Dynamic Microcirculation Characteristics of Plantar Skin Under Metatarsal Head of Human Foot in Response to Life-Like Pressure Stimulus.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a severe complication with high mortality. High plantar pressure and poor microcirculation are considered main causes of DFU. The specific aims were to provide a novel technique for real-time measurement of plantar skin blood flow (SBF) under walking-like pressure stimulus and delineate the first plantar metatarsal head dynamic microcirculation characteristics because of life-like loading conditions in healthy individuals. METHODS: Twenty young healthy participants (14 male and 6 female) were recruited. The baseline (i.e., unloaded) SBF of soft tissue under the first metatarsal head were measured using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). A custom-made machine was utilized to replicate daily walking pressure exertion for 5 min. The exerted plantar force was adjusted from 10 N (127.3 kPa) to 40 N (509.3 kPa) at an increase of 5 N (63.7 kPa). Real-time SBF was acquired using the LDF. After each pressure exertion, postload SBF was measured for comparative purposes. Statistical analysis was performed using the R software. RESULTS: All levels of immediate-load and postload SBF increased significantly compared with baseline values. As the exerted load increased, the postload and immediate-load SBF tended to increase until the exerted load reached 35 N (445.6 kPa). However, in immediate-load data, the increasing trend tended to level off as the exerted pressure increased from 15 N (191.0 kPa) to 25 N (318.3 kPa). For postload and immediate-load SBF, they both peaked at 35 N (445.6 kPa). However, when the exerted force exceeds 35 N (445.6 kPa), both the immediate-load and postload SBF values started to decrease. CONCLUSIONS: Our study offered a novel real-time plantar soft tissue microcirculation measurement technique under dynamic conditions. For the first metatarsal head of healthy people, 20 N (254.6 kPa)-plantar pressure has a fair microcirculation stimulus compared with higher pressure. There might be a pressure threshold at 35 N (445.6 kPa) for the first metatarsal head, and soft tissue microcirculation may decrease when local pressure exceeds it.

Asymmetric Organocatalytic 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Azomethine Ylides with ß-Substituted Cyclic Enones.

The enantioselective and diastereoselective control of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions to ß-substituted cyclic enones has been developed. The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of phthalazinium dicyanomethanides with cyclic dienones affords chiral tetrahydropyrrolo[2,1-a]phthalazine derivatives 3 through vinylogous iminium ion activation by combining a cinchona-based primary amine C3 and a chiral camphorsulfonic acid additive. Conversely, with a weaker 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid additive, the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of phthalazinium dicyanomethanides with ß-substituted cyclic enones leads to chiral hexahydroisoindolo[1,2-a]phthalazin-10(8H)-one derivatives 4 with excellent stereocontrol via endo-dienamine activation.

Triphenyltin induced darker body coloration by disrupting melanocortin system and pteridine metabolic pathway in a reef fish, Amphiprion ocellaris.

Triphenyltin (TPT) is a typical persistent organic pollutant whose occurrence in coral reef ecosystems may threaten the survival of reef fishes. In this study, a brightly colored representative reef fish, Amphiprion ocellaris was used to explore the effects of TPT at environmental levels (1, 10, and 100 ng/L) on skin pigment synthesis. After the fish were exposed to TPT for 60 days, the skin became darker, owing to an increase in the relative area of black stripes, a decrease in orange color values while an increase in brown color values, and an increase in the number of melanocytes in the orange part of the skin tissues. To explore the mechanisms by which TPT induces darker body coloration, the enzymatic activity and gene expression levels of the members of melanocortin system that affect melanin synthesis were evaluated. Leptin levels and lepr expression were found to be increased after TPT exposure, which likely contributed to the increase found in pomc expression and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) levels. Then Tyr activity and mc1r, tyr, tyrp1, mitf, and dct were upregulated, ultimately increasing melanin levels. Importantly, RT-qPCR results were consistent with the transcriptome analysis of trends in lepr and pomc expression. Because the orange color values decreased, pterin levels and the pteridine metabolic pathway were also evaluated. The results showed that TPT induced BH4 levels and spr, xdh, and gch1 expression associated with pteridine synthesis decreased, ultimately decreasing the colored pterin content (sepiapterin). We conclude that TPT exposure interferes with the melanocortin system and pteridine metabolic pathway to increase melanin and decrease colored pterin levels, leading to darker body coloration in A. ocellaris. Given the importance of body coloration for the survival and reproduction of reef fishes, studies on the effects of pollutants (others alongside TPT) on body coloration are of high priority.

Chryseobacterium oryctis sp. nov., isolated from the gut of the beetle Oryctes rhinoceros, and Chryseobacterium kimseyorum sp. nov., isolated from a stick insect rearing cage.

Two strains of Chryseobacterium identified from different experiments are proposed to represent new species. Strain WLa1L2M3T was isolated from the digestive tract of an Oryctes rhinoceros beetle larva. Strain 09-1422T was isolated from a cage housing the stick insect Eurycantha calcarata. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA and rpoB genes found both strains to be similar but not identical to other Chryseobacterium species. Whole-genome sequencing suggested the isolates represent new species, with average nucleotide identity values ranging from 74.6 to 80.5 %. Genome-to-genome distance calculations produced values below 25.3 %, and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values were 13.7-29.9 %, all suggesting they are distinct species. The genomic DNA G+C content of WLa1L2M3T is approximately 32.53 %, and of 09-1422T is approximately 35.89 %. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain WLa1L2M3T are C15 : 0 iso, summed feature 9 (C16 : 0 10OH or C17 : 1 iso ω6c), C17 : 0 iso 3OH, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c), C15 : 0 iso 3OH, C15 : 0 anteiso and C13 : 0 iso, and those of strain 09-1422T are C15 : 0 iso, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c), C17 : 0 iso 3OH, C15 : 0 anteiso, C15 : 0 iso 3OH, C16 : 1 ω7c, C17 : 0 2OH and C18 : 0. In addition, physiological and biochemical tests revealed phenotypic differences from related Chryseobacterium type strains. These cumulative data indicate that the two strains represent novel species of the genus Chryseobacterium for which the names Chryseobacterium oryctis sp. nov. and Chryseobacterium kimseyorum sp. nov. are proposed with WLa1L2M3T (=BCRC 81350T=JCM 35215T=CIP 112035T) and 09-1422T (=UCDFST 09-1422T=BCRC 81359T=CIP 112165T), as type strains, respectively.

A neuromusculoskeletal modelling approach to bilateral hip mechanics due to unexpected lateral perturbations during overground walking.

BACKGROUND: Current studies on how external perturbations impact gait dynamics have primarily focused on the changes in the body's center of mass (CoM) during treadmill walking. The biomechanical responses, in particular to the multi-planar hip joint coordination, following perturbations in overground walking conditions are not completely known. METHODS: In this study, a customized gait-perturbing device was designed to impose controlled lateral forces onto the subject's pelvis during overground walking. The biomechanical responses of bilateral hips were simulated by subject-specific neuromusculoskeletal models (NMS) driven by in-vivo motion data, which were further evaluated by statistical parameter mapping (SPM) and muscle coactivation index (CI) analysis. The validity of the subject-specific NMS was confirmed through comparison with measured surface electromyographic signals. RESULTS: Following perturbations, the sagittal-plane hip motions were reduced for the leading leg by 18.39° and for the trailing leg by 8.23°, while motions in the frontal and transverse plane were increased, with increased hip abduction for the leading leg by 10.71° and external rotation by 9.06°, respectively. For the hip kinetics, both the bilateral hip joints showed increased abductor moments during midstance (20%-30% gait cycle) and decreased values during terminal stance (38%-48%). Muscle CI in both sagittal and frontal planes was significantly decreased for perturbed walking (p < 0.05), except for the leading leg in the sagittal plane. CONCLUSION: The distinctive phase-dependent biomechanical response of the hip demonstrated its coordinated control strategy for balance recovery due to gait perturbations. And the changes in muscle CI suggested a potential mechanism for rapid and precise control of foot placement through modulation of joint stiffness properties. These findings obtained during actual overground perturbation conditions could have implications for the improved design of wearable robotic devices for balance assistance.

Hymenobacter piscis sp. nov., isolated from a fish pond.

Bacterial strain NST-14T, isolated from a freshwater fish pond in Taiwan, was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. The strain was Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped and formed pink colonies. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °C, pH 7 and in the absence of NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and coding sequences of 92 protein clusters indicated that strain NST-14T formed a phylogenetic lineage in the genus Hymenobacter. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain NST-14T had the highest similarity to Hymenobacter actinosclerus CCUG 39621T (97.7%), Hymenobacter amundsenii P5136T (97.3%) and Hymenobacter humicola P6312T (96.9%). Strain NST-14T showed 75.1-85.3 % average nucleotide identity, 73.7-89.8 % average amino acid identity and 14.5-26.0 % digital DNA-DNA hybridization with the type strains of other closely related Hymenobacter species. Strain NST-14T contained iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1 ω5c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c) as the predominant fatty acids. The major hydroxyl fatty acids were iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified glycolipid, four unidentified aminophospholipids, one unidentified aminolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified lipids. The major polyamine was homospermidine. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 62.4 mol%. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic inference, demonstrate that strain NST-14T should be classified as a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter piscis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NST-14T (=BCRC 81249T=LMG 31686T).

Finite element stress analysis of the bearing component and bone resected surfaces for total ankle replacement with different implant material combinations.

BACKGROUND: A proper combination of implant materials for Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) may reduce stress at the bearing component and the resected surfaces of the tibia and talus, thus avoiding implant failure of the bearing component or aseptic loosening at the bone-implant interface. METHODS: A comprehensive finite element foot model implanted with the INBONE II implant system was created and the loading at the second peak of ground reaction force was simulated. Twelve material combinations including four materials for tibial and talar components (Ceramic, CoCrMo, Ti6Al4V, CFR-PEEK) and three materials for bearing components (CFR-PEEK, PEEK, and UHMWPE) were analyzed. Von Mises stress at the top and articular surfaces of the bearing component and the resected surfaces of the tibia and talus were recorded. RESULTS: The stress at both the top and articular surfaces of the bearing component could be greatly reduced with more compliant bearing materials (44.76 to 72.77% difference of peak stress value), and to a lesser extent with more compliant materials for the tibial and talar components (0.94 to 28.09% difference of peak stress value). Peak stresses at both the tibial and talar bone-implant interface could be reduced more strongly by using tibial and talar component materials with smaller material stiffness (7.31 to 66.95% difference of peak stress value) compared with bearing materials with smaller material stiffness (1.11 to 24.77% difference of peak stress value). CONCLUSIONS: Implant components with smaller material stiffness provided a stress reduction at the bearing component and resected surfaces of the tibia and talus. The selection of CFR-PEEK as the material of tibial and talar components and UHMWPE as the material of the bearing component seemed to be a promising material combination for TAR implants. Wear testing and long-term failure analysis of TAR implants with these materials should be included in future studies.

Effect of loading history on material properties of human heel pad: an in-vivo pilot investigation during gait.

BACKGROUND: This study was aimed to develop a novel dynamic measurement technique for testing the material properties and investigating the effect of continuous compression load on the structural and mechanical properties of human heel pad during actual gait. METHODS: The dual fluoroscopic imaging system (DFIS) and dynamic foot-ground contact pressure-test plate were used for measuring the material properties, including primary thickness, peak strain, peak stress, elastic modulus, viscous modulus and energy dissipation rate (EDR), both at time zero and following continuous loading. Ten healthy pilot subjects, aged from 23 to 72 (average: 46.5 ± 17.6), were enrolled. A "three-step gait cycle" is performed for all subjects, with the second step striking at a marked position on the force plate with the heel to maintain the location of the tested foot to be in the view of fluoroscopes. The subjects were measured at both relaxed (time-zero group) and fatigue (continuous-loading group) statuses, and the left and right heels were measured using the identical procedures. RESULTS: The peak strain, peak stress, elastic modulus, and EDR are similar before and after continuous load, while the viscous modulus was significantly decreased (median: 43.9 vs. 20.37 kPa•s; p < 0.001) as well as primary thicknesses (median: 15.99 vs. 15.72 mm; p < 0.001). Age is demonstrated to be moderately correlated with the primary thicknesses both at time zero (R = -0.507) and following continuous load (R = -0.607). The peak stress was significantly correlated with the elastic modulus before (R = 0.741) and after continuous load (R = 0.802). The peak strain was correlated with the elastic modulus before (R = -0.765) and after continuous load (R = -0.801). The correlations between the viscous modulus and peak stress/ peak strain are similar to above(R = 0.643, 0.577, - 0.586 and - 0.717 respectively). The viscous modulus is positively correlated with the elastic modulus before (R = 0.821) and after continuous load (R = 0.784). CONCLUSIONS: By using dynamic fluoroscopy combined with the plantar pressure plate, the in vivo viscoelastic properties and other data of the heel pad in the actual gait can be obtained. Age was negatively correlated with the primary thickness of heel pad and peak strain, and was positively correlated with viscous modulus. Repetitive loading could decrease the primary thickness of heel pad and viscous modulus.

Pleural effusion-based nomogram to predict outcomes in unselected patients with multiple myeloma: a large single center experience.

Pleural effusion (PE) is prevalent in unselected "real-life" populations of multiple myeloma (MM). However, its prognostic value on MM is currently elusive. This study aimed to explore the role of PE on MM prognosis and to develop a novel prognostic nomogram for a cohort of Chinese patients with MM. Patients diagnosed with MM form 2000 through 2017 were retrospectively enrolled. PE was evaluated by chest computed tomography (CT) scans. Independent predictors of overall survival (OS) were identified using a multivariable Cox regression model performed on variables selected by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm. A nomogram was constructed based on these variables. The concordance index (C-index) and the calibration curve were used to evaluate the predictive performance of the nomogram. Among 861 patients analyzed, 368 patients developed PE. Multivariate cox regression and restricted mean survival time (RMST) analyses revealed that patients with PE experienced worse OS vs. patients without PE. A nomogram predictive of OS was constructed using PE, plasma cell proportion, international staging system (ISS) stage, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), 1q21 gain, and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The nomogram showed satisfactory discrimination in the derivation cohort (C-index=0.729) and the validation cohort (C-index=0.684), outperforming the Durie-Salmon (DS) and ISS staging systems. Moreover, the nomogram accurately classified patients into two distinct high- and low-risk groups. PE is frequently encountered in the disease course for MM patients. We derivated and validated a novel nomogram for MM based on PE, outperforming the DS/ISS staging systems.

Flavobacterium undicola sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater lake.

Bacterial strain BBQ-18T, isolated from a freshwater lake in Taiwan, is characterized using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and coding sequences of 92 protein clusters indicate that strain BBQ-18T forms a phylogenetic lineage in the genus Flavobacterium. Strain BBQ-18T is most closely related to Flavobacterium alvei HR-AYT with 98.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Strain BBQ-18T shows 70.5-89.5% average nucleotide identity and 13.7-38.2% digital DNA-DNA hybridization identity with the type strains of other closely related Flavobacterium species. The strain is Gram-stain negative, strictly aerobic, motile by gliding, rod shaped and formed yellow colonies. Optimal growth occurs at 25 °C, pH 6, and in the absence of NaCl. Strain BBQ-18T contains iso-C15:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1ω6c and/or C16:1ω7c) and anteiso-C15:0 as the predominant fatty acids. The polar lipid profile consists of phosphatidylethanolamine, four uncharacterized aminophospholipids and two uncharacterized phospholipids. The major polyamine is homospermidine. The major isoprenoid quinone is MK-6. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA is 33.8%. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic inference, demonstrate that strain BBQ-18T should be classified as a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium undicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BBQ-18T (= BCRC 81050T = LMG 30052T = KCTC 52810T).

Flavobacterium difficile sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater waterfall.

A bacterial strain designated KDG-16 T is isolated from a freshwater waterfall in Taiwan and characterized to determine its taxonomic affiliation. Cells of strain KDG-16 T are Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, motile by gliding, rod-shaped and form light yellow colonies. Optimal growth occurs at 20-25 °C, pH 6-7, and with 0% NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and an up-to-date bacterial core gene set reveal that strain KDG-16 T is affiliated with species in the genus Flavobacterium. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences shows that strain KDG-16 T shares the highest similarity with Flavobacterium terrigena DSM 17934 T (97.7%). The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain KDG-16 T and the closely related Flavobacterium species are below the cut-off values of 95-96, 90 and 70%, respectively, used for species demarcation. Strain KDG-16 T contains iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G and iso-C17:0 3-OH as the predominant fatty acids. The polar lipid profile consists of phosphatidylethanolamine, one uncharacterized aminophospholipid, one uncharacterized phospholipid, two uncharacterized aminolipids and two uncharacterized lipids. The major polyamine is homospermidine. The major isoprenoid quinone is MK-6. Genomic DNA G + C content of strain KDG-16 T is 31.6%. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic data obtained, strain KDG-16 T is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium difficile sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KDG-16 T (= BCRC 81194 T = LMG 31332 T).

Zophobihabitans entericus gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Orbaceae isolated from the gut of a superworm Zophobas morio.

A novel bacterial strain, designated IPMB12T, isolated from the gut of the superworm Zophobas morio in Taiwan, was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, coccoid or rod-shaped and formed translucent colonies. Optimal growth occurred at 25-37 °C, pH 9-10, and with 0-2 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and coding sequences of 92 protein clusters indicated that strain IPMB12T is affiliated with genus in the the family Orbaceae in the class Gammaproteobacteria. Strain IPMB12T was most closely related to Gilliamella mensalis LMG 29880T with a 94.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Strain IPMB12T showed less than 71.6 % average nucleotide identity, less than 71.5 % average amino acid identity and less than 21.2 % digital DNA-DNA hybridization identity compared to the strains of related genera within the family Orbaceae. The major fatty acids of strain IPMB12T were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c), C16 : 0 and C14 : 0. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one uncharacterized phosphoaminoglycolipid and one uncharacterized aminophospholipid. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. Genomic DNA G+C content of strain IPMB12T was 39.3 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties and phylogenetic inference, strain IPMB12T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Orbaceae, for which the name Zophobihabitans entericus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IPMB12T (=BCRC 80908T =LMG 32079T=KCTC 82347T=KACC 22323T).

Pseudomonas schmalbachii sp. nov., isolated from the gut of a millipede (Trigoniulus corallinus) from a coconut tree.

During an investigation of microbes associated with arthropods living in decaying coconut trees, a Pseudomonas isolate, Milli4T, was cultured from the digestive tract of the common Asian millipede, Trigoniulus corallinus. Sequence analysis of 16S rRNA and rpoB genes found that Milli4T was closely related but not identical to Pseudomonas panipatensis Esp-1T, Pseudomonas knackmussi B13T and Pseudomonas humi CCA1T. Whole genome sequencing suggested that this isolate represents a new species, with average nucleotide identity (OrthoANIu) values of around 83.9-87.7% with its closest relatives. Genome-to-genome distance calculations between Milli4T and its closest relatives also suggested they are distinct species. The genomic DNA G+C content of Milli4T was approximately 65.0 mol%. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterization and fatty acid methyl ester analysis was performed on Milli4T and its related type strains. Based on these data, the new species Pseudomonas schmalbachii sp. nov. is proposed, and the type strain is Milli4T (=BCRC 81294T=JCM 34414T=CIP 111980T).

Rhodobacter amnigenus sp. nov. and Rhodobacter ruber sp. nov., isolated from freshwater habitats.

Two bacterial strains, designated HSP-20T and CCP-1T, isolated from freshwater habitats in Taiwan, were characterized by polyphasic taxonomy. Both strains were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped. Cells of strains HSP-20T and CCP-1T formed pink and dark red coloured colonies, respectively. Both strains contained bacteriochlorophyll a, and showed optimum growth under anaerobic conditions by photoheterotrophy, but no growth by photoautotrophy. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome sequences indicated that both strains belonged to the genus Rhodobacter. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains HSP-20T and CCP-1T shared 98.3 % sequence similarity and were closely related to Rhodobacter tardus CYK-10T (96.0 %) and Rhodobacter flagellatus SYSU G03088T (96.0 %), respectively. Both strains shared common chemotaxonomic characteristics including Q-10 as the major isoprenoid quinone, C18 : 1 ω7c as the predominant fatty acid, and phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine as the main polar lipids. The DNA G+C content of both strains was 66.2 mol%. The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between these two novel isolates and their closest relatives were below the cut-off values of 95-96, 90 and 70 %, respectively, used for species demarcation. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties and phylogenetic inference, both strains should be classified as novel species within the genus Rhodobacter, for which the names Rhodobacter amnigenus sp. nov. (=BCRC 81193T=LMG 31334T) and Rhodobacter ruber sp. nov. (=BCRC 81189T=LMG 31335T) are proposed.

Description of Gemmobacter aestuarii sp. nov., isolated from estuarine surface water and reclassification of Cereibacter changlensis as Gemmobacter changlensis Chen et al. 2013.

A Gram-stain-negative, tyrosine-metabolizing, non-motile, strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped marine bacterium, designated strain CC-PW-75T, was isolated from the estuarine water off Pintung, Taiwan. Strain CC-PW-75T formed a distinct phyletic lineage associated with Gemmobacter species, sharing the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with G. megaterium CF17T and G. straminiformis CAM-8T (96.0% each) followed by G. aquatilis IFAM 1031T and G. nectariphilus AST4T (95.8% each). Analysis of the draft genome (3.76 Mbp) revealed the presence of genes encoding light-harvesting complexes, photosynthetic reaction centers and proteins involved in the metabolism of CO, CO2, HCO3‒ and H2S. However, bacteriochlorophyll a was not detected. Average nucleotide identity values between the genome sequence of CC-PW-75T and the related Gemmobacter species (n = 6) were estimated to be 72.8-76.3%. Polar lipid analysis revealed the presence of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified lipid in major amounts, and phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified lipid in minor amounts. C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c, C18:0 and C18:1ω7c 11-methyl were identified to be major fatty acids. The DNA G + C content was 66.2 mol% (draft genome sequence). Ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) was the sole respiratory quinone. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic evidence, CC-PW-75T is most likely a novel species of the genus Gemmobacter, affiliated to the family Rhodobacteraceae, for which the name Gemmobacter aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-PW-75T (= JCM 19754T = BCRC 80759T). Also, we propose the reclassification of Cereibacter changlensis as Gemmobacter changlensis Chen et al. 2013 using the polyphasic data presented in this study.

Oleiharenicola lentus sp. nov., isolated from irrigation water.

Bacterial strain TWA-58T, isolated from irrigation water in Taiwan, was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and coding sequences of 92 protein clusters indicated that strain TWA-58T formed a phylogenetic lineage in the genus Oleiharenicola of the family Opitutaceae. Strain TWA-58T was most closely related to Oleiharenicola alkalitolerans NVTT with a 96.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Strain TWA-58T showed 75.2 % average nucleotide identity, 70.9 % average amino acid identity and 21.0 % digital DNA-DNA hybridization identity with O. alkalitolerans NVTT. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile, coccoid-shaped and formed transparent colonies. Optimal growth occurred at 25 °C, pH 6, and 0 % NaCl. The major fatty acids of strain TWA-58T were iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The predominant hydroxy fatty acid was iso-C13 : 0 3-OH. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified aminophospholipids. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. Genomic DNA G+C content of strain TWA-58T was 65.3 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties and phylogenetic inference, strain TWA-58T should be classified in a novel species of the genus Oleiharenicola, for which the name Oleiharenicola lentus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TWA-58T (=BCRC 81161T=LMG 31019T=KCTC 62872T).

Aquirufa rosea sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater lake.

A bacterial strain designated CAR-16T was isolated from a freshwater lake in Taiwan and characterized using the polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile by gliding, rod-shaped and formed rose-colored colonies. Optimal growth occurred at 30 °C, pH 7 and with 0 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and coding sequences of 92 protein clusters indicated that CAR-16T represented a member of the family Cytophagaceae and formed a phylogenetic lineage in the genus Aquirufa. CAR-16T was most closely related to Aquirufa nivalisilvae 59G-WUEMPELT with a 99.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. CAR-16T showed 71.2-79.5 % average nucleotide identity and 17.8-21.7 % digital DNA-DNA hybridization identity with the strains of other species of the genus Aquirufa. The major fatty acids of strain CAR-16T were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, C16 : 1ω5c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH). The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine and several uncharacterized aminophospholipids, phospholipids and lipids. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The genomic DNA G+C content of CAR-16T was 38.8 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties and phylogenetic inference, CAR-16T should be classified as representing a novel species of the genus Aquirufa, for which the name Aquirufa rosea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAR-16T (=BCRC 81153T=LMG 30923T=KCTC 62869T).

Aquabacterium lacunae sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater pond.

A novel bacterial strain, designated KMB7T, isolated from a freshwater pond in Taiwan, was characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, motile by means of a single polar flagellum, rod-shaped and formed cream colonies. Optimal growth occurred at 25 °C, pH 7, and in the absence of NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and an up-to-date bacterial core gene set (92 protein clusters) indicated that strain KMB7T is affiliated with species in the genus Aquabacterium. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity indicated that strain KMB7T is closely related to species within the genus Aquabacterium (95.2-97.6 % sequence similarity) and is most similar to A. fontiphilum CS-6T (97.6 %), followed by A. parvum B6T (97.5 %). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization identity between strain KMB7T and the closely related strains were 74.6-78.0 % and 19.0-21.2 %, respectively. The major fatty acids of strain KMB7T were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c), C18 : 1 ω7c and C16 : 0. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, diphosphatidylglycerol and four unidentified phospholipids. The sole isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-8 (Q-8). Genomic DNA G+C content of strain KMB7T was 65.4 %. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic properties and phylogenetic inference, strain KMB7T should be classified in a novel species of the genus Aquabacterium, for which the name Aquabacterium lacunae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KMB7T (=BCRC 81156T=LMG 30924T=KCTC 62867T).

Sandaracinomonas limnophila gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Cytophagaceae isolated from a freshwater mesocosm.

A bacterial strain designated FSY-15T was isolated from a freshwater mesocosm in Taiwan and characterised using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of strain FSY-15T were Gram-negative, aerobic, non-spore forming, non-motile rods and formed orange coloured colonies. Growth occurred at 20-30 °C (optimum, 25 °C), at pH 6-7.5 (optimum, pH 7) and with 0-0.5 % NaCl (optimum, 0 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and coding sequences of 92 protein clusters indicated that strain FSY-15T formed a phylogenetic lineage in the the family Cytophagaceae. Strain FSY-15T was most closely related to the genera Pseudarcicella and Arcicella, and the levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence identity with respect to members of related genera are less than 94.1 %. Strain FSY-15T showed less than 68.8 % average nucleotide identity and less than 24.7 % digital DNA-DNA hybridisation identity compared to the type strains of related genera within the family Cytophagaceae. The predominant fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω5c and the major hydroxyl fatty acid was iso-C15 : 0 3-OH. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7 and the DNA G+C content was 35.8 mol%. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and several uncharacterised aminophospholipid, aminolipid, phospholipid and lipid. The major polyamine was spermidine. On the basis of the genotypic and phenotypic data, strain FSY-15T represents a novel species of a new genus in the family Cytophagaceae, for which the name Sandaracinomonas limnophila gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FSY-15T (=BCRC 81011T =LMG 29732T =KCTC 52445T).

Sphingobium fluviale sp. nov., isolated from a river.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, poly-ß-hydroxybutyrate-accumulating and aerobic bacterial strain, designated CHR27T, was isolated and characterized by using the polyphasic taxonomy approach. The results of phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and coding sequences of an up-to-date bacterial core gene set (92 protein clusters) indicated that strain CHR27T is affiliated with species in the genus Sphingobium. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity results indicated that strain CHR27T was closely related to species of the genus Sphingobium (94.3-97.0 %), and had the highest sequence similarity to Sphingobium qiguonii X23T (97.0 %). Strain CHR27T showed 19.4-22.1 % digital DNA-DNA hybridization values and 73.2-74.8 % average nucleotide identity values with the strains of other Sphingobium species. Optimal growth occurred at 25 °C, pH 7.5 and in the absence of NaCl. The major fatty acids of strain CHR27T were C18 : 1ω7c and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). The predominant hydroxy fatty acid was C14 : 0 2-OH. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, two unidentified sphingoglycolipids and an unidentified aminophospholipid. Strain CHR27T contained spermidine as the major polyamine and putrescine as a minor component. The only isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-10. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain CHR27Twas 61.8 mol%. On the basis of the phylogenetic inference and phenotypic data, strain CHR27T was considered a representative of a novel species within the genus Sphingobium. The name Sphingobium fluviale sp. nov. is proposed, with strain CHR27T (=BCRC 81121T=LMG 30596T=KCTC 62510T) as the type strain.