Poly Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid Absorbable Plate Graft for Secondary Rhinoplasty in Asian Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip Nose Deformity.

INTRODUCTION: In secondary cleft lip and nasal deformity (CLND) correction, structural grafts are commonly used to control the nasal tip and restore the symmetry of the ala. However, the septal cartilage in Asians often weak and small. Biocompatible absorbable materials are alternatives to autologous grafts. This study assessed the surgical outcomes and complications of poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) plate grafts in secondary CLND correction. METHODS: This study was retrospectively analyzed for patients who underwent secondary rhinoplasty for unilateral CLND correction between March 2015 and November 2020. Using open rhinoplasty, the PLGA plate was grafted as a columellar strut. Clinical photographs taken at the initial (T0) and follow-up visits (T1: short-term, T2: long-term) were analyzed and anthropometric parameters, such as nostril height and width, dome height, and tip height, were measured. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were included in this study. The mean T1 and T2 periods were 1.0 ± 0.4 and 15.5 ± 3.1 months, respectively. The nostril height ratio increased from 0.78 ± 0.12 at T0 to 0.88 ± 0.08 at T1 and 0.86 ± 0.09 at T2 (p < 0.001; Relapse ratio -2.6 ± 6.7%). The tip height ratio increased from 0.60 ± 0.07 (T0) to 0.66 ± 0.05 (T2) (Relapse ratio -3.7 ± 3.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The PLGA plate graft provided stable nasal tip projection and alar symmetry without major complications. It can be a good option for patients lacking available septal and concha cartilages or apprehensive of additional scarring.

The Link of COVID-19-Related Beliefs and Information Sources to Ageism: Myth or Reality?

This study aimed to understand ambivalent ageism among younger adults during the pandemic by examining whether younger adults' beliefs around COVID-19 and the sources from which they received COVID-19 information were associated with the intensity of their ageism. For this aim, survey data were collected from individuals ages 18 to 44 between July and September 2021. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis revealed that benevolent ageism was more intense than hostile ageism when two subscales of ambivalent ageism-benevolent and hostile-were compared. Hispanic or Latinx respondents showed less intense ambivalent ageism than non-Hispanic and non-Latinx respondents. The respondents' beliefs about safety measures and the prioritization of medical resources were significantly associated with the intensity of their ageism. Receiving COVID-19 information via traditional media and social media was also significantly associated with more intense ageism. These findings indicate that social work advocacy should continue to combat ageism in times of crisis.

Controlling the Phase Transformation of Alumina for Enhanced Stability and Catalytic Properties.

Current transition alumina catalysts require the presence of significant amounts of toxic, environmentally deleterious dopants for their stabilization. Herein, we report a simple and novel strategy to engineer transition aluminas to withstand aging temperatures up to 1200 °C without inducing the transformation to low-surface-area α-Al2O3 and without requiring dopants. By judiciously optimizing the abundance of dominant facets and the interparticle distance, we can control the temperature of the phase transformation from θ-Al2O3 to α-Al2O3 and the specific surface sites on the latter. These specific surface sites provide favorable interactions with supported metal catalysts, leading to improved metal dispersion and greatly enhanced catalytic activity for hydrocarbon oxidation. The results presented herein not only provide molecular-level insights into the critical factors causing deactivation and phase transformation of aluminas but also pave the way for the development of catalysts with improved activity for catalytic hydrocarbon oxidation.

Biochemical and biophysical characterization of the RAS family small GTPase protein DiRAS3.

DiRAS3, also called ARHI, is a RAS (sub)family small GTPase protein that shares 50-60% sequence identity with H-, K-, and N-RAS, with substitutions in key conserved G-box motifs and a unique 34 amino acid extension at its N-terminus. Unlike the RAS proto-oncogenes, DiRAS3 exhibits tumor suppressor properties. DiRAS3 function has been studied through genetics and cell biology, but there has been a lack of understanding of the biochemical and biophysical properties of the protein, likely due to its instability and poor solubility. To overcome this solubility issue, we engineered a DiRAS3 variant (C75S/C80S), which significantly improved soluble protein expression in E. coli. Recombinant DiRAS3 was purified by Ni-NTA and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Concentration dependence of the SEC chromatogram indicated that DiRAS3 exists in monomer-dimer equilibrium. We then produced truncations of the N-terminal (ΔN) and both (ΔNC) extensions to the GTPase domain. Unlike full-length DiRAS3, the SEC profiles showed that ΔNC is monomeric while ΔN was monomeric with aggregation, suggesting that the N and/or C-terminal tail(s) contribute to dimerization and aggregation. The 1H-15N HSQC NMR spectrum of ΔNC construct displayed well-dispersed peaks similar to spectra of other GTPase domains, which enabled us to demonstrate that DiRAS3 has a GTPase domain that can bind GDP and GTP. Taken together, we conclude that, despite the substitutions in the G-box motifs, DiRAS3 can switch between nucleotide-bound states and that the N- and C-terminal extensions interact transiently with the GTPase domain in intra- and inter-molecular fashions, mediating weak multimerization of this unique small GTPase.

Hufsiella ginkgonis gen. nov., sp. nov. and Hufsiella arboris sp. nov., isolated from tree barks.

Two Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, bacteria that formed pale-pinkish colonies, designated HMF7056T and HMF7647T were isolated from Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) and Korean cornel dogwood (Cornus offcinalis), respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of 16S rRNA genes and 92 core genes indicated that two strains represent novel species within the family Sphingobacteriaceae. HMF7056T and HMF7647T showed high 16S rRNA sequence similarities to Daejeonella lutea N7d-4T (93.9 % and 95.7 %, respectively). The genomes of HMF7056T and HMF7647T were 5.2 and 4.8 Mbp in size with 50.5 and 42.5 % DNA G+C contents, respectively. Menaquinone-7 was the main respiratory quinone. The predominant fatty acids of HMF7056T and HMF7647T were iso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c). The major polar lipid of both strains was phosphatidylethanolamine. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values of HMF7056T, HMF7647T and related species were well below the threshold limit for species delineation (<68.9 and <20.8 %, respectively). The average amino acid identity values of HMF7056T, HMF7647T with related type strains were below 67.8 and 68.3 %, respectively. On the basis of the results of phenotypic and phylogenetic characterizations, the two strains are considered to represent members of a novel genus of the family Sphingobacteriaceae, for which the names Hufsiella ginkgonis gen. nov., sp. nov. and Hufsiella arboris sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are HMF7056T (=KCTC 72282T =NBRC 113964T) and HMF7647T (=KCTC 72283T =NBRC 113965T), respectively.

Advancements in 2D and 3D In Vitro Models for Studying Neuromuscular Diseases.

Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are a genetically or clinically heterogeneous group of diseases that involve injury or dysfunction of neuromuscular tissue components, including peripheral motor neurons, skeletal muscles, and neuromuscular junctions. To study NMDs and develop potential therapies, remarkable progress has been made in generating in vitro neuromuscular models using engineering approaches to recapitulate the complex physical and biochemical microenvironments of 3D human neuromuscular tissues. In this review, we discuss recent studies focusing on the development of in vitro co-culture models of human motor neurons and skeletal muscles, with the pros and cons of each approach. Furthermore, we explain how neuromuscular in vitro models recapitulate certain aspects of specific NMDs, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. Research on neuromuscular organoids (NMO) will continue to co-develop to better mimic tissues in vivo and will provide a better understanding of the development of the neuromuscular tissue, mechanisms of NMD action, and tools applicable to preclinical studies, including drug screening and toxicity tests.

Understanding of Active Sites and Interconversion of Pd and PdO during CH4 Oxidation.

Pd-based catalysts are widely used in the oxidation of CH4 and have a significant impact on global warming. However, understanding their active sites remains controversial, because interconversion between Pd and PdO occurs consecutively during the reaction. Understanding the intrinsic active sites under reaction conditions is critical for developing highly active and selective catalysts. In this study, we demonstrated that partially oxidized palladium (PdOx) on the surface plays an important role for CH4 oxidation. Regardless of whether the initial state of Pd corresponds to oxides or metallic clusters, the topmost surface is PdOx, which is formed during CH4 oxidation. A quantitative analysis using CO titration, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that a surface PdO layer was formed on top of the metallic Pd clusters during the CH4 oxidation reaction. Furthermore, the time-on-stream test of CH4 oxidation revealed that the presence of the PdO layer on top of the metallic Pd clusters improves the catalytic activity. Our periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations with a PdOx slab and nanoparticle models aided the elucidation of the structure of the experimental PdO particles, as well as the experimental C-O bands. The DFT results also revealed the formation of a PdO layer on the metallic Pd clusters. This study helps achieve a fundamental understanding of the active sites of Pd and PdO for CH4 oxidation and provides insights into the development of active and durable Pd-based catalysts through molecular-level design.

Key Role of a-Top CO on Terrace Sites of Metallic Pd Clusters for CO Oxidation.

Pd-based catalysts are the most widely used for CO oxidation because of their outstanding catalytic activity and thermal stability. However, fundamental understanding of the detailed catalytic processes occurring on Pd-based catalysts under realistic conditions is still lacking. In this study, we investigated CO oxidation on metallic Pd clusters supported on Al2 O3 and SiO2 . High-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy revealed the formation of similar-sized Pd clusters on Al2 O3 and SiO2 . In contrast, CO chemisorption analysis indicated a gradual change in the dispersion of Pd (from 0.79 to 0.2) on Pd/Al2 O3 and a marginal change in the dispersion (from 0.4 to 0.24) on Pd/SiO2 as the Pd loading increased from 0.27 to 5.5 wt %; these changes were attributed to differences in the metal-support interactions. Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier-transform spectroscopy revealed that fewer a-top CO species were present in Pd supported on Al2 O3 than those in Pd supported on SiO2 , which is related to the morphological differences in the metallic Pd clusters on these two supports. Despite the different dispersion profiles and surface characteristics of Pd, O2 titration demonstrated that linearly bound CO (with an infrared signal at 2090 cm-1 ) reacted first with oxygen in the case of CO-saturated Pd on Al2 O3 and SiO2 , which suggests that a-top CO on the terrace site plays an important role in CO oxidation. The experimental observations were corroborated by periodic density functional calculations, which confirmed that CO oxidation on the (111) terrace sites is most plausible, both kinetically and thermodynamically, compared to that on the edge or corner sites. This study will deepen the fundamental understanding of the effect of Pd clusters on CO oxidation under reaction conditions.

Fibrella aquatilis sp. nov., Fibrella rubiginis sp. nov. and Fibrella forsythiae sp. nov., isolated from freshwater, rusty iron and forsythia flower.

Three novel strains, designated as HMF5036T, HMF5335T and HMF5405T, were isolated from freshwater, rusty iron and forsythia flower, in Yong-in, Republic of Korea, respectively. They were Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile, reddish-pigmented and rod-shaped bacteria. The predominant fatty acids of three strains were C16 : 1 ω5c and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c). They were found to contain MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. The major polar lipids are phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid and an unidentified lipid. Strains HMF5036T, HMF5335T and HMF5405T exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 91.8, 92.6 and 93.6 % to Fibrella aestuarina BUZ 2T and less than 88.7 % to other members of the family Spirosomaceae. Similarity values among the three isolates ranged from 94.9 to 96.6 %. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the three isolates revealed that they formed a distinct clade within the family Spirosomaceae. The genome sizes of strains HMF5036T, HMF5335T and HMF5405T were 6.8, 6.4 and 7.8 Mbp, and their DNA G+C contents were 54.9, 54.0 and 52.1 mol%, respectively. The average nucleotide identity, digital DNA-DNA hybridization and amino acid identity values between three isolates and F. aestuarina BUZ 2T were 73.8-82.2, 19.6-25.4 and 75.0-87.5 %, respectively. These values were lower than the recommended threshold values for species delimitation. Based on the results of the phenotypic, genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic investigations, three novel species, Fibrella aquatilis sp. nov., Fibrella rubiginis sp. nov. and Fibrella forsythiae sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are HMF5036T (=KCTC 82476T=NBRC 115092T), HMF5335T (=KCTC 82477T=NBRC 115093T) and HMF5405T (=KCTC 82478T=NBRC 115094T), respectively.

Deinococcus betulae sp. nov. and Deinococcus arboris sp. nov., novel bacteria isolated from bark of birch tree (Betula platyphylla).

Two reddish-coloured bacterial strains (HMF7604T and HMF7620T) were isolated from bark of birch tree (Betula platyphylla) together with two strains (designed as HMF7603 and HMF7618). Cells were observed to be Gram-stain-negative, oval- to short rod-shaped and non-motile. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the four isolates belonged to the genus Deinococcus, family Deinococcaceae. They had the highest similarities (95.4-95.6 %) to Deinococcus multiflagellatus ID1504T, with which they formed a clade in phylogenetic trees. Menaquinone-8 was the only respiratory quinone. The predominant fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c), C15 : 1 ω6c, C17 : 0 and C16 : 0. Strain HMF7604T contained two unidentified phosphoglycolipids, nine unidentified glycolipids, one unidentified aminolipid, three unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified polar lipids, while strain HMF7620T contained one unidentified phosphoglycolipid, four unidentified glycolipids, one unidentified aminophospholipid, one unidentified phospholipid and one unidentified polar lipid. The DNA G+C contents of strains HMF7604T and HMF7620T were 65.6 and 65.7 mol%, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the two isolates and their close relative D. multiflagellatus were 81.1-95.3 and 24.5-61.6 %, respectively. Based on the results of phenotypic and phylogenetic characterizations, the four isolates are considered to represent two novel species of the genus Deinococcus, for which the names Deinococcus betulae sp. nov. and Deinococcus arboris sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are HMF7604T (=KCTC 43354T=NBRC 115489T) and HMF7620T (=KCTC 43051T=NBRC 113959T).

Mucilaginibacter rivuli sp. nov., isolated from a water rivulet.

Strain HMF5004T was isolated from a rivulet located in Yongin, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HMF5004T belonged to the genus Mucilaginibacter. Strain HMF5004T was closely related to Mucilaginibacter paludis (97.7%) and Mucilaginibacter gracilis (97.2%). The values of average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization between strain HMF5004T and M. paludis were 72.8 and 19.2 %, respectively. Cells of strain HMF5004T were Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, catalase-positive and oxidase-positive. The DNA G+C content of strain HMF5004T was 42.4 mol%. Strain HMF5004T had menaquinone-7 as a major quinone. The major cellular fatty acids included iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c) and anteiso-C15 : 0. The polar lipids of strain HMF5004T contained phosphatidylethanolamine, five unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified aminophospholipid and four unidentified polar lipids. On the basis of the evidence presented in this polyphasic taxonomic study, strain HMF5004T is considered to represent a novel species for which the name Mucilaginibacter rivuli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HMF5004T (=KCTC 82633T=NBRC 115091T).

α-Pinene Enhances the Anticancer Activity of Natural Killer Cells via ERK/AKT Pathway.

Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that can directly destroy cancer cells. When NK cells are activated, CD56 and CD107a markers are able to recognize cancer cells and release perforin and granzyme B proteins that induce apoptosis in the targeted cells. In this study, we focused on the role of phytoncides in activating NK cells and promoting anticancer effects. We tested the effects of several phytoncide compounds on NK-92mi cells and demonstrated that α-pinene treatment exhibited higher anticancer effects, as observed by the increased levels of perforin, granzyme B, CD56 and CD107a. Furthermore, α-pinene treatment in NK-92mi cells increased NK cell cytotoxicity in two different cell lines, and immunoblot assays revealed that the ERK/AKT pathway is involved in NK cell cytotoxicity in response to phytoncides. Furthermore, CT-26 colon cancer cells were allografted subcutaneously into BALB/c mice, and α-pinene treatment then inhibited allografted tumor growth. Our findings demonstrate that α-pinene activates NK cells and increases NK cell cytotoxicity, suggesting it is a potential compound for cancer immunotherapy.

Spirosoma telluris sp. nov. and Spirosoma arboris sp. nov. isolated from soil and tree bark, respectively.

Two novel strains (HMF3257T and HMF4905T), isolated from freshwater and bark samples, were investigated to determine their relationships within and between species of the genus Spirosoma by using a polyphasic approach. They were aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacteria. The major fatty acids (>10%) in both strains were identified as summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c) and C16 : 1 ω5c, while strains HMF3257T and HMF4905T contained a moderately high amount of C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0, respectively. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7 for both strains. In addition to phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified glycolipid, the polar lipid profile of strain HMF3257T consisted of three unidentified aminophospholipids, one unidentified aminolipid and two unidentified polar lipids, and that of strain HMF4905T consisted of one unidentified aminophospholipid, two unidentified aminolipids and three unidentified polar lipids. The DNA G+C contents of strains HMF3257T and HMF4905T were 47.2 and 46.4 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains HMF3257T and HMF4905T are closely related to Spirosoma migulaei 15J9-8T (97.0 % sequence similarity), while sharing 97.4 % sequence similarity with each other. The average nucleotide identity value between strains HMF3257T and HMF4905T was 81.1 %, and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization value between these two strains was 24.4 %. Based on the above data, strains HMF3257T and HMF4905T represent two novel members within the genus Spirosoma, for which the names Spirosoma telluris sp. nov. and Spirosoma arboris sp. nov. are proposed, respectively. The type strain of S. telluris is HMF3257T (=KCTC 62463T=NBRC 112670T) and type strain of S. arboris is HMF4905T (=KCTC 72779T=NBRC 114270T).

Hymenobacter ginkgonis sp. nov., isolated from bark of Ginkgo biloba.

Strain HMF4947T, isolated from the bark of a ginkgo tree, was a pale-pink coloured, Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, strictly aerobic and rod-shaped bacterium. The isolate grew optimally on Reasoner's 2A agar at 30 °C, pH 7.0 and with 0 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HMF4947T belonged to the genus Hymenobacter and was most closely related to Hymenobacter metalli A2-91T (96.9 % sequence similarity) and Hymenobacter pomorum 9-2-1-1T (96.5 %). The average nucleotide identity and estimated DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain HMF4947T and Hymenobacter arizonensis DSM 17870T were 74.3 and 20.5 %, respectively. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c), iso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 1 ω5c. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was menaquinone-7. The polar lipids comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminoglycolipid, three unidentified aminophospholipids, one unidentified phospholipid, three unidentified aminolipids, two unidentified glycolipids and three unidentified polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 59.3 mol%. Thus, based on phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain HMF4947T represents a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter ginkgonis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the species is strain HMF4947T (=KCTC 72780T=NBRC 114271T).

Adhaeribacter arboris sp. nov., and Adhaeribacter pallidiroseus sp. nov., novel bacteria isolated from birch tree (Betula platyphylla).

Two Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterial strains, designated as HMF7605T and HMF7616T, were isolated from birch tree, in Yong-in, Republic of Korea. Strains HMF7605T and HMF7616T exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95.9 and 97.5 % to Adhaeribacter swui 17mud1-7T, 97.9 % between themselves. The values of average nucleotide identity and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization between strains HMF7605T and HMF7616T were 77.6 and 22.0 %, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two strains revealed that they belonged to the genus Adhaeribacter within the family Hymenobacteraceae. The predominant fatty acids of both strains were iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c), C16 : 1 ω5c and summed feature 4 (comprising iso-C17 : 1 I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1 B). The both strains contained menaquinone-7 as the only isoprenoid quinone. The major polar lipid profiles of the two strains were similar with phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminophosphoglycolipid, one unidentified glycolipid and three unidentified polar lipids. The DNA G+C contents of strains HMF7605T and HMF7616T were 42.0 and 42.8 mol%, respectively. Based on the results of the phenotypic, genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic investigation, two novel species, Adhaeribacter arboris sp. nov. and Adhaeribacter pallidiroseus sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains are HMF7605T (=KCTC 62465T=NBRC 113228T) and HMF7616T (=KCTC 62466T=NBRC 113229T), respectively.

Saliniradius amylolyticus gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from solar saltern sediment.

A novel non-pigmented, Gram-stain-negative, motile by means of a polar flagellum, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterium, designated HMF8227T, was isolated from solar saltern sediment sampled at Shinan, Republic of Korea. The isolate was able to grow at 15-42 °C (optimum, 37 °C), at pH 6-8 (pH 7) and with 0.5-12 % NaCl (2-5 %). Strain HMF8227T was positive for hydrolysis of starch and dextrin. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain HMF8227T was affiliated with the family Alteromonadaceae, sharing the highest sequence similarities to the genera Salinimonas (93.0-94.4 %), Aestuariibacter (92.0-94.2 %), Alteromonas (92.0-93.6 %) and Lacimicrobium (93.6 %). In the phylogenetic trees, strain HMF8227T formed an independent clade with Lacimicrobium alkaliphilum X13M-12T. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1 ω7c and/or C18 : 1 ω6c). The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8 (Q-8). The major polar lipids are phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid and two unidentified glycolipids. The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 52.1 mol%. On the basis of the polyphasic characterizations, strain HMF8227T represents a novel species and genus within the family Alteromonadaceae, for which the name Saliniradius amylolyticus gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain being HMF8227T (=KCTC 62462T =NBRC 113230T).

Flagellimonas maritima sp. nov., isolated from surface seawater.

An aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped and Gram-stain-negative marine bacterium, designated as HME9304T, was isolated from surface seawater of the Yellow Sea. Growth was observed at 10-35 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6-8 (pH 7) and with 1-5 % NaCl (2 %). The major fatty acids of strain HME9304T were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c). The only respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminolipids, one unidentified glycolipid and five unidentified polar lipids. Results of phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain HME9304T was affiliated with the genus Flagellimonas. Its closest type strains were Flagellimonas aquimarina ECD12T (95.5 % sequence similarity), Flagellimonas flava A11T (95.4 %), Flagellimonas pacifica SW169T (94.9 %) and Flagellimonas eckloniae DOKDO 007T (94.6 %). The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA was 38.1 mol%. Phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics suggested that strain HME9304T represents a novel species of the genus Flagellimonas within the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name  Flagellimonas maritima sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HME9304T (=KCTC 32464T=KACC 17618T=CECT 8418T).

Bacillus salinus sp. nov., isolated from commercial solar salt.

Two strains of Gram-stain-positive, strictly aerobic, motile, spore-forming, rod-shaped, moderately halotolerant bacteria, designated as HMF5848T and HME7618, were isolated from salt/brine and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic investigation. Growth of both yellow-coloured strains occurred in the presence of 1-9 % NaCl (w/v; optimum, 2-3 %), at 15-45 °C (optimum, 37 °C) and pH 6-9 (optimum, pH 7). The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. The only respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, four unidentified glycolipids, three unidentified phospholipids and two unidentified polar lipids. DNA G+C content was 37.4 mol%. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains HMF5848T and HME7618 clustered with Bacillus luteolus YIM 93174T. Strains HMF5848T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Bacillus humi LMG 22167T (96.1 %), Bacillus isabeliae CVS-8T (96.0 %) and Bacillus luteolus YIM 93174T (96.0 %). The values of in silico DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity between strains HMF5848T and B. humi DSM 16318T were 25.8 and 69.7 %, respectively. On the basis of phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic properties, strain HMF5848T represents a novel species, Bacillus salinus sp. nov. The type strain is HMF5848T (=KCTC 43010T=CECT 9695T).

1,25-dihydroxy Vitamin D3 and Interleukin-6 Blockade Synergistically Regulate Rheumatoid Arthritis by Suppressing Interleukin-17 Production and Osteoclastogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Immune cells express the vitamin (vit) D receptor, and vit D is a potent immune-modulator. A negative correlation between serum vit D levels and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity has been reported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate if the sufficient serum vit D level is helpful to control disease activity in RA patients treated with interleukin (IL)-6 receptor antibody tocilizumab. METHODS: RA patients taking tocilizumab were enrolled, and data were collected retrospectively. Disease activity scores (DAS) 28, serum vit D levels, modified Sharp scores of hand X-ray at the time of tocilizumab initiation, and follow-up data were analysed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were differentiated into T-helper (Th) 17 or osteoclasts in the presence of various concentrations of tocilizumab and/or 1,25(OH)2D. Th17 proportions were analysed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Supernatant cytokine levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Among 98 RA patients taking tocilizumab, 34 (34.7%) had sufficient serum 25(OH)D levels (≥ 30 ng/mL) when tocilizumab was initiated. At 24 weeks, vit D sufficient patients had greater DAS28 reduction (64.6% ± 15.5% vs. 52.7% ± 20.7%, P = 0.004), and lower disease activity (91.2% vs. 70.3%, P = 0.018) or remission (82.4% vs. 57.8%, P = 0.014). These differences in DAS28 reduction and the proportion of patients with remission persisted at 48 weeks. However, there was no significant difference in hand and wrist erosion progression. In vitro, tocilizumab and 1,25(OH)2D treatment synergistically suppressed IL-17 production and osteoclastogenesis. CONCLUSION: RA patients treated with IL-6 antibody show a better response when they have sufficient serum vit D. Tocilizumab and 1,25(OH)2D synergistically suppress IL-17 production and osteoclast differentiation in RA patients.

Allopseudarcicella aquatilis gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from freshwater.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped and red-pigmented strain, HME7025T, was isolated from freshwater sampled in the Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain HME7025T formed a lineage within the family Cytophagaceae of the phylum Bacteroidetes. Strain HME7025T was closely related to the genera Pseudarcicella, Arcicella and Flectobacillus. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of strain HME7025T were under 94.5 % to its closest phylogenetic neighbours. The major fatty acids of strain HME7025T were iso-C15 : 0 (41.9 %), summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c; 12.2 %) and anteiso-C15 : 0 (10.8 %). The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone-7. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids and one unidentified polar lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain HME7025T was 37.9 mol%. On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain HME7025T represents a novel species of a novel genus within the family Cytophagaceae, for which the name Allopseudarcicella aquatilis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HME7025T (=KCTC 23617T=CECT 7957T).