Steroidobacter gossypii sp. nov., isolated from cotton field soil.

A Gram-negative bacterium, designated S1-65T, was isolated from soil samples collected from a cotton field located in the Xinjiang region of PR China. Results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain S1-65T was affiliated to the genus Steroidobacter with its closest phylogenetic relatives being 'Steroidobacter cummioxidans' 35Y (98.4 %), 'Steroidobacter agaridevorans' SA29-B (98.3 %) and Steroidobacter agariperforans KA5-BT (98.3 %). 16S rRNA-directed phylogenetic analysis showed that strain S1-65T formed a unique phylogenetic subclade next to 'S. agaridevorans' SA29-B and S. agariperforans KA5-BT, suggesting that strain S1-65T should be identified as a member of the genus Steroidobacter. Further, substantial differences between the genotypic properties of strain S1-65T and the members of the genus Steroidobacter, including average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization, resolved the taxonomic position of strain S1-65T and suggested its positioning as representing a novel species of the genus Steroidobacter. The DNA G+C content of strain S1-65T was 62.5 mol%, based on its draft genome sequence. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8. The main fatty acids were identified as summed feature 3 (C16:1ω6c/C16:1ω7c), C16 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. In addition, its polar lipid profile was composed of aminophospholipid, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. Here, we propose a novel species of the genus Steroidobacter: Steroidobacter gossypii sp. nov. with the type strain S1-65T (=JCM 34287T=CGMCC 1.18736T).

Genomic molecular signatures determined characterization of Mycolicibacterium gossypii sp. nov., a fast-growing mycobacterial species isolated from cotton field soil.

A Gram-positive, acid-fast and rapidly growing rod, designated S2-37 T, that could form yellowish colonies was isolated from one soil sample collected from cotton cropping field located in the Xinjiang region of China. Genomic analyses indicated that strain S2-37 T harbored T7SS secretion system and was very likely able to produce mycolic acid, which were typical features of pathogenetic mycobacterial species. 16S rRNA-directed phylogenetic analysis referred that strain S2-37 T was closely related to bacterial species belonging to the genus Mycolicibacterium, which was further confirmed by pan-genome phylogenetic analysis. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and the average nucleotide identity presented that strain S2-37 T displayed the highest values of 39.1% (35.7-42.6%) and 81.28% with M. litorale CGMCC 4.5724 T, respectively. And characterization of conserved molecular signatures further supported the taxonomic position of strain S2-37 T belonging to the genus Mycolicibacterium. The main fatty acids were identified as C16:0, C18:0, C20:3ω3 and C22:6ω3. In addition, polar lipids profile was mainly composed of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. Phylogenetic analyses, distinct fatty aids and antimicrobial resistance profiles indicated that strain S2-37 T represented genetically and phenotypically distinct from its closest phylogenetic neighbour, M. litorale CGMCC 4.5724 T. Here, we propose a novel species of the genus Mycolicibacterium: Mycolicibacterium gossypii sp. nov. with the type strain S2-37 T (= JCM 34327 T = CGMCC 1.18817 T).

Osteosarcoma cell-intrinsic colony stimulating factor-1 receptor functions to promote tumor cell metastasis through JAG1 signaling.

Therapeutic antibodies or inhibitors targeting CSF-1R block colony stimulating factor-1/colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1/CSF-R) signaling, and have shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of cancer. However, little is known about tumor cell-intrinsic CSF-1R effects. Here, we show that human osteosarcomas contain CSF-1R-expressing cancer subpopulations, and demonstrate that osteosarcoma cell-intrinsic CSF-1R promotes growth in vitro and in vivo. CSF-1R inhibition in osteosarcoma cells by RNA interference suppresses cell proliferation and tumor growth in mice. Conversely, CSF-1R overexpression enhances cell proliferation and accelerates tumor growth. CSF-1R overexpression can significantly enhance osteosarcoma cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereas silencing CSF-1R inhibits these processes. Microarray analysis suggests that jagged 1 (JAG1) can function as a downstream mediator of CSF-1R. Moreover, we report a signaling pathway involving CSF-1R and JAG1 that sustains osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion. Our results identify osteosarcoma cell intrinsic functions of the CSF-1R/JAG1 axis in dissemination of osteosarcoma cells.

Transperitoneal Intravesical Technique for Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation to Treat Terminal Ureteral Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a newly developed transperitoneal intravesical technique for laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation in patients with terminal ureteral stenosis. METHODS: Between July 2009 and May 2015, laparoscopic transperitoneal intravesical ureteral reimplantation was performed in 16 patients with terminal ureteral stenosis without vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). An incision was made in the superior bladder wall of the affected side with an electric hook. The bladder mucosa was then circumferentially cut away from the ureteral orifice to a distance of 0.5 cm, and the intramural portion of the ureter was freed from the bladder wall and dissected until 4 to 5 cm of terminal ureter was mobilized. The stenotic segment was resected, and a longitudinal cut was made in the mobilized ureter. The terminal ureter was then evaginated and sutured to the bladder wall to form a papilla. All patients underwent standard postoperative examinations. RESULTS: All of the 16 operations were successful, and none required conversion to an extravesical approach or open surgery. The operation time ranged from 85 to 135 minutes (mean 98 minutes), and the estimated blood loss was ∼30-60 mL (mean 42 mL). There were no obvious intraoperative or postoperative complications. Resolution of hydronephrosis was achieved in all 16 patients, and VUR of the operated ureter was not detected at postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The transperitoneal intravesical technique of laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation that we describe was safe and feasible in our 16 patients and may be an alternative surgical treatment for terminal ureteral stenosis in patients without VUR.

Streptomyces tremellae sp. nov., isolated from a culture of the mushroom Tremella fuciformis.

A novel actinomycete strain, designated Js-1T, was isolated from Tremella fuciformis collected from Gutian, Fujian Province, in southeastern China. The taxonomic status of this strain was determined by a polyphasic approach, which demonstrated that the novel strain was a member of the genus Streptomyces. The cell walls of this strain were found to contain ll-diaminopimelic acid, muramic acid and glycine. An analysis of whole-cell hydrolysates revealed that no characteristic sugar was present. The key identified menaquinones were MK-9 (H6) and MK-9 (H8), while the diagnostic polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol. The main cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. An analysis of an almost complete 16S rRNA gene sequence showed that the strain shared the highest levels of sequence similarity with Streptomyces sannanensisKC-7038T (97.87 %), Streptomyces hebeiensis YIM 001T (97.84 %), Streptomyces pathocidini NBRC 13812T (97.80 %), Streptomyces cocklensis BK168T (97.25 %), Streptomyces coerulescens NBRC 12758T (97.12 %), Streptomyces aurantiogriseus NBRC 12842T (97.06 %) and Streptomyces rimosussubsp. rimosus ATCC 10970T (97.04 %). The DNA G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain Js-1T was 70.1 mol%. Furthermore, DNA-DNA hybridization tests revealed that the relatedness values between strain Js-1T and the most closely related species ranged from 15.10 to 47.20 %. Based on its phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, strain Js-1T (=CCTCC M 2011365T=JCM 30846T) is considered to represent a novel species within the genus Streptomyces, which we classified as Streptomycestremellae sp. nov.

Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy Versus Conventional Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy in Obese Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the operative outcomes of obese patients undergoing laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy or standard laparoscopic (LAP) retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy. METHODS: Between September 2011 and April 2015, 51 obese patients underwent LESS retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy and their operative outcomes were compared with 65 obese patients who underwent standard retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy by the same surgeon. In the LESS group, a single-port access was positioned in the lumbar incision. The standard retroperitoneal adrenalectomy technique was performed with a combination of conventional and curved LAP instruments. The following parameters were adopted: patient demographics, surgical details, perioperative complications, postoperative outcome data, and short-term outcomes. RESULTS: The LESS group was comparable with the LAP group in terms of total operative time (70.4 ± 21.3 vs 65.5 ± 24.8 minutes, p = 0.26), hospital length of stay (5.7 ± 1.2 vs 6.1 ± 1.5 days, p = 0.12), and incidence of complications (4/51 vs 5/65, p = 0.98) for patients with similar baseline demographics. The LESS group had significantly shorter surgical incisions (2.8 ± 0.3 vs 5.3 ± 0.6 cm, p < 0.0001), lower in-hospital analgesic requirement (7.6 ± 3.3 mg morphine equivalent vs 10.5 ± 6.2 mg, p = 0.003), and significantly superior scar satisfaction score (9.3 ± 0.7 vs 7.6 ± 1.4, p < 0.0001) than the LAP group. Although estimated blood loss was greater in the LESS group (28.1 ± 10.6 vs 16.9 ± 7.2 mL in the LAP group, p < 0.0001), <50 mL overall blood loss was not clinically significant. During a mean follow-up of 20.2 months, no recurrences or deaths were documented in either group. CONCLUSIONS: In properly selected patients, LESS retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy for obese individuals is technically feasible and safe in experienced hands, offering perioperative outcomes comparable with those of the conventional multiport approach, but with a superior cosmetic outcome.

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion versus anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion in the treatment of multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy: systematic review and a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To date, the decision to treat multilevel cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) or anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively determine the efficacy of ACDF and ACCF in the treatment of multilevel CSM. METHODS: We searched several databases for related research articles published in English or Chinese. We extracted and assessed the data independently. We determined the pooled data, data heterogeneity, and overall effect, respectively. RESULTS: We identified 15 eligible studies with 1,368 patients. We found that blood loss and numbers of complications during surgery in ACDF were significantly less that in ACCF; however, other clinical outcomes, such as operation time, bone fusion failure, post Japanese Orthopedic Association scores, recovery rates, and visual analog scale scores between ACDF and ACCF with multilevel CSM were not significantly different. CONCLUSION: Our results strongly suggest that surgical treatments of multilevel CSM are similar in terms of most clinical outcomes using ACDF or ACCF.

A novel classification method of halftone image via statistics matrices.

Existing classification methods tend not to work well on various error diffusion patterns. Thus a novel classification method for halftone image via statistics matrices is proposed. The statistics matrix descriptor of halftone image is constructed according to the characteristic of error diffusion filters. On this basis, an extraction algorithm is developed based on halftone image patches. The feature modeling is formulated as an optimization problem and then a gradient descent method is used to seek optimum class feature matrices by minimizing the total square error. A maximum likelihood method is proposed according to priori knowledge of training samples. In experiments, the performance evaluation method is provided and comparisons of performance between our method and seven similar methods are made. Then, the influence of parameters, performance under various attacks, computational time complexity and the limitations are discussed. From our experimental study, it is observed that our method has lower classification error rate when compared with other similar methods. In addition, it is robust against usual attacks.