Draconibacterium aestuarii sp.nov., a Glycolipid-Producing Bacterium Isolated from Tidal Flat Sediment and Emended Description of the Genus Draconibacterium.

A facultatively anaerobic, Gram-negative, curved rod-shaped bacterium (4.0-17.0 µm long, 0.6-0.9 µm wide), designated Z1-6T, was obtained from tidal flat sediment collected from YueAo village in Zhoushan, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China. Strain Z1-6T occurred at 15-45 °C (optimum 28-32 °C), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum 7.0-7.5), and in the presence of 1-5% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 1-2%). The strain contained iso-C15:0 and antesio-C15:0 as the major fatty acids. An unsaturated menaquinone with seven isoprene units (MK-7) was the predominant respiratory quinone. The polar lipids included phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), one aminophospholipid (APL), two phospholipids (PL1 and PL2), three glycolipids (GL1, GL2, and GL3), and two unidentified lipids (L1 and L2). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain Z1-6T was 39.2%, and the genome size was 6.4 Mb. The strain showed the highest average nucleotide identity (ANI) value of 73.5-74.6%, digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value of 19.3-20%, average amino acid identity (AAI) value of 72.0-73.1% with the members of genus Draconibacterium. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and genome revealed that strain Z1-6T formed a distinct branch in the clade of the genus Draconibacterium. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic analyses and genomic data, strain Z1-6T represents a novel species of the genus Draconibacterium, for which the name Draconibacterium aestuarii sp. nov. (The type strain Z1-6T = MCCC 1K07533T = KCTC 92310T) is proposed.

Clostridium brassicae sp. nov., A Strictly Anaerobic Bacterium Isolated from High-Salt Industrial Wastewater.

An obligately anaerobic, Gram-positive, rod-shaped bacterium (1.8-5.5 µm long, 0.6-0.9 µm wide), designated ZC22-4T, was isolated from a pickle-processing wastewater treatment plant in Zhejiang province, P.R. China. Strain ZC22-4T grows optimally at 37-40 °C and pH 7.0 in the presence of 1% (w/v) NaCl or 2.0% (w/v) sea salts. It contained C16:0 (25.9%), C14:0 (13.6%), and C16:1 cis 9 (10.6%) as the dominant cellular fatty acid (> 10%). Polar lipids include phosphatidylglycerol (PG), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), one unidentified phospholipid (PL), two unidentified glycolipids (GL), three unidentified amino phosphoglycolipids (APGL1-3), one unidentified aminoglycolipid (AGL), and one unidentified lipid (L). The genomic DNA G + C content of ZC22-4T was 28.7%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain ZC22-4T belonged to the genus Clostridium and formed a clade with the most closely related Clostridium aestuarii HY-45-18T (96.3%), Clostridium ganghwense HY-42-06T (95.9%). The average nucleotide identity and DNA-DNA hybridization values among the genomes of strain ZC22-4T and C. aestuarii HY-45-18T and C. ganghwense HY-42-06T were 75.7% and 77.3%, 21.7% and 23.0%, respectively. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genetic data, strain ZC22-4T represents a novel species in the Clostridium cluster I, for which the name Clostridium brassicae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ZC22-4T (= MCCC 1K07510T = JCM 35370T).

Parerythrobacter lacustris sp. nov., a novel member of the family Erythrobacteraceae isolated from an inland alpine lake.

A novel bacterium, designated as strain RS5-5T, was isolated from lake water in northwestern China. Cells of the isolate were observed to be rod shaped and Gram stain negative. Its growth occurred at 4-37 â„ƒ, pH 6.5-9.0 and in the presence of 0-5% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain RS5-5T was most closely related to Qipengyuania sediminis GDMCC 1.2497T (97.5%), followed by Erythrobacter dokdonensis DSW-74T (97.3%) and Qipengyuania algicida GDMCC 1.2535T (97.0%). Phylogenomic analysis revealed that strain RS5-5T formed a distinct branch with the genus Parerythrobacter. The sole quinone was ubiquinone-10, and the major fatty acids (≥ 10%) were unsaturated fatty acids including C17:1 ω6c, summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c) and summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c/C18:1 ω6c). The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, one unidentified sphingoglycolipid, three unidentified glycolipids, one unidentified aminoglycolipid, one unidentified aminolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and four unidentified polar lipids. Chemotaxonomic characteristics of strain RS5-5T were coincident with those of the genus Parerythrobacter members. The average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain RS5-5T and two Parerythrobacter reference strains were in the ranges of 73.2-77.7%, 69.0-78.0% and 18.9-20.4%, respectively. The genomic DNA G + C content of strain RS5-5T was 64.1%. The results of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genomic analyses suggested that strain RS5-5T represents a novel species in the genus Parerythrobacter, for which the name Parerythrobacter lacustris sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is RS5-5T (= GDMCC 1.3163T = KCTC 92277T).

Prenatal diagnosis of hemivertebrae--A likely association with 7q deletion.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the possible cause of a prenatal case of hemivertebrae with a 7q terminal deletion. CASE REPORT: This case describes a fetus with hemivertebrae in thoracic vertebrae as the sole antenatal sonographic finding. Genetic testing was performed in order to find more information after the abnormal ultrasound finding. The array-based comparative genomic hybridization results showed that the fetus had approximately 6.4 Mb deletion of 7q36. We discussed the two genes (SHH and HLXB9) that may be associated with hemivertebrae in the deletion region and reviewed several literatures about 7q36 deletion. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the phenotype of hemivertebra in our case may be related to the deletion of 7q36.

Intraocular expression of thymosin ß4 in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To examine an association between thymosin ß4 as potentially angioproliferative factor and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: The clinical study part included 62 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) (study group) and 24 patients with non-diabetic pre-retinal membranes (control group). All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy. We examined the thymosin ß4 concentration in vitreous and plasma; and the expression of thymosin ß4, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and CD31 (PECAM-1 or Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule) and the levels of thymosin ß4 mRNA and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA in the excised membranes. The experimental study part consisted of 24 Sprague--Dawley rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus and 24 age-matched control animals without diabetes. We determined the mRNA concentrations of thymosin ß4, VEGF and GFAP in the rat retinas. RESULTS: In the clinical study part, the vitreal and plasma thymosin ß4 concentrations were significantly higher in the study group than control group (p =0.04 and p=0.01, respectively), and were significantly (p=0.028) correlated with each other. Co-expression of thymosin ß4 and CD31 was observed in the diabetic fibrovascular membranes. Thymosin ß4 mRNA and VEGF mRNA levels were significantly (p<0.01) higher in diabetic membranes than in non-diabetic membranes. In the experimental study part, the diabetic retinas showed co-localization of thymosin ß4 and GFAP. The mRNA levels of thymosin ß4, VEGF and GFAP were significantly (p<0.01) higher in diabetic rats than in control animals. CONCLUSIONS: Thymosin ß4 was produced in intraocular fibrovascular membranes of patients with PDR and in rats with experimental diabetes mellitus. Thymosin ß4 may play a role in diabetic retinal neovascularization.

Relative bioavailability of generic and branded acetylcysteine effervescent tablets: A single-dose, open-label, randomized-sequence, two-period crossover study in fasting healthy Chinese male volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Acetylcysteine may be used as a muco- lytic agent for the treatment of chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and other pulmonary diseases complicated by the production of viscous mucus. However, little is known of its pharmacokinetic properties when given orally in healthy volunteers, particularly in a Chinese Han population. This study was conducted to provide support for the marketing of a generic product in China. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics and relative bioavailability of a generic test formulation and a branded reference formulation of acetylcysteine in fasting healthy Chinese male volunteers. METHODS: A single-dose, open-label, randomized-sequence, 2-period crossover design with a 7-day washout period between doses was used in this study. Healthy Chinese male nonsmokers aged 18 to 40 years with a body mass index (BMI) of 19 to 25 kg/m(2) were selected. Eligible volunteers were randomly assigned to receive acetylcysteine 600 mg PO as either the test formulation (3 tablets of 200 mg each) or reference formulation (1 tablet of 600 mg) under fasting conditions. A total of 15 serial blood samples were collected over a 24-hour interval, and total plasma acetylcysteine concentrations were analyzed by a validated liquid chromatography-isotopic dilution mass spectrometry method. Pharmacokinetic parameters (C(max), T(max), t(½) AUC(0-t), and AUC(0-∞) were calculated and analyzed statistically. The 2 formulations were considered bioequivalent if the 90% CIs of the log-transformed ratios (test/reference) of C(max) and AUC were within the predetermined bioequivalence ranges (70%-143% for C(max); 80%-125% for AUC), as established by the State Food and Drug Administration of China. Tolerability was determined by vital signs, clinical laboratory tests, 12-lead ECGs, physical examinations, and interviews with the subjects about adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: A total of 24 healthy Chinese Han male volunteers were enrolled in and completed the study (mean [SD] age, 25.0 [2.4] years; height, 173.0 [5.6] cm; weight, 65.9 [6.4] kg; BMI, 22.0 [1.7] kg/m(2)). No formulation, period, or sequence effects were observed. The 90% CIs for the log-transformed C(max), AUC(0-t), and AUC(0-∞) were 89.7% to 103.8%, 86.7% to 101.7%, and 87.7% to 102.4%, respectively, which met the predetermined criteria for assuming bioequivalence. Two subjects (8.3%) experienced 2 mild AEs (increase in total bile acid and prolongation of the QT interval), which were not considered to be related to study drug administration. CONCLUSIONS: This single-dose study of acetylcysteine 600 mg PO found that the 3 tablets of the generic test formulation and 1 tablet of the branded reference formulation met the regulatory criteria for assuming bioequivalence in these fasting healthy Chinese male volunteers. Both formulations were generally well tolerated.

Apelin in plasma and vitreous and in fibrovascular retinal membranes of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: Apelin is an endogenous ligand for the angiotensin-1-like receptor APJ. Because apelin has been reported to regulate angiogenesis, the authors searched for associations between apelin and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: The study included 55 patients undergoing vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (study group) and 34 patients undergoing vitrectomy for idiopathic preretinal membranes or macular hole (control group). Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the authors measured the concentrations of apelin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the vitreous and plasma. The expression of apelin and angiotensin-1-like receptor APJ in the excised membranes was examined by fluorescence immunostaining and semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Vitreous concentrations of apelin were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (P = 0.005), whereas plasma concentrations of apelin did not vary significantly (P = 0.66). The vitreous concentrations (P < 0.001) and the plasma concentrations (P = 0.03) of VEGF were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group. Neither the vitreous concentrations of apelin and VEGF (P = 0.47) nor the plasma concentrations of apelin and VEGF (P = 0.19) were significantly associated with each other. In the fibrovascular membranes of the study group, colocalization of the endothelial markers CD31 with the markers for apelin and colocalization of the endothelial markers CD31 and APJ was observed. Expression of apelin mRNA (P = 0.03), APJ mRNA (P = 0.02), and VEGF mRNA (P < 0.01) was significantly higher in fibrovascular proliferative diabetic retinopathy membranes than in idiopathic epiretinal membranes. CONCLUSIONS: The apelin/APJ system may be involved in retinal neovascularization during the development of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.