Bridging attraction of condensed bovine serum albumin solution in the presence of trivalent ions: A SANS study.

The bridging attraction of condensed bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution (D2O) in the presence of yttrium chloride (YCl3) was studied by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). With increasing the concentration of YCl3 (cY) from 3 to 15 mM and from 15 to 100 mM, the intensity in low-q region increases and then decreases. Combining the tri-axial ellipsoid (TaE) geometry and the multi-component sticky hard sphere (SHS) potential, a SHS-TaE model was established to quantitatively determine the size and distribution of particles. In this way, the structural mechanism of the aggregation-redissolution process in protein solution was demonstrated and discussed. As cY increases from 3 to 100 mM, the SHS radius rL decreases from ca. 2.97 to 2.50 nm, suggesting that the relatively well dispersed BSAs may form aggregates with various polydispersities. The axis a increases from 1.88 to 2.30 nm, while b and c decrease from 3.53 to 3.23 nm and from 4.12 to 3.55 nm, respectively. (RgTaE decreases from ca. 2.57 to 2.38 nm). Moreover, the scattering length density (SLD) of BSA decreases from 3.67 to 1.56 × 10-6 Å-2. All these results consistently indicate a strengthened attraction and the BSA molecules might shrink and tune out to be more like of oblate ellipsoid with increasing the amount of YCl3.

Predicting the efficacy of radiotherapy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on enhanced computed tomography radiomics and combined models.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the ability of enhanced computed tomography (CT)-based radiomics and dosimetric parameters in predicting response to radiotherapy for esophageal cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 147 patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer was performed, and the patients were divided into a training group (104 patients) and a validation group (43 patients). In total, 851 radiomics features were extracted from the primary lesions for analysis. Maximum correlation minimum redundancy and minimum least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were utilized for feature screening of radiomics features, and logistic regression was applied to construct a radiotherapy radiomics model for esophageal cancer. Finally, univariate and multivariate parameters were used to identify significant clinical and dosimetric characteristics for constructing combination models. The area evaluated the predictive performance under the receiver operating characteristics (AUC) curve and the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the training and validation cohorts. Results: Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant differences in clinical parameters of sex (p=0.031) and esophageal cancer thickness (p=0.028) on treatment response, whereas dosimetric parameters did not differ significantly in response to treatment. The combined model demonstrated improved discrimination between the training and validation groups, with AUCs of 0.78 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.87) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.65-0.93) in the training and validation groups, respectively. Conclusion: The combined model has potential application value in predicting the treatment response of patients with esophageal cancer after radiotherapy.

Forensic Study on Objective Evaluation of Visual Acuity of Ametropia with the Event-related Potential P3.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to assess the characteristics of the P3 component from an event-related potential (ERP) that was induced by visual acuity (VA) processing. Furthermore, we sought to provide electrophysiological evidence for the objective evaluation of VA. METHODS: We recruited 32 participants with myopia-related ametropia. They reported no other ocular diseases and had an uncorrected VA of 4.0 in both eyes. We used the block letter "E" at different visual angles and orientations as the graphic stimuli. The oddball paradigm, consisting of 4 modules, was used for ERP analysis. The standard stimuli of each module were identical, with a visual angle of 1°15'. The visual angles of the target stimuli were 1°15', 55', 24', and 15'. The VA test was performed on each eye separately for all participants, and all characteristics of the P3 component were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the P3 peak letencies between the target stimulation angle 1°15' group and the 55' group, or between the target stimulation angle 24' group and the 15' group. There was a significant difference in the P3 peak letencies between the target stimulation angle 1°15' group and the 24' group as well as the 15' group. There was a significant difference in the P3 peak letencies between the target stimulation angle 55' group and the 24' group as well as the 15' group. No significant differences were observed in the P3 amplitude between modules. CONCLUSION: In the oddball paradigm, P3 elicitation indicated a cognitive response to the target stimuli. These data showed that the characteristics of P3 can be used as an objective evaluation of VA.

Association fiber tracts related to Broca's area: A comparative study based on diffusion spectrum imaging and fiber dissection.

Broca's area, made up of Brodmann areas (BA) 44 and 45 in the ventrolateral frontal region, is associated with language production and articulation. A comprehensive network analysis of Broca's area is necessary for understanding language function, which is still lacking. In this study, we attempted to investigate the association fiber tracts related to Broca's area using both diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) and postmortem fiber dissection. DSI was performed on 10 healthy subjects and an atlas comprising the average data of 842 healthy subjects from the Human Connectome Project. Fiber dissection was implemented in 10 cerebral hemispheres of cadaver donors. The following five association fiber tracts related to Broca's area were identified: first, the distinct fasciculus of the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF), from Broca's area (BA44, BA45) and pars orbitalis (BA47) to the parietal and occipital lobes; second, the ventral superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF-III), from the supramarginal gyrus (BA40) to the ventral precentral gyrus (PreG, BA6) and posterior Broca's area (BA44); third, the arcuate fascicle (AF), from the superior, middle, and inferior temporal gyrus (BA20, BA21, BA22) to Broca's area (BA44, BA45) and ventral PreG; fourth, the frontal aslant tract (FAT), from Broca's area (BA44, BA45) to the lateral superior frontal gyrus (SFG), medial SFG, and supplementary motor area (BA6, BA8, BA9); and fifth, the frontal longitudinal fasciculus (FLF), a novel intralobar frontal association fiber tract, from the anterior part of the middle frontal gyrus (MFG, BA46) and Broca's area (BA45) to the caudal MFG (BA8), caudal SFG, and dorsal PreG (BA6). Moreover, compared with the left FAT, the right FAT covered almost the entire inferior frontal gyrus (BA44, BA45, BA47). The cross validation between DSI and fiber dissection revealed a good consistence in the association fiber tracts of Broca's area. Combining DSI and fiber dissection, this study first identified five association fiber tracts related to Broca's area and characterized their structure and anatomy comprehensively. The frameworks provided key elements for functional research in Broca's area.

Evaluation of Visual Acuity of Ametropia with Visual Event-Related Potential Nogo-P3 Component.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the Nogo-P3 component of event-related potential (ERP) in the process of visual acuity processing, to provide electrophysiological evidence for objective evaluation of visual acuity. METHODS: Twenty-six subjects with no other ocular diseases except for ametropia were recruited, and all subjects had uncorrected visual acuity both eyes 1/10 (evaluated using Monoyer chart). Block letter E with different visual angles and directions were used as graphic stimuli. The Go/Nogo paradigm was used for ERP studies. The visual angle of Go stimulation angle was 1°15', Nogo stimuli were 1°15', 55', 24' and 15'. The visual acuity test was performed on each of the two naked eyes separately in all subjects, and the characteristics of the Nogo-P3 component were analyzed. RESULTS: The latency of Nogo-P3 showed no difference between the stimuli of 1°15' and 55', and between Nogo stimulation angle 24' and 15'. There was significant difference between Nogo stimulation angle 1°15' and 24', and between Nogo stimulation angle 1°15' and 15' (P<0.05). There was significant difference between Nogo stimulation angle 55' and 24', and between Nogo stimulation angle 55' and 15' (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the Nogo-P3 amplitude among Nogo stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: In the Go/Nogo paradigm, Nogo-P3 can reflect the cognitive response of subjects to Nogo stimulation, which can be used for objective evaluation of visual acuity.

Comparison of ASSR, ABR and 40 Hz AERP Response Thresholds at Different Frequencies and Their Forensic Applications.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between the frequency characteristics and response threshold of auditory steady-state response (ASSR), auditory brainstem response (ABR) and 40 Hz auditory event related potential (40 Hz AERP), and their application values in forensic medicine. METHODS: Thirty volunteers with normal hearing (60 ears) were selected to perform pure tone audiometry (PTA) threshold and ASSR, ABR and 40 Hz AERP response threshold tests in the standard sound insulation shielding room, and the results were statistically analyzed by SPSS 22.0 software. RESULTS: At 0.5 kHz and 1.0 kHz frequencies, the correlation between 40 Hz AERP response threshold and PTA threshold was good, which was better than that of ASSR and ABR response threshold. At 2.0 kHz and 4.0 kHz frequencies, the correlation between ASSR and ABR response thresholds and PTA threshold was good, which was better than that of 40 Hz AERP response threshold. CONCLUSIONS: To evaluate the hearing at 0.5 kHz and 1.0 kHz frequencies, it is recommended to use 40 Hz AERP and ASSR to comprehensively assess the PTA threshold of the subjects. To evaluate the hearing at 2.0 kHz and 4.0 kHz frequencies, ABR and ASSR are recommended to assess the PTA threshold of subjects comprehensively. The combination of ASSR, ABR and 40 Hz AERP can improve the accuracy of hearing function evaluation.

Downregulation of ROCK2 attenuates alcohol-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in astrocytes.

OBJECTIVE: Alcohol abuse can cause severe injury to human brain. Astrocytes are the most abundant nonneuronal cells that function to maintain the brain homeostasis. In present study, we aimed to investigate the role of ROCK2 in astrocytes exposed to alcohol. METHODS: Astrocytes were transfected with lentivirus (LV)-anti-ROCK2 vector to downregulate the expression of ROCK2. The ROCK2 expression in mRNA and protein level was analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cytokines or indicators involved in inflammation and oxidative stress were determined by assay kits. Proteins involved in nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Alcohol exposure dramatically upregulated ROCK2 expression and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in astrocytes. On the contrary, transfecting with LV-anti-ROCK2 vector downregulated ROCK2 expression and LDH activity in astrocytes, demonstrating that downregulation of ROCK2 alleviated alcohol-induced astrocytic injury. Furthermore, downregulation of ROCK2 attenuated alcohol-induced inflammation by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6) and enhanced the level of anti-inflammatory IL-10. Downregulation of ROCK2 also attenuated alcohol-induced oxidative stress by reducing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, as well as enhancing the activity of anti-oxidative superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). More importantly, downregulation of ROCK2 inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome. CONCLUSION: Therefore, ROCK2 could be a potential target to treat alcohol-induced astrocytic injury and the downregulation of ROCK2 might be a promising approach to protect against alcohol-induced astrocytic injury.

Down-regulation of ROCK2 alleviates ethanol-induced cerebral nerve injury partly by the suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Chronic alcohol consumption leads to hippocampal neuronal impairment, which related to neuronal death, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. Rho-associated protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) is a major regulator in the central nervous system injury. However, the effects of ROCK2 in ethanol-induced brain injury have not been explored. In this work, we investigated the neuroprotective effects and the mechanism of ROCK2 inhibition in vivo. Wistar rats were exposed to 37% ethanol for 8 weeks to establish brain injury models. Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate cognitive function, and we found that the down-regulation of ROCK2 reduced the escape latency and increased the passing times and percentage of time spent in the target quadrant of rats. The results of H&E staining and Nissl staining showed that ROCK2 inhibition alleviated the pathological injury induced by ethanol. PI staining and Western blot confirmed that inhibiting ROCK2 attenuated the neuronal death and apoptosis as reflected by the reduced PI-positive neurons and the decreased expression of cleaved-caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-9. Furthermore, the down-regulation of ROCK2 ameliorated the oxidative stress and inflammatory response induced by ethanol in rats as reflected by the up-regulation of IL-10, SOD, and GSH and reduction of TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA respectively. Additionally, Western blot and EMSA analysis revealed that the down-regulation of ROCK2 suppressed the nuclear transfer of NF-κB p65. In conclusion, our data suggested that ROCK2 inhibition ameliorated ethanol-mediated hippocampal neuronal impairment by anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative effects at least partially through the suppression of the NF-κB pathway.

JAK/STAT and VEGF/PAK1 signaling as emerging targets for topical treatment of psoriasis: a pilot study.

Psoriasis is reportedly modulated by the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) or vascular endothelial growth factor/p21-activated kinase 1 (VEGF/PAK1) pathways. However, no research has evaluated the expression of JAK/STAT and VEGF/PAK1 signaling pathway molecules in human psoriasis skin tissue concurrently. We investigated the expression of autocrine STAT1, STAT3, VEGF, suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS1), SOCS3, and PAK1 in psoriatic tissues. Skin biopsies were retrospectively collected from 55 patients with psoriasis from the tissue biobank. Skin biopsies from 40 healthy volunteers undergoing plastic surgery were used as controls. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that STAT1, STAT3, SOCS1, SOCS3, VEGF, and PAK1 were present at significantly higher levels in the psoriasis samples compared to the control group. Similarly, the mRNA expression of these signaling molecules was also significantly upregulated in psoriatic skin. Additionally, some of the molecules in these two signaling pathways exhibited significant positive correlations. In summary, we present pilot evidence that JAK/STAT and VEGF/PAK1 signaling molecules are expressed in psoriasis, which may provide topical treatment targets for this disease.

Long Non-coding RNA MIAT Knockdown Prevents the Formation of Intracranial Aneurysm by Downregulating ENC1 via MYC.

Intracranial aneurysm (IA) is vascular enlargement occurred on the wall of cerebral vessels and can result in fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage when ruptured. Recent studies have supported the important role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in IA treatment. This study identified functional significance of lncRNA myocardial infarction associated transcript (MIAT) in IA. Myocardial infarction associated transcript and ectodermal-neural cortex 1 (ENC1) expression was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell counting kit 8 assay flow cytometry were conducted to detect cell viability and apoptosis of endothelial cells in IA. The interaction among MIAT, ENC1, and myelocytomatosis oncogene (MYC) was analyzed by RNA pull down, RNA immunoprecipitation assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, and dual luciferase reporter assay. Intracranial aneurysm was induced by ligating the left carotid artery and the bilateral posterior branch of the renal artery in rats for studying the role of MIAT and ENC1 in vivo. Myocardial infarction associated transcript and ENC1 were upregulated in IA. Endothelial cells in IA presented a decreased cell viability and an increased apoptotic rate. Myocardial infarction associated transcript could regulate the expression of ENC1, and MYC could bind to the promoter region of ENC1. High expression of MIAT increased endothelial cell apoptosis and vascular endothelial injury, while MIAT knockdown was identified to reduce the risk of IA both in vitro and in vivo through regulating ENC1. To sum up, MIAT silencing is preventive for IA occurrence by decreasing the MYC-mediated ENC1 expression, which represents a novel therapeutic target for IA.

Transit amplifying cells coordinate mouse incisor mesenchymal stem cell activation.

Stem cells (SCs) receive inductive cues from the surrounding microenvironment and cells. Limited molecular evidence has connected tissue-specific mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with mesenchymal transit amplifying cells (MTACs). Using mouse incisor as the model, we discover a population of MSCs neibouring to the MTACs and epithelial SCs. With Notch signaling as the key regulator, we disclose molecular proof and lineage tracing evidence showing the distinct MSCs contribute to incisor MTACs and the other mesenchymal cell lineages. MTACs can feedback and regulate the homeostasis and activation of CL-MSCs through Delta-like 1 homolog (Dlk1), which balances MSCs-MTACs number and the lineage differentiation. Dlk1's function on SCs priming and self-renewal depends on its biological forms and its gene expression is under dynamic epigenetic control. Our findings can be validated in clinical samples and applied to accelerate tooth wound healing, providing an intriguing insight of how to direct SCs towards tissue regeneration.

Characteristics of Pattern Visual Evoked Potential in Two Eyes with Varying Visual Acuity in One Eye and Forensic Application.

In this study, we aimed to study the pattern visual evoked potentials (P-VEPs) in two eyes with varying visual acuity in one eye and to provide an objective estimation of visual acuity by comparing P-VEPs in one and two eyes. Thirty subjects were chosen, who had one eye with an acuity of 5.0, 4.85, 4.6, 4.0, or scieropia and obstructed vision and the other eye with an acuity of 5.0, respectively. P-VEPs were detected under the large grating stimuli at 3×4 spatial frequency, moderate grating stimuli (12×16 spatial frequency) and small grating stimuli (48×64 spatial frequency). Under large grating stimuli, there was no significant difference in P100 peak latency between the groups, nor was there a significant difference between the amplitude of two eyes and the amplitude of one normal-vision eye. Under moderate and small grating stimuli, there was a significant difference in P100 peak latency between the group with both eyes having an acuity of 5.0 and the group with visual acuity below 4.0 in one eye. There was a significant difference in P100 amplitude between the group with visual acuity of 5.0 in both eyes and the group with one normal-vision eye. There was no significant difference in the amplitude of two eyes and the amplitude of one normal-vision eye between any other two groups. In forensic identification, characteristics and variability of P-VEPs in one and two eyes can be used to identify malingering or decline in visual acuity.

Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment for Ruptured Posterior Circulation Cerebral Aneurysms.

AIM: To report the angiographic and clinical results achieved in endovascular treatment of ruptured posterior circulation cerebral aneurysms over a 3-year period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 45 patients was performed between June 2008 and June 2011. Clinical follow-up was achieved in all patients, with a mean duration of 17 months. Angiographic follow-up was obtained in 88.9% of cases, with a mean duration of 7.2 months. RESULTS: A clinical improvement, or stable outcome was achieved in all patients. There was one case of re-bleeding as a periprocedural complication 2 days after incomplete stent-assisted coiling of a vertebral artery aneurysm. There was no death in our patients. In 40 of the 45 patients (88.9%), angiographic follow-up was obtained at a mean of 7.2 months (range, 1 to 24 months). Recurrences in 5 patients (12.5%) at 2 days, 3, 6, 8, and 13 months required re-treatment. CONCLUSION: Endovascular embolization is an attractive option for ruptured posterior circulation aneurysms with stable long-term outcome. This study confirmed that endovascular treatment is associated with low mobidity and mortality. However, re-canalization may be observed up to 2 years after the initial obliteration. Long-term follow-up with angiography is needed.

Transarterial ONYX Embolization of Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistulas in Adults.

AIM: To present our experience on transarterial treatment of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with ONYX in adult patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March 2008 and November 2012, 27 adult patients with DAVFs treated by transarterial ONYX embolization were included. Clinical data, including hospital records, operative reports, and angiograms, were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS: Complete obliteration of the fistula was achieved in 16/27 (59.3%) patients after 32 intra-arterial embolizations. One complication (3.7%) was transient hemiparesis. Follow-up imaging, which was available for 16 fistulas with angiographic cures, showed no evidence of recurrence. At mean 14.5 months follow-up, 26 patients (96.3%) had GOS score of 5 and 1 patient (3.7%) had GOS score of 3. CONCLUSION: Transarterial ONYX embolization has become the main treatment for adult intracranial DAVFs and is associated with high safety and efficacy.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Nicotiana tabacum TN90 (Solanaceae).

This study reported the complete nucleotide sequence of the Nicotiana tabacum TN90 chloroplast (cp) genome. The cpDNA was 155 992 bp in length and contained 133 individual genes (79 protein encoding genes, 30 tRNA genes and four rRNA genes). Maximum-likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree for 17 species with Arabidopsis thaliana, Oryza sativa, and Anomochloa marantoidea as an outgroup resulted in a single tree with - lnL =542 222.71, where the Nicotiana tabacum TN90 plastid was clustered with three previous reported Nicotiana species: N. tomentosiformis, N. undulata and N. tabacum. The TN90 variety of tobacco cp genome sequence reported in this study will accelerate tobacco improvement in the future.

[Advances in Event-related Potential and Its Forensic Application Value].

The event-related potential (ERP) is considered as one of the most effective methods to study and analyze objectively human mental activity based on nerve electrophysiology. At present, ERP is not only used in the study of lie detection, but also in the clinical medicine for the cognitive assessment on patients with cerebrovascular disease, dementia or traumatic brain injury and auxiliary diagnosis of mental illness. With the further development of ERP detection technology, it would have a wider application prospect in the field of forensic medicine.

Indocyanine green videoangiography in clipping of paraclinoid aneurysms.

AIM: To evaluate the use of indocyanine green (ICG) videoangiography in surgical clipping of paraclinoid aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Intraoperative ICG videoangiography was used as a surgical adjunct in 60 patients with 65 paraclinoid aneurysms. The findings on ICG videoangiography were compared with postoperative imaging. RESULTS: All 65 paraclinoid aneurysms were clearly identified by intraoperative ICG videoangiography and obliteration was documented in each case. Findings on ICG videoangiography matched with postoperative angiography. CONCLUSION: ICG videoangiography is a useful adjunct to the surgical management of paraclinoid aneurysms.

Functional tongue reconstruction with the anterolateral thigh flap.

BACKGROUND: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the advantages of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap in tongue reconstruction. METHOD: From September 2008 to February 2012, patients receiving ALT flap tongue reconstruction were included in the study. Patients undergoing ALT flap were compared with those undergoing similar surgery with radial forearm flap (RFF). The medical records of the included patients were reviewed, and a questionnaire was used to assess acceptability of the surgery. RESULTS: All flaps (both ALT and RFF) were successful In the ALT group, most patients were satisfied with the appearance of the reconstructed tongue and the intelligibility of their speech, and there were fewer complications with this technique compared with the RFF. CONCLUSION: The ALT flap is an ideal method for tongue reconstruction. The thickness and volume of the ALT flap can be adjusted based on the individual extent of the defect, and it can not only provide bulk but also ensure mobility, and it has other advantages also, including a long pedicle and low donor site morbidity.

Gracilimonas mengyeensis sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from a salt mine in Yunnan, south-western China.

A facultatively anaerobic, Gram-staining-negative, pale red-pigmented, non-motile, rod-shaped, moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain YIM J14(T), was isolated from a sediment sample from a salt mine in Yunnan, south-western China. Growth occurred at NaCl concentrations of between 2 % and 15 % (w/v) and optimally with 5-9 % NaCl. The optimum temperature and pH for growth of the strain were 28 °C and pH 7.5. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1ω9c/10-methyl-C16 : 0. The polar lipid profile was composed predominantly of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine and one unknown phospholipid. Minor amounts of other lipids were also detectable. The genomic DNA G+C content was 47.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons indicated that strain YIM J14(T) was related to Gracilimonas tropica in the phylum Bacteroidetes. The level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain YIM J14(T) and Gracilimonas tropica CL-CB462(T) was 96.9 %. A DNA-DNA hybridization experiment between strain YIM J14(T) and Gracilimonas tropica indicated levels of relatedness of 28 %. Chemotaxonomic data supported the placement of strain YIM J14(T) in the genus Gracilimonas. DNA-DNA hybridization and biochemical and physiological characterization allowed strain YIM J14(T) to be differentiated from Gracilimonas tropica. It is therefore considered to represent a novel species of the genus Gracilimonas, for which the name Gracilimonas mengyeensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain YIM J14(T) ( = ACCC 10717(T) = DSM 21985(T)).

Aliifodinibius roseus gen. nov., sp. nov., and Aliifodinibius sediminis sp. nov., two moderately halophilic bacteria isolated from salt mine samples.

Two rod-shaped, non-motile bacteria were isolated from two separate salt mines in Yunnan, south-western China. These strains, designated YIM D15(T) and YIM J21(T), were Gram-negative and moderately halophilic. The two strains required 6-10 % NaCl (w/v; optimal) for growth. The DNA G+C contents of strains YIM D15(T) and YIM J21(T) were 49.0 mol% and 48.4 mol%, respectively. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The polar lipid profiles of strains YIM D15(T) and YIM J21(T) were composed predominantly of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, three unknown polar lipids and one glycolipid. Minor amounts of other lipids were also detectable. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 1ω9c/10 methyl-C16 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons showed that the two isolates formed a distinct clade with the genus Fodinibius (in the phylum Bacteroidetes) and were related to the species Fodinibius salinus, with sequence similarities of 91.9-92.4 %. Analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strains YIM D15(T) and YIM J21(T) were related to each other (97.3 % sequence similarity). The DNA-DNA hybridization relatedness between the two isolates was 34 %. On the basis of the phylogenetic analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization relatedness, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strains YIM D15(T) and YIM J21(T) should be classified as members of a novel genus and as two novel species, for which the names Aliifodinibius roseus gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain YIM D15(T) = ACCC 10715(T) = KCTC 23442(T)) and Aliifodinibius sediminis sp. nov. (type strain YIM J21(T) = ACCC 10714(T) = DSM 21194(T)) are proposed.