Actinotalea lenta sp. nov., a novel actinomycete isolated from tidal flat sediment.

Two Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, oxidase- and catalase-negative, non-motile, and short rod-shaped actinomycetes, named SYSU T00b441T and SYSU T00b490, were isolated from tidal flat sediment located in Guangdong province, PR China. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, average nucleotide identity (ANI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values between SYSU T00b441T and SYSU T00b490 were 99.3, 99.5 and 97.1 %, respectively. Strains SYSU T00b441T and SYSU T00b490 exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Actinotalea ferrariae CF 5-4T (97.1 %/98.2 %), with ANI values of 74.01/73.88 % and dDDH values of 20.5/20.4 %. In the phylogenomic tree, the two isolates were affiliated with the genus Actinotalea. The genomes of strains SYSU T00b441T and SYSU T00b490 were 3.31 and 3.34 Mb, and both had DNA G+C contents of 72.8 mol%, coding 3077 and 3085 CDSs, three and three rRNA genes, and 53 and 51 tRNAs, respectively. Growth occurred at 15-40 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C), pH 4.0-10.0 (optimum, 7.0) and in the presence of 0-7 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3 %). The major fatty acids (>10  %) of strains SYSU T00b441T and SYSU T00b490 were anteiso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0. The major respiratory quinone was identified as MK-10(H4). The polar lipids of strains SYSU T00b441T and SYSU T00b490 were diphosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphoglycolipid, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, two phosphatidylinositol mannosides, two glycolipids and two phospholipids. Based on these data, the two strains (SYSU T00b441T and SYSU T00b490) represent a novel species of the genus Actinotalea, for which the name Actinotalea lenta sp. nov is proposed. The type strain is SYSU T00b441T (=GDMCC 1.3827T=KCTC 49943T).

Danxiaibacter flavus gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel bacterium of the family Chitinophagaceae isolated from forest soil on Danxia Mountain.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, short rod-shaped, yellow bacterium, designated SYSU DXS3180T, was isolated from forest soil of Danxia Mountain in PR China. Growth occurred at 15-37 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C), pH 6.0-10.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-8.0) and with 0-2.0 % NaCl (optimum, 0-0.5 %, w/v). Strain SYSU DXS3180T was positive for hydrolysis of Tween 20, Tween 60, Tween 80 and starch, but negative for urease, H2S production, nitrate reduction, Tween 40 and gelatin. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences showed that SYSU DXS3180T belonged to the family Chitinophagaceae. The closely related members were Foetidibacter luteolus YG09T (94.2 %), Limnovirga soli KCS-6T (93.9 %) and Filimonas endophytica SR 2-06T (93.7 %). The genome of strain SYSU DXS3180T was 7287640 bp with 5782 protein-coding genes, and the genomic DNA G+C content was 41.4 mol%. The main respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 1 G. The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified polar lipids. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain SYSU DXS3180T is proposed to represent a novel species of a novel genus named Danxiaibacter flavus gen. nov., sp. nov., within the family Chitinophagaceae. The type strain is SYSU DXS3180T (=KCTC 92895T=GDMCC 1.3825 T).

Rubellimicrobium arenae sp. nov., isolated from desert soil.

Two Gram-stain-negative strains, designated as SYSU D00286T and SYSU D00782, were isolated from a sand sample collected from the Kumtag Desert in Xinjiang, north-west China. Cells were aerobic, non-motile and positive for both oxidase and catalase. Growth occurred at 4-37 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C), pH 6.0-7.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and NaCl concentration of 0-1.5 % (w/v; optimum, 0%). Growth was observed on Reasoner's 2A agar and nutrient agar, but not on Luria-Bertani agar and trypticase soy agar. The polar lipids were identified as diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, three unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified phospholipids. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 and the major fatty acids (>10 %) were C16 : 0 and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strains SYSU D00286T and SYSU D00782 was 100%, and their average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity and (AAI) digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values were all 100.0 %. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these two strains belong to the same species of the genus Rubellimicrobium and show the highest sequence similarity to Rubellimicrobium rubrum KCTC 72461T (98.2 %) and Rubellimicrobium roseum CCTCC AA 208029T (97.5 %). The ANI, AAI and dDDH values between SYSU D00286T (as well as SYSU D00782) and the other five Rubellimicrobium type strains were all less than or equal to 83.2, 80.1 and 23.6 %, respectively. Based on their phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomical features, strains SYSU D00286T and SYSU D00782 represent a novel species of the genus Rubellimicrobium, for which the name Rubellimicrobium arenae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SYSU D00286T (=MCCC 1K04981T=CGMCC 1.8626T=KCTC 82271T).

Aridibaculum aurantiacum gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from the Kumtag Desert soil.

A novel orange-coloured bacterium, designated strain SYSU D00508T, was isolated from a sandy soil sampled from the Kumtag Desert in China. Strain SYSU D00508T was aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, oxidase-positive, catalase-positive and non-motile. Growth occurred at 4-45°C (optimum 28-30°C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0-8.0) and with 0-2.5 % NaCl (w/v, optimum 0-1.0 %). The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), unidentified aminolipids (AL1-3) and unidentified polar lipids (L1-5) were also detected. The major respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 1 G. The genomic DNA G+C content was 42.6 %. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SYSU D00508T belonged to the family Chitinophagaceae and showed 93.9 % (Segetibacter koreensis DSM18137T), 92.9 % (Segetibacter aerophilus NBRC 106135T), 93.0 % (Terrimonas soli JCM 32095T) and 92.8 % (Parasegetibacter terrae JCM 19942T) similarities. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain SYSU D00508T is proposed to represent a novel species of a new genus, named Aridibaculum aurantiacum gen. nov., sp. nov., within the family Chitinophagaceae. The type strain is SYSU D00508T (=KCTC 82286T=CGMCC 1.18648T=MCCC 1K05005T).

Salinibacterium sedimenticola sp. nov., Isolated from Tidal Flat Sediment.

An actinobacterium, designated as SYSU T00001T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment sample from Guangdong province, China. Cells were Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, motile and short rod-shaped. Colonies on marine agar 2216 were smooth, yellow-pigmented, and circular with low convexity. The isolate was able to grow at the temperature range 4-37 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 4.0-10.0 (optimum 7.0) and in the presence of 0-10% (w/v) NaCl. The major menaquinones were MK-11 and MK-10. The cell wall contained alanine, glutamic acid, lysine and ornithine. The major fatty acids were C19:0 cyclo ω8c (35.7%) and anteiso C15:0 (26.0%). The polar lipids consisted of one diphosphatidyl glycerol, one unidentified glycolipid and one unknown lipid. Whole genome sequencing of strain SYSU T00001T revealed 2,837,702 bp with a DNA G + C content of 67.8%. Phylogenetic analyses clearly demonstrated that strain SYSU T00001T belonged to the genus Salinibacterium, and the highest 16S rRNA gene similarity to Salinibacterium hongtaonis 194T (97.8%). The ANI and dDDH values of strain SYSU T00001T relative to Salinibacterium hongtaonis 194T were 74.5% and 19.5%, respectively. According to our data, strain SYSU T00001T represents a novel species of the genus Salinibacterium, for which the name Salinibacterium sedimenticola sp. nov. is proposed, the type strain is SYSU T00001T (= GDMCC 1.3283T = KCTC 49758T).

Telluribacter roseus sp. nov., Isolated from the Kumtag Desert Soil.

A pink-pigmented bacterium, designated as strain SYSU D00476T, was isolated from sandy soil collected from the Kumtag Desert in China. Colonies were opaque, smooth and of a slight convexity with a clearly defined border. Cells were rod-shaped, Gram-stain-negative, catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth occurred at 4-45 ℃ (optimum at 28-30 ℃), pH 6.0-8.0 (optimum at 7.0), and with 0-3.0% NaCl (w/v, optimum at 0-2.0%). Major fatty acids (> 10%) were C16:0, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c), iso-C17:0 3-OH and iso-C15:0. Polar lipids comprised of three unidentified polar aminolipids (ALs), two unidentified aminophosphoglycolipids (APLs), one unidentified glycolipid (GL) and three unidentified phospholipids (PLs). The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7. The genomic DNA G + C content was 50.5%. The low digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH, 27.4%) and average nucleotide identity (ANI, 85%) values between strain SYSU D00476T and Telluribacter humicola KCTC 42819T indicated that SYSU D00476T represent a distinct species. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SYSU D00476T belonged to the genus Telluribacter, showing 97.5% similarity with T. humicola KCTC 42819T. All these data support that strain SYSU D00476T represent a novel species of the genus Telluribacter within the family Spirosomataceae, named as Telluribacter roseus sp. nov. The type strain is SYSU D00476T (= KCTC 82285T = CGMCC 1.18647T = MCCC 1K04983T).

Longitalea arenae gen. nov., sp. nov. and Longitalea luteola sp. nov., two new members of the family Chitinophagaceae isolated from desert soil.

Two strains designated as SYSU D01084T and SYSU D00799T, were isolated from a sandy soil sample collected from Gurbantunggut Desert in Xinjiang, north-west China. Cells of both strains were Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, long-rod-shaped, oxidase- and catalase-negative, motile or non-motile. Colonies were circular, translucent, convex, smooth and light-yellow in color on R2A agar. The two isolates were found to grow at 4-50 ºC, at pH 6.0-8.0 and with 0-1.0% (w/v) NaCl. Analysis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that they belonged to the family Chitinophagaceae, and closely related to the genera Paraflavitalea, Niastella, Pseudoflavitalea and Flavitalea. The two novel strains shared 98.1% 16S rRNA sequence similarity and represent different species on the basis of low average nucleotide identity (ANI, 83.8%) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH, 51.4%) values. The genomic DNA G + C contents of strains SYSU D01084T and SYSU D00799T were 46.0 and 45.6%, respectively. Phylogenetic trees showed that the two isolates were clustered in an individual lineage and not grouped consistently into any specific genus. The polar lipids contained of phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified aminolipids, two unidentified aminoglycolipids, and three or four unidentified lipids. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the major fatty acids (> 10%) were identified as iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH, and iso-C15:1 G. Based on the combined phenotypic, genomic and phylogenetic analyses, the two strains represent two novel species of a new genus in the family Chitinophagaceae, for which the name Longitalea gen. nov. is proposed, comprising the type species Longitalea arenae sp. nov. (type strain SYSU D01084T = CGMCC 1.18641T = MCCC 1K05006T = KCTC 82283T) and Longitalea luteola sp. nov. (type strain SYSU D00799T = MCCC 1K04987T = KCTC 82282T = NBRC 114888T).

Dongia deserti sp. nov., Isolated from the Gurbantunggut Desert Soil.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, short rod-shaped strain, designated as SYSU D60009T, was isolated from a dry sandy soil sample collected from the Gurbantunggut Desert in Xinjiang, northwest China. Strain SYSU D60009T was observed to grow at 15-42 °C (optimum at 37 °C), pH 4.0-10.0 (optimum at 7.0), and with 0-0.5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0%). The strain grew well on R2A agar, and colonies were smooth, white-pigmented, and circular with low convexity. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, aminolipid, aminophospholipid, and unknown lipids. The major cellular fatty acid (> 10%) was C16:0 and the predominant respiratory quinone was Q-10. Whole genome sequencing of strain SYSU D60009T revealed 6,132,710 bp with a DNA G + C content of 63.6%. The ANI and dDDH values of strains SYSU D60009T to Dongia mobilis CGMCC 1.7660 T were 72.8% and 19.0%, respectively. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic properties, strain SYSU D60009T represents a novel species of the genus Dongia, for which the name Dongia deserti sp. nov. is proposed, the type strain is SYSU D60009T (= CGMCC 1.16441 T = KCTC 52790 T).

Sabulicella rubraurantiaca gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Acetobacteraceae, isolated from desert soil.

Strain SYSU D01096T was isolated from a sandy soil sample collected from Gurbantunggut Desert in Xinjiang, PR China. Phylogenetic analysis of the nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain SYSU D01096T belonged to the family Acetobacteraceae and was closest to Rubritepida flocculans DSM 14296T (96.0% similarity). Cells of strain SYSU D01096T were observed to be non-motile, short rod-shaped and Gram-staining negative. The colonies were observed to be translucent, reddish orange, circular, convex and smooth. Growth occurred at 15-37 °C (optimum, 28-30 °C), pH 4.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and 0-0.5% NaCl (w/v; optimum, 0%) on Reasoner's 2A medium. The predominant ubiquinone was identified as ubiquinone 9 and the major fatty acids were Summed Feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c) and C16:0. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), one unidentified phospholipid (PL), three unidentified aminolipids (AL1-3) and one unidentified aminophospholipid (APL). The genomic DNA G + C content was 69.1%. Phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated strain SYSU D01096T represented an individual lineage in the family Acetobacteraceae, which was supported by 30 core gene-based phylogenomic tree. Based on the multi-analysis including physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic comparison, strain SYSU D01096T was proposed to represent a novel species of a novel genus, named Sabulicella rubraurantiaca gen. nov., sp. nov., within the family Acetobacteraceae. The type strain is SYSU D01096T (= CGMCC 1.8619T = KCTC 82268T = MCCC 1K04998T).

Arenibaculum pallidiluteum gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel bacterium in the family Azospirillaceae, isolated from desert soil, and reclassification of Skermanella xinjiangensis to a new genus Deserticella as Deserticella xinjiangensis comb. nov., and transfer of the genera Indioceanicola and Oleisolibacter from the family Rhodospirillaceae to the family Azospirillaceae.

A novel pale orange-coloured bacterium, designated strain SYSU D00532T, was isolated from sandy soil collected from the Gurbantunggut desert in Xinjiang, PR China. Cells of strain SYSU D00532T were found to be aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, oxidase-positive, catalase-positive, motile and rod-shaped with a single polar or subpolar flagellum. Growth occurred at 15-45 °C (optimum, 28-37 °C, pH 5.0-8.0 (optimum, pH 6.0-7.0) and with 0-1.5% NaCl (w/v; optimum, 0.5 %). The major polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylglycerol. Unidentified aminolipids, unidentified polar lipids, an unidentified aminophospholipid and an unidentified phospholipid were also detected. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10 and the major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c), C16:0 and C19:0 cyclo ω8c. The genomic DNA G+C content was 69.8 mol%. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain SYSU D00532T belonged to the family Azospirillaceae and showed 93.4% (Desertibacter roseus 2622T), 93.2% (Skermanella xinjiangensis 10-1-101T), 93.2% ('Skermanella rubra' YIM 93097T) and 92.4% (Desertibacter xinjiangensis M71T) similarities. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain SYSU D00532T is proposed to represent a new species of a new genus, named Arenibaculum pallidiluteum gen. nov., sp. nov., within the family Azospirillaceae. The type strain is SYSU D00532T (=KCTC 82269T=CGMCC 1.18631T=MCCC 1K04984T). We also propose the reclassification of Skermanella xinjiangensis to a new genus Deserticella as Deserticella xinjiangensis comb. nov., and the transfer of the genera Indioceanicola and Oleisolibacter from the family Rhodospirillaceae to the family Azospirillaceaewe based on the phylogenetic results.

Cerebral schistosomiasis: MRI features with pathological correlation.

BACKGROUND: Neuroschistosomiasis is not commonly encountered and is probably underrecognized. We hope these findings can help clinicians and radiologists to raise awareness of this disabling disorder. PURPOSE: To demonstrate the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of cerebral schistosomiasis and correlate it with pathological findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We identified seven patients with cerebral schistosomiasis from radiology and pathology archives of our hospital. Of the seven patients, six were pathologically confirmed. The remaining patient had pathologically confirmed spinal schistosomiasis with MRI findings of cerebral involvement. MRI and pathological findings of these patients were analyzed and correlated. RESULTS: Multiple enhancing nodules at varying size were found in all patients. Prominent leptomeningeal or choroidal veins were found in six patients, four at the center of the foci and two at the periphery. Hemorrhage was identified in two patients. Histology revealed granulomas around ova in six patients. A prominent vein with ova in the lumen and wall of a vein was found in one patient and perivascular ova deposition was found in one patient. CONCLUSION: Multiple enhancing nodules with central or peripheral veins in a circumscribed brain area are important signs to the diagnosis of cerebral schistosomiasis. The inflamed veins involved may be the route taken by the ova to spread to the brain tissue.

Can multiphase dynamic CT angiography provide a better assessment of aortic dissection compared with the standard triphasic protocol?

Background Acute aortic dissection (AD) is a life-threatening medical emergency. It has been debated whether the multiphase dynamic computed tomography angiography (CTA) protocol is superior to the standard triphasic protocol for revealing the characteristics of AD. Purpose To examine two multiphase dynamic protocols, Dynamic four-dimensional (4D) CTA using the shuttle mode and Flash 4D CTA using the high-pitch mode for the assessment of AD and to compare them with the standard triphasic protocol. Material and Methods A total of 54 consecutive patients were randomly and equally assigned to three groups and scanned with a second-generation DSCT scanner. Groups A, B, and C were assessed with the Dynamic 4D CTA in the shuttle mode, the Flash 4D CTA in the high-pitch mode, and the standard triphasic acquisition protocol, respectively. Image quality of all patients was evaluated. The effective radiation dose (ED) was recorded. Results In 54 patients, CTA images could display the true and false lumens, the intimal flap, the entry tear, and branch vessel involvement in the AD. Compared with group C, additional diagnostic information was obtained in groups A and B, including the dynamic enhancement delay between the true and false lumens (A = 18, B = 18); the presence of membrane oscillation (A = 8, B = 14); dynamic ejection of the contrast material from the true lumen into the false lumen (A = 6, B = 7); and the dynamic obstruction of the left renal artery (B = 2). The ED in these three groups was significantly different ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Compared to the standard triphasic protocol, the multiphase dynamic CTA protocol is feasible and is able to reveal additional diagnostic information. Therefore, we recommend using the high-pitch, dual-source multiphase dynamic CTA to assess ADs.

[Association of Serum Vitamin D with Hand-grip Strength and Balance Ability: a Cross-sectional Study on Community-dwelling Women in Sichuan, China].

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between serum levels of 25(OH)D and 1, 25(OH)2 D and the hand-grip strength and balance ability of women in Sichuan, China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study on a representative sample of 1 095 women aged 29-95 yr. in Sichuan Province was undertaken. Their hand-grip strength and balance ability were assessed using a hand-held dynamometer and the short physical performance battery (SPPB), respectively. The participants were divided into four groups according to the level of serum 25(OH)D: sufficient (>75 nmol/L), insufficient (51-75 nmol/L), deficiency (25-50 nmol/L), and serious deficiency (<25 nmol/L). General liner models were established to compare the differences of the four groups in balance ability. Logistic regression models were established to examine the associations of serum 25(OH)D and 1, 25(OH)2 D withhand-grip strength and physical performance. RESULTS: About 70.9% of the participants had vitamin D deficiency. Those with vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency were more likely to reside in a higher latitudinal area (P<0.001), spend less time in outdoor activities (P=0.013), and take less vitamin D supplements (P<0.001). Older women (≥65 years) had lower serum 25(OH)D (P=0.001) and were more likely to have ≤50 nmol/L 25(OH)D than their younger counterparts (74.6% vs. 68.9%, P=0.046). However, no significant age differences were found in serum 1, 25(OH)2 D. Serum levels of 25(OH)D and 1, 25(OH)2 D were not found to be associated with hand-grip strength and balance ability after adjusting for confounding factors. Hand-grip strength and balance ability decreased with age (OR=1.066, P<0.001; OR=1.111, P<0.001). Higher body mas was associated with higher hand-grip strength (OR=0.958, P<0.001). Higher serum albumin (OR=0.896, P=0.001) and longer walking time (OR=0.799, P=0.001) were associated with higher balance ability. CONCLUSION: Serum levels of 25(OH)D and 1, 25(OH)2D are not associated with hand-grip strength and balance ability.

[Predictive value of cord blood 25(OH)D3 for early infantile atopic dermatitis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the predictive value of cord blood 25(OH)D3 [25(OH)D3] for infantile atopic dermatitis (AD), and to provide a reference for primary prevention of early infantile AD. METHODS: The neonates born from July to September, 2015 were enrolled. The cord blood samples were collected at birth to measure the level of 25(OH)D3. Outpatient follow-up was conducted for all the infants at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after birth. A survey was performed to investigate the incidence of AD. RESULTS: A total of 67 neonates completed a 6-month follow-up. The incidence of AD was 34% (23/67), and 91% (21/23) of these cases occurred in the first month after birth. The 23 AD children had a significantly lower cord 25(OH)D3 level than those without AD (P<0.05). The children with a cord 25(OH)D3 level <30 nmol/L showed a significantly higher incidence of AD than those with a cord 25(OH)D3 level ≥30 nmol/L (P<0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve of cord 25(OH)D3 in predicting AD was 0.648 (standard error: 0.075; 95%CI: 0.502-0.795). Its sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 52.2%, 79.5%, 57.1%, and 76.1%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that low cord 25(OH)D3 level, preference for seafood during pregnancy, atopic family history, and mixed feeding were risk factors for infantile AD (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Cord 25(OH)D3 level is inversely associated with the risk of infantile AD, but it has a low diagnostic value for this disease.

Alcaligenes endophyticus sp. nov., isolated from roots of Ammodendron bifolium.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, motile bacterium, designated AER10T, was isolated from the roots of Ammodendron bifolium collected from Takeermohuer desert in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwestern China. Growth was found to occur from 10 to 45 °C, at pH 5.0-9.0, and could tolerate up to 10 % (w/v) NaCl. 16S rRNA gene sequence result indicated that the strain AER10T belongs to the genus Alcaligenes and was closely related to Alcaligenes aquatilis (98.4 %), Alcaligenes faecalissubsp. parafaecalis (98.4 %), Alcaligenes faecalissubsp. faecalis (98.1 %) and Alcaligenes faecalissubsp. phenolicus (97.9 %). However, the DNA-DNA hybridization values between the strain AER10T and the above strains were less than the threshold value (below 70 %) for the delineation of genomic species. The DNA G+C content was 53.3 mol%. Ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) was the only quinone system present. The major fatty acids were summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c, 25 %), C16 : 0 (24.2 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c, 19.3 %) and cyclo-C17 : 0 (10.5 %). The polar lipid profile of the strain AER10T consists of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, two unidentified aminolipids and five unknown polar lipids. On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain AER10T is a representative of a novel species in the genus Alcaligenes, for which the name Alcaligenes endophyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AER10T (=DSM 100498T=KCTC 42688T).

Streptomyces xinjiangensis sp. nov., an actinomycete isolated from Lop Nur region.

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated LPA192(T), was isolated from a soil sample collected from Lop Nur, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Northwest China. A polyphasic approach was used to investigate the taxonomic position of strain LPA192(T). The isolate showed morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics typical of members of the genus Streptomyces. Peptidoglycan was found to contain LL-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H6) and MK-10(H4). Polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. Major cellular fatty acids consist of C16:0, anteiso-C15:0 and C18:1 ω9c. The sugar in whole-cell hydrolysates was mannose. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that strain LPA192(T) is closely related to Streptomyces tanashiensis LMG 20274(T) (99.3 %), Streptomyces gulbargensis DAS131(T) (99.3 %), Streptomyces nashvillensis NBRC 13064(T) (99.3 %), Streptomyces roseolus NBRC 12816(T) (99.2 %) and Streptomyces filamentosus NBRC 12767(T) (99.1 %) while showing below 98.5 % sequencing similarities with other validly published Streptomyces species. However, DNA-DNA relatedness values between LPA192(T) and the closely related type strains were below 40 %, which are much lower than 70 % threshold value for species delineation. The genomic DNA G + C content of strain LPA192(T) was 69.3 mol %. Based on the differences in genotypic and phenotypic characteristics from the closely related strains, strain LPA192(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Streptomyces for which the name Streptomyces xinjiangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LPA192(T) (=KCTC 39601(T) = CGMCC 4.7288(T)).

Saccharothrix lopnurensis sp. nov., a filamentous actinomycete isolated from sediment of Lop Nur.

A novel actinomycete strain, designated YIM LPA2h(T), was isolated from a sediment sample collected from Lop Nur, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, North-West China. The taxonomic position of strain YIM LPA2h(T) was investigated by a polyphasic approach. The morphological and chemotaxonomic properties of the isolate were in accordance with the members of the genus Saccharothrix. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the strain showed highest similarities to Saccharothrix yanglingensis (98.6 %), Saccharothrix longispora (98.4 %) and Saccharothrix hoggarensis (98.3 %). However, the DNA-DNA hybridization values between the new isolate YIM LPA2h(T) and S. yanglingensis, S. longispora and S. hoggarensis were significantly below 70 %. Strain YIM LPA2h(T) was found to contain meso-diaminopimelic acid as diagnostic diamino acid. The major sugars in whole-cell hydrolysates were rhamnose, galactose, mannose, glucose and fructose. The major polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylhydroxylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylinositol mannoside. The predominant respiratory menaquinones were MK-9 (H4) and MK-10 (H4). The major fatty acids were C17:1 ω8c (15 %), iso-C15:0 (12 %), anteiso-C15:0 (12 %) and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c, 10 %). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain YIM LPA2h(T) was determined to be 75 mol %. The genotypic and phenotypic results suggest that strain YIM LPA2h(T) represents a novel species of the genus Saccharothrix, for which the name Saccharothrix lopnurensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM LPA2h(T) (=CGMCC 4.7246(T)=KCTC 39545(T)).

[Using atomic fluorescence spectrometry to study the spatial distribution of As and Hg in orchard soils].

Aqua regia digestion, double channels-atomic fluorescence spectrometry method was used to determine the concentrations of As and Hg in orchard soils of Qixia City - the main apple production area of Shandong province. Validate The detection limitation, accuracy and precision of the method were validated, the spatial distribution was analyzed, and the characteristics of As and Hg pollution in Qixia orchard soils were assessed. The results showed that the range of As concentration in Qixia soils is between 2.79 and 20.93 mg x kg(-1), the average concentration is 10.59 mg x kg(-1), the range of Hg concentration in Qixia soil is between 0.01 and 0.79 mg x kg(-1), the average concentration is 0.12 mg x kg(-1). The variation of As concentration in soils is small, whereas that of Hg concentration is large. Frequency distribution graphics of As and Hg showed that the concentration of As in soils is according with the normal distribution approximately and the concentrations are mostly between 7 and 15 mg x kg(-1), the concentration of Hg in soil isn't according with the normal distribution and the concentrations are mostly between 0.03 and 0.21 mg x kg(-1). The correlations between the concentrations of As or Hg in soils and the nutrient are not significant and there is no significant correlation even between As and Hg. Based on the environmental technical terms for green food production area, the As concentration in orchard soil of Qixia City is at clean level, but there are 4.76% of sample points with Hg pollution index exceeding 1, and this should be attracted the attention of the administrators.

[Optimal cut-off value of phalangeal radiographic absorptiometry to identify osteoporosis in postmenopausal women].

OBJECTIVE: To study the optimal cut-off value of phalangeal radiographic absorptiometry (RA) to identify osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A total of 650 postmenopausal women were recruited in this study. Bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine and left proximal femur neck was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the standard method to identify postmenopausal osteoprosis. Phalangeal bone density was estimated by the use of RA. Optimal cut-off value of phalangeal RA was determined using a ROC curve for screening the ostreoporosis cases. RESULTS: When the cut-off value of phalangeal RA was T score < or = -2.5, the sensitivity was 74.2%, the specificity was 72.9%. When the cut-off value was T score < or = -2.21, the sensitivity was 81.4%, the specificity was 62.0%. CONCLUSION: The cut-off value of phalangeal RA as T score -2.21. which has higher sensitivity could be optimal to identify postmenopausal osteoporosis.