibacterium mercuriale comb. nov.

A novel endophytic bacterium, designated strain SX2RGS8T, was isolated from the surface-sterilized roots of an endangered medicinal plant (Ferula sinkiangensis K. M. Shen) collected from Xinjiang, north-western PR China. The taxonomic position of the candidate was investigated using a polyphasic approach. Strain SX2RGS8T was found to be aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, oxidase-negative, catalase-positive and axiolitic-shaped. Strain SX2RGS8T grew at 4-45 °C (optimum, 28 °C), pH 4.0-10.0 (pH 7.0) and in the presence of 0-5 % (w/v) NaCl. The polar lipids detected for strain SX2RGS8T were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, unidentified phosphoglycolipids, an unidentified phospholipid and unidentified lipids. The major respiratory quinone of strain SX2RGS8T was ubiquinone 10 and the major fatty acid was summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c). The DNA G+C content was determined to be 66.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolate belonged to the family Erythrobacteraceae and showed 99.2 % (Porphyrobacter mercurialis), 95.5 % (Porphyrobacter donghaensisi) and 95.4 % (Porphyrobacter colymbi) similarities to its closest relatives. The isolate contained carotenoids, but no bacteriochlorophyll a. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data, strain SX2RGS8T represents a novel species of a novel genus in the family Erythrobacteraceae, for which the name Croceibacterium ferulae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SX2RGS8T (=CGMCC 1.16402T=KCTC 62090T). In addition, Porphyrobacter mercurialis Coil et al. 2016 is proposed to be transferred to this new genus as Croceibacterium mercuriale comb. nov.

In Vitro and in Vivo Antiviral Activity of Mizoribine Against Foot-And-Mouth Disease Virus.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals, which has significant economic consequences in affected countries. As the currently available vaccines against FMD provide no protection until 4-7 days post-vaccination, the only alternative method to control the spread of FMD virus (FMDV) during outbreaks is the application of antiviral agents. Hence, it is important to identify effective antiviral agents against FMDV infection. In this study, we found that mizoribine has potent antiviral activity against FMDV replication in IBRS-2 cells. A time-of-drug-addition assay demonstrated that mizoribine functions at the early stage of replication. Moreover, mizoribine also showed antiviral effect on FMDV in vivo. In summary, these results revealed that mizoribine could be a potential antiviral drug against FMDV.

Antiviral activity of brequinar against foot-and-mouth disease virus infection in vitro and in vivo.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most highly contagious animal disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. However, the FMD vaccine does not provide effective protection until adaptive immune protection elicited by the vaccination occurs. Therefore, an alternative application of antiviral agents for inhibition of the FMD virus (FMDV) is needed. Here, we demonstrated that brequinar could exhibit antiviral activity in swine kidney cells (IBRS-2 cells) infected with two different FMDV serotypes. Subsequently, in vivo activity of brequinar was confirmed in a mouse model of infection. Specifically, brequinar at a concentration of 50 µg, provided 25% protection for 5 days following FMDV challenge. These results suggested that brequinar could be used as effective antiviral agent against FMD.

Diversity, community distribution and growth promotion activities of endophytes associated with halophyte Lycium ruthenicum Murr.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the composition, diversity, distribution, and growth promotion activity of endophytic bacteria isolated from L. ruthenicum Murr. Consequently, a total of 109 endophytic bacteria affiliated to 3 phyla, 12 orders and 36 genera were isolated using nine different selective media, from which, Actinobacteria was the dominant taxon containing seven orders at the phylum level; Micrococcales showed the highest diversity containing 12 genera at the family level. Based on PAST and SPSS analysis, species diversity and abundance were mostly isolated from nutritious soil condition (22 genera) and root tissue (27 genera). Furthermore, growth phase showed significant effect on the endophytic bacteria community (28 genera at dormancy and 17 genera at fluorescence stage). With regard to ex situ plant growth-promoting activities, Streptomyces dominated and exhibited broad ability in terms of their potential to grow on nitrogen-free media, synthesize cellulase and lipase enzymes. Characterization of potential plant-beneficial traits indicate that endophytic bacteria exhibited a number of positive activities, including potential diazotrophy (n = 66), phosphate-solubilizing (n = 6), production of lipase (n = 21) and cellulose (n = 35). Two strains, representing Bacillus sp. EGI 63071 and EGI 63106, were found to be effective in promoting the growth of Triticum aestivum (wheat: Xindong No.18) seedling under salt stress conditions.

Inhibitory effects of homoharringtonine on foot and mouth disease virus in vitro.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease that affects cloven-hoof animals including cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and lots of wild species. Effectively control measures are urged needed. Here, we showed that homoharringtonine treatment exhibited a strong inhibitory effect against two different strains of FMDVs (O/MYA98/BY/2010 and A/GD/MM/2013) in swine kidney (IBRS-2) cells. Further experiments demonstrated that homoharringtonine did not affect virus attachment or entry. Using time-of-addition assays, we found that the antiviral activity of homoharringtonine occurred primarily during the early stage of infection. These results demonstrated that homoharringtonine might be an effective anti-FMDV drug. Further studies are required to explore the antiviral activity of homoharringtonine against FMDV replication in vivo.

Nocardioides ferulae sp. nov., isolated from root of an endangered medicinal plant Ferula songorica Pall. ex Spreng.

A novel endophytic bacterium, designated strain SZ4R5S7T, was isolated from surface-sterilized root of an endangered medicinal plant (Ferula songorica Pall. ex Spreng) collected from Xinjiang, north-west China. The taxonomic position of the strain was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. The strain was found to be aerobic, Gram-stain-positive, oxidase-negative and catalase-positive, short rods and non-motile. Strain SZ4R5S7T grew at 4-37 °C (optimum, 28 °C), pH 5.0-9.0 (pH 6.0-8.0) and in the presence of 0-4 % (w/v) NaCl. The polar lipids detected for strain SZ4R5S7T were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and two unidentified lipids. The predominant menaquinone of strain SZ4R5S7T was MK-8(H4), and the major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C14 : 0. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 72.4 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain SZ4R5S7T belongs to the genus Nocardioides and showed highest levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to members of the strain Nocardioideskribbensis KSL-2T (97.8 %). On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data, strain SZ4R5S7T represents a novel species in the genus Nocardioides, for which the name Nocardioides ferulae sp. nov. is proposed and the type strain is SZ4R5S7T (=CGMCC 4.7456T=KCTC 39994T).

Antiviral activity of porcine interferon omega 7 against foot-and-mouth disease virus in vitro.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a disease of worldwide economic importance, and vaccines play an important role in preventing FMDV outbreaks. However, new control strategies are still needed since FMDV outbreaks still occur in some disease-free countries. Currently, interferon (IFN)-based strategies have been demonstrated to be an efficient biotherapeutic option against FMDV; however, interferon omega (IFN-ω) has not yet been assessed in this capacity. Thus, this study evaluated the antiviral activity of porcine IFN omega 7 (PoIFN-ω7) against FMDV. After the PoIFN-ω7 was expressed and purified, cell proliferation assays and quantitative real-time reverse transciption-polymerase chain reaction were used to evaluate the effective anti-cytopathic concentration of PoIFN-ω7 and its effectiveness pre- and post-infection with FMDV in swine kidney cells (IBRS-2). Results showed the rHis-PoIFN-ω7 fusion protein was considerably expressed using Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain, and the recombinant protein exhibited significant in vitro protection against FMDV, including two strains belonging to type O and A FMDV, respectively. In addition, PoIFN-ω7 upregulated the transcription of Mx1, ISG15, OAS1, and PKR genes. These findings indicated that IFN-ω has the potential for serving as a useful therapeutic agent to prevent FMDV or other viral outbreaks in pigs.

A novel type I interferon, interferon alphaomega, shows antiviral activity against foot-and-mouth disease virus in vitro.

Recently, a novel type I interferon alphaomega (IFN-αω), also known as IFN-µ, was identified. However, the biological activity of IFN-αω remain poorly understood. In this study, the porcine IFN-αω (PoIFN-αω) was expressed, purified, and its antiviral activities assessed by its ability to inhibit the cytopathic effect caused by FMDV on IBRS-2 cells. In addition, q-PCR was used to evaluate the expression of IFN-stimulated genes induced by PoIFN-αω. It was found that PoIFN-αω exerted effective antiviral activity against FMDV pre- and post-infection. Additionally, PoIFN-αω induced the transcription of IFN-stimulated genes, including Mx1, ISG15, OAS1, and PKR genes. Our study reported a new indication of PoIFN-αω as an effective anti-FMDV agent for the first time.

Type I Interferons: Distinct Biological Activities and Current Applications for Viral Infection.

The interferons (IFNs) are a primary defense against pathogens because of the strong antiviral activities they induce. IFNs can be classified into three groups: type I, type II and type III, according to their genetic, structural, and functional characteristics and their receptors on the cell surface. The type I IFNs are the largest group and include IFN-α, IFN-ß, IFN-ε, IFN-ω, IFN-κ, IFN-δ, IFN-τ and IFN-ζ. The use of IFNs for the treatment of viral infectious diseases on their antiviral activity may become an important therapeutic option, for example, IFN-α is well known for the successful treatment of hepatitis B and C virus infections, and interest is increasing in the antiviral efficacy of other novel IFN classes and their potential applications. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the recent progress in the study of the biological activities of all the type I IFN classes and their potential applications in the treatment of infections with immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis viruses, and influenza viruses.

The program of antiviral agents inhibits virus infection.

Virus infections are the root cause of epidemics in the world. Vaccines and antiviral agents have been the two important methods to control viral diseases; in recent times, RNA-mediated therapeutics and prevention have received much attention. In this review, we provide an overview of the current information regarding the use of vaccines, antiviral agents, and RNA-mediated methods in controlling or preventing viral infections. We stress specifically on the potential of existing RNA-mediated methods in clinical applications.

Transcriptomic and Ectoine Analysis of Halotolerant Nocardiopsis gilva YIM 90087T Under Salt Stress.

The genus Nocardiopsis is an unique actinobacterial group that widely distributed in hypersaline environments. In this study, we investigated the growth conditions, transcriptome analysis, production and accumulation of ectoine by Nocardiopsis gilva YIM 90087T under salt stress. The colony color of N. gilva YIM 90087T changed from yellow to white under salt stress conditions. Accumulation of ectoine and hydroxyectoine in cells was an efficient way to regulate osmotic pressure. The ectoine synthesis was studied by transferring the related genes (ectA, ectB, and ectC) to Escherichia coli. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the pathways of ABC transporters (ko02010) and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism (ko00260) played a vital role under salt stress environment. The ectABC from N. gilva YIM 90087T was activated under the salt stress. Addition of exogenous ectoine and hydroxyectoine were helpful to protect N. gilva YIM 90087T from salt stress.

Antiviral activity of porcine interferon delta 8 against foot-and-mouth disease virus in vitro.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most devastating diseases affecting livestock. Since vaccines fail to provide protection until seven days post-vaccination, the application of anti-viral molecules is imperative for suppressing the spread of FMDV prior to development of an adaptive immune response. Interferons (IFNs) are effective for the host to fight FMDV infections; however, a novel type I IFNs, interferon delta (IFN-δ), has not been investigated for their antiviral effects against this virus. Thus, this study investigated FMDV infection, upon pre- and post-treatment with PoIFN-δ8. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to quantify the expression levels of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), including ISG15, OAS1, PKR, and Mx1. Results showed the PoIFN-δ8 lacking its signal sequence was efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli, and the purified recombinant PoIFN-δ8 exerted a significantly protective effect against two different serotypes of FMDV in IBRS-2 cells. In addition, PoIFN-δ8 induced the expression of IFN-stimulated genes. These findings highlight the significance of PoIFN-δ might serve as an antiviral agent for the prevention of FMDV in pigs and will stimulate the study of exploiting the potential biological functions of IFN-δ in the future.

Glycomyces anabasis sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from roots of Anabasis aphylla L.

A novel endophytic actinobacterium, designated strain EGI 6500139T, was isolated from the surface-sterilized roots of Anabasis aphylla L., collected from Xinjiang, northwest PR China, and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic characterization. Strain EGI 6500139T formed sparse aerial mycelium with rod-like spores. Whole-cell hydrolysates of the isolate contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the cell-wall diamino acid, glucose as major sugar, and mannose, galactose, xylose and ribose as minor sugars. The polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, one unidentified glycolipid, one unidentified phospholipid and four unidentified polar lipids. The major fatty acids identified were anteiso-C17 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The predominant menaquinones detected were MK-11 and MK-11(H2). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain EGI 6500139T was 70.4 mol%. Strain EGI 6500139T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Glycomyces lacisalsi XHU 5089T (96.3 %). Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain EGI 6500139T fell within the clade of the genus Glycomyces, and formed a clade with G. lacisalsi XHU 5089T and G. albus CCTCC AA 2013004T. Based on phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain EGI 6500139T represents a novel species of the genus Glycomyces, for which the name Glycomyces anabasis sp. nov. (type strain EGI 6500139T=JCM 30088T=KCTC 29495T) is proposed.

Bacillus tamaricis sp. nov., an alkaliphilic bacterium isolated from a Tamarix cone soil.

A Gram-stain-positive, alkaliphilic bacterium, designated EGI 80668T, was isolated from a Tamarix cone soil in Xinjiang, north-west China. Cells were facultatively anaerobic, terminal endospore-forming and motile by means of peritrichous flagella. Colonies were yellowish and the cells showed oxidase-negative and catalase-positive reactions. Strain EGI 80668T grew at pH 8.0-10.0 and with 0-10 % (w/v) NaCl (optimally at pH 9.0 and with 1-2 % NaCl) on marine agar 2216. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C17 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The cellular polar lipids contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, four unknown phospholipids and one unknown aminophospholipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 38.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain EGI 80668T was affiliated to the genus Bacillus. The highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain EGI 80668T and a member of the genus Bacillus was 96.83 % with Bacillus cellulosilyticus JCM 9156T. A polyphasic taxonomic study based on morphological, physiological, biochemical and phylogenetic data indicated that strain EGI 80668T represents a novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus tamaricis sp. nov. (type strain EGI 80668T=KCTC 33703T=CGMCC 1.15917T) is proposed.

Development of a New RT-PCR with Multiple Primers for Detecting Southern African Territories Foot-and-mouth Disease Viruses.

INTRODUCTION: The extremely high genetic variation and the continuously emerging variants of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) of Southern African Territory (SAT) serotypes including SAT1, SAT2, and SAT3 make it necessary to develop a new RT-PCR for general use for monitoring viruses based on the updated genome information. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A FMDV SAT-D8 one-step RT-PCR was established based on the 1D2A2B genes of the SAT serotype viruses with a multiplex primer set. FMDV A, O, C, and Asia 1 serotypes, other vesicular disease viruses, inactivated SAT viruses, and 125 bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine tissue samples collected from the Chinese mainland were included for evaluating the assay. RESULTS: The new RT-PCR was proven to be specific without cross-reactions with Eurasian FMDV, swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV), Seneca valley virus (SVV), or other common viral pathogens of cattle, sheep, goat, and pig. An around 257 bp-sized amplicon clearly appeared when the inactivated SAT viruses were detected. However, all 125 samples collected from FMDV-susceptible animals from the Chinese mainland which has not known SAT epidemics showed negative results. CONCLUSIONS: A FMDV SAT-D8 one-step RT-PCR is a promising method for primary screening for FMDV SAT serotypes.

Sphingobacterium tabacisoli sp. nov., isolated from a tobacco field soil sample.

A Gram-staining-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain h337T, was isolated from an arable soil sample of a tobacco field in Kunming, south-west China. The cells showed oxidase-positive and catalase-positive reactions. Growth was observed at 10-35 °C, at pH 6.0-9.0 and in the presence of up to 3 % (w/v) NaCl, with optimal growth at 30 °C, pH 7.0 and with 1-2 % (w/v) NaCl. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The major fatty acids were identified as iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and summed feature 4 (iso-C17 : 1 I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1 B). The cellular polar lipids contained phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingophospholipid, four unidentified phospholipids, five unidentified lipids and three unidentified aminophospholipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 41.5 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain h337T should be assigned to the genus Sphingobacterium. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis showed that strain h337T was most closely related to 'Sphingobacteriumyamdrokense' 3-0-1 (98.8 %) and Sphingobacteriumyanglingense CCNWSP36-1T (98.5 %) and shared less than 97 % similarity with other species of the genus Sphingobacterium. DNA-DNA hybridization data indicated that the isolate represented a novel genomic species belonging to the genus Sphingobacterium. The characteristics determined in this polyphasic taxonomic study indicated that strain h337T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingobacterium, for which the name Sphingobacterium tabacisoli sp. nov. (type strain h337T=KCTC 52298T=CCTCC AB 2017155T) is proposed.