Marinobacter panjinensis sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from sea tidal flat environment.

Two moderately halotolerant bacterium strains, designated PJ-16T and PJ-38, were isolated from a tidal flat of the red beach in Panjin City, Liaoning Province, PR China. Cells were found to be Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, rod-shaped with a single polar flagellum. Optimum growth of strain PJ-16T occurred at 30 °C, pH 7.0 and 0.2-8.0  % (w/v) NaCl, and strain PJ-38 at 30 °C, pH 6.0-7.0 and 0.2-8.0  % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain PJ-16T was most closely related to Marinobacter denitrificans KCTC 62941T (99.2 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity), Marinobacter algicola DSM 16394T (98.6 %), Marinobacter salarius JCM 19399T (98.4 %) and Marinobacter confluentis KCTC 42705T (98.2 %), and strain PJ-38 was most closely related to M. denitrificans KCTC 62941T (99.1 %), M. algicola DSM 16394T (98.6 %), M. salarius JCM 19399T (98.4 %) and M. confluentis KCTC 42705T (98.1 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain PJ-16T based on its draft genomic sequence was 57.4 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids of strain PJ-16T were C16 : 0, C16 : 1 ω7c/C16 : 1 ω6c and C18 : 1 ω9c. The major respiratory quinone of PJ-16T was ubiquinone-9 and the major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The results of the phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic analyses revealed that strains PJ-16T and PJ-38 represent a novel species of the genus Marinobacter, and the name Marinobacter panjinensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PJ-16T (= CGMCC 1.13694T= KCTC 72023T).

Anatomical characteristics affecting the surgical approach of oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion: an MR-based observational study.

BACKGROUND: Oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) is one of the most widely used lumbar interbody fusion procedures in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to minimize the incidence rate of surgical complications by measuring the anatomical parameters of structures surrounding the working channels of OLIF with 3D COSMIC sequence. METHODS: The MRI examination included conventional MRI sequence and 3D COSMIC sequence. Surgical window, psoas thickness, the transverse diameter of the endplate, and nerve distance were measured to evaluate the anatomical characteristics surrounding the OLIF working channels. RESULTS: The widths of the natural surgical window at the level of the L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5 intervertebral measured in this study were 16.25 ± 4.22, 15.46 ± 4.64 mm, and 11.71 ± 6.29 mm, respectively. The average thickness of the left psoas major muscle at the level of L2-3, L3-4, and L4-5 intervertebral space was 28.42 ± 5.08 mm, 30.76 ± 5.84 mm, and 31.16 ± 7.72 mm, respectively. The mean value of insertion angle (ß) was 45.57° ± 6.19° in L2-3 intervertebral space, 49.90° ± 6.53° in L3-4 intervertebral space, and 43.34° ± 8.88° in L4-5 intervertebral space. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D COSMIC sequences can be used for imaging anatomical assessment before OLIF surgery. In preoperative planning, the 3D COSMIC sequence can be used to measure the relevant parameters mentioned above to optimize the planned surgical approach.

Low level of microplastic contamination in wild fish from an urban estuary.

Microplastic accumulation in estuarine environments is considered the dominant input of land-based plastics into the oceans. In this study, the level of microplastic contamination was evaluated in 26 species of wild fish from the Pearl River Estuary, South China. Results showed that microplastics abundance ranged from 0.17 items individual-1 (Boleophthalmus pectinirostris & Acanthogobius flavimanus) to 1.33 items individual-1 (Plectorhynchus cinctus) among different species. The distribution of microplastic abundance in the gills and gastrointestinal tracts was not significantly different. Microplastics in gills are strongly related to the filtration area of gills in 15 fish species. Fibers were the dominant shapes accounting for 93.45% of the total shapes. The majority of microplastics were <3 mm in size. The most common polymer composition was polyethylene terephthalate (38.2%) and the most common color was black (30.36%). The findings of this study provide baseline data for microplastic contamination in wild fish from an urban estuary.

Microplastic accumulation in fish from Zhanjiang mangrove wetland, South China.

Microplastics (MPs) are widespread in marine and estuarine environments, but the contamination of MPs in mangrove wetlands is relatively unknown. Here, we quantify the presence of MPs in fish collected from Zhanjiang mangrove wetland, the largest mangrove in South China, which provide baseline data on MPs accumulation in fish in mangrove environment as the first evidence in China. MPs were found in 30 out of 32 fish species at an average abundance of 2.83 ±â€¯1.84 items individual-1, ranged from 0.6 to 8.0 items individual-1 in each species. MPs were detected in gills, stomach and intestine, and not found in muscles and livers. Positive relationship was found between MPs abundance and body length or weight of mangrove fish. The dominant polymers identified by micro-FTIR were polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and cellophane. MPs consisted primarily of fibers and with the prominent size range of 0.02-1 mm. The body sizes, living habitats and feeding habits of fish are important factors affecting MPs accumulation in different fish species. This study revealed the wide presences of MPs in fish species within a mangrove wetland.

Effect of temperature on the accumulation of marine biogenic gels in the surface microlayer near the outlet of nuclear power plants and adjacent areas in the Daya Bay, China.

The surface microlayer (SML) in marine systems is often characterized by an enrichment of biogenic, gel-like particles, such as the polysaccharide-containing transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) and the protein-containing Coomassie stainable particles (CSP). This study investigated the distribution of TEP and CSP, in the SML and underlying water, as well as their bio-physical controlling factors in Daya Bay, an area impacted by warm discharge from two Nuclear power plants (Npp's) and aquaculture during a research cruise in July 2014. The SML had higher proportions of cyanobacteria and of pico-size Chl a contrast to the underlayer water, particularly at the nearest outlet station characterized by higher temperature. Diatoms, dinoflagellates and chlorophyll a were depleted in the SML. Both CSP and TEP abundance and total area were enriched in the SML relative to the underlying water, with enrichment factors (EFs) of 1.5-3.4 for CSP numbers and 1.32-3.2 for TEP numbers. Although TEP and CSP showed highest concentration in the region where high productivity and high nutrient concertation were observed, EFs of gels and of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and dissolved acidic polysaccharide (> 1 kDa), exhibited higher values near the outlet of the Npp's than in the adjacent waters. The positive relation between EF's of gels and temperature and the enrichment of cyanobacteria in the SML may be indicative of future conditions in a warmer ocean, suggesting potential effects on adjusting phytoplankton community, biogenic element cycling and air-sea exchange processes.

Chryseobacterium zhengzhouense sp. nov., isolated from groundwater of the well in a vegetable field, and emended description of the genus Chryseobacterium.

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, asporogenous rod-shaped bacterium, designated M05W1-39A1(T), was isolated from a Chinese cabbage farmland located in Zhengzhou. China, and subjected to a taxonomic study. Strain M05W1-39A1(T) was found to grow optimally at 25-30 °C, at pH 6.0-7.0 and in the presence of 0.5-2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. According to phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain M05W1-39A1(T) belongs to the genus Chryseobacterium and is closely related to Chryseobacterium arachidis LMG 27813(T) (98.8 %) and Chryseobacterium geocarposphaera LMG 27811(T) (98.1 %). The DNA G + C content was determined to be 35.3 mol%. The respiratory quinone was identified as MK-6 and the predominant cellular fatty acids as iso-C15:0, Summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c), iso-C17:0 3-OH and Summed feature 9 (iso-C17:1 ω9c). Based on the genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, strain M05W1-39A1(T) is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Chryseobacterium, for which the name Chryseobacterium zhengzhouense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M05W1-39A1(T) (=HNMC11208(T) = CGMCC 1.15067(T) = JCM 30863(T)).

Methylopila henanense sp. nov., a novel methylotrophic bacterium isolated from tribenuron methyl-contaminated wheat soil.

A bacterial strain, designated LYBFD3-16A2(T), was isolated from tribenuron methyl contaminated wheat soil. Cells were observed to be Gram-negative short rods with a single flagellum. The strain was found to utilize methanol, glucose, maltose and mannitol as carbon and energy sources, and utilized glutamate, leucine, phenylalanine as organic nitrogen sources. Strain LYBFD3-16A2(T) was found to be aerobic, to form urease, produce hydrogen sulfide and reduce nitrate to nitrite. The indole test in tryptone broth was observed to be positive. The major cellular fatty acids were identified as C18:1ω7c (81.3 %), 11-methylC18:1ω7c (7.9 %), C18:0 (3.0 %) and C16:0 (3.0 %). The major phospholipids were identified as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The main ubiquinone was identified as Q-10. The DNA G+C content was determined to be between 70.2 and 70.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated the affiliation of strain LYBFD3-16A2 to members of the genus Methylopila. The DNA-DNA hybridization values of the novel strain with the type strains of the most closely related species Methylopila musalis MUSA(T) and Methylopila jiangsuensis JZL-4(T) were 35.4 % and 31.4 % respectively. The genotypic and phenotypic characterization, along with chemotaxonomic properties of strain LYBFD3-16A2(T), showed that the strain represents a novel species of the genus Methylopila for which the name Methylopila henanense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LYBFD3-16A2(T) (=CGMCC1.10703(T) = LMG 25959(T)).

[Sesquiterpenoids from gorgonian Muriceides collaris].

Seven guaiane-type sesquiterpenoids, a new compound 6-formyl-5-isopropyl-3-hydroxymethyl-7-methyl-1H-indene (1), a new natural product 5-isopropyl-3, 7-dimethyl-1H-indene-1-one (2), along with five known compounds: guaiazulene (3), 4-formyl-7-isopropyl-10-methylazulene (4), sesquiterpene ketolactone (5), alismoxide (6) and guaia-1 (5), 6-diene (7), were isolated from gorgonian Muriceides collaris collected in South China Sea. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis [MS, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR (DEPT), HMQC, HMBC, NOESY] and by comparison of the spectral data with those of the literatures.

Pseudomonas linyingensis sp. nov.: a novel bacterium isolated from wheat soil subjected to long-term herbicides application.

A strain of genus Pseudomonas, LYBRD3-7(T) was isolated from long-term sulfonylurea herbicides applied wheat-field soil in Linying located in Henan province of China. This strain is a strictly aerobic and Gram-negative short rod-shaped bacterium with single flagellum. Phylogenetic evaluation based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed this isolate as a member of Pseudomonas, and most closely to Pseudomonas tuomuerensis CGMCC 1.1365(T) (97.1 %) and P. alcaligenes IAM12411(T) (97.1 %). Morphological characters and chemotaxonomic data confirmed the affiliation of strain LYBRD3-7(T) to the genus Pseudomonas. The results of phylogenetic analysis, physiological and biochemical studies, and DNA-DNA hybridization allowed the differentiation of genotype and phenotype between strain LYBRD3-7(T) and the phylogenetic closest species with valid names. The name proposed for the new species is Pseudomonas linyingensis sp. nov. The type strain is LYBRD3-7(T) (=CGMCC 1.10701(T ) =LMG 25967(T)).

Pseudomonas nitritireducens sp. nov., a nitrite reduction bacterium isolated from wheat soil.

A Gram-negative, non-mobile, polar single flagellum, rod-shaped bacterium WZBFD3-5A2(T) was isolated from a wheat soil subjected to herbicides for several years. Cells of strain WZBFD3-5A2(T) grow optimally on Luria-Bertani agar medium at 30 °C in the presence of 0-4.0 % (w/v) NaCl and pH 8.0. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain WZBFD3-5A2(T) belongs to the genus Pseudomonas. Physiological and biochemical tests supported the phylogenetic affiliation. Strain WZBFD3-5A2(T) is closely related to Pseudomonas nitroreducens IAM1439(T), sharing 99.7 % sequence similarity. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments between the two strains showed only moderate reassociation similarity (33.92 ± 1.0 %). The DNA G+C content is 62.0 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinine is Q-9. The major cellular fatty acids present are C(16:0) (28.55 %), C(16:1ω6c) or C(16:1ω7c) (20.94 %), C(18:1ω7c) (17.21 %) and C(18:0) (13.73 %). The isolate is distinguishable from other related members of the genus Pseudomonas on the basis of phenotypic and biochemical characteristics. From the genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data, it is evident that strain WZBFD3-5A2(T) represents a novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas nitritereducens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WZBFD3-5A2(T) (=CGMCC 1.10702(T) = LMG 25966(T)).

Mameliella alba gen. nov., sp. nov., a marine bacterium of the Roseobacter clade in the order Rhodobacterales.

A Gram-negative, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterial strain, JLT354-W(T), that accumulates poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate granules was isolated from the South China Sea. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain was related to members of the genera Antarctobacter, Sagittula, Oceanicola and Loktanella; levels of similarity between strain JLT354-W(T) and members of the above genera were less than 92.0 %. The predominant fatty acid of strain JLT354-W(T) was C(18 : 1)omega7c (83.1 %); significant amounts of C(18 : 0) (7.9 %) and C(12 : 1) 3-OH (3.7 %) were also present. The predominant respiratory ubiquinone was Q-10. The DNA G+C content of strain JLT354-W(T) was 63.7 mol%. The isolate was distinguishable from members of the order Rhodobacterales based on phenotypic and biochemical characteristics. On the basis of the taxonomic data presented, strain JLT354-W(T) is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus, for which the name Mameliella alba gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Mameliella alba is JLT354-W(T) (=LMG 24665(T)=CGMCC 1.7290(T)).

Anti-tumor effect of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of pigment epithelium-derived factor on mouse B16-F10 melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis plays an important role in tumor growth, invasion, and eventually metastasis. Antiangiogenic strategies have been proven to be a promising approach for clinical therapy for a variety of tumors. As a potent inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has recently been studied and used as an anticancer agent in several tumor models. METHODS: A recombined adenovirus carrying PEDF gene (Ad-PEDF) was prepared, and its expression by infected cells and in treated animals was confirmed with Western blotting and ELISA, respectively. Its activity for inhibiting human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation was tested using the MTT assay. C57BL/6 mice bearing B16-F10 melanoma were treated with i.v. administration of 5 x 108 IU/mouse Ad-PEDF, or 5 x 108 IU/mouse Ad-Null, or normal saline (NS), every 3 days for a total of 4 times. Tumor volume and survival time were recorded. TUNEL, CD31 and H&E stainings of tumor tissue were conducted to examine apoptosis, microvessel density and histological morphology changes. Antiangiogenesis was determined by the alginate-encapsulated tumor cell assay. RESULTS: The recombinant PEDF adenovirus is able to transfer the PEDF gene to infected cells and successfully produce secretory PEDF protein, which exhibits potent inhibitory effects on HUVEC proliferation. Through inhibiting angiogenesis, reducing MVD and increasing apoptosis, Ad-PEDF treatment reduced tumor volume and prolonged survival times of mouse bearing B16-F10 melanoma. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that Ad-PEDF may provide an effective approach to inhibit mouse B16-F10 melanoma growth.

[Cyto-genotoxicity induced by 2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ethers combined with 2, 2', 4, 4', 5-hexachlorobiphenyl treatment in SH-SY5Y cells].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cyto-genotoxicity of 2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ethers (PBDE-47) combined with 2, 2', 4, 4', 5-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153) treatment in SH-SY5Y cells. METHODS: Exponentially growing SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to different concentrations of PBDE-47 or/and PCB153 for 24 h in vitro. Cell viability, DNA damage, chromosome abnormalities, and DNA-protein crosslinks (DPC) were measured using MTT, comet assay, cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) test, and SDS-KCl assay respectively. RESULTS: Compared to the each single PBDE-47 groups, the nuclear division index (NDI) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) and the frequencies of micronuclei (MNI), percentage of DNA in the tail, Olive tail moment and DPC were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the PBDE-47 combined with PCB153 groups. There was a statistical decrease in cell viability in groups of 4 micromol/L PBDE-47 and above combined with PCB153 than that in contrast to the same dose of PBDE-47 group or PCB153 alone (P < 0.05). Significant increase was found in MNI frequency and DPC in 2 micromol/L PBDE-47 and above combined with PCB153 than those in the single PCB153 group (P < 0.05). In the groups of 4 micromol/L PBDE-47 and above combined with PCB153, the cell NDI were significantly lower than that of the single PCB153 group (P < 0.05). Compared to the single PCB153 group, the percentage of DNA in the tail and Olive tail moment was significantly increased in the 8 micromol/L PBDE-47 combined with 5 micromol/L PCB153. Factorial analysis showed that interactions between PBDE-47 and PCB153 existed in inhibiting cell viability, inducing DNA damage, MNI, and DPC formation (P < 0.01), and possessing synergistic effects. CONCLUSION: Some dose of PBDE-47 combined with PCB153 can inhibit cell viability, induce DNA damage, DPC formation, and chromosome abnormalities. The pattern of the combined effect is synergistic in cyto-genotoxicity.

[Effects of PBDE-47 on oxidative stress and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cell].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by 2, 2', 4, 4'-polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE-47) in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, and to explore the involved role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on apoptosis. METHODS: The rate of cellular survivors, intracellular ROS level, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and percentage of apoptosis were measured respectively after the SH-SY5Y cell were exposed to 2, 4, 8 microg/ml PBDE-47 for 24 h in vitro. RESULTS: The rate of cellular survivors in the low dose PBDE-47-treated group was higher than the control group (P < 0.05), but the moderate and high dose PBDE-47-treated groups were significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). The MDA contents in the moderate and high dose PBDE-47-treated groups were significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05) and increased with increase of PBDE-47 exposure concentrations. Compared with the control group, the levels of ROS were significantly increased with increase of PBDE-47 concentrations (P < 0.05). In the moderate and high dose PBDE-47-treated groups, the percentages of apoptosis were significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PBDE-47 can induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cell. ROS may play an important role in the apoptosis induced by PBDE-47.

[Effects of fluoride on neural cell adhesion molecules mRNA and protein expression levels in primary rat hippocampal neurons].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of fluoride on the growth and viability, and mRNA and protein expression levels of neural cell adhesion molecules (NCAM) in primary rat hippocampal neurons. METHODS: The growth and development, the rate of cell survivor, and the mRNA and protein expression levels of NCAM were measured by MTT, RT-PCR, and Western blot respectively after the hippocampal neurons were incubated with 20, 40, and 80 microg/ml sodium fluoride for 24 hours in vitro. RESULTS: As compared with the control group, the number of cells, the length and number of neuritis, and rate of cell survivor were significantly decreased in 80 microg/ml fluoride-treated group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of NCAM in 40 and 80 microg/ml fluoride-treated groups were significantly lower than that in the control group and decreased with the increasing fluoride concentration. Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression level of NCAM in 20 microg/ml fluoride-treated group was decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The NCAM-180 protein expression levels in 40 and 80 microg/ml fluoride-treated groups, the NCAM-140 protein expression levels in all fluoride-treated groups, and NCAM-120 protein expression level in 80 microg/ml fluoride-treated group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.05, P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Fluoride might restrain the growth and survival of rat hippocampal neurons, and decrease mRNA and protein expression levels of NCAM. The impairment of developmental hippocampus might be one of the neurotoxicant target sites for fluoride toxicity.