Transcriptome data-based status of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway indicates heterogeneity and immune modulation in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal cancer with limited treatment options. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is commonly activated in PDAC and plays a critical role in its progression. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, the effect of taselisib (a selective PI3K inhibitor) on PDAC cell proliferation was investigated, and a significant decrease in viability was observed with increasing concentrations of taselisib. Differential analysis on samples from the Genotype-Tissue Expression and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases revealed 24 dysregulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-related genes (PRGs). Unsupervised clustering-based analysis of transcriptome cohorts revealed two clusters with high consistency between RNA-seq and microarray cohorts. Cluster B had higher enrichment of immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells, and lower levels of immunosuppressive Treg cells. Moreover, we investigated the relationship between drug sensitivity and different clusters and found that cluster A had a better response to PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-related inhibitors and chemotherapy. Finally, cluster A exhibited significant activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR and related oncogenic pathways, contributing to poor prognosis. The study also developed a risk score based on the expression profiles of PRGs and machine learning, which showed a significant increase in overall survival time among patients in the low-risk group. Importantly, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway could be used to better predict individual risk scores, as evidenced by stratified survival analysis. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway may have therapeutic potential in PDAC, and distinct pathway states, immune modulation and tumor microenvironments have prognostic value.

Transcriptomic landscape of endothelial cells: Key tumor microenvironment components indicating variable clinical outcomes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Endothelial cells (ECs) present in the tumor microenvironment (TME) exhibit significant diversity that may impact the efficacy of anti-tumor treatments. Thus, our study sought to elucidate the various clusters of ECs present in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and explore their possible interactions and influence on clinical outcomes. We obtained single-cell transcriptome data from 24 PDAC tumors and 11 normal pancreases, minimizing any batch effects between samples. Next, we compared the relative abundance of various ECs clusters across distinct sample types. Pseudo-time analysis was employed to investigate the differentiation origin of ECs. A variety of bioinformatics methods were used to investigate potential communication between ECs and malignant cells, as well as assess metabolic changes, pathway alterations, and immune-related markers expression within distinct EC clusters. Lastly, we investigated the impact of particular ECs clusters on patient prognosis in bulk transcriptome data. Our study identified seven distinct clusters of ECs, denoted as CA4+ ECs, MMP2+ ECs, SPP1+ ECs, MT1F+ ECs, CCL5+ ECs, RGS5+ ECs, and TYROBP+ ECs. Pseudo-time analysis suggested that the loss of CA4+ ECs and MT1F+ ECs may promote malignant progression. Cell communication elucidated that MT1F+ ECs exhibited the strongest outgoing interaction strength, whereas RGS5+ ECs displayed the strongest incoming interaction strength. Furthermore, TYROBP+ ECs exhibited greater metabolic activity, and notably, CCL5+ ECs displayed increased expression of immune-related molecules. Lastly, across cohorts of bulk transcriptome levels, CA4+ ECs, MT1F+ ECs, and RGS5+ ECs consistently demonstrated prognostic indicative effects. PDAC patients exhibit the presence of seven distinct EC clusters, each demonstrating significant metabolic and immunological heterogeneity. Targeted therapeutic approaches directed toward CA4+ ECs and MT1F+ ECs may prove advantageous in addressing challenges associated with PDAC treatment. Additionally, variations in the relative abundance of CA4+ ECs, MT1F+ ECs, and RGS5+ ECs were indicated as predictive of patient prognosis.

Efficacy of the newly designed "SkyWalker" robot compared to the MAKO robotic system in primary total knee arthroplasty: a one-year follow-up study.

PURPOSE: Robot-assisted surgical systems for performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have gained significant attention. This study was designed to compare the surgical outcomes in primary TKA surgery between the recently developed "SkyWalker" robot system and the more commonly used MAKO robot. METHODS: A total of 75 patients undergoing primary TKA surgery by the same surgical team were included in this study, with 30 patients in the "SkyWalker" group and 45 patients in the "MAKO" group. We documented the osteotomy plan for both robotic systems. The lower limb alignment angles were evaluated by postoperative radiographic assessment. The operation time, estimated blood loss, postoperative hospital stays, and changes in laboratory indexes were collected during hospitalization. In addition, a comparative evaluation of knee functional assessments and complications was conducted during six month and one year follow-ups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the accuracy of restoring lower limb alignment, estimated blood loss, or operation time. The knee function assessments at six months and one year postoperatively were similar in both groups. Except for day three after surgery, the level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the change in IL-6 (∆IL-6) from preoperative baseline were higher in the "SkyWalker" group than in the MAKO group (median: 20.53 vs. 14.17, P=0.050 and median: 17.30 vs. 10.09, P=0.042, respectively). Additionally, one patient from the MAKO group underwent revision surgery at nine months postoperatively due to ongoing periprosthetic discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed "SkyWalker" robot showed comparable efficacy to the MAKO robot in terms of lower limb alignment accuracy and postoperative six month and one year follow-up of clinically assessed resumption of knee function.

Nonlinear optical switch based on coherent perfect absorption.

Coherent perfect absorption (CPA) or reflection (CPR) are methods to realize the extreme manipulation on an optical field. We propose a scheme to operate a bistable switch with convertible CPA and/or CPR. Generally, CPA and CPR occur with different input-field phases. For example, CPA is realized when two input probe beams are in phase; instead, CPR is achieved when they are out of phase. In this scheme, a CPA state can be converted to a CPR state by an incoherent field although two input fields are in phase. When we use the incoherent field as a switching field, the CPA (CPR) state is treated as the closed (open) state. As a result, the switching efficiency can theoretically reach a maximum value, i.e., η = 1. In addition, the switch can be operated in the linear regime with a weak input field, and in the nonlinear or bistable regime with a strong input field. Moreover, the efficiency of the bistable switch is sensitively dependent on the input-field intensity. It provides a potential application of this work on sensitive optical detecting.

Flavobacterium lacisediminis sp. nov., a bacterium isolated from lake sediment.

A taxonomic identification using polyphasic approach was performed on strain TH16-21T, which was isolated from the interfacial sediment of Taihu Lake, PR China. Strain TH16-21T was Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and catalase-positive. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene and genomic sequences indicated that strain TH16-21T was classified within the genus of Flavobacterium. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain TH16-21T showed the highest similarity to Flavobacterium cheniae NJ-26T (98.9 %). The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain TH16-21T and F. cheniae NJ-26T were 91.2 and 45.9 %, respectively. The respiratory quinone was menaquinone 6. The major cellular fatty acids (>10 %) comprised iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G and iso-C16 : 0 3-OH. The genomic DNA G+C content was 32.2 mol%. Phosphatidylethanolamine, six amino lipids and three phospholipids were the main polar lipids. Based on the phenotypic features and phylogenetic position, a novel species with the name Flavobacterium lacisediminis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TH16-21T (=MCCC 1K04592T=KACC 22896T).

Anti-Larval and Anti-Algal Natural Products from Marine Microorganisms as Sources of Anti-Biofilm Agents.

Bacteria growing inside biofilms are more resistant to hostile environments, conventional antibiotics, and mechanical stresses than their planktonic counterparts. It is estimated that more than 80% of microbial infections in human patients are biofilm-based, and biofouling induced by the biofilms of some bacteria causes serious ecological and economic problems throughout the world. Therefore, exploring highly effective anti-biofilm compounds has become an urgent demand for the medical and marine industries. Marine microorganisms, a well-documented and prolific source of natural products, provide an array of structurally distinct secondary metabolites with diverse biological activities. However, up to date, only a handful of anti-biofilm natural products derived from marine microorganisms have been reported. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that some promising antifouling (AF) compounds from marine microbes, particularly those that inhibit settlement of fouling invertebrate larvae and algal spores, can be considered as potential anti-biofilm agents owing to the well-known knowledge of the correlations between biofilm formation and the biofouling process of fouling organisms. In this review, a total of 112 anti-biofilm, anti-larval, and anti-algal natural products from marine microbes and 26 of their synthetic analogues are highlighted from 2000 to 2021. These compounds are introduced based on their microbial origins, and then categorized into the following different structural groups: fatty acids, butenolides, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, phenyl ethers, polyketides, alkaloids, flavonoids, amines, nucleosides, and peptides. The preliminary structure-activity relationships (SAR) of some important compounds are also briefly discussed. Finally, current challenges and future research perspectives are proposed based on opinions from many previous reviews.

Genome-Wide Analysis of the RAV Gene Family in Wheat and Functional Identification of TaRAV1 in Salt Stress.

RAV transcription factors (TFs) are unique to higher plants and contain both B3 and APETALA2 (AP2) DNA binding domains. Although sets of RAV genes have been identified from several species, little is known about this family in wheat. In this study, 26 RAV genes were identified in the wheat genome. These wheat RAV TFs were phylogenetically clustered into three classes based on their amino acid sequences. A TaRAV gene located on chromosome 1D was cloned and named TaRAV1. TaRAV1 was expressed in roots, stems, leaves, and inflorescences, and its expression was up-regulated by heat while down-regulated by salt, ABA, and GA. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that the TaRAV1 protein was localized in the nucleus. The TaRAV1 protein showed DNA binding activity in the EMSA assay and transcriptional activation activity in yeast cells. Overexpressing TaRAV1 enhanced the salt tolerance of Arabidopsis and upregulated the expression of SOS genes and other stress response genes. Collectively, our data suggest that TaRAV1 functions as a transcription factor and is involved in the salt stress response by regulating gene expression in the SOS pathway.

Case Report of Neonatal Sotos Syndrome with a New Missense Mutation in the NSD1 Gene and Literature Analysis in the Chinese Han Population.

Currently, no consensus exists regarding Sotos syndrome in the Chinese population. Here, we present a case of neonatal Sotos syndrome, followed by a retrospective analysis of five cases of neonatal Sotos syndrome, reported in China. The study subject was a twin premature infant, heavier than gestational age, with characteristic facial features, limb shaking, and hypertonia. Transient hypoglycemia, abnormal cranial magnetic resonance imaging, multiple nodules in polycystic kidneys and liver, abnormal hearing, patent ductus arteriosus, and an atrial septal defect were also noted. The subject showed overgrowth and developmental retardation at 3 months of age. Sequencing revealed a novel missense mutation, c.5000C>A, in the nuclear receptor binding the SET domain protein 1 gene, resulting in an alanine-to-glutamate substitution. The bioinformatics analysis suggested high pathogenicity at this site. This study provides insights into diagnosis of neonatal Sotos syndrome based on specific phenotypes. Subsequent treatment and follow-up should focus on developmental retardation, epilepsy, and scoliosis.

Osteoporotic vertebral fracture misdiagnosed as "normal postoperative phenomenon" in post decompression surgery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Previous research and published literature indicate that some patients with spinal diseases who underwent percutaneous transforaminal endoscopic decompression (PTED) still suffer some discomfort in the early recovery stage in the form of pain, stiffness, and swelling. These are usually considered minor residual symptoms or normal postoperative phenomenon (NPF) in the clinic, occur frequently, and are acknowledged by surgeons worldwide. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of a patient who had an osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) misdiagnosed as NPF after she underwent PTED as a result of lumbar disc herniation (LDH). CASE PRESENTATION: A 71-year-old female with Parkinson's disease who presented with lower back pain radiating to the legs was diagnosed as LDH in L4-5, after which a PTED of L4-5 was performed, with temporary alleviation of symptoms. However, severe lower back pain recurred. Unfortunately, the recurred pain initially misdiagnosed as NPF, in fact, was finally confirmed to be OVF by CT-scan. OVF in the early stage of post-PTED seldom occurs and is rarely reported in the literature. With a percutaneous vertebroplasty, the pain was significantly relieved, and she resumed walking. After 36-weeks of follow-up, the pain improved satisfactorily. CONCLUSION: Doctors should not immediately diagnose a relapse of back pain following PTED as NPF, and hands-on careful physical and imaging examinations are necessary to manage recurring pain rightly and timely.

[Chemical constituents of steroidal saponins in rhizome of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis cultured in vitro].

In this study, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) were employed for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the steroidal saponins in rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis from three different habitats cultured in vitro, in an attempt to explore whether the rhizomes of the medicinal herb cultured in vitro can synthesize the steroidal saponins, including polyphyllinsⅠ, Ⅱ, and Ⅶ, the quality markers specified in Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition). A total of 20 steroidal saponins were identified in the rhizomes from Changxin, Yunlong(S1), Fengyi, Dali(S2), and Niujie, Eryuan(S3): parisyunnanoside A and parisyunnanoside D or E, proto-polyphyllin Ⅱ, polyphyllins G and H, polyphyllinsⅠ, Ⅱ, Ⅴ, Ⅵ, and Ⅶ, dioscin, gracillin, prosapogenin A, Tg, isomer of Th, saponin Th, reclinatoside, proto-pairs D, pseudoproto-dioscin, and 23-O-glc-(23S,25R)-spirost-5-en-3ß,23α,27-triol-3-O-rha-(1→2)-[ara(1→4)]-glc or 27-O-glc-(23S,25R)-spirost-5-en-3ß,27α-diol-3-O-rha-(1→2)-[ara(1→4)]-glc. Among them, polyphyllinsⅠ, Ⅱ, and Ⅶ were detected in the rhizomes from S1, with the mass fraction of 0.109 1%, 0.165 2%, and 0.051 03%, respectively(total 0.325 3%). Polyphyllins Ⅱ and Ⅶ were identified in the rhizomes from S2 with the respective mass fraction of 0.192 2% and 0.074 23% and total content of 0.266 5%. Moreover, polyphyllins Ⅱ and Ⅶ were also found in the rhizomes from S3, which had the mass fraction of 0.207 7% and 0.186 9%, separately, with the total content of 0.394 6%. Thus, steroidal saponins, including the quality makers polyphyllins Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅶ recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition) can be synthesized in rhizomes of Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis cultured in vitro, but their total content fails to meet the standard(0.60% in Chinese Pharmacopoeia). Therefore, in vitro culture of the Paris polyphylla var. yunnanensis is feasible, but the culture conditions need to be further improved.

Antioxidants suppress radiation-induced apoptosis via inhibiting MAPK pathway in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is relatively sensitive to ionizing radiation, and radiotherapy is the main treatment modality for non-metastatic NPC. Radiation therapy generates overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause DNA damage and induce apoptosis in tumors, thereby killing the malignant cells. Although dietary antioxidant supplementation reduces oxidative stress and promotes tumor progression, the effects of antioxidants on the NPC cells upon radiation have not been reported. In the present study, we showed that antioxidants (ß-Carotene, NAC, GSH) played an anti-apoptotic role in response to radiation via decreasing ROS production and inhibiting MAPK pathway in NPC cells. Based on that, we conclude that the use of supplemental antioxidants during radiotherapy should be avoided because of the possibility of tumor protection and reduced treatment efficacy.

Novel variants in AP4B1 cause spastic tetraplegia, moderate psychomotor development delay and febrile seizures in a Chinese patient: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: The AP4B1 gene encodes a subunit of adaptor protein complex-4 (AP4), a component of intracellular transportation of proteins which plays important roles in neurons. Bi-allelic mutations in AP4B1 cause autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia-47(SPG47). CASE PRESENTATION: Here we present a Chinese patient with spastic tetraplegia, moderate psychomotor development delay and febrile seizures plus. Brain MRIs showed dilated supratentorial ventricle, thin posterior and splenium part of corpus callosum. The patient had little progress through medical treatments and rehabilitating regimens. Whole exome sequencing identified novel compound heterozygous truncating variants c.1207C > T (p.Gln403*) and c.52_53delAC (p.Cys18Glnfs*7) in AP4B1 gene. Causal mutations in AP4B1 have been reported in 29 individuals from 22 families so far, most of which are homozygous mutations. CONCLUSIONS: Our study enriched the genetic and phenotypic spectrum of SPG47. Early discovery, diagnosis and proper treatment on the conditions generally increase chances of improvement on the quality of life for patients.

Rufibacter hautae sp. nov., a red-pigmented bacterium from freshwater lake sediment, and proposal of Rufibacter quisquiliarum as a latter heterotypic synonym of Rufibacter ruber.

A taxonomic identification using a polyphasic approach was performed on strain NBS58-1T, which was isolated from the interfacial sediment of Taihu Lake in China. Strain NBS58-1T was Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming and catalase-positive. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene and three housekeeping genes (rpoB, gyrB and dnaK) sequences supported the position that strain NBS58-1T should be classified within the genus Rufibacter. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain NBS58-1T possessed the highest similarity to Rufibacter sediminis H-1T (96.60 %), followed by Rufibacter glacialis MDT1-10-3T (96.17 %). And the ANI value between strain NBS58-1T and R. glacialis MDT1-10-3T was 79.3 %. The respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The major cellular fatty acids comprised iso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 3. Phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids and four unidentified lipids were the main polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 51.3 mol%. Based on phenotypic features and phylogenetic position, a novel species with the name Rufibacter hautae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NBS58-1T=(KACC 21309T=MCCC 1K04037T). We also proposed Rufibacter quisquiliarum as a latter heterotypic synonym of Rufibacter ruber.

Feasibility of bile duct as venous graft for venous reconstruction in pancreatic surgery: An animal experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic cancer is a kind of high malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. The aim is to determine whether the dilated bile duct can be used to reconstruct the vessels. METHODS: An animal model of jugular vein and portal vein reconstruction was established using the bile duct. A total of 20 landrace pigs were selected to undergo jugular vein reconstruction or portal vein reconstruction using the bile duct as a patch or bridge. The patency was evaluated by color Doppler, the reconstructed segments were removed and examined macroscopically and histologically at specified intervals, and the results were compared with synthetic vessels (IMPRA straight, 10s03-19). RESULTS: The lumen was patent, although a low level thrombosis was observed when jugular or portal vein patching was used. For bridging, stenosis of the lumen was observed, and necrosis appeared when the bile duct was used for bridging, indicating that it is feasible to reconstruct the jugular vein and portal vein with a bile duct patch. However, the bridge was not feasible possibly due to loss of blood supply, and consequent necrosis and fibrosis. CONCLUSION: The bile duct is technically feasible, but the outcomes are unsatisfactory.

Unconventional Antiferromagnetic Quantum Critical Point in Ba(Fe_{0.97}Cr_{0.03})_{2}(As_{1-x}P_{x})_{2}.

We have systematically studied physical properties of Ba(Fe_{0.97}Cr_{0.03})_{2}(As_{1-x}P_{x})_{2}, where superconductivity in BaFe_{2}(As_{1-x}P_{x})_{2} is fully suppressed by just 3% of Cr substitution of Fe. A quantum critical point is revealed at x∼0.42, where non-Fermi-liquid behaviors similar to those in BaFe_{2}(As_{1-x}P_{x})_{2} are observed. Neutron diffraction and inelastic neutron scattering measurements suggest that the quantum critical point is associated with the antiferromagnetic order, which is not of conventional spin-density-wave type as evidenced by the ω/T scaling of spin excitations. On the other hand, no divergence of low-temperature nematic susceptibility is observed when x is decreased to 0.42 from higher doping level, demonstrating that there are no nematic quantum critical fluctuations. Our results suggest that non-Fermi-liquid behaviors in iron-based superconductors can be solely resulted from the antiferromagnetic quantum critical fluctuations, which cast doubts on the role of nematic fluctuations played in the normal-state properties in iron-based superconductors.

Brevundimonas lutea sp. nov., isolated from lake sediment.

A novel Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated NS26T, was isolated from a sediment sample collected from Taihu Lake in China. Colonies were orange, circular, smooth and neat-edged on Reasoner's 2A agar. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain NS26T belonged to the genus Brevundimonas and had the closest relationship with Brevundimonas halotolerans DSM 24448T (96.9 %). It grew at 20-37 °C (optimum, 28 °C), pH 5.5-10.5 (pH 7.0) and without NaCl. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The dominant cellular fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c 11-methyl. The polar lipid profile comprised 1,2-diacyl-3-O-(6-phosphatidyl-α-d-glucopyranosyl) glycerol, 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-α-d-glycopyranuronosyl glycerol, sulfoquinovosyl diacylglycerol, 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-[d-glycopyranosyl-(1→4)-α-d-glucopyranuronosyl] glycerol and phosphatidylglycerol. The G+C content of genomic DNA was 68.4 mol%. The average nucleotide identity value between strain NS26T and B.halotolerans DSM 24448T was 75.6 %. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic study, strain NS26T is suggested to be a novel species, for which the name Brevundimonas lutea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NS26T (=CGMCC 1.13680T=NBRC 113554T).

Rufibacter sediminis sp. nov., isolated from freshwater lake sediment.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated H-1T, was isolated from the interfacial sediment of Taihu Lake in China and characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the organism was most closely related to Rufibacter immobilis MCC P1T and Rufibacter tibetensis 1351T, with sequence similarities of 98.0 and 97.6 %, respectively. DNA-DNA relatedness between strain H-1T and R. immobilis MCC P1T and R. tibetensis 1351T was 48.8 and 36.6 %, respectively. The major (>5 %) cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C16 : 1ω5c, iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 4 (iso-C17 : 1 I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1 B) and anteiso-C15 : 0. The polar lipids comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified aminophospholipids, an unidentified phospholipid and three unidentified lipids. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). Genomic DNA G+C content was 49.0 mol%. Based on its physiological, biochemical and chemotaxonomic characteristics, the strain represents a novel species of the genus Rufibacter, for which the name Rufibacter sediminis sp. nov. (type strain H-1T=CGMCC 1.16289T=NBRC 113030T) is proposed.

Description of Ornithinibacillus gellani sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium isolated from lake sediment, and emended description of the genus Ornithinibacillus.

A Gram-stain-positive, strictly aerobic, motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain LJ137T, was isolated from the sediment of Taihu Lake in China. A polyphasic approach was used to investigate its taxonomic position. Strain LJ137T grew optimally at pH 7.5, at 37 °C and with 2.5 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain LJ137T was most closely related to the genera Ornithinibacillus and Oceanobacillus. The closest phylogenetic neighbours were Ornithinibacillus halophilus KCTC 13822T, Ornithinibacillus salinisoli LCB256T and Oceanobacillus limi KCTC 13823T, with 95.2, 96.5 and 95.6 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively. The peptidoglycan amino acid type was A4α (l-Lys-d-Asp). The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The polar lipids of strain LJ137T contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified phospholipids, two aminophospholipids and one unidentified lipid. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 40.4 mol%. The dominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and genome sequence characteristics of this strain, a novel species, Ornithinibacillus gellani sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is LJ137T (=CGMCC 1.13678T=NBRC 113552T). An emended description of the genus Ornithinibacillus is presented.

Altererythrobacter amylolyticus sp. nov., isolated from lake sediment.

An aerobic, motile, Gram-stain-negative bacterium, designated strain NS1T, was isolated from interfacial sediment from Taihu Lake, China. The strain formed yellow colonies on R2A medium. Cells were ovoid to rod-shaped and non-spore-forming. Growth occurred at 15-40 °C (optimum, 28 °C), at pH 5.0-10.5 (optimum, 6.5-7.5) and in the presence of 0-1 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0 %). Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain NS1T represented a member of the genus Altererythrobacter and had the highest sequence similarity to Altererythrobacter troitsensis CCTCC AB 2015180T (97.1 %). The average nucleotide identity value between strain NS1T and the closest related strain based on their genomes was 78.6 %. The predominant ubiquinone was Q-10. The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified glycolipid and six unidentified lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 66.6 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain NS1T represents a novel species of the genus Altererythrobacter, for which the name Altererythrobacter amylolyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NS1T (=CGMCC 1.13679T=NBRC 113553T).