Chromatographic analysis and residue degradation of phenamacril and difenoconazole on strawberries.

Strawberries are widely cultivated and highly consumed globally, but pests and diseases can severely affect yields. Phenamacril and difenoconazole are high-efficacy pesticides and the mixture of these two pesticides offers a satisfactory option for disease control. In this study, an optimised QuEChERS method combined with dispersive solid-phase extraction purification before injection for simultaneously determining the residues of phenamacril-difenoconazole mixture on strawberries was developed and validated using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Average recoveries of phenamacril and difenoconazole in the strawberry matrices ranged from 100% to 104% and 99% to 104%, with relative standard deviations of 2.6%-5.3% and 2.2%-5.5%, respectively. The degradation half-lives of phenamacril and difenoconazole were 3.5-6.6 days and 2.2-3.4 days on strawberries, respectively. Final residues of phenamacril and difenoconazole on strawberries at eight different cultivation regions were 0.033-0.66 mg kg-1 and <0.02-0.089 mg kg-1 after spraying at the maximum dosage recommended by the company of 300 mg a.i. kg-1 twice, respectively. Overall, this study is the first report of phenamacril and difenoconazole residue analysis in strawberries. Therefore, it could provide the reference data for safe management and proper use of phenamacril and difenoconazole in China.

Evaluation of Treatment Response after Endoscopic Variceal Obturation with Abdominal Computed Tomography.

Backgrounds/Aims: Rebleeding of gastric varices (GVs) after endoscopic variceal obturation (EVO) can be fatal. This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of computed tomography (CT) for the prediction of rebleeding after EVO GV bleeding. Methods: Patients who were treated with EVO for GV bleeding and underwent CT before and after EVO were included. CT images of the portal phase showing pretreatment GVs and feeding vessels, and nonenhanced images showing posttreatment cyanoacrylate impaction were reviewed. Results: Fifty-three patients were included. Their mean age was 60.6±11.6 years, and 40 patients (75.5%) were men. Alcoholic liver disease was the most frequent underlying liver disease (45.3%). Complete impaction of cyanoacrylate in GVs and feeding vessels were achieved in 40 (75.5%) and 24 (45.3%) of patients, respectively. During the follow-up, GV rebleeding occurred in nine patients, and the cumulative incidences of GV rebleeding at 3, 6, and 12 months were 11.8%, 18.9%, and 18.9%, respectively. The GV rebleeding rate did not differ significantly according to the complete cyanoacrylate impaction in the GV, while it differed significantly according to complete cyanoacrylate impaction in the feeding vessels. The cumulative incidences of GV rebleeding at 3, 6, and 12 months were 22.3%, 35.2%, and 35.2%, respectively, in patients with incomplete impaction in feeding vessels, and there was no rebleeding during the follow-up period in patients with complete impaction in the feeding vessels (p=0.002). Conclusions: Abdominal CT is useful in the evaluation of the treatment response after EVO for GV bleeding. Incomplete cyanoacrylate impaction in feeding vessels is a risk factor for GV rebleeding.

Determination of phenamacril residues in flour and rice based on Z-Sep+ using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Phenamacril is a new broad-spectrum fungicide that is commonly used for the control of fungal diseases in wheat and rice. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to establish a method for analyzing the residual phenamacril in flour and rice based on the improved QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) method using Z-Sep+ as the adsorbent in the pre-treatment process. The average recovery of phenamacril in flour and rice was 82.2-96.0%, the relative standard deviation was 2.1-5.6% and the limit of quantification was 0.5 µg/kg. The accuracy and sensitivity of this method meet the requirements for residue analysis. The method was applied to commercially available flour and rice samples, and the detected concentrations of phenamacril were 0.005-0.033 mg/kg. This method provides technical support for the safety evaluation of phenamacril.

Aerobic dissipation of the novel cyanoacrylate fungicide phenamacril in soil and sludge incubations.

The cyanoacrylate ethyl (2Z)-3-amino-2-cyano-3-phenylacrylate (phenamacril), has been introduced as an effective agent against several fungi species belonging to the Fusarium genus. However, in current literature, knowledge about the environmental behavior of this fungicide is limited and there are no data on the degradation in the environment. By performing tests on inherent degradability as well as degradation studies in soils this study provides the only published information regarding the environmental stability and degradation kinetics of this compound. Tests for inherent/ready biodegradation revealed the phenamacril is inherently degradable with zero order kinetics, even though the degradation is comparatively slow. Degradation of phenamacril in soil was found to occur following first order kinetics with a final plateau with a half live of 17.1 days (i.e. more rapidly than tebuconazole but less rapidly than octylisothiazolinone).

Polymerization kinetics of n-butyl cyanoacrylate glues used for vascular embolization.

Vascular embolization is a minimally invasive treatment used for the management of vascular malformations and tumors. It is carried out under X-ray by navigating a microcatheter into the targeted blood vessel, through which embolic agents are delivered to occlude the vessels. Cyanoacrylate liquid glues have been widely used for vascular embolization owing to their low viscosity, rapid polymerization/solidification rate, good penetration ability and low tissue toxicity. The objective of this study is to quantitatively investigate the physical properties of two n-butyl cyanoacrylate (nBCA) glues (Glubran 2 and Histoacryl) mixed with an iodized oil (Lipiodol) at various concentrations. We show that an homogeneous solution results from the mixing of the glue and Lipiodol, and that the viscosity, density and interfacial tension of the mixture increase with the proportion in Lipiodol. We have designed a new experimental setup to systemically characterize the polymerization kinetics of a glue mixture upon contact with an ionic solution. We observe that the whole polymerization process includes two phases: an interfacial polymerization that takes place at the interface as soon as the two liquids are in contact with a characteristic time scale of the order of the minute; a volumetric polymerization during which a reaction front propagates within the mixture bulk with a characteristic time scale of the order of tens of minutes. The polymerization rate, front propagation speed and volume reduction increase with the glue concentrations. It is the first time that such comprehensive results are obtained on liquid embolic agents.

Embolia pulmonar por cianoacrilato tras embolización transhepática de varices esofágicas / Cyanoacrylate-related pulmonary embolism following transhepatic embolization of esophageal varices

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Cianoacrilato. Definición y propiedades.Toxicidad y efectos secundarios. Aplicaciones en medicina y odontología / Cyanoacrylate. Definition and properties. Toxicity and side effects. Applications in medicine and dentistry

Introducción: el cianoacrilato es un líquido incoloro con propiedades adhesivas. Se emplea habitualmente en trabajos de bricolaje. En medicina y odontología ha sido utilizado generalmente como sutura de piel. Material y métodos: se hizo una revisión bibliográfica acerca del cianoacrilato y su uso en medicina y odontología. Resultados: en diferentes tablas se recogen productos comerciales que contienen cianoacrilato, sus utilidades no médicas, los requisitos para uso médico, aplicaciones en medicina y odontología, y sus efectos nocivos. Discusión: Los cianoacrilatos de cadena corta (etil y metilcianoacrilato) no son aptos para uso médico, pues se degradan rápidamente dando productos tóxicos. Sin embargo se emplean de cadena larga (octil y butilcianoacrilato)que dan menos toxicidad. Se aconseja emplear en zonas superficiales y libres de tensión (AU)

Introduction: Cyanoacrylate is a colorless liquid with adhesive properties. It is commonly used in DIY work. In medicine and dentistry, it has been widely used as a skin suture. Material and methods: A literature review was made of cyanoacrylate and its use in medicine and dentistry. Results: In different tables are commercial products containing cyanoacrylate, general utilities, requirements for medical use, medical and dental applications, and its harmful effects. Discussion: The short-chain cyanoacrylates (ethyl and methylcyanoacrylate) are not suitable for medical use, because they degrade quickly giving toxic products. However long chain used (octyl and butylcyanoacrylate) to offer less toxicity. It is recommended for surface areas and tension free (AU)

Estudo comparativo entre etilcianoacrilato e sutura intradérmica no fechamento de excisões cutâneas / Comparative study of the use of ethyl cyanoacrylate adhesive and intracutaneous suture for cutaneous excision closure

INTRODUÇÃO: As vantagens dos cianoacrilatos em síntese cutânea têm sido sobejamente demonstradas na literatura. Entretanto, esses produtos têm sido subutilizados no Brasil, em decorrência dos elevados custos do octilcianoacrilato. Ademais, a forma mais economicamente acessível, etilcianoacrilato, tem sido pouco estudada como adesivo cutâneo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficiência do etilcianoacrilato na síntese de excisões cutâneas. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo realizado em pacientes portadores de lesões cutâneas superficiais submetidos a excisão elíptica e reparo por fechamento primário. As excisões foram fechadas por meio de suturas profundas relaxadoras e, na superfície da pele, foi utilizado etilcianoacrilato (grupo caso - GCa) ou sutura intradérmica (grupo gontrole - GCo). RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 33 pacientes portadores de 43 lesões cutâneas (GCa = 20 excisões; GCo = 23 excisões). Cicatrizes inestéticas (GCa = 20 por cento; GCo = 48 por cento), irritação ocular (GCa = 15 por cento; GCo = 0), deiscência (GCa = 5 por cento; GCo = 0), infecção (GCa = 0; GCo = 4,3 por cento) e dermatite de contato (GCa = 0; GCo = 4,3 por cento) foram os problemas encontrados. Os resultados cosméticos foram considerados satisfatórios na maioria das excisões (GCa = 100 por cento, GCO = 95,7 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: O etilcianoacrilato foi adequadamente tolerado neste grupo de estudo, sem induzir necrose, reações alérgicas ou infecções, apresentando diversas vantagens de uso em relação à sutura, incluindo reduzido índice de complicações e grande satisfação dos pacientes.

BACKGROUND: The advantages of cyanoacrylates in cutaneous wound closure have been widely demonstrated in the literature. However, these products have not been widely used in Brazil due to the high costs of octyl cyanoacrylates. Moreover, there have been only a few studies on the most affordable product, ethyl cyanoacrylate, as a cutaneous adhesive. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ethyl cyanoacrylate in cutaneous excision repair. METHODS: A retrospective study conducted in patients with superficial skin lesions who underwent elliptical excision and repair by primary closure. The excisions were closed using deep relaxing sutures and either ethyl cyanoacrylate (case group; CaG) or intradermal suture (control group; CoG) on the skin surface. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were identified with 43 cutaneous lesions (CaG, n = 20; CoG, n = 23). Unsightly scars (CaG = 20 percent; CoG = 48 percent), eye irritation (CaG = 15 percent; CoG = 0), dehiscence (CaG = 5 percent; CoG = 0), infection (CaG = 0; CoG = 4.3 percent), and contact dermatitis (CaG = 0; CoG = 4.3 percent) were the problems observed. The cosmetic results were satisfactory in almost all excisions (CaG = 100 percent; CoG = 95.7 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Ethyl cyanoacrylate was adequately tolerated in this study group, with no necrosis, allergic reactions, or infections. Ethyl cyanoacrylate presented several advantages over suture use, including low complication rates and high patient satisfaction.

[Preparation and in vitro release characteristics of vincristine sulphate loaded poly (butylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare vincristine sulphate loaded poly (butylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles (VCR-PBCA-NPs) and to investigate the in vitro release charactersitics. METHOD: VCR-PBCA-NPs were prepared by emulsion polymerization method, and characterized for morphology, particle size, drug encapsulation efficiency and loading efficiency. The formulation was optimized using central composite design and response surface methodology. In vitro release study of VCR-PBCA-NPs was performed by dialysis technique. Model fitting was used to determine the kinetics and to discuss the mechanism. RESULT: The nanoparticles were spherical and uniform with a mean diameter of (98.9 +/- 3.05) nm. The drug encapsulation efficiency and loading efficiency were (55.23 +/- 0.96)% and (7.87 +/- 0.11)%, respectively. In vitro release results showed that 63.66% of VCR was released from VCR-PBCA-NPs in 4 h, and the Weibull model fitted VCR release pattern best. CONCLUSION: The VCR-PBCA-NPs prepared in this study showed sustained release compared with VCR solution.

Pharmacokinetics of ketorolac loaded to polyethylcyanoacrylate nanoparticles using UPLC MS/MS for its determination in rats.

Polyethylcyanoacrylate (PECA) nanoparticles (NPs) have been employed as biodegradable polymeric carriers for oral (PO) delivery of ketorolac. The nanoparticles were prepared by polymerization technique at room temperature in a continuous aqueous phase at pH 2.5. This polymerization technique was able to hold 76-96% of ketorolac and the drug loading was a monomer concentration dependent. The feasibility of PECA NPs as PO controlled drug delivery systems of ketorolac was investigated in two groups of rats which were given orally either ketorolac tromethamine solution (1.5 mg/kg) or the selected ketorolac NPs aqueous dispersion (1.6 mg/kg). Ketorolac plasma concentrations were measured by a new fully validated specific, precise and accurate ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC MS/MS) assay. The detection was performed on Waters TQ detector via negative electrospray ionization in a multiple reaction monitoring mode. Linear response (r(2)> or =0.995) was observed over the range of 10-10,000 ng/ml of ketorolac, with the lower limit of quantification of 5 ng/ml with 1 microl injection volume. The intra- and inter-day precision (relative standard deviation, R.S.D.) values were <10% and the accuracy (relative error) was < or =8 for ketorolac concentrations. The drug solution is rapidly absorbed, distributed, and eliminated and shows a monophasic elimination phase. The assay was sensitive to follow pharmacokinetics of ketorolac in rats up to 24 h after a PO dose of its aqueous solution or NPs suspension. After NPs administration the mean Cmax, 5.0+/-1.3 mg/l, was attained at 1 h. The drug was successfully maintained around this elevated plasma drug concentration up to 6h (>2t(1/2)), in rats. The AUC was significantly higher after the NPs suspension than the solution of ketorolac. This present study provides evidence that the sorption of ketorolac to PECA NPs could control the drug release/elimination in rats.

Avaliação do etil-2-cianoacrilato (Epiglu®) na síntese de pele: estudo em ratos / Ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Epiglu®) evaluation in the skin closure: study in rats

Introdução: O Etil-2-cianoacrilato (ECA) é um adesivo tecidual utilizado por alguns médicos na prática clínica para fechamento de lesões de pele. São substâncias que se autopolimerizam quando em contato com a ferida, formando uma cola forte e flexível. Este trabalho foi realizado visando à avaliação da eficácia e da biocompatibilidade deste polímero (Epiglu®, da empresa Meyer-Haake, Alemanha) na síntese de pele, em modelo experimental. Método: Dez ratos Wistar machos foram submetidos a três incisões longitudinais no dorso. A incisão central foi tratada com suturade pontos simples de nylon 4.0 (grupo controle), a esquerda com sutura subdérmica de nylon 4.0 associado ao ECA, e a direita apenas o ECA. Os animais foram sacrificados nos dias 3, 7, 14, 21 e 30 pós-operatórios. A biocompatibilidade foi avaliada sob observação direta: necrose, inflamação,dermatite de contato, infecção e deiscência; e à microscopia: reação inflamatória, angiogênese, fibroblastos, colágeno, células gigantes e eosinófilos. Resultados: As sínteses realizadas apenas com o ECA apresentaram maior índice de deiscência (p < 0,05). Todos os outros critérios macro e microscópicos avaliados não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas em relação ao controle (p > 0,05). Conclusão: O uso do ECA é uma boa opção de síntese da pele, com boabiocompatibilidade. Atenção deve ser feita às lesões que apresentem algum grau de tensão, onde a associação com a sutura subdérmica torna-se obrigatória.

Background: The Ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate (ECA) is a synthetic tissue adhesive used by some physicians in clinical practice in wound closures. They polymerize rapidly to adhere tightly toproteinaceous surfaces, form a strong and flexible bond. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy and biocompatibility of this polymer (Epiglu®, of Meyer-Haake company,Germany) in skin wound closures, in rat model. Methods: Ten male Wistar rats were subjected to three incisions which were closed using different treatments. The central incision was treatedwitch Simple suture of nylon 4.0 (control group). Left incision was treated with sub-dermis suture associated with ECA, and right incision only with ECA. Rats were sacrificed on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 30 after the intervention. The biocompatibility was evaluated due to direct observation: necrosis, inflammation, dermatitis, infection and dehiscence; and microscopy: inflammatory process, angiogenesis, number of fibroblasts, collagen, giants cells and eosynophils. Results: The wound closured only with ECA presented a higher dehiscence level(p < 0.05). It was not observed another macro or microscopic significant difference comparing to the control group (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The use of the ECA is a good option to the skinclosure, with good biocompatibility. Special attention must receive the wounds with some tension, where the association with a sub-dermis suture becomes imperative.

Comparative study of suture and in skin closure of rats / Estudo comparativo entre sutura e cianoacrilatos no fechamento de pele de ratos

PURPOSE: To compare the biocompatibility of ethyl-cyanoacrylate (ECA) and octylcyanoacrylate (OCA) wound closures to sutures in rat skin. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were subjected to three incisions which were closed using ECA, OCA or sutures . Rats were divided into four groups which received biopsies on the 3rd, 7th, 14th or 21st post-operative days. Necrosis, inflammation, dermatitis, infection, dehiscence, cicatricial enlargement and costs were examined; the histopathology evaluated was epithelialization, deep openings, foreign substance reaction, residues of synthesis material, fibrosis, inflammation, dehiscence and necrosis. RESULTS: The tissue adhesives presented the largest dehiscence levels, and ECA the lowest cost while the other measures were similar. Regarding histopathology, deep openings were more common with OCA and granulomas were most frequently obtained with ECA. The two tissue adhesives produces less inflammation than the inicial suture from post-operative day 7, while ECA and OCA cause similar inflammatory reactions. ECA did not differ significantly from OCA and sutures on other measures. CONCLUSION: ECA was well tolerated in this study and did not induce necrosis, allergic reactions or infections, presenting several advantages in relation to OCA and sutures, including lower costs and fewer complications.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a biocompatibilidade do etil-cianoacrilato (ECA) em fechamento de pele em ratos comparativamente ao octil-cianoacrilato (OCA) e à sutura. MÉTODOS: Rattus norvegicus albinus (n=24) foram submetidos a três incisões, cada uma fechada por um dos métodos de síntese estudados. Quatro grupos (n=6) foram feitos, conforme o dia pós-operatório (DPO) em que foram eutanasiados: 3DPO, 7DPO,14DPO e 21DPO. Necrose, edema, eritema, dermatite, infecção, deiscência, alargamento cicatricial e custos foram os itens examinados; histopatologicamente avaliou-se epitelização, abertura profunda, reação de corpo estranho, resíduos de material de síntese, fibrose, reação inflamatória, deiscência e necrose. RESULTADOS: Os adesivos apresentaram os maiores níveis de deiscências, e o ECA o custo mais baixo; nos demais itens, não houve diferenças. Histopatologia: A abertura profunda foi mais comum com o OCA; ECA foi o material mais encontrado em granulomas; os adesivos foram mais brandos que a sutura a partir do 7º DPO no quesito inflamação, enquanto que o ECA causou uma reação similar ao OCA; nos outros itens, ECA não apresentou diferença importante em relação ao OCA e à sutura. CONCLUSÃO: O ECA foi bem tolerado neste grupo de estudo, sem induzir necrose, reações alérgicas e infecção, apresentando diversas vantagens de uso em relação ao OCA e à sutura.

Catenulispora acidiphila gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel, mycelium-forming actinomycete, and proposal of Catenulisporaceae fam. nov.

A novel, Gram-positive bacterial strain was isolated from forest soil. Among species with validly published names, the 16S rRNA gene sequence is related most closely (approx. 93 % similarity) to that of Sporichthya polymorpha DSM 43042(T). However, differently from this species, it forms both vegetative and aerial mycelia. The aerial hyphae are straight to slightly flexuous, starting to septate to form chains of more than 20 cylindrical spores with a rugose surface. The strain is acidophilic, with a pH range for robust growth between 4.3 and 6.8 and an optimum around 6.0. The peptidoglycan type is A3gamma ll-Dpm-Gly. The polar lipids are phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides and two unknown phospholipids. Predominant menaquinones are MK-9(H(6)) and -9(H(4)), and iso- and anteiso-branched C(16 : 0) and C(17 : 0) are the main cellular fatty acids. The DNA G+C content is 71.9 mol%. The distinct phylogenetic position and the unusual combination of chemotaxonomic characteristics justify the proposal of Catenulispora gen. nov., with the type species Catenulispora acidiphila sp. nov. (type strain, ID139908(T) =DSM 44928(T)=NRRL B-24433(T)). Catenulisporaceae fam. nov. is also proposed.

Actinospica robiniae gen. nov., sp. nov. and Actinospica acidiphila sp. nov.: proposal for Actinospicaceae fam. nov. and Catenulisporinae subord. nov. in the order Actinomycetales.

Two novel Gram-positive, acidophilic bacterial strains were isolated from forest soil. According to their 16S rRNA gene sequences, these strains are related closely to each other and form a distinct cluster within the order Actinomycetales. They show the typical features of filamentous actinomycetes, with branched vegetative hyphae and production of aerial hyphae. The distinct phylogenetic positions and the combination of chemotaxonomic characteristics of these strains justify the proposal of Actinospica gen. nov. Both strains display 3-hydroxydiaminopimelic acid plus traces of meso-diaminopimelic acid, the phospholipids diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, methylphosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol, the predominant cellular fatty acids i-C(15 : 0), i-C(16 : 0) and ai-C(15 : 0) and the whole-cell sugars mannose and rhamnose. They differ in the fatty acid profiles, in the quantitative ratios of the major menaquinones MK-9(H(4)), MK-9(H(6)) and MK-9(H(8)) and in the occurrence of additional whole-cell sugars (arabinose and xylose in strain GE134766(T) and galactose in strain GE134769(T)). Differences in the phenotypic characteristics and in the 16S rRNA gene sequences suggest the description of two species, Actinospica robiniae gen. nov., sp. nov. (the type species) and Actinospica acidiphila sp. nov., with the type strains GE134769(T) (=DSM 44927(T)=NRRL B-24432(T)) and GE134766(T) (=DSM 44926(T)=NRRL B-24431(T)), respectively. The DNA G+C contents of strains GE134769(T) and GE134766(T) are 70.8 and 69.2 mol%, respectively. Due to the large phylogenetic distance from known actinomycete genera, it is proposed to accommodate Actinospica gen. nov. in Actinospicaceae fam. nov. In addition, Catenulisporineae subord. nov. is proposed to harbour Actinospicaceae fam. nov. and the newly proposed family Catenulisporaceae, described in the accompanying paper.

Niastella koreensis gen. nov., sp. nov. and Niastella yeongjuensis sp. nov., novel members of the phylum Bacteroidetes, isolated from soil cultivated with Korean ginseng.

Two novel strains, GR20-10(T) and GR20-13(T), were isolated from soil using R2A medium. The soil sample was collected from a field in the Yeongju region of Korea that was cultivated with Korean ginseng. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that these strains formed a cluster with several uncultured bacterial clones and with Flexibacter filiformis, Flexibacter sancti, Flexibacter japonensis, Cytophaga arvensicola and Flavobacterium ferrugineum (recently reclassified as Terrimonas ferruginea) in the phylum Bacteroidetes. The level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the two novel strains was 98.9 %. Isolates GR20-10(T) and GR20-13(T) showed the highest sequence similarities to Flexibacter japonensis IFO 16041(T) (91.8 and 91.9 %, respectively) and T. ferruginea ATCC 13524(T) (90.4 and 90.6 %, respectively). The whole-cell fatty acid profiles of the two isolates were similar and their major fatty acids were 15 : 0 iso, 17 : 0 iso 3-OH and 15 : 1 iso G. The major isoprenoid quinone of both strains was MK-7. The G+C contents of GR20-10(T) and GR20-13(T) were 45.8 and 44.3 mol%, respectively. DNA-DNA hybridization (57 % DNA-DNA hybridization value) and phenotypic data indicated that strains GR20-10(T) and GR20-13(T) each belong to a separate species. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic data and genomic distinctiveness, strains GR20-10(T) and GR20-13(T) represent two novel species in a novel genus in the phylum Bacteroidetes; the names Niastella koreensis gen. nov., sp. nov. (the type species; type strain GR20-10(T)=KACC 11465(T)=DSM 17620(T)) and Niastella yeongjuensis sp. nov. (type strain GR20-13(T)=KACC 11466(T)=DSM 17621(T)) are proposed.

Amycolatopsis taiwanensis sp. nov., from soil.

An actinomycete strain (0345M-7(T)) was isolated from a soil sample from Yilan county, Taiwan. The isolate displayed substrate mycelia, upon which were borne short spore chains. The spore chains were composed of non-motile, smooth-surfaced, oval spores. Strain 0345M-7(T) had meso-diaminopimelic acid in its peptidoglycan. Whole-cell sugars were galactose, glucose, arabinose and ribose. The only phospholipid found was phosphatidylethanolamine. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H(4)). Mycolic acids were not detected. Major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(16 : 0) (38.1 %) and C(17 : 1) (25.4 %). The DNA G+C content of strain 0345M-7(T) was 68.9 mol%. On the basis of phenotypic and genotypic data, it is proposed that strain 0345M-7(T) (=BCRC 16802(T)=KCTC 19116(T)) should be classified as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Amycolatopsis, Amycolatopsis taiwanensis sp. nov.

Lentibacillus halophilus sp. nov., from fish sauce in Thailand.

Fifteen strains of extremely halophilic bacteria were isolated from fish sauce (nam-pla) collected in Thailand at various stages of the fish-fermentation process. The isolates were strictly aerobic, spore-forming, Gram-positive rods. They grew optimally in the presence of 20-26 % NaCl. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone was MK-7. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0). Polar lipid analysis revealed the presence of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unidentified glycolipids. The DNA G+C content was 42.1-43.1 mol%. On the basis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, a representative strain, PS11-2(T), was found to be closely related to Lentibacillus juripiscarius JCM 12147(T) (97.3 % similarity). The 15 strains were included in the same species on the basis that the levels of DNA-DNA relatedness with strain PS11-2(T) were greater than 70 %. They could be distinguished from L. juripiscarius and other Lentibacillus species on the basis of several phenotypic characteristics and low levels of DNA-DNA relatedness (

Brevibacterium samyangense sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from a beach sediment.

A novel actinomycete, strain SST-8(T), was isolated from sand sediment of Samyang Beach in Jeju, Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The organism, which produced opaque, circular, yellow colonies, with a coryneform morphology, showed the following chemotaxonomic characteristics: meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid in the peptidoglycan, MK-8(H(2)) as the major menaquinone, phosphatidylglycerol as the only polar lipid, anteiso-C(15 : 0) and anteiso-C(17 : 0) as major fatty acids and a DNA G+C content of 70.7 mol%. The combination of morphological and chemotaxonomic features supported its classification in the genus Brevibacterium. Phylogenetic analyses, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence studies, showed that strain SST-8(T) formed an intermediate branch between the Brevibacterium luteolum/Brevibacterium otitidis and Brevibacterium mcbrellneri/Brevibacterium paucivorans clusters. Sequence similarity calculations based on a neighbour-joining analysis revealed that the closest relatives of strain SST-8(T) were the type strains of B. paucivorans (96.6 %), B. luteolum (96.5 %), B. mcbrellneri (96.3 %), Brevibacterium avium (96.0 %) and B. otitidis (95.9 %). Based on a broad set of phenotypic and genetic data, it was evident that the strain represents a novel species of the genus Brevibacterium. The name Brevibacterium samyangense sp. nov. is proposed, with SST-8(T) (=NRRL B-41420(T)=KCCM 42316(T)) as the type strain.

Bacillus seohaeanensis sp. nov., a halotolerant bacterium that contains L-lysine in its cell wall.

A halotolerant, round-endospore-forming, aerobic, Gram-positive bacterium, designated BH724(T), was isolated from a solar saltern at Taean in Korea. Cells of this strain were rod-shaped and found to be non-motile. Strain BH724(T) grew at salinities of 0-10 % (w/v) NaCl with an optimum of 3 % (w/v) NaCl and at temperatures of 15-50 degrees C with an optimum of 40 degrees C. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain BH724(T) belonged to the genus Bacillus and that Bacillus aquimaris TF-12(T), Bacillus marisflavi TF-11(T) and Bacillus vietnamensis JCM 11124(T) were its closest neighbours, sharing 97.3, 97.2 and 97.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively. The genomic DNA G+C content was 39 mol% and the predominant menaquinone was MK-7. Its major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(15 : 0), iso-C(16 : 0) and iso-C(14 : 0). The peptidoglycan type was A1alpha, linked directly through l-lysine. On the basis of morphological, chemotaxonomic, physiological and phylogenetic properties, strain BH724(T) represents a novel species of the genus Bacillus, for which the name Bacillus seohaeanensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BH724(T) (=KCTC 3913(T)=DSM 16464(T)).

Shewanella loihica sp. nov., isolated from iron-rich microbial mats in the Pacific Ocean.

A novel marine bacterial strain, PV-4(T), isolated from a microbial mat located at a hydrothermal vent of Loihi Seamount in the Pacific Ocean, has been characterized. This micro-organism is orangey in colour, Gram-negative, polarly flagellated, facultatively anaerobic and psychrotolerant (temperature range, 0-42 degrees C). No growth was observed with nitrate, nitrite, DMSO or thiosulfate as the electron acceptor and lactate as the electron donor. The major fatty acid detected in strain PV-4(T) was iso-C(15 : 0). Strain PV-4(T) had ubiquinones consisting mainly of Q-7 and Q-8, and possessed menaquinone MK-7. The DNA G+C content of the strain was 53.8 mol% and the genome size was about 4.5 Mbp. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed PV-4(T) within the genus Shewanella. PV-4(T) exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels of 99.6 and 97.5 %, respectively, with respect to the type strains of Shewanella aquimarina and Shewanella marisflavi. DNA from strain PV-4(T) showed low mean levels of relatedness to the DNAs of S. aquimarina (50.5 %) and S. marisflavi (8.5 %). On the basis of phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics, the bacterium was classified in the genus Shewanella within a distinct novel species, for which the name Shewanella loihica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PV-4(T) (=ATCC BAA-1088(T)=DSM 17748(T)).