Enterovibrio paralichthyis sp. nov., isolated from the gut of an olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus.

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, flagellated and coccoid, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, NIFS-20-8T, was isolated from the intestine of an olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) from the East Sea, Republic of Korea. The neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain NIFS-20-8T fell within the clade comprising the type strains of Enterovibrio species. Strain NIFS-20-8T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 97.2 and 97.1 % to the type strains of Enterovibrio nigricans and Enterovibrio norvegicus, respectively, and of 96.6-97.0 % to the type strains of the other Enterovibrio species. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between the genomic sequence of strain NIFS-20-8T and those of the type strains of four Enterovibrio species were 73.8-75.0 and 19.8-21.1 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain NIFS-20-8T from genomic sequence data was 50.55 mol%. Strain NIFS-20-8T contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c), C16 : 0 and C18 : 1 ω7c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in stain NIFS-20-8T were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Distinguishing phenotypic properties, together with phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain NIFS-20-8T is separated from recognized Enterovibrio species. On the basis of the data presented here, strain NIFS-20-8T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Enterovibrio, for which the name Enterovibrio paralichthyis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NIFS-20-8T (= KCTC 82873T=NBRC 115237T).

Paenihalocynthiibacter styelae gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from stalked sea squirt Styela clava.

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, MYP1-1T, was isolated from the intestine of a stalked sea squirt (Styela clava) of the South Sea in the Republic of Korea. The neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain MYP1-1T clustered with the type strains of Halocynthiibacter species and Pseudohalocynthiibacter aestuariivivens. Strain MYP1-1T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.0-97.6 % to the type strains of Halocynthiibacter namhaensis, Halocynthiibacter arcticus and P. aestuariivivens. The phylogenetic tree based on genomic sequences showed that strain MYP1-1T formed a distinct branch separating it from the type strains of two Halocynthiibacter species and P. aestuariivivens and other taxa. The DNA G+C content of strain MYP1-1T from its genomic sequence was 55.0 mol%. Strain MYP1-1T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1 ω7c as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids of strain MYP1-1T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified lipid and one unidentified aminolipid. The differences in fatty acid and polar lipid profiles and other differential phenotypic properties made it reasonable to distinguish strain MYP1-1T from the genera Halocynthiibacter and Pseudohalocynthiibacter. On the basis of the polyphasic taxonomic investigations, we conclude that strain MYP1-1T constitutes a new genus and species within the class Alphaproteobacteria, for which the name Paenihalocynthiibacter styelae gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MYP1-1T (=KCTC 82143T=NBRC 114355T).

Should We Delay Urodynamic Study When Patients With Spinal Cord Injury Have Asymptomatic Pyuria?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) with post-urodynamic study (post-UDS) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and study its relationship with pre-UDS pyuria. METHODS: Patients with SCI who were hospitalized and underwent UDS during a 4-year period were reviewed. Patients with pre-test lower urinary tract symptoms were excluded. Urinalysis and urine culture were performed before and 24 hours after UDS. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered for 5 days starting from the morning of the UDS. UTI was defined as bacteriuria with accompanying symptoms. RESULTS: Of 399 patients reviewed, 209 (52.4%) had pyuria in pre-UDS urinalysis, and 257 (64.4%) had bacteriuria in pre-UDS culture. Post-UDS UTI occurred in 6 (1.5%) individuals who all complained of fever: 5 (2.4%) of the post-UDS UTI cases occurred in patients with pre-UDS pyuria, and 1 (0.5%) in a person without. The differences between groups were not statistically significant (p=0.218). Of 221 patients with bacteriuria (gram-negative isolates) on pre-UDS culture, resistance to ciprofloxacin, cephalosporin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMT) was noted in 52.9% (117 cases), 57.0% (126 cases), and 38.9% (86 cases), respectively. CONCLUSION: No difference was found in the prevalence of post-UDS UTI based on the presence of pyuria in pre-UDS urinalysis. UDS may be performed even in SCI cases of pre-UDS pyuria without increasing the prevalence of post-UDS UTI if prophylactic antibiotics are administered. TMP/SMT could be used as a first-line antibiotic for the prevention of post-UDS UTI in Korea.

Alteromonas ponticola sp. nov., a gammaproteobacterium isolated from seawater.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-motile and ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, MYP5T, was isolated from seawater in Jeju island of South Korea. MYP5T grew optimally at 30-35 °C and in the presence of 2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that MYP5T fell within the clade enclosed by the type strains of species of the genus Alteromonas, clustering with the type strains of Alteromonas confluentis and Alteromonas halophila. MYP5T exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity value (98.0 %) to the type strain of A. confluentis and similarities of 95.1-97.9 % to the type strains of the other species of the genus Alteromonas. ANI and dDDH values of genomic sequences between MYP5T and the type strains of 22 species of the genus Alteromonas were 66.8-70.5 % and 18.6-27.5 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content of MYP5T, determined from the genome sequence, was 46.1 %. MYP5T contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1 ω7c, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1 ω7c and/or C16 : 1 ω6c), C16 : 0 and 10-methyl C17 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of MYP5T were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Distinguishing phenotypic properties, along with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that MYP5T is separated from species of the genus Alteromonas. On the basis of the data presented, MYP5T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Alteromonas, for which the name Alteromonas ponticola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MYP5T (=KCTC 82144T=NBRC 114354T).

Characteristics of adolescents who visit the emergency department following suicide attempts: comparison study between adolescents and adults.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify the demographic and clinical characteristics of suicide attempts in adolescents who visit the emergency department compared to those of adults. METHODS: This study included 149 children under the age of 18, and 1427 people in the age of 19-65 who came to the emergency department with suicide attempt from 2009 to 2015. We compare sociodemographic, clinical, and suicide attempt-related characteristics through Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the difference between two groups. RESULTS: In adolescents, suicide attempters had more number of previous suicide attempt history than adults. Adolescents used more non-lethal method such as poisoning of over the counter drugs and had about 5 times higher odds ratio in suicide attempts with analgesics. The motivation of suicide attempt among adolescents was more related with interpersonal problems but less with financial or illness-related problems. The intention of suicide attempt in adolescents was less serious and lethal compared to adults. CONCLUSION: Suicide attempts among adolescents had showed different from adults in method, motivation and intention. Considering the characteristics of suicide attempt among adolescent, it is necessary to keep close attention to adolescent's suicide attempters and develop the customized intervention program to prevent the suicide attempt in this groups.

Aliishimia ponticola gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from seawater.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and coccoid, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated MYP11T, was isolated from seawater around Jeju island, Republic of Korea and identified by polyphasic taxonomic study. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain MYP11T joined the cluster comprising the type strains of Shimiaabyssi, Shimiaaestuarii and Shimiaaquaeponti, showing 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 96.3-96.8 %. Strain MYP11T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 94.2-94.9 % to the type strains of other Shimia species. In the upgma dendrogram based on the average nucleotide identity values of genomic sequences, strain MYP11T formed an evolutionary lineage independent of those of Shimia species and other taxa. Strain MYP11T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1 ω7c and cyclo C19 : 0 ω8c as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain MYP11T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified lipids and one unidentified aminolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain MYP11T was 63.1 or 61.5 mol%. The differences in the fatty acid and polar lipid profiles and DNA G+C contents made it reasonable to distinguish strain MYP11T from the type strains of S. abyssi, S. aestuarii and S. aquaeponti and those of other Shimia species. On the basis of the polyphasic data presented here, strain MYP11T is considered to constitute a new genus and species within the class Alphaproteobacteria, for which the name Aliishimia ponticola gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MYP11T (=KCTC 62899T=NBRC 113544T).

Empedobacter tilapiae sp. nov., isolated from an intestine of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, MRS2T, was isolated from an intestine of Nile tilapia (Oreochromisniloticus) collected from the Republic of Korea. Strain MRS2T grew optimally at 30 °C and in the presence of 0-2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain MRS2T clustered with the type strains of Empedobacter species. It exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (98.5 %) to the type strain of Empedobacter falsenii and sequence similarities of 97.4-97.6 % to the type strains of two other Empedobacter species. Strain MRS2T contained MK-6 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain MRS2T were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified lipid and one unidentified aminolipid. The DNA G+C contents of strain MRS2T were 32.2 mol% or 30.65 mol%. Strain MRS2T exhibited DNA-DNA relatedness values of 12-20 % to the type strains of Empedobacter falsenii, Empedobacter brevis and Empedobacter stercoris. The average nucleotide identity values between strain MRS2T and five strains of E. falsenii and E. brevis were 84.8-91.0 %. The phylogenetic, genetic and differential phenotypic properties indicated that strain MRS2T is separated from Empedobacter species. On the basis of the data presented here, strain MRS2T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Empedobacter, for which the name Empedobactertilapiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is MRS2T (=KCTC 62904T=NBRC 113550T).

Bizionia berychis sp. nov., isolated from intestinal tract of a splendid alfonsino (Beryx splendens).

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated RA3-3-1T, was isolated from splendid alfonsino (Beryxsplendens) collected from the North Pacific Ocean. Strain RA3-3-1T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 1.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain RA3-3-1T belonged to the genus Bizionia, clustering with the type strain of Bizionia fulviae. Strain RA3-3-1T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 98.7, 97.6 and 97.3 % to the type strains of B. fulviae, Bizionia paragorgiae and Bizionia saleffrena, respectively, and of 95.5-96.4 % to the type strains of the other Bizionia species. Strain RA3-3-1T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 3-OH, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 and C17 : 0 2-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in strain RA3-3-1T were phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified lipid and one unidentified aminolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain RA3-3-1T was 34.1 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of B. fulviae, B. paragorgiae and B. saleffrena were 12-29 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain RA3-3-1T is separate from recognized species of the genus Bizionia. On the basis of the data presented, strain RA3-3-1T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Bizionia, for which the name Bizionia berychis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RA3-3-1T (=KCTC 62140T=NBRC 113024T).

Paracoccus alimentarius sp. nov., isolated from a Korean foodstuff, salted pollack.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and coccoid or ovoid bacterial strain, designated LB2T, was isolated from a Korean foodstuff, salted pollack. Strain LB2T grew optimally at 25-30 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 0-2.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain LB2T belonged to the genus Paracoccus, coherently clustering with the type strain of Paracoccus sulfuroxidans. Strain LB2T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 98.0 and 97.0 % to the type strains of P. sulfuroxidans and Paracoccus halophilus, respectively, and of less than 96.9 % to the type strains of other Paracoccus species. Strain LB2T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone. Major fatty acids of strain LB2T were cyclo C19 : 0ω8c, C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0 (when grown on MA) or C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0 (on TSA). The major polar lipids detected in strain LB2T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified glycolipid. The DNA G+C content of strain LB2T was 61.4 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of P. sulfuroxidans and P. halophilus were 26 and 18 %, respectively. Differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain LB2T is separated from recognized Paracoccus species. On the basis of the data presented, strain LB2T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus alimentarius sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LB2T (=KCTC 62138T=NBRC 113023T).

Tenacibaculum haliotis sp. nov., isolated from the gut of an abalone Haliotis discus hannai.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-flagellated, gliding, non-spore-forming bacterial strain, designated RA3-2T, was isolated from the gut of an abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) collected from the sea around Jeju island, South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. RA3-2T grew optimally at 20 °C and in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that RA3-2T fell within the clade comprising the type strains of species of the genus Tenacibaculum, clustering with the type strains of Tenacibaculum soleae, Tenacibaculum ovolyticum and Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi; showing 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 96.2-96.8 %. The novel strain exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 93.5-96.9 % to the type strains of the other species of the genus Tenacibaculum. RA3-2T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of RA3-2T were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified lipids, one unidentified aminophospholipid and one unidentified glycolipid. The DNA G+C content of RA3-2T was 31.7 mol%. The differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic data, revealed that RA3-2T is separated from other species of the genus Tenacibaculum with validly published names. On the basis of the data presented, RA3-2T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Tenacibaculum, for which the name Tenacibaculum haliotis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RA3-2T (=KCTC 52419T=NBRC 112382T).

Colwellia mytili sp. nov., isolated from mussel Mytilus edulis.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated RA2-7T, was isolated from a mussel (Mytilus edulis) collected from the South Sea, South Korea, and subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. Strain RA2-7T grew optimally at 20 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain RA2-7T belonged to the genus Colwellia. Strain RA2-7T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 98.3, 98.0 and 97.5 % to the type strains of Colwellia sediminilitoris, Colwellia aestuarii and Colwellia polaris, respectively, and of 94.5-96.5 % to the type strains of the other species of the genus Colwellia. Strain RA2-7T contained Q-8 as the predominant ubiquinone and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in strain RA2-7T were phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The DNA G+C content of strain RA2-7T was 39.0±0.04 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of C. sediminilitoris, C. aestuarii and C. polaris were 14-19 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain RA2-7T is separated from recognized species of the genus Colwellia. On the basis of the data presented, strain RA2-7T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Colwellia, for which the name Colwellia mytili sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RA2-7T (=KCTC 52417T=NBRC 112381T).

Polaribacter haliotis sp. nov., isolated from the gut of abalone Haliotis discus hannai.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile and coccoid, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated RA4-7T, was isolated from the gut of an abalone (Haliotis discus hannai) collected from the sea around Jeju island, South Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. RA4-7T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0-7.5 and in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. The phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that RA4-7T represented a member of the genus Polaribacter. RA4-7T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 97.64 and 97.23 % to Polaribacter atrinae WP25T and Polaribacter dokdonensis DSW-5T, respectively, and of 93.83-96.99 % to the type strains of the other species of the genus Polaribacter. RA4-7T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 0as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids detected in RA4-7T were phosphatidylethanolamine and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of RA4-7T was 30.5 mol% and its DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of P. atrinae and P. dokdonensis were 16 and 11 %, respectively. Differential phenotypic properties, in combination with its phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that RA4-7T is separated from species of the genus Polaribacter with validly published names. On the basis of the data presented, RA4-7T represented a novel species of the genus Polaribacter, for which the name Polaribacterhaliotis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RA4-7T (=KCTC 52418T=NBRC 112383T).

Octadecabacter ascidiaceicola sp. nov., isolated from a sea squirt (Halocynthia roretzi).

A Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, non-flagellated and coccoid, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, RA1-3T, was isolated from a sea squirt (Halocynthia roretzi) collected from the South Sea, South Korea, and subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach. Strain RA1-3T grew optimally at 25 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0-3.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain RA1-3T clustered with the type strains of three species of the genus Octadecabacter, showing 97.54-98.41 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Sequence similarities to other recognized species were less than 96.97 %. Strain RA1-3T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c as the major fatty acid. The major polar lipids of strain RA1-3T were phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content of strain RA1-3T was 56 mol% and DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of Octadecabacter temperatus, Octadecabacter antarcticus and Octadecabacter arcticus were 13-24 %. The differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain RA1-3T is separated from other recognized species of the genus Octadecabacter. On the basis of the data presented, strain RA1-3T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Octadecabacter, for which the name Octadecabacter ascidiaceicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RA1-3T ( = KCTC 42605T = CECT 8868T).

Tenacibaculum ascidiaceicola sp. nov., isolated from the golden sea squirt Halocynthia aurantium.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-flagellated, non-spore-forming bacterial strain motile by gliding, designated RSS1-6T, was isolated from a golden sea squirt Halocynthia aurantium and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Strain RSS1-6T grew optimally at 30-37 °C and in the presence of 1.0-4.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain RSS1-6T fell within the clade comprising species of the genus Tenacibaculum, clustering with the type strains of Tenacibaculum discolor, Tenacibaculum litoreum and Tenacibaculum gallaicum with which it exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 98.5-99.5 %. Strain RSS1-6T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain RSS1-6T were phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified lipids, one unidentified aminophospholipid and one unidentified glycolipid. The DNA G+C content was 32.5 mol% and the mean DNA-DNA relatedness values with the type strains of T. discolor, T. litoreum and T. gallaicum were 17.3-25.2 %. The differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain RSS1-6T is separated from other recognized species of the genus Tenacibaculum. On the basis of the data presented, strain RSS1-6T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Tenacibaculum, for which the name Tenacibaculum ascidiaceicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RSS1-6T ( = KCTC 42702T = NBRC 111225T).

A novel esterase from Paenibacillus sp. PBS-2 is a new member of the ß-lactamase belonging to the family VIII lipases/esterases.

Screening of a gene library from Paenibacillus sp. PBS-2 generated in Escherichia coli led to the identification of a clone with lipolytic activity. Sequence analysis showed an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide of 378 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 42 kDa. The esterase displayed 69% and 42% identity with the putative ß-lactamases from Paenibacillus sp. JDR-2 and Clostridium sp. BNL1100, respectively. The esterase contained a Serx- x-Lys motif that is conserved among all ß-lactamases found to date. The protein PBS-2 was produced in both soluble and insoluble forms when E. coli cells harboring the gene were cultured at 18°C. The enzyme is a serine protein and was active against p-nitrophenyl esters of C2, C4, C8, and C10. The optimum pH and temperature for enzyme activity were pH 9.0 and 30°C, respectively. Relative activity of 55% remained at up to 5°C with an activation energy of 5.84 kcal/mol, which indicates that the enzyme is cold-adapted. Enzyme activity was inhibited by Cd(2+), Cu(2+), and Hg(2+) ions. As expected for a serine esterase, activity was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride. The enzyme was remarkably active and stable in the presence of commercial detergents and organic solvents. This cold-adapted esterase has potential as a biocatalyst and detergent additive for use at low temperatures.

Molecular and functional characterizations of a Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor FcKuSPI of the shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis.

Serine proteinase inhibitors play important and diverse roles in biological processes such as coagulation, defense mechanisms, and immune responses. Here, we identified and characterized a Kunitz-type proteinase inhibitor, designated FcKuSPI, of the BPTI/Kunitz family of serine proteinase inhibitors from the hemocyte cDNA library of the shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis. The deduced amino acid sequence of FcKuSPI comprises 80 residues with a putative signal peptide of 15 amino acids. The predicted molecular weight of the mature peptide is 7.66 kDa and its predicted isoelectric point is 8.84. FcKuSPI includes a Kunitz domain containing six conserved cysteine residues that are predicted to form three disulfide bonds. FcKuSPI shares 44-53% homology with BPTI/Kunitz family members from other species. FcKuSPI mRNA was expressed highly in the hemocytes and moderately in muscle in healthy shrimp. Recombinant FcKuSPI protein demonstrated anti-protease activity against trypsin and anticoagulant activity against citrated human plasma in a dose-dependent manner in in vitro assays.

A novel cold-adapted esterase from Salinisphaera sp. P7-4: gene cloning, overproduction, and characterization.

Salinisphaera sp. P7-4 was isolated from the intestine of silver whiting, Sillago japonicas caught in the Pacific Ocean, and the esterase gene was cloned using the shotgun method. The amino acid sequence deduced from the nucleotide sequence (951 bp) corresponded to a protein of 316 amino acid residues with a molecular weight of 34,443. The esterase had 46 and 44% identities with the esterase enzymes of Ralstonia eutropha JMP134 and Rhodopseudomonas palustris HaA2, respectively. The primary structure of P7-4 esterase showed the conserved catalytic triad (Ser, Asp, His), consensus pentapeptide GXSXG, and oxyanion hole sequence (HG). The protein P7-4 was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli in a biologically active form. The enzyme showed high catalytic activity at low temperatures (5-25° C) with an activation energy of 2.18 kcal/mol. This result indicated that the esterase from Salinisphaera sp. P7-4 is a new cold-adapted enzyme. The enzyme preferentially hydrolyzed acyl-group chains with short chain lengths of ≤10 carbon. Metal ions such as Cd2(+), Co2(+), Cu2(+), Hg2(+), Ni2(+) and Zn2(+) inhibited enzymatic activity. Additionally, EDTA has no effect on its activity, whereas inhibition was observed with PMSF, a serine hydrolase inhibitor.

Immediate and delayed lateral ridge expansion technique in the atrophic posterior mandibular ridge.

PURPOSE: The lateral ridge expansion technique is used to expand the narrow edentulous ridge for implant placement. The staged approach can be used to split the mandibular ridge to decrease the risk of malfracture during osteotomy. The present study reports the clinical results of a surgical technique that expands a narrow mandibular ridge using an immediate and a delayed lateral expansion technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 patients with a narrow edentulous posterior mandibular ridge of 2 to 4 mm were included in the present study, and 84 implants were placed. Of the 32 patients, 23 were treated with an immediate lateral expansion technique and 9 with a delayed lateral expansion technique. RESULTS: Of the 23 patients who underwent the immediate lateral expansion technique, a malfracture of the thin buccal cortical plate occurred during ridge splitting in 5 patients. All buccal segments of the 9 patients who underwent the delayed lateral expansion technique fractured as planned at the inferior horizontal corticotomy line favorably. After 4 to 5 months, all implants were stable and surrounded by bone, and ossification of the osteotomy line was obvious. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral ridge expansion technique is effective for horizontal augmentation in the severely atrophic posterior mandibular ridge. The delayed lateral ridge expansion technique can be used more safely and predictably in patients with high bone quality and thick cortex and a narrower ridge in the mandible.