Outcomes of ab-interno irrigating goniectomy with trabectome in primary and secondary glaucoma from a single center in India.

Purpose: This study was done to report intermediate-term outcomes of irrigating goniectomy with trabectome (trabectome) surgery among different types of glaucoma eyes from a single center in India using a cross-sectional, longitudinal, observational study design. Methods: Fifty-three patients (58 eyes) with glaucoma who underwent irrigating goniectomy with trabectome between January 2019 and February 2020 were included. Pre-operative data included age, gender, eye laterality, specific diagnosis, number of anti-glaucoma medications (AGMs), prior glaucoma surgeries, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure (IOP) on medical treatment. Post-operative data included IOP changes during the follow-up till 1-year, number of AGMs, any complications, or additional surgical intervention required. Success was defined as IOP ≤ 21 mmHg and ≥ 20% reduction of IOP from pre-operative IOP with no additional glaucoma surgery. Results: The cohort included 58 eyes (male 53.4% and female 46.6%) ranging from 0.6 to 81 years of age. The average baseline IOP was 23.4 ± 10.2 mmHg and reduced significantly with surgery to 14.1 ± 5.3 mmHg at 1-year follow-up. The AGMs reduced from 2.4 ± 1.4 pre-surgery to 1.6 ± 1.4 at 1-year follow-up. Four eyes required additional glaucoma surgeries for IOP control. The success rate of trabectome with phacoemulsification (88%) was discernibly higher than with trabectome alone (67%). Intra-operatively, significant blood reflux was noticed in 27 eyes, of which only one required tamponading with a viscoelastic agent. Conclusion: This study concludes that irrigating goniectomy with trabectome has good efficacy and safety in both pediatric and adult cases of glaucoma in terms of IOP control, reduction in AGMs, and low incidence of complications in the Indian population.

Bio-corrosion impacts on mechanical integrity of ZM21 Mg for orthopaedic implant application processed by equal channel angular pressing.

The mechanical integrity of rolled ZM21 Mg was improved by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) to function as a potential biodegradable bone screw implant. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) revealed deformed grains of 45 µm observed in rolled ZM21 Mg. They were transformed to equiaxed fine grains of 5.4 µm after 4th pass ECAP. The yield strength of rolled and ECAPed ZM21 Mg alloys were comparable. In contrast, 4th pass ZM21 Mg exhibited relatively higher elongation when compared to rolled sample. The mechanical properties of rolled and ECAPed ZM21 Mg were dependant on both grain refinement and crystallographic texture. The rolled and 4th pass ECAPed tensile samples exhibited nonlinear deterioration of mechanical properties when tested after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days immersion in Hank's solution. The evaluation signifies that regardless their processing condition, ZM21 Mg alloys are suitable for surgical areas that requires high mechanical strength. In addition, the 4th pass ECAP samples were viable to MG-63 cells proving themselves to be promising candidates for future in vivo studies.

Pregnancy Outcomes Post-bariatric Surgery-a Single-Centre Retrospective Study from India.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery presently is the best possible intervention for treatment of severe obesity and its related conditions. This study presents retrospective data on the pregnancy outcomes of Indian patients who underwent bariatric surgery before conception. METHODOLOGY: This is a single-centre retrospective, observational study. Data on demographics, pre-surgery weight, body mass index (BMI), types of bariatric surgery, weight at conception, weight gain during pregnancy, type of delivery and the health of the baby were collected and analysed to study the weight loss pattern and pregnancy outcomes in female patients of childbearing potential. RESULTS: The study included 34 women of childbearing potential (BMI>30 kg/m2) who underwent bariatric surgery. The study population was followed up from the time of surgery until 1-year post-delivery of the baby. The mean weight gain during the pregnancy was 14.9±5.4 kg. Twenty-three underwent LSCS, and the rest had normal delivery with mean baby weight of 2.5±0.4 kg. Six babies required neonatal intensive care. In our series, only 4 of 35 cohorts that are only 11% had substantial weight retention (range 5-13 kg) at the end of 12 months which is significantly lower than the normal cohorts who did not undergo bariatric surgery. CONCLUSION: Bariatric surgery improves fertility with safe pregnancy and its outcomes in terms of preeclampsia, eclampsia, gestational diabetes, premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) and puerperal sepsis in women with childbearing potential and safe for offspring in terms of shoulder dystocia, macrosomia, birth asphyxia and perinatal mortality. However, they should be well aware of the risks associated with bariatric surgery especially the mal-absorptive procedures.

Is weight regaining significant post laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery? - A 5-year follow-up study on Indian patients.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been proven to induce significant weight loss and remission of related co-morbidities in patients with morbid obesity. The long-term follow-up data show weight regain or failure to achieve complete remission of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in some patients. In this study, we report weight loss patterns and remission of T2DM in patients with morbid obesity during a 5-year follow-up after RYGB. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate outcomes during the follow-up on excess weight loss (EWL) and remission of T2DM after laparoscopic RYGB among Indian patients. SETTING: The study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital, Kerala, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study in patients who underwent surgery between 2007 and 2010. The patient demographics, pre- and post-operative body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities and EWL were recorded from the medical records. These data were compared between pre-operative and follow-up intervals till 5 years using statistical approaches. RESULTS: The study included 157 patients (91 males and 66 females) having a mean pre-operative BMI of 47.91 ± 7.01 kg/m2. A significant reduction in the BMI was observed at each follow-up point (P < 0.01) till 5 years after the surgery. The mean percentage of EWL increased from 34.57% ± 12.62% to 71.50% ± 15.41% from 3 months to 5 years after the surgery. Twelve per cent (n = 19) of patients achieved normal BMI (<25 mg/kg2) by 3rd year after the surgery. However, the remission of T2DM was achieved in >50% of patients within a year of surgery. During the 5th year, weight regain (1-22 kg) was observed in 36.70% (n = 58) patients, and recurrence of T2DM was observed in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term durability of RYGB in the study population was satisfactory with significant weight loss and remission of T2DM.

Bioresponsive supramolecular hydrogels for hemostasis, infection control and accelerated dermal wound healing.

Injectable, drug-releasing hydrogel scaffolds with multifunctional properties including hemostasis and anti-bacterial activity are essential for successful wound healing; however, designing ideal materials is still challenging. Herein, we demonstrate the fabrication of a biodegradable, temperature-pH dual responsive supramolecular hydrogel (SHG) scaffold based on sodium alginate/poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) (AG/PVCL) through free radical polymerization and the subsequent chemical and ionic cross-linking. A natural therapeutic molecule, tannic acid (TA)-incorporated SHG (AG/PVCL-TA), was also fabricated and its hemostatic and wound healing efficiency were studied. In the AG/PVCL-TA system, TA acts as a therapeutic molecule and also substitutes as an effective gelation binder. Notably, the polyphenol-arm structure and diverse bonding abilities of TA can hold polymer chains through multiple bonding and co-ordinate cross-linking, which were vital in the formation of the mechanically robust AG/PVCL-TA. The SHG formation was successfully balanced by varying the composition of SA, VCL, TA and cross-linkers. The AG/PVCL-TA scaffold was capable of releasing a therapeutic dose of TA in a sustained manner under physiological temperature-pH conditions. AG/PVCL-TA displayed excellent free radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and cell proliferation activity towards the 3T3 fibroblast cell line. The wound healing performance of AG/PVCL-TA was further confirmed in skin excision wound models, which demonstrated the potential application of AG/PVCL-TA for skin regeneration and rapid wound healing.

Demineralization of tooth enamel following radiation therapy; An in vitro microstructure and microhardness analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of radiotherapy doses on mineral density and percentage mineral volume of human permanent tooth enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Synchrotron radiation Xray microcomputed tomography (SRµCT) and microhardness testing were carried out on 8 and 20 tooth samples, respectively. Enamel mineral density was derived from SRµCT technique using ImageJ software. Microhardness samples were subjected to Vickers indentations followed by calculation of microhardness and percentage mineral volume values using respective mathematical measures. Data were analyzed using paired t-test at a significance level of 5%. Qualitative analysis of the enamel microstructure was done with two-dimensional projection images and scanned electron micrographs using µCT and field emission scanning electron microscopy, respectively. RESULTS: Vickers microhardness and SRµCT techniques showed a decrease in microhardness and an increase in mineral density, respectively, in postirradiated samples. These changes were related to mineral density variation and alteration of hydroxyapatite crystal lattice in enamel surface. Enamel microstructure showed key features such as microporosities and loss of smooth homogeneous surface. These indicate tribological loss and delamination of enamel which might lead to radiation caries. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth surface loss might be a major contributing factor for radiation caries in head-and-neck cancer patients prescribed to radiotherapy. Such direct effects of radiotherapy cause enamel abrasion, delamination, and damage to the dentinoenamel junction. Suitable measures should, therefore, be worked out to protect nontarget oral tissues such as teeth while delivering effective dosages to target regions.

Spectroscopic analyses reveal radiotherapy-induced variations in elemental composition and crystallite properties of human permanent teeth enamel.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of radiation therapy on the structural and elemental composition of permanent teeth enamel in vitro. METHODS: Sections from 21 noncarious healthy human teeth were exposed to a cumulative radiation dose of 20-80 Gy. The sections were subjected to electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to study the elemental composition, the ratio of inorganic and organic content, and the mineralization and crystalline properties of the hydroxyapatite crystal structure respectively. All measures were taken on specified areas of enamel surface before and after radiation exposure and compared. RESULTS: In FTIR and EDS studies, the calcium to phosphorus (Ca/P) and carbonate to phosphate (CO32-/PO3-4) ratios were significantly different (P < 0.05) in teeth sections exposed to 80 Gy, indicating the deterioration of inorganic calcium and phosphorous content. The XRD spectrum data showed loss of peaks at seven specific 2θ coordinate areas, flattened peaks and an increase in the crystallite size in the radiation-exposed groups due to mineralization loss and alteration of the hydroxyapatite crystal matrix in the tooth enamel. CONCLUSIONS: Radiotherapy can induce significant variations in the inorganic and organic functional groups constituting the tooth enamel surface; and these variations are dose dependent. The mechanism responsible for delamination and radiation caries needs to be explored by studying the protein lysis pattern, which might be a leading factor causing the enamel degradation and radiation caries.

Tetrandrine isolated from Cyclea peltata induces cytotoxicity and apoptosis through ROS and caspase pathways in breast and pancreatic cancer cells.

Tetrandrine is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid known to exhibit anticancer activity against different cancers. In the present study, the cytotoxic effect of tetrandrine isolated from Cyclea peltata on pancreatic (PANC-1) and breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cells was evaluated in vitro with an attempt to understand the role of tetrandrine on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caspase activation. Results demonstrate the dose- and time-dependant cytotoxic effect of tetradrine on both MDA-MB-231 and PANC-1 cells with IC50 values ranging between 51 and 54 µM and 22 and 27 µM for 24 h and 48 h of incubation respectively. In addition, treatment of MDA-MB-231 and PANC-1 cells with tetrandrine showed the shrunken cytoplasm and damaged cell membrane in a dose- and time-dependant manner under the microscope. Also, tetrandrine treatment revealed an elevated levels of reactive oxygen species and increased activities of caspase-8, -9 and -3 confirming the apoptosis of cells through both extrinsic death receptor and intrinsic caspase activation. Therefore, the present study suggests the apoptosis of cells with the activation of caspase pathways mainly intrinsic pathway as a downstream event of tetrandrine-induced ROS generation. Hence, reactive oxygen species-mediated caspase activation pathway may be potentially targeted with the use of tetrandrine to treat breast and pancreatic cancers.

Seven-Year Outcomes of Laproscopic Sleeve Gastectomy in Indian Patients with Different Classes of Obesity.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the long-term outcome in terms of weight loss and remission of comorbidities among the patients who had undergone LSG in an Indian setting. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study of patients (BMI > 30 kg/m2) who underwent LSG having a minimum 6 months of follow-up data. Based on preoperative BMI, patients were grouped as class 1, 30 < BMI < 35 kg/m2; class 2, 35 < BMI < 40 kg/m2; and class 3, BMI > 40 kg/m2. Data on BMI and %EWL between three classes and among genders at different follow-up points for 7 years were compared. RESULT: Study included 95 patients (mean age of 33.7 ± 11 years), and the preoperative mean BMI was 40.2 ± 5.1 kg/m2. At one year of surgery, 85.5% patients achieved > 50%EWL. The highest mean %EWL was found in class 1 (66.19%), followed by class 2 (56.73%) and class 3 (46.59%) at the sixth month follow-up. At the seventh year, %EWLs were 85.11% (class 1), 76.69% (class 2), and 62.98% (class 3) and the mean BMIs were 25.13 ± 3.09 kg/m2 (class 1), 26.86 ± 2.12 kg/m2 (class 2), and 31.07 ± 3.39 kg/m2 (class 3) and were significantly different (p < 0.05). At the last follow-up, though, the males showed slight weight regain; however, there were no statistical differences between the genders (p = 0.065). CONCLUSION: Outcome from LSG was better in patients with BMI < 40 kg/m2 compared to the patients with BMI > 40 kg/m2. Remission of obesity-related comorbidities was observed with LSG in all groups and gender did not influence the outcome significantly.

Bariatric Surgery in Immunocompromised Patients: Outcomes from One Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Recent Research evidences from across the world indicate the usefulness of bariatric surgery in improving the immunological co-morbidities in patients with morbid obesity. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the outcome from bariatric surgery in patients presenting with diabetes mellitus and or morbid obesity with immunological co-morbidities. METHODS: It was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Study included patients with morbid obesity with immunological co-morbidities, and additional co- morbidity of type 2 diabetes mellitus in about one third of the cases, who had undergone bariatric surgery during the period 2014-2016 at our center. Patient demographics, preoperative data, and follow-up data were collected and analyzed. Patients were followed for assessing the outcome in terms of BMI and dependency on medications to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure. RESULTS: The study included 23 patients (52% female and 48% male). Bariatric surgery was effective in all the patients (except one) in weight reduction. Significant reduction in weight and BMI was observed (p < 0.05). The recent follow-up of these patients showed that the mean BMI of the study group decreased significantly, 34.4% patients had attained normal BMI ≤ 25 kg/m2. Three-month follow-up indicated that 55.56% were not dependent on medications. At 1-year follow-up, 94.4% patients were without any dependency on immunosuppressive medications. Complications included a reversal of surgery and a case of mortality. CONCLUSION: The results of our study have shown that immune-compromised patients can undergo bariatric surgery with good weight loss results and improvement in co-morbidities.

Functional and cell proliferative properties of an exopolysaccharide produced by Nitratireductor sp. PRIM-31.

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by bacteria are important source of natural biomolecules with therapeutic applications. In this study EPS produced by a strain PRIM-31 isolated from seawater from south west coast of India identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing as Nitratireductor sp. was investigated for its biotechnological applications. The isolate produced 650 mg L(-1) EPS under optimum growth conditions. The purified EPS contained 58.3% carbohydrates with 7.08% uronic acid containing sugars, functional groups such as sulfate (2.68%) and trace amounts of proteins (0.65%). Molecular weight of the EPS was 90 kDa and monosaccharide composition was arabinose, glucose, xylose, glucuronic acid and galactose (6.6: 3.5: 2.1: 1.3: 1). The EPS displayed antioxidant activity in terms of total antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing power, scavenging of DPPH (IC50 390 µg mL(-1)) and superoxide radicals (IC50 340 µg mL(-1)). Cell proliferative activity of the EPS was evidenced by significant improvement in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) proliferation compared to control. Further, significant improvement (41%) in HDF cell migration was observed in in vitro scratch assay with EPS treatment. The EPS also showed antiproliferative activity against glioblastoma cells with an IC50 of 234.04 µg mL(-1). These functional properties of the EPS prospect its biotechnological applications.

Carbon nanotube-reinforced hydroxyapatite composite and their interaction with human osteoblast in vitro.

As a bone mineral component, hydroxyapatite (HA) has been an attractive bioceramic for the reconstruction of hard tissues. However, its poor mechanical properties, including low fracture toughness and tensile strength, have been a substantial challenge to the application of HA for the replacement of load-bearing and/or large bone defects. In this study, HA is reinforced with high-purity and well-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs; >99 wt%) having an average diameter of 15 nm and length from 10 to 20 µm. The cellular response of these functionalized CNTs and its composites were examined in human osteoblast sarcoma cell lines. Calcium nitrate tetrahydrate (Ca(NO3)2·4H2O) and diammonium hydrogen phosphate ((NH4)2HPO4) were used to synthesize HA in situ. MWCNTs were functionalized by heating at 100°C in 3:1 ratio of sulfuric acid and nitric acid for 60 min with stirring and dispersed in sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate by sonication. HA particles were produced in MWCNTs solution by adding Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and (NH4)2HPO4 under vigorously stirring conditions. The composite was dried and washed in distilled water followed by heat treatment at 250°C to obtain CNT-HA powder. Physiochemical characterization of the composite material was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, and X-ray diffractometer. Furthermore, this study investigates the cytotoxic effects of functionalized-MWCNTs (f-MWCNTs) and its composites with HA in human osteoblast sarcoma cell lines. Human osteoblast cells were exposed with different concentrations of f-MWCNTs and its composite with HA. The interactions of f-MWCNT and MWCNT-HA composites were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. The results indicate no detrimental effect on survival or mitochondrial activity of the osteoblast cells. Cell viability decreased with an increase in CNT concentration indicating that MWCNTs and its composite can be cytotoxic at higher dosages. This result provides further evidence that the bionano interface can be developed for CNT-reinforced HA composites for load-bearing bone implants, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.

Description of Noviherbaspirillum malthae gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from an oil-contaminated soil, and proposal to reclassify Herbaspirillum soli, Herbaspirillum aurantiacum, Herbaspirillum canariense and Herbaspirillum psychrotolerans as Noviherbaspirillum soli comb. nov., Noviherbaspirillum aurantiacum comb. nov., Noviherbaspirillum canariense comb. nov. and Noviherbaspirillum psychrotolerans comb. nov. based on polyphasic analysis.

An aerobic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium with polar flagella, strain CC-AFH3(T), was isolated from an oil-contaminated site located in Kaohsiung county, Taiwan. Strain CC-AFH3(T) grew at 20-40 °C, pH 5.0-10.0 and <2 % (w/v) NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain CC-AFH3(T) showed the greatest degree of similarity to Herbaspirillum soli SUEMI10(T) (96.5 %), H. aurantiacum SUEMI08(T) (96.3 %), H. canariense SUEMI03(T) (96.0 %), H. psychrotolerans PB1(T) (95.4 %) and members of other Herbaspirillum species (94.1-95.2 %), and lower similarity to members of other genera (<94 %). Phylogenetic analyses also positioned the novel strain in the genus Herbaspirillum as an independent lineage. The major fatty acids in strain CC-AFH3(T) were C10 : 0 3-OH, C12 : 0, C14 : 0 2-OH, C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, C17 : 0 cyclo, C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c and C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c. The major polar lipids of strain CC-AFH3(T) were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine. The predominant quinone was ubiquinone 8 (Q-8) and the DNA G+C content was 63.4 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis in combination with physiological and chemotaxonomic data, strain CC-AFH3(T) represents a novel species in a new genus, for which we propose the name Noviherbaspirillum malthae gen. nov., sp. nov.; the type strain of Noviherbaspirillum malthae is CC-AFH3(T) ( = BCRC 80516(T) = JCM 18414(T)). We also propose the reclassification of Herbaspirillum soli, Herbaspirillum aurantiacum, Herbaspirillum canariense and 'Herbaspirillum psychrotolerans' as Noviherbaspirillum soli comb. nov. (type strain SUEMI10(T) = LMG 26149(T) = CECT 7840(T)), Noviherbaspirillum aurantiacum comb. nov. (type strain SUEMI08(T) = LMG 26150(T) = CECT 7839(T)), Noviherbaspirillum canariense comb. nov. (type strain SUEMI03(T) = LMG 26151(T) = CECT 7838(T)) and Noviherbaspirillum psychrotolerans comb. nov. (type strain PB1(T) = DSM 26001(T) = LMG 27282(T)), respectively. An emended description of Herbaspirillum seropedicae is also presented.

Georgenia soli sp. nov., isolated from iron-ore-contaminated soil in India.

A Gram-positive actinobacterium (CC-NMPT-T3(T)) was isolated from iron-ore-contaminated soil near New Mangalore Port, Karnataka, India. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity studies, strain CC-NMPT-T3(T) belongs to the genus Georgenia and is most closely related to Georgenia muralis (98.6 %), Georgenia ruanii (97.4 %) and Georgenia thermotolerans (97.4 %). The peptidoglycan is of the type A4alpha l-Lys<--l-Glu. The predominant isoprenoid quinone is menaquinone MK-8(H(4)) and the polar lipid profile is composed of the predominant compound diphosphatidylglycerol, moderate amounts of a phosphatidylinositol-mannoside, phosphatidylinositol and minor amounts of another phosphatidylmannoside and phosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids of strain CC-NMPT-T3(T) are anteiso-C(15 : 0) and iso-C(15 : 0). The results of DNA-DNA hybridizations, and physiological and biochemical tests allowed a clear phenotypic differentiation of strain CC-NMPT-T3(T) from all other Georgenia species. Strain CC-NMPT-T3(T) represents a novel species, for which the name Georgenia soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-NMPT-T3(T) (=DSM 21838(T)=CCM 7658(T)).

Algoriphagus olei sp. nov., isolated from oil-contaminated soil.

A motile, Gram-negative, pinkish red-pigmented bacterium (strain CC-Hsuan-617(T)) was isolated from an oil-contaminated soil near an oil refinery located in Kaohsiung County, Taiwan. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain CC-Hsuan-617(T) clustered with Algoriphagus mannitolivorans (97.5 % sequence similarity), Algoriphagus aquatilis (98.0 %) and Algoriphagus boritolerans (97.5 %), followed by Algoriphagus ornithinivorans (97.1 %) and Algoriphagus alkaliphilus (97.1 %). The fatty acid profile of the novel strain was slightly different from those reported for recognized Algoriphagus species. The quinone system contained menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant component. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, an unknown polar lipid, an unknown phospholipid and an unknown aminophospholipid. The main cell polyamine was sym-homospermidine; lesser amounts of spermine and spermidine were also found. The results of DNA-DNA hybridization, and physiological and biochemical tests allowed the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain CC-Hsuan-617(T) from recognized Algoriphagus species. Strain CC-Hsuan-617(T) is thus considered to represent a novel species of the genus Algoriphagus, for which the name Algoriphagus olei sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-Hsuan-617(T) (=BCRC 17886(T)=CCUG 57471(T)).

Azospirillum picis sp. nov., isolated from discarded tar.

A polyphasic taxonomic study was performed on a pink-coloured unknown bacterium isolated from discarded road tar. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence demonstrated that the isolate belongs phylogenetically to the genus Azospirillum with Azospirillum lipoferum, A. melinis and A. rugosum as its closest phylogenetic relatives (96.7, 96.6 and 96.6 % similarity to the respective type strains). The generic assignment was confirmed on the basis of chemotaxonomic data, which revealed a fatty acid profile characteristic for the genus Azospirillum, consisting of straight-chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, with C(18 : 1)omega7c as the major unsaturated non-hydroxylated fatty acid, and C(16 : 0) 3-OH as the major hydroxylated fatty acid, and a ubiquinone with ten isoprene units (Q-10) as the predominant respiratory quinone. On the basis of both the phenotypic and molecular genetic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown isolate should be classified within a novel species of the genus Azospirillum, for which the name Azospirillum picis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IMMIB TAR-3(T) (=CCUG 55431(T) =DSM 19922(T)).

Molecular detection and phylogenetic characterization of Gordonia species in heavily oil-contaminated soils.

This study was undertaken to assess genetic diversity among Gordonia species present in heavily oil-contaminated sites using both a culture-dependent and a culture-independent (PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)) approach. Soil samples for this purpose were collected from 8 different heavily (crude) oil-contaminated industrial park sites located around Kaohsiung County, Taiwan. Using Gordonia-specific PCR-DGGE, a significant increase in Gordonia species diversity was noted in 1% heavily oil-enriched soil. A total of 67 strains were scored and identified as Gordonia after genus-specific PCR amplification and sequencing. BOX-PCR fingerprinting of culturable Gordonia showed wide strain diversity. A total of 33 different strains were identified from most of the sampling sites. Based on gyrB gene sequence analysis, all Gordonia strains could be segregated into five major clusters. Gordonia amicalis was the predominant species in all oil-amended soil samples. Isolates sharing <98.5% gyrB gene sequence similarities with Gordonia type strains represent indigenous novel Gordonia species. Variations in phenotypic characteristics further confirm the presence of a wide range of species and strain diversity among Gordonia isolates. Based on the genotypic and phenotypic details obtained here, we conclude that heavily oil-contaminated soil supports diverse indigenous Gordonia strains.

Sphingobium rhizovicinum sp. nov., isolated from rhizosphere soil of Fortunella hindsii (Champ. ex Benth.) Swingle.

The taxonomic status of a pale-yellow-coloured bacterial isolate from rhizosphere soil of Fortunella hindsii (Champ. ex Benth.) Swingle was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Comparative analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the isolate constituted a distinct branch within the genus Sphingobium. The generic assignment was confirmed by chemotaxonomic data, which revealed the presence of a fatty acid profile that was characteristic for the genus Sphingobium, consisting of straight-chain saturated and unsaturated as well as 2-OH fatty acids and the lack of 3-OH fatty acids, ubiquinone with ten isoprene units (Q-10) as the predominant respiratory quinone, and a polar lipid pattern that consisted of the predominant compounds phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, sphingoglycolipid and an unknown glycolipid. Spermidine was the major polyamine component. The genotypic and phenotypic data (physiology and fatty acid and polar lipid profiles) showed that the isolate merits classification as representing a novel species of the genus Sphingobium, for which the name Sphingobium rhizovicinum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-FH12-1T (=CCM 7491(T)=BCRC 17770T) [corrected]

Azospirillum rugosum sp. nov., isolated from oil-contaminated soil.

The taxonomic status of a light-orange-coloured bacterial isolate from an oil-contaminated soil sample was characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences demonstrated that the isolate belonged phylogenetically to the genus Azospirillum, with Azospirillum canadense, Azospirillum brasilense and Azospirillum doebereinerae as its closest phylogenetic relatives (97.3, 97.0 and 97.0 % similarity, respectively). DNA-DNA pairing studies showed that the unidentified organism displayed 25.0, 17.0 and 19.0 % relatedness to the type strains of A. brasilense, A. canadense and A. doebereinerae, respectively. The generic assignment was confirmed by chemotaxonomic data, which revealed a fatty acid profile that was characteristic of the genus Azospirillum, consisting of straight-chain saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with C18 : 1 omega 7c as the major fatty acid, and ubiquinone with ten isoprene units (Q-10) as the predominant respiratory quinone. On the basis of both the phenotypic and molecular genetic evidence, it is proposed that the unknown isolate be classified as a representative of a novel species of the genus Azospirillum, for which the name Azospirillum rugosum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IMMIB AFH-6T (=CCUG 53966T=DSM 19657T).

Comamonas composti sp. nov., isolated from food waste compost.

A bacterial strain designated YY287(T), isolated from food waste compost, was investigated by polyphasic taxonomic approach. The cells were rod-shaped, Gram-negative, non-pigmented, non-spore-forming and non-fermentative. Phylogenetic analyses using the 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the strain formed a monophyletic branch towards the periphery of the evolutionary radiation occupied by the genus Comamonas; its closest neighbours were the type strains Comamonas testosteroni DSM 50244(T) (96.5%), Comamonas terrigena DSM 7099(T) (95.4%), Comamonas odontotermitis Dant 3-8(T) (95.2%) and Comamonas koreensis KCTC 12005(T) (94.6%). Strain YY287(T) was clearly distinguished from all of these strains using phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization, fatty acid composition data and a range of physiological and biochemical characteristics. The major fatty acids were 16:0 (33%), 18:1omega7c (13%) and summed feature 3 (16:1omega7c and/or 15:0 iso 2-OH; 41%). The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 62.8 mol%. It is evident from the genotypic and phenotypic data that strain YY287(T) represents a novel species in the genus Comamonas, for which the name Comamonas composti sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YY287(T) (=BCRC 17659(T)=LMG 24008(T)).